Warning: Adjust to Life Accordingly

".... I just don't know what to do... And it's not about just me. It's about Zach. I'm thinking of just calling his real father and having him take him."

I dropped my jaw and furrowed my brow in shock, reading my sister's message on the instant message screen.

That was the beginning of many events... which in all entirety led to the moving of my nephew into our house from southern Oregon, and his entry into a new school for the remainder of the year near our house in southern Washington.

I worry about this little boy. I love Zach so much. Of course, I want the very best for this little kid. This SEVEN year old. I tell him that I love him. I talk to him. I listen to what he has to say. He follows rules, he gets privileges. He thrives here.

He has his own room here. His own TV and DVD player. His own twin mattress (that I bought for him). His own toybox and shelf. His own well-deserved space.

He eats a lot, and I love that he likes and eats so much. I'm not a terrible cook, but I think that it's the fact that Connor is a fairly picky eater. But something about them eating together? Connor will TRY foods that he sees Zach eat. It cracks us up.

And through all the stress of worrying, there are times that balance us out. Zach will come up to me and just hug me. Before going to bed, Connor will be explaining a scene in a new movie that he just watched, hug me, and then tell me to have good dreams.....

Those things, plus every single smile and giggle that the boys have, make all the stress, all the worry... well... worth it.