Wow, Thanks guys. :)

I just don't understand.

Did your daughter give any indication that it was all getting too much for her? I understand how kids are a bit overwhelming, god knows they don't come cheap, or with instruction manuals, but to just dump them on you guys, that is just not right, but it has happened, and they are lucky to have you and Beth. No problems with the authorities getting custody I hope, you being fine upstanding citizens and all!

I always wanted to have children, but after the experience with my Mum, I didn't start until I was 34, and we had been married for almost 10 years, I was making damn sure that it was all working before I bought kids into the world, I wanted them to grow up with both parents.

Damn, just when you start to think you are cruising a bit, and able to relax and maybe spend more time with Beth, a bit of you guys time, but I am sure that you wouldn't let them go to anyone else, no way, you want them to have a stable home, and this is better than her dumping them in foster care, 5hit, what a little bittch. Beth must be devastated as well, having her daughter do something like that, you guys deserve medals for not cracking up,

She has always been a little high strung, but this took me by surprise. So far as custody, that is just a formality.
The father is in Pa and has been for five months and has not helped out once.
The kids have been under my roof since Jan.
The mother left them and stated it was her decision and that the best place for them was with Beth and I to a cop in my front yard.
The kids are Beth's and mine.
I think they are going to end up with their father, I have my issues with him and I will drive his teeth down his throat one day, and he knows it but he is very good with the kids.
But for now, I have drunken midgets in the house

Well Beth is already half nuts and I am the other half. I can't lose it yet, I have to stay focused. I will have my breakdown when the dust settles, then I will get very mean. For now I will just do what I have to do for the kids

I have tears in my eyes Rick, I just know how you feel, your life has just been sent for a sixer, my Dad was in la la land for months after my Mum left, because he had no idea that it was coming, and no idea what to do with us kids, he had always just been the provider. We weren't young or anything, I was 12 my sister was 8, but we had to just live with it.

Can you guys afford to look after them all the time, every day etc, do you have to put them into day care during the day? Does Beth work?

night all, big hugs to everyone, cause you just never know what's around the next corner!!!.

Wow Rick. I am so stunned. It is good for the kids you are there. I can't imagine any mother just leaving her kids. I have no answers since we have no kids.

Hang in there. Your grandkids need you and Beth right now.

Sorry to hear the news Rick. My brother just went through a divorce a few years ago and it changed him. What was once a caring father has turned into a guy that is very disconnected and has his head in the clouds. The mother is a monster though. He gets his kids every other weekend, but it usually comes down to Elicia and I doing stuff with them or my parents. I hope he snaps out of it soon. I hope the best turns out for your situation.

Hi.

Dave told me the news. So, while checking my PM's, I thought I'd duck in and mention that I am sorry to hear the news. That sucks, Rick. I had a feeling that Canada trip was not a good idea. I'll see you on FB.

Take care, I'm outta here again!

Wow, I really don't know what to say but I wish you the best of luck and commend you for stepping up and helping the kids (and not loosing your temper).

Maybe this will cheer you up.

First, the back-story:
So around November last year I had a rash on my lower leg that was sore and caused swelling. I got antibiotics and that took care of it, although the swelling took a while to go away from that last 10% to normal. I never knew what caused it. I think it was a metal chip from the machine shop that put a tiny scratch on my leg and it got infected. Anyway, I had a similar thing happen last month but on the other leg this time. Same deal with the antibiotics, but the (different) doctor thought the swelling wasn't going away fast enough, so he ordered an ultrasound on my legs to check that my circulatory system was alright.

Now, the good part:
So today I had the ultrasound done. It is only a block away from campus, luckily so I just rode my bike there. Sitting in the waiting room, the door opened and I heard my name and I followed the cute girl in the scrubs (of course). She couldn't have been more than a few years older than me. Well, turned out she was the ultrasound tech. I was pleased. :) But... it gets more interesting. About the first thing she said was "take off your pants [shorts]". Seeing as I had shorts and the swelling was in my lower leg I wasn't expecting this, but complied. ;) The actual exam was... interesting... she had to check a vein in my groin, which meant... well, you know. Then I she had to check the same veins with me standing, and with her on her knees. So this was an interesting situation... hot girl on her knees with her hand on my junk. The $135 for the scan seemed like an even better deal at this point.

I, in chatting with her I had mentioned I was a mechanical engineer and she asked what year I was, I said 5th but that I liked the extra time I have this year to devote to the racecar and working in the composites lab. She was interested in the composites thing when I mentioned carbon fiber. She asked what it is, exactly and I got to explain how it is made and what not.

So it was an interesting day for me. :)

And yes, I did consider bringing up nurse appreciation week.

But....

Did you get her number!?!

Gotta learn to close Max!

Dang it! I knew there was something I forgot.

I will have to think of another reason for an ultrasound on my leg. :D

Morning Y'all.
Okay Max here is what you do.
Ride back to the doc's office
Tell the hot junk grabbing chick that you are not there as a patient, and ask her out. Simple.

Morning, Rick. How are you doing today?

Morning Jim, since I haven't been to sleep yet I am still working on yesterday.
Did you take Cujo out for a swim this morning?

Yeah, but it was just sputtering. The real rainfall should be along shortly.

Get some rest, Rick.

We are under a flood watch, heads up it looks to be heading that way.
Rest will come tonight, today is a custody intake.