Yes!!!!! Yes!!!!! Yes!!!!!!

[Ambr]

If you can't tell - you couldn't wipe the smile off my face right now with a sand blaster!!!!!!!!!

I GOT MY BABIES HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were dealing with a new custody hearing. I hired a new lawyer, getting papers prepared, everything documented out - all the stuff that we all hear everybody preach. I was doing the one day at a time thing. Driving in to see them, driving home.

Got about 1/2 way home the other night and my cell phone rings. Their dad and stepmom had a HUGE fight, the kids were there. Stepmom ended up getting the stuffing beat out of her, broke arm, swollen eyes, busted nose.

My oldest - bless his heart - called the COPS. Child Protective Services was called. I was called. I turned that truck around so fast. Thank God there were no police cars between me and that Missouri state line cause I was definitely breaking some speeding laws.

A short interview with CPS and a meeting with the judge and I have a temporary order granting me custody until a full hearing can be arranged. I also have the counseling sessions set up.

My babies have been home since 10:45 pm on Sunday night.

THANK YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!! I know that you have all been a good sounding board. I've run ideas past everyone and you have all been a big help.

I have a new favorite saying - All you need is faith, trust and pixie dust. (Can you tell? We saw Peter Pan last night.)

 

[haiku]

Cogratulations! I hope it continues to go well for you!!
love that quote too!

 

[tigger22472]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hold on tight and don't let go..

 

[Grandma B]

Ambr, I can't imagine the joy you must be feeling, and I am just SO happy for you!

I had just been thinking of posting to your attention to ask for an update. What a wonderful surprise to see your name as poster with that subject!

Isn't it great that he did it to himself? His kind often do.

You're going to be busy, but don't be a stranger here. And keep moving with your suit against that earlier counsel.

 

[kidoday]

Congratulations!!!!

"There is nothing more precious than being able to tuck your babies in at night.

Love that saying, I must keep that in mind.

Again, Congratulations even though I am sure it was tough on your babies.

 

[Ambr]

I can't even start to imagine what actually happened to make him flip out as bad as he did. I am sorry that his new wife was on the receiving end of that deal. Lord knows, with everything that she has said to me and about me I have wished worse on her. But I hate that it happened.

The kids are doing better. I was worried how they were going to handle all of this. From what I have been told, my little man took control of everything. He got his sisters away from the living room and hid them in their room. Got ahold of the portable phone and went back to them. When the cops showed up the kids were hiding in the closet together. The police officer said that the girls were scared but that my son was really calm and trying to keep them calm. He said they had everything they needed for the night. A pillow and blanket to share and their stuffed bears. The sad part is that he said they acted like they were use to this pattern of violence. He said it seemed routine to them. He will definitely be called as a witness during the next hearing.

Everyone slept through the night last night. That is a step forward from what the counselor said. She told me to be ready for the sleeplessness to start and to watch for the bad dreams. She said it is a normal process when the children are attending counseling and talking about the issues.

I am on a temporary leave from my job and spending the time in Missouri until we get everything straightened out. That and the kids get to stay in the same school class. Right now - they need familiar. I lucked into some part time work to help us out. Transcribing medical records at home - I haven't done that in years, but it is money. Plus it keeps me home with the kids.

Tonight is our first family session. Their father was requested to attend the session. I don't know if he will show up or not, he has not responded to the letter from the attorney or to any phone messages that I am leaving.

I just wanted to let everyone know that my babies were home!!! I know its just a small step with the temporary order, but it is a major step.

I'll keep you guys posted!!!

 

[a510]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! I hope things go well for you in the future. Kiss your babies everynight and be thankful.

 

[Naturalmom]

The tears of joy run down my face as I read your post. I have followed your story for years now. I pray to god every night to help me keep my heart and my mind open. Hold onto them tight so they know they are loved.

 

[LegalBeagle]

Ambr.. great news.. not what you want the kids to see but at least they are now home safe. Are you still going after the attorney?

 

[jyoung]

Great news Ambr, I'm happy for you and your kids....just when things are most frustrating something like that happens and renews your faith that doing the right things pays off. I had my final hearing on both sides' exceptions to the general master's recommendations yesterday, it's now up to the judge. My ex's
attorney went first and slammed me with the same negative accusations they've been spewing since this started 18 months ago. I did not attack, I pointed out his discrepencys, told the judge that all I ever went to court for was to protect my rights and then was slammed with petitions, motions, arrest, denied visitations, all because I don't want this kid trading her dad for a career on broadway yet.....I reiterated to the judge the rules violations her attorney made, the discrepencies in her testimony,
the lack of documentation on financials on her part, etc. The judge told us that he had read our exceptions, and our written final arguments but that he had better tackle the two day trial transcript and do his homework now, so I think I'm in good shape.
I'll let you know.....

BTW, good to see der Beagle back in town.....

 

[treici]

Ambr-

I'm sorry that your children had to witness the situation, but I'm glad to hear that they are home with you and safe. What a brave little man you have!!!

 

[Chingolina]

YEAH

Way to go girl. Good things come to those who wait. YEA !!!!

 

[ga-peach31710]

Congrats!!!

I am sooooo happy to hear that your 3 beautiful babies are with you and safe. I cried tears of joy while reading your post. You have a very brave little boy. I know his sisters will be glad to have him around when they get older.

Good Luck and take care.

 

[Ambr]

Thank you EVERYBODY!!!!!!

I definitely have a brave little boy, actually little man. He is studying tae kwon doe and he just keeps repeating that you don't hit in rage only in defense. He knew enough to protect the girls, that is the important thing.

They removed all 3 children from the home. 2 are mine, the 3rd is with his new wife. Their little sister is staying with her maternal grandparents, by order of the court. The sad part - they released his wife and she went home like nothing is the matter. What is that phrase, there but for the grace of God go I? It could have been me.

Ga - I have 3 babies, 2 with the ex and one with my current husband. 2 step sons, 1 step daughter and a stepgranddaughter. Busy little house!!!!

LB - most definitely still going after the lawyer from the original hearing. I am talking with a lawyer in St. Louis now and what we have reviewed doesn't look good. He was shocked that my appeals file contained to one motion requesting the hearing and then the letter from the courts dismissing the motion for not following up with the rquired paperwork.

JYoung - you are still my hero when it comes to self representation. sounds like you had your paperwork together and all your ducks in a row. Keep the faith - will keep you in my prayers.

 

[tigger22472]

I was curious to know. Is dad still in jail or did he show up for the session last night???