Busy week

Where to begin, my head is just swimming with thoughts and stirred up feelings from the past.

It’s been a big week. Over the long weekend we have celebrated Sharons birthday on Saturday ( tea at Pauls, cake & candles) and #2’s 9th birthday on Sunday with a big family lunch on Sunday here. Kids in good spirits and eating like little champs.

Paul waiting on FACs for school arrangements prior to long weekend.

Big day, all ready for school.

Arrived early, their mother was there with her current boyfriend and a birthday cake for Jai to share with the class! Kids happy to see her. Paul half expecting her to be there but not comfortable that she was. She asked if he also was going in to meet the teachers. He declined as he would be talking with them tomorrow.

After drop off on Thursday, Jake was running around in the playground and tripped over hurting his head. School concerned, suggesting Paul take him home which he did.

That afternoon, Paul picked them up at usual 2:30 and then for pre made radiology appointments for Shakira and Jai at 2:45 & 3:00. During this time he received a msg from a lawyer acting for Samantha notifying him that he was due in court tomorrow at 9am and sent through a copy of all the paperwork.

She wants custody of the kids and to prevent them from going to Dapto Public School. They are to stay at Kemblawarra School because of their special needs.

Paul immediately contacted the caseworker to tell her of the court apperance tomorrow. Her eventual response gave no support or advice. There had been no help since original meeting 3 weeks ago when reassessing the children’s autism and special needs was discussed with the possibility of them attending one of 2 local public schools. Also reviewing their activity list and regular doctor, specialist, psychologist, speech therapy commitments. All of which needed to be organised in a manageable way so that the children were not up to attend preschool activities or after school activities after 7:30 at night. FACs were happy to assist. They continue to work with Samantha and must have known of her intentions. Her lawyer would have discussed matters with them to prepare their case the previous week. Paul had less than 2 working hours to arrange for his own representation.

Paul dropped kids off at school and I met him to accompany him at the family court hearing. He had no choice but to ask for an adjournment to have time to prepare his defense and response to her affidavit.

We spoke with her lawyer. She told Paul that FACs had advised they are not issuing care and protection proceedings. He had not been told this but it did explain the non response to his communications.

She asked if he wanted to talk to the court lawyer re proceedings today. She arranged a meeting for him. The lawyer explained that she had spoken with their mother so had a conflict of interest to discuss much but provided information on applying for legal aid and Centrelink assistance.

There appeared to be a lot of confussion about the case, us included. Finally heard just prior to lunch break.

The outcome, Paul continues to have custody until 4/3/2019 when next appearance is scheduled. They continue to attend Kemblawarra school. Visitation to be arranged for mother and maternal grandparents in a supervised capacity.

On a different note, #3 grandson lost a front tooth last night. Hope the tooth fairy came.

I’ve graduated to less supervision at the gym so can go when I wish and as often.

Van caught another rat. Guess you have to do things to get your share of attention.

My campervan will arrive ? April and hopefully ready in May. Very timely as it turns out. I shall be ready for a holiday by then.