#Auntventure

Connor and Alexis are my brightest stars! Last week, I received an unexpected and urgent request to not only be their aunt, but also their legal guardian, a joy my heart and mind are just beginning to fathom.

In the past, I’ve delighted in taking the kids on trips and excursions which are often referenced as our latest #auntventure. We’ve hiked, paddled, splashed and climbed. We’ve danced, laughed, cried, and snuggled. Now, we are embarking on the greatest #auntventure of all...

Backstory
Connor and Alexis are two of seven siblings living in a blended family household which can no longer care for their physical and emotional needs. I will fly to AZ on Friday (12/22) to pick them up from the group home where they have resided over the past week, thereby assuming full parental responsibility.  

We will celebrate Christmas in Tucson before flying back to Florida where they will register for school and begin individual therapy for their traumatic childhood experiences.

A few more details...
In mid-January, we will move from my one bedroom apartment into a 3/2 house with a fenced yard, basketball hoop, and neighborhood pool. I taught them to swim three years ago in a Florida spring, so I’m excited to see them enjoy the neighborhood pool!

With this transition, I’m becoming a single parent, so juggling full-time employment with full-time parenting will necessitate considerable amounts of childcare, especially before and after school.

I expect the parenthood learning curve to be steep, but there isn’t a mountain I wouldn’t climb for these kiddos.
What we need
I’m accepting financial responsibility for legal fees, travel expenses, breaking my current lease, and securing a new rental home. Connor and Alexis will also need bedroom furniture, warm clothes, nutritious meals, before & after school care, medical care, and individual psychotherapy.  

I’ve created a new household budget for our monthly and annual expenses. Without changing my employment, I will consistently be $400 short of meeting our basic needs each month and $2400 short of meeting our summer break childcare needs. When our campaign goal is met, our needs will be covered for the first year. 

I have a supportive group of friends and family who have already provided Christmas gifts and the beginnings of moving costs for transitioning from my apartment to our new home.

Please consider joining us in providing love and comfort for these kiddos! 
What you’ll receive...

Our immense gratitude for each and every contribution, including “shares” with your friends and family. 

Donate a nutritious meal ($15) to receive a hand written thank-you note from Connor and Alexis.

Donate an hour of childcare ($25) to receive a hand written thank-you note and an original piece of artwork from Connor and Alexis.

Donate a winter coat ($55) and receive a hand written thank-you note and a hand knitted scarf from their Grandma Amy. 

Donate an hour of therapy ($100) to receive a hand written thank-you note and a quarterly newsletter with updates from our #auntventure. 

Donate an hour of legal fees ($250) to receive a hand written thank-you note, quarterly newsletter, and a friendship bracelet designed by Connor and Alexis. 

Donate a flight home to visit their siblings in AZ and CO ($500) to receive a hand written thank-you note, quarterly newsletter, and an invitation to join us for a picnic at the springs!