My babies (catch up)

About a year and a half ago my husband and I became guardians for two of the sweetest and meanest kids on this earth.  Now six and 23 months, this little girl and boy have become my world.  Their mother lost the honor of rearing her children, she is an addict.  Her drugs of choice oxy-cotton and crystal.  She has been clean and sober from oxy for a year by her account.  She still says that pot is not a drug and she has not told me how long since her last hit of crystal.  I hope she is clean because she is expecting another child in October.  She says she will raise this one along with her new friend.  He is presently in rehab and states he wants to marry her.  I pray that they stay clean and make a home for themselves and the kids one day. 

I really do want to see her sober and able to care for the kids.  She says all the right things, it is just that she has no job, refuses to complete her GED, get her driver licence and has no home as of yet.  I worry and just would like to see more action.  The kids are the ones who suffer, her daughter so wants to stay with her.  That is not to say that she does not like staying with us or me it is just she misses her mom.  The little boy enjoys playing with her but he is used to me caring for me.  I think he will have a hard time adjusting when the time comes.  Don't get me wrong I believe it can be done and he will adjust; I just think that he will miss me more than my grand-daughter.

The little girl is so much like her mother it is scary.  She refuses to mind, you have to get physical to get her attention at times, and she is a little smart behind.  Don't get me wrong, I love her so much it is just she enjoys doing what she wants when she wants and refuses to follow the rules if she disagrees with them; just like her mom.  Example:  She just dropped her brother and we told her not to pick up  her brother  again.  Five minutes later she picks him up and drops him again.  It is like this all day long.  Taking toys away, spanking, talking to her or not allowing her to go to her friends does not work as punishments.  If anyone knows of a way to get her attention please share. 

Now to add to the stress her brother is mocking her and follow her examples.  He has begun to stomp his feet, yell and give attitude just like her.  It would be funny if it was not so heartbreaking.  I am afraid that he will become as bossy as her and have trouble getting along with others.  She can be as sweet as candy but she chooses not to.  I hope she out grows this phase and reverts to the sweet little girl of a year ago.   I feel greatly honored to be able to be a part of their lives but sometimes I get tired.  Mother does not agree with my parenting skills, I sometimes say please and thank you when I ask her to do something or she does as she is suppose to.  Momma says that I should just tell her and she should just do whatever, by the way her mother agrees with my mother.