Bath Toys and Blankets

This afternoon I was overwhelmed by the fact that I am a MOM (foster mom). I love hearing the 3 blessings play together and laugh. I love how big brother (D.) is so helpful and loving toward his sister and brother. I am overwhelmed by the hugs and kisses that sweet sister (R.) gives.  There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't look up at me, smile and say "I love you". I love seeing a big smile on Baby C's face when I go to his crib to pick him up after naptime; or his infectious giggles that echo through the house. My house is now filled with the laughter and sometimes chaos of small children...and I don't mind. Its a mess... and I don't mind. I love to see bath toys still laying in the bath and blankets and toys strewn all over the living room. I love seeing R.'s hairbows and clips in the most random places. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

God only knows how long I will get to love on them...and I don't mind because I know that He does all things well. There are no mistakes when God works his plan. I can trust in knowing that He will carry my sweet blessings to a forever home that is safe and where they will be loved. But for now they are mine to love and to hold... and this Momma is loving every minute of it.

Joyful Mothers Day

Mother's Day. A day that has always made my heart ache. I of course have always celebrated my wonderful mother and mother-in-law. Two of the most wonderful women I know and I am so blessed that they are in my life. But every time a mother's day came around my heart ached for the children that I knew God had planned for me. I couldn't help but thinking... God why are they not in my life yet? Why are you making me wait and suffer through? I still don't know his plan but this year for Mother's day I get to celebrate with our 3 blessings.  Now some may consider this cheating.. I mean I have not birthed these kiddos and they are not even my adopted children. But when we started this process of being foster parents I knew from day one that any child that walked into my house would instantly be MINE and I would grieve and pray daily over them when and if I had to give them back.

So this Mother's Day my heart is filled with joy. My heart is full and God is good. Blessings and peace to my friends who are still waiting on God's timing. God is good and He is in control.

Blessings.

Our 3 Blessings

Well I have not written for a while because our life has been somewhat crazy. It took us several months to get ready and a few weeks to get licensed. We were licensed as a foster/adoption home on April 3 and not 3 hours later we were called for our first placement. God is funny like that I suppose. It was during my busiest time (my spring production) but God knew best and we accepted placement.

On April 5, 2013 we met our kids. Our oldest boy is now 7 (his birthday was a couple days after placement... fastest birthday planning EVER) D is a sweet, caring, somewhat shy boy. He is very sweet to both of his siblings and in some ways has acted as their protector or parent...but he is easing out of that role seeing now that we take care of them for him. Our second oldest, R, is a fun loving 4 year old girl. She has never met a stranger and is very dramatic and talkative to a fault :). Our youngest is a 6 month old baby boy.  Baby C was very malnourished when we got him weighing only 9 lbs 15 oz at 5 months. Baby C is now gaining nicely and is such a joy to have, as they all are.

Only God knows how long we will have our 3 blessings. They are in His hands and He knows all and knows best.

Prayers are appreciated as we walk this road.

Heritage

At our Wednesday church meeting I was overwhelmed with emotion when thinking about the heritage that my children will have.  I am such a blessed woman. I have an amazing family on my mom and dads side, rich with men and women who love the Lord and love their family.  My husband is also blessed with a father and mother who love the Lord and love their family (even from afar). My husband and I are products of our parents (and grandparents) wisdom and love and our children are going to feel that same love.  Can I tell you that I'm bursting inside to share that love with them!! God is so good and I am so blessed. I challenge you- find your heritage and start thanking God for the people that love and support you and bask in the blessings that are all around you.

Blessed!!

My Treasures

This Sunday our Pastor (my dad) talked about our treasures.  Realizing what and who we value in this new year and making it/them our priority and leaving everything else behind. It really spoke to me. I believe that all of us have treasures in our life (ie family friends our home etc) and we mean to make them the center of our life...we mean to make them our priority...but... life grabs a hold of us and we get sidetracked by all of the other things that we "need" to do. I want to realize in this new year what I spend my time doing. I am challenging myself to harness my time and energy and spend it on the treasures that I hold dear. Our Lord and Savior was an amazing example of laying down His life for those He treasured...I want to walk in His footsteps...who's with me?

Paperwork...

I am in LOVE with the idea of helping children and sharing God's love to those who are hurting...but could it come with less paperwork...please!!! I can't believe that a mountain of paperwork is what is standing in the way of helping our children. Well the night is young...i'm going to work on it now. Its amazing to think that our house will soon be filled with the pitter patter of little feet. Its all worth it!!!

A Blog... What!?

Well friends and family…
I NEVER thought I would be blogging. Even as I sit here my husband is saying “you don’t have time for this “. But… here I am. I am blogging to keep everyone up to speed on our journey to parenthood and our growing family . We are very excited to have you all with us on this adoption adventure. We cherish your love and prayers.
-Hannah