Showing posts with label Thoughtful Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughtful Thursday. Show all posts
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thoughtful Thursday- Time
I’m having a real hard time keeping up lately. Here on the blog, I’ve been able to post only on average 2 times a week, and that is just an outward expression of how my life is going right now. I’m drowning in a sea of responsibilities with not enough time to accomplish them all. I’ve looked over my calendar a million times and just can’t find anything to cut. I’m at a loss. I’m sorry I haven’t been blogging regularly (with the exception of Menu Monday)… but it’s the one thing I CAN cut. 
I’m wondering, what do all of you do to help manage your time? As I write this I can barely see the floor in my bedroom, my laundry is backed up (I’m currently washing clothes so I’ll have something clean to wear today), there are dishes in the sink, and I’m already exhausted….. It’s 6:20 a.m. My day hasn’t even started yet…….
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Well that was unexpected….
Well, a few months ago I was so excited to receive a letter from my mother saying that she wants to start passing cards back and forth and trying to rebuild our relationship. I eagerly jumped on the train, so excited that my mother and I might be able to bridge some sort of relationship. I knew that it would never be the relationship I had longed for, but if we could at least have something I would be grateful. We’ve sent cards back and forth and even exchanged gifts at Christmas (something we haven’t done for years). I really felt like we were getting somewhere. Then this morning my sister tells me that my mother had her will rewritten to give everything to her boyfriend.
Now, don’t get me wrong. It isn’t that I want my mother’s money. Actually, she really doesn’t have any at all. It’s the sentimental stuff that bothers me. She has the piano I learned to play on. She has the heirloom Christmas ornaments that belonged to my great grandma. She has the Grandfather clock that MY grandfather MADE that is supposed to be passed down to me. She has the tables that my grandpa made out of tree trunks. Countless items that belonged to my grandparents and great grandparents. Those items should stay in the family. None of them are really worth money, and I don’t care about their monetary value.
So, now I’m faced with how to deal with this. I forgave her for all of the many things she has done over the years that have been hurtful, and it took a lot of work and prayer to get there. Now I have to start over. I have a whole new thing to forgive her about. I am also in a place where, I really am not even sure I want to continue to try to have a relationship with her because there’s constantly something going on that is hurtful to me or my children.
And I wonder, why now? This is something she’s talked about for years, but has never had the money to get it done. And she’s known all along how I felt about it. So why at the same Christmas when she tells me she has no money for Christmas so she’s sending the kids something little (a meat and cheese basket for the boys, for example) does she come up with the money to do this as her Christmas present to her boyfriend? Why do it and Why tell my older sister? Why? Why Why Why? We were making such progress.
I know for one thing that I will never abandon my children, and in a weird way I’m thankful for all that has happened, because it is what caused me to want to open my heart to my two youngest. I’m in prayer for peace and forgiveness, and for right now I’m just going to be still. I’m not going to send anymore correspondence, and I’m going to wait for God to heal my heart and help me to forgive her….. Again….
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Purposeful Time With My Kids
Time goes by so fast. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it when we’re in the moment, but it really does. I look at my kids and the pictures from the past and think to myself, “Where did the time go”. Which brings me to another thought. What have I done to purposefully spend time with my kids lately? The past couple of weeks have been full of holiday stuff, so we did a bunch of stuff- rode the Polar Express, Christmas stuff, New Year’s Party (we always party with the kids), and Moody Gardens. But what about normal every day life. I often find myself so busy going to and fro that I’m exhausted by the time I’m not running and I’m really not up for doing much with the kids. ;(
As 2011 drew to a close I knew one of my goals for 2012 would be to spend more purposeful time with my kids. 2011 was a year of trying to spend more purposeful time with my husband, and it has completely changed our relationship. (Not that it was bad before, it’s just so much more deep now). I’m hoping to do the same with my kids. So, on my calendar for January I have at least 2 family nights on my calendar. I’m not planning anything big for these nights, maybe just play some games or something. Or even do a project to fix up the house together. But the important thing is it’s on the calendar.
I found last year that if there is a spot open on my calendar it gets filled. I am often gone every night of the week between taking the kids to their activities, date night, and the other things I’m involved in. Many weeks I found myself frustrated that it seemed like I was burning the candle at both ends and doing nothing but holler at my kids. My calendar is still full this month, but I’m scheduling in down time so that it happens.
What about you? What do you do to keep the balance?
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday-Cop’s Lives and Wives
Occupy. It’s a word that can invoke anger in a person. Anger for many different reasons. And, I’m no different. At this point I am no supporter of Occupy. Not because I don’t believe our financial system is messed up. Not because I don’t believe that there are REAL problems. But because, from my perspective Occupy isn’t even about that anymore. Occupy has become a movement against authority, specifically the police officers who are called to control the camps, or move them.
Recently there has been a lot of buzz amidst the internet about the pepper spray incident at UC Davis. From the beginning the feel of this buzz has bothered me, because the video is shot from a very skewed view. It leaves much of the story untold, and spins it to make these officers look like terrible people, specifically one officer. Because of the nature of the reporting on this matter, I do not know whether this officer was doing the right thing or the wrong thing by pepper spraying those students. There is a lot that our officers have to take into account every single day in every single situation to provide for the safety of those they serve, and for themselves. Do cops make mistakes? Yes they do. Do Firemen? Yes. Do McDonald’s workers? Yes. Do Taxi Drivers? Yes. EVERYONE makes mistakes. But when a cop makes a mistake it is often national news. I’m not saying their mistakes should be excused, even forgiven sin has consequences. But really, let’s be honest. I made a mistake yesterday in my profession…. I yelled at my kids and hurt their feelings. Should I no longer be a parent? I love my kids with everything in me, but I make mistakes too. Again, I don’t know that the pepper spray incident WAS a mistake, from my take there was a lot of yelling and screaming in the video, and it seemed like a volatile situation where the officers had to find the best way to subdue it before someone got seriously hurt.
These officers are called in to move these camps. Some of the officers believe in the mission of Occupy, and some do not. But that doesn’t affect what they are called in to do. These protestors are refusing to leave, and that leaves the officers little choice on how to proceed. I heard on the news this morning that one camp that was moved was so bad that they had to call in HazMat crews to clean it up. The cost of this is huge, and a waste of our money. I would say one thing- if you’re going to camp out, at least keep it clean!!!! Maybe if these camps weren’t unsanitary they wouldn’t be so interested in making them move! But that isn’t what this post is about.
Shortly after that incident one of the Occupy Groups created a poster that had a picture of the pepper spraying, and a candid picture of the officer with his name and personal information, urging people to call the various offices to complain about him. I can not put into words how hurt I was seeing this poster on a facebook page. You see, I’ve been on the other side of that. My husband was called “One of the Three Stooges” on the news at one time. He was vilified and made fun of. For doing his job. For caring enough about people to risk his life DAILY. He took someone off the streets who was in no condition to drive, and did the right thing. He knew as he arrested this person that it would make the news, because it was a high profile person. But, instead of taking the easy way out, he did the unpopular thing and did his job. No one likes to be the bad guy……Not even our officers.
I remember after 9/11 how people were so thankful to ALL of our first responders. It was so nice to have my husband finally be treated with dignity and respect by the people. I was so proud of our country during that time. We have a joke in our house, where we often say, “Everyone loves a fireman”…. It’s often said in jest, but it’s true. They are ALL first responders and deserve even a kind smile.
It makes me sad that people are so quick to jump on the “We hate the pigs” bandwagon. Listen, these officers are more than that. My husband has been called a “Stooge”, a Pig, a Jerk, and many other words that I care not to repeat. He’s been yelled at, complained on, and hated. And I can tell you with absolute confidence that every single day when he goes to work, he goes with the intention of helping those around him. He’s often tired, he works long hours, and he works (at the current time) THREE jobs just to support his family. We are NOT part of the 1%. Let me just say that. We live in a very modest house, and struggle to pay for life, just like everyone else. But one thing is for sure. My husband is an officer because he is a protector and loves people. I know that he would lay down his life to protect someone if it was necessary. I hope it never happens, but I know that he does what he loves, and it is an extension of who he is. When he has to get ugly with someone on the street, let me assure you, he doesn’t want to. And, being an officer’s wife, I know that to be true for the majority of them.
So the next time you see an officer, either on a professional basis or not, please be kind. Know that their job is hard. Know that they spend a huge amount of time away from their family to do this job. And know that their wives, children, mothers, brothers, sisters, and other friends and family worry about them constantly.
If you’re a reader and would like to make a blog post in support of our officers, please link to it in in the comments.. I think it’s high time the other part of the the 99% stood up and said something.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- Bad Mommy Moments
My oldest son is turning 15 on Saturday and I wonder where the time went. I mean it really truly seems like just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital! This thought is very encouraging for me, however, when dealing with diapers and toddlers 
But he is getting closer! So much closer. So this tends to make me reflect on my job as a mom. Because he’s the oldest, most of the time I’m figuring things out with him. I know this is rough on a kid because I, too, was the oldest (sort of)… I know it’s frustrating to feel like the rules are different for the younger siblings and I try not to do that too much. But, as a mom, I now see the reasons behind different rules for different kids.
I lose my temper sometimes with him when I probably shouldn’t. Most of the time it’s just a misunderstanding and I know in my heart that he’s a really really good kid with really really good goals for life. I’m so proud of who he is.
But, I was asking him what he wanted for his Birthday Dinner and such and he chose Rainforest Café. I’m personally fine with this, because I love this place, and we’ve never taken the babies there… I think it will be fun. So, I asked him if he wanted to get the volcano there or if he wanted me to make a cake. He replied, just get the volcano mom, that way you don’t have to go all cake crazy on me…. Ouch….
Unfortunately he’s right. I do go crazy. But it upsets me because the whole reason I started making cakes was for my kids! I never wanted it to turn into something they didn’t want 
So, on Saturday I won’t be making a cake. I won’t be going cake crazy. But hopefully I’ll get a chance to just have a good time with my son, who is growing up so fast, right in front of my eyes
Happy Birthday on Saturday, Auston. I am so very very proud of the person you are. I love you Buddy. Thanks for putting up with me learning how to be a parent on you
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday-Sick
I’ve caught a cold, or a flu, or something. At any rate I feel pretty generally awful 
I don’t think I ever take being well for granted, especially since my healing… but sometimes I think we get sick to give us mandatory rest time 
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday-Financial Peace University
Have you noticed I haven’t posted since Monday? Yeah… I’ve got a little case of writer’s block…. I just keep staring at the blank screen… I don’t know why….
It’s not that I don’t have anything on my mind….. I’ve got lots…
My husband and I recently started Financial Peace University at our church and it’s really beginning to open up the lines of communication between us. This is a great thing for us. It’s not that we *don’t* talk, it’s just that the way we handle the bills in my house is my husband works and I handle the money. He trusts me (maybe even more than I trust myself) to do what is best, and I just do what I think is best. Us communicating more about it is a good thing because I’ve never felt real good about having the responsibility of all of the decisions. I mean, after all, HE is the one who works 3 jobs to support us, I think he should know what the money is being spent on! He just hasn’t wanted to deal with it because, no matter how much money you make there just isn’t enough…… And, to him it bothers him that I can’t just go buy what I want when I want it. It doesn’t bother me at all. I wouldn’t trade the ability to be home with my kids for the ability to buy what I want when I want it…. And, while we don’t have play money, we have a nice house, and food on the table, and gas in the cars, and the bills are paid (most of the time LOL)… 
FPU is much more than what I expected. I think sometimes it doesn’t get the reputation it deserves. People thing FPU is for people who aren’t able to pay their bills, or are in debt to their eyeballs. It is helpful for that, but there is SO much more to the program. So much about budgeting and saving and how that all works. I’m really enjoying learning more about those things so I can do better with our financial future (not present)…. And, having two heads on the matter instead of one actually kind of makes me giddy inside
So, I guess my message for today would be if you have the opportunity at all to attend FPU, whether you are doing “fine” financially or not, I think you should go. Heck- we can always learn more and do better, right?????
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- Staying out of God’s Way
I have a lot going on in my thoughts right now. There is a good bit of unrest among some of my closest friends and I have them in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I feel very weighted down by the amount of “Stuff” that is going on around me. My need for control drives me to want to go in and fix things for my friends. My empathy for them makes me writhe in pain and cry out in prayer. My past life experiences tell me that things are not always as they seem and we should approach some life circumstances with caution. My faith tells me that God is always in control. My head knows that even forgiven sin has consequences.
It’s a lot to balance. I’m having a hard time finding myself in the mess. I’m ok with that, because if I’m called to a season of prayer for my friends, then I’m honored to do it. It’s just overwhelming sometimes. And, while I’m in deep prayer for my friends I know that I’m doing something to help them with their various struggles, but I still feel like I’m not doing anything to help them. I’m a doer. A fixer.
As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve learned that some things need to remain unsaid. I’ve learned that it’s easy to overstep when your intention is to help. I’ve learned that sometimes help isn’t help. So, I pray. I pray that God would direct my actions. I pray that God would open my mouth when it needs to be opened, and shut it when it needs to be shut. I pray that God would protect my friends, and cover them with peace. I pray that I would stay out of HIS way! And, I pray that above all else HIS WILL would be done.
There are many times in our lives when it’s so tempting to try to direct God’s will. We really resisted it hard in the foster system. Sometimes better than others. We learned a lot about God’s will through that. But, it’s still hard when you have to go through hardships and scary times to not try to be in charge, or put God in a box. And, by put God in a box I don’t just mean not acknowledge His awesome power, but I also mean that we expect a certain answer for our prayers.
So, as I pray for my friends and their different needs I pray a pretty consistent prayer- that God’s will would be done, that above all else we would get out of His way, and that we would have peace at the end of the day, no matter the outcome, that He is in control.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- The Gift of Reconciliation
Reconciliation. Forgiveness. God’s been working on me for a while in this area. One thing He’s been teaching me, is that I can’t control everything. I am a control freak when it comes to my relationships. I have no idea why. I don’t know if it’s because I had some things happen to me growing up that made me fear loss, or if it’s just because I’ve got a type A personality, or maybe it’s that I’m not a strong person, but try to make it appear as I am through my façade of strength in my relationships? I don’t know, really.
I do have a great fear of loss, and that has done some weird things to me over my life. When I was younger I would attach to friends or boyfriends *gasp* too quickly. I would be completely heartbroken if they didn’t seem as attached to me as I was to them. Especially then, I think I was looking for acceptance. But, I was looking in the wrong place.
As I’ve gotten older, some things have happened to me that have tested my theories on relationships. I’ve had some friendships that I thought were forever friendships turn into “for a time” friendships. I’ve had some major conflict with my mother. I’ve had conflicts with close friends. I’ve even had someone whom I loved as a daughter leave without reason. And, in the process of adopting my two youngest children I’ve had to deal with emotions towards their birth parents, and forgiving them, so that I can be a better parent and help my children heal from their own hurts.
Most especially through my trials with my mother, but also with the others I have really been taught about forgiveness. When you are growing up you learn that you forgive someone when they say they are sorry. But as life happens to you, you learn that often forgiveness needs to come before someone tells you they’re sorry. This has been an interesting lesson to learn, but I believe it is part of God’s refining fire. Is it easy to forgive someone before they’re sorry? NO! But the peace that you get in your heart is so worth it.
I think that often we miss the gift of reconciliation because we’re waiting for the person who hurt us to be sorry before we forgive them. Where I finally came around with my mother to forgiveness, and I mean true forgiveness not just lip service to that fact, was I realized that, even though she had hurt me deeply, I loved her still.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins”- 1 Peter 4:8 As we studied this verse last year in bible study I really pondered what it meant. And, to me, it meant that we can overlook some things because of love. It meant that we are all created imperfect. To me it meant it was OK for me to be imperfect. This, coupled with “Love each other deeply, from the heart”- 1 Peter 1:22 made me ponder what love means.
Where I went from here with God, is that if I hold unforgiveness in my heart towards someone, I am asking God to pour out His wrath on that person because He has promised to make everything right and fight my battles for me. And, if I truly love someone, deeply, from the heart, do I really want God’s wrath poured out upon that person? No, no matter what, I do want that person to have peace. This brought me to a place of desperation for my mother. I couldn’t help but beg God for forgiveness myself, for my thoughts toward her. And I found a place where I could forgive her, truly forgive her.
I do not believe that the timing of her letter was an accident. I needed to come to a place of true forgiveness on my end before any reconciliation could take place. I am learning through other people with whom I’ve had conflict that this is often the case. And, when the gift of reconciliation comes, it is that much more sweet, because the forgiveness part is already done
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- Awesome God
I’m just amazed by God right now. I’ve said a thousand times that you can’t be a Christian and be in the foster/adopt world without seeing God. It’s just not possible. You all know our adoption story pretty much now. We watched God work in BIG ways through our process. There were several other places our daughter was “supposed”to go that all fell through so she could be with us. I truly believe that God always meant for her to be with us. We never felt like we were babysitting, or like she belonged anywhere else. We always felt like she belonged with us 
I would not trade one moment in the valley because we would not have see God’s work so clearly.
Now one of my best friends has gotten her foster care license. I’m so excited for them, and scared too. The foster care world is a cruel place. But I mean what I said above, and that is what I hope I can convey well to my friend as well. She’s already had a piece of the valley with 2 placements falling through.. but now she’s about to receive her first placement. And it’s a doozy! THREE at one time! This will be the ride of their life, but if they watch for it, I know they’ll see God. In fact, I’m pretty sure they’ve already seen just a touch of what HE can do
I have another friend who has had a foster child for about a year now. They recently went into court in a very similar situation to ours. They went in knowing CPS was not going to recommend their foster daughter stay with them. They asked all of their friends and family to pray a similar prayer to what we asked for- God’s will, and that if the people in the court room tried to direct this child in a place other than where God wanted her, that God would intervene. He did. He showed up BIG. And they are now beginning the adoption process!
If you feel a tug in your heart to foster, consider it. Know that it will not be an easy ride. Maybe even still after the adoption. You may end up with a child with a difficulty like SPD, or something like I did. I can’t promise you much, but I can promise you it will be exciting. And, I also know that if you look for God, no matter what the circumstances, you’ll see Him. It doesn’t always turn out the way we want, but it turns out the way He wants.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- Sensory Processing Disorder
My daughter has been diagnosed with SPD, or Sensory Processing Disorder. What this means in a nutshell, is that her Sensory system is all out of whack. There are many faces of SPD, some are more extreme than others, and some are more difficult to manage than others. Many children will have different areas present themselves. These areas are: tactile, auditory, olfactory and oral defensiveness, as well as proprioceptive and vestibular dysfunction. My daughter has some auditory, olfactory, proprioceptive and vestibular. What this means is that what works today to calm her might not necessarily work tomorrow, or in 5 minutes for that matter.
Often her sensory issues will present themselves in behavior problems. This is particularly difficult, because, it isn’t completely her fault that she’s acting this way, but I can’t allow her to continue the bad behavior either. This leads to frustrated momma and child.
Lately she’s been on what I call a “Sensory High”, where she’s been extremely overactive. When she’s on one of these, she’ll act out constantly during her awake times. She’ll also tell me that she hurts- my back hurts, my toe hurts, my eyes hurt…… etc… everything hurts at one moment or another. Her clothes have to sit on her a certain way, and often the seatbelt will be particularly bothersome to her. We can be driving along and she will suddenly burst out in a scream because her seatbelt is bothering her. Try that for distracted driver! It’s difficult to deal with at best.
The acting out is bothersome, but the worst part is that she often goes for danger. Sunday morning at 4am I heard the back door close. I got up to see if one of the older boys was letting the dogs out or something and my 2 year old daughter was in the back yard back by the trees! Talk about a heart attack! She never went back to sleep. When she’s on a high, often sleep doesn’t happen like normal. Before I knew what was going on with her I would jokingly say that the only child proof room for her was a padded cell. This is, unfortunately not far from the truth. She’s almost 3 and still puts everything in her mouth, and often times it’s something yucky. I’ve learned to let go of most of my fears of her eating something bad because I just can’t watch her constantly. I’ve got to give it to God and do the best I can. And she’s fast. Whatever she’s doing, particularly if it’s something she’s not supposed to, she’s super fast.
All of these things make us on constant alert with her, and that’s hard. It’s exhausting. It’s frustrating. I feel like a terrible mom. A Lot. But the absolute worst part-
My daughter will often go days without peace. You know when you see your child playing by themselves and there’s just a peace about them? You know when babies sleep how they look so peaceful? Often she will not have that. Even when she’s sleeping her eyebrows are raised, her body is tense. It’s awful. I mean just awful. I can’t do anything to give her that peace that she needs so much. I can only try the things the therapists recommend. And what works today might not work tomorrow. What works tomorrow might not work later that day. It all depends on what sensory system is being set off.
I know there are times when I’m out in public with my daughter and people are staring because she’s acting out. I’m sure they’re thinking one of two things- either that kid needs a spanking, or geez that mom needs to take a chill pill! That too depends on the day.
There is nothing more defeating than not being able to help your child.
So, I do what I can. Of course we pray constantly that God will heal her heart. We are grateful that she doesn’t have other lasting consequences of the drug exposure. And, I try to have the conversation with her often that I love her even when we’re having a bad day. Today I decided to start something new for just she and I. I told her I will love her always and forever no matter what. Then I told her to put her finger to mine and we’ll say together, “Always and forever”… That will be our sign that no matter what, through thick and thin, we’ll always be there for her. I also tell her that I love her just as much when she’s disobedient as I do when she’s obedient. Yes, she’s 2. But I’m telling you this kid is S.M.A.R.T. and she KNOWS what I’m saying.
So, if you think about us, say a little prayer for us that we can find some consistent ways to give our daughter a little peace in her heart.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- Home School Curriculum Choices
Well, it’s that time of year again! Time to get back to the books 
I know I’m always curious about what others are using for curriculum, so I will share with you what we are using. I’d like to point out to those who do not home school, or are new to it that we home schoolers are often on a different track than public school, so don’t send me a message if your child is in 10th grade and taking different subjects. It’s all good. Really. I mean it. I’m on it like white on rice. I know the requirements for graduation. I’ve done my research. I promise.
Ok, so I’ve done a lot of perusing of a few websites about high school, I’m really focusing on scholarship information at this point, so if you have any info on that, I’d love it if you’d share!
Some webpages I’m finding particularly useful at this time:
http://www.homeschoolforhighschool.com/collegesearch.html
http://www.thehomescholar.com/blog/
http://www.hslda.org/highschool/
http://www.katyisd.org/curriculum/Documents/Course%20Catalog%202011-2012.pdf
The last one is a great resource for planning out courses
Ok, Some people feel better going with one particular curriculum company, but we use a few together. Here is what we’re planning on using this year:
Auston (10th grade)
- Worldviews of the Western World (Eng Comp 1 Credit, Ancient Lit 1/4 Credit, Philosophy 1 Credit, Western Civilizations, 1/4, Humanities, 1/4, World History 1/4)
- Teaching Textbooks Geometry (Math 1 Credit)
- Apologia Biology (Science 1 Credit)
- One Year Novel (Creative Writing 1 Credit)
- College Board SAT Prep
- Bob Jones Elements of Literature (Literature 1 Credit)
- Rosetta Stone Spanish, Level 1(Spanish 1 Credit)
- CBS Bible Study (Bible 1 Credit)
- Bob Jones US History
- Sports Day (PE 1/2 Credit)
Gregory (7/8th Grade)
- Rosetta Stone Spanish, Level 1(Spanish 1 Credit)
- CBS Bible Study (Bible 1 Credit)
- Bob Jones Fundamentals of Literature
- Teaching Textbooks Pre Algebra
- Sports Day
- One Year Novel (Creative Writing 1 Credit)
- Texas History
- Apologia General Science
- Still need to find a vocabulary program….
I think that’s about it…. I may add or take away depending on how they handle this load. Oh, and I’ve signed them both up to participate in an online class for their sciences, and they’ll be attending outside classes for Worldview, Texas History, and Bible Study.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday- Adoption Story Part 9
If you’ve been following along so far, it’s been a wild ride! Nearly 2 years after Shea came to our home and 18 months after William came we finally went before the judge to finalize the adoptions. It was so important to us that they have this day to share with each other. We really pushed to have their adoptions take place the same day, and now we were able to realize that goal!
The day of the adoption was an amazing day. We invited our close friends and family to share with us, and were so blessed by all who came….
Before we went into the courtroom our attorney took us into a room to sign papers and go over what was going to happen. He verified information with us, and told us he was going to ask me the bulk of the questions. He went through the questions he was going to ask us as we testified. I remember him telling me the answer to all of the questions is “Yes” except the first question when he asked my name. He told me not to freeze up on my name. I laughed and he smiled. When we got before the judge and he asked me to state my name----- ALL I COULD THINK OF WAS YES!!! LOL I finally remembered my name and we went on with the testimony
I have no idea how long the whole process took because it’s still a blur to me. I just remember the judge commenting on how lucky these babies were to have us and so many people who love them…
Can you believe that crowd? It was truly amazing…..
But, this story is not complete without me telling you about Shea’s first foster family. Over the almost 2 years from when Shea came to our home until our adoption there was not one person who I felt truly understand where we were with her than Dave and Misty. Misty has been my friend and my should through this whole process. Dave and Misty have been supportive to us, and in my heart and mind are Shea’s other mom and dad. With the finalization of our adoption we didn’t just gain 2 babies, we gained more than that. We gained Dave and Misty and the kids too. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through all of the scary parts without Misty, and I can’t even put in to words how much their continued support and friendship means to us. We owe where Shea was in her healing to them, and we understand that she experienced a loss when she left their house to come to ours and we are so glad we are able to continue a relationship with them. It’s good for Shea, it’s good for them, it’s good for us.
So, this concludes our foster story, but the real fun is just beginning 
Yes, it’s good to be a family of six.
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