The Two New Additions To Our Big Family

The day our adoption was final we got a call from DHS asking us if we would be interested in two little boys ages 3 and 4.  They were having trouble placing them.  The call that came in described the boys has aggressive, abused animals, beat up on each other and others, extremely active and a bunch of other stuff.  My mind kept going back to their ages.  Little ones this young are so moldable I had trouble processing this. If I said yes they would be at the house in the morning (Wednesday).

Before I go on…..I am not going to say that there are not any kids out there with this behavior.  There are some kids that are really struggling with acceptable behavior some because they are choosing this behavior and others because they don’t know the difference and can't control themselves.

However -- when I got this call I told asked them if I can call them back in 10 minutes.  I had to talk with my hubby.  My husband looked at me like I was crazy.  We have 2 dogs, 3 cats and blind chicken and a house full of other children that do not want to be abused. After giving my husband "puppy dog" eyes -- he gave in.  I normally would not do this -- I think.  But their ages -- I couldn't let that sway me from what I was hearing.  If these were teenagers and I got this report -- sad to say I would not be brave enough to take this on. I called them back and said yes we would love them!!

I decided to stay home from church that night because based on our last placement it was very emotional.  I just wanted to play it calm and give them time to adjust.  My husband had to go to work that morning so I was on my own.  I told the older kids that were home that I am really gonna need their help for consoling.  I just knew that I was going to have to pull these kids off the workers when they left.  There was two of them.

They were at the house by 9am in the morning.  They came in all smiles and happy.  The case worker just looked at me and said they were ready to leave and come here. I showed them their room and the toys.  I was taken back!

I was on high alert for our animals and other children for a while.  I was very evident later on these children were sweet and typical 3 and 4 year old boys. They have never hurt the animals since they have been here.  They are active boys for sure but show me a 3 and 4 who is not.  Every once in a while they will play a little rough and they will hurt someone or they might get hurt.  

As the day went on it seemed like they had been with us since the beginning so I asked them if they wanted to go to church.  Oh my…Cheers through the ceiling!! They were so happy.  They said they do not go to church but they really wanted to.  Since that night every time they wake up from their nap or from wake up in the morning the first words out of their mouth is "is it church day?" They love it!!! They are always singing "The B-I-B-L-E yes that’s the book for me. I stand up on the word of God the B-I-B-L-E  BIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and other songs!!

That Sunday after church while I was reading a book all 4 children asked the Lord into their heart.  I knew my other two had already done that but they wanted to again. Now they walk around and tell everyone that Jesus lives in their heart.  I told them that anytime they are scared or they don't know what is going to happen they can pray and ask the Lord to help them and keep them safe.  They love to pray at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

When Little D (4 yrs old) woke up from his nap the other day he said "When I was taking a nap I had a long talk with God….I asked him to please get me up from this long rest!"  I had to laugh.  At least he is having a conversation with God!

We have done respite before however this is the first foster placement we have had where we can't adopt them.  I think the other kids are struggling with this a bit.  They think that every kid that comes in they stay forever. I know these children will not be with me for a long time.  However while they are here I get to love on them, hug them, show them that we all care about them.  We get to introduce Jesus to them.  We get to plant seeds and pray that one day those seeds will take root and grow and spread.  All my other kids are seeing how important their role is to these little ones.  Its hard not to get attached.  I am giving these kids all I have and in the end when they leave I will be okay.  I will probably be in tears but tears never hurt me.  I want these children to know they do have a purpose and they are loved.  I am happy that they do have a family that wants them.  I am concerned about the mom coming back into their lives but the Lord knows the whole story (beginning, middle and ending). He knows what is best.  He loves these little guys so much.

Moments That Give You Pause

 

There are things in life that make you give a pause. A moment that really makes you stop what you are doing and think about how you are actually effecting someone else. It doesn't happen every day.  These moments for me happen very seldom.  As I get older these moments are starting to happen more frequently.  Maybe that is because I am starting to pay attention to the details instead of taking things for granted.  

As I get older I have really been thinking about my legacy that I am leaving behind.  What will my children say about me when I am gone.  I know that day is coming.  Hopefully it will be a long time from now.  All our days are numbered.  I can tell you this that my outlook on life is much different than it was even 5 years ago.  What is your legacy? What will your children say about you?  Were you fun to live with?  Are you there when your children need you most?  I wish I would have started much earlier giving this much thought.  Those who are closest to me know my short comings.  You don't know how bad you really are until you try to change.

This defining moment happened this morning and I just had to share with you. 

I can't tell you how sweet it is to have these little boys who come in to your home who are so distant and flinch at any kind of affection and 8 days later when they see you they try to snuggle up as close as they possibly can get with you on the couch. As I sit there they rub their little hands over my hands over and over again. They stare at me and press into me. Then Little D (4 years old) whispers in my ear "Your the best mommy in the whole world!" It brings tears to my eyes. And you ask me why I do what I do? That is payment enough!

I hope you also will pay attention to the "little" things that are actually "huge" to a little one.  

Blessings,

 

It Is Finished!! The adopting is final!

I know I have slacked off writing on this blog however I have exciting news to tell all of you!!! You have been reading my blog from the time we brought in 3 amazing girls into our family. You have been there as I was pouring out my heart telling you how they arrived and sharing our ups and downs.  You have been there with me as we were experiencing our victories and you have been with me as we have had our set backs.  Thank you so much for all your comments and personal emails to me!! I so appreciate your encouragement. 

However we experienced a MAJOR victory on November 5, 2013.  Our adoption was final!! We had a ceremony at the court house.  I was so surprised how special the judge made it.  The judge came down on the floor and talked to everyone that was there.  He explained that this was such a special time for him because his job as a judge is to be for or against a certain party.  However today was a day that he could celebrate with everyone.  He talked with each of the children and just made it special.  Jade (15 years old) wrote a song for the occasion and sang it to everyone.  She had several of us crying. 

I had all 9 of my children under one roof! With two children who are 22 and a 19 year old it is very difficult to make this happen.  I have never gotten a photo of everyone together.  But on this very special day we were all together -- in a photo!

Here they are!! Brooke (22), Ben (22), Clay(19), Alicia(15), Jade(15), Nemo(14), Joshua(11), Kendall(6) and Madison(5)

Here are the friends and family that attended the adoption ceremony.  I sure wish the judge was in this picture!

On the following Saturday we had an adoption party. I made a painted a tree on a canvas and those who made it to the party were able to put a finger print representing a leaf on a branch.  

I may fill it in with other finger prints. I'm still undecided on that.

So now for some other news!! On the very day that this adoption was final I received a "congratulations" call from DHS.  Once she was done thanking me for doing this and how lucky the children are she said ....."well the other reason why I am calling is that we have two young boys who need a home".  Lets just say I will start another segment on our journey with them!! Don't forget to follow me!! This is gonna be interesting!