Day 3 of Transition -- Fostering Sibiling Set of 2

Things have gone fairly good so far.  It is still the "honeymoon period" though.  Both of these children have significant behavior problems so I am preparing myself for the bomb to drop.  I have seem some attitude with the 6 year old.  This little girl is 6 years old and weighs 94 lbs.  She is stone cold and show zero emotions.  However over the past couple of days she has smiled more. She has not shed one tear while she has been with us and this includes when she found out she was coming to my house and not going back to mom and dad. She made the comment to my 5 year old that she did not like my 7 year old.  I jumped on that like a hot potato. I made it clear that we are all family in this house and I better NEVER hear something like that come out of her mouth under this roof again or she will spend a lot of time with her nose on the wall.

It is amazing to see my 5 year old girl team up with the bully.  I have been observing my 7 year old being pushed to the side and kind off to the side not wanting to play or mix in with the play. Finally I MADE her go outside and play.  I stayed outside with them and pulled weeds in the yard and listened to how they were playing with each other.  All of them were playing so nicely together I would throw out a "You all playing so nice!!! I am so proud of you!"   I will get smiles all the way around.

So needless to say -- this has only began and I am sure I will have much more stories to tell you.

I have seen slight attitude from the 10 year old boy as of right now.  This morning while they were brushing their teeth I noticed that they both of the kids brought their toothbrush out of their rooms.  I told them that I want their toothbrushes to stay in the bathroom.  Later I found the 10 year olds toothbrush in his room again. He told his sister "he can put his toothbrush where ever he wants".  I confronted him on this and asked him why he did that after what I told him earlier that morning.  He said that he was afraid the counter top was dirty.  I told him everyday our counter tops are cleaned.  I also made it clear this is not a home where he just does as he pleases once an adult as made it clear what needs to happen.  Yes this was so minor -- why make a big deal out this?  Because it grows and festers.  Rebellion starts out settle and it gets bigger.  Adults in this home have to be respected and there are rules that need to be followed.  There are 8 kids in this home and we all need to work together to make it pleasant for everyone.

Today I felt a little brave and I allowed the 10 year old to go with the older kids and Joshua who is 11 to the park.  I am leary but warned all my children.  They have a phone on them so if something happens they can call me.

I am excited to see the changes in these little people!!! That's the best part of this journey.


Blessings!

Day 1 of Transition -- Fostering Sibiling Set of 2

Earlier today around 1:30 I got a call asking if we would take 3 children.  I said yes.  Ages 6,10 and 14.  I said yes we would. Then I got a call from our certifier just checking on us going through a few things.  I asked her if this was a for sure thing getting these kids.  At first she said it sounds like it is. She asked if I have heard from them intake worker yet and I said no.  She said "oh maye its not".  I asked her if she could please call the intake worker to find out for sure because I needed to run to the store to get some sheets for the beds.  She said okay.  Well about 30 minutes later I get a call from the intake worker and she said she has to stop by the locale junior high school and pick up the 14 year old boy. eeek!!! Okay so in about 20 minutes they will be arriving. My other children will be in shock.  I haven't even had time to prep them as they arrived home from school. "Hello children~our family just went from 6 to 9 people and your sibling numbers went from 9 children to 12 in a matter of 30 minutes!! Surprise!!!"

This first meeting with the children is always so horrible. You don't know how they will respond to you despite you putting 100% of yourself into this and them.  You don't know if they will be thankful that you got them out of the situation. Scared to death, hating you, crying, hysterical freaking out because they were removed from mommy and/or daddy.  You just don't know. I had butterflies.

When the vehicle arrived only 2 children got out.   The 14 year old ran from the intake worker when he heard he was going to another home.  He is probably mad and very scared.  I think I would be too. The other two children were very quiet. We brought them in the house. I showed them around.  Both of these two little people have rebellious behavior problems. I saw a little bit from the little girl and how disrespectful he thoughts were toward he teachers. She is in the 1st grade.  I asked her if she liked school.  She said "no". I said why not?  She said her teacher is a brat.  I kind of laughed. I wasn't thinking that was what she was going to say.  She said her teacher makes he finish her snack before she can go out to recess.  WOW! That teacher should be written up!! Just kidding!

They came with nothing at all.  I will be getting a clothing voucher however I ran last night to pick some other clothes up for them just so they have something to wear until I am able to get it.  I took both of them with me to the store just to get their minds off of what was going on. I spent a pretty penny and then came home.

I got a few smiles for the boy who is in the 4 grade. He lightened up a lot and was being a sweetie. I know hes hurting and worrying about his parents and his big brother. Most of the time after being dropped off at our house he would stare off into nothing and his eyes would start to water. Then he would snap his self out of it -- he has a "tough guy" image to protect. He looked exhausted!!! I wanted to take a nap for him! He said "actually I am not tired at all".  I gave them both a melatonin before they went to bed. Once I tucked them in bed they were out for the night!!!  After seeing their good behavior this really gave me great hope.  After being told their disrespectful behavior patterns this showed me they do have control over themselves and they on purposly act this way.  So I am making mental notes and praying these little people change for the better and become lovers of Jesus!!!

We don't know who long they will be here -- DHS did say this could be long term.  But they have been wrong before.  Hopefully they will be here long enough to make a difference in their little lives so they can actually enjoy the life they are living.


Blessings,

Adding Three New Children To Our Mix!

Today I got the call! I answered the call with excitement yet a bit of hesitancy.  Today they actually called me regarding two different sibling groups and gave me the choice to pick one -- if we wanted to do this.  They described each ones personality at least as much as they know about them.  How can you just pick one sibling group. One was two older boys 13 and 16.  They have three other sisters that were placed in a home without them. The next one I was more drawn to.  It must be Jesus that made me connect right away.  I picked the sibling group of 3.  1 girl and 2 boys.  6, 10 and 14.  They said they would call me back and let me know if this is going to happen.  So right now this is maybe 80% gonna happen.

They told me the 10 yr old boy has behavior problems.  They asked me how I felt about that.  I am okay.  He will be okay.  I know I cannot save the world but I can sure try to make a differance in a childs life.  All the while they described him I just kept thinking "he is hurting boy".  We will do what we can.  We will get him back in school, take him to our church, give him love and attention, a bed to sleep in and food in his stomach, chores, responsiblity, accountability and structure.  Sometime just those things help cure a hurting child.  I am praying this is the recipie for all these children.

I also want to lift up the two boys 13 and 16 year olds who have been seperated from their sisters.  Lord please protect them and give them peace!!! The Lord loves his children and I know he is looking out for them.

So folks!!! Thats about it!! I will let you know.  It is in the Lords hands and what ever he has for us we are willing.