Has It Been That Long Since I Wrote?

As you can see, I am not in the habit of writing every day.

Our little one had a visit with her mom and oldest brother today. The younger two are doing summer school and couldn't make it. The visit went well. The case worker shared with me that the mom really loves me and how I am with the baby. I thought that was neat and that means a lot to me. I hope she sees Jesus in me. We also talked about the boys...we are still trying to get a waiver to bring them in too. At first we were told that it didn't look like we could, but our family developer with our agency said yesterday that they are still pushing forward with it. We'll see.

Our oldest is away at camp this week. She has only been gone about 30hours, but we are missing her greatly. Even the boys have said they wished she was home. I can't imagine my kids being gone from me like our foster daughter is from her mom, and not seeing her for a couple of weeks, then missing my visit. Kids are so awesome...

There is a book that just came out that is written by the President & CEO of Compassion International...it is called Too small to ignore. I have only read a snippet of the book that came in our newsletter, but we will be ordering it soon. As I sat in the lobby of CPS today listening to two men talk about getting their kids back, I wished that I had copies of the book to give them. I prayed that God would give me words to say to them, but nothing came to me, so I just prayed for them. I actually wanted to go over and grab them by the shoulders and shake them and challenge them to be real men and be good husbands and fathers, but I didn't really think that was from God. I will get the book and let you know what I think about it.

Pass me another one

I just got off the phone with our agency. They are checking on the waiver for keeping the kids together...they still haven't heard anything about that. Our case worker also let me know, while she had me on the phone, that we are getting our 4th case worker. The first one was fired after an incident where she had lied to us and evidently others, then our second one was brand new and they ended up giving her too many cases to keep up with, so they gave us to another girl, whom I love, and she tells me that we are being transferred again to another new lady. Gees people...how can this be good for the kids, when no one really gets to know the children or the foster parents. We are on our 3rd case worker through CPS too.

Happy Birthday Eve

We haven't heard any more news about the boys and what's going on there, so there is no update as of yet. We have shared this idea with a few people with whom we can trust (to not think, at least say out loud, that we are crazy) so we haven't told many. My husbands parents are going to...really I don't know quite what they will say. He is an only child and was the only grandchild on his mother's side. I think they thought we were crazy for having 3 children, what will they think about 6? Surprise!

Our oldest is all about drama...she is almost 12. Enough said!!! We have drama everyday, but during the school year she takes classes at CATS Theater. Tell me why I pay for classes, she should be teaching. She is rehearsing for a production of Helen Keller that will open in July at Artisan Theater. We are so proud of her. I would have never had that much nerve.

Today is my husband's birthday eve...you know, the day before his birthday. The kids have been very excited and they sat down and made him cards. They plan on getting up early and making him a big breakfast to start his day. I use to be that excited, where has it gone? Maybe it's because us are in our mid-30's. Birthday's just aren't that fun anymore. We don't have the money to get him anything and he really doesn't need anything, but the kids think that you have to get a gift on your birthday. Maybe we can eat out for lunch or something.

We started tiling the kids bathroom today. There is so much that needs to get done if the boys are coming. I mean, when will we have time for it after? I also spent all day Friday cleaning out the boys closet and unpacking their room. I'm not quite done, but it does look a lot better. We will actually be able to fit another set of bunk beds in there if all goes well.

Tomorrow is the Sabbath...God help us to rest and celebrate in You!