Sunday, November 8, 2015

Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday.

Back when I first stared fostering, I would say about one year into it, I did not understand how people around me just did not get it.  By 'get it' I mean, how can you see that there are CHILDREN that need homes and a family....and you just don't do anything?

I struggle with this, a lot.

Now, I do think I understand it more than I used to because there are ALOT of kids overseas that NEED to be adopted and I have yet to feel like I am supposed to do that.

Their are tons of special needs kids in the system that NEED homes, and yet I do not feel equipt to take that on either.

I understand that we each have our own place in this giant puzzle.  Quite frankly if we all jumped in and helped as many kids as humanly possible even that would not work because we ALL would be so burnt out and have no help.

The people in my life who have never adopted or fostered, but support me, actively support me, are such a gift.  When they love my kids it helps me.  When they watch them in the nursery at church it helps me.  When they babysit my kids it helps me.  When they give me their hand me down it helps me.

On days like Orphan Sunday, my 'message' is this:

There are kids who need families, desperately.  Please search your heart and see if you can help.  If adoption isn't for you, foster.  If fostering isn't for you, donate.  If donating isn't possible, gift your time and love.  Find a way to help, and help.  Even the smallest bit of help makes a world of difference in the orphan crisis.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Sick.

Lizzy is sick.  She has been coughing for two weeks and last night had a temp of 103.5.  She will be going to the doctor today.
I don't know why, but the first thing that comes to my mind is her biological mom.
I cannot even imagine that woman taking care of a sick kid.
I'm not going to go into why because I don't want to tear her down.
I just shutter at the thought of it.
When ever Lizzy is vulnerable her biological family comes to mind.
I just can't imagine what her life would be if she would have been returned to them.

Lizzy says a lot of random things.  This morning she said, "I am so glad that you and dad got married and never broke up."

I am glad she feels that way, but all I could think of was her 'broken up' biological mom and dad.
Yet another thing that she has no real concept of, but for now, I am just glad she has us.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Halloween 2015

Our first Halloween as a family of six is a complete blur.  I think I have a picture some where of it (one, single, solitary picture *can you tell I was stressed!* )


This year was much different.  It was chilly so we took pictures in side and then joined my sister and her kids at a Trunk or Treat and then called it a night!  The kids had a blast!


Belle from Beauty and the Beast

A ninja
 A Giraffe
 A Cat
 Sheriff Callie
 A Princess
 My oldest is the one on the left.  He went Trick or Treating with a friend.
 A Princess
This year I did the unthinkable.  I told the kids that we were just going to use costumes we already had!  I was pleasantly surprised that they did not complain at all!  They all had something they wanted to wear and I had fun giving the three middle girls formal up do's and then glittered their hair (doesn't show up well in pictures, but they all looked so cute!)

We had a good day with the kids.  The kids had a lot of fun.  And the BEST part was no one peed their pants!  ;)