We are trying to be intentional this Christmas season about doing things together and making memories. Maybe it's because the last few years I felt disappointed that we didn't do more because I took orders up until a couple days before Christmas. Maybe it's because we have B. I don't know why, but we feel like giving him lots of experiences even though he won't remember...at least we can put pictures in his book.
Today we took all the kids to see Santa. The big three aren't into this. They get a little nervous. B enjoyed it, but did end up crying at the end. We got a good picture to send his birthmom and that's what I was going for. I figured she probably would have taken him.
When we got home we made Gingerbread houses together. That was very fun. Jeremy, as usual, was into this and took over. I got to take pictures. The kids really enjoyed eating while they worked :)!
We played a couple new games I bought for Christmas gifts but decided to open early. We watched a movie together and just had a fun day!
Abby is all about a week long birthday celebration!! So funny :)
These two - - I just love them!! They have such a special bond going on.
Jake loves B so much and takes good care of him. B loves Jake and always happy to be carried around.
I feel like I need to clarify on the whole "transition" post.
Please understand that when I said "me and my little man" that really, I know he is not actually mine. He has been in my home and in my care for the last several months and has felt like he is mine, but really, he is not. He has been loved and cared for like he was mine, but he does have a Mom and a Dad.
It is not my job to judge them. I signed up for this to take care of these babies and to try to support the parents when possible. We did not become licensed foster parents expecting to keep a baby, but being willing to if the opportunity came about.
I know that sometimes people feel helpless and want to be helpful. Sometimes you just really can't do anything about a situation. In this situation with B, it is really out of our control. We are okay with that because we know who is in control. While we so appreciate the kind words and encouragement, and especially all the prayers, please know that we are okay with what God has planned. We know that God loves B and will take care of him. Selfishly, we would love to adopt him. It is hard to think about his life away from us, but we also know that God can do great things. Maybe our job is to be loving to the parent who comes to a visit? We want them to see Christ in us. We want the county workers to see Christ love.
Please, even though you are trying to be helpful, refrain from "doing" anything other than praying. B's case is confidential so if you feel like you need to make a case that we would be better for him than his parents, please don't. Some have said we just need to go tell them this or that. We want to keep B in our home as long as possible to keep loving him and nurturing him. Doing something like that would be very bad and inappropriate.
Again, thank you so much for praying for us and loving us so much! We appreciate it.
In our world of foster care, I am starting to hate the word transition. Let's face it...I've never been one for change, but especially not when things are going just fine. Over the last four days the word transition has been used more than I like. Today, as I read it in an email I started to cry...but I did stop quickly. It said, "please let me know how I can help you through this transition..." blah blah blah
Things have been just fine for the last eight months with me and my little man.
We have such great days together. Did we really need to go and start this whole transition thing??
So, if you think about it pray for us as we work through this whole time of transition. I can't go into details on here, but we are just dealing with some stuff that is hard and not fun.
We celebrated Caraline's 6th birthday last weekend. She had a "friend" party in the afternoon with her little girlfriends from school and a few others from the pool and church. In the evening, we enjoyed a family party for both girls.
Can you tell our theme was Pinkalicious?? Jeremy even put a tree up in the playroom with all pink glass ball ornaments! So fun :). He's a good sport when it comes to his girls.
Here are a few pictures that my friend took before the party started.
The pink chocolate fountain was a hit with the little girls!
I took these pictures below...you can probably tell :)
Crying because she only got 2 smarties from the pinata.
So cute...all the little heads checking out her new necklace.
My friend, Cara, let me borrow the chocolate fountain and stopped by during the party. She is a Mom to four boys so I think all the shrieking and squealing was a bit much for her :)! It was a bit much for me and I have two girls.
Abby is loving her new Barbie Jeep.
Seriously, we just love birthdays and since we were having lunch with my parents today, my Mom got a cake and we sang and blew out more candles. And, you know...I will probably do it all again on Tuesday. Is that too much?? I don't know, but really, who doesn't LOVE to be the Birthday Girl?!
I am doing what I always wanted to do raising my three bio kids and loving on a precious foster baby boy!! My husband works hard so I can do what I do and I love him for it! We love Jesus. We love our family. We hope that our family will encourage yours to figure out how you can help orphans. It has been a huge blessing in our lives...even on the hard days!
"...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12
