And Baby Makes a Party of 6

*Blogger won't let me make paragraphs? Someone help!* When we took our first two foster children into our home over a year ago the Hubs and I said, "That's enough kids, thanks." But what happens when those two kids have a sibling born? That's easy, you take that child too. Why not? I mean, our house is small to the point of busting at the seams. What we once saw as an organized, clean home has now been transformed into a 24-7 daycare center. Did I mention it's loud? All. The. Time. Did I mention there are sticky handprints on the walls? Stickers from the doctor's office are stuck on doors, walls, car seats, and who knows where else? It drives me crazy. I sat next to a nervous Mom several months ago at a parenting seminar held in our church. She was expressing her fears of adding another child to the family. I sat there thinking, she must have 4 kids already to be this nervous. Nope. This was her second child. I really wanted to lean over and say, "Lady, you have it MADE. Try taking on a 2 year old and 9 month old and 10 months later adding a brand new baby to the mix. I'd trade a day with you anytime, let me know." In all honesty, I have to say that I was a bit nervous after telling the caseworker that we would take Sister and Brother. During the phone call I was excited, scratching down notes so I could go on a shopping spree for appropriate supplies. It was when I broke the "Honey, I just said we would take on two kids" new to my husband that I realized what I had just done. I moved our family from a party of 3 with no booster seats or highchairs to a party of 5 with one booster and one highchair. Today, panic washes over the hostess stand as we bring in our 4-ring circus that is now a party of 6 with one highchair, a carrier swing/sling, and one booster seat. After almost 5 months, we almost have moving our 4-ring circus down to an art. We still get tripped up by the "I have to pee pee" moments or my favorite - "You didn't get the diaper bag?!?!" moments. At the end of the day, our party of 3 wouldn't trade our now party of 6 for the world. I'm not sure how long we are going to be a party of 6, but we are willing to be one for as long as needed, even if that means forever. Interested in Foster Care in Arkansas? Visit The CALL for more inforamtion.

Survive to Thrive

When we started this journey we knew that we would be taking in kids that were simply surviving day to day life. What we didn’t expect is how fast kids can go from surviving to thriving. The transformation that has taken place before our very eyes over the last 9 months is astonishing. Those dark eyed, blank, lifeless faces are now faces of joy, life, and growth. They also went from eating every single type of processed food imaginable to now eating corn and peas.

Everything about this journey is a process towards transformation. The court has a process, the case follows a process, our house has a process (called rules and boundaries), and most importantly, God has a transformation process. He brings us out of darkness and into the light. Transformation. He takes our life and infuses it with hope, joy, and peace.

This experience has taught me more about the relationship God has with His children. I see Him in everything – from the tantrum, to the disobedience, to the extension of grace. I do the exact same things these kids do; only I do it in a reserved, adult fashion. If there was ever a way for God to hold up a mirror to our face, He does it through children. I dare say it’s even more evident when you take a lost child into your home and give them shelter, food, clothes, and most of all, love.

10 Things I've Learned Since May

1. I know more about the treatment and killing of lice than I ever cared to know.
2. I spend more money than ever buying clothes from Children's Place.
3. My body has gone back to sleeping the same amount as I did in college.
4. Sometimes I want to smack birth parents.
5. Mother's Day Out is worth every penny.
6. Watching a baby learning to walk is amazing.
7. Temper tantrums are from the devil.
8. My house is never clean.
9. Always have sippy cups ready to go first thing in the morning.
10. This is totally what I was created to do.

Yes, I'm Still Here and Mostly Alive

Blogging, showering, getting someplace on time have all taken a back burner since May. Before I get 5,293 comments asking for pictures and specifics, I can't give you any of those. Rest assured, these kids are super cute and look like they fit into our family. They came in May and were the tiniest things you've ever seen, so much so that they didn't even make it on "the charts" at the doctor's office. Fast forward to present, they are on the charts moving upward. It's amazing what happens when kids gets get proper food, rest, and attention.

Bueller?

Bueller? Bueller? That's kinda where we are at. Opened, sitting, waiting, not knowing. Maybe our name will be called next?

On a positive note, Big Al comes home from school each day asking, "So, do we have anyone?" When I say no, he has a disappointed look on his face. I consider this to be GOOD! He's had some up and down feelings about this whole thing, but this tells me he is 100% on board.

Guess What?

We passed our final walk-thru this morning and tomorrow we officially open!(That means we are in the database and any county in Arkansas can call us.) It feels so weird to be at this point, the reality of it all looms in the distance. Perhaps when my phone starts ringing in the middle of the night reality will hit!

Meanwhile, anyone want to come over for the Royal Wedding tomorrow? Tea and scones will be served promptly at 4 a.m.

Months, Weeks, and Almost Days

Months have turned into weeks and I anticipate the weeks are going to be changing into days before we know it. We are still waiting on our last home study to be completed so we can open. A few weeks ago I discovered that we lacked yet another background check. Perhaps this week will be the one that shifts from counting weeks to days.

Meanwhile, if you are reading this and live in the NW Arkansas metro, the CALL Foster Kids Closet is in desperate need of NEW underwear for boys and girls (all sizes) and socks. More times than not, children come into care with nothing needing to be clothed and that includes underwear. Most of us wouldn't let our kids wear used undergarments, so the next time you are shopping consider picking up a few packages of undies or socks to donate to the CALL Foster Closet.