Rollercoasters

So this past week has been an emotional rollercoaster. But not like one I have ever been on because so much of the turns are unknown and that can be scariest of all.
So "M" (confidentiality reasons) had pictures taken this week for a social worker to try and find her a "concurrent family home" in the event that parental rights are taken away and she is put up for adoption. Hmmm ok why move her and make her have to bond with another family?

Of course it would be sad if she left to reunify with her family however thats the goal of the system so of course its something we know can happen...but an unnecessary move to a non relative..thats just silly!

We had a very good visit with her mom and dad this last week and if and when she goes back to her home with them, they seem very open to allowing an open relationship with her :) That will be something I am very grateful for since our family has grown very close with her.

Oh and to the person that is cutting and pasting parts of my blog...you are very good at taking things out of context. Please find something better to do.

Decision made!

To a long time friend ....

Yes I will miss you. But its time to say goodbye.
I have thought about this over and over, I may even cry ....
Its been nice to grab a hold of you in my time of stress
These next few days will be incredibly hard, I shall try my best.
Instead of that "Oh that tastes good" feeling that my tummy would make.
Its time for the intense throbbing of these massive headaches.
Hopefully they will be short lived and I will quickly pass this stage.
Im almost 30 and this habit has sure not helped me age
So long Dr. Pepper, it has been quite a ride.
But I have to do what I know is best for my inside.

Sometimes nerves kick in....

So we have wanted to have a couple in our church to our home for quite some time now. Sometimes it is intimidating a thought since they are pastors but we have always greatly admired them so we decided to take the leap and ask. They were very excited to come to our home. And we are having them over quicker than I thought. Tonight! So I came home and started the dinner plans:
parmesan dijon chicken
Roasted zucchini
Chicken/garlic rice
Garden salad
and of course garlic bread

That sounds good right, well....

Well one of them is a major dessert person so I had to make sure that I do something fun but easy since I am not really that good at desserts...so I choose peach cobbler...I get up and decide to make it early in the morning because there is a lot to be done around the house and what do I do?....I totally forget a main ingredient....no not the peaches, the flour! I guess the nerves really kicked in and I couldnt even read a recipe. It would have been great but instead I am doing the whole Banana Pudding/Vanilla wafer dish. HAH wish me luck because I still have those silly nerves ...Does this happen to all of you?

Camping up North

Recently we took the family to Gualalapark up past Gurneville. It was a camping trip with the homebuilders group at our church. It was a weekend of friends and fellowship and family time. The girls had a wonderful time. We kept Malorie at home thinking that a five week old and a camping trip would not mix well. Im really glad that we did being that the wind was definately a dominating part of this trip. Its a beautiful area and it was nice to be outdoors.  I had packed a Francine Rivers book that I had borrowed from the librairy and I was really glad I did because it was so peaceful to read down by the river. We had to skip out on going away for our anniversary this year because of choosing to go camping but next year...Hawaii :)

First Bath for Malorie

Last weekend we did the whole first bath experience for Malorie :)
She had quite a time. She was very cooperative and didnt cry much. I think she was trying to wrap her mind around the whole situation :) She wasnt sleeping to well so we decided to try the yummy smelling lavender scented bath. We probably had more fun than she did :)

And here are a few pictures that I absolutely love :) Israel loves coming home to his girls. Hes always been a dad that comes home and greets them, asks about their day and lets them know how much he missed and thought of them. He was meant to be a daddy to little girls!

Alyssa graduated

Last week Alyssa graduated from Kindergarten. She was part of the SCS ceremony and there were so many songs and presentations of what they have learned! I am so proud of my little butterfly. She has increased her knowledge of so many things since March. Most of all shes more confident and social.

She received her award of "most generous" and thats so fitting too! Well most of the time but when she sets her mind to it shes one of the kindest little munchkins around :)

I remember back to when i graduated from kindergarden...yes quite a LONG time ago, I was sent home with a certificate and a graduation hat. But I dont remember having any special ceremony. Im glad that the Christian School put a lot of thought into having a nice ceremony. It will be nice for her to look back on. Plus they learned LOADS of stuff, from scriptures, to cute songs, and lots more.


Here are some pictures of her evening.

No Guarantees

Theres no guarantees in foster care....

I have heard this from my social worker on numerous times.

This little lovely blessing in our lives could be moved and placed in a waiting adoptive home with the county at any given moment. I could live in a bubble and pretend that it will not but I cant. Im working on timeframes now...after the first 48 hrs, next a two week, and wow if we could get a whole six months with her we could be considered a little higher up on the choices of families that could work on keeping her.

I wonder what God has in store. I find my mind going places...(but not to far) of purposes he had with placing her in our home. Oh the potential journey it could be. Or the quick experience of some wonderful time with a beautiful brand new life. What will come of tomorrow? For right now I just add my desires and hopes to my "daily" bread prayer list and know that God is hearing me. I trust him no matter the outcome.

Psalm 33: 20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 34: 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him.