Winter

It has been a wonderful Winter. We had a simple family Christmas and it was just right. Completely not perfect, but good anyway.  Sam asked what the Christmas lights were for and I explained they were for Jesus' birthday so everywhere we went that had lights he would YELL "Jesus". It might have been misunderstood by some, but I knew he was exactly right. 

It's been a horrible Winter. We got the results of Major's biopsy and found out he has rare thyroid cancer. It's terminal. He is on meds to keep him comfortable and that is that. 

It's been a Winter of hoping, as I have opened up my Etsy shop to sell my sewing again as an adoption fundraiser. We are hoping to adopt more treasures (kiddos!). ❤️❤️❤️

It's been a happy Winter. Luke turned 12 and loved his presents. He is growing up to be an AWESOME kid and we are so proud of him! 

There have also been some times of acute pain this Winter. Times I will not be discussing publicly but that have happened all the same. Deep LOVE and deep HOPE sometimes bring pain. I KNOW they are still worth it though. 

"Wonderful"

"Horrible"

"Hoping" 

"Happy"

"Painful"

Isn't life just like that? There are so many ups and downs. I can honestly say that the only way I keep my balance in it all is through my and relationship with Jesus. I know no other way to avoid completely freaking out! He is my balance. 

Three Girls

There are three girls who live in my heart. Girls, I thought I might be the Mom of one day, ached I would be, was scared to hope I might be, and hoped anyway. 

I am not their Mom. I do not tuck them in at night or tell them how precious they are, or kiss their boo boos. But I love them and I pray for them and they each have a place of residence in my heart.

I want them to know ( and I hope that they DO know) that they are valuable and beautiful and deserving of love and tenderness. I want them to have fun and to feel safe and to giggle and play. I want them to be able to dream big and to dance and to look in the mirror and see a girl who knows she is loved. 

Oh little girls, you will always have a place in my heart and I will always be praying for you. 

Casey & Major

I started fostering for a German Shepherd Rescue last Summer.

 My first foster was Casey. I LOVED her! She was a pleasure to have in our home every single day. She was sweet, obedient, great with our kids, quirky and just easy to love. She was also a senior girl with health issues and four months after she arrived, I had to say a final goodbye to her (kidney failure) with the help of my vet. She went to sleep with her face cradled in my hands, loved and cared for. Tears.

 I will always miss Casey. That's just how it is. ❤️

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But ....there are many, many more that need help too! 

Major arrived almost two weeks ago. His story is painful. He stil wants to trust though and he is coming alive and becoming HAPPY here.  I love seeing his tail wag and his doggie-smile. He is deaf and I am teaching him sign language. He has already learned "sit" and "good job" and "come". 

❤️ Casey

❤️ Major

Thankful

I actually didn't even remember the date. Facebook reminded me that one year ago, on Dec 3, our sweet little son was in PICU. It's hard to believe this was only one year ago because Sam has had a wonderful year full of good health and "firsts", like the first time being on a soccer team, first time going to pre-school four days a week, first time going to Sunday School without Mom or Dad, first time  being able to speak so many words, first time camping out in a tent...

Dec 3, 2015

First time dressing up as a tough police man...

First time receiving a soccer trophy...

Being dedicated at church...

Fist time sleeping in a tent...

First time helping the Swim Team...

First time riding a wild bronco...

First time at the farm in ND...

We're thankful for every moment! ❤️

Sam the Soccer Player

Sam played soccer for the first time this year & it was amazing! Just two years ago, this little boy could barely run at all and fell often, even when walking. He could only walk short distances and spent many outings in a stroller. 

He started the season needing his Mom to walk through practices with him and ended it doing it all on his own and being so happy and proud. It was a JOY to see! Thank You God! 

 Here he is at the far right, so delighted with his end of season trophy. Be still my heart! ❤️

October

We've been getting used to our school and sports schedule and trying some new things...one is waaaaaay less TV. Overall, it has been a great success and the boys are getting more creative with how they spend their free time. 

I found this apple licking a beater on a mountain of Jenja blocks the other day...creative! 

I'm finding surprise selfies on my cell phone, that's got to count for creativity somehow! 

Anyway...we're happy to have fired the TV (at least most of us are...meaning, the parents!) 

September

We have been trying to adjust to the new school schedule...phew!!! 

Two of the boys are doing home school with quite a lot of co-op work with other teachers, one is just homeschooling with me, and one is in public school with an IEP. Then there is soccer and more soccer as well as PE classes and swim team. I am NOT superwoman so I keep a day timer and take breaks whenever I can. 

My four favorite boys in the universe, hiking between soccer games

Big brother letting little brother "help" him wash dishes

Kaiser acting as a pillow for Nathan 

A soccer friend took this photo of Nathan today. He had his camera ready to capture the moment the dragonfly landed on his hair. The hamburger stuffed into his cheek just makes it real! ❤️