Moving on...

This week, we helped move our precious five year old and our adventurous four year old into their new home.  For four months, they were ours.  For four months, our home was changed. For four months, we were reminded that the world did not revolve around us... that there are more important things in life.  For four months, my  older children got to see a glimpse of a different, harder life and what it really means to sacrifice for someone else.  For four months, our home was turned upside down.  I can honestly say that it was totally worth it.  Our family learned several valuable lessons, some of which I don't think we'll fully realize until later.  As the little children move on in the home where they are supposed to be, I realize how none of it is accidental.  They are moving into a home with a sweet Christian couple who have prayed for, waited, and hoped to be able to care for children.  They are in a home where the only other "children" are horses that they get to care for.  They have transitioned beautifully into the place that will prayerfully be their forever home.  And although I believe that, part of me can't help but wonder... did I love them enough?  Was four months enough time to teach them that they're important, they're loved, and they're incredibly special?  If you are one of the few people that read this, consider saying a prayer for this sweet family that have unselfishly opened their hearts and home to these two children.

Tooth Fairies and Pineapples

Never underestimate the simple things. This past week, we got to see some new experiences through the eyes of these sweet children. My little 5 year old lost a tooth. It wasn't her first tooth and she pulled this one herself. We were very proud of her for being brave and doing it herself. I mentioned that she needed to save it for the tooth fairy. She looked at me and asked, "What is a tooth fairy?" Now understand, I'm not suggesting that the tooth fairy is important in the big scheme of things. But watching her face light up when she woke up and saw the $1 in place of her tooth was priceless. She was so proud of that dollar. She insisted on taking it to school and buying stickers (which she proudly displayed on all her folders).

This week, my sweet neighbor gave us a pineapple. She probably had no idea the excitement one simple gift would bring. The two smaller kids were very curious and interested in the spiky fruit sitting on our counter. I explained that it was a pineapple. It didn't take long to realize that they had never seen a whole pineapple before. They've eaten it out of a can, but never knew what it looked like whole. Even though it's just a pineapple, it has turned into a special occasion. This evening, we plan on cutting the pineapple and eating it with dinner. They are acting like this is a big deal.  

Who knew one dollar and a whole pineapple could be so much fun? I'm thankful we get to experience this with these two sweet kids. Never underestimate the simple things.

If not us... then who?

Lots of people say think we're crazy and most of the time I believe them. We don't have enough time, patience, money, or room to be foster parents... We already have four kids, why do we think we can handle more. I'm not going to lie, the past two weeks have been challenging. Chaos is probably a better word for it. But this morning, I watched a 3 year old boy (that we've known for only 2 weeks) crawl under my husband's arm and say, "Daddy, protect me." I watched my husband wrap his arm around him and quietly reassure him that he would protect him.
We might not be perfect parents. We might not be independently wealthy.  My four kids might have to deal with some extra challenges and inconveniences of two additional children. But if it's one thing my sweet husband and this 3 year boy reminded me is that these scared, unsure children are desperately seeking two main things: love and protection.

I think that's what makes my husband a real man... a man who would be willing to deal with the chaos, inconvenience, and challenges of foster care to offer this little guy and his sister two things they need: love and protection. If not us... then who will?

Wholly Committed

We've been through it once already.  You would think it would be easier this time.  However, the training to become an approved foster home isn't about convenience.  Listening to all the stories and potential difficult situations we must prepare for can be alarming (even if we've heard them before).  The difference this time around has been our resolve.  Joey and I know it can and will be hard.  We know that some of our friends and our family may think we are crazy.  We know it's going to be chaotic and messy and full of interruptions and disappointment. So why are we going to do foster care?

When Faith first came to our home at the end of September 2010, she had little knowledge of what steps we had to go through to bring her home.  I'm sure someone may have explained the process to her, but seeing it from this perspective is completely different.  As Joey and I were sitting in one of our four hour training sessions last week, my sweet 18 year old daughter sent me a simple text, "Is it worth it?" 

As I look back and read where we were almost three years ago, I am amazed at God's fingerprints in our lives.  Love compels us and His power enables us.  The reason we are putting ourselves and our family through the  laborious process of becoming a foster home is simply because He asked.  Our reason three years ago still resonates deep with us today. (see below)

From August 24, 2010


Recently I was driving in my car.  I was headed home and thinking about the whole adoption process.  I'm not going to lie, it can be very frustrating.  We are constantly waiting.  Hurry up and wait, hurry up and wait.  Just when I think we are getting close to the end, the time frame stretches longer and longer.  Anyway, I was driving in my car and one of my favorite songs came on, "For the Sake of the Call" by Steven Curtis Chapman.   There is a part in the song that says,

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call

No other reason at all but the sake of the call

Wholly devoted to live and to die

Not for the sake of a creed or a cause

Not for a dream or a promise

Simply because it is Jesus who called

And if we believe we'll obey

It hit me how hard this whole journey is going to be. But we didn't do it for a dream or a promise that we would have a perfect little family. Being foster/adoptive parents, we have to abandon everything (my comfort level, my fears, my time plan, my convenience, my perception of a perfect family, even the approval of our friends and family). We abandon everything simply because he called. No other reason. If you're like me then lots of people will say, "Well, if God is calling you to do this, then I'm sure everything will be fine." I'm learning that is not true. We don't do things on the promise that situations will be easy or "fine"... we are simply doing this because he called us to. I'd like to think that we are brave for doing that. No, things will definitely be hard.  Just like the disciples faced a hard life by following Christ, our lives are changed significantly by making that same choice. Our choice will affect our close friends and our family. But like the song says,

Nobody stood and applauded them

So they knew from the start

This road would not lead to fame

All they really knew for sure

Was Jesus had called to them

He said "come follow Me" and they came

With reckless abandon, they came

Empty nets lying there at the water's edge

Told a story that few could believe

And none could explain

How some crazy fisherman agreed to go where Jesus went

With no thought to what they would gain

For Jesus had called them by name

And they answered...

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call

No other reason at all but the sake of the call

Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call

The sake of the call

Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea

There's no turning back, for the water cannot help but flow

Once we hear the Savior's call, we'll follow wherever He leads

Because of the love He has shown

And because He has called us to go

We will answer...

Fast Forward

It's been awhile.  Fast forward 11 months and you will find a different scene in the McGuire family.  Several hundred miles later, Joey and I are still running and the kids are starting to enjoy it too.  Who would have thought that 365 days could lead to such a change?  Well, I'm just glad that we stuck with the C25K program.  Next weekend, Joey and I will run in our second half marathon.  Who knows where we will be in another year, but one thing is certain... we won't be standing still! 

Excuses

As a teacher, mom, and human being, I hear excuses all the time. "I'm too tired." "I don't know how." "It's too hard, I don't understand." The always entertaining, "The dog ate it."

No one likes to be around a whiner. And even though I know this, I find myself making excuses for not exercising. Well, no more! The family has decided to participate in a 5K in April. Joey and I started a C25K training program. I'll be honest, it's tough. Most of the time we don't feel like running, we're exhausted, and we're too busy. But teaching our children (and ourselves) that we are called to live a life free from excuses is important. So, Joey and I are fighting through the pain and trying trying to show ourselves (and the kids) that most of the time, the best goals require lots of hard work.

Fall 2011

I can't believe it's already Halloween.  Time flies when you're having fun.  The start of school has been fast and furious. 

Faith has been participating in color guard.  It's been fun to watch her during the half-time performances during the football games.

 Sofia loves kindergarten.  She is learning new stuff everyday.  We love her teacher.  Sofia is growing up more and more each day.  She has started demonstrating her own fashion sense.  Her sense of style is something we are still trying to get used to.


Andy is loving baseball.  He plays on a youth recreation league and loves playing catcher or second base.  He's done really well this year. 



Jake is loving the 5th grade.  He's doing very well in school and is enjoying being the big man on campus.  He's getting ready for basketball season and is planning on playing baseball with Andy in the spring.  One of Jake's favorite restaurants is Steak and Shake.  You would think it's Christmas, the way his face lights up when we pull in the parking lot.  I love his enthusiasm for food.

Lazy Days

Summer is upon us.  These lazy days should be relaxing and carefree; however, they are jammed packed with laundry, getting kids to appointments, some pool time, laundry, and did I mention laundry?  (Seriously, you can't imagine the amount of laundry generated by six people.)  Anyway, although my days of summer are anything but lazy, I relish the extra time I get to spend with my kiddos. This is one of the reasons I became a teacher, to hang out with four of the most important people in my world.  So, in between driving them to practice and folding clothes, I remind myself to enjoy every day I get to spend time with them.  Because one day they will grow up and leave and I don't want to wonder if I spent enough time just being with them. 

  

March 25, 2011

I can't believe the boys are already 10 years old.  It seems like just yesterday they were crawling around in their superman pajamas.  This year we went to a "party ranch" where the boys and all their friends got to feed donkeys, fish, play video games, ride a zip-line, have a camp fire, and go on a scavenger hunt.  Overall, they had a great time.  We are very thankful to have these two young men as our sons. 

Snow Day

Once again the Texas weather surprised us with snow.  School was closed for four days this week as the ice and snow made driving conditions hazardous.  The kids were so excited about missing school; however, by day four, the natives were restless. 

Fortunately, today we were able to get out of the house.  We've decided that we love the occasional snow; however, we won't be moving to Alaska anytime soon!

Christmas 2010

2010 was a great year.  It brought us the wonderful addition of 16 year old, Faith.  We've been blessed and we are confident that God has great things planned for our family. 

Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Louisiana Thanksgiving



Grandma McGuire and her great grandkids



Emma and Sofia




Joey and his mom, Shirley



More fun on the 4-wheelers



Faith, Sofia, and Jake



Sofia loves the swing



Faith, Sofia, Jake

Faith giving Jake the "stink eye"



Sofia, Jake, and Andy enjoying the 4 wheelers

 

Thanksgiving

Over and over, God reminds me and whispers, "I've got this under control."  This is a chaotic season in our lives.  The ups and downs of foster-to-adopting, the business of our normal routine, and internal need to try and make everyone happy can be overwhelming.  But just when I start to sink, I hear God whisper, "I've got this under control."  So, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I can't help but be thankful for a God that has it under control.  I'm thankful that He doesn't need me to fix all the problems, make everyone happy, or be perfect.  He just wants me to relax and love him. Love leads to action.  So, by loving God, I will love others.  That sounds easier than it is.  Loving others in spite of their faults, even when they are unlovely.  But God does it for me, so how can I deny others?  Anyway, as I start to get stressed out with all the to-do lists, travel arrangements, packing, baking, and scheduling that needs to get done, I am relieved to know that God has it under control.  I'm trying hard to refocus on others.  The other stuff will work itself out.  So, today I re-worked my to-do list.  Mopping and cleaning the bathroom got bumped for some quality "nail painting" time with Faith and Sofia. 

The adventure begins

It has been four weeks since Faith moved in.  The past four weeks have been a dizzying combination of appointments, school, baseball, and adjustments.  I'm very impressed with the three younger kids for handling the transition with patience and grace.  The past four weeks have been busy, fun, and at times painful.  Tonight, I was reminded how painful this whole process can be.  We knew going into this that foster care and adoption is difficult, especially with older children; however, nothing can prepare you for that actual experience.  That's to say, you can read tons of books and listen to the finest experts, but nothing exposes you to truth like the reality of having a 15 year old move in and join the family.  The past several weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions and I'm sure that we are only beginning in our journey.  Today, I got an e-mail that quoted a well known writer, Oswald Chambers, "If through a broken heart God can bring His purpose to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart."  Sometimes, God has to rearrange some things and this process is painful.  But I wouldn't miss this adventure for anything.