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?