First Quarter

Well, the first quarter of 2011 is gone before I blinked. Where did the time go for us? Most days were filled with slow mornings in our pj's, loving sweet foster kids that we were blessed to love on. We would squeeze in a couple hours of homeschool learning about the establishment of our country and the move westward. Kailee is now learning multiplication and Benjamin is a strong little reader. We joined a science center that we like to visit and even learn while we are having fun. Kailee is taking art classes and Benjamin is persevering with piano lessons. We normally take one day off each week for Mommy's sanity and the maintaining of some sort of cleanliness of our home. Throughout the week, we have some type of sports practice in the afternoon/evening that gets us rushing out the door scampering for water bottles and the right sports gear. It was an extra challenge to pack a diaper bag as well.
Saturdays were spent watching Kailee and Benjamin use the athletic ability God has given them on either a basketball court or soccer field. They each did really well and enjoyed their sports and I managed to muffle my cheering if foster-baby was in my arms. Saturday evenings you would find us at church. We love our church and our church friends. I have no idea what we would do without the support of the body of Christ. Benjamin has now joined us in the service and it is neat to worship as a family. Sundays were varied and different from slow days at home to busy on the run from this to that days.
Here are some pictures from the last 3 months.


This was the first time the kids played on basketball teams. They had fun and we have discovered a new sport to have fun with. The newly added basketball goal has been a great addition to our backyard. You will often hear Benjamin shooting hoops here and there throughout the day.







There were quite a few snow days this winter. A kind neighbor took a picture of the whole family; this is a rare shot of all 4 of us plus the dog!! Below is one of many action shots of a snowball fight that I happily offered to keep record of rather than participate in.



Dallas hosted the Superbowl and the kids and I took advantage of the opportunity to visit the NFL Experience.


We also were an official Verizon Superbowl Watching Party and enjoyed watching the Packers win. At halftime all the kids danced away and I'm sure the whole neighborhood could hear how much fun they were having.




Once the snow cleared, we thought it was warm enough for a family fishing outing. Funny thing was a cold front came in at almost the exact time we were getting out of the van to fish. We made the most of it and found a different slightly warmer spot. Memories made and no fish harmed = success??




Yet another soccer season was upon us. Benjamin decided to try his foot at it once again and on a different, much more successful team, so this has been an enjoyable season for both of them; goals made and winning games has been icing on the cake of soccer fun!


Soon baseball/softball season begins. Hopefully I'll post those pics before Labor Day!

Keeper of Comings and Goings

I know it has been a while hasn't it. Well, since I last blogged, we have had another foster placement. We were blessed with a sweet little boy who was a lot of fun and we became attached to pretty quickly. We were told that this would be a longer term placement, so we moved forward with that mindset. However, our plans and even CPS' original plans are not in control. After one month, we were surprised to find out we had one more month with him, but then the next day, he was gone.
We were sad and surprised, but trust in God's plan not only for us, but also for this little one. The day we learned that we were not chosen as his permanent home, I made myself sit down and do my Bible study. That day the passage was Psalm 121. It was verse 8 that God used to encourage me, "The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." God is the Keeper of not only my coming and going, but each child that is placed with us; we just need to trust His keeping!