A hard decision

Parenting in general is not for the faint of heart! can I get an amen????  but parenting a foster child /children is not an easy task either... Doug and I about 2 weeks ago had to make a decision that would change these boys lives forever. was it easy?? NO! was it a quick one?? NO! was it the best decision?? yes... God continued to press on our hearts that this was just not working out. Andrew had become a nomad having no room to call his own (I won't go into any details but I am praying it will get it out of my mind and Andrews), the house that we made sure had peace was turned upside down, our older kiddos were so conflicted with the disobedience, and in the end this was the best decision ... HARD decision.. you think of the what ifs and your mind goes in all directions... you think about your own kiddos in this journey, you think about the long term effects on the boys, you think about soooo much that at times you think your head will explode! BUT in all that.... the peace and presence of the Lord calms the heart.. God revealing this is the best decision with conformation.... What He does in you through this process is revealing, comforting, and reminding you that you are loved! I have dealt with every emotion that is possible. I trust God will take the seeds that were planted in our home and pray that they fell on good soil and these boys would come to know Jesus at a very young age.. E already ask question and understands SOOO much for a 4 year old... may they take this home with them forever!!! I will miss so much about these boys.... was it easy.... no..... BUT God has been faithful! I am thankful that we took this journey! will we take another journey?? yes... God has revealed that the infants and Young toddlers are the best fit for our family. We will take about a 2 month break and then open our home again! would you pray for the boys on January 10? We will always have a special place in our heart for E and N! Praying that we will see E on his 5th birthday to celebrate :)

God tells us He has a special concern for orphans. He is the "Father to the fatherless," and He expects His Church to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. James 1:27 speaks to us boldly, stating that "pure and undefiled religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress."

If God is impressing on hearts to care for the orphans I pray they would act and not sit back .....

photo shoots!

Alexis LOVES photography and really she is a GREAT picture taker!!!! so she is always looking for guinne pigs :)  so here are some of her favorite shots.

Calebs Summer Swimming... Griffin Gators!

 

This Boy is a swimmer!.. He is built for it and is very good! we loved the Griffin Gators this year and plan to do it again :) He received the most improved swimmer in his age group! yay! it was amazing that 6 months earlier He could not even walk because of food sensitivities and intolerance's! God is so good!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First day of 3's... Ms. Betsy...

Is he really ready for 3's at the preschool...... yes!!! HE LOVES SCHOOL!!! and we love Ms. Betsy. Lane had her when she was 3 and I was so glad when I found out that is who the teacher was for the 5 day 3's. Ms Betsy LOVES Andrew and I am so thankful that! This is the pictures!

almost a teen... BUT glad she is not quite yet! 12 is grand!

I just blinked!!! and bam she is 12... oh how I love this girl... again it is Christmas day and I am JUST blogging about her birthday in September.... She is amazing! she is good at everything she does and tries her best at all.. The Lord is so present in her heart... I pray she grows in Love with her savior, not just talk BUT a LOVE .... He is her hope and she will use Him as her rock as she grows. Here is a little sample of her day!

Its not possible He is 3

I mean I was JUST pregnant!!!! now he is riding a scooter, writing his name, understanding jokes, riding his bike, and the list goes on...... well,,,,, his birthday was in August and now it is Christmas day... little late BUT His grace covers it! I have loved going back and looking to see how much he has grown just since his birthday... I love this little guy! can't believe we ever thought we were done after Lane.. our family is blessed because of him! happy 3rd birthday Andrew!!!! May God continue to move on his heart!!

yearly tradition!!! FAIR October 2013

it was an extra special fair this year ..... just me and the "big kids"... yes.... Lane has officially made it to the "big kid" status when we got the boys! she was sooooo thankful :) I remember officially becoming the "big kid" liberating I guess!... we were at whits end... where was God when we were so overwhelmed with the chaos that had just entered our home?.. our kiddos were overwhelmed, we were, the animals, hey just being honest! They needed a BREAK!!! Doug knew that I needed to get away and breathe and what better air than the Griffin Fair :) yep, it was a good smell! our kids LOVE the fair sooooo off we go.. we were at a point we did not care the cost we just needed to go... ahhhh corn dog... yep, gotta eat a corn dog... well we had fun! and cant wait till next year! oh and in the midst of the chaos God was the peace... He was so gracious in showing me through the break he can refresh a chaotic heart!