Life is Crazy...

...so not much time to 'gather' my thoughts but here is a quick picture of the X-man to hold you over until that happens. Two of his (currently) favorite articles of clothing: his bright red Daddys-Little-Helper hat and his Spiderman PJs. Check out his reading material, too. Every child's favorite Sunday ad, ToysRUs.

Memory Verse Confusion

I was practicing Xander's memory verse for Sunday School with him this morning and the boy, he was plain confused. I repeated the verse several times when I realized why. As we continue to adjust to (A)'s presence in our home, which is challenging for our usually an only child little man, I had Xander repeat the Golden Rule so many times this past week that he thought THAT was his memory verse.

Snowday with the M.Girls

We had plans to meet friends at the Kohls Childrens Museum last week but with the heavy snowfall expected, decided it was not safe to make the long-ish drive (and since the museum closed early due to weather, glad we made that decision). But, since my boys were excited about plans to play with friends and it was FRIDAY, we made the shorter drive to play with the M-girls.

A&A wanted to pose for the camera, to admire themselves on the screen afterwards :) Here's a shot of these oh-so-good buddies.And this TOO CUTE image of Alea? This one is for GmaK. and GmaM. who I know occassionally read this blog :)

Ahh...First Snowfall of the Year

This guy loves the white stuff.
Daddy's snowblower? That's a big-time NO.
But shoveling & snow-angel making? That's a big-time YES!

It Seems All New Again...

We are just a few days short of two weeks as a family of four. Whew!

I have put an amazing amount of miles and used more cell phone minutes than I thought possible. It has been a rollercoaster of home visits, emails, dr. appointments, early intervention meetings, phone calls and networking. I have found myself in some excruciating situations. Dealt with some very hostile participants. Tried to accept/understand family dynamics which are worlds away from what is familiar.

It seems like once you welcome child#2 into your family, it is nearly impossible not to compare him/her with child#1. I am finding that to be the case with our two Safe Family placements. While both boys displayed some crazy curly hair (albeit completely different in color & texture), that is one of the few things (J) and (A) have in common.

(J) was nicknamed THE TANK and (A) simply TINY.
(J) was a mover! (A)vante is too, but he is also a snuggler.
(J) plowed into and thru new experiences/environments. (A) investigates, explores and then examines a little more.
By the time (J) returned home I felt peaceful he was returning to a safe environment. When I try to envision (A)'s future, all I can see is instability & chaos.

And the biggie! I was so determined to protect my heart I never allowed (J) to get TOO close. Not the case with little (A). Unintentionally, I have completely lost my heart to him. Now, it is not all bliss, and we're still in the honeymoon stage, but my heart has been impacted in a way it never has before. It is not exactly a mother's love, that is something entirely different, but a love which is unfamiliar. To be honest, it is a little bit scary. Because this child is NOT mine, nor will ever be. Some days I am afaid I will not simply MISS this child as I do (J), but when (A) leaves I will ACHE for him.

I thought this Safe Family journey would be easier the second time around. I am now realizing that EACH placement will be a unique journey. With NEW lessons to be learned. And NEW opportunities to trust. It was with relunctance that I pursued this ministry. It is with gratitude that I continue on.

Another Visitor in Our Midst...

The X-man is loving this gift from U.Kevin, A.Jolynn, Drew and Landry.

Celebrating with the H.Family

Here are some pictures from our time with the H.Family during the past holiday season. Our family is at the age-stage of "lots of little ones" with six kiddos under age 4. It was a real treat when they ALL took naps & the older kids watched a DVD while the adults got to enjoy uninterrupted time giving/opening gifts and talking with one another.

a new fuseball table provided hours of funa daddy and his son -- Mike & Isaak Ethan tries to help Alexander swing at the right time while playing Wii baseball drew plays some Wii, tooall smiles, Ethan and Landry. love this shot!

Another Guest To Arrive

Tomorrow we'll be welcoming a 1-1/2 year old little boy (A) into our family for a little while, anywhere between several weeks to a couple of months. As with any Safe Family placement, there are lots of complications & plenty of unknowns. If you have a moment would you lift up a prayer for us, specifically for for calm spirits and the ability to rest in His grace for each moment? Thank you, my friends!