Wordless Wednesday: Brody's First Haircut!!

Yes, this is what Emma wore (minus the flamingo mask).

Brody didn't even cry!  

The clippers made him a little nervous.

All done!  My handsome boy (5 of his 6 teeth are showing)! :)

One Of My Favorites

The first blog that I ever stumbled across was Angie Smith's blog, Bring The Rain.  If you haven't read this family's story - you must.  Angie is a wonderful writer and I love love love reading her blog. It has touched me and encouraged me as a young Christian woman/wife/mom.  She truly inspires me.

Angie is currently in India working with Compassion International.  She is in need of prayers and I ask that you would all lift her (and the whole Compassion International team) up in prayer. Angie's latest post resonated with me in such a deep way....

...I may (or may not) have mentioned it, but having Faith here has been a wonderful albeit difficult adjustment that has left Mark and I tired and tested.

Angie's post reminded me of WHOSE child we are caring for and how significant that is.  It put our desire to serve God in this way back into perspective.  Because believe me...we have had moments where we wonder why in the world we signed on for this.

But this is not about us.

And I am so thankful that the Lord reached out to me today and reminded me of exactly why we are doing this.  That the child we are caring for, loving on, waking up twice a night for, feeding, changing, rocking, nurturing is HIS.  

We have been given a wonderful opportunity to minister to her family and love her as well as we can while she is a part of our family.  And even is she never knows who we are, it is so worth it.

Monday Musings

For Today...Monday, April 27, 2009

Outside my window...birds chirping on this overcast CA day.
I am thinking...that I need to bust out some cleaning/laundry today.
I am thankful for...my friend Jenny who is arranging meals for our family and is bringing us dinner tonight!!!  
From the kitchen...counters need cleaning.
I am wearing...a thermal shirt and pj bottoms.
I am creating...a more organized home this week.
I am going...to the party store today to buy stuff for Brody's first birthday party!
I am reading...the book of John this week.
I am hoping...that the weather will be nice for Brody's party.
I am hearing...Emma reading and the baby swing.
Around the house...baby stuff galore.
One of my favorite things...sleeping without interruption - oh how I miss it.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Bible study, hanging out with Eve Tuesday, leaving for central CA Friday.
Here is a picture that I'm sharing: aren't they cute?!  (Thank you Aunt Sharon for Brody's bday present!  The clothes were adorable and he loves the trucks!)

My Latest...

I am sitting here drinking my coffee in my personalized Anthropologie mug that Kari got me for Christmas wishing I were still in bed.  I miss sleeping.  I am the type of girl that needs 8 hours of sleep in order to be nice.  Today I will have to work VERY hard at being nice.

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Lately I've been day dreaming about moving to the South.  Specifically Texas, South Carolina (maybe not after the fires there...so sad), Georgia (Savannah, to be exact) or Tennessee.  

I think that this is because for $250,000 I can get this sprawling 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2900 sq.ft. home in Texas:

Beautiful, huh?

For $250,000 I can get this 4 bedroom, 2 bath 1300 sq.ft. home in South San Diego (about 30 minutes from downtown):

Big difference, huh?

We have been home searching and although our budget is more than $250,000 (it has to be to get something large enough that is in the area we live) it is super depressing to know that if we left this expensive state we could get so much more for our money.

Mark would leave in a second.  His reasoning: we could move to the South or Midwest, he'd get paid the same as here in Southern CA, but we'd live so comfortably.  It would be easy and so much less stress.

If it weren't for the fact that most of our family lives in central CA, I'd totally be on board.  I've always secretly wanted to be a southern belle! ;)

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Remember my plans to shape up?  

Yeah...I forgot about it too.  

I still exercise here and there, but have not hit it hard in a while.  I could blame my busy schedule, the energy-sucking demands of kids, etc., but regardless, summer is just around the corner and I need to go bathing suit shopping.

Joy.

I better get on it or I'll have to sport one of these from modestswimwear.com :

Kidding.  I am modest (especially with these few extra pounds hangin' out) but I'm thinkin' a tankini will do for this year.  

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Next weekend is a BIG weekend for me (oh yeah, and Brody!).

My baby boy is turning one a week from tomorrow!  *sniff sniff* 

In preparation for his Birthday festivities (big bday party on May 2nd up north) tomorrow is his first haircut!  I will probably cry because I am a big baby when it comes to milestones. Sunday is his 1 year pictures.  I can't believe its been a year already!  We are so, so very blessed and he is the most precious little boy.

Pics of his first haircut coming soon....

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There is a lot more that falls under the "my latest" category but I'll end with a very interesting article that I came across this morning:

Apparently there is a 'No Poo' Movement sweeping the country (I may be exaggerating a little).  I might just have to give this a try; I'm a little granola when it comes to things like this. It was such an interesting read and I am seriously considering giving it a go (but oh how I'd miss my shampoo)...opinions?? 

Have a great Friday!

-Alison

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Pics From Easter

Day Before Easter:

Finished coloring eggs with Nana.

Ready to open Easter baskets from Nana and Papa!

Coloring eggs at Grandma & Larry's house.

At Grandpa & Delia's for dinner.

My beautiful sister, Megan.

Opening Easter baskets from Grandpa & Delia.

Brody was more interested in Grandpa than the bunny!

Our Resurrection Eggs!

Easter Sunday:

Stop #1 - Mom & Larry's House

Grandma & Emma both looking beautiful!

(Emma's Princess pose - its her new thing.)

Our family.

With cousin Grace.

Stop #2 - Uncle Ray & Aunt Evie's House

Brody's first Easter! 

Checking out the eggs.

Brody with pretty little Grace.

Emma huntin' away....

All the ladies...

All the fella's...

Stop #3 (that's right...crazy busy) - Tia Delma & Tio Telma's house:

With Grandpa (& Bro's Nie Nie...he was tired).

Love hanging around this table.

Calgon...Take Me Away

I really thought that I would transition into foster parenting with grace.

Wrong....!!!

I have been so tired these past few weeks, and I have to admit, a bit overwhelmed.  

Juggling the kids schedules, Emma's activities (like play-dates and now soccer), nursing Brody, feeding the baby every few hours (these two combined at night - not fun), taking the baby to mom visits, diapers, diapers and more diapers, running my business (not sure if I've mentioned it but I'm a Wedding Coordinator), leading a Bible study (which sadly, I've missed the past few weeks), homeschooling Emma, and keeping up with the house chores and cooking: 

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If there is anyone who owns a luxurious spa out there who wants a review done, I'm SO there!  I need a break.  Some peace and quiet.  Time to recharge.

But since the spa scenario is unlikely, a date with my husband tonight will have to do. ;o)  We're going to one of my favorite seafood restaurants and I plan to wine and dine like this is the last date we'll have for a while...

...because it probably will be.

*Random side note: Emma is watching Go, Diego Go! - the one about Macaroni Penguins and she just said, "That's gross!  I didn't know penguins had an egg in their cu!" (pronouced COO)  

In case you haven't figured it out, cu is our word for bottom.  In Portuguese "cu" is slang for rabo, which literally means bottom.  

She is so funny! 

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Okay, time to get ready for my hot date!  Hope you all have a great Friday evening!

-Alison

Wordless Wednesday

Three Kids

Exhausting.

That is all I can say.  

I used to want four and was even open to five but today caused me to rethink that.  Today I ventured out with all three and let. me. tell. you.

wow.

I got in the van (LOVE IT!) and halfway to our destination realized that the stroller didn't get returned to the van (LOVE IT!) after unpacking it yesterday from our trip to visit family up North for Easter.  So...I had to lug Bro on my hip, Faith in her carrier while Emma trailed behind.  

Needless to say, my back is killing me.  Have I mentioned that Brody, who is 11 1/2 months, weighs 24 lbs.?  Yeah.

Other than the hectic day of trying to run errands with the three kids, everything has been working out well with little miss Faith.  

Please continue to pray for us.  There has been talk of Faith's two year old sister staying with us as well (!) and I just don't know if I can hang with all four kids.  If its the Lord's will I know I can do it, but man oh man...  

Hope you all had a great Easter!  Pics to come soon!

-Alison

Wordless Wednesday

Court

UPDATE:  The social worker called us at noon and the court ruled to keep baby Faith with us! Praise God!   I was nervous all morning and so relieved that the judge made a wise ruling.  

Don't misunderstand, I am sad for the birth mother but at the same time she made the decisions that put herself in this situation and baby Faith shouldn't suffer for her mistakes.  

There is another trial April 20th (the Jurisdiction & Disposition Hearing) and that will determine whether the baby is to be under the jurisdiction of the court (like her sister, who is also in foster care - this scenario is likely) and to evaluate how the mother's disposition is and whether they will continue to offer her services (which they will if she continues to do what she's supposed to).  

There is a slight chance that the court could grant her custody of the baby, but the children's social worker thinks that is highly unlikely since the hearing is in 3 weeks, she isn't able to care for her 2 year old right now and she'll just be starting her services.  

So it looks like baby Faith will be here with us for a minimum of 6 months.  Can anyone get a good deal on a van? :)

Please continue to pray...

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Today the Judge will decide whether baby Faith stays with us or is placed with her mother.

Nervous is an understatement.

I spent over 3 hours with the birth mother this weekend and I cannot see how any judge would put a child in her care.  I am sad for her, I am sad for Faith.  I am praying that God gives this Judge wisdom and that Faith stays here.  

I can't go into details about conversations I've had with the birth mother, but I am fearful of Faith's safety if she goes back today.  I knew the mother has some mental issues going in to this, but witnessed them first-hand this weekend.  

Please be in prayer for baby Faith.  Also, please be in prayer for her mother and father.  They have a lot of issues to work through.  

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On a lighter note, Faith is a complete joy!  She is such an easy-going baby.  She eats so well and is sleeping great.  I thought that we would be completely sleep-deprived, but she sleeps through the night better than our own babies did and they were great sleepers!  

Emma thinks that she is so sweet and Brody is very curious about her! :)  Here is a pic from this weekend (thought I'd share since her face isn't too visible).  

We have so many friends and family praying for this precious child and ask you to lift her up in prayer as well.

I will update as soon as I know anything...

-Alison

We REALLY Got The Call

I woke up this morning and just had a feeling that we'd be getting a call from our Placement Coordinator.

Sure enough, at 11am, she called.  She wanted to know if we would take a 4 day old baby girl and if so, could we be at the hospital before 3pm.  We didn't even think twice about it.  We dropped our children off at a good friends house and off we went to the hospital.

Mark and I both knew that we'd be getting called for a baby.  After last week's experience we felt the Lord preparing our hearts for it.

It was so very strange going to the hospital, signing all the release forms in place of the birth mother, and then meeting the mom only to leave with her baby minutes later.  

My heart broke for her.

But while we were there I did my best to reassure her that everything would be okay.  That her sweet baby is in good hands and that I'm sure she'll return home soon (which I'm not). She seemed to like us and I think she felt a little more reassured after our conversation.  

There is a court hearing on Monday to determine whether or not the baby can return to her. From what I've heard from all the social workers involved with this case, its not looking good for the mother.  She has 4 other children that have been taken from her.  I am sad for her. 

We'll see what the Judge decides on Monday. 

I know that many of you are wanting details, but I can't really divulge too much about the baby here.  We have to keep her identity as confidential as possible.  I'll call her baby Faith here on my blog.  She is adorable and very calm.  She is a healthy baby was not born with any drugs in her system, which we are thankful for.  I have already spoken with the birth mom on the phone this evening and she says that baby Faith sleeps very well through the night, so we'll see how that goes! :)   I'll be meeting with the birth mom a couple times over the weekend so they can spend time together.

Thank you all for your prayers.  We feel honored to be caring for this sweet baby while she is here.  I have faith that Lord will do His good work throughout this situation and I have faith that there will be a positive outcome.  

Happy April Fools Day!!!!

I had to do it!  Its expected of me! :)

But thank you for all the well wishes and congratulations!!!!  There will be a similar post one day- a REAL one- as we do hope to get pregnant one more time.  But as for now, I am not expecting!  (I feel kind of bad...I put up this post to fool my hubs at work...and yes, he freaked out!)

Love you all and hope you have a fantastic April!!!

Wordless Wednesday