Each day with these children is filled with sweet moments that melt my heart. I want to write them down so I can look back one day and remember the joy.
Singing lullabies to M before bed. She has the biggest smile on her face. She sings with me. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Happy Birthday". As I hold her, listening to this 2-year-old sing, I think to myself: I cannot imagine a happier sound. It's true. The voice of a child, singing so innocently in the night, without a care in the world, looking up at you with pure love...this is heaven. Thank you, sweet girl, for showing me a little slice of heaven tonight.
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."- Revelation 7:17
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Day 129: Unforgettable
I want to remember everything about them.
A. Sweet, sweet A. When I first met him, I was unsure how to handle him. He was aggressive, loud, threw tantrums, and refused to listen. Looking back on those first days with him, I am amazed how he has progressed into the sweetest, funniest, happiest little boy. I never knew I would grow to love him this much. He says the most hilarious things. "I love you ALL THE WAY OUT THE UNIVERSE!" "And I was like, whaaat?" "Do ya love me?" "How many? Like THESE MANY?" "Don't get a haircut! You're my best friend!" "You think this is cool?" "I've got strong muscles!" He memorizes how to spell everyone's name, which is pretty impressive for a 4-year-old. We've got a genius on our hands, folks! He remembers everything you say, even if it was 4 months ago (this can be good or bad). He's outgoing, joyful, and knows how to push our buttons. He loves to swing "high up in the sky" and run "super fast". He loves going to preschool, wearing his backpack, and always wishes he had homework (I'd love to remind him of that when he's older). He's always excited to see us. It fills my heart with so much joy when he comes running over to give me a long, tight hug. I wish I could bottle it up. I love when I walk past his room at night, and he whispers "Rachel, I love you!" and blows me a kiss. How lucky am I? He's so good at doing puzzles. He wants to be Batman for Halloween next year. He looks up to the older boys. He loved D, so much. I know he still misses him (so do I, buddy). He has the best smile. He fills my world with laughter. I want to know him forever and ever.
J. My little man. The most kindhearted 3-year-old I've ever known. I knew he was sweet-to-the-core when I first met him. That smile and those big brown eyes just melted my heart. He's such a ham. It's hard to get mad at him. He flashes me that smile and knows he's got me wrapped around his little finger. He is so easygoing. I wish I was more like him. He shares all of his toys. He lets his brother and sister take his toys. He'll just move on and find something else to play with (yes, he really is that nice!). When A or M get upset, J always runs over to comfort them. He puts his little hand on their shoulder and pats their back. When one of X's toys broke, J offered him his. These sweet little moments can really teach us all a lesson in selfless love. Thank you, J, for showing me that love and kindness are more important than satisfying selfish desires. I can always count on you. He loves waffles and fruit. He hates pizza and pancakes. He loves to "cheers" at the table. He always takes my cellphone. He's afraid of the "choo-choo" at night, but loves playing with his toy train. He loves "bubba" and "ya-ya" so much. He gets frustrated when we don't know what he's saying. I pray that he learns how to talk soon. I pray that his beautiful soul shines this brightly forever.
M. My favorite little girl. My darling, spunky, crazy, loud, gorgeous little girl. She knows I think she's the cutest thing in the world. I adore her. The other day, when she was being loud in her crib trying to wake up "bubba", I go in the room and say, "M, do you need to take a break in the hall?" She looked up at me smiling and nodded her head "yes". I tried really hard not to laugh. I failed. She started laughing, too. Let's just say, it was not the most successful nap-time. She loves pretending to be a monster. She goes around saying "rah!", trying to scare everyone, even the baby. Poor baby. She has learned all of our names and says them in the cutest 2-year-old voice I've ever heard. "Bay-chel! Bay-chel! Bay-chel!" She has the best laugh. It is contagious. She loves to sing "happy birthday" and have tea parties. She loves to play with the boys, much to their dismay. She loves to eat. She's the slowest, messiest eater in the house. She always wants to be held (I can't say no). She screams our names loudly to get attention. She whines. She blows kisses. She has me wrapped around her finger. I want to watch her grow into the beautiful woman I know she'll be. I hope she always keeps that fiery determination. I hope she knows how much she is loved.
Baby J. Ohh, baby J. The cutest baby I've ever seen in my life. Seriously, I'm not lying. His big blue eyes, wide toothless grin, sweet giggles, fuzzy hair, and his wonderful baby scent are the BEST. If I could, I would bottle up his scent and sell it in stores. I wake up craving it. Weird, right? Even though he sometimes drives us crazy with his constant need to be held and lack of sleep, we wouldn't trade him for the world. He has the best smile. It melts my heart every single time. In the middle of the night, when all I want to do is sleep but he won't let me, he'll flash me that grin and let out a chuckle. Suddenly, it's all worth it and all I want to do is cuddle with him and kiss his chubby cheeks. So much love wells up inside me every time his little hand curls around my finger. I am so blessed. I get to play with this adorable baby all day, everyday. I want to keep him forever. I pray that God leads him to a good, loving family who will teach him all about Jesus and His perfect love. May he grow up to be a strong, God-fearing man who loves the Lord with all his heart. I know he won't remember us, but I hope he knows that his first months on Earth were filled with joy, love, and lots of laughter.
X. The X-man. Our newest family member. Feels like he's been with us forever! These past two weeks with him have been so fun. I look forward to getting to know him better and undoubtedly falling in love with him more and more each day. This 6-year-old man is a sweetheart. He's always trying to make us smile. He eats everything. He loves broccoli, carrots, and any fruit you can think of (especially pears). This has rubbed off on A (thank God!). He loves dancing and singing. "Can we have a dance party?" is a question he asks multiple times a day. We [usually] oblige. He sings all day. He sings pop songs, Disney songs, Veggie Tales songs, and even sweet lullabies for the baby. He was so happy and touched that Santa remembered him and sent him gifts (thanks Mom and Dad). He lost his second front tooth the other day. The tooth fairy came and I've never seen such a big, toothless smile! It's the little things in life. He teaches me that everyday. He is so kind. He loves superheroes, especially Iron Man and Captain America. The little ones look up to him. He fits so nicely in our family. We love him. I hope he keeps that dancing spirit forever.
These children, these memories, all these little moments are truly unforgettable. I want to remember every little thing. Every little smile, every little laugh, every little tear, every little hug and kiss...I will treasure forever. Lately, I've been trying to imagine what they'll be like when they're 10, 20, 30 years old. The hardest part is knowing that I'll never know. They'll be gone from my life (sooner than I care to think about) and I won't know every little beautiful thing they do. It's hard, so I'll place this burden in God's loving hands. I am so thankful for His comfort and strength.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts." - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
A. Sweet, sweet A. When I first met him, I was unsure how to handle him. He was aggressive, loud, threw tantrums, and refused to listen. Looking back on those first days with him, I am amazed how he has progressed into the sweetest, funniest, happiest little boy. I never knew I would grow to love him this much. He says the most hilarious things. "I love you ALL THE WAY OUT THE UNIVERSE!" "And I was like, whaaat?" "Do ya love me?" "How many? Like THESE MANY?" "Don't get a haircut! You're my best friend!" "You think this is cool?" "I've got strong muscles!" He memorizes how to spell everyone's name, which is pretty impressive for a 4-year-old. We've got a genius on our hands, folks! He remembers everything you say, even if it was 4 months ago (this can be good or bad). He's outgoing, joyful, and knows how to push our buttons. He loves to swing "high up in the sky" and run "super fast". He loves going to preschool, wearing his backpack, and always wishes he had homework (I'd love to remind him of that when he's older). He's always excited to see us. It fills my heart with so much joy when he comes running over to give me a long, tight hug. I wish I could bottle it up. I love when I walk past his room at night, and he whispers "Rachel, I love you!" and blows me a kiss. How lucky am I? He's so good at doing puzzles. He wants to be Batman for Halloween next year. He looks up to the older boys. He loved D, so much. I know he still misses him (so do I, buddy). He has the best smile. He fills my world with laughter. I want to know him forever and ever.
J. My little man. The most kindhearted 3-year-old I've ever known. I knew he was sweet-to-the-core when I first met him. That smile and those big brown eyes just melted my heart. He's such a ham. It's hard to get mad at him. He flashes me that smile and knows he's got me wrapped around his little finger. He is so easygoing. I wish I was more like him. He shares all of his toys. He lets his brother and sister take his toys. He'll just move on and find something else to play with (yes, he really is that nice!). When A or M get upset, J always runs over to comfort them. He puts his little hand on their shoulder and pats their back. When one of X's toys broke, J offered him his. These sweet little moments can really teach us all a lesson in selfless love. Thank you, J, for showing me that love and kindness are more important than satisfying selfish desires. I can always count on you. He loves waffles and fruit. He hates pizza and pancakes. He loves to "cheers" at the table. He always takes my cellphone. He's afraid of the "choo-choo" at night, but loves playing with his toy train. He loves "bubba" and "ya-ya" so much. He gets frustrated when we don't know what he's saying. I pray that he learns how to talk soon. I pray that his beautiful soul shines this brightly forever.
M. My favorite little girl. My darling, spunky, crazy, loud, gorgeous little girl. She knows I think she's the cutest thing in the world. I adore her. The other day, when she was being loud in her crib trying to wake up "bubba", I go in the room and say, "M, do you need to take a break in the hall?" She looked up at me smiling and nodded her head "yes". I tried really hard not to laugh. I failed. She started laughing, too. Let's just say, it was not the most successful nap-time. She loves pretending to be a monster. She goes around saying "rah!", trying to scare everyone, even the baby. Poor baby. She has learned all of our names and says them in the cutest 2-year-old voice I've ever heard. "Bay-chel! Bay-chel! Bay-chel!" She has the best laugh. It is contagious. She loves to sing "happy birthday" and have tea parties. She loves to play with the boys, much to their dismay. She loves to eat. She's the slowest, messiest eater in the house. She always wants to be held (I can't say no). She screams our names loudly to get attention. She whines. She blows kisses. She has me wrapped around her finger. I want to watch her grow into the beautiful woman I know she'll be. I hope she always keeps that fiery determination. I hope she knows how much she is loved.
Baby J. Ohh, baby J. The cutest baby I've ever seen in my life. Seriously, I'm not lying. His big blue eyes, wide toothless grin, sweet giggles, fuzzy hair, and his wonderful baby scent are the BEST. If I could, I would bottle up his scent and sell it in stores. I wake up craving it. Weird, right? Even though he sometimes drives us crazy with his constant need to be held and lack of sleep, we wouldn't trade him for the world. He has the best smile. It melts my heart every single time. In the middle of the night, when all I want to do is sleep but he won't let me, he'll flash me that grin and let out a chuckle. Suddenly, it's all worth it and all I want to do is cuddle with him and kiss his chubby cheeks. So much love wells up inside me every time his little hand curls around my finger. I am so blessed. I get to play with this adorable baby all day, everyday. I want to keep him forever. I pray that God leads him to a good, loving family who will teach him all about Jesus and His perfect love. May he grow up to be a strong, God-fearing man who loves the Lord with all his heart. I know he won't remember us, but I hope he knows that his first months on Earth were filled with joy, love, and lots of laughter.
X. The X-man. Our newest family member. Feels like he's been with us forever! These past two weeks with him have been so fun. I look forward to getting to know him better and undoubtedly falling in love with him more and more each day. This 6-year-old man is a sweetheart. He's always trying to make us smile. He eats everything. He loves broccoli, carrots, and any fruit you can think of (especially pears). This has rubbed off on A (thank God!). He loves dancing and singing. "Can we have a dance party?" is a question he asks multiple times a day. We [usually] oblige. He sings all day. He sings pop songs, Disney songs, Veggie Tales songs, and even sweet lullabies for the baby. He was so happy and touched that Santa remembered him and sent him gifts (thanks Mom and Dad). He lost his second front tooth the other day. The tooth fairy came and I've never seen such a big, toothless smile! It's the little things in life. He teaches me that everyday. He is so kind. He loves superheroes, especially Iron Man and Captain America. The little ones look up to him. He fits so nicely in our family. We love him. I hope he keeps that dancing spirit forever.
These children, these memories, all these little moments are truly unforgettable. I want to remember every little thing. Every little smile, every little laugh, every little tear, every little hug and kiss...I will treasure forever. Lately, I've been trying to imagine what they'll be like when they're 10, 20, 30 years old. The hardest part is knowing that I'll never know. They'll be gone from my life (sooner than I care to think about) and I won't know every little beautiful thing they do. It's hard, so I'll place this burden in God's loving hands. I am so thankful for His comfort and strength.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts." - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Friday, January 11, 2013
Day 128: I Love
Today, I love...
M's contagious laugh and mischievous smile, A's swollen cheeks and silver teeth from the dentist, J's monster slippers and how much he loves them, X's crazy dance moves, and baby J's wide toothless grin. These are a few of my favorite things.
Even when they yell at the dinner table, play with their food, cry at bedtime, throw temper tantrums, splash water from the tub, spill milk on me, make messes, and completely 100% tire me out...they are the loves of my life. The sweetest souls I've ever known.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you for filling me up with Your love through these children. Thank you for allowing me to fill them with Your love. Thank you for that moment last night, tucking A into bed, when he looked up at me and said, "I love you Rachel...so much." And I knew he meant it...so much. Right back at you, bud.
"Learn to do what is right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the case of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow and orphan." - Isaiah 1:17
M's contagious laugh and mischievous smile, A's swollen cheeks and silver teeth from the dentist, J's monster slippers and how much he loves them, X's crazy dance moves, and baby J's wide toothless grin. These are a few of my favorite things.
Even when they yell at the dinner table, play with their food, cry at bedtime, throw temper tantrums, splash water from the tub, spill milk on me, make messes, and completely 100% tire me out...they are the loves of my life. The sweetest souls I've ever known.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you for filling me up with Your love through these children. Thank you for allowing me to fill them with Your love. Thank you for that moment last night, tucking A into bed, when he looked up at me and said, "I love you Rachel...so much." And I knew he meant it...so much. Right back at you, bud.
"Learn to do what is right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the case of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow and orphan." - Isaiah 1:17
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Day 111: Christmas Day
Christmas was a magical time here with my Houston family. There is nothing more special than spending Christmastime with children. The joy and excitement in their eyes make it all worthwhile. I am so blessed. Thank you Father, for giving me these precious souls to spend this holy time with. What a wonderful Christmas! It was one I will never forget.
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." - Matthew 2:10
My sweet little elf :)
Christmas morning caroling in our PJs!
Family band ;)
We wish you a merry Christmas...
Santa was so good to us!
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." - Matthew 2:10
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Day 95: The Holiday Spirit
It's that time of year again! Christmas is coming soon and our home is filled with the holiday spirit. We've decorated our tree, started our Christmas countdown, and made homemade ornaments. The kids did a great job! They are so excited for Santa to come visit. The "Elf on the Shelf" is making sure they're behaving and will report back to Santa ;)
In other news, the four of us were able to have a day out together last Wednesday. We went to Galveston, which is a beach town about an hour away from Houston. We rode the ferry, spotted lots of dolphins, and explored the cute little town. After that, we drove back to Houston for a nice dinner downtown. It was great to be able to have some time off together. Of course, we spent most of the time talking about the kids and wondering how they were doing!
I also have some good and bad news. We'll start with the bad: our little baby girl was discharged from our care a few days ago. She is an adorable, sweet baby and we're so sad to see her go. However, I know that God has her safely in the palm of His hands. May He bless and protect her in this next stage of her life. Now for some good news: We have a new baby boy! He's also adorable and sweet (although, what baby isn't??) and has the biggest, brightest eyes! I am so thankful that God has entrusted us with this precious new life. Just in time for Christmas!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Decorating the tree!
:)
In other news, the four of us were able to have a day out together last Wednesday. We went to Galveston, which is a beach town about an hour away from Houston. We rode the ferry, spotted lots of dolphins, and explored the cute little town. After that, we drove back to Houston for a nice dinner downtown. It was great to be able to have some time off together. Of course, we spent most of the time talking about the kids and wondering how they were doing!
Enjoying Galveston...
London?? Nope, just Galveston :)
I also have some good and bad news. We'll start with the bad: our little baby girl was discharged from our care a few days ago. She is an adorable, sweet baby and we're so sad to see her go. However, I know that God has her safely in the palm of His hands. May He bless and protect her in this next stage of her life. Now for some good news: We have a new baby boy! He's also adorable and sweet (although, what baby isn't??) and has the biggest, brightest eyes! I am so thankful that God has entrusted us with this precious new life. Just in time for Christmas!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Day 84: The Little Things
Life is all about the little things. Things like my little man pulling his baby sister in the wagon, all by himself. It was a perfect evening. Right before it got dark, a little chill in the air, just me and the three kiddos riding around the neighborhood in our red wagon. Looking back at them, I had to stop and smile. We shared a happy moment with God, the four of us together. His presence was tangible. Thank you, Lord Jesus. For all the little moments You have given me with these children. I never imagined I would love them so much. I am so thankful for every moment I get to spend with their sweet faces.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above." - James 1:17
Friday, November 23, 2012
Day 79: Thanksgiving
Although this Thanksgiving was filled with a heavy heart due to a missing piece, it was a day full of thanks and love! Our sweet 6-year-old is onto the next chapter of his childhood and we are all praying for his well-being. May his life be filled with God's love and all the sweet childhood innocence that he so desperately deserves. We are loving you always. With that being said, our home was still a happy one on this lovely holiday. We ate so much. Turkey, cornbread stuffing (a Texas tradition), sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and PIE! The whole dinner was donated (thank you, sweet volunteers!) and everything was absolutely delicious. We got up early, stayed in our PJs for awhile, watched the parade, dressed up the kids real cute, went outside for our own little "turkey parade" around the neighborhood, ate two huge meals, and had a wonderful day together as a family. We even filled the kids with enough tryptophan for a nice long nap!
I was able to video chat with my family as well, which was so nice. It feels so different being here in Houston during this time of year. 80 degrees on Thanksgiving?? That just isn't right :) Although I am feeling homesick this holiday season, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else but right here with these amazing children. I'm in love with each and every one of them. I was just standing there today, looking at their smiling faces, thinking how lucky I am to know them. I just wish I could know them forever. Yesterday's goodbye brought the realization that I will have to say goodbye to all of these beautiful souls. Their future is in God's hands alone. May He protect and guide them always.
"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." - 1 Chronicles 29:13
I was able to video chat with my family as well, which was so nice. It feels so different being here in Houston during this time of year. 80 degrees on Thanksgiving?? That just isn't right :) Although I am feeling homesick this holiday season, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else but right here with these amazing children. I'm in love with each and every one of them. I was just standing there today, looking at their smiling faces, thinking how lucky I am to know them. I just wish I could know them forever. Yesterday's goodbye brought the realization that I will have to say goodbye to all of these beautiful souls. Their future is in God's hands alone. May He protect and guide them always.
"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." - 1 Chronicles 29:13
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Day 77: Saying Goodbye
Today was a hard day - a day filled with anxiety, sadness, confusion, and one very tear-filled goodbye. It was an unimaginably difficult day for my sweet six-year-old boy. To undergo so much adversity at such a young age is truly impossible for me to comprehend. I have been begging God all day to fill his beautiful soul with the strength and courage he needs to overcome these hard times. Life can be so unfair.
On the day before Thanksgiving, a time for family and friends to gather together in love, our sweet boy was moved from our home and relocated. I am still confused by the whole process and do not fully understand the reasoning, but I pray that God takes this situation into His capable hands and leads our boy to a loving home. He deserves all the love in the world.
Trying to explain to him that he'll be leaving us for a new home was the most difficult moment I've had as a foster parent so far. How can a six-year-old be expected to understand? "I won't be here for Thanksgiving? I want to stay here with you." What do I say to that? All I could do was hold him close and wipe away his tears. God is with you, buddy. We'll miss you and love you forever.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." - Psalm 34:17
On the day before Thanksgiving, a time for family and friends to gather together in love, our sweet boy was moved from our home and relocated. I am still confused by the whole process and do not fully understand the reasoning, but I pray that God takes this situation into His capable hands and leads our boy to a loving home. He deserves all the love in the world.
Trying to explain to him that he'll be leaving us for a new home was the most difficult moment I've had as a foster parent so far. How can a six-year-old be expected to understand? "I won't be here for Thanksgiving? I want to stay here with you." What do I say to that? All I could do was hold him close and wipe away his tears. God is with you, buddy. We'll miss you and love you forever.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." - Psalm 34:17
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Day 74: The Joys of the Overnight
Last night, on the overnight shift with our precious baby girl (who is almost TWO months already!), I had a beautiful moment with God. Lying there, with her sweet head on my shoulder, eyelids fluttering as she slept soundly, I couldn't help but smile in utter joy. I thought to myself, "Wow, I am so lucky. So lucky that on this night, God has entrusted this beautiful life to me." It was in this moment that life felt absolutely perfect. I spent some time just watching her sleep, praying that God would guide her through the trials and tribulations that will inevitably enter her life, as they enter all of our earthly lives. Although she'll certainly have her share of hardship, on this night, she knows only love. Thanks be to God.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13
Friday, November 9, 2012
Day 65: Enjoying Everyday Life
As hinted in the title of this post, I attended a Joyce Meyer conference last night here in Houston at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church. I went with a couple other houseparents and had such an enjoyable night full of praise, worship, and wonderful biblical insights from Joyce. The theme of her message last night was celebrating everyday life: focusing on the positives and giving your burdens to God. As Christians, we hear this message a lot. However, it's often so difficult to do and I definitely needed the reminder! As a foster parent to five beautiful children, the monotony of routine can easily creep in and sabotage the simple joys of everyday life. I need to take time out each day to just sit in appreciation of my life and all the amazing people in it. I need to revel in the laughter of our kids and let go of my mental "to-do list" every now and then! It's moments like these that will stay with me forever. Sweeping all the cheerios off the floor can wait a few minutes while my four-year-old shows me his new "ninja cape" or my six-year-old sings "Hakuna Matata" for the hundredth time or my three-year-old walks around in slippers 10 sizes too big for him with the silliest smile on his face or my two-year-old laughs uncontrollably as she pretends to be a monster and scares her big brother. Or even when my precious baby girl gives us a huge, adorable smile (usually right before a massive poop explosion). These moments aren't defined by how clean the kitchen was or how messy my hair looked that day; these moments are defined by the sheer beauty of God's perfect light, shining brightly through the eyes of a child.
Lord, help me to remember your love and beauty in every situation. No matter how many "burdens" lay in front of me, help me to see only You and to reflect only Your love to every person I meet. Help me to enjoy my everyday life. You've given me a great one.
“For the word of God is alive and active…” - Hebrews 4:12
Lord, help me to remember your love and beauty in every situation. No matter how many "burdens" lay in front of me, help me to see only You and to reflect only Your love to every person I meet. Help me to enjoy my everyday life. You've given me a great one.
“For the word of God is alive and active…” - Hebrews 4:12
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)