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.

 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

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 ;)

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-joy-20-uplifting-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2CbXEPSkt

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-joy-20-uplifting-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2CbXEPSkt

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-joy-20-uplifting-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2CbXEPSkt

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-joy-20-uplifting-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2CbXEPSkt

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

Day 55: Halloween Eve

All dressed up!

My little bumblebee :)

Unfortunately, I cannot legally post any pictures of the kids. Hence, the two pictures above of just their backs. But, as you can see, we've been having lots of Halloween fun around here! We've got a muscleman, a superhero from the Fantastic Four, a ladybug (who doubles as a bumblebee), and a pirate! A volunteer group came to the neighborhood on Saturday and hosted a Halloween party for the kids. They had a blast getting all dressed up and collecting LOTS of candy in their new trick-or-treating bags (thanks mom and dad!). My parents sent each child a Halloween gift bag, complete with vampire teeth, candy, crayons, coloring books, and more. They are the best! The kids LOVED their bags and would not put them down all day. Today is Halloween Eve, so that means the big day is just 24 hours away and everyone is getting so excited. I remember being a kid and feeling like it took FOREVER until we got to go trick-or-treating. It was always such a fun part of my childhood and I hope our kids will remember and cherish their Halloween here at Casa :)

Other than that, everything is still going very well. We all fall in love with our children a little more each day. It's hard not to when they are just SO adorable! I really wish my family could meet them all! Now that the holidays are fast approaching, I'm feeling a little homesick knowing that I won't be home for Christmas (my favorite time of the year!). However, I know that this year will be extra special because I'll be spending it with these amazing kids. They deserve to have the best Christmas ever.

In other news, I'll be attending a Joyce Meyer conference next week! I'm really looking forward to it. My mom and I have wanted to see Joyce for awhile now, so this will be really great. I'm also very happy that I've been able to go to church regularly here. I was concerned at first that I wouldn't be able to make it there every week, but so far, it has worked out well. God provides everything we need. I have been realizing that a lot more lately and have found such comfort in that knowledge. Thank you Father, for always being there, loving us unconditionally. Thank you for bringing these little ones into my life. Give me the patience, strength, and grace to be a reflection of Your perfect light to these children at all times. Amen.

"The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed." - 2 Timothy 4:17

Day 47: His Love

There is not much new to report on, only that with each passing day, my love for these children grows deeper and deeper. They are seriously the sweetest, most resilient kids I've ever known. They make me laugh and cry; they make me want to pull my hair out one minute, but then they melt my heart the next. I love them. God loves them. He is enough.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5

Day 40: Forty Days of Casa

FORTY DAYS? Has it really been forty days? Feels like just yesterday I was in the airport with my mom, nervous and excited for my new Houston journey. As I sit here (relaxing during naptime!), I can't help but reflect on the past 40 days and acknowledge God's guidance and grace in my life. I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Before I had even heard about Casa, working my 9-to-5 back in Syracuse, I was praying for God to guide me toward my next step in life. I had no idea what that might entail or what He had in mind, but I knew I needed to trust and follow. So I did. I followed Him all the way to Houston and have never felt such peace about a decision.

Although I have only committed for one year here and I have no idea what my next chapter will be, I am certain of one thing: my future is in God's hands. God is already there. May He grant me the strength to follow wherever He leads.

On a different note, the kids are still doing great. Sometimes they'll get sad and ask about their mom or dad, which is always so hard to hear. I never know the right words to say. I just reassure them that we love them and are here for them. They are so strong! At such a young age, they have already experienced so much adversity. My only comfort is knowing that God is with them. I pray that He uses me to bring joy and peace to their lives.

"Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones." - Isaiah 49:13