Pequenopie “Little Feet” August 28, 2011

This is another beautiful day that we shared blowing bubbles and having fun. So many days with Abby are new and so special. She now says Chee to, for cheetos and pooh ba for pooh bear. She is looking like a big tall toddler and I can’t believe in a little over a month, she will be two years old. It’s gone so fast, its hard to believe it.

Every day I know how we are truly blessed, to have a beautiful loving marriage, to have 4 wonderful sweet daughters, that truly love each other. To have God fully in our lives, family and wonderful friends, how much more could you even ask for?

I think continually through all these changes is our lives, I have shown a love for all of the orphans all over the world. Nothing has changed, if anything, it has grown stronger. We know we can’t foster, adopt or save every child, but we want and choose to do our part. We have decided to open up our home for another child, to foster. Abby is almost two now and since our girls are so old and eventually will all move out and start their own lives, we don’t want her to be all alone with mom and dad.

I know some are probably shocked or looking again at the economy. Michael and our girls are all in agreement, that this is not our life. Ruled by the economy or fear, we are not a family looking for retirement and those things that most families look upon, when their own children go on their way. We are not asking for your permission, we just ask for respect and maybe to hold us up in prayer. I already am praying for the right child to be put into our home. That we would be a blessing to her and protect, love and give her shelter.

I was so encouraged this week by certain people in our lives that are excited for this new step in our lives, this new adventure. Also at church today, I felt like the message was speaking right at me, to move on, to do what my heart is leading us to do and trust in him. What else can I do? When I left for China the 2nd time Michael and I prayed together for God to change me, inside and out. I believe this is still a work in progress and we are living on this journey. One more child safely in a loving, God filled home, precious!

“Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29

More to come!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” August 23, 2011

This past weekend we went to Aunt Barbara’s and Uncle Jerry’s. This time there were some of Michael’s family there and my brother Gregg and his girl friend Jenny and all the girls and their significant others. We had a nice time in the pool and then it got real cloudy. It was a typical weekend in the summer, that you are hoping for nice weather and you get it just a little. Then usually what happens in Michigan, is the next day is beautiful. Abby had fun in the pool and of course being the center of attention.

We had our home visit last week and it went really well. We renewed our foster care license and it was totally worth it. Abby was so cute and is continually growing and changing. She is always picking up new words, just in the last few days she now says pooh ba, for pooh bear. She says something like I wuv u, many different sweet words. She is very active, Jenny was over for the night and said I dont’ know how you keep up with her.

I  guess what really helps me, is the time when she takes her nap, that is moms time. It’s just so hard to cram everything in but I try my best. I also most evenings really look forward to her bed time, that is my time to spend with Michael and the girls and I don’t have to worry about what is Abby into. I have adjusted to having a baby, who isn’t a baby anymore. She is definitely a toddler now and keeps very busy. Mom sure knows when she doesn’t feel well.

“He who did not save his own son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

More to come later!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” August 15, 2011

Beka took this great picture of Abby a few weeks ago, it really says it all. Such a beautiful, miracle she is. I have been reminiscing lately how God worked everything out for us, to end up with her. Out of hundreds and thousands of children, he hand-picked our little girl.

This week we are getting our home inspection done again, to re-new our foster license. We already had the house all cleaned and ready for this, and the guy who we were expecting never showed up. Thankfully he was ok and had mixed up our appointment. These are some of the issues that can come up, when you are working with people who are dedicated to the children but are overworked and under paid.

This foster license is very important to me, it allows us to in the future, bring another child in our home. Protect, love and shelter them while the agency finds them a home. I feel God has put this into my heart and soul, how could I never do the same. Abby had a safe place while we waited and waited, to get our license. It also pays for so much, covers doctor visits, immunizations and food, that it won’t take food out of our girls mouths. It also pays so much a day, it’s not alot but it will cover whatever the child needs. It’s a way to give back with sacrifice and love. If this wasn’t a God thing, then how could I even be considering doing this? All along I have asked God to use me, to open my heart and that I would be willing. I am willing, we have love to give. It is more than the economy, it is more than all of that.

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler or God’s creation. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:14-20

More to come!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” August 8, 2011

Today was a hot and steamy fun day, Michael’s band was playing at our local Gratiot Cruise. This is the first time we had gone to one of these events and had a really nice time. It was way to hot but there was a nice breeze. The music was awesome and it was nice seeing some family. Abby had fun seeing her daddy playing music, and also her sissy Beka came too. We saw Dustin, Aunt’s and Uncles and Stacy and Kyle.

This weekend Abby learned how to say her name, “Ebby” is how she pronounces it. She also started saying dibble dibble from her favorite book and also Barbara for her Aunt Barbara. She is picking up words left and right and getting so heavy, my back hurts quite a bit. She is full of personality and gives the best kisses and pets your hair too.

I finally found some good hair cream to comb her hair and get through the knots. It seems to work much better and Abby doesn’t get as upset. Michael and I had watched a news report a few days ago and we both were very upset by a story we heard. A little girl and her family were walking through a parking lot, after watching a movie, at the theatre and a cup of pop was thrown at the girl. Then the people in a truck started yelling out racist names at her. I don’t get this, this is horrible. No one should be treated like this ever, for the color of their skin, for any reason. It made me want to protect our little Abby to hide her from this cruel world but that isnt’ really possible. How in the world can we protect her and raise her to know who she is, to not be hurt by the ignorance of other people?

All I know right now, is how loved she is and how much she will know that, every day. That she is a gift from God, and so beautiful. We will teach her what her people have been through, the injustice of this world but the love that God has for her.

“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.” Isaiah 33:22

More to come!