To Foster

Shann and I are preparing to become foster parents. We've been thinking about this for years, and are nervous and excited to start this in the next couple of months. We've been processing a lot of issues that may arise, and praying that the Lord will give us the wisdom, strength, and peace to deal with them. And He's doing that with the kids too.

Caden shared some of his feelings with me in the car the other day:
"Mom, when our foster child comes, you will have to put a bib on him with the special pocket that stands out to catch the drool. Especially if he wants to play in my room. Drool on the carpet is unacceptable!"

Gift for us

Last week, we had a wonderful visit with Grandma and Grandpa. And they brought with them Alyssa's birthday present, a bed for Kit! Made by Grandpa himself. Nevermind, Kit's the only one with a real bed here in the apartment! :)

Grandma also made Alyssa a beautiful dress, but I didn't get a picture of it yet! It seems to twirl whenever worn. :)

The Ball

Shann presented Alyssa with this certificate on her birthday, inviting her to accompany him on a date! So Saturday night, they went to a Daddy Daughter Dance! She was SO excited, despite the funny look on her face in this picture. :)

She was so very excited as I was helping her get ready this afternoon, she said to me, "I'm going to a Ball with a MAN! He's a big man, and my Daddy, but Still!"

Caden was very excited for her, and repeatedly told her how pretty she looked (and told Shann how nice he looked). Caden also offered to practice a few dance steps with her, which he did, although I have no idea what experience he pulled on for that!

So sleepy when they got home!

Alyssa's Birthday

Shann had the day off on Alyssa's birthday, so we had a whole day of celebration, starting off with her birthday cereal of choice, Fruity Pebbles. Then we spent a gift card at Toys'R'Us, and then went to Monkey Joes, an inflatable place, where Shann and I sat in giant cushy recliners, and the kids jumped to their heart's content.
That evening, we had a foster care class, so Grammy and Poppy came over to babysit, and brought Reid!

A bit rushed this year, I made cupcakes in the shape of a 6, with this poor little cake left over. Of course its the one in the picture.

Grammy got her a suitcase for Kit's (American Girl Doll) things! With other treasures inside.

We also gave Reid his birthday gift. Alyssa is trying to explain it to him!

Next day, she and her animals are listening to princess songs on her new CD player in her new dress that matches Kit!
**note the giant stuffed unicorn that was picked at Toys'R'Us with her gift card. I thought I did an admirable job of not manipulating what she chose. :)

New Year's Day hike

I love the peace that lingers in woods. Even during the gray of the year...
Why do people throw things in the water? Its a thing.


And this is how most of our hikes end. He's handy to have around.