Christian

He had his first visit with his Great Aunt and Uncle yesterday. They were very kind people. They looked like a set of sweet grandparents. She is 60, not sure about him. Meaning, when he is 20, she would be 80. They were so nice. If I had met them for Hunter, Amber, or Talan, I would have been so excited to meet such kind people to take care of them, such relief. Instead, I just feel lots of sadness. And Fear. The caseworker did tell me that they are recommending that Zachariah stay with us. I am still very nervous that this can affect him in some way though. And I just really, really want them to grow up together. I saw mine grow up together, and I know how special that is. Clay thinks we will either get to keep both, or neither. I just don't know what to think. I wish they would hurry up and have the staffing so I will know a little more what is going on.

I don't know why this has hit me so hard. Every child we have had has had visits. Everyone we have had was an uncertain outcome. I didn't go into fostering to adopt, I went into it to foster them, for as long as they need me. It is just that Christian is Zachariah's brother, so he instantly felt so much more like ours when he came. I am trying really hard to get my mind right about this. I want what is best for both boys, whatever it may be. I have to get my mind right about this, b/c otherwise, if he leaves, I will just be devastated.

Splish Splash!

Zachariah is a very active 1 1/2 yr old! I can't believe he is already 18 months old! He is becoming a little person so quickly. Not long ago, he started HATING bathtime, when he has always loved it. He would cry the whole time. One night, I was really busy, (imagine that) and Rachel took over bathtime for me with him. And he didn't cry. He had a blast! So, now, she is usually the one that gives him a bath. She is very good with him, and he never cries. He also though, loves to take a bath with one of them. They are so patient to let him stay in there a long time playing, and it frees me up to take care of other things. They just call me when he is ready to get out.

Last night, when I walked in the room to get him, he started splashing like crazy! Everytime I would walk toward the tub, he would just go wild splashing. So, I got my camera, of course. He stopped splashing, but gave me this HUGE grin! It is very hard to get him still long enough these days for him to smile at the camera, so I was so excited to get this big toothy grin from him!

Zach's 1st time in snow

Check it out at www.blessingsforthegoodlife.blogspot.com

Zach's 1st time in the snow

He was really excited, but this is how it went down. We were outside all of 5 mins, in the front yard, he kept running full force toward the road, and it is kinda hard to chase him and catch him from harm when you are trying to take his picture, right? His hat kept falling off, then his mittens kept falling off, I had my big camera I was trying to protect right along with him, and everytime I would try to redirect him by gently leading his hand, he would throw his body down on the ground in a full fit. So, we went to the backyard. Then he was running full force toward the mud, same scenario as the front yard with the hat and gloves, me in the mud chasing him, camera protection, and throw down body fits. I scooped him up, and we came inside, and he was mad then too. But, I got some cute pictures, and isn't that really what it is all about? :)

I believe the bottom is my favorite. I know the last 3 are very similar, but I liked them all. He was smiling at Noah.

Snow!!

We woke up to snow this morning.....it was so pretty, even though there wasn't much.

Thanks to Arkansas Children's Hospital for these Crocheted hats!

Those crazy kids got on the trampoline...but took off their shoes, so they came back in very shortly after this with cold toes!

Happy New Years!

We are so thankful to have this cute blessing with us for New Years, and that Zach is celebrating his 2nd year with us!

I got this New Years set at the end of the year last year for just $2.50. It was a celebration set for 8, and we jsut about had enough people to use it all!

Christian is wearing his new outfit Gammy got him for Christmas It is so cute!

Gingerbfread house, and painting ornaments

I am going to try to backtrack some and blog about what all we did in the month of December. The week before Christmas, the kids made a gingerbread house, and painted Christmas ornaments. Visit www.blessingsforthegoodlife.blogspot.com to check out our New Years Eve photos of the 5 kids.

I thought their own design turned out cute!