Lullaby

I've been singing to babies for almost nine years now.

There's something soothing to both momma and baby about a soft song.

I sometimes just hum a never-ending medley of tunes, but there are a few songs that I have sung to every one of my children.

"Follow the Path of Jesus" --this is a hymn, but it is also my prayer for my children.

"That Little Boy of Mine"--I'm told that my Grandma sang this song to her children.  You can use the link below to listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8o-9wjVHIo&feature=related

"Jesus Loves Me"--one of the first songs our children learn to sing themselves.

What are your favorite lullabies?

Family

Having a place to go - is a home.  Having someone to love - is a family.  Having both - is a blessing.  ~Donna Hedges

Update

"Sweet Pea" is sleeping four hours at a time at night---bliss for mamma. :)

Some foster placements feel seamless, and this is one of those.

I will blog post more as we get into a better routine.

I've taken up baby wearing as a new hobby. :)

Don't babies smell so good?--even my older boys think so. :)

The intense heat this summer has made me start using my crockpot almost more than my stove.

Pink

Now you know when I post a picture of marbles it usually indicates that something exciting is going on with us as a foster family.

This post is no exception. :)

On Wednesday of this past week I got a phone call from our case worker.

She was almost giddy sounding which struck me as a little uncharacteristic.

She told me that the birth mom of our two younger boys just had a baby girl.

She wondered if we would be interested in fostering her.

I had to think about it for a long while...........NOT.

I nearly shouted YES!!!

So after a five week break we are back in the saddle with a teeny five pound baby girl.

God's Timing

God has perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes a little patience and it takes a lot of faith. but it’s worth the wait. ♥

- Unknown

Baked Beans

 

Have you ever tasted baked beans that were so flavorful and sweet that you could serve them for a main course?

  This is actually my sister-in-law's recipe, and she is so famous for them that we tease her that she can't come to our family reunion unless she brings her baked beans. :)

1 (48 ounce) can of Great White Northern Beans drained slightly 

3/4 cup of brown sugar

1/2 pound of bacon fried and drained ( or you can use the prefried variety )

Splash of molasses

After you drain the beans mix all the ingredients in a baking dish.  Bake at 300 degrees for at least 2-3 hours--more is better--the flavors blend more the longer you bake it.  Serve with your favorite picnic menu.

Do you have a favorite baked bean recipe?  If you do feel free to put a link to it in the comments.  I enjoy trying new recipes!

ABC's of Motherhood

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M is for "Make The Best of It"

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Motherhood has a way of handing out some tough challenges.  Some of us have children with special needs that we never imagined when we pictured being a mom.  Some of are facing financial challenges that are stretching us.  Some of us may be experiencing marriage problems.

While I'm not suggesting we stick our heads in the sand I think some of life's problems are best faced with a bit of common sense.  If we spend all our time bemoaning what "might have been" we aren't putting our heart into making it better.

That child whose struggles frustrate us isn't helped by a mother who is in a state of depression.  The financial struggles aren't improved if we gripe about what we can't afford, and most marriages aren't helped by wishing that we had married prince charming.

Find a mom who has a child with similar special needs, and ask her for some input with your child.  Look online for tips on saving money and budgeting what income you have.  If your marriage is faltering talk to your minister about some quality marriage counseling, and in the meantime try praying for your spouse no matter how much they are frustrating you right now.

Most importantly commit to not communicating negatively about whatever is challenging you.  You should talk about it, but if you are constantly complaining about it the issue can become a mountain.

I am by no means an expert on any of the three challenges that I wrote about, but I have experienced all three at different times in my life.