Looking Back

Now that I'm on the other side of adoption through foster care I've been looking back and many things are in  a sharper perspective.

I was recently talking to another foster mom, and she was struggling a little with how long a certain part of the process was taking.

 I told her that adoption, and foster care is a lot of "hurry up and wait."

 You really have very little control over the legal proceedings, cooperation of birth parents, motivation of case workers, and lots of other factors in the process.

It can be VERY FRUSTRATING!

I have concluded that really the only thing I have control over in foster parenting is me!

Not all that profound, but oh so true.

I can control how respectful I am of my foster children's birth parents--whether they deserve it or not.

I can control how well I work with my case worker--whether I agree with her decisions or not.

I can control my attitude toward the whole process--even when I feel frustrated with the "unfairness" of it all.

Don't get me wrong I think one of the keys to being a good foster parent is having someone who you can confide in, and vent some of your feelings to.

But doing your part in the whole process can make a big difference.

Just a few thoughts from my perspective in looking back.

Dishwasher Duty

"I'm pretty sure there is something important in here--everyone else is always messing around this box."

Think About It

The other day I was talking about some of the different blogs that I read and why I enjoy them.

Today I have something for you to think about.

Adoption is important to our family.

Actually, I'm the only one in our family who isn't adopted--my parents were stuck with me without a choice.

However, I understand that not everyone is called to adopt.

I do think that everyone is called to support adoption in one way or another.

Think about it!

Pray about it!

Then go read about this beautiful family who is adopting.

http://www.lifewithapersonalgod.org/2013/01/support-our-ugandan-adoption-plan.html

What Blogs Do You Read

B  L  O  G  S

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I was just wondering.........................................

What kind of blogs do you read?

I have several different categories that most of my favorite blogs fall into.

The first one is "People I Know."  I read two or three blogs that are authored by people that I know in real life--it's so fun to keep in contact that way.

The next one is--you guessed it--"Adoption Blogs"  I LOVE to read about other families who have a heart for the orphan.

The third one is "Cooking Blogs"  I'm always looking for inspiration in the kitchen.

The fourth one is "Organization Blogs"  ummmm, because it lights a fire under me to get busy. 

The fifth one doesn't really have a name, but it's people who I just connect with--when I read their posts I know that they are someone who I would enjoy having a cup of coffee with--they are my online friends.

Last, but not least I like to read "Big Family Blogs" mom's with a lot of little ones are an encouragement to me.

I'm curious, what different kinds of blogs do you read?

Buffalo Chicken Dip

 

Around this time of year I start craving spicy, crunchy, sour, flavors. 

 I think this is due to the blandness of winter foods, or it could be just because I'm a little weird

 I stumbled on this recipe on the back of a bottle of Frank's Hot Sauce, and I tweaked it a little to suit our tastes.

2 1/2 bricks of cream cheese

1/4 cup Hot Sauce ( use your favorite brand )

2 cups cooked and diced chicken

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Soften the cream cheese a little in a glass baking dish, and then stir in the rest of the ingredients.  Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, and serve with crackers, corn chips, or veggies.  This is exceptionally yummy with celery.

We had this last night for Sunday night supper.

What's New

I really didn't fall through the cracks--I just got a little carried away with my Christmas vacation from blogging.

We are back to homeschooling, and our normal routine.

This winter has been a sad disappointment to "snow-loving" me.

Sugar Pea's case is dragging along with an almost depressing lack of action in any direction.

We have been battling colds, and flu-like symptoms off and on since Christmas--currently I am the lucky owner of a sore throat.

Sugar Pea had a well-baby check-up, and her dr. told me that the local version of the flu is lasting a minimum of two weeks.

He also told me--after looking in her ears--that she has a double ear infection.  I was shocked!  She is teething, and fussy, but no fever.

My older boys received snow boards for Christmas, and lucky for them you only need a little skiff of snow to use them.  They have spent a lot of time flying down the hill in our back yard.

That's a little random news from our home...........what's new with all of you?

Guess What Came In The Mail