New Kiddos

Well, Josh and I have just been jumping into being foster parents and we have totally taken the plunge. Our first sibling group was a group of 3 with only one needing diapers changes and bottles made, etc. Our newest set of kiddos are a different story completely.
We've taken the full plunge and now have 4 kiddos...Jamion (4 1/2), C.J. (2 1/2), CeKariya (16 months), & London (6 months). We've only had all 4 of them for 2 weeks, but we've had Jamion and C.J. for almost a month. This sibling group is as cute as can be and bring us lots of laughs and joy. But, you can imagine the shock of having 4 persons trying to use one bathroom and the change of routine!
Needless to say, Christmas this year will be quite a rockin' event! Josh's family has waited patiently for years for someone to have kiddos and now we have 4! I think these kiddos will get spoiled this year and they deserve it!
Here they are...along with a picture of our first kiddos!

How We Are Called

Well, it has been FOREVER since I've posted anything. You would think with no kids, I would have more time to post things. However, we have been a busy couple.
For those of you who know us, Josh and I decided before we were married that in year 5 of our marriage we would begin the process of foster/adoption. In July we began attending the STARS Foster & Foster to Adopt classes with Missouri Baptist Children's Home.
These classes are 3 hours long one day a week for 10 weeks. The course work is designed to help people understand the types of children entering foster care and those who are available for adoption. During the classes, Josh and I made several new friends and we had wonderfully fun teachers.
Not only did STARS include the classes and the class work, but Josh and I had to go through background checks, finger printing, sex offender check outs, a 14 page personal questionnaire for each of us, and much more paperwork throughout. Upon completing all of this, Josh and I began taking the SPAULDING class for adoption only. These classes included more paperwork and two 8-hour Saturdays.
The Wednesday before our final SPAULDING class, Josh and I met with our Home Study worker to sign the finalized paperwork for becoming foster parents. According to her, it should be about 5-7 days from Thursday before we begin receiving calls.
I suppose I should mention that Josh and I decided that we should start with ages 0-10 for the first few years and then "upgrade" to pre-teen/teenage girls which is where we really feel called. We agreed to be Traditional Foster Parents (fostering children while reunification and/or adoption is in process), Respite Care Providers (trained foster parents who can "babysit" for other foster parents), Emergency Placement Foster Parents (can be called any day at any time for placements), and true adoptive parents.
Friday, October 1, 2010 at approximately 9 p.m., we received a call for a placement of 3 children. A 12 year old boy, a 9 year old girl, and a 9 day old girl. We accepted our first placement that night.
Please pray for Josh and I as we work with the parents and the professional team toward the goal of reunification. Please pray for all 3 children that they may feel love from all parties and a sense of belonging as they carry on day in and day out.
If you have any questions about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please let us know. We are learning that there is a great need for foster parents.

Updates, Updates, Updates

So, it's been a while since I've updated my blog and many things have happened since then. I've loaded some little clips for you all to see what I've been up to since my last post...keep in mind that Josh and I are boring. If these little clips don't make you happy or inspire feels of excitement...that's fine. Enjoy!

First Show - GOM2010: In March we took girls from our church down to Camp Windermere in Roach, Missouri. GOM stands for Girls on Mission and it is a program that is held yearly and brings missionaries from all over the world to Roach to discuss what they do in service for God. It is also a time of fun and bonding for the girls!

Second Show - Trip to NJ: I had the chance to go to Panasonic North America Headquarters to meet with their Toughbook tech support team for some training. It was a great time as I had never been to New Jersey. I was lucky enough to get a city view room (after asking) and while we didn't have time to go anywhere but to HQ and the hotel, it was a great trip.

Third Show - The Park: The Overland Park Arboretum is a great place to go for walks. Aunt Marty, Joe, Josh and I had the chance to go out on beautiful day for a three hour walk and then some ice cream (not in any of the pictures).

Fourth Show - The Zoo: Josh and I renewed our membership at the KC Zoo. The zoo is a great place to go for walks, talks, and it's a great place to look at animals!

Fifth Show - Royals vs Twins: We received two free tickets to the Royals vs Twins game last Sunday. It was very chilly, but the Royals won!

Sixth Show - Baptisms: God is still alive and moving within our world! Two girls that I've had a chance to teach, tutor, and poke and prod were baptized today. Praise God!

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Jury Duty & Such

Well, it's been a while since I've posted to my blog. In February I was selected to serve on the jury for People versus Premium Standard Farms and the trial lasted for 5 weeks (21 days total).
There were 15 jurors chosen (12 + 3 alternates). The first juror was dismissed due to childcare and car troubles on the first day. The second juror was dismissed about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks in due to care troubles and childcare. The 13 of us left, were already very close and continued to get closer. After 5 weeks of trial and diliberations, we all walked away with 12 new friends.
Just in case you're curious, we found in favor of the plantiffs...you can search it online or talk to me for the "insider" details. LOL
The day the verdict was delivered, I hit it to the airport for my flight to Denver to catch up with Josh, Jeremy, & Amy. We had planned in January to go to Colorado for my birthday since Jeremy & Amy had never been. The 3 left Thursday morning and I flew out to meet them...However, I had a 2 1/2 hour wait because my flight beat them!
Anyway, here are some slides from our trip to Colorado. I'll post pictures drawn by Susan Elliot (juror) once I have them separated out. Also, I'll post some pictures of bowls made by Joseph the Carepenter (juror).

...I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears....This poor man called and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles....The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit....The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him... Psalm 34:4, 6, 18, & 22.

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An Update Finally

So, it has been some time since I've posted anything. Christmas has come and gone and with it, we've aged slightly. Things are going well here. Since they say a picture is worth a thousand words...here are some pictures with sounds!

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