Searching for Purpose...

If there's no purpose associated with what we're doing, than why do we continue to do it?  How can we be successful at what we set out to do if we don't have a greater purpose?  For the past several years, I have been struggling with some things.  I've been struggling to understand my purpose as an individual and our purpose as a family unit.  We want to serve Christ in all we do, but we don't have a clear path to what that serving capacity looks like for Him.  Although I haven't quite put my finger on it, I did have an eye opening moment this morning that has left me repeating the same question over and over in my mind.

What's the point of an XXX, if there's no purpose?  (I input an XXX there for people to replace it with whatever they might be doing.  Try it, you'll see what I mean.)

The XXX can be anything, really.  To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, let's replace the XXX with the following things from the everyday lives of people...IE: job, family, church, relationship, or even communication.

*What's the point of a job, if there is no purpose?

*What's the point of a family, if there is no purpose?

*What's the point of a church, if there is no purpose?

*What's the point of a relationship, if there is no purpose?

*What's the point of communication, if there is no purpose?

There has to be purpose in the things that we do.  Otherwise, we're just going through the motions without making an impact.  And if we are in this for Him, we should be setting our hearts and our goals on the things that bring Him glory and honor.  We should be seeking to fulfill a purpose and encouraging one another to a greater purpose in their own journey. 

Would you please join me in prayer, as we seek His leading in our lives?  We want to walk with purpose and we want to make a difference for the One who loves us.  As I close out my evening, my prayer is that each of us would be challenged.  Because really, what is the point of XXX, if there's no purpose?!?

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Fun Times & An Official Intro

Over the past week, we've had a lot of fun together.  PQ has been focused on his school work and he's finishing up earlier than usual, so he's had quite a bit of free time to explore, play, and learn on his own.  As of today, we started working on a new Unit Study (learning about the virtue of Obedience through the study of Kings & Queens) and so far, we're enjoying it.  Please check back for updates, projects, and future field trips.  If you're feeling adventurous and want to join us on one of our field trips, please let us know!  The more the merrier!

 

But for now, please sit back and enjoy the pictures that were taken over the past week.  School has been intentional and we've had a lot of time to have fun together, as you will see...

 

 

 

Miss Sugar LOVES the school chair out on the porch.

 

 

 

Seriously...How cute is she?!? 

(booger nose and all...)

 

This was probably the highlight of my week.

Seeing a globe this big really put things into perspective for me.

 PQ spent some time searching for Belize and South Africa (in honor of Duck Egg and Scholastic), wondering how their mission trips will go this summer.

 

Sugar loves Story Time at the library.  It gives her an opportunity to mingle with other tots while her brother gets research books for the week.

 

Taking a walk and enjoying the fresh air...is it SUMMER YET?!?

 

Preparing her royal crown...

 

 

 

 

...while PQ prepped his own noble crown. 

 

 

 

 

PQ was very particular about how many jewels were on his crown.

And speaking of crowns, did you know that the British Royal Crown weighs nearly 5 pounds?!?

 

 

 

We had a simple coronation ceremony to introduce Queen Sugar...

 

...and continued the ceremony by crowning King PQ as well.

 

 

The next few weeks are destined to be ROYAL.  There will be an in depth look at various kings, medieval costumes, Bible comparisons, critical thinking, and even a traditional medieval feast.  This is sure to be a study that you won't want to miss!

The Annual Passover Seder Meal

Yesterday marked the 3rd Annual Passover Seder Meal with the Sunshine family.  And during the hour prior to beginning the Seder, we made an impromptu call to Fenway to see if they would want to join us.  Without hesitation, Fenway jumped on board and surprised Bruin when he got home from work.  Now that's FUN!  Thanks again to the Sunshine crew for being so willing to open up their home for a 3rd year in a row!

 

 

Our fierce leader (Mama Sunshine)...

The 'token Jew' (aka: Fenway), as Bruin named her...

Izzy & Bri were in a grape juice trance...

 

 

 

Even Sugar had a little grape juice...lucky girl. 

(Hey, PQ~ Settle down on that grip! YIKES!)

 

 

 

Sneaky, sneaky...hiding the final matzah. 

 

What visit would be complete without Sugar sitting with Papa Sunshine?!?

 

 

 

And you call her the 'token Jew'?!?

(Bruin does loves all things Jewish but the leg of lamb was just an extra prop for me.  Thanks again for entertaining me!) 

Sharing pictures and anxiously waiting for her kids to come home.

Speaking of kids, guess who found the hidden matzah?!?

IZZY DID!!

 

 

 

I think this might be the closest we get to seeing her face when he actually proposes to her.  (I had to share this because even though it's blurry, it's still priceless!)

 

 

Hey...I also spy Riley Coyote! 

 

 

 

The Passover Seder was a blast, per the usual.  Thanks again to the Sunshine Family for hosting...and thanks to Fenway & Bruin for being so spontaneous!  We had a great time with y'all.  :)

They Make Me Smile...



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foster Care- Unexpected Turn

The weekend took an unexpected turn and yesterday morning, we called DHHS to request that the kids be moved to another home for care.  The weekend was difficult, to say the least.  Ongoing tantrums coupled with multiple safety concerns ultimately led to our decision.  The straw that broke the camels back was having the oldest boy try and jab Papa H with a fork after getting upset with our redirection. On Sunday evening, we made a concrete list of observations and feedback to share with the state regarding these boys.  That way, they would have more information to share with the new placement family.

There is so much to the story.  Things that were never shared with us until the boys were dropped off to our care.  Things that were not known because neither boy had been to the doctors since they were infants.  Things that were sugar coated and made out to be wondeful by the caseworker.  Things that we were asked to do (like dropping them off in a parking lot and asking us to share the details of their story and our observations with the other family who would care for them and didn't know them either-and just for the record, we refused to make this type of transfer).  So much of their story and how it was handled was not okay.  Our eyes were opened and all of these things ultimately led us to make the final decision and know that we had done the right thing for our family.

And the worse part about it all is that it's not the kids fault.  Broken people create broken homes.  And broken homes created broken kids.  We've learned so much about ourselves in the past few days.  Things that we would have never realized unless we teamed up as a family to get through the few days of chaos.  On Sunday evening, Papa H and I sat down with PQ for our nighly debriefing session.  We decided to make individual lists of things that we've learned since Friday afternoon.  The lists were eye opening.  We've all realized so much.  Maybe we didn't 'learn' all sorts of new things, but we were definitely reminded of what we already knew but so often taken for granted.

I can't possibly begin to share all of the details.  We couldn't possibly give a breakdown of everything that took place.  But what I can do is share some of the things that we've learned (or been reminded about).  I think that might give you a better understanding of the amazing blessing that has come out of this for our family.  So for now, I will leave you with just a few:

*PQ- "I've learned that rules are to keep us safe.  And I've learned that praying and loving God are the 1st most important things we should do."

*Mama H- "I've learned that sometimes God will stretch us to help someone in need, but we end up learning more about ourselves in the process.  As a family, we are a TEAM and we can get through anything!"

*Papa H- "I've learned how strong God makes kids and how strong we are with God."

24 Hours of Foster Care

Wow!  It's amazing what can happen within a 24 hour timeframe, that's for sure.  Our heads are continuing to spin over the timing of it all.  We never expected to be put in a situation like we're in but we know that God is being glorified through it all.  We are feeling stretched and challenged but we are not defeated.  And we know that being 'comfortable' is not the best place for us to be. 

On Thursday evening, our friends H.O and her husband J.O came by with a carload of items.  They brought an extra crib, a twin bed, little boys clothing, and plenty of toys for the little boys.  They encouraged us on this endeavor that God has directed us to and they took the time to care for the kids by providing some much needed items.  They were being the hands and feet...and we are beyond grateful.

On Friday afternoon, the boys arrived.  Their room was all set up when they arrived and they jumped right in and began playing with everything that was made available to them.  The boys are extremely polite and they yearn for positive reinforcement.  It became clear within minutes of their arrival that they were not used to structure or boundaries.  Papa H and I have been working diligently to lovingly redirect them as needed.  And PQ has been BEYOND helpful with all of this.  He has completely rolled up his sleeves and helped out well beyond what we ever imagined.  He's an amazing boy and this situation has really opened our eyes to how mature he is getting. 

Today was full of highlights.  But trust me, it wasn't all roses and sunshine.  We spent the day at home playing and getting to know one another.  We ran into Gigi at the local thrift shop while we were searching for a double stroller.  Up until she saw us, she had no idea what had taken place in our lives over the past few days.  When she realized that we were looking for a double stroller, she asked us if we wanted the double stroller that she randomly picked up at midnight from her neighbors trash area.  God is pretty amazing, isn't he?!?  He prompted Gigi to go outside and recover a double stroller from her neighbors yard (at midnight) and then He 'randomly' sent her to the thrift shop while we were there looking for a double stroller.  I mean seriously, what are the chances??!!??

And then to top it all off, Glory's family offered to trade vehicles with us until we figure out how long we will be taking care of the boys.  They literally offered their SUV to our family so we could all travel together in 1 car.  Amazing.  Absolutely amazing!  I love our friends...and we are beyond blessed by the many people that have been praying and providing much needed items for the boys and our family.

In the past 24 hours, the boys have been struggled with disobedience (which is natural for all kids...but even more present in two little boys who haven't had any structure) and they have been showered with love.  T-Man told me that he loved me about a half dozen times today.  We're helping the boys understand the importance of obedience through loving redirection and we have seen huge strides in the past 24 hours.  The differences in behavior since their arrival has been amazing.  (Don't get me wrong...there's still tons of work to be done...but overall, we are feeling confident in their progress.)

It's amazing how a little bit of structure and discipline can make the world of difference.  It's funny how something so simple can manifest itself into daily routines and opportunities for growth.  As I sit here typing this evening, I can't help but feel sleepy.  I'm tired.  No...I'm exhausted...but I'm feeling so alive.  I feel so full of strength.  And I know that this strength is not my own.  I could not do this without Christ.  I couldn't do any of this without His strength. 

Emergency Foster Care

Happy Friday!

A new development with the H Family...

Around 4pm yesterday, we got a call from DHHS asking if we would be willing to accept an emergency placement of two children in their care (who were removed last night). Even though we aren't fully certified through the state, they were willing to approve placement for us if we were willing. After hearing the details surrounding the placement, we have agreed to take them in. The two boys (ages 3.5 and 22 months) will be coming to our home this afternoon. They expect this to be a fairly short term placement (a few months) but the caseworker did inquire about adoption, should things take an unexpected turn.

The boys will be coming to our house around 3:30pm. We are still trying to process this extremely unexpected placement. The boys are in need some some TLC and we are thrilled that we are taking them in until their mother and father are able to get back on their feet. DHHS is giving us a purchase order to buy the items that we will need. The two boys will have daycare during the week while I work and we will have to take 2 cars whenever we go anywhere all together (unless we randomly find a van for all of us to use). Seriously....only God could work this out....never in a million years did we expect this. WOW!

If you could please pray for the parents, the two kids, and our family, we would greatly appreciate it!

God is certainly at work right now. Stay tuned as we watch all of this unfold...

Much to our surprise...

After a recent battle with the stomach flu, I think Miss Sugar has lost a little weight.  What do you think?!?  Much to our surprise, we went in to check on her after an afternoon nap and this is what we found.  YIKES!  Who says you can't start talking about modesty at 19 months!?!  *wink*

 

 

Say What?!?

With $2 burning in his pocket, PQ was psyched when I stopped at the Dollar Store to see if they had a certain kind of folders for his school project.  Upon walking into the store, PQ's voice got more confident and within seconds, I heard him say:

"Now this is what I'm talking about.  I can afford anything in this store."

And that my friends, is how PQ rolls...His future wife can thank us later.  *wink*

Grateful To Be A New Creation

Monday's Ride to Co-Op