Thanks, Happy Birthday Tressa, What did you say??

After a difficult week, we are doing well. Thank you so much for your prayers! On Wednesday morning, the caseworker came and picked up Marcus and Brandon. It was, to say the least, a very difficult day. But Gods grace is amazing and his mercies new every morning, so each day has gotten a little bit better. I miss them like crazy, but I cry a little less with each new morning.

On to other news, tomorrow is Tressa's birthday. She is 8 and such a joy to us. She is, by far, the princess of this house ( right beneath me the queen:). We love you so much Tressa!!!

Yesterday we had Tressa's birthday party at Odyssey fun world in Tinley Park. The kids had a blast. Jay and I were exhausted!!! During the party, I was listening to the kids talk. There were 8 total kids there, 4 of which were ours. This is the exchange I heard:
Jacob: Somebody pinch me
Tyler: OK ( here he proceeds to pinch Jacob)
Jacob: OOOWWW Tyler, Metaphorically speaking!!! ( here he rolls his eyes and looks to the other party guests for a laugh)
Now, mind you, they are all under 8, so nobody, but me, laughed! I don't even know where he heard that before. It sounded awfully funny coming out of the mouth of a 7 year old!!!
Well that is all for now. Have a great week and enjoy the beautiful weather!

a change of life

Hello everyone. Today I write with a heavier heart than usual. We found out yesterday that we will be saying goodbye to our foster kids, Marcus and Brandon, on Wednesday of this week. After a year together, they will be moving to their permanent family. I knew this day was approaching for months now, but the reality of it is both exciting and sad. I know the Lord is entirely in control, even where they are going is an example of that. I do know these people and will be able to maintain contact with them to check on the kids. But we cannot see the kids again after Wednesday for a long time. I am so excited that this will be their last move and they are leaving us to be a part of the family God has chosen for them. I can't wait to hear the adoption is final and they can begin to be normal kids again and not "foster" kids anymore!! Saying goodbye is the hardest part, hard for Jay and I and hard for the kids. We would appreciate your prayers as we go through this time of change in our family. Our kids are sad and really don't understand why they are leaving. They have done such a great job of accepting these kids and making them a part of their family. I am proud of the way they have handled sharing their house and parents for the last year. Please pray for Marcus and Brandon that they will soon feel at home in their new family and pray that we can all move on, in confidence, that we have done the will of God this year and it is time to move into that which He has for us next.