Hidden Blessings

As most know we are very excited about becoming foster parents. We are getting rooms ready, and cribs set up, and we are praying for the children that will be coming into our home.

Juan and I gave away Evi's bed to someone who is also awaiting a foster child. We felt like we should bless them with Evi's bed. Last night I was on craigslist trying to find random baby items. I was thinking it would be good to have a couple of bottles on hand to be on the safe side. I found a lady that was selling 5 baby bottles, and thought I would get them. When I went to pick them up, not only did she not charge me, but she blessed us with all of these other baby items! Thank you Lord! He has got our back.

Sebastian was helping and he said " We're getting a boy baby?" ( Most of the items are for a boy) and then I pulled out of the bag a pink leopard print baby blankie and he said " We're getting a girl baby too?" We will soon find out! We sure are excited!!

Yummy Recipe

I thought I would blog about a new recipe I tried last night that was a big hit. I got this recipe from a lady in our foster care training. 

Stir Fry Noodles

1/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic

1 whole onion

2 pounds boneless chicken 

1/2 c. celery (chopped)

1/2 c. carrots ( shredded)

1/2 cabbage (chopped)

16 oz. rice noodles ( I couldn't find these so I used angel hair pasta, and it worked fine)

2 cans chicken broth

green onions to garnish

I started cooking the pasta before hand. If you use the rice noodles you just have to soak in warm water.

Heat oil, add onions, garlic and saute a little, then add chicken and soy sauce till chicken is done. Add carrots, celery & cabbage ( I added more that the 1/2 cup of veggies) fry for about 2 minutes. Add broth and let it boil about 5 minutes. Pour mixture over your noodles and garnish with green onions. The great thing about this is it makes a lot, and even the kids liked it. Juan put crushed red pepper flakes on his for a kick. 

I am always looking for quick, easy recipes to try. If anyone has one, I would love to try it!

Please pray

This is my nephew Von who has his 4th birthday this week. I mentioned a while back that he has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing treatment. You can read more on my brothers blog here. This little guy could really use our prayers. 

I sure do loves these girls

Olivia is my good friends little girl. She is the cutest little thing around. Yesterday we got to pick her up from her daycare and I loved seeing my kids interact with her. I know they will make great foster siblings.

Sebastian was sitting next to her and he asked her "Olivia, did you miss me today?" and Olivia said "yes" in her little sweet voice. Then we went to the library where Evi never let go of her hand. When we got her home and she heard her Mommies voice she said "Mommy! Hold Ju"

We sure do love you Olivia, and your curls are too cute to resist!

Best Friends

How will I ever be able to give a foster child back to their parents when I'm having so much trouble getting rid of Ruby? She has become part of the family. She adores Frankie and has started letting him be himself again. Not so much the rowdy puppy anymore.

And yes those are big girl panties. Let's just say Ruby is capable of having puggy's now.

Best Daddy Award

I have the best husband. I know all women think that, but I really do. I know that Evi is being taught great worth ethic whenever they go out together. I know that whatever she does when she grows up, she will work hard at it because she has had the best teacher.

Do I have an artist?

The other day in the car Sebastian asked me for paper because he wanted to draw. I handed him a piece and he drew while I drove. When we got home he told me that he drew something for me. When I asked him who it was he said "It's you Mom". 

If you are wondering what those things hanging are, they are my legs and I'm wearing my hospital shoes. This is one piece of art I think I'll keep.

A little help...

A little over a year ago this sweet girl was added to our family. Ava has been such a blessing and we have enjoyed watching her grow and interact with her forever family. Her life was saved when my sister stumbled across her picture, and decided that she needed to be in all of our lives. Please take a second to check out Charissa's blog and if you feel led please consider helping Yulia find a family. Every little bit counts. 

We Did It!

We are now Foster Parents (no child yet) we should have  a baby placed with us by mid March. Thanks to all of our friends and family who have supported us by watching our kids and being exited with us as we start a new chapter in our lives. Our kids are very exited and we will post more as we get news. Thanks again!

Layla

My parents have a new dog, Layla that is a Great Dane. She is 8 weeks old and is having fun with Ruby ( 7 months old). Notice the difference in paw size on these two pups. 

Napoleon Dynamite

Here are the kids watching Napoleon Dynamite. It's funny to me that these kids can quote the movie. Afterwards we went to watch Evi get her award and it was sweet to see Sebastian trying to put his bike in the bike rack at school.

An award for my girl

Evi was given an award at school along with a couple of classmates. It was a character assembly and she got an award for compassion. If anyone knows Evi this totally fits her personality. I am so proud to have a daughter that is compassionate to others.