What a full Mother’s Day weekend! If you’ve read my little bio you may know that we are raising two kiddos A and O. A is big brother and O is little annoying sister. Over the last few years we have thought about the opportunity to foster their older siblings. But before I dive into that I must explain.
You may be thinking this already and yep, I’m the step-mom although I cringe at the word. I am not your stereotypical step-mom of Cinderella which is why I have preferred they just call me by my real name if not “mom”. As of now, I have been their “mom” for 3 years. Last year they would refer to me as mom to other people. It’s too hard to explain who I am and just easier for them to say mom. But over the past few months, particularly from O, I have heard mommy, mom, mama on a regular basis. It melts my heart. I never wanted to push them but I tear up when I get to be quick as lightening to respond with “yes dear?”. This year I got the mother’s day presents! Their biological mom will always be a part of their life but for now I’m a mom and I love it!
So back to foster parenting. We filled out the application and tried to make a big kid transition to our house last year. But for whatever reason, it didn’t happen. So instead over the last year we have been cultivating our relationship with the older two. Then, a day unexpectedly came a few weeks ago where one of them said, I have always wanted to live with you and now I really want to make it happen. Oh!! Unexpected but great! So we started the process again and if you have ever been a foster parent? YOU KNOW..the process is thorough to say the least. I mean, I had to answer questions about how I felt in 5th grade! Who remembers 5th grade anyway? And then a few days later the other sibling said, I want to live with you too. Let me introduce you to them.
D, a beautiful girl who is 16 and getting straight A’s and would like to be a doctor while juggling basketball will join us on Thursday. She doesn’t have time for boys (thank the Lord). She is learning to drive and has a job! Big A is with us now. He is 13, has read millions of words this year, was in the regional spelling bee as well as performing in district track meets and is the most polite teenager I have ever met. He helped me put away groceries last night and just finds things to do that will help our team. 
What a blessing. What an amazing example these two are to the family. Have there been moments of, “Oh my goodness!!!” YES. Have there been family members who do not agree with our decision? Yes. Honestly, we know it will not be easy. Did God ever promise easy? No. We’re up for the challenge. We’re up for the commitments. We are pretty sure D and Big A will be with us until they graduate from High School. We are thrilled to be a part of their lives. God is good and if you’re a believer, we covet your prayers.
We have a tiny but awesome home thanks to Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity. We have bunked both rooms and are managing with one bathroom. My nest is full. My heart is overflowing. Can you believe we would even like to add another? It’s all in God’s hands. It is a very rare moment of silence and I thank you for letting me share.
What about you? Are you blessed to be blended too? Are you considering foster parenting? It all comes with challenges but blessings remain. Fight the good fight. Finish the Race…
