Saturday, November 30, 2013

Christmas Decorating!

I love, love, love, love decorating for Christmas! I actually get excited when I pull out my (admittedly meager) fall decorations, because I know it means that shortly I will be putting them away and getting out the Christmas boxes!

Growing up, we usually decorated the day after Thanksgiving. We had a fake tree because of allergies in the family, except for one awesome year when we cut our own "real" tree from my uncle's property in the mountains. Since we've been married, The Man of the House and I have had both real and fake over the years. We have only a fake tree this year since we'll be gone for almost two weeks visiting family over Christmas break.

We actually cheated and began decorating on the day before Thanksgiving this year. My youngest brother and his girlfriend were visiting and we couldn't help ourselves! The two of them and The Man of the House actually rearranged furniture in the living room to make the tree fit. I like it!

Here are some pictures of our stockings. We don't have a fireplace in the new house (sniff, sniff). We got creative with where to hang the stockings and here's what we came up with:




Here's a close-up of the kids' stockings:



All of the materials that encompassed everything "stocking" were bought at Hobby Lobby. I had already bought the red knitted stockings for our family in the past, and was very excited that they still had them this year. They actually had black Santa belts with gold belt buckles around them, which I removed. The wooden letters were easy to find, as was black paint, a dowel rod to hang them, and burlap ribbon. I painted the letters and rod black and then tied them to the stockings. We already had several stocking holders, so I hung the rod between two of them to fit our growing stocking population!

I'm so looking forward to this Christmas season and hope to make many great memories for the kids, pointing them to the real reason for all of the celebration - the birth of our Savior!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

On The Other Side: 5 Years Past Infertility

This Saturday afternoon, we traveled with the foursome to the home of The Man of the House's sister and her husband, our newest brother-in-law. They were married last spring in an awesomely fun beach wedding at Key West where we all were involved with the ceremony. It's a really neat thing to welcome new members into the family and we're blessed that Aunt Kimbie is so happy. AND THEN they told us this past summer at the beach that they were expecting in April of next year. So exciting to have another little one around!

We were heading to their home for a gender reveal party. They didn't tell us beforehand how the big reveal was going to happen, but once the time came, we all - the family and their friends who came to celebrate -  had cans of Silly String, unmarked, covered with wrapping to hide the color. On the count of three, we all sprayed at once... and tons of blue string came flying out at all of us! Everyone was ecstatic and began chattering about how much fun a new little guy will be.

As we drove back, I had plenty of time for musing. The thing that was hitting me was how happy I was for my sister-in-law and her husband, and how finally this feeling was separate from any personal or inward sadness over the fact that we won't ever have biological children ourselves. And I realized that, a few weeks ago, when I was told by our church choir director that she was also expecting in April, I was able to honestly feel happy and excited for her. And maybe what I sensed was also a LACK of a feeling - the lessening of the tug of the grief, waning over time.

Wait. How selfish to say. Are you the reader a little irritated that I even mentioned considering whether or not I was feeling happy and excited about this?

If you haven't gone through infertility struggles, this might be hard to understand. It's also hard for me to articulate. This probably all sounds incredibly selfish and self-absorbed. Why wouldn't you be happy? Someone else's happiness doesn't diminish your own or take anything away from you. Especially something like a pregnancy - it's not like my own pregnancy was personally taken away from me by any other woman I see that is pregnant when I am not.

Five years ago was when my husband and I were living out the nitty gritty parts of our infertility story. Each woman (or man) encountering infertility will handle it differently. For me, it was the most painful thing I've ever gone through. I'm not saying that to be dramatic; it's the honest truth. I lost my dearly dearly loved grandmother to ovarian cancer when I was twenty-one. That's the only thing that comes close to any actual grief I've faced personally. I feel blessed that the first part of my life was not marked by any deep tragedy for me or someone close to me. I thank God for the blessings and experiences I have had. Infertility was the first grief I really had to face. And for me, it was an incredibly devastating grief.

I always knew I wanted to be a good wife and mother, and that that calling was the most important beyond whatever I did as a career. That's not to say I never wanted a career - I just knew that as much as I loved whatever I ended up doing, I would love being a mom more. I was the girl who was going to be a teacher or pediatrician because I loved kids so much. I honestly worried as a little girl, as I was wont to do and still am, whenever I read the stories of Rebekah and Rachel and Hannah in the Bible - what if I find out my husband and I won't be able to get pregnant?

When no pregnancy happened after a year, we began testing. I watched my friends and my sister get pregnant and I festered an increasing frustration that turned into depression. It was a very dark time for me. By the time the testing began, which added stress in and of itself, I had developed shingles. The doctor told me he had never seen anyone who was my age and as otherwise healthy as I was have shingles. "You must be extremely stressed and you need to relax," he told me. Easy to say, right?

I didn't really talk to anyone about this at first. It's anticlimactic to tell people you're "trying to get pregnant". Infertility is a lonely struggle. You feel like the only person going through it.

And, of course, it doesn't help that everyone seems to be pregnant around you when you're going through infertility. In fact, The Man of the House and I have a joke that I am other people's good luck charm. Whenever I found out that someone else was having infertility problems, I would gently reach out - it's hard to face crises alone! BUT... then, soon, they would be announcing their pregnancy and I would be SO happy for them, honestly and authentically - please understand that - but still left once again to struggle and grieve on my own.

As much as grief is ever present, I've learned that its severity is also cyclical. There are times when things affect me much more than others. I can go a long time between days of really feeling sad about it. The rest of the time, the best way to describe it is like scar tissue - it's there, has made its mark permanently on you, and might make its presence felt at times, may hold you back a tiny bit, but it's not on the forefront of your mind all the time.

I had to come to grips with the fact that this pain cannot be allowed to be all-consuming. There were definitely times when it felt like it was. Like I would never feel happy or whole again. This struggle stole the light from my spirit for a while. The days went on with or without my paying attention to them, or fully living them. I can't make this worse by letting it turn me into someone I'm not.

I'm not pessimistic. I'm not self-consumed. I'm not non-functioning. I'm not broken. We're not doomed forever because of this. I can't become these things.

If anything, I want to use this as a catalyst for strength. I can look back and say to myself, "You've made it through this." I can be proud of how we not only made it through, but thrived - as a couple, and now as a family.

Our story progressed into a journey traveling through foster care and adoption. Others may have a different journey, but there is purpose, both in the journey and in the destination, whenever and wherever that comes. Good can come through any struggle. We can grow.

For anyone going through this same struggle, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will emerge eventually from the darkness. It won't look like the life you planned, and you won't be the same person you were when you began. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel your own journey. Please know you are not alone.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Visitation 11-22-13

Today the twins traveled to San Antonio to have a supervised visit with the previous foster family / cousins. As I was filling in at the school office and the school classes were watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special, The Man of the House left early to take the kids.
There isn't really anything to write about regarding the visit. The Man of the House got the kids to the DFPS Office (Department of Family Protection Services) in south San Antonio. The caseworker just retrieved the kids from the entrance and brought them back afterwards. She didn't give any information about the visit other than to say it was "fine".
I wish there would have been more chatting happening afterwards, but I understand that there is a certain amount of privacy the family deserves and that we're not "owed" a play by play of the visit by any means. I will be trying to find time soon to talk with the caseworker and see if there are any new developments in the case, or if we're just hanging tight and gathering information.
There is another scheduled visit on Friday, December 6th. Usually children in foster care have visits weekly, but sometimes it can be every other week, as in Miss A's case after the first few months. Since the twins aren't visiting their birthparents for reunification purposes, but the other family members, as I've said before there isn't much of a set protocol. We'll keep on doing our thing and loving on all of our blessings!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Musings on Being Mama to This Growing Brood

We have had a great weekend. The Man of the House had a basketball tournament to coach, so he was gone Friday and most of Saturday, which meant I had the kids... drumroll... all. by. myself. I have to be honest that it did intimidate me to think about, when we were initially going over plans. The twins are actually still very well-behaved, Praise God, so it wasn't that I was really anxious about anything in particular, or doubting my abilities per se. I know this is what I signed on for, and these days will happen, and all that. But, to think about caring for four young children for an extended period of time by yourself for the first time is daunting.

However, it went great. There was a movie night put on by the school PTL on Friday night, so we all headed up there to watch "Peter Pan". I appreciated immensely the caring gestures of friends and fellow families while we were there; community is an awesome thing! We shared a blanket with another family, some of the "big" girls and boys helped take Little Guy and Miss A to the bathroom for me so I didn't have to haul the twins, and people were offering to get us popcorn and snacks the whole night. To my church and school family: thank you, thank you, thank you, for your love and kindness.

On Saturday morning, we had a yummy pancake casserole breakfast. (Instead of making individual pancakes, you pour the batch of batter into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 until golden brown! MUCH easier and less-time consuming!) After that, I got some cleaning and little things done around the house while Miss A kept the littles occupied pretty much all morning. She is so patient and her little "Mommy" voice saying, "Here you go sweetie," and "Oh, no, no sweeties! We need to share!" are so precious to me. Of course I was right there in the room or vicinity supervising the entire time, but it was great to have her help entertaining them.

A sweet, treasured youth texted me Saturday afternoon informing me that she was coming over to babysit that night, and my husband and I needed to figure out what movie or restaurant we were going to for a date night. Again, such love and generosity; such awesome friends of ALL ages! We went to an Alamo Drafthouse for dinner and a movie, where your food is ordered and then served in the theater and is so yummy.

Church, Sunday School, and naps for all happened on Sunday. I really enjoyed the little bit of shut-eye I obtained!

As I was pondering the events of the weekend and past two weeks of being a family of six instead of four, I have to admit it was "easier" then. How simple and laid back it seems now to have "only" two kids to feed and get dressed and put to bed and arrange schedules for.

It was so much easier in fact before we had kids. Walking to the car after work, knowing we had an evening of good food and quiet television watching together on the couch. Taking a run whenever I wanted. Taking a hot bath whenever I wanted. Only worrying about one pair of shoes - my own. Doing laundry for only two people.

It was so much easier with only one kid. Miss A had our full attention whenever she was with us. If one of us had somewhere we had to be, no sweat. The other was there to step in. One kid is easy to take to meetings, when they can play quietly on the floor for a period of time. One kid is easy to take to the grocery story; they only take up the child seat on the cart and don't weight the cart down.

It was so much easier with only two kids. I have two hands - one for each. Between the Man of the House and me, there were two laps and two kids - perfect! Miss A and Little Guy are each other's best friend and get along pretty swimmingly. We were blessed to have "normal" sibling tiffs over toys and personal space and such, but very rarely, and nothing huge.

Yes, life sure was a lot easier in the past.

But there's no way I would exchange it for what we have now.

I look behind me while driving and see four shining faces and hear their sweet voices singing. I look around the kitchen table while we eat and see the messiness that is four kids under five eating a meal. I watch the kids color together, or play some cute game only they understand, and my heart swells.

I know that the craziness that is toddler life will pass all too soon. The daily routine will be less of a frantic rush to juggle everyone and everything. It will get "easier". And yet, I don't want it to be gone. I want to treasure each stage and soak it all in for as long as we're able. Every day is a glorious adventure when you're two, three, and five. The giggles, the chubby tummies, the toddler talk, the dress-up clothes, the mood swings (well, we'll have those when they're all teenagers again!)... These will be the memories we cherish in the years to come. We're living the golden days on which we'll fondly look back sometime in the future.

My soul is humbly grateful to be here for such a time as this, to be a part of my children's lives at this stage. God is so good, and so faithful to provide strength and patience when we need it the most. He has given us the gift of all four of these little ones, and we thank Him with all of our hearts.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Updates on the Twins' Case 11-13-13

Not a lot is happening at the moment, court-wise.

We got an e-mail from the girls' caseworker, sent to all three families who between us all are caring for the five children. We were told at placement that there are not any visits happening between the twins and the previous foster family, even though the family is fighting the removal and attempting to retain custody of all five children. The judge ordered last Friday, however, that the children need to have a couple of visits before Christmas, so Friday, November 22nd and Friday, December 6th will be visit days (supervised at the caseworker's office).

The caseworker is still using language that supports her words on placement day that she will be doing everything in her power to keep the kids out of that home and able to be adopted elsewhere. She asked us about our future plans that night, and if we would be willing to adopt the girls at the end of the case; of course we said yes. We would have wanted to make that clear at the beginning anyways, that we are a foster-adopt home, that we want to care for children however we can, but that our ultimate goal would be adoption.

It's always interesting to hear about the visits, and hear the caseworker's perspectives on how they went. Since the former family caring for the children are cousins and not parents, we have no clue yet regarding time frame and protocol. We hope those questions will be answered sometime sooner rather than later.

Monday, November 11, 2013

To Our Family and Friends

Thank you.

Thank you so much for your love, kindness, support, encouragement, and prayers.

You didn't ask for this journey. We knew what we were in for, but did you? You didn't ask to have grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, babysitting charges, young friends, come and go out of your lives.

You weren't asked by us if you were up to the task of really loving someone who may or may not be in your life forever. Our kids need love - unconditional love - and attention, and healing, and to belong. They need family. They need friends. We and they are asking you to give, give, give, not knowing if they will be "ours" or "yours" for the long run.

You weren't asked to deal with the stress felt by my husband and I as we madly adjust to new additions, with not nine months to prepare, but maybe only nine days. Or nine hours. Or ninety minutes. You weren't asked to put up with a Mama who forgot to send to school a snack, or extra clothes, or whatever else I've already forgotten that I've forgotten.

You didn't ask to sit near a family with four kids who may need multiple bathroom breaks or diaper changes during church.

We chose this life because we have been called to it. 

You weren't asked if it was all okay with you.

And yet, you all have done it.

You all have put up with everything that is the nature of our lives, and have risen mightily to the occasion and to our aid.

We can't thank our families enough for loving our kids. They truly have family now. That right there is enough to both warm my heart and break my heart with emotion. Whether the newest additions stay forever or not, that is something that can't be replaced. You never regret the love you share.

We can't thank our friends enough for the scaffolding you've helped provide in these times of transition for us to help hold us all together. From meals to diapers, you've delivered! From helping to walk our troop to the car to give an extra hand, to lending a listening ear, you've been there.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. To each and every one of you who has been, is, and will be touching our lives in any way, thank you. You all are so important and valued to us.

I sincerely hope that you understand our gratitude. However poorly we express or show it, please know that it is felt.

You are treasured by us. God bless you always.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Project: Entryway

As we get more and more settled in to the new house (moved 9-1-13), I can begin to think about decorating. We got the big stuff done within the first week, partly because we didn't want to drag it out, but mostly because our caseworker wanted to see the house on the 9th for a walk-through and inspection. I was glad to be finished with moving, even though it was a very busy time with late nights.

Anyway, I had finished some little areas of the house that I worked on as projects, including our entryway. Just wanted to share some pictures!


 Here is the front door with the wreath I bought at Target several years back. I added a burlap-wrapped letter "E" for our family this fall.


 Here's another viewpoint.


This is the last part of Project Entryway, which I just added at the beginning of this month. We had the mirror (an ancient Hobby Lobby purchase) sitting in the garage, waiting to be used, and the shoe organizer (from Ikea) in our bedroom, taking up too much space in front of our bed and serving as just somewhat of a decoration. I needed something to organize the drop-zone that is our front entryway. The only thing that would make it more functional would be cute organizers on the wall to hold papers and other items on their way out of the house, but I like the uncluttered look of it. I will post a picture sometime of my "office" area (just a corner of my bedroom) where I have our family organization center.


This window came from Kyle's grandfather's (PawPaw) beach cabin down on the coast. The family sold the cabin and property after his death in 2004, right before Hurricane Rita demolished the entire area. The cabin was completely gone following the storm. All of the four kids received an old window, as they had been replaced a few years before. This was hanging, plain, above our fireplace mantle at the old house, but as we don't have an fireplace in the new house, I wanted to figure out another place to utilize this fun keepsake. I plan to add more to it, maybe make it seasonal, so I'll post more pictures for fun if I do.


Here's a picture straight on.

Thanks for reading and for indulging me!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Some Background on SA and QB

I need to preemptively state that we both are not allowed to share lots of details - both with anyone not connected to the case and especially not online - nor would we be comfortable sharing some things if we were allowed to. Some parts of my kids' history should be kept personal, not out of shame or guilt, but just because it's sensitive information. It's up to them to decide when and how to share with people, if at all. We as foster parents also aren't allowed to post pictures or lots of identifying details about our foster kids and their cases online, in any forum, be it Facebook or blogs or what-have-you. (Once an adoption happens, and they are part of our family forever, then it's up to our discretion.) With all of that being said, many have been asking me about the backgrounds of the girls, so here are some basics I can share.

Sweet Angel and Queen Bee are from a sibling group of five kids. They have two older siblings and one younger sibling. Their natural home life was not a good one, and they were removed for a variety of reasons. Their parents have had their rights terminated already, which is a point way farther ahead in the case than any we've come into before.

They were placed into a relative's care for foster and then adoptive placements. There have since been things come to light in that home that made it necessary for all five of them to be removed from that home before an adoption could be followed through. The kids were placed in a children's shelter in September. Since then, the state has been looking for a family willing to take in all five children. Of course, that is a huge task for anyone, so, unfortunately, they were unable to find a home for all five of the siblings to be together. They have broken them up, but plan to ensure that the kids remain in contact with each other. We completely agreed to work out ways for the children to see each other. We discussed setting up meetings via e-mail at the park or zoo, or another central location.

(It breaks our hearts to hear about the five siblings being separated, parceled out, split up. The Man of the House and I looked at each other when we heard that, and we could read each other's minds: "Oh, if only! Can we get a bigger house? Adopt them all when it's over?" Of course, SEVEN kids is... well, SEVEN KIDS!!!! But, hey, if God calls you to it, you obey. Now, don't worry or shake your head at me! We didn't ask or inquire! We know we have a lot on our plates for the time being!)

We don't know how this case will proceed nor its time line. With a biological parent losing custody, there is a set process that takes about a year during which they work service plans and have supervised visits, following which a decision is made regarding the future of the child/ren. We will just have to see how the judge rules and leads this case, since it's out of the ordinary. The caseworker told us that the state is going to fight against reinstating the children at the family-foster home, and intend to have the children adopted. We were asked if we would be willing to adopt the girls, and we of course said yes.

We would love to have Queen Bee and Sweet Angel be part of our family forever. I love watching how my other two have risen to this and how they show their sweet hearts and love. Miss A and Little Guy have taken to the twins like champions. Today, Miss A got to "share" them for "Show and Tell" with her sweet kindergarten class. I cracked up watching her herd them into the room like sheep, saying, "Come on, sweeties!" Like I expected, after getting to know the twins for a couple of days, Queen Bee bounced around the room at Miss A's side, allowing "big sister" to show her everything in the room, and Sweet Angel took one look at all of those kids, walked to the corner and hid behind the coats hanging on the cubbies. I picked her up and got in some good cuddles with her while the others milled around. It's fun to see their personalities coming through.

I think that's an automatic "thing" people do with twins - immediately look for and discuss the differences and similarities. Queen Bee is more self-confident and knows what she wants, more likely to butt heads when she doesn't precisely get her way than melt and pout, as Sweet Angel might. YET, at the park, Sweet Angel was bounding up the stairs and crawling like a monkey all over, while Queen Bee played on the ground. Funny observations!

Feeling so blessed. No matter how long they stay with us, we will treasure every day, every hour, every minute, every moment. Thanks for listening to my ruminations and reflections!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Being a Family Of Six: The First 24 Hours

So, we've made it! We've officially put the twins down to bed twice now - three times if I include naps today! Whew! My energy is spent, but in the best way!

I'll go backwards and talk about Monday and how it all went down.

Our placement caseworker got to our house around 3:30 pm. We had papers to sign and binders to obtain, which I mentioned in the last blog post. Thankfully, a sweet high school friend had offered to come over during naps and help me prepare. So, THANK YOU, KK, for the laundry folding, vacuuming, counter wiping, and etc., etc., etc.! The house was ready and so were we!

The girls arrived around 5:15-ish. Twin #1, whom I will call "Sweet Angel", took one look at us crowding the doorway and began weeping. Poor girl. What a big day. I can't imagine dealing with all of the upheaval, not to mention trying to process it all as a toddler.

Twin #2, hereby named "Queen Bee", began coolly overseeing us all, but within minutes had hopped into the lap of The Man of the House. We were told that she had the most trouble dealing with living at the shelter, but she seemed pretty sure of herself after she had warmed up to all of us.

Little Guy and Miss A were beside themselves with excitement. We were so blessed to have KK there to help us distract them and help us give the little ones some breathing room at times. We had pizza ordered, so, once the caseworkers left, we settled down to eat. The girls CHOWED DOWN, showing us very healthy appetites.

We were ready for emotions to hit the fan, so to speak, at any moment, but things went fairly well. Once pajamas were on and teeth were brushed, the books were read, and the word "Bedtime" said, then the tears came. However, they only lasted a minute, once the girls saw that I was going to sit in the rocking chair in their room and I wasn't leaving yet. I rocked until Queen Bee was asleep, and Sweet Angel was almost there, then I began leaving, but I stopped and sat down in the doorway when Sweet Angel began making movements and noises of protest. I plan to ease them into bedtimes and begin with sitting in the doorway over the next few nights, then the hallway outside their room. Hopefully we can get a good enough bedtime routine going that holiday traveling will be not too much of a fuss.

We had a great next day - visited the library for Family Story Time. The girls did great! We were able to see Mrs. C there, which of course made David's day. We all put together an owl craft that the kids got to take home. Fun times. I'm happy to be able to take them out in public and it not be too much of a big deal. I will definitely have to get used to the length of time it takes us to get ready to go anywhere - pretty ridiculous! Between cleaning up diaper messes, lost shoes, finding the "right" toy to take with us, it will take some strategic planning to get us anywhere on time! I am pretty strict with myself on time, and get stressed out when we're late, so I will have to kick the mommy skills into high gear! Positive thinking! Experience and practice will help us improve, I know!

I'll share some more details about the girls - what I can - in the next post. Thanks for the encouragement! We're ready for the next chapter in this fun ride!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Project: The Twins' Room

Our weekend was a flurry of activity getting ready for the twins to arrive on Monday. We decided Friday night to switch Little Guy to the "office" room, which was almost empty besides my desk and bookshelf. The closet in his "old" room is a smidge bigger than the one in his "new" room, and we figure two girls will need the extra closet space. Plus, Miss A can be close by them and feel like that area is the "girls' wing".

Here are some pictures of how we put the room together:



One side of the room with a bed and a project I'll write about another day...


One bed...


Moving around the room...



Bed #2!


We got the bedding and wall decorations at... of course... Target. We had to get a second bed, which we got at Target as well, actually a crib that converts to a toddler bed and then later can be converted to a double-sized bed. I tried Craigslist all Friday night and Saturday morning, but was only hitting dead ends, so we decided to go with Target. Some friends from church gave us the dresser today. (Thanks, Mrs. and Mrs. S! You rock!) We'll have some fun painting it one of these weekends.

As far as everything else on the preparation check-list, we're sitting pretty good. I washed all of Miss A's clothes we saved from size 2T to 4T, just to have it on hand and ready to wear. I snagged just a couple of outfits (not sure what size the girls wear), two pairs of pajamas, two jackets, pullups and wipes, a couple extra sippy cups and booster seats for the table. We already had a spare car seat for Little Guy, so we only had to buy one instead of two. Again, Craigslist may have been cheaper, but the logistics of hunting these things down individually, then traveling to pick them up, was too much for one short weekend. I know I will have to run and get other things I forgot; I already remembered I didn't buy toothbrushes yet!

We're in high gear and loving it! Can't wait to meet our new sweeties tomorrow!

Friday, November 1, 2013

TWINS! :-)

AHHH! So, it's official! There will be two new faces in the Erickson family on Monday afternoon. I received AN E-MAIL around 3:30 p.m. today saying:

"Good news! We can do placement at 4:00 on Monday afternoon!"

We didn't even know we were definitely picked to be a home for these girls!

On Friday afternoons, I work in the office up at the school where I used to teach. That's where I was when this e-mail popped into my inbox. I was so ecstatic that I ran right into the Man of the House's classroom and ran up to him to hug him. He knew as soon as he saw my face that we had good news.

My brother summed it up like a pro when he texted me this:
"Sometimes, it feels like God is saying 'No' when it was actually, 'Wait, I'm just about to give you the motherload!'"

The first half of this week, I was perfectly peaceful. I felt content with whatever happened with the sibling group we heard about last week. Even though the time had passed and it felt like too much time had passed for us to have been picked. Even though this week marked eight months since Baby Girl left us. My spirit was trusting and it felt good. When the CALL came on Wednesday about the twins, I was excited, but not anxious.

I had pretty much fallen off the "calm, peaceful, good attitude" wagon today. I was internally a nervous wreck and this situation was all my brain kept wanting to focus on. I was hitting the "refresh" button on the e-mail inbox way too often, just to see if I had a new message, or double checking my voice mail to make sure I didn't miss a call from the caseworker. I was debating with myself on whether or not to call to see what had happened, and at the same time, I was just annoying myself with all of my sudden anxiousness.

To finally hear that we had been chosen, that we have new additions coming to the house, was amazing. And this plan is where we are supposed to be. God is so good! He never forgets us.

So here's what we know about the 2-yr-old twin girls: they're 2-years-old, and they're twins, and they're girls.

Yup, that's it!

We don't know ethnicity, lots of details about family history, birthday, or even NAMES! :-) We will be meeting two brand new members of our family on Monday, and everything about them will be a surprise! When I read the e-mail this afternoon, I replied expressing my thanks, and asking for more information, but our caseworker must have left early because I didn't get a reply. Oh, well!

The plan is for the caseworker to arrive at 3:30 on Monday afternoon to sign the placement papers with us. We will get the binder with the children's background information that is known so far, the investigations report explaining the reasons the children were removed from their original home, court records of what's happened in the case, and anything else pertaining to the children themselves. We also will receive in the binder copies of paperwork we will be using for the duration of the girls' time as foster children with us: monthly report forms, medication forms (prescription and OTC medicine), doctor and dentist visit forms, etc. We keep these up to date and share with both our caseworker and the children's caseworker as we go.

We're just so excited to have good news to share, and a new journey to begin. The realities of being parents to multiples, and doubling the number of children we have with one blow, are of course in the front of our minds. We're stepping up our game in terms of communication and organization; you have to, to make such a drastic family transition. (I have a theory that, with us, the level of "with-it-ness" we have as parents is directly proportional to the amount of children we're caring for. I felt so organized and "together" during the times that we had three children, because we had to be. We're ready, and excited, and jumping in with both feet.)

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement as we move forward! We don't know where God will lead these two little sweethearts, but we will love and care for them as long as we can! Please keep them in your prayers as well, with the least amount of trauma possible as they also transition. What a huge deal to join a new family, and how much more amazingly earth-shaking it must be to do it at 2-years-old.