Diary Of A First Time Foster Mom

Diary of a Foster Mama…

There it is, the 2 words I’ve been waiting for, and wondering when they would show up….unknown number. For most people, that simply means that someone has a blocked number, but for a foster parent it pretty much means it’s a social worker calling.

A moment of wonder and anxiousness flood my mind and I await whats on the other end of that phone call. A sweet baby in need of a home- enough said, tell me the time and place for pick up!

The very beginning is the best, and hardest, most complicated and joy filled…. pretty much every emotion, but above all else the ABUNDANCE of love that saturates this baby. Those little fingers and toes, the random smile that you’re privileged to catch a glimpse of and that delightful baby smell.
I really felt like God knew exactly what He was doing when He made babies, they’re impossible NOT to gush over right?!

In the first few days I started to reflect on how I was feeling and what this adventure would look like for me and my family. I decided to write, jot down a few things at a time and add to the list as new thoughts came about.

I promise you, my beautifully and wonderfully made foster child…

*Marvel at every eyelash and hair God has placed on your head

*Hold you close to hear my heartbeat

*Shower, and I do mean shower, you with love-kisses-hugs-snuggles

*Tell you how much you are loved, and always will be

*Play and be silly, enjoying and appreciating each day I’m blessed to be in your life

*Give you my all

*Caress your little face, sing you songs and rock you to sleep

*Be there for you, meeting your every need and when those tears roll down your face, I’ll be the calm in your storm. Reassuring you that everything will be ok sweat pea.

Now, those are the things I can promise… here’s what I can’t promise.

*I can’t promise to contain my love for you in a little temporary box. Although my time with you is short and unknown, you will leave a footprint on my heart. You will forever be a part of our family and I will continue to think about you, pray for you and love you long after you’ve left our home.

That’s all for this diary entry, until the next time…

Family Joy Blog Linky Party #51

family joy blog linky parties

 

Party invite(4)

party hosts (2)

 

Charlene @ Thinking Outside The Pot: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Samantha @ Sammy Approves: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Cristina @ Ava’s Alphabet: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Charlotte @ Pursue Your Project: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog

Shamira @ Smiling Notes : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Melissa @ Mel Claire : Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Blog

Crystal @ Love Inspired Details : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Christene @ Keys To Inspiration : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

 

recent joys #51

Thinking Outside The Pot: Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
Sammy Approves:Toddler Solo Play with RockABye Rockers
Ava’s Alphabet: Delicious Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Pursue Your Project: Want To Save Money On An Instant Pot? Try Ebay!
Smiling Notes: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding

Mel Claire: Quick & Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
Love Inspired Details: 5 Unexpected Places To Buy Home Decor

Keys To Inspiration: Build Your Ultimate Bed: Our New Bed & Casper Mattress

 

Features #51

Sparkle Living Blog: Wooden Block Heart Shaped Tea Towel
Frugal Foodie Mama: Sparkle Princess Popcorn
Lolly Jane: Raspberry Cream and Brownie Trifles for Two
Do It Your Freaking Self: Strawberry Candy Bark with Valentines Treat Boxes
In The Kitchen with Stacey: Thai Ginger Lime Chicken Vegetable Soup

Thirty Eighth Street: Natural Furniture Distressing Technique

My Suburban Kitchen: 30+ Valentines Desserts

The Real Coake Family: Heart Shaped Chalkboard using Chalkboard Paint

 

most clicked link #51

 

——–The Sparrow’s Home: Simple Homemade Granola——–

 

 

 

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5 Unexpected Places to Buy Home Decor

I LOVE home decor and I love to change up my decor quite often. In order to achieve that goal I’m always on the look out for cute inexpensive places to shop. Of course I love the typical favorites, such as Home Goods, Hobby Lobby and Target. But where else can you venture to find goodies? Well I’ve put together this list of some unexpected places.

 

5.  Walgreens/CVS

We start off with the pharmacies because they are probably the last place you would expect to make a home purchase. Although the prices are about average retail, I think this would be a good option if you needed to pick up a host gift for example, on your way to their house.

4. Grocery Store

I love the unique vases they sell in their floral department. My local store allows you to purchase the vase without having to buy an arrangement of flowers.

3. Habitat for Humanity Restore

I’m assuming everyone has heard about Restore but some may not be aware that it is so much more that donated building materials. Of course their stock is consistently changing so it’s always a treasure hunt. Things I like to buy here- furniture to paint or re-purpose, knobs/drawer handles for craft projects, and anything else calling my name 🙂 I once bought a big antique milk can that made a perfect planter. Let’s not also forget that when you buy here you are helping this AMAZING organization!

2. Ross

They advertise themselves as “Dress for Less” but did you know that they have many cool items in their home section! Personally, I love the prices on their picture frames, small furniture and pretty things. I know that last one includes a lot but that’s part of the fun. I was told by a Ross employee that they put out/get new shipments almost everyday.

1.  Burlington Coat Factory

This is one of my favorites! They obviously have a wide variety of coats but I think their home section is pretty cool as well. The best part is their prices are really reasonable. I have probably bought something from every aisle of their home section over the years.
Some highlights- I love their canvases (especially if you’re looking for a large one). Small decor items, perfect to dress up a bookshelf or arrange vignettes. Pillows, oh how I love pillows… depending on the size of the store they have a generous section devoted to throw pillows.

If you have any other unexpected places to shop for home decor, let me know. The more the merrier 🙂

Family Joy Blog Linky Party #50

Happy Sunday! While so many people have been getting snow and ice, we have some rain over here. Rainy days can be the best… listening to the pitter patter and snugging inside 🙂 Whatever weather you have going on, let’s grab some computer time and join in on our link party!

family joy blog linky parties

 

Party invite(4)

party hosts (2)

 

Charlene @ Thinking Outside The Pot: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Samantha @ Sammy Approves: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Cristina @ Ava’s Alphabet: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Charlotte @ Pursue Your Project: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog

Shamira @ Smiling Notes : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Melissa @ Mel Claire : Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Blog

Crystal @ Love Inspired Details : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Christene @ Keys To Inspiration : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

recent joys #50

 

Thinking Outside The Pot: Basic Invite
Sammy Approves:The Ultimate Rainy Day Kids Activities
Ava’s Alphabet: 5 Fun Rubber Ducky Games & Activities
Pursue Your Project: Thrift Store Shopping What You Might Find
Smiling Notes: How To Travel Like A Pro with GPSmyCity App

Mel Claire: Mimi’s Homemade Yeast Rolls
Love Inspired Details: Words Tweens Should Know and Understand

Keys To Inspiration: 8 Books Creatives Will Love

 

features #50

The Scrap Shoppe Blog: 10 Indoor Boredom Busters for Kids
Clean & Scentsible: How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
Spoonful of Flavor: One Pot Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup with Greens
Silver Foodie: Mollie’s Amazing Vegetarian Chili
The Real Thing with the Coake Family: Easy Parmesan and Garlic Cauliflower Recipe

Intelligent Domestications: Super Mom Apron Sewing Project

Rain On A Tin Roof: Power Tools 101: How to Use a Heat Gun

Refresh Living: DIY Spice Rack with Test Tubes

 

most clicked link #50

 

——–Lit Mama Home school: Story Time: The Snowy Day——–

 

 

 

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Words Tweens Should Know and Understand

Words tweens should know pin it

Humble- not proud: not thinking of yourself as better than other people We all know someone, and I’m sure your tween does too… who is amazing at something. It’s clear that they have talent or their gifted in a particular area. We all have strengths and weakness, but our attitude about them make all the difference!
So, ask your tween- hect ask yourself, how do you feel when someone is the opposite of humble? Meaning- full of themselves, bragging, praising their talent, maybe even putting others down to highlight their success. My opinion, it’s a real turn off and it makes me not want to be around them.
Yet, someone who has been taught to be humble responses with grace, good manners (like a simple thank you) and doesn’t want to keep all the attention on them or their achievement.
So much more desirable in a friend in my opinion 🙂

Perseverance- continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition.
It’s really hard… or I can’t do it, I just can’t- anyone ever hear these words? Whether it’s school work, sports, learning something new life can get hard! But, the power lies in our decision to persevere. If we are teaching our kids this from an early age, we help to ingrain this mindset for their future.
The sweetest of victories of course comes when you see their face or hear those words- I DID IT! The hard work, or frustration of past failed attempts become a memory in the past because they persevered.

Unconditional – not limited in any way: complete and absolute
You know how you just know some things throughout life? I think it’s important for our kids to understand and know the full meaning of unconditional love. Nothing they ever do will take away our love as their parents- that is a powerful statement. So although most of us know this, assigning the word unconditional gives them further depth on the gravity of our love.
I like to use this word when my daughter seems really upset about something she’s done, when I see she could benefit from a little reassurance… just because mom is angry about your choice- my love for you is unconditional and will never change!

Genuine-truly what something is said to be; authentic; sincere.
I think it’s so important for our babies (I know, I know- far from actual babies) to know that there’s only ONE of them. That’s the beauty in being your authentic self. In every way, be sincere and do what say you’re going to do. One of my biggest pet peeves is interacting with people who are superficial. If you really think about it, they’re usually just trying to be someone else…  someone their not, and that will always show through.

Empathy-the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
This is how we are creating a generation that shares compassion, love and mercy. Teaching our kids to pretend they are in someone else’s shoes- feeling their emotions.
But this needs to start early and continue throughout tween and teen years. Altering the “self” first thinking and shifting the focus to how others feel and experience is a process. It doesn’t come natural for most, which is why we as parents need to take on this responsibility of teaching empathy 🙂

 

Family Joy Blog Linky Party #49

Welcome back to our party! Hope everyone had a restful holiday and enjoyed some family time 🙂 We are ready to resume the fun of our link party. Add any of your family friendly new blog post and make sure you have share buttons readily available. Personally, I’m looking forward to start seeing some adorable Valentines Day stuff!

family joy blog linky parties

Party invite(4)

party hosts (2)

 

Charlene @ Thinking Outside The Pot: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Samantha @ Sammy Approves: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Cristina @ Ava’s Alphabet: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Charlotte @ Pursue Your Project: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog

Shamira @ Smiling Notes : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Melissa @ Mel Claire : Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Blog

Crystal @ Love Inspired Details : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Christene @ Keys To Inspiration : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

 

recent joys #49

Thinking Outside The Pot: Incorporating Family Into Your Exercise Routine
Sammy Approves: 37 Incredibly Easy Family Goals
Ava’s Alphabet: Ava’s Alphabet Best of 2016
Pursue Your Project: DIY Child’s Wooden Toolbox From Pallets
Smiling Notes: 10 Time Saving Hacks & Tips To Kickstart A Healthy New Year

Mel Claire: Instant Pot Lemon Thyme Slow Cooker Chicken
Love Inspired Details: A Year Of Reflection-Questions to Ask Your Kids

Keys To Inspiration: New Year & A New Page

 

features #49

 

The Krafty Owl: 2017 Life Planner
Haley’s Vintage: 25 of the Best & Easy Instant Pot Recipes
Growing Up Gabel: Borax Snowflake Crafts For Kids
The Lazy Gastronome: Pork Tamales- A Mexican Tradition
Grounded & Surrounded: 6 Ingredient Gingerbread Energy Bites

Emmi’s Cookinside: Tiramisu Cake

Meaningful Spaces: Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Left In Knots: Warm Wool-ish Mittens

 

most clicked link #49

——–ALBA ROSA: Citrus Kitchen Cleaning Spray——–

 

 

 

** If you are featured don’t forget to grab our Featured button**link party featured

 

**Please be kind and share our Link Party button on your social media’s copy the link below**

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A Year Of Reflection- Questions To Ask Your Kids

I remember a few years back, I was feeling guilt for a few experiences I wish I could have protected my daughter from. Nothing huge or life changing, just things I wish didn’t take place. As I pondered, guilt’d, wanting to rewrite some of history- it hit me like a brick!
I wonder if she remembers, if so how much and does she recall the whole story. As I began to ask myself these questions it was becoming clear the answer was probably not. Every person has their own perspective and the only way I really know is to ask her.

I expanded that idea to included other memories, it really had me thinking. So I came up with a short list of questions to ask my daughter about what SHE remembers- what exactly stood out enough for her to storage in her long term memory?

**What is the BEST thing you remember about last year?

**What is the FUNNIEST thing you remember?

**Tell me something CRAZY you remember!

**Is there anything you think MOMMY could do better?

**Did anything make you really SAD this year?

**What did you do this year that you felt PROUD of yourself?

*Once the discussion begins, you may be surprised what else comes out.

I love that these questions provide a direction but are open enough that your kiddo can expand. I wanted this to spark conversation, so I also shared memories myself.

My daughter loves when I get personal, and she really seems to add “my” memories to her long term to share with me later, hehe 🙂

Hope you enjoy these starter questions, and the cool thing is they can be ask as a reflection on multiple years. Kids really do remember things we may feel is odd and I think it’s always neat to gain insight into their little minds!

Don’t forget to write these down each year as they would be so cool to look back on years down the road!

 

Family Joy Blog Linky Party #48

family joy blog linky parties

 

Party invite(4)

party hosts (2)

 

Charlene @ Thinking Outside The Pot: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Samantha @ Sammy Approves: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Cristina @ Ava’s Alphabet: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Charlotte @ Pursue Your Project: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog

Shamira @ Smiling Notes : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Melissa @ Mel Claire : Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Blog

Crystal @ Love Inspired Details : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Christene @ Keys To Inspiration : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

 

Recent Joys #48

 

Thinking Outside The Pot: Immaculate Peppermint Brownies
Sammy Approves: Families Can Give Back During The Holidays
Ava’s Alphabet: Letters To Santa
Pursue Your Project: Holiday Spiced Popcorn For Christmas
Smiling Notes: How To Start A Blog In 5 Simple Steps

Mel Claire:Vintage Christmas Mantle Decor
Love Inspired Details: Last Minutes Ideas For Spreading Christmas Spirit By Giving

Keys To Inspiration: DIY Merry Christmas Wooden Sign

 

Features #48

 

Just Measuring Up: How To Make a Spectacular Advent Calendar
The Mandatory Mooch : Dipped Oreo Reindeer Cookies
Pink Peppermint Designs: German Class Glitter DIY Monogram Ornaments
A Porch With A View : A Forest Of Walnut Trees For Christmas
Citizens Of Beauty: DIY Whipped Shea Butter Body Scrub

Inspiration For Moms: Kitchen Before and After Reveal

Crystal & Co.: Santa No Bake Christmas Cookies

Growing Up Gabel : Hot Cocoa Mug Ornament

 

most clicked link #48

——–3 Boys & A Dog: 12 Road Trip Activity Sheets——–

 

 

 

** If you are featured don’t forget to grab our Featured button**link party featured

 

**Please be kind and share our Link Party button on your social media’s copy the link below**

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Last Minute Ideas For Spreading Christmas Spirit By Giving

Giving at Christmas seems to go hand in hand with the true meaning of Christmas. God gave us his son Jesus at Christmas and what better way to share in the spirit of the holiday by giving back 🙂

Here’s some last minute ideas for GREAT places to donate!

World Vision I truly love their organization. They have a gift catalog that allows you to choose from buying a goat, providing clean water, giving cold weather accessories or feeding a family in America.

https://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog

St. Jude Here’s a line from their How We Began Page that I think just speaks to the heart of St. Jude’s…”families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all they should worry about is helping their child live”

https://www.stjude.org/

That really is so true, and I can only imagine the relief those parents must feel in that situation. You can donate online, or at some retailers. Justice has a campaign where you can round up your change. Think of that old change jar back in the day, if everyone would simply round up their change that “jar” would add up fast!

Samaritan’s Purse I first became of this non-profit when we started making Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, but they have so much more! Like World Vision, they have a Christmas catalog which allows you to specify where you would like your donation to go.

The catalog offers everything from blankets, to stuffed animals that say Jesus loves me, to eye surgery for a person who is blind, and many more.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/gift-catalog/

Ronald McDonald House Charities

From their about us page, “RMHC provides vital resources and compassionate care to children and their families being served by leading hospitals worldwide.”
We had a friend, who personally uses their housing while their daughter was receiving treatment. She was so grateful for this charity. Eliminating extra stress, so a family’s focus can remain on treatment and healing.

http://www.rmhc.org/

Giving can be an activity the whole family gets involved in. Browse through the catalog together, or set a goal for a donation amount and pick a couple charities. Remember that giving to others in need is truly an act of love and kindness. You may never realize the full impact you have had on someone’s life.

Family Joy Blog Linky Party #47

It’s party time! I seriously feel like I’ve blinked and a week has pasted by, anyone else feeling that way?! I’m so excited for Christmas- I’m really a kid inside and I’m on the countdown 😉 I’m planning on doing some holiday baking tomorrow and finishing up the wrapping. Onto the linky party!
family joy blog linky parties

 

Party invite(4)

party hosts (2)

 

Charlene @ Thinking Outside The Pot: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Samantha @ Sammy Approves: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Cristina @ Ava’s Alphabet: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog
Charlotte @ Pursue Your Project: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, Blog

Shamira @ Smiling Notes : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Melissa @ Mel Claire : Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Blog

Crystal @ Love Inspired Details : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

Christene @ Keys To Inspiration : Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog

 

Recent joys #47

Thinking Outside The Pot: Diary Of An Autism Mom #2
Sammy Approves: How Kids Can Learn Kindness Through Conversation
Ava’s Alphabet: Cranberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars
Pursue Your Project: Kids Making DIY Christmas Ornaments
Smiling Notes: 15 Unique Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Mel Claire:Meat Balls & Spaghetti Squash
Love Inspired Details: Classroom Christmas Paper Crafts

Keys To Inspiration: Christmas Home Tour 2016 Pat 1: Living Room

 

Features #47

 

Just JP: The Secret Life Of Pets Movie Night with DIY Popcorn Bar
Clean & Scentsible : Kids Christmas Crafts
The Gold Lining Girl: Soft Molasses Ginger Cookies
Garden Matter : Handwritten Tea Towel Gift
My Life From Home: Peppermint Body Scrub

Atta Girl Says: Front Porch Decorating Ideas For Christmas

Bomb Shell Bling: Christmas Countdown Service Chain

Flamingo Toes : Vintage Style Winter Wonderland Wreath

 

most clicked link #47

——–The Apple Street Cottage: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town——–

 

 

 

** If you are featured don’t forget to grab our Featured button**link party featured

 

**Please be kind and share our Link Party button on your social media’s copy the link below**

grab it button link party

 

[bctt tweet=”Join the party! Link up with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party! #bloggers #linkup” username=”https://twitter.com/CharleneAsay”]
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