Snapshot

So my last post was in January..... does that tell you how crazy life has been?! It's all good though.. I think.

Here's a snapshot of what's gone on since January.

Our 17 year old special needs godson moved in with us as his grandfather's health declines. This means we're now parenting preschool - teenage years...

The Bulldozer has turned FIVE and just recently had his check-up and shots for Kindergarten. I'll never forget when Cory got home and he looks at him proclaiming, Dad I got shot today!

Peanut is doing 2nd grade work (she's in 1st) and 3rd grade reading.

The Entertainer has figured out that loosing teeth is a lucrative way to make money until Mom catches on...

Cory's working crazy hours STILL

We had to ditch facebook as someone's birthmom is looking for us.... (NOT a good thing in our case)

Which means I'm working on learning to take better care of myself via massages, shopping, and manicures before the crazy train shows up...

but my most FAVORITE thing that has happened is being told by Peanut 

"Mommy, I love you to Jesus and back".

Thanks for the Sentiment BUT....

I've been told a lot of things. That I'm crazy, that they can't understand how I do what I do, that my heart is too big, etc.  One that has come up more than once in the past couple of weeks is being told "there's a special place for you in heaven for all you do".

While I appreciate that they're trying to acknowledge the things I do, I have to disagree.

There are NO works that I can do on Earth that will give me a spot in Heaven. I could be a saint my entire life and not go to Heaven if I don't believe that Christ is my Savior who died for my sins. I can give all of my possessions away, but without Christ as my Savior, it means nothing.

I have a place in Heaven for ONE reason. Jesus. 

As far as the things I do here on Earth, I'll borrow a line from a favored song:

 All I want is a life well lived to say thank you to.

One of Those People

I am one of "those" people.

A teacher.

I am saddened when I read the comments posted on the Gazette’s website on a regular basis about our schools. First of all, for those that feel I'm overpaid, I'm happy to share what I'm paid (since its public knowledge anyway) and what it took to get here. My salary is $48000 before taxes. My student loans are $75000. This is for two bachelor's degrees and one master's degree. I'm not paid by the hour, and considering the hours I do put in, its probably a good thing I'm not or I'd be *gasp* paid even more.

I've buried students, laughed with students, cried with students, loved students and most importantly have learned with them. I've helped them to see that the only limits they have are those they place on themselves. I've shown them love, compassion, and grace even if they haven't returned it. I show you, as the community, the same kindness and compassion though it is seldom given in return.

I don't expect props for what I do. I've chosen my career path because its what I love, as you've chosen yours.  I do ask for respect and understanding. Are there teachers who shouldn’t be in the profession anymore? Who, somewhere, for whatever reason lost their passion for learning and children? Absolutely. However, name me one job that doesn’t have someone who has lost their passion. One job where someone is there that maybe should be doing something different.  There’s always room for change and improvement in every environment. Pointing fingers and complaining however, will not make the right changes.

In regards to our schools, you’re right. Things cost money. A lot of money, especially when building. Did you know the last time we built a school here in Billings was 28 years ago? Did you know that we have teachers working in closets and bathrooms because we are running out of places to help kids?

Instead of complaining about teachers who “do nothing but drink coffee in the lounge all day” and “here comes SD2 asking for money again” or “he (the Superintendent) needs a failed mill levy or two”, I ask that you become more involved. Come visit the schools. Find out why we need to grow. See the amazing learning and development that takes place within our classrooms. Ask questions. As taxpayers, it is not only your right but your duty. Our schools are only as good as we allow them to be as a community. If there’s no support for them, then we’ve failed before the students have even entered the classroom door.

I Choose Joy

2012 was no less adventurous of a year than any other for our family. 

We were legally recognized as a family of 5 when we finalized Peanut's adoption, I finished school and earned my Master's degree in Special Education, we spent more money than I ever wanted on plumbers in one weekend (just an FYI - cardboard does NOT flush well). New tires, a new roof, family vacation to Yellowstone....

As we begin a new year, many set resolutions. Resolutions that are great in theory, and are practiced for a day, a week, or even a month then tossed to the wayside. To become healthier, loose weight, spend less money, be less in debt, etc.

I don't want to set a resolution that I'll break within 24 hours, because let's face it, I will. Somedays if my head weren't attached, I'd have even more issues. I don't want to pick something that benefits only myself.

In 2013, I choose joy. 

What do you choose?

Where is God Now?

In light of the dark things that have taken place, there are a lot of things being said and a lot of questions being asked. The one that always seems to surface, re-surface, and surface again each time a tragedy like this occurs is this:

"Where is God now?"

To those who ask, where is God now/how can this happen when God is "good", etc. I have the following to offer:


First and foremost, God is weeping with the parents, family and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives. He is holding them close whether they want it or not, feel it or not, because He loves us all whether we accept him or not. He's there in Jesus comforting the children, loving the children as they enter heaven. Secondly, remember that God not only gave us Jesus to die for our sins, but the gift of free will. The freedom to choose as we please. Not a single person on the Earth is incapable of an atrocity such as what has happened in Connecticut. Any one of us, for any reason, could have been the one to pull the trigger. Obviously its safe to say that the vast majority of us would NEVER make a choice like that. We still have the freedom to do so however, which is why evil things occur in this world. Finally, its important to remember that God never once has promised a day without pain. His promise is that he'll be with us always, no matter where life takes us. God is good, because He is the ultimate healer, whether that healing happens here on Earth, or in Heaven.

Instead of questioning where is God, how can this happen when God is "good", or calling for gun control, etc. take the time to love. To show kindness. To get to know others.

Then you, and others, will see God more.

Where to Start

Being social with a total stranger has NEVER been an easy feat for me, but today I was able to do just that about foster care adoption while waiting in line for my bountiful basket. So thankful for the opportunity, and the ability to answer this question:

If I want to do foster care, or foster adoption, where do I start?

Call your local Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child/Family Division and ask to speak with a licensing worker. Then let that worker know you're interested in becoming a Resource (Foster) Family :). Here in Yellowstone County, where as many as 300 children can be waiting for a loving home, that number is 657-3120.

Things NOT to Say...

Things NOT to say to an adoptive parent (and what we wish we could say):

1. Where is his real mom/dad? (Wow! My diet is working SO well you can't even see me. That's amazing!)

2. Couldn't you have any children of your own? (I have three children of my own thanks. However, if you're referring to whether or not I can participate in the biological process of reproducing children, that is a HIGHLY personal question.)

3. Are they yours? (Nope. I just randomly picked up kids as I was running through the mall and promised them puppies and ice cream).

4. They are SO cute. Where did you get them from? (Thank you for noticing. They were a two for one deal on eBay, but I hear that's called child trafficking these days so lets keep it between you and me, okay?)

5. *My personal favorite* She has issues and you chose to adopt her anyway?! (Wait. Let me look. Yep, my crazy sign must be flashing again. Either that, or I understand that 1)she is MY daughter, and I love her no matter what and 2)what would you do if your child was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, etc? You're honestly going to tell me you're going to walk away from them?! I didn't think so.)