The babies were only 4 months and 3 days old when we first began this awesome journey. I can remember days, sitting on the floor in my living room, crying out to God for help because I was overwhelmed with their care. He heard me, and gave me the most wonderful, frustrating, joyfilled 15 months of my entire life.
We have fostered babies for a long time, beginning our journey in July of 1990, adopted two precious little girls in 1994 (we had already raised one family, the girls were our second family) and then took a 10 year sabatical. We picked it up again in 2004, but on October 20 of 2008, we stepped aside from fostering to become the legal guardians for this precious three. It's been a wild ride to say the least. I can tell you that God definitely designed young children for young parents, not 60 year old women!
So here are some recent photos of the kiddos, and I'll have more pictures to post of their departure, which will be so very hard for us.
Travelling with three children - oh what a squeeze...
Santa visits our house at Christmas...it was Bill but Brielle didn't care and Josslyn wasn't to sure about that beard either...
Brielle with panties on her head talking to the baby in the mirror...
My handsome Darlin' boy, he is my sunshine...
Who pulled out the cereal box? Which one of you did it?
Bill playing with the girls...
Jordan has to get in on the act too - even if it mean my taking his picture - which he hates...
Thank you so much, those who have followed our incredible journey and left your wonderful encouraging comments. I share this part of my life with deep joy. Stay tuned, you never know what God has in store next.....
Hugs to everyone, even as I shed a tear or two.
WOW! Time flies when you are having fun! I can not even imagine how you both are feeling now. God bless you both!
ReplyDeleteSandra
Having only just started following your blog Barb (through Bah! Humbug!) i guess I missed out on all this but oh my your heart must be torn between being over the moon to get the children back to their parents and also loosing them. Your photos are amazing and I've got some tears pricking my eyes here for you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteAnn xxx
What a wrench for you, but how wonderful to have both parents home safe and sound. ** Kate **
ReplyDeleteSending you my love and prayers. Bitter sweet.
ReplyDeleteHow emotional it will be for the parents to be reunited with the kids, and for you to let them go. God Bless- you are their angel!!! Glad the parents are home safely.....now, I have been enjoying your gorgeous projects lately- you will have lots of time to make pretty paper crafted items...for a while anyway...won't you?
ReplyDeleteoh the joys of "motherhood"! Rejoicing one minute and despair the next...an emotional roller coaster for sure! God bless you and your DH for the love you have bestowed upon these precious children! God gave you an amazing ability/gift to be able to do this! I am always in awe! I see crocodile tears in your future! lol tear soaked "letters" for sure!
ReplyDeletePam Going Postal
Barb: I always enjoyed hearing your adventures with the kids, being that 2 of mine were at similar ages. I'm sure this is going to be so difficult not only for you, but for the kids as well. That family will be eternally grateful that you were able to help them raise their children while they were away serving our country!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing you have been to these parents. For them to know that their babies are in the hands of a Christian woman surely lessen the heartache of being away from them! I pray that on the day they leave, God will fill your heart with sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteOh Barb, how wonderful and yet saddening at the same time. It is bittersweet to say the least. I've enjoyed traveling virtually along with you during this time. I know their parents will be so happy to have them back, yet we'll miss hearing all the adventures they're having.
ReplyDeleteBarb!! I just realised when i started with the magnolia-licious group.You had to be one of the first blogs i came to. I remember these children and i even commented how the boy had some GORGEOUS EYELASHES!!! Wow! I didn't realise, I thought you were babysitting! Oh wow! im sure it was a journey. You done an amazing job though and those children are going to miss you sooo much you just can't imagine.Your a blessing. I love al the pictures by the way lol!!! please keep us posted on this please(smiling)Your such an angel Barb((HUGS))RubyM:)
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for this post...knowing it was about time. So glad mom and dad are now back in the states and about to be reunited. I know its going to be so hard...especially with them moving so far away this time.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you guys!
Oh Barb, I've been following your blog since the week before the parents left. It's been so fun to see the photos and read about the antics of the three young ones (my blessings have long since grown up, so I can chuckle a little from a distance). Hugs to you for a job well done, and a hankie for the tears that will flow.
ReplyDeleteBarb, I nearly missed these sweet photos, I have looked forward to seeing updates of the children growing, laughing at the cereal robot boots and so many more funny photos. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hugs to you all, Jodie from Oz
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story! I know the Lord has a special place in heaven for you. Bless you for being so giving of yourselves to these precious lives.
ReplyDeleteI know it's hard to say goodbye but I'm sure you'll see them again some day. You have left such an imprint on their little souls that will last a lifetime.
Blessings to you both ~
Sharron ♥
Dear Barb, I am sorry, I didn't know the time was so near. Prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDelete~Pam