Have you ever just had one of those weeks were you miss the "good ole days." Not saying that where I am right now isn't good, because it is. It's great! I love my family, and my life. Very much. With that said, there are still days that I look back and wish I could go back in time. Not even to change anything. But just to savor the moment a little more.
I have always been one to really enjoy life, and to document it well. I have always loved pictures and videos. And now, I am so grateful for the pictures and videos of all of the great memories I have.
I'd like to go back to when my 3 kids where little, particularly 1, 2 and 4. I remember those days well. A lot of sleeping late. A lot of flour fights in the kitchen. A lot of cartoons, wrestling and bubbles. A lot of playing in the water hose, popsicles and sidewalk chalk. And my favorite, a lot of snuggling with my babies. I love to have them all in bed with me (not at night!!! ), loving, talking and giggling. I'm blessed with some of the funniest kids I know, probably due to the fact that my husband is Tim Busbee, the king of comedy! :) I truly, really enjoyed them when they were smaller. We sacrificed a lot for me to have that time, and I am so glad we did!
I'd like to go back to when Tim and I were dating. We only dated 10 months before getting married, so we didn't date long. But what fun we had. And when we first got married it was like one very long slumber party that never ended.... oh what fun we had, back when times were a little more simple. I truly enjoyed dating him and the time we had before we started kids, (which also wasn't long.... we are too excited about life and rushing into it all!!!). I'd love to go back to the days we called into work and went on a picnic, or to the McWayne center, do not judge us, we were only kids (20). What great memories I have of our beginning!
And finally, I'd love to go back to when I was younger. To maybe a holiday, when all of the family was at the house spending time together. My dad would be there, Paul would be there and all my family. What happy and fun times we had. All outside playing volleyball, on the homemade court my dad made in our front yard, or playing whiffle ball! Oh how I miss those days.
Looking back, it reminds me of what is important in life. It isn't things. Things come and go. And then more things come and more go. But when people (or time) passes, they are gone for good. The memories can't be made anymore.
Thank God for such an amazing life, it's not filled with riches.... not the kind the world is after, but it sure is filled with priceless people and memories. I wouldn't trade my life for any amount of money in this world!
May I live everyday and remember how much my loved ones mean to me. How they are much more important than that sink full of dishes. And may you do the same!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Just because it's hard doesn't mean its not right
So the last few months I have been dealing with something.
We have had our 3 foster kids for over a year. The last 3 months has been pretty stressful. Tiring may be a better word. Either way, I think we all just need a break.
And, well, me being the way I am and all, I am very transparent. There is not much that I hide and will not talk about. I feel like if we are friends/family then I should be able to speak openly and honestly about my life and be loved and not judged.
So I may or may not have told a few people in the last few months "I am just tired!" Usually the response is one of 2, a look of pity and a "I bet you are, I couldn't imagine" or "Well, you signed up for this, what did you expect to happen." Right then and there, it is hard for me to not hit that person in the face, out of love, of coarse.
After much thought and prayer about our situation I have come to a conclusion, and a comparison. Just to make me feel better.
Just because something is hard and/or tiring does NOT mean that it is wrong. It doesn't mean that you missed the mark, stepped out of God's will or are in fault. A lot of right things in life are hard. College is hard. Work is hard. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. And also, fostering is hard.
And here is my comparison. I often think about our Pastor, and many others. They stay so busy caring for the needs of others that eventually it catches up with them and they are tired and worn down. The congregation notices that or doesn't wait for it to get like that and just does it annually, and sends him on a retreat and orders him to rest. Enjoy himself. Don't worry about this place.
Now, would a congregation member say to him "well, thats what you get for being a Pastor","you brought it on yourself." I sure hope not. He is doing what he is called to do. Yes it is tiring. Yes it is emotionally draining, and yet, he loves it. He will come home after being well rested and continue to do it.
With that said, we will continue to do this. Even after these 3 go home. Although, we have learned our lesson to not believe what they say when they call for a placement. "It will probably only be 3-4 days, maybe 3 weeks, but no longer." Yeah, I bet. 12 months later I do not believe you!! ;)
So, if you are in a rut, doing something that is hard, just press on. Know that you are doing what you are suppose to do. Let's not take the easy way out in life and stop doing things we need to be doing just because it is hard. Press on, people. There are lives to touch. People to love. And journeys to continue on. After all, you just never know where that journey will take you if get off it.
We have had our 3 foster kids for over a year. The last 3 months has been pretty stressful. Tiring may be a better word. Either way, I think we all just need a break.
And, well, me being the way I am and all, I am very transparent. There is not much that I hide and will not talk about. I feel like if we are friends/family then I should be able to speak openly and honestly about my life and be loved and not judged.
So I may or may not have told a few people in the last few months "I am just tired!" Usually the response is one of 2, a look of pity and a "I bet you are, I couldn't imagine" or "Well, you signed up for this, what did you expect to happen." Right then and there, it is hard for me to not hit that person in the face, out of love, of coarse.
After much thought and prayer about our situation I have come to a conclusion, and a comparison. Just to make me feel better.
Just because something is hard and/or tiring does NOT mean that it is wrong. It doesn't mean that you missed the mark, stepped out of God's will or are in fault. A lot of right things in life are hard. College is hard. Work is hard. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. And also, fostering is hard.
And here is my comparison. I often think about our Pastor, and many others. They stay so busy caring for the needs of others that eventually it catches up with them and they are tired and worn down. The congregation notices that or doesn't wait for it to get like that and just does it annually, and sends him on a retreat and orders him to rest. Enjoy himself. Don't worry about this place.
Now, would a congregation member say to him "well, thats what you get for being a Pastor","you brought it on yourself." I sure hope not. He is doing what he is called to do. Yes it is tiring. Yes it is emotionally draining, and yet, he loves it. He will come home after being well rested and continue to do it.
With that said, we will continue to do this. Even after these 3 go home. Although, we have learned our lesson to not believe what they say when they call for a placement. "It will probably only be 3-4 days, maybe 3 weeks, but no longer." Yeah, I bet. 12 months later I do not believe you!! ;)
So, if you are in a rut, doing something that is hard, just press on. Know that you are doing what you are suppose to do. Let's not take the easy way out in life and stop doing things we need to be doing just because it is hard. Press on, people. There are lives to touch. People to love. And journeys to continue on. After all, you just never know where that journey will take you if get off it.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Update
I haven't blogged in quite a while now. I am going to try to catch up and blog regularly. Having 6 kids kind of limits the free time I have LOL.
We still have our 3 foster kids that we got in July. We go to court May 22 for PFA (protection from abuse) trial for the parents. Once that is settled then we will go from there. But they can not return to either mom or dad until that is settled.
I'm already dreading the day they leave us. They have been a part of our family. 2 of them have had birthdays, they have been with us for every holiday and they feel like they have always been here. It's amazing how I can love some one else's kids just like they are mine. I don't know how my kids are going to be when they leave, I know they love them so much.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to love them when they have needed it most. I must go now, the laundry is calling my name.
We still have our 3 foster kids that we got in July. We go to court May 22 for PFA (protection from abuse) trial for the parents. Once that is settled then we will go from there. But they can not return to either mom or dad until that is settled.
I'm already dreading the day they leave us. They have been a part of our family. 2 of them have had birthdays, they have been with us for every holiday and they feel like they have always been here. It's amazing how I can love some one else's kids just like they are mine. I don't know how my kids are going to be when they leave, I know they love them so much.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to love them when they have needed it most. I must go now, the laundry is calling my name.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Take a minute to brag...
Tonight I just want to take a minute to brag on my family.
You see, when we started this journey a year or so ago I was over whelmed with anticipation, joy and excitement to fulfill this calling.... the calling to care for Orphans. And, I must admit, we are in a little different place than I originally thought we would be... but that is thanks to God. His ways are higher than mine, so I keep trusting.
Tonight we decided to surprise our 3 big kids (biological) and take them out to see a movie. We don't do that often, most of the time it is to the $1 theatre to see a movie that has been out for a few months. LOL But, we haven't been off with just them since we got our 3 foster kids so we decided to surprise them with a night out.
While we were out I just couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I am. To have such an amazing husband and kids. A husband and children that see God's heart to care for orphans. A husband willing to work his tail off for his 3 kids.... plus 3 more....because despite what you have heard, foster parents don't do it to be rich. That is FAR from the truth. A husband that, instead of running every morning(his favorite hobby), takes 2 little kids to day care while I take the school age kids. And kids that make sacrifices every day just so we can care for 3 kids that need some love right now. I have watched my kids be so sweet and tender toward these kids... it just melts my heart. And I just can't help but thank God for this opportunity, and for letting me be wife and mom in this family.
I am excited to see where God takes us in this journey, and I thank Him for His grace, mercy and guidance as we walk out this calling.
Now, an update! We had court last week and the judge wants mom to work some more stuff out so she kept the kids in our custody and set a new court date for Feb 28. So, we will have them thru then. Christmas should be exciting!!! We are so blessed to share our hearts and home with them and cant wait to spend the Holidays with them!
Thanks for reading and thanks for all of the support!
Also, a photo from our night!!
You see, when we started this journey a year or so ago I was over whelmed with anticipation, joy and excitement to fulfill this calling.... the calling to care for Orphans. And, I must admit, we are in a little different place than I originally thought we would be... but that is thanks to God. His ways are higher than mine, so I keep trusting.
Tonight we decided to surprise our 3 big kids (biological) and take them out to see a movie. We don't do that often, most of the time it is to the $1 theatre to see a movie that has been out for a few months. LOL But, we haven't been off with just them since we got our 3 foster kids so we decided to surprise them with a night out.
While we were out I just couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I am. To have such an amazing husband and kids. A husband and children that see God's heart to care for orphans. A husband willing to work his tail off for his 3 kids.... plus 3 more....because despite what you have heard, foster parents don't do it to be rich. That is FAR from the truth. A husband that, instead of running every morning(his favorite hobby), takes 2 little kids to day care while I take the school age kids. And kids that make sacrifices every day just so we can care for 3 kids that need some love right now. I have watched my kids be so sweet and tender toward these kids... it just melts my heart. And I just can't help but thank God for this opportunity, and for letting me be wife and mom in this family.
I am excited to see where God takes us in this journey, and I thank Him for His grace, mercy and guidance as we walk out this calling.
Now, an update! We had court last week and the judge wants mom to work some more stuff out so she kept the kids in our custody and set a new court date for Feb 28. So, we will have them thru then. Christmas should be exciting!!! We are so blessed to share our hearts and home with them and cant wait to spend the Holidays with them!
Thanks for reading and thanks for all of the support!
Also, a photo from our night!!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Fear, fear and more fear
I hate spiders. Not afraid of them, but I don't like them.
I hate mayonaise. I'm not afraid of it, just don't like it.
But I will tell you. My fears are many. Nope, not really afraid of bugs, critters or animals. I'm not an animal person... at all, yet I don't fear them.
The fears I have are big fears. And if one of those fears ever becomes a reality, well, you better forget it, I look around every corner waiting for all of my fears to come into existence.
For instance, if you are fearful that you will break a leg and you actually really break a leg, then you will then be 10 times more afraid that it will happen again.
In my case it isn't a broken leg.
I have always been afraid of losing people. Not necessarily people walking out on me, but losing them to death.
I don't ever really remember fearing this until age 17 when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. From that moment on I was extremely fearful. I feared losing him. I feared losing my mom to cancer as well. I feared losing my siblings. ect. The list goes on and on. Well, my dad fought a great fight and lived for 6 years... yes... 6 years with stage 4 cancer. It was a miracle, and yet still wasn't long enough for me. Well, after he died I can remember laying in bed wondering who was going to be next. I had nightmares about Tim dying. I just knew I was about to lose everyone I loved. I was terrified.
I made it almost 10 years and then BAM... out of no where I lost my brother Paul. And wow.... those fears came rushing back in. Who will be next. How will I lose them. Will I survive. The fear is never ending. It went from a "I hope I don't lose someone else to"- "Oh my gosh, when I lose so and so I am not going to make it." Satan plays on those fears.
Losing loved ones are a part of life. A terrible, horrible, awful truth of life.... everyone must die. And those that love them are left to deal with the grief and pain... and fear.
God is the only way thru those dark days. He doesn't promise me that I won't ever lose another loved one. Yet, He does promise me that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And He hasn't.
I hate mayonaise. I'm not afraid of it, just don't like it.
But I will tell you. My fears are many. Nope, not really afraid of bugs, critters or animals. I'm not an animal person... at all, yet I don't fear them.
The fears I have are big fears. And if one of those fears ever becomes a reality, well, you better forget it, I look around every corner waiting for all of my fears to come into existence.
For instance, if you are fearful that you will break a leg and you actually really break a leg, then you will then be 10 times more afraid that it will happen again.
In my case it isn't a broken leg.
I have always been afraid of losing people. Not necessarily people walking out on me, but losing them to death.
I don't ever really remember fearing this until age 17 when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. From that moment on I was extremely fearful. I feared losing him. I feared losing my mom to cancer as well. I feared losing my siblings. ect. The list goes on and on. Well, my dad fought a great fight and lived for 6 years... yes... 6 years with stage 4 cancer. It was a miracle, and yet still wasn't long enough for me. Well, after he died I can remember laying in bed wondering who was going to be next. I had nightmares about Tim dying. I just knew I was about to lose everyone I loved. I was terrified.
I made it almost 10 years and then BAM... out of no where I lost my brother Paul. And wow.... those fears came rushing back in. Who will be next. How will I lose them. Will I survive. The fear is never ending. It went from a "I hope I don't lose someone else to"- "Oh my gosh, when I lose so and so I am not going to make it." Satan plays on those fears.
Losing loved ones are a part of life. A terrible, horrible, awful truth of life.... everyone must die. And those that love them are left to deal with the grief and pain... and fear.
God is the only way thru those dark days. He doesn't promise me that I won't ever lose another loved one. Yet, He does promise me that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And He hasn't.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Update!
We have had our 3 foster kids for about 7 weeks now. And boy are we in love!
They are so precious! Every day we fall more and more in love with them.
The middle boy, who they told us was 4, actually turned out to be 3. We celebrated his 4th birthday on Monday! It was so awesome. He was so excited over the cake and presents. His smile lit up the room.
I think they adjusting well, and so are we. Having 6 kids is a bit harder than having 3! But thank God that He not only put this desire in mine and Tim's heart, but also our kids, because they are such a big help. They love them and help out with them so much.
Today they had their 1st visit with their mom since we got them. They seem to be doing ok since them. They went during school today so they were picked up from school/daycare and then taken back when the visit was over. All of their teachers said they were fine when they returned. So that makes me happy, I worried about them coming back to school crying.
So now, we just continue to love them. We go to court on September 13 so I guess we will know more then!
They are so precious! Every day we fall more and more in love with them.
The middle boy, who they told us was 4, actually turned out to be 3. We celebrated his 4th birthday on Monday! It was so awesome. He was so excited over the cake and presents. His smile lit up the room.
I think they adjusting well, and so are we. Having 6 kids is a bit harder than having 3! But thank God that He not only put this desire in mine and Tim's heart, but also our kids, because they are such a big help. They love them and help out with them so much.
Today they had their 1st visit with their mom since we got them. They seem to be doing ok since them. They went during school today so they were picked up from school/daycare and then taken back when the visit was over. All of their teachers said they were fine when they returned. So that makes me happy, I worried about them coming back to school crying.
So now, we just continue to love them. We go to court on September 13 so I guess we will know more then!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Things change in a minutes time.
I know this to be a good and bad thing. But today. It was a good thing.
I was busy with the kids, cleaning, on my off day, when I get a phone call. It is our caseworker's number. So I answer with anticipation. She asked if we are willing to take a placement today. Today?
She has a sibling set of 3. 3? 5 & 4 year old boys and a 22 month old girl.
We said yes!
They were brought by the worker around 7:20 pm and boy has it been crazy around here. They are very sweet kids, and fit in great here..... except, they do not speak english. HA HA God sure has a sense of humor. They speak spanish. Other than that minor issue we are great.
We had a great night until bedtime. Then our hearts were broken. The 5 year old cried for "momma" for about 40 minutes. How heartbreaking it was to not be able to take the pain away. God please help something we do and say show him that he is loved. And that he is safe. And God, help that mother, who's heart must be breaking as well. I can't image the brokenness from losing your kids. I pray for peace. Peace for the kids and peace for the parents. I pray for restoration for this mom. Healing. Maturity. Freedom. All that it takes to be the mom that she needs to be for these precious children.
Thank you God for this opportunity to Love Real Big!
I was busy with the kids, cleaning, on my off day, when I get a phone call. It is our caseworker's number. So I answer with anticipation. She asked if we are willing to take a placement today. Today?
She has a sibling set of 3. 3? 5 & 4 year old boys and a 22 month old girl.
We said yes!
They were brought by the worker around 7:20 pm and boy has it been crazy around here. They are very sweet kids, and fit in great here..... except, they do not speak english. HA HA God sure has a sense of humor. They speak spanish. Other than that minor issue we are great.
We had a great night until bedtime. Then our hearts were broken. The 5 year old cried for "momma" for about 40 minutes. How heartbreaking it was to not be able to take the pain away. God please help something we do and say show him that he is loved. And that he is safe. And God, help that mother, who's heart must be breaking as well. I can't image the brokenness from losing your kids. I pray for peace. Peace for the kids and peace for the parents. I pray for restoration for this mom. Healing. Maturity. Freedom. All that it takes to be the mom that she needs to be for these precious children.
Thank you God for this opportunity to Love Real Big!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)