Development

Well, this week may turn out to be a turning point in our case with Little Lady.  Mom (as in Little Lady's Mom) decided to run away- putting her on AWOL status- which is exactly where she was when Little Lady came into our care almost 9 months ago.  Given her known affiliations (and those of her family, friends and Little Lady's Dad)  there is a slight cause for concern simply because Mom knows where we live and where Little Lady sleeps, However, we also know that having her at our house was not a choice we made lightly and even if that is the only time we had with her we can pray that our minimal influence may affect her somehow. We are saddened by her decisions but also a bit curious to see how this will possibly effect our having Little Lady on a much more permanent basis eventually.  Time will tell and there are no changes happening as of yet but thanks for praying and caring.

Full Swing

 I don't know about you but I haven't seen any of those "lazy days of summer" yet.  We're filling up these sun scorched days a bit too well.  It's been a full and fun and I wouldn't change a bit.

 Seth and Jaedon did a soccer camp at a local church.  We're not the athletes of the group but they had a blast pretending to be!

 Our family (as in just the boys) took 3 days in Chicago this past week.  We had a grand time in the busy 'vacation' sense.  It was really lovely to have some one on one time with each of the boys even though we did miss the Little Lady.  (She stayed with my in laws and had a glorious time playing, taking naps and NOT being hauled around in the stroller for 3 days!!)

 July 4th fru-fru-ness! =)  

And we're 1/2 way through our Summer Scripture Challenge!  This summer it's been really neat to see the maintenance and follow through of it (thanks to my awesome, detailed hubby!)  Briefly: we set a goal to earn points all summer long with the eventual goal of going to Michigan's Adventures ( a local amusement park) the last week of August.  Last year we didn't meet our goal and didn't go but this year we're right on track (roller coaster track I guess!)  Our points are doled out for things like daily quiet time, bedtime prayers, service projects, and our family's memory work (Romans 12:9-16 so far).  Kinda fun. 

Update on the Little Lady:

We've had her for EIGHT months already! I was just telling the boys the other day that next month we will have had her for 1/2 her life! Craziness!  

She continues to thrive. Her development is right on target- she's all GIRL in the sense that she likes to TALK (or at least be heard! ;-)  even though most of it is gibberish.  She wakes up in the morning asking for "Seh" (Seth) or "Daddy" or "JJ".   Some of her favorite things are climbing on top of the table, diving headfirst into water, and eating popcicles.  She is NOT a fan of getting her hair combed out. =/  We're still learning here. =)

There's really no new news to share in her case. I had a meeting with the caseworkers and agency supervisors this coming week but I honestly don't know what it's about!  So far, Mom is hoping to be moved to a more "open program" that will allow her much more independence than she has had the past 8 months.  This could be a very telling time for her as her main issue is to establish and maintain healthy boundaries of people that she should and shouldn't be associating with. I think the agency and courts will be watching her pretty closely to see if she is able to say "no" to people that aren't allowed around Little Lady.  It's going to be very tough for her.  

We had expressed interest in being participants in her recovery and even entertained the idea of fostering Mom along with Little Lady in hopes of helping mentor her while keeping Little Lady in a familiar environment.  While we are not pursuing this option right now we are still hoping to be open to God's promptings and leading regarding our family.  We are very much aware that our boys are a priority and while we are hoping to raise them to be strong men, they are still young boys at this point.  Either way, we are seeking God's leading and would appreciate your continued prayers. 

I have been enjoying doing a bible study in the park this summer with some gal pals.  We're reading through a devotional called Duty or Delight and wow- she doesn't hold back!  I was recently challenged with the question: What do I delight in? What is stealing my delight of God?  As I reflected on 3 recent deaths (not to mention those in CO) I am grateful for the opportunity to re-evaluate how well I'm living out my favorite quote: "Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."  I don't know about you but I feel as though there are some times when it's only those "big" things that matter.  Evangelizing your neighborhood, leading a missions trip, preaching, teaching etc... but I'm gently reminded that singing Jesus loves me to one who may not hear it again in her lifetime, lovingly disciplining my child, making and serving coffee to my husband- those are things that matter too.  

As a mentor of mine once told me "...people and God' word are the only 2 things that last forever.  Spend your time wisely invested in both."  

Well said. 

 Better lived.