The Next Chapter

We had our 30 day court appointment today. Rich took the two older boys and 4 hours later there has been some resolution. It was determined that the boys will stay in care, but will move most likely the beginning of next week to a stable family relative. It is a cousin of the mom's and it will be a good place for them. Rich got to meet the cousin and his wife today at court. The boys are looking forward to being back with family. Additionally, visitation will be much lower key with Mom since they will be with a family member.

The past month has been an experience that I would not change for an instant. The boys have taught us so much and have been a joy. I am excited that they are going to be able to be with family and it will be a really good place for them. Foster care was never on our radar, but we are glad we did it. Talk about jumping in full force to parenthood. =)

On the other side of things, we are still waiting on the adoption side. Say some prayers that God's plan will be shown to us soon. Happy early Fourth of July to all of you!

A Crazy Amazing Few Days

Last Friday (5/27) was the last day of school and I woke up excited to have school be done and looking forward to a relaxing weekend with my parents in town for Memorial Day. Little did I know how 12 hours was going to turn our lives upside down. Friday, I went with my team of teachers and our 7th graders to go bowling for a last day celebration. While we were there it was brought to my attention that 2 of our North students, not mine currently, and their little brother were picked up Thursday night by DFS and put into emergency care. Our school social worker was looking for options of places for them to stay if something did not come through in their family. Well, I volunteered our family as a back up plan. We are licensed foster and adoptive parents with the state of Missouri. We had no intention of ever fostering but had to do that training before we could do our adoption training. At 1:00 that afternoon the school social worker came to find me and told me they were unable to find any family who could take the boys and if we were in fact willing, DFS would gladly place them with us. I had been able to talk to Rich earlier in the day and he was okay with it so I said yes. In the next 3 hours some amazing things came together and I came home from work Friday with 3 boys ages 14, 12 and 5. We have lots of friends and family who have stepped up to help us out. Everything from clothes, books, shoes, a mattress, and a booster seat. There is no way we could have pulled this off without everyones help. As of right now we know we will have them at least through the month of June and to be determined for how long from there.

The boys are doing amazingly well. They are so polite and well behaved. They are getting more comfortable everyday and enjoying being with us. We have been blessed by them in our lives and will continue to keep them until they are able to go home. Please keep them in your prayers as we continue down this unexpected road.