Speaking of Runts

A fostering-family-friend of ours called today to tell me a story. They have two new lap dogs, and one is the runt of the litter. After explaining to her daughter what being the runt of the litter meant, her daughter said, "Remember that runt that we used to take care of?"

Her mother asked about a different puppy, but that was not what she had in mind. She said, "No mom - he's a human runt. He lives with Teenager now. He's all grown up now. Not grown up like tall, but grown up on the inside, in his head."

Since a runt needs extra care and attention, she figured that Whistle must be a runt, too! :-) He lived with them for a month before he came to us, and we will be forever greatful for this mom's call when she said, "I think you need to meet this boy."

Yeah, What she said!

Because Kari said it so well, please go read her thoughts here.

Our homestretch is a long time away. We may never see an empty nest, but I don't regret the choices we've made. One day at a time, one blessing (and trial) at a time, God has provided, and He has promised to continue to do so. I have no fear of the future. Last night I was lying in bed thinking of the last lines of an old Sunday School chorus we used to sing, "For if the Father's eye is on the sparrow, then surely he will care for you. He knoweth, and careth, each burden, he beareth. For if the Father's eye is on the sparrow, then surely he will care for you."

That led my thoughts to a hymn that we sing in our church services now, which also has a line about God caring for the sparrow. You can read and listen to it here: His Eye is on the Sparrow.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29, 31

The sparrows. The children. And us. Fear ye not.

Twins?

At first glance, people have thought our two new boys are twins, but they are actually a year apart; two and three. They don't even have the same color hair, but are close in size, if you're not looking closely. However - some things are twin: sweatshirts, toe-to-hip leg casts (one right, one left), and wheelchairs! We knew they had casts before they came, and knew they were due to have new ones (which called for anesthetic) the day after they arrived. What we didn't know was that one was having actual surgery on his foot, and the other a more minor procedure. Thus, the unexpected wheelchairs, and restrictions on weight bearing for both boys; one for 6 weeks, the other a shorter time.


In training, I tell prospective foster parents that a good motto is "Be Flexible." This week it's being put into practice at this house! We're doing okay, one day at a time; both the boys and the foster family. Adjusting to each other, healing from the procedures, and today things are actually much better, because during the two days at the hospital with them, I came down with a case of the stomach flu. Bad. News. Feeling better now. So far, no one else shows signs of it except Whistle, who probably gave it to me in the first place.

Teeny Tiny Food

Our granddaughter E., 4 years old, woke her mother at 3 o'clock in the morning on Monday, excitedly asking if she could eat that teeny tiny food now. Of course Mom was confused, and had her repeat it. Huh? Teeny tiny food? She said, "I'm baptized now, so can I eat that teeny tiny food?"

You see, she was baptized on Sunday (which we are truly thankful for, and do not take lightly), and realized she now could take part in the communion service. It is so funny how kids interpret the world around them! I guess it's time for discussion on the symbolism of the communion service, next.

And two more make . . .

We've had an emergency placement for the last few days, a 12 year old boy who was waiting for a specific home to open up. It went well, as far as we know - but we hardly got to know him. It's so different having kids who aren't going to be staying -- I really don't want to start asking them questions and stirring up things within them. They have so many people in their lives already, I don't want to be one more person who thinks they have all the answers for a child they don't know enough about. I'm trying to make them comfortable and feel welcome, but I wonder . . . when I hold back, do they really feel like we care, or does that make them feel like we're "just a place with a bed" to them? Hmmmm. . . . will think on that for a while.

In other news (as they say), we are awaiting the arrival of two new preschoolers this afternoon. More to come on that later, I'm sure!

Old Friend - New Blogger

Not a friend who is old -- a friendship that has developed over time. I'd like to introduce you to my friend, K. She and her husband are active foster parents, and some of the best friends a family could ever have. From the outside looking in at foster families, things sometimes seem different than they are when working within the family, and within the system. Having good friends like them to share our lives with makes our days richer and fuller.

I love this gal, and I want to welcome her to the blogging community.

K: These flowers are for you. :-)

You can visit her HERE. Please say hello, and tell her Other Mother told you to stop by and see if she could come out to play.

Young Singers

Check out this video of The Cactus Cuties, 5 girls ages 8 to 13, singing the National Anthem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284

Amazing voices.