Thursday, January 17, 2013

Salt, Hope, Fostering

We don't have salt and pepper shakers. 
When we moved to Colorado (A year ago!) those ended up in the "not worth moving" pile.
So, when we need them I think, Bah! I'll have to buy those next time I'm at the store! and then I grab the huge salt refill tub and sprinkle some into my hand or a spoon and then use it as needed. I do the same with a huge bottle of black pepper. Then I completely forget about it.

So, the other day I am making dinner and I have a pile of salt in my left hand and a pile of pepper in my right hand and I shout to Lucas, "Okay, I think its time to get salt and pepper shakers." Lucas quickly replies,
"Salt and Pepper Shakers? Okay, right, because we're SO RICH!"
 He's the best. I laughed for a long time.
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Watch the show Raising Hope.
It is SO FUNNY.
It's the only thing that makes Lucas laugh harder than Americas Funniest Home Videos.
(and his caught-off-guard laugh is so attractive. mmm)
You should watch it. Some of the humor is super subtle and some of it is just out there. 
We can never remember it's called Raising Hope, though. 
We'll come home and get comfy and then one of us says,
"Ice Cream and Hope Floats?!"
Every time. 
We've gone through a gallon of Blue Bell and watched the two Netflix seasons. 
Its a wonderful way to gain 4 pounds.

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Every Tuesday night until early March, Lucas and I will be attending certification classes to become FOSTER PARENTS!
We have been trying to adopt for over a year now.
We have received quite a few emails from expecting moms who are looking to place their babies for adoption, but one mom picked another family in-state, one decided to hire an agency, one stopped talking to us out of nowhere, and then I posted a blog about how hard it is to get your hopes up and we haven't been contacted again.
Then, we started watching a little boy, Dean, who is being raised by his grandmother. When she is at work, we take care of him. He is about to turn three and we are falling head over heels for him.

 We had a feeling that if we can love an older child so deeply, and if we felt ready to face an emotional journey (it's all we know) then maybe adopting children through the foster care system might be the best option for us. We think it is important to provide a safe and loving place for children to be until they are able to be reunited with their families, but if they cannot return to their families, we want to be able to show them just how loved and wanted they are.
As we were praying about the decision, a lady in my ward got certified as a foster parent. Two young sisters were placed in her home. She was not interested in adoption, but was happy to foster them.
I had never met these girls before, but I walked into their classroom to teach music and after a few minutes, the younger little girl suddenly ran over to me and wrapped her arms around me. She hugged me so tight and wouldn't get off my lap the rest of the day. Then her older sister wanted to hold my hand and stay with me. So I stayed with them the rest of church and finally walked them to the car with their foster mom. When I said goodbye they both started crying and begging me not to go. It was heartbreaking and I knew that if those little girls needed a home, I would adopt them and gladly be their mother. We looked into it, and their caseworker told me that the only way we would be considered is if we are certified foster parents.
And so our answer was confirmed.

Unfortunately, these little girls have since been moved to another foster home and we aren't allowed to know anything. Chances are that they are now in a home that wants to adopt them if they become adoptable. However, we did feel that we recieved our answer. We are moving forward and are SO EXCITED. We have attended two classes already and are getting our home ready for the angels who will come live with us.




8 comments:

Kelsey Eaton said...

Eeek!! I'm so excited for you guys!! What great news! Excited for you guys to keep attending classes. Can't wait to hear updates. ):

Love, Kels

Rachel said...

This is so awesome, Amber! You and Lucas are perfect for fostering!!

Jana said...

This is so exciting!!!! So so happy for you guys!!!! We watch hope floats ice cream boats too, I like it :) have you seen parenthood? Not necessarily a comedy, but a wonderful show! One of the families is going through the foster/adopt process right now.

bethandericfarmer said...

Very cool, Amber. You two are always in our thoughts and prayers so it's great to see you're receiving answers. Good luck!

Catherine said...

Amber, This is so neat. I have been having the same thoughts about how to best welcome children into our home. Foster has always felt like an option for me, but it scares me like everything else. I love your strength. I hope all goes well. You both are an amazing couple and I know the Lord will bless you.
Love, Catherine & Peter Hale

Eric & Crystal Marshall said...

Amber! That is amazing! My sister just got her first placement of foster kids - two girls, 3 and 15 months. These girls are from a rougher background than most, but she is loving it, and we have loved getting to know them and giving them some positivity in what has already been an extremely negative short little life. I am so excited for you and ecstatic to read your blogs as you go through this journey!!!!! :)

Hadlocks said...

You guys are perfect for this! You both make people feel relaxed and welcome, and I've seen you with kids, they just melt into because you make them feel awesome and important. I like reading about the times when you receive such clear answers, you are inspiring!

Keeley Farrell said...

My family did foster parenting for years, and it is hard. An emotional journey for sure. But it's also so rewarding. We waited 5 years before being able to adopt my little sister, Ella. It will be an amazing experience!