Graduation

 Ashley GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

They said she wouldn't, God had another plan. 

BTW when I say "they" I mean everyone and their mother.  Caseworkers, guidance counselors, family, friends, principals, and teachers.  EVERYONE.  I will even tell you I had some serious doubts.  I saw how determined she was to complete high school.....and then I saw the logistics of actually making it happen.  I had concerns.

She walked into our home with 9 high school credits.  In a year and a half she successfully achieved 28 credits.  That my friends is a miracle.  God gets all the Glory. 

She took advantage of every waking moment and that beautiful girl walked her little butt across the stage and received her high school diploma. 

She studied when others partied. 
She went to school when others enjoyed summer and spring breaks.
She re-took tests if she didn't make the grade she needed.
She talked to every guidance counselor and took advantage of every tutor the school had to offer.

It didn't come easy, it wasn't a walk in the park, but she did it.  She broke the cycle of abuse that held her down for 18 years. 

She placed her trust in a loving God who has and will continue to guide her footsteps. 

She now begins a new chapter and we are excited to see God continue to mold and develop HIS young lady. 

With God all things are possible...If you have any doubts have a talk with Ashley.

p.s.  I'll post pictures soon.  Allen lost the camera-that's my story and I'm stickin to it.

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Miss Ashley is celebrating her 19th birthday today!  Ashley has been with us over a year and continues to grow and develop into a young lady day by day.  She is in a program called "post-custody".  This helps her graduate high school and assists her in entering college/work force/other avenues. 
We are very proud of the young lady she is today, we are amazed at the remarkable progress she has made, and extremely excited to see what life holds for her as she transforms from a girl to a woman.  She gave her life to Christ almost a year ago and has never looked back.  What a wonderful testimony she has and I know God will use her to touch many lives and hearts. 

We have encountered many "Ups and Downs, Smiles and Frowns" on this journey but at the end of the day I can honestly say I am proud, honored and blessed to share my life with this 19 year old young lady. 
Happy Birthday Ashley!

Jumping on the blogging bandwagon

  So much happens every single day in our lives that I know I can never possibly remember it all. Hopefully by keeping a record of it here I will have documented evidence for later in life. And also a window into our lives for family and friends and the fellow blog/cyber stalker. Plus it makes me feel important…and some days feeling important is just what I need.




So here is a brief summary of how we roll. Allen (that’s my husband) and I are in the middle of adopting Ethan our foster son we received in June of 2009. His adoption should be done in September. We also are foster parents to Nick and Ashley. Nick is 9 and has a wide array of physical and developmental delays, and Ashley is his sister who is 18. I am a stay at home mom and Allen works full time at a disaster restoration company.

Ethan’s personality can be summed up by shrinking my husband into a 5 year old, add a little bit of my mannerisms, and there you have it…ETHAN. He is all boy, incredibly athletic, can sing better than most professional singers, has the rhythm of a professional drummer, and can break dance like nobody’s business. His favorite activities are playing with his cars, action figures, and chilling out with his best friend his daddy. He loves to go and do things but when nighttime comes wants to be at home in his own surroundings. He can wrestle and rough house and never whines, complains or gives up. Right now his biggest fears are monsters under the bed and spending the night away from daddy. He is such an awesome kid. Allen and I are always saying that he was made for us, our pride and joy.

Nick is an extremely happy and outgoing child.  He is constantly talking, singing, humming or whistling.  He never meets a stranger, and enjoys being around adults. He is very determined and once he sets his mind to something he will make it happen. He loves going to church and loves school.  His favorite TV show is sesame street.    Due to his developmental delays his comprehension levels are around a 2 year old.  He also has cerebral palsy which can make movement difficult at times.   His attention span has improved in the last few months but his severe ADHD makes even the smallest of tasks a challenge.  Despite his disabilities he has an amazing attitude about life, and is always looking for a new adventure. 

Ashley is your typical teenage girl.  She is obsessed with the Twilight series and can tell you everything about it from start to finish.  Her nails are always painted, she doesn't like to get dirty, and is very neat.  Her room is typically the cleanest in the house.  Her favorite subject in school is History.  Her least favorite is math.  She has enjoyed blossoming into her own person over the last few months and focusing on improving her choices, and grades.  She is always eager to help, and has a Pollyanna attitude.   Since Ashley is 18 she is in a program called post custody which is helping her to graduate and get into college.

So there it is!  There will be ups and downs, smiles and frowns.  Enjoy!