Inspection 101

Tomorrow is the day for our annual foster care license renewal house inspection. Kathleen will come and check our smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, child cabinet locks, the gun safe, etc., etc. Not what I call a good time. Last year (our first for this), I scrubbed the tar our of this house. It was immaculate and the kids were spit shiny! I had the house decorated for Christmas straight out of Martha Stewart Magazine.

She didn't even notice!

 Well this year I am relaxing and not exactly enjoying the inspection, but not stressing over it either. I know they wont give up a foster home because I forgot one of the light switch covers. I should take this approach to many other things in my life and see where it gets me! 

Blessings!

Cybil

Thanks Kidos!

I was so proud of my kids today that I must brag on them, just a bit. We had some snow in our area so school was cancelled today. It just happened to be on the same day that my mother and I had scheduled to make Christmas candy.  I knew that taking all five kids to moms would be counter productive, but I also hated to leave them home all day while their dad slept. (He works 3rd) The have stayed home by themselves tons, but for the whole day and keeping quiet enough so they dont wake dad is another story.

Not only did they not wake dad, but they knew we were up for home inspection for our foster home renewal licensing this week, so they cleaned the kitchen, living room, and kept the basement in good order. I was so happy when I got home and the house was more than just standing! Sigh! Now I can relax and sample a few of the treats I made today.

Blessings!

Cybil

I am trying....

Christmas this year has been very hard for me to get excited about. Its been such a tough year and a half for our family in so many ways that I am......tired, depressed, blah. 

My husband had 3 stints put in his heart

Becoming foster parents

A horrible adoption process

Daughter #1 blew out her knee and had to have surgery, bed rest, therapy, etc..

Finally closing the adoption and dealing with all of the judgement and misunderstanding 

My dad has no set diagnosis for the 2 tumors found in his head

Daughter #3 had an emergency appendectomymy

Dealing with my diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The huge financial stress caused by all of the above.

The stress of bring a 4 (now 5) year old into our family.

I just feel so tired after all of this. I sound so winey! God has truly brought us through, and I am so thankful for it, but I am beat.

This attitude is way out of character for me. Usually I am  just as excited for Christmas as the kids, maybe more.  Maybe over time I will get my zest for life back, but for this season....I am tired.

I am so thankful that I have my family, friends and an amazing God who always comforts me when I need Him.

To God be the Glory!

TheToy Box

Today was the dreaded day for cleaning out the the Toy box and organizing all of the toys. YUCK! Usually I do this when the kids aren't home (duh!), but for some reason I decided to tackle it with their help. Below is the finished product.

I dont think I will actually have to buy as many Christmas gifts this year. The "newly found" toys are a big hit. I might have to do this before birthdays as well! What a great way to save money. My daughter is looking over my shoulder as I type this and has some serious objections.

Blessings to you and yours today!

Cybil

Traditions....

Today I went to my moms with the intention of making cookies and candy for Christmas gifts and treats to eat. Snow delay in the A.M. set us back 2 hours, so the candy will have to wait till monday.  Thats OK though, I dont mind spending another day at the parents. Actually I love going over there. They still live in the same house where I grew up. Even though it has been remodeled in some places, it still feels very comfortable and homey. One day, I hope to call it "my house" where I can invite my grandchildren over to make Christmas candy and cookies.

Way too long!

Have mercy it has been so long since I have posted. I daily read most of my favorite blogs, but cant seem to be able to post myself I often get frustrated about what I want to express or am too depressed to get it out.  These last 18 months have been the most stressful of my life and of our marriage.  The stress has resulted in early onset Rhumatoid Arthritis. I am hoping/praying that the Lord will free me from this when things settle down, which they are...slowly. While I may be 34, I feel like 60. This is both depressing and frustrating as I love to be active with my family. I may add it to my "interests" and see if there are others who might have a similar situation. It could only help. I am currently on a heavy perscription to helpwith the swelling and pain, but would love to find another alternative.

Anyway, God is good and I will try my best to see the blessing in this.

Blessings!

Cybil

My absolute Best?

Colosians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will recieve an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This verse has been a struggle for me lately.  Well, I should say that it is popping into my mind on a regular basis. The Lord might just be trying to tell me something.  Imagine what might happen if I listened?

My home, marriage, children, schedule, my body, relationships, and even my walk with Christ can all get pushed aside  in the daily grind of life.  So exhausting!  I wish I had the energy to keep it all in perspective without the Lord reminding me of my shortcomings.

Honestly, I would rather do few things better, than all of the things poorly. Isn't that a goal that we all strive for? Or is it just me? Maybe others can do it all with great success..I just know that I am not in that category.  I need to remember that there is a season for everything and that some "items" on the list might just have to wait until a later date.

Lord, give me perspective and desire.......

Blessings!

Cybil