I had to share these photos. I am fascinated by my surroundings right now. God, you are an amazing artist!

 LIVING LIFE

Life is not a race-but indeed a journey.

 Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy.

Say "thank you". "I love you", and "great job" to someone each day.

Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.

Let your handshake mean more than a pen and paper.

Love your life and what you've been given,

it is not accidental-search for your purpose and do it as best you can.

Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be.

Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.

Some of the best things really are free.

Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.

Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself-plan for longevity.

Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. 

Live for today, enjoy the moment.

-Bonnie Mohr

I love this! I want to hang it everywhere in my house to be reminded daily!!!

So, basically since I can remember, I have wanted to be a foster parent. Well, this past week I was given a glimpse as to what it would possibly be like. I was asked to care for five girls for one week. With the approval from my husband, I said "yes".  I know these girls through my church, and had had them stay with me New Year's Eve, as my daughter was living it up in Maui. 

All the girls arrived at my house Sunday afternoon with plenty of luggage to last at least one week :) I set the four older girls in my step daughter's room...that's where they wanted to stay. The youngest was asked to sleep with my oldest daughter, and of course, she accepted. 

It was late before the girls went to bed, but they were all up and ready for school the next morning, including "Little Miss" (who is six). I took all the girls to school and had a talk with the youngest telling her to be good at school and I would be to pick her up after school. 

After school I picked them all up. Little Miss had an excellent day, even with having a late night. We all went home visited, played, hung out and ate dinner. 

At  7 pm I received a phone call from a state worker that said that someone would be out to get "Little Miss" that night...no idea what time, but someone would be out to pick her up. I cannot even begin to explain the emotions that ran through me. "Why? Why would she need to leave? Her foster sisters are here? She had a great day at school? I told her she was going to stay with me for the week. She knows me." No reasons were given as to why they were coming to get her...

"Little Miss" was picked up at 9 pm Monday night. Past her bedtime. I was told that she would not be going to school on Tuesday. Come to find out that she did not attend school all week....

I've become very attached to "Little Miss". We started hanging out the day after Christmas this past year...so it has only been a few weeks. She has already stolen my heart, though.  I am making it a point to spend time with her while she is in the care of her current foster parents. They are older, grandparents, and then they have older foster girls: ages eleven to seventeen. 

I really enjoyed spending the week with the four older girls...hearing their stories and listening to them talk about the only family they have, but rarely see. Wow...sometimes I think that we all should be reminded of what we have, and what we have to offer others...

I took the girls "home" today...no one has heard from "Little Miss" and probably won't until Tuesday, because it is a holiday weekend. 

I miss her and continue to pray that she is being taken care of. How I wish that I could take her under my wing and give her the life and family that she deserves...

This week has opened my eyes to the reality of Foster Parenting. I'm not sure that I could do it...I could, but am I strong enough to say good-bye in a matter of minutes...just like that...?