Update: I forgot to mention that Miss N was talking about her birthday (which is apparently in 9 hours) and said she was sad the dogs couldn't come to the party because they couldn't wear party hats. Party hats are a very important part of the celebration, you know. :)
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Well instead of a 4 year old little boy, we ended up with Mr. D, who is 4 and Miss N, who is 2, this past weekend. Let me say that I was a little apprehensive because I always over-think things and my mind thinks through the worse possible situation. But it was not that way at all.
We picked them up on Friday night at their church and Mr. D was excited from the beginning. Miss N was not so sure about us but Ms. H convinced her that it would be fun and by the time we made it home she was talking up a storm and had forgotten all about being scared or missing her foster-mom.
Saturday Mr. D was up before BJ left for work and Miss N woke up shortly thereafter. We did a lot of fun things including watching Toy Story 2 and Lion King (their choice), playing the Wii (which Mr. D was really good at and Miss N is a little too young to really get it), going to the park, playing with bubbles, and playing princess with Miss N. My parents came over briefly and the kids immediately got a little clingy to me. I wanted them to not be so shy, but it is nice to be the one they want. It just feels good. :)
While my parents were there visiting, Mr. D found this bear that sings a song about fishing and fell in love. He probably pushed the button 50 times and I'm convinced he almost had the song memorized. We found out he'd never been fishing and made a mental note that if we get to watch them again, we may have to find a way for BJ to take him fishing.
Sunday was the most challenging day of the weekend mainly because the kids were surrounded by people they didn't know in a church they didn't know, and both BJ and I are busy in ministry all day. Mr. D went to his Sunday School class and did really well. Miss N, she wouldn't leave me, so I taught with her in my lap. It wasn't that easy, but we made it through. She got pretty attached to Elisha during class and was okay sitting with her during church so I could play the piano. When she couldn't see me, she made sure to tell Elisha. As long as she could see me at the piano, she was okay. She wasn't used to having to be quiet at church, but she did well. Mr. D wouldn't go to children's church, so he sat with BJ in the sound booth for a little while. BJ got him a chair and he was happy to just be sitting by BJ. BJ said Mr. D reached over and gave him a hug while they were sitting back there. Such a sweet little boy.
A couple of our favorite moments from the weekend and things I want to remember:
-Mr. D and Miss N have smiles that are so contagious. Just being with them is sure to make you smile.
-We were in the car driving and Mr. D said " BJ, you are awesome!" So sweet, I tell you.
-Miss N's favorite phrase was "What are you lookin' at?" And when you said you were looking at her, she asks why.
-Those kids love some chocolate milk and they want to stir the chocolate in themselves and tell you they are making the milk turn chocolate. The look on their faces tell you how proud they are of themselves.
-I washed Mr. D's blanket and he loved wrapping up in the warm, just out of the drier, blanket with only his face peaking out.
-As soon as they got there, Mr. D got his toys out of the bag and promptly put them in his closet. He also found a special place to store his DS games. A kid who loves organization. What's not to love?
-And just so you know Miss N is only a princess when she is wearing her princess clothes.
On the way to drop them off, they really didn't want to go home and we heard about it. But as soon as we were there, they ran up to Ms. H and gave her a hug. I just don't think they know it is okay to enjoy being with more than one person. They feel like they have to choose. They were so excited to tell Ms. H about their weekend and to see their "foster siblings." A lot of hugs were given. I know that their "brothers" and Ms. H are glad they are home.
This weekend showed me that I can handle this. We are not getting into more than we can handle, but God is providing strength all the way.
My house sure is quiet now and I miss the kiddos, the hugs, the smiles, and the constant activity. Soon enough, in God's time.
I'm so glad we got to watch them this weekend and I didn't back away because of the fear of the unknown. God is always faithful.
