Back from the Beach.

Ah, the little kids are home!
After four long days without them, they have returned.
While they were gone, I had some super quality time with my two big girls and Eli.

We shopped. Boy, did we shop.
We got their rooms cleaned.

But what is left from their rooms is in piles in my kitchen, waiting for me to sort it out.

I am absolutely loving life. I love all five of my children. There is so much laughter in my house that sometimes my heart aches. I am full of love for each of my children. And sometimes my heart hurts for the times that I have missed. I wish I could have been involved sooner. But, I know that we are doing what is intended.

Last night we were treated to rice and beans. It was awesome. Then we had Rock Band Night. Mostly, I just sat and listened to the laughter and singing.

Later on, Emma fell asleep on one of the girls laps. I was going to take Emma to bed, but my favorite 13 year old told me she would do it. So, she carried Emma up to bed. A few minutes later, I went to check on them. Emma's sister was reading her a story. They ended up reading five books, with Emma fighting sleep for some precious time with the sweet girl.

And then finally, Emma went to sleep.

Today, I think about what it was like to be standing on the outside last night when the little kids got home from the beach. I am focusing on the tight hugs from big kids to little. I am replaying the "I love you" and the "I missed you so much" that I heard so many times last night.

I have always loved the scripture in the Bible that says, "And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

I always thought that scripture pertained to faith. I have talked about my children's faith over the years, how strong their faith is - how they know that God will take care of them.

Over the past few weeks, I have learned it is not only faith, but acceptance, love, and pureness of heart.

My children have new sisters. Without question, they have new members to our family - no questions asked. I wish more adults could witness this wonderful happening in my home. We should all be like the little children. We would be much better off.

Last week of school... here I come!

It is with great anticipation that I finish the last week of this practicum. I have come to love my second graders! I was blessed to spend last week with fourth grade and I proctored the TCAP. Guess what! I love fourth graders, too.

On May 10th, I will move to middle school and spend two weeks with either fifth or sixth graders. Will I love them also? Or will they scare the goo outta me like I think?

It is hard to believe that next month at this time, I will be a senior. :)

In other news, it has been a difficult two weeks for both myself and Dave (and the rest of the family) emotionally. I have learned some hard lessons about government, people and trust. I have prayed for a specific family that has been brought to us. I have told God that I am here, use me how he wishes. I have repeated that God is in control of the situation - even when I did not feel it.

I pray for guidance for a sweet family. I pray for the social workers, I pray for my family who are all stepping in and working together.

We have so much and now I know that there are so many that have so little. Not financially. Emotionally. While my own little family is not perfect, Dave and I love, love, love the kids. We hug and kiss and play. Even when we are exhausted at the end of the day, we love.

So many children do not get that.

I always look to grow from certain situations. From this situation, I have learned to be extra careful with my words and actions. I am watching my own movements about the house. I want to make sure that my family knows how much I love them and appreciate them.

Eli is an awesome teenager with a wonderful future ahead of him. I love his wit and charm. I have saw a different side of him this week... I see how tender his heart really is. This child has the ability to love others deeply.

Emma is ready to share and be loved by others. She takes change in stride, opens her heart to those in need. She is a welcoming child full of love and loyalty.

Tripp is happy to be here :)

Anyways, please keep my friends in your prayers in the upcoming weeks. They need it.