Confession: I’ve been binge-watching TV shows on Netflix. I’m home on (foster care) maternity leave, and there’s not much else to do. During these sessions, I’ve come across three separate shows that reference foster care. Each one is negative. There’s the “you’re not our biological child, so we won’t spend money on you” storyline. And […]
Foster Care 101: What to expect from the home study
Before our foster care home study, I had no idea what to expect. And admittedly, I was terrified. If you’re there right now… breathe. Center yourself. I know the term “home study” sounds intimidating, but I want you to know that it’s not. At least, it wasn’t for us. Of course, no two home study […]
In search of an oxymoron… the cute first aid kit I couldn’t live without
Disclaimer: We received one of these products at no cost. However, it is, indeed, the bees knees. Bad mom confession: Up until a month ago, I didn’t have a first aid kit in our home. Sure, I had bandages, creams, and ice packs. But, if I had to tell you where they were… I could […]
Learning to love and let go of our first foster child
10: 26 p.m. on Monday. That’s when my life changed. My husband and I were sitting in bed, routinely working on a crossword puzzle like the boring young couple we are, when my phone rang. The call I’d been praying for: Our first foster child would arrive around midnight. What a rush. Fear. Excitement. Sorrow. […]
My new perspective on time travel
If you could go back in time, where would you go? What would you do? Think about that for a minute. Map it out in your mind, and let the emotions of the imaginary trip take over. Did you choose to revisit a moment in your life? Did you make a change? Tell yourself a […]
An open letter to my future foster child
Dear sweet child, I know this is scary. One minute, you’re home. The next, you’re living with strangers. I can’t begin to imagine the confusion you are feeling, and I won’t pretend to understand. You’ve never met me before, but I’m going to be your foster mom. Alongside your foster dad, I will do my […]
{Announcement} Why we chose to become foster parents
It was sometime in the fall of 2011, in the family room of the Incredible Pizza in Tulsa. The room with “I Love Lucy” memorabilia and cozy booths. My boyfriend Byron sat across from me. It was a new relationship. And as such, we hadn’t yet talked about serious things: marriage, finances, children. As I […]
Chapter Two: A Little Golden Book theme birthday party
I’m finally coming to terms with the following phrase: My son is two years old. I had to practice saying it so many times leading up to his second birthday last week, and I’m just now able to say it without feeling sick to my stomach. I know, I know. I’m being ridiculous. We want […]
Why I tracked down the owner of a dusty cardboard box
Before parenthood stole reassigned a lot of our free time, we enjoyed going to auctions and estate sales. You never know what you’ll find there, and the mystery made it pretty thrilling. During one of our Friday nights at the auction, we purchased a large box of picture frames. We’d just moved into our then […]
{Giveaway} Live on the wild side with Zoobooks!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, this product is, indeed, the bee’s knees. Any other 90s kids in the house? If you’re like me, you grew up around Lisa Frank, scrunchies, and hair crimpers. You roller bladed, collected Tamagotchis, and subscribed to the best animal magazine out there: Zoobooks! Are you having flashbacks? You’re […]