My Most Favorite Time of the Year

Happy July!

July is my favorite month of the entire year! Fireworks, family, homemade ice cream, summer heat and running through the sprinkler!

When I was a kid all of our extended family would gather at my Aunt's house. We would enjoy the company of one another and light some fuses on some fantastic fireworks. I have two very distinct memories about those get-togethers. 1) Falling off the swing set and having the wind knocked out of me for the first time ever. I pretty much thought I was dying! 2) The fireworks! I don't remember the big ones or the bottle rockets. I remember this little things called Flower Chasers or something like that. We would sneak up behind my Grandpa while he sat in his folding chase lounge, the one with the small plastic tubing stacked up the front and back, and light those suckers and take off running. I am sure we were giggling to no end and he knew exactly what was coming, but he acted surprised every single time. He would whoop and holler and take off in a scooty little run with his arms waving in the air. We loved every minute of it! And when I say we I feel completely comfortable including my Grandpa.

My favorite and only sister was also born in July two days before my Grandpa's birthday. I love how we finally grew up and stopped fighting like a cat and dog. The two of us are as opposite as two blood relatives could possibly be. The last several years have allowed both of us to grow to appreciate those differences. I think one of the best examples of that is when I told her we were going to become foster parents. Her reaction: "I think you are crazy, but I am not going to tell you not to do it." We get each other.

July, my most favorite time of the year, eight years ago, T and I welcomed into this world the most precious little boy I could ever imagine. If you have met Mr. A-man I am 99.9% sure he has captured a special place in your heart. Words really don't do this child justice. He truly is one of a kind. One day when we are all in Heaven together I will introduce him to his Great Grandpa. At that moment I expect to find some Flower Chasers in my pocket and show A-man how to have a little fun with Papa!

A Child's Freedom

Last weekend, like most people in this country, I celebrated my freedom. The freedom of speech. The freedom of religion. You know what I am talking about, right?

Have you ever thought about the freedom to be loved, to be cared for, to be rocked to sleep at night?

I have. Everyday. For a few years now. I'm a foster parent. We've had our first and current placement for just over 3 months. A sweet baby girl.

Now, don't get me wrong. I DO believe her parents love her. Unfortunately, they are in a tough place right now. And, well, that's all I can say about that.

However, I can tell you there are thousands upon thousands more just like her in Missouri alone that deserve the freedom's every child should have. And I'm just talking foster care.

Missouri has over 2,000 children waiting to be adopted. They are looking for the freedom of a forever family.

This goes far beyond Missouri. Right now I have friends in Ethiopia. They left the US on Independence Day to go meet their daughter for the first time. She is beautiful. She should be able to join them here in the states in August. She will have the freedom a child deserves.

These children, all of them, from my house to Ethiopia and beyond, did not ask for the situations they found themselves in. They are innocent. They only ask for the freedom to be a child.

Not every family is meant to be a foster family or an adoptive family. But, I encourage you to find a way to help.

If you are willing, message me and I will point you in the right direction!