Overheard at my house....

Jon and G (8 year old foster son) reading:
G: Do I have to read all this? That's a lot of words.
Jon: Yes, it's good practice.
G: Dang it.

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When Caleb is stalling, particularly for nap or bed time, his tactics are to add things to his prayer list. The first thing to add, "Mommy pray for church." So we pray for our church....

And then he says, "Mommy pray for....for....um....pray for....."

And then he says, " I need something." We asks what he needs, and he responds, "Something."

Utterly annoying.
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Caleb: "Can I have juice with a straw and a wrapper?"
Me: "You mean a juice box?"
Caleb: "Yes."
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Me: "Caleb, why don't you go get yourself a kleenex and wipe your nose?"
Caleb: "Ok"
Caleb walking towards the bathroom...."Can I just look for money instead?"
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Whenever Caleb gets in trouble, he gets sent to his room or to the stairs for time out. We then will go talk with him and talk about why he is in time out. His response is always, "But I a good boy."
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While pouring Caleb some milk.
Caleb: "Is that warm milk or cold?"
Me: "Cold. I just got it out of the fridge."
Caleb: "This house is weird."
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Caleb: "Mom, am I adopted?"
Me: "Yes, you are!" (ready to start a long age appropriate conversation).
Caleb."Ok" (and runs off to play).

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Caleb: "Baby J has black face, I have a brown face, you have a white face."
Me: "Yes, God made us all that way."
Caleb: "Good. So you know?"  (As if I missed that the past three years)
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G to Caleb (a normal, everyday argument): "You snotty nose, you don't even know what 8+9 is."
Caleb: "Hahahha. Nope."
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November 19- A new beginning

Remember how we have a rocky relationship with our foster boys' mom?

Remember how yesterday she said thank you for all we have done?

Today....I received a series of texts that were so soft....so vulnerable....so nice....so grateful. Maybe we will eventually have a better relationship. I am still praying that I can be an encouragement to her and share Jesus with her.

Thank you Lord for a new start with the boys' mom.

November 18

I do not remember the last time I slept so much. I took a nap on Saturday and today. Today, so many things to be thankful for!

1. Sick Caleb. I don't enjoy seeing my boy sick, but he was mommy's snuggly boy today. He wanted mommy all day, and I can't complain. It was a wonderful, restful day with my boy. I do hope he feels better tomorrow though:)

2. The boys visited their aunt for about 7 hours today. It was wonderful to have them gone. I am so glad that they are transitioning to their aunt's house. It is good for us to have that rest and to be the three of us.

3. My husband. I am so crazy in love with him. I am so glad that God has strengthened our marriage.

4. A good night with G. Last night was G came back to our house, he was mad to be here. Tonight, he did much better and we even had a good night with him.

5. A thank you. I could fill this blog with stories about how much the boys' mom hates me, the things she has said to me, the allegations she has made, etc. But tonight, she called G, and said, "Be sure to tell Jon and Kristin thank you for all the do for you." Really? Wow. Thanks Lord. I needed that extra blessing.

6. Rest. Today was very restful!

November 17-- An afternoon "off"

Our two foster sons will be transitioning (we hope) to living with their aunt. To begin this process, they will be staying with her 4-5 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday. During that time, they also have a visit from their mom, and the baby visits his dad.

I am so grateful to have had time off today. Last night was probably one of the hardest nights with G, and to know that today I had some time to be without him was especially helpful.

Jon, Caleb and I went to lunch at our favorite Chinese buffet, we went grocery shopping and all three of us took naps. HOW GLORIOUS!!! I couldn't believe how long I slept--almost three hours! I was so incredibly tired. And don't judge me if I do the exact same thing tomorrow:) Minus the buffet and grocery shopping.

I am grateful that the boys might get to live with their aunt. I am grateful that right now we have some reprieve. I am grateful for family time and a wonderful nap.

And I am grateful that my sister-in-law bottles her own wine, and then gives me a bottle:) 

And because I haven't posted photos in a while.......

November 16- All About Caleb

Every single day I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be Caleb's mama. I don't take that role lightly, and pray that I would be a good steward of this life that God has given me. I tell Caleb every day that I am glad that I get to be his mommy and that he gets to be my son.

But this post is more than my love for Caleb.

This week was cause for a lot of celebration, even if in the midst of a busy week, we forgot:)

November 15 is our "Forever Family Day", the day a Calhoun County Judge signed the adoption papers and  said that Caleb was officially a Sausser.

This week is national adoption week. I am so grateful for people who are getting the word out about the need for adoption, and the call that God calls us to care for the orphaned. It is not an easy call, but man, do we see the face of God in these kids!

This week is also National Pre-mature birth day. I was born pre-maturely. Caleb was born 2 months early at   3 lbs and was in the hospital for 6 weeks. I am grateful for the advances that have been made in medicine so that these babies have the absolute best care.

I am thankful for adoption. I am thankful that Caleb's birth mom chose life. I am proud of her for making a hard decision to place Caleb in adoption. What a brave woman. I think about her often.

Today, I am thankful for adoption, and thankful for Caleb. I am so grateful that God has allowed us to be Caleb's parents. What a privilege and blessing!

November 15- A full night of sleep

Last night, I slept 6 hours. 6 hours ya'll!! So grateful for a full night of sleep. Way to go baby J.

Holding out for that tonight...though seeing it is 12:30, and my alarm will go off at 5:30, I am thinking that the 6 hours of sleep isn't happening:)

November 14- A Job I Love

Today and tomorrow I am meeting with 28 students for an hour each. That is a lot of people!! I am so grateful that I love my job. I can't believe that I get to get paid for investing in the lives of students. I love it!

Though I am extremely tired, I am loving the work that God is doing on campus!

November 13- That's what she said

All day I have been thinking about what I will post today. I can't just post a general, "I am thankful for my birthday. I am thankful I was born."

How about, I am incredibly thankful for the card that my dearest friend Krista sent?

Or, how about the remote car starter that my in-laws bought me? Or better yet, the date money that they sent?

Or, the gift that my grandma sent?

Or, the privilege it is to bear the burdens of college students. I feel honored that so many of them today trusted me with pain in their lives and shared some of the deep parts of their hearts.

Or, that starting on Saturday, both G and J will have extended parenting times on Saturday and Sunday. I am rejoicing that we will have some reprieve in our house. And a nap, definitely a nap. Just know that from 12-4 on Saturday, I will be scheduling NOTHING BUT naps for myself, Caleb and Jon. That's probably not true. Except when it will be.

Or, I could be really thankful for my new obsession: Once Upon a Child. THE BEST SECOND HAND KIDS STORE EVER. I bought clothes for G, Caleb, J and my niece Raegan. Hey, a girl has GOT to buy girl clothes.

Or, I could be grateful that my husband is letting me get some sweet photo shop actions for my birthday.

Or, I could be thankful that I FINALLY found a pair of boots that I have been looking for.

But the icing on the cake.....

A card from  my husband.

I fully intended a mushy, lovey dovey card, that was until I opened the envelope and saw the face of Michael Scott. I bet you can guess what happened when I opened the card. Yep, "That's what she said."

I laughed so hard. Seriously. I cried.

And then I read what he wrote, and it was indeed, sweet and meaningful, so I really cried.

This card had be crying double.

I am so thankful for the "That's what she said" card.

November 12- Sabbaths

Each week, I am grateful fro the discipline of Sabbath Keeping, but this week, especially. I did set my alarm this morning, only so G could get to school on time. I woke up at 7 instead of 5:30. I have a jammie/movie day planned with Caleb, and some extended time in prayer and journaling planned.

I am thankful that God created sabbaths. I am thankful that it is command from the Lord. I am thankful that as a student in InterVarsity I was encouraged to sabbath and now years later, I have established the discipline and can encourage students in the same way.

I am grateful that I am not a slave to work. I am grateful that I can trust God with a day off. I am grateful for the rest. Especially after this crazy Compelling Weekend.

Here's to sabbath keeping! If you are a Jesus follower, and don't take time to Sabbath, it is a great joy!!

November 8, 9, 10, 11 -- Compelling

I haven't posted in the last few days because I was without a computer and completely immersed in the planning and executing of Compelling 2012, InterVarsity's Fall Conference for Michigan. This blog post will not even begin to give words to the work that went on, but hopefully I can share just a bit of my thankfulness. May this post give glory to God for His work among college students.

1. Physical safety...easy travels, no sickness/injuries

2. 31 Albion College students in attendance, last year, there were 14.

3. 4-8 Albion students made a first time decision to follow Jesus. Total, about 36 students made a first time decision to follow Jesus.

4. I slept so well. I slept deeply, and had more sleep than I do at home. It is amazing when you don't have to wake up several times a night to deal with a crying baby.

5. One student in interested in leading the Albion chapter in starting a ministry with fraternity and sorority students on campus.

6.  7 international students attended from Albion (Indonesia, Mongolia and China). It is so sweet to see Jesus reign among the nations.

7.  Significant conversations with students.

8. My call to ministry was re-affirmed. The Lord knows I am needy and need to hear it about every 53 seconds.

9. I saw an old friend who was visiting the conference. She left staff with InterVarsity and I haven't seen her in a while. We chatted real quick in passing. She asked if she could pray for me and for our foster care situation. Tina my friend, the Lord is using your prayers. I was so encouraged and challenged to pray the things that Tina prayed for, in my own life, especially with G. I am so grateful that God allowed me to run into Tina in the hallway for a quick second.

10. Staff friends. Ya'll are my favorite people in the world. The only people that I can really be myself with. I love that my closest friends and staff. I love that we can be real and do the work of the Lord together. I love that I can come alongside you and work with your students and you come alongside of me to partner with my students. To God be the glory.

11. Excellent expositional teaching on the life of Joseph. I was fed well by the Word this weekend.

12.  My husband. I am literally bursting at the seams with love for him. Our marriage is so incredibly awesome right now. Trying times bring people together, right? That has totally been us. I enjoyed knowing that he was at home taking care of things all weekend. I loved the texts he sent me. I love that he cleaned (and tried to clean) the house for me. I love that he bought me flowers and told our foster son that I love pink.

13. Kyndall and Paiton-- two awesome girlies who came over on Saturday to watch the little boys while Jon did yard work.

14.  Lunch on Saturday with Albion students. I had such a fun time connecting with them.

15. Serving in a track/seminar teaching students how to lead on campus via intercession and prayer. I love prayer. It was incredible to have students walk in on Friday night, some with no prayer experience, a lot with "I pray for exams" and very few that actually intercede or pray regularly and to walk out Sunday afternoon with a deepened Biblical basis for prayer, tools, ideas on planning great prayer gatherings and actually enjoying prayer.

16. Obedience. This is probably a longer story, maybe for another post, or a conversation. If you want to know it's really cool:)) Anyways. I am thankful that God gave me the desire to be obedient this weekend. He allowed me to hear his voice and to clearly speak to me. It was a joy to be used by God, to be obedient and to see how my obedience changed the course of my Sunday morning (and all of those involved in my track/seminar).

17. Lofthouse cookies. They are my favorite. Jon had some for me when I got home today. He knows the way to my heart.

Compelling 2012 was amazing!

November 7 -31

In a few days, I will be joining almost 800 college students and InterVarsity colleagues for our annual fall conference for Michigan. I am so excited to serve on the staff team. I will be posting more about it later, I am sure, but for today I am thankful for the 31 Albion students that are attending Compelling 2012.

31.

Last year, we had 15.

The year before that, about 10.

The year before that, about 5.

31. 31. 31 students!! And you know what??? If everyone said "yes" that was invited, it would be well over 50.

I am so excited to see how God is growing the chapter here!

Can't wait to spend the weekend deepening relationships with 31 Albion students:)

November 6- Teachers

I grew up in a family of teachers. I never ever want to be a teacher. I don't have that much patience. I can't put things into a language kids can understand. I don't understand why you can't grasp easy concepts. And since we are being honest here, I really don't like other people's kids that much.

I am so incredibly glad for men and women who choose to invest their lives into the lives of children. These teachers do not get paid what they are worth, they are scrutinized and judged and endure long, tiring days. I am so grateful for teachers.

I am grateful that G has a new teacher. His teacher quit abruptly about a month ago (as if this kid needed more transition in his life.) This week, there is a new teacher for him, one that he really likes, and one that I think will be great for his class room.

I am grateful for my mom, sticking it out as a second grade teacher for 30 years. Today she was hurt by a kid, and spent some time in this hospital getting x-rays. This is not the first physical incident she has between a kid and yet she continues to work hard at her job. Keep pressing on mom! 

I am so grateful for teachers and more grateful that God allowed me to break the generational tradition in my family to NOT be a teacher. :)

November 5-- The best coffee date around

I feel like Caleb has been getting lost in the shuffle with busy work schedules, and now having two foster kids at home. This morning we had an extra three hours and decided to have a mommy and Caleb date. We went to a coffee shop, I had a beloved caffeinated drink, while my almost three year old had a hot chocolate. We talked. I worked. He colored. We split a scone. I helped him color. We talked. We laughed. We sang songs in the car.

It was beautiful. It was fun. I want to cherish times like this before he grows up too quickly.

On our way home, I asked him, "Can you be my baby forever?"

He responded: "Yep, forever and ever mommy."

Love that kid so much it hurts.

November 4--- A husband who takes care of the kids

While at church, a migraine hit me hard. For those of you who have migraines, you know the feeling. Huge headache, dizziness, sick to my stomach, seeing stars, shaking...it was bad. I left church to go to the store to buy some meds. I sat in the parking lot of the church for a while...I had to go back in and get Jon and the boys but I was so incredibly sick.

We came home, I had some soup and bread for lunch and went to bed until 7pm. Jon was amazing. He took care of the boys, with no complaint at all. None. He let me do what I needed to do.

I am so thankful that I could rest yesterday and not worry about taking care of the boys.

Thanks honey!

November 3--Thankfulness

1. Seeing Raegan. I love my 9 month old niece, but living 2.5 hours away makes it hard to see her. It was so fun to kiss on her sweet cheeks today.

2, Family Photos. I am usually on the other end of the lens doing family photos. Today, I had a chance to get my photos taken. It was so fun....cold, but fun. Check them out here. (And yes...Wendi, my business partner took the photos.)

3.  A husband who is on the same team. It was a rough night with G, and I am so glad that I was able to run to campus and Jon was able to hold down the fort, knowing we are on the same team.

4. Witches Brew Wine. I haven't technically drank any tonight, but you can bet your bottom dollar, I will be.

5. Students who aren't afraid to have difficult conversations.

November 2- Grateful that there is lots to be grateful for:)

Today was an all around pretty good day, so I am grateful for a lot today!

1. Sleeping in. There was no school today, so we slept in. I slept till 7am, baby J woke up at 7:15, G at 8, and Caleb at 9:15. It was grand! I love lazy days.

2. Wendi's house. There was a time in my life where I visited Wendi's house at least once a week. Now....it is a success if I visit once a month. Life has gotten busy. Wendi is one of my dearest friends and co-business partners. Her boys had school off, so it was a giant chaotic, boy playground while the mamma's chatted. It was so good to catch up.

3. Becca. Becca lived with us last summer and gave us movie gift certificates. Tonight she babysat all three of the crazy kids and we cashed in her gift certificates.

4. Date night! Adult Conversation. Movie. Sangria. Boneless bbq wings. No kids. Need I say more?

5. G had a good day. More days than not, our 8 year old foster son gives us a run for our money, having lots of bad days. It has been a very hard season. Today was a good day. He had a great attitude and was really good. These days seem to be few and far between and I am glad today was good.

Today, I am thankful that there is so much to be thankful for.

November 1- The Mouth Speaks

It's November!! One of my favorite months of the year.
-It's my birthday month
-It officially begins "the holiday season"
-It's my birthday month
-It's colder and big hoodies, sweaters and slippers are totally appropriate
-It's my birthday month
-It is a great time to practice the discipline of thankfulness
-It's my birthday month

What? You don't celebrate your birthday month. You totally should.

Each day of the month during November I will be posting at least one thing that I am thankful for.

Today: "The Mouth Speaks."

We have a cd in our car, Bible verses put to song. There is no question what Caleb's favorite song is...."The mouth speaks." He wants to listen to it on repeat. Forever. The verse is: "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" Matthew 12:34

Today I had a great conversation (as great as one can have with an almost three year old).

Caleb, do you know what this song means? 
Yep, out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Right, but do you know what that means? If you have love in your heart, your words will speak love. If you have hate, anger, frustration, you will speak hate, anger frustration. 
Oh. 
Mommy is trying really hard to have the love of Jesus so that out of my mouth comes love.  What do you want to come out of your mouth? 
Jesus.
Do you remember what this song means? 
Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 
What do we want to flow out of our heart? 
Love. 
And what will come out of our mouth? 
I will just throw up out of my mouth.

I died.

And then I prayed that his little heart is filled with truth, love, grace and mercy and it flows right out of his heart.