Blast from the Past

Today I babysat Grace, the last foster baby we had, who left in July. A friend of mine is doing respite care for Grace, and had to work today, so I offered to watch her. Mostly it's because within a week or two Grace will be moving to Washington state with an aunt to whom the State is giving custody. It was nice to see her again and have some closure. She is now 6 months old, and although she still looks so much like the little baby girl we had, she is obviously more alert and advanced. As you can see from these pictures, she still enjoys sticking her tongue out. She was teething today, so she slept for 3 1/2 of the 7 hours she was at our house. But during the times she was awake, we had fun together! I also had the privilege of spending some quiet moments rocking her, and prayed over her and her life. Precious moment.

Apples!

On Saturday Miles & I went apple picking at a local farm. We picked a bunch of apples and then today I had my first attempt at making a homemade apple pie. We just ate some of the results and it was pretty good! Thanks to Debbie's (formally Bev's) easy apple pie recipe. Now I have to figure out what else to make because I still have quite a few apples that I need to do something with this week.

I'm a Grandma

One of the girls from my small group had a baby girl today, so I think that makes me a "small group Grandma." This was not a planned pregnancy, but the girl is committed to doing her best with her new role as mommy. I am just amazed by the other girls who have surrounded her with love and support rather than judgment. After all, isn't that what Jesus modeled for us? It makes me realize how much I desire to see "my girls" make good decisions and honor God with their lives. But also how much I am not in control of the decisions they make and need to pray for them on a daily basis. If you think of Mandy and her new baby girl, Lily, please pray for them. And pray for me. I SO DON'T want to make this a situation in which I am angry because Mandy has something I have been praying for, but really want to surround Mandy with love and support, and guidance as she pours her life into this new little baby girl. I know God has a plan for us that is good and wise. And I trust Him to reveal it when the time is right.

Car Troubles

So my beloved minivan is being laid to rest for good. We bought it used a year and a half ago and in the last 6 months have put a lot of money into repairs on it. Yesterday I broke down while I was running errands and after getting it towed to the repair shop, we were told that it needs a new fuel pump. That is very expensive. So we've decided to dump the "money pit" and sell it as is. We'll be a one car family for now until we figure out what we want to do next. I'm so sad because I love my van. Oh well . . .