Far Above Rubies

Hi there - it's me.... again - the always-nervous-and-slightly-hysterical allergy mom. (If you're new to my blog you can catch up  here .) I am a stay at home mom.  I love being a stay at home mom.  Having all my littles around brings a joy to my heart that is indescribable  I like that they're young - that I can be part of shaping who they are, encourage them in good friendships, help them make the best choices - that I have some control over their environment and surroundings.  Then, they leave for school. Side note :  I've been asked many times. especially since I have a degree in elementary and special education, why we have chosen not to home school.  Dave and I feel God has called us to send our kids to public schools where we, as a family, can make a difference in the lives of the people there that we meet. It was challenging enough (in 2014) when I had to say "goodbye" to Isabella, our sweet and sensitive oldest daughter, and watc...

Thank you, all, for the overwhelming number of messages, phone calls, and personal followups regarding Aidan and his current status of adoption.  I have tried to write this post on several different occasions, but the words would not come.  There is so much I would love to share and yet there are only a few things I can legally disclose.  But, an update you certainly deserve. Aidan has now been in our home, our family and our hearts for more than 18 months.  (If you are new to our journey you can catch up on this story by reading Aidan, our baby boy.  -   Our Family... at least for the moment.  -  January 13th. What's the significance?  - and  When you want to kick and scream. )  When it comes to the NYS Foster Care System - a child who has been in state custody for 15 out of 22 months is brought before a judge to be released (or at least considered) for adoption. This is where we are at.  It's where w...

Aidan, our 15 month old foster son, is in that stage of learning boundaries. He often expresses his dislikes with very loud, very unnecessary tantrums.  Each time he is told “no,” it results with him throwing his toys on the floor and melting into a whining puddle at my feet.  Every opportunity we use to correct his behavior turns our typically-happy boy into one giant hot mess. Sin. Even at 15 months old manifests itself in ugly ways.  I keep reminding myself that this is just a phase—that he will outgrow it. But, the truth is, I have still not outgrown the desire to cry and yell and sometimes throw myself down in a fit of rage. The reason our family went into fostering was for the purpose of eventually being able to adopt.  We have had Aidan in our care since he was 10 days old.  For the last 11 months, he has been exclusively in our home—with no contact from his biological family. And we have been thrilled knowing that the end-game is in sight—that “W...

I don't know about you, but when it came time to pick names for our children, I had a terrible time finding ones I liked - and my husband was just as bad (if not worse) than I was!  It was important, essential even, that our littles had names with valuable meaning.  After all, your name belongs to you forever.  It defines you.  It's your personal imprint on this world. There were only two girl names and one boy name that Dave and I could agree on - this was before we were even thinking about growing our family - and those are now the names that our three children have today. Isabella Faith: Isabella means "consecrated to God" while Faith is defined as "believing and trusting in God." When you combine the two names together - it means that... My Bella is set apart to trust in God . Abigail Grace: Abigail means "father's joy" and Grace stands for "God's unmerited favor."  Together they signify... God pouring out...

I was in middle school when I lost someone that I loved, deeply loved like a brother, in a tragic accident.  I was confused.  I was hurt.  I was angry. Why, God, why?  He was young, full of life, kind, and loved You!  This is not part of my will! Be still, my child, and watch Me work.  My will be done! And in the days, weeks, months and even years after his death - God has used him, my amazing friend, to win people for Christ.   ------------------------------ The summer I turned 14 my parents left the church my dad had been pastoring for almost 10 years.  I had to say "goodbye" to everything and everyone I knew.  I was sad.  I was scared.  I was anxious.   How, God, could You take me away?  My parents can still serve You without us moving!  This is not supposed to be part of the plan! I have a future for you.  My will be done! It was because of my parents' obedience to God, and the...

It's been fun (and a bit uncomfortable, if I'm being honest) to be part of this upcoming To Choose Joy series. Here is a note to you, my dear friends and faithful readers, from Becky Bennett, creator of To Choose Joy . We would love to have you join us Thursday, February 11th - Saturday, February 13th for a challenge you're sure to remember! "We’re gearing up for a holiday that many of you have a love-hate relationship with, particularly concerning the expectations that come along with it. With #ValentinesDay around the corner, we need to clear the air about a few expectations that we should have when it comes to something that many people also have a love-hate relationship with: sex. That’s right, we’re talking about sex on the @ToChooseJoy blog. (Awkward…Hi, Mom!) We’re going straight to the Bible to talk about insecurity, God’s design, lies we believe, and conflict in marriage. We’re addressing objections like, “I’m a Mommy First,” “He’s not meeting my needs...

Confession: Sometimes I feel like a single mom. It was the spring of 2010 when Dave and I made the decision that it would be in the best interest of our family for me to stay home.  Isabella was 10 months old and Abigail was also on the way.  With a happy heart, I put my career as an elementary teacher on the back burner and excitingly embraced this next chapter of life.   It went without saying that, if I was going to be home, I would take care of all the household responsibilities.  Things like; grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry, and taking care of the kids needs.  I also try and help Dave (when the kids allow me to) by mowing the lawn and doing snow removal.  It brings me joy to serve my family in this capacity even if it makes for exhausting days.  However, as I have cherished being home, I've been surprised by the loneliness that often comes with it. My husband works hard to provide for our family.  He has a great job th...