Many people touched by adoption know that May is National Foster Care month. While reforms are needed in foster care as well, I find this an easier month for me to acknowledge than November (which is National Adoption Awareness Month). However, I got to thinking about things the other night and I was struck by my lack of empathy and understanding.

While many foster parents and parents who have adopted from the foster care system might... more

Romans 8:22-24

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?(NIV)

As I read this verse, it reminded me of our recent adoption of our 10-year-old foster... more

A new Christian movie is playing in the theatres this week called “Prince Caspian.” “Prince Caspian” is one of an immensely popular series of books written by C.S. Lewis in the 1950s. The first book in the series is the “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” That book was made into a movie that was released in December of 2005. The popularity of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” at the box office and the Oscars prompted the creation of the movie sequel “Prince Caspian.” The movie is rated PG for epic battle action and violence. It is 140 minutes long... more

I have blogged, fairly openly, about the fact that I was physically, emotionally and sexually abused. I am working on these issues and am exploring having EMDR done to help with some of my anxieties. While talking with my counselor, she recommended the book, "The Four Agreements" by don Miguel Ruiz.

I got it in an audio version and have been listening to it on my MP3 player when I am walking. It is great uninterrupted time when I don’t have to think about anything... more

What celebrations are you planning with your adopted children for the Memorial weekend? If you recently adopted a sibling group then they may not know what to expect, if anything on this holiday. You are creating their holiday memories and perhaps their future traditions with their future families by your choices. In areas where we have winter snow, Memorial weekend traditionally marks the opening of beaches and theme parks. We have created a family Memorial weekend tradition of going to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio every year. Super Dad loves... more

Are your teenagers struggling with Acne? It is one of those horrors of the teenage years. If your child is also dealing with adoption issues, fitting in, finding their place in the world, acne can seem like the end of a social life. You want to help, you offer kind words, and you dutifully look for a product that will clear the acne. There are so many to choose from, how can you know which ones will actually work? Are they all the same? If they are different, then what ingredients should you look for?

Sebaceous glands are connected to the hair follicles. The job of... more

I had the ability to have a young boy in my home for the weekend. It was truly a pleasure to have him here, and I usually don’t say that about “respite” kids, but he is no ordinary respite kid.

This young man is in a difficult situation, and on the attachment and behavior spectrum, he’s quite mild to me. However, to his parents his issues are big.

To some parents the issues we are going through with Hannah right now are minor, but they trip my PTSD triggers from issues with Sammy that were much larger. Some parents might have been able to keep... more

Every now and then I forget that I'm an intelligent woman who can read books. By forgetting this, I get sucked into the horrible world of made-for-television movies on Lifetime. Oh, what a waste of a Sunday afternoon! Thanks to a tip from a friend, I wasted two hours watching a movie about stolen embryos. But that's not the worst of it. I continued watching the next movie. And, oh, was it special.

The Last Trimester, as you may have guessed since I'm writing on this blog, was about adoption.... more

All children go through emotional growth periods where they seem to have a deeper understanding of the world around them and their place in it. You can see it when your toddler begins to feel safe in playing 10 feet away, and then in the next room. Adopted children go through these emotional growth periods in their understanding of their adoption, and what the adoption means to them personally. In an open adoption, you may begin talking about birthparents, and visiting them as you leave the hospital. A toddler cannot completely understand about adoption or birthparents. However,... more

What are the advantages of spending time in a classroom with your adopted child? It doesn’t matter if you choose to be a classroom mom at public school, participate in a homeschool cooperative, or teach a Sunday school class. The point is to see your child interacting with peers and to note how your child compares academically with similar aged peers. What can you expect to get out of this classroom experience with your child? Children adopted at an older age sometimes fall into odd patterns of communication with their parents. Unless you are an employed teacher in the current... more