A year ago when I took the phone call from my agency asking me if I would take a 14 month old and 2 1/2 year old little girls, I had no idea they would be with me so long.  I didn't know they would leave and come back 10 weeks later.  If you take out that 10 week period, they have basically been with me for a year.  I was so scared to say yes that day.  God told me in that moment not to say "NO" because I would be doing so out of fear.  Little did I know what He had in store for me.  I can't imagine my life without these little girls. Now they are 2 years and 3 1/2 years old.  They are so big compared to a year ago!

Having them back these last 4 weeks has been an interesting time.  We have settled back into a routine that is familiar and works for us.  They are back in their daycare with their friends.  I'm back to trying to figure out how to work, take care of a house, pay bills, keep kids alive, help them grow, keep my sanity, maintain friendships, grow in my walk with God, become a better mother, keep the peace in the house, enforce all the rules and consequences, etc. all by myself.  It is overwhelming, not gonna lie.

The hardest part of the last few weeks has been trying to help my oldest heal and process from the transition of leaving me, being at home, leaving there, and coming back to me.  It has been very hard on her.  As an adult, I know I have a hard time processing emotions and not allowing my emotions dictate how I respond to situations.  If it is this hard for me, I know it is a million times harder for a little 3 year old girl.  Between my wonderful agency and myself, we are working on finding ways to help her process all of this in a healthy manner.  Prayers would be appreciated.

Even though we have had several rough patches, I LOVE being their mom.  They love being with me.  Their hearts are more open to Jesus.  I LOVE that too!  It has been fun seeing my oldest get glimpses of Who God is.  Child like faith is a beautiful thing.  I can learn a thing or two from her.  :)

The baby isn't so much of a baby any more.  At 2  years of age, she is becoming very independent and strong willed.  However, there is still the gentle baby-like side to her that makes everyone melt.  :)  I'm pretty sure she is the teacher's favorite in her class at daycare.  Shhh... you didn't hear that from me.

I feel like I'm still learning about them.  I know they weren't gone for long, but they changed so much during that time period.  It seems like I have some catching up to do at times.

Well, I should probably keep this short.  I'm about to fall asleep as I type.  You never know when a toddler might wake up.  I need some sleep.  :)

As a reminder, it is National Adoption Awareness Month.  Go find out how you can serve the fatherless.