The other day, my niece started saying the boys’ names. The last kids that were in my home long term. Pointing at something random — a blanket, a toy, something baby-related — and saying little brother’s name. Then a toy truck, and big brother’s name. To us, it almost felt sudden. Like it came out…
Refined in the Quiet
The last few months I have been refined in the quiet — two months of intentional pause and one of being ready again, open but still waiting. I’m sharing these thoughts not because I’ve “arrived” or have everything figured out, but because I believe there’s value in being honest while we’re still in the middle…
Behind the Scenes of Foster Care: Why the Church Matters More Than You Know
A Note Before You Read This post is the final part of my three-part series on foster care. Part 1, How to Help a Foster Family Without Becoming a Foster Parent, shared simple ways to support foster families in practical, meaningful ways. Part 2, The Ripple Effect: How Foster Care Changes Families, Churches, and Communities,…
Foster Care Grief: The Ache and the Yes
The Tension of Reopening Can I be honest? Part of me has been preparing physically and mentally to reopen my home after a season away—making sure bottles are washed, car seats are ready, and a few diapers are stocked. And yet part of me still hesitates to reopen, because foster care grief is real. I…
The Ripple Effect: How Foster Care Changes Families, Churches, and Communities
One Yes, Many Ripples Saying “yes” to being a foster parent looks like just one person’s decision, but it isn’t. In part 1, we talked about practical ways to support foster families and foster care, now let’s talk the bigger picture and the ripple effect. When I first dove into the foster care world and…
How to Help a Foster Family Without Becoming a Foster Parent
Not everyone is called to be a foster parent — but everyone can do something that positively impacts foster families. There are a lot of different ways to support the different pieces of the foster care community, but here are some ways you can come alongside foster families in practical, everyday ways. If you don’t…
Looking Back: My Foster Care Journey So Far
(Reflecting during this break and remembering how God’s hand has been in it all) In this pause between placements, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. It’s a weird in-between season—grieving, processing, resting, healing—but also remembering. God has been so present through all of it, and looking back on how this journey began and where…
She Wouldn’t Take the Bag
The same thing that breaks my heart and makes me want to quit being a foster parent… fuels my fire to keep going. My fingers moved as quickly as they could on my phone as I sat in the car line for my food. I had just dropped off the kids to kinship for a…
When a Foster Child Leaves: Holding Grief, Grace, and the Goodness of God
There’s a sacred ache that comes with loving children who were never guaranteed to stay. You say yes knowing goodbye is part of the deal—but that doesn’t make it any easier when it actually comes. Whether it’s a reunification, a move to kinship care, or a shift in placement, the goodbye still cracks something open…
Favorites for Life with Littles: Travel, Outdoors, and Bedtime
Our favorite go-to gear for home, travel, and outdoor play. Some favorites for life with littles. Life with two under two is full — in the best and busiest ways. Whether we’re playing in the backyard, heading to a family gathering, or just getting through the bedtime routine, I’ve learned what’s worth it for us…