Things are moving right along with the house. We are hoping to break ground mid May and be moved in before Christmas. We are so excited to have more space. We also made a big decision and told our social worker that we are willing to take another child. While we are here, we can only take a baby because of space issues, but once we move into our new house, we will take an older child, or two, who knows what God has planned for us.

I have really been thinking about our little one's parents. We were asked to really pray about inviting someone to church at our service a few weeks ago. Instantly their mom and dad came to mind. So, I asked the social worker about it and she seemed to think it would be OK. I called mom today. She said she would go. We have an egg hunt at church and we invited her and she was very interested. I'm a little afraid because I know it's going to awkward, but I think it's a step we need to make. We will invite her every Saturday or Sunday and even if she is only coming to see the boys, I hope she will really hear what's being spoken.

Please be in prayer for her.

Blessings,
Angel

I feel like I have neglected this blog, not that I have many followers, but still. I have been using Facebook more to keep in touch with family and friends. It's a lot easier to jot something down, a thought here, a thought there.

Sometimes I just want to write w/out everyone I know reading it, so here are my thoughts: I have had a stirring inside me for a few weeks now. I'm not sure what it is. I have a feeling that God is preparing me for something and it scares me because I'm not sure what it is. I feel a strong desire to seek him, but I'm not sure what I need. Please pray for knowledge!! I hate the unknown!!

Many Blessings,
Angel

I found out today that my little boys will be seeing mom and dad together tomorrow. They have only seen her a few time since they were placed with us back in July, but have been seeing dad on a regular basis for awhile now. Mom has decided that she has to get it together for her little ones. I've been praying for this and I'm supposed to be happy about it, right??? Then why did my stomach dropped while reading the email from the CW?

My head and my heart are fighting right now.

Claiming a Foster Child on Tax Return

Has anyone else had issues w/ this?? My two FSs were placed w/ me in July!! I just miss claiming them by a few weeks. Even though they still are living with me now. They have only seen BM twice since they have been with me. Even though I have been paying a portion of daycare for most of the year, I still can't even claim that because I cannot claim them as a dependent!!! I'm frustrated!! The sad thing is I don't think either parent had a job during 2009, so they will probably not be claiming them either.

Pictures from October

I think I'm allowed to post these because it doesn't show their faces.
Mason and Madisyn posing on a pumpkin
Big A playing in the corn box
Little A playing in the corn box

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!

I hope everyone had a great CHRISTmas. We did. It was tiring, but we enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Mason and Madisyn are not so happy that school is back in session though. Our little foster boys had a great time. They fit right in at all four Christmas get togethers. It was probably a little overwhelming for them, but I think they still had a great time.

Now we have to begin our home building process. I still have mixed feelings about it. I will be so glad to get out of our tiny house and have room to move, but at the same time, I know that it will be a long stressful process.

I emailed our sales rep over the weekend to let her know that we are ready to get things rolling and didn't get the quick response that she had been giving me. I called yesterday and found out that she is no longer there. This new person is the 3rd rep that we've had in about a year. It makes me a little nervous. I don't know if this is normal or not for that industry. It sure is frustrating though.

Don't forget to visit my AVON site. The link is on the right side of this blog. And remember, 50% of all profits made from online orders will be donated to help a friend with an international adoption!!!

Many Blessings to all,
Angel

Fundraiser for a Friend

Hello everyone.

Some of you may know that I have started selling AVON to earn a little extra money to help with the big cost of building a new home. I have also decided to help a family in need at the same time. I have been following the Blog of someone for quite sometime and her writings have been a blessing to me. She is in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia and needs to raise money to help pay for the huge cost. I am willing to donate 50% of all of my profits from internet orders to her. Please read her story at www.overthemoonwithjoy.blogspot.com, then consider making a purchase on my website at www.youravon.com/angelmaas. There is also a link on the right side of my blog. We have been blessed in so many ways over the years, it's our turn to give back.

Blessing,
Angel