Home, Sweet Home

 I know that I have not updated in a long time, but life has been running at 100mph on cruise control, with no signs of slowing down! 

The school year ended 2 weeks into June due to our delayed start last year. It was a long two weeks. I was walking through mud and my shoes got stuck with every step that I took to get to June 11th. Crossing that finish line at the end of a school year has never been sweeter! Then, because a teacher never stops, I left as soon as my students were gone & made the trek to my fun summer gig, DECATS. DECATS is a 3 week program for Gifted & Talented students where they get to take classes that are of interest to them. While there, I teach a sewing class (who woulda thunk it) and a World War II class. Its fun for the scholars and for the mentors! While DECATS is so much fun, it was quite the turn around going from my school year teaching gig to the summer teaching gig....wooo---eeee!! It as a doozey this year, but worth being end-of-year-teacher-tired for 3 weeks! 

No rest for the weary in July! I took a week long training to get certified in Dyslexia Intervention. It was informational, but way more than I had signed up for. Note to self---read all of the fine print. After that, I hosted my own sewing camp at work! It was fun to have some of my former students back in 'class' with me! 

While all this is happening, we are still living with Jared's parents, which means continued long commutes to where we are going. 

Middle of July, an opportunity to foster 4 sweet puppies presented itself, and well, I just couldn't say no. They were the sweetest little monkeys, as always. They were very young...4weeks when HCR got them, so they needed some extra loving. You can bet that there was no lack in puppy loving. 

Those sweet babies came at just the right time. We were in the final push to get back into our house. Stress about getting things done and done on time was enough to eat you alive. Those sweet babies were the perfect distraction. I highly encourage having puppies on hand if you are ever remodeling your house. 

Since the puppies left....we have had 2 more fosters. Dutchess was adopted quickly after her spay! Sweet Jesse arrived not long after, and she is getting lots of love while on medical hold. She was a farm girl...never been an inside dog before. It has been heartwarming to watch her learn about all the doggie things! The TV still baffles her. She loves the couch, and has recently discovered sleeping on the bed. She is very timid and shy if she does not know you, but we are working on that. She discovered Shelby's toy bin pretty quickly...she doesn't quite know what she should do with them, but enjoys taking them all one by one from room to room. The pink flamingo is her favorite & often ends up in the bed with her at night. Sigh. Goes against our no toys or bones in bed rule that Shelby & Bella have to follow. 

What might be the most important update though...WE ARE HOME. While we may be living in a semi-construction zone, we get to go to sleep in our own bed each night. I don't know who missed home more...us or the puppers! Dexter was so excited to see a crate set back up with a comfy blanket. He loves sleeping in a crate! Bella was so excited for her backyard. There were so many squirrels for her to chase & all of her neighbor friends to bark at through the fence. Sweet Shelby doesn't have to fight for a space on the couch anymore and can sleep curled by my feet all night. Then, Sweet Sadie Mae...has her dog beds to herself. She has her favorite spot back holding up her favorite wall again. As for Jared & I...I think that we are most happy to simply be just us again. Not having to worry about intruding anymore. We get excited to hang up clothes in our closets! I enjoy taking a shower and not having to worry about if anyone is going to happen to walk in. I have so missed my BIG washer and dryer! 

We learned a lot. We grew a lot. We became closer. But I just have to say, I hope that we never have to go through something like that again. We are still battling the insurance company, but that may go on for some time. 

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Some time ago, I wrote a post about adoption being a ministry, and not just something that you do. I expressed want to adopt 2 Maternity Homes, one in Houston and one in Austin. I was thrilled about all those who expressed an interest in helping! Well, now that I am home, I feel that the time is right to begin that, especially since the Heartbeat Bill came into law. My hope is that these maternity homes are bustling with women who are seeking the help to choose life for their sweet child. These sweet moms need to feel loved, accepted, and known. 

I have pondered a name for this ministry, and what it should be called. I have settled on Mary's Embrace. Mary is the perfect example of an unplanned pregnancy carried out with love. I pray that choosing to bless these mother's in her name will wrap them in her loving mantle as they tackle difficult decisions throughout their pregnancy. 

This month, September, I am asking for donations of things for around the house. Twin Size, white sheets, white bath towel sets, mattress covers, and new standard pillows. I am hoping to deliver things the last weekend of September, the 25th. If you are a baker, I would love to include some homemade goodies for the moms, and would collect those the few days before the 25th. 

Also, if you have any gently loved maternity clothes, I know that those would be appreciated as well. 

Let me know if you would like to drop something off, and I will make sure that I have a tub on the porch for it. I am also going to include an Amazon list that you could purchase off of as well if you would like. 

Here is the Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ROLHXVBIU9MZ?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for helping me love these mothers like Mary. :-)