Life often takes unexpected turns. If you’ve been following me on Instagram then you know that we accepted a fostercare placement of a brother and sister in January. When they were placed, we were told that neither had any special needs. That’s often how things happen. You just don’t know in the beginning. Since these two came to us, though, they’ve both been classified as medical foster children.
The baby … we’ll call her Tinkerbell … has the most needs. I wish I could share her diagnosis and prognosis with you, but I’m just not allowed. I can tell you that she could really use your prayers, and we could use them as we care for her, too.
Big brother, “Cubby”, is a rough-and-tumble little guy who loves rough-housing with our boys, dancing to whatever music he hears and eating! He’s got an adorable smile and a giggle that makes you laugh right along.
Tink loves to be held and cuddled. She makes sure that we know what she wants when she wants it, and she has our teenagers wrapped around her little finger.
We’re experienced foster parents, and we felt that we could foster along with our other responsibilities. This is not quite what we expected, though. I’m busy running to multiple appointments each week – often with an hour and a half drive to our closest big city, transporting little ones to visits, fielding phone calls, setting up therapies, all while still keeping our house clean and orderly because we have weekly and monthly visits from various workers, and I have to be sure not to neglect our children’s homeschooling lessons. It’s a big responsibility, but one that we feel like we were called to do and one that we’ve committed ourselves to doing. While it’s definitely not easy, it’s also something that we love doing because we know that we’re making a difference in the lives of these little ones and their parents, and loving people is really what’s important in life.
I’m having some trouble, though, managing everything, so I’m going to take some time off of work. My plan is to focus on getting all the services that these little ones need set up and then find a schedule that will work well for all of us. I’ll be closing up my shops next Monday, March 23rd and planning to reopen Friday, April 24th. I’ll still be fulfilling wholesale and distributor orders, and you’ll still be able to purchase my patterns through my retailers. My assistant, Leigh, will also be available while I’m off to answer your questions and take care of any needs that might arise during my leave of absence.
I have a few blog posts planned, so you’ll see me around here a bit, and I’ll continue to be active on Instagram if you want to keep up with me! Thank you so much for your understanding, your prayers and your encouragement!
God Bless you and your family. You are an inspiration. May God bless you and keep you make HIS face to shine upon you and bring you peace.
Praying for you and your family as you minister to these beautiful babies and for wisdom in how to manage everything. Laying down our lives for others is costly but I know that you will see much fruit and growth from it. Lots of love sent your way!
Your daughter has a beautiful knitting talent! And it is so special that she has given these lovely children to hold and hug in this time of their lives!! Bless your family for loving these precious children!!
Sending you lots of love and prayers for your family Bonnie! What an incredible blessing you are. 🙂 I will be following you on IG–I love seeing all that you do!
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your heart and your needs! As a former foster parent, I totally get how overwhelming it can become. You just gained a new customer! There are so many pattern designers out there and I love knowing I will be supporting someone with a purpose I can get behind!
Congratulations on the opportunity to love I these kiddos! I’m a former foster parent and adoptive parent X3 so i can relate! Thank you for opening your heart and home!
Prayers for you and your family as you navigate this journey Bonnie. My pattern collection will be growing today. 🙂 Do you know what pattern Samantha used for the dolls?
Thank you so much, Sarah! The pattern that Samantha used for the dolls is right here: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/toy/knit-baby-doll-patterns/63032 (I added the links to both patterns into the post, too.)
Amazing all around! As a fellow knitter I zeroed in on those knitted toys! I’m astonished that your daughter made those. I would love to see more of her work.
Wishing you all the best with your Foster children. We foster a brother and sister too that have come from trauma backgrounds, both with medical issues and a whole heap of other stuff as well. It is amazing how much time it takes to meet their needs, appts etc. Thinking of you all.
Love the toys Samantha made. They’re adorable! Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you, your family, and for brother and sister in your care. Hopefully, you all will settle into a routine soon.
Oh my goodness, HUGE hugs (and prayers) to you and your family!!!! Youre an amazing lady and I will definitely find something to buy at your shop
I love this post! Everything about it was uplifting – that you’re caring for two foster kids, that you’re taking the time you need to get settled, your daughter’s amazing knitting talent, and just in general how kind you are. Thanks for sharing – I made your Lego bags for my boys for Valentine’s Day and we all love them! I’ve been going through that appointment scheduling thing and can relate on a smaller scale. It’s a tough road. Hang in there! Your kindness is inspiring.
Prayers for your family and your little additions. Hope the break provides just what you need too. So thankful for what your family is doing. <3
Bless you and your family! You are taking a chance to help our future by loving and taking care of these children. Most people wouldnt/couldnt take on that repsonsibility. You are an amazing person!
It takes very special people to be foster parents, especially with any special needs children. I was a foster kid but I was 15 and my brother was 14. We were placed together in a group home with other kids who were younger. We had a great experience in the system. That was years ago. I will keep you in my prayers for the whole family because it effects everyone and it sounds like your whole family is eagerly involved. May God bless you and your family. Use this time to regroup and meet each challenge head-on. With God in your life he will find a way to make it work.
so thankful that caring families like yours exist… hoping many blessings for you!
Sweet, sweet photos of your little ones. May our gracious God give you all that you need in this season of your life. You are making a difference as God works through you!
May your family be blessed. You are true examples of Christ here on earth. I will pray for these babies and for you and your family as well. As a mom of a special needs child, I know how hard this can be. Hang in there and know that there are many people here to support you and pray for you! <3
You can do this. It might be the hardest thing you’ve accomplished in a long time, but it’s possible.
We accepted a sibling group knowing only one had serious medical special needs –and the truth is, all 3 had.
Life became surprising & challenging and gratifying, of course. Try to accept help from your friends as offered–and your homeschool group. If you don’t mind I can offer some advice we learned with our 4 little special needs kiddos.
I tried to prove that I could handle all their varied medical appointments & procedures and needs myself and realized far too late that while everyone was calling me Supermom I was struggling to maintain focus on our own children and their needs. All 6 grew up just fine but I should’ve asked for help, and accepted it. If possible, try to connect with
the parent support groups for your little one’s medical needs if offered from their treatment team. Child Life can be a HUGE blessing during medical procedures–if this should arise– as they meet the needs of the family, not only the patient. Lastly, take/request some time for yourselves. Now, as a grandma of 11, I’ve learned this from my own kids!
Blessings! You will not regret this. You will discover your entire family’s talents & gifts will multiply this Lenten season.
You are doing important work for the Family of God, and may you and your entire family be blessed abundantly for serving Christ by caring for Him through these beautiful children! Your priorities are definitely in the right place, and I give thanks for your goodness and sense of mission. May you continue to be provided with abundant grace and all the gifts from God that you need to care for these little ones and your own family and to return to your work when timing is right. I will add you and your family, including Tinkerbell and Cubby, to my prayer list.
Good Luck, children are precious and all the love you are sending out will come back to you tenfold. We will pray for you and know you are a blessed person as is your family.
Sincerely,
Sue
We are so happy for you guys! Those littles will forever be changed! Blessings and favor over the next month. I also want to thank you for the savings! I just bought 11 patterns!
Hi,
Know this has been up awhile but wanted to tell you that you’re amazing. I’ve thought about fostering but know I lack the patience to deal with their needs so I try to support those who do this. Dedicated foster parents don’t get paid enough to cover the real cost of having a child to care for. God shines a special blessing on those of you who do. Don’t forget to take a moment or two for yourself as well. V.
Bonnie – all the best! I know too well trying frantically to keep the house clean for those *expletive* visits….I can’t even imagine taking in two children – and with medical issues at that. Thank goodness for families (and parents) like you who are willing to. Society in general will be better off – certainly these little ones will. Best wishes to you and your family!
May the Lord bless you and give you strength in the days to come. You’ve made the right decision to put people made in God’s image first. May He bless you for this decision and bless your shop when you return.
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42
Thanks for including the knitting pattern for the doll! Such a cute idea. Thanks for the great discount on your awesome patterns, hopefully you are able to raise some extra money to help you with all of these expenses. I hope you are able to take a little time for yourself even with all of the rushing around and appts. being added to your normal routine. I will be praying not only for your family and foster son, but also for the prognosis of your foster daughter.
My heart is touched by your commitment to your family, I wish you all the very best and will definitely pray for you all.