Science Anyone?

My boys love science and so when a good friend kindly passed on a large box filled with materials for science experiments, they were beyond thrilled! Here is what their bedroom floor currently looks like:

They then ventured into the kitchen to "try to make something explode"

Usually science is more structured with specific experiments and materials, but it was fun to see them apply all that they have learned in their own way. Anthony just made a 'magnet finder' and David is currently in his bedroom with a potato - trying to make a light. If he succeeds, I promise to post more pictures!

Teaching them both next year should be fun:).

We're Finished!!

Anthony is SO proud that he has completed his first year of homeschooling - first grade is finished and now on to second!

I presented him with his certificates of completion and he promptly taped them up on his bedroom wall:). 

I never in a million years would have guessed that I would be homeschooling my boys, but I will tell you what - I wouldn't trade this year for anything. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Now I can't wait to see what God has in store for next school year!

Anthony's Response

We had the chance to welcome the mom and son who just arrived to the US from the Congo last night.

Anthony helped carry bags and furniture into their apartment and played gently with her son and two other young children who were there.

The social workers and other mom who were serving with us kept commenting on how helpful and sweet he was.

God has certainly blessed Anthony with a gift of wanting to help and knowing how to play with younger children.

When one of the ladies commented to him on how helpful he was, Anthony responded:

"God says, if we have two shirts, we should give to the one who has none. I learned that in a song..."

And he began to sing the whole song:

"Anyone who has two shirts, should share with the one who has none. Anyone who has food should do the same. Anyone who wants to be first, should be the very last and the servant of all, the servant of all."

She teared up.

I praise God for the opportunity to see how He is shaping Anthony's heart. What a gift to get to learn these truths and to then practice them with such special people!  

Overwhelmed (in a good way)

Over the past two weeks, I feel like God has been trying to teach me that nothing is too big for Him. As a consequence, I have been overwhelmed (in a good way).

Here's why:

Last week, we were able to see how He helped preserve a family. I say that so "matter-of-factly," but it really is a huge deal.

Sunday, we were able to see other believers come around two soon-to-be foster families and offer to be a consistent support.

This week was just a typical week until the refugee ministry at our church sent out an email about a mom and her son arriving here tomorrow from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As I read the email, I thought to myself....if God could help us set up an apartment for the sweet family we met last week, surely He can do big things for this family!

So I shared the need with our Orphan Care Ministry and our Support Group of foster and adoptive families throughout Northern VA.

The response was absolutely incredible. Incredible. In just one day, people donated enough items to furnish a whole apartment for two people and blessed them financially as well.

I was blown away by the generosity.

It was truly amazing. God is good.

And David and Anthony? Well, they were troopers as they joined me to pick up donated furniture today. Anthony is excited to meet the 7 yr old boy tomorrow and David was bummed he would miss it. 

But we'll see David in his class tomorrow afternoon because he asked for me to come in and share with his friends about foster care. That boy's tender heart....it is really cool to see how God is already using it:).

Shout Out

I would like to give a shout out (can you even do that on a blog?) to our many friends and neighbors who have gone out of their way to join us in blessing this family. 

My day is ending in such deep gratitude for how they have extended kindness through donations of their time, money, and resources.

It is so fun to get to see God at work! 

"I like serving, mommy!"

"I like serving, mommy! I wish we could stay."

That was Anthony tonight.

"Can I pray for them, mommy?"

That was David.

Anthony might have found his calling as mover and David as a prayer warrior.

God is so good. We have been praying for ways to serve together as a family and those prayers are being answered. Tonight all four of us were able to help pack up a moving truck for a family who has very little resources and supports.

We can't wait to see how God provides and answers prayers in the upcoming days!

A Call

I just have to document it.

We got a call on April 29th about a little guy who might need a foster family in May.

Lee said no to the placement, but yes to helping the family.

I'm not sure how common that is, but we were able to eventually be in touch with the CPS worker who gave us permission and tonight Lee called the family.

We have a list of ways in which they need immediate help and then some ideas for long term support. We are praying that God provides for all of their needs and that we can help this family feel loved and supported.

Mother's Day - Vasquez Style

Haha...I just felt like writing that title because it sounded funny, but really we don't have any particular 'style' and Mother's Day today was different than usual because David was sick again.

The one thing we usually do differently than most on Mother's Day is celebrate it with both of the boys' birth moms. Again, because David was sick...that didn't happen quite as we had planned.

Instead, Anthony and I picked up Mommy A. and took her out to dinner. David and daddy hung out at home.

Have I mentioned how I absolutely love how God is shaping our family? He is so good.

Mommy A. wrote me the most meaningful Mother's Day card I have ever received. It brought me to tears and I will cherish it forever. There is something very special about a Mother's Day card from your son's mom, you know? :) Ok, maybe you don't, but take my word for it - it is very special.

Here is what she wrote:

"Hey Kaari, Happy Mother's Day. Just wanted to let you know that you have been a great person and a good mother to my son (our son). You have showed me a lot and I thank God that he picked you and Lee to have my son. Yall are very bless and good peoples. Glad to have yall in my life and as family. I love yall so much. Know that you are a great Mom. Thanks for everything. Love, A"

13 Hours Revisited

Our road trip was a wonderful success! It was truly some of the best times we have had as a family. Well, I mean...the car ride was fun, but the conference was the BEST! All four of us were inspired:). The boys didn't want to leave.

Anyway, here is a photographic recap of our 13 hours in the car on the ride down to Nashville, TN.

Dancing to our country music CD - or as Anthony calls it, his "Cowboy music."

Coloring their teenage mutant ninja turtles - thank you, Mary Kay!!

Snack time. David has to go to the bathroom.

Now he feels better!

Playing with their perplexuses...or however you spell that. Those things were the best investment ever. HOURS of fun.

Can you believe we are almost there and the driver is still smiling? Wow. That is what I call a good road trip. Except this might have been before we realized that instead of just a few minutes left, we really had about an hour because of the time difference. Yeah....

Our final picture. We all had an excellent time at CAFO 2015. If you have a heart to serve the fatherless locally or internationally....you really need to join us next year:).

You Know...

You know your community has accepted you as a foster parent when you babysit your friend's sweet daughter and everyone just assumes you have added to your family.