Tag: risk

It is right and good

Posted on Tagged , , , Leave a comment

The liminal space I was in on the morning of September 4 quickly shifted the evening of September 4.  A scared, sweet little girl made her entrance into our lives around 10:30PM.  A 15 mo that has seen more transition than she should and felt more fear and uncertainty that needed.  The next few days we were reminded of the ‘aftermath’ of taking in a new foster.  A barrage of unexpected and very random ‘attacks’ on our family.  I used to get flustered and upset when this would happen, but now I know.  I know it’s satan trying to discourage us.  I know he doesn’t like what we are doing.

And I know that it makes us more resolved to continue caring for babies/kids in transition.  And it is right and good.

Just a sampling of the ‘attacks’…Gregg goes out of town for one night and the air conditioner quits in part of the house, the middle school closes at 1PM because the toilets don’t work, Reece runs a high fever and misses one day of school.  These are in addition to the new transitions we are already making with having a 1 yo in the house and the attention the new baby gets wherever we go.  (not Reece’s favorite) My time, which had been open and easy, becomes minimal and spent transporting and caring for another child. And while it is an adjustment for me, I know it is right and good. 

IMG_2490-1

Aaliyah has alot of walls up and has some co-dependency issues.  She is scared of most everyone especially if they are male.  If I am holding her, then most are ok for her to wave at and look at.  She has a nervous tick when a male comes around, a one shoulder shrug.  It’s adorable and sad.  She has seen too much and been safe too little.  We are closing in on 2 weeks of her being with our family and she is just starting to make giant strides.  She is dancing, laughing, and starting to feel the freedom of childhood.  She is sleeping in crib and waking up happy instead of crying.  She is learning new words and she is starting to push boundaries.  And I now it is right and good.

Big Dreams

Posted on Tagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

img_0396A love of food gets passed along.  Gregg has that love of food.  It’s grown over the years from a necessity to a relaxing obsession.  Landen has acquired his taste, observance, technique and desire.

Cooking shows fill the airwaves in our home.  WE watch, critique, admire and dream.  A couple of months ago Landen found THE show that was going to highlight her dad’s impeccable cooking skills.  And so we filled out an application. What happened next has been a ride that none of us expected, especially Gregg.  Had we known the amount of time it would required for Gregg to participate in this show, we may have thought twice. Instead we risked and signed him up for the competition.  Hundreds and maybe thousands apply for this competition so why shouldn’t we sign up the best chef we know?

Phone calls, emails, Skype calls and one sliced off finger tip and HE made it on the show!  I don’t know how Gregg has felt throughout this process, but I do know that there are at least 3 girls in TX that are proud of him.  Win or lose, we are proud.  And we are hopeful and we are excited and we are in awe.  And we brag and we share and we anticipate and plan for the big trip and the big show.  And we are all in NYC.

And after a 10 hour day, it is over.img_0458

The mixture of emotions that was displayed between these girls and their father was beautiful.  Joy and pride, anticipation and excitement, disappointment and yet appreciation.  I witnessed a level playing field of humanity tonight.  No hierarchy.  Just pure human emotion surrounding the events of the last couple of months and it was beautiful.  Risking big without huge reward.  Being brave.  They know.  

A lot of life is reacting to what ‘happens’ to us or accepting the ‘consequences’ of our actions.  This is how we respond to life and this is what we teach our kids.  Today Gregg taught us all how to be brave and to risk.   How to boldly go after something that seems crazy and beyond the expected life path and he did it with humility, hard work, and an open heart.  Most of all he taught our kids how go after your dreams and I am so thankful.