“This is how we learn to hear the Lord, by doing what we think we hear then seeing what happens. It gets easier every time.”
Marcia Lebhar
How is this the last week of the school year? And how am I turning 45 in a couple of weeks? :-O So. WILD!
I’ll be honest though, I’m really looking forward to this summer. Our (19-year-old) nephew is coming for an extended visit and I love it when Steevenson is home. People keep telling me “he’s growing up so fast” but I just don’t see it. He still feels and looks so little to me! 😀 (And that reminds me: we’ve got to stop telling people their kids are growing up so fast, don’t you think?) 😉
Kevin and I are starting the Deciding Together course this week, too. It’s 12 weeks long and completing it will allow us to be certified to provide foster care and/or adopt through the foster care system. Currently, we’re only approved to welcome in one boy, so we’d love to add on another bedroom and be able to take in both boys and girls. (Note: our home only has two bedrooms and girls are not allowed to share a room with boys.)
There’s one more patch of grass on the back side of our house that would make the perfect place for an 11×14-sized bedroom. There’s already a walk-in closet on the other side of the wall it would connect to, too. It’s right there behind the old (non-functioning) electricity meter and sprinkler system in the photo below:
(our gas line is the only thing that would need to be moved a bit)
We’ve already had one builder come by to take a look but his bid was much higher than we had expected…especially compared to what Jim & Katie paid for their entire Bungalow Barn. Another builder friend of ours, who lives in a different state, said he thought it was on the high side too, so we were feeling a little discouraged about the possibility of adding on towards the end of last week. We’ve got a couple more guys coming over this week though so, fingers crossed, they’ll come back with figures that are closer to what we can actually afford. If not, we’ll continue to look forward to seeing what God has in mind instead!
In other news, we’ve been super busy with our book project. Did I tell you Kevin and I are writing it together? It’s mostly about moving in front of fear, and it has been such a meaningful experience to put it together!
Anywho…off to work on that now. I’d love to hear what you’ve got coming up this summer too!
Layla
Almost turning 45? Wow. I have followed your story of adoption and what a blessing it is in all of your lives. My sister-in-law is from Haiti so your whole experience has been close to my heart. But what really what got me today was the fact you are almost 45. I never would have thought that. Here’s the thing though, I had my youngest when I was 45. And it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Not that all children aren’t, but something about the later years and this child. Honestly, my husband and I have found it is the best way to stay young. We are not empty nesters, we are involved with other young families, doing all the school activities, just staying in that phase of life instead of moving on. My daughteris in high school now and just took a psychology class. They taught about the stages of life and how the adjustment to empty nest can be hard. She came home and asked us if it would be hard when she left, but we laughed and decided we would be going straight to senior citizen and she helped us breeze past any empty nest. Good for you to be enjoying life, reaching out to others, and sharing the love. You go Girl!
Layla its such a joy to see you everyday on Instagram stories! I started keeping up with your stories when you were going to Haiti spending time with your now “Sonny Boy” Stevenson! What a handsome little guy he is and what a Gift from God!
My hubby and I watched your Red Barn building and when we found out it was being built for Kevin’s Parents it truly touched our hearts. That is another story for another day.
Anyway I cannot believe you’re going to be 45 ’cause you do NOT look it girl! (45 is Young mind you) and You have so many years to live and love from your beautiful heart! I do hope and pray you will be able to build soon and your heart desires of having a home full of children will be bestowed on you and Kevin.
You might want to check with Walker Stripling or Jason Asbury. Both are strong Christians and are wonderful family men. Both specialize in renovations and additions – a rare individual!
We are moving into an 1860s farmhouse this summer!!! It’s such a pinch me time.. dreams coming true. Praying that you get lower bids this week.
Did you really say 45? Well, I suppose you could be, as I have a daughter who turned 40 this past January. But I don’t even think of her being in her 40’s, as I don’t like to think of myself as being 65! As I’ve gotten older, I realize you are as young as you feel and age is just a number. I think of me at 45, and I was at one of the happiest times of my life so far! Enjoy it! Have you considered the guy who did your in-laws addition? Or is there a reason not to use him again? You know his work and he knows you, so if you were happy with him, it couldn’t hurt to bring him in for a bid. I love that you are going in to fostering with the idea of adoption. So many fosters are needed these days! Our former neighbors fostered a boy for quite a few years, maybe six or seven, and finally decided to adopt him. He was with them until sixteen, and all of a sudden he decided he wanted to go back to his mother! They were torn, but after much discussion among all involved, they let him go. They knew he needed to have that in his life and he would resent them if they tried to stop him. He kept in touch and was still a part of the family in the long run. They all handled it very well, I thought.
Excited for you, Layla! Looking forward to seeing what God has for you next!
Godspeed!
It would block it on the one side, but not the one with the door & window. Just like our sunroom got blocked when my in-laws added on- LOL! 😀
Would an addition block all the sunlight into your inlaws’ kitchenette?
Looking forward to seeing what God has for your family!
How wonderful to be turning 45! My husband and I have fostered and truly is such a precious gift you receive to be able to do that for a child. GOD has a plan and he already knows what is in store for you and your family. What a gift you have in Stevenson. He is a true blessing as you and Kevin are. Enjoy your summer together 💕Love your Instagram and your blog.
How about adding up? Can you add a room above your 1/2 bath area? I’ve seen that done before. A gable with windows coming over that blank wall would be so pretty and the door for the room could be that middle window, turning right at the top of the stairs. Fostering is such a loving thing, praying it all works out for your family.
Diane
Yes, but it wouldn’t be over the half bath (it would be over our “sun”room) and it would be waaaaaaaaaaay more expensive- LOL! 😀
You certainly do not look like you’re turning 45!!! I hope you’re able to get a bid that is within your price range because your intentions are wanting to foster or adopt another child is such a beautiful thing. Keep us posted on your progress and enjoy your summer with your adorable son.
Are you still blogging? I haven’t seen any updates in weeks.
Firing it back up this Monday, Terri! 🙂 Thanks for asking!