Wants, vs needs...vs. I LOVE Shrimp!!
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•2:45 PM
I have posted and talked a lot lately about my 'year off'; from adoption planning, house fixing, money spending...the list goes on. The peace I have felt about taking time to just relax brings me a joy I can't explain...but the sad thing is, there are moments I forget.

like...Moments when I pick up a magazine and see floors much nicer then mine, or turn on the TV and see clothes much 'cooler' then mine...or food much fancier then mine (like Shrimp, I LOVE shrimp!!!!).  At these moments my mind starts to reel...I start thinking of ways to get what I 'want' to finally be 'mine'. Currently the floor thing is the hardest for me. Having a child with reflux can make you have nightmares about what is living in your carpets! I have always dreamed of hard wood floors. 

This week as I was planning out my 'todo's' I looked over at my steam cleaner and thought, 'yeah! You! I can use you! You exist for a good reason...' Then after cleaning about 1 square foot of carpet and dumping out the thick black mush that came of it...I got depressed and started dreaming of my hardwood floors again.  I got online and started shopping...mind you, I only have about 2 hours from when Kate lays down to when she wakes up and is blindingly hungry, that I can get things done...2 hours! But despite that, despite the wonderful steam cleaner sitting in the corner ready to go...I sat online...and did virtually nothing. I discovered what I had suspected from the beginning...it does cost money to get new floors. Brick wall hit hard. It doesn't just cost a little bit of money...it costs Lots of money...

I sat there depressed for a moment...then I looked up. "Wait a second! I am a stay at home Mom! I have time to clean the carpets myself! It may take me the whole year to get the house done...but I can do it! This is a blessing that I get to stay home and raise my beautiful daughter! It is a glorious thing! I have the time and the tools, why am I complaining???" So I jumped up and steam cleaned a bunch more, and the carpet looks great! It feels softer and cleaner. Just as I finished I heard the sweetest sound to my ears, Kate was blowing raspberries in bed and playing with a rattle...

In that moment I remembered again what a blessing it is to have this opportunity to stay home with my child, there are many Moms who don't get that option these days... and, I know that I could work and have much more of what I 'want'...but then, I picked my precious little one up from her crib and she waved goodbye to her Ladybug mobile...I knew this moment in time was totally from God! He planned this joy that I felt right then, this great joy. I may not have nice things...my house is not stylish or trendy cool...my carpet is old...my clothes are even older...but I have time with the most wonderful girl in the world, time I wouldn't change for anything!
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She's finally ours!
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•7:11 PM
My year of rest and parenting without paperwork has finally begun!!! Praise the Lord! This morning we adopted our precious little one. What a whirl wind this year has been...it was hard to believe we were actually here, in a court room taking the witness stand and adopting a child! Four long years we have waited and prayed for what the Lord had planned for our home...20 months of that spent fostering and the rest praying and waiting. I can't believe it...I am seriously in shock.

Kate seemed to have a good time in court, she talked and laughed the whole time. She Yelled at the judge a few times. Kate seems to have this idea that once you notice her, you need to keep noticing her! :) The judge started looking at paperwork and Kate got jealous. After we were pronounced her forever parents, Kate got to go sit with the judge and bang the gavel. She doesn't really appreciate that today...but we had such a blast. Our family was there to celebrate with us and it was a blessed day! I could not have asked for a better day.

okay...So I am getting lots and lots of questions these days...I won't post them all now, but I will answer one important thing...
Everyone sort of assumed this day would be the day our blog would be jam packed with pictures galore...however, that will not be the case. We have decided to decline that idea. For now, we are not posting Kate's pictures online...for many reasons. I don't need to go into great detail, but just to say, it is our choice for our family and I hope that you understand. 

I do still hope for this blog to be interesting for you; about adoption and my heart in all these matters...there is so much to share now that I am more able...and I am blessed that you take the time to read and join with me in these things.

Who Is like the Lord Our God?

113:1 Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised!

4 The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

Thank you for your prayers and praising the Lord with us today! 

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Over a month now...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•12:16 PM
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. -2Cor 1:3,4

This morning as I got me and my beautiful little one ready for church I was reminded of how Sundays were not too long ago.  -The sounds of my two toddlers running through the house laughing and screaming as we tried desperately to dress them and bathe them and feed them. Our daughter would go on and on about her crush 'Jack', soon she would see him at church and we would hear stories about him for the rest of the day. Our little boy, well, he spent the morning just trying to thwart any plans his sister had for fun, or any that I had for cleanliness before church. They brought me so much joy...and today I have no idea where they are, how they feel, if they have eaten...if they are sad. My heart feels so tender and weak...but when I pray and I remember the God that I serve...I am not so weak, because I serve a Good God! He is faithful and a comforter. A dear friend told me not long ago, "God has shown His faithfulness to K and J in bringing you to the them...and He will continue in that faithfulness and bring others to them also" What a merciful faithful God we have! I know of His great love and I should have no doubts, no worries...just prayers of hope and salvation! 

It is okay that I am sad, I am reminded of blessings and prayers and I can, in my sorrow, see more of Him and His great plan for me and my family! I am blessed to be sad today...but it still hurts just the same.
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Finalizing Finally!
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•8:57 AM
We are finally finalizing Kate's adoption next week! We are so blessed and excited! 
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finally...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•7:07 PM
I finally updated my recipe blog. 
http://fulllittlebelly.blogspot.com/
If you are interested I would love to hear your thoughts...
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Enough is enough...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•8:54 AM
This past week I looked at a calendar and realized that has been four years since Chris and I began our long road to parenthood. In that time many things have changed, our address, our church, new friends, old friends have moved on to new lands...and we are parents, Finally! 

I breathed this sigh of relief for a moment, that I have been waiting 4 long years for this. And what a joy our little Kate is. She was worth every minute of the wait, every drop of tears, every painful moment of sanctification...we have a arrived at a moment in time that is like no other. I say that because I have always wanted to be a Mommy...I can't tell you how much I have longed to have a little one to love and care for. I know that I was a Mommy for the past 18 months to E, K and J, also...but right now, this is real. I AM Kate's Mom, it isn't a lie I tell to cashiers who are noisy as to why my children are a different race. It isn't a lie that I tell myself because I so desperately crave it, and the children in my home need it, this is real...I am a Mom! 

This morning I was thinking about the last 4 years and then I was reminded of the years before that...One and half years of marriage, 6 years of college, 3 years of high school, 3 (painful) years in junior high., and 6 great years in Elementary.  I have been moving and going my whole life! Sheesh! And you know what I can remember from that...always wanting to be a wife, or a Mommy. In each of those times of my life I was always wanting more...and more. Whether it was the strong desire to grow up, or get a boyfriend, or finish school and not have to look at these crazy people ever again...I have always been living for the next place in life, the next road.

Well, enough is enough...I am here and that road can be shut down, at least for now. Chris and I have decided, joyously decided, that we are taking a break! One whole year of NOT pining for children, or anything else for that matter. Although there are many things we are praying about for this coming year, or I should say, what will happen when our year is up...we are simply just sitting back enjoying the Lord and praying. Waiting quietly about whether we are selling the house, quietly praying about work and life and children...and in the mean time, we are just enjoying each other and the things of today!

WOW! I can't put into words the relief and joy that comes over me when I think and pray about this time of relaxation. I am filled with a peace that passes all understanding and grateful that we have this one year to glory in the Lord's good favor on us. 

I know that in a post not long ago I talked of all the things I wanted to get done, all my 'new projects' but those are long gone...mostly because part of our year long commitment is to not spend money on anything but the essentials. This is a very good thing for me...I like to spend money and I hate that about me. I could drop tons of money on tons of things, but we don't have it and we certainly don't need anything. This even fills me with relief, letting go of spending money. I was wanting to do the floors and walls, and was wondering where the money would come from...and the worry is over. How useless it is to pine. 

I am blessed today, I am home with my daughter, I am able to love my husband and her, I am healthy, and I am ready to do the Lord's will. Hallelujah!  
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at the banqueting table
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•8:04 AM
"Has has taken me to the banquet hall and His banner over me is love." Song of Solomon 2:4 (He has prepared a place at His banqueting table and His banner over me is love.)

Lately I have been imagining, a great banquet table filled with every choice meat, vegetable and fruit. It is the longest table anyone has ever seen and it is hard to see where it begins and where it ends. Its covered in breads and cheeses and every delightful food there is. 

Its attendants are more then I can count and the love and peace at this table truly surpasses all understanding. 

I imagine this table and it is in heaven and one day my two little ones K and J will enter and they will see this great table, they will see the attendants...a table full, fuller then the eye can grasp, of all the people, you, that have prayed and loved them. I know that I will not see them again here on earth, but how great it is that I will see them again in heaven. And I truly believe and hope that I one day will. I know that they did not come to my home in vain, this was not some test or joke of God's...this was His Sovereign will. A showing of His great mercy, His love and His grace.  I am not a fatalist, I am a christian, bought by the blood of Christ and given to these children for a short time to share with them His great love. The banner that flows and reads "Love", not just the four letters that make up a word we know...but Love, true and complete Love. 

The bible talks alot about banqueting tables...some through parable, some story and some prophesy (as the verse above)...but they are all leading into, or talking about the banqueting table that Christ has prepared for us. The place, the home...the true home that we have in His kingdom. 
I anxiously await His return and to see that table...where we all will sit and one day I see K and J again and I will get to hold them. I will get to kiss their sweet faces and tell them of my love once again. What a blessing it is to have this image...not just for comfort, but for truth, this will happen. It is real, not a fairy tale, not a fable, this life on earth will pass and eternity is not far ahead of us. 

This week we signed the adoption papers for Kate, we aren't quite finished with the adoption yet we still have to meet with the judge. Prayerfully that will be next week!!!! But we are close, and her name is changed she is Kate Lynn Reed Rohloff. But with all that this week had in its joys...it was bitter sweet...it is real, they are gone. I miss them, I love them and I wish I could hold them right now. But God has called me to wait. First He called me to open my home to them and love them...and now He has said it is time to wait. And so I do...by His Grace...how glorious that day will be. 

The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:12-24)

12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers [2] or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant [3] to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, [4] none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”


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A Story of Adoption, by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•1:25 PM

nia_vardalos2.jpghttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20277865,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines


If you can read this, this is her and her husbands story of a adoption, they adopted (in Augus/September 08)through the state just like Chris and I are. Its a great little story about the choas and joy of waking up one day, all of the sudden...a Mom!

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Kate Adoption news...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•11:54 AM
Its official, we will be adopting Kate on May 14th, 2009! I am so excited! Thursdays are such great days and now they have an even cooler addition to them. :) We are so happy and excited. I can't believe as I sit here and type, that I can say we are adopting her next week! 

So I know that some of you are counting your fingers and thinking...wait a second. I thought you had to wait 6 months!? Well, generally yes, but it turns out that that law is actually up to the parents and the agency's discretion! Also, the judge in tarrant county (so I hear) was very excited and interested in us adopting ASAP! So the court has decided to wave that for us and we will adopt her this month! 

I can't tell you how excited I am. We just look at Kate and we are in shock of the many blessings that the Lord has poured on us...the favor He has placed on us is truly undeserving! I have been so moved to praise the Lord in many things lately...but at the same time I believe that He greatly reminded me that I am undeserving of His favor. That His grace and love and mercy are gifts, lavish gifts that He pours out onto His children.

I think this month has been the hardest month of my life...I can't even put the emotions I have struggled with into words. But I know that as I struggled and turned to the Lord with my cries, He heard me, He turned a gracious ear to me. I am not saying this because the adoption is working out...but because of the prayer and scripture He has turned my heart to. What a blessing it is to know the Lord, those who love Him and obey Him can not be out of His great kindnesses!

Soon I will share more about the emotions that this month has brought forth, but for now, I am waiting on the Lord and praying for His wisdom as we loose K and J on Wednesday.
Thank you for your prayers!
Stephanie
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Repost: CASA workers, Court Appointed Special Advocates
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•11:37 AM
I am reposting this post about CASA for many reasons...to make sure everyone knows that they can help kids with out having to do foster care 
CASA, What is CASA...well I know that I could go on and on about the actual titles and, basically if I did that, I would honestly just cut and paste from their information page. So, for all the formal information, you can simply go to www.nationalcasa.org for that.



But for now, let me tell you what CASA is to me, or how it applies to my life as a foster mom...

My CASA worker, as all are, was appointed by a judge to be a spokesperson for my children. As spokesperson our CASA worker is able to attend parent visits, court hearings, mediations, and actually well anything and everything involving the child's life as a foster child. They attend each of these things to help evaluate what is best for the child in the long run. They come and observe us, foster homes, and the Bio parents to draw a good conclusion on where the kids are best suited to live forever. This is a big deal, because they are able to speak before the judge at all hearings about their conclusions!

Why is this necessary? Well, although the court appoints an Ad Litem (free lawyer) for every child, these lawyers tend to not be as involved as they could be. CASA workers exist to fill in all the gaps and more. They are allowed to speak in court on their opinions involving the case, just as a lawyer would...but they have an advantage that the Judges' like, much more time on the case.

Because CASA workers are volunteer and able to work on less cases then the lawyers or CPS workers...they can put in more hours and time at parent visits and in the foster homes. They are able to truly observe and TRULY advocate for the child!!!

Let me break it down...This is such a huge deal, these volunteers, are able, by just committing a certain amount of time here and there, as they are free to, to ADVOCATE for the foster children of America. They are able to speak for the ones that are too little to speak for themselves. Chris and I are advocates simply because we house and care for these orphans, but no Judge is going to give a crap less what I have to say, of course, I want the kids and think they should be adopted by us!

I can't imagine my life without my CASA worker! To me, that is my worst fear, to think that I would not have him to help us and speak for these children....it gives me chills. Why? Because in reality, it doesn't matter what happens over these few months we have them...it all depends on a Judge and what that judge decides one day not too long from now. We have seen our children's lawyer once in these 7 months (please don't misunderstand my saying that, he is a great lawyer and is fighting for their safety and putting in more hours then I can count) but he is unable to give much face time our case. That is where our amazing and Heroic CASA worker comes into the picture...What a hero he is! He gives of himself freely and greatly everyday just simply for the safety and protection of our kids! I hope and pray that you all will get a chance to meet him and his family at our adoption party one day in the future, and there, you can shake this great man's hand and thank him for all his hard work!

So here is my commission, if I am allowed to do that, please consider if you have alittle extra time...a desire for the orphans to come to safe homes, a desire for the 400 children without CASA representatives in Tarrant county alone, to be helped...please step forward, because you are very much needed! That is all for now...I hope that you are all well today!

Happy 4th...oh, and one more guilt trip for you :) ....As we celebrate and are thankful for our independence and safety and freedom, please pray for the many orphans on this planet with no hope of freedom and safety today...

Tarrant County's CASA can be found at www.speakupforachild.org
The National CASA website is here.
****Update**** As I sat here and read through this post, and many things have changed, I wanted to say this, as I noticed that I mentioned the "adoption" of K and J in there...(at that time we were told we would adopt them.) Now, I look back and I am even more thankful then before that we had the worker we had to do so much in the children's lives and this case. He is still a hero and I am saddened that none of you will get to shake his hand...that is unless you become foster parents and/or CASA workers. :)
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A Very Monitored return
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•8:03 PM
Just an update...
I can't reveal too much. However, I can tell you that some prayers have been answered...in a round about way. We have been asking (begging) everyone to pray for the kids saftey as they return to their biological home, and I think in a great way these prayers have been answered. 

The parents have agreed to a monitored return, but not just a regular one...a much more strict then normal return!! They agreed to it! They also agreed to more counseling and parenting classes. Chris and I were very excited to hear this news...very excited! We have been praying for their parents for so long now, and we are very positive that this is an answer to our prayers for their hearts, and the safety of the home the children will be living in. 

The goal of the program, the parents signed up for, is to improve the family dynamic, not just tear apart, but to rebuild where it is necessary. So for instance, if a problem were to arise, CPS would do whatever is necessary to help solve the problem, rather then just removing the kids and putting the family through more stress and panic. 

What a blessing, I hope you realize what Chris and I see in this...not only that they kids will be monitored, but that the parents are welcoming it! What a change of heart. They are ready to get their kids back and do what it takes to parent them in the right ways! We have prayed over and over that the kids would be safe and that there would be no reason for them to come back into custody. (as much as we want to see them again, we want them safe more then anything!!!) 

I know it is hard for many people who have watched us parent these two adorable amazing children to remember that they are not our children, but we must remember that. I have struggled with it, I admit that...but the fact is they are not my kids, I have no right to them. And their parents deserve the right to parent their children. They deserve that!

Chris and I have talked alot lately about the Grace that Chris has shown us, in our particular failures...we talked the other night about how amazing it is that Christ has bore or sins and paid our debts! We are so truly loved by God! But who am I to say that the second chances that have been given to me, are for me but not another...what? those aren't the christians words! These people, the parents of K and J deserve to have a second chance just like me...they are getting grace and it will be blessed, I just know it. I am praying for their hearts, that they would know Christ...and I have faith that God did not place these kids in my home for futile reasons, but instead they were here for His Great Glory! Praise be to God! 

The first night that Kate arrived, K went over and picked up her bible and brought it to Kate and said "Want to read the bible Kate?" It was the most beautiful moment. She opened her bible and it turned to the page where Jesus was washing the disciples feet. The Perfect Servant. I was weeping as K read to Kate..."Kate, and God said, And God said, and God said..." Chris took pictures and I look crazy because I am crying like a moron...but it was beautiful to me. I hope and pray that she will take her bible to her new home and read to her new family. Her new thing when reading is to say over and over "and God loves you, and God loves king, and God loves man..." She looks at every picture and says that God loves them. So sweet! 

John 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, [1] but is completely clean. And you [2] are clean

Praise be to God! 
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On the 6th...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•1:45 PM
Today we finalized the time and such for the kids going home. We are so blessed that the workers that the kids know best are taking the time to be the ones to do the drop off. It is supposed to happen after hours...so it is really a great thing that these 2 people are willing to do this for the kids. 

I have thought alot about that lately, last week Chris and I decided to watch Schlinders List...all I can say is BIG mistake. Not exactly the encouraging type of movie you need when you are about to loose your children! The scene where the Mothers and Fathers are having their screaming babies ripped out of their arms, had me in tears. I was sobbing! So we turned it off...but then as I was getting ready for bed I realized, though I might feel like those Mothers loosing their babies to unknown horrors and neglect...the kids won't know what is happening. They will be going to people that they know and trust and it will feel like just another visit day to them. Of course, a smooth transition will require that I don't cry and that I keep it together...which I plan to do. But the most important thing is it doesn't need to be crazy and it won't be. It will be good, the kids won't have tears and fears as their final impression of us...they will see us there loving them and smiling. That is how I want to be remembered, not sobbing and fearful. 

Anywho, we have the date and time set. It is real. I am not sure what I think of that...we had a weekend full of lasts; last Saturday, Last Sunday @ church, last Sunday night dinner @ my parents...it was hard. But I am hopeful for the future...what a blessed future it will be. I think that there is a reason Christ brought these tiny people into my home and it wasn't for vanity and loss...it was for His great glory! 


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Slowly realizing...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•2:12 PM
So this is our last weekend with the kids. Everyone is asking me how we are doing...and all I can say is, 'sometimes okay, somtimes I burst into tears.' It has been a weird hard weekend, because it is our last, but we still have a full week with the kids ahead of us. Its like that dream you have where you have a destination that you need to get to, but you can't move, or you can't find your feet and you are trying to get there...but you can't. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to loose the kids...I just feel like this huge pile of grief is waiting for me...and I can't avoid, or run past it, I just have to slowly wait for it. Of course, in that I realize that these are our last days and I want all the time I can have, and the fact that it is going slowly...is actually good.

Good for a lot of reasons, we have had a great weekend the kids have been on their best behavior, they have enjoyed getting to catch up with the family and see all their cousins. Kate and K have been having lots of girl talks in the backseat as we drive all over the place to see family. They laugh the whole way, and giggle and make faces at each, they are just like sisters and it is great. Of course, I start to weep everytime I hear them giggling, I want them both to have that forever...but they can't. Its just bitter sweet.

I feel like I have no energy and time is just stretching around me...but we have had such a great time. 

Yesterday we visited the police station and ER near their new home, and it went great! We took pictures and the Police officer gave the kids toys. It brings me to tears all the sweet things she said to the kids...it was amazing. Just to see someone in their area caring for them and to see the love that that cop had for the kids. WOW! What a blessing! She told the kids about 911, and I realized I have never told them about it!!! WHAT? I know what was I thinking, so this week we are going to have many lessons, and dramatic presentations by Mommy, about how to call 911... lets hope it comes across as I hope. :) 

Thank you for your prayers,
Steph
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Kate news!! Woo Hoo!
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•1:02 PM
We are almost there! There being officially adoptive parents. This week we received Kate's first Birth Certificate and that was the big piece to the paperwork jungle we were waiting for. So now it's smooth sailing to our adoption in just a few weeks. I can't believe it, I am SO happy! The case study is being built and then Chris and I will go pick it up, approve it and then we set up the date to sign the papers...so we are talking, just a few steps to go...

I wish I could express how amazing this feels, I have been struggling so much through this long wait...and coupling that with loosing K and J, this has been the hardest few months of my life...but praise be to God our Father! How faithful He is! 

Psalm 40

40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man who makes
the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.


Soon I will finally be a Mommy and it will happen right around Mothers Day! How blessed am I, that the Lord has heard my cries, that He has inclined His ears to me and brought such joy to my home. Praise be to God!

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More Confirmation...
Author: Stephanie Rohloff
•12:38 PM
For those of you that were in the "are they really leaving this time" boat...I wanted to let you know, and this is good for me to type out also. It is real, K and J are leaving on May 6th. This weekend is our last one with them. We even got the "prepare a schedule for the parents call" from a outside CPS mediator. So it is real...

We had had great hopes of having a huge goodbye party for the kids and letting everyone that had been apart of their lives get a chance to see them before they go. But I decided this weekend that that would be a bad idea. I think that the time I would have to invest in getting the house ready, cooking and entertaining people would be time I would in the future regret loosing with the kids. I know that parties like that tend to end up...Mom's talking in the house with the little ones, the bigger kids outside playing together and the Dad's huddled together near the grill. 

 I think that Chris and I would do better to have that time, be time we spend with the kids just the 5 of us.  So that we are not sharing them with anyone. Kate has grown such a love for her siblings and I would hate that she would miss out on seeing them also. She may never get the chance to have a brother and sister again and I want her to experience all of it! 

So we are planning a fun filled weekend at the Zoo and parks...maybe the mini train, if not that then the Zoo train. Fast food...and bounce house fun! I want this weekend to be special! 

Thank you for all of your concern and prayers...we are doing okay.

What we are really praying for these days is safety for the kids in their new home. We kindly ask that everyone that is praying for us, to direct their prayers to the parents and  for K and J's safety! Chris and I will be fine, we have so much to support us, they are just 2 little children that have no idea how to cope on their own...so we are praying for their safety! 

One other thing we have planned this next few days is to take the kids to the Police station near their new home and familiarize them with the "safe" parts of their new neighborhood. Ever since we got them we have stopped and talked to police officers and have tried to instill a sense of safety with them for the kids. We will visit the hospital near them and the fire station if we can fit it all in. Saturday might have to be an late nap day! :)

Thank you for all your prayers and concern! We are so greatly supported by so many people and we are so thankful! The Lord has placed you in our lives for greater reasons then you may ever know! What a ministry to Lord it is that you faithfully pray for the lives of these sweet little ones.

"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me," Matthew 18:5
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