Shift Day Freak Out

Hey there. Ashley here. Well, I'm going to confess something tonight.

Shhhh.....don't tell anyone.

I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this, yet at the same time a little proud....


I'm probably one of the best social media "investigators"  (read: STALKER) ever. Yes, that's a self-proclaimed title. Now, don't worry. Unless you're either one of my foster kids' bio parents (or grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, babysitters...etc), or you've fallen off the face of the earth and I want to make sure you haven't died or gotten into some shady stuff, you're most likely NOT a victim. But still, I'm pretty good. I can find "stuff" and make connections like nobody's business. Instagram and Facebook are my faves....I haven't ventured into other avenues quite yet. Call me old-fashioned. (ha!)

You know when you're sick, and you google your symptoms to make yourself feel better, but you always end up feeling worse because Google claims you're dying? Well, sometimes the social media "investigating" does that, too. :-(

Today I was "checking up" on DS's former caregivers and found out that a lot of shady family members were allowed to see him even though they probably shouldn't have been. There's pictures to prove it. (And yes, you better believe I have screen shots!) It's crazy how in a little over a month and a half this little guy has made his place in my heart forever. I couldn't help but let my mama bear instincts out when I saw these pictures and I was honestly an emotional mess the rest of the day.

It's just a few pictures...but this is possibly my son's life we're talking about here. He doesn't need these crazy, wild, party-animal people in his life. It's not in his best interest, even if they do happen to have the same blood pumping through their veins. Some dear friends of ours used a slogan as they were going through an international adoption process: "Love Runs Deeper than Blood." I still wear my t-shirts with pride because that statement is SO TRUE. Blood is great, family is awesome. But that doesn't give you an automatic "pass" or "ticket" into someone's life.

So, best part of this, is that it's "Shift Day", which means hubby doesn't get home until 9am. Yay. Of course I called him and he's so comforting....."there's nothing you can do about it, it's in God's hands". Both true statements. And there really is comfort in that, I'm NOT being sarcastic :)

But, if y'all could do me a favor.....
1) Please pray for us as we go to court on 9/10 with DS. We aren't exactly sure who could show up as far as family and former care givers go. Parental rights have been terminated but there has been contact so we don't know what to expect. Our case worker is on vacation at the moment which doesn't help because we can't pick her brain :)
2) To my foster parent (even former ones), if  you've dealt with anything similar, please comment and share  your stories if you could. It makes me feel better to know there are others dealing (or have dealt) with the same/similar situations and to know I'm not crazy for reacting so strongly. It's just a "gut feeling", you know?


Thanks guys. The amount of responses we've gotten to this blog are overwhelming and so encouraging. We aren't doing this for recognition or accolades. We are doing this because we feel so strongly that this is what the Lord has for our family at this time. He's blessed us beyond measure in just these few short months (although it feels like L and DS have always been here) and we are just humbled and honored that He would see us as "fit parents" for not only our own biological children but other people's children as well. So as tough as it is to be this transparent sometimes, we want to write this blog "in good times and in bad" ;)