Hi everyone. Well, spring break is upon us! Although we only have one more left at home (and the granddaughter every other week)we are always looking to see what we can do. Every year, dh has taken off and we have gone away for the week. This year, we decided to do something different. Because of the loss of jobs, alot of 2 parent families are struggling this year to make ends meet. So, I figured if I have one 10 year old girl at home, why not a couple more?? I called around and found 2 girls whose parents I KNOW are having a hard time, and invited the girls to stay with us for 4 days. Then, I heard of another family with 2 boys who were scrambling for a sitter, and I took them in, they are 6 and 9. Then, there are a set of foster boys, 10, 12, 14, whose foster parents needed a break and they came, then the single child down the road needed some play mates and he comes for the afternoon, and then there are the twin boys (6 yr),and their 10 yr old brother, who are staying here because grandpa is really ill and parents needed to go. and another girl who just needed some playmate also. They came on sunday, went to church with us; and they will leave on wednesday, and I am having a blast! They built this huge, wonderful fort today in the back under the pines; they did all my animal chores; e all went down the road and helped a disable man clean up his horse pastures and build a lean to; we have blown out turkey eggs and they are decorating them; they are fixing some dyed eggs for the foster home; the older kids cook; and they all help clean and vacuum. They have been an absolute blessing for me! We have tons of games left over from the three oldest children of mine, and there is always a game of monopoly or kerplunk going. The girls are learning to crochet; while the boys are hauling rock away from the future barn area. we have played tag with squirt guns (only 50 cents at the dollar store) and have learned to play jaxs. we also have this 6 foot long, 3 feet wide plastic sewer pipe (new/clean) that they have had a swell time rolling each other in! I love kids. This has been a great time! What are you guys up to? In His Grace, Sissy

-- Sissy Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), March 12, 2002

Answers

I don't even know if I could survive that much fun anymore, but I envy your nerve.

-- charlieS (charliesap@pldi.net), March 12, 2002.

Sissy-----reminds me of when all our kids were still at home & the foster kids----neighbor kids---etc/etc/-----my advice---don't stay on the computer tooo long----& take a nap or sleep with one eye open!!! ha!!!! Have fun----

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), March 12, 2002.