If I could place all of my worries and concerns on little pieces of paper, I am sure that they would fill a room. I spend a significant portion of my days praying for answers and seeking solutions to the challenges we face. And not just with Ben's medical journey, but with the medical challenges… Continue reading Thank you
“Still, I rise”
I woke up in the middle of the night and immediately the sense of panic I live with every day set in. My chest tightened and I my mind started searching for ways to regain control over my emotions. Usually, I can focus on my own breathing but lately, I listen to Ben breathing and… Continue reading “Still, I rise”
Hope is the only thing…
Dear Friends and Family: I recently read a quote that said, “hope is the only thing stronger than fear”. I have written and re-written this blog post atleast a dozen times. There are a lot of reasons why. But the truth is that it is a hard post to write. There have been many times… Continue reading Hope is the only thing…
Feeding the Herd: Meal Plan for the September 15 to September 30, 2019
I have tried every method Pinterest can find to help me plan meals for my large family. Cooking for a large herd atleast three times a day is a task. My meal planning efforts were more error than trial but I think I have finally found a system that works. Keep in mind that most… Continue reading Feeding the Herd: Meal Plan for the September 15 to September 30, 2019
Feeding the Herd: Breakfast Burritos
We have four teenage boys that are hungry...all the time. Add football season to that mix and you have four teens trying to cram 5ooo calories into their day. Not to mention the teen who has to have that many calories normally due to his muscle disease. Convenience foods like frozen burritos and pizza pockets… Continue reading Feeding the Herd: Breakfast Burritos
Delays, Discouragement, and Hard Decisions: An Adoption Story
First, let me warn you that this post is heavy. Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically we are drained. Adoption is hard stuff. Every day we are reminded that the battle for souls and family is constant because the adversary is persistent. He does not want children in forever families where they can thrive. He wants… Continue reading Delays, Discouragement, and Hard Decisions: An Adoption Story
Storm Swells and Pictures
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.... And if that's the case, then this one is worth a million. For most families who walk side-by-side with children from hard places, photos like these capture the true magnificence of a moment where the power of love and hard work pay off. Recently, our family… Continue reading Storm Swells and Pictures
Where two pages meet…(SURPRISE!!)
Two years ago this week, we received an email from an adoption recruiter in Ohio regarding a sibling group on her caseload. At the time, we were considering our six from Nevada and were in the process of planning a visit and being matched with them. We replied to the email and didn't think much… Continue reading Where two pages meet…(SURPRISE!!)
Monday Menu Madness: Week of 9/5/2016
This week, I challenged myself to cut our grocery budget in HALF. Eek! Between home remodeling projects, school starting, football season, grad school, and never ending piles of laundry, my grocery budget has grown exponentially due to lack of planning on my part. When the grocery store employees know you on a first name basis… Continue reading Monday Menu Madness: Week of 9/5/2016
Why Adopt Again…?
Recently, a worker in Ohio asked to share something we wrote about adoption a while back when we were adopting our six from Nevada. We were honored to be asked if she could share it and hopefully it will find the person wondering if adoption has been planted in their hearts. Domestically or internationally, there… Continue reading Why Adopt Again…?
Welcome to Grin & Barrus 