Everything is so surreal right now! If you were to meet these girls you would really wonder why they have been removed from their family. They are so polite, and well behaved. madi told me she taught herself to say thankyou-and that was out of the blue! But it's more than self-taught. madison was picked to be the student of the week next week. She's very, very excited. The school counselor called the social worker and let her know that Madison is a totally different child. Madi told her she likes being with us because her foster mom acts like a real mom. Breaks my heart! She's been pretty sad today though. I think the reality is setting in.

They aren't the least bit shy and will talk to complete strangers in the stores! and tell them that they are living in a foster home! LOL I am so not used to that! My kids run and hide behind me-still! They have also been a wealth of information. I have been documenting everything and called the social worker to make sure she is getting counseling lined up. The twins aren't very twiny, but I'm sure that's related to their upbringing. They are close, but they don't seem to have that secret twin code, or closeness. They are also as different as night and day. One is very chatty, and one is a little more cautious and withdrawn. None of the girls has shed a single tear, and barely mention their mom. They do miss Grandma and eventually they will get to have visits with her. Actually, they did cry last night when they had to go to bed instead of hearing the story. One of them absolutely refused to do what I asked her and sissy decided to jump on the bandwagon. We talked about consequenses for not obeying. It must have left an impression because they were pretty compliant today. Madi was a bit more difficult today.

How has my life changed, Let me count thy ways:

1. I do at least 5 loads of laundry every single day!  2. I now have to do 3-4 dishwasher loads a day instead of 1 or 2 3. We run out of hot water 4. There are people in every inch of our house 5. My legs hurt because I never have time to sit down! 6. I rely on God minute by minute instead of daily 7. I never had any left overs before, now I am lucky if they don't eat the plates and glasses too! 8. I can go through 2 gallons of milk instead of 1. 9. Eric has finally seen the value in the large bags of off brand cereal instead of name brand boxes! LOL this is a huge one in this house! 10. and last but not least, I am back to going to the bathroom with at least one kid sitting outside the door talking to me!

I am going to take some pictures, but I am a bit hesitant to post them on  here. Mom's pretty hostile towards us so I don't want her to have any way of finding us. I know it's a stretch, but stranger things have happend. She told the girls that they "don't gotta listen to nuthin you tell us to do"-Yay! and beleive me-they tried that one on!

keep praying for us! We are busy, but really feel like we are right where God wants us. Unless there is some really big major blow up on the horizon, we would definately be willing to adopt these little girls. The social worker said the goal is to reunite them with mom, but she said that mom is in denial that there is any kind of a problem (she is a druggy) and is playing the victim's role to the hilt. Time will tell. If anything, I am so glad that we can "correct" some of the skewed ideas the girls have about God. My prayer is that it is a life changing time for them and will stay in their hearts forever. They came to us with 4 bibles, and were excited that we are christians. Like I said-from the outside looking in, you wouldn't have a clue.

Okay! Signing off for now and crashing into bed! One last thing-I got to shop for fluffy pink Easter dresses and little white shoes! Oh it was sooooooo much fun!

In Him,

Natalie and co.