Friday, August 21, 2009

Change is happening in the Skog family.... and it's a good thing


To all my friends from facebook visiting for the first time, welcome.
Well here goes!

For about the past 6 years we have been wanting to have more children. And for whatever reason we have not been blessed with a successful pregnancy. So we considered looking in to adoption. Jason and I could never agree at the same time that this is what we needed to do.
Without having to wast your time and my fingers telling you the whole story (call me sometime if you want to hear it) I will just say things finally clicked for both of us back in November of last year.

However we decided to become foster parents with the option to adopt.
We took a while to talk about it together just to make sure we both were still feeling this is what we wanted and should do.
After more talking, praying, and fasting we decided to find an agency to work with with us. We then talked to Emmitt and Constance and asked them how they felt about this. Emmitt was very supportive and couldn't wait for everything to get started. Constance on the other hand was a little reserved and had to take a couple of days to gather her thoughts. The day she came to me and told me she was okay with it she cried and said she felt really good about helping other children, and she was excited to get a little brother or sister.

In February we started all the paper work that needed to be done. In June we enrolled in classes. We went into the classes with the idea we did not want to become full time foster parents we only wanted kids that needed to be adopted. By our third class we had changed our mind and were 100% committed to become foster parents and help families be reunited by helping the parents over come whatever problems the were having so they could be reunited with their children.

We finished our last class on June 29th. On July 1st we got a call from our agency saying they were looking for a pre-adoptive home for a sibling group of 3. (A 9year old boy, a 5year old girl, and a 4 year old boy) My feelings were, but we are so ready to go out and save families. When Jason came home we talked all night about it. We couldn't get out of our mind that everything was working they way it needed to be. For every negative we thought of there were at least 3 positives that out weighed the negative. The next day we called back the social worker and said let's move forward slowly just to make sure this is what should happen.

So that brings us to today. As I write this I am waiting for the oldest boy to get here. And in a few weeks after some transition time the younger ones will join us.
There you have it!! We are so excited, nervous, happy, scared, grateful,, blessed...!!!

16 comments:

Katy Wilson said...

Wow Laura...that is so exciting!!! You are a great mom and will make a super great foster mom...
Good luck with everything!!!

Kathy N. said...

Oh, Laura. I can't think of anyone better to be a foster mom! I totally agree that these kids need some stability and someone to love them for who they are. My sister and her husband were foster parents in Nebraska and it was the hardest thing they ever had to do, but also the most rewarding. Good Luck!

Coby said...

That is totally awesome...this is a big step and it can definitely help those kids. The Jespersens back in Moberly did the same thing for me and I am so happy for the outcome my life has received so far.

The Ordeel said...

Whoah! That's BIG news, Laura! SO exciting! I can't WAIT to meet them. I am impresed with the reaction of your kids. And I am impressed with your involving them in the decision. You have done a great job with them and these foster kids are so blessed that you will be their foster parents. "Congratulations" seems so little, but I can't think of a better thing to say. You are a wonderful family.

Lori said...

You and your family are so wonderful! You are blessed to have them in your life as they are blessed to have you.

NYCmom said...

Wow! You are amazing! What a selfless thing to do. I really hope all goes well for you and that you're blessed with some really sweet kids to welcome. We had a family in the ward who had foster kids and they had some really great experiences. Good luck with it all. We'll keep you in our prayers. My mantra lately has been that the Lord knows what we need and he will bless us with it. I know he knows your needs and those of these kids.

Anonymous said...

Wow Laura...that's wonderful! I know you will make a huge difference in these children's lives. They are so blessed to be making it into such a wonderful family. I wish you all the best in these changes!

Abby said...

Wow Laura this a great news! So many children out there need a positive place to live even if it is for a short time. I am just such a huge fan of adoption and the blessings it brings to all involved. Thanks for sharing!

Amber said...

Wow, Laura that is so great. Those kids are lucky to get to come to your home. Good Luck

Mary said...

Thats so neat. Congrats!

Adventures In The Land Of Hahl said...

yeah for you guys laura!what you are doing is such an amazing thing. many, many years ago 2 of my brothers and i were placed into foster care for a short period of time after our mom died. the positive influence and love that you and jason have to share will make such a difference in these kids lives. definately not an easy job - but the rewards will be unmeasurable.

Jessie said...

Laura that is so exciting! You will be a fantastic foster mom! I'm excited for you! Good Luck!

Mandy said...

Big changes in your family and life...very exciting times. I look forward hearing more about your growing family.

Anonymous said...

Just wondering how it's all going. Let us know! :O)

tacy said...

wow! That gave me chills!! That is so exciting for you! I hope things continue to work out! you are amazing and i love ya!!

Kevin said...

This sounds like quite a challenge to undertake. I'm sure you guys will have a rewarding experience with it. Best of luck!