Because I Have Been Given Much...

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

I feel that I need to post a very Large THANK YOU to the many people who have been so supportive of this journey Kurt and I are stepping into.  Thank you for buoying us up at this time with your words of encouragement. Thank you for caring about us and helping us get reference letters in that helped us pass. Thank you also for the financial help and for the slightly used items that are needed to get us started.

Here are a few of the tangibles that we've been given to help us prepare for whatever may lie ahead.

Booster seat

Lots of slightly used toddler toys

A beautiful bed. I almost cried when I got this

It even came with blankets and liners etc...

Can you believe this?! As good as new with two seat covers! 

We got not one but TWO matching twin beds

Thanks for being such a great support to Kurt and me. All of these gifts and donations and blessings have only made me feel that much closer to being ready when we finally get the call.

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Work We Go!

5 years ago on September 10, 2007 I was hired full time as a Recreation Coordinator in American Fork. Really I never planned to make it as long as I have. In fact my previous record for staying in one position wasn't looking too shiny. In the two years before getting this position I had been financially promoted in different jobs or titles 4 times. I really feel truth to the words so well versed by Rascal Flatts that "God blessed the broken road that led me strait to..." well, American Fork Rec.

 It all started when I worked for the Orem Rec Center. The new director of AF Rec came in asking questions about our facility and I, not knowing who he was, asked if I could give him a tour. He asked about the facility mostly but eventually told me who he was and I told him what I was attending school to become. It took a few more years and a graduation, but I definitely think that tour got me a full-time job under him later. The Lord's Timing!

Director Derric and front desk gal Morgan

When Kurt and I began planning our future as foster parents we decided waiting until I reached 5 years would be worth the retirement money I would hang on to and collect after turning 65. On August 21st I finally decided it was time to talk to my supervisor about the unknown fixin' to occur. I didn't want to give a notice to quit but I wanted them to be aware that I may one day be gone. I just didn't know when this whole foster care thing would go down. He calmed my fears by saying work could be flexible with my needs. If I had foster children in school it would be possible for me to continue working part-time. Wow! What a blessing.

 

Supervisor Doug

Co-worker Randy

It's not the easiest task getting my questions answered from our licensor. I hate to be a pain and bug her until I know exactly what's going on and the process they have to take, but I finally gave in after not hearing anything for over a month. Serena sent an email back letting me know that we should be licensed by the end of this week. I almost started crying. Who knows what I was feeling really; I mean I am PMSing so my emotions are everywhere. This has been a long time coming. 

Next week I could be back at my computer answering phone calls and getting ready for flag football games or I could be calling in sick. :) Or I could be taking care of a child or two that I'm scared to death I'll do anything wrong with, and who are probably just as scared of me. 

My desk

5 years ago I would never have guessed this was going to be served on my plate. I still believed in pregnancies and the "easier way" to having a family. How do you prepare for something like this? 

Bushman Family Reunion 2012

Over Memorial Day weekend the entire J Darrell Bushman clan came all together for a family reunion. It's been a while since we've all been together what with missions, births and whatever other excuses we could come up with. So since one of my nephews was turning 8 and getting baptized we decided it was as good as any time to get the whole gang together again.

Top Row: Dannen, Daylen, Donovan, Bottom Row: Dionna, Destinee, Desiree, Daciana, Delisa

I realized how much I miss my siblings. It was so fun to have us all together.

The two love birds that started this whole thing

Here are a few of the pictures from our epic weekend adventure.

Connor's baptism

Ultimate Frisbee

The two cute nieces that stayed at our house. Kate and Lynlee

Brooke loving the sand

Volleyball

Volleyball on the other side of the net. Even Dad got out and played

Minute to Win It fun

Delisa, Dionna and Destinee at Battle Creek Falls

Claudia, Kyla, Bailey, Dannen and Brooke at the falls

Donovan and Kyle soaked

Waiting in line for the slip n slide

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and of course a family dance!

I love watching my parents dance

Pretty fun weekend. I can't wait to do this again!

Family.... Isn't it about TIME?