IN OUR HOUSE

Back to School Buzz

School started last week and honestly I was counting down the moments, “I can make it!” has become our new mantra as we prepare for this exciting transition. 🙏🏻❤️💪 This week brought a wonderful boost of neighborhood spirit with a cheerful back-to-school bash. It was such a joy to see Hailie and Chloe smiling wide, surrounded by colorful balloons, giant crayons, and friendly faces as they celebrated this new chapter in our lives.

Moving to a new state where you don’t know a single person has felt overwhelming, but moments like these remind us just how much community matters and we are blessed to be living near our new church and new school.

What I really miss is my Life Group from Illinois. I miss them so much and have relied on them for prayer, praise, support and cheerleading - even from far away. My work team has been awesome, and I’m part of a CEO Bible study that has been a huge support during this transition as well. Of course my husband, the girls, and our dog Lucy have been champs through this move as well.

It’s also heartwarming to know that even in unfamiliar places, kindness and connection are never far away. As we dive into the school year ahead, we’re embracing the adventure and grateful for the support and encouragement around us.

Here’s to fresh starts, new friends, and the beautiful journey God has ahead of us!

BOOKS I’M READING

No Matter Where I Go

By Jessica Mathisen, Illustrated by Katie Rewse

This month, I want to share a special book that has truly touched my heart as a foster mom. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how foster care can bring big changes and sometimes uncertainty to a child’s life. 

This faith-filled story was created especially for children in foster care, and for the families who walk alongside them, to offer comfort, hope, and a reminder of something that never changes.

“No Matter Where I Go” by Jessica Mathisen, illustrated by Katie Rewse,
this beautiful book gently reassures children that no matter where life takes them, whether they’re moving to a new home or facing new challenges, God’s love remains steady, unchanging, and always present.

Through warm, inviting illustrations and simple yet powerful words, it gives children a sense of safety and belonging, reminding them that they are deeply loved and never alone on their journey.

For anyone involved in foster care, whether as a parent, relative, or friend, I believe this book is a wonderful tool to open conversations about faith, love, and hope. It has been a meaningful addition to our home library, and I hope it brings the same comfort and encouragement to your family as well.

Read it now: 👉🏻 No Matter Where I Go

FEATURED BLOG POST

A New Place, the Same Purpose

As we settle into our new home in South Carolina, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the heart behind this journey, and why foster care has become such an important part of our lives. This post isn’t just about moving to a new location; it’s about reconnecting with the deep purpose that drives us every day.

In What is Foster Care, I share a simple yet heartfelt explanation of what foster care truly means. It’s not just about the legal paperwork, court dates, or logistics - though those are real parts of the process. 

At its core, foster care is an act of compassion, sacrifice, and profound love. It’s about opening your home and heart to children who need stability and hope, even when it’s hard or uncertain.

If you’re new to foster care or have been walking this path for a while, sometimes the day-to-day challenges can cloud the bigger picture. This post is a gentle reminder of why this work matters so much, because behind every placement is a child deserving of care, kindness, and a chance to thrive. It’s a call to remember the impact we make, no matter how small it feels at times.

Take a moment to read this post, and let it inspire you to begin again, with renewed purpose and a compassionate heart.

👉🏻 Read the full post here: What is Foster Care?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A Fresh Start with the Foster Parent Starter Kit

June is often a season of transition, whether it's a new home, a new placement, or stepping into foster care for the very first time. Big moves and fresh starts can feel exciting… but also a little overwhelming. That’s where the Foster Parent Starter Kit comes in.

This best-selling resource has been updated and is ready to walk with you through the early stages of foster parenting. Whether you're just beginning the licensing process or need a reset after a busy season, this kit is designed to help you feel more prepared and less stressed.

Here’s what’s inside:
✔️ Guidance to help you choose the right agency and understand your next steps
✔️ Printable tools to keep paperwork, training, and to-do’s in order
✔️ Ready-to-use templates and checklists so you're not starting from scratch
✔️ A calm, organized system to support you through all the “what now?” moments

Normally $67, the Foster Parent Starter Kit is available this month for just $19 - because getting started shouldn’t be the hardest part.

👉🏻 Get Foster Parent Starter Kit Now for $19