it takes a village

"It takes a whole village to raise a child" ~ African Proverb

 

I am blessed to have family members and close friends who love and adore the children I have in my life as much as I do.  My parents live only an hour away and my expanded family is close knit.  In addition to loving my time spent at GiGi’s Playhouse with our families, I have also been involved in a variety of ways with the Siouxland Autism Support Group.

 

  Extended family is more than genetic relations for me.

Cbug and I have been hanging out on a weekly basis for over seven years. Our adventures together include lots of picnics on my kitchen floor and on the balcony, pretending to ice skate on the wood floors, and acting out her favorite movies.               

When Sara began subbing in my classroom in 2012, she probably did not know what she was getting herself in to! Soon was she not only a member of my staff, she was one of my closest friends. Living just down the street, she and Callie the cat had quality bonding time while I was in Florida with CJ for five weeks. Her love for each child who comes into my home extends to the other members of her family. One of CJ's first words was one of her daughters' names.  

Emily and I connected at Morningside College while both playing clarinet in the concert band.  Emily's love of music and kids is visible in her dedication to not only her career as a consulting teacher for the city's fine arts elementary school, but also in her work with the Siouxland Autism Support Group. Emily is one of my go to gals for supporting me in raising my foster children.  I am blessed to have Emily as a part of CJ's life as his godmother.

 





Brian and Shari are dear friends who are like aunt and uncle
to the kids that have come through my doors.  Brian is a talented worship leader and youth minister, and Shari is a Art teacher and professional artist.  Brian also enjoys photography.  I love that the walls in my home are adorned in Shari's artwork and Brian's photos of my kids!   

As a big kid at heart, Brian and CJ have a special bond and could play together for hours.