Friday The 13th!

Not only is today Friday the 13th, my favorite day, but it is also my sweet cousins wedding day!! 

Sierra and Billy,

I am so excited for you guys. I am very blessed that I have been able to get so close with y'all! In the last year in a half I have been able to become really close with Sierra. She was by my side through out the fostering/adoption process and now I have been able to be apart of her wedding. I remember when I first found out about Billy. Sierra was so excited that she was giddy. She was at my house for my house study (to get the kids) and she started telling us about this boy. She turned into a high school girl telling us about him. She even told me that I would love him because he is a ginger! of course, that made him 50% more awesome. My favorite part of the story is that they hadn't even really talked yet. They were in the same lifegroup and she knew she was going to marry him some day. Billy, you have been a blessing to our family. From the moments I met you I knew that you loved Jesus and that family was important to you! Thank you for being one of my sons best friends. The way you love on all of these kids and poor your heart out to help them is inspiring! I love that you and Sierra share such a wonderful passion! My kids look up to both of you, thank you for showing my family and I all of your love and support. 
I can't wait see all of the adventures you go on together. Soak in the small things, love each other everyday, and always looks up to Jesus! Happy Wedsing day! 

What's that? A post?

I have really been having a hard time writing lately. Every time I have started to write a post I end up writing two sentences then closing my computer. The kids are back in school and work has been absolutely crazy. Fall is here which means love is in the air. I may or may not have been bitten by the love bug....... but life is good and that's the way it should be. We have had a lot of changes around here in the Shrum house. My parents moved in with us a few months ago. This has been such a blessing. My mom watches the kids while I am at work, it makes it even nicer that she is here all the time. Zoe is about to turn 8!! She asked to have a Halloween- dress up party! I was thrilled when she asked me! I think Mom and I could start our own business for planning parties. We are getting pretty good at this! All 3 kids are really settling in! We all have seen so much improvement! Thank you everyone for the prayers and love for my family. Hopefully I will start writing more...... I will have another fun announcement coming soon! :)

Old Crow

Today, as a family, we got to take a trip and learn about the Old Crow family history. For the people who don’t know I am part Native American. My great grandma, on my dad’s side, was half German and have Cheyenne. She married a Cheyenne man named Denny Old Crow. My cousin Alissa gave a wonderful presentation about the history of Denny’s father, Old Crow. It took place at Washita Battlefield Nation Historic Site. This site also hold some of our families’ artifacts.  Alissa went into great detail of her research and how she learned more about Old Crow and our family history. The national park rangers were amazed at the volume of attendees. There were over 60 people who showed to hear what Alissa had to say. Thank you, Alissa for sharing your knowledge about our family. I am very proud to call you guys my family. Today I encourage everyone to ask about their family history. Maybe, you know a lot about your family history. So then, I encourage you to share your knowledge with someone who might be willing to learn. I hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday! 

Life.... It gets busy!

Hello, Blog Readers!

Sorry I have not been posting lately. Life has been a little crazy. (I can't imagine why) I thought I would give a little recap of whats been going on. As most of you know I adopted 3 kids. The last 2 months have been crazy. Change is never easy..... especially when you are 6 and 7 years old. Luckily I have had my family and friends to support us through this challenging time. My parents have been the biggest help. My mom quit her job so she could be a full time Honeygram! (Grandma) This has been a huge blessing. Daycare is expensive and most of them are not in a routine. For my kids, routine, is a HUGE thing. We have been trying to work on that and teaching them about the "real" world. Easier said than done. My kids love my parents! Like normal grandkids they would probably pack up their stuff and move in with them tonight if I would let them. We have already had lots of adventures.  The kids got to leave Oklahoma for the very first time with my parents. They thought that was really cool. Work has been crazy as well.... We launch a new website and logo! If you haven't checked out Hobby Lobby you should!

Today was the first day of school! Zoe was really excited. She told me this morning that she couldn't wait to meet new friends. I'm not a 100% sure how the twins felt. I could tell Jordan was really nervous this morning but he started talking to his teacher about Star Wars and they were set. Abbie-Jo had a hard time this morning. Everyone always love her! I knew when she got into the class room she was going to be as happy as can be. Last night I gave each one of my babies kisses behind their ears. (My mom did this every year for me and my sister) This way if they are feeling sad or just miss me they can grab and kiss and know I am right there with them. They also were lucky and got extra kisses from the grandparents! I hope all of my friends with kids had a great first day of school! I think my Mom has been doing her happy dance all :)

Thank you for reading! Have a blessed afternoon!
Kelsey

Bedtime Prayer

Tonight, as I walk down the hallway, I hear my girls talking in their room. I start to tell them that they don't suppose to be talking when I realize they are actually talking to God. I hear Zoe ask him "please take care of our Mom tomorrow while she is in the hospital." Then Abbie-Jo says "give her a big kiss when she is sleeping in surgery for me."  I couldn't help but to thank God for them and of course cry. I know I haven't been my best and I can get super cranky...... but God sure knows how to show me He is here. This evening I set down and watched a movie with the kids and then we talked about the movie during bath time. These are some of the "little" moments I live for. At times the kids can make me feel like I'm living in the middle of a circus but then turn it around and show me how much they have grown. We pray every night at bedtime and I always remind them that they can talk to God when ever they want to and He will listen. Actually hearing them talking to Him melted this Mom's heart. Sometimes you need a reminder that He is listening to your prayers. (No matter how old you are)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

You are never too young or old to start praying! God is listening and He will answer..... All you have to do is listen to Him!

Teaser- Let's meet the family!

There has been so many people message me asking what my (soon to be adopted) kids names will be. I thought it would be fun to announce their names on my blog since that is how I told everyone I was getting foster children in the first place. Just incase you are out of the loop let me fill you in a little. I got a phone call yesterday from the adoption agency saying that the judge wanted to get the kids adopted as soon as they could... So in his mind that was June 30th. By the end of the day yesterday I was told our official court day is June, 29. That's next Monday! I was so excited that I was shaking! I have waited so long for this that I felt it would take forever to get here. Come Monday my children have been in the foster system for 1,216 day!! That's a really long time! Thankfully we are ending there. I get to tell the kiddos tonight that they are officially getting adopted! Don't worry monday my facebook will be exploding with pictures and videos so be ready!! Make sure to keep an eye out for a blog post to get a more detailed post about each child!! Okay............ So drum roll please!!!!!!!

We have names!!!


First is my oldest. She is 7 years old. Her name is Zoe Ann Hope Shrum!

Next are the twins who are 5: Abbie-Jo Grace Shrum and Jordan Levi Shrum!

I can not wait to share more with everyone on Monday! I would love for everyone to come joing us Monday in welcoming the kids to our family! If you are interested please message me and I can give you all of the details! I hope everyone has a blessed day! Remember God is ALL the time!!

 Much love,

Kelsey

Our First "Talk"

My youngest daughter loves to help me around the house! (No matter what I am doing) The other night I was putting up my laundry and she came into my room and asked if she could help. Of course, I said yes! I tell her that she can put my sock away for me. I asked her if she knew which drawer they go in and she said yes. As I am in my closet hanging up clothes, I hear a drawer slam and her start shuffling out of my bedroom. I notice that my socks are on the ground so I call for her to come back into my room. I ask "Hey what happened? Are you already done helping me?" She gives me this look like she did something wrong so I asked her again "What happened?" immediately she starts to apologize and keeps saying "I'm really sorry mom, I didn't mean to!" After I get her calmed down she tells me that she accidentally opened the wrong drawer. I had no clue why she would be this upset about opening the wrong drawer... So.. I asked her which drawer she opened. It was my bra drawer. I guess she has never seen a bra before and it completely freaked her out. I started to explain to her what they were for and why woman wear them. I am patiently waiting for her to say something (as she looks like she is about to pass out) and she says "Oh, they look like eyes." We then went into a 20 questions talk. At the end of this talk she looked like she was about to pass out and I felt like a needed a drink! I guess it is never too early to start explaining thing but this new mom was not prepared for all of her question.

Last night as we are about to go to bed she gives me a big hug like she normally does. After, she said "Mom, why can I always feel your bra when I hug you?" I told her "well that is just how it is when you are wearing a bra." I can tell that she is thinking but I go ahead and start tucking in her sister. When I get done we starting to say prayer and it was her turn to start it. She starts off by thanking God for her HoneyGram and that her Grandpa got home. Then she says "and God please send mom a daddy who will like her cheetah bra as much as I do AMEN." Oh the joy of kids! I am telling you they always keep me on my toes and surprise me everyday!

I hope you enjoyed the read! I'm sure there will be more stories about Miss A to come! :)

Asking for your help!

Family and friends,

I am needing your help! Today I was told that there are some teens who need our help! Some of these kids have been through a lot but I believe that someone I know can help at least one of these kids! As most of you know my 3 kids have changed my world. I never knew how powerful a child's love was until I was blessed with my own! If you or someone you know could help please let me know so I can get you the correct contact! I know everyone that I know can make a difference in a child's life, whether they are a few hours old or almost 18! Also, prayers are a wonderful way to help as well! Again if you can help or have any questions please feel free to ask me! 

Thank you,

Kelsey 

Psalms 72:4 - He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Let's talk about God

So even with today being super long and I am tired.... I promise I could not make this up! Tonight I was able to come home and cook the kids dinner and spend some time with them. You really never know what will happen during the evenings. I had one go to bed at 7:15 p.m. (On his own) I had a little one who really wanted to play with my hair then another who wanted to talk about God.... I let them start playing with my hair and Miss A starts her story about God and Jesus. 

Miss A-God has white panties on and was caring the cross. He had nails on his feet and hands. Then he had blood then stayed on the cross forever. But he closed his eyes and said something. 

Me- Are you talking about Jesus?

Miss- A- Yeah he stayed on the cross then he got a life and was able to open his eyes. Then he walked to God. But God was wearing his own panties. 

As I am trying not to laugh Miss Z says "well I really hope his panties were pink because white is not okay." Kid logic is my favorite! If you need free entertainment come spend an evening with me and my kids!! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone had a wonderful Wednesday! 

Living my life to the fullest!

A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend and she made the comment "What doesn't Kelsey do?" The more I thought about it I realized that I’m not afraid to try something at least once. (Well within reason) My parents have always told me to live my life to the fullest, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and make sure you are happy with who you are. 

There have been times that I wasn't happy with where I was in my life. I have made poor decisions and I have push people out of my life. I have learned that everything I have been through (Good and Bad) has made me who I am. 

I have learned that I want to live my life through God's will! When it comes to the end of my life I want to be able to look back and say, "I lived!" Recently I have been asked, ”you have so much life to live, so why adopt now?” I want to adopt now because I have so much life to live. I have heard a song a few times on the radio, but yesterday when I heard it, I truly listened.  It’s called “I lived” by OneRepublic.

The line “I hope you fall in love and it hurts so bad” means so much to me. I never realized that falling in love would hurt so bad but be worth ever once of pain. My kiddos that I am adopting mean everything to me. I plan on raising them to trust God, take chances and to be able to say, “I did it all.” I want to teach them that thing will happen in life but that doesn’t mean you stop living your life.

For some of you who do not know I have epilepsy. This has placed some trials in my life but it also opened my eyes. I want to be able to own every second that this world can give me. I know that I have a calling to love and cherish these kiddos. The best thing I can tell people is, “Believe and Trust.” I believe in our Lord and Savoir and trust that he has the best plan possible for my life. I encourage everyone to do the same.

Don’t be afraid to try new things or open up your heart. Like I said in the beginning of this post I haven’t always made the best choices but I wasn’t afraid to try new things.

Here are a few fun random things I have tried:

·      I have help raised a baby calf

·      Been a lifeguard

·      Gave voice lessons

·      Made an album

·      Volunteered at Pets&People

·      Auditioned for a movie

·      Won an ax throwing completion

·      Foster children

These are just a few fun things on my list that I can tell my kids “I did it all.” I would love to hear things that are on your list! Please share in the comments!

Next stop=FOREVER

This Friday the kids and I close on our first house! I can't wait to turn this house into our home. God has been working in our life's everyday! He placed us in each other's lifes and I have been able to see the kids grow so much all ready! Today Gods work was done again and I was able to start the adoption on my twins! I can't wait for this adventure and to be able to share my kiddos with everyone. Thank you all for the support!! Here soon my babies will officially be mine!! God is good all the time!! 

God IS Love

Some days I sit in aw because my God is an amazing God! I don't know why things he does still shock me but they do. I have had my kiddos for almost 5 months! I know that isn't a long time but it feels like I have had them since they were born. If I didn't know better I would say they were my birth children. A few days ago I had to take Miss A to the ER due to her being really sick. Even though she was in so much pain her smile never left her face. She has so much love to give all the time and while we were waiting for her test to come back she was trying to get ME to laugh! I remember being younger (and now) and everyone telling me "that smile never leaves your face." When you are just simply happy to be here a smile is worth so much more to us. Then you have my son...... We are both allergic to chocolate and caffiene. How can two people be connected with allergies like that? Because God can do anything! I feel like he connected us so we could help each other. Let me tell you.... We have helped each other in way some people just won't understand. The twins are stubborn and onery but then again didn't I say they act just like me? God filled a whole that was in my heart. He has been here for me from day one and  has lead me to where I am today. No matter what happens I know God is telling me "keep pushing, we got this" I fell in love with 2 beautiful children who are not biologically mine. I didn't think I could ever love someone like that. The reason I can love is because God IS Love! Today I asked everyone to pray about what ever is on your heart right now. God loves you through the good times and the bad. Just think maybe he is waiting for you to talk to him. 

I forgot how to mom!

Well guys it has been awhile.... Buying a house and taking care of 2 to 3 kids can always make time pass really fast!I thought today (since it’s a snow day) would be perfect for little funny stories. Have you had moments while being a parent where you thought to yourself “What was I doing?” I call this…. “I forgot how to mom.”

As I have mentioned before I have twins. Laundry is always fun at my house. Since I have a boy and a girl organizing jeans can sometimes get tricky. One lovely morning I am running behind and I’m trying to set out the kid’s clothes. I set them out in each of their rooms and wake them up. My son is complaining that he doesn’t like how his jeans are fitting and I tell him they will be fine for the day and that we need to get going. When I pick him up from day care I ask him why he had those jeans on. (Thinking he had an accident and had to change) He says, “Mom you set these out for me this morning.” When we get home I start looking around and trying to figure out what I had done that morning to make me thing that my daughter’s skinny jeans would be okay for my son to wear to school. I’m sure he was the talk amongst the teachers that day.

Some days you are so focused on getting to work, school, soccer, dance, etc. that you forget to really pay attention. When I was younger my mom would always so “look with your eyes and your hands.” Now that I’m older I have to remind myself that I still need to do that. Believe me next time my son tells me he doesn’t like how his pants fit I will be looking and figuring out why he doesn’t like them.

For my last story today I am going to bring up Pinterest. I’m sure a lot of us have tried a DIY idea you found on Pinterest.  With that being said I bet most of those great ideas we failed on. My kids love to look over my shoulder and look at everything I’m looking at on my phone. One day my daughter sees these cupcakes she just had to have. Many people, who know me, know that I love cupcakes and I’m always up for a good challenge especially if it involves baking. I tell her that we can bake the cupcakes and we go on our exciting journey. In no time I had all the ingredients mixed together and the batter in their holders. We let them cook for the time recommended and get them out of the oven. The cupcakes looked like they were water from the swamp. What?? How did this happen? I re-looked at the recipe and make sure I did everything correctly and I couldn’t figure out what I did wrong. Miss A was not happy about the swamp desert so we had ice cream instead. Later that night when I was looking through the blog where we had found the recipe I noticed there was a lot of comments. I started reading them and they were funnier than the swamp mess that Miss A and I had made. Glad I wasn’t the only one who failed at those darn cupcakes.

Most days I just have to sit back, laugh at myself, and thank God for everything good in my life. Things don’t always go as planned but there is always something good we can get out of it. That look my son gave me when I told him he was wearing his sister’s jeans will always be in the back of my mind giving me a good laugh. My daughter and I will always have that memory of us baking together even if they didn’t turn out. Failing isn’t always a bad thing. I mean who wants to be perfect any way? Next time when you “forget how to mom” find something good in the situation. It’s okay to laugh at yourself! 

Advice from 5 year olds

Having two 5 year olds can be challenging but they can also give you some of the best advice. I was blessed with a little boy and a little girl so I get point of views from both sides of the spectrum. Here are just a few of my favorite they have said..

Miss A- Mom you look like a queen. Who needs a King when the queen rules anyway.

Mr. J- Are you wearing that? Well at least do your hair!

My kids comment on my outfit everyone morning..... I think they forget that I pick out their outfits as well but at least they wont let me leave the house looking bad.

Mr. J- We need to pray for Jesus.... He is making us a Dad out of dust and that isn't easy. I can't even get the dust to stay in my truck.

Miss A- God made everything in this house. He also made us and Cupcake (Our dog) We need to thank him.

Most of the time when things like this come out of their mouths it makes me laugh. When I really think about it they are telling me so much more. They listen to everything I say and watch everything I do. When Mr. J says "Oh Goodness" I know he got that from me because I say it all the time! My kids love to have deep talks and ask difficult questions. I have learned that they just want to know everything I know. Now when they say things like this I know they are giving me my own advice. I have to say I am NO WHERE near a perfect parent...... I am learning with my kids.

If I ask my kids for advice they will tell me the complete truth. Believe me sometimes the truth hurts. If you don't want a child to tell you what you are already thinking, then don't ask! Then again if you are asking a 5 year old for advice you are probably looking for anything you can take. For me I am a single parent so if I ask "How do I look?" or "How did my dinner taste?" They are really the only ones who can answer. I know that I am thankful I have these 2 miracles. They have changed my world. They make me laugh, cry, sometimes both, but they always leave me thinking. They always seem to say things that hit me right in the heart. Today I ask you to listen to yourself....... Would you want your children to act the way you do? Say the same words that come out of your mouth? Just something to think about! Thanks for reading!

I can't believe it's been a year!

A year ago today my life changed in a way I thought wasn’t possible. I went to work thinking it was going to be a normal night waiting tables with some of my favorite people but that wasn’t the case. That night had been one of the best nights (tips wise) while I had been working at Outback Steakhouse. I never would of thought I was going to wake up in the back of an ambulance… 

My first thought was where is my Dad? I could hear voices and feel someone touching me but I wasn’t sure what was going on.  When I could finally see and completely understood what the paramedic was saying to me, it took everything in me to talk to her. I was trying my very best to speak but it was as if I had no voice to speak with. With everything in me I finally screamed, “Where’s my phone?” I think everyone was confused at that moment of why I wanted my cell phone but to be honest I just wanted to talk to my Dad so I could tell him I was okay.  My lovely friend Sam was right there and told me she had already talked to my dad and that I was going to be okay. Luckily Sam was there when I had a seizure and fell in the kitchen of Outback. I cannot remember the ladies names that were my paramedics that night but they took the very best care of me and stayed with me at the hospital as long as they could! I’m not sure what was running through my mind during the between times but I know when I heard my moms voice all I could do was cry. It’s a scary thing going through something you don’t understand. Thankfully I had great coworkers, family, and friends who were by my side and took really good care of me.

Sadly I could not go back to work as a server. I have a lot of memories at that restaurant and made a lot of amazing friends. So many of them have kept up with my journey of finding out I have epilepsy to becoming a foster mom to twins! I just want to take a moment and thank everyone who has checked on me, came to visit, sent gifts, prayed for me, and simply being by my side in the last year. I know I am not always the easiest person to be around but I am truly thankful for all of you! God has an amazing plan for my life and I have learned a lot in the last year.

Today I ask for everyone to pray for the children and adults fighting epilepsy. There is no cure but thankfully there is medication that can try and control the seizures. I have read a lot of stories and met a few people (with social media) who have epilepsy and every story is different. Everyone has the story of his or her life I hope part of yours is that you helped every chance you could. (No matter how big or little the help is)