When our beautiful younger children came home it took us over two hours to get them all in bed and settled for the night.We had chaos! Seemingly endless crying, refusals, shouting, jumping on the bed, throwing things across the room, ugliness! It was more like a carnival than bedtime.
We tried bathing... reading a quiet book... hugs... talking... but nothing seemed to calm them down. It was bedtime so that meant terror.
After being home for about six months Buttons said, "No bombs behind eyes in Canada. Bombs in Lithuania."
The terror was bedtime itself. The inability to shut down the thoughts and memories of the past.Now it is six months later again.
We had an awesome day yesterday. We went to a bigger church than normal which the kids enjoy but often sets Treasure into a spiral because of the overstimulation. We have learned to see the signs and remove her from all the noise for a while. She did well yesterday.Then we had a fun evening with friends at their farm with a BBQ and bonfire. There were teens and young adults chatting, playing soccer, and jumping on the tramp. The kids were hyped-up and scattered everywhere!
Buttons had a meltdown. I had no idea how I was going to get them settled and into bed by myself. Jelly Beans and Wiggles were staying longer to hang with friends and Papa Bear is away.When it was time to leave the kids slowly made their way to the bus. They calmed themselves down on the short drive home.
At home they brushed their teeth in an orderly fashion, put on their pj's, and climbed into bed quietly. After a hug and a prayer they went to sleep. No arguments, no shouting, no fuss!
This is what family does for these hurting lonely children. It is amazing to see the way Jesus heals their hearts through His love and our hands and feet.
May all praise belong to God the Father who first loved us!
Mumzy
