Grace Haven Families Blog — Grace Haven Families

Thankful in the Waiting

My daughter’s thankfulness tree is a beautiful creation. This thing of beauty was produced after a trial.

Guest UserNovember 25, 2019

Proprioceptive Activities: What are they & How do they help?

Proprioception tells us about the position of our body in relation to other people and objects. Many children from early childhood trauma struggle with sensory defensive or seeking behaviors and need healthy opportunities throughout the day in order to help stay regulated.

Guest UserNovember 19, 2019

Behind the Behavior

Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

When our children are experiencing chaos internally and don't know how to change the feeling of their finger in the light socket, they react. To act on something implies focus and when our children are not regulated, there is no ability for clarity to focus. They simply react. Those feelings are bullet speed ping pong balls flying and bouncing randomly. Ping pong balls are difficult to catch but delicate in nature. It doesn't take much effort to crush.

Guest UserNovember 12, 2019

Parents in Training

Children are as good as they imitate parents who are as good as they imitate Christ. That is the fundamental simplicity of successful parenting I believe. Children will follow your example. The question is, what kind of example will you give? I cannot expect my children to exceed the character I have exemplified for them, therefore if I have exhibited bad character I can expect that in return, or worse, but certainly not better.

Guest UserNovember 5, 2019

The Power of Yes

For our children from hard places, hearing no lands with a heavy weight. It feels threatening. Their mind can start racing with thoughts like, “I will never eat again!” or “They don’t like me! They hate me!” “ I will never go to the park!” What seems like an irrational responses to us, feels very real to them

Guest UserOctober 20, 2019

Safe Place

Can you imagine walking up on a casual conversation in the grocery between your mom and a stranger about your most private personal details? It would be very hurtful. In the same way adoptive parents constantly walk a fine line of wanting others to know enough for them to be sensitive and yet they have a great responsibility to let their child's story be kept private until a time the child is ready to share it.

Waylon MartinDecember 5, 2018

Gastineau Family Adoption Journey

I remember crying as we left that weekend because I knew I was leaving my children behind. It still is a very hard emotion to explain.

Waylon MartinDecember 5, 2018

Story of Hope

I want to be able to have that kind of love. As I grow older and hopefully have a family of my own someday, I pray that I have the opportunity to adopt a child and provide a family who really cares about them and will lead them to Jesus.

Waylon MartinNovember 14, 2018

It Was A Dark & Stormy Night: Memoirs of a Foster Mom

“It was a dark and stormy night….”. Every good story starts with that phrase. Ours is no exception.

Waylon MartinNovember 1, 2018

Grandma Lavera's BBQ Sloppy Joe's and Slaw

There is truly nothing better than a recipe that can take you back to a sweet and peaceful time from your childhood.

Waylon MartinOctober 8, 2018Family Meals, BBQ, Coleslaw, memories

Meal Planning 101

When you hear the words Meal Planning, do you get all nerdy and pull out colored markers, Pinterest ideas, and jump in with both feet? Alternatively, do you cringe, with the guilt of not planning, overspending, and never knowing what dinner will be?

Waylon MartinOctober 1, 2018Meals, Family, Meal PlanningComment