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    Kids & Family

    Fostering Voices Podcast

    A Foster Arizona podcast featuring Authentic Conversations with Real People talking all things Foster Care and beyond. Hosted by Kim and Brian Vehon.

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    Latest Episodes:
    Episode 38: Detecting Developmental Delays Nov 24, 2018
    Show notes

    Episode 38 is dedicated to you - Curt Schilling, of the World Series winning Diamondbacks, with your bloody sock and all.

    This week's episode features an interview with Christie Priem, an incredible Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). She is also the founder, owner, and genius mind, and loving heart behind Chirp : an online resource to make churches welcoming for those with special needs.

    Christie has used this verse to guide her in the heart of her ministry: "What is the price of five sparrows - two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7 NLT) . She is caring for the fragile, and often over-looked community of special needs kids, because they are of great worth to Jesus!

    In this interview:

    Our interview with Christie, she shares 5 Developmental Keys (plus a bonus one!) to help parents, and anyone who works with children, to recognize developmental delays, as well as so many other tools to help children to develop well. Because the interview was so rich with content, we broke it up into 2 parts. So today is part one! And it ends kind of abruptly, because there is no outro/closing statement. But come back next week for the final 2 keys plus the bonus.

    Developmental Key #1 is Self Regulation.

    Developmental Key #2 is Engagement.

    Developmental Key #3 is Enjoyable and Flexible Play.

    The (Good) Word of the Day

    He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.

    Psalm 78:72 We love this verse that Christie shared with us. David led his army with a true heart AND skillful hands, and as parents and leaders, we need to do the same. Sometimes we will make mistakes, but if our hearts are truly in the right place, AND we are trying our best to continually learn, and to have skillful hands, our children will benefit greatly from that.

    This week is Thanksgiving week and we are so thankful for all of you listeners! We hope you had a delicious and restful week.

    To find our more about Christie:

    Special Needs Channel on YouTube

    christie@chirpcc.com

    If you Want to Connect on Social Media:

    You can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!


    Episode 37: Interview With The Best DCS Worker Nov 17, 2018
    Show notes

    Episode 37 is dedicated to Rodney Harrison of the New England Patriots (Reggie knew that off the top of his head), and Metta World Peace, aka Ron Artest.

    Random fact:

    'Metta' means loving kindness and friendliness towards all, and is a traditional Buddhist word.

    He chose this name 'to inspire and bring youth together all around the world." So special.

    Important facts about Reggie and DCS:

    - Reggie actually entered the world and entered the DCS (then CPS) system. He lived with his mom until he was 7, and then he was able to be raised by his older sister and her husband. Reggie is the 8th of 10 kids.

    - CPS means Child Protective Services, and DCS is Department of Child Safety

    - Having worked at DCS since 2010, Reggie has done every kind of job there: investigations, high profile cases, mentoring, supervision, and now he is a data technician as well as office notary. He loves this new position because he gets to support case managers and supervisors

    Some Promising Foster Care Stats in Arizona:

    - in May 2017, the backlog of 16,000 uninvestigated reports were officially cleared

    - in August 2017, Arizona launched a new mobile app to better serve children and families in the field

    - over the last two years, Arizona safely decreased its foster care population by 24% as the national average increased by 4%

    - Maricopa County has about 2100 open reports, 277 of those reports have been open for more than 60 days. They are working hard to close more reports, with more efficiency and speed.

    What Does the State and the Foster Kids Need?

    - More Foster Families! so that kids do not need to live in group homes, or shelters. There are kids living in homeless shelters! Let's all work together to change this.

    The (Good) Word of the Day:

    "When you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there, or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known only to Himself. So do not just go through this, Grow through this."

    - Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan.

    Reggie! (And Shamesha, for watching allt he boys at home and letting Reggie come over to record with us at 8 pm on a Wednesday night) Thank you for your time on the podcast, but thanks especially for your time with DCS, serving the kids in care, by working so hard at your job!

    If you Want to Connect on Social Media:

    You can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!


    Episode 36: 3 Tips for Newbie Foster Parents Nov 10, 2018
    Show notes

    Shaquille O'Neal wore number 36 when he was a newbie basketball player on the Orlando Magic. We love Shaq, especially when he was a Phoenix Suns for a brief moment in time. He wore 32 then, and he promised he would bring a championship to Phoenix. We are still waiting...

    This week we talk briefly about three tips for people who are thinking of embarking on their foster care journey, or have just commenced.

    Knowledge is Power.

    Whether that's knowing the reunification rates in your state, or knowing other foster families, or knowing as much as you can about what you are getting yourself into. Knowledge is truly going to be a good friend throughout your foster care journey.

    Compassion for your Spouse.

    Whether you are the driving force of the desire to be involved in foster care, or you are the one who is at home with the kids for most of the day, this is a very necessary step in being success.

    This isn't the End.

    Sometimes people are reluctant to start the journey of foster care, because they think that means it's the end of them, their hobbies, and even careers. Yes, there are seasons where you do have to put things on hold, but not everything for always!

    Being at Showit United this last week, a conference for photographers that my work puts on every year, was a great reminder of this. I ran into Rilie Norton (from episode 25), Jaclyn Raymond (who will be on in the future!), Chad DiBlasio (who is getting licensed as a foster parent, and has taken in his teenage niece), and the Robinsons (of Anchor and Veil), and these are all photographers and entrepreneurs who are killing it in business and in being involved in the lives of children in need.

    So I hope this reminds you that though foster care can be hard, it is still amazing!

    The (Good) Word of the Day:

    "if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

    -Romans 12:8

    We can all do so much, what have you been called to do???

    Connect on Social Media:

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 35: In the Market for Redemption Nov 03, 2018
    Show notes

    This is the Kevin Durant episode. Not because he was adopted or in foster care. Just because he is awesome and wears the number 35. And we love him.

    This week we interview the lovely Rhonda Labatt of Redemption Market, a stunning ethical boutique that literally changes people's lives. Maybe not so much the customer's, but definitely the artisans behind the products. Rhonda has a huge heart for serving and loving the least of these, which is what led her to adopt her youngest daughter from Peru.

    Listen to this week's episode to find out more!

    Some points that Rhonda mentioned:

    - An Open Door Adoption Agency , this is the agency that Rhonda went through

    - $25,000 for this international adoption (7 years ago), but thanks to so much provision and generosity from others, they spent about $5,000 out of pocket.

    - This adoption from Peru took 2 years, with a 5 week stint in Peru for the whole family, as a requirement for the adoption.

    - Her devotion to Savina's birth mom, to the pastor who helped at the orphanage, to the country of Peru, and her devotion to her family, have helped her to press on, even when times were hard. How beautiful is her heart???

    - And she gave our listeners a 25% discount on your purchase! Just enter code TAKE25 at checkout!

    Shop HERE.

    The (Good) Word of the Day

    "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

    Galatians 6:9

    I love that Rhonda shared that just this past summer, she could really tell that her daughter feels like a true part of the family. You could tell it in her soul.

    This is especially beautiful knowing that they adopted their daughter 7 years ago. It wasn't an instantaneous thing. All of these beautiful moments come in time, as is true in so many things in life, as this verse indicates.

    Thanks again Rhonda for your time, and for all that you do to support those in need!

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 34: Trying to Raise Adults Oct 27, 2018
    Show notes

    This week is Charles Barkley week. Since apparently we are just going to reference our favorite basketball player every week.

    Though seriously, we talk about "How to Raise and Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success" by Julie Lythcott- Haims. She has a great TedTalk that you can listen to here, or you can purchase the book here.

    It is a wonderful book that really has given us a lot to think about as we are raising all these kids, and what the negative repercussions of overparenting look like.

    For example, she talked to the creator of this viral video: We are Millenials. We Suck, and we're sorry. And it's hilarious, and it's the face of what goes wrong when you overparent and raise entitled kids.

    So, how should you parent your kids to be adults?

    Read this book. Listen to this podcast. Talk to your friends. Make some changes.

    Although, we said something in this episode which can easily be misconstrued, so let me clear the air here:

    When talking about what we want for our foster kids, we said we want them to be healthy and happy. That's first and foremost. Because they have come from hard places, we don't place a lot of expectation on them. Not because we don't think they can achieve much. Not because we don't think they are as good as our bio kids. It's because we want them to just be kids. And then it makes us realize that we should want that for all our kids. Our bio kids too. Being an adult is hard. Let's let kids be kids, without forcing them into adulthood too quickly.

    And with that being said, there are still things we can do for our kids, while they are kids, that will properly train them to be great adults one day. Like doing chores, learning to take initiative, speaking up for themselves, and so much more.

    In this age of overparenting, we "remove risk, pain, and accountability" from our children's lives. We have to find that sweet balance of letting kids be kids, without raising adults who are still childish.

    The (Good) Word of the Day:

    "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

    Psalm 16:11

    God is such a great Father. He makes known to us the path of life, and he fills us with joy by just being in his presence. And he is also filled with joy when we are in his presence. Because he is a great Father who loves us dearly. He doesn't care about our performance, or what we can do for him to make him look good. He simply loves us unconditionally.

    Can we, as parents, love our kids in the same way? Can we love them no matter how they perform? Do our children feel filled with joy in our presence? Let us all work on loving all of our kids unconditionally!

    Connect on Social Media:

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 33: Interview with a Pragmatic Foster Mom Oct 20, 2018
    Show notes

    Episode 33 is another great one, featuring an interview with the delightful and smart Maggie Zehring.

    But before we dive into the goodness of that interview, Chris and I got stuck in the intro about the number 33, and what it has meant to Chris in his life.

    We referenced Larry Bird, who was in fact from French Lick, Indiana, as Chris mentioned. But he was actually born in West Baden Springs, Indiana.

    Patrick Ewing had some very colorful shoes when I was in High School (which was 20 years ago), and shockingly still sells them! This is brand new information! You can buy some here if you are interested. But if you want to be true to the fashion of 1990s, your jeans better be gigantic, and the same color as the shoes.

    Now, onto the interview!

    The basics about our guest today: Maggie is married to a great guy named Nick. Together they have 2 bio baby boys, and a foster son smack dab in the middle of the boys. The kids are all 8 months apart. And the eldest isn't even 3 yet. And Maggie is pregnant. And adorable.

    You can learn more about Maggie on her website. And find her on Instagram.

    My first encounter with her was when I read an article she had written for 'Raising Arizona Kids', when I was at the doctor's office. The article caught my attention because it was by a mom who was raising 3 kids 2 and under, and I just thought "that woman is crazy", and now I know for a fact that I was correct. :)

    She has some really great resources on her website for foster parents, including a downloadable version of the letter she sent out to her support system as they were getting ready to foster. As well as copies of letters to bio parents, and a master spreadsheet for foster parents. You can find them all here.

    Maggie also mentioned the awesome book "The Connected Child" by the late Dr. Karen Purvis, and it is incredible. Maggie gave a copy to her family members so they could have an idea of how to help care for foster children as well.

    Maggie's family is licensed through Arizona Baptist Children's Services, and as an agency they do not have any rules about fostering while pursuing pregnancy, which some other agencies do.

    She said that one of the difficulties she has had in her foster care journey has been the unmet expectations, which is common to many foster families. Especially when you hear that something, and believe it is a 'rule', only to find out it is not. For example, she believed that a child's time in care was a determining factor to a case, and it is not. It's sometimes hard to tell what are determining factors in any case...

    A key to her family's success in fostering, has been her wrap team. Which is just her support system. We believe that this is a major game changer for foster families as well, so if you are considering getting into foster care, make sure you have people who know what you are getting into, and who are willing to support you in it.

    Maggie also mentioned ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and you can take the test and find out what it all means here. Or just google it. There is A LOT of information about it.

    Maggie's husband, Nick, is an awesome dad and husband, and he gives Maggie every Saturday morning to herself so that she can write, and get work done, all by herself! Way to go Nick. That is truly a gift that keeps on giving!

    The (Good) Word of the Day:

    "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "

    -Matthew 25:21

    This verse simply calls us to be FAITHFUL servants. Not happy servants. Not well rested servants. Just faithful ones.

    And, our reward for being faithful servants is our master's happiness. Not great riches, or lots of sleep.

    Thank you Maggie for sharing this verse, and your story with us!

    We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you again next week!

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 32: Traveling With, or Without, Your Foster Child Oct 13, 2018
    Show notes

    We went to Rocky Point, Mexico for Fall Break (something that happens here in Arizona. We get 2 weeks off in October, and it's the best!) We opted not to travel with our 5 month old, because - it's the beach. Not the best place for a fair skinned sand eater. So, we left him with two friends of ours - neither of whom are licensed foster parents. Although one of them is in the process. But this goes to show that you can leave your foster babies with people that you deem to be safe, and good care providers.

    Traveling without your foster child:

    If you don't have people who can watch your foster kids while you travel, you can tell your licensing worker, and they will find a respite provider (someone who is licensed to provide respite, usually another foster family) for you. The main difference here is that a licensed respite provider will get paid HANDSOMELY for watching your kid - about $1 an hour. Which is about $24 a day. Don't do this for the money people!

    So, the main thing that you need to leave with your respite provider is the Notice to Provider. This is a slip of paper that your foster child shows up to your house with. I lost my first one, and nearly threw up. I looked EVERYWHERE for it, for days. Finally I just emailed my child's case worker, and she emailed me another one - no problem. What a waste of my time and emotions! So, if you ever lose yours, don't lose your mind over it. Just ask for another.

    Anyhow, this Notice to Provider has your child's insurance number on it. Your child needs this so they can get medical attention while you are away. Which our baby needed since he got sick the morning we left! Of course. So, your respite provider cannot take your foster child to Urgent Care, because apparently they have a rule about that. But our friends had no problem making an appointment, and taking our boy to our pediatrician. Then our other friend created an account for our baby at Walgreens, and got his medicine. For free. Cause State Insurance takes care of all of that. No copays for visits or medicine.

    Traveling with your foster child:

    NOW, apparently you can travel out of country, if you get special permission from the judge of your child's case. You just need to give your child's case worker a lot of advanced warning. You cannot get your foster child a passport, but you can still travel with them. Traveling within country is even easier. If your child is going to miss visits while gone, then those just need to be made up at some point when they get back. But otherwise, the state/system encourages foster families to travel with their foster babes, and give them fun new experiences.

    Fun news at the Watson House:

    We added a new member to our family! Our friend Catelin, check out episode 23 to hear her story, just moved in with us! And it's been a delight so far.

    If someone over the age of 18 moves into your home, and you are a licensed foster family, your case worker will just email you 3 forms for them to fill out. They will need to get finger printed, have their background checked, and do a medical evaluation (which means they get the form signed by their doctor saying they aren't going to die in the next month or two.)

    Catelin is showing up at just the right time for us, as Lily is a preteen and needs someone other than her parents to talk to. And she has been calling Catelin her 'big sister', so this is basically ordained by God himself.

    Catelin said something so nice when I was watching her unpack. I was sitting on the floor in her room with the baby, and she just said: "People probably think foster care is this big scary thing, but look at this! The baby is so happy, and you are so happy!"

    The (Good) Word of the Day:

    "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."

    Proverbs 12:25

    So, Catelin's words were just that - kind words that cheered me up. Because that is one of the goals of this podcast - to show that foster care is not a giant scary beast to avoid! Yes, there are hard times for sure, but they are all worthwhile times.

    We hope you enjoy this week's casual episode, and we will be back next week with an interview with a foster mom.

    Until then - have a great week!

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 31: Porn, Sex, Yeah, We Just Went There Oct 06, 2018
    Show notes

    This week's episode is not for little kids' ears!

    But it is one for husbands, wives, moms, dads, and teenagers. And is definitely a discussion topic for you and your pre-teens.

    It's a good reminder to also mention that this is not a topic solely for those in the foster/adoptive community. There are many children that come from hard places that have had egregious sins committed against them, but in the realm of pornography and masturbation - this is a topic that affects everyone. Even if you don't believe me.

    One scary and true thing that was said in this episode is that your children may not be looking for porn - but porn is looking for them! This is a multi billion dollar industry that wants to find new addicts.

    We have Robert Watson as our special guest this week. He is a pastor at Sun Valley Community Church, and he delivered an awesome sermon on this topic last year. You can find it here, but he shares all the main points on the podcast today.

    This is not just a typical sermon. This is a science lesson and soul lesson wrapped in one.

    Some bullet points on what we discussed:

    - In the realm of sex and porn, people don't want to talk about this because the topic is taboo and filled with GUILT and SHAME. We want people to escape from that realm and walk in the light, where there is Freedom and Peace.

    - Pornography and masturbation are addictions and appetites that need to be filled the more that they are practiced. When you go to the store on an empty stomach - you will make less healthy food choices in the long run, and you will sample anything and everything along the way. Similarly with sex, you may be longing for intimacy or relationship, but you fill yourself with garbage and actual ruin your ability to enjoy true intimacy and relationship by engaging in porn and self-pleasuring.

    - Young women! Think about what you post online. Why are you always in a bikini? Why do you always need to show your boobs?? WHAT DO YOU WANT? Just some attention? For people to tell you that you are pretty? Hot? Think about WHAT you want (attention? relationship? intimacy?) and think about HOW you want to get it.

    Brain chemistry and some weird terms (but great rapper names):

    - There is a protein that your brain creates called DeltaFosB. "[ΔFosB is] almost like a molecular switch. ... Once it's flipped on, it stays on for a while and doesn't go away easily. This phenomenon is observed in response to chronic administration of virtually any drug of abuse. It is also observed after high levels of consumption of natural rewards (exercise, sucrose, high fat diet, sex)." Read the full article here.

    - Crebb. "CREB is like the brakes on a runaway reward center; it slows the pleasure response. [22]With CREB onboard, porn that once excited a person stops having the same effect. [23] Scientists believe that CREB is partly why consumers have to keep increasing their porn intake to get aroused. [24] That numbed-out state is called "tolerance," and it's part of any kind of addiction." Read this full article here. What this means is people need to keep upping the ante on what they are watching and doing and how frequently they are doing those addictive things.

    - This is not a podcast episode to tell men that they are terrible. Women are also addicted to porn, as well as romance novels! You can read this article about how this happened to a well known Romance Book author, Francine Rivers.

    - This is why sin is progressive, when we decide to hide and keep it a secret from those we love, it just keeps getting worse. But there is help for everyone in all situations, once we choose to get help!

    Now what?

    - The Adam and Eve Effect: This is when you love the one you are with. You don't compare them to anyone else - because back in the day - there was no one to compare Eve to. She was Adam's one and only. And same with Eve.

    - Robert mentioned this TedTalk by Gary Wilson, who talks about how men who have come out of their porn addiction have been able to learn French, and picked up new, incredible hobbies, very quickly once their brains got freed up from all the porn they were consuming.

    - There is lots of help out there. You just have to be willing to find it AND use it. We want to make the finding part easy for you:

    - Covenant Eyes: For internet accountability and filtering.

    - XXXChurch : To help men and women break free from porn addiction

    - Celebrate Recovery: Find one near you! This is a Christ-centered 12 step recovery program, and it's amazing.

    - Disney Circle : to help you filter what people in your house are watching, and even when and how long they are able to watch them. We have this and it's a great tool!

    - TALK. As in, talk about this with people you love and trust. There is hope and freedom for everyone.

    The (Good) Words of the Day

    "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."

    -1 Corinthians 6:18

    "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."

    -Matthew 5:27-30

    These verses do not condemn or condone bad behavior. They are wise counsel to RUN AWAY, to be extreme, in escaping the strong grip of the sexual temptation and sin that is out there!

    We hope that this week's episode has shed some light on a very powerful topic that is ruining families and society.

    Please feel free to share this with anyone you think might need to hear this today.

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find us at:

    Robert Watson on Facebook

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 30: Raising Kids Who Are Kind, Compassionate, Forgiving Sep 29, 2018
    Show notes

    This week's episode is a short one! We read somewhere that most people like to tune un for 20-30 minutes. So, we are giving it a shot! This can't be our norm, since we interview people, and we want to hear as much of their stories as possible. But when we can, we will try to keep the episodes between just Chris and I, less than 45 minutes? Ok? No promises though. We are Chatty Cathys.

    So the heart of this episode is to have a focus on how you want your kids to turn out. We have a motto for our Small Group, which is "Raising kids who aren't A-holes". And it's funny, and it's true. But after talking with our wise friends, the Worcesters, they told us we need to focus on what we DO want our kids to be, not on what we DON'T want our kids to be.

    What we don't want our kids to be is too broad and too vague. But when we have a specific goal for our kids, it is easier to direct them in that manner. The Worcesters also mentioned that some of the most successful people are Kind, Compassionate, and Forgiving. So that's what we are trying to instill in our kids, among a couple of other things.

    But, when the kids are unkind, it is much easier to guide them to try again, and show them what kindness looks like. This takes a lot of consistency, rewarding what is done correctly, redoing what is done incorrectly, and modeling this for the kids, as their parents.

    This talk stemmed from Topher coming home from school, asking for new shoes. That he had not worn out or grown out of. So the answer was NO. But after a few weeks, after seeing $11 shoes on sale at Target, Topher got some new shoes, and later divulged that someone made fun of him for wearing Sketchers.

    Can we, as a community, agree to raise our kids to be kind to one another?? Can we teach our kids to be confident in who they are, and to really like what they like, even if other kids make fun of them? And in feeling confident in themselves, teaching them to not tear others down, and not judging others for what they wear? Please??

    Again, this is something that will happen with intentional conversations. With modeling what a life that isn't based on acquiring material possessions, keeping up with the Joneses, and not talking smack about the Joneses and what they wear and have.

    So that's it. We hope you enjoy today's episode and that it gives you pause to talk to your kids about this stuff, and to check yourself (before you literally wreck yourself).

    The (Good) Word of the Day

    12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

    This verse is the basis for raising our kids (and reminding ourselves) to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. Just as Jesus was.

    Thanks for joining us, and we hope you will join us again next week!

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


    Episode 29: A Lesson in Courage and Strength Sep 22, 2018
    Show notes

    This week we have an amazing interview with Tia Thompson, an incredible woman, who has an incredible story. Or stories. There are so very many stories. But this week we are just focusing on a few of hers.

    But, before we jump into the interview, in the intro, we give one life hack, and that is to pursue your passions with all of your heart! Chris read "Crushing It" by Gary Vaynerchuck, and so he was feeling particularly motivational this week!

    In the rest of the podcast, we talked about:

    - Adjusting and adapting! We adjust from being single to married, then again when we have one kid, and then when we have more kids. Tia is the queen of adjusting and adapting.

    - Part of her story is that her husband has advanced ALS, is homebound, and communicates via fancy computer that he operates with his eyes! He is incredible! And so is Tia. And so are their girls. They don't complain about anything, because this is their one and only glorious life. We could all learn so much from their example!

    - Tia adopted her three girls via kinship placement, as she is technically their aunt, but fully and completely their mom.

    - We need to give a major shout out to Veterans Affairs, as they usually get so much negative press, but they came through quickly, and so beautifully for the Thompson family.

    - Tia is a full time stay-at-home mom and caregiver for her husband. But, she is also a notary, signing agent, and finger printer, so if you are in need of any of the above - email her at cethompson@purplediamondservices.com

    - Tia and Jeff are trying to teach their daughters about Courage and Strength, and they exemplify these attributes in their daily lives.

    - This whole story is such a beautiful story of redemption, and we hope you enjoy this week's interview!

    Good Word of the Day:

    "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

    -Deut 31:6

    Thank you Tia, for sharing your heart and your voice with us this week!

    If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:

    Jihae Watson on Facebook

    Fostering Voices on Instagram

    Jihae Watson on Instagram

    AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community!


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