Through the miracles of adoption and birth, Aimee Poche and her husband saw their family increased from no children to eight children in three years. They adopted a son domestically, internationally adopted five siblings from Peru, and then had two biological children. Aimee is a wonder woman who leads her miracle family with love and grace. Not only does Aimee treasure her family, but she works her hardest to see families multiplied through foster care and adoption. Her huge passion for her faith and family directs her every step.
How did you meet your husband?
A: We met through mutual friends and started hanging out with a group of five best friends. We got married when we were 29.
Tell me about your family life.
A: We have five at home right now. When we had the eight, I don’t even remember much. We have a schedule. We hit the ground running when we wake up, do devotion and our responsibilities in the morning. Our afternoons are about filling their bellies with snacks until supper. They decompress the first hour after school, then we hit homework, supper, and try to do family time at our table. The table is important for us in the evenings to connect.
How do you manage the teen years with so many at once?
A: When they were younger, I had more control. I thought I was going crazy, but now I think it was easier. Now, we are managing it. The biggest thing we have to keep reminding ourselves with teenagers is, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it.” In this season, they can do for themselves, and so the sacrifice is now sitting down with them and meeting them where they are. Being intentional about listening and not sweeping things under the rug.
Three things you always have with you?
A: Phone, my Bible app, ice water.
Three words to describe yourself?
A: Passionate, trustworthy, and committed.
First thing you notice about people when you meet them?
A: Whether they smile or not. How they greet me. But, I’m bad about judging people by first impressions. I’ve missed it so many times.
Most recent proud parenting moment?
A: My parenting win is that my kids know how much they are loved. I try to speak something encouraging to them every day, but it’s very important to hear them say something encouraging to each other. I tell them 1,000 times, we are for each other and not against each other. And now they say that to each other!
Last mommy fail?
A: I reacted loudly and quickly to one of my daughters and had to go back and apologize. I have to work on waiting to respond and not responding out of frustration.
How do you keep it all balanced?
A: I thrive on movement. Tommy and I believe our marriage reflects the health of our family. I have to be a big planner. I plan everything. I’m also really big on environment. We play Christian/worship music all the time. Camping family trips also bring a balance to us.
Greatest thing about being a mom?
A: Though I desired to be a mom, I was five years infertile. So, even though it’s been 14 years with children, I can still look at them and can’t believe these are the children God gave me. I thank God for the years of infertility because I do not take these children for granted. Children are a gift from God.
Favorite spot around town for date night?
A: Not a place. Just us in my husband’s jeep riding through town together. My husband also got me hooked on Hallmark movies, so we love watching those together.
What’s something parents shouldn’t feel guilty about?
A: Reacting when they know they’re not supposed to. Use the reset button. We are going to fail as parents. It’s about what you do with that failure.
What good habit do you have that you would like to pass on to the kids?
A: Prayer and studying God’s Word.
Any bad habits you would not want to pass on?
A: Assuming they’re doing something wrong when they’re not.
How did you react when you found out you were going to be a mom?
A: I was going through fertility treatments when God changed my heart. Whenever we got Asa and he was placed in my arms, it was like I birthed that baby. I don’t want to take anything away from his birth mother delivering him. It was such a beautiful thing his birth mother did, but when I was handed the child we adopted, I knew I was totally fulfilled as a mother, and I told God I didn’t need to get pregnant. Because I was infertile for so long, that desire was stretched so much. Being a mom is the greatest gift I could ever get on this side of heaven.
How has parenthood changed you?
A: I used to be very self-focused, and now I am living out my calling. Parenting has connected me to my calling in life, which leads specifically to Louisiana Heart Gallery, an organization that targets the faith community to raise awareness for foster care and adoption and to find forever families for children waiting to be adopted in Louisiana. It has catapulted me into my purpose.
What’s your favorite time of day?
A: I’m a morning person. I love waking up when nobody is up, when it’s just me and God.
If you had 24 hours all to yourself, what would you do?
A: I want my kids with me. We would jump in the camper, drive to Disney World and camp out and spend as much time at Disney.
What advice would you give to other parents?
A: We have a limited amount of time to pour into our children. Don’t take the time you have for granted. Whenever they were little, time would fly by, so I committed to enjoy every day. It has to be each 24-hour period, not the year. Every day, I’m very much aware of the time I have with each of them. So, sit down with them, talk to them, and jump into their world.
How do you manage a blended adoptive and birth family?
A: We are a family with adoption and birth. Adoption and birth are both miracles from God. We don’t title our kids. They’re just our children. We’re very intentional in the words we say.
What do you want people to know about foster/adoptive families?
A: That you do not have to be a perfect family to foster and adopt. It’s mainly about opening up your heart and home. It is a calling. I do think more people are called to foster and adopt, but fear of the unknown stops them. One of my roles is talking with them and answering questions to let them know what that life is like.
What do you want your legacy to be?
A: That I expanded the kingdom and helped multiply families for God. That I did what I was called to do as a mom and a wife. ■
Quick Q&A
Growing up, I knew I wanted to… have a big family.
In my fridge, you will always find… sweet vanilla coffee creamer
Favorite movie growing up… Twister and Pollyanna.
My guilty pleasure is… Hallmark movies.
I can’t stop listening to… praise and worship, Newsboys.
Photo Credit: Cindy Abney Photography
