I was finally able to sew some new head scarves! Go and check it out! adoptionwings.blogspot.com
The fabrics are yummy!
Tell your friends! I am ready for some new orders!!!
Plus the new snap clips are great for the bigger girl who thinks bows aren't really that cute anymore:)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dedicating Adie
This past Sunday we publicly dedicated Adie to the Lord. We know that she is a gift from God and he has entrusted us to be her parents but ultimately she is His. It was wonderful to be surrounded by a body of believers who we know will help us to raise and love her and to help to grow her into a godly woman. (side note: She had a death grip around my neck. I don't know if you can see her eyes very well, but I don't think she was sending love through them. I wonder what she was thinking)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thinking about my boys...
I always call them "my boys," we could get one boy and one girl but I think the odds are pretty low because in the adoption world most people want infant girls.
I wonder tonight if they are cold and need someone to hold them and tuck their covers around them just a little tighter.
Are they hungry? I wish I could give them a little bran muffin for a snack so they could sleep all the way through the night without waking up to hunger pains.
Are they lonely? I am looking forward to when all my kids will share a room and laughter will ring out into the hallway.
Are they scared? Tired? Hurt? Lost? Broken by life?
My heart breaks for the pain that they will have to endure and what they already have gone through. There is always pain and loss when there is adoption, but we are so excited for them to join our family that sometimes I don't reflect enough on what had to happen for them to come here.
At supper tonight Grace asked if we could talk about Jesus in Ethiopia. (Prompted by the fact we have a Voice of the Martyrs map on our wall that shows countries where is it extremely dangerous to preach the gospel. Parts of Ethiopia are in red) I explained that we could and we could show the love of Christ without using words too. Then she said, "As soon as our brothers come, I want to tell them about Jesus. Oh wait, they won't know our language. Well, if they spoke Spanish..." I had to interrupt and remind her that they don't speak Spanish in Ethiopia, but we could learn Jesus loves you in their own language. A huge smile came across her face and her big brown eyes lit up and she gave me a nose nuzzle and said, "That is a great idea Mom!"
Oh - I love her heart! The simple faith and straight forwardness of my five year old.
Tonight I go to bed dreaming of what their sweet little faces look like.
I wonder tonight if they are cold and need someone to hold them and tuck their covers around them just a little tighter.
Are they hungry? I wish I could give them a little bran muffin for a snack so they could sleep all the way through the night without waking up to hunger pains.
Are they lonely? I am looking forward to when all my kids will share a room and laughter will ring out into the hallway.
Are they scared? Tired? Hurt? Lost? Broken by life?
My heart breaks for the pain that they will have to endure and what they already have gone through. There is always pain and loss when there is adoption, but we are so excited for them to join our family that sometimes I don't reflect enough on what had to happen for them to come here.
At supper tonight Grace asked if we could talk about Jesus in Ethiopia. (Prompted by the fact we have a Voice of the Martyrs map on our wall that shows countries where is it extremely dangerous to preach the gospel. Parts of Ethiopia are in red) I explained that we could and we could show the love of Christ without using words too. Then she said, "As soon as our brothers come, I want to tell them about Jesus. Oh wait, they won't know our language. Well, if they spoke Spanish..." I had to interrupt and remind her that they don't speak Spanish in Ethiopia, but we could learn Jesus loves you in their own language. A huge smile came across her face and her big brown eyes lit up and she gave me a nose nuzzle and said, "That is a great idea Mom!"
Oh - I love her heart! The simple faith and straight forwardness of my five year old.
Tonight I go to bed dreaming of what their sweet little faces look like.
Monday, February 23, 2009
UPLIFT
Today we had our home school Co-op where I teach a team building class to 7-9 graders. I have 20 students who are energetic, loud and are way too funny for me.
We added four more students this morning and I asked the rest of the class if they could tell the new students some of my rules for class. Here is the quote -
"Don't give her attitude or she will throw you up against the wall."' (At this point, I almost wanted to pee my pants.)
My actual words were that I do not like sass and I have no problem having you sit out of all of our activities. Have I told you that I really like 7-9 graders?
Two weeks ago during class we were doing the human knot and someone farted. Seriously, I was laughing so hard at them, but I wouldn't let them break their knot and start over. They needed to figure out how to solve their problem. So, here are 9 teenagers all tangled up trying to shift across the room to move away from the smell. Hilarious! I am sure I will have more stories to tell in the future!
We added four more students this morning and I asked the rest of the class if they could tell the new students some of my rules for class. Here is the quote -
"Don't give her attitude or she will throw you up against the wall."' (At this point, I almost wanted to pee my pants.)
My actual words were that I do not like sass and I have no problem having you sit out of all of our activities. Have I told you that I really like 7-9 graders?
Two weeks ago during class we were doing the human knot and someone farted. Seriously, I was laughing so hard at them, but I wouldn't let them break their knot and start over. They needed to figure out how to solve their problem. So, here are 9 teenagers all tangled up trying to shift across the room to move away from the smell. Hilarious! I am sure I will have more stories to tell in the future!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Check out ladies
Yesterday Adie and I went out to run some errands because Grace and Lydia were on a special adventure with Grandpa and Grandma. We ended up at Walmart (we usually do because I need more supplies for Wings). I can't go through Walmart without checking out the clearance section because you just never know what could be in there:) I am always looking for gifts, prize box items and items for our Compassion Boxes.
We hit a jackpot with the valentines items being 90% off. We were able to get 10 stuffed bears for .30 each and cute little buckets and candy hearts etc. Then I went to the shoe departement because when we go to Ethiopia to pick up our children I want to bring a whole suitcase full of shoes. (No matter where you go in Africa, shoes are always needed) I found a whole bunch of nice shoes for $2 a pair...cheaper than Savers!
Back to the reason for this post, I was at the checkout and the lady gave me a smile and said, "That is a great deal on those bears."
"Yes, it is. I buy these things for Operation Christmas Child. Have you ever heard of it?"
Of course she has never heard of it because I havent' talked to a single person here in St. Cloud who has heard of it besides my sister-in-law, but then again she just moved here 1 .5 years ago.
I was able to share with her how we pack shoe boxes as a family and how they are sent all over the world to needy children. They then hear the gospel because of a little booklet enclosed in their own language. She thought it was so neat that she said she was going to look it up after work. I had a great time talking with her!
After this conversation, I decided that our church needs to be a collection station next year. (They don't know this yet, but I will let them know:) We need to get the word out in central Minnesota! The closest collection point is in Maple Grove and I think that is just plain silly!
Now that I have written it down, I will better be able to hold myself accountable to what the Lord has told me to do!
We hit a jackpot with the valentines items being 90% off. We were able to get 10 stuffed bears for .30 each and cute little buckets and candy hearts etc. Then I went to the shoe departement because when we go to Ethiopia to pick up our children I want to bring a whole suitcase full of shoes. (No matter where you go in Africa, shoes are always needed) I found a whole bunch of nice shoes for $2 a pair...cheaper than Savers!
Back to the reason for this post, I was at the checkout and the lady gave me a smile and said, "That is a great deal on those bears."
"Yes, it is. I buy these things for Operation Christmas Child. Have you ever heard of it?"
Of course she has never heard of it because I havent' talked to a single person here in St. Cloud who has heard of it besides my sister-in-law, but then again she just moved here 1 .5 years ago.
I was able to share with her how we pack shoe boxes as a family and how they are sent all over the world to needy children. They then hear the gospel because of a little booklet enclosed in their own language. She thought it was so neat that she said she was going to look it up after work. I had a great time talking with her!
After this conversation, I decided that our church needs to be a collection station next year. (They don't know this yet, but I will let them know:) We need to get the word out in central Minnesota! The closest collection point is in Maple Grove and I think that is just plain silly!
Now that I have written it down, I will better be able to hold myself accountable to what the Lord has told me to do!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Leviticus
In my bible reading plan for the year we are in Leviticus right now. I feel like Beth Moore needs to do a study on it so that I can fully understand it and remember the who, what, where, when and why of it.
Sometimes I get so lost reading their months and dates that I feel like I need a translator. I would love to know comparably what each month is to our calendar year. Sometimes I sit back and daydream if it is warm, rainy, does it snow in the mountains...did anyone have blue eyes back then...did they ever feel bogged down with all the rules? I know that I am missing the visual component to the old testament. What did their clothes look like? What does the red sea look like? Where did David hide in the caves? I could go on and on but I think you get my point. I know Hollywood has told us a lot, but is that true? It's not known for its historical accuracy.
It is so refreshing knowing that I live on this side of the cross. God created us for His own glory and we can either choose to acknowledge that or live a very searching frustrated life. We live in a world that is tainted, skewed and down right full of Satan and his dirty tricks. Life here and now is not easy, there's always temptation and struggles that lead to sin and destruction. But God wants to redeem this world and wants us to live with him for eternity. Wow, that is so hard for my simple little mind to grasp some days. Eternity!
Until then, I want to point my life in one direction - to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes I get so lost reading their months and dates that I feel like I need a translator. I would love to know comparably what each month is to our calendar year. Sometimes I sit back and daydream if it is warm, rainy, does it snow in the mountains...did anyone have blue eyes back then...did they ever feel bogged down with all the rules? I know that I am missing the visual component to the old testament. What did their clothes look like? What does the red sea look like? Where did David hide in the caves? I could go on and on but I think you get my point. I know Hollywood has told us a lot, but is that true? It's not known for its historical accuracy.
It is so refreshing knowing that I live on this side of the cross. God created us for His own glory and we can either choose to acknowledge that or live a very searching frustrated life. We live in a world that is tainted, skewed and down right full of Satan and his dirty tricks. Life here and now is not easy, there's always temptation and struggles that lead to sin and destruction. But God wants to redeem this world and wants us to live with him for eternity. Wow, that is so hard for my simple little mind to grasp some days. Eternity!
Until then, I want to point my life in one direction - to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
trainwreck...
I feel like I was hit by a train today.
Head cold...Yuck...
and then I slipped on the way over to the neighbors and took out a light for the pathway with my ribs.
So with that said, I am going to bed early and the sun will shine tomorrow.
Head cold...Yuck...
and then I slipped on the way over to the neighbors and took out a light for the pathway with my ribs.
So with that said, I am going to bed early and the sun will shine tomorrow.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sleepovers
Remember when you were younger and had sleepovers? Grace and Lydia hiked over to their cousins last night in their PJ's and slippers. There were lots of giggles on the way.
They stayed up way too late and had way too much fun!
They stayed up way too late and had way too much fun!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Oh Lydia...
Warning: this contains graphic images of bodily excrement.
Lydia was about 18-19 months old when we made this video for her cousin Luke who was almost three at the time. He was still trying to figure out this whole potty training thing. And since we lived about 13 hours apart at the time, we needed to send our training via video.
So in honor of yesterday and Lydia being the potty training queen...Here it is!
Lydia was about 18-19 months old when we made this video for her cousin Luke who was almost three at the time. He was still trying to figure out this whole potty training thing. And since we lived about 13 hours apart at the time, we needed to send our training via video.
So in honor of yesterday and Lydia being the potty training queen...Here it is!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
I love 4 year olds...
Who take their little sisters to the bathroom and get them to poop on the potty!
I have never been able to get Adie to go "#2" on the toliet, but Lydia the rockstar did today!
All I have to say is, "She's hired." Maybe I should give Lydia the treat every time that Adie goes on the toilet! We would be potty trained by next week!
I have never been able to get Adie to go "#2" on the toliet, but Lydia the rockstar did today!
All I have to say is, "She's hired." Maybe I should give Lydia the treat every time that Adie goes on the toilet! We would be potty trained by next week!
Tagged
Michelle tagged me for this little game.
Here are the rules:
1. Go to the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the photo.
4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun
I have to admit that I wasn't going to do it until I looked at the picture.
This was right after Carl and I were married. We went to Africa with my in-laws. While Carl and my father-in-law did cataract surgeries, I went to the children's wing of the hospital. This is Mark - he was an orphan and I am pretty sure he had HIV. I desperately wanted to take him with me.
Little did I know that 7 years later I will be going back to take home two babies.
I tag...
1. My brother Chris...you just need to find a picture to post:)
2. Heather S.
3. Krista V.
4. and You! if you are reading this your tagged.
Here are the rules:
1. Go to the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the photo.
4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun
I have to admit that I wasn't going to do it until I looked at the picture.
This was right after Carl and I were married. We went to Africa with my in-laws. While Carl and my father-in-law did cataract surgeries, I went to the children's wing of the hospital. This is Mark - he was an orphan and I am pretty sure he had HIV. I desperately wanted to take him with me.
Little did I know that 7 years later I will be going back to take home two babies.
I tag...1. My brother Chris...you just need to find a picture to post:)
2. Heather S.
3. Krista V.
4. and You! if you are reading this your tagged.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Flashback Friday
I used to be cool. We painted all the time when Grace and Lydia were little, but now that my children out number my arms, painting doesn't have its same appeal. (Plus my Adie likes to run away laughing when I am helping Grace and Lydia. You can't trust a two year old with a paint brush)
As you can see, who needs paint shirts? Skin is washable.
As you can see, who needs paint shirts? Skin is washable.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What happens when...
Daddy is not watching.
Bath take 2.
Bath take 2.
He said that he looked over and all he saw was legs hanging out of the tub. After the initial shock, she thought it was pretty funny and wanted to see the pictures of herself.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Romance: inconvient and inpractical
Carl and I have used this definition for some time now. Where we heard it, I have no idea. He probably remembers but my memory fails me. The true definition of romance is that it is inconvenient and impractical. A wife wants to know that her husband thought about her and really went out of his way to do something for her or buy her something etc. Now for me, I don't like it when Carl spends a lot of money on me. That is just not the way that I am wired. I would rather have one single rose vs. a whole dozen (and if he found a good deal on it would be better...because I know that it is easy to find things over priced, but for him to find it on sale means he had to work harder at it.)
So this brings me to an email I received last night from a hubby of woman who checked out my Wings site. He said that she loved my head scarves and he wanted to buy one for her for Valentine's day. This guy had to pay attention to what she said, find my site and actually order one that he thought was cute. Oh I love it! I am so excited to send it out.
I am sorry for all of you who are reading this and secretly hoping that it was your husband who did this. But there was only one email last night ladies. You could always direct him to this post:)
So this brings me to an email I received last night from a hubby of woman who checked out my Wings site. He said that she loved my head scarves and he wanted to buy one for her for Valentine's day. This guy had to pay attention to what she said, find my site and actually order one that he thought was cute. Oh I love it! I am so excited to send it out.
I am sorry for all of you who are reading this and secretly hoping that it was your husband who did this. But there was only one email last night ladies. You could always direct him to this post:)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thanks for praying...
Carl and Grace just got back and all is well. Praise the LORD! She just needs to be monitored for the next couple of days.
Pray for Grace
Please be in prayer for my little Grace. Last night she fell and hit her head pretty hard and we watched her all night long. She seemed to be getting better, we went to church and she got sick there. So, Carl decided, just to be safe he is taking her in to get a cat scan.
I will let you know any updates...
I will let you know any updates...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ethiopian Christmas
Here is a link to pictures from an Ethiopian Christmas celebration. I really enjoyed seeing images of Christians celebrating Christ's birth in a very hostile region of the world.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Psalm from a 7 year old
My niece wrote this two days ago, unprompted by anyone. Be blessed as you read pure abandon for Jesus.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Blessed
I just caught up with all my orders for this week for my Wings site. Thank you so much for everyone that put in an order this week. I feel so blessed that so many people want to support our adoption. It brings tears to my eyes to see how generous God's family is towards one another.
I have to admit that God is really making me a softy. It used to take a lot for me to cry. I was never one to cry at movies or even cry at the joyous events but lately everything brings tears to my eyes: a song, thinking about our future, our boys, our girls, my heart breaks for the lost and for all those children out there with no one to look into their eyes and truly care about them. Isn't that what we all want? Someone to look into our eyes and truly care about us.
I have to admit that God is really making me a softy. It used to take a lot for me to cry. I was never one to cry at movies or even cry at the joyous events but lately everything brings tears to my eyes: a song, thinking about our future, our boys, our girls, my heart breaks for the lost and for all those children out there with no one to look into their eyes and truly care about them. Isn't that what we all want? Someone to look into our eyes and truly care about us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
