Children Are Waiting

Wow!  I don't even know where to start.  Today while I was at our last Ladies Bible study for this semester, Jennifer shared a bit of her heart and how it breaks for orphans.  She said that just this week a representative from Job & Family Services came knocking on the church office door.  The rep shared with our pastor the great need for foster parents and families even willing to adopt right here in our very county.  It blew my mind and moved me to tears when Jennifer told us there are mothers leaving the hospital without their babies...right here in our very own county.  I couldn't believe it.  The social worker shared that a few years ago it was very difficult for families to get children under 2 years old but times are changing.  The agency has more kiddos in their system than families.  God works in mysterious ways.  Tonight I checked one of my favorite blogs and guess what the blog was about?  You guessed it....adoption.  Please go to this site and check out the moving words for yourself.  This was very interesting. 

Blessings...

I got to talk today to both of my friends named Lindsay, although the other one spells her name Lindsey. ~ Blessings!

I got to talk to my friend Jacque today, full of laughs and maybe a few tears.  ~   Blessing!

I got to talk to my friend Kristin today.  I am so proud of who she continues to become in Christ.  She continually amazes me with her desire to love Jesus.  ~  Blessing!

I got a text from my friend Kathy.  We are childhood friends and the Lord has blessed us with a reconnection, that glorifies Him.  By the way, how cool is it she has two little girls named Kate & Kara.  She invited us over to hang on Friday.  ~   Blessing!

My momma is coming down to our house tomorrow for dinner, and bringing dinner to boot!  ~  Double Blessing!

My house was full of laughter today from two priceless and precious little girls!  ~  The biggest Blessing of all!

Banana Toffee Praline Sundaes

Simply delightful!

Life is so full....

I wish I was an eloquent writer so that I could put into words what is going on in my heart and head.  Unfortunately, I just turn the thoughts, words, randomness all over in my mind like a bingo tumbler.  My life is so full right now and sometimes I feel like I am going to bust.  My mother-in-law moved in with us this past weekend and already I have been blessed beyond measure.  Yes, my house is a complete disaster and I am seriously having all kinds of issues with this.  Serious issues.  However, as I open a new box or tub I am just reminded that these things are not just her things, things that I selfishly worry will crowd out my things, they are treasures that tell the story of her life.  Some are wrapped with love in musty smelling rags.  Some are dissheveled because of the mad dash to pack.  Some will have to be tossed because of being in a dark, damp, and disgusting basement for the past 3 years.  Some I don't like and just want her to add to the "garage sale" pile.  But as we unpack or open each item, it brings her back to a specific time and place in her life.  "Oh, Sharon got me those for Christmas when Lori was a baby."  "I had that for my grandbabies."  "I have had this since I was in high school."  "This was a wedding gift."  Through this, the Lord has strongly convicted me of my pride and selfishness.  Strongly convicted me.  Can you even begin to imagine being told or asked (I like that word better...asked) to sort through your stuff and get rid of some of it?  Now I understand some of ya'll aren't the sentimental type.  But I am sure you still have treasures.  As a mother you have things you have saved because you cherish the memories tied to a picture, drawing, or even toy.  Through all of this I have had more meltdowns than my mother-in-law.  She is a stronger woman than she thinks and therefore I have a deepened respect and love for her.  What is even more grand is that I know Who her strength comes from.  A few years ago, she lacked the backing to have this kind of strength but because God is faithful He brought her back into His fold.  Praise the Lord! 

It's Worth 2 Advil!

 This sandwich has become one of my all time favorites!  The recipe is simple with tons of possibilities!  Crusty bread, avacado (at least on my portion), bacon (extra crispy), tomatoes, spinach, cheese, and if you want a meat of your choice.  We have tried it with deli turkey and grilled chicken breast.  Put this baby under the broiler.  Don't forget some EVOO on the top with a generous sprinkle of garlic salt.  Once browned, slap on a little dolled up mayo, complete with fresh basil, lemon juice, S & P, and garlic, and you will be amazed!  Seriously, knock your socks off!  So why the advil?  Three letters...T.M.J!  Yep...my tummy and taste buds {heart} this sandwich...my jaw...well, not so much. 

How to eat an elephant...

...one bite at a time! 

Kudos to one of my best girlies for this wonderful tidbit of wisdom! 

I Can Do It...

Live through this mess of a house.
Will power through resisting an urge to sign in to FB.
Finish the school year.
Not worry, not worry, not worry.

Followers

Not that I care really, but I find it funny I went from having 14 followers to 13 followers.  What makes this funny to me is that I don't know who "un-followed" me!  13 followers....  Obviously you shouldn't ask me for blogging success tips.  :) 

A Little Randomness...

1. If you have been looking for me on FB you won't find me there.  I decided to permanently delete my account.  There are various reasons but the top reasons include 1. too nosey  2. waste of time  3. privacy.  I loved the re-connectedness I had with several friends but it just became too much and I needed to be obedient.

2.  My heart is so heavy.  I have several friends who are dealing with ailing parents due to cancer.  Some of them are in situations where the cancer is ravaging through their bodies.  I can't imagine finding out one day that my mom or dad may only have a few months to live.  In fact, my heart is literally breaking because I recognize the fraility of life and the need for my Savior. 

3.  My mother-in-law will be moving in with us next weekend.  This is why we have been working on a room makeover for the girls.  There are many reasons as to why she is moving in with us.  We have been very, very busy trying to prepare a space for her in our home.  At times, it has all been overwhelming but I have a peace with our decision.  It is unexplainable...

4.  The earthquake and tsunami in Japan rocked my world several weeks ago.  I almost felt paralyzed with fear and sadness over the tragedy.  In fact, I think my mom was very concerned about me.  This has affected production at Scott's plant.  Fortunately, Honda hasn't suffered to the extent many other car manufacturers have suffered at this point.  It is really a wait and see and pray situation right now.  Production was cut back to 4 hours a day with the option for associates to leave after those 4 hours.  Honda though prides itself with never having a layoff since coming to America almost 30 years ago.  They are working to make sure associates can continue to earn pay by attending health & safety classes, along with cleaning the plant, in the remaining 4 hours of their work day.  Honda is an incredible company and I appreciate the "Japanese Way."

5.  Tonight my sweet friend stopped by after dinner to see the girls' new room.  After we had talked for awhile, catching up and me finally giving her her birthday gift (hilarious story), she could tell I was just feeling exhausted and did my dishes.  I felt so bad but was so grateful.  It is much harder for me to receive these types of blessings from my friends.  Tonight though, I appreciated her act of love and friendship.  Added bonus, I got to hold, cuddle, and rock her precious one year baby girl who fell asleep sucking her thumb whild snuggling her blankie.  Priceless all the way around!

6.  My friend Lindsey was asked to coordinate the decorations for the Union Co. Pregnancy Care Center's upcoming event, Girl Talk.  It is basically a purity conference to encourage girls to make wise decisions about modesty, purity, etc.  Lindsey is starting her own business as home stager and re-designer.  She is amazing and has a passion and eye!  She understands our desires as stay-at-home moms for an "up-do" on our humble abodes on a tight, one income budget.  If you would love to call her for a consult let me know or check out her blog, A Paisley Day.  She desires to work with us "real moms" who can't really afford a high fluenent designer.  So, back to the PCC event.  She asked me help her.  It has been an amazing challenge for both of us and we have been so blessed to be able to work together and spread a little {behind the scenes} love to these young girls through the decorations.  The event is this coming Saturday and we would certainly welcome your prayer support, hoping lives would be changed through the saving power of Christ!

7.  Last week we thought my sister had suffered a seizure.  It was heartwrenching and scary.  After receiving clearance on all tests, the doctor sent her home with no real explanation of what happened and/or why.  My mom spent the rest of the week with her.  This past Monday she saw the neurologist and he said he was pretty sure she had suffered from a panic attack.  Whew!!  He gave her clearance to drive again!  Praise the Lord!

8.  Encourage one another!  Please seek someone out to encourage.  I don't know why we don't do this more often.  We are really just robbing ourselves of a blessing and someone else of a smile and pick-me-up.  It can be as easy as sending scripture reference as a text message or elaborate as a little gift in the mail.  Who wouldn't love or appreciate either one of those?  It is SPRING!  The sun is beginning to shine!  Spread a little love....

Blessed Controller

I am doing a Bible study called "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow.  My friend Ashley posted this on her blog and the same passage spoke straight to my heart.  Isn't it soooo cool how God works?!

"Remember, God is the Blessed Controller of all things (1 Timothy 6:15). He has assigned us our portion and our cup (Psalm 16:5). God is in control of all of the uncontrollables in our lives. What we can't see, what doesn't make sense to us, and what we don't understand....What God decrees for us is for our good. (Romans 8:28 & Ephesians 1:11) In the midst of great trouble and doubt, Job said, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2). If these verses are true, if we really believe the Bible and who God says He is, then NO difficulty, pain or trial happens to us by chance. There are no accidents, no mistakes, and no miscalculations. It is all under His sovereign control, and nothing is permitted but what He has decreed. And what He has decreed is intended for our good and for His glory. His absolute sovereignty means I can trust Him with the tiniest doubt or with my most heart wrenching fear." from the book, "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow

Makeover: Big Reveal!

Thumbs up!

Here's the run down:

new paint for the walls

dry erase paint

quarter round

new flooring

area rug

all furniture we had, fresh paint

Steals of a Deals:

$2.99 curtain (Laura Ashley) @ Goodwill

white matellasse quilts $29.99 a piece @ Lands End

a few more that I will post later...

Makeover: Phase 3

New floors!  This was a somewhat unexpected added bonus!!  Our carpet is 7 years old and well, you.can.tell!  Ugh!  We have been debating over what we should do for the last 2 years.  We have finally bit the bullet and decided to go with a solid bamboo.  Scott is learning as he goes but for his first try I am AMAZED!!  He is my hero...over and over and over again!

Sunwatch Indian Village

Yesterday we visited Sunwatch Indian Village near Dayton with our homeschool co-op.  It was so cool!  This ancient indian village was discovered in the 1960's because the land was being considered as a site of a water treatment plant.  A team of archeologists set to explore the land before it would be turned over to the city for development of the water treatment plant.  The whole idea of gridding the land and the meticulous work of an archeologist is truly amazing to me.  I don't have the patience or attention span to sew on a button or Awana patch so the work of archeologists truly astound me.  This team not only discovered many artifacts but were able to determine the layout of the village, how these indians lived, and so much more.  It is definitely a place I would like to revisit. 

 Anna...please note the last bullet point!  ;)

 The grew the 3 sisters: Corn, Beans, Squash = CBS!

 If you look closely you can see a mound here.  These weren't mound building indians.  The difference between the top of the mound and the dip is how far down the archeologists had to dig before they found the artifacts.  Parts of this village have yet to be excavated. 

The village was built in the shape of a circle.  These poles in the center were used to help them tell time, not only for the day but for the calendar year, thus the Sunwatch Indians.  You can see in the picture below.

When the shadow from the center pole would cast into the solstice house on what we know to be December 21st they knew winter had officially arrived.  However, when the shadow cast into the Big House they knew it was time to begin planting.  It is amazing to me that we can find over and over again different civilizations reliance on the sun to bring order to their culture. 

Their homes...  Approximately 8-10 people would live in these homes.  There was a clay firepit in the center of the home and "draft" windows on either end of the center peak.

 This is a grave marker.

 I thought this was interesting about the Trash Pits.

 If you notice, the bottoms of the logs look charred.  The indians would burn out a tree instead of hacking it down because it was much easier.  All of the logs to build this fence around the village along with the homes & buildings were like this.  Can you believe the amount of time it took?  The guide said he counted up that it would take 76 posts to make a house!  76!!  Each hole is approximately 2 - 2 1/2 feet deep.  Can you imagine?  I would be one of those to die early for sure!

 This is a view from within the Solstice House out to the center log.

After digging 76 holes and setting 76 logs that you had to burn down, they then secured the horizontal cross "beams", attached the reeds/grass you see in the picture above, and finally finished the structure with a substance our guide called daub, which was a mixture of clay and mud.  Lastly they would cover the structure with more reed/grass.  Notice the stitching of the grass?  He told us these structures could last approximately 15-20 years depending on the conditions. 

Like I have already said, I would recommend this as a field trip to friends and other homeschool groups.  I learned alot, the tour guide was super, duper with kiddos, it was hands-on, kid friendly, and the people working there were very, very friendly and accommodating.  Another added bonus is that you could actually afford goodies from the gift shop!  Can you believe it?  Bamboo flutes for $1, arrowheads for $.95 or $.50 depending on the style, coloring books for $2, minerals/rock rings for $1.50, and so on. 

Memories = priceless!

Things that make me smile...

Makeover: Phase 2

I have seen on blogland a faux crown molding effect and wanted to give it a try, with a twist.  I have always wanted to decorate my girls' room with scripture.  I felt this way before I even had children.  I didn't do anything with their current room because when we moved in they were just babies and well, never did something until now.  Here it is....

Scott and I marked off the area from the top of the room in which I wanted the effect to take place.  I bought dry erase paint (Idea Paint) and followed the directions to the T, starting with Kilz2 primer, a light sanding, and then coating with the dry erase paint.  It was very fumey.  It had to cure for 7 days.  Scott and I then worked together to figure out how to cut the quarter round to trim it out.  We started on a Friday night at like midnight.  Yeah...my thoughts exactly.  However, when your honey works second shift you try to make the best of his awake time.  We were soooo flustered as I was googling and YouTubing for directions and he just kept practicing cuts in the garage.  He finally told me he was giving up and that was that.  As I fell asleep that night, well early morning, I kept replaying in my mind what we might have been doing wrong.  When I woke up later that same morning (ha!) I was thinking again and pretty sure I had figured it out.  Scott woke up and I begged him to give me one more chance.  He agreed!  Ta da...I showed him what to do, it worked, and we got to work ASAP!  The project still wasn't that easy but he hung in there and made my vision a reality.  Have I mentioned lately how much I love this man?  He is my hero! 

I really, really love this look.  The idea is to write scripture on the white part between the two pieces of quarter round...however, it is so pretty like this I am afraid to mess it up.  I have tested the dry erase paint and while it isn't perfect it is certainly doable.  It was a huge risk, one I wasn't sure if I wanted to make, but Scott encouraged me to go for it and so far I am glad I did!

Benny's & Beautiful Ladies = Perfect way to spend an evening!

I love it when our schedules all coordinate and we are able to get together with these beautiful ladies.  Aren't my "Fun" Aunt Kelie (second from left) and her BFF Jodie (on the end by me) smokin' H.O.T.?  Seriously, no offense to anyone, but they look better than all the rest of us and they are in their 50's (said in sing songy voice).  Hello....I hope I inherit those genes!  We just laugh, joke, share stories about my grandma Honey, poke fun at my crazy...ooops, I mean "Fun" Aunt Kelie!  ; )  Beautiful....