Breezy Acres Farm

Hearts

2012-02-10T14:51:00.003-06:00

We have been cooped up in the house all week (minus a trip to the doctor yesterday).

Poor Calla has pneumonia. Her little lungs are getting stronger, but she just couldn't fight this cold/cough/fever thing she had going on and has been so sad the past week. (That's a nice way to say she has been whining, crying, throwing fits, not eating, and needing to be held all day.) Her spirits are slowly returning, and I have missed my happy baby.

So what do we do when we can't leave the house?

PAINT! This boy loves his paints. He can paint and paint and paint.

Ori has been working hard to paint Valentines for his list of precious friends. (It's unfortunate that his mother was not blessed with pretty handwriting.) ;)

Calla loves her paints for about 5 minutes.

And sometimes her paper touches her brother's and that is not okay with him (he hasn't noticed yet when this picture was taken).

We have also had the TV on more during this sickly week.

I had fun stringing these hearts (cut out of one of Ori's paintings) to make a garland for the windows while the kids watched Curious George. The heart garland makes me happy every time I step into my kitchen.

I also baked several cakes this week. We've got to get this baby home . . . thank you to those of you who are supporting my little cake business and helping us pay for the adoption.

Speaking of our new baby, I am anxiously awaiting a FedEx delivery today . . . our dossier papers are coming back from Topeka with all the necessary authentications. That means we can mail our dossier to our agency on MONDAY!!! I can hardly wait and will keep you posted. We are getting closer to seeing our little one's face. :)

Thirty

2012-02-06T16:23:00.000-06:00

My husband turned THIRTY yesterday. I had a party for him on Saturday, and he felt loved and supported by all our sweet friends.

Ian,
I can honestly say I am so very proud of you. Thank you for your commitment to be honest with me and to share all of who you are--even the parts that are hard. God is doing an amazing, healing work in your heart and your commitment to God and to our family blesses me every day.

I am excited for our thirties. I am excited because we are not the same people we were in our twenties. We made mistakes, learned, grew . . . and I feel loved by God in the fact that He did not allow us to stay the same. As painful as it is to weed sin out of our lives, the blessings on the other side are worth all of it.

I am excited for our thirties because it means we are old enough to pursue adoption through China, a journey that has already led to greater depth in our relationship with each other and with the Lord. I cannot wait to meet and commit to love daily the little person God has picked out for our family. You are an intentional daddy with Ori and Calla, and it makes me smile so big to envision you wrestling with, teaching, and loving our new baby too. I cannot wait to see you become a father to a child who desperately needs one. I would not want to walk this amazing, yet difficult road with any other person.

I am excited for our thirties because I know it will be a decade where our marriage will grow as we pursue what God has for our family and become more like Him . . . hopefully a little less selfish and more focused on eternity.

You make me feel so loved and special. Happy 30th!!
Julie

Thirty-one Fundraiser

2012-01-21T12:20:00.005-06:00

Sometimes I am just overwhelmed by the number of people who desire to help us bring home our little one. Seriously, it is a beautiful thing and my heart is challenged by the people who desire to use their resources to help make this possible.

A few months ago, a friend (and consultant with Thirty-one) expressed her desire to help us by putting together a Thirty-one fundraiser. She is donating all of her commission to our adoption fund!!! What a blessing and gift.

If you haven't heard of Thirty-one Gifts, check out their website here. (Please click the website link in order for the product links below to work. Sorry.)

The thermal totes are on sale this month for only 10 dollars (regularly priced at $15). I have used one for Calla's diaper bag for months. It was great when I needed to keep bottles cold, and now that she is older, it's just a nice, smaller sized bag for her needs.

Just in case you want to know, my favorite spring prints are awesome blossom and flutter. . ;)

The other products I use every day include:

This cute clutch-turned-make-up-bag. My make-up is now organized and in a super cute bag. It saves so much space in my cabinet.

Purse. I like this purse because you can change the covers. I own the black cover, but have my eye on the dark denim cover for more casual days/occasions.

Wallet. LOVE THIS. It's really cute and functional.

I also think it would be nice to have some of these totes to keep in my car to help carry in groceries or for storage.

****Party is now closed. Thank you to ALL who ordered and made it such a success. We appreciate your support!!

It came!!

2012-01-19T15:46:00.001-06:00

Calla loves to get the mail with me every morning after breakfast (Poor Ori is usually still eating . . . he is the slowest eater). She usually helps me carry the letters inside and feels like such a big helper. Today was no different . . . except when I saw her little toddler hands grab for a certain envelope and felt the Kansas wind blowing through my hair; I had to say, "No, Calla!" There was absolutely no way I could let her carry that envelope (it might blow away if she dropped it!).

Butterflies filled my stomach as I tightly held the envelope containing our I800A approval. This expensive piece of paper grants us approval to be adoptive parents to a child from China. It's a very important, exciting document.

I let Calla hold the precious envelope once we got to the house. She happily cooperated and we celebrated being one step closer to China.

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Today has been a quiet day at home. I'm working on a cake and had to cut up a box to create a board for it. The kids have had lots of fun turning the rest of the box into a town.

We made a road with tape and then cut out pictures from magazines to represent things found in the community (library, restaurant, store, houses, park, etc.). I love finding things that Ori and Calla can play together.

Off to finish decorating the cake . . . have a happy Thursday!

I played My Little Ponies

2012-01-17T17:09:00.001-06:00

I love doing crafts with my kids. Some people can't handle it; I am energized from those activities. However, I do not like playing "pretend" with little characters. It's a stretch for me.

Today Ori asked me to play ponies with him. I didn't really want to, but sat down, grabbed a horse character and started trotting it around while trying to think of what the ponies should do today.

I watched as Ori gathered up some coins and trains. He told me the trains and coins were for the ponies who didn't have any toys.

Then he put the horses in the car and said they were going to Wal-Mart. The ponies had bad water that made them sick and so they needed to go to Wal-Mart. "The water at Wal-Mart is good water, Mom. The ponies need it."

Next thing I knew, he said sadly, "Mom, this pony doesn't have a mommy."

I made sure that pony got adopted right away.

We continued to play. We bought lots of fresh water, dug a well for the ponies, brought money and fruit and vegetables to the "orphanage" for the babies.

I prayed for Ori while we played. I prayed that his heart for the world and the orphan would grow. That he would not lose that sensitivity as he gets older, but that God would put a passion in him that will never die. I am so thankful for my little boy. He is soaking in more than I ever realized.

Playing My Little Ponies was the highlight of my day.

*Just so you know, last week Ori's play consisted of trains crashing, trains running over army men, and thinking it was cool. I even talked to a friend about whether or not I should allow him to explore that kind of play or if I should redirect him (I ended up being unsure but let him play like that; he's a boy, after all). Today was such a blessing! ;)

Two

2012-01-11T23:13:00.000-06:00

Sweet Calla Jayne turned TWO last month and before more time goes by, I want to record a few things about her at this age.

After enduring almost 3 months in the NICU, 6 months of oxygen, and nearly a year of daily breathing treatments, Calla is thriving at 2 yrs. She did not visit the pediatrician at all between 18 months and 2 years; I'm pretty sure all the nurses missed her. :)

The morning of her second birthday, I could hardly contain my excitement. I could not wait for her to wake-up so I could squeeze and kiss her and celebrate two years of life. Her birthday brought back lots of yucky memories of long hospital days and wondering if she would pull through various struggles--and thanking God that she did. Her birthday reminded me to be thankful for the awesome privilege of being her mom. What a blessing this little girl has been to our family!

Calla, at 2 years old, you are:

Silly and energetic. You make everybody laugh--especially your brother. He thinks you are so cool and tends to get upset when I take you to your bed for nap. I hear things like, "Calla is not tired. I want her to play with me. Aww. I like her." You make the best faces and are just plain "fun."

Busy. So, so busy. I am not used to having a child I have to watch pretty much all the time (you are learning boundaries, so it is getting much easier). You get into things Ori never even knew existed or thought to explore. You do not like to be still or sit in my lap. Reading a book to you is nearly impossible unless you are in charge and can turn the pages at your pace (which means we do not read the book, just point at things and talk). However, recently you have wanted to cuddle a little in the mornings. You better believe you get to cuddle as long as you desire! I do believe your busyness makes you tired-you sleep 12 hours at night and nap for about 3 hours a day.

Friendly. You love people and always have a ready smile. For example, today when we left McDonalds, you went to two different tables and said "bye bye" to them (all while I was trying to get Ori's jacket on). It is good for your mama, who is more on the shy side, to be forced to interact with the people you seem to meet wherever we go. I hope you always possess your love for people.

Talking (a little). Your speech is making progress. You are not putting multiple words together yet, but you have added many words to your vocabulary recently and are able to use them appropriately. Your most frequent words besides "mama" and "dada" are "tractor," "jacket," "stuck," "truck," "baby," "cookie," "more," and "papa." You receive speech therapy twice a month and think it is so fun.

Fashionable (not really . . . more like opinionated?). You are so opinionated about your clothes and shoes!! I hope this does not become a problem. You like shirts with texture or something you can feel. Your silky Christmas dress was a huge hit and you gathered it in your hand and sucked your thumb with it like you do with your silky blanket. You also like to wear shirts and pants with animals on them (your khaki pants with little turtles on them are a favorite choice).

Calla, you are a delight! Your daddy, brother, and I love you dearly.

Love,
Mama

the good 'ol sensory tub

2012-01-04T14:57:00.001-06:00

Today was beautiful!! I can't believe it's January and we are outside without coats (or shoes, if your name is Calla).

I dug out the bag of beans and filled up the sensory tub today. I forgot how much the kids love these activities! Calla did a great job scooping and dumping. She finally showed enough maturity to keep the materials in the tub (and out of her mouth), which makes me want to plan a themed sensory tub later this month. Stay tuned!

Here are some of our past sensory tubs if you need ideas (click on the word to see the post):
Beans
Halloween
Pasta
St. Patrick's Day
Outer Space
Water beads
Colored rice (can't find the post)

A few of my favorite sites for ideas when creating a sensory tub:
Counting Coconuts
The Adventures of Bear
No Time for Flashcards

Like I said, now that my kids are BOTH old enough to enjoy these, I am excited to get back into it too.

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Several months ago my dad gave us a bunch of wheat to put in the tub. Ori loved pushing the wheat around with his little tractors. Well, apparently a lot of the wheat didn't end up staying in the tub (thank you, Calla Jayne). It grew; Farmer Ori now has a wheat field.

He is thrilled to have a "real" crop growing in his favorite outside play area. :)

A Christmas Longing

2011-12-28T22:42:00.000-06:00

We had an amazing Christmas. Wonderful fellowship with family, lots of food and goodies, presents galore (oh my goodness!), laughter . . . my favorite time of year.

But I had a longing this Christmas that I have not experienced before (I even made stupid jokes to try to hide it). I knew one member of our family was far away and not experiencing what we were. It pained me. This child was abandoned and without a family. I hate that there is so much hurt and injustice in the world around us . . . and yet my family has been given so much.

Yesterday I read the following excerpt in Nancy Guthrie's book Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus, with tears in my eyes. Heaven used to scare me, but experiences of recent years and beginning this adoption journey have slowly changed that feeling. I know this earth is not my home. I long for our world to be made right.

"On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Savior has come, and with him peace on earth, but the story is not finished.

Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in our world.

Every Christmas is still a 'turning of the page' until Jesus returns. Every December 25 marks another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that draws us closer to . . . home.

When we realize that Jesus is the answer to our deepest longings, even Christmas longings, each Advent brings us closer to his glorious return to earth, when we see him as he is, King of kings and Lord of lords, that will be 'Christmas' indeed!

Heaven is about to happen. The celebration is about to burst on the scene. We stand tiptoe at the edge of eternity, ready to step into the new heaven and the new earth. And I can hardly wait.

I can't wait to sing 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' as I gather with my friends and family to worship the Lord in heaven. I can't wait to give him the gift of my refined faith, 'the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints' (Eph. 1:18). . . .

Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen. If you've got a Christmas longing, you're about to be satisfied, too.

Just hold on and say with me . . . Maranatha! Come Lord!" --Excepted from A Christmas Longing by Joni Eareckson Tada

We cannot stop believing that Jesus is coming back. Heaven is waiting; I want to live expectantly, come what may.

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T08:02:00.000-06:00

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:4-5

We are excited to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Merry Christmas!

Christmas is coming

2011-12-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

This week is full of Christmas parties and gatherings, so I am thankful for the moments we have at home as well. Today we . . .

Finished the gingerbread house (gasp!)!

Here is the gingerbread house in all its messiness. I literally almost threw this thing away at least ten times, but Ori would repeatedly say things like, "You can fix it, Mom" or "Can I finish decorating the gingerbread house?". So I kept it . . . and I put it back together. Calla and Ori think it is the most beautiful thing in the world.

Completed a Christmas craft.

Ori made a little wreath out of a paper plate in Sunday School this week. Calla was really impressed with her brother's work and couldn't keep her little hands off of his wreath. It was causing problems between the siblings, so today I had her make her own.

She was really happy. I had her tear pieces of construction paper and stick them in glue. She is pretty good at tearing paper (not a surprise). ;)

Ori had a lot of white space on his wreath from church, so he cut some more pieces and glued them on.

This is a simple, simple little activity that can be adjusted for different stages of toddler development (Calla worked on tearing and Ori practiced with his scissors).

After Calla pranced off from the kitchen, she proudly displayed her wreath on the door all by herself. It made me smile when I saw it. :)

Happy Tuesday!! Enjoy these last few days before Christmas.

Gingerbread House Failure

2011-12-15T15:27:00.001-06:00

Warning: This post will make anyone who knows photography cringe. My camera was set to manual without my knowledge. That is not good for somebody who does not know how to shoot in manual. Just pretend Calla is a bright angel. ;)

I love gingerbread houses. In high school a friend and I would get together at Christmastime and create the gingerbread house featured in Good Housekeeping magazine for that year. We made good memories over the hours we spent constructing those houses.

Desiring to pass on my love for gingerbread houses, I picked up this gingerbread house kit when holiday items were marked down 75% last year. I stashed it in the storage closet and couldn't wait for December to come around again so I could decorate it with the kids.

Well . . . we finally got the box out and it didn't go so well for us. The frosting mix that came with the kit did not hold the house together. Thankfully, I had leftover frosting from Calla's birthday cake and that seemed to work.

Ori worked really hard on the front of the house. It took him about 45 min. to decorate the door and windows with candy, folks. He is a bit meticulous. Even Calla was in awe of his work.

Calla got to decorate the back. She actually did a great job placing the candy pieces where I told her to.

Sister also did a lot of swiping icing from her window and licking. Ori was quick to tell her that was not okay and that it messed up her window. She did not seem to agree.

Our little house was really coming together. I added the "snow" to the roof. Ori was loving it, and between placing candy pieces and licking frosting, Calla was having the time of her life.

Then I touched the house to straighten it (not smart) and the entire thing fell apart.

At that point we were out of frosting and the house was pretty messed up. I told Ori, "Sorry," and handed Calla the spatula and let her lick until her heart was content.

No gingerbread house for us this year. Bummer.

On the flip side, holiday memories were made and while we have nothing to show for our project, we all had fun.

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Also, a huge thank you to all of you who donated toward our adoption fundraiser at Marigold Road. Mr. Chipin is nearing 1,000 dollars, which is AMAZING. Thank you, thank you for loving our family and blessing us this Christmas as you have each played a part in bringing home our baby. Today is the last day to enter!! Click here for details.

Calla's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-12-11T22:12:00.002-06:00

Calla's birthday isn't until the 16th, but we celebrated on Saturday. Calla felt so loved.

Here are a few details:

Decorations

None. Aren't you proud of me? I couldn't do it all this time of year (sorry, Calla). I did let Calla pick out happy birthday napkins and plates from Wal-Mart. She carried the packages of napkins and plates around for three days. Of course, the day of the party I couldn't find the plates anywhere. I found them after the party tucked in Ori's bed. Silly girl. :)

The Food

We served my friend L's Cheeseburger Soup in bread bowls. Such a good meal for company!! You have to try it.
Cheeseburger soup
1# ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tsp. basil
2 T. parsley
4 T. butter
3 c. hashbrowns
3 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. sour cream
1/4 c. flour
8 oz. velveeta
1 1/2 c. milk
salt & pepper

Brown hamburger; set aside. Saute onions, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 T. butter. Add broth, potatoes, and beef. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 5-10 minutes or until potatoes are done. In another sauce pan melt butter, add flour, cook and stir for 3-5 minutes; add to soup. Stir for 2 minutes, reduce heat to low; add cheese, milk, and salt and pepper. Remove from heat when cheese is melted and add sour cream. Stir well and serve! (I just realized I didn't add the sour cream! Oops.)

Guests

Cousins!

These little girls are already forming a sweet friendship.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles

Gifts

Dolls, clothes, and blocks

Cute little finger puppets

And a little kitchen of her own

Cake

I tried to make a purse cake since Calla likes to carry bags around. Ori thought it was a house. Oh well. Like I said, I kept this party S.I.M.P.L.E.

Last year I was shocked by her sweet tooth (remember this?!). This year I knew better. The girl loves cake-just like her mommy does.

The party was busy and fun, and I think everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Calla. She is a treasure.

It's December?!

2011-12-05T23:55:00.000-06:00

How is it already almost a week into December?! My favorite time of the year. Ori already knows that Christmas songs are "Mommy's favorite" and Calla quickly learned the actions to "Away in the Manger."

The kids have been busy making Christmas crafts. Here are a few examples:

I found this idea on Pinterest. The kids loved having their feet painted! Lots of giggling involved.

Ori loves snow globes, so we made one out of paper. Calla liked the glitter. :)

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As far as adoption news, we are waiting for a fingerprint date and working on compiling the dossier. While we work on paperwork and wait, God continues to bless our fundraising efforts. Adoption is overwhelmingly expensive, but I do believe if God calls you to adopt that He will also provide the funds.

My sweet friend Mindy organized a giveaway/fundraiser for our adoption! I am blessed beyond words by her selfless efforts. She has such a soft and generous heart--she took this idea and made it happen. Would you consider helping bring our child home? (and feel free to enter each give away too!!) Click HERE for details and photographs.

Thank you for all the love and support you have shown our family. If you would like to see a little glimpse of the "other side" of adoption, I encourage you to check out David Platt's blog. These posts really encouraged my heart: The Privilege of Being Part of His Plan and Adoption: A Glorious Transformation. Read, be encouraged, and allow the Lord to speak to your heart regarding the orphan.

Mayflower

2011-11-22T16:02:00.000-06:00

It's been good for me to teach Ori about the meaning behind Thanksgiving; it's been a very long time since I have given thought to the origin of the holiday.

We've read A Child's Story of Thanksgiving by Laura Radar multiple times this season, and I recommend it (ours is from the library). The book explains how the Pilgrims left England so that they could worship God the way they felt was right and true. Ori can tell you all about the journey on the Mayflower, landing at Plymouth, and how Squanto helped them learn to farm. It's excellent.

Since Ori was fascinated by the Mayflower, we made these sweet hand-print Mayflower ships (idea from here).

With Calla's recent interest in art projects, I'm learning how to do activities successfully with both of kids. It's so much fun to see Calla grow!

Even though Calla is almost 2, she still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth. (Her speech therapist told me last week to give her lots of salsa, spicy foods, and really cold drinks to help meet her oral needs so that she will stop feeling the urge to put everything in her mouth. Interesting.) Seeing how she immediately tried to eat her paint brush, I cut some water out of paper and helped her glue it on.

Ori loves to paint and so he painted the water for his Mayflower.

Both kids enjoyed having their hand painted and pressed down to make the ship.

Calla loved stretching the cotton and gluing it down as clouds. Ori wanted paper clouds. No cotton. They are so different!

This was a fun project that could be modified for varying age levels. Calla was so proud to show Daddy her Mayflower when he got home from work.

What a Weekend!

2011-11-21T15:35:00.001-06:00

This weekend was packed full with lots of good things . . . and not enough sleep. My husband so sweetly informed me that I am grouchy when I do not sleep enough. Oops. I better work on that for future late nights!

I finished two cake orders prior to the weekend. Here's the one I have a picture of:

Cailou (from PBS show)

We headed to the post office to mail our application and completed homestudy to CIS last Friday.

They grant approval for an international adoption--one of the most important set of documents was in that package! My stomach had butterflies.

That evening, my family got together for a baby gender reveal party for my sister. Great Grandma got to cut the cake and find out if it was tinted pink or blue! SO EXCITING, but I will let my sister share the news. :)

My mom, sister, and sister-in-law stayed the night together and crafted. We made Christmas planners and wreaths.

Instructions for the planners are here. You should make one. There's a calendar, a to-do list for every day of December, menu planning, and of course, THE LIST (for gift buying). Plus, there is an envelope in the front (or back) for all your receipts so they are in one place. Quite handy.

Here is the Christmas wreath I made. (Who knew wrapping letters with twine could be so hard?? There must be a secret.)

Even if I was a little grouchy after staying up so late crafting, the weekend was a blessing. We have much to be thankful for,

Thursday Ramblings

2011-11-17T14:56:00.000-06:00

These kids are so funny.

Listen to what Ori told Calla's speech therapist today (she was showing Calla a picture of a mustache):
"Daddy used to have a beard. Then he cut it off in the toilet."
My eyes got super big and then the therapist and I laughed so hard. WHAT?!

At lunch I asked Ori if he liked having a sister (silly question, I know) and he said, "It's really wonderful and perfect." What a sweet answer (especially since it seemed far from perfect about an hour ago when they fought over a stuffed dog). Then he added, "I have another sister in China. I will share my toys with her."

We are busy taking this Little Missy to all her annual appointments. She will be needing glasses in the near future (but not now) and today we will be checking her hearing. I can't believe she is almost TWO!

And I can't leave out my talented husband. Here is a video of his recent presentation:

Ian Johnson - Journey So Far from Derek Lowrey on Vimeo.

Have a blessed day!

Come to the Christmas Fair!

2011-11-11T12:51:00.000-06:00

I've been burning the midnight oil the past few nights preparing for the Christmas Fair tomorrow; I'm so excited for another opportunity to talk with lots of people (so fun!) and raise support for our adoption.

Here is the host's description of the event (thanks, Natalie):

free admission for you and all your friends! sign up to win door prizes {including a grand door prize} sip on spiced cider and starbucks blends coffee, savor sweet treats, find the perfect gifts and relax with friends. oodles of sales and specials discounts for the holidays! lovely christmas music will be playing to kickoff the beginning of a wonderful season! you don't wanna miss it!

Doesn't that sound fun? What a great way to start your Christmas shopping. Did I mention there will be a chocolate fountain?

Want a sneak peak at what will be at the Breezy Acres Farm booth?! I thought so.
Besides the products featured at the last sale (click here), we also have . . .

*new* plum colored hair clip

*new* Christmas flower clips. I have a couple versions of this clip with varying shades of green. LOVE.

Darling pinafores made by my sweet and talented friend, Lesli (also an adoptive mother).
DOUBLE LOVE.

Look how cute the back is?

I can always tell when Calla likes what she wears--and she loved this pinafore.
I wish I could have captured her smile when I first put it on her.

Come visit me and we will get your little one all dolled up for Christmas.
Lesli also donated several fall shirts for the sale.
I'm thinking I really need to learn how to sew.

I added four new play dough scents: tangy tangerine, pink grapefruit, cool lemongrass, and zesty lime. These (or one of the yummy fall/winter scents) would make perfect stocking stuffers!

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Locals: The sale is located at d'Veers Family Center in Elbing, Nov. 12, from 9-3. Email me if you need directions or more information. Thank you!!

It's Monday.

2011-11-07T11:20:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday! I have just a few things to share with you this morning.

Jen Hatmaker
I have been crafting in the evenings again and preparing for another fundraising event. My very favorite thing to do while I craft is to listen to various speakers online (Yes, I am that cool). Last night, I listened to a message by Jen Hatmaker. I just recently found Jen's blog and then a dear friend shared that she got to hear her in person and thought of me. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found the online version last night. Please take a moment (okay, an hour . . .) and listen. She has a heart for the needy and for the orphan and her message is challenging. I found myself both giggling and holding back tears during her talk. It is an hour well spent. Click here to listen. (You might have to click on "women" at the top, then click "Woven" and you should see Jen Hatmaker's name.) Listen while you do dishes, craft, fold laundry . . . you won't regret it.

Cakes
The cake business continues to be a fun outlet for me, and I continue to be amazed by how God is providing for our child through this venue. Who would have thought when I took my first Wilton class three years ago that God would use it for something this big? Here's a few of the cakes/cupcakes I did this past weekend (please, please excuse the terrible photography! I need Ian!!):

Chocolate Mousse Toffee Crunch Cake (Fall Edition)

White cupcakes with flags

Chocolate chip cake with chocolate pudding filling, decorated with ribbon and mini-bunting

Thank you again to all who have supported our adoption by ordering a cake. I am grateful.

Adoption Update
People ask me all the time where we are at, so I'll share a quick update. Our homestudy is being notarized by the agency this week and we should receive the notarized copies next week (yay!!). Then we move on to more stacks of paperwork and waiting. With a completed homestudy, we will also be able to apply for grants.

Also, our friends who recently adopted a little boy from Uganda are planning on going back and adopting two more children from his orphanage. They have a lot of money to raise in a little amount of time. Would you consider buying a t-shirt or hair bow to support their adoption and bring these girls home??

Bye Bye!

Bye from Calla! (Who does not really drive or ever sit in the driver's seat. This was a desperate day; Mommy misplaced her driver's license and had to clean out the car to find it--Calla was having too much fun.)

Have a fabulous week.

Play

2011-11-03T16:32:00.001-05:00

Sometimes when I hear Ori holler, "Mom! Can you play with me?" I hesitate. As my to-do list rolls through my head, I might send Calla his way (who sometimes plays nicely, sometimes wanders away to do her own thing, and sometimes messes up his stuff) or reply, "Not right now. Mom is working."

While sometimes it is okay to respond like that (work does have to get done!), I have tried to stop and play this week. Even if it is just for 15-20 minutes at a time. And you know what? It's pretty great.

"Life is a precious gift worth celebrating."

"Engaging in fun times lets our children know they are super valuable to us."

"When, amidst the stresses of life, we play and laugh and sing with our children, we send them the strong message that ultimately we believe that God is in control and that He is faithful."

"As human beings, we put our time into the things we care about. And so, when we make time for frivolous fun with our kids, it lets them know that we are honored and blessed to spend our gift of time with them."

"We can impart gratitude simply by helping our children understand how blessed we are to enjoy such fun and silly times. God has given us time, space, and everyday items with which to celebrate life."

"Every precious drop of life that refreshes us is a gift from our loving Father."

"Take time to play, but don't just play. In your own life, acknowledge that every fun moment is a treasured gift from a loving involved heavenly Father."

(All quotes taken from Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson)

Thoughts on worth

2011-11-01T21:33:00.002-05:00

Ian and I went on a date Saturday night. It was incredibly refreshing. We dined, talked at length, and then hit a fun, local coffee shop.

At the coffee shop, we filled out a "Child Desired Form" for our adoption agency. Basically it is a form that lists lots and lots of special needs and we check the ones we are willing to consider in a child. While some were easy to say "no" to due to the age of our other children and where we live, others made us think. With this step completed, our agency will begin to actively look for a child for us.

Filling out a paper about what kind of child we desire, brought to mind the topic that has been heavy on my heart for the past 2-3 weeks: worth.

As I ponder accepting a referral sometime in the next several months (particularly if it is of a little girl we have been watching), I have concerns about age, fixable needs vs. something long-term, possible cognitive delays, etc.

I'm going to be honest: Selfishly, I want my child to be beautiful, smart, charming, and, healthy.

That being said, one can imagine the tears stinging my eyes when our pastor preached a sermon a few weeks ago entitled, "A Flood of Love: Countering Satan's Lies." Satan has built a variety of attributes/lies into our culture regarding the assignment of worth . . . and I have bought into them more than I ever realized. They are: beauty, intelligence, and achievement. Society gives more worth and more attention to pretty people-they are treated differently. Parents feel guilty if their kids aren't intelligent. We are told we are only as good as what we accomplish.

All of my fears about accepting a particular child's referral fit one of those three attributes. What if our child isn't considered "cute" because of her disability and struggles with friendships (beauty)? What if she is delayed cognitively and struggles in school (intelligence)? What if her disability hinders her from having a decent job someday . . . or even from leaving the home (achievement)?

Each child is worth something because he or she is made in the image of God.
God values what the world does not.
He not only cares about each person, but He goes to extraordinary lengths to care for individuals (see Luke 15).
God does not love more or less based on how lovable or cute somebody is. God is love.

The truth is, the little one God has for us is loved by her Maker.
He knows her needs. He cares. He will provide for her.
I pray nearly every day that our adopted child will respond to the truth and hope of the gospel.
As she grows up, I pray the Holy Spirit gives her a sense of God's deep love for her.

Regardless of what special needs she may or may not possess, may the unchanging, unconditional love of God flood our chosen child's heart and define her worth. May we be faithful to teach her eternal values and demonstrate to her a glimmer of unconditional love.

We covet your prayers right now as we discern God's will for the future of our family. I am specifically praying for discernment and wisdom, a sense of peace in both my heart and Ian's, and confirmation from others who are praying.

This is tough stuff. We realize that some of our concerns are valid and must be addressed. We are not setting out to be "heroic" or to "save a life." We are not trying to choose the hardest route possible so that in some warped way we would be considered more holy. Simply put, we want to be obedient and live by faith (faith and logic are hard to mesh sometimes, huh?). Thanks for sharing in our journey.

Painted Leaves

2011-10-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

Need a quick, simple project for your little ones this weekend?

Calla and Ori painted some leaves earlier this week.

Calla's is the orange and yellow one. I love her first painting! And guess what? It didn't even make a mess (find instructions here).

All you do is place the leaf shape and a few drops of paint in the baggie and use your hands to squish the paint around. Easy. (Ori kept looking at his hands after touching the bag and seemed quite confused as to why they were not paint-covered.)

Ori loves to paint so I also had him paint on paper with fall colors. My intent is to cut more leaves out of his painting and hang them up with the others.

Calla colored. For a few minutes, anyway. The girl has a very short attention span.

Have a great weekend!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

My mom and I took the kids to a local pumpkin patch last weekend (this one is free--can you believe it?!). I was thankful she was willing to come with us since Ian was out working a photo shoot that morning. We had so much fun!

Calla loved the slide. She giggled the entire way down.

Ori thought it was pretty cool too. He was always back at the top of the slide before I had even made it to the bottom.

The big tank of corn was a giant sensory tub for these kids. I think Ori would have played in there all day (Calla, on the other hand, likes to keep moving!).

Calla, Grammy, and all their little friends.

Calla found a friend from church to play bean bag toss with.

Ori climbed and climbed in "tire heaven."

Posing in the pumpkin patch. They each got to pick a little pumpkin to take home.

This girl loves to smell things. She carried this flower around for a long time.

Thanks for a fun day, Mom! We love you.

We are hoping to go back this weekend with Daddy. :)

Craft Fair!

2011-10-16T16:37:00.002-05:00

On October 8th, I participated in my very first craft fair. It was a small fair held at the high school Ian and I graduated from. It was such a fun day, and we were able to raise $350 for our adoption.

I am thankful for my husband who designed a logo/sign for my booth as well as packaging for the products.

I am thankful for sweet, creative friends who came early in the morning to help me set up the booth. I loved it so much and it would not have looked attractive had I been left on my own. ;)

I am thankful for my friend Kendra from Sugarplum Boutique, who generously allowed us to benefit from the sales of her beautiful bows, headbands, and hats at the fair. And for my friend Jen, who donated several onesies and pillowcase dresses for our adoption fundraising efforts.

I am thankful for all the friends, family members, and other guests who supported the booth and brought us a little closer to bringing our child home.

Want to hear more about the products?

I have fall and winter scented play dough available. My kids love it (and they do not eat it just because it smells yummy).

Fall scents include: Cinnamon Cider, Pumpkin Patch, and Gramma's Pie
Winter scents include: Gingerbread, O 'Tannenbaum, and Candy Cane
Price: $3.00/play dough or a set of 3 for $8.00

I also have several felt flower clips available.

Ian designed the pattern using popular flowers from China.

They are made from a wool blend felt and are handstitched.
Price: 1 for $6.00 or 2 for $10.00

Leave a comment or email me if you are interested in supporting this adoption fundraiser. I am planning on opening and Etsy shop soon and will keep you posted! (Until then we can communicate through email and payment can be completed through our Chipin button.)

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Gigi had a booth at the fair too. Calla loved visiting!

The Letter "P"

2011-10-14T14:45:00.002-05:00

It's "P" week at our house.

Calla's speech therapist gave us a sound calendar that assigns each week a new letter sound. The calendar lists activities and signs to do each day to reinforce that sound. We worked on "B" last week and found success, so I'd say I'm pretty motivated for "P" this week.

This past week Calla learned to say (and use appropriately) "baby," "blanket," "balloon," and "book." If you have been around Calla and know where she is at with her speech development, learning that many new words is a huge accomplishment. I'm so proud of her!

To kick off "P" week, we make paper bag pumpkins.

We stuffed paper lunch bags with plastic grocery sacks, twisted a stem, and painted the bag orange.

Ori did a great job painting. (I painted Calla's pumpkin while she was napping.) We glued eyes, a nose, and a mouth on the pumpkin as well.

Calla glued the face on her pumpkin and was quite intrigued by it.

She carried her pumpkin around for a long time today.
And guess what? She learned a new word: pumpkin. Yay Calla!!

Now "P" week isn't all fun and games. For Ori, "P" week is full of "pee", "poop", and "potty." Which means the word of the week for mommy is "patience." Sigh.

Happy weekend!

Pumpkin

2011-10-12T19:03:00.001-05:00

I love pumpkin. It's one of my favorite things about fall.

Here are a few ways I have recently satisfied my pumpkin cravings:

Making easy pumpkin muffins. All you do is mix a spice cake mix, can of pumpkin, and a cup of water (plus some chocolate chips, if you so desire). Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes and you get the moistest, simplest pumpkin muffin ever.

The muffins are good alone, but taste even better served with a pumpkin spice iced coffee.

All I do is pour 1 cup of regular (strong) coffee in the blender, add some of Calla's whole milk, a little creamer, a touch of sugar, few shakes of pumpkin pie spice, and several ice cubes. Blend and pour into a glass. Top with whipped cream and more pumpkin pie spice. Delicious.

Aren't you glad fall is here?

Cake.

2011-10-11T15:58:00.000-05:00

Last month was filled with cake, cake, and more cake.

We had Dora the Explorer

A Star Wars light saber cake complete with black and white glittered playdough (labeled "The Force") for party favors.

A special "Gotcha Day" cake for a sweet adoptive family. This cake had three colored layers inside (green, yellow, and red) to represent the Ethiopian flag.

And a cake celebrating a role in Christian Youth Theater's production of Pocahontas.

This cake was draped in marshmallow fondant and decorated with fondant beads. So fun to make!

Thank you to everyone who has supported this little fundraiser! Each cake gets us just a little closer to our child. I love that.

season

2011-10-06T15:41:00.003-05:00

Like my lovely, messy picture? This is what I look like almost every day. My hair hasn't been cut for almost 5 months so I just have to throw it back. The truth is, I would probably do that anyway because I've decided that the adoption process is almost equivalent to a full-time job.

I'm learning how to watch my adoption training classes while I stir play dough over the stove or whip up a tasty (or not-so-tasty) dinner. Ian didn't think I would pass my test since I wasn't fully concentrated on the material, but I scored an A and could tell him all about it. ;)

I'm learning how to stitch hair clips and cut circles while Ori plays or I watch TV with Ian.

I'm figuring out how to make appointments for adoption paperwork fun for my kids too (like play with cousins or go to a park when we are done).

I'm pondering how to continually exhibit a countenance of joy and praise at all times because that is what should characterize my life and serve as evidence of the work God is doing in our family.

I haven't figured out how to keep up with the blog.
Or my house.
Or how to craft when busy Calla is awake.
But this is a season--a meaningful one at that.

Please excuse my absence . . .

2011-09-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

from the blog this week. The kids and I have been holding down the fort while Daddy spent the week in Canada for work.

I planned on posting a few cute pictures of the kids for Ian while he was away, but this is what I got when I told Calla to smile for Daddy:

Ori fed off his sister and I got this:

Not exactly the cuteness I was going for there, kiddos.

Ian, we missed you terribly and are so happy to have you home!!

Adoption Update (for those who are curious)

All my spare moments this week were spent making playdough, hair clips, and cakes for our adoption fundraisers. It's been a joy!
We are 50% fully funded!!!! That excites me. A lot. Obviously, we still have a ways to go, but we are so grateful to all the people God has prompted to give to our child.
Our first adoption homestudy meeting is on Saturday. We would appreciate your prayers!
I can hardly handle teaching Sunday School at church because there are several adopted children in the class who I just love to pieces and they make me long for my China baby.

Three

2011-09-25T23:26:00.000-05:00

Last week involved . . .

FOUR cakes being made and delivered
THREE new babies born and visited (so fun!)
THREE family get togethers/meals
TWO sets of fingerprints taken and mailed (for the homestudy)
ONE birthday boy.

I'm going to focus on the last detail: ONE birthday boy. Because he is pretty amazing and we had a blast celebrating Ori this past week.

Ori, at three you love to play outside. You like Calla to come out with you and will say, "Calla is big enough to play with me!" and clap your hands excitedly when I tell you she can come. You take good care of her outside and make sure she "obeys the rules." (I think you might be a rule keeper like your mommy.) You still like to push your dump truck everywhere, dig in the dirt, find "treasures" around the farm, and collect things.

At three, you remember just about everything you hear. You are making connections between stories and situations and amaze me with the things you say and recall. You also ask lots and lots of questions. Sometimes it's just a lot of "Why?", but other times you ask important questions. Today you asked lots of questions about sin and Jesus. I love having conversations with you all day long.

You make us laugh every day and are enthusiastic about life. Calla thinks you are pretty silly too. Somehow you always get her giggling while riding in the car. It's a sweet sound. There's a way about you that makes people smile.

You are a great independent player. You notice details. You love to read lots and lots of books; current favorites include anything by Richard Scarry and Marcer Mayer (as well as Thomas the Train books).

I am so glad God blessed me with a son like you! I cannot wait to see what this next year has in store for you.

And just for fun, here is an Ori flashback.

Birth

1 year

2 years

3 years

Our home

2011-09-20T16:36:00.001-05:00

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

Proverbs 24:3-4

Since we are knee deep in homestudy paperwork (yay!!), I've caught myself thinking a lot about our home this week. As we prepare for our first home visit with the social worker, it's easy for me to focus and worry about the physical things that are wrong with our house . . . it is old folks.

While we do have ~~some~~ a lot of projects we need to finish prior to the visit, the people in my home make me smile.

I look around my home and in the midst of imperfection, I see glimpses of togetherness and unity (and some fighting and pushing too, but that's an opportunity to teach togetherness, right?),

encouragement and affirmation,

growth and interest.

I love my home and my family and hope that these traits shine through both the moments of chaos and the physical imperfections found in our home (both of which are plentiful).

Front door

2011-09-15T14:14:00.001-05:00

Doesn't she look like such a sweet, clean, put-together-kind-of-girl? Don't be fooled for a second.

After a several minutes of play, I heard banging on the front door.

A little monster pushed her snotty nose into the glass and greeted me.

I finally decided to let her inside.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to go clean my front door.

Trains, trains, trains

2011-09-14T20:43:00.002-05:00

Ori celebrated his 3rd birthday (a little early) with friends this week.

Party favors: train whistles and train-shaped sugar cookies
We had a train party per his request. He talked about it for weeks.

We served train-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, olives (coal), pretzels (logs), fruit, chicken wraps, and pasta salad. Ian built an awesome train track around the food table and the motorized trains made their rounds throughout the party; it was a big hit!

Ori is a blessed little boy to have so many friends come celebrate with him.
__________________________________________________________________

In other news, we received an exciting phone call on Saturday from a dear family who felt called to pay for our entire homestudy. Words cannot express how Ian and I felt after getting off the phone. God is truly at work and continues to faithfully provide every penny. Our homestudy application was mailed today, and we should be starting the process next week (I think).

My sweet friend Laura raised $665 for our sweet little one during her photography fundraiser. Can you believe it?? You can read her update and see some of the pictures here. They are gorgeous. Thank you, sweet friend, for your love and support. We are eternally grateful for your sacrifice. Adoption is beautiful.

Last, make sure to check out the One Sweet Love adoption giveaway at Take Heart. It's amazing and 100% of the proceeds go toward bringing their baby home forever.

I am confident God will provide. Adoption is his will. As I have contemplated the expenses and work involved in adoption, I found this post timely. Read it and be encouraged (or challenged!).

Come visit me . . .

2011-09-09T23:59:00.003-05:00

over on Danielle's blog today. I was both shocked and honored when she asked me to be a part of the adoption series she published on her blog this week. It's been an encouraging set of posts dealing with all aspects of adoption. I hope you take some time to check out Danielle's amazing blog (if you do not already read it) and the line-up of adoption posts. Have a blessed weekend!

Catch-up

2011-09-08T20:40:00.000-05:00

This week has flown by! Ready for a few highlights?

Park Play

We spent most of Wednesday out and about in the big city (it's not really big, just to us country folks). We visited and loved on a precious little 24-weeker and his mama, had lunch at a fun park, and got groceries.

We have to make the most of our trips to town, you know. The kids loved every minute.

Dump Trucks

Calla finally joined in on the dump truck obsession this week.

I think these two have a new favorite activity to play together. Mama's happy because it's a lot cleaner than dumping dirt on each other.

Flowers

Here is a sneak peak at one of the felt flowers we will be selling for an adoption fundraiser (it's not the best picture because this little girl was flying with that dump truck!). It's a plum blossom, one of the most popular flowers of China. A sweet friend helped me put together a sample flower to make sure we liked it. Calla has worn it for two days because I love it. Final details should be worked out tonight, so stay tuned.

Selling the Sunfire

Anybody local need a great work or school car? My 1998 Pontiac Sunfire is for sale ($1400). Let me know if you would like more information. The money will go directly into our adoption fund. Pretty much a win-win, huh?

Recipes
I feel like I am in a cooking slump and never know what to make for dinner. I made this tonight and will make it again. It literally took about 5 minutes to throw together this morning (quite frantically for me, since Calla's speech therapist pulled up just as I was starting it). So good.

I also made Jenae's Snickerdoodle recipe. Delicious. I'm so thankful for friends who blog recipes!

Filthy.

2011-09-05T15:55:00.000-05:00

I think I am the mother to the filthiest little girl ever.

Poor thing. Brother dumped a shovel of dirt on her head. Good thing she LOVES baths!

We are enjoying our long weekend with Daddy home. We've had time with friends and family, and Ian is also tackling a major house project (I did offer to help, by the way, but was told I would be a nuisance. I don't know why--I am so helpful with saws and other such tools. ha!). Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Cala {20 months}

2011-08-31T21:55:00.000-05:00

Sweet Calla is 20 months and is changing before our eyes.

In the past month she added at least 8 words to her vocabulary (which previously consisted of about 2-3 words), started giggling at everything, follows several simple commands, and plays more like a toddler. The change in her this past month has truly been incredible.

Her personality is so silly. She makes us laugh (Ori included) and makes friends wherever we go. People just seem to like her and she makes them smile.

But beware! If she is ever reprimanded for something or does not agree with what is said, she will quickly display her mad face.

Calla Jayne, you are amazing and your mommy and daddy love you more than you know.

So loved

2011-08-26T14:44:00.003-05:00

I have felt so loved this week.

Loved by . . .

Friends
I have the most amazing friends. Really, I do. Day after day, I see them using their time, talents, and resources to support us in our adoption. I don't even know how to express my thanks to them. So loved.

They hire me to decorate their children's birthday cakes when they could easily do it themselves.

This is one of the two cakes I did this week. The other is featured here.

Some suggest ideas for packaging my play dough and offer to help decorate a craft booth (knowing that is not my strength!). Many have given toward our adoption sacrificially and with excitement.

Others are busy planning fundraisers. Check out these opportunities if you would like to be involved.

My dear friend Laura is planning a photography fundraiser. She is an amazing photographer and is offering quite the deal. She is generously donating her profit to our adoption fund. If you live in the Colorado Springs area, you won't want to miss this. Check out the details here.

Sweet Mindy is planning to host an adoption raffle giveaway on her blog, Marigold Road, in late September. She is currently accepting donations (handcrafted items, gift cards, etc.). If you would like to contribute an item, please read this post for details.

Isn't it amazing to see the body of Christ rally together and support each other? I am humbled and challenged to love people. To live a life that is not about me.

Family
My family is awesome. My husband loves me, and I cherished some sweet mom and sister time this week.

But I have also been loved by seeing my babies love each other.

After TWENTY MONTHS of not playing together, several months of fighting, here is a glimpse of what I saw this week: the beginning of a sweet friendship.

Unfortunately, I also learned that Calla loves the dirt as much as her brother. Oh dear.

They are a mess!! But so happy . . .

Calla finally is able to play with play dough and start coloring.

She just needed a few reminders with her colors. "No eat, Calla! No eat!"

Thank you again for your love and support. We are blessed.

Branson Vacation

2011-08-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

We spent an extended weekend with my entire family in Branson a few weeks ago. I want to go back.

I have really special parents. Not only do they love each other in a way that shows, but they also love us well and helped make this trip possible for all of us.

Here is a short vacation recap:

Cows and Tractors {Ori's Favorite}
Our first evening was spent at College of the Ozarks. This college allows students to participate in a work program and graduate debt free (Can you imagine?!). The restaurant on campus is run by students in restaurant management. They did a phenomenal job. I was so impressed by how this college operated that I told Ori he needed to go to college there. He could operate the tractor museum or work on the dairy, since those two things were the highlight of his entire vacation.

The students in the dairy area were so nice and let us each try to milk a cow.

Poor Jarrod had the hardest time. hehe.

Calla watched the cows being milked and did the sign language for "milk." That silly sign her mommy taught her finally made sense.

Calla and Ori loved the tractor museum. Calla trotted around and touched anything and everything that had texture.

I, however, found the building quite hot. If Ori gets a job at the tractor museum someday, I will ask him to work on adding some ventilation so his mom can visit him more comfortably. :)

Branson Landing

After a day at the lake (sorry, no pictures--too busy with small children), we spent the next evening at Branson Landing eating and walking around. It's so pretty.

Family pictures are so hard.

Talking Rocks Cavern
Our last day was spent spelunking at Talking Rocks Cavern. I find it ironic that my quiet little Calla who needs speech therapy suddenly started talking in the Talking Caverns. We had to work hard to keep her quiet in the cave so our tour group could hear the guide speak.

She was much better suited for the great hiking trails outside the cave.

I found out that my children really love to hike.

Especially Ori. I had to keep asking him to slow down (and to stay on the trail).

Bradford Inn

We stay in the guest house at the Bradford Inn on this annual trip. It's big enough to hold all of us, which is a nice perk to a family vacation. We could put the kids to bed and stay up super late playing games and laughing. My favorite.

We also woke up to a huge, home-cooked breakfast every morning. That made everyone happy and ready to start their day.

Thanks for a wonderful getaway, family!

Also, to see more vacation pictures, check out my sister's blog here.

Cappuccino Crinkles

2011-08-18T09:43:00.001-05:00

It's a busy week! We spent an extended weekend in Branson with my entire family (parents, siblings, etc.). So fun. We stayed up late every night playing games and snacking. I brought Cappuccino Crinkles. Somebody even ate up all the cookie crumbs.

Here is the recipe:

1/3 cup butter, softened                            1 tsp. baking soda               1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar                        1 tsp. cinnamon                   1/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup cocoa                                            2 egg whites
1 T. instant coffee granules                       1/3 cup vanilla yogurt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter in a large bowl for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, cocoa, coffee granules, baking soda, and cinnamon. Beat until combined. beat in egg whites and yogurt. Beat in flour.

Place sugar in a small bowl. Drop dough in sugar and roll into balls (the dough will be sticky).

Place on cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes.

Enjoy!

In other news, Calla and Daddy have been hard at work designing for our adoption fundraisers.

Calla offers lots of good input about what form the felt flowers should take.

I'm excited to see how everything turns out. The play dough label is just about finished. I love it and can't wait to share it with you all. Thanks, Ian!

Excitement

2011-08-12T22:10:00.005-05:00

We reached our first fundraising goal!! Over the last two weeks God provided exactly what we needed (to the dollar--so cool) to pay the initial fee to our agency so we can officially begin this process. I could hardly contain my excitement when we received a check a few days ago that was the exact amount we were needing. Thank you, Lord! This is of You and totally blows my mind.

This picture represents how we looked after carefully reading through the nine page adoption contract:
Julie: tired It was a lot to take in.
Ian: visionary. This is really happening.

Thank you again to all who have contributed to help bring our child home. God is so good.

Our next step is the homestudy. China recently changed its requirements and the homestudy agency now has to be Hague accredited (I know that means nothing to many of you). There are only three agencies in our surrounding area who meet that requirement, and I have spent hours researching and trying to connect with the right people at each agency in order to make the wisest choice (they vary a lot in cost). I believe the cost will be about $1500 . . . so that is our next big goal. Can't wait to see how God provides!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Eph 3:20

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We look funny with smashed noses, huh?
These pictures were actually taken very, very late on August 7th, our 7th wedding anniversary.

His whiskers really tickle. Ask Ori or Calla if you don't believe me.
We had money set aside to go away overnight, but stuck it in the adoption fund. Instead, we spent the evening at home enjoying each others company. (Don't worry, a real date will happen soon. Date nights are important to us.)

What do I know after 7 years of marriage? That I absolutely adore this man. And I think he likes me too--even if it doesn't look like it. :)

Ian, I have loved the depth of our conversations recently as we plan to expand our family through adoption. I love your passion for what truly matters in life and your desire for our family to obey God's call even when it is pretty hard. Looking forward to year 8 with you!

Monster Day

2011-08-09T22:38:00.002-05:00

First of all, thank you for all your supportive and encouraging comments on the fundraising ideas. They meant so much to me!

Ori recently moved out of the nursery (finally!) and into his big boy room.

Notice his big boy bed? He loves sleeping with all these "nice monsters."

He also has a monster tent, which is a big hit.

To celebrate the transition to his monster room, we hosted a monster theme day. My sister and her two kids joined us as did Ori's friend, R.

Foaming Monsters.

First, we decorated bottles with craft foam, feathers, etc. to create our own monsters.

Then we filled the bottles half full with vinegar and added a drop of dish soap and some green food coloring.

We placed a teaspoon of baking soda in a tissue paper square, folded it up, and dropped it into the bottle.

Look what happened! So cool. Complete instructions can be found here.

Monster books.

We had so much fun reading *nice* monster books like Where the Wild Things Are.

Monster Lunch.

Lunch consisted of monster face pizzas. We put pizza sauce on an English muffin and topped it with cheese and monster eyes.

"What are these?" Poor R did not like the monster eyes, but gobbled up the rest of the pizza.

The kids also downed some of Paula Dean's Monster Cookies for dessert (recipe here). Yum!

Monster Eyeball Sort.
I found some colored googly eyes at Joann's and hid them in play dough for the kids.

They dug out the monster eyeballs and placed them on the coordinating monster (printed from here).

This was a great activity for color recognition/sorting using play dough.

It was a fun day! Definitely had its moments of chaos, but I know that our little monsters had a blast and that is what matters.

Fundraising

2011-08-07T18:27:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all of you who have given sacrificially to our adoption fund (you should be receiving a personal thank you shortly if you have not already). I am simply in awe of how our faithful God is providing. Don't let Mr. Chipin fool you--we are a little over 90% funded for our first (of many) big fee(s). Something I thought would take months and months is taking only weeks. Thank you for giving to a little life halfway across the world. She (or he) is worth it; fearfully and wonderfully made. Your investment is eternal. Thank you so much; I am truly overjoyed and humbled.

Obviously, this fundraising thing is new to me. I am constantly thinking of ways I can creatively use my skill sets to raise money to bring our child home. Ian is working out details of using photography and design (his skill sets seem more fit for fund raising ideas!), and I am coming up with a few little things myself (I'm still waiting for the light bulb to come on for me).

Cake Decorating.
A sweet friend asked me to decorate her son's birthday cake last week. It was so fun! Due to a dead camera battery, I did not get a picture of it, but it was a tractor cake like this (only in red):

Cake from Ori's 2nd birthday party

Cake from one of my cake decorating classes

Cake from Ori's first birthday party

Cake from Calla's first birthday party

Click here to see another character cake. I am not an expert, but I enjoy doing it.

If you are a local and need a birthday cake for your child, I would love to decorate a cake for you (all proceeds would benefit our adoption).

Play dough.
I LOVE making new play dough for Ori. I think it is fun to come up with different scents and colors. Last week I tried to make yellow play dough with a lemon scent, but my lemon extract evaporated or something (the jar was empty). I added butter flavoring to it since it was already yellow. It almost made Ian gag, but Ori and I like it. ha!

While I probably will not make butter scented play dough again, I did order some essential oils to use to scent play dough. I will soon be selling variety packs of home made play dough (citrus, fall, and winter packs).

Felt flower clips.
Ian is working on designing flowers for felt flower clips. Felt flowers are my favorite to put in Calla's hair, and I can't wait to see how this project progresses. I wanted to do flowers that are popular in China like the plum blossom and peony to add meaning.

To those of you who have walked this road or who are idea generators by nature: Any other good ideas out there for fundraising? I welcome any and all suggestions. Thank you!!

Water Beads

2011-08-03T17:01:00.000-05:00

The water beads were a hit!

Ori said this was his favorite sensory tub yet.
It's like a tub of little, slippery bouncy balls.

Calla seemed so big to me today while she played.
Once she figured out she was not allowed to eat them, she had fun placing them one by one into her bucket.
She giggled when they bounced.

They played nicely for quite a while and it was so fun to watch them.

If you have toddlers at home, pick up some water beads next time you are at Wal-Mart (they were located at the end of an aisle in the crafty section--they are meant to be used in flower vases).
They are 2 dollars and totally worth it.

Thanks Play at Home Mom for the great idea!

The beads are non-toxic, but the package says they can be a choking hazard. Use with supervision.

Bubble snakes

2011-08-02T13:49:00.001-05:00

It's SO hot today. If it reaches 115 degrees as predicted, it will set a record.

However, even during excessive heat warnings, certain little boys (and girls) cannot stay inside all day.

Today we were out for probably 30 minutes. We made bubble snakes (idea and directions can be found here). Quick, easy, entertaining, and uses things from around the house.

Poor Ori doesn't quite know how to blow without sucking a bunch of soap into his mouth afterward.

He gagged, almost threw up, and I promptly brought him a glass of water.

After that incident, I ended up making bubble snakes (it was fun and really cool!) and Ori drove his tractor through them.

Whatever works. What are you doing to beat the heat?

The website Play at Home Mom was recommended to me by a fellow NICU mom; it has lots of good sensory activities. We are currently "growing" some water beads so we can put them in the sensory tub (like this). Ori is so excited.

Redeem a life

2011-08-01T15:57:00.002-05:00

I thought about this next post all weekend, and didn't know what to say.

We know we have been called to adopt.
We think about our little girl every day . . . sometimes so much it hurts.
If I neglect to pray for her at lunch, Ori reminds me.
She is already part of our family.

But the expenses involved?? One minute I find myself completely trusting God to provide, and the next minute I feel crumbled and unsure of how this is going to come together.

A friend recently challenged me to anticipate God's big hand moving and providing instead of being anxious.

Yesterday at church, one of our missionaries shared, "You should be involved in something so big that if God doesn't show up, you're toast." Ian nudged me and we exchanged a quick glance. I thought, "Yes, Lord. We are stepping out in faith and trusting you to show up. Otherwise, this whole adoption thing is toast."

We are definitely learning to trust God in an entirely new way . . . and the process has just begun.

Here is the conclusion of our adoption letter:

How can I be involved?
We are excited about this opportunity and are committed to sacrifice to see it through. We will be saving Ian’s freelance money and have fundraisers planned, but the total cost will be around $20,000 to $25,000. It seems like an unbelievable amount to raise and save, but we are trusting God to provide as we obey. We humbly ask that you consider contributing. If you would be willing to help fund our adoption, please send a check made out to International Family Services to Julie Johnson (email me at juliemichelle37@hotmail.com for our home address if you wish for your donation to be tax deductible). We will be able to provide you a receipt for tax purposes after we turn in a bulk of funds for certain benchmarks. An electronic (non-tax-deductible) donation option will be available through our blog as well. No amount is insignificant. More important, please pray as you are led and stay tuned for updates.

Julie has recorded two pages in her journal of multiple ways God has confirmed this calling for us. Trust us, we have gone through days when we wished we had never seen this little girl’s picture and could just move on with our lives. But we can’t. God has continued to show us things through His Word, songs and people that point back to this little girl and special needs. If we turn a blind eye, pretend that we weren’t called, allow time and life to dilute and suck the momentum from this opportunity, we will be living in disobedience and will look back with shame and guilt at the time when we did not act. There is a perfect place carved out in our family, just waiting for our child to come home. We joyfully look a year down the road to our kids playing together; 5 years from now, starting school together; 15 years – high school; 30; 70; standing before our maker ... That is the real vision. The real test. What will matter when this world, this life is dead and gone? Hearing, “Well done.” And, by God’s grace, seeing our child there, viewing her Lord perfectly. That is the real purpose of our lives, not to be comfortable, but to be effective. To spend our lives for eternal consequence.

Help us redeem this life.

To those of you who have already contributed, I am so grateful. Tears have welled in my eyes each time I receive an email from PayPal with a new donation. Thank you for partnering with us to bring our child home!

Why? {Part 2}

2011-07-29T07:04:00.004-05:00

To continue with possible questions we wrestled with prior to committing to adopt:

why special needs?

Special needs in China can be anything from a scar or birthmark to something more severe like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. We did not ever picture ourselves considering special needs adoption; it sounds scary, and who would choose a child with a known special need? Adoption is hard enough with a healthy child, but this is what God placed on our hearts. We believe God is sovereign and that He has control over conception and birth. He knows when there’s a defective chromosome or irregularity. When God sees a “special need” He also sees a purpose. God is purposeful and has a design and plan for each human life (read John 9).

what about ori and calla?

Adding a third child, possibly close in age, will be difficult. Through God’s grace and goodness He will not give us more than we can handle. He will arm us with strength to persevere, and He will give us eyes to see what each child needs on a daily basis. We also feel that adoption will be a glorious gift for Ori and Calla. They will see firsthand the gospel lived out. They will be showered with opportunities to learn to love selflessly. We pray it will grow their love for the nations and prepare them to show the love of God to the least of these. Most of all, we hope that through adoption we can show them that satisfaction is not found in living the “American Dream” or in the false trinkets dangled before us but in pursuing Christ and what He calls us to.

____________________________________________________________________

I've been thinking a lot about the wide spectrum of special needs our child may have: cleft palate, heart defect, limb differences, scoliosis (hmm . . . I have that one so I would be on the special needs list), developmental delays (Calla has that one; she is special needs too). . . you get the idea. These children are not "untouchables." They are children who happen to have different issues to deal with.

I stumbled across the book Just the Way I Am by Krista Horning (who is diagnosed with Apert syndrome) and saw God's sovereignty in disability in a new way.

Take a look at the book here.

It's tough, but beautiful.

I was challenged by what Krista's mother wrote at the end of the book:

"Every day Krista faces people who dislike her simply because she is different. Every day sin makes us doubt God's purpose and plan. Every day disability affects our lives in a hundred ways. But every day God is good to us. Every day he gives us all that we need. Every day he fills us with grace and mercy and love. Every day we receive forgiveness for our sins through Jesus Christ. Every day God does ten thousand things beyone our understanding that show how great and glorious he is" (p. 59)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Why? {Part 1}

2011-07-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

why not have your own kids?

We are not adopting because we are too scared to become pregnant again. Yes, it might be risky, but our two children are fantastically great.

Instead, we are adopting because God’s heart is for the 147 million orphans in our world. In fact, the Bible commands that we care for orphans. His love for the fatherless is written throughout Scripture. The Bible says that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus. Adoption is a picture of what Jesus did for us. We were orphans, without hope, and God chose to pursue a relationship with us by dying on the cross and then conquering death. Through His sacrifice, He adopted us into God’s family. We can each do something to care for orphans, whether it be adopting, fostering, donating or visiting orphans and supporting families who have taken them in. In our case, we want to offer the hope of family and unconditional love to one of the least of these.

why international adoption?

China is a special place to both of us. We spent a summer there during college and fell in love with the culture and the people.

My sweet friends, T and J, from Summer 2002 (in China). T was my language partner and she was hilarious!
We both loved to laugh and we were really not all that different.

Julie has wanted a Chinese daughter since she was a little girl. China has simply been placed on both our hearts. We understand that there are many children in the United States who need families as well; however, special needs children in China have little chance of being adopted in their own country where they are deemed “unlucky.” Their best hope is to be adopted by an American family.

Click here to read more about special needs orphans in China (also read the comments posted by Amy Eldridge for more insight).

Looking past to look beyond

2011-07-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

We recently sent out a letter describing our journey to adoption. Here is the introduction:

As we look over the last several years of our life, we see a progression. Ori’s birth at 33 weeks came as a shock and seemed so difficult at the time, yet it served as preparation for what we would face next: Calla’s birth at 26 weeks gestation and a prolonged hospital stay. While Calla was in the hospital we learned that she might have vision and hearing loss. The neonatologist shared that 25 percent of very premature babies like Calla develop serious lasting disabilities, and up to half may have milder problems, such as learning and behavioral issues. As we left our little girl in the hospital after a particularly scary discussion with Calla’s doctor, we soberly committed to fiercely love the child God gave us no matter what. Calla has beaten most of those odds. Her little life has taught us much about our heavenly Father and His mercy and goodness.

March, 2010: Calla's first month at home

Ori and Calla are amazing gifts from God. We are forever thankful for the difficulties we experienced with both pregnancies and deliveries because we learned that we must value God above everything. Facing trials puts us in a place where our faith is prodded, poked and tested. We had untruths broken and truth solidified and have come out the other side stronger and with a desire to see our family used in eternal ways.

At this point in our lives, we are humbly inviting you to engage with us as we move forward with a call God placed on our hearts years ago: the call to adoption. With two little ones running around, the timing does not necessarily make sense to us, but we have felt a clear calling, and when God asks something of our lives the only answer in which peace and joy can be found is obedience.

A couple of months ago, we saw a picture of a sweet little 22-month-old girl from China’s Special Needs Program. Typically, Ian’s response to waiting-children’s pictures was indifference and the unspoken thought, “I want to adopt, but maybe in an untouchable 5 years.” This time, his response was, “Get her information.” His heart changed completely and immediately. Whether this little girl is the one for us, or if she is the start of the journey, we do not know. We are simply stepping out in faith and moving forward.

{Image via}

To be continued . . .

Extra space

2011-07-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

We found some extra space in our family. In our hearts and our home.

So . . . we joyfully announce the beginning of our journey to adoption!

Stay tuned.

Small Group Trip '11

2011-07-21T21:40:00.005-05:00

Due to life circumstances the past couple of years, this is the first year we were able to go on our small group's annual trip.

It was so much fun. All 14 of us carpooled to Beaver Lake for an extended weekend.

Highlights included:
Coffee and reading on the deck in the mornings
Lake time during the day
Staying up way too late in the evenings playing games and laughing hysterically

We rented a pontoon boat the first full day we were there.

What do you do in a huge boat for 8 hours, one might ask?

Take turns tubing!
Oh wait. Such a big boat doesn't really pull a tube very well.

Never fear, people made their own fun.

No idea how they actually got some air time.

I wish I remember what I was laughing at. A and J are so funny.

After the tubing adventures were conquered, we ate sandwiches without bread (oops) and drove to Big Cliffty.

I know Big Cliffty doesn't look very high, but it sure felt like it.

Some of us went down to the lower level of Big Cliffty.
I was still terrified. See? We were supposed to jump on the count of 3, and I am still up there.
My legs couldn't move.

But I did it . . . and even went back for more.
___________________________________________________________________
One evening, several of us girls really wanted a camp fire for S'mores and singing. Our dear husbands felt like that was not a good activity since it was 100 degrees outside, but they kindly obliged.

Guess what? They were right (rats!). Our sunburns screamed as we roasted marshmallows, but we dared not complain.

And it was truly quite delightful to sit outside and sing and be silly (so it was not a bad idea, right?).

I am so thankful for these friends. I loved our long conversations and the time away we had together.
____________________________________________________________________

And to my dear husband . . .

Since you were so busy taking pictures of everyone else, there are not many of you. Consequently, this nice snapshot of your burger will have to do. I love you.

19 months

2011-07-19T11:24:00.002-05:00

My sweet baby is 19 months. I'm kind of in denial, but it's true.

Calla had her 18 month appointment this morning, and I left so thankful for her. Everybody at the office always greets Calla so warmly; they love her. She is inching closer and closer to the 20 pound mark. Our pediatrician recommended that she begin speech therapy at least twice a month so that is my next task to schedule. Otherwise, she is doing amazingly well.

As we were leaving the office and picking out stickers, I overheard our nurse telling another nurse Calla's story. She asked me to remind her of Calla's birth weight: 1 pound 15 oz. Our nurse looked at me and said, "God has a plan for Calla's life."

Yes, He does. God made Calla to glorify Him.

"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:6b-7

My eyes welled with tears as I pondered the plan and purpose God has for my daughter (and what He has already done in her short 1.5 years of life). We pray that our goal in raising Calla is not to make much of her, but rather to live and teach and lead her in a way that she grows up to enjoy making much of God.

We love you dearly, Calla Jayne!

Highlights at 18/19 months:

Says, "Love you." Just this past week she started adding a few words to her teeny vocabulary; so exciting and I love that "love you" is her first phrase.
Wears 6-12 month clothes and a size 3 diaper
Likes to open and close doors on toy cars and buses
Loves to wrestle with Ian and Ori in the evenings. She is tough!
Can follow directions ("Put your shoes away," "Give the remote to Daddy," etc.)
She loves being tickled and has the sweetest laugh and smile
Is on the go when she is awake, but sleeps 12 hours at night and takes 2 naps that are at least two hours each (I think that is a lot of sleep, but the doctor says it is okay since she is so busy the rest of the time).
Walks a bit more steadily and even attempts to run

The day I decided to clean my oven

2011-07-15T15:47:00.003-05:00

I humbly show you my oven:

Ick.

Is that glass under that grime?

Don't judge, please.

We have lived in our house for over six years, and I have not once thought to clean my oven (is that bad?). Since I bake and/or cook daily, there's been over 2,190 chances for explosions, drippings, etc. to be baked into my poor oven.

One of the reasons I have not cleaned it is because I had no clue as to what products would actually remove the nastiness in my oven.

Well, thanks to my mom, I was recently introduced to Shaklee. The products in their cleaning line are amazing . . . and also non-toxic, safe, and economical.

The bottles are really cute too, which makes me happy.

I sprayed my oven with Degreaser and let it set for a few minutes.

My rag looked like this after I finished wiping off the Degreaser. Ori looked up from his bowl of cereal and said, "Mommy! What is that?!" It was bad, folks.

Then I applied Scour Off with a sponge and water and wiped it clean.

I know it isn't perfect. If I wanted to spend an hour, I probably could have gotten it all off (I didn't work on the sides yet). But for the amount of effort I put in (just while my kids ate breakfast), I was so happy and impressed.

Look! There was glass under there.

It felt good to clean something that has been neglected for so many years. And I promise to never let you get that bad again, my dear oven.

Want to clean your oven? Or your house in general? Head to our Shaklee site, Breezy Clean, and check out all the amazing, natural, nontoxic cleaning products. They work and you will feel good using them.

Note to the locals:
Stop by the outlet mall in Newton on Saturday, July 23rd from 10-3 to see Shaklee products in person. Scentsy, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, and other products will be there as well. FUN!

Guest Blogging

2011-07-12T15:26:00.003-05:00

I am guest blogging about speech and language development today at I Can Teach My Child. Thanks for having me, Jenae!

Check out the post here.

Happy Tuesday!

Little boys

2011-07-11T23:20:00.005-05:00

This sweet little boy sure knows how to love his mommy. After being away from him for three nights (Ian and I went on a couple's trip--more to come), I forgot how loved little people can make you feel.

This morning I was looking around our near-empty pantry for some breakfast and pulled out a box of Apple Jacks. Ori excitedly said, "Great job, Mom, finding the Apple Jacks!" Nobody else would offer me such encouragement on doing something as mundane and trivial as finding a box of cereal.

We went outside early this morning with hopes to beat the heat, and Ori brought me three beautiful dandelions: "I brought these flowers for you, Mom!"

I received constant leg hugs from that little guy today too. He always made sure both of my legs received equal hugs.

We laughed so hard at lunch today. Ori stacked his sliced carrots really high and told me he was building a tower to heaven (randomly referring to The Tower of Babel in Genesis). I told him about how the people got proud so God mixed up the languages. I spoke a little Chinese and he started giggling. Then I told him that we speak English. He giggled again and said,"I not speak English. I speak big boy talk. Like this, 'Pshh!'" So silly.

What a delight to parent a little boy. I always wanted all girls for some reason; I had no idea how loving little boys were until I had one.

The 4th

2011-07-05T22:39:00.004-05:00

Our 4th of July was not what we planned this year. Poor Calla ran a high fever all weekend and was really sad (she has roseola). We canceled our party plans for the 4th and tried to make the best of it by grilling hot dogs and eating watermelon at home. I was sad to miss taking the kids to see the fireworks, but Calla needed to sleep.

We DID make it to one party earlier in the weekend when I thought Calla was doing better. My sweet brother and his new bride hosted, and we were honored to be their first dinner guests.

We lounged around and chatted while Jarrod grilled burgers and corn on the cob (YUM).

I brought cake for dessert. I've made this cake for three years now and every time I make it, I think, "This is so much fun!" Directions can be found here.

It really is easy and so good.

Isn't my new sister cute? And tan?

"Roseola" (that's what I call Calla now since she is so "rosy" from her rash) went to bed quite early and we headed out to light fireworks with Ori.

I had to bite my tongue a lot and let Ian, Jarrod, and Ori have fun. I was not allowed to do ANYTHING with fire growing up and am scared of it.

Ori thought our fireworks were so big. If only he knew . . .

Uncle Jarrod made a path of poppers and Ori went around and stomped them.

Even though I don't like fire, I can certainly handle a few sparklers.

These are sparklers left over from the wedding.

Hope you all had a great weekend celebrating. Whether the weekend was more than you could have imagined or far from it, we have much to be thankful for.

Seventeen Seconds

2011-06-30T16:32:00.005-05:00

On our recent trip to Colorado, Ori and I had a deal: for every 30 minutes of "his music" I got 30 minutes of listening to an audio book, The Seventeen Second Miracle. It was a decent arrangement. I wasn't really sure if I would like the book, but it was the one that caught my eye at the library prior to our trip.

Basically, the book is a fictional account of a man who learned to perform small miracles every day--things like opening a door for somebody, helping a neighbor weed her flower beds, befriending the new kid, helping somebody on the side of the road, etc. The theme of the book is that, in many cases, all it takes is a few seconds to change the course of someone's day.

I've had a few "seventeen second miracles" today. One was a sweet, encouraging phone call from my grandma and another was a letter from a former student.

She wrote:

Mrs. Johnson,
Thank you so much for everything you've done. You were an amazing teacher and I am so glad that I got to be part of the first group of students that you taught. I will never forget all the fun times we had in class and will remember all you taught me. You were and still are to this day my favorite teacher. You were always able to put anyone in a good mood and put a smile on all our faces. It seems like just yesterday that we were in 7th grade and now we are all graduating and going to college. It's just weird how time just goes by so fast. But as I continue in life I hope to be able to inspire people as you have inspired me. Also that others will learn from me as I did you. You are truly an amazing person and I look up to you and always will. Thank you for all you have done.
Love, L

Consider my day made. My grandma's phone call and the sweet card from a former student reminded me to practice gratitude and look for ways to bless others today even when I do not feel up to par.

Seventeen seconds is sometimes all it takes.

People are worth it.

Baptized . . . again

2011-06-29T17:28:00.005-05:00

I've spent the last 24 hours in bed with the flu (in June?!). I hope it is over soon. I got so weak and sick last night that Ian sweetly took the day off work to help with the kids. They went to the zoo and out for lunch. Ian said "it was the best day of summer." (FYI: The zoo with daddy includes really cool things like a boat ride and purchasing precious plastic turtles to take home.)

Since I have nothing exciting to update this week, I will catch up from last Sunday: I got baptized. It was such a special day. I was baptized as a child, but did it just because several of my friends were getting baptized. It was humbling and so meaningful to be baptized as an adult and share my faith in Christ.

Like those bright pink pants? They went in the garage sale tub when I got home.

Before being baptized, we each shared our testimony. Here is what I shared:

When I was 3, my sister and mother disappeared into her bedroom. I banged on the door, but was not allowed in. I later learned that my sister asked Jesus to save her from her sin; wanting the same attention from my mom and to be like my big sister, I too prayed a prayer for salvation. At the age of 6, I found out that all the other children in my Sunday School class were getting baptized. When asked if I wanted to be baptized, I did not really understand what baptism was, but thought it was “the right thing to do” and was baptized with my classmates.

The next several years of my life were plagued with periods with doubt. I would see a 3 year old at church and wonder how a child that age could comprehend what Jesus did on the cross? Finally one night as a middle school student, I could not stand the doubting any more, woke up my parents and told them I wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven. I told Jesus that I knew I was a sinner who deserved to be punished and that I believe that Jesus died for me and rose again. I trusted Christ as my savior and prayed for assurance.

Since that time, my walk with the Lord grew slowly. I started reading my Bible, sometimes because it delighted me, but many times it was out of duty. Over the last few years, through the trials of life, God has revealed so much to me about Himself and what he asks of me as a follower of Christ. My faith in him is not just fire insurance anymore. His death on the cross and resurrection are everything. He loves me unconditionally and gave his life for mine; therefore by professing Christ, I am acknowledging that my life is not my own. I am to be a slave to Christ and to obey whatever he asks me to do, knowing that He worth losing everything for on this earth. As I stand here today to be baptized and identify with Christ, I pray that I would truly be able to say, not matter what comes our way, that “Christ is enough. He is my everything.”

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20

Thank you to all my family and friends who joined us for the event. I felt so loved and supported by each of you.

Colorado

2011-06-25T20:56:00.004-05:00

I am a bad, bad blogger who disappeared for a week in Colorado and did not plan any posts in my absence. Sorry.

The kids and I took off Monday and headed to Colorado where we spent the week with my friend, Laura.

It's so hard to live 8 hours away from good friends, so the long car trip with two small children was definitely worth getting to spend a week together. (The kids did so well in the car! Calla screamed for a short period on the way there, but was pretty content the entire drive home.)

Laura and I had a great time together (and so did our kids). I haven't laughed for that many straight hours in a long time. Thanks, Laura.

While we were in Colorado . . .

Calla finally decided walking was much better than crawling.

Ori and Hunter created masterpieces.

Calla and Tanner also tried to create artwork with sidewalk chalk (except Calla kept eating it).

The big boys splashed in the pool.

Ori and Hunter fed a baby giraffe at the zoo.

Everyone played hard.

What cute boys! (Calla is absolutely crazy in the bath, so she had to wait her turn.)

I am thankful for . . .

the blessing of Laura's friendship. Laura, I loved sharing our hearts and being silly this week. Thank you for having us even though it was such a hard week for your family as you grieve the loss of your dearly loved grandpa.
the time Ori and Hunter had to play together. So sweet to see the start of their little friendship.
the fact that the kids adjusted well at Laura's house and we were actually able to have a relaxing trip (I tried not to have too high of expectations!).
nice McDonalds employees in Limon, Colorado who went above and beyond to carry my tray, get Calla a clean high chair, and mop up Ori's spilled chocolate milk. (Let me tell you, it was much easier to keep driving than to stop for meals!)

Now it's back to the real world . . .

Pigtails

2011-06-14T16:11:00.003-05:00

I love this little girl. A lot.

I told Ian last night that her hair is finally long enough (almost) for pigtails. We tried them out today, and I can hardly handle the cuteness. Ori thought Sissy was pretty darling too.

After a busy last couple of weeks, we are relishing some quiet days at home this week with lots of time for summer play!

Happy Tuesday!

Greatness of thoughts

2011-06-13T14:27:00.004-05:00

I have been challenged lately by how small my thoughts of God are. Those who truly know God should have great thoughts of Him. To be honest, I do not often find myself overwhelmed by high and great thoughts about our God: the one who gave his life for mine and loves me with an everlasting love. The following video by David Platt is a good reminder.

Along those lines, a friend recently shared some truths she was learning from Chip Ingram's book, God as He Longs for You to See Him. I have only read the first three chapters and have found the book quite challenging.

Here is an excerpt I have been chewing on:

"We take the God of the Bible who is all-wise and all-powerful and trivialize him . . . Instead of worshiping him and knowing him and growing into servants who want to understand his mission and follow him by faith, we carefully select Bible verses out of context to confirm our conclusion that the real goal in life is for us to be happy. Instead of humbly recognizing that God is impossible to tame, we dare to demand that he get busy and keep us comfortable" (p. 37).

We feel like ". . . if we read the Bible in the morning, if we say a few prayers, if we give some money, maybe go on a short-term missions trip to an exotic place, if we read some Christian self-help books, then life will be great. We've done our part, so God is obligated to do his part, which is:

to give us unbelievable marriages

to make all our kids turn out right

to never allow us to be depressed, or even sad

to keep any bad things from happening to us

We've reduced him from the sovereign Lord of the universe to a servant who's supposed to fulfill our personal agenda" (p. 37-38).

Being a rule-keeper by nature, it is easy for me to feel like if I do everything I am supposed to then my life will be great; God does not promise that. In fact John 16:33 says that "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

The goal of worshiping God is that he is all there is. My thoughts of God will grow greater when I see Him for who he really is.

God, I want to see you. I long to know you.

Wedding

2011-06-11T20:58:00.004-05:00

My little brother got married yesterday. It was a whirlwind of a weekend, and we are so excited for Jarrod and Bekah (I'll share wedding pictures later--it was perfect and beautiful).

Aren't they cute?

It was so special to see my baby brother marry the woman of his dreams.

The little boy I used to "hunt" with, build forts with, teach school to, and ride bikes with is grown-up and happily married.

They are seriously a perfect match.

Jarrod and Bekah, we love you both and are praying as you begin this new journey.

Ori was honored to be the ring bearer (wait until you see him in his little tux!). He couldn't wait until Uncle Jarrod's wedding, and even got his shaggy hair cut at a real salon. Big deal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We got home this afternoon from our weekend away, and Calla decided she slept enough in the car and didn't need much of a nap.

My aunt and uncle graciously hand down toys when their children outgrow them. They gave us a sand and water table this weekend; I think I am just as excited about this new toy as the kids.

I put it together for Miss-No-Nap and all was well. This will be so fun this summer!

I am thankful for a special weekend filled with many memories.

Monday

2011-06-06T15:57:00.007-05:00

We are still here. I spent almost every free minute last week preparing for a garage sale. The sale went well, we made some money, and I got rid of a lot of "stuff" we've had sitting around our house. However, today while cleaning I filled two more tubs of stuff to garage sale next year (I thought I went through most everything in our house, but apparently not). Crazy!! It is never ending.

My kids are getting big.

I gave them both cups of milk after we came in from playing outside (hmm . . . that sounds kind of gross actually), and it caught me off guard to see them standing side by side drinking milk. SO BIG.

They already know how to push each other's buttons too.

Calla: Touches Ori's cup with a big smile
Ori: "NO! That's That's MY big boy cup!"

I did find an activity they like to do together that they both enjoy and don't fight about.

What's that you ask? Watching Baby Babble! I don't really like Calla to watch TV, but her therapist brought this DVD over for her today and she LOVED it. It is put together by speech pathologists and was actually really informative for me. It definitely gave me ideas to continue encouraging Calla's speech at home through play, environmental sounds, and sign language. If your child is delayed in speech and you don't mind a video, I would recommend this resource (it is something you can watch with your child and interact with him/her).

Happy Monday!

If you are wondering why Ori is never fully dressed it's because:
A) it's really hot in Kansas right now
B) he's usually outside getting incredibly dirty so I'm saving on laundry
C) he's so skinny that his shorts generally fall off anyway
D) boys just aren't as fun to dress as little girls
E) all of the above

Surprise!

2011-05-30T22:56:00.004-05:00

We had a fantastic weekend filled with family night, a birthday party, bridal shower, airport/adoption celebration, and working on the house.

But the biggest surprise was this:

Yes, she walked!! Hopefully over the next few weeks she will start walking all the time (her jeans and shoes will thank her).

So proud my big girl!

So far this week . . .

2011-05-24T20:59:00.007-05:00

So far this week I have accomplished really exciting things like cleaning out the junk drawer and bathroom cabinets.

Really cool stuff in there, huh?

While I work on organizing, Calla sleeps and Ori has been learning how to use scissors. He thinks they are so cool.

He started making a picture for "Dino" (his name for Ian) and cut around all the edges. The picture got smaller and smaller as he returned to it throughout the day to do some more cutting.

We've also spent lots of time reading our new library books. Titles this week include Let's Talk about Being Selfish and Be Polite and Kind. Let's just say this has been a tough week for Ori (and Mom and Dad!) regarding his attitude/behavior toward his sister.

Today Ori made up a really fun game. He took my tongs out of the dish washer and started grabbing the alphabet magnets off the fridge with them. We've played his game several times today and he is recognizing more and more letters.

Don't feel the need to watch the entire video--you can get the idea of the game after about 10 seconds.

{image via}
I made Asian Lettuce Wraps for dinner tonight (second time to make them). They are so, so good! You need to try them.
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Calla had two appointments last week. One was with the ENT to recheck her ears (She passed her hearing test this time!) and the other was a follow-up with our pediatrician. We basically decided at that appointment to see how her speech progresses over the next two months. During this time, I am to write down every sound she makes/word she says. If she does not have any real words by our next appointment, then we will probably start speech therapy.

Prayer Journal Update

2011-05-20T16:14:00.006-05:00

Remember my prayer journals? I wrote in them quite regularly for the first few months. I was excited to be intentional about praying for my kids, and I knew it was of eternal significance.

Well, time ticked on and I was only writing in the journals a few times each month. I wasn't praying as intentionally for my children. Then I heard this statement by Fern Nichols, founder of Moms In Touch: "Another thing that God has really impressed on my heart is pray when you feel like it and pray when you don’t, because the majority of time you don’t feel like praying."

A lot of times I have to make myself pray. I can't go by my feelings. So that is what I have been doing this month: making myself pray for my children even when I don't feel like it (sounds terrible!).

Here is an example of what I wrote in Ori's journal this month under the AIM section (This is where I list character qualities I am praying for and aiming to produce in his life.):

Self-control. You have been whining a lot lately, and I want to instill in you a quality of self-control with your speech, emotions, and behaviors.
I will . . .

Ask you, "How does God want you to communicate?" when you are whining/yelling at Calla/etc.
Quote Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen."

Generosity (not "Me first!")
I will . . .

Ask you, "Are you putting ________ in front of yourself or are you being selfish?"
Ask, "What would be a kind thing to do?"
Quote 2 Cor. 9:7: "God loves a cheerful giver."

Part of my prayer time for Ori will often include praying that he will develop those characteristics and also asking for wisdom in how to raise him.

Consider taking time to pray for your kids today too--even if you don't feel like it.

Note: The questions listed are from a resource my sister gave me called Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman. I think the questions really help Ori think about what he is saying/doing and also help me to focus on building the character trait instead of getting frustrated.

The Also Principle

2011-05-19T15:31:00.005-05:00

The Also Principle: An attitude about everyday life that says, "I will do more than what is expected of me because I am working for the Lord."

In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant out to find a bride for his son, Isaac. The servant and his team of camels begin their journey and arrive at the town of Nahor when the women are out to draw water. The servant asks God to cause the right woman for Isaac to answer his request for water with, "Drink and I'll water your camels also."

Why? Because the kind of woman who would be willing to draw 50 gallons of water for 10 camels in addition to what her family needed, would be a woman with character: responsible, serving, industrious, courteous, willing to share, charitable to strangers, etc.

There is nothing special about doing only what is expected of you, or thinking, "That's good enough. It's not my responsibility anyway." Instead, make it a practice to go beyond what is expected without desiring praise from people.
--From Devi Titus' book The Home Experience

After reading and being challenged by that principle, I immediately thought of my dad (isn't he handsome?!). He always lives by The Also Principle.

Last week he stopped by to spray for spiders, but he also fixed our mower. His attitude is always one of willingness to serve others even if it's inconvenient or he has hundreds of things to do at his own house/farm. I am thankful for a wonderful example of this principle in my life.

For whatever reason (not making the most of my time, perhaps?), it's really challenged me and has helped me accomplish more in a day.

For example, if I pick up a sippy cup and take it to the kitchen, put it in the dishwasher--also.
When I clear the table, spray and wipe the surface--also.

When I'm dressing Ori in the morning, put shorts on him--also. (Just kidding. Kind of.)

When I drive my car, clean it out--also.

When I send new pictures of Ori and Calla to friends and family, include a note--also.

When it's time for naps, read a book and sing a song--also.

It's kind of just like doing one more little thing right that second; it's pushing myself to do just a little more than I would normally do.

I can't get the principle out of my head. I'm always thinking, "--also."
And I think that's a good thing.

Date Night

2011-05-17T14:25:00.003-05:00

Ian and I took a much needed date night last Saturday.
It was so fun.
I wanted to go out for Thai because that's what we do.
Ian said, "No. We need to do something more memorable."
We ate sushi instead.
It was pretty good; I had to get used to eating such large bites.
I also picked off some of the raw fish on one of the dishes; but, I'm glad we tried it and I'm surprised at how often I have thought of sushi since (positively).

After dinner we sat in the car and took pictures (cool, huh?).
Ian set up his tripod on the hood of the car to get this shot.

People looked at us funny, so we looked at them funny.

We got ice cream, hit the book store, and just talked.
We discussed our biggest dreams and biggest concerns.
I love hearing my husband's heart and sharing mine.
What a special night.
Thanks, honey, for planning it and making me try new things.

Calla {16 months}

2011-05-13T14:28:00.002-05:00

I recently begged Ian to do a photo shoot of Calla. We had so much fun. These are technically her one-year pictures, even though she is 16 months old (by her due date, she would only be 13 months). I love them. The prints we ordered came today ,and I excitedly placed them all over our living room.

Sweet Calla,
You are a blessing and joy to your daddy and me. You are doing so many new things these days. Your favorite new trick is to wave. Big Brother taught you, which is why I think he is your favorite person to wave to. You wave at him when you wake up in the morning and before your naps. You are also making lots of new sounds. I am so excited to hear you "talk" after all these months.

Some words to describe you are:

Determined. At this stage in life, this can come across as a weakness. If you want something you cannot have (remote control, phone, Ori's sippy cup, wipe container, certain books, stickers, etc.), you fight us like crazy and do not forget about that object when we try to distract you with something else. Trying to change your clothes or diaper is also challenging because you are determined to squirm away so you can play. However, I believe that all weaknesses can be redirected into strengths. Obviously, determination is a good quality to possess as it will help you accomplish tasks assigned to you and reach goals in the future.

Joyful. You have an overwhelming sense of joy about you. All Ori's friends LOVE you and are so sad when they come over and you are napping. They think you are funny. You make everyone--from family members to strangers at Wal-Mart--smile.

Sorry--now you are stuck with my photography.
Busy. I know most children are busy, but you are crazy-busy. Rarely do you sit still or allow somebody to cuddle you. I suppose that makes those moments when you do relax in my arms all the more special. You are not walking yet, but that doesn't stop you from getting around. You love to play and explore, but do not focus on one activity for very long. The sand box is your new favorite place to play, but you also like to play with balls, dolls, and Ori's cars and trucks. You love Dr. Suess books and will always take a break to read There's a Wocket in My Pocket, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?, or Go, Dog, Go!.

In other news, we are still doing daily breathing treatments. Of course now that we will probably be done with them in a week or so, you are a pro. After months of fighting the treatments, it has turned into my cuddle time with you and I might even miss it.

You weigh almost 18 pounds, wear 6-12 month clothes, and a size 3 diaper. You eat more than your brother, but that's another story.

We love you, Calla Jayne, and are so proud of everything you can do!
Mom

Mothering: It Matters

2011-05-08T17:01:00.003-05:00

I love being a mom to these two sweeties.

I'm often asked if I miss teaching. Obviously, there are parts I miss; I loved interacting with my students each day, creating lesson plans, going to conferences, and working with the faculty. But, these days at home are precious and I would not trade them for anything.

I love being the one to teach and train my kids day in and day out. However, sometimes I almost feel selfish being home with my kids. Yes, I am investing in two little lives, but that seems so minute in the grand scheme of things.

I recently listened to a message by Fern Nichols on praying for your children. In her message she said:

“For a mother is not merely rearing one, two, or more children. She is affecting future generations for good or bad. It’s not just living in the now. It’s not just my little kids and me and mine.

I’m going to share two different legacies: A mother who loved God. Sarah Edwards, wife of the famous 18th century clergyman Jonathan Edwards. She displayed a vital interest in the development of her 11 children to love Jesus. That was her goal. That was her purpose. That was her intent. That was her mission. As a result of this woman, not only praying, living the life, and training her children—I’ll just give you an idea of her legacy:

Thirteen college presidents; 65 professors; 100 lawyers, and a dean of a law school; 30 judges, 66 physicians, and a dean of a medical school, and on and on it goes.

Then we have another mother. Her name is Ada Take. In 1740, according to records, a woman was born named Ada Take. True to her name, she took everything there was to be had in the way of liberties and licenses. She died a confirmed drunkard, and all together she had 700 descendents. Among them were 100 children born out of wedlock, 181 women of the street, 142 beggars, 46 workhouse inmates, and 76 criminals. It has been estimated that this woman cost the country $1,200,000.

Christ makes a difference, and if we will but live out the legacy of the disciplines of prayer and the Word of God and death to self so that others might live, you will leave a lasting legacy that will be eternal, and then the enjoyment of today, the joy of living out Christ in us. So your life, my life, will impact future generations by how we live."

I loved that perspective. While I hope I am investing in others around me too, I find it powerful to consider that my investment in Ori and Calla will ultimately be an investment in generations to come as they grow-up, serve Christ, and train their own children to do the same.

Happy Mother's Day! What you do does matter.

Speech

2011-05-06T15:37:00.004-05:00

Calla is a ray of sunshine in our family. We love her with all that we are. Like any parent, we want her to succeed and do the best that she can.

Calla had a speech therapy appointment yesterday, and she scored at a level of an 8-9 month old for her expressive language and what she understands (she is currently 16 months old, 13 months adjusted). I wasn't sure what to feel or think about that. I kept remembering a time when we just wanted her to survive, so why would I care about a speech delay??

I realized something last night as Ian and I were discussing the results of the appointment: I treat her like a baby. I carry her around in an infant seat because she still fits in it and it keeps her from touching germy things at the grocery store and the library. I don't expect her to communicate much (because she doesn't), so I simply give her what I think she needs. Ian and I agreed that we just haven't expected much from her; we're just so delighted that she is with us today.

One of the strategies we are supposed to implement is to not anticipate her needs so that she is forced to communicate. For example, I could give everyone at the dinner table a cup, but not Calla. She would have to point, babble, etc. to tell us that she wants a drink too (I told Ian I don't think she would care about a cup and that for this to work, we would have to give her an empty tray and see if she asked for food!).

A few other strategies are self-talk and parallel talk. Self-talk is talking out loud about what I am seeing, hearing, doing, or feeling when Calla is nearby. Parallel talk is talking out loud about what is happening to Calla (describe what she is doing, seeing, hearing, or feeling).

I feel like one of the challenges to parenting a child like Calla, is knowing how many specialist appointments to pursue--audiology, emotional/behavioral, speech, etc. The speech therapist wanted us to start weekly therapy sessions. To be honest, my mind immediately went to thinking about the long drive/gas prices, how difficult it was to drag both kids across the hospital parking lot, get checked into the hospital, how much it would cost, etc. But, does Calla need it? Because if she does, then we will do it. It's just hard to know because she might catch up if we work really intentionally with her at home.

Also, she did get tubes in her ears last Friday. The following morning at breakfast, she made new sounds. I was stunned. I honestly think part of her problem was that she couldn't hear very well for a few months. Today she waved goodbye on her own for the first time.

Anyway, we'll keep loving her and being a little more intentional with her communication and see where this goes. Have a great weekend!

Too precious

2011-05-02T22:09:00.004-05:00

I love Ori's little two-year-old voice and don't want to forget it. Ever.

Here is a little video of him reciting Ephesians 6:1-3.

Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Honor your father and mother so that it may be well with you
and that you may live long on the earth.

We never really made it all the way through. My camera battery died, he took a huge bite of cupcake prior to reciting the verse, started coughing too much, wanted to watch it, etc. BUT, I love it and will cherish it always.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Home is where the heart is formed

2011-04-28T15:49:00.005-05:00

"Home is where the heart is formed. The heart is either hurt, hardened, or hindered from the home; or it’s made safe, sensitive, and secure from the home."
--Devi Titus

I love being home and am continuing to learn the value of the home.

This is the place where my kids' hearts are being formed.

I want home to be a place of love and peace, not chaos and confusion.

A place of order, routine, and discipline.

An environment that creates a thirst for spiritual growth.

Home is a place to learn how to think and reason so that their convictions are deep rooted.

A place where they learn to see beauty in small things

and share that beauty with others.

Home is a place to explore and create.

It is a safe haven in which to learn and grow.

And it's a place they want to be.

Sometimes, during this phase of young, young children, I fail to remember the big picture. I get frustrated that I can't even go the bathroom for 1 minute without being needed. I get tired teaching and training the same behaviors all day long. Seriously, when will Ori learn that it isn't appropriate to talk about "poop in the basement" to guests, or that Calla is not going to take every toy he owns, and he does not need to yell at her? Is it possible to have a meal where everybody eats their food happily and politely and nobody throws/drops a sippy cup?

But I have to remember that these days at home are the days I am able to shape my children into the people God wants them to be. These days are so precious and I am blessed to be a mom.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

Ori and Calla wish you a joyous and blessed Easter!

Last night we went to bed after watching this and reading from John 19 about Jesus dying on the cross and being placed in the tomb. Ori quietly stated, "This is so sad." It was. Our dining room table was even home to dead flowers (not planned, but fitting).

Today, Ori and Calla will wake up to fresh flowers and a lamb cake (Jesus was the perfect sacrifice) on the table. We'll watch this and read about how Jesus conquered death and is alive. I can't wait to hear Ori say, "Jesus is alive!"

Happy Easter!

Easter Beads

2011-04-20T14:36:00.006-05:00

Ori is so proud of his Easter beads.

They tell the story of Jesus (color ideas from Treasuring God in our Traditions by Noel Piper):

Purple: passion and mourning
Red: suffering, Christ's blood
White: Christ's purity and innocence
Black: heaviness or sin
Gold: paradise/heaven, promised to the thief next to Jesus and to everyone who trusts him

To make your own beads, mix up some clay; your toddler will love to help. Mix 3/4 c. flour, 1/2 c. salt, and 1/2 c. cornstarch in a bowl. Then, slowly add warm water, mixing it with your hands until the mixture forms a shape. Knead the dough (or just play!) and roll it into little balls. Poke a hole through the balls with a straw or chopstick to form the beads. Ori thought they looked like doughnuts. The beads will need to dry for a few days (or you could try baking them?). (Recipe is from First Art by MaryAnn Kohl.)

After the beads dried, we painted them the various colors mentioned above.

Ori loved to paint the beads. He was really into it. While we painted, it was a great time to talk about what sin is, who Jesus is, and what He did for us. It was a precious time with my little boy.

Of course, he didn't want to stop painting once all the beads were covered in paint , so Ori painted a picture too. It had nothing to do with Easter. :)

FYI: I don't recommend painting the beads with water colors because it made them kind of soft again and his necklace broke after some rough play.
___________________________________________________________________

A few random things about Calla:

Don't let this picture fool you! Her mommy may dress her like a princess, but she loves the dirt. I took one of her shoes off for her bath the other night and it was filled with dirt . . . just like her brother's. My poor bathroom floor!
We are seeing a nose/throat/ear specialist tomorrow to see if she needs tubes in her ears. This kind of caught me off guard, but she has had fluid behind her ear for a few months (not always infected, but there) and our pediatrician is wondering if that is the cause of her speech delay (she can't hear as well due to the fluid).
She drinks whole milk. And uses a sippy cup (as of two days ago). She is getting big . . . a whopping 17 lb. 12 oz. to be exact. ha!
She loves shiny shoes. I bought her a pair from Old Navy today at the mall, and I let her hold them. I knew it was a bad idea, but they made her happy. I mean, the girl had to miss her morning nap to be at the doctor's office for her last RSV shot; she wasn't in the mood to shop unless she got to hold her pretty, new shoes. Well, unfortunately, she dropped those little shoes somewhere in the mall. They are forever gone. Hopefully somebody who really needed them found them, right? I tried to re-buy them (with my "blow money" since I messed up), but they did not have any more of those shoes in her size. SO SAD. Please learn from my mistake!

Happy Wednesday! After the shoe incident today, I am focusing on being self-controlled and clear-minded (1 Peter 4:7). I don't want to become emotional over losing a pair of new shoes at the mall; it's merely a distraction from what truly matters and not worth it.

Triple Date

2011-04-18T16:14:00.005-05:00

My friend Mindy organized a triple date this weekend in honor of her hubby's birthday. The evening involved dinner out and ice cream (see her post here for pics of dinner). It was so fun.

A little over a year ago I remember feeling kind of sad because I didn't feel like Ian and I had "couple friends." We each had our own really close friends, but didn't have couples that we hung out with regularly. I am so thankful for these couples (and a few others) who have filled that desire.

Shawn and Mindy really got into the ice cream toppings. Aren't they cute?

These are the ice creams grouped by couple . . . so funny to see the differences! Ian and I had the Butterfinger ones.

Thanks for planning such a fun night, friends!

The monotonous

2011-04-14T15:36:00.005-05:00

I had big plans this week around my house. My to-do list included things like sorting through the catch-all room upstairs, organizing for a garage sale, and deep cleaning my living room (our couch is disgusting!).

Guess what? It's already Thursday afternoon and none of those things are crossed off my list.

I want to get worked up and blame this little person . . .

She will not play by herself for more than a few minutes (not like her at all!).
She begs to be held, but just wiggles all around in my arms (or bites me--you should see the mark she left on my arm!).
If I put her down, she wants back up.
Repeat. All.day.long.

She wore me out yesterday, and I had a bad attitude. Just ask Ian if you don't believe me.

Today I was reminded of some things our pastor shared on Sunday (talking about David's training as a king in 1 Samuel 16). Before David was anointed, he spent his days watching after his father's sheep. It was a solitary, monotonous job most of the time; yet, he was faithful with his daily tasks and built a deep and personal relationship with God because he had little to distract him.

I want to be faithful with my daily tasks too. Even when they involve cuddling (or trying to cuddle, in Calla's case) a teething, whining baby and nothing else.

I want to do the little, monotonous things well during my day because how I complete those things is a reflection of who I am becoming. (And last night, that person was not pretty! Good thing God is still working in me.)

I want to work on my heart right now so that when God calls me to do something more (adoption, foster care, something with preemies . . . or something not even on my radar), I am ready. I want to be able to say "yes" because during these monotonous days of mothering two small children, I have cultivated a relationship with Christ.

These days do matter.

This little girl needs her mommy this week, and I want to love her well with a happy and contented heart.
That is my current assignment.

Ori {2.5 years}

2011-04-12T14:36:00.003-05:00

Sweet Ori Boy,
At two and a half, you are a delight; you tell me that you want to "stay little" and still like to snuggle when we read books.

Everything in your world has to be in place: your cars have to be lined up just so, drawers and doors must be shut in the house, the lid of the honey needs to be snapped tight (those of you who know me know that I am not anything like this!). A few weeks ago I brought Calla down for lunch and she had really bad bedhead. You were so distraught by her "messy hair" that you couldn't eat until I combed it. If one of your cars gets dirty outside, you immediately ask to wash it upon entering the house. We'll see how this develops in your personality . . .

Lately, you have become independent in your play and will stay outside for a couple hours at a time.

You love the neighbors dog. We call him "Big Dog."
When I ask you what you did outside, your answers might include, "Play dark cave with baby wolf and mommy wolf" or "I farming. Planting soy beans." You love to carry a bucket of cars and little tractors around with you outside.

You have also been collecting "outside treasures." I am beginning to feel like our porch looks like a junk yard because your collection litters the area. It also makes me smile because many of these precious treasures you have offered as "presents" for mommy.

You made a caterpillar with your Cheerios and giggled.
Your daddy and I love your imagination. You always see shapes in things and often talk about your imaginary "dino" friend. Dino joins us for lunch most days and sits in the old high chair. You make sure he has a bib and food and then say things like, "Eat your lunch, Dino, get ice cream."

We also love your joy. You are quick to laugh and always wear a smile. I adore the times we just laugh together while rocking before nap time.

You like to be called, "Brother" and that is how you refer to yourself. Lately you have been telling me that "brother tell truth." Unfortunately you told your first lie (so sad to my heart!) and so we have been discussing the importance of telling the truth.

Your role as "brother" is hard. It is so tough to learn to give your best to Calla and let your sweetness shine. You do love her and will ask where she is if you don't see her immediately.

You loved hanging the first ornament on the Resurrection Tree and told me all about the story the next morning (FYI: I had a few things out of order and it is now fixed here).
You have an amazing memory. You looked at a page in your Bible with a picture of all 12 disciples and learned most of their names in a few minutes. I practice my verses for Bible study every day at lunch and you have learned most of them just from hearing me repeat them daily. Your entire face lights up when you recite the verses. You also finally learned most of your colors (yellow still throws you off) and shapes. Just in the past week you have shown interest in letters, so we will see where that goes.

I cannot imagine our family without you Ori and am so thankful that God entrusted you to us.
Love,
Mommy

diy {Resurrection Tree}

2011-04-07T15:54:00.005-05:00

I've spent this week planning and creating a Resurrection Tree for the Easter season. It's been so good to think about traditions for our family; traditions that really matter and teach our kids who God is and what He did for us.

When I read Treasuring God in Our Traditions last year, the idea of a Resurrection Tree stuck. Basically it consists of bare tree branches from the yard. Symbols that remind us of the Crucifixion and Resurrection are hung on the twigs. The symbols can just be things that you find around your house or create.

To create the tree (inspired from here and here), Ori and I collected some twigs this morning. He was a great, enthusiastic helper.

I spray painted the branches yellow. It was my first time to spray paint anything and I did a horrible job, but thankfully tree branches are forgiving.

You all do craft projects on top of your dirty kitchen stove, right?!
This afternoon, I placed the branches in an old raisin can, placed crumpled up paper around it, and then covered the can with scrapbook paper. Very simple.

Starting Sunday, my plan is for us to gather as a family before bed each night and read through the Easter story. I divided it into 14 sections and came up with a symbol/ornament for each section. Ori will hang the ornament on the tree after we read the Scripture passage.

I think I will also try to go through the meaning of the symbols on the tree each morning with Ori to reinforce what he is learning.

I'm excited. I hope this becomes a precious and loved tradition for our family.

Here are the passages in case you want to create a tree for your family--you still have time! (NOTE: I struggled a little with this. It isn't perfect and might change):

Day 1: Triumphal Entry (Mt. 21:1-9)
Symbol: donkey (from Little People Christmas set)

Day 2: Jesus washes the disciples feet (John 13:1-20)
Symbol: cloth or small bowl (piece of fabric/clay bowl?)

Day 3: Last Supper (Luke 22:7-23)
Symbol: bread (would it be weird to hang up a Saltine cracker?!) and cup

Day 4: Jesus Prays on Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46)
Symbol: hand (trace Ori's hand and write "pray" on it)

Day 5: Jesus Arrested (John 18:1-11 or Luke 22:47-54)
Symbol: torch (represents the night setting and darkness)

Day 6: Jesus before Caiaphas (Mt. 26:57-68)
Symbol: chair (Son of Man seated at right hand of God)

Day 7: Peter's Denial (Mt. 26: 69-75)
Symbol: rooster (from Little People farm set)

Day 8: Judas Returns Silver (Mt. 27: 3-9)
Symbol: play money

Day 9: Jesus before Pilate (John 18:28-32)
Symbol: crown for a king (??)

Day 10: Jesus to be Crucified (John 19:1-16)
Symbol: crown of thorns (good thing we have thorns outside!)

Day 11: Crucifixion (John 19:17-27)
Symbol: cross made out of twigs

Day 12: Jesus Dies (John 19: 28-37)
Symbol: color red (blood)

Day 13: Jesus is Buried (John 19:38-42)
Symbol: rock

Day 14: Resurrection (Mt. 28:1-10)
Symbol: footprint (not sure . . .)

I'm still working on the symbols . . . let me know if you have other ideas. I would love to hear other Easter traditions as well.

Our Day {for Daddy}

2011-04-06T20:38:00.004-05:00

Ian's been traveling a lot for work the past few weeks. He was in California last Thursday and Friday, we had him Saturday, and then he left again early Sunday morning and will be gone through late Friday.

He is currently in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Apparently the city had to take the Scranton sign off the highway because everyone was stopping and taking a picture with it (thanks to The Office). The lovely sign now resides in the mall.

Calla gave Daddy a sweet gift Saturday night before he left. She snuggled while reading. What a rare, rare treat.

Ian, here are some highlights you missed today.

Ori

Ori finally figured out how to open the front door and disappeared outside while Calla's therapist was working with her (great). I went out and got him so we could go have lunch at the middle school, and he had a tick on his face. I think he is going to need a tick collar this summer. Do they make those for little boys? They should.

Calla

Based on the Sensory Processing Evaluation we filled out last month, her therapist told us today that she is normal except in the "Low Registration" range (so she is not a Sensory Seeker, like I thought). I am still a little confused as to what this means and how it fits her. From what I read, Low Registration means that she notices things less than other children and therefore needs more sensory input (so she seeks it, which makes her look like a Sensory Seeker). These kids might not respond when you call them, drift away during activities, and have a hard time completing tasks in a timely manner. By giving them more intensity of sensory experiences, they can pay attention during daily life activities. Interesting, huh?

Dinner
I made something I would never have made if you were home: bologna boats. I haven't had them since school lunches. It was the only meal I ever got seconds on in high school.

Aren't you sad you missed out? ha. They weren't like I remembered, and I almost threw up reading the package and how bologna's made up of "mechanically engineered" meat parts.

Calla downed an entire bologna boat. She loved it.

Ori was a little grumpy because he wanted to go back outside. He did eat his entire dinner too . . . probably because he wanted a cookie.

Packages
I received two packages today. One included some spring cookie cutters (I am longing to make frosted sugar cookies again), and the other included some accessories for Calla.

I've been a little sad because I haven't found a deal good enough to get Calla a new dress for Easter and stay within her little clothing budget. So, she will be wearing a dress she already has and I spent a few dollars on some cute hair clips to dress it up.

Isn't the packaging cute? They are from Coco Penny.

I love them. It'll totally make her Easter outfit.

We miss you and can't wait to hug you on Friday!

Perfected Dishwasher Detergent {I think}

2011-04-04T20:56:00.009-05:00

I've been using homemade laundry detergent since January. I love it (except for the fact that Fels Naptha soap is hard to grate for people with weak arms). But even with my weak arms, I can make it in about 10 minutes. Mindy has a great recipe and tutorial here if you are interested.

Also, Wal-Mart doesn't carry Fels Naptha, so I picked up a bar of Zote soap for my latest batch.It is a much softer soap and grates effortlessly. If I like the results (just made it today), I might switch to using it all the time. Also, Zote soap is a fabulous stain remover. Just rub the bar of soap on the stain and it should come out. If I can quit buying Shout, there's three extra dollars a month, right? (Edited: It does okay with some stains, but not as well as Shout.)

Seeing how much money I have saved by making my own laundry detergent, I started searching for a dishwasher detergent recipe. While the reviews for homemade laundry detergent were almost always positive . . . dishwasher detergent seemed to have mixed reviews. However, I currently spend quite a bit of money on Cascade and Jet Dry every month and my glasses are embarrassingly cloudy; I figured it couldn't make my dishes any worse. (While researching I also learned that they removed phosphates from dishwasher detergent in 2010 which is why my glasses suddenly turned cloudy; I had no idea!).

Here is my version of homemade dishwasher detergent. I have used it for 2 weeks and LOVE it. My glasses are clean and sparkly.

You will need:
--1 cup Borax
--1 cup Washing Soda
--2 cups Lemi Shine (about 1 container)

I just put a little spoonful in--maybe 1 T. in each compartment. My dishes come out clean, it's cost-effective, and one recipe will last a long time since I am using a lot less product.

Edited 5/29/11: After using it for several months, I have mixed feelings. My second batch became really hard after a few days. I think it is due to the LemiShine being mixed into the other products. I just break it up with a metal spoon and still use it, but it doesn't look right. I feel like my dishes are clean, but sometimes the glasses don't feel smooth on the outside (they aren't cloudy though!), and I have to rinse them with hot water and dry them before putting them away. I guess I would say it is worth trying, but I am not sold on it.

Have you tried homemade dishwasher detergent? Thoughts?

She changed me

2011-04-01T15:10:00.005-05:00

I did not handle Ori's birth well.
At all.
Going into labor at 33 weeks with my first child scared me.
I screamed. I flailed around so much on the hospital bed that they almost couldn't give me the epidural.
I thought my world was ending.
How could this be happening to me?
All I ever wanted was to be a mom.
I found myself totally consumed in my own trial.
To me, having a 33 weeker was the worst thing anyone could ever go through.

I remember the first day I actually looked around the NICU (Day 12--click here).
I took time to look past Ori's incubator and saw a baby who weighed just a little over a pound. Another had already been in ICU for 10 weeks.
I realized that I needed eyes to see the needs of those outside myself.
I saw that my trial was not unique to me. At all.
I also realized I had some maturing to do.

Little did I know that less than 15 months later, I would be the mama of one of those teeny-tiny, one-pound miracles.

My labor with Calla was completely the opposite of Ori's.
At 26 weeks, it was much more critical; yet, I was at peace.
I truly experienced a peace that passes understanding on December 16, 2009, Calla's birthday.
I will never ever forget that feeling.

Calla changed me. Forever.
I quickly had to come to terms that God did not promise me a healthy baby, but that He is still good and faithful.
He is God; Calla's birth was not a surprise to Him.
He orchestrated this trial for my good; He specifically allowed it to happen to my family.
While Calla was in the hospital, His word became my lifeline, source of strength, and hope.
Before that, reading the Bible was something I did because I knew I was supposed to.

This little girl changed me. (Isn't she beautiful?!)
Because of her, I desire to be in the Word more than ever before (although it is still a choice I have to make every day).

Because of her, I have a bit of a deeper understanding of what it means to truly give a child back to the Lord.

Because of her, I embrace the opportunity to meet other moms who find themselves in similar trials.

Because of her, I cherish little moments with my kids.

My greatest need and desire is not to be an amazing mom.
My greatest need is God.

"It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees . . . .
Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight."
Psalm 119: 71-77

I hate that it often takes trials to learn lessons.
Why can't we learn what God has for us without having to go through hardships?
But, a year later, I can honestly say that it was good for me to be afflicted.

I am thankful God used Calla to change me.

A can, a thorn, and a wreath

2011-03-31T08:17:00.003-05:00

Ori likes to play outside after dinner. Last night, I heard whimpering, looked out the window, and saw this:

Our sweet boy clutched a littered beer can in one hand and an old metal hinge in another. "Dirt snot" ran down his face.

He kept saying, "Stick in my shirt!" and arching his neck like this.

Ian went out to rescue the poor kid and he had a thorn stuck in his neck. The force of pulling out the thorn caused him to drop the can into a hole in the porch (classy, huh?). He was so sad his treasure disappeared and shouted, "Hey, that mine!"

We love him. And his treasures (well, maybe not a nasty old beer can from who knows where).
_________________________________________________________________

Remember when I was trying to decide on a spring wreath to make? I finished it this week.

I decided to do the fabric flower wreath (tutorial here). Mine is wrapped in denim from an old pair of jeans and decorated with lots of fabric flowers from t-shirts.

It was a relaxing project. I just made a few flowers here and there and finally had enough. I do wish I would have played around more with the arrangement of the flowers (I get in a hurry with projects and just end up slapping something together) and maybe used a lighter, more country-looking denim. Oh, well. I'm learning, and I do like it.

Now it's time to plan the next one . . .

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Simplicity

2011-03-29T15:16:00.006-05:00

I've found myself pondering words from Tsh Oxenreider's book Organized Simplicity often the past two weeks.

"When we have more stuff, we usually have less time for relationships with other people" (30).

I am the first to admit I am hesitant to have guests over because I have stuff everywhere. Laundry piled on the chair, messes on the kitchen floor, etc. I find myself apologizing to company all the time: "Sorry about that old TV sitting at the top of the stairs. I'm not sure why it hasn't been moved." How annoying. What would it be like to truly rid my house of all the clutter and things that I don't even really like?

"Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a home you could clean in its entirety in just a few hours so that you could devote the rest of your weekend to enjoying time with your friends and family? (31)".

Umm . . . yes. I can't even imagine. My home takes hours and hours to clean, and I don't even have a place for everything we own.

Calla loves her great-grandma

"By keeping our firm commitments to a minimum, we're saying 'yes' to being available for people who enter our lives casually" (31).

I love being able to go see a friend or welcome people into my home at short notice (if my housekeeping is decent, that is!). I want to be able to have a schedule that allows me to chat on the phone a little longer if a friend needs to talk.

I loved being able to accept an invitation to my parents' farm last week to check out the new tractor--even if that wasn't what I had planned for my day.

I also don't want to always be in a hurry, rushing from one activity to the next and maintaining a schedule that is so full--even of good things--that we are never home.

I desire an open/flexible schedule that leaves plenty of time to focus on raising my children and loving others. People are so important and I want them to know it.

I've struggled a little with this tractor-loving-two-year-old lately. Lots of whining and crying. Then I realized that we have been so busy that I haven't even been intentional with him (two weeks without a day at home is not good). Being intentional with my kids is so important to me, but I let it slip.

I'm glad it's a new week . . . with lots and lots of time at home.
And all that stuff in my house without a place? It's going into garage sale tubs this week.

Clutter, cookies, and salad

2011-03-26T14:40:00.004-05:00

Paper clutter, paper clutter, paper clutter. Simple Mom's hotspot #2 is kicking my tail. Especially since I was supposed to be done with #3 (toys and kids' clothes) yesterday. Anyway, I sorted and filed my week away, and my box of loose papers is now EMPTY!! I managed to keep Calla from tearing up some important documents, like a car title, and feel pretty good about my progress. However, Ian says I have been grouchy/stressed lately; I am going to blame the paper clutter. I still have the craft/art supply paper drawer to go through, but the big chunk is done.

Since my week entailed boring things like organizing papers, I thought I would share a few recipes. I received two fabulous cookbooks for my birthday and have loved reading through them and trying new recipes.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Notice an ingredient that doesn't belong? Yup . . .this cookie recipe, from Jessica Seinfield's Deceptively Delicious, includes a can of chick peas. These cookies are seriously delicious and those chick peas make them healthy, right?

Here's the recipe:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup packed brown sugar and 3/4 cup trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread (I didn't really know what that was and used Crisco) on medium speed until smooth. Beat in 2 large egg whites and 2 tsp. vanilla, then the 15 oz. can of chickpeas (drained/rinsed) and 2 cups chocolate chips. Add 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. salt, and mix on low speed until a thick dough forms.
3. Drop the dough be tablespoons onto the baking sheet, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart. Press gently with a fork to flatten. Bake 11 minutes; do not overbake.

The texture is a little different, but they are super moist. My kids LOVE them. And so do I. And so does Ian. And so does my mom . . . I think they passed the test. The only problem? Well, since I consider them healthier cookies, I think I can eat more than I normally would.

I have some cauliflower puree in the freezer to add to a tuna salad recipe next week. We'll see how good I get at adding vegetables into our everyday foods.
___________________________________________________________________

Cranberry-Orange Chicken Salad

Cute plate, huh? My friends "made" me get them at Ikea because every time they came to my house and asked for a plastic plate for their children, I didn't have any. At 99 cents a plate, I couldn't turn them down.

I also received the much anticipated Our Best Bites Cookbook. My favorite food blog now has a cookbook. Love!

This was a nice, light dinner and a fun twist on the typical chicken salad.

Recipe:
1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups chicken (marinated, grilled, and chopped), 1 cup chopped celery, 1/3 cup chopped green onions, 1 T. orange zest, and 1/2 cup Craisins.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayo, 1 tsp. coarse grain mustard, 2 T. cranberry sauce, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add to the chicken mixture and toss to fully combine. This salad is best if refrigerated several hours before serving.
3. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans just before serving (I did not add these). Serve on a croissant or roll with a crisp leaf of lettuce.

Happy cooking . . .or filing . . . or whatever you have planned this weekend.

IKEA 2011

2011-03-24T10:49:00.003-05:00

{photo by Mindy}
My IKEA weekend was truly amazing. The last time I had a girl's weekend/trip was before kids, so this was pretty special. We planned it months in advance so that we could save money and plan the items we wanted to purchase to make our homes more beautiful and organized.

Throughout the weekend we talked about every topic imaginable: marriage, parenting, babies, books, church, exercise (I had lots to contribute to that topic. ha!), spiritual growth, prayer, shopping, etc. Did I mention it was amazing to spend an entire weekend with friends?

IKEA was an obvious highlight. I now get how a person could spend an entire day in one store.

We dreamed about new kitchens and had fun exploring the store.

{image via}

I was in desperate need of a bookcase/organizing unit for my house and purchased the Expedit bookcase (one for our office and a smaller one for Ori's new room). Ian put it together the night after I got home and we love it.

{image via}

I also replaced our bedding. This quilt is part of it (I can't find the duvet cover online that I got). It's much prettier in person and makes our room so much more inviting.

{photo by Mindy}
I can't believe everything fit in the car. Amazing. I think we were just slightly over the 15 minute loading limit. Oops.

We stayed at Aloft. It's a really neat, modern hotel.

We spent all evening playing pool at the hotel.
Just kidding. After IKEA, the mall, dinner, Coldstone, Barnes and Noble . . . we were super tired.

I loved everything about our weekend (minus the 3 hour delay getting home due to traffic and road construction). Thanks, girls!

Home again

2011-03-21T10:53:00.005-05:00

I came home late last night from a girl's weekend in Frisco, TX.

This was the first thing I saw upon entering my house at midnight:

Daddy must have done a little grocery shopping while I was gone. I've heard, "More cheese balls, please!" more times than I can count today and it is only 11am.

I also came home to nice weather and spring flowers blooming in the yard.

A selection is now brightening my kitchen table.

While it feels so good to be home, the weekend was amazing. I went with these two sweet friends:

We pretty much spent all our time here:

My first trip to Ikea=AMAZING. I want to go back. Really bad. You should have seen my car. We filled the Xterra to the max.

Today I am recuperating and loving on my babies. I'll share more later!

St. Patricks Day

2011-03-17T15:28:00.004-05:00

We spent our morning with a mom who just took her 24 weeker home a month or so ago. I could have cuddled that little baby all day--oxygen cords, monitor and all. I love spending time with these women; it's been an unexpected blessing after Calla's hospital stay to be able to share with them, listen to their struggles, offer encouragement and love, and hopefully be a blessing in their lives.

After a quick lunch at home, we made Pot of Gold Cupcakes and then headed outside to play, play, play.

Calla found the dirt. She threw it in the air and then went for more. I think she might be just like her brother (who often seems to want to be like her . . . crawling? Seriously?)

Ori loves this month's sensory tub. It is filled with gold coins, lima beans, and split green peas. I also made some green shamrocks out of felt, but they are not shown (didn't want them to blow away in the wind).

This is one of the little moments that made me smile really big today. Ori saw Papa's truck, ran over to it, plopped down in the grass, and just stared at it. The boy's brain is filled with dreams of driving truck and farming.

Calla didn't so much care for the truck, but decided to roll around in the grass. It's all about new sensory experiences for her, I tell you. She keeps me busy, but makes me laugh all the time.

Lots and lots of exploring for little Calla

and even a little somersaulting for Ori.

Life is good at Breezy Acres.

Tightening

2011-03-15T15:33:00.005-05:00

So far staying home with these two little lovelies has been "easy." Thanks to Financial Peace University and a fairly strict budget, I did not need to change my spending habits much when I left the workforce and started staying home this fall.

However, this month we realized we need to tighten the non-essentials in our budget. I did not think this was possible, but Ian and I sat down and came up with a plan (so important to be on the same page as your spouse with finances!). I want to be sad about the changes in my precious grocery money, clothing allowance, entertainment, and blow money. We will have to make some changes in what we eat and how we entertain ourselves.

But these kids are worth it, and I am committed to doing what we need to do so I can continue to stay home with them, be a blessing to others, and build our family in whatever way God leads.

We can find cheap/free entertainment (maybe not this slide--I about had a heart attack when I saw my sweet little boy climbing such a big, dangerous slide yelling, "Hi Mom!"). And I never thought I would say this, but rice and beans actually make a pretty good meal.

The truth is, I am blessed. Americans are wealthier than 90% of the world's population. All my family's essential needs are easily met each month. We just have too much stuff and think we need more for some reason.

I loved this quote from Bible study this morning:

God does give good gifts and we are to enjoy them fully.
But we are always to recognize where they came from; they come from His hand alone.
So we are to have an attitude of gratitude and a thankful heart for His provision no matter how great or how small.
It is all his and everything we have is from Him. He calls us to be content and grateful.
--Betsy Corning, Entrusted with a Child's Heart

Ecclesiastes 5:10, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity."

Hebrews 13:5, "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.'"

I always have abundance in Christ. May that truly be enough.

Happenings

2011-03-10T16:26:00.004-06:00

Sometimes it's fun to think of all the little random happenings from the week. Here are a few:

Chocolate

My nose bled chocolate last night. I am addicted to Dove Promises, had one in my mouth, reached down to grab clothes from the washing machine and felt like my nose was going to bleed. Only it wasn't blood . . . it was chocolate. Weird.

Bed head

Calla has the best bed-head (besides her daddy). It makes me smile every morning.

Lady bug watching

Ori watched this lady bug for half an hour this morning. He said it made him happy.

This activity, according to Ori, required sunglasses because the sunlight got too bright for his eyes.

Failed Science Experiments
I stink at science experiments. Always have. I relied heavily on my lab partners in high school and college. I had to give up my dream of becoming a pharmacist because Chemistry II was so hard.

I apparently forgot this fact, and attempted to do science with Ori. He currently loves the book Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roar by Franklyn M. Branley. It's very scientific and I have to force myself to read it to him every day (sometimes multiple times).

In the back it has a few experiments to do. One of them was called "Make a Cloud." Perfect for a foggy day, right?

First, we put a few ice cubes and a dash of salt on a saucer. The salt was supposed to make the ice melt quickly so the saucer becomes very cold. I got impatient and didn't let the ice melt all the way. The plate felt cold enough to me (Ian exclaimed later, "You touched the plate!??!" and went on to explain something about how I transferred heat to the plate, etc.). Then I filled a jar halfway with hot water. I even microwaved it so it was really hot.

Next, we placed the saucer over the jar. A misty cloud was supposed to form between the water and the saucer as the warm water evaporated and met the cool air. I didn't see a cloud (just fogginess), but Ori thought it was cool.

I even tried it again with a frozen bag of vegetables thinking surely that would be cold enough to make a cloud. Not much difference. Oh well. We played a virtual thunderstorm soundtrack in the background. That was cool, I guess.

Hope your week was good . . .it's almost Friday!

Twenty-nine

2011-03-07T19:49:00.005-06:00

My 29th birthday included really glamorous events such as taking a sick, wheezing Calla to the doctor, watching her choke on a pita chip at lunch and projectile vomit twice all over her seat (and me), grocery shopping, and cleaning up dog throw-up. Pretty cool, huh?

Thank goodness for lots of sweet Facebook comments, phone calls from friends and family, and lunch with the husband.

Speaking of my husband, want to see what he sacrificed for my birthday?

"Julie, I love you so much. So, for your birthday (I can't believe I'm saying this) I will shave my beard."

"But I said nuthin' 'bout the 'stache!"

These pictures made me laugh so hard; I think they are great. He posted them for me throughout the day on Facebook.

Now we'll see how long he sports that mustache . . .

Happy Monday!

**Click here for more weird beard pictures.

Our sensory seeker?

2011-03-03T22:00:00.006-06:00

"She is a busy one."
"She sure is active!"
"She didn't nap . . . she was too interested in her surroundings."
"How do you change her diaper? She is so squirmy."
"She is really hard to hold."
"How do you manage to put her pajamas on?"

These are a sampling of phrases I hear from nursery workers and friends/family after spending time with Calla.

This girl is crazy.
She does not let me cuddle her. Ever.
The girl cannot focus when I try to teach or show her something (I'm talking about a 2 minute age-appropriate lesson).
She crawls back and forth in the bath tub non-stop.
When the bath water is running, she dips her head in and does not mind that water is running down her face.

I always assumed this was just her personality, but I mentioned all of this to Calla's therapist through Rainbows United today and learned something.

Almost all preemies have some sort of sensory development issue because the sensory section is the last part of the brain to develop.

I knew that, but assumed that all kids with sensory problems were avoiders. Earlier, I prepared myself for tough feedings and figured Calla might fight certain textures of food. I thought we might have to cut tags off of shirts and dress her in cotton pants instead of jeans. Perhaps loud noises would bother her and she would cover her ears and withdraw.

However, as Calla has grown, I noticed that she loves feeling different textures. She eats anything and everything placed in front of her. The girl attacks jewelry and shiny shoes. Crawling in the grass is no trouble, and she is drawn to noise. I thought we were in the clear and would not deal with sensory stuff at all.

Well, apparently not all kids with sensory issues are avoiders. Some are called "sensory seekers."

A sensory seeker can't get enough sensory input. They tend to lack common sense regarding safety and might climb too high and jump off of things. Sensory seekers seek loud noises, touch everything, chew inedible things, and can't sit still.

Calla's therapist gave us a test to fill out to see if she is a sensory seeker. We'll see what the results show in a month, but I just thought it was interesting and helped me understand what might be going on with her.

In the meantime, we'll keep working with her and loving her like crazy!

Happiness

2011-02-28T16:16:00.004-06:00

"The happiest people are rarely the richest, or the most beautiful, or even the most talented.

Happy people do not depend on excitement and 'fun' supplied by externals. They enjoy the fundamental, often very simple things in life.

They waste no time thinking other pastures are greener. They do not yearn for yesterday or tomorrow.

They savor the moment, glad to be alive, enjoying their work, their families, the good things around them.

They are adaptable, they can bend with the wind, adjust to the changes in their times, enjoy the contests of life . . .

Their eyes are turned outward, they are aware, compassionate.

They have the capacity to love."
--Jane Canfield

One of my goals as a mom is to make the most of our everyday moments. Life is so short and often hard, but I only have one chance at today. And I want today to be filled with happy, memorable times together. I want my home to be filled with laughter and happy, contented hearts.

Hopefully my children will look back and smile when they recall our walks to the bridge to throw rocks or the day we emptied out all the pots and pans from the cabinet and just played.

Sometimes it's just hard to keep the everyday in perspective. Believe me, we've had our share of fit throwing today. Ori ran over Calla with his dump truck because he was mad at her for playing with it. He refused to apologize to his crying sister for several minutes. Later, the kids pulled out every pan, cookie sheet, etc. that I own and spread them all over the kitchen floor. I let them because I needed sanity so I could finish preparing a meal for a friend who has a new baby at home.

But that isn't how I want to remember today. I want to remember Calla giggling as she realized she could walk for the first time while pushing Ori's big dump truck. I want to remember how much fun they had playing with the pans together (and how clean the cabinet is now since I was forced to clean it). I want to remember how excited Ori was when the oven timer went off because "new baby's food is all ready!"

My attitude affects the atmosphere of my home. I want to choose to focus on the little blessings each day and not the frustrations that come with having a one-year-old and a two-year-old.
Children are a blessing . . . even if they interrupt what I want to do.

The quote came from the book Family Fragrance, by J. Otis and Gail Ledbetter

Reese's Pieces and more

2011-02-25T16:45:00.004-06:00

Ori and I baked a new cookie recipe this week.
I was craving Reese's chocolate peanut butter chip cookies, and thought I had grabbed a bag of the peanut butter chips when we were at the store.
I got Reese's Pieces instead.
The bags were both orange.
I do that all the time.
I either buy the wrong item (I am currently stressing because I bought the wrong cut of meat for my mom's birthday dinner on Sunday . . . I think it might be too tough) or forget several things on my list.
Poor Ian usually has to grocery shop at some point during the week too.
I just don't know where my brain goes.
Does this happen to anyone else?
Anyway, this ended up being a good mistake because these cookies are AMAZING.
The recipe is on the bag.

Oatmeal Mini Pieces Cookies

2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T. milk
1.5 cups rolled oats
10 oz. pkg. Mini Reese's Pieces

Heat oven to 350. Beat shortening and sugars in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; add alternately with milk to sugar mixture. Stir in oats and candy pieces. Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 12 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on cookie sheet before removing to wire wrack.

Ori loves to lick the dough off the beater.
He sets it up on his table like this and calls it the "Christmas Tree."
I love how his mind works.
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Also, if you need a super quick lunch/dinner idea, I have just the thing.
These aren't super-duper amazing or anything, but they are quick to throw together (as in 5 minutes quick) and definitely hit the spot if you are in the mood for sandwiches.
Ian loves them.

Hot Ham Sandwiches
from Dec./Jan. 2011 issue of Simple and Delicious

1.5 lbs. thinly sliced deli ham
1 cup apple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1 tsp. mustard
1/2 tsp. paprika
6 kaiser rolls

Place ham in crock pot. In a small bowl, combine the apple juice, sugar, relish, mustard, and paprika. Pour over ham. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until heated through. Serve with additional relish if desired.

I always toast the buns and add cheese prior to serving.

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We had ONE really nice day this week, so I'll end with some pictures of our outdoor adventures.

I was so thrilled that Calla didn't stuff everything she found into her mouth while exploring outside.
Maybe, just maybe, she will be big enough to play in the sandbox this summer.

Calla's new crawl makes me laugh. She does it about 50% of the time.

The doghouse should probably be re-named "kidhouse."
The dogs never use it, but the kids love it.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for all your thoughts on the spring wreath ideas. I appreciated the new ideas thrown out as well. I'll keep you posted (since I am sure you are just dying to see my craftiness. . . haha).

Spring Wreath

2011-02-23T22:18:00.005-06:00

I need a new wreath for my door. Something for Spring. It's time for the heart to come down.

Here are some ideas I found:

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I love the colors in this paper towel spring wreath from Made by Nicole. . . and I still can't believe the flowers are made out of paper towels. It exudes happiness.

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I automatically loved this acorn wreath because we have a huge bag of acorns in a drawer upstairs (although I am terrified to look at them because in the tutorial it says to bake the acorns or they might become maggot infested . . . I did not bake mine). I like that this wreath is natural looking and can be spray painted various colors to fit the season.

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This butterfly wreath from Alisa Burke is a little different for me, but fun. I told Ian he would have to draw a bunch of butterflies for me. He replied, "I am not drawing you butterflies." Sigh. It's so hard when your husband is more artistic than you are. ;)

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This recycled roses wreath looks fairly simple and fun to make too (also from Alisa Burke).

Now I just need to decide which one to make and get the supplies (unless somebody shares yet another, even better idea). Any votes on a favorite?