More Hoedown

Just a few of the many "wanted" posters we made for the evening- they were hanging everywhere!!! I am so happy to say that the two children on the top 2 posters (Anna and Tanner) will be siblings. Their family just made their committment this week!!!

The new favorite game- Pantyhose Tag!!

Just a few of the "Stragglers" who stayed late for some s'mores

The Hoedown was a huge success! Over 100 people came out to celebrate this wonderful time of year and spend some good family time together. We love hosting this event every year. The night was full of old fashioned games- bobbing for apples, sack races, egg relays, three-legged races, hay rides and ......well, a new game we like to call pantyhose tag. That game was the favorite of the night. Later in the evening we broke out the marshmellows and made some good 'ole s'mores. We already have people requesting invitations for next year- just know we can't wait!!!

As of this moment, we have raised right at $1,100 for Reece's Rainbow!!!!! Can you believe it?! We still have a few donations coming in, so I'm waiting for those to write the BIG check! Thank you to all of you who donated, came to the Hoedown and above all prayed for a successful event. Our prayers were answered!!

In Him,

E

SHE HAS A FAMILY!!

I am so happy to announce that sweet Ruslana's family has come forward. She will have 2 older brothers and 2 olders sisters. Please, pray with me for them and that their journey to her will be quick and obstacle free. CONGRATULATIONS!
I wasn't sure how I would feel if God chose another family for her instead of us, but I am quite surprised. Tears of joy not sadness were shed last night when I heard the news. I can't wait for this little one to be in the arms of her parents.
In Him,
E

Auction #1!!!

Meet sweet little "Lacey Jane". My pictures don't do her justice but Lacey is an absolutely adorable doll made with love from beautiful fabrics by Imogen's Garden. Lacey Jane has no pieces/parts that may come off and pose a choking hazard- she's 100% fabric and perfect for little ones.

Imogen's Garden not only makes Lacey Janes, but will make a custom doll, too!! She also makes super hip children's clothing! Check her out- you will not be disappointed!

To place a bid, just visit my comment section and leave it there. Check back often- you don't want to be outbid!! Remember, 100% of proceeds go directly to Reece's Rainbow! The auction will end at 9:00pm eastern time and I'll post the winner by 10:00. Good luck!


In Him,

E

And the winner is....

HEATHER!!! from Distressed Designs. Heather was extremely generous and sent us 3 beautiful signs for the auction. Her signs are very unique and a bargain- good Christmas gifts!! Go check her out- she even does custom orders (I think- sorry Heather if you don't!!) Thanks, Heather!!
In Him,
E

THE STARFISH POEM

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.

He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore.

As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself to think of someone who would
dance to the day.

So he began to walk faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing.

Instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As the wise man got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"

The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."

The wise man then asked, "Why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach
and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said-

"It made a difference for that one."

I am sure that many of you have read this poem before. It keeps replaying in my head. Coincidence? Who knows- well, God knows. What is our calling? Is it to just be aware of those who are less fortunate? Should we send money and say a quick prayer? Or does He call us to do more?
How easy it is for me to do the most convenient thing, but that's not what He wants. He wants me to sacrifice myself with nothing expected in return. I fervently pray that He will reveal His plan to me. What is He calling me to do? What is He calling my family to be a part of?
In Him,

E

Giveaway today!! and special announcement

Good morning!! Today is the day! Above you see a picture of a few of the super cute hair accessories my oldest made. They are today's giveaway! All you have to do is leave me a comment and tonight my dear hubby will draw the winner.

And here's the announcement (no, not adoption announcement- I know that's what many of you are hoping/waiting for)-

I will have an auction a day for the next couple of weeks!! So many people blessed us with donations for our silent auction. Each day for the next couple of weeks I will feature one person/company who donated and auction off one of their items. All items are handmade and wonderful!! You will not be out any money unless you win and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Reece's Rainbow. So it's a win/win! (Psst- I will also sneak a giveaway in there occasionally.)

Here's how it will work-

1. Item will be posted in the morning by 8:00 am eastern time.

2. You can submit bids all day long in my comment section.

3. At 9:00 pm the auction will end. Check back- I will post the winner by 10:00.

4. Highest bidder will be responsible for shipping costs.

This is a perfect time for some Christmas shopping! Good luck!

In Him,

E

Giveaway and a few pics

Tune in tomorrow for a very exciting announcement. We will also be having a giveaway- tell your friends!

We were in great company Saturday evening- even Buzz and Woody joined us!

(my nephew and Dad)

A few guests going over the silent auction items

Food, food and more food



Trying her hand at the lasso


I was amazed at how many kids got the apples without help from hands

There are more, and I will post them soon. I'm trying to spend some much needed time with my family. I know many of you are waiting for totals. I will tell you we are over $800 but still have a few donations coming in so stay tuned.

Have a blessed night!
In Him,

E

Pumpkin fun!

Well, I told the girls a couple of weeks ago that we were going to have to skip Burt's Pumpkin Farm this year. Life is extra busy and money is tighter. That didn't go over too well. My husband even said that we need to cut back but not in this area. Burt's is snuggled in the foothills of the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. The moment you step out of your car you smell that wonderful aroma of baked pumpkin- pies, cream cheese swirls, breads. Everytime, memories come flooding back. I'm SO glad we didn't skip it this year- what was I thinking?!!
On the ride to Burt's we decided that we have been going there for at least 13 years!

I want you to know that my girls take choosing a pumpkin very seriously. Just see for yourselves.

See, hubby is helping our youngest plot her path to the perfect one!

Burt, we'll see you again next year!

E

Whew!

We made it through! The Hoedown was a blast and a huge success!! Over 100 people came out to eat, play games, eat, participate in the silent auction, sit around the fire making s'mores and....did I say eat? Stay tuned for pictures, total amount raised (we are still counting change!!) and a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
I am so tired I can hardly move but there's much to clean up now.
E

Praying for Markana

Please, say a prayer for my dear sister-in-law today. As I type this, she is visiting an oncologist to have an MRI. She is a beautiful woman, wife to my awesome brother and mom to Miss Stella.
I'm not sure if we'll have any answers today but in the near future we may be faced with that horrid "C" word that noone wants to hear. I pray for Chip and Markana as they try to prepare for the reality of it all. I don't think anyone can ever truly be prepared.
Pray for strength, courage and peace. But above all, pray for HEALING! She is such an amazing woman!! I LOVE YOU, MARKANA!

Hair accessories

We have hair accessories, yes we do! Not only do we have clips for big and small, but we now have headbands and ponytail holders! We actually have so many that we will be selling them here in addition to the Hoedown.

My darling oldest daughter has sewn her poor fingers off, so please help us raise money for these angels and let our daughter know how worth it all her work has been.

Prices are: Set of small clips $3

Set of large clips $4

Set of ponytail holders $4

One ponytail holder $2

Headband $4

HERE SHE IS!!!

Oh, oh, oh!!! Visit www.reecesrainbow.blogspot.com to see the girl I am so in love with. Ruslana is the "Child of the Day" today. Isn't she just beautiful!!
E

Give thanks!!

I just want to take a moment to thank each and every person who has embraced this ministry and sent donations for the silent auction. I don't personally know 97% of these people, yet they have stepped out on blind faith and sent us some wonderful items. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Many of the email conversations I have had with these generous ladies have moved me to tears. I will charish each and every one and think about you often!! I pray that even a few of you are being moved to bring home a special angel with a little something extra!!
Please, visit their sites, send them a thank you and order from them!! All of them are cottage businesses and need our support. Most items are handmade which make them extra, extra special!! Christmas is right around the corner and I, for one, will be ordering Christmas gifts from these amazing people.
Let's call it the "Handmade Holiday"- it's a challenge I'm giving to all of you- for those you just have to buy for. And for those you don't, please, please, please donate to RR's Angel Tree that will officially be launched November 1st. Stay tuned and keep checking their site for some much anticipated pictures of the kiddos who need your support. Along with each donation of $25 or more, you will recieve a Christmas ornament with a photo of your sponsored child on one side.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

And stay tuned for Hoedown pics (well, give me a few days at least!!).

In Him,

E

And more...

Darling bag generously donated by A Window into Whimsy

Super yummy Tastefully Simple treats generously donated by Robin Holt!

And more...

Thank you also to Kim for the end tables and Laura for the Bass Pro Shop gift card.

Reversible swing top generously donated by Imogen's Garden

"Lacy Jane" generously donated by Imogen's Garden

Loungewear generously donated by Dilly Bop Designs

Painted ceramic tiles generously donated by Sweet Pickles Pottery

Golf print generously donated by a friend, Janet

Donations

Sorry about the flash- I'm not in the mood to mess with it. Here are just a few of the latest. I'll post more in a bit.

Polka Dot Cross generously donated by Cutie Patooties

3 super cool pillows generously donated by Little Leg Warmers

Darling apron and headband generously donated by

Sugar Chic Baby

Sewing scrap bags and curling iron cover generously donated by nstitches4u

Lolah Pop! donated this cute vintage style sundress and a $10 gift certificate, too!!

Unsettled

Yes, I am. Just a weird night for me here. I just don't feel quite settled and can't pinpoint what's going on.

I love, love, love this time of year and can't wait for the Hoedown, but this auction has been so much work. I want to make sure all people who have donated are recognized, bidding sheets are printed, items sorted, blah blah blah!! I am so glad we have chosen to have the auction and I have met some amazing people through the process but I am tired! And I guess that's what it is. We are cleaning, building fire pits, spreading hay in the barn, piling firewood, making posters, unbending hangers (for marshmellows), making grocery lists, writing thank you's and on and on.

Oh and guess what?!!! My husband will be so glad I am telling you this- we have an electrician coming out tomorrow morning to fix a major mess-up. While pulling the trailer FULL of firewood yesterday, dear hubby ran over a heavy duty wire (out of the ground but not dangerous and should have been buried long ago). The wire got stuck on the trailer and well....noone noticed until it was too late. Now part of the wire that was buried, is no longer. The wire began pulling away from the breaker box inside our extra garage and started bending some of the siding on the outside. I think maybe deep down he did it on purpose so that he could go ahead and have the garage (his shop) rewired. That was on the "To Do One Day" list. I guess that day is now tomorrow. I love you, honey!!

So, I guess what everyone needs around here are prayers. Prayers mainly to get through this next week without Mom (me) completely going off the deep end which for some reason my family thinks I do from time to time.

Also, I need some feedback about exactly how to use the money we raise. Please, leave me a comment (or email/call me) and let me know what you think the best choice is-
1. Give all money directly to Reece's Rainbow to go toward the operating budget.
2. Give all money to an RR family already in the process of adopting a special angel.
3. Give all money to a particular child in hopes that his/her family will come forward.

Prayerfully consider these 3 options and let me know what you think. I pray you all have a restful night and wonderful new week.
Amazed by His grace,
E

FIREPROOF

All I will say is- I BELIEVE EVERY COUPLE SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE!! I am sure it's changing lives, changing families and changing marriages. Grab your hubby by the hand and go!
In Him,
E

Take a step back

I was going through pictures earlier and found some very funny ones. I remember this Sunday very distinctly. It was our anniversary, and we chose to spend it with our 3 beautiful girls. It was a perfect spring day. A little cool and well....you can see what happened.

Hubby and 2 kiddos enjoying the hammock. Why is it that Dad's think they must test the limits of each and every moving object?!

Well, you see what happens when they do that!!! And no, honey, it had nothing to do with the fact that I was the one who hung the hammock- you shouldn't swing that high!!!

Our oldest safe and sound and far away from the hammock!! This was taken just before the collapse.

And Daddy hitching a ride back up to the house to fetch tools to rehang the hammock. It wasn't my fault!!!

It's time to take a step back away from the Hoedown for a moment- however brief it may be.


Life continues here with three amazing children and an awesome husband who I don't recognize nearly enough. God has truly blessed me many times over and in the middle of day to day happenings it's so easy to forget that. We just spent a wonderful evening here spread out in the middle of the floor playing Scrabble together (and no, we didn't score nearly as many points as Mom and Chip!!). I actually don't think we had one word over 5 letters, but the time we spent together was "priceless". One of those moments when I "BLINK" and take a picture in my mind to (hopefully) keep forever.

Hug your family tonight and tell them just how important they are to you. I know my husband and a couple of my kids read this-

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! YOU ROCK!!!

At 11:30 am eastern time tomorrow my sweet sister-in-law will see the specialist. Please, take a moment to pray for her. We love you, M!!!!

In Him,

E

And one more...

Audrey, a culinary school graduate, has donated a wonderful thing!! 4 course meal for 4 including a server (her hubby:) cooked at winner's home!! She will do all the cooking, shopping, prep and clean-up. Can't wait to be invited to that dinner!! Yummy!

And more...

Super cute bobby pin print apron generously donated by Jump Up and Down

So sweet wand, headband, wings and tutu generously donated by Just Tutu Cute

What a great idea! 2 Seek and Spy bags generously donated by Wait 4 Me

5 beautiful burp cloth/bib sets generously donated by Baby Darling

Dress and 2 bibs also generously donated by Baby Darling

More...

Darling Toothfairy pillow and Mermaid towel generously donated by Tiny Green Apples

Unique Scrabble tile necklaces- Scrabble letter on back and paint on front

generously donated by Bumble Beadz

Absolutely wonderful Superhero shirt and cape generously donated by Tickle Stitch

3 super cute Tutus generously donated by The Pin Cushion

Very handy colored pencil roll and crayon roll also generously donated by The Pin Cushion

Donations, donations, donations

I will also post more later tonight....today is Wednesday and Wednesdays at our house mean MOE'S for dinner. So, when the kids are in bed I'll add the rest.

REMEMBER- you may bid now!! If you are interested in something in particular, send me your max bid and I'll enter it. Who knows...you may be the proud owner of one of these great handmade items!! And supporting an awesome ministry, too!!

Darling slings for kiddos to use with babydolls generously donated by LoMai Slings

I can't even describe how beautiful these tiles are.

Generously donated by Tile Smile

(I just love this lady!!)

Oh, and these are beautiful!! Small bowls/plates/cuties generously donated by Say Your Piece.

She does custom orders (baby names and birthdates, wedding dates, etc), too!

Darling, rustic signs (wouldn't they look fabulous in my house!) generously donated by Distressed Designs

Super, super cute "Neptun" puppets generously donated by Mahalo