Sam and Esther

God has been working on me for quite a while. Only He knows what is to come. This video will help you all understand where I am coming from (I hope). I realize I can't "save the world", but I/we can save a small part of it with God's help- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

James 4:17 "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

In Him,
E

*Don't forget to turn off music at the bottom of the page.

Starfish

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

As he 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 he bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said-

"I 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 your 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. What is He calling me to do? What is He calling my family to be a part of?

We just returned home from a morning out. Out doing what? Well.....honestly, part of me is ashamed to say. We were shopping. Shopping? Shopping!!!! Don't we have enough? When is enough enough? Why can't I just let someone else spend their hard earned money on those "good deals"? It's hard for me, and I'm sick about it to tell you the truth.

I don't like New Year's Resolutions. They really seem quite silly to me. Why should you- only at the beginning of the year- promise to do something? How many times do you feel like a failure when by January 15th you have already messed up and eaten chocolate, not done your Bible study or yelled at your kids? Life is not like that! God is not like that! God is about forgiveness and starting over/trying again.

So, why am I talking about all this resolution business? While hubby was working out last night (not a resolution but something he has been doing for a while now), the girls and I got to talking. Sitting in our snuggly, warm family room with only the Christmas tree lights on, we decided we are going to try something this year. It's BIG, BIG, BIG!! And by the way, I totally failed today. But hey, it's not the New Year yet, right?

Stay tuned and I'll let you in on our plans. I tell you, it's BIG.........I challenge you to join us.

In Him,

E

Oh come let us adore Him!

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:11-14

May you be blessed this Holy day!

Amazed by His grace,

E

I Would Gather Children

Some would gather money
Along the path of life
Some would gather roses,
And rest from worldly strife.
But I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a golden curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.
For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.
But oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven,
I can take them in with me!
~Author Unknown~

The Christmas season has been somewhat different for me this year. The girls, hubby and I have enjoyed some wonderful down time. There have been stretches when I haven't had to leave my house for several days. I have loved being able to be crafty with the girls and make many Christmas gifts. We have been able to lay in bed reading wonderful Christmas treasures. We have been able to focus on this Advent season.

But as amazing and rejuvenating as these moments have been, I can't shake an ache I have in my heart. A couple of weeks ago I got an email from a Mom who just got back from adopting a special angel from Ukraine. They have no heat in the orphanage and food is scarce. NO HEAT!! Do you realize how cold it is in Ukraine? MUCH colder than our temps here! And without proper nutrition there are thousands and thousands of children suffering. My heart aches. It makes me want to sell everything we have and go. Go do something, but I've been told I'm crazy. Maybe I am- some think I couldn't make it.

Yesterday we got a special gift in the mail. We recieved 3 extra special ornaments with photos of specific orphans on them. We decided over a month ago that we would let each kiddo sponsor an orphan with Downs. 100% of ALL donations go directly into that child's grant fund. When donating $35 or more, you receive an ornament with a picture of the child you are sponsoring on it. They are beautiful and each have an extra special spot on our "orphan" tree. This tree holds their photos only so the significance of them isn't overshadowed.

I pray you all have a blessed Christmas! We have some fun planned for tomorrow and I CAN"T WAIT!! My brother, his wife Markana (see her photo in the right column and read her story) and little baby Stella will be gracing us with their presence for lunch and game fun. My Mom and possibly my Dad will be here, too. We are quite bummed at the amount of people who have to work tomorrow- including my Dad who works for the government. Go figure!

In Him,
E

Our cradle is empty

We made the discovery last night. Our peanut Jesus was eaten by one of the dogs....sob, sob, sob!

Just a thought...

“To live for yourself is to rob yourself of your own humanity. It is only in living for Christ that we actually begin to become what we were meant to be.”
- Paul David Tripp, A Quest for More (Greensboro, NC; New Growth Press, 2007), 100.(From Of First Importance)

HOMESCHOOLING ROCKS!!

Can you sit around playing Cranium with your most wonderful sisters all day in school? I don't think so. We had a great family day today. Hubby doesn't work much in the winter (especially in the rain), so he was able to join us. Since he was home early, we decided to spend the rest of the day playing games. Well....game (singular). We are a game-lovin' family! Our middle got Cranium for her birthday and we are totally hooked. Try it if you haven't- it rocks!

El Cheapo wrapping paper-o

Okay, I really don't speak Spanish. I speak what my hubby calls "Spanglish"! Anyway, just wanted to give you a tip (in case you are interested) for an "el cheapo" way to wrap gifts this season. I have been doing this for several years now because I love the simplistic look of it. Ignore the clear tape- you really can't see it in person. I guess it decided to reflect my flash so it shows up quite nicely in all the photos!

All I use is brown packing paper! You heard it right- cheap, long rolls of brown packing paper! In the several years I have been doing this (at least 4), I have only had to buy 3 rolls and have plenty left. And do you know how much that stuff costs? $3.50, maybe! Pennies compared to rolls and rolls of fancy paper. The possibilies are endless with this stuff, too. For Christmas, I simply wrap each gift in the paper and tie some fabulous yarn around each. I use red squiggly, brown or a green velour yarn or sometimes even some fancy ribbon. They are all so perfect.

My Mom taught me years ago to save those greeting cards you get by the dozens from friends and family. Just cut the cover of the card away from the back and viola! You have a "tag" for your gift! Write your note on the back and attach it to the lovely brown packing paper wrapped gift and you're finished.

I must tell you that these gifts look much yummier in person- wasn't quite in a photographing mood tonight.

For birthdays, my kiddos have colored or painted the paper for a personal touch.

Try it, it sure is fun- and "el cheapo!!".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR MIDDLE CHILD!!

And what's a birthday, without a dog with a birthday hat on?!Our star. And yes, she scored this one!!

I can't believe that 12 years ago today I gave birth to my amazing middle child. I honestly cannot put into words what a light she is in our lives. She is my child who VERY rarely is unhappy. She is always smiling or singing or dancing or skipping or acting or.....well, you get the idea.

My precious girl is growing up before our very eyes and today I pray many things for her. But above all else, I pray a prayer of thanks to our Lord giving us such a gift. We are so unworthy, yet have been entrusted to raise this awesome child to be a disciple for Him. I pray that she will always keep her carefree, beautiful spirit and use it to draw others to Christ.

We had a wonderful day today. It began with our traditional (not sure how it became a tradition) sausage ball birthday breakfast. After eating, singing and opening gifts, it was off to our middle's basketball game. The game was a great present in itself. Her team one 16-15 with 10 seconds left. My star scored 6 points and played so well!!

We followed the game by going to a local craft show (you know you liked it, honey!!) then a bit of shopping. Let me add here- DON'T EVER GO SHOPPING 2 WEEKENDS BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!!! Better yet, don't step outside your front door- crazy I tell you. The birthday girl got to pick lunch, and we ended up at Atlanta Bread Company. Love that place!

We headed home for a low key rest of the day- some sewing, wood pile burning and don't forget a 9:45pm trip to our local Dairy Queen. You only live once, right?! Now to do a quick cleanup and head off to bed. Have a blessed weekend!!
In Him,

E

Oh, how I love Walgreens!

I hear stories all the time about how much people love Walgreens. They get great deals or reindeer antlers (Mom) that they wear the entire season. What could be better, right? Well, I had the most fabulous experience at Walgreens today.

We stopped by on the way home from lunch because I remembered at the last minute that they had BOGO scotch tape this week. Follow me here- we went in and added 2 3-packs of name brand tape for $1.99 to our basket. Next, I remembered envelopes and Sharpies were also on sale. Buy one pack of Sharpies for $1.99 get 2 packs free!! And Mead envelopes for 59cents a pack. So...our purchase included 3 packs of Sharpies, 2 packs of envelopes and 2 packs of tape with 3 per package. Keep following...our total was $5.82 at the checkout. Hubby only had 5 $1 bills and was mumbling under his breath about not wanting to use the card. He saves all change but decided to dig down into those pockets and let go of some change. Now, the girl behind the counter was an angel- great personality and very smiley. She said "wait just a minute!" and pulled out a $5 coupon! Yes, a $5 coupon, I tell you!! So, minus $5 and the tax that went along with it we spent a total of 18 cents for everything! Merry Christmas to us!! We now LOVE Walgreens!! Thanks checker outer girl!!!

And yes, Mom, you should come shopping with us more often!

In Him,
E

My Favorite blue bird

You'll all be happy to know that my beloved blue bird is indeed NOT chipped! It must have been the way the light was hitting it that made his chest look cracked!! PHEW!
E

Wondrous Ornaments

This one has a decorated tree on one side and a naked tree in the form of a cross on the other. It says something like "Once you strip away all the tinsel and glitter....God's real truth shines through".

This one is a heavy ceramic ball ornament with the explanation of the Christmas

wreath on it. Lovely!

My youngest LOVES anything that has to do with the Holy family and the Nativity! This one is perfect for her- the 3 Wise Men following the star. And guess what- it's musical!!

Opening their ornaments- see the velvet boxes?

Excited- just before decorating the tree. Unknown to us, our youngest's little body was in the process of developing a fever at this point.

We have a tradition here in our home. Every year each of my ladies receive an ornament from us. The tradition started many years ago with my Mom. She let all 3 of us pick out an ornament so that when we were married and had our own trees, they would not be bare. My husband and I have continued this tradition with each of our girls. I must say that when they are gone and live in their own homes with their own trees, our tree will be quite bare!

Last year after Christmas, I was looking around at the after sales. I came across some beautiful ornaments made by Dayspring- I believe I paid less than $5 for each of these. I bought one for each of my girls, and they opened them just before decorating our tree last week. The pictures aren't fabulous but I promise the ornaments are! Two of them came in the most wondrous red velvet boxes- not sure why the third one didn't. Check them out!
In Him,
E

Okay, okay...more pictures

Okay, I just couldn't go away without adding the rest of her pictures. Enjoy!


Flowers needing some TLC on our front porch.



Basket of nature's goodies in the sunroom- love this basket (old wooden tool box).

Our beloved, sometimes, cat. We inherited Roski when he was a tiny kitten from my sister who thought she could sneak him into her dorm room. That was 11 years ago!

A quilt my husband's grandmother had made for him. It was a gift for his high school graduation.

Guess where my youngest wants to work when she grows up? This is on my oldest's backpack. But yes, my little one really wants to work there. We spend dinner as a family at our fabulous Moe's once a week.

In Him,

E

A few simple treasures of life...

A few weeks ago my youngest asked if she could take a few pictures of her favorite things. I was busy (doing who knows what- but it was important!), so I sent her on her way. (Honey, I was half watching her and she did have the strap around her neck.) Sorry, back to the story...

She came back to me with these treasures. I had told her she could take 10 pictures, so I can't show them all here. She is quite the little photographer!
You know, it's funny what kids find important and special. I was touched by some of her choices. It just goes to show that whether we believe it or not, our children look to us for everything- we are so influencial.

Enjoy the treasures of life from a 7 year old's eyes!



This is her most treasured personal belonging- her sister gave it to her for her birthday last year. This birthday was shared with a tribute to a most amazing man, my Grandfather. He died a couple months before, but his memorial service was held on her birthday in Orlando, FL. What an honor to share such a special day!!





I love this guy!! I won him at a mission auction our church hosts annually. He hangs at the entrance of my kitchen- I can't help but smile every time I see him.






This was made by my Great Aunt (I think). I love the colors and the pattern.



This is one of my most precious treasures. My dear Mom gave it to me several years ago. GASP!! Is that a chip on his chest?!! I must go check it out- I've never seen that before! Wonder if that happened right before the picture was taken....hmmmm...





This is our blessing tree. I think I promised a post about it- obviously that slipped through the cracks. This tree comes alive on our sunroom door every November. Every day each member of our family writes one things he/she is thankful for on a leaf and adds the leaf to the tree. By the end of November it is just glorious and before our eyes we can see our many blessings. I am always in awe at some of the things my kiddos write- Awesome!

In Him,

E

Good morning!

Okay, so my last post wasn't so uplifting, huh? Sorry! A mixture of feelings flowing here, especially during this season. I love my girls more than life itself and can't imagine my life without them. I hope noone looked my post as me being ungrateful because I fully realize how enormously blessed we are! Can you be content yet still yearn for something else? I am terribly grateful for my family and the many people God continues to put in my path. You are all such blessings!
Next bit of news....those of you who don't run in the adoption circle may not know how popular giveaway/fundraisers/raffles are. Many families have raffles going on on their blogs. I found out about an amazing raffle this morning- over $700 in giftcards!! We seem to have quite a bit in common with this family. They share my heart for special needs orphans and homeschooling and are in the process of bringing home a little one with SN from China. Check out their website http://www.chinaherewecome.com/ or click on their site link in the right column here and support them if you can- they are getting so close!
Have a super blessed day!!
E

Sad

I'm so sad and tired of waiting. Just being honest here, okay? I can't put into words how my heart aches for more children. I feel as if my heart is literally breaking- can that be possible? Why is waiting so terribly hard? So many pray and hear the answers immediately. As far as adopting, it's expensive (or can be). I know that. But so many take that leap of faith and know that God will provide. And He does. In ways that noone could ever imagine!


What is stopping us from adding more children to our family? Of course, I love babies!! I would take a baby any day, but those aren't the children I am talking about. I am talking about the children who are quite literally disguarded by society. I want them to feel the love that only a family can give. I want them to know what it's like to be a part of something wonderful. I want them to be well fed, have a warm place to rest at night and know that at least their parents and siblings will NEVER leave them and love them more than life itself. I just want to tuck them in, sing them "Happy Birthday", laugh and cry with them.


I'm frustrated and honestly, angry tonight. And I know, anger isn't of God. I am tired of waiting but He has a plan for us. And so I go....praying and waiting. For that is exactly what He wants me to do, and I will obey.


Amazed by His grace,


E

P.S. Take a peek at this- amazing!