I'm the meanest Mom in the world...

See. I must say that I've never done this before, but you know- all 3 of my girls are wired differently. And this is the discipline that worked yesterday for our youngest after she decided to throw a stick at her older sister. So, yes. I may be the meanest Mom in the world, but I now have the sweetest 8 year old! AND she will not ever throw another stick. Right, L?

And the paper is so wrinkled because I thought it was something else and threw it away. Phooey! I was going to have it framed for her so she'd never forget!:) Just kidding.

In Him,

E

Yard Sale update

We are so blessed. I am terribly grateful for EVERYONE who is donating and can't say "thank you " enough. But my house is being taken over. Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration. My garage is being taken over and we are now having to venture into our extra garage, aka "Hubby's domain".

When we first began receiving donations, I was sorting and storing them in our basement. Yes, the same basement we are trying to remodel. Chaos like that drives me crazy!! We have to get moving on this basement thing and carpet can't be installed with yard sale stuff everywhere, you know. So last week the girls and I organized everything (for the 700th time) and moved it into my garage. I am spoiled and love parking in my garage. I guess this is another sacrifice God is asking me to make. I know, PUUULEASE- give me a break! But it's true. It's a sacrifice.

Then this weekend happened and let's just say....well, here- see for yourself. WOW!!! I would not have ever imagined the outpouring of love so many have shown our family. While picking up many of these donations over the weekend we had the opportunity to spread the word. Not only our story and the story of so many children without families, but His story and how He has and continues to use us for His glory. The Waffle House story was told several times. And we left each home full- not only literally full (our trailer and Suburban were overflowing- right, Robin?) but full of His love.

We were able to catch up with a few friends we hadn't seen in a while and meet some new additions we had never met. And God kept the rain at bay until the last items were put away into the garage. Thank you, God! I also want to send big hugs to a dear friend of mine from middle and high school whom I "found" several weeks ago. It turns out he lives just around the corner from us with his new wife and little girl. He told me it killed him seeing our donation meter at $0 so he had to do something. Thank you, Nathan- you are the greatest!

HUGE "thank yous" to everyone who is standing behind us. We couldn't do it without you and love each and every one of you!
In Him,

E

The tire

Do any of you remember this? When we moved to our home we joked with each other- "Just throw it outside. We live in the country without neighbors- who cares?!!" We said this mainly because we found some very interesting things half-buried on our yard and pasture. One lone KED (you know, those cute little white tennis shoes). A fork. A cat food can. Some old box springs. One thing we can't quite figure out- either it's a car or an old refrigerator. And oh, a frying pan. But, several months ago my husband happened upon a treasure at the back corner of our property- not one, but TWO tractor tires. I wish you could see how big this is. So, hubby decided to drag one back to the house (thanks, babe). You could see the wheels turning, not just in his head but in the kids' heads, too. The girls got out their buckets and filled them with warm soapy water. That tire sparkled like no tire I'd ever seen.

And there it sat.....until today. It is late, 9:30 here and hubby is hanging that tire swing. Not only that, but our youngest is out there trying it out (my how I love homeschooling!). I can't wait to get pictures tomorrow. That is if the pasture doesn't swallow me up on the way out. It's almost baling time- have I told you lately how much I hate picking up hay?!!!

In Him,

E

I'm so proud!

Our oldest loves to create. She has tried her hand (pardon the pun) at pottery on and off since she was 6 or 7. She began to show a more intense interest around the beginning of this year.





Her creations are beautiful! She is only 3 weeks into her 2nd 6 week session and is producing some amazing things!!



Her talent comes so naturally that during her first class she was almost finished with her entire bag of clay (they are given one HUGE bag per session to work with)! It's looking as if we will have to purchase an additional one to keep her going.

This girl has even expressed a desire to possibly somehow share her works in order to help us raise funds for our adoption. I tell you, I love this girl more than life! She is such a gentle, giving soul. We are so blessed.

We have the privilege of getting to enjoy her masterpieces. They are all over our home. She has even made her cousins name plaques, her sisters and myself initial pendants and family name signs.

So, I just had to brag a bit and show the world what a talented girl we have! Thanks for reading!
I hope each of you have a blessed week!
In Him,

E

Service

We believe there is nothing else like serving others. Both my husband and I try to instill in our girls the importance of service. We pray that they be the hands and feet of Christ. Yesterday we were honored by being able to help stuff soldier boxes. A wonderful lady from our church began this project several years ago with just a handful of specific soldiers she was mailing to. The list has since grown to many (sorry, I can't remember the exact number) and boxes are now "stuffed" every Thursday. They have so many boxes to put together every week that storage of all the goods and the assembly takes place in a climate controlled storage facility. What a wonderful ministry it has become!

There are several different kinds of boxes that are sent. The toiletry boxes include self care items as well as many goodies such a magazines, small games and other fun items. Snack boxes include just that. And this week's box- Movie Night! These boxes included popcorn, big boxes of "movie theatre candy", 2 DVDs, Girl Scout cookies and other snacks.

Thanks, Neida, for allowing us to be part of such an amazing ministry! We can't wait for next Thursday!

I challenge each of you to be His hands and feet this coming week- go ahead and step out of your boat.

In Him,

E

So not computer savvy!

Okay, I admit it. I don't know how to do this. I am desperately trying to design some prayer cards for our adoption. Basically, a card we can hand to people (possibly with a magnet on the back) to ask them to keep our family and the adoption in their prayers. I love the idea of a tree like the one below being our theme (or trademark or logo or whatever you call it) for the adoption. Of course, I did copy this from the internet but love it. Any ideas? Please, help me people! Can't you hear my desperation?!!!!!! Thank you.

In Him,

E

Markana

I know many of you are praying for my sister-in-law, Markana, but I just wanted to put her face in front of you again. This Friday she will have her last round of chemo (out of 12). Please, join me in praying that she be cancer free when she goes for a PET scan at MD Anderson in Houston the first week of May. With God ALL things are possible!
In Him,

E

SCORE!!!

Now, today began terribly. Migraine coming on, medicine not working, feeling like dirt. But in the end, the day was good. You know, you can't just stop being a mom because you don't feel well. So, after breakfast, schooling, cleaning, laundry and lunch, we began the trek to town for Girl Scouts. Now I call it "the trek" because we live 14 miles from "town". And I call it town, well because it is. We live in the country, not "town". I had exactly 1 1/2 hours while the girls were at Scouts to get my grocery shopping done. List in hand, I ventured into Kroger. Saved huge $ today! And just look at what I scored- bottles of laundry detergent (41 load, 78 ounces) for $1.88 EACH!! Oh yeah! I was really about to start making my own detergent to save $ but not sure I could beat this deal. So I loaded up 6 bottles and headed to the check out.

After coming home, making chicken pot pie for dinner (yummy!), eating and going to hubby's ballgame, I ran to Publix. Yes, I am one of those weirdos who follows sales and shops at 2 or 3 or 4 different stores to maximize my sale/coupon savings. BUT, I tell you I got 26 items at Publix for $36!! And I only buy things we use. Organic milk, organic butter, 12 pack double roll toilet paper, Kashi cereal and more! That's right, all that and more for $36!

Okay, I'll stop tooting my own horn and head off to clean.....again. Why is it that I feel like that's all I do?! Oh, and laundry. I keep telling my kids to "STOP WEARING CLOTHES!!". They just look at me like I have 3 heads.

And by the way, my migraine is finally gone. After 2 doses of Imitrex. That's why I have to work so hard at saving $ on groceries- my migraine medicine is over $20 per pill!

And this stuff smells really good- hope it works well! They do have others scents, just in case you need to run out and get yourself some. Hey, you like my warm and inviting laundry room? Since I spend 1/6 of my time in there I thought I'd at least make it cozy.

In Him,
E

Our weekend in pictures

First, I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of so many. I was shocked and in tears today when I received an email alerting me that a dear friend from high school (whom I just "found" a couple of weeks ago) donated $100 to our adoption fund! I then began opening some of my other email to find so many people wanting to donate to our yard sale- air hockey table, ping pong table, beds, end tables, wine cooler, bikes, dining room furniture and on and on. I can't put into words how I feel at this moment. We are so blessed.

Here are some pictures of our weekend. I am tired and need to get some things finished before bed so I won't explain them all. Enjoy!

Now, I will say a few things about the ones that follow. My middle child wanted to do a "photo shoot" of hubby and I.....so, here you go. And yes, we really do act this way most of the time.

SO THANKFUL,

E

He Has Risen!!

"I am the resurrection and the LIFE. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die."
John 11:26

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet sister!!

Myself, my sister J and my Mom

Happy 30th Birthday to the greatest sister ever!!

I love you J!!!

We had a wonderful "just ladies" birthday lunch today celebrating the life of one of my most favorite people in the whole world. I can't imagine my life without her. We took our time and enjoyed every bite and each other's company even more. J was sweet enough to share her birthday dessert- the most decadent chocolate torte! And yes, I cheated and had some. She and I will probably both regret it later while suffering from migraines- another terrible thing we share.

Love you J!

E

Yard Sale Time!!

We are planning an adoption yard sale for May 2nd- just around the corner! Many wonderful donations have already been received, but we need more. Near the bottom of this post you will find guidelines on how you may help.

I'm going to be real here.

As everyone knows, adoption costs. Certain adoptions cost BIG TIME!! We are pursuing an adoption through foster care so our "adoption" costs will be low. Saying that, we are pursuing an adoption of a LARGE sibling group from out of state. God could have different plans for us but this is where we stand right now. Since the children are out of state, we will have several trips to visit them. We are planning on at least 2 trips but probably more along the lines of 4 trips. 4 round trip airline tickets x 2 people = lots of $. We also think it is very important for our girls to meet their new siblings before the transition is made- so at least 1 more round trip airline ticket x 3 people = more $. And then there's the cost of getting everyone home. Recently, someone told me of people donating air miles from their credit cards to an adopting family. Cool idea!

There are many other needs that we have in order for our kids to be able to come home and are praying that those will be met as well. We have found some plans for triple bunkbeds that we may attempt to build. If not, we'll do a double bunk and just another twin bed. We currently have enough beds for 5 or 6 kids but will need a few more mattresses, too. We also have our eyes out for a "homeschooling van". If you know anyone who has one for sale (preferably a 15 passenger- YIKES!) within a few hundred miles of GA, please let us know.

This adoption is something we have chosen (along with some major prodding from the big man himself) to move forward with and are willing to and are making huge sacrifices to make it happen. I understand some people are not willing to financially help families through the process saying that "they choose to adopt, they need to figure out how to pay for it". That's okay. We financially support adopting families not because we hope for the favor to be returned someday but because God has put it on our hearts to do so. God will take care of each and everyone of our needs, but it will not just be handed to us. We do have to work and make sacrifices in order for Him to provide.

With that being said, we have been cleaning off some of our bookshelves this week. A wonderful homeschool family wanted to buy our books for....drumroll.....$100!! A couple other ladies added $16, so our adoption "fund" total is already at $116 and it's only been 3 days since we began spreading the word. God is awesome! Now for the details-

How To Donate Items to Sell

**email me at nogreatergiftmom@yahoo.com**

In order to make this event a HUGE success, we need LOTS of donations. Spring is in the air so do your spring cleaning! We so appreciate your donations of items. When deciding what to donate, please consider donating DESIRABLE, not junky items. Please make sure clothing is not soiled, ripped, holey, etc.

Can you price your own items? Absolutely!! That would actually be quite helpful. Feel free to price all of your items or just a few. It is not mandatory to price anything however. When pricing, just remember garage sale prices. No need to price clothing unless you are packaging a complete outfit or donating coats.

Suggested Items to donate
Baby Items (clothing, toys, books, baby gear, etc.)
Children’s toys, games, and clothing.
Furniture
Sporting Goods
Desirable household items
Adult clothing (not too outdated and no holes please ;)
Artwork
Anything else you feel someone would want to buy!


I Live Out of Town and Want To Help

I hope to have a "donate" button in our sidebar very soon. I'll let you know when it's there. Also, remember Cow Patty Bingo? We hope to be hosting that fun very soon and anyone and everyone will be able to participate. Near or far!

Have a happy, holy weekend! Skipping (not really) off to bed...

In Him,

E

No words

Amazed by His grace,

E

Free DVD!! WooHoo!

Precious Places- The Princesses Save the Ball

Now, I don't know much about this but the DVD looks super cute. First, click on the "select your country" button in the top right corner. Then place your order- TOTALLY FREE, of course.

Click here to order your FREE Precious Places DVD now!

Will you answer the call?

Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

Proverbs 24: 11-12 (New Living Translation)

God is amazing! He has shown us time and time again that He is faithful. We are at a place in our lives where, when we look back, we see His fingerprints all over the place. He has plans for each of us, EACH OF US. We must listen. If I had stopped praying, stopped listening, gone on with my merry self....well, who knows. But there's one thing I know without a shadow of doubt. God would still be hanging around. He'd still be whispering in my ear. He'd still be nudging me, trying to get me to follow Him.

God doesn't call everyone to adopt, I realize that. There are thousands of things that I KNOW God has not equipped me to do. And that's the beauty of it all. It is all about faith and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Today I met 4 different ladies who were willing to give to help us travel this road. They each either donated some wonderful items to our yard sale or purchased some books (I've been cleaning off shelves trying to clean out but also raise some $ to bring our kiddos home). I had the privilege of being able to speak with each of them about how God had gotten us to this point. I am a hermit for the most part, so for me to be able to speak with these different people, whom I didn't personally know, was absolutely a God thing.

This Easter weekend I challenge each of you to place aside your earthly desires. Be quiet and listen. Do you hear Him calling? And it's not just about what you are good at or what you love. For the very thing that God has planned for you may be the exact thing "you will never do". It may be the hardest thing you've ever had to do in your life. Believe me, I know this first hand. :)

Will you answer the call?

Amazed by His grace,

E

Sweet deliciousness and church?

Yummy! I made the most mouth-watering cheese scones last night with homemade chili. That's what you do when the temperatures dip into the 30s in April in the south. My Mom made these a couple of months ago, and I kept saying I was going to make them, too. Last night I finally got around to it. What took me so long?! I will tell you that as scrumptious as they are, they are filled to the brim with terrible things- cheese, buttermilk and lots 'o butter! But delicious! Like I said, we had ours' with homemade chili and fresh pineapple. My Mom made homemade broccoli soup and homemade potato soup to go with hers.

And church...well, the girls (the 2 youngest) decided we needed a "church service" today. Now, don't go accusing me of anything! I was not THAT harsh while cleaning out their room! The service was complete with registration pad being passed, offering and Christmas songs- Christmas? Until...the buzzer went off for dinner. I love seeing first hand that my girls love worship. What a great service!

This is our middle dressed up for church and no, I don't let her wear any make-up, EVER! Not sure why she thought she should for this service.

Our offering plate (straw hat) and Bibles. I was handed my offering as I walked in so I'd have something to put in the "plate". I think it was taken from our mission jar and given to me. At least they put it back.

Notice how excited my youngest looks with the progress of our service. Oh, a side note, I love the chair she's sitting on- the back looks almost like a cross. I have 3 of them. Two are downstairs and may need to find new homes soon. Sniff, sniff. I just don't know if we'll have room after remodeling.

Cheddar and Green Onion Scones

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 tbls sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

10 tbls unsalted butter- cold and cubed

1 cup cheddar, shredded

1/3 cup chopped chives

1 cup buttermilk

2 tbls water

1 egg blended with 1 tbls water

Preheat oven 375. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or just lightly grease.

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until pea-sized. Stir in cheddar and chives. Add buttermilk and 2 tbls water; knead gently just until blended. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and pat into 8" square. Cut into 2 " squares, then cut squares into triangles. Space 1" apart on baking sheet. Brush top with egg/water mixture and bake until golden- about 25 minutes.

Enjoy!
In Him,

E

I'm here!

Sorry, I've been MIA the past few days. Our internet has been down (again). Gotta love our local service! But I will say, without the internet I sure get alot done!


I have spring cleaning fever- big time! Remember last Sunday? We spent the day demolishing our lovely rock sculpture and parquet floor bar in the basement readying the big family room for reconstruction. Well, this Sunday we finished some cleaning out and then removed the fabulous carpet and padding. Yuck!! I can't believe we have been playing, sitting and even laying around on that stuff!! Of course, we had it all cleaned when we moved in and I have cleaned it since, but nothing cleans deep, deep down. Evidently there was a water leak before we moved in because the carpet stripping was so damaged and, dare I say, black with yuck. Eeewww!


Today, we spent 6 hours in the girls' bedroom. Our 2 youngest share and love to save papers. All papers, blank, written on, wadded up...you name it. They were all in their room! Along with cheap, gumball machine-type toys, miscellaneous socks, stickers...you get the point. Finally, our day was almost gone and their room was clean. I have a huge bag of trash and extra large pile for our yard sale.


It was a productive day to say the least. Tomorrow....the laundry room and bathrooms- joy!

In Him,

E

Don't EVER pay full price

Those who know me well, know that I only shop clearance. Well, clearance or thrift stores. And only thrift stores these days because of our promise to only buy used. I tell you, it honestly makes me sick now when I go into a store and think of all the waste we, as Americans, produce just because we want the latest thingamabob.

I have to confess that I did buy something last night at Lowes. But they were plants and as hard as I try, there aren't many people (a few, but not many) who are willing to let me go dig in their yards for the things I want. They were on clearance, though. I don't even pay full price for plants! The secret is to walk into the garden department and stay focused. Don't look to the right or left but stay focused directly in front of you. Walk directly to the back of the garden center (at least in my neck of the woods). I mean it, beautiful colors and lavish petals will call to you but DO NOT cave!! In the back of the garden center you will find the lonely ones. The ones that the garden center lady or man have decided aren't pretty enough to mingle with the others. But they are CHEAP!! I have gotten 6 packs as low as 25 cents!! In season things, too, that I just bring home, toss in the dirt and water. Viola! In no time those lowly plants are beautiful!

I found these last night for 60 cents each. (A side note- why don't computers have cent symbols?!) And look how beautiful! This one brought a little life to our family room. They all look like this- only had a few dead leaves on them. They are summer growers with white flowers and perfect. The others found homes in the hanging pots that are on our barn poles. Spring is in the air!

I pray each of you has a wonderful Sunday!

In Him,

E

How old am I again?

What could be more fun than spending the afternoon with 6 girls and 1 boy?

Hangin' with those same girls and 1 boy and playing

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL DANCE on Playstation.....

Oh yeah!

And no, you won't see the pictures of me "dancing"- let's just say I stayed in the sweatpants all day. 'Nough said.

In Him,

E