Jumbled post

I have been so out of the loop trying to get ready for our homestudy (which went SO well, by the way), so this post is a catch up post.

First, I have a love/hate relationship with our garden. I love it when we are able to gather this-

Oh, how we LOVE fresh veggies around here! I find it so hard to go back to buying them in the store when our garden has had enough and is plowed under. But, I can't stand having to be out there weeding when it's 90+ degrees out. Can't stand it! Call me a wimp, I guess I am.

The past two years we have planted a wonderful snack for the deer that visit our property in the evenings. Well....we don't exactly plant black-eyed peas FOR them, but they seem to think we do. Just Sunday afternoon, hubby said "it's about time to fence in the garden before the deer get the black-eyed peas". Seriously, not 3 hours later we saw a deer running across the pasture away from the garden. Guess what she'd been snacking on? Our poor peas...time for the fence.

Sunday was my birthday. My girls are the sweetest- they know my heart. Look what they surprised me with.

And don't forget these- that's right, chocolate letter forms made by our 8 year old. How sweet!

I told hubby that I truly wanted nothing for my birthday but to work in the basement. We need to save money for the adoption and finish the basement. I know, weird that I ask to do nothing but work on my birthday, but I guess that's me. Just look! I didn't take an "after" picture, but it now also has sheet rock. Woohoo!

And the pics you've all been waiting for. We are hosting another yard sale next weekend and have been overwhelmed by the donations pouring again. Here is just a sample of some of the wonderful items we'll be selling.

And we have so much more. Not one but two cozy coupes. 4 or 5 strollers. Yes, that's a train table. Dining room furniture. Many Little Tykes big toys. And more and more and more!!

Join us if you live in the area!

In Him,

E

MIA

I know, I've been MIA. Sorry, but our first (and second- yay!) homestudy visit is tomorrow. Those of you who have been through an adoption know what I mean when I say I have been doing never ending paperwork. I will update more tomorrow after our fabulous caseworker leaves.


But, I just couldn't skip a post today on the eve of Heather's wonderful fundraiser for our angel. Beginning in just a few hours you can order to your heart's delight. Just remember to type in "Ruslana" in the message to seller so Heather will know you know us. And visit here to learn more about this true treasure of a lady!

In Him,

E

Surprise!!

**Just to clarify ordering procedures- send me an email with a description of the pendant you would like. I will get back to you within 24 hours. If we sell the one you have fallen in love with , we can easily make another. No worries, ladies! See rest of details below.**

The girls and I have been BUSY!! Busy making these beauties-




What are they (I'm sure you are asking)? They are pendants. And each one is unique.





I'm sure you are tired of me talking about "raising money for the adoption", but guess what? We are selling these to raise money for our adoption!! I forgot to take a picture of the backs, but each one has a simple heart painted on it's back. A symbol of our love for Christ and His love (and our's) for Ruslana.



It's a good thing they don't taste very good because I may just eat this one.






So, here's the deal. Each pendant costs $6 or you can get 3 for $15. This does include a jute string and shipping.


The pictures turned out a little strange because of the glare, but each one has been sealed and is shiny. Oh, I just love each of them. Do you think it would be too weird if I wore 7 at a time?!!





Let me know what you think. I want to hear your honest thoughts. AND if you'd just like to get your pretty little hands on one (or 3) of these, just send me an email (nogreatergiftmom@yahoo.com). But hurry, locals are already gathering them up!





And for the travel part of my surprise- look what we got in the mail this week! We're official and all!

In Him,
E

Surprise!!

Oh, do I have a surprise for you!! BUT, it will have to wait 'til tomorrow. Sorry, I know, "that's mean", but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! I'll give you 2 hints-
1. Involves travel.
2. Involves paint and salt.

See you tomorrow...
In Him,
E

Blessings abound!

I am truly amazed by people.....and GOD! Our adoption journey has not been one without MAJOR hangups, but He is ever faithful! Today has been a day of tears but not sad ones- oh no! Tears of joy and faithfulness and unworthiness! God has his hand all over this adoption and is orchestrating the entire thing.

Not too long ago I met an angel- a true treasure. Way back in October we hosted a Hoedown for Downs here on our property. People came out of the woodwork to donate items to our silent auction. Heather was one of those people, and we have enjoyed reading each other's blogs since.







She has a selfless heart. I am simply speechless about what she is proposing to do to help raise money for our adoption. Her work is beautiful, and I simply adore it!! Each piece "speaks" God's word so LOUDLY!


Heather has proposed this- 40% of every order she receives from someone who mentions our family name will be donated to our fund to bring Ruslana home!! Again I will say it and not just for our benefit- I can't tell you how wonderful her pieces are! These photos just don't do them justice! I have held them in my hands and can tell you the quality is outstanding. And you know what the best part is? She MAKES them- all by herself! With her own 2 hands! I have a "thing" about supporting Mom's, so she is my kind of girl.


And besides all the fabulous things I said about her and her signs above, I can't believe how perfectly priced they are! She is truly giving each customer a gift.






Heather loves custom orders, so if you don't see the exact item you are looking for, just ask her! Do you have a favorite Bible verse? She'll do it! A favorite saying? Consider it done! One sign that I think would be just darling is an adopted child's name and date- adoption date!

I am terribly excited with the idea she had for me today (I tell you, this girl is goooood)- what about "Love Them Like Jesus"?!! I pray that's the story of my life. I will display those words so proudly. (Just remember I am human and stumble all too often!) Oh, she is truly an angel!

So, here's the low down-

1. Visit her site.

2. If you don't see the "perfect" sign for you...or your mom...or your neighbor, just send her a little note. You will see that option on her homepage. Officially it says "Contact Distressed Designs".

3. When you check out (and you can very easily pay through Paypal) just type in "Ruslana" in the "message to seller" section.

4. Then, sit back and wait for that loved delivery person to deliver your treasure.

Oh wait- one VERY IMPORTANT detail. Our official promotion begins JULY 1ST. I know it's so hard to wait for these signs of love, but please do!

HUGE hugs to Heather!! Thank you, thank you and thank you some more!

Amazed by HIS grace,

E

Giveaway for our girl!!

Good evening! What a wonderful day we had today doing....well, not much! And that's why it was so great.

We have (once again!) been given a swift kick in the behind. God has told us to press on, so that's exactly what we are going to do. Our first item of business- a giveaway for our girl in hopes that we can raise some additional funds for travel.

We were blessed a few months ago with these wonderful items- a brand new Kodak EasyShare V1003 digital camera (silver) and Scrapbooking Kit. Hubby's mom works for Kodak, and they have been more than generous throughout our fundraising efforts. Thank you!!

You can learn more about the camera here. The deadline to enter is July 4th- the day we celebrate freedom here in the United States. It is symbolic in that we are praying for freedom for each of the Fatherless.

So, here's the deal-

1. For every donation of $10, your name will be included in the drawing. For example- if you donate $10, your name will be placed in the drawing once. If you donate $70, your name will be place in the drawing 7 times. To donate, just click on the "Chip In" in my sidebar.

2. If you make a donation and post a link back here on your own blog, facebook or other space, your name will be entered another time. Please, let me know you have done so either by leaving me a comment or sending me an email- nogreatergiftmom@yahoo.com

3. Again, the drawing will be held on July 4th.

And it's a simple as that. I'm sure there are more "rules" I should post about, but it's late and I must turn in. Please, help us spread the word- our angel is worth it!!

In Him,

E

I LOVE YOU!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! YOU ROCK!

I have been blessed not only with an amazing husband, but a man who is also a wonderful father. Thank you, God, for answering my prayers!

In Him,

E

When it's 95 degrees...

When it's 95 degrees outside- you paint! Yourself! And your sister! And yes, I told them they could- you begin grasping for straws after a while! I've decided to say "yes" more. What's the big deal! They had a blast!!

At least they are painting some pretty cool things!

Meanwhile, I was busy in the kitchen making the most delicious banana bread. Recipe courtesy of my sweet sister-in-law, Markana. I made them in these cute little cake shapes because I recently found a perfect Wilton cake pan at a local thrift store for $1! Woohoo!And for dinner Loaded Potato Soup. Yes, I'm sure it's as terrible for us as it sounds but it was so delicious! Why soup when it's 95 out? Because I'm trying to utilize my crock pot more to keep the temperature down while cooking and this was super easy. The fam loved it, so I think we'll have it again.

Hope you have a blessed night!

In Him,

E

DON'T LAUGH!!

Have I mentioned that we have a creek that runs the length of our property? It seems that today our lawn mower was so hot, it tried to go for a swim.

My knight in shining orange comes to my rescue.

Hooray for heroes!!


Meanwhile, on the front porch...aawww!

And that was my evening. I got just a little to close to the creek and the mower slipped. I tell you, my life flashed before my eyes. I prayed a prayer of thanks when the stump stopped me. I have not been that scared in a while. I know people who have had accidents on equipment and are now missing parts of their bodies! All's well and we are safe inside.

Hope you all have a less eventful night!

In Him,

E

Summertime Bliss!

What makes a hot, humid, 90 degree summer day in the South a bit better? Two sweet girls and homemade lemonade (made by our middle). Oh, in OLD (like at least as old as my mom- love you Mom) ice cream float glasses! It made our time outside just a bit more bearable.

Thanks for the treat, sweet angel!

The girls even ran a nice tall glass out to our very grateful hay cutting friend- thanks for your help, Randy!

In Him,

E

Another car story...

Okay, okay. I want you all to read the comments on my last post- you all crack me up! But the one that made me laugh the loudest was from TravelingStacey. Dirt dobbers!

My husband just reminded me of something that happened to us many years ago that might just top the dirt dobbers. We lived beside a creek. One day after going to the grocery store, I handed the girls some Nutter Butters to snack on on the way home. In the midst of taking in groceries and corralling children, I forgot to grab the open box of Nutter Butters. And I forgot to close the van door. Yes, the door stayed opened all night.

I discovered the open door when I went out in the morning- "not a big deal as long as my battery isn't dead" I thought. I noticed a few of those peanut butter crackers scattered on the floor, but remember we have kids so that's the norm. The van started up and we were on our way. Oh, I did notice a bit of car insulation stuff at my feet. Hmmm....

The next time I got in the van, a little more insulation. Again, more insulation. Then, the heat stopped working. We needed heat because it was in the 20s, so time to take the van in.

Oh, how we love our mechanic! Good thing we are friends because what happened next is surely a story he will tell until the day he dies. It took the guys at the shop a week to catch the critter! They were only able to catch him by taking out all the seats, the door panels, console...well, the entire interior was stripped. After 8 enormous traps, our visitor was caught. Along with him in his insulation nest, they found 26 Nutter Butters. He was set for the winter!! GROSS- he was 14 inches long!

The wiring was completely chewed through by the time my heroes caught him, and it had to be sent off to the manufacturer. Thank goodness our insurance covered the total repair. Do you think they ever had a claim like that?

I never saw him and probably would not have stepped foot in my van again had I been given the privilege. Just another reason not to leave the door open....or eat Nutter Butters....or live by a creek....or whatever moral you found in this story. Hope you all have a blessed night (go check the doors)!!

In Him,

E

He Rocks!

Just look at what handsome decided to do yesterday! That's right, he cleaned out my suburban. It always makes me a little afraid when he gets inspired to clean- because he CLEANS! Not just a quick surface cleaning, but deep cleaning. It scares me what he might find that truthfully, I've just let go. But, he was all smiles yesterday (and a little sweaty) while cleaning.

It all started when we began getting yard sale donations a couple days ago. Again, my garage will be taken over soon- I can just feel it. We were trying to rearrange things so that I can still park in the garage for a while at least. Remember, we live in the south and it is in the 90s these days.

Organizing turned to cleaning the car which turned to a major overhaul in the garage. How many shoes does one family really need? I felt very embarrassed at all the shoes we pulled off the shoe shelves. We pride ourselves on being frugal, but being frugal doesn't mean you can spend only $2 on 20 pair of shoes because they are so cheap! Time to reevaluate.

And here is just a sampling of what came out of my car. Hubby was laughing about it- at least the girls and I were prepared in case of emergency. See, money, french fries in case we get hungry, business cards, hairbows, a gummy something, a writing utensil and miscellaneous trash to start a fire. If our car ever broke down in the middle of nowhere, I have confidence we could have lasted at least 3 days with all the items we found.

Now, I want to know- what's in your car? And if you are one of those people who always keeps a sparkling clean vehicle....I DON'T want to hear from you.:) But know, I love you in spite of your cleanliness!!

In Him,

E

FLIP!!

I'm trying to decide if this having 2 blogs thing is worth it. It seems all my friends hang out here.
:( I want to keep stuff a bit separate, but it is worth it?

While I'm hangin' out here in my comfy spot, I do want to put a bug in your ear. We will be hosting several totally cool giveaways very soon on the adoption blog (or back here if thinking of that many posts every week makes my brain explode!). I posted about a "possible" giveaway this evening over there. Let me know what you think.

Tomorrow I'll be updating with some super cute pics from our trip to Nashville. We had a blessed week with my brother's family. For now, to bed...

In Him,
E

New Blog

It's up and running but needs some work. Feel free to hop on over and visit.
In Him,
E

Time to get BUSY!!

Yeah, you heard me. BUSY!! We were told today that we could travel as early as September. Do you realize what month we are in? JUNE! So, that means in 3 months we could be meeting our angel girl.

I hate to even bring this up here because I don't want it to sound as if we don't have faith. We have HUGE faith, but we also know that God doesn't want us to sit back and expect blessings just to be heaped upon us. He wants us to work. And so, I'm bringing up the dreaded word- fundraising. Yes, we have to raise funds and FAST!

We have been so terribly blessed to have a jump start on the process.
*Reece's Rainbow has set up a webpage for our family to receive donations. Please note that RR is a 501c3 organization and all donations made to our family are tax deductible.
*Our dear daughter is selling her pottery to help bring her sister home- click here to visit Shaping Lives Pottery.
*We had one very successful yard sale (over $1600!) and already have people calling to tell us they have more to donate. So, another yard sale it is. We hope to begin making rounds to pick up donations next week and have the sale at the end of June.

More efforts in the works-
*My mother-in-law works for Kodak and was able to bless us with several brand new digital cameras to raffle off. That will begin here on the blog in the next week or so.
*We may even be able to raffle off a Nikon D80 or some other cool electronic gadget. I LOVE my Nikon and this would be a huge blessing!
*Our church consignment sale is coming up and we are accepting donations of children's items in good condition. We'll even do the dirty work- the hanging and tagging!
*And last but certainly not least- we pray that we'll have enough time to squeeze in a summer fling here on our property. I have been looking for an excuse to play Cow Patty Bingo and what better reason?! Also, we NEED LIVE MUSIC! If you live in our area and know of someone good, please let us know. We hope to have our party near the end of July (with LOTS of water games!!).

I will be starting a new blog for adoption only news in the next few days. I need to be home on my own computer first. And anyone know how to make a "button"? For those of you who don't know, a button is a cute little picture that when you click on it it takes you to a different site. I would love one with Ruslana's picture linking back to our Reece's Rainbow site.

I love you guys! Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I wish our girl knew how much she was loved already!
In Him,
E

Let's get on with the program

I love being able to look back at my blog and literally "see" our journey. Blogging has become such a wonderful way for me to journal about our lives and share our story in the process. I am truly overwhelmed at the encouraging words so many of you are sending our way. I feel God's power in every word.

Enough babbling already, right? Let's get on with the program. We have news to share and I'm quite anxious about it. Telling "the world" makes it all too real....and scary! Even though we have been praying about adoption FOREVER, to actually say (or type) the words scares me. What if something happens? What if our journey is derailed? What if...what if....what if....God is in control and to be honest, that is very hard for me sometimes. I have to let go. I have to hand it all over to Him and be okay with it.

Our world was rocked this past week- the details will not be shared here. A couple of people gave me a swift kick in the behind and got me fighting again. In the end, God shone through it all and we were given a "YES!" to proceed.

So...the moment you have all been waiting for- Prayerfully we will be bringing this angel girl (and another one, honey?!! Please?!) home in a few months. Yes, it's Ruslana after all. Doesn't God have such a wonderful sense of humor?! He has been messing with us for some time- just now are we "getting it". Thank goodness!


We do have a picture of her with a new haircut and a VERY LARGE bow on top of her head, but I believe this is the one we'll be using to share our story and spread the word. It just grabs me. She is our angel. I can't believe it!

More details about our journey and specifics about Ruslana and other adoption stuff later. I will add here that it is URGENT that we get to her very soon. Her time in the baby house is running out, and she'll probably be transferred to an institution before we can get to her. The sooner we can travel the better for our angel. I can't bear the thought of her being in such a place.

Now, time to try to get some sleep. (I'm afraid to hit the "publish" button!:)

In Him,
E

Here goes....click!

GOD ROCKS!!

Prayer works and NOONE will ever be able to convince me otherwise!! My God is so amazing! Our journey has not been one without valleys. Valleys so large that we thought we may never be able to climb back out, but once again God proved us wrong.

I pray that I will have the official "okay" to share in the next day or so. It is killing me!

I'm still in Nashville spending some awesome time with my sweet niece and helping Markana. Have I said lately how much I hate cancer?!!! It just kills me seeing her after chemo. My dear sister-in-law is fighting the fight of her life but that poison just makes her feel so awful. Keep praying that she will be cancer free in a few weeks and this can be a chapter behind her. We all long for that sweet word- remission.

In Him,
E

In Nashville

I am blessed to be in Nashville helping take care of Markana and my sweet niece, Stella (and my brother, too, I guess except I don't think he needs much help- well, with taking care of himself, that is!). Markana had her 2nd round of harsh ICE chemo this weekend. Please, pray that her recovery is better than last time. She just felt terrible and total wiped out after the last round.

Pictures will probably have to wait until I'm home later in the week because I forgot my camera/computer cord (have no clue what that handy little thing is called). The kiddos are excited about hangin' at the pool with their little cousin, so I bet you'll find us there between naps tomorrow. Hope you all have a blessed week, and I'll keep you posted with any new and exciting (or not so) developements.

In Him,
E

Focusing on something different

Almost too much of a breeze for a candle.

Our focus was shifted yesterday evening from our adoption crisis to a celebration. We were blessed to be asked to host our daughter's best friend's birthday party here on our property. Not just any party, but her sweet 16! We had a blast! Teens everywhere and some of our dearest friends.

The "not so teens" hangin' out by the grill.

We met A and her family about 2 years ago, and they have blessed us immeasurably! We have so much in common and I can't help but think that God somehow created them for us. We love you guys!

Rain threatened to put a dent in our plans but thanks to many, many prayers from A, God kept the showers at bay and even sent a nice summertime breeze. And remember, we live in the south, so "summertime" and "nice" are rarely in the same sentence. The night was perfect. We shared food, karaoke, volleyball and of course, the infamous tarp/dishwashing liquid slip and slide. I tell you, kids crack me up (as does A's mom, my dear friend who tried her hand or fanny at the slip and slide). Oh, and what party would be complete without shaving cream?!

My sweet friend (A's mom) sliding...well, almost.

All in all, the night was beautiful! Thank you so much for choosing us to share this special day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, A!!! WE LOVE YOU!!

In Him,

E

The Enemy

The enemy is showing his ugly face. He is trying with all his might to drag us down, but HE WILL NOT WIN THIS BATTLE!! God's plan for us is greater than anything we could ever imagine.

Yes, it has to do with our adoption. It stinks. And honestly, it makes me sad and angry, but we all know that our Lord is not those things. We have to press on and give Him the glory.

I am married to one inspiring guy. Tragedy shaped him into a most amazing man, and he has risen above the ashes! I do believe that God chooses things to happen to each of us for a reason, and I am so blessed and honored to be a part of that reason everyday. He is a true testament of God's glory and grace- and it's not just me who thinks that.

We truly feel like God has answered many, many prayers to get us to this point, and He'll carry us through. We are passionate about children with Downs and know we will be blessed to be involved with them however He sees fit. We are not quitters nor will we just take a step back and throw the towel in. God will have the last word- I can promise you that. In Him,
E

Come To Jesus

This is probably near the very top of my top 5 all time favorite songs. And one I am praying over and over today. **Remember to pause background music at the bottom of this page.

Weak and wounded sinner

Lost and left to die

O, raise your head, for love is passing by

Come to Jesus Come to Jesus

Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted

And carried far away

And precious blood has washed away the stain, so

Sing to Jesus

Sing to Jesus

Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby

Don't be afraid to crawl

And remember when you walk

Sometimes we fall...so

Fall on Jesus

Fall on Jesus

Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely

And steep and filled with pain

So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then

Cry to Jesus Cry to Jesus

Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over

And music fills the night

And when you can't contain your joy inside, then

Dance for Jesus

Dance for Jesus

Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat

Kiss the world goodbye

Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and

Fly to Jesus

Fly to Jesus

Fly to Jesus and live!

Full of JESUS tonight,
E

On My Knees

I'm on my knees. Please, pray with me for a situation in our lives. I am clinging to His every word. Thank you.
Amazed by His grace,
E

I conquered!!

Oh yes, I conquered a government worker today! (can you hear my pride, which I know is evil but still!) I had to go to the local social security office to apply for a new card for my daughter and felt like David facing Goliath. My question is this- why are most (not all, because my Dad also works for the government and I guess my Mom kind of does, too) government workers always so angry? I really don't understand. I realized they sit behind the same desk day in and day out and perform the same tasks daily, but don't alot people? At least they are able to talk to 100s of different people a week. The lady I was blessed to be assisted by today would not smile. She was kind of intimidating, to tell you the truth. I tried to make small talk, didn't work. I thought she was going to send me on my way without allowing me to apply for the new card but she didn't.

I wished her a blessed day and skipped right out of there (and I do truly love to skip- just ask my family)!! Victory! I just hope her day is better tomorrow!

In Him,

E

Ordinary?

Ordinary? I hope not. I am not "okay" with living an ordinary existence. And I pray every day that my children are not/will not be either. I want to instill in them the love of Christ. I want them to be passionate about Him and about doing His work. But it is hard in a society filled with earthly pleasures tempting each of us every day. Not that earthly pleasures are all bad, and I'm not saying we must be miserable here on Earth to be doing God's work. I believe quite the opposite-we will be filled to overflowing when our hands are doing His work. But our focus must be on Him and not the latest and greatest.



I'll be honest and say that I struggle. I struggle daily with being selfless instead of selfish. Not to make excuses for myself, but I am human and I do sin. I get angry when people say "To be like Christ is impossible", because to me that is such an easy way out. Try. Try hard. Nothing worth having is every easy.



Our adoption process has done amazing things to my spiritual walk. God has had to sit me down time and time (and time and time and time!!) again and say "BE STILL!!"...."WAIT FOR ME!"...."HAVE FAITH!". And he's had to shout those things quite loudly over my protests many times. It's hard for me to take a step back and leave it all in His hands. Truthfully, I want to have a say, but that's not how He works and I'm so glad He doesn't!! Where would I be if he did?

We watched Fireproof again a few weeks ago and Kirk Cameron said something that hit me like a ton of bricks-

"How am I suppose to show love to someone over and over and over, when they constantly reject me?!"

Umm...HELLO!! Another wake up call?!

My challenge to each of you is to be different. Don't settle for ordinary. Be the extraordinary that God calls each of us to be.

In Him,

E