URGENT PRAYER!!

Please, say a prayer for my beautiful sister-in-law. As you can see she is a new mom and an amazing woman! She will be having some testing soon and needs mighty prayers for healing and strength. I'll update more soon when there are some answers.

In Him,

E

We're home!!

Yes, we're back home sweet home but oh so tired! We had a great time in DC with my Mom.....more fabulous stories later. And I do mean FABULOUS!!! Stayed tuned. Must go to bed now.
Have a blessed sleep,
E

Goodbye!

We had a great (windy) day yesterday working in the pumpkin patch at our church. Can't you see all the working going on!





Later in the evening my middle one and I played an intense game of Battleship. Just look at those eyes!

The kiddos, my mom and I are off to DC for a few days....so, I'll have lots to talk about when we get back. Have a blessed weekend!!!

In Him,

E

Two more...

8 wonderful tassles generously donated by The Grateful Nest

Awesome felt birthday cake (It's actually play food-isn't it amazing!!) generously donated by Look Mama Made It!

Amen

Every call has a beginning
A quiet moment when God whispers a promise to a mother’s heart
A holy place where a father bows and faithfully accepts the journey set before him.
A miraculous morning that unexpectedly dawns…casting its first light on a chosen threshold.
A gentle knock..a closed door opens.
A sacred invitation sent by the Father..Leads to the other side of the world.
Where lonely hearts stare out orphanage windows
Praying for someone to care..
And then one morning,
On an ordinary day an orphan’s life changes...
God sends them a second chance...Through you.
--author unknown

And more...

Super snuggly perfect size lovie blanket generously donated by Southern Sassy Pants

Darling denim pants purse genersouly donated by Purse-n-ality

Also, Creative Memories stencil rulers

Two piano cds generously donated by Mincy Media Handmade purse and other personal items generously donated by Sew Artsy

Whimsical prints generously donated by Sara's Art

Thank you!!!

E

Donations

Yes, more came in today!! So many, I'm having to post pics in two different entries.

Beautiful fall tassle generously donated by Nesting Place

16 key fobs generously donated by Sew Much Detail

Darling yarn play food and bag generously donated by Monita Bonita

Beautiful jewelry generously donated by Word 4 Word Design

Adorable lounge wear, baby changing pad, tshirts and more generously donated by Baby Momo

I am so proud!

Yay!!! My little one was in her first track meet today and boy is that kid fast!! She ran in both the 50 meter dash and 100 meter dash. She won gold in the 50 and silver in the 100. We are so proud and she was ecstatic!! Congrats to you, little one!!

Little one in purple - 50 meters

Crossing the finish line (ribbon) after the 50

Gold metal for winning the 50 meter dash!!!

The fastest shoes EVER and yes, she ran barefoot!! She only wears shoes when we go out and typically they come off in the car and are only on while actually in the store or church or wherever. So...she runs faster without them! Look at her feet in the other pics.

Trying to catch first place in the 100 meter dash.

Have a blessed night!!

In Him,

E

Donations update

Just wanted to post another update with some pics of new donations. Visit their links and give them a big THANK YOU!!!

Darling hair accessories generously donated by Lotties Loops

Super yummy candle (and I mean SUPER!) generously donated by Bliss Candles

Special birthday shirts generously donated by Little Cupcakes

Prayers needed

It's been a rough week here in our (used to be) small town. On Monday, a young father died unexpectedly. He leaves behind 2 young boys and a wife. On Wednesday, a 16 year old boy was in an automobile accident. Thursday he passed away and leaves parents who I'm sure are beside themselves with grief. Yesterday, a gentleman from our church passed away quite unexpectedly. He was a young 61 years old and looked to be in great shape- thin and an avid hiker.
Please pray for each of these families. I cannot even begin to imagine the dispair they are feeling at this moment. I know that each of us has a certain time and regardless of how old we are or where we are, our lives here on Earth will be over. That doesn't make the grieving any less, though. I just pray that not one of these families turn their back on the one true God- the one who will never leave them. The one who, at this very moment, is surrounding each of them in His warm embrace.

We also need prayers for this Hoedown. Pray that people's eyes are opened to the reality of what each of these kids go through and what they face. I need you to pray for some specifics, too. What part of Reece's Rainbow ministry should the money we raise go towards? A family already in the adoption process? The operating budget? A specific child (in the form of a grant)?

And now I'm going to get extra personal. One little girl in particular has captured our hearts. We pray daily for her. Of course, we pray that if it's the Lord's will, she will join our family. I love her. I know that His plans are greater than my own. So my prayers lately have changed- I now pray that her family finds her. Her time is literally running out because she turns four in January. Turning four is nothing to celebrate because in many countries this is the age you are taken from the baby house to an institution. So, should our the money we raise go towards a grant for her? Is that what God has been calling us to do all along?

It's no secret that international adoption is expensive. Maybe, her family will come forward if she has extra grant money.

Please, pray with me tonight. I am agonizing over this which I know means that I haven't turned it fully over to Him (remember, I am still working on that!).
In Him,
E

Need hair clippities?

Well, we have some (40-50 pairs to be exact!) and pray they all go at the Hoedown. If not, all you who are near and dear to me will be getting them for birthdays, Christmas (Mom, these are stiff competition for your hotel samples) and anniversaries!
Seriously, our oldest as been working her little fingers off trying to get these ready and they are turning out just wonderfully! Notice she is even making some for itty bitties!

DONATIONS coming in!!

Darling gift set generously donated by Noodles & Milk

Onesie, 3 burp cloths, lovie-size blanket and bib

*Noodles & Milk also donated 2 $25 gift certificates!!!

Floral skirt- size 3T generously donated by Lillifee Boutique

Pink Checked Christmas Tree dress- size 24 month/2T generously donated by Lillifee Boutique

2 Bib and Burp Cloth sets generously donated by Paisley Pineapple

3 "Martha Apron" skirts- sizes 2, 5/6 & 7/8 generously donated by Dress ReHERSal

I am so terribly excited!! Here are a few of the donations we have received so far (I will post more later). To all my online friends: if you wish to bid on something and won't be at the auction, send me a note with your max bid and I'll enter it for you. Thanks so much to all of you are opening your hearts to this awesome ministry!!!!
In Him I am,
E

WHERE ARE MY SPOONS?!

Here are some funny pictures taken the past couple of days. We do wash dishes- constantly it sometimes seems, but for some reason we have had no clean spoons the past couple of days. And I'm not sure why spoons are the only kitchen we're short on when we have plenty of everything else. Actually, I do know...I'll probably find 3 in the bottom of the girls' dressup box next week. Along with some dirty socks, a tennis ball and an onion!! My mom stayed the night a couple of nights ago, so she got to witness the wooden spoon incident- funny!

Oldest couldn't find anything else to eat her cereal with- yes, it's a wooden spoon!

Middle and youngest were having a tea party and couldn't find something to serve the sugar with- a new use for a medicine measurer!

And just had to add this for fun- we didn't have any small tea cakes or cookies, so this is what was served. Sugar snap peas, raisins, peanuts and pretzels! Oh, and some of my good china along with the plastic stuff.

Have a blessed night!

E

A love/hate relationship!

Yes, I am talking about with hay. I love to look at it. I love to smell it. I love to watch the tractor bale it and spit it out the back. But, I HATE picking it up! Thankfully our trusty neighbor agreed to bale and TAKE IT ALL this time so no loading and unloading 850 bales for me!

Our trusty neighbor baling- we love you, Randy!

Just beautiful- looking out at the pasture with those huge round bales

Kiddos pretending to be hamsters

Oops!

Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In order to help put the faces of orphans with Downs in the publice eye, Reece's Rainbow has agreed to be a part of 31 for 21 Challenge. They created a blog that will feature a different waiting child every day of October. Please click the button to the right to see some of these precious ones. They need families NOW!
In Him,
E

"God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called"

I've been reading Philippians lately and some things are being revealed to me. I think I've always "known" these things but for some reason they are just really clicking now. I don't know why really- well, I guess I do know why. His timing is perfect and let me tell you, He's been working double time on me.
Paul wrote Philippians while in prison (well, under house arrest) to thank the Philippians for a gift but also to encourage them. Okay, so HE was in PRISON and ENCOURAGING THEM??!! Paul was at what most of us would think of as "the lowest point" yet he continued to encourage others.
I'll make this short and sweet-
I believe that we all should strive to be like Christ by showing humility to everyone and looking out for and taking care of others. We are called to be like Christ in our attitudes and deeds and "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phil 1:27
No one said that being a Christian is easy. In fact, to be a Christian is possibly even more difficult than being a non-believer. I know I've missed many moments to witness because of my own fear and pride. But those moments cannot be changed. I am truly sad that I missed them, but I must be like Paul and even at my lowest point, encourage others.
I pray for those who feel like right now they have nothing. Financially, all has been stripped from them. Hubby and I talked about this today over lunch. He said "I pray we never get to that point." And he's right...but what if that's not part of the plan? How many stories in the Bible are there of people leaving or losing everything to follow HIM? It only makes you stronger. Be encouraged! "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."



Super fun stuff going on here today- can you tell?! This is our kitchen table after a morning of homeschooling. When I see this I think that we've accomplished something- well, at least I hope.
Actually, I don't remember packing tape being part of our lessons this morning! Maybe it served as a beautiful wrist accessory at some point.

Hoedown updates- AMAZING!!! I can't tell you how many people I've met while trying to get donations who have truly blessed me. Their stories are inspiring! No, it's not about me but I have a new faith in people.

People who have no idea who I am have offered again and again to donate items and services to help raise money for this awesome ministry. Thank you to all of you!! Readers, please visit their links (to the right) and let them know just how awesome they are- and well, buy stuff, too!

Just a little encouragement-

I generally try to stay clear of these types of things because I don't want to step on any toes or start a debate that's not worth debating. BUT....and here goes....did anyone else see how many points the stock market dropped today?! Yeah, that's right- 777 points!!! Now, don't get the wrong idea, I am not excited. The economy is not the greatest (has anyone else noticed?!) BUT 777!!! What does that number remind you of? Maybe that we are not the ones in control. Maybe it's a reminder from God Himself. My hubby actually brought that to my attention, and it's pretty amazing if you ask me. Okay....not another word.

In Him,

E

New blog design and donations!

Isn't it amazing!! I just love the new design. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Nikki from Blogs for a Cause designed it- go check her out. She has a great thing going!

And check out all those donations!!! AAAAHHHH!! People are amazing. I see God's face all over this Hoedown and can't wait for the day. Please, visit the sites to the right and let them know how much we appreciate their support.

More news later.....have a blessed Sunday worshipping our Lord!
In Him,
E

God is good!

Sorry, I am still around! I have been working double time on the Hoedown, homeschooling and just making sure my girls feel loved. The greatest thing just happened....my little one shuffled in after a good night sleep with a book in hand. I think it's so very important to literally drop what we are doing to spend time with our kiddos, so that's exactly what I did. Put the emailing on hold and curled up in our big chair for a story. It was so wonderful spending some quiet time alone with such an amazing little person. She told me about the dream she had while sleeping and talked about what plans she has for her day. She's such a great girl!!



I see God's hand in everything these days. Maybe I am just finally taking the time to wait for Him and look for Him. Hubby's business has been in "a drought" as he calls it. He has work but hasn't been signing any new jobs. BUT 2 days ago the drought ended!!! He has signed several jobs this week and for that we are so grateful!! God is good!



HAY!! We have so much HAY- well now I can say had so much hay!! When we baled the pasture in the spring we thought we had buyers for all 850 bales. Wrong!! We only sold about 50 and had to pick every single square bale up out of the pasture to store in the barn. It has been sitting there ever since. Until last week.....first someone bought 100 bales, then someone bought 25. Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze came out Tuesday for 87 bales. A friend is taking 40. THEN, yesterday we had two calls- one for 150 bales and another for 80!!! YEEHAW!! The hay is going away! We honestly don't know how some of the people are getting our number. We listed in the Farmer's Market Bulletin a few weeks ago but our ad isn't in the latest bulletin nor listed anywhere on the site. Thank you Lord!!



I have been praying for our Hoedown. I felt a while back that we should not only have the Hoedown again this year but also include a cause that is so worthy of publicity. We chose Reece's Rainbow because we feel a strong call to help orphans with Downs. We thought that the easiest and possibly most finacially rewarding thing to do would be to have a silent auction during the Hoedown. I am truly overwhelmed by the donations we have received already and we still have a month to go!!! Please, visit their sites and support them- they have opened their hearts to help RR.

Noodles and Milk- beautiful, trendy baby items

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6195475

Todd Wilson, the FamilyMan

http://www.familymanweb.com/

Bumble Beadz- super cute game piece pendants

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5463454

Hockey Tickets!

Yipee!! Jim Hall, with Gwinnett Gladiators, donated two tickets to a game for the silent auction. We participated in their "Hat Tricks for Reading" program last year and got to attend a game with free and super cheap tickets. What a blast!! Thanks Jim!

Jim Hall
Director of Community Relations
Gwinnett Gladiators
ECHL Affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers
phone: 770.497.5109
e-mail: http://us.mc580.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jhall@gwinnettgladiators.com
website: http://www.gwinnettgladiators.com/

Back to hair clippity things......

As promised and new donations!!

Personalized Bulletin Boards
As promised, here is a picture of one of the fabulous bulletin boards my sister-in-law made for one of my girls. And yes, it really is a bulletin board and a beautiful one at that! She has donated two personalized boards (you pick style and colors) to the auction. All three of my girls have completely different tastes but she seemed to capture each individual style perfectly.
M is super talented, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with for the winner! We don't even put anything on the girls' boards because we don't want to mess them up. They truly are keepsakes.
Pssst....I'm sure she'll take orders even if you can't make the Hoedown. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in contact with her.



More Hair Clippity Things
Also, we are still plugging away at the hair clippity things. We're trying to make them pretty and professional looking in the presentation- what do you think?

Lotties Loops

And don't forget to check out our newest donator's (is that even a word) site. She makes the cutest hairbows (and don't even think about comparing her's to mine- I don't want to hear it!).

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5439174

I also got an email from a friend of mine today who is donating some furniture. You guys are truly amazing, I tell you! I can't wait to see what God can do through all of you for these kids.