One of A Kind

Dennis loves sweets!  He will eat a whole bowl of batter if we let him try! 

William loves fried potatoes.  He will peel 20 pounds of potatoes if I will fry them. 

The kids request Julia's banana muffins all the time.  She started the tradition of making a batch of mini muffins first so that everyone can taste test them while the big muffins bake.

Dennis plays by himself so well!  He especially loves anything having to do with cars.  Just a while earlier this rug was in his room and he dragged it down to the kitchen so he could play but still be with everyone else.

Anastasia is in the middle of a knitting project.

William loves being outdoors.  He makes up all sorts of "ball" games.

We let the dogs in the house on the rug by the back door.  It is a special treat for them to be inside. The other day I gave Dolly a haircut.  Sveta is still talking about it.

Dennis and Alex playing together before school. 

I made two kinds of Jello the other day.  I joked with Rachel about how cool I was by putting the orange Jello in the orange bowl and strawberry Jello in the pink bowl.  She wasn't very impressed.

Adam loves playing guitar.  He is a very gifted musician.

Today I met with our new potential family doctor.  I chose him because he is the only doctor that I found in our area that doesn't belong to a medical group.  He was nice and all-- but I didn't feel that click with him that I was hoping for.  I'm probably expecting too much.  Our last family doctor was so amazing-- he made the kids laugh, he was very supportive of adoption, he took what I said always into consideration, he was confident in his work, and his bedside manner was kind, friendly, laid back, and patient oriented. His whole staff always made me feel like each one of our kids was unique and special.  The kids loved him too.  I didn't realize until today that his office was comfortable too.  I have yet to find all these things in another family practice doctor.   This has bummed me out for sometime now.  The office I went to today is in a very upscale part of Redlands-- and while the office is very nice, it was a little too rich for my blood.  I felt like Dennis might break something. 

I wish this doctor thing wasn't such a big deal to me, but it is.

Lord, please give me peace about this whole doctor thing.

Today

I'm thankful for Vic's Vapor Rub this morning.  I have this deep, persistent, lingering cough that makes my head pound.  It was really bad about 4 in the morning so I got up and lathered Vapor rub all over my chest and neck.  I was able to finally get some peace and rest for 2 1/2 hours.

Adam received an award at last night's school board meeting for scoring in the top 1% in the nation on a math test.  Based on his grades, he has also been asked to be a a Junior Honor Escort at Senior Graduation Night.  Way to go Adam! We are so proud of you!

Paul is attending a 2/3 grade combo class during the day.  He still has recess and lunch with his peers-- but is learning at his level.  Finally, he is making progress.  The main thing is that he is more confident and seems so much happier!

Our one daughter's behavior is in full swing this week again.  I showed some grace--- let her stay up an hour later one night, and John did the dishes for her another-- and it back fired.  All of a sudden she was demanding we lift all her consequences for prior behavior or else.  Sorry sweetie, it doesn't work that way.

Anastasia is sick.  She asks John and I to pray with her all the time.  She is so faithful.

Alex continues to have his ups and downs with school.  One day he will scream and kick and refuse to do work along with dragging his feet, knocking down chairs, chewing nails down to the quick, and eating slow if at all.  The next day he will have a great day at school, show no new evidence of feet dragging, eat all his lunch, and be very productive with his homework.  Most days are a struggle with him, but yesterday was a good one.  I  love those days!

Andrew is in baseball.  He is one of the pitchers.  It is neat to see him grow with each practice and game. I shocked the kids with how many goodies I bought for his games.  Instead of going to the snack bar and spending three times as much on snacks, I stocked up at the 99 cent store.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Lord for being with me.  Thank you for giving me strength when I had none.  Thank you for the hope I have in you.  Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my children.  Please give me even more patience, and help me to determine when holding my tongue will be better than arguing back.

Parenting in this last month has been very humbling.  No matter how strong I appear to be, I still feel like I am failing.  It is amazing how one or two children can make me feel so inadequate even though there are 13 that show evidence of beautiful fruit.  Shame on me.  It isn't about me.  I am realizing that I cannot control my kids' behavior 100%.  I can guide them, nurture them, pray for them, and be a role model, but that doesn't mean that they still won't go and do what pleases them.  Of course I want them to choose what is right, but I can't make them.  All I can do, is continue to be a stable, loving parent.
In the midst of all this, a few of my daughters have thrived as a result.  They used to have the same kind of attitude and behavior-- and now they see themselves in their sister as if they are watching a reality show.   They see what is going on and think back to when they were in our one daughter's shoes.  They side with me.  They see the craziness of it all and how certain behaviors are very destructive.  This is God at work always using our weakness for good.  He is so full of grace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope all of you are having a great week with your kids!
 

Digest 25

Anonymous said...
what hotel did you stay at? we will be going to Disney for a week in March. Good luck to Alex
December 15, 2011 2:49 AM

We stayed at the Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites.  Right across from the main entrance and nestled between an IHOP and Dennys-- this hotel is perfectly located.  It biggest suite sleeps 10--  the largest I have been able to find so far.  My kids love the indoor pool.


Mark said...
Is Anna getting taller? She looks like she has grown over the past year.
Good luck to Alex.
December 15, 2011 1:18 PM

She is!  This past year she has grown a few inches. :)


prettybyrdie said...
Hi! I've been reading your blog for a couple of years now but have never commented before. Seeing your family around the Christmas tree made me wonder about something. How do you "do" Christmas? More specifically, how to you buy Christmas presents? Do you spend a certain amount on each child, give a certain number of gifts, etc? I only ask because I find Christmas shopping for my tiny family overwhelming and I was wondering how you manage it without things getting crazy expensive!
December 19, 2011 6:58 PM

Christmas is a time where we celebrate our Savior's birth.  We try to keep the focus on Him rather than gifts.  We usually try and do one big family gift with one individual gift for each child.   I buy gifts throughout the year when I run across something on sale so that the expense doesn't hit us all at once.  We average about $50 per child.  The kids enjoy shopping for each other at the dollar store so there is never a lack of gifts among siblings!


Expat Mom said...
Did you know you can make French toast with eggnog? Bet that would really go over well with your "banana milk" lovers. :D
We had Eggs Benedict for supper the other night (yay, pregnancy cravings) and my boys frequently ask for French Toast for supper, but I think they don't realize it's for breakfast, we've had it that often for dinner. Whoops.
December 22, 2011 11:38 AM

Sounds Yummy!  My daughter Annalyn would love it I bet!  She is my big eggnog drinker.


Mommy to those Special Ks said...
Do you LOVE having an extra driver in the house? Kassidy (who is only 12) is counting down the days, and I have to admit, the thought of having someone else available to run to the store for milk or something makes me a little bit giddy inside... though I'm sure that's not why SHE'S excited to drive! hahaha The kids are all getting so big!! :)
December 22, 2011 12:39 PM

I do love having an extra driver.  It has been a huge blessing.  He runs to the store for me all the time!


Courtney said...
I can't imagine how many eggs you guys go through! We go through about 4 dozen a week and there are only 8 of us. ;) I did want to mention that Costco may not have the best price on eggs. We have shopped around and at least at Sam's, the 15 dozen eggs run about $2 a dozen. I can usually get them on sale for much cheaper somewhere else ($1.29 this week at Walgreens). But I also know with your large family that you may not have time to chase deals. Sometimes it is way better to spend a few cents more and save the time and gas money for other, more important, family things! :)
January 8, 2012 11:27 AM

Recently I began buying the 15 dozen box at Costco.  It usually never lasts us longer than three weeks! 


Melissa said...
The 'new' Cheaper by the Dozen movie-turned-book, or the old version book? We own the old, original Cheaper by the Dozen movie, and it's quite fun to watch every now and then :)
January 13, 2012 4:24 PM


The kids read the old version.  Tonight we watched Cheaper By the Dozen part 2 and the two are so different.  I didn't realize that there was a movie of the old version-- that would be interesting to watch.  Thanks for mentioning it.


Anonymous said...
Congrats on your future new arrivals! I have one question, though: I remember you mentioning quite some time ago that you, John, and your kids all agreed that Adam should be your oldest child, and Dennis should be your youngest. I'm just curious: what changed?
January 18, 2012 5:46 PM


I guess this is the reason you never say never.  Now that Dennis is older and most of our kids are teenagers things changed.  Our hearts have been stirred-- nothing more nothing less.


Kelly said...
Do your kids have assigned seats at the table?
January 20, 2012 11:08 AM


No they don't have assigned seats but if they did I bet it would end a lot of the bickering. :) 


Bell said...
Hi, love your blog, just spent weeks reading everything from the very beginning to catch up. But why can't I see he photos from the first couple years you were blogging?
January 19, 2012 10:47 PM

I was so disappointed to have this happen.  In an attempt to free up storage space on my blog because Blogger was saying I was maxed out, I went and deleted all my earlier pictures.  A few days later I found that for a few dollars a year I could have more space than I know what to do with.  Oh well, live and learn-- but certainly no more picture deleting.


Sarah said...
Happy Birthday Annalyn!!!
This is purely just a curiousity question but I've always wondered if your children unintentionally (cause I know they would never do it on purpose) ever segregate themselves based on adopted v. biological? What got me thinking of this question is in one pic it looked like it was mostly composed of bio kids (plus Dennis) and then in another picture your adopted girls. Of course it also looks like girls v. boys! :)
(I'm not assuming anything because I figured this is just how it happened to turn out, with how tables are set ups, who gets their food first, who is closer to whom, etc.)
January 24, 2012 12:03 AM


Never really noticed this before.  I think it is more a girl verses boy thing since most of my girls were adopted. 


Shari said...
Hi Christine!
I taught my boys to read with the book "How To Teach Child to Read in 100 Days". It worked and was very easy.
I hope it is something that might encourage you.
Shari
January 25, 2012 10:05 PM

Thank you for the suggestion.  I went out and got the book from our homeschool resource center as soon as you mentioned it.  You are right-- it is an awesome book.  I did lesson one with Dennis and haven't picked it up since.  No excuse really other than being  busy with homeschool and doing his assigned homework.  I hope to work with him over the summer.


Kelly said...
Do your girls that are the same size share clothes or do you buy for each one and keep each separated? My three oldest boys are the same size but they do not share. Just curious how girls are about that sort of thing.
January 28, 2012 5:49 PM

My girls each have their own clothes.  They have their own drawers and for the most part have no problem distinguishing whose clothes is whose.  With that said, they are always trading and borrowing!  




Anonymous said...
How old is Galina's bio sister?
February 21, 2012 11:50 AM


She is 18.


Carol G said...
Annalyn reminds me a bit of Drew Barrymore in that photo! I really like her hair that way. She is a beautiful girl with a great smile!
February 21, 2012 1:05 PM

Thank you.  I keep telling her that she looks like Drew but she didn't believe me.  I showed her your comment and at least now she knows I am not crazy!




Anonymous said...
Can I bid on a sheet of cinnamon buns ;-) They look sooo good!
February 29, 2012 3:31 PM

Funny you should say that.  One Sunday after church Julia and I made cinnamon rolls and went around the neighborhood selling them.  We went out with 10 packages and came home with 7.  


SolaceMama said...
Happy Birthday Alex!
I just have to comment on Dennis. The picture above "J&A bought a round of dessert"? HIS EYE! He looks good! I am just in awe of what God, science and a lot of love can do for a person. :)
March 4, 2012 10:22 PM

Thank you!  I think so too!  He has come so far.  Now if only we could get his eczema under control.  I am taking him to a new doctor next week and hopefully an allergist and dermatologist soon after.  


cara said...
Where did you find the fabulous comforters? My son would love one.
Cara
March 5, 2012 8:23 AM

Got them from Walmart.  I have them shipped to the nearest store to save on shipping.




Tasha said...
Are you still going to publish the cookbook with the reader submissions?
What recipes are in this book?
Thanks!
March 7, 2012 7:20 AM

I hope so!  But that cookbook will have over 100 recipes and I just don't have the time right now.  The cookbook I made has 25 recipes that our family uses all the time.  Some of the recipes include apple crumb dessert, taco soup, lemon meringue pie, bread pudding, and easy chile verde.


Anonymous said...
I think the cook book is a great idea since your food always looks so wonderful. I can't donate or buy one though as I am a poor college student haha. I do wish you the best of luck though!!
Also, I have a question I was wondering if you could answer since it pertains to adoption and you have done that plenty of times and probably are very educated in it.
I am wondering if you have to be religious to adopt from another country, since all adoption blogs people seem to be highly religious. Could an atheist couple, or even just a spiritual but non religious church going family adopt?
Thanks
March 7, 2012 5:42 PM

It is wonderful that you have questions about adoption.  I do not think you have to be religious to adopt from another country.   But for us, it is because of our relationship with Christ that we have chosen adoption.  If you would like to discuss this more, please feel free to email me. 



Rita from Spain said...
Oh Christine, get well soon....
YOU and everyone else! Being a MOm and being sick is AWFUL...
HOWEVER, I can not help say what? at the general anesthesia....perhaps it is common in the U.S....but they would never think of putting someone to sleep to pull a molar here! With just local novacaine, it is more enough....even for my 3 yr old...who unfortunately had to have one out...
just saying...
Anyway I hope that Rachel´s visit goes smoothly! Any dentist work is usually the pits!
HUgs!


Thanks Rita.  I am feeling better today.  As to the general anesthesia, I thought the same thing.  But Rachel's wisdom teeth are impacted and her mouth doesn't have room for them so this is the only way the dentist will pull them.  :(


March 8, 2012 12:54 AM
Why not call it just smiles, if you delete the trials blog posts. I am confused on why it was deleted, it was a very well written blog post that might have helped others.
By Anonymous on We're Sick at 8:34 AM

 Good point.  I am sorry.  Admittedly, I didn't talk with my daughter before I posted the blog post in question.  Out of respect, I removed it.   

We're Sick

Alex woke up crying, "Mom!  Mommy! Mommy!" late Sunday night.  Needing to be changed... and running a fever I counted my blessings when he swallowed the fever reducing pill with ease avoiding an extra trip over to my bathroom in the middle of the night to get the chewables.  After a big glass of water, I tucked Alex back into bed and ran the diaper downstairs out to the trash on the side of the house.  As I tiptoed back up the stairs I heard, "Mom!  Mommy!" again.  He was sick with diarrhea and like I had first suspected it was going to be a long night.

That was how my week started, and like the domino effect, Dennis, Annalyn, and now myself are all sick.   No fun.  As Dennis' fever rose, I tried to give him some medicine to swallow-- but he wouldn't have it.  Poor guy couldn't swallow it and as the pill lost its coating and filled his mouth with a bitter taste it was so bad of me to laugh.  But it was funny!  And laughter at the moment was the best medicine.  I had him spit it out and gave him chewables instead-- which he was thankful for.

Today the kids' teacher came out and went over all their work.  She bought two pairs of earrings.  Later, I took Rachel and Anna to the dentist.  Praise the Lord neither of them had any cavities but Rachel needs her wisdom teeth pulled.  She is scheduled to have two of them pulled at the end of this month with general anesthesia.  It will be her first time getting put to sleep and she is a bit nervous. 

Now I'm off to bed in hopes that the extra sleep will do me well.  I hope the boys are well enough to go to school!  If they are still even a little bit sick I will keep them home.  The school is quick to call and insist that I come pick them up with just the slightest cough-- it is not worth going through the motions of sending them only to have to come and pick them up an hour later.

Reed Family Cookbook Fundraiser

25 for 25!

Please check this out! Here is a cookbook I put together with 25 of our favorite family recipes that we make over and over.  From compote to cinnamon rolls to meatballs to apple crumb dessert this book has a little of everything.  

For $25 you will get a color printed, binded, 8 1/2 X 11 recipe book that is filled with our favorite recipes! Shipping included!

Please consider buying a cookbook.  All donations will go towards Doyle and Fischer's adoption.

Since I will be making these books as orders come in please allow seven days from the time you order.

Thank you!

Silent Auction Winners

The Silent Auction Has Ended!  The winners are posted below.  Thank you so much for bringing us closer to meeting the financial needs for this adoption.  You may be the winners of  this silent auction, but the real winners are Doyle and Fischer.  Soon they will be home with us. . .  orphans no more!  Please email me at thereed8@yahoo.com if you bid and won one of the items below.

#1Bib -- $5 LizD

#2 Soft baby Book-- $10 Kristen

#3 Flannel Mickey Blanket -- $15 Nicole N

#4 necklace--$20 Catherine

#5 pink necklace-- $5 Emily

#6 necklace-- $5 Emily

#7 necklace and earrings-- $15 Sarah

#8 necklace and earring set $15 Maribeth

#9 necklace -- $10 Shari

#10 necklace-- $10 Robin's Nest

#11 green cuddlebug--  $20 Vivian Bowles

#12 red cuddlebug--  $25 Tanya B

#13 tote bag--  $10 GarolG

#14 Middle School Book-- $15 Maribeth

#15 (Just for Me Bible)--  $10 Maria G

#16 (Just for Me Friends) -- $10.00 Maria G

#18 redemption book--  $20 AllisonD

#20 collage-- $20 Votemom

Blessings!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Happy Birthday to Alex!

Today Alex turned seven years old!

This is his third birthday that we have celebrated with him but today is the first time that he said he is now a big big boy!

We surprised him with redecorating the boys' room.

For dinner we went to McDonald's with a big indoor playplace.

For a special treat, Alex and Dennis got happy meals.

Here is Julia and Anastasia looking radiantly beautiful!

Julia and Annalyn bought a round of desserts for everyone.  We sang happy birthday and then opened presents.

Alex loves King Kong.  King Kong is his favorite animal in the whole world.  He loves, loves, loves to watch the movie and will cry his eyes out each and every time King Kong dies.

So for his birthday, I found a small King Kong doll on Amazon that makes sounds.

Just like we all thought, Alex loved this present the most!  Here he is hugging it.

Alex wanted to blow out the candles before we sang Happy Birthday.

It only took 16 blows before all the candles were out!

Happy birthday Alex!

We love you!

You have come a long way!

Just in Time for St. Patrick's Day

Shamrock earrings!

Only $8!

Protect yourself.  Don't get pinched this St. Patrick's Day!

Just imagine.  Not only will you be partnering with us by helping with the adoption costs for two precious little boys, but you will also have something cute and green to wear for St. Patrick's Day!

Please email me if you would like a pair.

thereed8@yahoo.com

Order by March 14 to make sure you get them in time!

If Only We Could See the Potential

Yesterday I came across a link to a video about Bulgarian orphans.  What I saw moved me deeply as I proceeded to watch all nine videos in one sitting.  My son Paul watched much of the videos with me.  It was obvious that his heart had been tugged too.  He asked if we could adopt all the kids in the video so they could be happy and fed like we are.  The conditions that these children in the documentary had to live in day to day is absolutely unimaginable until you watch the video.  It is disturbing and begs us to action.  Children sentenced to a life of darkness, hunger and despair with only their very basic needs met day in and day out.  As I learned about Vashky, Didi, and Milen my heart broke for them.  What began as something as simple as being born deaf or blind or with a cleft palate these children were labled with  additional diagnoses such as allagrifinia which means small brain because society thinks they are ineducable.  This hit home... hard.  One of our daughters had this same diagnoses among others and we witnessed first hand the little potential they saw in her but I never really comprehended where she was headed had we not chosen her.  No one ever inquired about her because of this label and it is by God's design that we were blessed with her as our daughter.

It was her that opened our eyes to the preciousness of life and potential that every child has.  It just has to be unlocked. The first time we met her at 8 years old she could not hold a pencil properly, nor could she bead a string very well.  Six years later she is reading, writing, and learning long division.  Though she has been an amazing student over the years, it is she that has taught us.

And then I think of Dennis.  He was so thin and fragile when we first met him.  He could not swallow a mashed up banana nor did he really make any noises.  The sun was so bright for him the first time we took him outside indicating he had not been outdoors in a very long time.  In just a matter of hours we saw a flower begin to bloom.

And then there is Alex.  Pretty much confined to a stroller, we were told his chances of walking were slim.  We told them that as soon as he was home we would work with him so that he could be mobile. Now he climbs jungle gyms!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the videos that I watched.  I am warning you-- they are hard to watch.

Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 1
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 2
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 3
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 4
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 5
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 6
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 7
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 8
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children Part 9
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today I shared God's word, His plan for our lives, the fruits of the spirit-- my heart.  I love my children so much and I desire for them to be thankful for what they have been blessed with not because I want recognition or a handful of thank yous but so that they can outwardly focus on others to help, to show kindness, and to love rather than overly focusing on what they don't have because they are not thankful.  Then the older ones watched the first five videos with me.

When the kids came home from school and I was in the midst of doing things, I asked one of my daughters to help with Alex in the bathroom.  Later she came to me on her own, teary eyed.  "You know Mom, I was in the bathroom with Alex and I was grumpy at him because he can't do things on his own.  I had a mean attitude toward him and then I remembered.  I couldn't believe myself.  I thought back to what you had shared with us and I knew it was me with the problem.  I immediately stopped and he was happy and laughing.  I'm sorry."  As you can imagine, I am very moved by my daughter's honesty and her willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to guide her.  I am once again in awe that the Lord would reveal His beautiful plan through something so ordinary.

After watching the videos I couldn't help but wondering what became of Didi and Milen and Vhasky.  I am so excited to share the follow up story in the next video links.

Part 1 revisited
Part 2 revisited
Part 3 revisited
Part 4 revisited-- this is the segment that begins the actual follow-up.  It is so heart-warming to see what a little love and attention does.  Investing in a child can make all the difference.
Part 5 revisited
Part 6 revisited

Please keep the least of these in your prayers... always.  There are so many ways to help-- pray for the children, donate to a ministry that outreaches to them, support an adoptive family, visit an orphanage, become a foster parent, or become an orphan advocate.

Current High Bids

Current High Bids for Silent Auction-- Thank you so much!

#1Bib -- $5 LizD

#2 Soft baby Book-- $5 Emily $10 Kristen

#3 Flannel Mickey Blanket -- $10 Emily $15 Nicole N

#4 necklace-- $5 Mama Bear $10 Elizabeth

#5 pink necklace-- $5 Emily

#6 necklace-- $5 Emily

#7 necklace and earrings-- $5 LizD   $8 Sarah $10 LizD $15 Sarah

#8-- $5 LizD $10 Sarah

#9 necklace -- $10 Shari

#10 necklace-- $10 Robin's Nest

#11 green cuddlebug- - $10 Emily  $20 Vivian Bowles

#12 red cuddlebug- - $10 Emily $15 Kristen  $25 Tanya B

#13 tote bag-- $5 Dana  $10 GarolG

#14 Middle School Book-- $10 Robin's Nest

#15 (Just for Me Bible)-- $5 LizD $10 Maria G

#16 (Just for Me Friends) -- $10.00 Maria G

#18 redemption book-- $10 Amber $20 AllisonD

#20 collage-- $5 Julie B (Julie B Please email me for the decal) $20 Votemom

P.S. I will keep this updated as bids come in.

Hope is in the Air

Look, a heart potato chip.  Annalyn found it.

Galina noticed our last frog finally died.  Dennis was quite fascinated with the flushing ceremony.

Bye froggy.

It snowed the other night.  The kids had fun playing with it the next morning.

Taco salad with spinach for an iron boost.

Delicious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today is Wednesday.  It has been a hard two days two weeks with one daughter.  To look into the eyes of one of your children and see a blank as if she feels nothing has brought me to my knees.  Enough said.  The Lord has given me incredible strength.  It doesn't matter what she says, she is ours and we are a family.  Through thick and thin, good and bad...

Prayer deflates the enemy.  

Prayer restores the spirit.

Prayer blankets a home with grace.

With God all things are possible.

Remember that always.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Today is a new day.

Hope is in the air.

Silent Auction

 Please check out the Silent Auction of the following items.  As you already now, every dollar raised will go towards Doyle and Fischer's adoption.   If you are interested in bidding on an item, please leave a comment with your name, the item number and the amount you are bidding.  Please start the beginning bid at $5 or more with increments of at least $5. All items were made with love-- and I know that everyone who contributed worked hard!  Thank you for that.
The silent auction will end at noon, March 6, 2012.

1.

Crocheted bib by Rachel Reed

2. 

Soft Baby Book (9in X 10in) by Christine Christine Robins

3.

Flannel Mickey Blanket (approx. 3' X 4') by Christine Robins

4.

Gorgeous Hand beaded necklace by Elaine in Germany 

5.

Gorgeous Hand beaded necklace by Elaine in Germany

6.

Beautiful Hand beaded necklace by Elaine in Germany

7.

Beautiful Hand beaded necklace with matching earrings (set) by Elaine in Germany

8.

Beautiful Hand beaded necklace and earrings (set) by Elaine in Germany 

9.

Hand beaded necklace by Elaine in Germany

10.

Hand beaded necklace by Elaine in Germany

Hand beaded necklace by Elaine in Germany

11.

Cuddlebug doll  (approx 12 in tall) by Anna Deaton

12.

Cuddlebug doll  (approx 12 in tall) by Anna Deaton

13.

14X12 sewn tote bag by Christine

14. 

Book donated and written by Kathy Cassel. Check her out on Amazon! 

15.

Book donated and written by Kathy Cassel.  Check out her Just For Christian Girls site!

16.

Book donated and written by Kathy Cassel.

17.

Book donated and written by Kathy Cassel.

18.

A wonderful adoption story perfect for bedtime.  Check out their blog here.

 19.

Beautiful Cross Pin made by Crystal.  Check out her Etsy shop!

20.

Beautiful Collage (approx. 10X8 in) by Emily.  Check out her Etsy shop!

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Around Here

Crazy busy around here.

 Church.

School.

Starting a small group at our house.

Babysitting.

Girl drama.

Spring cleaning.

Clearing off my desk.

Dennis going through a stage of having crying fits if he doesn't get his way.

Adoption paperwork.

Yard work.

Finding a new doctor.

Straightening out health insurance claims.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

But the Lord is good.

I am closer to Him now than ever simply because I cannot do life without Him.

I don't know how anyone does life without Him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonight it snowed.

The kids were in heaven.

Yum!

Oh cinnamon roll. You are so tender. So warm.

So delightfully scrumptious.

You melt in our mouths.

You are the definition of perfection.

But now...

You are gone.

You were great while you lasted.

Until we meet again...

which will be tonight when we roll out the rest of the dough that's in the fridge. 

Happy thoughts.