Saturday, February 5, 2011

Thanks and Hello

Hi everyone. Hope your Saturday is going well. I hope to watch Saving Sarah Cain with the kids today . What are your plans?

I wanted to let you know that your comments have been so encouraging. Even on FaceBook, I have been blessed in ways that you will never know by women I didn't even know-- but now know a little bit better. Thank you for that. With that said, there are many of you that I would like to get to know but can't since I don't even know who you are. So this is an invitation to stop and say hello. I would love to hear from you.

At the same time, I would like to update my blog list. It makes it easy for me to check out your blogs by having them at my fingertips. Please leave me your address if you would like to be added. I will be removing blogs that have not been updated in months. Thanks!

58 inspiring thoughts:

Mike and Christie said...

Hey Christine,
We loved that movie!
Today we are watching Facing the Giants. We had never seen it before, but watched it last night and LOVED it. There is so much in that movie to identify with. :)

Sarah said...

I have been following your blog for a long time now! I don't comment much because I read blogs in google reader and there isn't an easy to way to comment there. I used to write "The Vortex" but gave it up some time ago. I am starting a new blog focused on finding and collecting good recipe ideas for large families that are lower in cost. I am sure I will write about our life there too! Reading about your family is such an encouragement to me!

Thanks,
Sarah

http://inexpensivemealsformany.blogspot.com/

Hevel said...

Savig Sarah Cain is a sweet story, though some of my Mennonite friends really dislike it.

Our Saturday is pretty much over (Shabbat went out a few hours ago), so tomorrow everyone is back to work/school. The weather wasn't kind to us, so we stayed in and played word games most of the day.

Have a lovely weekend!

Tala said...

I wish I had a blog Christine!
But I'm not yet married yet nor do I have children. Alas, no desire to blog! But I love following yours.

Seems we watch the same Amish movies. I've seen a good majority of them. Including Saving Sarah Cain, Amish Grace, Plain Truth (Lifetime based on the Jodi Picoult book), Harvest of Fire (I believe it's a hallmark movie), and Witness.

Love the books by Beverly Lewis too. You can find them in the Christian section in any major bookstore. I find the Amish, and their faith fascinating!

Take care!

Jefferson Hunt said...

Me? My plans? Well, I got up this morning...sort of, it was late morning - about 8:30. I ate breakfast. Then, everyone was up. We are having snow - lots and lots of it. I decided to go to the church to clean. While there, I decided to shovel the parking lot - which was pointless. I think there is some saying about shoveling snow while it is still snowing. After I got done at the church, I went to the big depart*ment store that supports China and bought some presents (from China) on behalf of my son for a classmate's birthday whose party is today. Then, I carefully came home, ate more cereal, read mail, got a surprise check, and am now blogging and e-mailing and stuff. The birthday party is at the pool at the middle school. We'll see if we make it. I hope I remember my camera.

HomeSchool Mommy said...

I LOVE reading your blog! I wanna be your fb friend, too! :)

Liz

Mari said...

Hi! I've commented occasionally, but must admit to being a lurker. I read every post and enjoy them though!

mommytoalot said...

Hello and happy Saturday to you too.
Sounds like a nice plan.
TOday so far we went to the Y...a few of the kids did the program..then I picked them up and we played in the gym (ONtario Early Years)...then we stopped at Rogers to pick up movies..then picked up lunch. McDonalds ...then we had a nice quiet time and watched Hercules..
Joey is at his first gymnastics class this weekend, but his worker took him.
Now I am going to take Dom to get a haircut and then get groceries..then a later dinner and stories and bedtime routine.
..
my address http://mylifemommytoalot.blogspot.com/

Julia said...

I rarely comment but read every one of your updates!! LOVE your family!!

Monica said...

My blog is www.xmaswarrior.blogspot.com

Amy said...

Hi Christine. . .my blog is:

www.inkedowl.blogspot.com

Many Blessings!

Amy

FaerieMama said...

Your blog continues to inspire, encourage and challenge me...all GREAT gifts! so glad you 'feel the love' from us, your faithful readers:)

Have a blessed weekend!

Love Keri

Karen said...

Just wanted to say hi and that i love reading your blog.

Christy said...

Hi Christine,
I haven't commented in a while but I always keep up with your posts. I'm committed to doing a better job of updating my blog this year so I hope you will stop by and check it out. http://lifeafterukraine.blogspot.com/

The McEacherns said...

You know I'm always reading, even if I don't always comment. I really admire you and pray that God gives me grace and strength to shepherd my daughters as well as you do. I love that you're willing to be honest with them, even about your own shortcomings. Lord knows I have plenty of those! If we're not on your blog list, I'd love to be added!

themceacherns.blogspot.com

Blessings! Marcie

mom2four said...

I read you regularly (of all the blogs I follow you're in the top 2 :) But my posting on mine is pretty sporatic :)

Difference2This1 said...

I love reading about your family and especially appreciate reading how you deal with all the issues regarding raising many tweens and teens at once (because I certainly am going to have a bunch of them all at once someday..gonna need to tuck away all the tips I can get!!)

The USA colored scarves Rachel knitted for our boys in EE are packed up our suitcase now for our trip there..in a few short weeks we hope they will be wearing them!!

We'd love to be on your blog list if you would like. http://www.ourchinastarfish.blogspot.com

Blessings, Jennifer

Christie said...

Hi, I've been reading your blog for months now. I'm from Puerto Rico. I think you are a great person. It just melts my heart how united your family is. You are very blessed. There I was thinking how lost this world is, and I find you and your family. I know you are not perfect, I bet you would not like to be called that, but you are amazing! Believe me, you are. I just love the way you treat each child the same, biological or not. God bless you and your beautiful family.

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

Love hearing about your boys and how they are doing. They have both grown soo much! So glad they are doing well. :)

Have been following for a long time :) It's just little ol me :)

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

OH yeah- love that movie!!

Not sure what we are doing.....???

Christine said...

Sarah from the Vortex-- I was wondering where you went! So glad to see that you are alive and well! I will check out your new blog.

Christine said...

Hi ChristieM, Hevel, Dawn, Keri, Jennifer, Marcie, and Mom2four-- I enjoy all of your blogs when I get around to reading the,. I will definitely add you to the new bloglist!

Christine said...

Hi Tala, thanks for saying hi! I will have to check out those other books and movies!

Christine said...

Hi Jefferson, Liz, and Mari- I will add you too!

Christine said...

Hi Julia, Monica, Amy, mommytoalot, Karen, and Christy--- I will make sure to add your blogs too!

Christine said...

Christie from Puerto Rico-- it is so nice to meet you. My husband went to Puerto Rick 18 years ago and said the water is absolutely gorgeous! I told him I would love to visit someday-- if we do hopefully we can meet up!

Cody said...

Hey, I also a "lurker". My name is Cody, I emailed you once... well, my blog is SavingSullivan.blogspot.com Also known as Orphanage 25. I would LOVE and VERY MUCH APPRECIATE if you put it in your blog lists. I try to raise awareness for the orphans at the orphanage (25) on Reece's Rainbow. We don't have a lot of followers. We actually are about to send a care package over to the kids... We (my sister, Spud, and I) are sending the box with the Boroughs (justamomofseven.blogspot.com ) who are adopting Sullivan, who started us with Reece's Rainbow. We used to call him "Prince Charming" or "little brother":)weused to do the blog Potofgoldorphans.blogspot.com but now we just have Orphanage 25. We may possibly be having a mission trip over there in a couple years with another adopting family, God willing. If he wants to go, he will provide the funds!

MommaMindy said...

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to introduce ourselves. I'm Momma Mindy from the beautiful PNW. I love to blog about my six crazy kids, my godly husband, home schooling, crafting and most of all the Lord Jesus Christ. I used to think I had a big family until I began following your blog. :)

mommamindy.blogspot.com

Leiani said...

Hi Christine, Leiani from Western Australia here! Like everyone else I love your blog and find it inspires me to be a better mum to my 3 boys. I admire your candor and frankness about the ups and downs of your very full life, it's refreshing to see that I'm not alone in my struggles and doubts, as well as my joys and triumphs. Keep writing (and photographing!. My blog is http://my-eccentricity.blogspot.com/

Christie said...

Hi! Yes, it's nice here in Puerto Rico... The beaches, oh is the most beautiful thing about our island. But I get bored sometimes because we don't get to change from one season to another, is always summer here and so hot! :/ Hehe. Nice to meet you too. Reading about your family feels like I've known you for a long time. Take care. God bless you.

PD. And oh yes, hope you can visit someday. :)

Holly said...

We celebrated Chinese New Year with other adoptive families who have children from China today!
Man I am glad it is bedtime!
My hubby has been gone for a few weeks and I wonder how I've survived deployments- whew! Oh, I know...GOD! :)
Love,
Holly
www.purposedrivenfamily.blogspot.com

Kathy C. said...

http://casselcrew.blogspot.com/
http://just4christiangirls.blogspot.com/

Seven From Heaven said...

Hi Christine, I also really enjoy your blogs. I thought we had a big family (seven children) until I read your blog. I'm new to blogging and would love to be added to your list.
www.seven-ers-fromheaven.blogspot.com

Whitney said...

I love your blog! And would love to be amongst your blog list!

http://whitney-armywife.blogspot.com/
(Honey Bunches of "Oaks")

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for several months now since I found it by accident. I do not have a blog myself and I am probably not the average reader of your blog. I am a single young college student. To be honest I am not sure why I am drawn to read your blog, perhaps it is the size and dynamic of your family or your faith I find interesting. Either way thank you for opening your family and self to others.

My plans for the day? Well I went out last night, ended up sleeping in a friends RV, grabbed a taxi home this morning, slept in and nursed a hangover until 3, then went to the beach with my roommate and our dogs this afternoon....not too shabby, but your sounds fun, good movie choice as well!

Jean said...

Hi Christine. I love your blog and your honesty in dealing with your children. I'm a lurker, but we have emailed and spoken on the phone. I so appreciate your help in adopting "Beth". We are celebrating her 14th birthday this weekend. I'm Courtney's mother, of Mark and Courtney, the ark of our covenant blog and will soon be getting 1 or 2 more grandchildren from Ukraine:) Thanks for sharing your life raising a large family with us.

Stephanie said...

My blog is fairly new and the address is paysumattn2.wordpress.com

Laura said...

My usual Saturday -- worked all day at the hospital and then raced home to see our little angel (she stays with the grandparents on Saturdays since hubby and I both work Tues-Sat).

I often feel stressed being a working mom with never enough time in the day. But then I find a few moments, read your blog, and am in awe regarding how you do it all. Thanks -- for the unknowing encouragement you provide!

Blessings,
Laura

P.S. I feel so honored when you stop by my blog...and you're welcome anytime!
www.ourrussianangel.blogspot.com

Missy and Kevin said...

Hello,Christine.
I have been reading your blog since forever, I think. I am a mother of 21 year old twin boys who both serve our country and an eight year old daughter from Ukraine. She has been home with us for three years. Your blog is so encouraging to me. Especially, now. I have been very sick lately..some liver issues that arent looking so well at this point. I will have a very detailed test next week and I am ready for definite answers. I have tremendous faith in the Lord but I have suffered for thirteen years and I am ready to deal with anything as long as it is the answer so I can deal with things that need to get decided. Anyway, reading your blog gives me strength and also laughter. I need that in my life for sure. GOd bless you and your family!
I have a blog,Believe, melissarmay2000@yahoo.com. Take care!

Joni said...

Hi Christine!
I have been with you since before Dennis joined your family! I sure have enjoyed following your families story - I don't comment very often, but read most all of your posts. I would offer words of encouragement for your large family - believe me, I know many large families, and when you take each child as a blessing and love each one for who they are, there are many, many blessings in life for each of you. Many people wonder how you can give each child enough time - yet I realize that some of these have their child or children in daycare from a very young age (I am not saying they are wrong or bad to do this, but I will continue here to make the rest of the point!!) ... thus their children actually do not have any more time individually with their parents. As the mother of one large family said, when someone asked 'Do you have enough love to give to yet one more child?' The mother replied that love grows - so when the 8th child, I believe it was, enters the home, they not only have Mom's and Dad's love, they also have the love of seven siblings. And it is SO TRUE!! I often observe how the younger ones in a large family have soooo much attention and affection from everyone else. I also think the 'how can you afford it?' is a legitimate concern for many - and sometimes for the parents of the family - but there is a difference when there is one or two children, because often for the first ones many things are bought new simply because you don't have them stored up from the older kids. But there are not continually the prices and costs of everything 'new' for everyone. And - for sure the kids can grow up happy and loved even if everything is not new. Garage sales are wonderful! :-)

One more thought - I am so tickled you are homeschooling. I'm not surprised, and I can appreciate your comments on how busy it is, yet so fulfilling! Keep it up - you are a great mom! I am not against public schooling, but have come to homeschooling like you have - the current situation in our home is such that it seemed homeschooling is better for our children, at least for now!

My blog, which I am very slow to update, and have yet to put pictures on (yikes!) You have visited my blog a time or two, anyway, and you are welcome - tho' I am so slow to update. http://busyaiti.blogspot.com/

Annie said...

Well, you know me. I never lurk....well, rarely. Now there is such a crowd around you that I don't always say anything. My plans yesterday were to go to Zhenya's basketball game, to take Anastasia and her friend to Goodwill to find dresses for the Valentines party, and go to work to get ready for Sunday. Unfortunately, I woke up feeling sick, so Rebecca's mother took the girls shopping and I just went to the game and spent 4-5 hours preparing for today's Religion classes. After this brief break, I'm off for a twelve-hour workday at church! By the grace of God, feeling better!

Lina said...

Hi Christine. I like reading your blog. I have been reading at list two years. Thank you for sharing. Lina
http://goaupairphiladelphia.wordpress.com/

Jane said...

Can you add me? I'm still posting on my blog although it's pretty much trivia these days. Nothing of note. I sent you a friend request on FB too!!!
Jane
mchowat.blogspot.com

Acceptance with Joy said...

HI, I followed one of your other blogs for until you brought Alex home...but I just started following this one.

I think that thing that resonated most clearly with me was when you said that God was your counselor and the counselor of your children. I've read a ton of books, and listened to a lot of stuff and I have come right back to the Bible.

We are adopting twins. They are nearly 7 and have been home (from foster care) for 11 months. The adoption is just around the corner.

Blessings,
angela
http://www.pealsofprice.blogspot.com/

Tia said...

I'm reading still. Commenting occasionally but reading pretty much daily, and always impressed with how well everyone seems to be doing. And by the way you combine honesty with respect so you can paint a picture of a difficult day without getting bogged down into the minutiae of who exactly did what and when. I need to work on that.

Tia

Kerry said...

Hi I read your blog everyday, love your family:)
I have been following your blog since you adopted Dennis, my girls just love him:)

Kerry

Anonymous said...

Hi!I do like your blog.I do not have a blog.Pat

Kaleigh said...

I just found your blog last week through another blog and I have LOVED reading through and learning all about your beautiful family! Thank you so much for sharing!!
God Bless!
faithfundsblog.com

Wendy said...

I am mostly a lurker too but have sent and email that you were so gracious to respond too.
You are an inspiration to many!
Wendy
blessedwitharichhart.blogspot.com

ortisfamily said...

I love to read about your fsamily. When I get overwelmed I look at your blog and get inspired!!!!!
Lynn
finallyatablefor7@blogspot.com

Megan said...

Hi Christine,

Love your blog...I check it out daily. We're currently adopting through Reece's Rainbow and you can find our blog at http://onemoremakesfourblog.blogspot.com/.

Megan

Gabe said...

I love your blog, I enjoy reading about other large families. We have our 7th on the way, our oldest is 10! I homeschool all of the kids!

www.gabesbabes.com

Emily said...

I love reading your blog!! :)

My blog has become mostly book reviews, so not too exciting to read, but the address is:
http://livingthebestoflifeinmydreams.blogspot.com/

Allison said...

Hi Christine! LOVE your blog! You can add ours to your list if you'd like to. :)

www.togiveafutureandahope.blogspot.com

Love,
Allison

kim said...

Love you, your family, and your blog. Not able to comment much, but constantly praying for your sweet family!

Linda up north said...

Hey Christine... I am still here and still blogging although it has been a little challenging with our four newbies ;)
www.loghomeupnorth.com
I do enjoy your blog!
Linda Up North

Heather said...

Christine, I am still a faithful follower of the Reeds:-) My blog is heathermac222.blogspot.com.

pahope said...

I read as often as I remember and have time. Love your heart for your children. I have a grown bio daughter from a first marriage, and my current husband and I adopted a son from Ukraine in Dec 2008. He is 6 now, and runs me ragged - so you can't believe the admiration I have for you being able to keep up with your kiddos! LOL I always wish and pray for you and your family all the best.

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