ramblings

Everyday I come up with a blog post in my head, but I've been trying to stay off the laptop so my posts never make it past my mind.  The only post left in my head tonight is a jumble of random thoughts that I thought I'd throw out there.  These are the things swirling around in my head lately:

• I've been obsessed with the sitemeter on our adoption info blog.  I'm down to checking it "only" about 3 times a day.  We've had nearly 450 visitors since we launched the blog last fall, and I'm not even sure if one woman that is expecting a baby and wanting to place him/her for adoption is in that number.  We have a bunch of referrals now from Everlasting Adoptions, who we are contracted with... but no bites yet.  Time will tell.  But I feel a bit James Bond-ish being able to track what city/state visitors are coming from.  It's fun, but addicting.  And it gets the mind wandering in places it shouldn't until we get a call saying someone is interested in us. 

• Homeschooling is on the brain a bunch lately.  And it's not because we're engaged in it 4 days a week, it's because I'm not so pleased with how I'm running it.  I know myself, and I know I'm being ultra lazy with it this last semester.  We're getting the bare minimum done, but even that isn't fantastic.  It's boring for all of us.  Some of it has to do with it almost being the end of the year, and some of it has to do with the sporadic way things are being run during the week.  The kids don't know anything is amiss...  they don't know what I'd really like us to be doing.  They happily say, "That's it??  Great! Let's go play!"  I made a list the other night of each school subject we'd like to be covering and the improvements that need to happen and I'm encouraged.  I just received my copy of "Managers of their Homes" in the mail today and I can't wait to devour it.  I love schedules.  I'll let you know how it's going.  I'm just dying to make a list of all the things I'd like to get done in a day and have them help me organize it in a school day schedule.  Each kid will have a section... can't wait.  The thought of it makes my list makey heart jump for joy.

• I've started exercising again after a 6 week hiatus.  It's painful.  I promised myself I wouldn't stop after I did my 30 Day Shred month, but I did.  I was burned out and disappointed by the lack of results on the scale even though my body felt way different.  (sigh)  I'm such an instant results girl.  (sigh)  And if I would have continued... I wouldn't be feeling bummed about starting over and I would have been a firmer girl that would have certainly seen results on the scale by now.  Why am I so tied to the numbers on the scale??  Maybe I should toss it.  But it really feels good to be moving again.  I tried running outside which is my dream... but my knee is still bugging me since the triathlon last May, and I still can't run on it.  boo hoo!  So no big triathlon this year, and I'm still contemplating a smaller one in June if I can find out a way to run.  Jillian Michaels is my DVD friend and she works me hard, so we'll stay friends even though I'd love to be running outside. 

• I planted tulip bulbs outside for the first time last fall, let's hope they appear!

• I wonder if our baby is out there already, nestled in his/her mother's womb?  Drew says he thinks our baby is.  And that he thinks he/she just kicked.  I think so too.  Well, I hope so!

• I'm also realizing lately how prideful I am and have been.  It has shown itself in many different ways in my life over the years, and I'm just now owning up to it.  God has been working with me on this, and it's hard!!  I've been too prideful to see it.  My pride comes in ways that you might not see as pride and in other ways that are blatant pride.  Okay, pride is not looking like a word any more... I've typed it too many times.  pride, pride, pride.... yuck. 

• I can't stand it when my girls' hair is messy after they've been up for a while in the morning when we're here at home.  Silly, I know.  But it makes me feel so much more together when I'm dressed and my girls' hair looks decent.  Not sure what made me think of that, but there it is. 

• I have 4 credits for free books on Paper Back Swap... what books should I request?  I've run out of ideas.  help!  (I love non-fiction and the occasional fiction)

• I have an insanely wonderful husband.  the end. 

Easter

On Easter Sunday this year, we spent a wonderful morning at church being so thankful for our risen Lord!  And as the song says, "...as he stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me... for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ."

After, we had lunch and an egg hunt at Dad and Marla Kay's with family and friends, then headed

out to the Dougherty's place for dinner and another egg hunt!  It was a wonderful day spent with friends and family.  I LOVE Easter!!! 

I think every year more and more, I come to realize what Christ's death on that cross and ressurrection mean for me.  I used to just acknowledge it as God's choice for Christ and a really interesting way to save the world if people choose to believe.  It actually used to be a tad ho-hum.  But now it's different... it's personal.    Christ died for ME.  He took MY sins upon himself so that I could know God.  I know God.  I don't just know about him and his stories.  He is a real and active God, moving in me in ways I can't quite explain.  He has forgiven me.  He continues to forgive me.  I have a hope and a future.  I have no fear in death.  He hears me.  He knows me more than I know myself.  He has given me a life so abundant and free that there's nothing you could do or say to make me want to go back to the old way.  I'm not perfect, but he makes me whole.  I don't know why he has chosen me for this life he has given me, but I am eternally grateful. 

With that being said...  here are some photos from our fantastic Easter.

Grandma Marla Kay made these super duper beautiful dresses for the girls!  Thank You!!

the earth appears

How lovely are the days spent walking and biking again!!

The bikes are now riden every day again, walks are more frequent

and the earth (in these here parts) is waking up from a long sleep.

Our family has always enjoyed evening walks after Jeremy is home... and last week we

took off on our first of the spring.  (and yes, if you noticed the kids aren't wearing their helmets... they hadn't been unearthed yet... but never fear their heads are now safe!)  I'm actually a safety gal at heart and love seatbelts, helmets, and outlet covers.  After all, a seatbelt saved my tail quite literally years ago... but that's another story!  Let me know if you've never heard, it might be fun to scan some photos in and recount my car accident when I was 16 and a new driver on icy roads now that it's spring!

Here's Gavin showing off his new bike he got for Christmas... 

Morgan looking as cute as ever with her John Deere wheels... this is the first time she's actually had

her own bike that fit her and I'm sure those training wheels will be flying off in

no time.  She's begging already, but I think we'll wait for a softer landing when the

grass appears to try that out.

And now I say goodbye to the snowfort, who has melted even more since this picture a week ago...

woo hoo!!!  We won't miss ya, but we'll sure be glad to see you next winter. 

forced bulbs

This year, we decided to try our hand at forcing

tulip and hyacinth bulbs inside!  Jeremy bought me some fun bowls

that match our kitchen and living room area and we stuck a few

bulbs in the dirt to see what happens...

Well, a few weeks later (with the aid of grow lights that are starting our tomatoes and peppers) we have plants!!!  I don't remember what I put in what, so it'll be a surprise as to which ones are

tulips and which hyacinth.  But it's fun to have new growth in the house

when it's still brown and mushy outside. 

Give it a try!  And you really don't need grow lights, but it helped!

A couple days after we planted the bulbs...

and now!  hooray!

a must read...

Okay, if you need a good laugh today or have ever asked anyone when they're scheduling their vasectomy because obviously they have too many kids in your opinion.... then this post is for you!  It is written by the husband of one of my favorite bloggers:

http://www.storinguptreasures.com/2010/04/me-my-vasectomy.html

Okay, going to read it to Jeremy now!

on the road again!

In a little less than a month, I'll be on the road again!  {Leaving my family is not my favorite thing to do... I dread it actually... nor did I imagine a month ago I'd be making two trips out of state this spring... but God is pulling me in directions I couldn't have imagined a year or two ago!}

Orphan care, adoption, foster care, helping others reach out to children.... all things that stir my heart. 

My good buddy Carly and I will be headed down to Minneapolis at the end of April to Summit VI put on by the Christian Alliance for Orphans!  Carly has had a vision of getting an orphan care/adoption/foster care/adoption funding help/education sort of ministry started in our local church for the last couple years. I've mentioned that Jeremy and I would be interested in being involved in this...  She recently pitched the idea of getting this off the ground to a couple of our staff pastors, and threw out the idea of sending she and I to this conference for training, education, and encouragement as a "long shot" and here we are just a mere couple weeks after the mention of it! 

I can hardly contain my excitement. 

I can just picture myself sitting in a comfy auditorium seat singing along with Steven Curtis Chapman, crying as I ache for the orphan, and feeling a great peace as Jeremy and I embark on God's next assignment for us so to speak.  Do you know what I mean?  After attending 4 years worth of Mothers of Preschoolers Conventions, I know what I'm in for.  And I can't wait!  Something just happens when you're away from home, learning from heroes of the adoption world and soaking up encouraging and life-changing words. 

taken from the Summit VI website:
Featured speakers will include national champions of orphan care and adoption, including John Piper, Mary Beth Chapman, Tom Davis, Doug Sauder, Stephanie Fast, Jedd Medefind, and Al Mohler. Compelling voices of the global church will join as well, from Africa and Eastern Europe to the First Lady of Guatemala City, Patricia Arzu. Music will be led by Steven Curtis Chapman and other artists. Meanwhile, more than fifty workshops will deliver practical know-how for effective adoption, foster care and global orphan care ministry.


Even more than ever before, 2010’s Summit VI will be an unparalleled hub for partnership, resources and inspiration. Whether a nonprofit leader, pastor, grassroots advocate or lay ministry entrepreneur, Summit VI is a must for both veterans and newcomers desiring to “care for orphans in their distress.”

Here's what pastor and author John Piper has to say about it:


Invitation to Summit VI from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.


We also are going to be able to squeeze in one full day at the Mall of America!  Yessssssss.

new diaper bag!

Yesterday, I made my first diaper bag! Jeremy said it was my best sewing project yet... yay! The best part was picking out fabric that really suits me,
 the other best part was sewing it up! 

www.amingledyarn.wordpress.com/gallery/tutorial-hip-mama-diaper-bag/

It really is easy... if you can sew a straight line, you can make this! 

After I spied Carly's handmade bag, I knew it was the right one for

me to make for our new baby!

I figured this time, instead of picking a bag to go with a baby boy/girl, I'd go

with a bag that suits me!  Since the baby won't care, I might as well like carrying it. 

This was my first time using snaps and a zipper,

it was MUCH easier than I'd imagined. 

I love it!!  This fabric is in the Amy Butler LOVE line. 

I LOVE Amy Butler fabric! 

The inside has loads of room for newborn diapers, onesies, bottles.. you name it!  Can't wait to take this on the plane to go get our sweet baby... whoever he or she is.  We're praying for you sweet baby... can hardly wait to meet you.  We're praying for your mother too. 

here's your chance...

 to help us bring our baby home!

  What would you say about us to a woman who is looking for a family to adopt her unborn baby??  We could use your help!  We have recently contracted with Everlasting Adoptions to have them locate a birth mom for us... and the cool thing is that she'll choose us herself!  We have been given the opportunity to have our friends and family tell our future birth mom why she should choose us and raise some much need funds at the same time!  They have created a page for us:  www.everlastingreasons.com/jeremyamanda

And all you have to do (if you know us and want to comment!) is write in 400 words or less why we should be chosen!  Each comment is $5 and we receive $4 of each one, payment info is right on the page.  You can comment as many times as you want... This page is linked on our profile online for all to see.  Right now it is sitting there with one comment and that comment needs a few more friends!   

(thank you for commenting, you know who you are!!!!)

If you've been wanting to help us out, but just didn't know how ~ here's your chance!

There's only so much we can say about ourselves without seeming proud or braggy, there's just something about the words of friends and family... and it could make all the difference!  If you can think of a reason why we should be chosen by a woman choosing life and adoption for her baby, would you share it? 

We are forever grateful!

my time in Oregon

I just got back from spending a week in Oregon with my mom after my stepdad John's recent passing.  He had a heart attack last October, and just never quite fully recovered.  He passed in his sleep peacefully on March 9th.  We weren't expecting it to happen so soon, but we're at peace with where he is and that it was his time.  I had a wonderful time with my mom that week, she even surprised me with a pedicure one day!!  Don't our feet look a lot alike???  Our hands do too I was noticing... 

And on my third day there, I had the GREAT pleasure of meeting my new nephew Luke for the first time!  He was 5 weeks old, and is such a little sweetie!  I loved spending time with my big brother Sean, and my sister-in-law Vanessa too.  It was the longest I'd been able to spend with them in a LONG time!

Grammy getting in some Luke snuggles herself...

the beautiful family...

Sean is such a cool dad (Vanessa of course is a super cool mom too...) he has his own sling and proudly carries Luke in it any chance he gets!  His man-sling got quite a few compliments when we were out and about!  You guys are great parents, and I'm so happy to have spent time with you. 

One day, we visited a cute, 150 year old mining town called Jacksonville... loved it. 

There were fun shops in the historic buildings and yummy places to eat. 

Vanessa, Lukey, and I

And one of the highlights about being in Oregon in March is that it's Spring!

Daffodils were sprouting up all over, pansies were in full bloom, and the flowering trees... oh the trees!  This one is called a tulip magnolia, it is spectacular!!!  I wanted to take it home with me.  It was also in the 70's which was a fantastic change for me this time of year!

It was a really good trip for many reasons, especially to see how large my mom's support system is where she lives.  I'm not sure I would have believed her if I hadn't seen it for myself.  And I'm truly thankful for her friends and church family that extended love and support to her and will continue to do so. 

Of course, it was hard to leave my kids and Jeremy with such short notice...  the ticket was bought and I hopped on a jet just a few short hours later!  But it proved to be a good week back home as well...  Jeremy was home 5 of the 7 days I was away, and had a great time staying home with the kids.  He even trooped all the kids into town to Nordstrom to buy a gift for me! Upon getting back home at 2am Sunday morning.. I was greeted by 4 love notes on my pillow, a bottle of perfume, a bouquet of sunflowers, a homemade cake, and a gift card!  Jeremy really went all out and sure surprised me by all the "we missed you" gifts!  Thank you, dear husband...  you make my life so easy and enjoyable. 

Here are the love notes I received from the kids, they are just too precious:

(in cursive)

hi mom,

I mist you.  how are you.  I love mom.

I'll see you in the morning.

love drew

(with a huge smiley face drawing, and a coupon for one free picture drawn by him!)

Welcome Home Mom

i hope you had a great Time

Gavin

(also, a coupon for 1 free breakfast in bed of scrambled eggs and toast!)

WELCOME HOME MOM!

I AM gLaD YOU ARE HERE.

MOM MORGAN

(a coupon for 1 free bubble bath, when you want)

 

new hats for adoption

These are new hats I started making before Christmastime with all proceeds going right to our

adoption fund!  I love making them, and I think they're really adorable on! 

This particular set was made for a set of girl cousins.  One hat is missing, since I already delivered one... but I think Holly, Leah, Reese, and Megan are going to look just perfect in them!

They come in a four sizes:

newborn 0-6 months

6-24 months

2-4 years

4-6 years

larger sizes by special order

I'm selling them for $20 ea. 

Let me know if you'd like to place an order!

They are 100% cotton, and can be made in light pink, dark pink (shown), chocolate brown (shown), red, celery green, white, cream, light yellow, light blue (shown in last picture) or lavender. 

I found some really fun buttons that I'm really happy with. 

My good buddy, Chantel ordered hats for her girls for Christmas and wanted matching ones for their dolls...  that's when I found this pattern, and I'm so glad I did!

cuteness.