"Willow put play dough in my mouth" , whimpering, false sniffing
"How, did Willow put play dough in your mouth?" sighing, wondering, really wondering
"I was laying on the floor and yawned and she put play dough in my mouth" a bit of a tear for sympathy effect
"Willow, Why did you put play dough in your sisters mouth?" questioningly, wonderingly
"I wannid do" mischievously , grinning, smirking with enjoyment
~~~
Thus are the pleasures of the simple life.
The quietness of home and hearth,
the playfulness of raising many children,
the confined restlessness of winter tide. ;0)
You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter. {Psalm 74:17}
We recently fostered a Great Pyrenees and her 16 week old pup. The puppy was full of frolicking fun!
And mischief.
He was such a snow bear. Don't let his innocent looks fool you. He was a naughty little big thing.
When the end came, we kept the mother. ;o)
She is lovely
An ancient breed, the Great Pyrenees is gentle, intensively protective, obedient and kind. They adore children are playful and love the snow diving head first. Gentle guardian giants is what they are. I had a Saint Bernard years ago and adored him. I guess I just love big dogs.
He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.{ Psalm 147:16}
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. {Proverbs 31:21}
After more playing in the snow...
Winter is a good time to break out the games
I love having four seasons
just when you grow weary of one ~ another springs forth
but not quite yet...
Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?{Job 28:22}
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. {Hebrews 13:5}
It is a crisp 17 degrees this morning. The sun is peaking through the french doors spreading her warmth on our little cabin. Pookie is snuggled up next to me, kitty is perched on corner of the chair and a new day has begun...
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil. C.S. lewis
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. {Genesis 9:3}
old but usefull books ~ hand carved walking stick from a friend
little hands making playdough
great uncle's mandolin
Books are the blessed chloroform of the mind ~ Oswald Chambers
We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. Oswald Chambers
We were recently gifted a large brown paper sack chock full of handmade knitted items of hats, dresses, sweaters, socks and shawls. I wish I could share with this person how much her homespun talents have blessed us, but I have no idea who she is or where she is from! The articles do have tags which say by Lori Cordoni. Maybe she will see one of my littles sporting one of her creations. I plan to use them in my studio too as they are so cheerful and full of personality. I wish I had this talent! So, here are a few to share....
my pookie
We still have no idea where we will in the future or when. Only the Lord knows and I have given it to Him. It is not mine, but His. So many closed bolted doors the past year - so much growing, groaning and searching. Looking on each day as a gift.... we know he is moving us. Please lift us up in prayer... to have discernment and joy no matter what, to be lead by His grace, to follow Him and to always be an expression of His love.
... Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. {Luke 2:19}
This This verse has always stirred my innermost emotions. Can you fathom? Imagine the year Mary had just endured?
Envision having just given birth to this God-child...the Savior... Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. So many emotions aroused.
She pondered these things in her heart. She kept them. keep/kept: to hold or retain in one's possession. to hold in a given placeShe kept Him in her heart. God come down.
The genesis of a new year is upon us. A time or revival and refreshing. A time for pondering Him in our hearts, keeping Him deep where the still places are ~ filling that hole, redeeming transgressions, comforting heartache, gifting us with a fresh hope.
~~~~~~~
We have been bombarded with snow squalls and gifts of love from friends and family this Holiday season. Teeming blessings of the heart abound in our life. We have had lots of company and we love sharing hospitality with visitors! For those who wished to see the snow, it was given to them in abundance. As I sit in our little cabin in the woods, the littles around me (as well as one of my sons who is stuck in the snow up here), I am at peace. A little cabin feavered, but my soul is still.
I have tons of photos to share in the next few weeks! For now, I hope you enjoy these photos from the littles Christmas card session.... yes, it is sort of difficult for me to throw them in the studio and be serious.
I mean, they are such angels
and always so accomadating. OK, that was just small sample of a session with mom now here are some we actually used
And I am filled with the blessing of the Creation of Nature
Summer's death brings Autumn's rest as nature anxiously awaits her great restorative sleep. Our mountains are besotted with a luscious grandeur of color already this year and it is marvelous in His site.
Dazzling leaves of golds, reds, browns and bright yellows.... God has emblazoned the mountains with it's rich splendor.
Harvest, apples, firelight, candles, soup stewing, baking bread, corn mazes, pumpkins, cool crisp mornings, contentment. All blessings from our Father.
Nature is her finest during this season of reflection and preparation for the harvest and winter to come.
I am blessed. Filled with God goodness and silence. He has given His art to lift my soul.
The Littles went on an adventurous nature scavenger hunt last week. I printed up things for them to discover, smell, hear, see and gather. Everything is at our disposal. We went on a hike and brought our compasses and a snack. We stopped in a shady spot under mountain laurel to rest and wonder on God's nature and the nature of God. How exquisite is the world He has given us. These things could not have just popped out of a mysterious bit of dust. No, a creator gave us this masterpiece. Seasons, thousands of different trees, seeds, animals all in their order.
Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. - George Eliot
A checklist of things to discover...
A basket for gathering....
White wildflowers for picking and decorating...
Even little ones realize that our earth is from a creator.
A God of order.... nothing is a mistake. Everything with a purpose.
A designer who created, sculpted, formed, moved, and breathed into this life of ours and all that is around us.
It all came from Him and will go back to Him.
Like this little guy.... Where did it begin and why? How could a speck of dust burst open and create this circle of life by chance? Sage said "It would have to be one intelligent speck of dust. "
Discover these things. Discuss them with your children to set their minds to wondering and thinking.
What purpose is a spider's web? Why do we need spiders? Nature walks encourage children to discover and think.
Did God create this barn? He created man, trees, minerals... He formed men into an intelligent species.
I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air. ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
Taste and see that the Lord is good!
He caused trees to bring forth fruits and seeds according to their kind, geographic range and the needs of mankind. He gave them to us for food shelter, so much comes to us from the gift of plants, trees, insects and animals.
Flowers to smell... a feast for our eyes. Ever notice how flowers lift your spirit? Pine trees, nuts, seeds, berries, roots, bark, rocks, sand, clay, wheat straw. All for our use.
Geography is important for the discovery of God and His creation. North, South, East and West. Oceans, mountains, deserts, plains, grasslands, prairies.... Continents and cultures...
Everything in it's place.... moving, shifting, living, thriving, dying. Everything with a purpose.
Everything in it's place for a reason.
The fragrance of life.
And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so.
Gifted to us
Gifted to each animal and person for a given purpose...
And God saw all that He made and it was very good.
Collecting postcards from people around the world has been a fun project for the girls already this year!
As their postcards come in the mail we find and flag the location on our large wall map and then look it up on a world atlas. Next, we read on interesting facts as well as unusual laws still on the books in that state or country.
Being the carefree home schoolers we are, this has been a fun long term assignment.
Yosemite ~ A 1,200 square mile park in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains ~ Home to the majestic sequoias which reach up to 300 feet and have been alive for aprox. 3,000 years.
Famous for her beautiful rock formations and grand waterfalls including the highest waterfall in North America at 2, 425 ft. Yosemite was the first state park.
Unusual laws in California:
No alcoholic beverages can be displayed within five feet of a cash register in any store that sells both motor oil and alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine. ( well that makes alot of sense)
No vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour. (whew, thank goodness for this one)
Switzerland ~ There are four official languages in Switzerland. Switzerland has the 2nd highest live expectancy in Europe next to Sweden. A new president is elected every year. The average Swiss eats twenty-three pounds of chocolate per year compared to the 11.7 pounds consumed by each American annually. ( hmmm I am hearing chocolate = long life) Unusual law? In Switzerland, a man may not relieve himself while standing up, after 10pm. :0 Thanks for this one Anne!
The Littles do have toys. Really. However, they usually end up playing with items around the cabin that don't really make sense. For example:
a cape for batman's feet??
pencil holder?
a badminton racket that has never been used to play badminton. Maybe I should tell them what it is... nah.
homemade jewelry....
What can I say, they are home schooled. ;0)
Paint + shaving cream = fun
If you want to keep them busy for hours
give them this
and let them go
maybe we can try cool whip and food coloring next time so they can eat it. ;)
Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love....
No troubles, calamity, sickness or darkness. Nothing can separate us from God's love if we believe on the Lord Jesus. If He gave his only Son for us why would he ever leave us? If we live by the dictates of sin, we will die. But if we live by and in His Spirit we live.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
How I want to please God! Worry is sinful. Self-pity, complaining and bitterness are sinful. Oh Lord! May I not have a spirit such as these but one of purity, happiness, self-control, love, kindness, joy and praise with a good attitude.
Through Christ, we belong to Him. God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. How magnificent!
I may fail, experience sorrows and hardships, weakness, sadness and lose all I have but I will always have His love.
As with many of you we are going through trials and extremely difficult times. I may have days were the sin of worry creeps up on me , but on the whole I am secure. I am made complete through Him... through His love. What joy is in that security and how wonderful that through trials God brings me to complete surrender....
Fresh peaches from Dana and her boys
We made peach pie, put some up in the freezer and had tons of juicy peaches to eat
That sure is a lot of peaches....
My little elf
soon to be 4
looking for treasures under the pump organ
Yep, It's ugly and it's fruit
Not much in it but it was sweet
I can just drown in those eyes.... in them, I see the gift of God
Pray for us as we go to look at another property tomorrow. a cute little cottage the in the wood! Have a joyful, peaceful day and remember... nothing, nothing can take us away from God's love.
* scripture references from Romans 8 ` look it up!
Encompassing difficulties for an extended period of time can exhaust you.
Crying out to the Lord~ pleading for release.
Begging for His presence, yearning for His gentle word.
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?.....Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.... (from psalm 13)
Heaviness fills my existence and my spirit weeps...
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.... (psalm)
I understand
I seek
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love...
You are my LORD; apart from you I have no good thing. psalm
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah
He pours out His spirit on me. Gives me His right hand. Fills me. Loves me. Sends me.
Five years ago, a screaming little banshee was handed over to me. This was one sad, angry little girl and I hadn't even begun to realize just how traumatized she was.
In a couple weeks Piper will turn 7. We have come a long, long, long way. I am the luckiest of mothers to have been chosen for this child. I do not deserve her.
Each year she grows more beautiful, more loving, more kind, more gentle. I adore her. I couldn't say that five years ago. But the Lord is good and gave me the love I asked of Him in order to love her. People think I saved Piper,the fact is she saved me. Our relationship is different than with my other children. My life is sweeter because she is in it. Pure sweetness, never in a bad mood, obedient, funny, compassioinate to others, humble and always wanting to please. This child has a servant's heart. I pray I can nourish and encourage her to develop this gift.
I am always discovering something new about Piper and just how special she is. I thank God for her. She completes me and fills a void in my life that could never be filled. My sweet, precious daughter whom I thought I could never love has filled my cup to overflowing. I love, love her.
I hope you enjoy some of these photos from her first 5 years. Those very difficult, heart wrenching first years,the years of embrace and then the years of acceptance and pure love. I think you will notice the change in her through these.
Our first look at Wan Wan
several months later we received an update with this photo. boy, girl, boy?? she always looked so solemn especially with a hurt eye.
Then right before we were going to travel we received this lovely breathe of fresh air. Piper's look in this photo saved me later as I would always refer back and know she could smile.
And.... our first in person sight of Piper! Whoa was she full of sadness and anger.
The next day.... the happy family. heh
Pinching daddy. She clung to him like a leech. She would also bite and pinch him. I don't blame her. At all. Poor thing.
After being with us for a week and a half, she still continued to cry all day and at night if she woke up. My man was a hero. truly. It was August and hot as Hades.
Piper had an extremely difficult time for that first year. She cried daily for months. Her hands would shake constantly from trauma and post traumatic stress.
Not much made her smile. She was the saddest little girl I had ever seen.
So we just barely functioned many days.
But after that first year. Things began getting a little better. She stopped shaking and crying all the time. She started doing things. She began playing and talking to us bit by bit. Like a little bud she began to open.
She loved horses but at times just went through the movements.
But for a while she remained solemn. She had a lot of grieving and healing to do.
But she adored her sister! This sister helped her sometimes more than I could. Helped her to learn the ropes and showed her she could laugh again. We started seeing another side to Piper... a nutty michevious, funny side. It was heaven.
And she learned....
slowly but surley... she realized it was going to be ok
She had her sister whom she adores, her mama who adores her and who she now adores ;) and her daddy and brothers.
In fact, she became settling in so well in the second and third year a lot of mischievousness snuck out!
My little Fat cheeked girl
What the blazes is that?
She began to learn.
And she began to grow in grace and beauty.
still maintaining that bit of mischievousness
Oh yes. She was gettin' the hang of this now
well, most of the time.
My little comedian
My little beauty
My happy girls with messy mouths!
My hat wearing girl
My super girl always finding a way to enjoy life
My concentration girl
My little beauty so graceful, so lovely and so full of compassion.
Always with her own unique style
her own personality
Happy Gothca Day Piper! We adore, love and cherish you. You are mama's precious blessings from the Lord. Thank you for being my daughter.
Mama
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are some photos of Piper from her first months months and years in China. I am so thankful to the orphanage for these! I got dozens of them from her first 2 years of life.
Oh how I wish I could have held her at this age. It would have made all the difference. this is why I tell others to do their paperwork as quickly as possible.
One of her Lifebook pages
Killin' two birds with one stone.
Her little bowl. This was in many photos. I can't not even imagine how she moved around so bundled. Except her round face, She is a small child!
Let's bundle her just a little more. I have always wondered what in the heck is on her arms?
and..... her bowl again.
Nice coat babushka.
This is WanWan looking at our picture. She is concentrating hard, wondering "What is this lady next to me talking about?" She had no idea. You can't explain this to a two year old. Can image telling your two year old that a family is coming to take them from all they know and to another country where they will live with them ? It was shortly after this we came to get our daughter ~ forever.
When we pray to be sanctified, are we prepared to face the standard of these verses? We take the term sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared for what sanctification will cost? It will cost an intense narrowing of all our interests on earth, and an immense broadening of all our interests in God. Sanctification means intense concentration on God's point of view. It means every power of body, soul and spirit chained and kept for God's purpose only. Are we prepared for God to do in us all that He separated us for? And then after His work is done in us, are we prepared to separate ourselves to God even as Jesus did? "For their sakes I sanctify Myself." The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God's standpoint. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the disposition that ruled Him will rule us. Are we prepared for what that will cost? It will cost everything that is not of God in us.
Are we prepared to be caught up into the swing of this prayer of the apostle Paul's? Are we prepared to say - "Lord, make me as holy as You can make a sinner saved by grace"? Jesus has prayed that we might be one with Him as He is one with the Father. The one and only characteristic of the Holy Ghost in a man is a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, and freedom from everything that is unlike Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit's ministrations in us? Oswald Chambers
Once again I am given peace for my weary soul through the Word and Mr. Chambers' insight.
My soul is weary .... strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28
Three years ago I met an amazing couple who attended one of my adoption seminars Many couples have touched my heart but this particular couple more deeply than most. This beautiful mother and father had a deep heart yearning for a child but had none. I wanted them to know what I have known. Soon they will. It is always a joy to see parents and child find each other. Danny and Shelley were LID 2/7/07 (for those of you in the know) , the same day we were for Willow. I have watched them go through the ups and downs of waiting. Not knowing, giving up, seeing other parents with their children wondering if it will ever happen of if it is only a long reaching dream. Well, it did happen... it is happening, as they were recently matched with the most perfectly delicious little baby girl named Liu Yang. She is 8 months old, a lil' bit of a thing to be sure weighing in at 8 lbs. (small like Willow). She is from Zhengzhou in the province of Henan and is residing at the Lily Orphanage Care Center. She is almost exactly to the day 2 years younger than Willow and they share the same surname ~ Liu which means "Willow". ;) Since their referral they have zoomed through their approvals and are waiting for TA which should arrive any day now. I am over the moon with happiness for this precious couple and know deep in my heart this wee one was born just for them. I can't wait to meet her and see them together!! Our Lord is good and this couple has just won the lottery. For those waiting.... hold on to that faith. It will happen.
So ,It is with the utmost delight that I introduce you to Tempie Sue Yang.....
May our Lord Jesus be with you sweet little one until your mommy and daddy have you in their arms.
Iflipped through today's Utmost for His Highest soaking in Oswald's Chambers decisive words filled with spiritual insight on the Psalm. But Oh, how easy it is to say I will not worry or even simple to think I can actually do this. The fact is I cannot. When failures are many and emotions are high, this is when he calls us not to fret, not to worry or feel discontentment. I can not do this --- on my own. Do not fret, it only causes harm. Psalm 37:8 I flip back through Psalm 37 and read the entire chapter. On the pages I see hope, my heart soars as His spirit speaks through the precious sacred words. Words to encourage, words that command. And it is well with my soul.
What am I to do?
Do not fret because of evil men. ~ Trust in the LORD and do good. ~ Delight yourself in the LORD. Commit your way to the LORD. ~ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. ~ Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. ~ Do not fret when men succeed in their ways. ~
Wait for the LORD and keep his way....
What will he do?
Let me dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. ~ He will give you the desires of your heart. ~ Those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. ~
Enjoy great peace. ~ In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. ~ Their children will be blessed. ~ They will be protected forever. Their feet will not slip.
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
The LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; .....because they take refuge in him.
Trust in him and he will do this. The Lord knows that worrying and fretting brings on sin. It does good neither spiritually, physically nor emotionally. It can cause us to be short tempered, impatient and sour, taking the focus away from what is important. Him. We may not have the courage to do it alone, but with His strength and hope all this and more is possible.
Summer is here. Life is changing. The littles are growing and maturing. Some days I feel peace while other days I feel disengaged. On these particular days I like to contemplate the verse of Philippians 4:8 which says ~ whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. So often I get bogged down with the uncertainties of tomorrow I lose the perspective God has shown me. This verse brings me back to what is important. Truth, honesty, fairness, purity, beauty, goodness, virtue... praise. Praise for my Lord.
Whatsoever things are lovely...
Before my Man left for his most recent trip to Texas he asked me to take some clippers a friend had given him and trim the back of his hair. It is blazing hot in Texas and he wanted it short to counteract the extreme heat.
Now, I am at times a woman of many talents, but cutting hair is not one of them. I can shear a sheep, body clip a horse, and shave a cow for a surgical procedure but when it comes to humans it is best for me not to go there. But, he insisted and being the amiable woman I am I succumbed to his wishes. He is the man of the house. He hands me the clippers and I take them in hand bravely and confidently. He goes on to instruct me to "just use the clippers to cut the back" and being the obedient wife I am I comply. I begin at the bottom and continue upward with a quick swift zzzzip.
I pause mid-cut, eyes large. I pause, taking in a breath. My Man knows something bad has just happened and reaches his hand around. My eyes were wide, looking at the good 2 x 7 inches of baldness I had hacked out of the back of his head. Should I run? Should I call for help? Where are my sons when I need 'em! Yep, My Man was ticked. He was mad and yelled and hollered and ranted telling me he couldn't believe I just did that.....heck, I couldn't believe I just did that.
And then I began laughing. Not just any laugh, but an honest to goodness, gut aching, laugh 'till you cry laugh.
And I know God laughed with me. It felt good.
So, I stand steadfast in the Lord.
Enjoying the laughter He gives me.
Thinking on the things that are lovely in my life.
Thanking God for the good things I do have.
Thanking Him for my sons life ~ saved ~ protected by those evil.
Praising Him for today, this moment of peace.
Praising Him for choosing me.
Understanding why He needs me to move on.
Knowing God laughs.
Love those children around you now and those away from you as you never know how long you will have them.
"Here mama, this is for you" wee one said in her scruffy morning voice as the first stream of sunrise appeared. First glimpses of this new day and she has brought me joy. Later, I am gifted a bouquet , this one of wheat and weeds. With great pleasure I grin carefully placing my bountiful bouquet in a blue glass canning jar to adorn our table. Stepping back, I smile at the little wheat & weed gift sighing with contentment. Nothing compares in this life to being together with loved ones.
a tiny bud for a book mark.
The littles are ever so imaginative when left to their own devices. Making their own fairy wings, playing and picnicking by the creek, running a restaurant or making a teeter totter out of boards. A dish towel cape around their neck, a hat plopped on their head~ and they are cowgirls hopping on an old saddle to "ride". Watching them place together I know they will always be close.
Togetherness is her tiny baby lovingly placed in a paper sack ~ I mean velvet blanket.
Togetherness is ~ discovering nature together
Togetherness is resting in a wood of plush green,
watching a son ponder his thoughts
or making wishes together.
Wishes coming your way.....
Togetherness is snuggling a pile of fur you raised from a kitten
Togetherness is a sister giving you braids like hers ;) no matter how impossible the task.
Togetherness is giving soft tickles under the chin.
or roasting peeps on an open fire. ( no flames please ;)
Togetherness is waiting and watching....
wondering where this road will lead and knowing we will all be together.
Togetherness is knowing the Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go...
I rose early this morning, sleep evaded me. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee filled our cabin and an ample cup of the amber liquid was waiting for me downstairs. Simple gfits.... When I returned upstairs to do a bit of work when I noticed a feed pop up. A new blog that has encouraged and inspired me called Living Deliberately. This womans lives a simple life and gives simple positive encouragement. Just as this cup of refreshment warmed me in these wee hours of solitude so did her words. A little gift.
I haven't posted in a while, I know. Our life is still in an upheaval, one the Lord is using greatly to teach us as we move closer to Him. It shows how much He loves us. we could be left to our own devises, but He is pulling and we are aching. We are dirty, He is polishing. The turbulence is gathering us nearer to our precious Lord. A gift.
This month we have rejoiced as Jack and Sage turned a year older. Each year having them is a deliciously precious gift. Sage celebrated her Gotcha Day earlier this month.... 8 years. Two years ago on Easter Sunday Willow Little Flower was handed over to me ( well, I actually grabbed her ;0)
For now, we are still in our Little Cabin in the Woods living day by day, homeschooling, canning, baking, working, praying, waiting, enjoying the snow and a gratifying warm day here and there. Yesterday, as I sat on the porch watching the girls dance near the fire daddy had built, I noticed Piper sidle quietly up next to Sage then gently put her arm around her waist. After a while she dropped her arm and they held hands.... so natural for them. I wanted to race for my camera to capture the moment, but was transfixed by this enchanting act of love displayed by my daughters. A gift.... Spring is just around the corner along with the advent of the most cherished gift of all. His life. I thank Him this morning and always. Do you have gifts you are thankful for today?
sisters
Happy 2nd Gotcha Day me wee one.... you are a treasured gift.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them... (Psalm 127 4-5)
Have you felt that something is changing in the world? Well, there is. While some Christian families have allowed their families to fall into the world others are standing up and stepping up to the challenge. The challenge of purpose and direction. A challenge not just to parent, but parent with a purpose. Taking each day as a gift to raise godly arrows that go out into the world to let the light of Christ shine through them.
You will be introduced to many families, such as the Harrises and Tebows, as well as other individuals throughout this book. Families to emulate, that inspire and who raise their children with a purpose, a reason.
What is the goal for your family? Do you just get up, get your children dressed, feed them, take them to school, pick them up, take them to soccer practice, get them dinner, make sure they brush their teeth, go to bed and then get up and start all over? Do you have a direction? Are you raising children who expect to be served or who will serve?
When a warrior takes his arrow from the quiver and shoots, he shoots at a target. He has trained and worked to make sure his aim is true and sure. His arrows are straight, the tips sharpened to a fine point so they will penetrate. His bow is tight and accurate. His goal? To hit the target.
Mrs. Ferweda has written a timely, Godly message for all families using the scripture from Psalm 127. To gather, sharpen and launch. Your family is that quiver, gather them. Your children those arrows, make them sharp. Your aim is to launch them and send the Godly message to those they come in contact with... the target... the world.
Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world?
I encourage you to get this book, read it and apply it. Now. Now is the time. I now I will be.
Author Julie Ferwerda
Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.
If you are not close to a library like us, there are so many resources available online. One I recently found is Children's Library. Oh such treasures are to be found there for all ages in all sorts of languages and subjects.
The younger ones have recently finished a lapbook for "The 3 Little Kittens". I found the book at children's Library and didn't realize I have never read the complete story. Click on the book below to read it, then make the lapbook here. The Lapbook includes a mitten match, mitten hunt, little booklet and more. My littles really enjoyed it.
And then they had some pie!
What darling kittens....
You can see more of our 3 Little kittens Lapbook on our homeschool page.
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It has been an angry snow here lately. She is not at all in a good mood and has been stirring up her temper something awful. I am ready to make peace with her and beg her to let the sunshine again! :o)
For many reasons my soul is weary and my heart is torn. It has been a most difficult season in my life and I find my self afraid of what will happen next. You know how when things continually go wrong you begin to wondered what will happen next?
In my weakness, He is sufficient. Everything needed for life and godliness has been given through him. Great and precious promises through which I can escape the corruption of the world and the sins of this life. So for this reason, I must make every effort to add to my faith, goodness; to goodness, knowledge; to knowledge, self control; to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness; love. For possessing these qualities in continuous and increasing amounts will keep me from being an unused, ineffective and an unproductive child of God. Oh let me not forget these, for he who has has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. So may I be all the more eager to have a purpose, a calling and election for things of God, for if I do I will never fall and will receive a warm rich welcome into his arms. He will guide me through this storm as he controls everything under the sun. His peace is mine and I claim it. ( see 2 Peter)
In a few days I will be writing a review for this inspiring book, One Million Arrows now available in book stores. You may want to turn my music off while watching.
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Temperate....worthy of respect... self-controlled...sound in faith, love and endurance
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Devoted, Reverent, neither a nit-picker nor prone to hard drink, teaching what is good.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Work, strength, trades, barters, sells, spins, femininity, cares for the poor and needy
...say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
Godly, self-controlled and upright in an ungodly world, creative, respected, dedicated
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness
Industrious, effective, dignified, wise in choices and actions, a controlled tongue, faithful, sets priorities, family first, steady
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Blessed, noble, praised
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
Fears the Lord
(taken from titus 2 and proverbs 31)
I will never forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands... Isaiah 49:16
Man may disappoint but God never leaves or forsakes us.
Oh, the joys of home. Little maidens busy with their duties around the cabin. Baking, cooking, sewing, knitting, reading, letter writing.... many hands make light work. How divine it is having little daughters all around me during this season of my life. These three little wonders fill my days with goodness and joy. My cup runneth over.
The pastor's wife down the road brought the girls each a personalized apron. "For our favorite little mountain girls" they said when they brought them over. And even one for me! So sweet. MaryJo is always quilting and sewing. Such lovely neighbors. When ever I cook or bake I make sure the girls are right in there with me stirring and mixing. Their effort counts in our little cabin and I adore having these helping hands. Worries may be many and unknowns fill our life but ahhhh, these three enchantments make it all ok. So as we snuggle in tonight with "Runaway Bunny", "Tom Kitten" and "Ms. Holly" then pray to our heavenly Father for all His goodness, I am content knowing all will be well.
3 little busy bakers
stirring and mixing
get the dough off, get the dough off, get the dough off
a dash of salt
a drop of sweet golden honey
fresh, warm, butter topped homemade bread....
right from the oven
hmmmmm
Let's eat it
We even had time to make a bowl of fresh strawberries. ;) Willow loves play food so we make her some when we can. You can find directions for these easy berries on our homeschool page.
May your week be warmer and safe.... do something simple at home with your children ~ play a game, sing a song, take a hike make some strawberries. ;0)
The first shimmer of of light dancing off the falling snow brings a smile this early morning as I quietly edge downstairs to steal a selfish moment of solitude. The wind blows tiny snow dust across the drifts like sand gliding across the dessert mesmerizing me. I find rest in Him during these early moments and pray for His presence. Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him for he shields him all day log and the one the Lord loves rest between His shoulders. Deu. 33:12 So I rest in Him this morning...shielded by his blanket of security.
It has been a full life in our little cabin with company, baking, laughing, praying, playing and resting. We celebrated God's gift of his son and my oldest baby turned 28 on New Years Eve. We have been snowed in most of the time and being lazy. :0} Just resting..... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corn.12:9
my oldest and my youngest
sigh
my Little Elf
icicles
good for a snack
these be Texas icicles
the snow is so deeeeep
the tromping is tough
but daddy is there to help
uh oh
Daddy on the ground, Sage with a large snowball. So..... what do ya think is gonna happen next? What do ya think?
We enjoyed lots of music
lots of practice & performances
with lots of children ~ and adults (please take careful note of that pinky action on Piper's hand ;)
Lots of love from our Little Cabin In the Woods
I have some delicious photos to share next time of my little bakers!
How do you find rest in Him??
This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence John 3:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
During this season of our Lord's birth I often muse on the ponderings of Mary, this humble young woman with nothing to offer besides her love of God and good repute. Yet simply, she believed. A faith unheard of, but one God knew. He knows the heart. Her heart was pure.
A painting of the arch angel ~ a gift of Christmas past fromMountain Man which graces our stairway
Imagine the overflowing of this young mother's heart as she gazed for the first time in the Savior's eyes.
During this final week of Advent, in the midst of the world's chaos, let us ponder and celebrate God's most precious gift, his son Jesus the Christ child.
Each year the girls dance in the ballet the Nutcracker. Dance is good for them on so many levels such as coordination, responsibility, confidence and camaraderie. Also, learning, teaching and mentoring the younger dancers or helping with costumes ~ it's so much more than just dance.
Cay Harkins , the woman who owns and runs Studio K in Boone , NC is pure magic with children. She has 4 daughters who all dance and instruct. It is absolutely amazing to watch as she interacts with dancers of all ages and sizes. whew.... She built this business on a dream and it is now a thriving dance studio making many children and adults very happy. I know she has blessed our lives. We are so thankful to her.
As I watch this same ballet year after year, I am never ceased to be amazed the care that has been taken to make it interesting and different each and every year. It truly is an amazing feat.
So, I hope you enjoy these few photos I shot from the balcony with only available light --- and trust me there was none ( which means lower quality photos) but still you can enjoy them!
little girls shaking their gifts...
Oh! A surprise toy dancer who popped out of a box
a beautiful, spritely gift once she is wound up.
even granny jumped out of her wheelchair to kick up her heals
Naughty little clock mice.... they steal the show every time. You never know what may happen with 2 and 3 year olds on stage, in a mouse costume ,with a sleigh a nutcracker and sleeping girl. I remember when Sage was a mouse, not quite 3, she laid her little self flat right on the floor.
Mrs. Cay herself continues to dance with her students. She will always be part of them.
I sure do bet she can tell ya if that floor is clean... and with a smile on her face. sheesh I wish I looked that good when I grow up. ;)
my favorite part of the show every year ( besides the mice;) are these snow fairies dressed in white....
they flitter and flutter everywhere, all at once, with wonderful choreography, in time dances with pure white toile skirts,
beautiful harp music and falling snow. It is heaven.....
so dreamy..... so sureal
so lovely...you can feel the emotion I can't wait till Sage is in that part.... I might just cry. (Oh hush)
Sage getting ready to go backstage....
look how I got all that hair up.... mama's guuud.
Sage and Hattie Rose waiting
a little pose
Mrs. Cay says "You must look proud... like nobility"
So they did... and wore it well.
they each knew their steps and twirled their skirts as good as any skirt twirler
Oh.... the composure and form!
Oh! the acting! (Ok I'll be quiet now- but Sage was fabulous!)
Chinese
Flutist
who were very entertaining with these ribbons...
And of course Mother Ginger and the little gingers ( she is also called by other names) such fun getting 18 kids under that skirt.
And the dancing flowers.... so lovely
One of Mrs. Cay's daughters ~ Ashely... so beautiful and graceful.
How does your garden grown? ;)
Clara and her soldier nutcracker
yeah, I could do that. I wouldn't look like that doing it however.....
she even looks graceful in black and white.....
A young college student, this young lady is so long , light and graceful it makes you weep.
Now I was shooting up in the balcony so you can't really see the height this guy gets but he is smooth..... smooth like silk....
And then it was over..... Such a lovely night to treasure as we bring Christmas in. The Lord has given his children so many talents to share and use. I encourage you to go out and see a ballet or opera. You will not regret it.
David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 1 Samuel 6:14
It is Count Your Blessings Monday at Amazing Graze Farm I have know Marci for some 15 years now and she has been such a blessing and encouragement to me in my life. I have so many rich blessings today..... let me share some with you..
This ~ a collection of books, the book of books, my nourishment, comfort, child raising guide, encouragement and strength, tattered and torn from years of use. It's pages are filled with poetry and stories of love and lust, anguish, darkness, sinners and saints, liar's and lovers, families, heroes, warriors, angels and demons, the beginning and the end. When life is falling apart and the world rapidly moving in new ever changing directions, His Word never changes. It is never added to or taken from. It is rock solid and stands firm when everything else is unstable. The Lord is my greatest blessing as he is the creator of blessings.
My little treasures frolicking outside ~ a blessing from above
this little scoot poot ~ a mischievous sprite of a blessing!
music.... which brings passion and soothes my soul, a life blessing
Nature ~ can you imagine life without nature? What would it be.... but nothingness! God is in nature and always around us. I love it so much, I live in a tree house. ;)
Sharing your blessings and stories can be such an encouragement to others.... So often I am touched by reading what others have been through. What blessings do you have in your life today?
Once upon a time there were three little wisps floating around the Island of Xiamen off the coast of China. They didn't know who they were or where they were. They never contemplated that one day their paths would cross, they just floated.....
One by one each tiny wisp was carefully wrapped and brought to a place to be nurtured~ for how long they did not know but the three little soul wisps waited. The people at the place of nurture gave each child very special individual names: Little Heaven ~ for she was a pure heavenly child; Little Flower ~ for she was a dew covered bud opening in the morning bringing fragrance and joy to all; and Little Pearl ~ for she was a demure this little wisp, a rare beautiful pearl like no other . Little Pearl was laid in a crib in a quiet room so she could rest and grow. Little Heaven and Little Flower were placed right near each other and were always together. They played and laughed together from morning 'till night ,touching and babbling back and forth. They were a comfort to one another and inseparable.
One day , 4 months old later , a lovely couple came tothe place of nurture to choose a child for their own. They chose the lovely Little Flower for she was delightful and bright. Arrangements where made for the couple to return and bring her home. However, when they returned to pick her up she was very ill with pneumonia and they had to chose a another child instead. But, God knew. He was watching and waiting.
Across the ocean in another land, in a small mountain village, a mother had received news that she had been chosen to be the mother of a little girl named (Liu Xiao Hua) which means , Willow Little Flower. The mother wept great heart tears and began to prepare for the journey to bring Willow Little Flower home. While she was preparing she read through her daughter's papers and noticed that Little Flower's crib mate, Little Heaven, and another precious little one named Little Pearl were also waiting in the place of nurture. A sprite named Michelle had told her these little wisps were looking for their mothers. Little Flower's mother wondered "What if the other little wisps could live and grow and play near Little Flower!" She spread the news throughout her village and prayed that God would lead these little ones to loving homes. She told two families in particular about Little Heaven and Little Pearl expressing how wonderful they were. She just knew they were for them.
One morning great excitement broke out in the place of nurture and a hurrying and scurrying was all about. Little Heaven, Little Flower and Little Pearl wondered what was going on when one of the women plucked up Little Flower and told her "You my precious child have been chosen and are going to your mother today. She has been waiting a very long time ,has traveled very far and is anxious to have you in her arms!" Little Flower just stared not knowing what to think for she didn't know what a mother was. She just liked all the attention she was getting. She was washed and dressed in five layers of clothes and a bag of comfort items were packed to be taken along for her. It was a long, tiring journey and Little Flower soon fell fast asleep.When she awoke she was in a new place. A place with people she had never seen. She didn't feel well and was confused. Where was Little Heaven? Why wasn't she in the place of nurture? Among these people, in this strange place, was one woman unlike the others. She had fair skin, light green eyes and a bubbling smile. There was something stuck on her face that flashed and it scared Little Flower. The woman took it off and put it down reaching for her. What did this woman want? What was happening? The people from the place of nurture were telling her this is her mother? Oh, no, no this must be a mistake. But they kept telling her and the woman swallowed her in her embraced and began crying. Little Flower started crying. Everyone else was smiling and laughing. It was a good match. God knew. He was watching and waiting. Little Heaven was sad and missed her soul mate... what happened to her? Where was she? She wept tears of saddness....
Across the ocean, in the land where Little Flower now lived, a mother and father where preparing for their journey to bring home Little Pearl. She had grown in the place or nurture and was now fair and lovely. Oh, what joy when she was placed in her mother's embrace forever! Her mother and father named her Charis which means "grace". It was a good match. God knew. He was watching and waiting. Soon she met Little Flower, her red thread sister, who lived in the same mountain village, only a few miles away.
Little Heaven continued her days in the place of nurture. She ate and slept and learned to walk. She never found out what happened to her soul mate , her crib sister from birth, the little wisp she spent her everyday with and she soon forgot Little Flower. But God had not forgotten her nor had Little Flower who would ask for her friend often.
Across the ocean, in the mountain village where Little Flower and Little Pearl now lived, a mother and father were anxiously preparing for a journey......
God knew, he had been watching and waiting.
Here today are these three little wisps
Little Flower ~ Willow, Little Pearl~Charis and finally Little Heaven~Anna
Little Heaven gives Little Flower a big smooch
Anna Little Heaven
Three little wisps....
Willow Little Flower
Anna Little Heaven
Willow gives Anna a crown
Anna, Willow and Charis ~ Red Thread sisters
I am thankful today for dreams that come true and the Lord's gracious gifts
Patricia
Friday, November 20, 2009
Life at it funnest... Love at it fullest... God at his most magnificient For me Thankfulness is the humbling experiecne of knowing God loves us.
This morning while reading and praying, my thoughts achingly wandered to the many people of the world. How does God see us? Does he scorn the poor? Does he despise the meek? Does he shun the sick or reject those who are not fair of face? What if we are not popular or even well liked?
Movie stars are revered and esteemed by droze of faithful followers but many of the same reject our creator. Christ is even scorned and found contemptuous to man.
How does God see us? The Lord doesn't see as man sees (1 Samuel 16:7). God looks at the heart.... our inside, our soul. Where man values outward beauty, God values love. Where man's outward perception of others brings pleasure, God appreciates our inner thoughts and beauty. Your adornment must not be merely external.... (1 Peter 3:3) Christ was not comely. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2)
How does God see us? He sees his creation, his children whom he loves dearly. God doesn't force himself on anyone but welcomes all. God sees us as who we are and takes us in our lowly condition. He knows each of us personally. Every hair on your head has been counted (Luke 12:7) and He knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5). Even if you don't believe in him, He believes in you. And regardless of our sin He made a way to bridge the gap. He loves you that much. His love is perfect and unconditional.
How does God see us? He sees his righteousness. He sees his spirit saturating the emptiness even to the depths of our soul. Our heart yearns for a maker, a master and his desire is for us to come to him.... where He will meet us open armed.
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103
Winter snuck in on fall without warning . So,our colorful leaves with their rich hues fell sooner than they normally would. We are ready for winter but still enjoying these cool fall days until the next blast from Mr. Frost.
All people are like grass, and all their beauty is like a flower of the field. The grass dries up and the flower drops off, but the word of the Lord lasts forever." 1 Peter 1:24,25
Winter settles over fall
Digging out the winter coats so the littles could romp in the snow.
Weeelow.... staying snug
Snuggly warm
It is amazing how abundant his blessings are. Just a walk outside seeing the beautiful color and inhaling the sweet crisp air rejuvenates me. There are some fall photos I hope you don't mind me sharing next time,... of the girls frolicking in the leaves having a grand ole time as only these little ones can do. We are still waiting on the Lord for his direction in our lives. Waiting is difficult but his gifts are easy to receive. ;0) Have you ever had to wait and wait and wait and felt like the goal was so far off??
Laughter is such a generator of joy. You can't help but smile when you are around someone who is so jolly. Sage is one of those people. She is full of life and captivates when you are around her. I have noticed in these past few months how much my littles have grown and matured. They have all just shot up here recently!
I am filled with cheer all my days because of my Lord and my family. If I were to lose everything and still have them I would be ok. There is nothing greater than love ~ not faith, not hope, not kindness. Love, true unconditional love is the best gift you can give your children.
Jesus says regarding judging - Don't. The average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual. Criticism is a part of the ordinary faculty of man; but in the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. The effect of criticism is a dividing up of the powers of the one criticized; the Holy Ghost is the only One in the true position to criticize, He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into communion with God when you are in a critical temper; it makes you hard and vindictive and cruel, and leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person. Jesus says, as a disciple cultivate the uncritical temper. It is not done once and for all. Beware of anything that puts you in the superior person's place.
There is no getting away from the penetration of Jesus. If I see the mote in your eye, it means I have a beam in my own. Every wrong thing that I see in you, God locates in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (see Romans 2:17-20). Stop having a measuring rod for other people. There is always one fact more in every man's case about which we know nothing. The first thing God does is to give us a spiritual spring-cleaning; there is no possibility of pride left in a man after that. I have never met the man I could despair of after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God. ~ Oswald Chambers
How easy it is to judge and criticize someone when you have not experienced their life. When we put ourselves above others we can, with little to no compassion, jump to conclusions and develop a critical nature. The saying "Hind-sight is 20/20" has much value when learning to control our critical attitude. There is also a saying "Don't judge a man until you've walked in his shoes" I say If you are not walking in that person's shoes don't judge them.
There is of course righteous or justified judgment when someone murders, steals, abuses etc... but I am speaking of the unjust judgment in which many Christians indulge. I myself have been guilty of this.
A short time ago someone did a favor I did not ask for. I would like to call it a charitable deed but can not, for along with it came judgment and a long list of what was wrong with my circumstance. Someone who knows nothing about me or my whole condition decided, (plausibly even unconsciously) he was superior and therefore put himself in the position as master and me in the position as slave. When someone places himself above another and advances with his judgment and criticism without asking the Lord first, how does he maintain he believes in loving thy neighbor?
Matthew 6:1-4 Take care not to perform charitable deeds before men to be seen by others; otherwise you will have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. When you give, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do ----- to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you give, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your charitable giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
In this situation I was hurt and had to step back and ask God for His charity, grace and discernment so as to not repay judgment in return for the judgment I had received. So, before we criticize or judge someone about their situation we need to withdraw and not do it unless it is justified. And no, the majority of the time it isn't (even though we may try to make it seem so) The Lord has been gracious in letting me learn something good from something bad. To watch and think before I speak, to not judge others, and to mind my own business. My purpose is to be a servant of our Lord and do His bidding. How wonderful Christ has paid for my trespasses, misgivings and shortcomings!
Should we not gladly be slaves to Christ by giving willing and lovingly without condition, criticism or judgment?
Such joy comes to my heart when I see a child placed in her mother's arms... forever. Nothing will ever separate them, nothing can extinguish their love and nothing can break them apart for when united their bond is eternal. Little Lilah Rose was placed in my sweet friends arms just hours ago. She is so stunningly beautiful that I am speechless. The little roses one her dress are perfect for this moment and I have been told she is gentle and fabulous beyond words as well as completely potty trained. ;) You can see more about their amazing journey here: http://millsmore.blogspot.com/ They adopted a little boy the same time we adopted Willow.
I just had to share this wonderful news! Oh gosh, I wanna do it again...
Willow (Weeelow, as she calls herself ) recently turned 3. However, she will not accept the fact she is 3. " I 2!!" she insists. She's my little cowboy, my ruffian, my pookie, my little elf, my precious, sassy daughter who is walking around wearing her daddy's dirty, stinky outback hat..... and nothin' else. Nada. I think I'll let her be 2 a little longer.
One of my sons is leaving this week. He is off to take LSAT"S and then law school. My mother's heart will bear an emptiness when he leaves. A loss for those days I can never have again. I won't see him everyday. I won't hear him rattling around~~ which is comforting for a mother. I won't have to pick up his dirty towels ( ok well, that's a good thing). The girls will miss him terribly. Whose bedroom will they march into early in the morning to holler "good morning Jack!" while he is still sleeeping? Who can they swipe candy from? Who will chase them around the house while they scream 130 decimals? ( hmmm, that might be nice too) Who will give them brother moochies and bring them treats from the store? Who will take out my trash and bring in my groceries? ! just kidding (well, not really but). He won't be here anymore and I will be lost for a while but, it is a new season in his life and mine. He is a man who loves the Lord and I pray always keeps him first in his life. I know he will become a great attorney one day. One who will make a difference. I'm gonna go cry now.
Elf
Miss-chevious
Actress
Sweetie Pie
Willow
loves her brother
and will miss him when he's gone... I'm gonna cry.
smirker
orator
Mama's little Pookie
Worms cake... she loves caterpillars but the closest her sisters could come were worms. Didn't they do a great creative job..... lol She loved it.
Chocolate
Little Caterpillar "Babe"
.....she names them all "Babe"
... be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Buttons. I collect them... wood, glass, beaded, crocheted, all shapes and sizes. I just like 'em. They are so pretty in an old glass jar.
Nature, I collect nature, colorful fungi, leaves shedding their summer shades to a brighter style, moss (love moss), acorns, seeds. Nature...
The littles took such pleasure is packing a paper bag full of nature on our recent walk. They then decided to make a teranium....
complete with fungi and ferns...
one snail, one grasshopper, two caterpillars and nuts...
Willow loves bugs and crawly things...no, really. She sleeps with a stuffed bug she stole from Jack.
then put it in the kitchen... sort of looks like a salad ~ it sure doesn't smell like one.
Sage washed fresh eggs from our neighbor
then lay then out to dry ( no pun intended) ;)
Placing them in a pottery bowl to be boiled later today
A little math and writing....
Some reading about George Washington
by candlelight in the still early morning
Snuggled up in the wing-backed chair with a science book. The girls have created an area in the house they call their library. They will even make you a card. ;)
Willow chose to use her mechanical mind to disassemble a pen. I do believe she may have a talent for disassembling as she practices often and is quite good at it.
The girls went out to swing in the fresh air ... They love , love to swing.
Sisters helping one another
Always there for one another
I enjoy their camaraderie as I watch them play.
Uh oh.... someone's
not happy. Oh well..... ( notice Piper's hand up"Oh well")
Dashing out to feed and water their bunnies, I continued rocking in the chair on the porch taking in the sweet coolness of this September day when I heard three little voices calling from the hutch "Mama! Mamma!" I looked up and
Saw one, two, three littles with one, two, three baby bunnies.
It was a precious day...
Six pancakes for a new Six year old. We celebrated Piper 's 4th Gotcha Day and 6th birthday.
Willow will be 3 years old this month..... Where has the time gone?! I can melt in the depth of those eyes.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord Psalm 27:14
For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. Psalm 37:9
We recently returned from a refreshing trip to visit my parents who live near the ocean. This was Willow and Piper's first beach experience and they flittered merrily about just as if they lived there all their lives. Sage who lives life to the fullest embraced the salty sea with open arms. ;) I admired them and joined in their celebration complete with bouts in the ocean full of giggles and screams. Although I truly enjoyed myself my love is in the mountains....I can see however how people desire two homes ~ from the mountains to the oceans.
Ones of my sons reminded me of a precious Psalm the other day when I was particularly troubled. How delightful for him to have this brought again to my mind. Thank you sweet heart. I have shared it at the end of this post... it is lovely and comforting.
My little dancer
sigh... Piper is growing so quickly... I see this shot and can see her as a young woman
shells
Willow just liked the sand and sun
The gift of the Lord. Such beauty he has given us to enjoy.
Three Empresses on the seashore
playing in the sand nd water
they grow so quickly
Along the seashore...
I will be sharing shared more about these photos and how I shot then edited them. Just go to the Photography link. Remember the Lord's goodness!
Patricia
Psalm 77
I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
You kept my eyes from closing, I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired:
Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people...
The oceans saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.
The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Life is a fascinating roller coaster ride. It is full of ups and downs, excitement and fear, laughter, tears, joy and pleasure. If we continue to ride that same roller coaster over and over and over again we eventually grow weary of it. It is not as exciting or pleasurable as it us to be.... we don't fear it anymore and have become discontent so begin to search for a new ride. Thus begins our journey in search for something new, more exciting. To go somewhere or do something so we don't feel so bored or sad. We become stale and like unmoving water are stagnant.... a sign of being out of sync with God. Maybe we have put something before our relationship with God. All the wonders and riches of this world can suffocate what the Lord may be trying to show us. This morning why not start fresh by renewing our relationship with Him! He is waiting and ready to accept us, wanting to lavish His gracious love and gifts upon us. As Christians our purpose in life is to put Him first and foremost in our heart, soul and mind. To yearn for more of Him..... to serve Him....to wait, always leaving room for Him to work in our life. This should show through our thoughts and actions. There have been many ups and downs lately in my life.... it has been a tough year. Am I putting Him first, leaving room and inviting Him to do what He wishes with my life? I found myself asking these questions. Take no thought for your life Matthew 6:25 & Luke 12:22. Christ shouldn't have to compete with the world for my time. I need to be faithful and be secure in knowing He will care for me no matter what. Even when I become discontent with my circumstances and my soul grows weary, He is my refuge and will strengthen me so I may leave the enticements of this world and turn my eyes upon Christ. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.Psalm 119:8Oh what a privilege he has chosen me to walk with Him. What a gift to know without a doubt I am His....forever.
Dollar hats from the a flea market
Willow picked a bright red one.... of course
Another treasure... such funny stories for little ones!
Fabrics lined on the shelf just waiting to become a dress or top. I have a little addiction to fabric ;)
I hope you have a wonderful week full of blessings. Remember to put God first each morning in your life. Remember He loves you dearly and when all else fails He doesn't.
It has been a pleasurably busy month, so much so I thought I might just share it with you.... through photos. Sometimes they say all that needs to be said. We've had sweet visitors from all over, have been playing music, going to parades, sewing little dresses, raising baby bunnies, watching the girls delight in their new baby chicks, and still wondering where the Lord is leading us next. The coolness up here keeps me refreshed and I feel blessed. So..... get ready for dozens of photos and our month through my lens!
Piper, snuggled up in a warm quilt on an chilly morning...
collecting bugs.... a most favorite past time here
my little bug collector
Wee wee..... bon jour
mon che'ri
A little school work...
sprouted beans for supper
Fourth of July dresses
tied in the back
Even baby gets a matching dress
poppers
sparklers
Daddy helping Willow who wasn't crazy about the noise and sparklers
watching little ones in their fun
ooohhhh's and ahhhh's
Daddy helping his little one... such joy
the plush of a velveteen rabbit
Long time friends smoochin' on the porch..... awwwww
little friends... Wren and Willow ( don't you just love these names together?!)
Wren ~ little Native Amercian
~~~~~~~~
hmmmm... what could be in the box? the post office called at 5:30 in the morning ...
to tell us "Come and get your....
Chicks!" 26 pullets ~ Black, White, Buiff and Partridge Cochins, Ameraucanas, & Rhode Island Reds
come on little girl... ( that is gro gel on the ground.... I promise)
oh the little sweeties...
Piper's peeper
Black Cochin ( fluffy feet hen)
Americaunas ( they lay colored eggs)
Hey, what's in the box?
~~~~~~
While her daddy and siblings went rafting Lainey and her mommy came to visit us!
She is so beautiful...
Her and Willow are only a couple months apart but Lainey has almost ten pounds on her! She's a big girl!
And a very bright child.... she liked the bunnies. ;)
Little treasures from the east
The Kreuers also came to visit us... and what a time we had!
Mya and Sage played in the creek
Mya's little brother falls off the water fall
Mya's little brother climbs out of the creek...
Mya's little brother is very wet. Boys are such fun...
If you can't beat em', join em'
Mya.... so sweet
Aaron twirls JT dry.... lol
Carrie and Aaron.... this couple has been through so much. They adopted then lost a daughter and are soon traveling to adopt again. Aaron works two job so his wife and children can stay at home. He's my hero of the month.... Their faith in God has remained strong through it all.
Aaron made Willow a daisy ( flower) necklace..... ok weeds, but it still counts. I was impressed!
hmmm, he's good
Running Willow
such a treasure to me
such a gift
running...
running.....
diving right into daddy's lap
sharing her weed necklace. ;) Don't you just love father/child pictures
Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.
It is a life of Faith, not of intellect and reason, but a life of knowing Who makes us "go." The root of faith is the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest snares is the idea that God is sure to lead us to success. Oswald Chambers
We had a lovely weekend, full of simple pleasures.... flea markets, horses, lunch out with daddy and music. I often, by choice, find myself a bystander.... observing and relishing in my children. Just watching them brings me happiness. Even though our life is full of uncertainties right now there is one thing that remains firm and solid. Christ. I have been re reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. You can find it free online at www.myutmost.org , but I guess I am old fashion, liking the feel of paper and ink on my fingers. Oswald Chambers had such spiritual insight and anything written by him is a treasure to read. As I woke early this morning while the house was still in slumber, I settled in a chair outside by our creek with Mr. Chambers and The Word in my hand ( along with a sweet cup of coffee ;) The air was still and the sound of the rushing waters along with God's word soothed my very weary soul. Such peace came over me.... I wish I could share it with you and hope you will search and ask for it. It is there waiting.
When the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come that following of Jesus which is an unspeakable joy. O.C.
Treasure hunting riding boots - $2.00
We are apt to imagine that if Jesus Christ constrains us, and we obey Him, He will lead us to great success. We must never put our dreams of success as God's purpose for us; His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have an idea that God is leading us to a particular end, a desired goal; He is not. The question of getting to a particular end is a mere incident. What we call the process, God calls the end. O.C.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Flea Market Hats $1.00
blonde curls.... priceless
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Oh! I always find it interesting to read bumper stickers --- they really tell about a person don't they? ;) Bumper sticker of the week:
Being musicians we hold a great attachment and appreciation for good music as it is daily a part of our lives. Coming from a family of musicians and having a mother that was/is a pianist I am especially drawn to piano composers. I get so many emails asking about the music.... So, I would like to share another piano composer (besides my mommy ;) I love. His name is Yiruma, and you are listening to his delicious music right now. The delicate caress of Yiruma's fingers on the keys bring out emotions of the heart that are endearing to the soul. Thirty year old Yiruma, from South Korea, was raised in England and began playing when he was 5 years old. In one article he told the reporter “I’m Christian, and I am not a New-age artist. Most people misunderstand me.” All I know is that his music just may be a taste of heaven here on earth.
I have several pianist I really enjoy listening to regularly. Yiruma, David Nevue (whom I have written about here) and Makoto Ozone being two of them.
From my mother's womb, music has always been a part of my everyday life. Daily she filled our home and many other places with the pleasant sounds of her fingers brushing the keys. Now I pass that on to my children. I only hope you are blessed by the music here.... What is your favorite music?
Sage
Piper and the littlest violinst Willow
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. Psalm 81:2
I don't know about you, but May is always an extremely busy month for us. This May has been particularly full of burdens and blessings. But, I would rather share the blessings. ;) God can take care of my burdens. His burdens are light Matthew 11:30. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved Psalm 55:22. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Funny, but at times I think we can actually develop a habit of holding on to our burdens, clinging to them, allowing them to drag us down, when we should be slinging them on the Lord. He is able to take them on without our help.There are so many blessings that surround us if we just open our eyes to see and humble our hearts to appreciate.
So for today, I am casting my blessings upon you.... to show what joy the Lord does bring.
Velvety newborn bunnies
to snuggle and hold
in a little ones lap...
observing our children as as they discover
and explore life...
~~~
Music ringing through the house
~~~
Little girls mothering their babies
taking the most precious care
tucking them under their arms
covering them with wet kisses
basket full of babies...
Mama's baby ;)
~~~
Watching my children painting master pieces to be treasured for years to come
Sage painting Hokusai
Piper's jungle...
~~~
The awakening of Spring unto the mountains
~~~
Willow's crib mate coming home, safe and healthy
Little Flower ~Willow and Reagan Shai ( Shay) Little Heaven together after a year apart
hmmmmmm
Tian Tian with her mommy
I'm so glad you are finally here....
~~~
Watching my daughters in a whimsical dance around the yard
something only a child will do
~~~
Enjoying a little ones silliness
~~~
The tranquility of our rushing creek and God's word
~~~
Wee ones playing in the rain
covered with mud
giving them a warm sudsy bath,
bundling them in a fluffy towel
nuzzling them in my lap with a song...
~~~
Loving , giving Christian friends who have blessed us so richly during this difficult time
Have a blessed May ~ appreciate the Lord's goodness and gifts, enjoy your children, laugh and dance with them, let them play in the mud and sing them a song....
The Lord is gracious an merciful, slow to anger and great in loving kindness Psalm 145:8
There is no joy greater in life than being a mother. Motherhood awards us a most valuable purpose and as humans we need a purpose. Motherhood gifts us with treasures worth more than all the money this world can offer. The stress and struggles of mothering as well as the joys often go unseen. But the dedication and commission (or lack of) of a mother becomes obvious through her offspring as they mature.
This weekend delivered me a special Mother's gift as all my babies were under my roof once more to see Jack graduate from ASU with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Next year he will go off to law school and yet another of my brood will leave the nest. As I awoke this chilly spring morning a smile played across my face as I peeked in at each of my children still asleep... all of them... under my roof. Bliss for this mother. But good things come to an end and I bade farewell to two of my offspring as they returned to their homes.
Ifyou are not a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ , you may not wish to continue with this next section as it is not politically correct by the worlds standards. Born again believers see with different eyes and hear with different ears and these next thoughts are ramblings of my heart to other Christian mothers....
Such ponderings fills my mind this afternoon as I reflect on this memorable weekend, deep thought clouds my soul as I consider Jack's graduation ceremony. It is with humble honesty that I admit disappointment by the absence of any prayer or mention of God. Prayer was a given years ago but, no more. Darwin won his place in the commencement speech, but not once was our Lord mentioned. I can not help but wonder of the Lord's sadness. But, what do we expect when we send our children to godless institutions? I realize there are many prized Christian professors in universities and colleges for young men and women to emulate, and I applaud them. I also realize the limited resources for continuing a Christian education in many areas ( such as ours). I can not in good conscience however, as a believer, encourage my children any longer in this direction. This is our personal family decision and I know many of you are a continuing source of light to some young men and women forging ahead in pursuit of knowledge but , my heart cautions me now. I also understand the need for many to mission themselves in this arena but again, my heart cautions me. In the realm of higher education we will be making different choices for our daughters. Our recent graduate has stayed the course but has not been unscathed by the influence of godless professors. Little tidbits here and there can pull some young men from truth. My eyes may dim with age but my heart become clearer. Do you remember your parents and grandparents saying "Things sure have changed from when I was young." ? Now we are saying it and it is true but in a different way. We have grown away from our purpose and goal of serving Christ first in our lives... in raising godly children for His glory. We are spoiled, demanding citizens who grow in knowledge but decrease in wisdom. We depend on man not God. Sometimes it takes a little nudge to get us going in the right direction again. I have thus been nudged. So as for me and my house, we will strive to serve the Lord and be better stewards of this gift called life. I will go against the grain teaching my daughters to be godly mothers and helpmeet's, cultivating them in the ways of home to better serve the Master. We may live in this world but are not to be of it. Dear Mothers, give great thought of the exposure of worldly things to those little sponges you have been gifted. Plant good seeds and give them plenty of water, sun and attention taking care they don't wilt. Give them your best even when you wear down. Teach them about God morning, noon and night. Talk of Jesus much and of worldly things little.
So, I humbly leave you with this note. Treasure, treasure your children. Mother them, enjoy them, correct them, train them to be productive and teach them to be servants and raise them to love and admonish the Lord.
My brood
My graduate
brothers
oh my little baby... did you get hurt? And... didn't I tell you to throw those jeans away??
I do believe spring has finally decided to grace us here in the mountains. Spring, where nature comes alive after her long rest giving us a perennial supply of delicious inspiration. As I sit here a hummingbird has alighted the colorful feeder outside our window. Come little bird! Come! Thousands of yellow wild flowers and dashes of purple buds cover the fields inviting us to romp and play! How can we say no? So we run outside, a gentle breeze upon our skin, bask in the suns glow and abide in this flowery wonderland 'till we are so tired we fall down into a pleasingly deep rest then awaken refreshed and rejuvenated. We can't wait to get our garden started! I hope you all are enjoying ths divine weather as much as we are.
Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
I love my pink tutu and polka dot rain boots... they are splendid
Willow has her own little style too..
Here mommy... ( i just love this shot) sigh... heaven...
Pickin' wild flowers in a field of yellow
There for you...
Really!
My sweet Willow...ooooh I love this child
OOOO... look at this one!
Here mommy.... ( Mama has a VERY large collection of flowers)
At 3:00 today ( around 3:00 in the morning US time) Willow's crib/orphanage mate Xiao Tian ~ Little Heaven was finally.... finally placed in her parents arms. Mother Teresa said she is very, very sad and grieving so. For those of you who have not adopted a child, this adjustment period can be very difficult for both child and parents. Sometimes a child will be depressed while another moment they may just shut down completely showing no emotion. Each grives in a different way. As I sit with my Willow ~Little Flower beside me I feel so blessed. She keeps looking at Tian Tian's pictures and saying "Tian Tian, Tian Tian" and "Tian Tian sad" . As I hug Willow I am engulfed with tears....tears of joy that her friend will soon be home and tears of sadness for Tian Tian's little broken heart and the grief she is enduring and has had to endure in her wee life. Lord God, these children are so precious and many mistreat them so!
Teresa is very tired and are of course upset that Tian Tian is having such a hard time. I know it will get better and in a few days believe they will see the sun begin to shine as Little Heaven opens up her heart and realizes "Hey, these people aren't bad, they want to hold me and give me tons of attention" I hope she decides to keep them ;), they are great parents! I can not wait to hold her myself and reunite her and Little Flower Willow.
Oh the tears I am crying looking at Little Heaven's face...
Trying to call Xiao Hua ~ Little Flower aka Willow ;)
Beautiful Little Heaven... I bet you are asleep right now and I know when you awake will be confused but know that you are well loved already and your mommy and daddy have been waiting so long for you . You have a sister who is also from China waiting on you as well as another sister and brother. Oh my goodenss you are so beautiful!!! sigh...
A mother must have great control over her own feelings ----- a calmness and composure of spirit not easily disturbed ---- or she will be occasionally provoked to acts of injustice by the misfortunes of which her children are the innocent cause. ~ John S.C. Abbott, The Mother at Home
How I wish I could say I was such a mother! How fortunate to have new mercies bestowed upon me each day. How often than not I find myself short on patience and godly manner, subjecting my children to displays of agitation and unease. A disposition of equanimity is a necessity for mothers.... the Lord frequently convicts me to improve my composure in my walk of the blessed role of motherhood.
The first songs of spring have alighted here in the mountains setting out her promises of renewal and rebirth.... a balm to my soul. We played outdoors for a short period on Easter Sunday and found our first flower of spring.... a tiny yellow marigold standing alone defying the cold weather. Funny how excited we all were rushing over to see this little fellow.... our spring inspiration. The birds have yet to take the challenge knowing it is safer to wait until May. I say come little birds! Hurry hurry! Most of you are probably already enjoying this seasons gifts of color and warmer temperatures but spring comes in slowly up here.... so as the cold abides outdoors, I sit inside by the warm fire and wait as a bride anxiously waits for her groom.
The girls are getting over pneumonia, flu and the stomach bug. Our house has been black listed as we have sequestered the girls snuggling them down in the bed, on the sofa or wing backed chair to rest and recover. A simple celebration of our risen savior at home and a short outdoor adventure kept this Easter simple and sweet.
This season is a time of reflection for me... a time of waiting and watching... learning and growing. The Joys of Home abound as do the challenges. As illness allows we do something fun in the kitchen, play a board game, paint a pony, sew new frocks and skirts, unclutter a closet, read the Word, play music, pray and rest. A free range turkey is in the oven cooking, the littles have their bunnies out for a romp while they look through books. Later we will continue work on our insect study. We hope for a short trip to Black Mountain next week.... a respite from staying still for so long. I hope you enjoy the photos of the girls as they help me bake this week. I always give them a bowl of their own when I am cooking so they can create something for daddy when he comes home. ;)
A bit of this...
hmmm something is missing....
well, it looks ok...
It tastes ok
Add flour
eggs...
more eggs... I like cracking eggs
a bagel.. bagels are guuuud
stir, stir, stir...
and wallah.. bread rolls for dinner. You can also enjoy Mary's easy Ranch rolls recipe.
cooking is hard work
rreeeaaaly hard work
dying eggs
handmade candles for great for drawing and marking
washing little hands... (ok, playing in the water)
~~~~
A little baby girl was untied with her new family Easter Sunday.... we had spoken with them about adoption over 3 years ago. It took exactly 3 years for them to be matched. whew....She was worth the wait. ;)
Gotcha for little Chuan Bai now known as Tatum. I think she is rather tall for an 18 month old! Congratulations Mike, Monica, Sydney and Tatum!!
Tatum and daddy snuggled up... I love these pictures...priceless
Tatum and her big sister Sydney. This family has waited so long... I am elated for them and can't wait to meet their new addition. Don't you love those eyes. Chuan Bai is from Fuzhou, Jiangxi.
~~~
And wait! More glorious news! Willow's crib mate Tian Tian is coming home!! Her parents called me from the airport this morning and said their plane leaves at 10:10.... get it?? Ten Ten - Tian Tian? lol. They will be united with her Sunday. I can not wait until they come home!! for those friends and family of Teresa and Jimmy, i will be posting updates and photos so check back!
Next time you feel ungrateful or dissatisfied all the treasures that God has bestowed upon you. Be blessed and praise the Lord for his gift of the rebirth of spring!! Until next time....
For Monday, the 13th of April, the year of our Lord 2009
Outside my window I feel the warmth of the suns rays welcoming in spring...
I am thinking of our Lord who was nailed to the cross for no sin...
I am thankful for cool morning breezes and evenings by an outside open fire with my children gathered 'round me...
From the learning rooms ~ Chicks and Bunnies for my three little treasures and Texts and Translations for mama.
From the kitchen I am assaulted with aromas of deliciously fresh baked bread and colorful eggs from Easter and hot brewed coffee ground this morning...ahh
I am wearing my most comfortable choring skirt, a sweat shirt for the morning is a bit chilly and my hair gathered up and falling down my back...
I am creating memories of the joys of home to be treasured for many years
I am going to make a new commitment to spend more one on one time with each of my children at home to make them feel special
I am reading the book of Matthew out loud to my girls
I am hoping to get our master bedroom closet entirely cleaned out, painted then reorganized.
I am hearing the humming of a little Willow as she soothingly sings to the bunnies, the sound of running water and clanging of dishes being washed, the sound of my sons shoes as he walks out the door...
Around the house is page upon page of creative artwork from the girls created just for mama...lovely
One of my favorite things is cuddling, reading with my babies after their bath.... I love the wee little fist babies make as they fall asleep... it doesn't get any better than this
A few plans for the rest of the week: Praying, appreciating, loving and cherishing each moment with my family
Here is picture thought I am sharing for my next post.... The Joys of Home
Four Score and 4 years ago I gave birth to a chubby little boy with jet black hair...... he was the ugliest little baby you have ever seen. ;) But, he was mine and I loved him. That fat ugly duckling has grown up to be very handsome, talented man indeed. Jack is an old soul who loves the Lord. He is one people gravitate towards. In May he will graduate with a BS in Criminal Justice and then is off to law school. I love and adore you my baby boy and am so proud of you. You are a sturdy rock in my life. Be the best you can be for Christ. May the Lord continue to bless you and protect you using your gifts to help his people.
my baby boy
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sage ~ Gong Jia Fang
Seven years ago.... I felt the brush of angels wings as a frightened ruddy cheeked 11 month old baby was placed in my arms. This was one of the happiest moments of my life and I still remember it vividly replaying it over and over in my mind as to keep it fresh. When she was handed to me I felt like I had just been given an extra gift I did not deserve. I had prayed for a little girl for many years and the Lord granted me what I asked of Him. ( 1 Samuel 1:27). Happy gotcha Day and Happy Birthday Sage... you are my dream come true.
Referral...
Sage after two days with her mommy and daddy
Sage home for 2 months...
Sage now...
Sage and Pingnan mate Jenna then....
Sage and Jenna now ~ raised together in the orphanage and still red thread sisters
Good things come to those who wait on the Lord!
Little Sage has a hurting heart since the loss of her beloved cat ,Stripey. Stripey had renal failure and had to be put to sleep. Her first lesson in death to something close was a difficult one and she cried many tears as she cuddled up next to me in the bed all night long sobbing her heart out. So did I.... I let her know I was right there with her precious kitty 'till the end. I didn't think it would be good for her to watch. She has taken some comfort in her Velveteen rabbit Velveteen. Such a beautiful child she is.... pure inner beauty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willow ~ Liu Xiao Hua
A year has passed since a tiny sick 18 month old little girl was handed into my arms by one of the orphanage office workers. I didn't have my family with me to share this great joy, as I traveled alone. It was a quiet relinquishment as she became mine forever. Forever.... such a beautiful word. I was filled with indescribable wonder. How am I so deserving of such gifts?! I took my little treasure back to the hotel to look over. (those who have been there know what I mean) It is like unwrapping a fine treasure... gazing with love into the face of a new child. Yes, I delighted in counting each little piggy and brushing every fine hair, placing soft kisses upon her wee runny nosed face, and gazing into her eyes. Oh! Children are truly gifts for the Lord! Willow is such a carefree happy little sprite. She has such a whimsical spirit and enjoys taunting her sisters as well as making them laugh. I wish I could share her walk with you...no, her actual physical walk. She plods along with a bit of a stomp as she walks. And her run? Her little feet kick out as she runs. I think she puts everything she has into what she does... weather putting stickers on every kitten in a litter, pouring rice on her sister or saying "I luuu ew!" ( translation: I love you) she is an amazing child. To me, she is perfection.
Referral
Willow on Gotcha Day evening...
The next morning...
18 months old in the White Swan Play Room
Little Violinist
Willow had her dental surgery two weeks ago. All went well and they were able to save her all her teeth. I sat in the hospital praying, asking the Lord to be with my precious gift and guide the hands of those trusted to her care. She is still in pain and we are praying she will begin to eat something substantial soon. Isn't it hard when your child is ill and you want to take the pain and sorrow away but can't? Oh how I wish I could carry it for her. She snuggled against me last night in bed as she always does to read and sing. When she quietly fell asleep I prayed over her beseeching the Lord to grant her the gift of healing and wake up to a painless morning. How I love my babies. Motherhood fills you with such an array of emotions ~ immense joy, fear, laughter, peace, anxiousness, unconditional boundless love, sleepless nights, an appreciation for rest, thoughtfulness, nesting, hope, grace, unbelievable forgiveness, wisdom, patience, weariness, but most of all love unlike any other mankind can ever experience.
As you can imagine, this is a busy (and blessed!) month for us which can put a strain on life. There are many things on my heart... some which are heavy. It is times like this I need to remind myself to seek the Lord first... he will provide us everything else. He will carry my burdens if I let him. (Matthew 11:28) I am waiting to let everyone know where we will be moving.... it is a surprise. ;)
Thank you for all your prayers, emails and comments. They all mean so much to me. If there is anything you need prayer for just leave it in your comment or email me as I would love to prayer for you as well. Be blessed!
March, the beginning of spring! But wait, what... is that... fiercely falling outside my window? Something feathery and powdery.... a blizzard.
I admit it. I want spring. Here. Now. As I sit typing we are having a snowy down pour, flakes as fat as marshmallows I mean to tell ya. OK , maybe not quite that big, but colossal, and alot of them joined by noisy squalls. It's a blustery day! Thank goodness I didn't purchase that "Spring Gardens" magazine the at the store as I may have used it as a fire starter. ;) We have had several nice days here lately and I am grateful. I like to call the photo above Pouty and Poutier. ;o) just kidding. The kids in the photo where not pouting but just in deep thought and conversation on solving the worlds problems. I love this photo.
Come with me back to October, to a warmer time when the trees where showing off their colorful finery. We had an enjoyable visit with Little Pearl who came home in September. She and her family also live in these spectacular mountains, but a bit down from us. Her parents are also professional animal photographers and their home is something out of a spring garden magazine. Bane has made sure their acreage is a studio and has succeeded in grand style. This little haven boasts antique wagons, little garden spots, winding streams, whimsical bridges, docks and alluring flower beds set in various spots around their place....a sanctuary for the eye and mind. I am always amazed at them and can't help but say "Wow, Mountain Man, look at what Bane has done now. " ;} I think women are born manipulators. I personally, feel I am quite gifted in this area which is something I am constantly working to curtail. Ok, back to Little Pearls breathtaking abode. Little Pearl is now called Charis (Care-es) which means grace. She is only a few days older than Willow and are both from Xiamen Island. I remember calling her parents and asking if they had considered adopting again as there were two gorgeous little baby girls where Willow was waiting for us. Charis is a prefect fit for their family. Lyndsay, her older sister, is rightfully protective of her and kept great watch to make sure she was there to help her up when she took a fall. Lyndsay is a striking child... her features perfect symmetry. She is extremely bright and seemed to gravitate toward Sage who is older. I have noticed this in intelligent children....
I got to see Charis in the doctors office last week and was amazed at her progress. She was an unsteady walker when she came home and now is jumping around. I am so happy for her. But what about Little Heaven?? Her parents have been so distraught, trying so hard to bring her home. Oh my hearts aches for them as it has been over a year since they applied to adopt her. Their agency, unfortunately, caused them many delays. Fortunately however, they are now awaiting their TA ( travel approval) to bring Little Heaven, Willow's best buddy in the orphanage, home. They have decided to call her Shai ~ pronounced Shay. I can not wait to see her. We will have Willow~Little Flower , Charis~ Little Pearl and Shai~ Little Heaven in the same little village. Be looking for her story coming up hopefully the end of this month!
Little Flower & Little Pearl.... waiting for Little Heaven
What are we suppose to do with these gourds?
Little Pearl ~ Charis
let's squat
Our mother's did our hair...
red thread sisters.... little hands
Let's make faces...
Welcome to America Little Pearl
What lovely bright eyes she has...
Charis does the semi splits...
Charis and big sister Lyndsay who look nothing alike. ;)
Bucolic.... sigh...
Nothing like a game of romps...
to make you long for spring
It was so warm that day Sage took of her jumper and ran around in her petticoats
These pictures show just a small portion of their perfectly manicured acreage...
Jeannine and Charis
Well, her teeth look good....
Charis snuggling' with mama
pow wow
Where'd they go??
Look at this face. Have you ever seen such perfect features?!
I want to say to all of you while I am posting how much I appreciate you extremely kind emails and comments Such flattery! I am so humbled. To quickly answer some of your questions: I shoot with Nikon's and several lenses. No, I have never had any classes or special training but I would sure enjoy taking one. Yes, I shoot professionally and did also many moons ago before the digital age. Digital is amazing and anyone can take great photos. Photograph what you love and photograph often. I enjoy shooting old barns , log houses and wood. I also love photographing children... they are so innocently beautiful and inspiring. I would love to write Little Cabin books, and had started to before, but truthfully don't feel there would be a market for that genre. Little Cabin in the Woods is a child's finger play which I will share in another post. My grandmother taught my mother, my mother sang it to me when I was little and I passed it on to my children. That is where the name came from.... and yes , we do have a simple little cabin in the woods. :o)
Again thank you so much for you dear sweet comments. They always inspire me. Please continue to pray for my family as we journey through this trying season of waiting on the Lord. I would also love to pray for you, if you ever have a request just leave a comment or email me.
Little Heaven.... waiting... waiting to come home.
All photographs are the property of Patricia LuAnn Photography (unless otherwise stated). I ask that you please do not use any of photographs or writings without permission. Thanks!
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Velvety newborn bunnies
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