tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72744755776860469522012-01-17T17:00:36.460-05:00Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.comBlogger3791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-57721410355515808092012-01-16T14:24:00.000-05:002012-01-16T14:24:35.678-05:00

That is the title of a list I just found that one of my girls wrote. 1. changing the poopies 2. chase them all day 3. buy all the stuff 4. listen to them scream 5. feed them their meals 6. clean up all the toys 7. giving them their baths 8. put them down for naps 9. clean up all the spit-up I don't know what happened to #'s 10, 11, and 12. Maybe she was too tired to think of more. I know I am!

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-28764609775692238732012-01-13T08:44:00.001-05:002012-01-13T08:46:38.670-05:00

If you have been a reader of this blog for awhile, you know about my dear friend Catherine. We went to high school and college together, were in each other's weddings, and now we are all grown up as wackadoo homeschool mamas! :o) Catherine and her husband Scott adopted their son Abraham from Ethiopia in 2010. She is looking for stories from adoptive parents about how God has provided (or is

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-21216265927945499752012-01-12T09:30:00.000-05:002012-01-12T09:30:50.793-05:00

I have been pondering something this morning. I have been thinking about how most mornings I just cannot believe it is time to get up.  Most nights I don't sleep well at all. And so when Peanut's cries signal the start of the day, I silently beg for the mercy of just a little bit more time in bed. And most mornings I wake up with aches and pains. Sure, for the most part they work themselves out

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-59371184508669319902012-01-01T08:02:00.005-05:002012-01-01T22:34:28.812-05:00

I am kicking off 2012 with a month-long soapy fundraiser for a special young man. In fact, he is a young man that I do not even know.  You see, I have a dear friend named Cindy. We worked together years ago in a doctor's office. She married David, and those two eventually moved down to SC where Cindy is from. Through the blessing of e-mail for several years and now Facebook, we get to keep up

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-3050270214620003082011-12-31T21:18:00.000-05:002011-12-31T21:18:17.181-05:00

I cannot imagine a better subject for my last post of 2011 than this... Tonight the Henson family adoption fundraiser is over. It has been a c-r-a-z-y month of soap making, delivering, mailing, collecting money, and more soap making! And I am so proud of my three big girls for their BIG hearts and their willingness to donate the rest of their products to the fundraiser. I am happy to say there

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-24303923218835989932011-12-27T10:36:00.000-05:002011-12-27T10:36:48.959-05:00

Wow!! Where has the month of December gone? What a fun time it has been for our family. And busy, busy, busy even though I purposed to not be as busy as usual. 'Tis the season, yes? Around here Christmas decorations come down within a couple of days after Christmas. We start decorating Thanksgiving weekend, so by the time December 26 rolls around, we have been looking at it all long enough! I

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-76883931746204536602011-12-21T19:10:00.001-05:002011-12-21T19:14:45.510-05:00

I am so glad the girls keep up with the little slips of paper, or else I would not remember everything we have done this month in our 25 days of family fun/activity/whatever you want to call it!  Day 14: foam gingerbread house activityDay 15: glitter ornament activityDay 16: take Peanut to the mall for Santa photo, and surprise lunch with neighbors (former neighbors, actually, the sweet ones that

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-91019162294083593932011-12-14T08:29:00.000-05:002011-12-14T08:29:31.483-05:00

It has become a tradition the past few Decembers to use our wooden Advent calendar (pictured above, on last year's mantle) to do some fun family things. December can be a busy month, and you can over-stretch yourself if you are not careful. These activities help keep us focused on family and being together. Some of them cost a little money and some don't, some take us out of the house and some

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-80246209086071386172011-12-01T09:24:00.002-05:002011-12-08T17:09:50.691-05:00

Today I am so excited to share with you my friend Robin and her family's news. They are entering the wonderful, redeeming, crazy, scary, exciting, blessed world of international adoption! We have known their family casually through church for a few years, but Tony and Robin joined our care group this year and it has blessed me beyond measure to get to know Robin through our ladies' nights. She

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-5724551872913961292011-11-27T13:39:00.000-05:002011-11-27T13:39:56.569-05:00

Not lovin' the peas Not lovin' being in the exersaucer instead of Mama's arms Not lovin' the hat

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-32577930248187312212011-11-24T07:46:00.000-05:002011-11-24T07:46:21.631-05:00

From our family to yours, have a safe, blessed, and happy Thanksgiving! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-2702488538578867992011-11-22T09:28:00.000-05:002011-11-22T09:28:42.563-05:00

Yesterday our family headed out at 11:30 a.m. to travel three hours west to finalize Peanut's adoption. We had a great trip there, thankful for the sunshine and warm weather that accompanied us! We were greeted by that sign on the courthouse parking deck. Awesome! Our girls had their first security/x-ray machine experience. Little Bit even had to remove her shoes in order for the machine to quit

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-39148979617593284902011-11-17T10:56:00.000-05:002011-11-17T10:56:45.095-05:00

So on Saturday we made a trip a couple of hours away to enjoy a family lunch with our adoption agency. They do such a wonderful job of getting us together a couple of times each year: in May for a picnic, and again in November for a catered lunch. It is always so nice to see friends new and old, love on the new babies and the chunky toddlers, and anticipate with others when their placements will

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-11730713934662487002011-11-09T09:39:00.000-05:002011-11-09T09:39:15.374-05:00

I think I could probably write a very long blog post about this issue, but I am going to try to keep it brief. Keep in mind, it's all relative. Brief for me might still be lengthy for you! :) Adoption...it's all good in the Lord's eyes.  International, domestic, foster-to-adopt, orphan care, foster respite care, fostering babies during the legal risk period for domestic adoptions. These are ALL

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-80722600424870199142011-11-08T12:26:00.000-05:002011-11-08T12:26:02.928-05:00

Oh dear. She is totally pushing up on her knees now. How cute is she?! When she tried to crawl, she fell on her face. Is it wrong that I silently cheered?? She has been able to sit unsupported for awhile, but it is usually not long before a face plant occurs. However, last night she sat a good long while balancing herself very well.  Can someone please slow down the time?

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-40895124084193502732011-11-03T10:32:00.001-04:002011-11-03T10:34:01.283-04:00

Seven months ago today our beautiful little Peanut was born into this world. It was a Sunday, and our family was at church worshiping, learning, and having fellowship with our church family. Totally clueless that we would soon get the call we had been waiting for since we started the adoption process 16 months prior. Seven months ago today Peanut's birth mama and daddy made the ultimate

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-34587210939452354032011-11-02T11:18:00.000-04:002011-11-02T11:18:00.230-04:00

*First, KELLIE I am so sorry but when I went to allow your comment from 11/1 to post last night, I accidentally deleted it!* I just wanted to share with you today how much joy it brings to my heart to hear from Angel, Peanut's birth mama. It had been a couple of weeks since she had texted me (phone issues), so when I heard my text alert this morning I was really really really hoping it would be

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-48468505709176397812011-11-01T11:09:00.000-04:002011-11-01T11:09:59.332-04:00

I have not published a gratuitous Peanut post in awhile, so here you go! I love her crinkly smiling eyes. This one made us laugh and laugh! Her hair lays down nicely right after a bath. Trying to get a pic of her dried, poofed out hair but she really wants the camera! Ah, beautiful poofiness. Peanut was soooo tired and was screeching, but Big Girl got her to smile for the picture. The

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-26100390603666618312011-10-31T19:41:00.000-04:002011-10-31T19:41:47.362-04:00

The fall fun has been continuing around here and I had just enough wits about me to take a few pics and write this blog post! Our church had its "fall festival", called Party on the Block, Saturday night. The kids really enjoy it, but it is also a great night for us to open up to the community. Little Bit was Merliah. Apparently she is a Barbie mermaid character. And yes, L.B. was as cold as

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-41162578899675043412011-10-17T09:40:00.000-04:002011-10-17T09:40:04.588-04:00

Saturday our classmates met at a local park with a huge beautiful lake. I cannot believe I have lived here all my life and never went there! When catching up with friends, I am more focused on talking and not getting photos. So I only got one while we were at the picnic! But I am thankful to have this one with my sweet friend. We went to school together K-12, but we really grew close in college.

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-81902126879008765672011-10-15T08:46:00.000-04:002011-10-15T08:46:31.032-04:00

It was twenty years ago in June that I walked across the stage and received my high school diploma. The next four years in college were some of the best of my entire life. After all, that is when I met my sweet Honey! And it is also when I formed deeper bonds with two gals I had gone to school with for a number of years. I had the pleasure of dining last night with one of those gals and her mama.

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-45938612645386506182011-10-12T13:32:00.000-04:002011-10-12T13:32:59.958-04:00

On the way to my room this morning, I passed by two of my girls' bedroom and heard a big crash. Sigh. Never a sound I want to investigate. But alas, I am the mama and mamas are supposed to look into these types of things. I looked in the room where all three of my big girls were playing, and Monkey in the Middle pipes up "I fell off the hamper." It was turned upside down on the floor, apparently

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-52649055726605342652011-10-10T08:17:00.000-04:002011-10-10T08:17:51.030-04:00

Our family has desperately needed a day of fun for a long time. Saturday we had a chance to get out of the house together, soak in some sunshine, and enjoy some fall goodness. We headed out to a local pumpkin patch that we have not visited in several years. Of course, we chose a day when a few companies were out there with their employees. Wow, so crowded! But the girls said it was such a fun

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-9411836607438621492011-10-06T12:36:00.000-04:002011-10-06T12:36:20.175-04:00

What's been up with me the last few weeks that I have not been blogging? If you don't want to read it all, stop here! :) Peanut came down with some kind of tummy virus that caused her to poop umpteen times a day. She never acted like she had a tummy ache, and the only thing that bothered her (and ME!) was the diaper rash from hell. Oh. my. word. I have never seen anything like it in all my years

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-24014580568759343062011-09-12T13:46:00.000-04:002011-09-12T13:46:27.784-04:00

We had the pleasure of meeting with Peanut's birth parents (Angel and Special Man) again on Labor Day. It had been a little over two months since we last saw each other, and we were all looking forward to another visit! I took loads of photos, but most of them I cannot crop like I did last time. The one above is pretty telling of how Peanut spent her time. In the arms of her birth daddy, who is

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-61997038220574463642011-09-08T08:55:00.000-04:002011-09-08T08:55:31.451-04:00

Because my year has not been exciting enough... Sunday morning after worship service, Honey and I were on our way to our Sunday school class when I experienced sudden, intense pain. It originated in my right lower back and radiated around to the front and at its worst down my right thigh. For those of you who have experienced end-stage labor pains...yep, that is what I was feeling. It was so

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-36228553211723631652011-09-07T10:55:00.000-04:002011-09-07T10:55:34.888-04:00

I am way late on getting this post up, but here are some photos from Peanut's first baby food experiences! I have been making Peanut's foods with my new best friend, The Baby Bullet. Not only is it the cutest product ever, it totally delivers in the puree department! Introducing avocado... Okay, this was during one particular week that Peanut was having THE WORST time. We think she was just

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-53391341639866206512011-09-02T20:05:00.000-04:002011-09-02T20:05:41.134-04:00

  Well it happened again...my kids keep getting older! What is up with that?? Wednesday was Monkey in the Middle's birthday, and it was her first double digit birthday. That's right. The big 1-0! Do you love that face up there by the way? That is what a mama gets when she asks the birthday girl to show her face in some of the pictures.   The birthday girl wished to open some gifts before we left

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-14844203965598087932011-09-01T11:44:00.000-04:002011-09-01T11:44:57.645-04:00

It has been over four months since the tornado swirled into our area and moved our lives in a slightly different direction. But it's still there. Most of us in this area have rebuilt, repaired, moved back into our homes, and restarted lives where we were before. But it's still there. "It" is the fear that something big and so out of our control could hit us again. And it could. "It" is the

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-27434163865923703552011-08-28T05:00:00.000-04:002011-08-28T05:00:01.516-04:00

We got through Hurricane Irene unscathed, and we even did not lose power. And now we have enough food and emergency supplies to get us through the next storm, whether it be a hurricane or ice! Our first taste of Irene was late Friday afternoon. Scant outer bands were in and out for about an hour or so. The following are more photos of the clouding up/clearing up of the evening. Friday

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-33490858591315171292011-08-27T15:00:00.000-04:002011-08-27T15:00:28.420-04:00

I wanted to give y'all an update on the soapy fundraiser I did for The Church at North Center. You can read more about CNC and what I was hoping to accomplish HERE. CNC receives 100% of my profits from the sales of the soaps. I am happy to report that after selling 119 bars of soap and four bags of Little Bit's bath salts, the total amount I am able to donate is $255.00!!! The check is being

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-40335294926604853042011-08-19T20:04:00.000-04:002011-08-19T20:04:43.936-04:00

Monkey in the Middle made a peppermint foot scrub with ingredients from a spa kit she got for Christmas. She has been determined to give Honey a spa treatment ever since. Especially since every night he talks about his "poor achin' feet." ;o) It seems tonight was the night he gave in. What a good sport he is! Our girls went into our room, MADE OUR BED, put on some classical music, and readied the

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-53003458588856940942011-08-13T06:00:00.005-04:002011-08-27T14:58:17.742-04:00

This year I am participating as a vendor in the same two craft fairs I did last year. They were so much fun and even a little profitable! I decided to let my three big girls try out making some bath products, and if it all goes well they will accompany me to both craft fairs to sell their goods. So first I started with Little Bit. I figured making bath salts was just her speed. I bought a kit

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-48750187973774974702011-08-12T20:10:00.000-04:002011-08-12T20:10:40.455-04:00

So...a really long time ago I was going to post pics of Peanut's nursery and tell you a little about some things in there. Finally, here I go... This is where we rock Peanut for her naps and bed time. This glider has been with us for all four of our daughters. We bought it when I was pregnant with Big Girl, and when we moved from our old house we gave it to my sister for her boys. And when we

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-83903805189964553942011-08-11T19:28:00.000-04:002011-08-11T19:28:35.174-04:00

As y'all know, a couple of years ago I took up a new hobby--making melt and pour soaps. Over the months I have had so much fun playing with new fragrances, colors, molds, and coming up with some neat creations! You also know selling my soaps through my Bright Star Soaps "company" was a fun way to raise money for Peanut's adoption! I am so thankful that I could take something I enjoy doing and use

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-55422528108697947072011-08-10T05:00:00.004-04:002011-08-10T05:00:05.795-04:00

It has been awhile since I have written a Peanut post! Last Wednesday she turned 4 months old and also had her check up. She weighed 13 lb 5 oz and was 23.5 in long. That's up 6 lb 4 oz and 4.5 in since the day she was born. We have been cleared to start solids, and while I am in no hurry to do so, the way Peanut has been waking me during the night makes me think now may be the time! Shes still

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-66675887468989361622011-08-09T05:00:00.003-04:002011-08-09T07:59:31.804-04:00

Each summer our church puts on a children's musical. The kids practice every Wednesday night starting in June, and then 8-10 weeks later they have the opportunity to perform it for the church, friends, family, etc. two nights in a row. The musical is for rising kindergarteners through rising 7th graders, and it gives them all a chance to sing, learn some cool motions to the songs, and some of

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-30681651019872577492011-08-08T05:00:00.003-04:002011-08-08T05:00:07.077-04:00

Two weeks ago we finally got back to homeschooling around here. I gave up on school after Peanut was placed with us and the storm hit two weeks later. So we are finishing up math and also history read alouds from the school year before we move onto our "new year". In a way it is hard to believe I have a 6th grader this year, but then again I think I don't notice or grieve the changes as much

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-59121805066612610772011-08-07T20:29:00.000-04:002011-08-07T20:29:55.262-04:00

So in July we had a front row seat while our neighbor's house was being taken apart, piece by piece. A private contractor was being paid to bring the house down in this manner, and all the parts that were good and usable were being donated to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. While I did not enjoy the wake-up calls at 6:30 a.m. by way of banging and things being thrown to the ground, I otherwise

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-14355342789967104302011-07-27T13:52:00.000-04:002011-07-27T13:52:51.938-04:00

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-59559633922433268582011-07-24T17:10:00.000-04:002011-07-24T17:10:19.923-04:00

Today we had a Parent/Child Dedication for Peanut and other babies/children at our church. In our church, we only do one baptism (Believer's Baptism...done when someone has made the choice to proclaim Christ as his or her Savior). So instead of an infant baptism, we have this dedication service. The parents publicly commit to raising their children in Christ, and the congregation commits to

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-28673514583911956342011-07-23T21:35:00.001-04:002011-07-23T21:35:52.442-04:00

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-15010379597161458822011-07-17T04:00:00.001-04:002011-07-17T04:00:09.266-04:00

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance...Proverbs 15:13

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-56101573357871987052011-07-14T14:22:00.001-04:002011-07-14T14:22:32.129-04:00

This summer I have found myself having to let my dream of a family retreat go. Just let.it.go. It is funny how much I have made this an idol in my heart. Okay, not funny "ha ha" but funny in a ridiculous way. It's as if I have convinced myself that the only way to get some rest and peace and refreshment is by escaping. Of course, that is one way to do it. But I am not allowing my heart to seek

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-39240865642985928122011-07-12T20:02:00.094-04:002011-07-13T14:16:45.213-04:00

Today begins what I hope will be a really fun and successful soapy fundraiser! Our church is sending out a team next spring to plant a church in Chicago! The Johnson, Murray, and Springer families have been dedicated to praying, planning, and preparing for what God will do through their ministry and their families very soon. While we will miss their sweet families so much, we are excited that

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-37850108589090609062011-07-12T16:51:00.000-04:002011-07-12T16:51:56.802-04:00

Have mercy, there is some serious heat going on outside! High today is around 99 with a heat index of 106. I have not been outside since about 11:30 this morning so I am just going to trust the weather peeps that it is as hot as they say it is. Honey has grounded me from driving much in the heat with the girls this week, as the a/c in our van is s-t-r-u-g-g-l-i-n-g. It actually works great if

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-1168244228211766182011-07-11T19:19:00.001-04:002011-07-11T19:26:01.125-04:00

I really do love when God brings people into my life that I would never have been able to meet, or might not likely be friends with, unless we had one thing in common. Maybe it was nursing school, or making soaps, or becoming a mama, or homeschooling that brought some of those people into my life. Most recently, it has been adoption that has allowed me to relate to so many other women that I

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-17360952902201267582011-07-06T10:34:00.001-04:002011-07-06T10:45:24.527-04:00

From the time I was engaged to Honey until the year I was pregnant with Little Bit, I had the pleasure of joining Honey's family in Virginia every 4th of July. His great aunt lived on the James River, and we would all descend upon it with food and fireworks and fun times. Several years ago his great aunt became ill and these yearly celebrations became too much. And then she passed away two years

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-78617106780061652912011-06-30T04:00:00.021-04:002011-06-30T04:00:01.248-04:00

Our three big girls had the pleasure of attending our church's Tae Kwon Do camp a couple of weeks ago! To say that our kids did not want to go would be an understament. But the first night that we picked them up, they were PUMPED and could not wait to go back! In fact, Little Bit was disappointed that the camp was not a few weeks long. I try to tell my kids "Mama always wins" but they don't

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-76556324599283353972011-06-29T08:13:00.005-04:002011-06-29T14:22:31.475-04:00

Angel is really missing Peanut lately. Actually, I don't think she ever does not miss her. I just think it is harder on her this past week than usual. I am actually thankful that she feels comfortable telling me that. And it is not that she says a whole lot about it. It is usually a text that simply tells me she misses her. And then I write her back, telling her I know it is not the same but

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-48801152899057040452011-06-16T16:07:00.001-04:002011-06-16T16:08:26.668-04:00

Back on June 2, the evening after we moved back home, Big Girl performed in her spring piano recital. The theme of the recital was "Enchanted Forest", beautifully displayed through decorations, baked treats at the reception, and of course the recital pieces. Big Girl played a piece from The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe titled "Lucy Meets Mr. Tumnus". It is a lovely piece that elicits emotion

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-59404248401942092742011-06-08T12:47:00.002-04:002011-08-11T20:03:45.519-04:00

So on May 19, I got a text from our agency saying Peanut's birth mom wanted to see her and meet us. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement! I have had a deep-rooted desire to know what Peanut's birth parents look like and hear their voices and see them with Peanut since the day she was placed in our arms. Until our adoption is finalized, Peanut's birth mom could change her mind about

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-78081148522096351142011-06-07T07:34:00.000-04:002011-06-07T07:34:25.532-04:00

I am SO NOT DONE with Weight Watchers! By all appearances, it may seem I have given up. But I have merely taken a detour to my ultimate weight loss goal. I finally returned to my meeting a few weeks ago and learned that in the 8 weeks since we had adopted Peanut and been displaced from our home, I had "only" gained 6.5 lb. I was satisfied with that. With the stress of some big life changes, and

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-73277522534075827032011-06-06T20:18:00.000-04:002011-06-06T20:18:04.145-04:00

Honey and I have always told our kids that home is wherever we all are together. And we really do mean that. But there really is no place like HOME. The place where we have made our nest and made countless memories together. And so it gives me great joy to announce that we moved back HOME last Wednesday night! I am working on a before/after post of some things around the house. Right now. much of

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-83605073976816518512011-05-29T05:00:00.030-04:002011-05-29T05:00:04.022-04:00

Last Wednesday as I was getting all us gals ready to go to my nephew's preschool graduation, Monkey in the Middle stated her head had been itchy in one spot since Monday. I took a look, not expecting anything in particular. Oh yeah. We got lice. Yep. Cuz lately we are just.that.awesome. I never knew how exhausting treating for lice could be! It's not just the washing with lice shampoo, and

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-82326908470430472672011-05-28T14:38:00.000-04:002011-05-28T14:38:07.699-04:00

Tuesday night we went out to the ball park to watch our local beloved Mudcats play! It is such a great ball park, the crowds are always family-friendly, and you cannot beat the ticket prices for a night of fun. We treated our dearest neighbors to the game and all the girls had a blast! Their family will be out of the neighborhood much much longer than us and we will miss them so much when we

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-81486816509728949162011-05-27T11:44:00.000-04:002011-05-27T11:44:56.670-04:00

We are probably just one week away from moving back into our home! All that stands in our way is new carpet being placed downstairs and also in Peanut's nursery, and then they are going to professionally clean all the other carpet. All the interior painting has been done and here is how it all looks! This is the girls' fabulous new pink school room!  A look at our front entrance...brand new

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-77615957745503324092011-05-23T08:22:00.001-04:002011-05-23T08:24:51.796-04:00

I am so blessed to be part of a local adoption support group. Made up of mostly ladies from our adoption agency (either who have had placements or are still waiting) along with a few who adopted elsewhere, our group meets once a month for dinner at area restaurants. We must have at least a dozen and a half members, but not everyone can make each dinner so it is fun having a more intimate setting

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-45318099344353416342011-05-22T16:03:00.000-04:002011-05-22T16:03:47.489-04:00

Slowly but surely I am getting back to one of my "loves". Meet my new pineapple cilantro bar!

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-5748566399304889022011-05-18T05:00:00.073-04:002011-05-18T05:00:06.504-04:00

Peanut is now 6 weeks old! (although she was 5 weeks old here!) (Big Girl) The sissies are still enjoying the heck out of smothering mothering her...although lessons here at home often revolve around WHO the mama really is. Trust me--in a house of all girls, that conversation has to happen at least once a week! (Little Bit) Monkey in the Middle continues to surprise me! I thought she would be our

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-48758222832445350052011-05-17T15:44:00.000-04:002011-05-17T15:44:16.796-04:00

Better late than never, right? :o) I would have taken a photo of my big box of Hot Tamales, but they did not last long enough. :o)

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-72994271227882204762011-05-15T12:00:00.002-04:002011-05-15T12:00:00.753-04:00

 Peanut smiled for the first time on the day she turned 5 weeks old. We were at Awana Cubbies, and I had just changed her diaper and was getting ready to finish feeding her a bottle. Peanut just looked up at me and flashed me a big ole grin! And she kept smiling at me for a couple of minutes. A true, twinkle-in-her-eye, so-happy-to-be-looking-at-Mommy smile. :o) The picture above is not Peanut's

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-12814347136022800382011-05-14T19:29:00.000-04:002011-05-14T19:29:27.681-04:00

Last night our church put on a wonderful event for daddies and daughters. This was our church's and our family's first father-daughter dance! It had been highly anticipated in our home for quite a few weeks. The sanctuary was lovingly decorated with pink and green, and tasty treats were brought in by many mamas for the daddies and daughters to enjoy.  Peanut will have to wait three more years to

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-31146582127766675772011-05-08T22:06:00.000-04:002011-05-08T22:06:02.414-04:00

Being adorable is so exhausting! I can't think about it today. I'll think about it tomorrow!

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-61445944593791691472011-05-07T20:14:00.001-04:002011-05-07T20:33:04.286-04:00

Today is Birth Mother's Day. For our family, it is a day to honor our sweet Peanut's birth mama. You see, we have not met her. Not yet anyway. (We are hopeful!) But we already love her. It is one of those things that can be kind of difficult to explain. But the baby daughter that we love so very much is here because her birth mama gave life to her, and we need no other reason to love her. I

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-22227334470353783362011-04-30T19:42:00.001-04:002011-04-30T22:11:46.425-04:00

As promised, here are some new Peanut photos! Little Bit was getting a bottle started for me until my hands were free. We were at our "real house" here, waiting on our social worker to arrive. We had our first post-placement visit that day. That's some good lovin' right there! Honey picked out this guitar onesie from Super T a few months before Peanut was placed with us. He said boy or girl, our

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-10856269911478367842011-04-26T21:18:00.000-04:002011-04-26T21:18:44.242-04:00

You may wonder if we have been able to live in our house since the tornado came through. While it is not really hazardous for us to live there, both our adjuster and our contractor have asked us not to while repairs are being made. I mean, we do have some holes in the roof, and a wall of the 3rd floor attic has to be reframed. Staying there with 4 children (since I am a homemaker and we

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-75723652867421644832011-04-23T21:43:00.002-04:002011-04-23T21:54:52.172-04:00

Last Saturday began with visits from five families! Here is Peanut with Grandpa (my dad). We got gifts, clothes, meals, hugs, and the chance to share our new little love. We then headed over to help celebrate my nephew's 3rd birthday! This is Aunt P (Honey's sister) holding Peanut for the first time. Remember that she gave birth to a baby girl on March 31? Just 3 days before Peanut was born, and

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-91661589197022703252011-04-16T09:05:00.001-04:002011-04-16T09:09:19.739-04:00

We are starting to get used to our new family of SIX! Look at Honey and all five of his girls. Clearly God created him to just be a "girl daddy". And he is such a wonderful one! Our dear neighbor gave us this bouncy seat on our first "official" day as a family. We are so thankful for it! While we still cuddle with Peanut most of the day, it is nice to have a comfy place for her to sit while we

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-13232818499732298872011-04-13T09:37:00.000-04:002011-04-13T09:37:36.048-04:00

So I cannot believe my hubby actually posted more details on his computer geeky blog than I did!Per Trisha's request, here are Peanut's stats:Born Sunday April 3rd at 7:00 a.m.Weight: 7 lb 1 ozLength: 19 inchesMy other 3 girls were all 21 and 21-1/2 inches long at birth so she really is a peanut to me!Some of you have asked about her heritage, and I do not at all mind answering that question.

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-56232962143045413482011-04-12T00:03:00.000-04:002011-04-12T00:03:05.601-04:00

So we got a call at 9:00 the morning of April 4th... There was a sweet one-day-old baby waiting at the hospital for us! Oh happy day!!! Honey's first time holding his FOURTH daughter. :) To say we were elated is a gross understatement! We feel so so so blessed to be Peanut's parents! *About that quilt...a sweet group of ladies makes these quilts for the babies to go home with, and the birth mamas

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-23687942264627425302011-04-10T12:23:00.001-04:002011-04-10T12:24:20.136-04:00

I have read some things on the Proverbs 31 Facebook page recently that have really ministered to my heart right where I am in this season. I hope they encourage you, too! "Though His ways may not be your ways, they are good, faithful, true and full of hope. {Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 33:4; 62:5}""The great thing in prayer is to feel that we are putting our supplications into the

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-2936054179330777672011-04-09T08:57:00.000-04:002011-04-09T08:57:20.818-04:00

Banana pudding milkshake from Chick-fil-A, oh how I love thee!But alas my tummy was full from lunch and I made a mature decision to leave you for another day. My scale will love me for that, but my tummy will miss you.Not to worry...I'll be back!

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-27833217353501702572011-04-06T21:09:00.000-04:002011-04-06T21:09:43.843-04:00

Okay mamas, I need your help! Since time is on my side, I am researching baby carriers (as in Moby wrap, Ergo, Bjorn, etc.). So what do you (or did you) prefer when you had your bambino? A wrap-style carrier, or... ...something like the Ergo? I thought I was leaning toward the Ergo, but after an informal poll I did on Facebook last week I may be leaning toward the Moby. Any help?

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-50054659642596381942011-04-05T07:20:00.000-04:002011-04-05T07:20:33.189-04:00

I made this fun soap on Saturday! It involves pouring several layers in a loaf mold, and the best part is getting to mess up the layers instead of keeping them neat and separated as usual. :) These bars were scented with pink grapefruit. All 11 bars sold that same day! What a blessing! This is Mango Tango! A beautiful lilac color with green (yes, green...after 25 drops of my new green colorant

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-50066676292590721222011-04-04T22:18:00.000-04:002011-04-04T22:18:00.257-04:00

So...I am still maintaining where I have been the past few weeks. While I am happy that I have not gained, I am not pleased that I cannot seem to commit 100% to my plan lately. Sigh. But I am not giving up! To prove it, I even got up EARLY this morning and exercised for 30 minutes. I cannot remember the last time I did that. We are talking months, people! I felt great after I did it, mentally

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-82359726082619696912011-04-02T18:33:00.002-04:002011-04-02T19:26:07.909-04:00

Monkey in the Middle really enjoys trying new things in the kitchen. At age 9, she can bake muffins, cinnamon rolls, crescent rolls, make rice, shells and cheese, and a few other things that escape my memory right now. I know some of those things are easy--popping open a can and baking. But I actually trust her now to use the oven when I am not in the kitchen. She just knows before she bakes in

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-2571539316914382502011-04-01T14:37:00.000-04:002011-04-01T14:37:03.453-04:00

Newborns are so yummy! Yesterday afternoon our very first niece was born! Our girls, while they love their three boy cousins, are so excited to finally have a girl cousin! And I have to say I was quite happy to get my hands on her. :) My sister-in-law and her husband did an awesome job of making such a beautiful baby. Congratulations D & P!!!

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-24852928568017978832011-03-31T22:42:00.000-04:002011-03-31T22:42:03.100-04:00

From Big Girl today:Mama, abortion should be illegal. And then Monkey in the Middle:If I was having a baby, I would choose life. Sometimes I forget how simple and black-and-white the lens of childhood is.

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-73287824567368516982011-03-30T14:23:00.000-04:002011-03-30T14:23:26.641-04:00

The rain here has slowed down some, but it was quite the gully washer this morning! A perfect kind of day to have nowhere to go. A stay in pj's day. Until we have to go to swim lessons. :) Yesterday I found this recipe for "pancake cupcakes" and knew it would be this morning's breakfast. I used my Krusteaz mix instead of Bisquick. It makes no difference. Use whatever mix or recipe you have for

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-9459901981288704442011-03-28T22:52:00.000-04:002011-03-28T22:52:51.256-04:00

My usual Monday night "Weight"ing post will be back next week. I took the night off to eat pizza and watch a movie with my girls (the original Parent Trap!). It was a tough day for me and I just needed to breathe. I am so not proud of the way I hissed at my girls and sulked around the house today. I think it really is just "one of those" tough adoption days. Fine one day, a crying mess the next.

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-25863870208672454342011-03-23T18:35:00.000-04:002011-03-23T18:35:44.735-04:00

We love our finches. Mama and Daddy Finch have been staking out our front porch for some weeks now. A couple of weeks ago we noticed they were starting to build a nest in our front door wreath. And now, there are five sweet little eggs waiting to hatch into this beautiful spring weather. Speaking of beautiful spring weather...I just saw the extended forecast. 82 degrees today...69 degrees

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-88887200310872086072011-03-21T23:22:00.000-04:002011-03-21T23:22:51.826-04:00

I did not go to my WW meeting tonight. But this time it is not because of my pride! :o) I actually maintained this past week, which is amazing for my lack of ability to stay on plan all day any given day lately. It was "time to face the music" here at home. For the past several days of either being out of the house a lot or being here but doing what I would rather do than what I should do, it

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-81479764010819662992011-03-18T11:33:00.000-04:002011-03-18T11:33:07.675-04:00

Wake Up Rosemary! My fundraiser for Pregnancy Support Services of Wake Forest has begun! Honeysuckle Technically, the fundraiser has been on for a week now. So now until April 29 (as in, I must have the money by April 29!) 100% of my profits will be donated to PSSWF. Marrakesh The first week has already yielded $40 toward the fundraiser! And I have a few folks now formulating their orders, asking

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-77056114008961935072011-03-17T10:30:00.000-04:002011-03-17T10:30:49.290-04:00

My dear and awesome friend Stef gave me this book a couple of nights ago. It's a collection of stories (12 altogether) that illustrate the presence of God in adoption. I am probably the last Christian woman on earth who has not read Karen Kingsbury's novels, but I know who she is. What I did not know is that her family has its own adoption story! I cannot wait to dig into this little treasure!

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-2820582225990393852011-03-16T11:17:00.000-04:002011-03-16T11:17:17.698-04:00

March 12, 2010: The day we had our final home study meeting with our social worker. Today is March 16, 2011. Hard to believe it's been a little over a year. Something I have struggled with (well, one of many things) during our wait is finding a balance between staying the course God put us on and being open to new possibilities. Honey and I definitely felt called to adopt an infant here in our

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-26067443117257090772011-03-14T21:11:00.000-04:002011-03-14T21:11:44.814-04:00

If I did not want to go to my WW meeting last week, I wanted even more to not go this week! I did not feel like I had gotten back on track at all and was still up on my scale. But I went anyway. My plan was to stay for the meeting where I always get encouragement, but I was not going to weigh in. Then, I decided that I would weigh in. But I was going to weigh without my shoes. Y'all...I never

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-15710290921943810492011-03-12T05:00:00.012-05:002011-03-12T05:00:00.616-05:00

I got a little wacky yesterday with this loaf of soap... ...and ended up with these really cool bars! They are scented with one of my favorite fragrance oils--Kentish Rain: "Rainy, salty mist green notes made up of basil, green leaf and ozone notes with added notes of muguet lily, rose and jasmine bring out the touch of violet in the blend for sweetness. Our perfumer added bottom notes of

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-54075787405658550292011-03-11T16:36:00.000-05:002011-03-11T16:36:10.282-05:00

Yesterday's soap...many may like it but I think it is a GREAT men's scent... Marrakesh: "This fragrance smells like what we imagine a Moroccan Spice market in the middle of a grassy grove to smell like - notes of Bamboo, Vetiver Grass, Vanilla Orchid,and Myrrh mix beautifully with Tangerine, Patchouli and Clove Leaf."

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-70523313942429988662011-03-10T13:48:00.001-05:002011-03-11T22:43:09.822-05:00

I worked on a new soap yesterday... Super cute bars scented with honeysuckle fragrance oil! "This Honeysuckle is realistic and strong smelling. Unlike some florals, which can smell too perfume-y or prissy, this is a bold, white-smelling scent."

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-26422016379021091582011-03-09T10:46:00.001-05:002011-03-09T10:53:25.888-05:00

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.~Psalm 130:5 Yesterday marked 9 months of officially waiting. In three more days, we will mark one year since we had our final home study meeting with our social worker. In 5 more days we will mark 10 months since our home study was approved. Our home study will expire in a little over 8 months. So how are we doing? I wrote that

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-1284413484025298782011-03-05T16:36:00.000-05:002011-03-05T16:36:55.415-05:00

The book above is the first children's book on adoption that I bought. I just got it about a month ago. Written by Marianne Richmond, it is a story of little Barley Bear and his mama. He asks questions about how they became a family and she so sweetly and simply answers them all. I think this is going to be a great book to have in our home library in years to come. A great conversation starter

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-28545789480640973992011-03-03T11:37:00.002-05:002011-03-03T11:53:16.190-05:00

**Edited to add this prayer request** Please pray for my friend Sonya, her husband Scott, and their families. We became friends with them through our adoption agency. They have two sweet boys and are currently waiting to adopt a baby girl. Sonya's mom passed away yesterday after a brief battle with leukemia. Then this morning I saw a message that Scott's oldest brother passed away last night.

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-43099887170233537742011-03-02T12:12:00.000-05:002011-03-02T12:12:22.360-05:00

We are approaching the 9 month mark (waiting) and just like in my physical pregnancies, I am getting tired, worn down, cranky, excited, hopeful, losing sleep, and pretty much feeling "all done".

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-50497270674550996812011-02-28T20:58:00.000-05:002011-02-28T20:58:15.104-05:00

Yes, you are correct. There was no "weight"ing post last week. Honey and Monkey in the Middle had the flu and I stayed home to love on them some extra. Unfortunately, I loved on them just like a wife/mama should. Comfort food, baking, you name it. And I did not withhold one bit from myself. Sigh. So I did not want to go to my meeting tonight. But I finally decided yesterday that I would go, I

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-70279579830667337402011-02-25T13:50:00.001-05:002011-02-25T23:04:44.457-05:00

After my deep, emotional, of-substance posts this week, I thought I would give myself a break and just be shallow for today. :) So that photo above shows my post-Christmas mantle. I loved my "JOY" decorations from Christmas, and since they looked all winter-y I kept them out when we put the Christmas decorations away. I also experimented with letting symmetry go. I love symmetry. I am not good

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-42971177774926789562011-02-24T12:01:00.000-05:002011-02-24T12:01:57.287-05:00

Can you even believe we got a check in the mail yesterday for $248??? Long story, but the short version is that our builder did something wrong when filing with the city to be a homeowner's association. So when we closed on this house four years ago, and we had to pre-pay for a year of homeowner's dues, that money just sat there. And when we found out a few years ago that we had no homeowner's

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-14052698301506003902011-02-23T12:07:00.001-05:002011-02-23T12:08:22.348-05:00

No, this is not a baby announcement! It is with much joy bursting through my heart, with tears in my eyes, and with all glory belonging to God that I can announce we now essentially have our entire placement fee saved for our adoption!!!!! I say essentially because we technically have $299.26 left to save. But we can easily move some things around in our accounts for that amount were we to

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-59436674802639553872011-02-21T20:06:00.000-05:002011-02-21T20:06:06.431-05:00

...are down and out with the flu! Honey came down with it Friday, although we do not have an official diagnosis since he has not been to the doctor's office (and if you are reading this Honey, I am so totally NOT saying I told you so!). But Monkey in the Middle followed suit two days later and got her official flu diagnosis this morning. This mama is happy to have her sweet girl on Tamiflu. A 9

Joy for the Seasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847106596890830038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274475577686046952.post-27862721842514060482011-02-20T14:37:00.000-05:002011-02-20T14:37:55.479-05:00

Oh how refreshing these beautiful, sunny, warmer days have been! I tell my girls it is just a foretaste of the lovely spring time God has in store for us! I do not enjoy cold weather or hot weather, but this in-between stuff (which never sticks around long enough!) is just right for me. Friday was a fabulous weather day, so my girls headed outside for most of it. And at lunch they enjoyed a

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