M is For....

If you sing it like Cookie Monster, that's how it sounds in my head. Anyway. M is for my baby! I found this treasure at the thrift store for $.45!!!! It was hot pink and now it's a great blue shade! I love it!

What's Old Is New

If you've read my blog for more than 5 minutes than you know I love thrifting. If you're new, well I love thrifting. I've gotten some amazing ideas from Etsy and Pintrest, recently. (also I love that thrifting, Etsy, and Pintrest are all coming up as misspelled words!) Anyway, I've found some great thrift store finds and even made a project or two. Here's the most recent stuff.

This frame was found for $3.00 and looks great with one of my The Abstract Bedouin pieces.

This bird was thrifted as were the hoop rings. I found the fabric idea on Etsy. These fabrics were $1.00 each at a local antique shop.

This is my new favorite find. I love the shape and the number font. It was hidden in a pile for $.99! I love it!

You never know what will happen.

All summer we've been anticipating our child coming from The Fresh Air Fund. It's a great organization that's been around since the late 1800's. In more modern times, a family signs up to host a child for 1-2 weeks in the summer. These children come from the 5 boroughs on New York. These children rarely leave the city and certainly don't get to have real summer vacation. The families are supposed to let them be kids for their visit. Lots of outdoor time and things they wouldn't get to do otherwise. We signed up as a host family back in April, and got matched with a child in May. I've been planning all sorts of things to do in two weeks, for him to a have a fantastic summer. He was supposed to come this afternoon. I got a call at 8:30am saying he wasn't at the bus and a confirmation at 10am that he didn't show. We're all a little disappointed. I'm a little sad for this child. It's not his fault he didn't make the bus. I hope where ever he is that he's safe.

On the upside, there are lots of kids and not enough host families, so there is a waiting list (well, that's not the good news) The good news is that there is another bus coming in next week at the same location. The director is sending a request for another child for us. So hopefully there will be a child on the waiting list that will be able to come spend a week with us. I'll be packing lots of fun into a single week versus two weeks, but it'll be good. The director seems certain that we'll have a match by tomorrow. I'm hopeful, we've been looking so forward to this time.

Funny thing is that during our interview the director told us to be patient. She said her first match didn't show up. They met a second bus and that same child has been coming to their home every summer for 10 years! She was 7 at her first visit and will turn 17 this year. 65% of the kids are invited back the following summers. After the first summer, you can even have them spend longer time periods with you. This girl spends nearly the whole summer with her host family. I hope there was a plan with this no-show. I'm very hopeful for match and meeting a new person next week!

What would you save?

Backwoods Mom just posted a beautifully powerful blog on "three small things" She lives in Alaska and they were told they might have to leave because of wildfires. She told her kids to grab some clothes and three things. What her children grabbed was a pretty powerful testimony of what's really important in life. I've thought about the things I would grab. This is, of course, assuming that my kids, husband, and pets were safe. So here are my three things:

1. As many photo albums as I could grab. I wouldn't take my computer, most of my pictures are out in cyber space and I could recover them. However, pre-digital camera, I printed pictures. I would grab at least one for each kid.

Ralph and Night Night Bear.

2. Ralph, my mom's puppet/muppet. He's been around since my mom was 13 and I've had him since I was about 10 and he lives in my babies room.

3. My journals and my highlighted Bibles. I don't have that many, so I could grab the important ones. If I had any hands left, I'd grab a few of my favorite books.

So, what you take? What means the most to you?

These are a few of my favorite things!

Source, A Perfect Pair

Melissa at A Perfect Pair made some adorable taggies. We ordered the robot and the little owl. It was $10 for both! The backs have that new 'minky' fabric and they are so soft. I have a problem with taggies when the crinkle interior is too stiff. Melissa has found the perfect type. It's just loud enough to make a nice sound for baby M, but it's not too stiff or loud. The stitching is very solid. M has been holding and chewing on his and they've held up beautifully.

Source, The Abstract Bedouin

Paula at Hattire and The Abstract Bedouin is a local artist. This painting to the left is just one of over a dozen that I own. She runs regular giveaways (which I've won two!!!) Many of her proceeds go to the orphanage she supports Helping Honduras Kids, which is awesome! She takes custom orders! She's done everything from nature scenes to name paintings. She does these great mama trees. I can't rave enough!

Keona at Noah's Ark Creations makes wonderful custom jewelry. Her prices are very reasonable and her products are wonderful. She also does beautiful memorial jewelry, which certain pieces having proceeds donated. This necklace is my family nest necklace. There's one "egg" for each of my kids. I love this and get many compliments on it! I also own two custom copper bracelets!

Source, Ink Tree Press

Over at Ink Tree Press she sells adorably cute art work for a nursery or big kid bedroom. I got these letter cards for M's nursery. They hang very similar to the display she has. I love custom items, I love this vintage style she has. She has some great products. I love the ABC and 123 prints!

Source, Adoption Rocks

Last but not least is this great shop Adoption Rocks. I've ordered this great bag and two stickers with the same logo. All proceeds from their products go towards their international adoption. I love to support others adoption funds, and this bag is awesome!

So there's a few of my favorite things right now. I have lots more to share, but I'm out of time at the moment. Take a moment to peek at these shops! I love supporting new endeavors and I love items that have love invested in them. The quality of these products, you can tell the makers really love what they do!

Biggest!

Thing 1 and Thing 2 is a blog I follow. She posted about her "biggest" things for the summer. I want to do that too. Go check her blog out, since she had the original idea. :)

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Biggest Dream- That one actually has to be kept quiet. Err. But if you know me at all, you probably can guess.

Biggest Regret- Hmm. I guess not making a bigger deal over my 30th birthday. I was more concerned with the HP release :)

Biggest Hurdle- I'm tired, a lot.

Biggest Accomplishment- We were re-approved as foster parents!

Biggest Mistake- Letting the 5 year old make his own breakfast. The microwave still smells like burnt waffles.

Biggest Sacrifice- limiting myself to one pizza pasta a month and one soda a week.

Biggest Weakness- pizza pasta!

Biggest Goal- Along with my biggest dream (see above) I'd really like to get back into my jeans by fall.

Court and Me

I'm a stay at home mom. I have 4 young boys. I don't even have to leave the house to take them to school. Therefore, my wardrobe consists of my flowing skirts, tank tops, jeans, and flip flops. I have court this morning. Again. And once again, I stare at my stay at home, relaxed closet full of clothes I love and have to dig for something to wear to court. I guess instead of buying back to school clothes, I'll be buying court clothes.

Fruit and Veggies and Nuts Oh My!

So I decided that I'm going to do a fruit and veggie and nut detox/diet/fast whatever you want to call it. After a sugar hangover, I'm finally ready to get my rear in gear. I joined Weight Watchers and haven't done a thing. I joined a Biggest Loser group and dropped out. I just want to get back into my jeans by fall. I keep getting compliments on my summer skirt look, but really it's because elastic waist skirts are way more comfortable than my too tight jeans.

So today is day 1:
I actually didn't eat breakfast because I was still full from my candy fest last night. It was bad.
For lunch I had a handful of mixed nuts and two ears of corn on the cob.
We're going to the campground for swimming and dinner. Of course Johnny chose my first day of FVN to want to grill out at the campground. LOL. I'll be having a salad and watermelon. I'm hoping this isn't too difficult for me. I do love my sweets and chicken!

I have no plans to give up my mix in drinks though, so no need to fear, I'll still be sufficiently caffeinated. 

Total Randomness.

All debates aside. I loved my Harry Potter adventures with my friends. I loved staying up late and being silly. I loved the dinners out to talk about the movie. I loved standing in line at midnight to get my hands on the new book or see the new film. We had a great time and made fun memories. I cannot believe it's all over. I find it funny that I didn't start these books until the 5th one was released. I remember my horror of realizing that I had to wait 2 years for the new one. I was an adult with two kids when I started them. They are such a fun fantasy world. I can't wait to share Harry, Ron, and Hermonie with my boys. Knowing that they can start reading the books soon, makes me feel that it's not truly over just yet!

I went thrifting with my birthday money under strict orders to only buy things for myself. Mission Accomplished. I love thrift stores. I love yard sales. I love finding treasure in someone else's trash. I'm trying to come up with ideas that I can make at home. Therefore lately the camera goes with me while I shop.

My oldest boy is now a Webelo. I remember when he was a Tiger and looking at the "big boys" in the brown uniforms. I thought it would be forever until he was in one. Nope, it took moments. He's so handsome and growing up so fast. I realized the other day, his childhood is half over. He's 9. 9 more years and he'll be an adult. Too fast!!!

I've been on a bit of a winning streak lately. I got a box in the mail from Glade saying I had won a contest that I don't remember entering. Vaguely, but it was so long ago. I won two plug ins, a candle, and a can of air freshner. Silly, I know, but I got the biggest thrill over winning. I also won a ring from a blog I follow. I enter blog giveaways nearly daily and have yet to win. I was so excited. I also won a key necklace that is going to be personalized from an Etsy site. It's not here yet, but I'm excited!!!

My Next 30 Years.

Or more accurately the rest of my life. Or maybe it should be called "Who I Am." or "Who I'm Not." Or possibly even "I Am Who?" But the title came from Tim McGraw. So when I gave birth at the ripe old age of 20 (grief, I thought I was grown up) I knew by the time I reached 30 I would be done with babyhood. When I had my last baby at 24, this fact was certain. Johnny and I would have a blast in our 30's. Our kids would be on the nearly grown side and in middle school and high school and we would have time to travel and hang out. "Make plans, God laughs." Instead, here I am one day into my 30's looking at the most adorable 3 month old! Johnny joked last night. "Ring Ring. Hello, this is social services" (Me:) "Yes" (SS) "We have a" Me: "Yes." (SS)"We need you to take a" (Me): "Yes, yes, I said yes. Is it fat and in diapers, then yes, we'll take them all." Funny thing is, it's not really a joke. We've not said no to a baby yet. He said we'll be 40 chasing infants. I said that's okay, they we'll just chase them while on our amazing private grown up only vacation. As for the kids being in school all day. Well let's just say, my husband and I won't be spending any afternoons at the beach alone for a long time! We don't get out much alone. Like hardly ever. We make our own fun. Our kids might think we're crazy or possible gross. However, one day they'll look back on mom and dad dancing in the kitchen while the oven timer is buzzing and the smoke alarm is going and laughing so hard that we fall to the ground. I hope they'll smile. So in the words of Mr. McGraw "Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here, Lord have mercy on my next 30 years"

In the last three years, I've realized my purpose in life more clearly. I AM a wife and mother. This is my life's path. I have my causes I support. I'll send money or buy their shirt, but my family comes first. I might not be protesting outside abortion clinics, I might not be standing on Captiol Hill, I rarely call my congress men, I'm not making speeches, so what am I doing?

I am raising the future. In my care are 3 boys. Little boys who will be men someday way too soon. I am raising the next generation of men. I want to send real men into the world. Men who love and treat women with respect. Not only their feelings, but their hearts, and bodies as well. I want to send men who open doors and pull out chairs. I want to send men who will write a love poem and not be embarrassed. Men who will protect a woman with his words and with his fists if need be. Men who will be loving caring fathers and heads of the household in the most caring way possible. Men who will play football and tea party (because I dang on well better get a granddaughter) Men who will listen to their friends and family if they say "she's not right for you." Men who will take the counsel and advice of those more mature. Men who will heed warnings. Men who will marry the love of their life. Men who will stand up for what they believe in. Men who will be on their knees in prayer.

I don't know who they will be. At this rate, I'm going to have a "Nascar driver", a "Dockmaster like daddy." and an undecided. Will they be in the military, blue collar, ditch diggers, teachers, or perpetual students. I don't know any of this. I just pray that I raise them to be proud of who they are and where they are. If they end up somewhere they don't like, I pray they will work to get out.

So, who am I? I am a woman who will take in the unwanted children of this world. When the phone rings in the middle of the night, I'm the one saying yes. I am the stay at home mom, long after the first five years. I am the woman that modern day women look down upon. I am the woman "they fought to save" I am the woman who teaches my kids at home. I am the woman at church on Sunday morning eager to learn more about the God I love. I am the woman who loves her husband with all her heart. I am the woman who is proud to let him lead the household. I am the woman who believes family is what you make it, not always what you're given. I am the woman who values my friends and loves them like family. I am the woman who claims foster children as her own, long after they're gone. I am the woman who loves her parents and is thankful for all they've taught me. I am the woman who holds fast to what she believes in. I am the woman who believes there is no greater purpose than being a wife and mother. To honor my husband. To protect the helpless. To raise the future.

So that's it. That's me. This is who I am.

Great Scott! Great Customer Service?!?!?!

I ordered this diaper bag set from Totsy. It's a very cool website with up to 90% off boutique or brand names. This bag is from the Baya Bags. I loved it. I like the color. My husband will be able to carry it without feeling like he's carrying a purse. It's supposed to come with all these extras. The changing mat, bottle holder, wipe case, and wallet. It's a $90 bag and I got it for $33. I don't normally pay even that much for a bag, but I just loved this. It was my Mother's Day gift. There was a long shipping wait time, which I was okay with. However, it was supposed to ship on the 5th and it still hasn't. So I called and there is another delay. But wait, after a very nice gentleman took my call, he tracked it down, told me the new shipping date, gave me a $10 credit to my account. The very best of all, I told him my name and when he came back on the line, he said my name correctly. Twice. Someone actually listening to my name and repeating it the same way I said it, well that's worth way more than $10. There's nothing worse to me than me saying my name and someone turning around and saying it wrong, not 10 seconds later. So I'm going to get my bag and a credit! So I would seriously recommend this site. For the customer service alone!

One of those Mondays.

I'm not a Monday Hater. I don't whine when the weekend is over (usually). I don't like spending my weekend dreading Monday. (usually) That said. It's one of those Mondays. My eyes, which I thought were allergies, are now looking decidedly more pink-eyeish. My throat is sore. Doctor appointment is schedule (just a sidenote and shout out to my amazing NP, she's so great and her office is so accommodating!) My whole family has to get a TB screening to re-certify for foster care. So we have to do that as well. Then I have to go get papers notarized for foster care. Then I have to go to the DMV to renew my drivers license. They do these gross close up shots now, and I'm really hopeful my vampire eyes will be gone by then. Otherwise that picture will haunt me for ten more years. (and the paperwork said I was 126 pounds, I signed that at 19, makes me sad) So to recap:
Doctors office with 4 kids.
Possible Pink Eye and Strep.
TB screenings for me and three kids.
Waiting in line to have papers notarized.
Waiting in line at DMV and have to get a picture with vampire eyes.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I didn't do laundry all weekend. Not a HUGE deal, but then I forgot I have to wash the kids bedding. So I'm staring down the belly of 8 loads of laundry.
To me, my dear readers, that is a crappy Monday!

Now for the good news! It's not affecting me that much. Usually this type of uncontrolled situations spiral my head out of control. But I've been praying for calmness and peace in the midst of unforeseen stuff. We have a lot of unknowns coming up in the next few months and I don't want to be running for the Xanax every time. So I'm rather happy that this 'stuff' isn't controlling me as it once would. I'm actually kind of chuckling at the absurdity of this morning. I will not ask "what else" because that's just silly. There's lots else that could happen, but this is enough for me.

I spent yesterday at church, then a baby shower where I was surrounded by good friends, fun conversation, and adorably cute babies. Then when I got home my boys went hiking for the whole afternoon. That left me and the baby home alone. After some cleaning came some nap time and general quietness. It was a refreshing day. There's lots to look forward to this week. My birthday and Harry Potter night with some of my favorite people. We have our re-certification visit. So I'm going to rock my Pollyanna attitude and have a fabulous, albeit, red-eyed day!

Let me throw some numbers at you.

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4 days until my 30th!
6 days until The End of Harry Potter.
7 days until I'm helping put together food kits to send overseas.
16 days until our Fresh Air Fund child gets here.
29 days until Brandy's 30th!
43 days until Johnny's birthday!
45 days until our ten year anniversary and vow renewal!
46 days until Women of Faith!!!!!
62 days until Brandy's due date!!! (which is one year to the day of our Forks, WA trip)

That's as far out as I'm going right now! That's all the fun stuff that's coming up for us around here. What are you looking forward to?

Guess What I Got?!?!?!

My ticket!!!!! We're actually not doing a midnight showing. I'm really thankful I wasn't the one to have to say it. We want to be awake for the last movie. And with a baby in the house, I would be asleep at a midnight showing. So it's 7pm! One week and counting!

Hi There!

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I installed the feedjit feed on my blog a few days ago. It's letting me know where all my readers are coming from. There's a lot more readers than followers or comments. There are readers from all over, so therefore I must not "know" you. So I wanted to say, hello and welcome to my little corner of the world. I'm glad you're here. My thoughts are random and passionate and strange. Thanks for sticking around and peeking into my chaotic wonderful life. I'd love it if you left a comment with links to your blog. I'm a huge follower (of blogs that is). Have a fabulous day!

Biting My Tongue!

One of the very first things we were told in foster care training was "you cannot love them too much, hold them too much, or spoil them. They have come from nothing. There's a reason they are in care. Most likely it's neglect or abuse! Therefore I don't like it when people tell me "you're going to spoil him" First of all, he's 3 months old. What do you suggest? Letting him scream? Second of all, who knows if this child was held at all. His case is so scary and sad. I'll hold him for as long as he wants to be held thankyouverymuch. Now, none of this rant is directed at you.

It's directed at a PROFESSIONAL! Because of M's situation he has bi-monthly evaluations. The professional came over and tsked tsked me because the 9 week old didn't like tummy time. None of children, birth or foster, have liked tummy time. They all have learned to crawl, sit, and walk just fine. She picked up my son as said to him "You don't need to be held all the time, mister." Excuse me! I nearly jerked him out of her arms! She said this because he fussed after a few minutes of tummy time! He's now 13 weeks old and enjoying his belly time like a champ! He holds his head just fine and follows objects and laughs and giggles! M has a monthly social worker visit today and I'm asking for a new professional or to stop the evaluations all together. I know he's fine and 3 different doctors have told me he's fine and developing perfectly. So Ms. Professional, I'll hold him with all my heart!

Summer Favs 3

ICE CREAM! I am not an ice cream fan, usually. It's so cold and I have sensitive teeth. However, it's impossible to have summer without ice cream. I'm a big fan of the mixed ice creams. I like the Snickers and Twix kind. Right now though, I'm in love with the "Ice Dream" cones from Chick-fil-A. They are huge and so yummy. We've been going so often that the lady at the window asked if I was sure I only wanted 3 (while Shane was gone). You know you go to much when the window people know you! The kids have figured out that if they get it in a cup instead of a cone that they get more ice cream. They are right, but I have to stick to the cone. Once it cools down again, I know my taste for ice cream will fade. For now, I'm going to enjoy a cone of tasty goodness! You should too!

Bible Study

I'm in a bloggy kind of mood. Not much is going on today. Shane is still with my parents. The dynamics without him here is odd. When Jackson had camp, Shane and Sam were at each other all day. I thought that was weird that the oldest and youngest would fight. But with Shane gone, Sam and Jackson are playing nicely together. When all three are here, Sam and Jackson fight over Shane's attention. He's having a great time. We're going to get him tomorrow. In the mean time, over at Room to Breathe we're doing an online summer Bible Study. I was so happy to do this. I miss my friends during the summer when everyone is running around like mad (wo) men. It's nice to have some down time just to type and think about my responses and learn more about the women I admire.

We're doing the book Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. It's been a really great two chapters. Here's some of my favorite quotes so far:

"I had many things to say, but you never stopped talking long enough to listen."

Priscillia's friend told her this after she asked for advice and then babbled all through the hour. She said "wait, I need your advice, why won't you give it to me." That was the woman's response. Oh, how I need to learn to shut it sometimes and just listen.

"Busyness turns our prayers into mindless requests and meaningless babble."

Do you struggle with busyness. I know I do. Even when there is nothing on the to do list, I make myself busy. Facebooking, blogging, Netflix. I can always find time for something. However, why can't I find quiet time. If I find it, why can't I use it? Why do I have the need to fill quietness with noise or other busy work?

"Meditation almost always leads to spontaneous worship of God."

That is my goal during this study, to my head to be quiet and my hands to be still. I shouldn't need a room, an annex, a poolside, a library, or any other place to be still. I want to train myself to Just. Be. Still. Where ever and whenever.

That's it for now. You can join our study, we just got started and it's once a week postings. You can chime in for any week or any time during the week. I'd love to "meet" some of my followers during this time. Click on the Room to Breathe link at the top to join us!

Summer Time Favorites 2

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The smell of chlorine and mowed grass in the morning! When I lived in Florida, you could smell the chlorine from the apartment pool or the neighbors yard (depending on where we were living). This is the first year that I've had a pool of my own. It's 3 feet deep and it's fabulous! The kids will play for hours, nicely even. Johnny is taking such good care of the pool. This morning, after he mowed, he worked on it. Oh, I walked out and had a blast of freshly mowed grass and chlorine! There were even cute little pool toys floating along. I guess if I tried to make a batch of  Amortentia (10 points, anyone, anyone) Then mine would smell like chlorine and mowed grass!

Summer Favorites

I'm going to try to blog about a few of my favorite things (go ahead and sing it you know you want to) of summer! For today, TUPPERWARE. I love the ease of Tupperware. I don't know why, maybe because I live in a house with 5 boys. Pretty glass things break, regularly. Tupperware comes with a lifetime replacement policy. People leave Tupperware in their wills since you can replace something from the 1970's! I have a friend who just started her Tupperware business over at Lisa Eastman's Tupperware. I just ordered this great set of 6 summer themed cups. I love them. Johnny makes fun of me and says they are grown up sippy cups. But I like drinking from the spout. I'm not sure if they are sold as spill proof, but we've had quite a few turn over and there was no mess. They came with pretty summer designs.  I love them! Check out Lisa's page, I'm always up for helping a mama with an at home business. So there you have it. Tupperware Cups, one of my favorite things.

And the winner is......

The winner for the Five in a Row Giveaway is number 5. Number 5 is from Homeschool Circus! Lisa, congrats! Lisa is a new follower, check out her great homeschool blog. Thanks everyone for playing! As I clean I'm hopeful to find more giveaways, this was fun!

The Thoughts In My Head

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There was a horrific storm last night. I CANNOT sleep without my fan, it went off, I woke up. The lighting was totally showing up any fireworks display. The thunder was rumbling. The hairs on my arms were standing up. The flashlights had all been played with. All I had was a dull yellow light. I got the baby back to sleep and then laid there. I came up with all these blog ideas. I didn't write them down. Now I can't remember. They were good. I promise.

Sweet Summer!

Oh non-humid summer days, I love you. We spent the afternoon at the pool of a good friend. We haven't seen each other in awhile and our kids haven't hung out. I always get a tad bit sad when I see our older boys together. Her T and Shane were only 2 when we met. Her E and my Jackson were in car seats. She was pregnant with her M while I was pregnant with Sam. Now to look at these boys edging to the side of young men, oh it's going to fast. The babies we were pregnant with are starting kindergarten this fall. The boys still play and goof off and act like little kids. I know all too soon they will be grown up. But for now, I'm enjoying them holding hands and jumping into the pool to make a big splash!