Go to this website: www.nothinglefttopaint.com
Please watch the video of this precious girl seeing her parent's pictures for the first time.
I tell you, I have watched the video 10 times, and cried every time.
This is one of the many reasons we adopt. I want to hug every beautiful child in this video, including the darling man showing the pictures.
9.18.2012
9.17.2012
Childlike Trust.
"At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves as wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike."-Luke 10:21
My bible helps explain all the passages. Because it takes me a long time to understand what the bible is teaching me, I love my Life Application Study Bible. When I read that passage I wondered exactly what it meant and then below read:
We come to Jesus not through strength and brains, but through childlike trust.
Childlike trust sums it all just perfectly.
My bible helps explain all the passages. Because it takes me a long time to understand what the bible is teaching me, I love my Life Application Study Bible. When I read that passage I wondered exactly what it meant and then below read:
We come to Jesus not through strength and brains, but through childlike trust.
Childlike trust sums it all just perfectly.
9.15.2012
Waiting.
My famous line around here these days is, "We are working on patience in this house..."
I am talking about my precious Cealy and Sebastian of course, not myself.
They need to work on patience. I for one have mastered it.
I don't stomp my feet around the house waiting to see my future children's pictures.
I don't run to the mailbox and then raise my fist to the mail woman wondering where she could be at such an hour.
I don't check my email every hour, waiting to hear from my agency, nooooooo.
I don't call my husband at work and cry like a two year old wondering why we have not heard anything back from this clearance check or that one.
Oh No. I am absolutely patient. I am just the perfect parent to model this virtue to my young children...
I am talking about my precious Cealy and Sebastian of course, not myself.
They need to work on patience. I for one have mastered it.
I don't stomp my feet around the house waiting to see my future children's pictures.
I don't run to the mailbox and then raise my fist to the mail woman wondering where she could be at such an hour.
I don't check my email every hour, waiting to hear from my agency, nooooooo.
I don't call my husband at work and cry like a two year old wondering why we have not heard anything back from this clearance check or that one.
Oh No. I am absolutely patient. I am just the perfect parent to model this virtue to my young children...
Mr. President.
Oh dear children. Please hear me. I want you to remember how your father and I brought you up. I am afraid you will be one of the facebook people I absolutely want to delete but can't.
Please do not ever and I mean ever talk poorly or disrepectfully of someone who has such a frightening job...one that you could never imagine the scrutiny.
Growing up, I certainly did not hear my parents ever talk ill of our president. I must have thought that my parents voted for every president or just really loved them. Now I realize they had respect for whomever was in position to run our country.
I for one love Barack Obama and would run and hug him any day of the week. I might have a large newspaper framed with him winning in my house. My husband would definitely shake his hand but maybe skip all the, "I love yous." Yes, we are oh so very different, but my wonderful husband has never spoken a bad word about him.
When Barack ran for president I was working at my precious school that I love so much. My children only wanted Barack Obama to win and could not stand the thought of "the other white candidate" winning. I went out and bought two books for us to read. One was titled, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope. The other was titled, My Dad, John McCain. Oh did we learn. We learned so many great things about each candidate. During our learning circle, we each said something amazing we learned about each person. Truly they were both amazing people.
I hope to never hear ugly words out of your mouth about someone who works so incredibly hard for our country. I want you to remember that not one president got us into the mess we are in....we got ourselves into it. We decided to buy homes we could not afford and expect the bank to help us. We spent more money than we had available. We did this. We did that. But we love to blame.
Because God and Jesus have a lot more going on than running America, let's just pray that they guide our future president every step of the way. And remember, the president was not born to Mary and named Jesus, so he will not be perfect.
Please do not ever and I mean ever talk poorly or disrepectfully of someone who has such a frightening job...one that you could never imagine the scrutiny.
Growing up, I certainly did not hear my parents ever talk ill of our president. I must have thought that my parents voted for every president or just really loved them. Now I realize they had respect for whomever was in position to run our country.
I for one love Barack Obama and would run and hug him any day of the week. I might have a large newspaper framed with him winning in my house. My husband would definitely shake his hand but maybe skip all the, "I love yous." Yes, we are oh so very different, but my wonderful husband has never spoken a bad word about him.
When Barack ran for president I was working at my precious school that I love so much. My children only wanted Barack Obama to win and could not stand the thought of "the other white candidate" winning. I went out and bought two books for us to read. One was titled, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope. The other was titled, My Dad, John McCain. Oh did we learn. We learned so many great things about each candidate. During our learning circle, we each said something amazing we learned about each person. Truly they were both amazing people.
Because God and Jesus have a lot more going on than running America, let's just pray that they guide our future president every step of the way. And remember, the president was not born to Mary and named Jesus, so he will not be perfect.
9.10.2012
Women for Women International.
You have to meet my new sister! She is about the sweetest thing ever. Once you see her face, you will melt as I have. Her name is Marie. I have her picture in my kitchen, because it seems to be where I spend most of my time.
Once we decided to adopt, I ordered about 10 books on Amazon. One of the books I ordered was called, A Thousand Sisters. I could not put the book down. I read it every chance I got. I reread parts that my brain could not process, because of the horrific circumstances. The author, Lisa Shannon, ran many miles in support of sisters in this country. She also went there to meet them all. What an amazing person she truly is.
As soon as my book ended (about 6 weeks ago), I too had to have a sister through Women for Women International. There are about 5 countries being helped through this organization. It takes awhile to pair you up, so I was on pins and needles waiting for her info to arrive in the mail! I only have to pay a measly $30 dollars a month to help her raise her 3 children and get education for the first time in her life. Let's be real serious. I can go out to breakfast with my two kiddos and spend more money once a month or I can build a relationship with a sister in a different country. This sister happens to be one of Jesus's sisters as well and God's daughter, so there you have it, where can I sign up?
God doesn't ask us to help the widows, orphans, and homeless in their distress, he demands it. My sister will be paired with me for a year, and in that year she will learn how to work for herself and provide for her family. She will be able to save money and purchase safer flooring for her hut. She will be a role model for her children.
At a time when we happen to judge more than we do love, throw yourself into a different hobby. Write your sister a letter, and ask her how life is going. She may just tell you she doesn't know her age. She is between 44-50. She has never had a birthday. She lives everyday to protect her three children and tries to give them just a single meal a day. She may even tell you she has never heard the words Jesus and God before, and never knew they loved her more than anything. She might learn that she has rights. She may keep your letter and pictures with her where ever she goes, because she thinks you are the end all be all. I happen to think my sister, Marie, is the cats pajamas.
Let us all remember that we must just love each other. Don't judge your child's teacher unless you have taught in her classroom. Don't wonder what certain people do with their money unless you live in a mud hut and gave away all your worldly possessions as Jesus instructed us to do. We all sin, and because of that when you cast stones at others, your sin is brought to the forefront. Just ask for forgiveness daily, and tell that sweet mom you bump into at the mall, that she is doing a great job. She and you will be better for it.
Once we decided to adopt, I ordered about 10 books on Amazon. One of the books I ordered was called, A Thousand Sisters. I could not put the book down. I read it every chance I got. I reread parts that my brain could not process, because of the horrific circumstances. The author, Lisa Shannon, ran many miles in support of sisters in this country. She also went there to meet them all. What an amazing person she truly is.
As soon as my book ended (about 6 weeks ago), I too had to have a sister through Women for Women International. There are about 5 countries being helped through this organization. It takes awhile to pair you up, so I was on pins and needles waiting for her info to arrive in the mail! I only have to pay a measly $30 dollars a month to help her raise her 3 children and get education for the first time in her life. Let's be real serious. I can go out to breakfast with my two kiddos and spend more money once a month or I can build a relationship with a sister in a different country. This sister happens to be one of Jesus's sisters as well and God's daughter, so there you have it, where can I sign up?
God doesn't ask us to help the widows, orphans, and homeless in their distress, he demands it. My sister will be paired with me for a year, and in that year she will learn how to work for herself and provide for her family. She will be able to save money and purchase safer flooring for her hut. She will be a role model for her children.
At a time when we happen to judge more than we do love, throw yourself into a different hobby. Write your sister a letter, and ask her how life is going. She may just tell you she doesn't know her age. She is between 44-50. She has never had a birthday. She lives everyday to protect her three children and tries to give them just a single meal a day. She may even tell you she has never heard the words Jesus and God before, and never knew they loved her more than anything. She might learn that she has rights. She may keep your letter and pictures with her where ever she goes, because she thinks you are the end all be all. I happen to think my sister, Marie, is the cats pajamas.
Let us all remember that we must just love each other. Don't judge your child's teacher unless you have taught in her classroom. Don't wonder what certain people do with their money unless you live in a mud hut and gave away all your worldly possessions as Jesus instructed us to do. We all sin, and because of that when you cast stones at others, your sin is brought to the forefront. Just ask for forgiveness daily, and tell that sweet mom you bump into at the mall, that she is doing a great job. She and you will be better for it.
9.06.2012
The Adventures of a Stay at Home Mother.
I wanted to title this: Amanda and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, but then reality struck and I realized that there were a little bump in my day, but certainly nothing to cry about.
I have my nephew Cruz, because I beg for him on a daily basis, and my sister was tried of hearing it.
Yesterday was Ceal's first day of preschool. I was not the mother there with a camera and husband in tow. I was the mother there asking Cruz and Sebastian to get real for a second and quit pulling hair, and trying to rip Ceal off my body to enter the classroom. No pictures needed.
Today, we needed to visit Gram Jo. She lives in an Alzheimer's home that would scare the hiccups out of anyone. You leave there never wanting to get old or if so having a back up plan.
We always go to Steak N Shake because Gram Jo be loving her some milk shakes. You best believe I will be drinking milk shakes and eating fries everyday of my life when I am older. I ordered 3 shakes and was on my way.
I had Cruz and Sebastian in the good double umbrella stroller that my best friend, Whit, let me borrow. We cruised into Gram's place. Most of the elderly there have lost their minds, literally. I usually go with my little sister, Mackenzie. I have tears in my eyes the whole time, not because of the reason you are thinking, but because Mackenzie talks to everyone there like they are totally with it. When Dotty is selling the seat cushions from her couch, Mackenzie pulls out a buck and asks if she can buy it. However, this time there was no Mackenzie.
I don't watch scary movies. But say I did. I would see this older woman at my Gram's place. She has hair that needs to be brushed in a pony. She scares me in a bad way. I really love everyone there so I try to smile big. Today she was on a mission. A mission to steal my children. She grabbed at Cruz. I mean really grabbed him. He screamed a scream you could hear miles away. Then she went for Sebastian. He thought she was crazy and jumped out of the stroller. I mean he leaped forward and fell onto the ground. So I am holding both my boys. They are screaming for dear life as I am trying to run around the place away from Ms. Grabs a lot. She is following me. I am confused, because how does she get around this fast. She is yelling, "but I just want to hold them." Are you wondering where Ceal is? Me too. Ceal is standing on a chair screaming. I have no more hands. I finally get someone to help Ms. Grabs a lot. The woman helping says, "She just really loves kids." Super. I feel horrible, because she has to be detained in the upper level. She was in a bad place. I am sweating from head to toe. All my kids are screaming.
I take the kids to Gram's room but none of them will stop crying. I try to put one on the bed and hold the other but there is no consoling them. I mean screaming. 3 different workers tried to help me, but we were not calming them. How was I going to leave you ask? I had to put both boys in the stroller, and carry Ceal. My undies were showing, I was sweating through my clothes, and of course no one helped with the doors to leave. We were covered in milk shake, my shorts were falling down, and I couldn't get out the front door. Don't worry, the beauty at the front desk was watching me the whole time.
Ceal keeps asking me questions. She will have nightmares about this, I am sure.
I have my nephew Cruz, because I beg for him on a daily basis, and my sister was tried of hearing it.
Yesterday was Ceal's first day of preschool. I was not the mother there with a camera and husband in tow. I was the mother there asking Cruz and Sebastian to get real for a second and quit pulling hair, and trying to rip Ceal off my body to enter the classroom. No pictures needed.
Today, we needed to visit Gram Jo. She lives in an Alzheimer's home that would scare the hiccups out of anyone. You leave there never wanting to get old or if so having a back up plan.
We always go to Steak N Shake because Gram Jo be loving her some milk shakes. You best believe I will be drinking milk shakes and eating fries everyday of my life when I am older. I ordered 3 shakes and was on my way.
I had Cruz and Sebastian in the good double umbrella stroller that my best friend, Whit, let me borrow. We cruised into Gram's place. Most of the elderly there have lost their minds, literally. I usually go with my little sister, Mackenzie. I have tears in my eyes the whole time, not because of the reason you are thinking, but because Mackenzie talks to everyone there like they are totally with it. When Dotty is selling the seat cushions from her couch, Mackenzie pulls out a buck and asks if she can buy it. However, this time there was no Mackenzie.
I don't watch scary movies. But say I did. I would see this older woman at my Gram's place. She has hair that needs to be brushed in a pony. She scares me in a bad way. I really love everyone there so I try to smile big. Today she was on a mission. A mission to steal my children. She grabbed at Cruz. I mean really grabbed him. He screamed a scream you could hear miles away. Then she went for Sebastian. He thought she was crazy and jumped out of the stroller. I mean he leaped forward and fell onto the ground. So I am holding both my boys. They are screaming for dear life as I am trying to run around the place away from Ms. Grabs a lot. She is following me. I am confused, because how does she get around this fast. She is yelling, "but I just want to hold them." Are you wondering where Ceal is? Me too. Ceal is standing on a chair screaming. I have no more hands. I finally get someone to help Ms. Grabs a lot. The woman helping says, "She just really loves kids." Super. I feel horrible, because she has to be detained in the upper level. She was in a bad place. I am sweating from head to toe. All my kids are screaming.
I take the kids to Gram's room but none of them will stop crying. I try to put one on the bed and hold the other but there is no consoling them. I mean screaming. 3 different workers tried to help me, but we were not calming them. How was I going to leave you ask? I had to put both boys in the stroller, and carry Ceal. My undies were showing, I was sweating through my clothes, and of course no one helped with the doors to leave. We were covered in milk shake, my shorts were falling down, and I couldn't get out the front door. Don't worry, the beauty at the front desk was watching me the whole time.
Ceal keeps asking me questions. She will have nightmares about this, I am sure.
9.04.2012
Give 1 Save 1
Do you just LOVE this shirt? Umm, might be the most awesome shirt ever.
Not only is it adorable but it represents my future children's first home, and I helped bring a baby boy home buying this!!
I feel like a million bucks. Yes, I helped bring a baby boy home buying this shirt. He is on my refrigerator right now. His big beautiful eyes stare at me every time I pull something out to eat (which is often)
So go on and head over to: http://give1save1africa.blogspot.com/
Beth started this amazing idea to help families raise money to bring their children home. She is about the most amazing person ever because 1) She is totally normal and funny. 2) She is selling these shirts for her adoption of this awesome baby boy who needs to get home asap and 3) She is full of love and wants to help other families bring children home who don't have a mommy or daddy.
I pray for Beth at night. She is a peach, if you ever met one. I pray in my head, because my husband likes to go to bed wayy to early. But I pray in a black gospel type of way. And yes I am allowed to say this, because I have attended a predominately black church and funeral and had the most amazing experience. The music and heart there is like none you have ever heard. It will bring you to tears. It will get you on your feet, jumping with your hands in the air. I pray, "Lord, please bless Beth and keep her crazy fun ideas a brewing. And please bring Your baby home to her so she can help love him to health and beyond."
So if you see me around, yes you will most likely see me wearing this shirt. I have already worn it twice and I got it yesterday. My husband called and asked if I was wearing it this morning and then he said, "Noooooo, this is going to be like when you wore the green dress (from Lottie Dottie Boutique) for weeks??" And I said, "Exactly." When I like something, you best believe I wear it all the time. Yes, people I wash between wearings...okay sometimes I don't.
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