Vaughan Family

P.E.

2012-01-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

mmmm....

2012-01-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

He is growing up too fast!

weekend wrestling and more...

2012-01-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend we traveled to The Oregon Classic for wrestling. We knew it would be tough competition, and it was. Wrestling is an emotional sport and VERY hard on a mama's heart. Your baby is out there all alone and when they are being put on their back everything in me wants to run out there and grab them off the mat and rock them back and forth and back and forth, forever and always my baby you'll be.... oh wait, that's one of my favorite books. But still, it is hard to watch. My sis was sitting next to me and that helped because after the boys lost we talked about how dumb wrestling was and how the winner was just advanced. [you can bet your bottom dollar had they won, we would have said the opposite] ;)

Speaking of my sis…. look who we got to meet [finally]!

The kids had a great time and their prayers last night and this morning reflected their love for their cousins "thank you for The Brewers."

lead me

2012-01-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Psalm 139:24

New International Version (NIV)

^{^"24 See if there is any offensive way in me,} and lead me in the way everlasting."

2012-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

2012-01-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

God said good morning!

2012-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

celebrating the little moments.

Distractions.

2012-01-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

Back to school this morning. Lil D thought that was borrrrrring.

This scene repeated itself about 20 times.

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

2012-01-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

New Years

2012-01-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Pursuit in 2012

2011-12-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 2:22 "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

2012 is upon us.

I love the turning of a new year.

I love the turning of a new week, a new month, a new hour.

The turning always feel like a fresh start. First reflect, then pursue anew!

2011 has been a full [and I mean full] year for us.

A blessed year.

Big adventures.

New life.

New direction.

Waiting on the Lord.

Grace being the theme.

Gratitude overflowing.

Stretching and failing.

Learning that it's not about me daily.

Worship.

Humbling.

And a lot of joy!

Last year on 1-1-11 I wrote "1-1-11 seems like a great place to start. Ready, Set, GO!"

Pretty sure God heard! :)

Thank you Jesus for 2011.

2012 seems BIG to me.

Not positive why.

All I know is some things are going to take more of me pressing into HIM.

Turning down the noise.

Turning up things of Him.

Being present.

Living aware.

And pursuing:

Righteousness

Faith

Love

Peace

and others that call upon Him.

God has placed upon our hearts some specific pursuits.

I am crazy excited and nervous for it all.

Each will take faith.

love.

and A LOT of Him!

Happy start to 2012 to us all.

Let the pursuit begin! Go!

Christmas Love in the Mail.

2011-12-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

First thing, we had everyone bundle up and head outside.

Wearing their jammies and hot cocoa in hand they all followed daddy out to the barn where a manger was awaiting them.

Daddy had them sit, be still, and take in the surroundings as he began to read the aloud the birth of our Savior.

Oh what a Savior. Born in the most humble setting. Coming to serve and die for us, for you, for my children. Now he lives! Oh what a Savior!

Time to celebrate.

Happy?

Ugand@n Spears.

Pretty sure this gift has been the highlight of his life. ever.

Little man loves to walk with his new dino.

What would Christmas be without digging through the trash for parts? We never miss a year.

We texted.

Sang.

Rarely stopped strumming.

Played with my new camera and watched a bunch of tutorials.

[sorry to throw you Stac - but I will come take pics of you using your vita-mixer ;)]

Manny arrived. We love Manny much.

Time to burn all those boxes AND we only had to run for the hose once…..sadly this is good for us. ;)

Manny taught me some new tricks on my Mac.

Our friends arrived and the boys solved the worlds problems while us girls worked in the kitchen.

Fast Friends.

Look at that smile.

Go Daws! [serious business I tell you]

Guess who called?? My Mother-In-Law and all of the Redeemer House kids!!!

My hubby cracks.me.up!

Ecclesiastes 3:4

was burning in my mind as we laughed and laughed.

It was a time to dance.

Merry Christmas. Jesus, YOU are so good!

Fair Warning…..

2011-12-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Mama got a new toy.

And I am not afraid to use it. :)

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!

Hitting Our Stride and Makin' Butter

2011-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling is becoming a joy. What? Yes, a joy. Really [really] never thought I would say that. Answered prayer!

I think we are starting to hit our stride. Throwing things out right and left. Adding more hands-on things that we can all walk away from feeling like we got somewhere.

What a blessing to see little light bulbs go on!

I am always looking for new resources and trying to "mix it up" for them. When it comes to learning, I myself, have a massive case of ADD. Even when I read things on the computer I click through windows so fast I can not keep up ;). I love opening about 6 windows and click click click click…..

Where was I?

Right. ADD and resources for the kids.

We milk a cow a couple times a week and get a lot [a lot] of cream - Thank you, cow Mattie.

Today's science? Butter.

We have made butter before but never knew how it worked.

A little google and some youtube and you have a teaching video!

Here is how it went:

"Classroom" Ready.

Cream set out the night before to be ready for the lesson.

Watching our teaching video.

Kiddos….begin your shaking…..

Keep shaking…..

You're almost there….

and the butter formed….

Nice butter Daws, must be all that wrestling…..

keep shaking kids…..this counts for PE today too!

Poor Hunter was last BUT he made the most. [life lesson there too, I am sure]

nice butter Nick… your mama will love it….

Results.

Science never tasted so good.

Happy Homeschooling to all!

Please Watch.

2011-12-07T11:51:00.001-08:00

Convicting. Confirming.

family photo ;)

2011-11-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

Turkey Day.

2011-11-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

Turkey was great.

We watched old home videos all day.

We were crazy intense parents with our #1 and never missed a milestone on camera with her.

So for hours we watch #1 and then about an hour of the rest. :)

Justin and I laughed and laugh at ourselves.

Good day, followed up with a visit from "Our Elicia." :)

Good Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

I love my big crazy family and especially the hot guy I get to do this life with!

The day before Thanksgiving I was on the verge of tears all day. I was missing my sisters, parents and 28 nieces and nephews. Thanksgiving is really our only holiday we see each other. We chose to stay home this year for many reasons but it was not sitting well with me.

I went to bed dreading waking up to Thanksgiving - really dreading it.

We all got up and I was feeding Daniel and hubby could tell I was not feeling the cookinthekitchenandserveeveryoneallday thing.

So we didn't.

He said let's go Christmas Tree hunting and decorate for Christmas!!

The day had been redeemed!

Today? Today we shall eat turkey! Happy Day Late Thanksgiving!!

Day 19 - 23

2011-11-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for:

Honesty

and

Truly Authentic Relationships

I have this little soap box in my head these days…. wanta hear it?;)

I'll give you the brief, perky version.

Not the, frustrated, gloomy and angry version.

Your Welcome. [after all this is thankful month!]

Honesty rocks.

But honesty can be hard.

Uncomfortable.

And can be presented with no answers, just the "it." {make sense?}

AND THAT IS OK!

really it is.

and it needs to be.

[here comes the perky part]

Honesty also gives to a true and authentic relationship.

You can not have one without the other.

I so desire this. I desire to hear and share, struggles and victories with loved ones. Why? Because it is real. I do not believe in venting. God says venting is for fools. I know I have been a fool a time or two ~~or hundreds~~ and that is not the kind talk I am talking about.

Life can be tough and life can be awesome.

There are seasons.

This is the thing: God never covers either up in His Word.

Have you ever read Psalms? I love David. David was honest. Ups, Downs and all in between.

Old Testament families. They were a mess. God allowed it all into His word. To teach us. Help us.

New Testament. Those churches and people were absolutely rockin' it in moments. And then there were other moments filled with rebukes and corrections.

It is all in there.

It is good to be transparent with good friends. [not talking about the person you met a week ago]

It is healthy to share: both. The good, the bad and the ugly.

To not judge one another, rather, walk with them. In celebration or through rough waters. We need people to celebrate with amen? I think we know we need people for the hard times, but we need each other through the good too. Celebrating the good helps when the bad comes. [and it will]

I think people fear being honest because of judgement. Let me rephrase: I think I fear being honest because of judgment.

If I am pumped about things tickin' along in our little corner of the world then I am afraid I am coming off perfect. [ha.]

If I am feeling low then I am afraid people think I hate my life, many kids, have major issues, etc.

Neither is true. Both happen.

So this leads me back to my grateful heart.

I am grateful for those who are honest. Those I feel like we are really doing life together. I love honesty. I love true and authentic relationships.

May your Thanksgiving Holiday be filled with these types of people. May you be blessed.

We have so much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 17 and 18

2011-11-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for itunes podcasts and preachers that preach The Word!

Somedays the walls in my house can begin to close around me. Anyone else know what I mean?

On those days, I need spoon fed some truth. Truth to set my mind in a positive direction.

Thankful for the ability to click a button and hear The Word being taught.

These two have been refreshing:

http://storage.cornerstonesimi.com/sermons/audio/11_146_The_Church_FullHearted.mp3

and

http://www.walkintheword.com/Broadcast.aspx

[click Healthy things Healthy Families Do Part 1-3]

Day 16

2011-11-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

*this was for last night - because I am behind - as usual :)*

Last night I was thankful for:

An amazing Church Family.

They take living the way Christ calls us to seriously.

Beyond comfort.

Beyond feeling.

Beyond what is wise in the world's eyes.

There is a spurring on.

There is encouragement and correction happening.

There is love.

I am thankful for rich conversations in infant rooms and friends popping by without notice [yes, i do like that - weird, i know - I guess I like the "realness" of that type of setting].

I was and am praising God that His plan is community - His church is His Bride.

Day 15

2011-11-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am thankful for:

An awesome bed. (love our 10 yr old mattress)

Wrestling season.

Kids that "get it" more than I do. I learn so much from my kids.

HomeSchooling. Not the schooling part, as much as the home part. I love having my chics in the nest everyday!

I have a ton more today but that great mattress is calling my name.

Day 14

2011-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for:

my Grandma

She was a gem.

Her name was Ruby Rose. <---- see she was a gem

I wrote about her here.

Today I am thinking about her as I attempt to sew.

Pretty sure she was not only the sweetest Grandma, but she was also a genius. She could sew anything. :)

Here is what I made Ashton Rose today:

[and they fit!]

It was fun.

I am thankful for the hum of the sewing machine that reminds me of my Grandma.

Day 13

2011-11-14T08:47:00.001-08:00

*meant to do this last night*

Today I am thankful for:

Prayer

Prayer is like a soothing balm to my anxious soul.

Often I enter reluctantly. There is much on my mind and my thoughts seem far to loud to settle in to a talk with The King of Kings.

More times then not, I walk away refreshed.

Purpose bound.

Relieved.

Comforted.

Loved.

Day 10, 11 and 12

2011-11-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

oops. missed a few days. :)

I am thankful for:

Little girls that dance with babies. [we love pandora]

Foggy sunrises. God is an artist that creates anew every day! Praise Him!

The boys are refurbishing a wood stove. Do you have any idea how excited I am for that?

Skype + Friends + Family = Fun

Day 9

2011-11-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for these gems:

"Thanksgiving to Christ born in the heart — delivers a life of action in the body of Christ." - Ann Voskamp

"Because when you hear a call, it needs an answer, deep unto deep, and lives that yield are always the one that say yes" - Ann Voskamp

"A Word-shaped life is not a wealth-shaped life but a cross-shaped life." - Ann Voskamp

Day 8

2011-11-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for:

Friends that pop over for an early morning visit. :)

I believe God made us to live in community with each other.

I want more of it.

Thankful for what I have too!

Day 7

2011-11-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for:

God's Word.

A light to my path.

Needed daily.

Day 6

2011-11-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am thankful for:

Roots.

[not the hair kind :)]

The roots of where you come from.

I love my roots.

Roots seeped in gospel living.

I am thankful for my roots.

I am thankful for my husbands roots.

Someday I will share that little gem of a story of how our roots go back generations.:)

Day 5

2011-11-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for:

Waking to Snow!

Staying in sweats.

Clean closets.

Kids sleeping in blanket forts.

Coffee.

Hot Cocoa and marshmallows.

Emails from Africa.

Sweet gentle music.

Pumpkin spice candles.

Board games.

Puzzels.

Clean windows.

Hubby relaxing.

The little things.

Day 4

2011-11-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for:

Adoption

[did you know it is National Adoption Month too?]

Both vertical and horizontal.

Ephesians 1:4-6

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵ he predestined us^[a] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Day 3

2011-11-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for:

That the veil was torn in two.

This is the reason we can come boldly before the throne of God!

This blows my mind!

Mark 15:37-38

English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁷And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. ³⁸And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

Day 2

2011-11-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for:

Jehovah-Jireh

The Lord Who Provides

Psalm 68:9-11

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁹ Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
   you restored your inheritance as it languished;
¹⁰your flock^[a] found a dwelling in it;
   in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. ¹¹The Lord gives the word;
    the women who announce the news are a great host:

30 days of Thanks!

2011-11-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of November - the month of Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for - so much!

Today I am thankful for:

Grace. Grace given and grace received.

Ephesians 2:7-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

water.

2011-10-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Click here to see what one of my best friends would like for her birthday!

First Cold :(

2011-10-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

I was just bragging how my lil D is the healthiest baby ever.

Poor little fellow.

I love him.

oh that girl...

2011-10-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have a major problem.

She is my first born.

She was made to bake.

Her creations are to die for.

And now she is homechooling [which means she bakes more often].

I better dust off that treadmill.

Supporting Cast

2011-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

This past week was a pure blessing.

It came on the heels of two full weeks of pure craziness. You know those weeks where you want to scream, "WHAT ELSE?" and then …. there is something else!?

The Lord was good to quiet my soul (not an easy task I might add) and remind me that He defends.

Amen Lord, I trust you.

A little beaten and battered I entered into a week I had been waiting for, for almost a year!

Our little church, in our little town, was hosting the national convention for the fellowship we are a part of.

Pastors and speakers were flying in from all over and we were getting the opportunity to host a family here in our little home. [something I had been praying for]

Justin and I love hosting. We always have. We like people here. We like new people here and familiar people here.

If you want to speak my love language you will sit in your jammies, sipping coffee, until late morning. The dishes will be piled and the kids will be in their jammies running outside, just being kids.

There is something about being in our jammies, hair a mess, no makeup, coffee, scones and talking about Jesus, life and all in between that

fills.my.cup.

I sit here full, marveling at God's family.

Where else can you truly love one another and share a deep bond almost immediately?

We were reminded this week that we [the children of God] are the supporting cast. Jesus is the lead role and we each have a part to play in His story. What a privilege and honor - praise His name!

I was blessed to count a few more, supporting cast members, as my friends.

We love you Randall Family and I am sure, we will meet again.

Vacation 2011

2011-09-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to go on a last minute family vacation this summer.

I had prayed and prayed for a specific vacation because anyone with a boatload of kids [little kids] knows that not all vacations are created equal.

If we were going to go - it needed to fit our family.

I saw an ad to for a vacation rental for a fraction of the regular price.

We jumped on it, and I have to tell you that God answered every.request.I.had.made.

I believe God loves to see His children work hard, serve much and play hard too!

Oh and that we did.

We ONLY played [and ate, but isn't that the same thing?].

I had prayed for a pool. A private pool. I wanted to teach #3 to swim.

I had prayed for a place where we would not be worried about neighbors. [we are a super ~~loud~~ quiet family]

[Headed out to pick black berries. See no neighbors. :)]

I had prayed for a place that Hubby and I could enjoy spending time in God's Word.

Time with each other.

And just enjoy these children we have been blessed with.

Life can get so busy sometimes.

I did not want to fill our time with "to do's." The only "to do" was enjoy each other.

Soak up the very gifts God has given.

God hears our prayers.

For the big things.

And the little.

He is good.

He gives good gifts.

All good things come from Him.

Rhythm.

2011-09-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, things are lookin' up.

Feeling a rhythm.

I always seem to welcome new seasons yet go into them kicking and screaming.

This new season is here.

I am liking it more every day.

The chill in the air helps.

My heart is no longer drawn to completing our summer goals list [only 3 to go but that's ok].

We had a great summer.

Now it is Fall.

Welcome Fall.

I am glad you are here.

Encouragement and New Mornings

2011-09-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Between my awesome hubby, fb messages, texts and comments I am encouraged!

Thank you!

I sure have amazing friends and family. I say that with all sincerity.

The calling is good.

The calling is right.

His mercies are new every morning.

Thank you.

Who needs a little D fix?

Fails and Hopes

2011-09-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling seems to be a little ….. up and down, here at our house.

One moment I am thinking, "right on, we are getting this thing!"

The next I am crying - they are crying.

There seems to be little in between.

I was repeating "just because this is hard does not mean it is bad!"

My preteen agreed.

So we are standing on that right now.

I have hope.

I can see where I want to go with this and glimpses of how to get there.

We are just not there yet [or really even on that path but we can see it ~~with binoculars~~. :)].

No Idea What I Am Doing!

2011-08-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here I sit, bloodshot eyes thinking .... I have no idea what I am doing.

Here is the subject matter: Homeschooling. [or is it - home schooling - see, i do not even know!!!!]

I am all signed up, home-school-room-ready, curriculum [mostly] ordered [hence the bloodshot eyes] and we are full steam ahead.

What am I doing?

Lord, really? Are you sure this was the plan? No Mr. Bus next week? No forced schedule to keep me going - or.else.i.will.get.in.trouble.by.the.school.if.they.are.late or worse, i.will.have.to.leave.my.house.if.they.miss.the.bus kinda schedule?

Oh dear. [or is it Oh Dear with a big D? I can not remember!]

You see, I have never really been a good teacher (or student, really).

When the kids do not understand something, my first thought is not: get creative and come from another angle. It is usually to speak louder. Kinda like someone that does not speak English - I repeat it louder.

The reality is - volume is not the problem.

Oh Dear [or dear].

Is it possible to become a teacher? Yes, I know I am teaching them everyday. I get that. BUT I am not teaching them math, writing, botany, history, how to read a map..... and other things they learn when the get on Mr. Bus and go away.

I teach them: don't hit your brother, here's how you unload the dishwasher, say your prayers, God is good, fold your clothes, clean out the chicken coop, speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves, spur that horse when she does that - you know, the important stuff.

I can handle that stuff. Got.it.covered!

But the rest? I hardly made it through school myself. Seriously.

I could tell you a lot about my friends and what happened in high school, down to clothing details but academics? I hardly remember what teachers I had, let alone what they taught.

You see my dilemma.

But, this is not the first, first.

Firsts are hard. Everything always looks bigger and more scary.

I am sure it will be fine, just fine.

Right?

After all, just this morning Ashton was beautifully doing a figure 8 on her horse. I taught her that. [we won't mention the crying and yelling that got us to the beautiful part, now will we.]

Happy Homeschooling!

Here we go!

2011-05-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

doll baby.

[pic taken on the day we stood in front of our church, committing to raise him up in the ways of the Lord :)]

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

2011-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit
Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has
been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow
down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,
and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight
walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or
popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,
regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by
patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my
way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted,
or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the
pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of
mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed
up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a
disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop,
preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My
colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)

By Dr. Bob Moorehead

amen.

singing debut.

2011-05-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Anna has been going through a tough season with her kiddos. Please pray Grace will quit sticking things up her nose. Seriously. Is there a net or something we can put around those cute little nostrils? All teasing aside - do pray - she is in surgery right now. You can read about it here.

I was texting with her while she sat at the ENT this a.m. and reminded her of a funny little memory we had together in Africa.

The Island Day in Africa was crazy.

We were not prepared.

We thought we were spending the day at Redeemer House and were mentally and "donation wise" prepared for that.

Pastor Timothy called and said "I have been waiting, where are you?"

Eeeek - I ran around gathering the girls up and letting them know - change of plans - grab your sunscreen and anything you can think of - we are headed to love on the people living on the Islands of Lake Victoria - now!

Within minutes we were on boat.

We were welcomed with open arms.

Beautiful people.

We set up a little medical clinic and things got a little chaotic. Well, really chaotic.

Pastor Timothy came to me and told me there was a school that had been waiting for us all day. It is a big deal to have visitors and they had been preparing for months for us to come.

How humbling.

Gives me a knot in my stomach just typing that.

This was towards the end of the day and we had given out almost everything we had.

I grabbed Anna and said, "Come on, we need to go visit a school." Anna and I jumped on a boda - we had NO IDEA where we were going.

[Anna]

We arrived and were seated in a place of honor and the kids lined up for their gifts!

Yikes! Anna and I franticly started digging in our bags. We started praying.

God knew, and we were trusting that He saw this coming, even tho we did not. Fishes and Loaves Fishes and Loaves.

We started passing things out.

Anna and I kept looking at each other with a panicked look. We did not want one of these precious children to feel left out.

And guess what?

There was just.enough.

Each child received a gift.

Whew!

Thank you Jesus!

The kids sang to us and then it was our turn.

What? Anna and I looked at each other.

I asked her under my breath, "do you sing well?" She answered, "not really, you?" "Um... not really." But both of us were ready to do whatever those precious kids wanted.

So we sang.

"Jesus Love You." [hand motions and all]

It was through tired, hoarse, thirsty voices that we sang.

I am not going to lie - it was a little [a lot] pathetic.

They kind of looked at us like this.

[we did not blame them]

Gave us a round of applause. [because they are sweet like that]

We told them Jesus loved each.one.of.them. Hugged as many kiddos as we could.

Jumped back on a boda and giggled all the way back. What was that? {I know I sing better at the kitchen sink ;)}

We pray God was glorified. ~~and that the kids were not scared by the squeaky voiced mzungus~~

You never know what adventure God has waiting for you. I will alway cherish [and laugh at] this one!

2011-05-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

2011-05-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

2011-05-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

2011-05-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

Date Night.

2011-05-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Date night.

Loaded up our bikes.

Drove to a sweet little city with awesome trails.

Rode our bikes around for a couple hours.

[he's hot]

Tried a strange looking Asian Restaurant and loved it.

Seaweed and all!

Sat and "people watched" for a bit.

Why don't we do this more often?

Looking forward to the next date.

The End.

Thanks for coming along on our date. :)

Would love to hear your favorite date ideas.

Time with Hubby

2011-05-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Why is that the first to go when our lives are busy?

The very thing (meaning relationship with spouse) that started this crazy house.

But, oh it is so easy to do. He will "be fine" and I will "be fine."

But I do not want "fine" and neither does he.

So this weekend we are going to PURPOSE to go out. No kids. Just us. No errands.

He is tired, I am tired. The lawn needs mowed [desperately]. The closets need organized. The floors could use a good scrubbing. The garden is not planted. And the list could go on for .... ever.

4 or 5 hours with my husband. Uninterrupted conversation. Eye contact. Getting out of my sweats and doing my hair. [and maybe even putting on perfume - something I never do when I have itty bittys]

Is more important.

To let him know he matters.

To let our kids know that we matter to each other.

to be continued.......

she is..

2011-05-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

beautiful

WE can do it!

2011-04-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

I have a friend that has a heart of gold.

God put us together in Africa - twice!

I would love love LOVE [that is her name ;)] to tell you more about her (and someday soon I will) but for now, I need to share what she is doing and how WE are going to help.

There is a girl that WE [meaning you who are reading right now and me!] are going to help fund her adoption!

Please click HERE to read more.

I am thinking online party.

Can WE raise $200 to do our part?

Let's do our part.

Let's not know and do nothing about it.

Now you know about a little girl, sitting in an orphanage, waiting for a family and there is something that we can do.

Join me?

Please.

[details of OUR party to come - start saving your pennies]

Morning Perfection.

2011-04-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had an amazing Easter.

Ours was blessed.

Jesus paid it all. Because of Him I live. He made a way.

[will share more of our sweet day later :)]

At the Foot of the Cross

2011-04-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

At the foot of the cross

Where grace and suffering meet

You have shown me Your love

Through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart

Yes You've won my heart

Now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty

And wear forgiveness like a crown

Coming to kiss the feet of mercy

I lay every burden down

At the foot of the cross

Where I am made complete

You have given me life

Through the death You bore for me

I'm laying every burden down

Holy Spirit or Self Emotion?

2011-04-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have frustrated a lot of people by saying the big fat "NO" word lately. I am not good at saying no.
I am a people pleaser. I want people to like me, be pleased with me and be the one to "get it done" for them.

Having a baby and a large family do one thing very well - force me to ask God where He wants me - it becomes very apparent when I am out of balance.

What that looks like right now is slllllllllowing waaaaaay dowwwwwn.

So out comes the big NO card.

Ouch, it hurts.

People think I no longer care about _______ [whatever it may be] and that is just not true.

Hubby and I are very active with Redeemer House and other Ug@ndan ministries. We love it. We love those kids. We fully support my MIL and try to be her biggest cheerleaders [and will continue to]. We love many Ug@ndans and are already looking forward to the next time we get to see them [Lord leading and Lord willing (and you bet I am praying for it!)].

But that is not our God.

Our desire is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. In what we do and how we do it. Just because it may seem like a good thing to do does not mean that God desires for me to do _______.

Last fall I could not stop thinking about leading a womens trip - heavy, heavy burden. Therefore to my knees I went and cried out to God that it be Him and not me. Over and over He confirmed for me to GO. I believe that is where He desired for me be, and do, at that time in my life. Those were the good works He had prepared for me [Ephesians 2:10].

Right now God has placed a deep desire and burden to focus here at home. On my husband and children. This is not to say that my heart was not always there, I have been a stay at home mom for 12 years. But this is a new deeper burden, new season.

Next year I will be homeschooling the kids. [talk about needing to focus - hello! :)]

I am growing a garden and trying not to kill it this year [which will be a first - will take focus].

Our family is a part of a milking co-op now. I am learning all kinds of new things with having fresh raw milk twice a week. [we love it! and if you want information on raw milk I have spent far too much time in research and can share one of my 10 million websites :)].

God has a reason for this new season too.

I am trusting Him.

My heart is to be Holy Spirit lead.

Lord please help me to keep my eyes on You and what You desire for me to do in this new season. Oh, and thank you for this new season, I am loving it! Amen :)

a little rain and a little game.

2011-04-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

My parents came to visit for a couple days.
Yesterday a little rain did not stop a little game of softball.
Thanks for coming Meme and Papa!

Listen and obey.

2011-04-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Powerful passage for me this morning:

1 Samuel 15:17-23 (English Standard Version)

¹⁷And Samuel said, "Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. ¹⁸And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, 'Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.' ¹⁹Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?" ²⁰And Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. ²¹ But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal." ²²And Samuel said,

    "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
   as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
   and to listen than the fat of rams.
²³For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
   and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
    he has also rejected you from being king."

[emphasis mine]

Lord please help me to stick to the mission that YOU have given me and not change it because I think I see a better plan. Amen

bonding and babywearing

2011-04-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

[pic taken by #4, days after coming home]

It comes with having a big family.

2011-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Comments.

Everywhere we go.

Everywhere.

I went to the grocery store with my 4 youngest and got told 6 times that I "had my hands full." I was in the store 20 minutes. My children were being perfect (they are not always but that time they were - God knew this sleep deprived mama would need well behaved children that day :)).

It comes with having a big family.

Add having a bi-racial family and you just open yourself wide open to every thought that may come to those passing by.

I marvel many times because I do not feel the need to comment to those around me - for no reason, at all, except to air my thought - weird.

99% of the time I can handle this with grace and engage in conversation. After all, I have only understood much of adoption and orphans in the last few years. What a great opportunity. Many times I have walked away from those "impromptu Q and A sessions" praising God for the opportunity to share God's story in our lives. We have had flight attendants bawl and hug us and tell us that we have given them hope for the first time in a long time. We have had many share their deep desires to adopt or have more children and ask us to pray for them. Many, many beautiful moments that would have never happened had we not been so.... visible.

But then there are the others.

It can be exhausting. Really.

I read this post and thought it was good and the discussion after was interesting.

May I learn from this and realize that I have the opportunity to build up and encourage people [even in a short encounter] or bring thoughtless discouragement for no reason at all.

God, help me to live Colossians 4:5-6 in "those moments." Amen

Colossians 4:5-6

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Babywearing.

2011-04-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have always "worn" my babies.

I will try to dig out pics of #1 in a baby bjorn.

She lived in it.

So did 2,3 and 4.

When #4 would not let me put her down, I found the ring sling. She preferred the front pack so I thought I had wasted $60.00. Then #5 came along and he loved it!

When we found out about #6 I purchased a moby wrap. Perfect!!

I love babywearing.

My treasures are only little once.

They feel safe and secure being close to mommy.

Joining the Babywearing Bloggers!

[pic taken last night - no shower in days - but that is life with a newborn ;)]

All 8 on the the mountain!

2011-04-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a huge storm that dropped around 10 feet of snow at the ski park. Today it was clear skies and 60* on.the.mountain!

Perfect day to go!

Daniel did great and the two little ones had fun playing in the snow.

Next year is their turn!

Friends

[and three of the best dads I know]

The boys skiing with Daddy. This was #3's first time. He did well in his lesson so Daddy took him on the lift!

[#1 was hard to get a pic of because she was always on the slopes with her friends.... but she was there :0)]

What a beautiful day.

Prayer Please

2011-03-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the Redeemer House Kids. 21 out of 23 have been sick, including my Mother-In-Law. They need a healing touch from the Lord.

I know this is a Spiritual battle - there are so many amazing things happening right now. We serve a God that is much stronger, much more able to heal and restore! Let's pray for them.

Please pray for healing!

Please pray for a good Mama [this has proven to be harder than one may think].

Please pray for the staff.

Please pray for my Mother-In-Law, Kathy. I know very few women that can go like that woman can. Did you know she has not had electricity this year - at.all?! Even when she goes into town, it often is out. Please pray for power, as in electric and from On High! :)

Thank you bloggy friends!

IHOP

2011-03-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

My sister, Marlece, wrote about something really cool that the Lord spoke into her life over 3 years ago. I love how the Lord speaks and whispers of things yet to come. Now it has been fulfilled and revealed!

Click here to read about IHOP!

[how cool to serve a living God that loves us!]

Bawl with me .... will you?

2011-03-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Click the link and then click the news story.

Powell Butte Family Welcomes Ugandan Orphan - News Story - KTVZ Bend

With Spring Comes New Life

2011-03-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the great privilege to support and coach our youth pastors, in the birth of their first born.

What an honor to get to witness new life coming into the world.

C is a first time mom and handled the labor and delivery with grace and beauty. Her husband beamed most of the day and when baby entered into the world, I knew, I had witnessed a miracle by the light in his eyes.

The first born.

A son.

Healthy.

Whole.

Beautiful.

New life never gets old.

C and B ~ Congratulations! Thank you for letting me be a part of this very special moment. I love you. May your son grow into a godly man as you raise him in the love of the Lord. Love you three!
Oh, and may our sons be best of friends forever. hehe

And the winner is....

2011-03-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Abra!

Thank you!

I will be mailing it to you on Monday!

[i just found your blog - cute cute cute]

Thank you to everyone that entered.

How fun!

Giveaway!

2011-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

We will be drawing the winner tonight at 7 pm!

Still time to enter!

Any amount gets your name in the hat!

Go HERE to read about it and donate!

2011-03-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Who Knew.

2011-03-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

We are a public school family.

It has been on my heart to look into home schooling for years [and I have].

The timing never seemed right, and tho we felt the Lord was leading that way, we consistently felt like the answer was "not YET."

Two weeks ago I brought #3 home to do Independent Study here with me, at home.

I have had many fears about home school:

Will I actually do the work with them?

Will I like having them here all day, in the winter, or long for the bus to show up?

Will I be grumpy and make learning a "chore"?

Will they become unsocial and "off"?

So, as we made the decision to bring #3 home, it was time to face these fears.

And after to 2 weeks I want to shout from the roof tops - I LOVE IT!

I love doing the work with him! I feel like for the first time I know what he is learning and how he is doing! I can already see a softening of the heart in the social area. Public school can be tough and make kids hard if they have to battle something/someone daily. I love him being here - I always hate when school starts in the fall, I like having my kids around - even in the winter :).

I am so thankful for this "push" that I need to explore homeschooling.

I love it!

I am super excited to continue and see where this leads!

Oh YES!

2011-03-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, this has made my day!

Celebrate with me today, will you?

One more daughter for my sister and her hubby.

One more niece for me.

One more sister for my nieces and nephews.

One more cousin for my kids! [this brings the count to 28!]

ONE LESS ORPHAN IN THE WORLD!!!!!

Read about it HERE!

Lent

2011-03-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Definition:
Lent in the Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial.

Last Wednesday, I read something a friend wrote on facebook, about Lent.

Honestly, I know little to nothing about it.

I did a little research.

I understand that not all churches observe Lent.

But as I read, it is basically 40 days to prepare your heart before God for Easter.

I like.

I need.

With all that is going on in our lives I have been, busy.

I do not like that word.

Seems so shallow and filled with excuses for having bad priorities.

Too busy for God?

Then I am too busy.

The season of Lent opened up an "stake in ground" a "mile marker" for me to

stop

think about what is important

and act.

One way I started was by fasting facebook until after Easter.

I love fb.

I love my friends on fb.

I love sharing our family on fb.

But fb and I spend too much time together.

I knew the minute I started reading about Lent that God was asking me to quit being so social with everyone else and socialize with Him.
Yes!
Thank you God for jump starts.

Happy Lent Season to you all!

May you set aside time to prepare your heart for that time of year when we reflect on Him who set us free.

^{Romans 8:34-35}
³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Angel.

2011-03-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Strange Feelings

2011-03-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Strange to miss a foreign land.

Strange to dream of a slower pace and rich simplicity.

Strange to know it is a tough place but want it still.

Strange to miss my friends that love like family.

Strange to desire for my children to experience life so unlike here.

Ugnad@ is on my mind.

In my heart.

I miss it.

Africa Items Giveaway!

2011-03-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

We are trying to raise the rest of the fees for Daniels adoption.

After reading my beautiful friends post HERE. I decided to put together a sweet package of African items to give away!

Every dollar given through donation will go straight to paying the lawyer.

If you are wondering about Daniel's adoption story go HERE.

We were blessed with one of the fastest adoptions ever. God has provided in many ways and we praise Him for it!

We still have a balance to pay of about $10,000.00.

We know the Lord will provide! He has in so many ways already.

We also know He uses His people to be a part of it all!

What is in the package you wonder????

1.) One Mens Large "Hope for Uganda" t-shirt

2.) One Womens Medium "Hope for Uganda" t-shirt

3.) African made purse/bag.

4.) African made clutch, made from banana leaves. (my daughters love these)

5.) One Paper Bead Necklace made by some beautiful friends in Uganda.

How do you enter the giveaway?

Donate!

Any amount!

Here!

Big Family Thoughts

2011-03-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Justin and I had a great time toting Daniel around Florid@ and having people oooh and awww. They would start to tell us how fast it goes, and to enjoy it, and how hard the toddler years will be, followed by "you just wait" with an overwhelmed sigh. Until....they asked if he is our first. [this was our favorite part] We would beam and say no, actually he is number 6! They would gasp and suddenly become speechless as if we asked them to take a few home and raise them. :) Some people would being to ask more questions about why we would do this and it would usually end with them sharing some part of their heart that was connected with adoption or their relationship with God, and others would just kinda walk away.

What I really want to tell people is how absolutely awesome it is! Having many children is truly a blessing from God.

There are 10 little arms ready to hold the latest treasure. 10 little feet to grab a diaper or a binki. 5 little faces to talk to him while mommy makes dinner. There is someone always ready to give love or help out.

This is F.A.M.I.L.Y.!

And I am in love.

And so are they.

Home.

2011-03-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Home.

Blessed.

Thank you, God!

~thankful/grateful/love list for today~

2011-03-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

~my 6 [6!] children. i have weird thing with even numbers so that makes me happy[er].

~that God spoke clearly about Daniel - thank you God, I can not imagine life with out him

~my husband. leader of our home. my best friend. my lover. my partner in this crazy life.

~friends that have stepped in at a moments notice to play mommy and daddy. praying God's rich blessing upon them.

~clean water

~healthy babes

~access to health care

~a good education for my children

~access to the Word of God - the light unto our path

~encouraging friends and family

~watching others step out in faith [fav]

~adoptions all over the place

~airplanes to take us to loved ones

[many more but time to feed Daniel...] What are you thankful/grateful/in love with/for today? :)

Blessings and Stretching

2011-03-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

Daniel is a pure joy. Easily comforted, prefers to be held [which I love], travels great and is just a pure blessing. I am so thankful!

We are still here in Florida. Waiting on paperwork. Waiting has never been my strong suit. Ever. I want to wait with grace and love those around me but my heart is at home. I feel like I just got home. I had, really.

The biggest stretch for me going to Africa was leaving my treasures. That is/was my step of faith, trusting that God has them covered emotionally, physically and spiritually, even while I am gone. I felt like I prepared for that in prayer and scripture for the trip. This time, being gone a week, has been tough. I know the Lord is stretching me and teaching me through this as well. He is in control no matter what, no matter the situation and no matter the circumstance. He is worthy to be trusted and obeyed.

I am so thankful we serve a living God that speaks through His word and has a purpose for each one of our lives! He is ever molding and making us, transforming us.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (English Standard Version)

¹⁸And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

[please pray for the paperwork shuffle - thank you]

Welcome Daniel Allder Vaughan!

2011-03-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

Time to share.

First I need to start by saying I am overwhelmed with gratitude and can hardly type through tears so bear with me while I share how we came to be the parents of Daniel.

Last Spring Justin and I felt called to be open to children here in the US that needed homes. We have been working with a Christian Adoption Consultant, Tracie Loux, since March. We decieded to go with her because she understood our heart and she loves the Lord with all her heart. Our biggest fear with domestic adoption was stepping in front of couples with infertility, ect. We wanted to open our home up to those that needed homes. We have had many situations come up but never felt the Holy Spirits leading, until now.

Before I left for Africa we were told about a situation of a young woman here in the U.S., pregnant and needing to give her baby up through adoption. There was a family in place but when they found out it was a boy, they backed out. We heard about it, prayed about it and submitted our info., trusting God. I left for Africa, lead a 13 day mission trip to take the gospel and love on the orphaned of Uganda.

Wednesday after arriving home I received a phone call from the agency trying to place the baby. Birth mom loved our info (which was a letter with the gospel message in it and a pic of our family). She is not a Christian but was very drawn to our family! Justin and I nearly hit the floor - whoa - now what? They explained the outrageous fees and we both started backing away. How could we do that in 2 weeks? God had given Justin a verse earlier in the day and it left him confused, Daniel 3:7 "Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up." It didn't make sense at first so he thought... "well maybe it was Daniel 3:10 "- they are basically the same verse! As we sat talking about how horrid the fees are, how sad that was and that, was when Daniel 3:7 came to light for us. That we were not to bow to the "golden image" of finances that is so common in our culture. We are to stand, trust God - no matter what. We left the conversation agreeing to pray and seek God through this. That night a friend was thanking me for encouraging her to go to bible study (that started while I was gone) and she said she was learning how our culture is so much like Babylon and we are all bowing to the golden image. I just stared at her.....I could not believe what had just come out of her mouth. I never talk to anyone about the book of Daniel - like ever! So we called our pastor and asked him to pray and he had just studied the passage in Mark 14 where the woman poured the oil worth a year of wages over Jesus head making everyone mad because "that could have gone to the poor" - Jesus rebuked them. This spoke so deaply to my heart coming from Africa and knowing where "that kind of money" can go. We choose to move forward knowing that God would have to do a TON to make this happen!

We had several amazing God-fearing friends and family praying for us at this point [thank you!]!

Our social worker was already scheduled to be here on Sunday (an appt in the making since March of '10 but she came 4 days later!- ONLY GOD!). The kids 1 year check ups were scheduled months ago for that Tuesday and all of our paper work will be completely updated - ONLY GOD!

God began, through many cirumstances, to to show us that He would provide for this adoption and we are to be obedient. Even in the face of time and money, trust God, not just say it but do it. God has got our back and even more, he has Daniel's.

Here we sit. We flew all day, drove straight to the foster moms house (who is awesome and I love her) and now we have our latest treasure, a gift, straight from heaven. Seriously. Praise God, He is worthy!

[oh and you may be wondering how the other 5 feel? ask them. each of them beam. they have been praying, they love adoption and they love love love having a big family!]

24 Hours..

2011-03-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Prayers appreciated as we go.

Super excited to share.

When I can.

24 hours people, 24 hours!!!!!

:)

2011-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

We have been blessed abundantly.

We have been given a gift.

In 4 days I will share.

Uganda 2011

2011-03-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

2011-02-24T18:06:00.000-08:00

Our paper did a write up on the trip! May God be glorified!

http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/features/x763563351/Siskiyou-residents-return-from-Ugandan-mission

Processing.

2011-02-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

My Dad sent me new jammies for Valentines Day [thanks Dad!]. And it is a good thing he did because I have worn them the last two days all.day.

Trying to process all that happened.

The beauty, the pain, the injustice, the joy......the whole journey.

A friend posted a pic on her blog of spilled marbles a few weeks ago and I think that best explains me right now.

I can not wait to share [I think]. Where to start?

I think I will share a few fun facts since stories are not coming to me right now.

*I got to worship in a mud hut with my Sister!
*I got to spend my second trip with a Sweet Friend that I met on my first.
*A lady that looks JUST like my Grandma was working at S@nyu, AGAIN. As my friend and I walked up the steps, up walks Anna (aka Grandma's twin). Last time I could not stay in the same room as her because I would start crying - she looked so much like her! She had arrived at S@nyu THAT DAY! Whoa whoa - I nearly flipped! God gave me my G-ma look alike again - I think God just likes to thrill me sometimes.
*I got to hug the neck of the team leader of the Watoto Choir that was here (in our home) 2 years ago. He and I worked closely 2 years ago and when the team went to a Wed. night service at Watoto Church guess who was visiting? Cool hu?
*Road in boat on Lake Victoria.
*Hugged hundreds of children.
*Ate Rolexes until I wanted to throw up.
*Realized all over again that my husband is my best friend and I missed our late night talks, desperately.
*Ate chocolate at 2 am by candle light with a couple of friends that could not sleep either.

OK - I must get to the bills - seems so ..... strange but needs done [I guess ;)].

Interruption!

2011-02-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

I interrupt this post-trip processing time with a million posts but I want to share to link this awesome story!

I love Esther and am thrilled to see my Sis and Bro in Law shining the light of Jesus so bright!

Click HERE!

Here and Full!

2011-02-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

Here!

So much to tell!

The trip here I will save for another post as it was filled with struggles and victories.

The minute I stepped of the plane the all familiar smell came rushing back and.....I loved it! How strange to feel so at home in a foreign place. As we drove from Entebbe to Kampala I was filled with God's love for me - filled to the top! I cried as we drove and was overwhelmed with the sense that I was right where I should be. I felt the Lord so strongly, I will never forget it!

I am filled with gratitude for my Jesus that He would even use a sinner like me, in this way. I am so undeserving.

more to come.....

Asking for...

2011-01-27T16:59:00.000-08:00

Prayer.

Is there anything more important?

Please pray for the Holy Spirit to go before us.
That in the places we go and the donations given, we would show the love of Christ.
For salvations. Our "gifts" will get holes and run out within weeks but the gift of salvation is eternal.
Planted seeds.
Unity in the team.
That our hearts would break for the things that break Gods.
For our families left behind.
For those watching this crazy mom leave her family to serve God, that they would seek God for the answers of "why?"
Joy for all involved!
Protection.

Thank you!

7 days....

2011-01-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

8 Women

in 7 Days.....

Hubby and I went out on a date last night.

He asked me if I was ready.

No.

There is no way to prepare for this....again.

Heartbreak.

Dying to Self.

Beauty in Ashes.

Frustration at Injustice.

and leaving my heart in two places.....again.

It changes everything.

And I am counting down the hours - seriously.

I need to be changed.

I need to die to self.

I need to rely on God fully.

I need to remember that God is in control and I am not.

I need to obey.

I need to GO!

*but even more than all of my needs*

I pray that God would be glorified through my life....today.

And especially in 7 days.

Website is Back!

2011-01-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

OK - the Redeemer House website is back up. Sorry for the delay. Whew.... it was crazy to get it back but it is done! Praise God!

A Hart For Esther - Share her story

2011-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Let's Get My Niece Home!

2011-01-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

In May of last year Hubby had the great privilege of taking a team to Ug@nda that included my bother-in-law (that is a lot more like a brother - I have known him since I was 8) and my gorgeous niece (that was the valedictorian [yes I am bragging] oh and she has my middle name - ya, I like her).

On this trip God gave a gift to us all that was unexpected..... a new soon-to-be daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece!

The video says it best, click to watch!

Please be a part of bringing her home. If you are not into horse trailers please ask God if you are one of the 110 people that would be willing to give $250, anyways. If you win - I have some great ideas of what to do with that horse trailer!!!

*the Redeemer House website expired and we have been trying to get it back up....ugh! We have been praying for a web person and that brought it to a whole new level! :) I will post when it is back up. Please check out my sisters blog - please be a part of bringing my niece home. James 1:27 is for everyone - this can be your part today!* [can you tell I want her home?]

Is it you?

2011-01-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

My heart is breaking for this boy. Is it you? Click here to read.

Bring.It.on!

2010-12-31T19:35:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to 2011!

2010 will go down as a "learning and growing" year.

There have been moments of great joy and moments I would like to erase.

I am sensing that this coming year will hold great change for our family.

I am pretty excited about it.

At moments scared to death of it.

[excited]

2011....

Bring.It.On!

Christmas Love!

2010-12-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

When I am loving something I start taking [lots] of pictures.

As you can see there has been a lot of lovin' going on.

Enjoy.

I am.

[Pics. before the candle light service]

[tradition here = clam chowder by candle light]

[Daddy telling the story of our Savior coming to Earth - as he does, each child places their part of the Nativity scene]

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

God is so good.

What else can I say?

He sent His Son to earth.

For me.

For you.

Words escape me.

What a reason to celebrate.

Merry Christmas.

May God's amazing gift of His Son overwhelm you this season.