On the Verge of Courage? Craziness? Obedience? Adventure!

We need courage. And discernment. All the time! But especially these days!

See, we are going to adopt again. How could we not? We are ALL excited about having more kids. Someone told me today that I was a beggar for punishment since I want to adopt again & I totally understand what they meant, BUT I also did tell them that I am actually a beggar for BLESSINGS!!! They really, really are! Our eight year old Luke (who was five when we adopted him) told me the other day that the best day of his life was the day he got adopted. When I was at the orphanage there were children there calling me "Mom" just because they wanted one so much. A darling little girl asked me if I knew if there was a Mommy coming for her too, because, "I don't have a Mommy."  Yeah. If that doesn't put a lump in your throat then I don't know what would.

So, because we are going to have more kids, we need more bedrooms. We don't have an office or a spare room of any kind that we can convert. Again! This happened last time we adopted too, except that, last time we were able to build an addition onto our home. This time it looks like it will be better in several ways if we can sell our home & build another instead...and I mean "we" literally, as we will have to be the ones who do the majority of the building. We're looking at a home plan similar to the Ranch we currently live in, but with a full, partially open to the sunlight basement.

So far, things look like they might be falling into place. It looks like there is a piece of land we can purchase that would be WONDERFUL, especially for our children & our animals! We "practiced" building when we built the addition so we know we can build a home. (John has amazing skills!) There is just the detail about where we will live while building (6 months to one year) that is a big issue. We can't rent (at least I don't think we can - I certainly wouldn't blame a land lord for refusing us!) since we have three large house dogs, three kiddos & a cat (...and 10 chickens...but they live outside at least! Ha! ) Also, we really need all available funds to go towards home building & the adoption fees so we can't spend too much on temporary housing. We are praying for great ideas that are creative & we are willing to be flexible. So, this issue seems to be one of the "biggies" for us right now. Oh, and also the whole adventure of seeing if our house sells...that too! :)

We are praying for clear discernment, wisdom, peace & courage to do whatever we think God is leading us to do. We know He can provide for all of our needs & that we can trust Him. Someone told me today that concrete floors (which I was considering as one of our possible temporary housing choices) would be hard on my ankles & they are probably right but I need to balance that thought with the fact that being parentless & vulnerable is also not too great for children! Balance. It's not always so easy to achieve, is it?

Anyway, I just wanted to share what is going on in our lives & what we need prayer for. I am being vulnerable here, so please be kind if you have a different point of view & definitely feel free to encourage & pray! We need that! :)

More Dinos....

I'm still making felt toys for the Etsy Shop, whenever I have time. All proceeds go to our adoption fund & so far I've made almost $1000 so that's been encouraging. I'm also taking part in a big Christmas Craft Fair this Fall so am hoping that will be a big boost for our fund.

Here are a few of my brand new dinos...

 

Mama (or Papa!) & Baby Tie-dye

 

 

 

Gotta love polka-dots



Nathan's Butterfly

Nathan had a little butterfly friend that landed on his hand and just stayed there for hours. Nathan LOVED it!



Soccer

We are into soccer season. Or maybe that should be "Soccer Season"? We have three boys in three different teams. That means we have three nights a week for practice and up to a possible 6+ games on the weekends (but usually 3-4). Our van is often full of happy little boys in their sweaty T's, shin guards and cleats.

All of that means....I NEED to buy a car air freshener TODAY!

To Love Another: Chad!

To Love Another: Chad!: This is a post written by Daneille. Her blog is the Wonder of boys! Chad needs a family. Please help us spread the word or maybe he's your s...

My Sewing Machine & I "Make Friends"

John & the boys gave me a sewing machine for my birthday. I loved it but was a bit scared to get started since machines of all kinds hate me. (It's true!) But, I have summoned up my courage & so far, it's been OK. I even was able to make a simple bunny. Ta Da! :)

There are so many things I want to make - curtains, storage boxes, skirts, tote bags, aprons, pretty dish towels....anyone know any super great sewing blogs for beginners like me?