Today is Abi Mulu's 8th birthday! We celebrated by going shopping, just her and I. We went to Target and she picked out a couple of outfits, two Barbies and a backpack. We then went to Costco to buy meat for Saturday's party. As we were walking to the car I asked her if she wanted anything from the snack bar and she confirmed that she wanted a smoothie, a pink one, so a pink smoothie it was! We then went to the grocery store to pick up her second princess cake. Her first one got dropped yesterday afternoon not minutes after it was placed in her hands. She was trying to put it on the counter and I don't know what happened, but I could tell she was devastated. She didn't cry, but just had a look of disbelief. Her first ever princess cake and she dropped it. Not good. Since I was now tired because I've been sick and I've already shopped like a fool I decide to go to Starbucks, and it just so happens that the donut store is just a few doors down, and I asked her if she wanted a donut, of course she did. She asked me when we got in the car, "Why I get so many presents? In Ethiopia I never have a birthday." I explained to her that it was her first birthday here in America, here in our family, and we wanted it to be very special for her. I think we're doing a good job so far!
I'll post pictures in a bit.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Same ole', same ole'
Same things going on here at home. I've been playing with Ancestry.com to find out more about who I come from and who Steve comes from. The fact that I have a Rufus and an Elmer in my background explains a lot to Steve. Wise guy. I'm now into the 1300's and am finding Lady's and Sirs. I told Steve I'm the result of Hillbilly meets the New Englander. For a few days I thought we were descendends of Edward Fuller-Matthew Fuller-Elizabeth Fuller of the Mayflower Edward Fuller. The dates don't match up for Elizabeth Fuller so it can't be the same Elizabeth Fuller that I'm related to.
Today we have Class Day. Addis is sick so Sarah is staying home with her.
James turned twelve yesterday. We went and spent his gift cards and then out to lunch at In & Out. Fun day with just James, Joe and I, and not all the littles.
I ended up cleaning out John & Joel's room yesterday. Oh.My.Lanta. I went in to retrieve an Awana shirt and book and ......well.....let's just say John is a packrat. He had food, trash, treasures, clothes, all on his bed, under his pillow, and under his bed. I spent a good two hours in there. He said he would have paid to see me on my back under his bed with the kitchen tongs grabbing stuff. It was scary, but someone had to go in and do it.
Our Awana Cubbie group has about doubled over the last three weeks. We now have 21 kids between the ages of 3-5 for about two hours every Wednesday night. Many, many years ago we used to have twenty-five kids, but it dwindled and dwindled. It's exciting to see it growing again.
Today we have Class Day. Addis is sick so Sarah is staying home with her.
James turned twelve yesterday. We went and spent his gift cards and then out to lunch at In & Out. Fun day with just James, Joe and I, and not all the littles.
I ended up cleaning out John & Joel's room yesterday. Oh.My.Lanta. I went in to retrieve an Awana shirt and book and ......well.....let's just say John is a packrat. He had food, trash, treasures, clothes, all on his bed, under his pillow, and under his bed. I spent a good two hours in there. He said he would have paid to see me on my back under his bed with the kitchen tongs grabbing stuff. It was scary, but someone had to go in and do it.
Our Awana Cubbie group has about doubled over the last three weeks. We now have 21 kids between the ages of 3-5 for about two hours every Wednesday night. Many, many years ago we used to have twenty-five kids, but it dwindled and dwindled. It's exciting to see it growing again.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Math in the mind of a boy
Problem: The car dealer just received 27 new cars. Each car costs $16,379. How much do they cost altogether?
Answer given on his paper: a lot
I don't think that is the answer I was looking for.
Answer given on his paper: a lot
I don't think that is the answer I was looking for.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
My busy week
This week has been extremely busy which my first and third weeks usually are because of Class Day. This week had an added pressure with grades being due. Trying to plan the next quarter for seven kids and turn in grades for seven kids above and beyone my normal routine throws me for a tailspin. I did get them done yesterday though with lots of frustration, yelling, and even some discipline handed out for disobedience.
I now feel like I can breathe. I really have nothing planned today that I have to do. There are things some of the kids need to be at, but nothing I need to do except my study for Perspectives, and get ready for Sunday School tomorrow.
We went out to dinner on Monday night with a group from E3 Ministries. The Ecuadorian National was in town and since Sarah and Steve had met him when they went on the Ecuador missions trip two years ago we were blessed to be able to attend. I was able to sit next to Diane who happens to be the Ethiopia mission trip coordinator.
I was chatting with her about the girls and how nice it would be to be able to send pictures one day to Addis & Abi Mulu's father so that he could see how well they're doing and just to know in his heart that they are loved. She told me, now get how big this is, this is God working, that she could take pictures when she goes in May to Ethiopia. I was overyjoyed. Then she went one step further. She said for me to bring the pictures on Friday to the Ethiopian E3 dinner and the Ethiopian national Yosef and his wife Ripka could take them when they go home. Oh.My.Lanta. I was screaming on the inside. This was huge. This is nothing that I could have orchestrated or worked out on my own. Our God is an AMAZING God.
I gave those pictures to Yosef and Ripka last night. I printed out pictures from the last few months. They colored a few pictures. They wrote letters and we wrote a letter to their father. I also included the address that we have for him and a phone number. Hopefully his heart is put to rest and he knows that his babies are loved and well cared for. They were more than happy to do it for us. It turns out that they live only fourteen kilometers away from Debre Zeit. Our God is an AMAZING God. So that was last night. Friday.
Monday we had our Perspectives class. Tuesday was our normal run errands and go to piano day and taxi kids to our Jr. High youth group. Wednesday was Awana. That day was an exhausting day for me. We did do school. I also had to get Valentines cut and ready for that night's Cubbie craft. We ended up adding seven new Cubbies and one new Puggle. That doubled our Cubbie count in just one night. We had nineteen 2, 3, & 4 year olds with only four adults/teens. Our craft was a messy one with glitter, sequins, glue, stamps, oh they had so much fun! Then we had cupcakes with lots of frosting for snack. I think they had a good time. Me? I was beyond tired. Joe started talking to me about going to River Valley which is a charter school and I looked at him and told him to stop talking to me because I could not comprehend what he was telling me. My brain couldn't take in any more.
Then I turned around and went to Class Day the next morning. That makes me tired in and of itself, but then add on the night before and I was beat. We did have yummy fried chicken for dinner so that helped.
Friday I went to WW and lost 3.8 lbs. I've lost over 13 lbs in four weeks. Just this week I've even had baby back ribs twice, chocolate cake, a bratwurst, lasagna and garlic bread, popcorn with butter one night, and a big gyros. I wasn't at all deprived. I haven't been walking yet or anything so I'm quite happy with the pounds just wanting to come off for me. I really want to get off my high blood pressure medicines. One of the things I've discovered this diet go-round is that sweet potatoes in and of themselves are so tasty that they don't need butter or brown sugar. I eat them straight from their baked little shell. That saves calories!
Yesterday was not a good day for me. I was tired. I needed to get grades for seven children done. I still had children that wanted to learn. I still had children that were disobedient. I yelled, screamed, disciplined, got so angry that I thought my head was going to spin off, but then it got better. I calmed down. I finished the grades. I was able to go to WW and out for my Friday afternoon out. I ended up going to Target and buying little jewels for our SS crowns this week. We're learning about Queen Esther and so we need crowns with jewels. I met Steve at Oggi's for bruschetta and a personal sized pizza. We got home in time to take Joe to junior high winter camp, and I finished putting the girls photo book together for their ET dad. When I got home there was a bouquet of pink carnations waiting for me. From Jesse. Hmmm........this is strange behavior from him. These darn kids always throw me for a loop. I never know what to expect.
We went to the E3 dinner while Jesse & Sarah babysat. He ended up having five of his friends spend the night, and they're going to talk to a Jehovah's Witness this morning at my house to convert them. Ai Yi Yi.
I now feel like I can breathe. I really have nothing planned today that I have to do. There are things some of the kids need to be at, but nothing I need to do except my study for Perspectives, and get ready for Sunday School tomorrow.
We went out to dinner on Monday night with a group from E3 Ministries. The Ecuadorian National was in town and since Sarah and Steve had met him when they went on the Ecuador missions trip two years ago we were blessed to be able to attend. I was able to sit next to Diane who happens to be the Ethiopia mission trip coordinator.
I was chatting with her about the girls and how nice it would be to be able to send pictures one day to Addis & Abi Mulu's father so that he could see how well they're doing and just to know in his heart that they are loved. She told me, now get how big this is, this is God working, that she could take pictures when she goes in May to Ethiopia. I was overyjoyed. Then she went one step further. She said for me to bring the pictures on Friday to the Ethiopian E3 dinner and the Ethiopian national Yosef and his wife Ripka could take them when they go home. Oh.My.Lanta. I was screaming on the inside. This was huge. This is nothing that I could have orchestrated or worked out on my own. Our God is an AMAZING God.
I gave those pictures to Yosef and Ripka last night. I printed out pictures from the last few months. They colored a few pictures. They wrote letters and we wrote a letter to their father. I also included the address that we have for him and a phone number. Hopefully his heart is put to rest and he knows that his babies are loved and well cared for. They were more than happy to do it for us. It turns out that they live only fourteen kilometers away from Debre Zeit. Our God is an AMAZING God. So that was last night. Friday.
Monday we had our Perspectives class. Tuesday was our normal run errands and go to piano day and taxi kids to our Jr. High youth group. Wednesday was Awana. That day was an exhausting day for me. We did do school. I also had to get Valentines cut and ready for that night's Cubbie craft. We ended up adding seven new Cubbies and one new Puggle. That doubled our Cubbie count in just one night. We had nineteen 2, 3, & 4 year olds with only four adults/teens. Our craft was a messy one with glitter, sequins, glue, stamps, oh they had so much fun! Then we had cupcakes with lots of frosting for snack. I think they had a good time. Me? I was beyond tired. Joe started talking to me about going to River Valley which is a charter school and I looked at him and told him to stop talking to me because I could not comprehend what he was telling me. My brain couldn't take in any more.
Then I turned around and went to Class Day the next morning. That makes me tired in and of itself, but then add on the night before and I was beat. We did have yummy fried chicken for dinner so that helped.
Friday I went to WW and lost 3.8 lbs. I've lost over 13 lbs in four weeks. Just this week I've even had baby back ribs twice, chocolate cake, a bratwurst, lasagna and garlic bread, popcorn with butter one night, and a big gyros. I wasn't at all deprived. I haven't been walking yet or anything so I'm quite happy with the pounds just wanting to come off for me. I really want to get off my high blood pressure medicines. One of the things I've discovered this diet go-round is that sweet potatoes in and of themselves are so tasty that they don't need butter or brown sugar. I eat them straight from their baked little shell. That saves calories!
Yesterday was not a good day for me. I was tired. I needed to get grades for seven children done. I still had children that wanted to learn. I still had children that were disobedient. I yelled, screamed, disciplined, got so angry that I thought my head was going to spin off, but then it got better. I calmed down. I finished the grades. I was able to go to WW and out for my Friday afternoon out. I ended up going to Target and buying little jewels for our SS crowns this week. We're learning about Queen Esther and so we need crowns with jewels. I met Steve at Oggi's for bruschetta and a personal sized pizza. We got home in time to take Joe to junior high winter camp, and I finished putting the girls photo book together for their ET dad. When I got home there was a bouquet of pink carnations waiting for me. From Jesse. Hmmm........this is strange behavior from him. These darn kids always throw me for a loop. I never know what to expect.
We went to the E3 dinner while Jesse & Sarah babysat. He ended up having five of his friends spend the night, and they're going to talk to a Jehovah's Witness this morning at my house to convert them. Ai Yi Yi.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
So we went out the other night
and on our way to the movies.............we ran out of gas! We went out with two other couples and went in one of their vehicles. Well after we stuffed ourselves at Phil's BBQ and were coming off the freeway and heading to the movies the car stopped. One of the guys got out and had to push us. (giggle, giggle, giggle!) Here we are three couples in our forties and we're being pushed like a bunch of teenagers. Hilarious.
We saw New in Town and I loved it!
We saw New in Town and I loved it!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Adopting a Child With HIV
This article is on the Rainbow Kids website
Adopting a Child with HIV
Surprising Insights
January 01,2009 / Bethany
Adopting a baby or child with HIV is becoming increasingly popular as potential adoptive parents are gaining more knowledge about the virus, and finding that it is one of the most easily managed of all special needs. Children with HIV are exactly the same as all other children with the addition of daily medication to keep their immune systems operating normally, and quarterly doctors' visits to check their blood which ensures the medications are working properly. In every other way, these kids are normal, healthy, intelligent kids, and they lead regular lifestyles including camps, sleepovers and athletics.
You may be surprised to find out that children with HIV have close to normal life expectancy due to the excellent treatments that are currently available in the developed world. All of the tragic stories that we hear about children dying of AIDS are due to lack of medication in underdeveloped countries, although antiretroviral treatments are thankfully now becoming more widely available to impoverished nations. Treatment is so good now that people who are diligent about their meds are now living to old age without their HIV progressing to AIDS, and they are giving birth to healthy children.
The first question many potential adoptive parents have is often regarding transmission as they are nervous that a child with pediatric HIV might be contagious' to others. The reason these unfounded fears exist, is due to misinformation spread in the 1980s before medical professionals knew the facts about HIV transmission. Fortunately, now we know that HIV is not transmitted in a household or educational setting. The truth is that HIV is a part of our society and we all associate with people who have HIV, even though we may not know it. For example, HIV positive children are in schools and daycares with HIV negative children, and adults with HIV are preparing and serving food in supermarkets and restaurants. If this idea frightens you, it shouldn't, because HIV is not transmitted in any casual way. You cannot get HIV from sharing food and drinks, sharing a bathtub or pool, changing a diaper, hugging and kissing, or sharing a bed or toilet. You can get HIV through unprotected sex and intravenously by sharing needles. The only other way HIV is transmitted is from mother to child, which is how millions of orphans have innocently contracted the virus.
Children with HIV can be adopted from the United States, Ethiopia, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, Haiti, India, Latvia, China, Ghana, Estonia and other countries. Beautiful, sweet, healthy HIV+ children of all ages are waiting for loving families. Adoption fees are often reduced making this an affordable option. Your existing health insurance covers adopted children regardless of pre-existing conditions, exactly the same as biological children. HIV is no longer considered a terminal illness, but rather a chronic yet manageable condition and health care professionals now consider it easier to maintain than other long term conditions, such as diabetes. The only reason these facts are not widely known is due to the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds HIV. Almost any parent raising a child with HIV will tell you that disclosure is the biggest issue they have not health, not transmission, but disclosing their child's HIV status. Fortunately, there are strict laws protecting people with HIV and disclosure is entirely optional. You are not required to tell the school, church, coaches, neighbors or anyone else.
There are many orphaned children listed with adoption agencies. Others may be found by logging into your account on the RainbowKids.com Waiting Child area. An excellent source of information and waiting children links can be found at PositivelyOrphaned.com www.PositivelyOrphaned.com
Adopting a Child with HIV
Surprising Insights
January 01,2009 / Bethany
Adopting a baby or child with HIV is becoming increasingly popular as potential adoptive parents are gaining more knowledge about the virus, and finding that it is one of the most easily managed of all special needs. Children with HIV are exactly the same as all other children with the addition of daily medication to keep their immune systems operating normally, and quarterly doctors' visits to check their blood which ensures the medications are working properly. In every other way, these kids are normal, healthy, intelligent kids, and they lead regular lifestyles including camps, sleepovers and athletics.
You may be surprised to find out that children with HIV have close to normal life expectancy due to the excellent treatments that are currently available in the developed world. All of the tragic stories that we hear about children dying of AIDS are due to lack of medication in underdeveloped countries, although antiretroviral treatments are thankfully now becoming more widely available to impoverished nations. Treatment is so good now that people who are diligent about their meds are now living to old age without their HIV progressing to AIDS, and they are giving birth to healthy children.
The first question many potential adoptive parents have is often regarding transmission as they are nervous that a child with pediatric HIV might be contagious' to others. The reason these unfounded fears exist, is due to misinformation spread in the 1980s before medical professionals knew the facts about HIV transmission. Fortunately, now we know that HIV is not transmitted in a household or educational setting. The truth is that HIV is a part of our society and we all associate with people who have HIV, even though we may not know it. For example, HIV positive children are in schools and daycares with HIV negative children, and adults with HIV are preparing and serving food in supermarkets and restaurants. If this idea frightens you, it shouldn't, because HIV is not transmitted in any casual way. You cannot get HIV from sharing food and drinks, sharing a bathtub or pool, changing a diaper, hugging and kissing, or sharing a bed or toilet. You can get HIV through unprotected sex and intravenously by sharing needles. The only other way HIV is transmitted is from mother to child, which is how millions of orphans have innocently contracted the virus.
Children with HIV can be adopted from the United States, Ethiopia, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, Haiti, India, Latvia, China, Ghana, Estonia and other countries. Beautiful, sweet, healthy HIV+ children of all ages are waiting for loving families. Adoption fees are often reduced making this an affordable option. Your existing health insurance covers adopted children regardless of pre-existing conditions, exactly the same as biological children. HIV is no longer considered a terminal illness, but rather a chronic yet manageable condition and health care professionals now consider it easier to maintain than other long term conditions, such as diabetes. The only reason these facts are not widely known is due to the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds HIV. Almost any parent raising a child with HIV will tell you that disclosure is the biggest issue they have not health, not transmission, but disclosing their child's HIV status. Fortunately, there are strict laws protecting people with HIV and disclosure is entirely optional. You are not required to tell the school, church, coaches, neighbors or anyone else.
There are many orphaned children listed with adoption agencies. Others may be found by logging into your account on the RainbowKids.com Waiting Child area. An excellent source of information and waiting children links can be found at PositivelyOrphaned.com www.PositivelyOrphaned.com
Sam and Esther
I was visiting the blog for Grace Giving International http://www.gracegivinginternational.org/369324.ihtml#h_7454 and came across this YouTube video. Wow. If you would like to know more about sponsoring children like Sam and Esther, please contact Patrick at patrick@gracegivinginternational.org
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Word
| Your Word is "Peace" |
 Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you. While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway. |
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Celebrating Nathan
Wednesday we landed in San Antonio with Nathan's uncle and cousins, who also happen to be our really good friends AND go to our church which makes them church family. His mom, sister, mom's boyfriend and his dad and Nathan's niece were all on the same plane too. It was so exciting!After we got settled in our rooms we all went to the Texas Roadhouse which was pretty yummy. I had ribs, a yam, and green beans. I think mine was the best, but I don't really know, it just looked the best. :-) Their homemade warm rolls were a feast for the palate too.
Thursday was the run-by. The trainees run by in formation while the spectators (their family and friends) are lined up on on both sides of the road cheering them on. As we walked up I couldn't believe that we saw Nathan. We had no idea it was really him until it was too late. Then we were so excited. WE SAW NATHAN!!! I felt like I was in the Nathan fan club. They ran by again a little later in full Air Force sweat suits.
After the run-by the trainees go back to their bunks and us spectators have time to kill. We went to the mini-mall on base and filled our bellies on Subway and Starbucks. We hung out and visited until it was time for orientation and we headed over there. They told us civilians all the do's and don'ts that we were to follow. We then headed over to the bleachers to get seats for the Coin ceremony. This is where their drill instructors present each member of their individual flights a coin representing their transition from trainee to Airman. Nathan was in the 324th Flight. We had perfect seats and he was in the perfect spot for us to see him.Sarah waiting. See how happy she is?
Nathan had just received his coin. He is the third one down.
In formation at the coin ceremony.
We're so proud of him!!!!
He had base liberty so we ate at Godfather's pizza. He was lovin' it!
Graduation on Friday
Airman graduate
Sarah and her Airman
He's going to work on F-16's so we had him stand next to one.
After the graduation he had base liberty until 2pm and then town liberty until 7pm. We took him to Outback Steakhouse and then had him back early. Saturday he had town liberty all day so we picked him up and went to IHOP where we waited over an hour for a seat. After IHOP we headed to The Alamo and The River Walk.
My amazing daughter.
Nathan & Sarah
Me & Sarah
Lovebirds
Nathan
Me
Us at the Alamo
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Leaving for Texas!
Sarah and I fly to San Antonio today. Nathan graduates from boot camp on Friday and we want to celebrate with him! They are so looking forward to seeing one another after nine weeks apart.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Amharic Names
On Amharic Kids they featured a site where you can write your child's name in Amharic. http://www.amharicmachine.com/
Adah Derartu
Anna Mihret
Abi Mulu
Addis Rose
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Acacia Village
From the CWA website:Acacia Village is a brand new humanitarian aid project launched by Christian World Foundation at the beginning of 2008. Acacia Village is named after the acacia tree which is found all over Africa. It is known as a tree that shelters and protects. Now, with Acacia Village, CWF will be a sheltering and protecting presence for needy children in Ethiopia.
http://www.acaciavillage.org/
____________________
Steve and I were able to visit Acacia Village while we were picking up Addis & Mulu in April 2008. While driving there we found out that it is in Sebeta where Adah Derartu is from.
On the left is our driver, the man on the right was the judge who signed the adoption papers for Adah Derartu and Anna Mihret, he is now in charge of the Acacia Village project in Ethiopia.
Thursday night we went to our friends home that we traveled home from Ethiopia with. They had a fundraising dinner for Acacia Village, and she is competing in the Ironman competition in November. We met Louis Fawcett who is the Director of Development. Janus (http://www.janus.com/) is willing to donate an additional $10,000 if she is one of the top fundraisers. http://www.januscharitychallenge.com/site/c.egLOIYOGKtF/b.591535/k.4568/Program_Overview_and_Requirements.htmLouis Fawcett and us.
We listened to a short presentation and watched a short DVD. They had a GREAT idea for fundraising and I immediately fell in love with the whole idea. Coin boxes. They're little cardboard box banks. They're small enough that kids can help and who doesn't have pennies around? A penny for an orphan? Anyone can spare that. There are said to be 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. They need $4 million to build Acacia Village.You can help! Kristen has until Oct/Nov to raise money. Ask me for a box if you see me. or you can make a secure online donation to Acacia Village today. All gifts are fully tax-deductible. Just make sure it goes under the name Kristen Hench (in honor of Iron Man) so she gets credit for it and maybe she'll be one of the top fundraisers and Janus will donate an extra $10K.
Donate Now »
The Grieshaber and Hench family:
They want to take this piece of land: 
There is an Acacia tree behind me, but it's hard to see.
and make this: http://www.acaciavillage.org/village.htm
Whatever you can do will go to Acacia Village to help build this amazing complex for the people of Ethiopia.
Can you spare a penny?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Words We Say
I had read this in the Daily Bread for Jan. 5. 'That speaks clearly to us of the importance of what we say to others. It also backs up one of my favorite lines by poet Emily Dickinson: "A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day."
The words we say may have long-term consequences. Our comments, our compliments, and even our harsh criticisms may stick with the hearer for decades.
No wonder Scripture says, "He who restrains his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19). The words we speak live on. Let's make sure they come from "the tongue of the righteous: (v20)-Dave Brannon'
-------------------------------
So last week at Class Day I needed to use the restroom and as I was walking back one of the ladies I've known from Above Rubies and Class Day came up to me and thanked me. She said, "I just wanted to thank you. Many years ago I had miscarried, I had cut off my hair, and I came to Class Day. You were the only one who asked me if everything was okay, and I told you what happened. Everyone else was telling me it was okay. You were the only one who told me it wasn't okay. It wasn't okay that I lost this baby. It wasn't until you told me that, that I gave myself permission to cry and grieve for the baby I lost."
WOW.............
I don't even remember that incident. I remember her being there and finding out that she would never have children again. I remember her devastation. I remember that she only had two children and desperately wanted more children only to be told that it wouldn't happen from her own body. I don't remember what I said to her only that I knew I couldn't help her other than just be a sounding board. Apparently God used me to speak what she needed to hear.
Many years ago I miscarried. I've miscarried six times, but the one of the two that hit the hardest was between Sarah and Joe. I had heard and seen the heartbeat. The baby was about 12 weeks and just poof, gone. My friend Helen used to tell me that never was a mother so vulnerable as when she was pregnant because there was no guarantee of a baby at the end. While I was in the hospital having a D&C or whatever I did, I honestly don't remember, I was crying and grieving. The nurses didn't understand since I already had four children at home. I remember telling them, "I'm losing THIS baby! I will never have THIS baby again!" To shut me up they medicated me and sent me to la-la land. It turns out I hemorraged six weeks later and almost died because the dr. did such a bad job, but that is really irrelevant to this post.
Back to our words. Use your words to lift up, give advice, encourage, compliment. But USE YOUR WORDS!!!! Be there for other people. You have to be among people to be there. Don't isolate yourself and no being on the computer doesn't count. You have to be among the people. Give hugs and a smile. You never know what you can do for someone and you never know what blessing God has in store for you from someone else.
The words we say may have long-term consequences. Our comments, our compliments, and even our harsh criticisms may stick with the hearer for decades.
No wonder Scripture says, "He who restrains his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19). The words we speak live on. Let's make sure they come from "the tongue of the righteous: (v20)-Dave Brannon'
-------------------------------
So last week at Class Day I needed to use the restroom and as I was walking back one of the ladies I've known from Above Rubies and Class Day came up to me and thanked me. She said, "I just wanted to thank you. Many years ago I had miscarried, I had cut off my hair, and I came to Class Day. You were the only one who asked me if everything was okay, and I told you what happened. Everyone else was telling me it was okay. You were the only one who told me it wasn't okay. It wasn't okay that I lost this baby. It wasn't until you told me that, that I gave myself permission to cry and grieve for the baby I lost."
WOW.............
I don't even remember that incident. I remember her being there and finding out that she would never have children again. I remember her devastation. I remember that she only had two children and desperately wanted more children only to be told that it wouldn't happen from her own body. I don't remember what I said to her only that I knew I couldn't help her other than just be a sounding board. Apparently God used me to speak what she needed to hear.
Many years ago I miscarried. I've miscarried six times, but the one of the two that hit the hardest was between Sarah and Joe. I had heard and seen the heartbeat. The baby was about 12 weeks and just poof, gone. My friend Helen used to tell me that never was a mother so vulnerable as when she was pregnant because there was no guarantee of a baby at the end. While I was in the hospital having a D&C or whatever I did, I honestly don't remember, I was crying and grieving. The nurses didn't understand since I already had four children at home. I remember telling them, "I'm losing THIS baby! I will never have THIS baby again!" To shut me up they medicated me and sent me to la-la land. It turns out I hemorraged six weeks later and almost died because the dr. did such a bad job, but that is really irrelevant to this post.
Back to our words. Use your words to lift up, give advice, encourage, compliment. But USE YOUR WORDS!!!! Be there for other people. You have to be among people to be there. Don't isolate yourself and no being on the computer doesn't count. You have to be among the people. Give hugs and a smile. You never know what you can do for someone and you never know what blessing God has in store for you from someone else.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Chicken Noodle Casserole
I had some leftover chicken from the night before and not a whole lot of time to come up with something to make. I found a recipe and tweaked it to our liking. This is my version.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
12 ounces cooked and drained egg noodles
12 Tablespoons butter
12 Tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups milk
1 Tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 cups cooked diced chicken
1 cup Parmesan cheese plus some for the top of casserole
Preheat oven to 350*
Grease a 13x9 pan. (I didn't and I was fine)
In large skillet over low heat melt butter. Blend in flour stirring until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add chicken broth, milk, and salt & pepper. Stir constantly until sauce is thickened. Stir in chicken, parmesan cheese and the cooked noodles. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 2-25 minutes.
Serves 16. (actually it fed our family for one meal and a little bowl leftover)
Chicken Noodle Casserole
12 ounces cooked and drained egg noodles
12 Tablespoons butter
12 Tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups milk
1 Tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 cups cooked diced chicken
1 cup Parmesan cheese plus some for the top of casserole
Preheat oven to 350*
Grease a 13x9 pan. (I didn't and I was fine)
In large skillet over low heat melt butter. Blend in flour stirring until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add chicken broth, milk, and salt & pepper. Stir constantly until sauce is thickened. Stir in chicken, parmesan cheese and the cooked noodles. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 2-25 minutes.
Serves 16. (actually it fed our family for one meal and a little bowl leftover)
Library store
We had less than an hour during piano lessons. I really didn't have any errands to run other than going to the grocery store and Starbucks after we picked up Joel & Sarah. I decided to head towards the Santee library and visit their Friends of the Santee Library bookstore. Outside we found some Mary Kate & Ashley videos (the girls have NO idea who they are), Flipper, and some other kid videos for $.50.
Inside we headed to the children's section and My Side of the Mountain for $.25. I'll pass that on to one of the boys in our class who might want a copy. Addis, Abi and John each picked out books from the shelves. I found a book on Helen Keller that would make good reading for the younger class and a book on slavery told from some slaves perspective.
I browsed the Religion section and found a family devotional book and two copies of The Christian Family by Larry Christenson for $.50 each. Goldmine! I already have a copy so I knew what treasures lay between the covers.
Browsing through it today I found this on the role of wives.
In a Man Called Peter, Catherine Marshall tells how her late husband tended to put women on a pedestal. She quotes the following from one of his sermons: "Modern girls argue that they have to earn an income, in order to establish a home, which would be impossible on their husband's income. That is sometimes the case, but it must always be viewed as a regrettable necessity, never as the normal or natural thing for a wife to have to do. The average woman, if she gives her full time to her home, her husband, her children...If she tries to understand her husband's work...to curb his egotism while, at the same time, building up his self-esteem, to kill his masculine conceit while encouraging all his hopes, to establish around the family a circle of true friends... If she provides in the home a proper atmosphere of culture, of love of music, of beautiful furniture and of a garden...If she can do all this, she will be engaged in a life work that will demand every ounce of her strength, every bit of her patience, every talent God has given her, the utmost sacrifice of her love. It will demand everything she has and more. And she will find that for which she was created. She will know that she is carrying out the plan of God. She will be a partner with the Sovereign Ruler of the universe."
All I can add is, Amen!
Inside we headed to the children's section and My Side of the Mountain for $.25. I'll pass that on to one of the boys in our class who might want a copy. Addis, Abi and John each picked out books from the shelves. I found a book on Helen Keller that would make good reading for the younger class and a book on slavery told from some slaves perspective.
I browsed the Religion section and found a family devotional book and two copies of The Christian Family by Larry Christenson for $.50 each. Goldmine! I already have a copy so I knew what treasures lay between the covers.
Browsing through it today I found this on the role of wives.
In a Man Called Peter, Catherine Marshall tells how her late husband tended to put women on a pedestal. She quotes the following from one of his sermons: "Modern girls argue that they have to earn an income, in order to establish a home, which would be impossible on their husband's income. That is sometimes the case, but it must always be viewed as a regrettable necessity, never as the normal or natural thing for a wife to have to do. The average woman, if she gives her full time to her home, her husband, her children...If she tries to understand her husband's work...to curb his egotism while, at the same time, building up his self-esteem, to kill his masculine conceit while encouraging all his hopes, to establish around the family a circle of true friends... If she provides in the home a proper atmosphere of culture, of love of music, of beautiful furniture and of a garden...If she can do all this, she will be engaged in a life work that will demand every ounce of her strength, every bit of her patience, every talent God has given her, the utmost sacrifice of her love. It will demand everything she has and more. And she will find that for which she was created. She will know that she is carrying out the plan of God. She will be a partner with the Sovereign Ruler of the universe."
All I can add is, Amen!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Back to the routine
Our Christmas break is over and our life continues as normal. We started back to school on Monday. Books were all over the table, lesson plan notebooks were cracked open to see what needed to accomplished for the day, pencils were everywhere, children in chairs and wandering around, and I was in the midst of it all.
Life in our household before noon is quite chaotic. The toddlers are up and roaming around. Math questions are being protested, worked and reworked, cereal bowls wait for someone to wash them, laundry beckons from the laundry room, boys are told, "Get back on task!" Our home is bustling and loud. Sometimes it seems too much, having eight children ages 13-2, especially the two 2 year olds. (they're very demanding-most little princesses are) Other times, especially if "school" isn't involved I wouldn't have it any other way. Do you know how wonderful it would be to have a teacher come to MY house, gather the learners and teach them ALL the time? Oh my! Just thinking about it makes me giddy. Unfortunately they have to settle for me and I have to settle for knowing that I'm not teaching them nearly everything they need to know, but I'm teaching them enough and I'm teaching them how to learn, which is enough.
Cubbies started again last night after a two week break. That age is so precious. I think you have to be older and have gone through all the ages and stages to really appreciate 3 and 4 year olds. They are just wonderful creatures.
Today is Class Day. We'll finish My Side of the Mountain and start John Newton: the Angry Sailor for the older kids and start Baby Island for the younger kids.
We got bad news last night that Nathan's bootcamp graduation is postponed for a week. He and Sarah were so looking forward to seeing one another sooner. I told her we could drive by the fence while he's running so they could see each other. She didn't think I was funny. Now we're changing all our reservations. Fun.
Soccer continues for Joe. His All-Star tournamet is this weekend and the next. Jake turns 24 this week and heads to Hawaii to get married again. They were originally going to get married in Hawaii, but did a quick ceremony this summer. This is the official "big" wedding. They're the only ones going though. Really, they are the only ones that NEED to be there. :-) Jared and Miranda head off to Cancun soon.
Hope you're all having a great New Year!
Life in our household before noon is quite chaotic. The toddlers are up and roaming around. Math questions are being protested, worked and reworked, cereal bowls wait for someone to wash them, laundry beckons from the laundry room, boys are told, "Get back on task!" Our home is bustling and loud. Sometimes it seems too much, having eight children ages 13-2, especially the two 2 year olds. (they're very demanding-most little princesses are) Other times, especially if "school" isn't involved I wouldn't have it any other way. Do you know how wonderful it would be to have a teacher come to MY house, gather the learners and teach them ALL the time? Oh my! Just thinking about it makes me giddy. Unfortunately they have to settle for me and I have to settle for knowing that I'm not teaching them nearly everything they need to know, but I'm teaching them enough and I'm teaching them how to learn, which is enough.
Cubbies started again last night after a two week break. That age is so precious. I think you have to be older and have gone through all the ages and stages to really appreciate 3 and 4 year olds. They are just wonderful creatures.
Today is Class Day. We'll finish My Side of the Mountain and start John Newton: the Angry Sailor for the older kids and start Baby Island for the younger kids.
We got bad news last night that Nathan's bootcamp graduation is postponed for a week. He and Sarah were so looking forward to seeing one another sooner. I told her we could drive by the fence while he's running so they could see each other. She didn't think I was funny. Now we're changing all our reservations. Fun.
Soccer continues for Joe. His All-Star tournamet is this weekend and the next. Jake turns 24 this week and heads to Hawaii to get married again. They were originally going to get married in Hawaii, but did a quick ceremony this summer. This is the official "big" wedding. They're the only ones going though. Really, they are the only ones that NEED to be there. :-) Jared and Miranda head off to Cancun soon.
Hope you're all having a great New Year!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pics too cute not to post
Adah in all her glory.
Is she hysterical or what?
We just took her hair out of her braids and POOF!
Little love girl
She's so adorable
Princess Anna
Anna doing hair. Notice the apron? :-)
Is she hysterical or what?
We just took her hair out of her braids and POOF!
Little love girl
She's so adorable
Princess Anna
Anna doing hair. Notice the apron? :-)
How to make the rag quilts
My friend Shenna taught me how to make a rag quilt last year. You can find that post here. http://blessedfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/my-rag-quilt-is-done.html I love my rag quilt. When it's cold enough I sleep with it every night.
It's hard to explain in a short amount of time how to make these, but I will give you tips on what I did for mine. I like mine to have 8x8 squares when I'm done, so I start with 10x10 squares. I tried to pick eight different patterns and bought about a yard and a half of each giving me twelve yards. For Miranda's I only had five different patterns, but figured out my pattern kind of by accident. I had bought a green that really didn't go with it once we had it laid out.
Steps.
1. Buy your FLANNEL fabric. At Joanne's you can find fabric at $2.50 a yard when there is a sale. On some of my quilts the fabric was almost $8.00 a yard. Yeah. Spendy.
2. Buy some warm and natural batting for the middle of your squares. Your batting will be cut into 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 squares. You will need 63 squares of batting and 63 squares of fabric. (If you're making them the size I made them.)
3. DO NOT WASH YOUR FABRIC. I repeat DO NOT WASH YOUR FABRIC. Did you hear me? :-) You are going to cut your fabric. It helps if you have a rotary cutter and some quilting cutting tools. (You can tell I'm a real professional here.)
I used this as a refresher course and an idea for the primary block rag quilt. http://jenyu.net/pj/stuff/ragquilt/
4. Cut your batting with your scissors. I thought it was easier.
5. Take all your cut-up squares to a large area and lay them out according to how you want your quilt to look. There will be seven squares across and nine down, giving you 63 squares. Ask for help from someone to see if there is anything you should change. (You can do the back in either one color, the same as the front, or the same fabrics as the front but in a completely different pattern.)
6. Gather them up by rows and number them so you don't lose where you're at later. You're going to label the first row with a 1 and then the next six across under it. Then place the 2 on the first one in the second row and place that whole row under the first row. You'll have a stack of squares when you're done.
7. Take the first square and a square of batting. Place the batting in the square and you're going to sew an X from corner to corner, and then corner to corner. Stack however you're going to be able to keep track of where you're at. I turned the first one over and stacked the second one on it, and then when I was done I turn the whole stack over.
8. Then you're going to sew the first square to the second square, with the seams up and the third square onto the second square and so on until you have seven squares. Lay each row in order so you don't lose your place. Easy to lose track. Trust me. :-)
9. Then you will take row 1 and sew it to row 2. I use pins at this point to help keep my seams somewhat straight, although as much as I would try they weren't always lined up. Remember all your seams are on top. Sew until all nine rows are attached.
10. Sew a one inch seam around the whole quilt.
11. Start cutting. Take special care not to cut too close which is really easy to do with those little sharp scissors. Sarah cut too close on one of ours that we made and I spent more time fixing it than the time I originally spent sewing it. And make sure you are cutting your outside seams all the same way. It's hard to explain, but you want your outside seam to be cut the direction of where you're at. You should be able to cut straight on.
12. Once cut wash in normal and dry in normal. Make sure you have a really good machine or take it to the laundry mat. Our washer got plugged up after washing four of these. It gets really linty in the dryer too.
13. After you take it out of the dryer, take it outside and shake all the loose lint off. Then get a lint roller and roll off what you can and at the same time check for any holes, especially where all the seams come together.
One idea I had was to go on ebay and check out the ones people were making to sell. I copied and saved the pics to my computer so that I had some ideas for other quilts I might want to make.
I hope that answered some questions. Google in Rag Quilts and you should be able to come up with a wealth of info. Happy sewing!
It's hard to explain in a short amount of time how to make these, but I will give you tips on what I did for mine. I like mine to have 8x8 squares when I'm done, so I start with 10x10 squares. I tried to pick eight different patterns and bought about a yard and a half of each giving me twelve yards. For Miranda's I only had five different patterns, but figured out my pattern kind of by accident. I had bought a green that really didn't go with it once we had it laid out.
Steps.
1. Buy your FLANNEL fabric. At Joanne's you can find fabric at $2.50 a yard when there is a sale. On some of my quilts the fabric was almost $8.00 a yard. Yeah. Spendy.
2. Buy some warm and natural batting for the middle of your squares. Your batting will be cut into 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 squares. You will need 63 squares of batting and 63 squares of fabric. (If you're making them the size I made them.)
3. DO NOT WASH YOUR FABRIC. I repeat DO NOT WASH YOUR FABRIC. Did you hear me? :-) You are going to cut your fabric. It helps if you have a rotary cutter and some quilting cutting tools. (You can tell I'm a real professional here.)
I used this as a refresher course and an idea for the primary block rag quilt. http://jenyu.net/pj/stuff/ragquilt/
4. Cut your batting with your scissors. I thought it was easier.
5. Take all your cut-up squares to a large area and lay them out according to how you want your quilt to look. There will be seven squares across and nine down, giving you 63 squares. Ask for help from someone to see if there is anything you should change. (You can do the back in either one color, the same as the front, or the same fabrics as the front but in a completely different pattern.)
6. Gather them up by rows and number them so you don't lose where you're at later. You're going to label the first row with a 1 and then the next six across under it. Then place the 2 on the first one in the second row and place that whole row under the first row. You'll have a stack of squares when you're done.
7. Take the first square and a square of batting. Place the batting in the square and you're going to sew an X from corner to corner, and then corner to corner. Stack however you're going to be able to keep track of where you're at. I turned the first one over and stacked the second one on it, and then when I was done I turn the whole stack over.
8. Then you're going to sew the first square to the second square, with the seams up and the third square onto the second square and so on until you have seven squares. Lay each row in order so you don't lose your place. Easy to lose track. Trust me. :-)
9. Then you will take row 1 and sew it to row 2. I use pins at this point to help keep my seams somewhat straight, although as much as I would try they weren't always lined up. Remember all your seams are on top. Sew until all nine rows are attached.
10. Sew a one inch seam around the whole quilt.
11. Start cutting. Take special care not to cut too close which is really easy to do with those little sharp scissors. Sarah cut too close on one of ours that we made and I spent more time fixing it than the time I originally spent sewing it. And make sure you are cutting your outside seams all the same way. It's hard to explain, but you want your outside seam to be cut the direction of where you're at. You should be able to cut straight on.
12. Once cut wash in normal and dry in normal. Make sure you have a really good machine or take it to the laundry mat. Our washer got plugged up after washing four of these. It gets really linty in the dryer too.
13. After you take it out of the dryer, take it outside and shake all the loose lint off. Then get a lint roller and roll off what you can and at the same time check for any holes, especially where all the seams come together.
One idea I had was to go on ebay and check out the ones people were making to sell. I copied and saved the pics to my computer so that I had some ideas for other quilts I might want to make.
I hope that answered some questions. Google in Rag Quilts and you should be able to come up with a wealth of info. Happy sewing!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Christmas pics
No words needed.
Rockin' out
Addis opening her first Christmas present
Joel with his new air hockey table 
Sarah playing with him in her new top
Adah rockin' out 
Me & Sarah playing Guitar Hero-I scored 91% while singing Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, thank you very much. Never mind that it was on easy.
Sarah
Steve playing the Wii
Abi and her new doo
Abi opening her first present on Christmas. Never mind the hair.
Anna Mihret and Sarah on Christmas Eve
Addis, Adah & Anna on Christmas Eve
Steve and our niece Ashley
Steve's mom and our nephew Josh
My kids and Simon-I tell him he's my son from another mother :)
Jake being Jake
Here we were getting ready. See Jesse's pose? Some are just born ready.
Our Christmas picture. Thanks Rachel!
Rockin' out
Addis opening her first Christmas present
Joel with his new air hockey table 
Sarah playing with him in her new top
Adah rockin' out 
Me & Sarah playing Guitar Hero-I scored 91% while singing Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, thank you very much. Never mind that it was on easy.
Sarah
Steve playing the Wii
Abi and her new doo
Abi opening her first present on Christmas. Never mind the hair.
Anna Mihret and Sarah on Christmas Eve
Addis, Adah & Anna on Christmas Eve
Steve and our niece Ashley
Steve's mom and our nephew Josh
My kids and Simon-I tell him he's my son from another mother :)
Jake being Jake
Here we were getting ready. See Jesse's pose? Some are just born ready.
Our Christmas picture. Thanks Rachel!
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