The Brown Brigade

Travel blog

2012-02-01T23:11:00.002-05:00

Travel blog

We started a travel blog and we will try to update it daily while we are gone. Please email me for the password.

Restored

2012-01-30T09:47:00.001-05:00

Restored is how I would describe how I feel after my weekend at Created 4 Care.

I have to admit that the last few weeks (and months) have been hard. I have been discouraged at times. I have felt so broken. And I am tired.

And then just at the very perfect time. God took me to a place with no distractions. A place of encouragement and love. A place where there were other moms who have know the pain of this wait.

If you have not been, this is an absolute must for any momma who loves adoption.

Created For Care

There's something about being in a place with 400+ other adoptive mommas that's good for the soul.

We worshipped. We prayed. We learned. We laughed. We cried.

But most of all we were restored in the Lord.

It's like getting the high octane. The REALLY good stuff. You can do well all year long on the regular but then you go and get that extra boost that makes you feel so renewed.

For me, this boost came at the opportune time.

We are leaving for Africa in 8 days.

8 DAYS!!!!

In 10 short days we will be meeting the children that we have prayed and longed for.

We don't know if the needed paperwork will be done. We don't know if we will get to go to court. We don't know if we will come home with the twins.

But we will serve the ones who care for them. We will love on them. We will worship in Africa.

And we will see what God has in store for us.

When things don't go according to planned....

2012-01-25T08:42:00.001-05:00

Sometimes in adoption things don't go the way we plan. Even when you have done everything right.

That is my friend Lauren's story.

Please pray for this sweet family and click below to help if you can.

Winnie and Richard's schooling fund

My husband and I started researching options for our second adoption in early 2011. We loved Ethiopia, where our now 2-year-old son was adopted from, but knew there were too many concerns about corruption and fraud in the process to feel comfortable starting another process from there. We found a pilot program with a reputable agency in Uganda. We were open to either a single child or a sibling pair, ages 3-10. We found out about a sibling pair on a waiting child list through our agency, and things got rolling. We asked all the questions we could think of to ensure that international adoption was the last option for then 8-year-old Winnie and her then 6-year-old brother Richard. We knew all too well that bad things can happen when people start thinking that international adoption is the best option without ensuring it is even necessary.

We moved forward with the referral of the kids, and had a court date scheduled in October. With ten days notice, we boarded a plane, our little family of three, and headed to Uganda. A few days later we met "The Biggies." We were an instant family, and we were all very happy. We traveled out to the countryside and questioned members of their family. The stories were consistent. Their adoption appeared to be a sad necessity. We were sure that we were the right family for these children who had lost so much.

We were thrilled when we were granted Legal Guardianship of the children October 28th, and contacted the US Embassy in Uganda to begin the process of gaining visas for the children so they could immigrate to the US with us and we could finalize their adoptions (this is the way Uganda's international adoption system works).

We spent a total of eight weeks in Uganda as a family. Trips to the grocery store, baths, books, fights, soccer, cuddling, working on attachment and bonding, talking about our lives in the US, Skyping with family at home, coloring, cooking, learning to love each other, all out of our element. A family.

When the Embassy did their orphan investigation (as is required by the type of visa we were requesting for the children), they discovered fraud in The Biggies' "histories." They were unable to approve visas for the children based on this, and our case was referred to the field office in Nairobi, Kenya. We would be given the opportunity to appeal the denial through mail correspondence with Nairobi.

We were shocked. We made arrangements for the children to stay with a foster family in Uganda. We explained to them that people had lied and we would not be able to bring them to the US. We said goodbye. It was the hardest day of my life. It is still very difficult to even type this out. My husband, 2-year-old and myself boarded a plane for the long flight home, without Winnie and Richard.

Upon coming home, I began "investigating" based on what the Embassy had found, and was sick to find out the fraud was rampant and involved just about everyone in Winnie and Richard's life. We knew we would be able to appeal, and we still had a chance to bring them here, as we now knew more than the Embassy appeared to. But we also found out that some other adoptive families kept warning signs to themselves. Other people were more concerned with getting their own children home that kept quiet; were afraid to rock the boat. Knowing what a difference they could have made in our children's lives, my husband and I knew we could not be a part of this. We could not appeal to bring Winnie and Richard here. Heartbroken as we were, we knew we could not fight a battle we did not believe in. We made the agonizing decision to not appeal.

Our attorney assured us that our Legal Guardianship was still valid until anyone challenged it. So with that in mind we researched schools in Uganda, and with the help of a few people on the ground, were able to get The Biggies enrolled at an excellent boarding school in Uganda. We miss them every day but are trying desperately to give them a better life in Uganda.

We are trying to pick up the pieces of our broken little family. Our son asks for them every day. He cries. I cry. It has been the most heartbreaking time of our lives. We get to speak to the children every week or two, but it is difficult to have a good conversation, as they haven't spent much time on the phone, and are a little confused by it. Richard told me a few weeks ago, "Mama, when I remember you, I cry." I couldn't have put it better myself. It has been such a tough road, but we still feel strongly that we are making the right decision for everyone.

All this is to say, we had planned on being finished having children. This was to be our family of five. We acquired debt to pay for this "adoption." In anticipation of being a larger family we bought a minivan, and will have payments for several more years. We will not be able to claim them as dependents, will not be able to take advantage of tax write-offs since we did not finalize here in the US. There is also the cost of their tuition, school clothes and sundries, as well as foster care expenses for during the breaks for the next 9 years for Winnie, and 11 years for Richard. We are committed to sponsoring Winnie and Richard in their schooling and fostering costs until they reach adulthood. We just aren't sure how realistic it is to take on such costs long term if we would like to have more children some day, so we have started a fundraiser to help cover some of the costs over the coming years. We are reaching out for help from anyone willing to give it. If anyone would like to help, we will always update people on where their money is going.

2012-01-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

Quick fundraising update.

In four days we have raised $1595!!!!!

That's incredible.

We are so grateful for all of the support and love.

We still have a few t-shirts and necklaces left in our adoption store above.

We are $3405 away from our goal. And 32 days away from getting on that plane.

Click here to help bring the twins home!!!

5k in 35 days!!!

2012-01-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

35 days until we leave!!!

The time has finally come.

We are going to meet the twins.

We want to thank you all so much for all of your support over the last year. We couldn't have walked this road alone.

We are so very close to our financial goal of bringing the twins home.

5k away!!

That is a large amount to think about. But we know that it's not impossible.
God has paved the way for this adoption every step of the way.

Please help us spread the word about this opportunity to join our team.

Click here to help bring the twins home!!!

Happy Birthday Madison!!

2011-12-19T12:40:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate Madison.

8 years old!!!

She is driven. She is serious. She is helpful. She is honest. She is quiet in a crowd. She is thoughtful.

She's my shy little girl who let a lunchroom full of her friends sing happy birthday to her, just to make her mama smile.

We love you Madi!!!

My baby is 5!!!!

2011-12-14T12:17:00.000-05:00

Today I celebrate Vivian.

She is 5!!!!!

She is a mess. She is opinionated. She is loud. She is smart. She talks, A LOT. She is hysterical. She is my starbucks budy while her sisters are at school. She has totally made her place in our family.

We love you Sweet!!!

Merry Christmas Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Support Staff

2011-12-13T09:43:00.002-05:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the folks at

Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Support Staff

a very Merry Christmas from Megan!!

Megan has donated to our adoption fund on your behalf.

Alicia
Ann
Becca
Bethany
Cindy
Charlene
Cheryl
Debbie
Donna G
Donna W
Janice
Jeanne
Judy
Karen
Laura
Linda
Paige
Pat
Rhonda

You have helped us get a little closer to bringing our twins home from Africa.

THANK YOU!!!!

My first born

2011-12-08T11:58:00.002-05:00

Today I celebrate my oldest daughter.

15 years old.

How does that happen?

One day you have a little baby and the next, you have a young lady.

She is spunky. She is an artist. She is a great singer. She is outgoing. She is loving. She is beautiful.

We love you Mackenzie!!

The princess by Leah

2011-11-28T17:44:00.001-05:00

It is precious to me to see how adoption is affecting our whole family.

Leah is 6 and wrote this at school.....

On the home strech

2011-11-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

Between donations and grants, we have now raised over 18k towards our adoption!!

Can I get an AMEN!!!!!!

We are getting very close to our goal. To say that we are shocked, amazed, humbled and overwhelmed would be a complete understatement.

We are about 6k away from being completely ready to travel. I can't even believe we are saying that.

One way that we are working towards the rest of that goal, is by selling beautiful Uganda beaded jewelry. We have gotten a new shipment and have lots of different items to choose from. Multi-colored, solid-colored, short lengths, long lengths, and even a few pairs of earrings.

Please share this post with anyone you think would be interested.

THANK YOU!!!

Long, multi-colored, thin beads (13 necklaces pictured)
$20 each (Includes US Shipping)

12 necklaces pictured
Solid colored, large beads, medium length
$20 each

#1 on the left- Long length (could be wrapped 2 or 3x)
#2 on the right- Double stranded, long length
$20 each

4 necklaces pictured
Long length (could be wrapped 2 or 3x)
$20 each

2 necklaces pictured
3 strands each, short length
$20 each

2 necklaces pictured
$20 each

3 necklaces pictured
solid colored, short length
$20 each

5 pairs of earrings
$10 each

To purchase just click on the button below and put your choice and your address in the note section. Please email me @ thebrownbrigade @ gmail.com (no spaces) if you have any questions.

Thank you!!!!

Panic

2011-11-16T19:54:00.001-05:00

I am just going to put this out there because I could really use some prayer.

I have an irrational panic about getting the twins' room ready or buying them anything or packing, etc.

Basically anything related to actually bringing them to our home makes me panic.

Literally.

I have this physical feeling that comes over me and I feel almost paralyzed.

I know it's ridiculous.

But it's the truth.

Here I sit, 18 months into the adoption process and I am not packed. The room is not ready. Their clothes are not bought/washed/put away. None of it.

We could get the call any day!

What am I doing? What's the problem?

The only thing I can pinpoint is the fact that I have buried my child. I know the heartache that parents should not know. My only son. I have taken the crib down after not bringing the baby home from the hospital.

And I guess this is scary in a similar way.

What if?

It's miserable really to think about them never coming "home."

So my friends, I need your prayers.

I have got to get things in order in my house and get ready for the call to come.

I have got to put the "what ifs" out of my head and press on.

I have got to put the joy in front of the fear and really enjoy this time of preparing.

Thank you for your support and your prayers!

Thankful for..........

2011-11-05T09:18:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for.......

Fall colors

Friends who love the "real" me

For our church

COFFEE!!!!

Y'all have a great weekend. :)

Thankful for the tough stuff

2011-11-04T08:11:00.000-05:00

Having children that live in another part of the world and not being able to get to them is one of the hardest things I have ever experienced.

I can't sugar coat it.

I vividly remember a few years ago when I was talking to adoptive mom and just not understanding how she could love kids that she hadn't met.

She missed them and included them in her everyday conversations.

God had already stirred my heart for adoption, but I didn't "get" it.

Now I do.

This is tough, tough stuff. And there are days when I don't feel so thankful for the trials. There are days when I want to run away from what God has called me to do. There are days when I think, I can't walk another step in this.

It's too hard.

And those are the days that God shows me once again, that He is faithful through it all.

Last week I was having a particularly ugly day. And a friend from our adoption board shared a message with me. Please take about 8 min and watch this. It was just the push I needed to keep going and remember that God is in this. These are HIS children.

A huge Christmas Anncouncement

2011-11-02T19:50:00.000-05:00

I have mentioned here before how much we love the work that Sixty Feet does in Uganda. They are regular ole people just like us whose eyes have been opened to the imprisoned children there.

Imprisoned Children.

Two words that should not be in the same sentence.

God has done some awesome things in the last two years in the lives of these children.

And this is the biggest thing yet!!!

So please go over my crazy friend's blog and check the HUGE announcement tonight.

Redirecting Christmas

Thankful

2011-11-01T20:09:00.008-05:00

Today I am thankful for my husband.

I know I drive him crazy sometimes!

But he is patient, kind, loving, helpful, and crazy enough to love me and join me on this crazy ride that is our life.

Highs and Lows

2011-10-24T08:35:00.003-05:00

A lot of nights at dinner we do Highs and Lows.

Highs of the day and Lows of the day.

Sometimes they are funny.

Sometimes they are serious.

Sometimes we have to help the littles comb through their brain to remember the events of the day.

It's a really neat way to hear about the day without the typical, "How was your day?" question. Any of us with children know that we are going to get the answer, "Fine."

Things have been quiet here on the blog. And honestly I don't have a lot to say.

So I thought I would do the Highs and Lows of my life right now.

High: We are all healthy.

High: Everyone made all A's and B's on their report cards.

High: We have had some really fun, fall field trips at school.

High: We have made some yummy fall treats.

Apple Nacho Recipe:

4 large Granny Smith apples, sliced

35 large marshmallows

1/4 cup butter

35 caramels

1 Tbsp evaporated milk (or half and half)

1/4 cup peanuts

1/4 cup mini semi-sweet morsels

2 Tbsp chocolate syrup

Slice apples and arrange on platter.

In saucepan, melt marshmallows and butter until creamy. Set aside.

In microwave dish, melt caramels with milk (cooking in 30 second intervals, and stirring). Set aside.

Pour marshmallow cream over apple slices, followed by caramel sauce. Drizzle chocolate syrup and sprinkle with peanuts and mini chocolate morsels. Serve immediately and enjoy!

And our dossier is in Ug@nda!!!!!

And now for the lows.....

Low: A lot of days, this is what my trash can looks like...

The folks in my home don't seem to see when it's full and they keep shoving and/or placing items next to it. I may or may not be graceful as I clean up behind them.

Low: We have had a couple of really disappointing weeks in the adoption process. We sent our dossier in hopes of filing for a court date really soon. I put my trip on hold because we thought we might get a date in early Nov. Three families from our agency got court dates about a week and a half ago and we thought we going to be next. And then just a few days later, we found out that there will be no more dates given until after the first of the year.

Low: Having to answer the question "If God loves the twins, then why do they have to stay in the orphanage for another three months?"

Low: We are going through some trials that are difficult.

But I want to end on a high....

I trust God.

Period.

And even though it's difficult to endure this and difficult to answer those questions, I still KNOW this is good. Good teachable moments for my children. Good opportunities for me to TRUST.

A Psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the defense of my life;

Whom shall I dread?

² When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,

My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

³ Though a host encamp against me,

My heart will not fear;

Though war arise against me,

In spite of this I shall be confident.

Obedience

2011-09-29T10:56:00.000-05:00

I believe as Christians, sometimes we are given situations where God simply wants obedience.

No questions asked, just do it.

That happened to us this week.

On the way home from the beach on Sun, I had a talk with my hubby.

I told him that I had been praying and asking God what should I do while I am waiting.

And the answer I got on Sun was, "GO!"

I thought for sure when I told hubby this he would laugh.

After all, who does that.

Who takes an extra trip to Africa during their adoption process? Who leaves their 4 children at home and disrupts regular life without having to? Who spends 2k on a trip to Africa when they are saving every penny to adopt?

But you know what he said when I told him?

He said, "Go."

He wanted me to obey God and was willing to do whatever it took.

Monday was a really hard day. Coming back to real life. And the reality that weeks and weeks had passed with no news. And this burden on my heart to "Go."

It's scary to think about going to Africa without my hubby.

I prayed and asked God to make it crystal clear. Hit me over the head please!

I sent an email to my friend who might know of others traveling to Africa. This would be my first mission trip and my first international flight. I most definitely didn't want to go alone.

Within a couple of hours, she responded and said that two ladies were heading out soon and I could travel with them if I could get on their flight.

Very soon. As in 14 DAYS!!!!

Ok Lord, you said Go, and I am going.

There's room left on the flight!

I put it on hold waiting for the ok from the orphanage.

My mother in law is called in to action to help with the kids.

I start making plans to get vaccinated.

I start a shopping list.

Then, less than 24 hours after deciding to obey and "Go".........

We got a call that our paperwork that we have waited 10 weeks for is ready!!!!!!

We could have a court date as early as beginning of Nov.

I don't believe this is a coincidence. I believe that God was asking us to obey.

Without questions, without protesting.

Just obey.

And God has put that "Go" on hold for now, until we get the call that we can go meet our babies.

Downtime

2011-09-27T10:27:00.001-05:00

We had a break from school last week, so we hit the beach

We had really weighed out taking a vacation this year. We are saving every penny to get the twins home and weren't really sure if we should do it or not. The Lord provided some friends to go with us and share the cost, so we took one last vacation as a family of 6.

It was the best one yet!!!

We woke early to take pictures on the beach.

We played at the pool.

We got tattoos.

We enjoyed the quiet.

We read great books on the beach.

And above all, we enjoyed God's creation.

Thank you Jesus for providing the rest and connection that our family needed.

Strong Enough

2011-09-26T14:18:00.001-05:00

We just came back from vacation yesterday. We had a wonderful, relaxing time together. I will post some pictures soon.

But today it's back to reality.

And my reality is that I have two children who live in an orphanage in Africa.

Our adoption is at a stand still. No movement for 10 weeks now.

To say that I am sad would be a gross understatement.

I am breaking at the seams.

I told my friend today that I haven't blogged lately because I have nothing good to say.

I don't.

I am not strong enough to do this.

And I was in tears today when this song came on the radio.

What a precious song for my soul today.

I am not strong enough to do this. But HE is and HE has called me to keep walking.

I know so many friends who are going through hard, hard times. Please let this encourage your soul today.

Wherever you are, HE is there, carrying you.

Love is worth waiting for

2011-09-13T23:23:00.000-05:00

That's my thought for today.

The waiting is hard.

Ok, it's unbearable at times.

Paralyzing even.

I have never felt so helpless in my whole life.

Even when we were fighting for Jacob's life, at least we felt like we were in the fight.

There are no words some days for how this feels.

Which is why there are no blog posts.

but......... there is LOVE.

Love for these children.

Love for each other.

Love for God.

Love for His plan.

And so we wait...........

Courageous

2011-08-29T09:10:00.001-05:00

Hubalicious and I had an awesome date night with some friends this weekend.

We went to the premier of Courageous.

Talk about a call to action.

Tissues are a good idea.

You must see this movie!

Anonymous

2011-08-28T14:04:00.001-05:00

We got an unbelievable email this week.

The folks at Promise 686 emailed us to let us know about a donation that had come in for our account.

A $5000.00 donation.

Yes, that's 5 THOUSAND dollars!!!

Immediately, I emailed back to ask who gave it. I wanted to know who to thank.

It was an anonymous donation.

We hope to show our thanks by being obedient. By continuing down this road even when it gets difficult. To obey and follow God even when it doesn't make sense. To be patient and rest in God's timing.

And above all to thank God for being the author of this awesome story.

As of late.....

2011-08-18T20:28:00.001-05:00

As of late...... I have decided to join a women's bible study. I am really excited because it has been about 3 years since I have been involved in one. There's nothing quite like unpacking God's word with other ladies. And the fact that it's while the older kids are in school and there's child care for the youngest, well that's just icing on the cake.

As of late......I have really been praying about how I can help the folks in my life "get" what we're doing. When God lights a fire in your soul, you will burst if you don't share it.

As of late...... I am getting very nervous about leaving my children when we go to Africa. I know God's in control. I know they will be fine. I know that they understand why we're going. Even so, I have never left them for more than a couple of days and I am having to work through all of that.

As of late......I have made a commitment to learn how to use our SLR camera. We have had it since Dec and I don't know anything about it. I want to take some beautiful pictures of the twins homeland, so I am diving in.

As of late...... I am seeing what a spiritual battle adoption is. With every bit of progress, Satan is upping the heat. This is not for wimps.

So, what about you? What's happening in your heart?

Feel free to link up to As of Late, over at Critty Joy's As of Late

Flitterbugs fundraiser extended!!!

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already, please check out this blogger friend of mine who is serving us through a fundraiser.

She's such a blessing to us. Their story, is part of ours. I found her blog late one night and saw that they had adopted twins through our domestic agency last year. It was her story that prompted us to pray about opening up our hearts to a boy AND A GIRL. I made my hubby watch their video and we contacted our agency the next day to tell them that we would love boy/girl twins. Later that week, we saw pictures from across the world of boy/girl twins who needed a family.

She began sewing to fund her adoption and has continued to sew to help families raise money for missions and adoptions.

She has decided that it's time to hang up the needle for a while, so you should get these great outfits while you still can.

Through the weekend, she will be donating 80% of her profits to our adoption.

Flitterbugs Fundraiser

2011-08-17T20:19:00.002-05:00

I am linking up over at Storing up Treasures. She is doing a series called Fo Realz.

Blogging for real life.

I am loud. I am passionate. My family knows where I stand. So do my neighbors. Lol but seriously I am not a quiet, humble little wife and momma. I am more like a loud bull in a china shop. I am fiery and fierce. Mostly in a good way. Not always. But I am working on it.

Edited to add some examples:

My voice travels, a lot. So when we need the girls, I always call them. My hubby will call me from what I am doing just to call them for him.

I am passionate about everything. It's not uncommon to see me crying or semi-yelling about something I care about. Sometimes my kids think I am upset with them when I truly am not. I am really trying to work on that.

I embarrass my husband at restauants. I am just loud. So I will be talking about something and my voice will start carrying. As I get more involved, my voice gets louder. And I used to get upset when he would shush me because I felt like he wasn't listening. But really he didn't want everyone in the place to be listening.

In my defense, my family is loud too. When you get us all together, you need earplugs. Lol

They have changed me

2011-08-17T08:47:00.001-05:00

8 months ago I saw their faces for the first time.

I thought they were the most beautiful brown faces I had ever seen.

I imagined how it would be for them to be a part of our family.

I couldn't wait for them to have a better life, one where they have a mommy and a daddy and sisters.

I imagined how much their lives would change.

What I didn't realize was, without even having met them yet, how much they would change mine.

Want a new camera?

2011-08-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

Check out an awesome giveaway for an awesome cause.

Help bring make a precious boy an orphan no more!

Beautiful, custom dresses for a cause

2011-08-12T07:45:00.001-05:00

From now through Wed, my friend Julie is donating 80% of her profits to our adoption. So please hop over to her blog and check out all of her beautiful creations.

Flitterbugs for the Browns

Here is a sample of the cute outfits she makes.

The good, the hard, and the need

2011-08-11T08:43:00.006-05:00

Let's get the "hard" out of the way.

The last few months have been weighty. We are weary at times. I know that's not what I am "supposed" to say, but it's the truth. We both have had days where we are anxious and question if we should be pressing on.

And then time and again, AWESOME things happen. "God things" that show us we are right where we were meant to be.

So here's the deal..........

We found out about 18 month old boy/girl twins at the end of Jan who live in a baby home in Africa.

We were told that they were "waiting" children and that all the paperwork would be done in a matter of weeks and then we could travel to bring them home.

In reality, their case was more complicated and it took over 7 months to investigate their lives to be sure that international adoption would be the best thing for them.

In June, we found out that they are probably 6 months younger than what we originally thought. We think they are about 18 months old now.

The Good

We have been praying for someone to stay with our kids when we are gone. We have had folks offer to take a kid here or there, but what we really wanted was for someone to come in and live in our house and keep all four together. PRAYER ANSWERED!!!
We have been fundraising through yard sales, donations and selling t-shirts, coffee and necklaces. And we have raised $6,424!!!!
About three weeks ago, we got "the call" that the paperwork is done, we are officially matched with them and we can now petition the court for a court date where we will ask to be their legal guardians. We will then finalize the adoption here in the US when we get home.

The Need

Stand with us in prayer.

I know this goes without saying, but we would ask that you prayer specifically for some things.

For the twins' health and safety.
That the paperwork to be done quickly so that we can get a court date soon. We hope to go by the end of the year.
For the process to move quickly once we are in the country. We are told to expect to be there 4-6 weeks. One of us will be staying for the duration and one of us will likely come home in between and then travel back to help with the plane ride home.
For the twins to attach to us quickly and easily
For the girls to have peace while we are away and in the transition when we bring the twins home
For the rest of the funds that we need to make this happen. This is a difficult thing to discuss. It's very humbling to ask for help. But the truth is that we can't do this alone.

How to help financially

We need to raise about 13k more to get the twins home. This includes our agency cost, our travel, transportation and housing while in country, visa fees, etc.

There are several ways to help.

Promise 686 has offered us a matching grant up to 6k and your donation is tax-deductible.

You can mail a check to :

Promise 686, Inc.
3600 River Ferry Dr.
Alpharetta GA 30022
Please be sure to put "Brown" in the memo line

You can also donate online on the side bar of our blog.

We also have lots of items for sale in our adoption store.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.

Only 5 left!!

2011-08-09T07:23:00.000-05:00

We have 5 Ugandan necklaces left

$20 shipped in the US

The story behind the beads

Is facebook evil?

2011-08-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about this lately, so when I saw this, I decided to link up.

We have had a great sermon series going on at church lately called "The Shocking Statements of Jesus."

I have loved it and been quite convicted by some things it has brought to light.

One of the things the pastor mentioned when we got to Matt 18:8, "If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire," was Face Book.

I love Face book. It helps me stay connected with family and friends. It gives me opportunities to pray for people who post their needs. It has connected me with folks from across the country and the world who I would not have otherwise known. It offers me a way of encouragement by having friends who I know will pray for me.

But the sermon helped me to look at it when new eyes.

Facebook can really bring out the worst in people.

Did you know that one study says that 1 in 5 divorce settlements blame face book for marital problems?

Is this because fb is evil? No, that would be us.

Should we avoid it at all costs? Maybe, but I don't think that's what Jesus was saying.

But I do think it can lead to destruction, just as anything can, if you aren't careful.

So here are some steps that I take to try to safeguard against that.

1. Being careful with whom I am associated with:

Just as with "real life" friendships, you will be influenced by those you befriend. Lots of times, that's a great thing. But I will hide or defriend those who are causing me to stumble. For me, it's not wise to see daily updates from my high school sweetheart who is a successful business man who travels all over the world. It's also not wise for me to see statuses of those who are always putting their husbands down or complaining about their kids. Of course, there is grace for those who are struggling. That goes without saying. Discernment is huge here.

2. Be aware of what I post

On the same subject as above, I don't want to become the thorn in someone's side. My friends do not need to know every time I have a hangnail or one of my kids is ugly to me. I feel good about asking my friends to pray for me when I am struggling, but I don't want to be the clanging cymbal.

3. Keeping the green-eyed monster at bay

This one is so easy to fall into.

At any given time, lots of my friends seem like they have it GOING ON.

Their husbands are great. Their kids look perfect in those vacation pictures. No fires to put out over there!

It is easy to think about how great life is for them.

But they have real lives too. Struggles that we don't see. Hurt, despair, sickness, sadness.

Just. Like. Us.

When that ugly monster tries to rear it's head, we must remember...

1 Cor 13:4 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Take the opportunity right then and there to thank the Lord for the blessings in their lives. And ours!

4. Accountability

This one is more recent for me. My hubby doesn't have a face book, so for a long time he knew nothing of my friends or my posts. I would tell him something funny here or there. But in the last 6 months (really since the adoption started moving) he has been logging on to see the goings on. Not in distrust, but really because he wanted to feel more connected with other adoptive families that I have met. The great thing about this, is that it offers me an added layer of accountability. And I didn't really think about needing that. But through the sermon series, I realized that God has used my hubby to protect me from danger. He has become a sounding board of sorts for me. Some times what someone posts can feel hurtful to me and cause me to get angry, but then he gives me a different perspective and helps me to see their heart. Or at times, he has told me that something I have written sounds different than what I intended.

5. Limiting

This one is a biggie for me too. This girl likes to veg out on blogs or face book. Especially since we decided to adopt. I never get tired of reading about adoption or helping orphans. But there has to be a balance. I have four kiddos, a husband, a house to run, etc and I don't need to be stuck online. So again, I have asked the hubster to hold me accountable and I limit myself. My three oldest are in school, so I have made a commitment to them not to be on the computer when they get home. Or my phone, because that's even easier to hop on "real quick." I try to be as disconnected from electronics as possible in the evening when we are all hanging out.

Bye Bye Summer

2011-08-02T21:31:00.002-05:00

Yes, we're a little sad.

We only get 8 short weeks.

But we packed it in!

Library storytime

Pool parties

Karate tournament

Cow day at Chick-fil-A

Summer Reading

Tubing at the lake with friends

Family movie night
Playdates
Sleepovers

Bowling

Planting flowers

Sprayground

Quick Trip drinks

Rascal Flatts date night

REFERRAL!!!!!

And of course, some classic Brigade moments....

Driving two hours to not be able to find the store we were looking for, but being given an opportunity to pray for tornado victims when we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of the destruction.

Having a "clean out the garage day" and welcoming a 40ft trailer down the driveway as we passed it all forward.

Yes, we had a great, relaxing, fun summer.

And now it's back to school snacks courtesy of the best neighbors anyone could ever dream of......

Complete with a scrapbook page to make while we wait for the babies, and a box of Psalms to get us through.

Hope y'all had a great summer!!!

Simply Love and Man Up for orphans!!!

2011-07-29T21:50:00.000-05:00

We have still got some shirts to sell!

If we sell the rest of the shirts we have, we will have enough $$ for the visas we will need to bring these babies home.

If you're like I was before I embarked on this crazy ride, you might be wondering, "What would I do with an Africa t-shirt?"

I have the answer.

You can wear it and remember to pray for the children there.

Pray for our babies while they wait.

You can pray for those who don't have a family yet.

You can pray for those who never will.

And you can share the need to pray with others!

Because folks will be curious about your shirt.

And when they ask, the floodgates of the gospel will open up as you share with them why Christians should care for orphans.

Adoption Store

Please share this on your blog or your facebook page.

Thank you so much for all of your support!!!

It's Official!!!!!

2011-07-26T10:52:00.001-05:00

"You're their family."

Those are the words that we have been waiting to hear for 6 1/2 months.

And they finally came.

We have received the referral for the twins.

The next step is to send all of our documents to Ug@nda and then our attorney will file for a court date.

The "expected" timeline is 2-4 months from now until court.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and your encouragement.

This could be the week

2011-07-19T19:36:00.000-05:00

This week marks 26 weeks that we have been looking at precious pictures of the babies without an official referral. For those of you in the adoption world, you know that this is uncommon. Usually if the kids are "waiting' there is very little wait time for an actual referral.

We trust God's timing, but I would be lying if I said we weren't anxious, weary, tired, sad, and beyond ready to hear the words "You're matched with these children!!!"

We are told that everything is done and we are just waiting on someone to email someone with one final piece of paper. Once this happens, we will still wait. But it will be different. When we become "officially" matched, the baby home will start showing our pictures to the kids and letting them listen to the story book with our voices that we made for them. We will 'hopefully' get regular updates and new photos during the rest of the wait.

So please pray that this will be resolved quickly and that we will get "The Call" about the babies that we have been waiting for.

How undeserving

2011-07-14T22:05:00.000-05:00

are we???

"I am the nail in your wrist, but you love me anyway."

You love me anyway, Sidewalk Prophets

We are weak.

We are wrong.

We are ugly.

We are wicked.

We are selfish.

We are unworthy

source

And He loves us anyway!!

Oh Lord, teach me to love others the way that you love me.

Typical day in the life....

2011-07-10T12:51:00.000-05:00

This is how we roll around here.

We need a desk for our room. One way that we are accommodating two more children is to turn our office into a bedroom. So, we need a small desk to put our computer in our bedroom. I would like to find something old/vintage/funky. I went to a couple of antique stores on Sat but I totally struck out.

source

I have a friend who told me about a great antique store in Ringgold and I had mentioned it to the man a while back. He got a wild hair after church on Sun, and decided we would take a road trip. I did mention to him that it may not be open on Sundays. I also mentioned that I didn't know exactly where it was or even the name of it and I couldn't find it online. But he thought we would be fine without any of that info.

He takes the girls to Chattanooga a couple of times a year, and he was sure that Ringgold is about an hour from our house. So we borrowed our neighbors trailer and headed off.

Just for any of you in the area, Ringgold is not an hour from us. It's more like almost 2 hours. Even if you know the name of the where you're going, none of the antique store are open on Sun. And Ringgold sustained quite a bit of damage from a tornado that hit back in April. So if you decide to drive two hours to an antique store that's closed, there will be no where to stop and eat.

Just some facts you may want to know. ;)

Life

2011-07-08T22:20:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart."

Psalm 139:13
"You created my innermost being. You knit me together in my mothers womb."

Psalm 127:3
"Children are a heritage from the Lord."

Children are a blessing.

Today I am not talking about having a bunch of kids.

I am not talking about the offensive comments you get when you have more than what's "typical."

I am talking about life.

It's a precious gift God has given us.

Period.

I watched as our nation was outraged by the Casey Anthony trial.

How dare they find her innocent?

How could a mother act like she did when their child had died, especially if it truly was at her own hand?

Our country was horrified.

As they should be.

Based on the details that I have heard, there was no earthly justice for this child.

But how many people would have been horrified had she decided to terminate her pregnancy?

Would our nation have been outraged?

Would we have wept over a precious life?

In 2008, the year sweet Caley died, 1.2 million babies were also killed.

We absolutely need to mourn the death of this precious life that was snatched away at such a young, vulnerable age.

And as a nation, we need to regard ALL life just as precious.

How are you growing in your faith?

2011-07-07T06:41:00.002-05:00

Jesus' response to empty words

Is your life conforming to the image of Christ?

I love this devotion for today.

How easy is it for Christians to look like the world?

We need to be constantly conforming to be more like HIM and less like the world.

Where we are in the process......

2011-07-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry to have gone so long without an update.

Things have been happening but they have been hard to talk about, so we haven't said a lot.

Over the last several months, the folks at our agency have been investigating the twins lives. Trying to determine if international adoption is the best things for them. They have talked with their relatives to see if there's any way that they can go home.

There isn't.

So we are expecting the official paperwork any day now.

The next step is to send mountains of paperwork over to the attorney and then they will file for a court date.

The best estimate is for us to be traveling sometime in late fall.

Please, please keep praying.

Why does adoption take so long?

2011-07-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

I get asked this question often.

And I think it every day.

This is a great post by a fellow waiting mama.

Why does it take so long?

My take

2011-06-23T11:21:00.001-05:00

Christians should put up or shut up

I posted this article yesterday, but I believe it deserves another post.

I have been really pondering it and praying about how I feel about this article.

This is a really touchy subject.

Most of my family and friends are Christians.

And most have not adopted.

Most of them feel like it's a great thing that we are doing. And are very supportive.

But most will never go on to adopt.

A lot have thought about it.

But there are reasons why they either can't or wont.

I don't want to get up on a soapbox and declare that you aren't "christian enough" if you don't adopt. I don't think that way at all.

But I do want to bring light to this.

Christians are called to care for orphans and widows.

Period.

We are all called.

And there are many ways to do that.

One is adoption.

Christians should consider it.

Pray and ask God if adoption is a way that you can obey the command to care.

Something to think about....

2011-06-22T09:07:00.003-05:00

An interesting article,

Christians should put up or shut up......

What do you think?

The forgotten fathers

2011-06-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

As we celebrated the special daddy in our house today, I was hit with a thought.

We have a special day for Daddy's. We make them breakfast, we give them gifts, we praise them.....

My sweet hubby with the girls and friends on Easter

But I believe that we easily forget some of men we most need to honor.

What about the dads whose children live in heaven?

What about the dads who are waiting for their children to come home through adoption?

What about the other half of the infertile couple who is desperately longing to be a daddy?

We are quick to support the women in these situations.

But because of their tough exterior, sometimes we gloss over these special daddies.

We can't forget these daddies.

We need to reach out and honor them.

Even if it's just a word of acknowledgement.

To my hubby today.....

"I am so thankful for you. And I know that's its difficult not to have all of your children here with you for Father's Day. I know you long for the day you will see your first born son again. I know that you long for the day when you have all of your children under one roof instead of across an ocean.

I love you and I am praying for you."

Simply Love and Man Up for orphans!!!

2011-06-17T09:22:00.001-05:00

We now have these in stock and ready to ship!!!

$25 shipped

Click here to order

Featured at Filled With Praise

2011-06-13T08:13:00.000-05:00

We are being featured today at Filled With Praise!!

This is a precious adoptive momma who has a heart for adoptive families who are raising money for their adoption.

Every week she features a different family, and today it's us!!

Class of 2011

2011-06-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

This post is to honor the graduates of 2011.

Especially the one in our family.

We are heading to Boston tomorrow to celebrate my youngest sister's high school graduation.

I have to brag a little because she is graduating with honors and will be going to a great college on a swim scholarship.

Go Erica!!!

We are so proud of all of your hard work

source

Vote for The Brown Brigade.

I refuse

2011-06-07T10:06:00.000-05:00

Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

-I refuse, by Josh Wilson

Please vote for The Brown Brigade

2011-06-06T14:10:00.000-05:00

Try coffee from around the world and support our adoption!!

Just Love Coffee is running a special promotion for fundraising families for the month of June. We have the opportunity to earn and extra $130 in funds!!! Please check out all of the different varieties. Even organic!

Coffee

Please vote for The Brown Brigade!!!

The top 25

2011-06-05T06:27:00.001-05:00

There's a contest going on.

The top 25 adoption blogs.

Our goal is to raise awareness for orphans, get folks involved and get our babies home at the same time.

So the favor is, please vote for The Brown Brigade.

Every day from now through June 21st, you can vote. Once a day. Just a few seconds of your time.

And please tell your friends. Facebook about it, tweet, blog, etc

The perfect Father's Day present!!!!

2011-06-01T07:13:00.001-05:00

Man up for Father's Day!!

$25 shipped within the US

MAN UP!!!!

Ugandan Necklaces $20 shipped!!!

2011-05-29T19:36:00.003-05:00

We are selling beaded necklaces from Uganda!

The beautiful beads are handcrafted by the women of Uganda.

The length offers a double necklace or you can wrap it to make a bracelet.

No two are alike!

$20 shipped within the US

The last week!!

2011-05-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

This is the last week of school!!!

I am so ready for my kiddos to be at home just hanging out with me.

That is all for now. :)

As of late

2011-05-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

I am joining up over @ Critty Joy for As of Late

Lately I am ready to meet my children in Africa more than ever.

Lately I am learning that it's not my job to educate the world on negative adoption or "large family" comments. That's between them and the Holy Spirit.

Lately I love my husband more than ever. My life with him just keeps getting better and better

Lately I am D.O.N.E with school. I want my children home for the summer!!!

Lately I am struck with just how much God loves me. I don't know why He would choose rotten me, but He did and I am so grateful!!

Lately I am actively ignoring the fact that I will have a child in HIGH SCHOOL in the fall. Heart failure!!

Check out our fundraising opportunities

2011-05-14T18:59:00.001-05:00

source

We have several fundraisers going on!!

Please take a look and see how you can be involved with bringing our children home!!

Thank you so much for supporting us in this journey.

Shopping For Adoption

My week in review

2011-05-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

High: I just once again have to brag on my hubby. He has gotten very busy over the last couple of weeks with work. He is a very involved husband and father. He doesn't really have hobbies outside of our family. He loves being with us. It's quite normal for him to wash dishes, make lunches and have a kid (or three) in his lap at all times. And I know it's very difficult for him to miss out on what's going on here at home. And "being gone" means riding around in a hot, sweaty truck with no ac and manual labor for 12-14 hours a day. It's no walk in the park. Thank you babe!!

Not the best quality, but this was daddy/daughter night at Chick-fil-A a few months ago. My oldest daughter is behind the camera. I was at an adoption retreat so he got them all ready and took them by himself.

Lows:
More like U G L Y!!!!!
I hit a wall this week.
I was OVER IT!!!
As a fellow adoptive mom described it, I was at a place called adoption burnout. The ~~not so~~ funny thing was that she posted that on the same day as my meltdown. At least I was in good company. I called and ~~blubbered like a fool~~ spoke to our adoption coordinator who was very supportive and understanding. She, herself is an adoptive mom from this sweet country in Africa and experience a lot of the same heart ache we are facing.
The good news is that it brought me to my knees and I was completely fine the next day.

Lesson learned: It's ok to not like this sometimes. "This" being whatever you're going through. For us it's the not knowing what our life will look like in 6 months. It may be an illness or a broken relationship or a wayward child. The point is that God's grace covers it all. He hasn't forgotten about us or the sweet children that wait for us in Africa. Nor has He left you to walk whatever trial you are walking, alone. We are not alone. He is carrying us through. We do not see the whole picture, but He does because He wrote the story.

l

Old married couple

2011-05-12T19:16:00.000-05:00

The hubster and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage this year.

Pray that he remembers. haha

I have been pondering all things marriage lately. And I thought I would share some of our story.

In our first year of marriage we moved across the country, cared for ailing grandparents (basically parents,) went through a very difficult pregnancy complete with a month long hospital stay for me, and planned three funerals, one of whom was our first born son. It was a very rough year.

God was faithful to keep us binded together over the next few years as we went on to start our own business, move a few more times, have three more babies, deal with postpartum depression, lose everything we owned for our business due to theft, etc., etc.

Life happened.

Probably around year 7, we hit a bit of a rough patch. I think that was about the time that the living crisis to crisis wore off and we looked at each other and thought, "Who are you?"

There were no "major" issues, we just realized that we had really neglected some very important things...

Each other.

The enemy loves that friends!

He gets great pleasure out of watching us neglect our most important earthly relationship.

I know we are all busy. We have lots of irons in the fire and things calling us in all different directions.

And then there are the kids....

Children are such blessings. But we have to remember that those blessings are made to leave us one day. They are temporary blessings.

Sure, we will still be a part of their lives when they are grown, but in a very different way.

Your relationship with your husband is permanent.

We have to be diligent to date our husbands. To spend time one-on-one with them. Find out what's going on with them and how we can give our input.

We also need to find a fun outlet. Ours is college football and concerts.

I know it's tough to "find time." You aren't going to find it. You have to make it.

An awesome pastor and friend always said, "Date weekly, depart monthly."

Realistically, we can't do that. But it's not at all uncommon for us to have a "home date." The kids go to bed early and we watch a movie or just hang out and talk. It doesn't have to elaborate.

This is a battle friends. Satan doesn't want happily, married couples.

Fight back!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T00:16:00.000-05:00

No news is good news?

2011-05-09T21:29:00.007-05:00

I don't know if I agree with that or not.

But right now, it doesn't really matter if I agree or not.

That's the deal.

No news.

And we are resting in His timing.

Honestly. We really are.

That's not to say that I don't check my email 10 million times a day.

But we really do trust God that His timing is perfect.

In the meantime, we will just keep praying them home.

The dangers of the internet and cell phones

2011-05-06T23:59:00.000-05:00

I talked in my post yesterday about an internet "situation" that we recently had. I want to dig deeper with that.

I think there are many things that we can do to keep our kids (and ourselves!) safe on the internet. If your kids are using the computer, you must safeguard it. Google has a safe search feature that you should keep on. We have had Norton Internet Security, which adds another layer of protection. You don't want them to search on something for school and instead get a eyeful of something inappropriate.

Another major issue is Facebook and texting. This is where the lines can get blurry and if we are not extremely careful, things can get really dangerous. If you choose to allow your child to have a fb page, you should be their friend and have their password. We repeatedly tell our children that anything that goes on with the computer or phone is not private. We have access and will check up regularly. That is not to trick them. It's to help them stay accountable and not slip into sin.

We don't allow our girls (right now only our oldest) to have private messaging of any kind with boys. Not because we are mean or don't think she notices boys. We have this layer of protection for her (and all of them one day) so that we can help her (and the boys) stay clear of sin. Private messaging, chatting or texting the opposite sex can lead to temptations that young teens are not ready to deal with. You wouldn't BELIEVE what goes on through texting and chatting on fb. Things can get out of hand very quickly.

You also have to monitor who they are "friending." It's very common for them to friend people they don't know. It can be very innocent. A friend of theirs knows the person, so they friend them. Or they meet them once and friend them. Once they have friended the person, that person has access to everything on their page. They will quickly find out a lot of information about your child.

We also have limits on texting and fb. There is no texting at home. Again, not because we are meanies. But because texting constantly takes away face time with your family. This is true for adults as well. So when she is at home, the phone is in the kitchen. We have limits on fb as well. In general, we keep an eye on how long she's been on it and try to help her not let it become addictive.

The thing about all of this, is that it is a lot of work for the parents. It can be quite time consuming. So you have got to take that into consideration when making the decision to allow fb or a cell phone. You can't simply hand them these communication options and never check in.

We are living in unprecedented times. Our children are being targeted and attacked by Satan in ways that we never were. And we need to be prepared and ready for battle. Communication with our kids is absolutely the key to keeping them safe. And if something slips by, as it did in our case this week, face it head on. Don't get angry. Be thankful that God brought it to light sooner rather than later. And use it as a teaching opportunity for you and your children.

My week in review

2011-05-06T06:56:00.000-05:00

I am linking up with Amy @ Filled With Praise for my week in review.

Huge blessings this week!
Our landscaping business is busy!! It's been very slow over the last couple of years and things are really picking up. It's a big change for all of us girls not to have our man around, but we are so thankful. He is really good at what he does, and it's such a blessing seeing him using his God given ability in a way that he loves.

Check out more of his work....His Scapes

Lows:We didn't hear any word on our adoption this week. This is a very difficult wait.

Lessons we're learning: We learned a lesson this week that was very difficult. We learned first hand the dangers of the internet with our children. God brought about great conversations and for that we are thankful.

In tha Muthahood

2011-05-05T07:32:00.000-05:00

This is hysterical!

Happy Mother's Day friends!!

Beautiful Beads for Adoption!

2011-05-04T00:16:00.002-05:00

I have gotten so many compliments on my beads, that we decided to sell them to help fund our adoption. The colors are vibrant, they are long so you can use them for a two layer look or a bracelet as well.

147 Million Orphans is an organization that sells t-shirts and accessories and uses the proceeds to feed, educate, and empower people all over the world. They offer these products to adopting families at wholesale to help with fundraising.

Some African women earn their living making these beads. According to 147 Million Orphans, many of these women formerly picked trash or worked as prostitutes to make a living. 147 Million Orphans buys the beads for a fair price and sells them to adoptive families to use as fundraisers. 147 Million Orphans also donates the proceeds from these to the Amazima Feeding Program.

So for $20, you give a woman a safe and sustainable way to earn a living, support Amazima's feeding program, and help us fund our adoption!
Delivery/Shipping is included for US buyers.

To purchase beads, CLICK HERE.

We will be taking orders through the end of May and then we will place an order.

Ordinary Hero sale extended!!

2011-05-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

Ordinary Hero has extended their additional $500 grant opportunity until tomorrow night at Midnight!!!

If you haven't already, please check out their site. They have added lots of beautiful jewelery that will be perfect for Mother's Day or Graduation presents.

They also have t-shirts, totes, and many items that you can donate to families in need.

Thank you!!

Free money!!!

2011-04-28T07:14:00.001-05:00

That's right. From now until Sun, Ordinary Hero is offering us free money to help with our adoption costs!

Check out these beautiful bracelets! Mother's Day is coming up!

Beautiful Cuff Bracelets

Or what about this cute tote??

Cute tote bag

They also have added another option for the sheep. You can now donate half a sheep to those in need.

Food for those in need

Please go and check out Ordinary Hero. You can change lives!!

A fundraising grant opportunity!!

2011-04-27T07:20:00.003-05:00

We have started fundraising to bring our babies home!!!

And Ordinary Hero is stepping in to help us out.

NOW is the time to order Ordinary Hero gear.

Now through Sunday there are offering a $500 grant to the top seller!!! Plus there's another $250 grant available to us because we are brand new to selling with them.

40% of your purchase goes towards our adoption costs. Simply choose my name from the drop-down affiliate box. Sale prices applicable through Sunday!

Can you please help us? They have GREAT items to choose from. Beautiful jewelery, orphan-minded t-shirts for the whole family, etc. They even have some items on clearance this week.

There are also options to donate items to families in need. You can feed 40 people in Ethiopia with your donation of one sheep!!!

All of our fundraising efforts will also be matched by Promise 686, up to $6,000.

Take a look and Thank you!!! :)

Pre-Summit Event for Adoptive Moms

2011-04-25T19:06:00.000-05:00

I would love to attend this!! What a refreshing time for an adoptive mom.

If you're going to the Summit, you should really arrive a little early on the 11th and attend this wonderful time of rest, refreshment and encouragement. I was privileged to be able to hear some of these women speak earlier in the year at Created For Care and I was so inspired!!

Sunday's Comin'

2011-04-22T08:20:00.000-05:00

A day in the life

2011-04-21T10:15:00.001-05:00

My day began at 3am when my two middle children came in because of a massive thunderstorm.

Since they share a room with the youngest, I was afraid she might wake up scared when she saw that they were gone, so I asked Tim to go get her too. When he laid her down next to me she looked at me and said, "I wasn't even scared." Alrighty then, next time we will leave you to your self ma'am.

So after about 45 min of wiggling, all three were back to sleep and my sweet hubby was on the couch.

At 6am, I received a call from my neighbor who drives the kids to school and her power is out and she wont be driving in this morning. Sweet.

We make the hour round trip ride to school and back and walk in the house to find an open box that once contained a chocolate cross for Easter.

I know this is terrible, but the first thought I had was, "I paid more for that than the stupid chocolate bunny that was on the shelf next to it!" Awful, I know.

Second thought was to google how chocolate affects dogs.

I quickly realized that the amount of chocolate multiplied by the size of my tiny dogs, was not a good combo.

So I called the vet. They were not open yet. So I put the dogs and Vivian in the car to be at the vets office when they open. When we got there, I noticed that someone was already there, so I run in like a mad woman asking them what I need to do for the ~~dumb~~ precious puppy that has eaten chocolate. At this point, I could see the evidence on one of their faces but not the other, so I wasn't sure if they both snacked or not. The awesome vet told me what to do at home, so no $$ required! A benefit of living in a small town.

So back home we all go, and I get the peroxide out and try to get the little one, who still has chocolate on her face, to drink it first.

Or not.

She acted like I was trying to rip her little face off. So I called Tim and got cranky with him because he couldn't stop what he was doing and drive home to show this little 7lb puppy who is boss.

I went back in to the bathroom with a new attitude and got some of it down her throat, and most of it all over the bath tub. Then I realized that I was out of peroxide.

So Vivian and I ran to the little store right up the road and bought another bottle. While in the car, I called and apologized to Tim for being snippy and he suggested a medicine dropper. Aha!!

I went back into the bathroom with the medicine dropper, the new bottle of peroxide and decided to DO THIS THING!!

Now during all of this imagine a little voice behind you narrating your EVERY MOVE. Sweet, sweet Vivian was very interested in every step I took.

After a few min, all of that chocolate came right up and we were in the clear.

Then all I had to do was give both dogs a bath (which may or may not have resulted in myself and the entire bathroom being soaking wet because the sprayer had a mind of it's own,) blow dry their hair, brush them, mop the bathroom floor, wash all the towels and floor mat, wash my clothes and take a shower myself.

I am exhausted and it's only 10:30!!

Let's recap the blessings...

Both dogs are still alive

It only cost me about .25 worth of peroxide
No one got hurt even though all of this happened before I had my coffee

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T17:49:00.001-05:00

As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives,

the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting:

"BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Luke 19:37-38

My week in review

2011-04-15T10:05:00.002-05:00

I am really loving linking up over at Filled With Praise My Week in Review. I am challenged weekly to focus on what God is doing in my life. It's a great accountability tool for me.

Highs for the week:

This week was busy.

I had something that took me away from home every day. That equals lots of drive time for me and Vivian. It also means lots of sweet discussion and singing together.

We went to school and had lunch with the big girls. I brought in cupcakes to celebrate Leah's birthday, which is next week. I love catching a glimpse into their day and interacting with them while they are with their friends.

Cupcakes in the classroom. Madison got to pop over from her class for a few minutes.

Mama and Leah

I also was able to go to MOPS this week. It strikes me as funny that I have a daughter entering high school in the fall, and I have just joined MOPS for the first time. Now I realize, I have been missing out! This week was such a sweet time. A group of older women came in to serve the younger women with a tea party. Women who have grown children and now have grand children, ministering to moms with young children. Priceless! There was also a time of testimony that really touched my heart. These women truly love God and are so thankful to Him for the relationships that He has places in their lives through Mops. Women so need other women in their everyday lives. Such a great source of encouragement and accountability. I am really looking forward to getting more involved with these ladies in the fall and building some relationships.

Lows of the week:

The hubster and I had to make a decision this week that was difficult.

Lesson learned:

This was a week of reflection for me.

And what I came away with God's timing is perfect.

And He loves me right where I am. Ugly flaws and all, I am a precious child to Him.

I deserve His wrath, but I have His Mercy.

Looking outward-Radically speaking

2011-04-14T22:00:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking (almost consumed) lately about having an outward focus.

It's so easy not to.

We are all very busy.

And it's easy to stay in our bubble.

I have been praying that God would help me step out in Him.

Help me focus on others and how I can serve Him through loving them.

Most of the time we don't take the time to even know others, much less love them.

Jesus requires radical obedience.

Are we really serving Him, or are we serving ourselves?

Loving your kids from here

2011-04-13T19:21:00.000-05:00

Loving them from afar has got to be one of the hardest things about the adoption process. You long to hold them. You long to have them in your world. You long to begin your new life together. But you must wait on the Lord's timing.

I have been following a blog that had such an encouraging post about this a few weeks ago. I keep going back to it and re-reading because she "get's" it. And I need to hear it.

Loving your kids from here @ Dreaming Big Dreams

Beautiful

2011-04-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

We have an awesome radio station here in Atlanta, 104.7 The Fish. It's a very encouraging, "safe-for-the-whole-family" station. And on FB the other day, they asked if there's a song that's currently playing on their station that speaks to you. I called in and told them how "Beautiful" by Mercy Me is encouraging me greatly.

We are waiting for news from the opposite side of the world.

Waiting to hear if two beautiful children will join our family.

My comfort is knowing that God knows where they are.

He loves them.

No matter what their story is, they are beautiful to Him.

The FISH liked my story, and they are playing it on their station now. :)

Beautiful

Days will come when you don't have the strength

And all you hear is you're not worth anything

Wondering if you ever could be loved

And if they truly saw your heart

They'd see too much

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

You are made for so much more than all of this

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His

You're beautiful

Praying that you have the heart to fight

Cuz you are more than what is hurting you tonight

For all the lies you've held inside so long

But they are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

You are made for so much more than all of this

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His

You're beautiful

Before you ever took a breath

Long before the world began

Of all the wonders He possessed

There was one more precious

Of all the earth and skies above

You're the one He madly loves

Enough to die!

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

In His eyes

You're beautiful!

You are made for so much more than all of this

You're beautiful!

You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His

You're beautiful!

You are made for so much more than all of this

You're beautiful!

You are treasured

You are sacred

You are His

Who do you admire most?

2011-04-09T20:06:00.002-05:00

Admire- To hold in high regard, to esteem, to regard with wonder

I think in our culture today we often regard things (and people) that are worthless. Money, fame, power...

I want to admire people with good character.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Prov 22:1

I admire someone who stands up for what they believe in. I admire those who are passionate about those they love. I admire those who will do "hard things" in life.

I admire my husband for stepping into the role of father for a child who was fatherless.

I admire my mother for having raising my sister and I on her own.

I admire my daughter who is extremely shy as I watch her interact with her peers.

I admire the members of my family that have fought for my freedom.

Lord, help me to stay focused on things that are worth heavenly admiration. Things of you and you alone.

What I spend my money on

2011-04-08T20:08:00.037-05:00

This is not a rant.

Well, maybe a tiny one. ;)

We are on spring break and I took my girls to the mall today.

There really are no words for how materialistic our society is. It was sickening.

Don't get me wrong, I like pretty things. I even have a couple of things in my house that aren't broken. Yet.

Most of the time I am pretty frugal. But the light has come on in a whole new way recently.

I am sure it has something to do with the upcoming trip to Africa. All of my thoughts filter through that lens right now.

Judging from the mall, no one is feeling any sort of economic pinch. As we walked out of the PACKED OUT American Girl Place (after window shopping only) we had a little chat about what is most important. Buying another doll or feeding children who have no food. We shouldn't feel guilty that we live in America. God has given us a great life and luxuries like having dolls to dress up. We should enjoy that life and be thankful. But we also shouldn't spend money like fools. The hard part is finding that balance in a "must-have-everything" society. Especially when you are raising little ones in it.

Highs and Lows

2011-04-08T15:27:00.001-05:00

My week in review....

The Highs:

Not having to get up early
Relaxing with my girls on spring break

Watching a movie with my hubby

Date night!!

The Lows:

Still sick

Date night ended with a dead car battery

Still no news from Ug*nda....This is the hardest one.

"Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31

Can we change the world?

2011-04-06T09:58:00.003-05:00

The blog idea today is to share some way that you dream about changing the world.

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world, when He can do something about it... But I'm afraid He might ask me the same question." -Anonymous

I read this on an adoption blog a few months ago and it really resonated with me. God was moving in my heart and I began to pray that He would show me something that this mama could do boldly for Him. He answered that prayer and began to really open my eyes to the orphan crisis in Africa.

Now don't get me wrong, we have an orphan crisis in America too. There are children that need homes. And don't even get me started on the abortion EPIDEMIC that is reality here.

But the orphan crisis is on a MUCH larger scale in Africa. My heart broke when I saw a documentary by Sixty Feet just days after we heard about the twins in Ug*nda needing a home. The children in the documentary are living in unspeakable conditions and God used a small group from a church in Atlanta to go there and help. You really should check out the amazing things that God is doing through the ministry of Sixty Feet. I sat in the room that night and thanked God that I was there to see the film. As hard as it was for me to watch, I needed to see it. I needed to have my heart broken for what breaks His.

The way to change the orphan crisis in Africa is not adoption. That will help, but not eradicate the problem. We have to be on the ground, helping, equipping, encouraging and bringing light to the gospel there.

That's my dream to change the world. Tim says that I will step off the plane in Ug*nda and call him and tell him to pack up the kids because we are moving to Africa. I don't know about that.

I really, really hate bugs.

But seriously, I don't know how I will feel. I have never been out of my comfort zone like that. The extent of my mission work has been to facilitate a VBS for a small church in Michigan by walking through the neighborhoods and inviting "underprivileged" children to come. I have never seen poverty and need up close and personal like I will experience in Africa. And as hard as it's going to be to see it, I pray that God will use that knowledge to help me change the world.

UBC- Day 4 (Problem Solving)

2011-04-04T23:02:00.001-05:00

Yes, I skipped Day 3. Still Sick. :(

Day 4 is......

Problem Solving

Pick a problem and tell your blog readers how you solved it.

I had great plans of taking a picture for you, but it just didn't happen. So you will have to visualize a bit.

THE PROBLEM: Having multiple kids means having multiple towels in the bathroom. I have tried assigning each child a certain color of towel. That is all well and good except when said child is wet and the certain color of towel is not available. And that doesn't address the question of where all of these towels are going to hang to dry.

I have put command hooks on the back of the door. The towels fall and/or make the door where it wont open all the way.

I bought an expensive over the door drying rack that broke after about 4 months of heavy, wet towels hanging.

Then one day I was visiting a bloggy friend, when I saw the perfect solution.

Parents of a Dozen

She's brilliant!!

So I went to Hobby Lobby and found a similar system. I bought two racks that have three hooks on each and put them side by side, right outside of the shower. There's room to put their names on their hook if I get around to it. For now I have told them it's oldest to youngest and it seems to be working well. We have room for two more. ;)

Day 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge

2011-04-03T18:02:00.000-05:00

I am on a quest to blog more so I am joining the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Every day in the month of April, they will give me something to blog about. Easy Enough!

April 1

Tell your readers why you blog and what you enjoy most about blogging. You could share what prompted you to start your blog, too.

Well, the first thing I want to say is that it's funny to me that I have "readers." I know you're there, because I track my readers, but it's hysterical to me that anyone cares what I have to say!

I started the blog to show pictures of the kids to out of town family. Simple as that.

But what I found was that I like to write. It's a good outlet for me. Let's face it. I have four daughters, so you can imagine how many words my husband hears in a day. The last thing he wants to hear is me carrying on about something silly. Soooooo, I blog it. :)

It's also been a way to connect and encourage others. That's what the body of Christ does y'all. And I love that part about blogging. If my joy and tears can bring glory to the Lord, then blogging is worth it for me.

And hopefully when I turn this in to a book for my kids, they will find it amusing.

UBC Day 2- National PB&J day!!

2011-04-02T11:43:00.001-05:00

April 2nd is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!!!

(I am sick and waiting on adoption news, so humor me with this silly post.)

Now in our family, the PB&J is a big deal. We make homemade lunches 5 days a week for at least 4 people. Since the girls go to private school, we have the choice to make their lunch every day or pay about $5 a day, in advance for lunches. There is no, "I don't feel like making lunch today, so here's some money."
And then there's Tim, whose office is his truck, so he requires a lunch. And then on the days that Vivian and I are out of the house for lunch, we also require a lunch.

LOTS OF LUNCHES!!!!

PB&J is our go to sandwich.We do get creative with the jelly and buy different varieties. I believe black cherry is the fav at the moment.

Now, we do have one child who has thrown a wrench in the plan and doesn't like peanut butter. Seriously, what's not to like? So for her, we have to be more creative.

We also doll out peanut butter on a spoon occasionally for snacks. And we can't forget the PB&J crackers that I found last week. They were a big hit with the PB lovers.

We also recently made our own peanut butter with the Vita Mix. I will tell you more about our adventures with that in another post. It's AMAZING!!!!

My Week in Review @ Filled with Praise

2011-04-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

My Week In Review

Low: Sick, Sick, Sick

Everyone in the house with the exception of Mackenzie is or has been sick this week. It's a cold virus, so nothing earth shattering. But it really hit me hard. I had to cancel several things today that I was looking forward to because I am just wiped out.

High: SPRING BREAK!!!!

It's here. The week we have all been waiting for. It officially starts now and we are so ready. No plans. Just hangin' out for 9 days straight. Oh yeah!!

The whole story

2011-03-30T19:33:00.001-05:00

I have posted the entire story of how we have gotten where we are with our adoption.

It's under the Adoption Timeline tab. :)

Waiting and coughing, coughing and waiting

2011-03-30T18:55:00.001-05:00

That's pretty much all that's happening here.

Our entire family has a virus. It originated with Leah which is the running theme this year. You know that when you hear things like, "Leah, stop licking your shoe!!" coming from the back seat, that the whole house will be down for the count soon. She doesn't seem to have the OCD qualities that I possess.

The waiting is very difficult. It has been 2 full months now that we have been waiting to know if these twins will become our children. In the grand scheme of things, that's not very long. But in my heart, it's an eternity. I am thankful for the distraction of normal life. Kids still have to get homework done, dinner has to be made, bills have to be paid, room mom duties call, etc. But every day that passes is one more day that they sit without a mommy and a daddy. And that is very difficult for me.

I am learning a lot in the wait. I am seeing my sinful heart even more than before. I am painfully aware that it's not time yet and if/when it's TIME, things will happen. God is in control and we are so very thankful for the blessing of His grace and love in our lives.

My Week in Review @ Filled with Praise

2011-03-25T08:16:00.000-05:00

Amy @ Filled With Praise is doing My Week in Review, so I am linking up.

Here are my highs and lows of the week....

{Greatest High}

God heard the cries of His people and moved a mountain this week in regards to our adoption

{Lowest Low}

I spent the night in the hospital with a friend whose father had a massive stroke. My heart breaks for her and her family and I am praying for peace and healing in the days to come as they make decisions for his care.

Want to share your highs and lows? Head on over to Filled With Praise and link up.

Our adoption has taken a turn we never expected!!

2011-03-25T07:48:00.003-05:00

I will take some time this weekend to post the whole (long but sooooo good) story but I wanted to finally tell y'all the news.

God has changed our adoption path and we are going to....

Ug*nda!!

Right now we are praying about a referral that we hope will come very soon, for twins!!! It's not official yet, but God has moved every mountain up to this point.

Here's a map so that you can get a visual of "The Pearl of Africa."

Honduras Blitz by Lifesong for Orphans

2011-03-21T20:45:00.002-05:00

Honduras Blitz from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

What if every time you gave a dollar to orphans it became one more?

One more dollar towards food, education, shelter?

One more dollar towards sharing the Gospel and providing Biblical mentorship?

One more dollar towards changing the life of a child?

I love to use this platform to advocate for those in need... and thanks to a generous donor every dollar given to Lifesong Honduras will be matched… up to $120,000! We praise the Lord for this amazing gift and invite you to be a part of it.

Over the next 10 days we are teaming with Lifesong and are hoping for 100 1-year commitments of $30 a month. Just think, for about $1 a day a life in Honduras can be forever changed.

Partnering with Tree of Life Missions in Honduras, Lifesong for Orphans is able to work toward providing hope to the hopeless, help to the helpless and healing to the hurting. TOLM reaches kids through a program called Plan Escalon. (Escalon is translated "escalator" and is used to describe the children's escalator out of poverty/brokenness.)
Through this program we strive toward:

Providing an education to the poorest of youth
Providing food to the poorest of youth
Providing vocational training & micro-business opportunities
Providing free medical and dental clinics to those in need
Training young people to give back to their communities
Reaching people in the jungles of the Mosquito Coast

Stay tuned for stories, personal testimonies, and fun ways to spread awareness and instill a heart of giving in your kids!

Our goal is:

Will you help us? 100 commitments in ten days is no small feat, but with God it is possible. We have seen Him move mightily in His people to serve orphans and we pray that this ten weeks will be a testimony of that! Together we can make a difference in the lives of these kids! Together we can do more to bring joy and purpose to orphans!

Contact Lifesong at info@lifesongfororphans.org to make your commitment AND be sure to tell them that we sent you from our blog!

Hear personal stories & follow the progress on our blog all this week!

Check back often to hear personal stories and get updates on the progress. Please join us in prayer as we ask the Lord to raise up 100 commitments!

Contentment

2011-03-20T23:42:00.001-05:00

Someone asked me this morning at church, "How are you?"

My honest response?

"Ok."

I am just going to be honest.

It was a really rough week.

Lots of ups and downs in the adoption process last week.

I did what I had to do to get by and nothing extra.

I stayed at home as much as possible, sometimes in my pjs.

I kept saying, "I am fine with whatever God has for us."

But obviously my actions were saying something else.

It all became clear for me this morning at church.

The music was enough to put me in the floor in repentance. A huge thanks to our pastor and praise team leader who work diligently to have music that speaks truth!

Then there was the message.

Phil 4:10-13

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

If you want a practical sermon on being content, then put your seat belt on and click below to listen.

Learn to be content

I will also leave you with a great song that a reader mentioned on my blog. This is a song that we are listening to daily right now for encouragement in our adoption but it applies to all of us who are waiting on the Lord and learning to be content in HIM alone.

The adoption process

2011-03-18T10:42:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted about our adoption process in a while. There are things happening that I can't post yet in this public place. Those of you who know us well probably have seen us blurry eyed at times and know something must be up.

For those of you who don't, here's the deal.

Adoption is tough.

This process has pulled us in directions that we never thought existed.

It has brought us to our knees daily. Hourly at times.

It has stretched our family in ways that we didn't know possible.

It has made us long for the roller coaster to let us off.

And it has made us leap for joy that God has called us to keep riding.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer. 29: 11-13

Please pray today for our process.

Weekly Challenge

2011-03-15T13:10:00.000-05:00

One of my fb friends has started a weekly challenge.

This is a tough one.

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

It is helping to hold myself accountable. This verse applies to all relationships in our lives.

8th grade DC trip

2011-03-12T19:49:00.002-05:00

How many of you got to go to DC in the 8th grade?

I didn't.

But now that my daughter is in 8th grade, I got to make the trip.

It was not the easiest trip I have ever been on. It was a lot of hours on a bus and a lot of walking in the rain. But the reward was great. Time spent with my oldest daughter and her friends. That is something that you can't put a price tag on.

I'm Forgiven

2011-03-03T22:28:00.001-05:00

I think sometimes in our Christian walk we focus so heavily on what we need to give God: time, prayer, love, obedience, etc. that we forget to focus on what he's given to us. Those things are good and right and we need to focus on, love and obey our Lord.

At the same time, we need to rest in the promises that He has made to us.

Today I had a meeting that I have been dreading for a long time. It was a mediation with Mackenzie's birth father. This brings up so many memories for me. Ones that remind me of the life I used to have, before God saved me.

I got in the car and I was sick to my stomach.

Will I have to talk to him?
Will this be resolved today?
Why didn't he let Tim adopt her years ago?
Why do I have to re live my past?

And above all....
How can I honor the Lord and show His love in this?

This song was the first one that came on. Now, I have heard this song many times on the radio. But I had never really listened to it.

Well the past is playing with my head

And failure knocks me down again

I’m reminded of the wrong

That I have said and done

And that devil just wont let me forget

In this life

I know what I’ve been

But here in your arms

I know what I am

[chorus]

I’m forgiven

And I don’t have to carry

The weight of who I’ve been

Cause I’m forgiven

My mistakes are running through my mind

And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night

When I struggle with my pain, wrestle with my pride

Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

In this life

I know what I’ve been

But here in your arms

I know what I am

[chorus]

I’m forgiven

And I don’t have to carry

The weight of who I’ve been

Cause I’m forgiven

When I don't fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere

When I don’t measure up to much in this life

Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause

[chorus]

I’m forgiven

And I don’t have to carry

The weight of who I’ve been

Cause I’m forgiven

The truth is, this battle is not mine. It is the Lord's. It is a battle between good and evil. And it was won a long time ago.

For the first two and a half hours, it didn't go well. I even texted Tim and told him that we were going to have to go to court. I put up a status on face book asking for prayers.

And something amazing happened.....

God changed his heart.

He became willing to cooperate. And we walked out an hour and a half later with an agreement that includes the words we have waited years for.

He is allowing Tim to adopt Mackenzie!!!

When I left I called one of the good friends that I had asked to pray. She asked me what time the change of heart took place. I looked back at my phone and I had texted Tim at 11:12. She said that she had gotten an overwhelming urgency to pray for me at 11:20. So while she strolled around Target she prayed.

At 11:30, the vibe in the mediation shifted and he had a change of heart.

Friends, I am here to remind you tonight that NOTHING is too big for our God. And He has already fought our battles and won!!

My sweet friend sent me this scripture tonight in response to hearing how awesome the meeting went.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God." Romans 8:39

An awesome adoption story

2011-02-26T10:10:00.001-05:00

I have been following along as my blog-world friend embarked on her own adoption journey.

They began by wanting to foster to adopt, but like with many of us, God chose a different path.

Check out the awesome way that God has worked to bring Baby Moriah home.

Moriah's story @ Satisfaction Through Christ

My Repurposed Life: Silhouette SD Giveaway!

2011-02-24T12:05:00.001-05:00

I don't typically enter giveaways, but this one was just too good to pass up!!

My Repurposed Life: Silhouette SD Giveaway!:

"Well, the day has finally come! I get to give one of my readers a Silhouette! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to share th..."