tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205825292024-03-13T12:33:37.059-04:00now that i have seen i am responsible faith without deeds is deadwalk by faithmissing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-5503870775207028262011-12-16T01:32:00.001-05:002011-12-16T01:32:29.295-05:00Photo Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AasmzNu3cs3XA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/2AasmzNu3cs-/2AasmzNu3cs-dS/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1324017133000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>His Grace Alone Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Turn your favorite photos into <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas cards</a> at Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-89542663692682707912011-12-12T00:47:00.001-05:002011-12-12T00:47:59.551-05:00Photo Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AasmzNu3cs3Og&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/2AasmzNu3cs-/2AasmzNu3cs-c0/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1323668854000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>His Grace Alone Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Turn your favorite photos into <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">personalized Christmas cards</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-15124342179647103282011-09-06T07:18:00.002-04:002011-09-06T07:19:55.059-04:00AFRICA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrbb3auV12s/TmLy02xOH1I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JkIEgFxeEvA/s1600/africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="566" width="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrbb3auV12s/TmLy02xOH1I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JkIEgFxeEvA/s1600/africa.jpg" /></a></div>
thank you to the person who wrote this, who ever you are. if you click on the picture then you can read it better.
Africa is in my heart and always will be. It is a huge part of forming my worldview. my boys know my heart... Eli said "hurry mom, come quick! it smells like Africa outside and it will make you happy" then Levi chimed in and said "oh yummy, AFRICA" i love that they know that just the smell of someone burning something outside makes my heart happy. missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-71300616827561443572011-08-10T12:08:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:08:24.177-04:00catching up some morefinished house, uncle bo's visit, blueberry picking, and yard work... pretty sure the pictures speak for themselves! <br />
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missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-9330707405030530702011-08-10T08:14:00.000-04:002011-08-10T08:14:07.280-04:00catching up: sod and cement truck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1g_5xTe1yCQ/TkFVzgB5imI/AAAAAAAAKhA/WQbwf80j2xA/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1g_5xTe1yCQ/TkFVzgB5imI/AAAAAAAAKhA/WQbwf80j2xA/s400/DSC_0264.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-71842718429081940402011-05-16T17:11:00.006-04:002011-05-16T18:16:48.621-04:00house updatemy workin boys<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWRXzh2YuZU/TdGgkJcbVsI/AAAAAAAAKaQ/UilbtFRP7w4/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWRXzh2YuZU/TdGgkJcbVsI/AAAAAAAAKaQ/UilbtFRP7w4/s400/DSC_0138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607439553923864258" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-hs81_8pFo/TdGgj2QyefI/AAAAAAAAKaI/PutLHf9Yz_s/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-hs81_8pFo/TdGgj2QyefI/AAAAAAAAKaI/PutLHf9Yz_s/s400/DSC_0135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607439548774775282" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BpSX1CVK7s/TdGgkRRCArI/AAAAAAAAKaY/FFcsXwfDLHg/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BpSX1CVK7s/TdGgkRRCArI/AAAAAAAAKaY/FFcsXwfDLHg/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607439556023550642" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EroslezOi1I/TdGgktrnuwI/AAAAAAAAKag/2xq9ylYplM0/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EroslezOi1I/TdGgktrnuwI/AAAAAAAAKag/2xq9ylYplM0/s400/DSC_0142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607439563651267330" /></a><br /><br />the boys painting (but the green is being up-tinted from gleeful to malange green)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FlWuIIHk_o/TdGfPmxRYPI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/mNOMgeC397w/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FlWuIIHk_o/TdGfPmxRYPI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/mNOMgeC397w/s400/DSC_0095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607438101507039474" /></a><br /><br />master bedroom fan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0n-sTIURcg/TdGfPXw7SQI/AAAAAAAAKZw/AkX5cqf4Fp0/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0n-sTIURcg/TdGfPXw7SQI/AAAAAAAAKZw/AkX5cqf4Fp0/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607438097479059714" /></a><br /><br />boys baseball room fan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjGkbMxJNJQ/TdGfP_p-i1I/AAAAAAAAKaA/Cpq6JIwzfPU/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjGkbMxJNJQ/TdGfP_p-i1I/AAAAAAAAKaA/Cpq6JIwzfPU/s400/DSC_0097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607438108187331410" /></a><br /><br />aqua tint kitchen<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPAihzH28gs/TdGcrgXN5dI/AAAAAAAAKZg/HeWtlVF0pYk/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPAihzH28gs/TdGcrgXN5dI/AAAAAAAAKZg/HeWtlVF0pYk/s400/DSC_0085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607435282288600530" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0yS5Yx6fus/TdGcr-VjBhI/AAAAAAAAKZo/K6KvGL27o48/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0yS5Yx6fus/TdGcr-VjBhI/AAAAAAAAKZo/K6KvGL27o48/s400/DSC_0086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607435290334660114" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZntoIxE_4jA/TdGXXEccUDI/AAAAAAAAKZY/ChEd9cehbdM/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZntoIxE_4jA/TdGXXEccUDI/AAAAAAAAKZY/ChEd9cehbdM/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607429433638801458" /></a><br /><br />T minus 2 1/2 ish weeks til move in! woohoo my husband is amazing! not sure how he is managing the 70+ hour weeks but ever grateful for him busting his tail to get his family back together again (before the baby comes)!missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-54282255280957840892011-05-11T00:01:00.000-04:002011-05-11T00:01:01.218-04:00SWEETEST BIRTHDAY BOYi cannot believe my baby is 2 years old today! happy birthday to the sweetest little 2 year old i know! he melts my heart on a daily basis<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ9bBx35dos/Tcn9VdwRREI/AAAAAAAAKW4/uXQnRWCjijQ/s1600/DSCN0332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ9bBx35dos/Tcn9VdwRREI/AAAAAAAAKW4/uXQnRWCjijQ/s400/DSCN0332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605289756445459522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj8GpblVQzk/Tcn9Vxsbb1I/AAAAAAAAKXA/wmuGCO9mm7I/s1600/DSCN0338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj8GpblVQzk/Tcn9Vxsbb1I/AAAAAAAAKXA/wmuGCO9mm7I/s400/DSCN0338.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605289761798057810" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqpmCrO8p2w/Tcn_U20A6dI/AAAAAAAAKXY/m3vsRl-pRuM/s1600/DSCN0650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqpmCrO8p2w/Tcn_U20A6dI/AAAAAAAAKXY/m3vsRl-pRuM/s400/DSCN0650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605291945015437778" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Od9KC5Q4r60/Tcn_U4cm6zI/AAAAAAAAKXQ/qSHehL11usg/s1600/DSCN0591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Od9KC5Q4r60/Tcn_U4cm6zI/AAAAAAAAKXQ/qSHehL11usg/s400/DSCN0591.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605291945454136114" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqSwgbJL2Ww/Tcn_VdSV7II/AAAAAAAAKXo/CGvE2TJzcpU/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqSwgbJL2Ww/Tcn_VdSV7II/AAAAAAAAKXo/CGvE2TJzcpU/s400/DSC_0264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605291955343191170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miuMLFrdezQ/Tcn_VGKa5TI/AAAAAAAAKXg/1X4st5SfIp8/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miuMLFrdezQ/Tcn_VGKa5TI/AAAAAAAAKXg/1X4st5SfIp8/s400/DSC_0794.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605291949135947058" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNiKqlI4EbY/Tcn_VwJv23I/AAAAAAAAKXw/0VTUKg4DghA/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNiKqlI4EbY/Tcn_VwJv23I/AAAAAAAAKXw/0VTUKg4DghA/s400/DSC_0362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605291960407415666" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw6RU35ut8U/Tcn9UwgR_8I/AAAAAAAAKWw/VHOte9m4Pbw/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw6RU35ut8U/Tcn9UwgR_8I/AAAAAAAAKWw/VHOte9m4Pbw/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605289744298803138" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OBmewuZzw8/TcoAPVEe5fI/AAAAAAAAKX4/qBiNF7GcodE/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OBmewuZzw8/TcoAPVEe5fI/AAAAAAAAKX4/qBiNF7GcodE/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605292949569988082" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqofnzjrooo/Tcn9UYXjhsI/AAAAAAAAKWo/mLx3FWiVcdM/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqofnzjrooo/Tcn9UYXjhsI/AAAAAAAAKWo/mLx3FWiVcdM/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605289737819752130" /></a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-873127773018788212011-05-09T23:22:00.002-04:002011-05-09T23:46:31.612-04:00heart torn mothers dayi have a wonderful mother, had a fabulous day celebrating together, enjoying the quality time, beach adventure, lupper, and many memories made. thanks mama, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY<br /><br />i have amazing little boys, who are growing up so fast. Eli is innovative, intuitive, independent, compassionate, and loving. Levi is passionate, determined, creative, cuddle bug, and sweet. <br /><br />i have a little kicker & hiccupper growing each day inside my belly. <br /><br />i have much to be thankful for this mothers day, and dont get me wrong I AM<br /><br />however, this mothers day my heart is burdened more than any other mother's day<br /><br />for my friends who are struggling with infertility and loss of children.<br /><br />for the 163 MILLION kids around the world who do not have a mother to celebrate with.<br /><br />for the children we will add to our family, who may already be orphaned, alone, with most likely a shortage of shelter, food, health care, love, someone to care for their needs, the ability to just be a kid. my heart aches, burns, and desires to have them home so that i can love them, feed them, hug them, put a band aid on their boo-boo, share the love of Christ with them. <br /><br />i read a story about two little boys, who dont look any older than Eli who live in Uganda. they were dropped off in one of the slums by their mother, and she just walked away and left them to fend for themselves. just hours ago my boys were over tired and cried for me to just lay in bed and pat their backs and sing worship songs til they fell asleep. i cant imagine the desperation of just leaving them in filth to fend for themselves. i dont even let my kids play in the back yard by themselves let alone the streets of a major city. to read the whole story visit this <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2011/05/who-cares.html">awesome mama's blog </a><br /><br />i care about the 163,000,000 children who are orphaned, alone, who do not have a mother to care for them. i want to do something. i want to bring them home and i want to place other kids in homes as well. i want to make an impact. i want to make disciples of all nations. i want to follow Him the rest of my days. i want to step out of the box and do something radical according to this society, because this is not my home! i am made for more than this life that i am living... <br /><br />"once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." proverbs 24:12 <br /><br />"i know what i know and i cant deny it, something on the road cuts me to my soul"<br />-sara groves, i saw what i saw<br /><br />"now that i have seen, i am responsible, faith without deeds is dead"<br />-brook fraser, albertinemissing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-10417628405110815472011-05-05T20:38:00.002-04:002011-05-05T20:52:05.820-04:00smarty pantsEli is really too smart for his own good... here are a few examples of conversations lately:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V6jO7xhU_Pw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />this song was on the radio, in the first 2 seconds of the song, he said: "when will the kids sing? mama can you put it on a cd so i can listen to it on my radio over and over again. i really like it! are those girls from africa? they have pretty voices!"<br /><br />two nights ago while i was making dinner he sat at the table with a lowes weekly circular and out of the blue he said: "mama i need to talk to the plant man, because i need to show him how to put the gardenias in my new house. they are my favorite. can we get one of those mats so i dont make dirt come in the house? (he knows that when we go to columbia next week that we are going to map out our garden for Uncle Ty to help plant and meet with the landscaper friend of Chris' to choose what plants we want to buy... hoping for climbing jasmine, gardenias, hydrangeas, calla lillie's, & azaleas) <br /><br />oh there are more... why cant i think of them... ill probably be back to add more latermissing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-90776613783079829912011-05-05T14:14:00.002-04:002011-05-05T14:23:55.141-04:00MELT.MY.HEARTi'm not quite sure why, but quite frequently we smell the remnants of a fire burning. the outdoor kitchen smelling fire that is often smelled overseas. maybe the little hispanic community two streets over from my parents. normally we smell it early in the morning or in the evening, but today, in the middle of the day, the breeze brings us the scent my heart loves... the smell of africa! eli knows that it melts my heart for him to remind me that it smells like A F R I C A. i guess it being cinco de mayo the ladies are preparing a fiesta! well whatever the reason, i love having my senses exhilarated.missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-55402820228774689332011-05-03T20:54:00.005-04:002011-05-03T21:40:11.897-04:0026 weeks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrO4kA_-YG4/TcCkNqIWydI/AAAAAAAAKWY/Q782WM9oHz4/s1600/DSCN0049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrO4kA_-YG4/TcCkNqIWydI/AAAAAAAAKWY/Q782WM9oHz4/s400/DSCN0049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602658491003488722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90NCGK1V4IQ/TcCkONsRBNI/AAAAAAAAKWg/-kjMzE0pDLo/s1600/DSCN0055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90NCGK1V4IQ/TcCkONsRBNI/AAAAAAAAKWg/-kjMzE0pDLo/s400/DSCN0055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602658500549346514" /></a><br />26 weeks, i breath a slight sigh of relief. i have made it to the "viable" nicu age. not that in any means i wish this upon my family, but at least i know that from now on, every single day counts towards making my baby, bigger, stronger, healthier, and more ready than the last to have a chance to live outside of my stomach, due to technology being so readily available, in our beyond blessed country. <br />reality kinda hit me the other day, 26 weeks = 10 weeks from when i delivered Levi and 11 weeks til i delivered Eli. i still have so much to do... aka MOVE and in some way or shape get us out of boxes before this little one is welcomed into this world. so all you friends who have said you want to help... believe me i will be calling each one of you for favors in the coming weeks... helping me unpack, watching my kids, or just grabbing a cup of coffee to retain my sanity. ahhh so T-10ish weeks is pretty much reality!<br />to answer the question in how am i feeling... <br />i had two really great weeks, few contractions and much more energized and less throwing up... but back to reality, back to contractions, throwing up, feeling utterly wiped out at all times of the day, gallbladder issues, acid reflux, a hernia, you name it... pretty much a complication. i go back to the dr next week for my glucose test and for an ultrasound to check the baby's kidney and ureter that are not functioning properly. <br />as in housing news... hardwood floors are nearly finished, cabinets and appliances get delivered tomorrow and installed this weekend, tile in the bathrooms gets installed this weekend, first coat of paint are on the walls, security system is installed... 4 weeks til closing! <br />truth be told, i had a little panic attack, not really but sorta when i realized it was already may... because my baby is turning 2 in the matter of days! sweet little cuddle bug is now nearly fully potty learned and gonna be 2!missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-11042746032309601692011-04-30T23:37:00.002-04:002011-04-30T23:51:47.699-04:00waterworkstears flow freely tonight... <br /><br />after spending the day going through old family boxes, crossing paths with memories, going through stuff from all the different cultural expriences i was priveledged to have journeyed have flooded my heart. <br /><br />i MISS my older brother, Solomon! he is from Kenya, but was one of my parent's students when we lived in South Africa. i wish we did not live worlds apart. i wish plane tickets were not so expenisive. i wish our boys could be best of cousins! i, myself, have only met his oldest, Gideon. oh what a precious little boy he was, lets see he should be about 9 1/2 (he was about 18 months when i last saw him). <br /><br />maybe i read too many blogs about africa. but that really doesnt change the way i think or feel. something related to my heartbeat for africa is tugged on many times a day. <br /><br />while looking through different artifacts, wooden shoes, wooden pillows, bow and arrows, beaded jewlery, pictures, my heart ached.<br /><br />here is a little conversation from today:<br />i sighed and eli asked what is wrong mommy?<br />i told him i missed africa, to which he sighed too, and said i miss africa so bad! hey mommy, look at that plane, is it going to africa? can we go to africa?<br /><br />if nothing else, in theory, my kids LOVE Africa. <br /><br />this week we have grown to love the local public library, to which i let them pick out a few construction or animal books, but then i get books about other cultures so they grow up with a multi-cultural worldview verses the selfcentered american bubble culture.missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-69896656380103925832011-04-30T09:13:00.002-04:002011-04-30T09:38:57.635-04:00Levi's Jelly Beans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3REkwaFg4Y/TbwLJWtpgII/AAAAAAAAKVc/Qdk2fg3Kuf8/s1600/52725-jelly_beans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 263px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3REkwaFg4Y/TbwLJWtpgII/AAAAAAAAKVc/Qdk2fg3Kuf8/s400/52725-jelly_beans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601364291885826178" /></a><br /><br />so i started to panic a little... Levi was not potty trained nor did he have much interest. the interest grew to wanting to wear underwear, but many accidents. so i brought the bribing on strong along with verbal compliments. my mom bought him a HUGE jar of jelly beans which are far better than m&m's cause they dont melt so i can even take them in my purse. i even made the comment to my friend Merrie Jo that it was going to be much harder with him than it was with Eli. then the next day it snapped... and he got it! this week we have had no accidents, even while running errands, and during naps :-) the other day i forgot i laid him down without a diaper on and very much unlike him he slept over 3 hours... DRY! he has a bout a 25% chance of being dry all night too! i am so proud of my little guy who is growing up all too fast!!! he makes the cutest face after he goes to the bathroom, which 9 times out of 10 he tells me he has to go, TREAT mama? and then kisses me as if thats supposed to help him get a treat! MELT.MY.HEART.missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-86946095865360170992011-04-24T22:26:00.003-04:002011-04-24T22:39:02.893-04:00too muchso i have too much to say, but due to the audience of some of my readers, my writings remain silent... but ill leave you with some pictures<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MoewBgO-P70/TbTeZXe3yGI/AAAAAAAAKVM/W3zLeS6kXxY/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MoewBgO-P70/TbTeZXe3yGI/AAAAAAAAKVM/W3zLeS6kXxY/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599344764109965410" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pi5MFStfbDE/TbTdR7z2X3I/AAAAAAAAKVE/l_zyPW6Gkbs/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pi5MFStfbDE/TbTdR7z2X3I/AAAAAAAAKVE/l_zyPW6Gkbs/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599343536911048562" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1814sciXfCY/TbTdRRVm-LI/AAAAAAAAKU8/Uds0haTsAbo/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1814sciXfCY/TbTdRRVm-LI/AAAAAAAAKU8/Uds0haTsAbo/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599343525509920946" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi8YeNrqWf4/TbTeZkgOGxI/AAAAAAAAKVU/SPuxUEDXcbM/s1600/DSC_0006_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi8YeNrqWf4/TbTeZkgOGxI/AAAAAAAAKVU/SPuxUEDXcbM/s400/DSC_0006_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599344767605283602" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjRMnsefqOY/TbTdRS4bN4I/AAAAAAAAKU0/Sz5xvU97vEc/s1600/DSC_0002_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjRMnsefqOY/TbTdRS4bN4I/AAAAAAAAKU0/Sz5xvU97vEc/s400/DSC_0002_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599343525924386690" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDxQ1Y7mxWQ/TbTdQ_RjHII/AAAAAAAAKUs/iapjdb-KcS4/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDxQ1Y7mxWQ/TbTdQ_RjHII/AAAAAAAAKUs/iapjdb-KcS4/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599343520661052546" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44qr9q7UMes/TbTdQt3tOdI/AAAAAAAAKUk/wTFLn-KWSu8/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44qr9q7UMes/TbTdQt3tOdI/AAAAAAAAKUk/wTFLn-KWSu8/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599343515989260754" /></a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-25216826595704357262011-04-22T22:01:00.002-04:002011-04-22T22:04:36.148-04:00Fear...<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wddc8UzNiG8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />You look around<br />It's staring back at you<br />Another wave of doubt<br />Will it pull you under<br />You wonder<br /><br />What if I'm overtaken<br />What if I never make it<br />What if no one's there?<br />Will you hear my prayer?<br /><br />When you take that first step<br />Into the unknown<br />You know that he won't let you go<br /><br />So what are you waiting for?<br />What do you have to lose?<br />Your insecurities try to hold to you<br /><br />You know you're made for more<br />So don't be afraid to move<br />Your faith is all<br />It takes and you can<br />Walk on the water too<br /><br />Verse 2:<br />So get out<br />And let<br />Your fear fall to the ground<br />No time to waste<br />Don't wait<br />Don't you turn around and miss out<br />Everything you were made for<br />I know you're not sure<br />So you play it safe<br />Try to run away<br /><br />If you take that first step<br />Into the unknown<br />He won't let you go<br /><br /><br />Even when a storm hits<br /><br />Even when you're broken<br /><br />Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up<br /><br />When your hope is stolen<br /><br />You can't see where you're going<br />You don't have to be afraid<br /><br />So what are you waiting,<br />What are you waiting for?<br /><br />So what are you waiting for?<br />What do you have to lose?<br />Your insecurities try to hold to you<br /><br />You know you're made for more<br />So don't be afraid to move<br />Your faith is all<br />It takes and you can<br />Walk on the water...<br />Walk on the water toomissing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-40010448422788125012011-03-29T10:44:00.002-04:002011-03-29T10:46:38.713-04:00Who does he look like?so basically everyone from day one has questioned who Levi looks like... well for the first 9 months he looked JUST like my dad. I still see my dad in him, but while spending time at my parents house I found this picture...and now i have to say he looks JUST like me! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbZPqoYQCd4/TZHweGGRVzI/AAAAAAAAKUE/14n0eCM2F2M/s1600/DSC_3324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbZPqoYQCd4/TZHweGGRVzI/AAAAAAAAKUE/14n0eCM2F2M/s400/DSC_3324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589513012367152946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LSE6uhxiMVc/TZHweC-YG-I/AAAAAAAAKUM/2mlRFOAMKA0/s1600/0329111034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LSE6uhxiMVc/TZHweC-YG-I/AAAAAAAAKUM/2mlRFOAMKA0/s400/0329111034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589513011528735714" /></a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-47723055136614257282011-03-28T12:40:00.003-04:002011-03-28T13:21:13.907-04:0020 weeks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQnG4dI-bfo/TZC8eQMYGpI/AAAAAAAAKTg/eEpGiqz7MMc/s1600/DSCN9631.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQnG4dI-bfo/TZC8eQMYGpI/AAAAAAAAKTg/eEpGiqz7MMc/s400/DSCN9631.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589174365495761554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Iz1nCQmMk/TZC8eFhCboI/AAAAAAAAKTY/qooN1znaUFI/s1600/DSCN9635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Iz1nCQmMk/TZC8eFhCboI/AAAAAAAAKTY/qooN1znaUFI/s400/DSCN9635.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589174362629631618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wvpb_7BXGk/TZC8fWE_UzI/AAAAAAAAKTw/oQr7SB6weTg/s1600/DSCN9733.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wvpb_7BXGk/TZC8fWE_UzI/AAAAAAAAKTw/oQr7SB6weTg/s400/DSCN9733.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589174384255259442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40ypLKAuCjg/TZC8fNf36WI/AAAAAAAAKTo/Sun5_EKPIj0/s1600/DSCN9732.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40ypLKAuCjg/TZC8fNf36WI/AAAAAAAAKTo/Sun5_EKPIj0/s400/DSCN9732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589174381952100706" /></a><br />so im a week late... but here are. the ultrasound pictures are terrible due to the fact that stubborn little steyne decided to be laying with his/her feet above their head and squirming all over the place while positioned transverse (sideways) in utero (which is the most favorite position of this little one... never head down always breech or transverse). there is a potential problem called "prenatal hydronephrosis" which refers to dilation of the renal collecting system. The collecting system is the structure that collects urine directly from the kidney tissue and routes it by way of the ureter to the bladder. we are told not to worry too much as there is nothing that can be done til after the baby is born, it is pretty common, and although it runs in the family, there is not anything we can do and He is in control, so we wait... but we at least get another ultra sound out of the deal. hopefully the little one will cooperate and give us a cute picture!missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-23970627883227456732011-03-25T18:47:00.000-04:002011-03-25T18:47:15.150-04:00Inspiring role models!<a href="http://www.christianallianceblog.org/?p=1107">VIDEO: Twietmeyers on the Today Show</a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-54504470618759028502011-03-25T03:24:00.002-04:002011-03-25T03:27:20.968-04:00Happy Gotcha Daymy cousin Tara and her husband Brad are meeting their precious new little bundle of joy aka the cutest Ethiopian cousin i have ever laid my eyes on. for months he has been the picture my phone displays. my boys ask to look at him daily. we pray for him constantly. and finally, the day in the journey where they meet him and hold him for the first time has arrived. i awoke in the middle of the night praying for them... and wala, as if i expected any different, its the EXACT time they are holding him for the first time! WOOO HOOO <a href="http://mowensjourney.blogspot.com/2011/03/today-has-finally-come.html">CONGRATULATIONS Tara & Brad</a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-5987592964249463822011-03-15T22:06:00.004-04:002011-03-18T07:35:25.649-04:00Jebediah Willow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC_5X5j7wt8/TYAbOced-LI/AAAAAAAAKRo/Ssr4ssyeapc/s1600/candle1-300x225.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC_5X5j7wt8/TYAbOced-LI/AAAAAAAAKRo/Ssr4ssyeapc/s400/candle1-300x225.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584493472915519666" /></a><br /><br />3-18-2011 was your due date<br />7-18-2010 you left this earth<br />8 months have passed by, but not a day goes by that you are not remembered<br />although you were not born today, this day will always be your special day<br />i love you Jebediah Williow <br />no baby will ever replace you! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuPjfllifhU/TYNC_PD66ZI/AAAAAAAAKSI/N03exjLB4q0/s1600/Pin14c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 346px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuPjfllifhU/TYNC_PD66ZI/AAAAAAAAKSI/N03exjLB4q0/s400/Pin14c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585381617011714450" /></a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-85966890883618434452011-03-15T21:45:00.003-04:002011-03-15T21:55:46.948-04:00dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_IGKcp95Go/TYAWZreU_qI/AAAAAAAAKRg/Dd56PGRBFxY/s1600/42-24765510.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 169px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_IGKcp95Go/TYAWZreU_qI/AAAAAAAAKRg/Dd56PGRBFxY/s400/42-24765510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584488168361885346" /></a><br /><br />"There’s something to be said for patience<br />So hold on to what you know is sacred<br />Don’t let your only dream be taken<br />And cashed in for everything you’ve hated"<br /><br />- Jill Phillips, Sacred<br /><br />patience is hard... makes my heart hurt, makes me frustrated, makes me sad, makes me mad<br /><br />i know, beyond a shaddow of doubt, that God did not put my passion for Africa in my heart 23 years ago for nothing... <br /><br />i pray, dream, hope, wish, desire, yearn, long, burden, ache for africa (all encompassed many aspects into one simple word... africa)<br /><br />everything i have hated... the american dream... yet i feel like my life is the american dream a husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs, a house we are building, a mini-van to be, and the average church. <br /><br />im so sick of the mundaneness in my life... there is SOOO much more to life than what im living, whats going on in the little bubble around me<br /><br />the purpose in life as a Christian is to advance the Gospel to the ends of the Earth... what am i doing about it?missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-46668375872414700742011-03-15T21:02:00.003-04:002011-03-15T21:28:10.528-04:00thankful tuesdayso im totally behind... not that i have not been thankful but life has been chaotic to say the least. lets see if i can catch up a bit<br /><br />21) numbing medicine & a dr on scene of Eli's accident<br />22) blessings of a monetary gift<br />23) new britax booster/car seat for Eli (old booster/carseat hurt his back) with $<br />24) paying off a debt! <br />25) using extra money to pay for all of my 17p shots and learning that the cost was going up from $15 to $1500 and being able to still get them at $15 per shot<br />26) baby kicks and hiccups<br />27) Eli's heart for Africa... when asked if he wants a brother or sister he says brother because sister is in Africa! (unprompted!)<br />28) cell phones to be able to text and talk to Chris while away<br />29) computers so we can see the progress of our new house<br />30) sunshine and warmer weather<br />31) 22 month old adorableness<br />32) learning to knit<br />33) online sermons... current series on <a href="http://www.brookhills.org/media">acts</a> from church of brook hills <br />34) Dr a few houses down who is willing to give me my weekly shots<br />35) figuring out my gallbladder triggers are: beans, nuts, eggs, and too much dairy<br />36) chick-fil-a playground as a fun distraction and way to get out of the House<br />37) all the construction going on around us to keep my boys happy<br />38) the joy that trash trucks bring my boys... tomorrow will be a fun morning for them<br />39) not having to cook or make sure the house is picked up or i look put together cause its just me, as Chris is in columbia<br />40) friends who check up on me<br />41) my parents who were a huge help in the ER and took us to mcdonalds as Eli's treat for being good <br />42) for Merrie Jo and our daily chats<br />43) tickle-time<br />44) Levi now saying "Hug me"... he has the bestest hugs of the family! <br />45) that God is STILL in control despite the earthquake, nuclear exposure, tsunami, wars, chaos worldwidemissing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-69546845622926150722011-03-15T20:32:00.002-04:002011-03-15T20:37:58.001-04:00single motherhoodthe last few days have been a bit rough... horrible allergies<br />- sat = over 50 intense contractions<br />- sun = 4 hour er visit and 5 stitches and boys only sleeping 8 hours instead of 12 <br />- mon = very fussy boys with bad attitudes due to little sleep and no naps<br />- tues = horrible headache, recovery day of sleep, and fun outing to chick-fil-a<br />- wed = praying for more patience, better attitudes, obedience and less allergy issues<br /><br />we sure miss daddy... i hate being the only one to discipline and the boys are tired of me always correcting them.missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-34887662259340217422011-03-15T20:02:00.003-04:002011-03-15T20:32:33.357-04:00my champ!while on a walk we ran into an old friend who lives down the street from my parents... its the pastor who my dad works with daughter. we were catching up while my kids played in her yard, and Mr Eli slipped and fell on the metal electrical hub sticking out of the ground. he split his chin. now let me preface the story... <br /><br />the said friend is about 10 years older than me, so we have never been close friends. i just met her husband for the first time and finding out that he is a Dr asked if he could give me my weekly p17 injections, and to top off our introduction he got to bandage my little one up. <br /><br />on the flip side his numbing medicine was amazing for Eli. surprisingly my child who does NOT do band aids and freaks out at the sight of blood was pretty calm. they helped us walk Blair back to the house and clean up the boys before sending us to the emergency room. thankfully we were met there by my parents... Babu took Levi on walks, ate snacks, and talked to the paramedics, while Meme and i kept Eli occupied. <br /><br />They celebrated st patricks day down here on Sunday, so the tiny hospital was hoping with an incarcerated man who swallowed drugs, a girl who was 33 weeks who delivered, 7 ambulances, and all rooms were occupied, so our measly 5 stitches were on the bottom of the totem poll during the shift change of course! <br /><br />here is Eli while we waited to be seen (numbing medicine worked great)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YJSPr1UEZ4/TYABmYDq9NI/AAAAAAAAKRY/8eJuISbL60E/s1600/0313111846.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YJSPr1UEZ4/TYABmYDq9NI/AAAAAAAAKRY/8eJuISbL60E/s400/0313111846.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584465296743920850" /></a><br /><br />waiting patiently in our room<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNHldVtR-Rs/TYABmcAxcaI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/TC4_VyOmyEw/s1600/0313111922.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNHldVtR-Rs/TYABmcAxcaI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/TC4_VyOmyEw/s400/0313111922.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584465297805504930" /></a><br /><br />getting more numbing medicine<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVNt9Qc3ypc/TYABltt04YI/AAAAAAAAKRI/CZWZhxCbHZ0/s1600/0313112007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVNt9Qc3ypc/TYABltt04YI/AAAAAAAAKRI/CZWZhxCbHZ0/s400/0313112007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584465285378007426" /></a><br /><br />waiting with numbing medicine on his chin<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rl7A7Ccgmd8/TYABlbFKEQI/AAAAAAAAKRA/gaFSn5s7jjU/s1600/0313112014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rl7A7Ccgmd8/TYABlbFKEQI/AAAAAAAAKRA/gaFSn5s7jjU/s400/0313112014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584465280375591170" /></a><br /><br />after the stitches aka his awesome whiskers! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMYK0luc9WM/TYABlXAZX9I/AAAAAAAAKQ4/2JH046RclPE/s1600/0313112054a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMYK0luc9WM/TYABlXAZX9I/AAAAAAAAKQ4/2JH046RclPE/s400/0313112054a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584465279281881042" /></a><br /><br />by the GRACE of God Eli sat perfectly still the entire time he was being stitched up! now remember this child takes after the Steyne men who do NOT know how to sit still to save their lives~missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20582529.post-14954320569170712652011-03-10T19:36:00.004-05:002011-03-10T19:50:06.196-05:00view from herelast week i was blessed with a check for far more than i ever imagined and while talking with a friend i asked if i should return the money or if i should count it as God's little blessing. after praying about it i concluded that He was in control and was providing in ways i never dreamed. <br /><br />fast forward to this week... while researching about the 17p injection to help prevent from having a preemie due to my history of preterm labor and already having had contractions this go around for over a month i randomly put the question out on a mommy forum that i sporadically read. i cant stop thanking Jesus and the ladies who had quick responses... evidently due to some pharmaceutical changes only one company will be allowed to compound the drug starting at the end of the month which is spiking the cost from $15 a shot to $1500 a shot and most insurance companies will no longer be covering the cost. after a couple of phone calls to my ob office and talking with two nurses and two doctors and three pharmacies i have my prescription for ALL 17 doses. <br /><br />back to the blessing in the form of cash... the amount "extra" was exactly the amount i needed to pay for my shots today! the Lord knew exactly what He was doing even well before i had any clue. <br /><br />the view from here... mid-contraction<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mYv99oW5Jk/TXlxAQZEKnI/AAAAAAAAKQo/AAhu4hiMkiE/s1600/0310111841.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mYv99oW5Jk/TXlxAQZEKnI/AAAAAAAAKQo/AAhu4hiMkiE/s400/0310111841.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582617462316477042" /></a>missing africahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13025996932340312765noreply@blogger.com0