tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57547700187201294892012-03-12T23:53:10.798-04:00The grace of God in my life.teanoreply@blogger.comBlogger5721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-52798745744632291722012-02-12T01:26:00.000-05:002012-02-12T01:35:30.743-05:00

May my cry come before you, O Lord;give me understanding according to your word.May my supplication come before you;deliver me according to your promise.May my lips over flow with praise,for you teach me your decrees.May my tongue sing of your word,for all your commands are righteous.May your hand be ready to help me,for I have chosen your precepts.I long for your salvation, O Lord;and your law

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-6009081329117180192012-02-09T22:25:00.002-05:002012-02-09T22:29:59.908-05:00

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-18903798868329901212012-02-07T01:48:00.003-05:002012-02-07T02:08:58.192-05:00

So, here is a glimpse at some very normal goings on at our house...You'll hear the boys rough-housing in the background, and this is me being silly with my English accent.I'm hoping to have something a little fun and different for next week, if it works out. :)

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-9453417577114361462012-01-28T13:40:00.001-05:002012-01-30T23:52:27.290-05:00

Blogs mentioned in this video:Of All the Liars in the WorldThoughts & Whatnots

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-36046709168966163212012-01-22T01:05:00.002-05:002012-01-22T01:10:50.155-05:00

O house of Israel, trust in the Lord -he is their help and shield.O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord -he is their help and shield.You who fear him, trust in the Lord -he is their help and shield.The Lord remembers us and will bless us:He will bless the house of Israel,he will bless the house of Aaron,he will bless those who fear the Lord -small and great alike.Psalm 115:9-13

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-26407344489219345932012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:002012-01-17T00:12:07.461-05:00

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-35769208615471963072012-01-15T23:06:00.003-05:002012-01-15T23:20:35.271-05:00

Praise the Lord, O my soul;all my inmost being, praise his holy name.Praise the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits -who forgives all your sinsand heals all your diseases,who redeems you life from the pitand crowns you with love and compassion...Psalm 103:1-4Praise the Lord for his most rich blessings through our Savior Jesus!

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-29207382080390332082012-01-13T00:24:00.001-05:002012-01-13T00:43:25.129-05:00

Photos from a recent night out......I just liked them. {Blurry and all.}

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-12891749089590722452012-01-10T00:09:00.006-05:002012-01-13T00:44:33.011-05:00

I felt a little long winded on all of this, and kept losing track of my thoughts...sorry.Still getting the hang of talking to the camera (..especially with North around). ;)

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-1574766412147917492012-01-08T00:00:00.000-05:002012-01-08T00:00:03.013-05:00

I wanted to share "Church on the Beach" once again.These messages really are like a salve on my heart.Each time I hear them, reminding me of God's unfailing loveand the grace he has given through the Lord Jesus.What an amazing blessing!

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-25299585157082387092012-01-02T00:00:00.002-05:002012-01-10T23:30:24.921-05:00

teanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-40437132375123212562012-01-01T02:27:00.002-05:002012-01-01T02:51:16.488-05:00

Know that the Lord is God.It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgivingand his courts with praise;give thanks to himand praise his name.For the Lord is goodand his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations.Psalm 100:3-5

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-21871960498517206782011-12-26T21:48:00.000-05:002011-12-26T21:48:00.876-05:00

I'm hoping this will be something fun and fresh. I'm in the mood to spice it up a little - throw in some different stuff here and there. So, I'm going to be trying a few things.This was my first time using the youtube video editor, so I'm still figuring it out. ..I have no knowledge of anything related to videos, so it's all new to me. I'm not yet sure if I'll be able to pull off making a video

teanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-76582767400074198142011-12-24T00:00:00.000-05:002011-12-24T00:00:12.597-05:00

Today in the town of David a ~ Savior ~ has been born to you;he is Christ the Lord.Luke 2:11

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-3650377715236632452011-12-20T00:30:00.008-05:002011-12-26T22:04:22.962-05:00

...I thought I would try to break the unintended silence on my blog.We've been enjoying preparing for Christmas, I hope you have too. We were able to decorate with two extra strands of Christmas lights in the house this year, and it is so lovely. I l♥ve the soft warm twinkle of Christmas lights.With the news of Kim Jong Il's death, I have been thinking about the North Korean people a lot... It's

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-81279978700429651322011-12-11T01:10:00.001-05:002011-12-11T01:37:50.114-05:00

Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty heavens.praise him for his acts of power;praise him for his surpassing greatness.Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,praise him with the harp and lyre,praise him with tambourine and dancing,praise him with the strings and flute,praise him with the clash of cymbals,praise him with resounding cymbals.Let everything that

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-87321472897185810332011-12-09T00:50:00.007-05:002011-12-09T10:12:15.318-05:00

...Caught this beauty recently.Lovely December sunset, on a sort of frosty looking night.This sunset was so much more vivid in real life, but I still like the way you can see a hint of the color in this picture and the way the grass has that blue-ish look to it.... Anyway....Can I just say, I have a pet peeve with adult's reaction to snow?! (This is meant in fun, by the way...)This morning I was

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-30567403099397108152011-12-01T21:16:00.002-05:002011-12-01T23:34:48.406-05:00

I know I could possibly sound unintentionally ooey-gooey with my schpeals about Christmas, but really, my love of the Christmas season has just grown with my relationship with Jesus.I didn't always decorate so early and all this other stuff. ..But for me, this has become a really special time of year. It's not about the gifts and the hooplah that so many times gets made a big deal over. It's

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-37270788374070101582011-11-30T00:09:00.002-05:002011-11-30T00:36:41.112-05:00

This year I've had a sweet little helper with all of my Christmas decorating! Much more so than years before, Buzz is really into every little part of it. It was fun having his help and explaining to him about different traditions...like mistletoe, and the star on top of the tree, stockings, and just sharing with him about how all our decorations are a part of celebrating Jesus.We spent one day

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-40225058923127189322011-11-28T21:00:00.004-05:002011-11-28T21:56:47.348-05:00

For me Christmastime always starts with Thanksgiving. I really love that we have a holiday that focuses on giving thanks.As we got closer to T-giv., my thoughts kept drifting back to so many of the things we went through when we were adopting Buzz. It was the difficult things, that kept coming to mind. ..The things that really tested me and stretched me...the things that caused me to have nothing

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-57131148071570154902011-11-27T13:46:00.001-05:002011-11-27T13:51:34.985-05:00

On the Sundays that North has to work, we've started listening to "Church on the Beach." It's our little church away from church, and I really like it - and not just because of the beautiful ocean scenery.I had to share this clip, because it grabbed my heart so much.I am so thankful for God's grace. It's a completely life-giving thing to know there is grace available because of Jesus, and that my

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-47368940947776500602011-11-26T23:35:00.004-05:002011-11-30T00:44:11.717-05:00

In months past I have turned off comments here and there, and played with the idea of leaving them off for a more prolonged period of time, and I think the time has come, they will remain off for a good chunk of time now.Blogging has been great in a lot of ways, and I've talked about that many times before, But ...and maybe I'm just too sensitive... I've grown tired of some of the things that can

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-69666070199866452042011-11-20T00:00:00.006-05:002011-11-20T15:15:40.765-05:00

I've not had much to say here for a while now.A lot of what I've posted recently, has come from the place in me that doesn't like to leave my blog silent. ...But I also don't like filling this place up with stuff that isn't thought through as well as I would like, which is what seems to happen when I try to say something when I really don't have anything to say. Don't get me wrong.. I wanted to

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-79002689065002431812011-11-19T00:00:00.002-05:002011-11-19T00:14:50.394-05:00

I'm not sure why, but I am totally caught off guard by thanksgiving this year. My mind is still back in August or something. I think I've kind of said that before, but I just can't seem to catch up to where we are in the year already.When we went outside yesterday and it was really cold, I was kind of shocked. We actually needed our coats, hats, scarves...the whole sha-bang. Of course, North and

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-9001710347827160752011-11-17T00:14:00.006-05:002011-11-17T01:04:04.765-05:00

Could anybody use a good laugh? If you're like me, and you love to laugh, you have to watch these!

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-144573584604321652011-11-16T00:00:00.000-05:002011-11-16T00:00:05.273-05:00

It's the middle of November, and I still don't have it in my head that it's almost Thanksgiving. I try to have a thankful heart, because I know God is with me each day, and he has blessed me in wonderful ways. I've wanted to express my thankfulness here (before thanksgiving) in some way, but I've struggled to get quiet enough inside to really focus.I don't have any fancy words, but I'm stopping

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-37543033433521126152011-11-14T21:41:00.005-05:002011-11-15T02:32:17.511-05:00

I've been thinking of doing a giveaway for a little while, and then this week I received my lovely China necklace from Gail's giveaway...I love it! (It's so special & fun getting something from someone/somewhere so far away!) ..So I thought I would go ahead and do my own little giveaway.I've been making some little hair accessories and thinking about putting them in my etsy shop...They can work

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-34444893473999522902011-11-10T00:08:00.001-05:002011-11-13T13:46:54.507-05:00

Even though we are in the beginning-est of beginning stages of this second adoption, and most of the time questions are swirling around in my head, I've noticed already a common theme between this adoption and our first...I guess because everything to do with adoption, for me, seems way out there and bigger than I can get a handle on, I battle almost constantly with feeling like we are crazy and

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-71113780330863623282011-11-06T14:04:00.005-05:002011-11-06T14:30:47.137-05:00

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;my hope comes from him.He alone is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress I will never be shaken.My salvation and my honor depend on God;he is my mighty rock, my refuge.Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.Psalm 62:5-8

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-37164778984085419442011-11-05T22:59:00.003-04:002011-11-05T23:19:24.717-04:00

...Or as I like to call it - annoying.Every year, twice a year (now that our state decided to become a part of this ridiculousness), I am forced to deal with this thing that could only have been thought up by a man.For two days after the fact, I'm left with stupid thoughts about what time it would have been on the old time and why it is the time it is on the new time.And why when it's already

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-57102269766197686042011-11-03T22:24:00.002-04:002011-11-04T00:12:51.075-04:00

I've been struggling for a few months with the idea of posting the last little bit of my story as it relates to infertility. ..I say the "last," I guess I don't know that, but what I mean is I feel like I'm at a real ending place, and I don't really plan to continue posting on this subject. I don't feel like I necessarily need to share this for myself, but since I have shared a lot of that story

teanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-32176961616559130812011-11-03T14:46:00.004-04:002011-11-03T15:51:44.438-04:00

This afternoon I was looking around online, to see if I could find an affordable place to order some organic seeds for next years garden. Up until now I haven't been too picky about seeds, but I do want our garden to be completely organic. I don't want to have to worry about what our seeds have been exposed to before we've bought them. We never use any chemicals when we're growing, and if we're

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-10234843998099745862011-11-01T00:00:00.001-04:002011-11-01T00:17:22.643-04:00

Yay! I'm so happy this month is here! Wooohoooo!Thanksgiving month! (I'm dancing in my seat as I type this.) Yay!(Okay, settling down a little now...)Christmas and Thanksgiving are all tied up into one package for me. I love having the time of focusing on giving thanks lead into remembering how Jesus came to this world to save us, and restore our relationship to God.Christmas music has already

teanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-27923419215317107872011-10-30T15:27:00.005-04:002011-10-30T16:02:32.109-04:00

I've been eyeing these for a couple of years.We decided to give ourselves early Christmas presents.{Sidenote: I'm obsessed with up-close pictures of rocks.}I have had so much fun wearing muh' boots. I've sometimes wished that I had more of a set style with my clothing, but the truth is, the fact that I don't kind of fits me perfectly. Cause I'm a little bit country, a little bit casual, a little

teanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-26760008696511592582011-10-29T22:49:00.003-04:002011-10-29T22:53:52.955-04:00

Great are the works of the Lord;they are pondered by all who delight in them.Glorious and magestic are his deeds,and his righteousness endures forever.He has caused his wonders to be remembered;the Lord is gracious and compassionate.Psalm 111:2-4

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-34061868955196508282011-10-27T10:09:00.010-04:002011-10-28T09:38:46.959-04:00

To be honest, this is where we would prefer to live.Waaaay out. So far out that it takes time to get to a neighbors house.I spent the last part of my childhood in the country.It spoiled me.When North and I got married we lived in an apartment right in the middle of town.At a busy intersection.I struggled when I would go outside to find some peace (as I had been so used to doing), an there were

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-68520968336245939142011-10-25T22:00:00.004-04:002011-10-29T10:09:01.642-04:00

{Before I get to this post, I wanted to thank those who took the time to read my post a few days ago (Through the Drought-storm). I've never been great at writing, so it makes me a little nervous to share anything other than normal conversation-type posts, but sometimes I get these pictures in my head about what God has done in my life, and the one I shared in that last post was so personal and

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-83260097221844618322011-10-23T00:00:00.000-04:002011-10-23T00:00:02.758-04:00

The Lord redeems his servants;no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.Psalm 34:22

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-63636897976623013942011-10-20T22:00:00.000-04:002011-10-20T22:18:25.256-04:00

{This is a beautiful song, that got me thinking and inspired me as I was writing..I hope you'll let it play as you read...}I'm like a tree you planted.You took me as a seed - found along the roadsideYou planted me in a beautiful garden... green... a stream near...Birds singing, blue sky, sun shining.I grew there.Weathered a few thunderstorms.Survived a few mildest of droughts..But mostly I was

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-89783767344206187252011-10-18T16:32:00.003-04:002011-10-18T16:56:19.297-04:00

Things have turned unexpectedly busy over the last few days...I haven't had time to be here like I've wanted to.These are pictures from a drive last month, but the weather is much the same today...rainy, cloudy, but it's much cooler outside now. Fall is here. The leaves are changing.I've been so encouraged in my etsy shop lately. I'm hoping to start getting some new things done, and maybe share a

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-76536340522522496692011-10-16T22:10:00.001-04:002011-10-16T22:12:53.687-04:00

Praise be to the Lord,for he has heard my cry for mercy.The Lord is my strength and my shield;my heart trusts in him,and I am helped.My heart leaps for joyand I will give thanks to him in song.The Lord is the strength of his people,a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.Save your people and bless your in heritance;be their shepherd and carry them forever.Psalm 28:6-9

teanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-3130498004584751562011-10-13T00:00:00.002-04:002011-10-13T09:32:38.206-04:00

Pictures from dinner on North and my last date together...I have a weird love of food. The older I get, the more I definitely love its taste. (I've gained a few pounds to prove it. ..I'd like to get rid of them too.)I've always loved pictures of food. They make me linger a little longer and take a closer look. Even on cartoons (Garfield) and in drawings.I love cooking shows, and my travel dvds

teanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-41540082979224203662011-10-12T00:00:00.001-04:002011-10-12T00:00:00.415-04:00

This is my camera.It cost $80 when we bought it 3 years ago.It has a bunch of dust stuck in the lens.Whenever I take pictures of the sky, the dust makes lots of dark spots in it.I've tried using our little camera the best I can. I'd like to take better pictures to put here. We've tossed around the idea of getting a fancy camera from time to time. After looking at them, I'm not sure I would ever

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-77962963677434965272011-10-11T00:20:00.000-04:002011-10-11T00:49:08.402-04:00

Our little kitty is so much fun. Had you asked me if I wanted a cat, I would have said no, but he has been a fun addition to our home.When he's asleep and I pick him up he reminds me of a little sock puppet. He's so long and skinny.Other times he makes me feel like I have my own tiny, real-life teddy bear. He's so soft and cuddly. -Except when he bites. He's at that playful stage.His newly

teanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-24735906343637856102011-10-09T16:40:00.001-04:002011-10-09T20:17:21.741-04:00

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,he restors my soul.Psalm 23:1-3

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-24112032460552575542011-10-06T14:21:00.000-04:002011-10-06T14:46:54.652-04:00

This season I have fallen in love with the wildflowers.Little flowers that could be disgarded as weeds,that hold a dainty-rustic beauty.A few days ago, while the little one was playing, I was bouqueting...As I walked in our backyard, I found three or four different types of wildflowers,added in some of our mums,a sprig from the butterfly bush,and found that our neighbor's hollyhock had let some

teanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-20102594479309255292011-10-05T03:00:00.000-04:002011-10-05T03:42:40.618-04:00

He spent one day away, and then we knew we had to bring him back. He is our unexpected pet, but it just felt right to keep him.He's had his surgeries, and is totally ready for his life as a housecat. He seems happy here.crossing "pet" off of my photo challenge list.

teanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-53283322064968118942011-10-04T00:00:00.001-04:002011-10-04T00:00:07.534-04:00

I've been trying to incorporate more spinach into our family's diet over the last several months. It's one of those veggies that is full of really good stuff, and I want us to be eating it!I've always loved spinach. I was one of those weird kids who actually liked it growing up. Buzz, however, is not a fan of the taste of it. So, I've been finding some sneaky, and not-so-sneaky, ways of getting

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-41891636961146554232011-10-02T07:00:00.001-04:002011-10-02T08:51:22.591-04:00

The Lord is a refuge for the opressed,a stronghold in times of trouble.Those who know your name will trust in you,for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.{Psalm 9:9&10}

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-63788472839932991972011-10-01T14:57:00.005-04:002011-10-03T00:17:15.678-04:00

A lot going through the ol' noggin today, so a second post...Last year around this time, I sat down and put into words, my purposes for blogging. -Just for myself.I knew I had my reasons, but I wanted to see them laid out in front of me. I've come to realize recently that I need to shift part of my focus where blogging is concerned. I guess maybe I was a little naive, but I had hopes of forming

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-79676710923103398952011-10-01T01:03:00.007-04:002011-10-01T01:43:45.110-04:00

In my wisdom I surrounded myself with sin, death, and darkness.In everything I sought pleasure, there was a killer.With every turn I was stabbed in the back, though I was numb to the pain.I had grown accustomed to such treatment and saw my wounds as friends.In my strength I hurt others and I hurt myself.In my quiet moments loneliness filled my heart.There was nothing in me.Until one day, sitting

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-10183565575673359082011-09-30T00:00:00.003-04:002011-09-30T00:38:44.754-04:00

I thought I would share a few of my favorites today...A new song I heard this week...which I really enjoyed...Let it play (if you like) as you browse through these next few lovelies...This little wool bowl would make such a pretty decoration around the home.I love the colors!{To visit this shop : Click here} I like this.It's simple and feminine,and would add another light layer on fall days.So

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-63765088038464344822011-09-28T00:16:00.004-04:002011-09-28T00:35:46.479-04:00

Technically, we don't really have a "laundry day" at our house.I usually just do laundry all week long...But yesterday kind of turned into a laundry day,cause I had so much to catch up on.Got my favorite pair of jeans clean and ready for our days off,when we're hoping to go on a date!Used a lovely smelling fabric softener & got all of the towels clean...It seemed like we went through all of them

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-40969654304160855512011-09-26T20:08:00.004-04:002011-09-28T00:40:15.876-04:00

So, from what I gather, digestive bisuit, is the name that people in a lot of other countries use for graham crackers. Am I getting this right? ..I hope this doesn't come across as offensive in any way, because I'm only meaning it in fun, but every time I read the words "Digestive Biscuits" in a recipe, I'm like, Eeeew! And then I have to laugh. I just can't believe there is a food item with this

teanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-29593781807452821952011-09-25T00:22:00.000-04:002011-09-25T00:22:24.501-04:00

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;let them ever sing for joy.Spread your protection over them,that those who love your name may rejoice in you.Psalm 5:11

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-50641124017149217062011-09-24T00:00:00.009-04:002011-09-24T00:00:04.804-04:00

Today I've been at this blog for 2 years. When I started out, it was with some trembling, and a hope to share my thoughts and connect with other women. I've enjoyed so much of my blogging experience here, and I'm happy to reach this 2 year mark. I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with this little place of mine.. I've always felt like the most important thing I do here is sharing

teanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-46265479023571797042011-09-23T02:00:00.001-04:002011-09-25T22:58:32.111-04:00

Trusting : In the Lord's kindness, patience, gentleness and grace, as always.Grateful : For His provision for everything we need and more. Inspired : By many things lately... Lee's blog, filled with pretty home decorating ideas. ..Julie & Julia, that movie is such a favorite! I'm also feeling re-inspired and strengthened in our adoption journey. As with our first one, there are many times I just

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-84929596959246465832011-09-21T15:05:00.001-04:002011-09-21T17:22:50.905-04:00

♥

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-20715825287075313702011-09-20T01:00:00.001-04:002011-09-27T12:08:13.179-04:00

So, right now I am needing a little inspiration for my blog and also just to get myself back into a creative mode. Sewing, picture taking, and all other forms of creativity have, lately, been taking a back seat to tired, worn out, and using the time after everyone is in bed to veg.I'm not sure what exactly has gotten me into this worn out mode, but I'm there, and I'm trying to work through it. I

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-56336643430104675092011-09-19T14:41:00.004-04:002011-09-19T17:03:41.230-04:00

Today is kind of a sad day for me.Yesterday I took KitKat to my parent's house, so he could live with their outside kitties. They live in the country, where there are less roads to deal with than their are here. I so didn't want to have to take him away or put him outside. I wanted to keep him. So I'm sad. I admit, I had to cry. I'm still holding out a little hope that North will decide we can

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-68560290803537141092011-09-17T23:03:00.001-04:002011-09-17T23:17:20.444-04:00

I love the Tuscan look! I don't have any kind of real home-design knowledge, but whenever I see this look, I just think it is the most warm, beautiful style. I love the arched doorways, and I love the way it incorporates stone, and wood! They combine to make such a natural beauty.My dad is a woodworker, so I grew up with a big appreciation for wood. I love the way it looks in a home! Wooden

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-43321771078426296012011-09-14T11:04:00.004-04:002011-09-25T22:58:32.115-04:00

We pretty much put our wardrobe plans on hold due to beginning with our new adoption, but we've been trying to figure out how this is all supposed to look this time around. Last time we adopted, it was a year and a half long process from start to finish. Everything was about the adoption and we were in a mad dash to save every penny. This time we have a son who we need/want to think of, and we

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-48201607222670586472011-09-12T20:31:00.005-04:002011-09-13T21:30:25.497-04:00

teanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-3243825999688072902011-09-09T14:45:00.004-04:002011-09-12T15:26:57.883-04:00

A few weeks ago we started doing school. Buzz had been asking if he could go to school for a while, especially after watching "Ramona & Beezus." (Great movie, by the way..) So I thought maybe we could go ahead and do a little more of an official preschool time.He has enjoyed it so much! I wasn't sure that it would be anything we would stick with, I just wanted to kind of see how he felt about it

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-56817552729684702892011-09-06T16:14:00.002-04:002011-09-06T16:33:22.225-04:00

All animals in our house must be given a rhyming nickname, so KitKat is now also known as Spit Spat, or KitKat the Spit Spat.He has grown so much in the last few weeks! I've really gotten myself into a pickle with this cat. Truly. I don't know what I'm going to do.I'm supposed to transition him into being an outside cat. How is this going to happen?!?? He is scared to death outside, especially

teanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-57987670533349187392011-09-04T17:03:00.008-04:002011-09-05T00:58:08.026-04:00

I decided to change my blog name and address. I've been thinking about doing this for a really long time. I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble for people who want to keep following along. I had a little bit of trouble, but I unfollowed my blog and then scrolled up to the very top of this page, and clicked follow. It seems to have work out okay and now shows up in the little blogger

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-12776221949378818442011-09-03T14:21:00.004-04:002011-09-05T01:04:25.452-04:00

* I love taupe! * Sometimes chandeliers are just gaudy. * I have never - ever! - even remotely considered spending this much on a purse... until now... I know I already posted about it, but... $232 JennyndesignI can't. I mean, honestly, I know I absolutely can't, but I am sooo tempted it's not even funny. I used to be a purse-a-holic when I was in high school (never more than $30ish - usually

teanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-64930068092507166082011-09-01T22:01:00.005-04:002011-09-01T22:15:57.012-04:00

We enjoyed some small town fun recently, visiting a little neighboring town and its general store, getting pops in glass bottles (glass is the best!!), walking on a creek's edge and throwing rocks in... A little get away and breath of fresh air. It was nice.

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-27817397904262228112011-08-30T15:30:00.003-04:002011-08-30T15:56:45.838-04:00

God's grace never ceases to amaze me. ..When I became a Christian that word was so foreign to me. Grace... For a long time I tried my hardest to understand the meaning. Even though I knew the definition, something about it took a long, long time to sink in. ..And even to this day it continues to sink in, more and more. And the more I understand of it...the more I experience it, the more amazing

teanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-85878590643389334752011-08-28T04:00:00.002-04:002011-08-28T04:00:02.630-04:00

I wanted to share a few of my most favorite items that I've found on etsy. There are some really beautiful things on there! If I could redo my wardrobe and spend as much as I wanted, I would definitely be making a bunch of purchases! Anyway, these are a few of my top faves... Some of them are out of my price range, but I LOVE them!!! Some of them are awesomely priced within my range, and I'm

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-23838471407858315612011-08-27T00:15:00.001-04:002011-09-06T13:07:29.320-04:00

When I shared that we were beginning to take steps toward our second adoption I didn't really share any details, other than the long timeline we have ahead of us. There are some things I can't share, as North has sworn me to secrecy ;)... But I thought it would be okay to share a little bit more about our hopes here. At least the things North has okayed for sharing. ;) First though, I would

teanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-46707551162820862452011-08-26T00:00:00.001-04:002011-08-26T00:00:03.325-04:00

I'm working on refreshing my attitude toward blogging. Over the last several months, my attitude has become stale and tired. I enjoy blogging, I always do, so it's not that I don't have fun with it, but I haven't really felt like I've had a lot of energy to put into it. Back in February I seriously considered quitting my blog. I think in some ways I felt a little exposed and wondered if I had

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-85704289957163220712011-08-25T00:08:00.002-04:002011-09-09T23:31:00.649-04:00

I've reached that point. The point where I'm ready to throw in the towel with trying to grow my hair out. I always do this... Want to grow it out. Try. Get sick of it. Cut it. Start all over again. I've spent practically all summer with it pulled back, which is not my favorite at all... But when my hair is longer, it's pretty much impossible to get it to do anything in the summer humidity.

teanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-13076041351451409812011-08-23T23:32:00.002-04:002011-08-24T01:20:12.433-04:00

I thought I would share just a few things from our vacation time.. We kept forgetting to take our camera with us, and most of the pictures we did take were more for family purposes and not so good for the blog (aka - a lot of face shots), so I don't actually have many pictures to share. We visited the State Fair... Got to see all of the animals, which is always fun. I saw some crazy ducks

teanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-35616074299685270322011-08-21T00:00:00.004-04:002011-08-24T01:21:42.484-04:00

teanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-81758252377450851542011-08-15T01:28:00.000-04:002011-08-15T01:28:22.515-04:00

Since we've been home with our son, there is something I've been dragging my feet on... I've been afraid. Being that he was born in Ethiopia, and it is his birth country/culture, we have wanted to help him learn about where he has come from. One of the easiest things we can do is to take him to an Ethiopian restaurant. There he will experience the food, a bit of artwork and culture, and he/we

teanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-71059516232357868902011-08-14T16:55:00.001-04:002011-08-16T01:42:19.046-04:00

I wrote this several months ago, but today felt like the day to share it... Last week I read the story of Lazarus in the bible. Lazarus and his sisters were friends with Jesus. One day someone came and told Jesus that his friend Lazarus was sick, but instead of going to help him right away, he stayed where he was. When Jesus went to the place where Lazarus and his sisters lived, his sister's

teanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-83085226614914086092011-08-13T14:38:00.005-04:002011-08-13T23:29:59.877-04:00

Sometimes you get a glimpse into someone's life, and your heart just breaks for them... As someone who has been saved out of my old life, and cleansed of my sins, I long for this man to know the salvation that Jesus can give him. He desperately needs to know the Love of God, just like I did/do. ...That God not only made him, but knows him, and loves him with an unending love. Jesus sees him as

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-6848399434825069912011-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:002011-11-23T22:24:30.928-05:00

Three years ago by the grace of God, North and I set out on a long journey, over the ocean and into completely unknown territory. Far away from family and friends, in a land we didn't know, we were led into a little courtyard... and there, for the first time, we held our son. After months of knowing him only by pictures and a few small details, after years of waiting, hoping and praying, he was

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-86720927097442476122011-08-09T23:59:00.001-04:002011-08-11T22:07:48.741-04:00

This morning I noticed a painting I made a while back in our bedroom. At the time I made it, I gave myself a hard time over it, thinking it wasn't good enough. (Why do I always do that???) But when I looked at it today, I liked it. It has a little verse of scripture pasted onto it that is painted into the rest of the picture. ..It got me thinking... I love doing collages. I love reading the

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-83122022174604497452011-08-09T02:38:00.000-04:002011-08-09T02:38:44.304-04:00

This completes a full year of family pics at this special spot. I thought it would be fun to capture one each season, and we have had fun with it. By now Buzz knows the routine, and we are used to the funny looks we get when people drive past. ;) Same pic, two different edits... (It's so weird.. I've been using two different computers lately, and on one, these pics look really clear and just

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-34671257943889559982011-08-06T23:42:00.009-04:002011-08-07T01:05:27.664-04:00

Our garden has seen a set back or two this year....We were invaded by a pesky bug. :/(These outside garden pics are from the pre-bug days...)I noticed a few little brown eggs on the leaves of the pumpkin one day, and on the opposite side were these weird little green bugs I had never seen before. Well, the little green bugs morph into big white bugs, and they are killers! They killed most of our

teanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-76266521964577249912011-08-05T09:06:00.001-04:002011-08-05T09:07:35.227-04:00

This week, is the week before North starts his vacation time. (Today begins our work week.) We're not planning to do anything super big during this time off... maybe just a few fun family outings and just spending a lot of time together. We want to enjoy our time. This is the special time of the year, when we celebrate our Family Day! So my goal this week is to get myself and our house prepared

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-5332751222057995682011-08-04T15:32:00.008-04:002011-08-04T17:28:41.797-04:00

I am such a weirdo. ...But I can't help it.I thought the phase would pass, but I can't seem to get the idea of going out on the sea with my fam, out of my head. (I talked about it last year - here, amongst other places..)It actually comes up in conversations between my husband and I all the time now. As funny as it may seem, I think we're both serious about wanting to do it at some point, if we

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-47399470148148866782011-08-04T01:25:00.006-04:002011-08-21T07:57:05.330-04:00

Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.Psalm 94:17-19Thank you Jesus!

teanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-21479438240408349722011-07-31T15:50:00.001-04:002011-11-03T20:21:44.315-04:00

Earlier in the week I was talking to my mom about how much this place has meant to me...my blog. Then last night I got two comments that just reminded me again, what a gift this blog has been to me. You girls who have followed along with me, you are the reason this place is such a blessing to me. You have encouraged me and helped me through difficult times, and you've accepted me and cared about

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-87851533398220879752011-07-27T02:47:00.003-04:002011-07-27T03:11:19.433-04:00

It's the beginning of harvest time here at our house. I had my first round of blanching and pealing tomatoes today. There's going to be lots more of that in the weeks to come. I found out that carrot tops (the green part) are full of lots of nutrients. I'm saving ours to use in some stuff here and there. I used some tonight in a garden veggie soup. (YUM!!)Last week I spent quite a bit of time

teanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-71997977547013188882011-07-17T14:08:00.002-04:002011-08-21T07:58:07.691-04:00

When I was first getting to know Jesus, the thing that amazed me about him most, was that he knew every bad thing I had ever done, and still chose to love me. I didn't have to hide anything from him - ever. I had never known anyone like that. (..Because there is no one else like that.) Even at young ages I knew that I had to hide certain things about myself from other people. Parts of me were too

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-23131515743859940032011-07-16T20:58:00.003-04:002011-09-09T23:31:00.651-04:00

I've really been wanting to blog lately, but most of the time I end up feeling like I don't have time. ...And then when I do, I just don't seem to know where to start,and then I feel rushed. It doesn't feel like I've been able to take the time to sift through deeper thoughts and put them into words much. ..But for now I can at least talk about my attempt to grow my hair out. (Although, I know

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-28639257132006158332011-07-14T09:42:00.004-04:002011-07-27T03:11:19.435-04:00

This week, pretty flowers are blooming...This week, I went for a walk with Buzz and we skipped together. (Loved the laughter and the BIG steps between skips.)...North left me a sweet note a few days ago, and a hilarious note today. (Always love his notes.)...I stayed up way too late one night working on stuff....We became "high tech" and finally got call waiting. (Switched phone services and it's

teanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-28298419854412792692011-07-12T08:50:00.000-04:002011-07-12T08:50:24.472-04:00

If you've been reading here for any length of time, you know I really enjoy trying to garden.Today ( ..this was written a few days ago...) I was out in our garden working on the potatoes (weeding and piling on more dirt), and I just had to stop and thank God for this work that he made for us to do. In the beginning he put Adam and Eve into a garden. It was theirs to work, and I really believe

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-60933729877272430412011-07-10T00:52:00.000-04:002011-07-10T00:53:08.077-04:00

But as for me, it is good to be near God.I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge...Psalm 73 : 28

teanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-21707360560343834482011-07-05T22:21:00.002-04:002011-11-23T22:24:30.929-05:00

I've been wearing a small, silver, love knot ring on my right hand for the past few years. Up until recently, I didn't consider it to have any significant meaning, but I have just loved it because it felt so "me."Recently, however, I have come to see a deep and beautiful meaning in my ring...Nearly three years ago we adopted our (smart, sweet, brave, handsome, strong, amazing... ;) ) son from

teanoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-11671290270406201482011-07-03T00:02:00.000-04:002011-07-03T00:02:41.186-04:00

Because you are my help,I sing in the shadow of your wings.My soul clings to you;your right hand upholds me.Psalm 63:7 & 8

teanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-62474645752158792872011-07-02T22:48:00.001-04:002011-07-02T23:02:17.290-04:00

We took Buzz to the movies for the first time yesterday. It was really fun to surprise him! We took him to see the new Cars movie. He loves Cars! We even got popcorn, and let me tell you, I wouldn't buy a small bag of $5 popcorn for just anybody, only for my special boy's first time at the movies. I love getting to make little surprises like this for Buzz.When we were on our way in to find our

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-47234502944889078172011-06-29T17:09:00.000-04:002011-06-29T17:12:30.259-04:00

teanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-2230919751185731392011-06-27T23:23:00.000-04:002011-06-27T23:24:04.845-04:00

Whew......As I sit down to type this I am feeling kind of exhausted. If anyone is up for some randomness this is the place.... I'm sitting here with -gasp!- a coffee (playing grown up for the evening), and ready to just talk...~Drama is so stupid. We've been dealing with other people's drama a lot lately, and I'm really so tired of it. I don't like it and I don't want it in my life. It's to the

teanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-86928740886895760972011-06-25T01:03:00.005-04:002011-08-15T01:32:50.435-04:00

I don't make a habit of reading infertility blogs, but since infertility is something I've dealt with I have visited a few of them from time to time. I understand that for infertile couples, adoption is a subject that is bound to come up. I understand that it's natural for couples to seek out a way to have the family that they dream of..... - But - I have to say it breaks my heart, the way I

teanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-20854832262522930782011-06-18T23:13:00.000-04:002011-07-08T14:14:52.403-04:00

This verse has become our family verse over the past year or so... I am really thankful for it.... It seems to come in as a handy reminder all the time. This week as I've sifted through many thoughts, this scripture has been a help to me. So many times in life it seems like we can only see just a very little way ahead of where we are, just enough to take one step.It's hard not knowing fully what

teanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754770018720129489.post-26398530746138275972011-06-15T15:33:00.002-04:002011-06-15T15:38:37.402-04:00

I feel like such a horrible blogger. I hate neglecting my blog and not getting around to visiting others, but right now that seems to be how it is. I don't like feeling like one of those bloggers who just posts things and hopes for comments, but doesn't support other people's blogs with comments. That's not the way I like to blog. So hopefully I will soon figure out a good time to work blogging

teanoreply@blogger.com15