Creative Play Day

So, today I am recovering from Bunco last night. :o) We had a fun time and it was a lot of prep work but I think it was a success. Ethan has a double ear infection so the two of us stayed in comfy clothes and lounged. I did get 6 loads of laundry done and my kitchen cleaned up but I also played in my craft room in spurts.

Here are the two cards I made today. They were fun.

The first one uses a fun set that is now retired. Winter's Melody. I love these girls. I also used New Fallen Snow and paper from the Christmas Stack. Cardstock and ribbons are Heavenly Blue. The girl is paper pieced and the bling is Sparkles from CTMH... I also used Stickles for a little extra glitter. I doodled around the snowflakes for some whimsy... overall I love this card.



This second card is also using papers from the Stack... and CTMH bamboo cardstock. It uses a beautiful vintage set called Winter Wonder. I just used this set for the first time today. I love it. I used chocolate inks. I stamped the skis and pop dotted them for deminsion as well as the "bundle up". The snowflake has a button actually sewn to it and then a loop made in the back for a hanger. I love how this turned out and would make a great masculine card.





I hope you enjoy. I had fun playing and I am off to do Christmas gifts... can't show those.

Advent Ideas

Good Morning,
It is so hard to believe but we received our first snow on the 1st of December. And if we weren't in the Christmas spirit that certainly changed things!! All the lights looked so beautiful in our neighborhood and the snow was perched atop the trees in such splendor beauty of its own. It was truly a time where I love the Northwest. The magnificent green contrasted with the stark white. What a sight!!! That was washed away in just a day by the lovely ever present Northwest RAIN!! Agghhh....

So, as I sit here just having done my bible study and listening to the rain drops. I began plotting how I was going to get the little guy to go grocery shopping and decided I would share the ideas below instead. Enjoy!!

I was given these ideas by a fellow consultant and have put them into action. I love bringing the true meaning of Christmas to my children. Although I believed in Santa for many years, it's nice to know we never have to outgrow "Believing" in God.

Here is a picture of my unfinished throw together in a day advent tree.... I need a topper for the little guy. Next year this may be a decoration and I will use bigger matchboxes to make it bigger and able to hold the items that are needed to go along with the slips of ideas tucked inside. But for now it's perfect because it is being used. :o)



And here are the wonderful ideas.
Advent Calendar Ideas

1 Quarter
A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it.
Mark 12:41-44

2 Grape Gum (or candy)
Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle.
John 2:1-10

3 Smiley Sticker
Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy.
Matthew 5:1-12

4 Gummy Fish
Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait will you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too.
Luke 5:4-7

5 Birthday Candle
A birthday candle? As you know, We are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light!
Matthew 5:14-16

6 Bell
You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus.
Mark 7:31-37

7 Fish Crackers
These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply!
Matthew 14:13-21

8 Cotton Balls
These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunderstorm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather.
Matthew 8:23-27

9 Piece of a Map
People needing to use the other parts of their map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today!
John 14:1-6

10 Soap
It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus.
John 9:1-7


11 Heart Sticker
Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love.
Matthew 22:34-40

12 Cross
We use the cross as a symbol representing Jesus. Do you know why?
Philippians 2:1-11

13 Packet of Salt
Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice.
Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6

14 Sand
Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. Read about His instructions.
Matthew 7:24-29

15 Flowers(silk)
Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson.
Matthew 6:28-34

16 Raisins
Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of chips for a snack. That's because they are health promoting and a delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit.
John 15:1-5

17 Seeds
Jesus told a story about seeds that a man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deeper meaning.
Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23

18 Christmas Carol
Christmas is just a week away. Here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly!
Psalms 100

19 Small Rock
A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do you know how He handled it?
Matthew 4:1-4

20 Crumpled Foil
Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear.
I Corinthians 13:12

21 Mustard Seed
The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus says about this.
Matthew 17:20

22 Dove
We know that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for?
Matthew 3:13-17

23 Small scrap of woolly material
The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called himself the good Sheppard. Do you know who His sheep are?
John 10:7-18

24 Blue Marble
A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world?
John 3:16

25 Picture of a baby
Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy.
Luke 2:1-20

Trimming the Tree

I can't believe how not into Christmas I have been this year. It has taken almost a full week to get the tree up lights up and decorations put in place. I am usually a one day kind of gal.
We did the 4 am shopping on black Friday and it was a circus. Never shop at KOHL'S for a 4 am sale. We had a wonderful place in line to get in and a terrible time checking out- that we just left. I heard later that people waited some 2 to 3 hours to pay for their things. But Sam's, now that was nice. Quiet, free breakfast and we got all we went for and more. It was fast and easy. Walmart wasn't bad either. Went to Michael's to get a bunch of craft stuff to do with the kids while we wait for the big fat guy(aka Santa) to come. But after that we went home. Dalton allowed me a "5 minute nap" that turned into 2 hours. That was nice. Then we had basketball all weekend. That may be where the crusher was... we weren't able to do our normal routine. It was a do it when you can type of thing. Sad to me. But they played hard and it was fun to watch. :o)
So we are almost done with the lights on the house, just a few things I want to change- or should I say want Dalton to change. And we should be good as done. I am about to turn on the music and get in the mood. I am almost done with my Christmas cards and I wish I could post them... but you will have to wait to get it in the mail.
So, if you will join me as I sing Christmas Carols in the shower for now!! And don't forget to watch the tree in Rockefeller Center light up tonight. That is my dream to one day not have to watch it on TV and actually be standing right in front of all the glory. So beautiful.

Turkey Time

So here is a fun little turkey that Ethan and I created tonight during the Sooner Game. It was so much fun to make. I pinned all the "paper feathers" and Ethan got to stick all the colorful feathers to his tail end. And you know when you are almost four you have to name everything.."Mom we have to name him. Name him KookyLokkie." Well there you have it... sounds just like a turkey name. This will be our fun centerpiece at Thanksgiving!!

Updates....

I am so embarrassed that I haven't been on here is so long. Things get so busy this time of year. And with school being well only half days here lately- getting anything done is well a challenge. But fun!!

I have to update all on our adoption. We are officially done with everything and all we can do from our part. We have to sit back and trust that Lord will provide us the wisdom to know when he is bringing the child he already has chosen into our lives. We ask that you join us in praying for our continued patience and strength. That our child be protected and free of harms way.

Remember to tell everyone out there that you may know that it is God's will for us to take care of these orphans. (James 1:27 Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.) And if they are looking to adopt or know of young woman in need of ministering, Antioch Adoptions is a wonderful and heartfelt ministry. I would love every teen and young adult who finds themselves in a time of pregnancy crisis in our state to know about their true options. None of these options are easy but with Antioch they get the love and support they need while making a courageous decision.

Thank you all and God Bless each one of you.

Scrapbook in a Box

Ladies I wanted to post a little something for you to see. I know that some of you have a question on just what is the Scrapbook in a Box that is offered at the next crop night (11/16). I will add some photos here so that you can see what a fun and unique gift it can make for your family and friends to receive. If you would like to make one that night the fee is only $12. You can email me or add it to your RSVP on the evite.

This is one I made for my wonderful inlaws when they came to town over the summer. I wanted to be sure to send back with them photos from their visit with us.






So after seeing it, you can tell that there is a layering of cardstock that makes the box. It is scored and cut into 4 flap areas that when folded up they make a square for the box. You can use as many as 28 pictures to fill up this wonderful gem. I also provided in this box some extra fold over flaps providing room for even more journaling or pictures.

I will not lie these are so time consuming in production but the gift is well worth any amount of time and effort. You will love it so much you just might need to make 2 to keep one for yourself.

Have a great day!!!

Carving Pumpkins

Well, it's that time of year. I love it. The colors are changing and the fresh & crisp air reminds us of FALL!! I have to say it has been absolutely beautiful up here in the Northwest.

I am so disappointed though in myself. I didn't ever make it to the Pumpkin Patch this year. I am not sure why- other than adding an extra sport into the mix for two kiddos. And that was too much fun to miss out on.

But QFC had a wonderful selection at prices that were hard to argue with. So, we had a blast last night carving away. All in all, we carved 5 pumpkins. From big to little. Ethan had a blast and so did Kae and Brooke. Mom wore here rubber gloves-- and boy were they the envy of the night. Funnier how the older they get the grosser things seem to be. We used every kitchen utensil possible to get the "guts" out of those pumpkins. Not a spot in sight was safe from "orange slimey sphagetti." It was just too much fun.

Here are some fun pics...






Brookelyn's finished pumpkin doesn't put out enough light to get a good pic in the dark but her's is super cute.


Mom's pumpkin

Dad's pumpkin

Ethan's pumpkin



Kaelyn does plan on taking his to the Wild West Fest at church tomorrow. They are having a contest and he even carved "I love Jesus" on his that the candle actually shines through. He was totally thrilled with how it turned out. This was the first year I let him do the carving part. He almost did the whole thing by himself. Not really sure where the santa seahawk hat came into the night but he sure is a cutie...





HAPPY HALLOWEEEN!! TRICK OR TREAT!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! TRICK OR TREAT!!!

Ladies... This Friday--- Crop Nite!!!

I love crop nites. It's such a great way to spend a Friday night with all your girlfriends. A time to craft, chat, and have great snacks. So don't forget to bring your tools and projects and a snack to share. We will have a lot of fun. Starts at 6:30.

Don't forget we have a new Fall/Winter Catalog. And the Stamp of the Month is a wonderful set. Artwork below is from that set. It can be yours FREE- ask me how!!

Oh Bother...

I am such an Eeyore right now. I can't get past this sinus infection. I feel like after 5 days of antibiotic I am still worse than I was when I went in. I get these all the time and a round of meds usually zaps it away. But this one is lingering and holding on for dear life. Not fun.
We are all doing great though. Ethan is loving school and playing with his friends. Brookelyn is loving everything in life. From reading to her new music program she got in to. Kaelyn is a bit under weather but did I mention last Saturday he turned "12". Middle school and almost a "teen" Yikes!!! But he is doing so great in all of his classes and is back to loving math the best. Playing like a rock star on the football field and just loving life too!! Dalton is working so hard right now and starting to lose sleep from all of my coughing. Sorry honey.
But they have a new project to start working on... I will have to get out in the garage and take a picture of the new baby in our home. It's a 67 Mustang. They (Hubby and Kaelyn) are going to restore it for Kaelyn to have when he is ready to drive. It might just take that long. It really is in pretty good shape. It drives fast and well. I guess the fast part is not really needed... but sure makes it fun. They hope to paint it crimson and put cream stripes down the hood and wherever they go.. Boomer Sooner car!!! I am excited to see it all come to fruition.
Well, don't have much time. I have to get Ethan off to school. But wanted to post a little just to keep me in the habit. Talk soon.

Home Extreme Makeover- Night before unveiling

Well, it is only the 3rd time in their taping and building of homes that they have not been able to meet the deadline. But it actually happened here in the great rainy Northwest. I had promised my daughter that we would go Wednesday to "Move that Bus" day but I didn't want to take her out of school. I couldn't find a schedule anywhere for the time that they would be making the great reveal. So Ethan and I headed up to Kirkland. Amazingly there were no traffic hurdles on 405 and it was only a 35 minute drive for us. We got to the shuttle area and no one was there but the 2 busses. Got to the site and there was soooo much work to be done. It was clear that morning after raining on them for almost a solid week. Some cloud breaks but not enough apparently.
I heard from a worker that it would be at least 6 or 8 that night before they could do the unveiling and Paul actually told her he thought that was a "best case" scenerio. So, back in the car Ethan and I drove back down 405 home. A route we had become very familiar with over the that week.
Well, I had volunteered to help clean up the next day and got an email that it would be postponed until afternoon. So I new the unveiling would be delayed until that next morning. So, that night I took Ethan and Brooke back to view the progress and let Brooke catch a glimpse of what it was all like. We met a family that had a girl her age and they were instantly friends shouting "Ty, Ty, Ty!!" But he just didn't come out in time. We got pictures of Michael and Paige again. That thrilled everyone.



Cold boy with rosy cheeks...


And a girl who didn't want to go home. "Please can't we stay and see Ty??!!"

That next morning I was going to head out until I found out spectators had to be in position by 7 and move that bus would be at 9. Three kids makes that a little hard. But I am so glad that I got to experience the parts that I did. It is so weird to watch the episodes on tv now and know how much goes into every little scene they shoot.
But the best was getting to talk to all the neighbors who truly love this woman and her children. Dalton got to go take a day off on Tuesday and really help with the construction. He was up and out at the staging area by 4:30 am helping do insulation and various other things. What a day for him!! He loved it. And best of all I got one of the blue shirts to sleep in!!!
Thanks for the great experience and congrats to the Chapin family. Can't wait to see the episode in January.

Grocery Game dot come....

I have to tell you about this again. I don't remember if I went into much detail before. But if you are honestly looking to cut down your weekly or monthly grocery bill you have to do this. I used to go bi-weekly to Costco to buy all my food except the few things I still needed in addition at Safeway. I was way overspending on our grocery budget- which isn't the reason you have one to begin with right???

I read about this grocery game some of my fellow consultants were playing and thought "Hey I am gonna try that" So I signed up for a free trial period... and printed off my lists. I had also read that you wouldn't really save much during the first few weeks when you are just starting out collecting the coupons. But let me tell you I did. The first time I came home from shopping off the list Dalton was amazed at the amount of bags I had stuffed into our Suburban. It was full in th cargo area and the back seats. I had gotten more than my Costco/grocery money had ever gotten before. It was a great WOW factor for us!!

How it works?? They have studied the sales of all the markets and take all the guess work out of it for you. The lists comprise the best time to use your coupons on items that are actually at a "rock bottom" sale price. Not just manufactured paid advertising. For our family we are buying 2 Seattle Times papers allowing to get 2 sets of coupons. I honestly could probably use 1 more paper to maximize the total saving and stocking up on items. So they do these in a 12 week cycle. You are stocking up on items that you don't NEED right now so that when you do NEED them you won't be going out and paying full price. I make my menus based on what I have in my pantry rather than making a menu and running out to buy off of that. That has saved us too.

Now I won't lie you saw the adorned coupon book... yours doesn't have to look like that. That is just how I am. But you will need some kind of binder and definate alone time to clip, sort, file, and pull expired coupons. It is a lot of work- but the saving far outways the work. So, go try it out.... www.grocerygame.com

Adoption Update

Well, I guess God is giving me the true ability to LEARN patience. Our homestudy interviews were done on Monday the 17th. We thought it would be written and given to the appropriate next step people 2 weeks later. I got an email this last Friday that with the new laws we are waiting on the state of OK to give their clearance on a background check for child abuse and neglect. That is all she is waiting on to have it turned in. I am asking for everyone to pray that they will be swift in response and that it will all be done this week. We can't move on to the state here for foster licensing without that homestudy report.
I grew up always hearing "Good things happen to those who wait." Well, after being tired of hearing that one all the time I changed it up a bit... "Good thing happen to those who do something about it NOW." Just appears that it's not about me. I know hard to believe I am saying that one!! It is all about God's timing and the perfect child that he has already had in our plans and being obedient and patient with His timing. I got it, I got it... I just wish I could see the plans that lie ahead.
So, if you are wondering where we are and stand with our process that is it!! Waiting patiently.

Artwork...

Well when I let my website go, I intended to use this blog to have an outlet for my artwork. I have been so crazy busy that posting itself is a challenge and then to have time to create has been a real challenge. But I finally sat down and played with our new stamp of the month for October and finally (thank you Maddy) got my address book bound. I still need to embellish it and do the front cover up real cute... but it still is amazing to me. We (Tricia and I) modeled it after the 9x9 calendar that CTMH sells. I absolutely love it. I plan on offering it as a workshop before the new year. Let me know if you are interested.

Also, crop nite is coming up in just 1 week!!! Yahoo a time for us girls to just get busy on all of our projects. And snack and chat...

So to start off with the Address Book... don't ask how long this took..


Close up of the tabs...


A glimpse of the inside of the book... a pocket on the tabbed page for cards or misc... and each page so cutely decorated..


Then a couple of cards... the one with santa uses our twill stickstock. I love it and am so glad I finally decided to use it. I hoard things a bit...



Thanks for looking and enjoy your rainy day!! Because I refuse to admit that elsewhere it may be sunny, warm and well a better day!!

Home Extreme Makeover

Okay, it's raining so awfully today... doesn't look much better for tomorrow. But I so want to go to the reveal. I just have to share with you the amazing photos I got of the cast on demo day. I love this show so much. It is one of the only "family" shows we watch. Everyone in our family loves it. Kaelyn even did his million dollar project last year being Ty and doing a makeover for a factitious family. It was so much fun.
Anyway, Ethan and I trotted down to the site on the day they did demo and got to meet the cast and lots of other fans. It was truly wonderful!!! Dalton also took off yesterday and did some volunteer work. He got there around 4:30am and got to help with the insulation and other things. He said it was amazing.
This show is truly a gift to many people.
Enjoy the pics..
This is Michael

John..

Paige and John.. (love the pink helmet, matching shirt and boots)

And of course Ty...

Talking to the family...

They found lead and asbestos in the house so he had to suit up to take the camera in to talk to the family...


And Ethan having fun coloring while waited for the "wrecking and crashing"...


The show is to air sometime in January. If I get to brave the rain and go tomorrow. I will post the pictures I get then.

Just an update.

So we made it through our first home study interview last Friday... only two more to go with Antioch. Then we move onto the state. It was so wonderful talking to Kristen (our caseworker). Telling her our story and our motivation to adopt. It was so much easier than I thought. Other than I did feel a little like we were in the court reporter room. She had her cute little Dell out and was typing every word I had to say. It made me giggle.

We also got our back patio done and it looks amazing. I will have to get pictures tomorrow of the great space and new garden bed. I can't spend enough time out there. I just love it. We got Ethan his own little grill and he is having a blast playing. I do have to say we have had amazing weather up here. It has been so hot the last couple of days. Hard to believe it is September. I am ready for the fall days and rich colors of the foliage. I love Fall!!!

So, it is a busy time for us. We have football for Kaelyn, soccer for Brookelyn and Ethan and then all the prep for the adoption. Life is full of fun. But things are great!!

I have to tell you I have found a new project... I watched one episode of Life with Ed- the Green Guy. And I am now hooked on finding ways to make our home even more energy efficient. So, I switched all of our light bulbs out for just the cost of tax- thank you Bartell's and Puget Sound Energy coupons. That really helped the grocery gaming totals. I have to move on to the next hunt for how to make it better around here. I will have to let you know what I find.

But speaking of grocery gaming. You have to try this. I went to their website and I pay a fee to get these awesome lists that help you stockpile when things have a coupon and are on "rock bottom" prices through your grocery. I have saved SOOO much money on my grocery bill and have so much toilet paper and such to start my own store but that is saving me money when I need it- I got it for nickles and dimes rather than full price. I love it!!! I am averaging savings of over 50-60% each trip. That is awesome!!! Give it a try the first couple of weeks will drive you nuts but once you get the hang of it you will love it and be hooked. Dave Ramsey would be proud.

Until next time.. love you all!!

Wish you were an Octopus??

Okay, so I am not turning out to be a dedicated blogger. I really have a busy schedule and think about doing it but then don't find the time to make it really good. So, enough excuses...
That makes me think of our recent trip to the aquarium. We go frequently but I love going now with my new camera. Plus it recently had a facelift so it is always fun to go see the new big tank. But I often feel like I wish I were an Octopus. I need that extra set of hands and legs. They would help out when you have so much to keep up with. Here are a few really great pics we got this last time we went...




And there are so many of the octopus but here is just one...We actually got to watch him move through the tunnel and it was so cool to watch it change colors.


Well, I promise to come back tomorrow. I have to run to get ice cream and watch my new addiction... Ace of Cakes. They are so cool.

The Wedding Trip

So as many of you already know- I am a night owl. Not in anyway do I ever pretend to be a perky morning person. I crack open the diet coke and wake up after I have at least consumed that one. I need gentle persuading to wake up nicely. Well, we left Thursday morning at what I thought was 6:50- which looks a lot to a sleepy person like 6:05... when you don't like morning confusing that 5 and the 0 in your favor is never a good idea. We showed up after being picked up by my very loving and perky friend Tricia... :o) to the airport at 5:40ish. Checking in, all is good and this bell goes off when we are trying to check in our luggage... "oh dear!" she says. "You are late & you will never make your flight,"" as she is looking at the security line that might as well stretch out to the street where I just watched Tricia drive off . "But go and I will let them know you are coming at the gate." Well I am of course NOT a morning person and turn into a stress queen looking at the line wondering WHY DIDN'T SHE JUST ESCORT US TO THE FRONT OF IT????? We get through the line RUN to the gate where the plane is still there the gate attendant looks at us and says "there they are" and promptly says "but you can't get on they are gone." I was too tired from running and Martha Peace was sitting on my shoulder telling me to hold my tongue so not to embarrass my dear husband and mortify my children. The plane was still there and taxing backwards 3 minutes after my husband went to the lady at the desk to see about another flight. We were a whopping 4 minutes late to the gate. Yes, I was upset. But we got on another flight 10 minutes later that took us to Phoenix and arrived in Denver at about 4ish.
All was soon forgotten when we drove into SONIC!!! My diet cherry limeade was calling me. I was now in heaven and the flood gates literally opened up on us. It rains in Seattle but nothing like the Midwest. It poured buckets. The raindrops were as big as my head- not that my head is big but in comparison to the mist in Seattle the drops were HUGE!!! Lightening clear down to the ground that the thunder announced with such a roar. It was not our day but the Sonic it was awesome!!! I miss Sonic- did I tell you that??

It was so good to be with all of our family. I love my little brother. He is 9 years younger than I and such a dear boy to me. I got to see all his rug rat friends, whom I also adored. It was wonderful. I was most grateful to be with my dad again. I miss them both. So the wedding??? Dress rehearsal was fun and emotional toasts were given. It was great... but the wedding day...

WOW!! It was so beautiful. It is a ranch located (and For Sale-3Million) in Breckenridge, CO. Elk Ranch... http://www.renttheranch.com/ Amazing views from every direction. It sits upon 50 acres of just awesome territory. You couldn't imagine a better setting. The weather even held out for the "I do's" and the reception.


Here is a beautiful picture of them at the alter area with the mountains in the back. My brother was so happy. Rachel is a beautiful bride inside and out!!!


Here is a picture of our side of the family with the bride and groom.
I am standing next to my dad and his wife Tonja. My family is right with me- other than my daughter who is standing on the other side next to Christy my sister.



I can't wait to start scrapping the 150 pictures of just the wedding day that we took. It was such a wonderful day that we will all cherish for a very long time.

Until next time... love ya!!!

Hello There

Well this is totally new to me... I can't even believe I set this up without any help from my hubby. I feel a little pat on the back coming on for me...
I hope to be a great blogger. Keeping those who come for creative inspiration coming back for more!! And for those who just want to know how we are doing way up here in the Northwest are strutting along... Well I hope to keep the pictures posted and the updates a plenty.

First, all 5 of us are looking forward to that 6:50 am flight on Thursday morning to Denver- yeah 6:50 what was I thinking?? That means up and out of here by 5:30 am don't want to say the up time I might run!! And even better we fly to Oakland (this is a 1 hour flight from here) to only have a 2 hr layover before we actually head to Denver. I am thinking my dear husband might not let me book the travel anymore. They will all be fine that early but their isn't enough diet coke in the airport system to keep this girl from turning a little cranky. Morning are not my thing... but if you are reading this you already know that...
Anyhoo.. I digress... darling baby brother is getting married to his beautiful Rachel. I am so excited. From the time I was 9 he was my baby doll. You know they make those ones that pee and poo for kids now days... well he really did. I loved him more than any doll. I can't believe I have 3 kids and he is getting married. It is amazing. My parents must feel really old!! Ha ha. Dad on his Harley... young gun. And my mom up here with me attending Red Hat meetings. I laugh at loud... only because I realized the other day I turn 35 this year. How did that happen??
Again, back to the subject (not all about me- as my dear friend Tricia would say) he is getting married on Saturday at a gorgeous ranch in Breckenridge CO. I can't wait to see the beauty around us and have some well needed R&R!!

And watch out we are getting crazy in our house... we are infected by the Dave Ramsey bug.. We got the Total Money Make Over book and have started changing our lives today. Live like no one else will so you can live like no one else... it goes something like that. But not keeping up with the Jones and paying off the debt so we can call in on Friday and scream "WE are DEBT FREE!!!" I know this would make my dad happy. But even better it is changing the legacy we can leave for our family. Sound interesting?? http://www.daveramsey.com/

Adoption updates... We attended our 3 day boot camp as we like to call it. It was a great retreat in Stanwood, WA at Warm Beach Christian Conference Center. There were 15 other couples there and 3 intense days of training on becoming an adoptive and foster care parent. It is so wonderful that Antioch has taken the time to really minister to not only us as families but provide such in depth training. The days were long starting at 8 am and ending at 9 each night. But really hearing the testimonies from other families that have walked before us and being with all Christian families that whole weekend. It is great to bond with them and know that we will have such a great support system through this whole journey.
We visited the Pediatric Interim Care Center-PICC Monday night with 3 other families from our PRIDE weekend. It is a place that CPS places drug effected babies for their withdrawals and time of healing. It was amazing to see the beautiful facility and learn the different effects that all these drugs in our world have on these babies. It was good to see the babies and the care they receive.
We have 3 weeks of Tue/Thurs night classes to attend before we can begin our Home Study. We rock and already got our homework done so these are all we need to do in order to complete the home study. Yahoo!!
Tuesday night we went to Understanding God's Will class. It is so amazing to have such a Christ Centered approach to all of this. Our speaker was a pastor from a church in Tukwilla who was very passionate about this. He has 5 adopted babies and working on #6. He and his wife cannot have children due to infertility so he knows the pain that some of these families we walk with are going through. It was great to see him be able to help heal that broken area. But we are all adopted by our Heavenly Father when invite his son into our hearts. His plan for our sinful ways was predestined by adoption (Eph 1:5) before we were ever created. And because we were made in His likeness he calls us to be Christlike in all that we do. He calls us to take care of the orphans(James 1:27)... adopting is doing his good will for other through us. How beautiful is that?? I am not only going to provide a loving home to a child who may never have had that without us- but also Glorifying God!! Yahoo!!

Well, as you can see I am a bit of a talker. So I am thinking this whole blogging thing may be a piece of cake for me. I hope to get on here often. It won't always be this long... I like to show off my artwork when I get the chance to play in my craftroom. I will be sure to keep you all posted!!!

Thanks for stopping by and letting me leave Inky Prints!!
Love, Inkyfingerz