College Friends!

Late this past winter, I had invited my college friends to visit "anytime".  KJ replied with, "Next month looks free, when were you thinking?"  So, we settled on a weekend and KJ&N decided to get up early, drive 3 hours to our home, play hard and leave at bedtime for the return trip.  What a fun day we had!  The weather was cool but not cold and the kids spent most of the day outside.  During naptime the guys had the kids outside and the ladies had the living room to chat and catch up.  Thank you, KJ&N for taking the time to come!!!

Little A (in blue) had just finished a jump-roping competition at school and Kj (green) was able to learn a few things from her friend!  The girls had been given jump ropes for the birthdays and our goal is to learn and become somewhat accomplished this summer.  Here was the start.  It's nice to have an expert around!

Here's our lovely load of kids - about every other!  And the parents...Kevin was grafted in to this lovely friendship through marriage.  Pictures below: photo credits to Kj and L.  :)

Spinning School

Inspired by the books about Martha Morse of Ireland:

We have found a few series of books about the lady ancestors of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The first set about Martha Morse by Melissa Wiley is historical fiction.  The stories speak so much of spinning and weaving, that it peaked my interest.  The girls have been learning to crochet and so they became interested in spinning as well (and later crocheting the product). 

So, we know a few people with sheep and alpaca and I asked around to see if any would have any wool or fleece to sell to us for our experimenting.  Our friends with alpaca had an unused spinning wheel, just waiting to be learned on and so they invited us over for an afternoon of learning.  We checked out start spinning at the library and a few resources online at:  http://joyofhandspinning.com/.  Kevin's dad made us 2 drop spindles, and our friends provided the alpaca fleece.  I forgot to bring the camera along for the day, but here is the product of our efforts. 

A couple friends with sheep wool were going to let us buy some in the spring.  What fun I've had.  I'll be on the lookout for carders of our own (also found you can use dog grooming combs).  I promised Kj the use of the yarn I am spinning.  It will be fun to see what she comes up with!  

Wow! Blessed!

Wow!  God is good.  Look at this pile.  We haven't been "doing" foster care for more than 2 weeks and some friends and their church small group, because of "orphan Sunday", decide to adopt us for a night.  They made reservations at a fancy restaurant, came to babysit our 3 sweethearts, sent us off and we came back to a pile of groceries besides (and a quiet house).  

Ephesians 3:14-21


For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  But I have to tell you about more:  

• The sweet lady that takes care of the girls during my Bible study brought us lunch when we couldn't make it out because of illness.
• Nana came to take care of overnight meds, so we could sleep, and let me run errands. 
• Aunt A brought her baby food maker one afternoon and made us carrots and squash.
• A friend brought us a meat and potatoes meal (with leftovers) one night.
• Another friend took from the excess of her son's clothes for our new little man to have a couple more items.  
• Oh, there's more, don't feel left out if I missed your story...I am thankful for all of you!!  

And I sort of felt like we were in this alone.  We don't know anyone close "doing" foster care.  We know many families that have adopted.  In the body of Christ we are not alone!!  

Makes me think of ways to pass it on... Step up, Anna, what can you do?

Purging Progress

The purging process has had its ups and downs. I've been very actively pursuing it, and then leaving it be for a few weeks.  Last weekend, we had a rummage sale so I furiously went about getting more out of the house for that.  It worked.  I think I got through the whole house, although I could maybe go through a few more sections again. 

Prior to this weekend, all the results of my purging were in piles in my room, in the sewing room, the dining room, the storage room, laundry room...wherever.  Oh, what a nice thing to be able to walk all those places again.  I do wish I had before and after pictures for that.  I completely forgot!  I don't even have any of the rummage!  It was a success.  Although slow at times, I made about $60 and my friends each around $30.  We had a fun day of conversation and friend introductions.  The kids all played with Curl Grandma.  At one time there were as many as 7 with her in the backyard. 

I decided that I could not bring anything back in the house unless it had a purpose.  Such as, it was for another friend.  Friend S mentioned while shopping at my sale that she planned to have a sale in the next couple weeks, so I decided to save only the best things for that.  Only 2 bins, unless I can get around to purging some more!!

Well, enough of my chatter with no pictures, I am probably boring you.

aj

Impromptu Fun

The girls and I decided to have a little outing to Target this morning.  As we were pulling out of the driveway, I changed directions to stop at a friend's house and see if they wanted to come along.  They did, and as God had great plans for our day, we happened upon a mutual friend at Target.  We quickly bought our 2 small items and headed to the park for our 5 kids to play.  They had so much fun and the moms too.  Our children are all a little more independent on the playground this year and we just sat and chatted, except for this bit...

Can you see all 5 of them?  I just walked down the line and pushed one after another then went in front for "foot 5s".  What a great morning.  L stayed awake long enough to get home for a nap, so I am now assured a bit of quiet time!