tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40213869274293529152024-03-05T16:36:13.156-08:00Moving from Grit to Grace...the making of a pearl...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-82732324735006397312012-01-16T07:53:00.000-08:002012-01-16T07:53:02.132-08:00thanks for the boot This past Spring I started having pain in my right foot that wouldn't go away. I gradually stopped running because it hurt too much. Seven months later, I went to the doctor (hello, Mama, take care of yourself!) and learned something interesting. I have an extra bone in my foot (!), which I had apparently damaged during a run where my mileage increased too quickly. The condition has a name: accessory navicular syndrome. The treatment called for me to wear a stabilizer boot for seven weeks. No gym, no walking my dogs, no wearing two matching shoes.<br />
<br />
As I type this, I have a bag of frozen peas on my foot (my ice pack of choice) after my first morning back to the gym in over two months! The boot has done its job and now I can ease back into my activities with the very hopeful goal of getting back into running.<br />
<br />
There have been gifts to count, even during this frustrating, limiting experience: <br />
<br />
More sleep! I slept in until 7am many, many mornings. Perhaps this additional rest was the reason that, although my whole family came down with colds during Christmas vacation, I remained healthy.<br />
<br />
Slowing down! I couldn't garden, stand for long periods of time, or walk very far. Instead, I completed lots of crochet projects, read books and lived at a different pace than normal.<br />
<br />
Practicing being content! I tried ever so hard not to complain. I know I wasn't 100% successful, but it was a good discipline to focus on accepting my limitations with grace.<br />
<br />
Finding His gifts in unexpected places...a good way to begin a new week! <br />
<br />
Linking up with Multitude Mondays today:
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aholyexperience.com</a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-58094661510978799852012-01-12T15:33:00.000-08:002012-01-12T15:33:40.546-08:00my new hobbyI've been staring at a crochet hook whipping its way through yarn quite a bit lately. It all started when I bought my eight-year old daughter this book for Christmas:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zmNIWoXM8YGZtN1C1h0-pAPkb6i5lcpqCMqjMHPlGnerd3oqK8k-mgkxCqvvRK2JneN5K4nqXpi6zDslSfgkDfjiEw-qY_kDtF9U7L3bP_W0UD-htorzGoEq8YWir4iECD6MJf3b4PI/s1600/517TSXVFN9L._AA115_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zmNIWoXM8YGZtN1C1h0-pAPkb6i5lcpqCMqjMHPlGnerd3oqK8k-mgkxCqvvRK2JneN5K4nqXpi6zDslSfgkDfjiEw-qY_kDtF9U7L3bP_W0UD-htorzGoEq8YWir4iECD6MJf3b4PI/s1600/517TSXVFN9L._AA115_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Along with a sewing basket covered in brightly colored fabric with peace signs, some yarn and crochet hooks, it made a perfect Christmas present. <br />
<br />
Clare likes the book, she really does, but she isn't getting much time to read it because someone else has been using it…ahem! I have read quite a few different kids crochet books from the library, but this is my favorite one by far. The instructions are excellent and easy to follow. Since Christmas, I have mastered single crochet, increasing and decreasing. I have made a tool pouch for Clare's crochet goodies, a wavy headband for my six-year old daughter, and….ta-da! These fun beanies for the girls!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JIN4j0Tcyz6Xv5ipn6yaSBBS4BMAlIFSw0KXwG6-nIWAkUx04r98gBkN5GP9Om5zytM-5EbNvr99muw7NqC1CDi85jx2szbwPFm8EUznJGERT2MDmdhdabidFD_dX9DdEij13WVTNeY/s1600/DSC07922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JIN4j0Tcyz6Xv5ipn6yaSBBS4BMAlIFSw0KXwG6-nIWAkUx04r98gBkN5GP9Om5zytM-5EbNvr99muw7NqC1CDi85jx2szbwPFm8EUznJGERT2MDmdhdabidFD_dX9DdEij13WVTNeY/s200/DSC07922.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorothy (6) and Clare (8); smiling sisters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dorothy's hat was made from a self-striping pink/brown yarn, Clare's from a thicker off-white yarn. Around their necks they are each wearing matching "scarves" that they made (long chain stitch ropes).<br />
<br />
After a recent visit to Michael's, I am now stocked with enough bulky yarn to continue my crochet obsession. There is a sweater pattern in the book that is adorable!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-60669542147698789432012-01-11T07:31:00.000-08:002012-01-11T07:40:23.433-08:00five yearsToday marks 5 years since our son, William, was stillborn at full-term. January 11, 2007 changed my life, our family, forever.<br />
<br />
It is strange, but in many ways this has been an easier year. There has not been the heaviness of anticipation for months before today. I have thought of him, my fourth child and second boy, yes, but I think of him often. This morning I came to consciousness listening to the shower running. My first thought was of my need to get up and bless my husband with a lunch to take to work. It wasn't until my Mom met me in the kitchen (she lives with us...lucky us!) with a card and tears in her eyes, and I remembered. Yes, it is today. Yes, it has been five years.<br />
<br />
In the span of time from that terrible day until now, I have learned to accept this reality. I have experienced the extraordinary grace of God in the form of friends and family who have loved our family wildly through our loss, and in the form of my other three children who live and breathe, make messes, frustrate me, and who are His generous gifts to me. I am grateful. <br />
<br />
We don't have big plans for today. The kids and I will do our chores, our homeschool. We have piano lessons and horseback riding lessons. Tonight when our family is again, by His grace, gathered around our table for dinner, we will take some time to light a candle, pray, and remember. I know there will be tears. I also hope there will be thanksgiving, the <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/09/when-longing-to-choose-joy/" target="_blank">hard eucharisteo</a> that Ann talks about. In a card I received shortly after William's death, a dear friend wrote to me of the treasures from God to be found in the dark place of loss and suffering. She made the analogy of gems being made in the deep dark and pressure of our earth. Formed in such harrowing circumstances, they reflect light and radiant beauty when brought to the surface.<br />
<br />
...continuing to count His gifts, these treasures...even today<br />
<br />
22. wearing a stability boot on my right foot for the past seven weeks, and tomorrow, hopefully, it will be time to take it off. Hopeful that healing has happened.<br />
23. plans to celebrate our 11 year old son's birthday with a father/son hike, friends, pizza and Costco lemon cake, his favorite<br />
and from <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/the-1-habit-your-new-year-cant-do-without-giveaway/" target="_blank">the Joy Dare</a>:<br />
26. thinking of the yellow daffodils that we placed at William's grave, how they were in profusion at Trader Joe's that year, and how they remind me of him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-12530800417360252212012-01-08T19:37:00.000-08:002012-01-08T19:37:40.178-08:00my new year's resolutionI found my New Year's resolution today in church, or rather, I heard it read and it resonated in my heart like a bell ringing clear, calling me to sit up and pay attention. The service today focused on the glory of God. The worship, scripture, sermon, and sharing all pointed to the fact that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever."<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As part of the service, the verse from I Corinthians 10:31 was read, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In those words I heard My whole self say, "Yes" to this as the verse for this new year, the thing I need to be resolved above all else to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The point was made that one way we glorify God is with our words. As I wrote the word, my hand slowed to form the letters slowly: WORDS. I pondered the power of words, both spoken and written. I felt nudged toward this space, for this blog to be one of the ways I give glory to God this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope that today, as I hosted a play date for two little girls, as I made space in my day for someone who was really hurting, and as I did all the tasks that a Mom does during the day, that I was a conduit and reflector of the marvelous glory of God. By His grace, for His glory... </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-40485035342909220702011-11-22T08:12:00.001-08:002011-11-22T10:20:11.582-08:00three giftsI am giving myself parameters this year for giving gifts to my three children:<br />
<ol>
<li>An experience (inspired by Anna at <a href="http://pleasantviewschoolhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pleasant View Schoolhouse</a> and the Christmas trips she gives her children.</li>
<li>A toy (because they are fun!)</li>
<li>Something practical</li>
</ol>
<div>
One of the things I get caught up in during the holiday season is buying things that look good at the time or in the store, but which my children (or anyone else for that matter) don't need. Or really, don't even want! I am hoping these guidelines will lead to a more peaceful and meaningful gift-buying and receiving experience in my family this year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want our family Christmas to be focused on Christ, on waiting for Him and receiving Him as the best and most perfect gift. We will be giving gifts to Jesus through the <a href="http://www.worldvision.org/" target="_blank">World Vision</a>, <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/" target="_blank">Samaritan's Purse</a> and <a href="http://www.compassion.com/" target="_blank">Compassion</a> gift catalogs. We will be using the simple and stunning wreath made by <a href="http://adventtolenttoascensionwreath.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Caleb Voskamp</a>, which we purchased last year, to help us meaningfully walk out the days of Advent. The Jesse Tree Advent devotional by his mama, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/" target="_blank">Ann</a>, will also be our companion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't want a Hallmark Christmas. I want a Christ-focused Christmas full of peace, light, love and the holy joy of waiting for the birth of Jesus. I desire my gift giving to be meaningful and practical, just like the wise men who came to worship and bow down before the new born King. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are your plans for peace this season? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-11815342641586890752011-11-17T06:11:00.001-08:002011-11-17T06:50:01.440-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRhN9HBlMWM/S3Ac3ebaV9I/AAAAAAAAClE/5_h-MHYzO0s/s1600/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-bottom-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-top-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>Daybook on the Thursday before Thanksgiving</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>Outside my window...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">is a beautiful and crisp (for southern CA!) fall morning. My dogs keep peering at my through the french doors, begging for a walk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am thinking...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">about adoption</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am thankful...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">for my husband and his kind and generous servant heart.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>From the learning rooms...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Botany today...the kids and I are using Apologia's Elementary Botany curriculum. We are beginning the lesson on pollination. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>In the kitchen...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">brownies!! Thursdays we host a bible study in our home for college students, so snacks for the group are a must. One of our students gave me a brownie recipe on Sunday for the brownies she made for my birthday. One of the guys in our group announced that they were the best brownies he had ever tasted...perhaps some of those are in order today! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am wearing...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">a mishmash of old Christmas jammies.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am creating...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">this blog. Trying to find regular time to write and learning how to choose what I will write from all of the swirling ideas and thoughts in my head and heart. I am an regular reader of many blogs and I have to work at being myself in this process.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am going...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">to have to take these dogs for a walk soon!!!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am wondering...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">where we will put our Christmas tree this year. We need to do some serious rearranging in our living room very soon!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am reading...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><u>Laddie</u> by Gene Stratton Porter on my kindle; <u>Time Cat</u> by Lloyd Alexander at night as a family, lots of adoption related things. Those may merit their own post sometime soon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am hoping...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">for a smooth start to our learning day. Some of us are morning people around here...some are not!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am looking forward to...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">printing our family profiles and sending them off to our adoption agency. We are waiting for the OK from our social worker and then they will be printed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am hearing...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">my husband typing on the keyboard across the room.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>Around the house...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">I need to finish painting our living room. Perhaps in the process, we will find the perfect furniture configuration to make room for a Christmas tree?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>I am pondering...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">plans for Thanksgiving and more plans for Christmas gifts. Still searching for the perfect handmade Christmas goodie I can make for this year. In the past I have done homemade mocha mix, adorable potpourri pies and easy handbags. I am thinking peppermint bark...mmm.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>One of my favorite things...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">sitting with my daughter during her piano lessons, crocheting and helping as she needs me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>A few plans for the rest of the week:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">end of the season soccer game, sleepover for my son at a friend's house and for my girls here at home. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Go visit the simple woman's daybook for more of these entries!</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-83689445718721809742011-11-16T07:57:00.001-08:002011-11-17T07:35:05.940-08:00in all thingsThe hard eucharisteos today:<br />
<br />
- pain in my foot that keeps me from exercising<br />
- finishing a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-You-More-Surprise-Adopting/dp/0849946441" target="_blank">book on adoption</a> and realizing that this wait that we are beginning will be hard<br />
- facing up to my short-fuse these past few days, needing forgiveness and grace<br />
<br />
I have counted the gifts, along with <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">Ann</a>, for about a year now. I write them in a small journal that I keep in my quiet time bag. Mostly they are the "good things", crisp fall mornings, the sweetness of my husband, the preciousness of my children.<br />
<br />
Ann's post today reminded me of the truth that we are called to gratitude in ALL things. Even in the hard things, perhaps especially there?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021386927429352915.post-61676967348811203002011-11-13T07:36:00.000-08:002011-11-17T07:40:15.730-08:00milestones and something new<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This has been a meaningful week for our family. Thursday was a milestone, as our six month journey of paperwork and classes culminated in our being certified as an adoptive family. On Friday, I celebrated my 38th birthday, full of gratitude for my family, and excited about adding another precious soul to the mix.</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I also decided to take the plunge on a long-time desire of mine: starting this blog. I feel called to tell my story, of my own personal life and growth, and of my family and the journey we are taking with God. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am an avid blog reader. The sense of community that comes from people sharing their lives through their blog and others reading and responding through comments, is something I desire. I am absolutely energized by a good conversation and making friends is one of my all time favorite things to do. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So this is an invitation, a warm welcome to you who may find this place to come and read and converse.</div>
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07241166564515163500noreply@blogger.com0