Sew..... It's official, I'm addicted

Where have I been the last month or so?  Sewing my heart out.  We had a Women's Conference to prepare for so there was a lot of sewing and such to do before the end of February.  After attending a little class on quilting techniques at the famous Missouri Star Quilt Co. in Hamilton, MO, let's just say Jenny had us hooked!  I'd made a quilt (or two, seriously....probably only two that I can remember), in the past and needless to say I had not enjoyed the process or thought it would ever be something I would find myself doing on a regular basis.  Maybe someday, as in.....when I have grandchildren to gift one to, for their GRADUATION.  Yeah, I didn't like the idea of sewing all those tiny little pieces of fabric together to come up with a greater vision.  Until Jenny.

Jenny Doan is the head honcho at Missouri Star Quilt Co. and to quote her, they are "the McDonald's of the quilt world!"  In layman's terms: she can show you how to do it FAST and EASY!!!  I was blown away by the intricate designs of the quilts she showed us and then when she explained the 'cheaters' way of doing things I knew in an instant this was something I could tackle and become addicted to.  And I did.

I've always been the type of person who has to learn by watching.  You know, kind of a hands on approach.  You see I'd read about these fancy quilts and 'easy' tutorials, but until someone showed me it didn't sink in.  After the class my best friend Joy and I headed straight to the quilt shop to buy a little stash of precuts to start some new projects.  

Then it donned on me....I could use this new found love of all things quilty to raise money for our mission trips and projects!!!  You've seen the last couple of quilts I made in the previous post.  Pretty simple, straight cuts or squares.  Yes, they're awesome, I still love them dearly, but discovering I could make something that looked like it took weeks in a matter of hours, well....that was SWEET.

So in order to prepare for the upcoming Women's Conference we were to set up at, I made a couple of baby quilts to raffle off.   And it was a success!!!  With just a small group of women in one of our hometown churches I raised about $200.  Now, that's a far cry from the price of paying for a quilt when they range in price from $75 on up, and I raffled off three of them.  But it was a nice surprise for me and I'm on a mission to make some more for the same purpose.  This love of quilting is going to take me back to Haiti and hopefully Africa very soon!

First I made this one.....

A disappearing 9 patch pattern that is SUPER simple.  I discovered the pattern for it HERE.  Surprisingly simple and I've discovered it's pretty much an awesome design no matter who you're quilting for and it looks like you spent a lot of time doing it.  This little quilt was also my first attempt at free motion quilting.  I checked out a book at the local library and after reading through it, purchasing the right foot for my sewing machine and practicing on a piece of scrap fabric I jumped right in.  It's like doodling with a needle and thread.  I LOVE it!  I wanted these little quilts finished for the event we were attending, but didn't want to have to spend anymore money on them paying someone else to quilt them.  Not to mention it can take a lot of time for someone else to quilt your projects if they do it on a full time basis.  The quilt shop I love states their turnaround time is averaging 6 weeks!  Apparently there are a lot of ladies who still love this pastime.

If you're afraid of trying free motion quilting I challenge you to give it a shot.  It really isn't as hard as everyone makes it out to be.  The best part of all, the quirky little mistakes that I notice and hopefully no one else will, give it that personal touch.  I've embraced them rather than thinking they are major disasters.  My girlfriend would agree.  ;)  She loved it so much she gave it a shot on her machine and whipped up an adorable baby blanket for a gift as well!  Yeah, we're both hooked.  lol

This was my next little quilt.  I found the daisy quilting on pinterest of course because I got so excited about the free motion quilting that it inspired the quilt itself.  Rather than chop up all those cute little blocks in a disappearing 9 patch I left the charm pack pieces whole and this one came together in no time flat!

Overall, I'd say our little booth was a big success!!!  At just $1 per ticket I was thrilled that I managed to raise almost $200.  I spent $8.95 on two charm packs and had some other fabric in my stash to create the borders and backing for these little quilts.  Throw in less than half a package of batting that cost around $5 and I'd say this is a fantastic little fundraiser idea!  I know you can never get paid for the time you put into a quilt, but honestly these took me just a couple of hours and praying for the cause and whoever got them during the process sure makes it go much faster.

Our booth....

We got lucky...having a metal wall behind us I just used some magnets to hang the quilts we were raffling off on the wall.  It gave everyone a chance to see them from all over the room.  With approximately 350 women in attendance it was an awesome day.

Of course my new addiction had me making a return trip to Missouri Star Quilt Co. and I picked up a Moda Layer Cake this time and decided to make a quilt for me.....which quickly turned into a quilt for my daughter.  Saying she loves to snuggle is an understatement.  The girl wears hoodies and sweats and sleeps with 5 blankets on her, IN THE SUMMER!  Seriously.  She's getting ready to graduate from college so I thought I'd surprise her.  Only she surprised us by coming home today for a visit and I couldn't contain my excitement, and I spoiled the surprise.  It only took me 2 days anyway.  I'll make another one before graduation I'm sure.  ;)

It reminds me of books and she is an avid reader.  That may in fact be an entirely gross understatement.  She never, repeat never, leaves home without a book in her hand.  It turned off a bit windy today so I didn't get more pictures, but the back of this is the dark gray (the same as the skinny strip border) with a color blocked strip of orange and a matching block from the front pieced in.  Pretty cool actually.  Can't wait to share more pics soon.  I have to take it to church to lay it out and baste it together so I can quilt the top.  I'm already on to my next project.  I found a book at Hastings and started making another baby quilt that is a spin on a traditional log cabin pattern.  Pretty neat, pretty fast.  Yeah, I like fast.  Instant gratification.

If you're in the mood to try something new, or have the same attitude about quilting as I did and want to learn the quick and easy way to make some treasured heirlooms then check out Missouri Star Quilt Co. online.  Shipping is only a flat $5!  You can't drive there for less than that with the price of gas, and she has some great free patterns on her website as well as some incredible youtube tutorials.  Serious goodness.  Check out her video for the Jelly Roll Race quilt.  I've already made 2 of those too.....  now why didn't I get pictures of that?  Hmmm......  I should start keeping a count of all the ones I make and see how large the list grows.  It's about to get crazy.  Stay tuned.

Ooooh Baby, Baby! Baby, Baby!

Sew, do you have that song stuck in your head now?  Oooh Baby Baby....Baby Baby....  Okay, well I do.  I enjoyed the first baby quilt I made so much that it bit me like a bug.  I had to make more!  I've pinned so many tutorials and patterns lately I thought I was becoming a rockstar by hitting my 1,000th pin.  Until my best friend pointed out she has more than that in just her sewing folder alone.  Talk about making me feel tiny.  lol  My insignificant number of pins was no match for her 5k plus.  Seriously.  The girl is a pinning wizard!

Nonetheless, I was happy to stumble upon a simple little design for a quilt that was nothing but squares.  I used to think those were too plain and simple.  If you were going to make a quilt and go to all that trouble, why not add a little flair to the project?  HA!  Those simple little square blocks sure do make a girl feel accomplished.  And that's what I needed after my pinning defeat.

Sew it began.....baby quilt number 2.

I've been in love with ORANGE lately.  It's like little bits of sunshine since it's been so darn cold and dreary where we live.  I'm so over winter!  Admittedly I could never be a 'California Girl' (for soooo many reasons), but I sure wouldn't mind living farther south.  Permanently.

The last baby quilt was teal's and orange patterns.  I thought it was yummy.  Then I played around with these prints and I'm not sure I don't love it even more.  Orange's, grays and some muted tones.  It makes me want to be a kid again and curl up in this little blankie.

I've been taking advantage of the kids' Christmas present too.  The ping pong table makes an excellent drafting area.  I can spread my blocks out and play around with patterns.  It's been so nice to have such a big space I almost, ALMOST, started to cut with my rotary cutter and then realized I wasn't on a cutting mat.  That was a close one.  I never would have heard the end of it.

This little lap quilt is approximately 36" by 48".  They seriously are great for snuggling on the couch even for grown ups.  I bought a kit once for a lap quilt for myself (which I still use daily!) and it wasn't this big.  For this blankie I used 6 inch squares, in 5 design patterns.  I had 8 of each color (double and then some on the gray 'circles' you see.  I made my rows 6 blocks wide and went 8 blocks tall.  I really had no idea how I was going to lay them all out.  Randomly I assumed, but then when I got to putting one of each color in a row (2 for the duplicate grays) it wasn't looking good to me.  Actually it was driving me nuts!  So I decided to just go with a traditional block layout and repeat the pattern in each row.  Wasn't what I wanted, but after I resigned myself to the fact I just needed to finish it and was getting disgusted I gave up the fight.  Then.... it came together.  After I stitched all those blocks and stood back to take a look, I fell in love.  :)  Yep.  Total bliss just 'gandering at all that sunshine.  

I decided top quilting these baby blankets could be done on my home machine.  After all, it's no different than top stitching a hem, right?  Straight lines, no problem.  HA!  I'm sure you could find someone local to quilt them together (actually there is someone I could have do it for only $15 and she provides the batting!  Crazy right?), but when I'm working away and feeling like I could conquer the world, who wants to let anyone else steal that joy away?  Especially when it's 11 p.m. and I want to FINISH what I'm working on.  Obsess much?

So my biggest tip to give you (if you decide to top quilt something on your own) is use LOTS of safety pins.  LOTS and LOTS.  Did I say LOTS?  Because if you don't you will have more puckers than you can shake a stick at, your project will be ruined, you'll cry your eyes out and vow never to quilt anything.  Ever.  Again.  Anyway, that's what I was thinking would happen.  But I fixed the first pucker or two I messed up on and learned my lesson.

And I'm glad I stuck with it.....because when it's all finished and you can say "I made this."  It sure does feel good.  Maybe when I've made a few dozen it won't seem like such a big thing.  Maybe.  But I doubt it.

And that 'odd' number of blocks you're gonna end up with....well, I decided to do something a little different with the back.  A splash of color just to remind you of what's on the other side.  You know, in case you forget.  Whatever.....I mentioned I stayed up late finishing this right?  So my brain is functioning on less than necessary sleep today.

I told my sister last night when I was finishing this one up (we talk on the phone all the time), that someday when I have grandbabies they are going to have the most awesome nana, who's going to make them the most awesome things.  Someday.  Until then......Sir Theodore gets to cuddle up on his cotton throne until someone buys it on etsy.  He loves them and tells me thank you Nana.  ;)

A little selfish sewing...

Making boutique clothing is SEW much fun and I enjoy it tremendously.  But sometimes I get a little ‘jealous’ so to speak that I’m making all these adorable things and NOTHING fits me!  ;)  Joy and I have been finding more and more designers that are making PDF patterns in adult styles and sizes and there’s a few things we’d like to make ourselves, but this selfish sew was something I knew I could whip up in no time flat and since I’ve been sick as a dog I wanted a little ‘instant gratification’.  I’d been saving these fabrics to make a quilt for our own bed, but I was on pinterest yesterday and happened to get a little sidetracked.  Imagine that.  (FYI: Pinterest is evil.  That is all.)  I starting seeing baby quilts.  And I started drooling.  And then decided to make one, weather I had someone to use it on or gift it to, or not.  So what the hey.  I’ll finish it up and stick it in the etsy shop.  Who knows maybe someone will love it as much as I do and snatch it up.  More money for the mission fund and rice and beans.  :)  Oh, and by the way….baby quilts make great lap quilts for nesting on the couch or your favorite comfy chair while watching a movie.  And I secretly have to confess that I still sleep with a lap quilt (that I made myself).  For whatever reason I love to have something to snuggle in my face and cover my head with when I go to sleep.  True story.  I even took it to the hospital once upon a time when I had to have surgery.  I packed it all the way to Haiti with me, and even take it on trips or vacations when I get to see my sister.  Something about sleeping with a little piece of home and the smell of my blankies and bed that makes life so much better.

Please excuse the poor cell phone pic, but I was so excited to snap a pic when I got it pieced together that I couldn’t wait for the finished product.  I laid it out on the ping pong table (after I interrupted the kids’ game) and took a quick snapshot.  There is something about turquoise and orange that just melts my heart.  Seriously.  Not to mention I’m such a huge fan of all things retro and it seems more and more fabrics are going back to traditional designs of old.  The retro floral prints are beautiful but those big geometric shapes and damask details are what makes my heart go pitter patter.  Someday I’ll have grandchildren.  Hopefully.  (According to my children I’m out of luck in that regard, we shall see.)  So until then, I’ll just craft up something sweet and share it with the world.  I’ll get a better picture when it’s all finished.  In the mean time, I better get back to the sewing room.  I have a dress to finish for a designer by Friday!  I should probably be past the ‘cutting-of-the-pattern’ stage by now.   Yeah.  That’d be good.

If you like this design and are looking for a pattern, good luck.  Let me know if you find any free tutorials.  I wanted a strip quilt and found a gazillion finished pics and products, but didn’t want to pay for a pattern so I made my own.  (I’ve mentioned before how much I hate math.)  I googled the dimensions for a standard baby quilt and went to work with some scratch paper and a calculator.  Who knows, maybe I’ll design and make a PDF Pattern for it and sell it online as well.  I hear there’s a market for that.   Until then I’ll share it with you all for FREE.

Number of Pieces Needed & Dimensions in Inches:

• 2 – 4 x 20
• 2 – 4 x 11
• 2 – 6 x 20
• 2 – 6 x 11
• 2 – 10 x 20
• 2 – 10 x 11
• 1 – 15 x 20
• 1 – 15 x 11
• 1 – 6 x 55

Be sure to lay out all your pieces before you go sewing them together so you have them in the right order and laying in the right direction.  Pretty easy to do from scrap yardage.  All the cuts I used in my quilt were less than 1 yard pieces.  I did have to piece the 6×55 inch strip together with two pieces, and I matched up the seam with the side seams of two of the horizontal strips.  I’ve yet to make the binding and want to find just the right piece for a backing (which you should be able to figure out what size to get for that after you piece your top together), but I’m excited and can envision just what it will look like all done and wrapped around someone’s little chunker in a snuggle fest.  I plan on just quilting it with straight stitches to match the blocks.  I’m anxious for my girlfriend to buy her new quilting machine with her income tax refund! Then I’ll just pay her a nominal fee for thread and electricity and we’ll have sew much fun stitchin the days away!  Can’t wait.

If you make a strip quilt using this little ‘tutorial’ of sorts, please link it up in the comments and post pics!  I’d LOVE to see them!

*update* So I thought I’d share with you how this little jewel turned out!  I’m totally in love with the colors.  And, sadly, since I have no grandbabies yet or friends to share it with, it went up for sale in the etsy shop.  You can purchase it HERE.  Or click on the shopping link in the menu to see it and other items.  :)  And just in case you noticed (or didn’t and I’m pointing it out now….) I ended up cutting off one of my end strips and cut into the opposite one as well.  I found the perfect piece of chevron fabric in my stash to back this little quilt with and needless to say it was just a few inches short of what I needed.  Sew I chopped off the ends a bit.  I think it’s still beautiful and melts my heart every time I look at it.  How ’bout you?

Peek-A-Boo Baby!

It's no secret I have a passion for sewing.  But when you pair that with some incredible patterns and tutorials you can really be amazed at what you can create!  The brilliant minds that are behind the scenes really don't get enough credit.  They design of all things you make and get compliments on from your friends and family, and you say thanks!  I made it myself!  Which is no lie, and it's an awesome feeling to say that...but I really wish there was a way to just flip a card out of your pocket and say, "HERE!  Check this out!  You think I did an awesome job, go buy one of these patterns and YOU too can look like a seamstress genius!" lol

The only reason I say this, is because there are sew many pattern designers out there that we tend to lean toward our favorites over and over again.  The ones with precise, clear, easy-to-read instructions.  With LOTS of pictures. ;)  For us visual learners.  I despise reading instructions.  I think I have too much testosterone in my system.   You know...it's a man thing.  Skip the instructions, don't ask for directions.  But I do put the cap back on the toothpaste for those who are wondering.

I had the privilege of testing another pattern recently from one of my favorite, if not THE favorite at the top of my list: Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  Amy has the most awesome patterns and they make you really feel like a pro and your kids looks stylish.  The new Baby Bundle is adorbs (as my teenager likes to say, that's adorable in adult english).  I was chosen to make the baby gown and it was such a fast and simple sew.  So fast, I forgot to take pictures of how I made it!  :(  Seriously.  I used a Gap t-shirt I had in my upcycle stash to make the cutest little pink jersey nightgown for a friend's baby girl.  And she loved it.

If you like sewing with knits and jersey, and need something simple and fast for a baby gift or to add to your own nursery wardrobe check out the Peek-A-Boo Lullaby Line!  The bundle gives you discounted pricing over purchasing the patterns individually.  And we all love a good sale, right?!  Check it out!  (And I promise....the next project I make will have pictures.  I won't forget.)

Did you say FREE

Why yes! Yes I did! It seems there's not too much in life that's free anymore, but when you find something awesome you have to pass it along.  Right?  For the love of all things craftsy and fun I couldn't keep this one to myself.  When I've got sew many friends (pun intended) that love to quilt I knew I had to link you up!  Don't worry, there's tons more resources on the page for other crafts too.  Just click any of the photos to sign up for these online classes for free!  There's even an app for that you can see on the website so you can take your classes with you and watch on your ipad or phone!  (yep, I'm an apple junkie.....)

It's a short and sweet post for today.  I'm working on some photoshop projects and stumbled across these and knew I had to get them posted.  I tend to squirrel out of control at times so I must act when the urge calls.  You know, because I might not come back to it until 2017.  Happy Friday and Happy Sewing!

Back to the Basics

So I know it's been awhile.  With the new year aren't we usually inspired to do new and exciting things?  Or at least make resolutions to change things in our lives?  I've seen a gazillion posts on facebook of people making their new year's resolutions and vowing to do things differently in 2014.  I make no promises.  Nothing about new year's really 'excites' me per say.  It's just another day, like the one before it (you know....the holiday break from school! lol It's all the same).

But something got me thinking.  I got sidetracked on pinterest one day and have been dying to make a new baby quilt/lap quilt.  Something fun and easy to throw together.  Joy and I have been sewing boutique clothing for 'sew' long....and I LOVE it!  But I needed a little instant gratification.  I've been sick for an entire month, even confined to the house.  So I figured it would be fun to piece something together.  Actually only took me about an hour (I still have to put the back on it before I share pics, but I think you're gonna love it!).
And then something else....for new years eve we spent a few hours at a friend's house.  Playing card and board games!  You know, the old fashioned kind, that don't require batteries, electricity or an internet connection.  We played spoons (the most fun!), pictionary man, and Pictureaka.  Complete with dice and old fashioned sand timers.  We thoroughly enjoyed the fun and fellowship.

And then something else....an old friend lost her grandpa.  Pappy.  Pappy was known and loved by SOOOOO many people in our community.  If you didn't know him, you at least knew of him.  His obituary talked about his life growing up, his interest in music, and his band - Dean Allnutt and the Hillbillies.  Yep.  Hillbillies.  lol :)  I have friends who are city dwellers vowing to make changes in their lives this year.  So many of them wanting to buy family farms, learn to raise goats and chickens, grow a garden.  Get back to a simpler life.

How did we get so far away from simple?  When did we round that corner of no return where our kids (and our grandkids to come) won't remember what it was like to watch their grandmother can vegetables she picked fresh from the garden.  Or what it was like to clean a chicken coop with the rats running after you.  Yes, it's true.  It can happen. I remember doing that as a kid and it terrified me.  I think it's time to put a little 'fear' back into our kids.  lol  ;)

I remember quilts on mammie's couch and button pillows, our crayons were kept in a metal coffee can with our color books under the coffee table.  Grandpa taught us how to whittle, took us on long walks in the timber to identify leaves and trees of all kinds.  He took us fishing and made us bait our own hooks.  Touching those squirmy worms was awful!  I also remember my granny buying me a 'fishing mit' so I could wear it to take the fish off my hook and not have to touch it.  lol  She went fishing.....every single day.

They lived in a house where the windows were open in warm weather and I can still see the curtains blowing in the breeze, and the smell of the wood stove in winter and the wood box in the corner.  We covered up with "na-na's" to take naps while mom was crocheting and we picked at granny while she made Christmas candy and cookies trying to steal a bite.  Which usually got us chased out of the kitchen with a yardstick, a knife (don't worry I'm sure she never would have used it on us--but it had us giggling and running scared), or her 1/2 inch fingernails would jab at us to keep us away from her work.

Someone mentioned on the photo of the obituary for 'Pappy' that all the old-timers were leaving us and things would never be the same again.  Well, I want things to be like that again.  We seem to have a new found love for all things 'vintage' in our furniture, our fashion, and our homes, men love antique cars (no matter what their age), so why not take back some of the traditions of old?  Why does it just have to be material things we 'recycle' into new trends?

For 2014 I vow, no less than once a month, to find something to do with or create with my kids that will give them a bit of nostalgia to look back on.  Some things we already do, but I want them to be bigger and better than ever this year.  I want the garden to be the best it's been and walk barefoot with my kids through it picking beans and eating fresh tomatoes with dirt still on them.  I want to go fishing more often.  Not just send dad with the kids, but be like my grandma.  Taking my 5 gallon bucket and my can of worms and just sitting with them.  Maybe, just maybe.....I can teach my daughter how to cook a little better.  She's not much on kitchen duty of any kind.  She's a farm girl for sure.  But maybe, just maybe she might take a few minutes to learn how I make homemade bread, or we can whip up a batch of noodles.  She loves chicken and dumplings and I actually love making them.  Maybe we can do it together when she comes home for a visit.  Teach the boys how to make soap with me.  I shouldn't be so worried about them using lye....after all, I don't remember any recorded disasters of people losing limbs or such from making soap.  lol ;)  I may have to reconsider letting dad teach them to drive the tractor though.

I want to make more than just clothes for other kids (can't get enough of our little boutique biz! I love it! and love that Joy and I have sew much in common and inspire one another to create such great things), but I want to make more things for my own kids and family.  Quilts.  Quilts that will be used for years and years after I'm gone.  One of my daughter's (and my) favorite quilts are the ones that my mammie made before I was ever born.  She's been gone for over 40 years....and those quilts are still the most awesome things ever.  The fabrics you'll never find again, the yarn ties on them rather than machine quilting.

I just want things to be simple again.  Lord knows they were actually harder.  But so much simpler.  Does that make sense?  I want my kids (and I need to get better too!) to read their bible everyday.  Not just when it suits them.  Actually if the truth be told my daughter is WAY better at this than any of us in the family.  My oldest son spends all his spare time when he's not working or in school at church with the youth pastor.  They have become great friends.  He even fills in teaching the kids Sunday School class when the youth pastor's family has to be gone.  My kids inspire me to be better.  To do great things.  It's never too late after all.  But the great things I want to do, may never change the world.  But they can change my family.  They can change the direction our world is going.  If more people wanted to get back to the basics.  Back to the simple life.  Back to saddle shoes and pigtails.  Gum boots and fishing poles.

I hope you'll follow along.  I promise to blog more.  I've actually missed it so much.  The irony here.....I should be writing all of this in a paper journal instead of posting to the internet where I can print it later.  But hey, baby steps, right?!  ;)  No wonder my daughter ask for a journal for Christmas.  Maybe someday her memoirs will become a book.  If not, at least it will be something simple.  Something that she can pass along to future generations.

Happy new year to you and yours.

*UPDATE* Journey to Jemma has taken a Twist....

*UPDATE* Scroll to the bottom of this post for an exciting update!  :)

Our friends Jack and Joy Stotts have recently traveled to China to pick up their daughter Jemma!  What a joyous occasion and a special trip it has been.  However, in the last couple of days it has taken a turn for the unexpected.  Just two days before they were scheduled for the medical appointments and Visa appointment at the US Embassy a 'suspicious envelope' with white dust/powder in it caused a chain of events that sent the embassy into lockdown.  They cancelled ALL appointments indefinitely which has left the Stotts family stuck in China.  They were scheduled to return home and arrive in Kansas City on Thursday evening.  This will not happen.  :(  As you can imagine this has led to uncertainty, frustration, disappointment and financial hardship for their family.

At this point they are trying to decide if they should go ahead and send Jack and their son Jory home as scheduled, or if they will all remain in China.  Either way, Joy and Jemma will have to remain in China until they can finalize their appointments and paperwork to obtain Jemma's visa.  No one ever said adoption was easy.  Nothing worth having ever is.  We know this is all a part of God's plan and just another chapter in Jemma's adoption story, but that doesn't make it any easier.

They will incur extra expenses that they did not expect.  Rearranging flights will be costly, and the added days that Joy and Jemma will have to be held over will definitely start adding up in hotel and meal expenses.  Even with the possibility of rooming with other families who are experiencing the same situations as them, this was not something that was expected or budgeted for.

We have set up a 'paypal account' where friends, family and brothers and sisters in Christ can contribute to the Stott's family as they feel led.  Those closest to the Stotts, or any family who has traveled the road of adoption, knows how costly (but worth it) this journey can be.  ALL money collected from your donations will be forwarded to Joy's account where they can use as they need/see fit.  If you have questions about how to donate or anything else regarding Jemma's situation please don't hesitate to ask!  We are just praying that this whole ordeal can be straightened out and the Embassy back in order asap!  We want this awesome family home with their other children, friends and church family.  Most importantly, we ask you to pray.  Even if you are unsure of what to pray for, God knows this situation and this family intimately and He hears our groanings and prayers and answers when we call.  Thank you to each and every one of you!

Simply click on the Donate Button below and you choose the amount  you wish to contribute to help the Stotts family bring Jemma home!!!

You can read more of their adoption journey at HERE.

This was Joy's facebook status as of this morning (Thursday, 05/16/2013):
Apparently emails were sent out to the families whose Visa's will be ready for pick up by 3:30 tomorrow and we did not get one. :( But perhaps they'll get to us on Saturday and we can be home the first of the week. 
Bridgett and I celebrated by walking to Shamian Island for Thai food at Cow and Bridge. For those of you that know me I have Subway in my back pack for later. Lol! She's been wanting Thai all week and I enjoyed a coke with her. :)
So, still stuck in GZ, but hopefully heading home soon!

THEN Came This Update....
we got a call that the Consulate opened at 3:30 today to process adoptive families who missed their appointments this week. Jemma and I were literally whisked into a waiting van by the bellboy, rushed to the Consulate where our guide was waiting in the lobby. She threw the paper work in our hands put us on the elevator and pushed the button and said "Go to the 5th floor." It happened that fast! All the while I'm thinking to myself, "God, you're funny! I have my consulate dress on today!"
So we had our interview! It was chaos but it is done! They are going to TRY to have our Visa's done by tomorrow. They said they would work Saturday if necessary. So, still not sure when, but Jemma and I should be home sooner rather than later!

We're not out of the woods yet, but there's definitely a light at the end of the tunnel!  Continue to pray and if you feel led you can still donate to their family with the Donate Button above.  :)  Travel arrangements still have yet to be rescheduled so we're not sure how much extra that will cost.  Thank you for supporting the Stotts family with your love, prayers and financial support!

Obedience

I was listening to a podcast sermon this morning with my Bible study (thank you David Landrith and Long Hollow Baptist Church for broadcasting your weekly services), on the book of Luke Chapter 1.  Reviewing the differences and similarities between Zechariah and Mary in regards to their obedience to God.  

If you haven't read it, please do.  If you have and know the stories then follow along while I share my thoughts.  In talking about Zechariah and his obedience to God's will he doubted what the angel of the Lord had spoke to him.  He flat out ask how in the world can he be sure this will happen.  A doubting thomas you might say.  His response and disbelief rendered him speechless as the angel of the Lord silenced him until the child he was promised was born.  Wow....that would make you stop and think twice about questioning the Lord huh?  

Then there's Mary....being told in a sense, the same scenario as Zechariah (you will have a child), and her total belief and faith exhibited in her response.  Granted the children were definitely going to be different as Mary was to give birth to the Messiah.  But how open and willing she is to be God's servant just because an angel said so.  Zechariah on his years I'm sure being a wise man, it's our nature to question things that seem impossible.  Or perhaps things that seem like something we're not worthy of (in our eyes) or that may seem beyond our reach.  Why do we just give up or fail to accept what is right in front of us as Christians?  The greatest and most awesome power in the universe is waiting for our obedience, just to bless us beyond measure.  Don't get me wrong.....I'm not talking about traveling the Olsteen Road to Oz here....  I'm talking about being in line with God's will for our lives, putting Him first and foremost, and the desires of our heart will become what HE desires most for us.  We start seeking HIS will, His favor, HIS blessings in whatever form they may come.  Not cars, riches, homes, better jobs, etc.  I'm not saying there isn't a time to pray for provisions (not abundance), but don't get me sidetracked.....that's a note for a whole 'nuther day.  ;)  lol

Mary was young, possibly 13-14 years old when an angel tells her she will become the mother and give birth to the Son of God!  WOW.  She will face giving up the man she loves and wants to marry (Joseph), along with enduring ridicule, being shunned, and letting go of any possible promise of a future with any husband or family due to the circumstances and fall out she'll experience by having this baby.  After all, not everyone in Mary's day believed in the Messiah.  What about the naysayers that would gossip or spread the news of a young Mary that has stepped out on her Joseph before every getting married.  She's had sex out of wedlock, she's been with another man.....she is having a baby.  That went against all the rules.  Yet her only response was "How can this happen?  I'm a virgin?"  She never questioned that it would she simply just didn't understand the way it was going to play out.  Pretty bold for a young woman huh?  God doesn't mind our questions we ask of him but it's our disbelief that is separates us and causes Him sadness.  

I think God not only doesn't mind our questions, but he welcomes them.  It is our opportunity to learn more.  To seek His guidance when we ask how.  But when we flat out question His authority and His word to us is when we find ourselves in trouble.  When Mary was told "Nothing is impossible with God" her only response was "I am the Lord's servant, May it be done to me according to your word."

Are you a servant of the Lord?  Do you seek His will when you question something?  Do you search for what pleases HIM when times are tough or things don't seem to be going your way?  Or do you pray for things to get easier and seek the desires of your own heart?  Because heaven knows what we desire is often more times than we care to admit, not what He desires for us.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.  So do you have faith that He will answer you when you pray?  Do you have faith that if you are obedient that He will see you through the struggles and triumphs you face?  Time and time again I can see where God has worked miracles in my life over the last several years.  I can look back and recall times in my life when I thought I was seeking His will and still fell flat on my face.  But when I truly look under the magnifying glass, recognizing my own faults and distance and DISobedience is when I can see that I turned away from Him.  

I share at every opportunity that is appropriate of a specific time when I know surrendering myself to His will made the hugest and most life-changing impact on my life.  Those who know me, know that my marriage (other than the last 4-5 years) has not been one that fairy tales are made of.  Of course every marriage has ups and downs, good times, and really ugly times (if most will admit it).  Granted some of you are lucky if you start off on the right foot including Christ in your marriage and it makes it much easier to handle the lows when (and if--assuredly) they come.  My husband and I had separated, for what I knew was the final time in 2008. About the time the Fireproof movie came out (coincidence?  I think not...), and it couldn't have portrayed a truer picture of our lives.  Neither of us focusing on each other but on our own desires and wants in life.  (My husband always like it when I point out his were not the same as the movie...computers and online porn were NOT his distraction of choice.) lol ;)  We both had hurt one another beyond repair (or so I thought).  But Eric had finally surrendered his life and had truly started living out the Fireproof movie in showing me love and patience.  To which I blatantly refused to accept.  I could only see a change I thought was to get what he wanted.  To get his way....yet again.  I wasn't about to be deceived or allow myself to be hurt any longer.  Not to mention hurting him (at least now I can see that....).  So the kids and I left.  I had grown to hate with a passion the one person God had designed specifically for me to love.  My heart had hardened more than I ever could have imagined toward one person who at one time I put so much faith and trust in.  There was no turning back.  

After several weeks of 'surviving' on our own the kids seemed to be adjusting (or so I thought), hopefully much better than I was.  I was still miserable.  Probably more so than before if the truth be known.  Living in the same house with someone you despise, at least you can get away and choose to communicate when it's convenient.  Sharing errands, responsibilities.... but when you live in separate homes there is only a greater frustration of not being able to contact someone when it's their turn to pick up the kids, or when a bill needs to be paid/settled until you can figure out how to totally separate things.  Frustrated and disgusted were understatements.  I admit too, I'm not one to thrive in loner situations.  I need companionship.  I was designed with another person in mind.  I was never able to sleep peacefully.  If I managed to make it to my bed, I would lay awake for hours replaying events in my mind to the point of greater frustration or worse yet....despair and depression.  Crying myself to sleep became the norm.  Until one night.....when I thought I couldn't stand it any longer, you know those moments we all have but are afraid to admit to.....when you think you must seriously be on the brink of losing your mind over fear, depression, responsibility.....I did it.  I surrended everything in me to my Lord.  I started out on my knees at the edge of my bed, begging for mercy.  Begging for peace to come.  Begging for relief from the brokenness inside me.  I stayed there praying until my knees started to hurt and my feet went numb.  I crawled into bed still praying.  Still crying.  I know I prayed and prayed until I passed out.  But the last thing I remember praying for, was God's will.  Not silently in my head, but verbally, as loudly as I possibly thought I could speak without waking my children (or the neighbors).  Please God, if I've ever needed a sign that you are listening to me....it's NOW.  I admitted I was no longer able to decide what was best for me.  I was no longer making wise decisions for my life.  After all, looked how screwed up I (we) had made everything.  I was hurting myself, Eric, and more importantly my children.  I surrended to God my life again and promised then and there that no matter what He would have me do....for the rest of my life....weather I understood it or not, I would do.  (Remind you of Mary?  "I am the Lord's servant, May it be done to me according to your word.")  I needed just this once, to be shown in a way that I would no doubt know it was Your will not mine God.  Some call it a sign, I don't care what you call it.  Just a moment that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it was God telling me to do it.  Not my decision.

I had repeatedly told myself that God wouldn't want me to be unhappy.  God wouldn't want me to be in a relationship that wasn't healthy for me or my children.  But I also knew God wouldn't be happy with me giving up and letting go of a family and a marriage that I thought He had designed from the start.  In reality....God doesn't want me to be unhappy.  But my happiness comes on His terms, not mine.  God wouldn't want me in a relationship that isn't healthy for me or my children, that's when we should seek Him for help and a way to make it work.  And God wasn't happy that I was giving up on my family/marriage.  I know because the next morning when I woke up I had the most incredible feeling of peace and assurance.  I woke up with an instant feeling of wanting to be at home, with my husband.  I missed him.  Terribly.  Like I missed him when I was 16 and he left for two weeks on a band trip.  Like I missed him when I was 18 and he went away to college while I stayed behind in school.  I missed him more than anything I can ever remember wanting for.  And at the same time, for a split second, I started to say, "Really God?".  But I stopped myself.  "I am the Lord's servant, May it be done to me according to your word."  I had ask God to help me, to show me.  He did just that.  

I told the kids to eat breakfast without me, I had to go home to talk to their dad.  I'd be back shortly.  I was a bit confused at how this person I had grown to hate and despise so much was now someone I wanted to see, couldn't wait to be in his presence to share what I was feeling.  To confess that I wanted to come home, to fix whatever we had broken.  Together.  I prayed all the way to the house that Eric would hear me.  Not just the sound of my voice, but my heart.  When I got home, he seemed a bit shocked (not to mention how he had learned to distance himself from me after rejecting his 'love dares') but as I shared with him what I knew to be true.  His only words were, "I love you.  God answered both of our prayers."

To make a long story short (this was supposed to be a 'note' not a novel), the kids and I soon moved home (within about two weeks), and we began our road to recovery.  I won't say it was easy at first, but it felt right.  It felt secure.  Our lives have never been the same.  The last 4-5 years of our marriage have been worth the prior 20 of struggles and trials.  Putting God's desires first for us both and for our family has made a tremendous impact that I never dreamed possible.  God does still work miracles.  NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.  And I have learned what obedience looks like.  I have learned how a husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church, and how wives submit (don't come unglued girls until you understand this in the right context) to their husbands.  Our lives are running smoothly, our marriage was restored, our children came to life again like never before.  To God be the glory.  

So I ask you......if faith in God is demonstrated by our obedience.  What is your life saying to others about your faith?  What does obedience look like in your life?  I serve a risen Savior and it's my wish that everyone could experience the same joy and comfort this brings to my life in their own.  Nothing can compare.  Maybe someday I'll make this note into a novel.  

Unstoppable!

You have got to check this out!!!  Nick Vujicic has a new book coming out called Unstoppable!  If you don't already know who this incredible man is, take a peek at this video and then check out the first chapter of his new book!  I was first introduced to Nick through a video from our church and then got ahold of his first book.  This man is truly an inspiration to ALL!!!

Click HERE to watch this short video clip!

Then jump on over HERE to read the first chapter of his book!  You won't be sorry!  Hope you have had a blessed day!

The Everyday Matters Bible for Women (NLT)

The CWA Review Crew hooked me up with this AMAZING study bible, the "Everyday Matters Bible For Women--Practical Encouragement to Make Every Day Matter" in the NLT.  I gotta tell you, this is by far one of the best (and my most loved) study bibles.  And trust me, I've had plenty!  lol  I have a bible fetish and love all the different colors, covers, study topics and comparing different translations.  When I received this one I had never read the New Living Translation before and I gotta say it's one I will continue to use as an everyday tool.  I love the simplicity and the translation that makes understanding and applying the bible to my everyday life so easy.

This bible has sections and study notes throughout based on 24 different spiritual disciplines.  Everything from Acceptance through Worship.  Ways to apply the word to your life through scripture reading/devotion type notes and real stories of everyday living.  We all know there are 1000's of women who endure the same hardships we do, who celebrate the same joys, who encounter the same obstacles but we never open ourselves up to share our personal experiences in a way that allows us to grow and heal from them.  The applications in this bible and the stories will help you to do just that.

Each book of the bible is outlined with a little bit of background information, the message of the book and the time frame it happened, along with a brief outline.  It's never been easier to study the word!  And I gotta tell you, the first day I picked it up to use it for my daily study (which I do along with podcasts I listen to) took me to something that was so relevant for what I was dealing with.  Taking time to read everyday, to get into the word.  It quickly became a daily reminder (as I took a pic with my phone!) as to WHY I can't make excuses not to study daily.

I know you will enjoy this Bible as much as I do and use it for many years to come.  Let it be your daily companion.  Only drawbacks I see to this book is the hardback cover (I prefer soft cover bibles...maybe I'm an oddball, but I spend so much time I like flexibility and bending spines when I'm dragging it everywhere from the kitchen table to my lap in the carpool lane at school), and I wish there was a compact version to pack in my purse!!  Seriously.....  getcha one!

 I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Reviewing, Reviewing, Reviewing!

I hear the theme song to Rawhide playing in my head.....'Rollin' rollin' rollin.........'  LOL  :)  I'm reviewing, reviewing, reviewing!!!  Yes, I go in spurts, winter is coming and with this cooler weather we've been experiencing I've had my nose in a book most days!   I love reading (which is probably where my kids get it) and getting my sites updated with new books all the time makes it exciting!  It's like taking a big trip to Barnes & Noble without paying $4.00 a gallon for gas to get there.  ha!  Too bad that's not actually funny.....I refuse to get into political posts so we'll get back to reading.

The next book I'm getting ready to read is 

I'm all about self-help and inspiration books, even teaching types.  But once in a while you just need a good story (especially the TRUE ones) of an underdog and real life.  Many know that a piece of my heart is lost in Africa....don't know why exactly, but God has it there and I'm excited to read this story about Lopez Lomong.  I'm not a track fan by any means, but this looks so intriguing.  Stay tuned!

This is the description of the book:

Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more.

Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.

PLUS! Yesterday I attended the Beth Moore simulcast at the First Baptist Church in our town.  It was AMAZING.  ♥  I've always wanted to go see Beth live, and this was the next best thing.  My first ever simulcast and I gotta tell ya, as long as the church will keep bringing them back I'm THERE!  I can't begin to share how much I enjoyed yesterday.  Doors opened at 8 a.m. and we concluded the day around 4 I think it was.  Had a break for lunch and potty breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon.  Spent the day with sister's in Christ learning from His word in 2 Kings and putting our FAITH back in our FAITHFULNESS!!  I feel so renewed and overflowing with joy from the Holy Spirit.  Sharing the day with my friend Joy was awesome and just being in the house of the Lord the entire day.  I told my hubby this morning on the way to church (as I was still rambling on about it I'm sure is what he thought....lol) that it's such a shame that there aren't more women in my life who would have loved to have spent the ENTIRE day worshiping and studying the word.  But I can't think of any other way I would have rather spent the day.  Most folks grumble about getting up on Sundays and going to church (if they even do), and as I mentally went through my list of acquaintances and friends I wondered who if any of them would have been excited or looked forward to spending the entire day in church.  I gotta tell ya, I can't think of a better way to spend a day and I'm so glad I was blessed to take part in yesterday's event.  

As Beth said, when someone asks how are you?  I'm ready to respond with "I'm blessed in His presence!"  Wishing you all a terrific week ahead!  We've got three birthdays coming up in our family, lots of exciting events for my job this week and more football in store!  It's gonna be a great week.  

What a Difference - Book Review

This book is a testimony to the true power of the human spirit. I recommend this book to anyone that needs a little inspiration or who wonders if they really make a difference.  Short read, I think it would have been better if I had read the first book in this two part series, Same Kind of Different as Me.  Nonetheless, a great read!  :)  

Thomas Nelson provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for my review which I freely give.

Christ Our Mediator

Christ our Mediator is a very short book, but gets right to the point. The author brings you a new perspective at looking upon the crucifiction of our Lord. I always got it, I always understood it, but looking at it from the Lord's point of view has given me a different outlook on my own walk of faith and my own attention to His gift of grace. Too many people see the act of Christ being crucified as just a physical event to a man rather than seeing the bigger picture. A great read for any Christian, an enlightening book for those wondering about Jesus and Christianity.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Free Books! Seriously!

So who doesn't love FREE stuff, right?!  I've had several people ask me lately where I get my free books to review.  So I shared the 3-4 companies that I get them from and then decided to go on a hunt.  Yes, a google hunt.  :)  So this post is all about linking you up with FREE BOOKS!!  Because I found lots of resources available to do just that.  Some of the links/info I'm going to share are from other blogs with extensive info on how to obtain all the reading material your little heart desires.  Some are targeted to one genre or another, some have multiple options to choose from.  So weather you are looking for Christian reading material, religious, children's books, fiction, romance......you can find it ALL.....for free if you just know where to look.  Happy reading y'all!

Since today is Thursday, I'm considering this my Thankful Thursday post too.  I'm so thankful that I have eyes to read, a mind that allows me to imagine, dream and discern what I choose to read and that God has blessed me with a love of reading His word first and foremost.  Every morning spending time with Him is what makes everyday blessed.  I actually read a little excerpt from my study bible yesterday about making time for reading the bible daily.  We all know we should, but we make excuses because we overslept, or we're so busy today with a full schedule of things that must get done.....when in reality, it all boils down to how much do you love Jesus?  He loved you enough to die for you.  Do you not love Him enough to take just 15 minutes of your busy day (that HE gave you after all!) and devote it to focusing solely on Him and reading His word.   I pray that I will always hunger for HIS word.  ♥  Happy Thursday!

First up on the list of FREE reading/reviewing is:  Blogging for Books 

This is probably my favorite by far.

Next check out BookSneeze

 Both of these first two resources are for Christian/Religious books.

They range from studies, fiction, practical living, young adult, business....the list goes on and on.

I will give BookSneeze a little credit here, they do provide more book options than Blogging for Books.  Especially if you prefer to use an e-reader such as a kindle or nook (I use my iPad for these apps).  Even though I love the convenience and simplicity of an e-reader, there's still just something about a books with crisp new pages, the smell of the paper and the feel of the cover that nothing can compare to! ;)

Next up is Net Galley

They provide a broader range of books and you can search based on publishers, authors, genres and even dates.  However they have a more detailed/strict system to adhere to and publishers will choose you to review their books.  So it's like a luck of the draw type situation.  You may find something but if your profile bio doesn't fit the standard that a publisher or author is looking for then you most likely won't be chosen to review a book.  Yeah, cause we wouldn't want to receive a 'bad' review and if we hand-pick our readers we're more likely to get the response and publicity we're looking for to promote our work.  ;) lol

How to get free books for your kindle or nook.

This is a link to a blog that shows you resources and ways to receive free books.

Hundred Zeros

Browse books by subject....and trust me there are TONS!!!

This is an e-reader only site.  But who cares if they are all FREE!?! 

Book Review Circle

Book worms unite!  Join the club and enjoy reading to your little heart's content.

Interesting site and lots of goodies to browse through.

5 Ways to Get Review Copies of Books

Another great blog post about where to find the things you are looking for in free books!

TLC Book Tours

Just found this one last night so can't tell you all the details but it looks fun!

First Look Book Club

If you are a B&N junkie with your nook this is a blog link to show you how to join the First Look Book Club and get free reading!

There are so, soooo many resources available for free books if you just know where to look.  Hopefully these links will get you off to a great start!  If you're still bored and don't have enough to read do a google search (yes, go hunting! Said in my best Elmer Fudd cartoon voice) and see what you can find!  Use various search terms and remember " quotations can narrow your search!  I think to find some of these resources I just searched for how to find free books to review!  These should at least get you through the weekend.  ;) Enjoy.

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