Pants on the Ground
Pants on the ground.
Pants on the ground.
Lookin' like a fool wit your pants on the ground.
Diaper saggin' low.
Onsie hangin' out.
Walkin'
Talkin'
Wit your pants on the ground.
The Power of Half
Recently, I wrote a post about the book "The Power of Half". In response to reading it, our family felt compelled to make some changes. We decided to donate half of our clothes. Our church held a clothing drive for an orphanage in Haiti and a local ministry in our town. We went through all of our closets and the result was 16 large garbage bags FULL of clothes!
I loved hearing everyone's ideas about how they could make changes in their family and in turn give more away. We plan to be doing some other things too. The clothes were just the beginning. More and more we are feeling led to live more simply and find more ways to help others.
The WINNER of the book giveaway is:
Becky Eveleth
Congrats Becky! Please send me an e-mail at passionate4orphans {dot} yahoo {dot} com with your address so I can send you your book!
Read more...
Help bring these precious children home!
>> Sunday, March 14, 2010 –
adoption,
fundraising
Please consider donating to this precious family to help them bring home their children. No amount is too small!
We are Bob and Amy Land. We are a pastoral family that lives in Central Indiana. We currently have two children that were adopted at birth. We feel called to adoption and pray that others will contribute to our adoption fund. The children that we hope to adopt are almost 5 years old - two boys and one girl with special needs. Our blog is www.allgodschildrenukraine.blogspot.com.
Read more...
I'm Itching
>> Saturday, March 13, 2010 –
Faith,
The Rockstar
I am thinking about cutting off all of my hair. Or getting my nose pierced. Maybe getting a tattoo.
Or moving to a third world country.
Seriously. I am itching for something new. An adventure perhaps.
I am really not brave enough to pierce anything or get tattooed. I don't think those things fit me anyway. And short hair makes my face look fat.
But, talk to me about third world countries. Orphans. Giving up my whole life to serve.
Now I am interested.
Now my heart is pounding.
When I was 16 years old I told someone that I wanted to do something extraordinary with my life. I told him that I knew from when I was small that my life was meant for something big. He didn't ever respond. But, he did marry me later on that year.
14 years later and we are here. 14 years of craziness. 14 years of insanity. 14 years that I wouldn't trade for anything. But, now he feels it too. We both have that itch. That deep yearning to do more with our lives. To do something that changes other people's lives.
I wish I could tell you what it is. I don't know. Maybe it is as simple as serving the impoverished people of our community. Maybe it is supporting an orphanage overseas. Maybe it is helping to raise funds for an organization in Haiti {that we have grown to love} that is building a medical clinic for people who desperately need it.
Maybe it is more....
You should stayed tuned to find out. Because God is moving in our hearts in a profound way. And I have a feeling our lives are never going to quite be the same.
For my sons
.....and for their brown Mamas who chose LIFE.
Please visit TooManyAborted.com for the truth.
Be Visible
>> Wednesday, March 10, 2010 –
Big Family,
Faith,
family,
Mothering
We really like to take our family out in public as often as possible. Sure, sometimes it can be inconvenient. Sure, sometimes just getting everyone out the door takes a major effort. But, we truly believe that if God wants our family to be a witness in the world, then we need to be visible.
It isn't always easy. We tend to look like a camp. Or maybe a circus. People stare. They make comments. Sometimes they point. Sometimes they laugh. They almost always count. And I have yet to go somewhere and not be asked "Are they all yours?"
These things comes with the territory. It is expected. I am used to it. I don't always like it. Sometimes people are mean. At times they are very kind. Of course we wish we could just go somewhere and not be noticed. It would be nice to be like everyone else.
But, I know that being visible is a testimony of what God has done in our family.
It gives us so many opportunities to tell people about adoption. But, even greater, we get to share our faith with complete strangers. We get to tell them about God and what He has done through our family. An opportunity we may not have had if we had hidden ourselves away for fear of standing out.
Our diversity often draws attention. It has been negative at times. And I won't lie, that can be very hard. But, it has also opened doors for us to form relationships with people we may not have otherwise. It has also allowed us to cross a racial boundary that is very prevalent where we currently live. I have had some amazing conversations occur, simply because our family is diverse.
Not too long ago we were eating in a sub shop with our family. It was kid's eat free night {Oh YEAH!}. As we sat eating, we of course got all kinds of looks. But, one young man in particular really caught my eye. He was an African American man, maybe in his early 20's. He spent the better part of 30 minutes staring at J-man while the Rockstar helped him eat his sandwich.
I quietly pointed him out to the Rockstar and we both mentally prepared ourselves that it may not end well. Sadly, we have had a couple of pretty awful experiences in the past. We waited to see what was going to happen, but the young man just continued to stare. I tried very hard to carry on as usual , eating, chatting with the kids, and enjoying our time out {as it is so rare}.
When the man was done eating, he got up and headed over to our table. My heart started pounding a little harder, not knowing what he was going to say. He walked right over to the Rockstar, placed his hand on his shoulder and leaned in and whispered " Not everyone thinks the same way. Not everyone sees things the same way. I am really moved watching you with your son." And with tears in his eyes, he walked out the door.
It was a moment where I know that God used our family. I am incredibly thankful for moments like that. And I hope someday to see that man in heaven and tell him how much his comment meant to me. He didn't have to say anything. But, he did. And I will forever remember it.
There are other reasons why being visible to others is important. So often people assume that big families are chaotic. Movies like "Cheaper By the Dozen" have not helped in giving that impression. Sure, it can be chaos at times. But, more often than not, our children are very well behaved in public. I find this to be true of most big families. Twice now we have had people buy our children desert because they were so impressed with their behavior. Our children are often complimented by strangers too.
Now before you go thinking they are perfect, they are far from it. But, it has been important to us to teach them from a young age how to behave in public. And the only way to do this, is to take them out. They need the experience to understand what is expected. Before we go anywhere we tell them what we expect. And we explain that because we are different, everyone is watching to see what we will do. They know that they need to be an example to others. Does this put pressure on them? Absolutely. A little pressure is good sometimes. I want them to glorify Jesus, even if we are sitting in a sub shop or walking through a Walmart.
I have taken all ten to the doctor {not always, but often}. All ten have gone to the dentist. Yes, we fill up the waiting room. Yes, we often get looked at like we are crazy. But, this is our life. This is our family. And we have to still do all of the things other families have to do. Sometimes that means all of us. No matter where we are , there is always an opportunity for our children to practice good behavior and an opportunity to be a light in this world.
When people see us, the message I hope they receive is that children are a blessing. So often in today's world, children are seen as a burden. They are not valued or desired. My prayer is that when we walk into a room, people's hearts will be changed. They will see that we value LIFE. And that life's greatest blessing is children. It is more important than ever that we share this message. I am willing to take the staring, criticism, and comments to share our treasures with the world. Because you just never know who is watching and who's heart may be forever changed just be us being visible.
Read more...
It isn't always easy. We tend to look like a camp. Or maybe a circus. People stare. They make comments. Sometimes they point. Sometimes they laugh. They almost always count. And I have yet to go somewhere and not be asked "Are they all yours?"
These things comes with the territory. It is expected. I am used to it. I don't always like it. Sometimes people are mean. At times they are very kind. Of course we wish we could just go somewhere and not be noticed. It would be nice to be like everyone else.
But, I know that being visible is a testimony of what God has done in our family.
It gives us so many opportunities to tell people about adoption. But, even greater, we get to share our faith with complete strangers. We get to tell them about God and what He has done through our family. An opportunity we may not have had if we had hidden ourselves away for fear of standing out.
Our diversity often draws attention. It has been negative at times. And I won't lie, that can be very hard. But, it has also opened doors for us to form relationships with people we may not have otherwise. It has also allowed us to cross a racial boundary that is very prevalent where we currently live. I have had some amazing conversations occur, simply because our family is diverse.
Not too long ago we were eating in a sub shop with our family. It was kid's eat free night {Oh YEAH!}. As we sat eating, we of course got all kinds of looks. But, one young man in particular really caught my eye. He was an African American man, maybe in his early 20's. He spent the better part of 30 minutes staring at J-man while the Rockstar helped him eat his sandwich.
I quietly pointed him out to the Rockstar and we both mentally prepared ourselves that it may not end well. Sadly, we have had a couple of pretty awful experiences in the past. We waited to see what was going to happen, but the young man just continued to stare. I tried very hard to carry on as usual , eating, chatting with the kids, and enjoying our time out {as it is so rare}.
When the man was done eating, he got up and headed over to our table. My heart started pounding a little harder, not knowing what he was going to say. He walked right over to the Rockstar, placed his hand on his shoulder and leaned in and whispered " Not everyone thinks the same way. Not everyone sees things the same way. I am really moved watching you with your son." And with tears in his eyes, he walked out the door.
It was a moment where I know that God used our family. I am incredibly thankful for moments like that. And I hope someday to see that man in heaven and tell him how much his comment meant to me. He didn't have to say anything. But, he did. And I will forever remember it.
There are other reasons why being visible to others is important. So often people assume that big families are chaotic. Movies like "Cheaper By the Dozen" have not helped in giving that impression. Sure, it can be chaos at times. But, more often than not, our children are very well behaved in public. I find this to be true of most big families. Twice now we have had people buy our children desert because they were so impressed with their behavior. Our children are often complimented by strangers too.
Now before you go thinking they are perfect, they are far from it. But, it has been important to us to teach them from a young age how to behave in public. And the only way to do this, is to take them out. They need the experience to understand what is expected. Before we go anywhere we tell them what we expect. And we explain that because we are different, everyone is watching to see what we will do. They know that they need to be an example to others. Does this put pressure on them? Absolutely. A little pressure is good sometimes. I want them to glorify Jesus, even if we are sitting in a sub shop or walking through a Walmart.
I have taken all ten to the doctor {not always, but often}. All ten have gone to the dentist. Yes, we fill up the waiting room. Yes, we often get looked at like we are crazy. But, this is our life. This is our family. And we have to still do all of the things other families have to do. Sometimes that means all of us. No matter where we are , there is always an opportunity for our children to practice good behavior and an opportunity to be a light in this world.
When people see us, the message I hope they receive is that children are a blessing. So often in today's world, children are seen as a burden. They are not valued or desired. My prayer is that when we walk into a room, people's hearts will be changed. They will see that we value LIFE. And that life's greatest blessing is children. It is more important than ever that we share this message. I am willing to take the staring, criticism, and comments to share our treasures with the world. Because you just never know who is watching and who's heart may be forever changed just be us being visible.
Kai 3 months old
>> Tuesday, March 9, 2010 –
Kai
My little man is getting really big. He has also lost almost all of his hair. Most days he wears pajamas. But, today I dressed him in my favorite outfit of his. I couldn't resist some photos.
He is nearly sitting up {assisted}. I used a doll chair to prop him up for this shoot.
Check out his mini UGGS {Target knock offs}. Are they not the cutest things ever?
I could just eat him up. He is seriously delicious.
{Have you noticed he is getting lighter? Most African American babies get darker over time. Kai seems to be getting lighter everyday. It is really strange. Anyone else experience this with their baby?}
I just can't do it
Last week, I believe it was Friday evening, Ashinater threw up.
When you have ten kids and one pukes, you panic. Because inevitably everyone is going to get it. There is no stopping it. And it is the thing I dread every winter. Silly me. I thought we had escaped it this year since we are now heading into spring.
{If you have a weak stomach you may just want to stop reading now}
I can handle pretty much anything. Cuts, bruises, fever, snotty noses. I am on it. Bring me some nasty, bloody injury and I will handle it like a pro. Bring me fungus, rashes, ingrown toenails, warts. I can take it. I can even handle explosive diarrhea.
But, I can't handle puke.
I just about lose it when someone throws up. I can't take the smell. I can't take the sounds. I can't clean it up. And everyone around here knows what happens if I try. An incident in 2001 involving three {small} children simultaneously vomiting comes to mind. Let's just say it ended with me over the bowl too. It wasn't pretty.
The Rockstar is my hero when it comes down to it. He so graciously stayed up all night while Ashinater let loose on him. Over and over and over. I hid in my room with Kai, all the while praying that no one else would get it. Apparently, the Rockstar got bathed in vomit quite a few times over the course of the night. The man is a saint. By morning Ashinater was fine. We all breathed a sigh of relief.
Until......
Lulu starts yelling "It's coming!" And before anyone could get to her she throws up multiple times in her hands. GREAT.
Within an hour of that Kai starts in. He proceeds to vomit every bit he is fed for the rest of the day. I was on clean up for Kai. For some reason I can handle baby puke. Thankfully, Lulu didn't throw up again.
By Sunday, we seemed to be in the clear. It was Galya's birthday and so I had been praying everyone would be well enough to celebrate. The Rockstar took the older kids to church and I stayed back with the ones who had been sick. Just in case they were still contagious. After church we decided it was safe enough to head to the mountains to grill out. Liv made cupcakes. We had snacks and we brought sausage to grill to make sandwiches.
The weather was just gorgeous. The kids were all so excited. We got to our favorite spot and got all set up. It seemed like the perfect day.
The day was going so well. We lit the grill. The sandwiches were so good. We ate and ate. The kids ran around in the woods. We sang Happy Birthday to Miss Galya. We ate some more.
And then I heard it.
The sound of someone hurling.
And before I could even turn around to see who it was, J-man pukes all over himself. All over his shirt, pants, and shoes. All over the ground. All over his hands and his face.
Then he says "sorry...." in the saddest little voice I have ever heard.
Poor guy. I felt so bad for him.
We all sort of just stood there not knowing what to do. We didn't bring extra clothes. All we had was a small stack of napkins. We were at a loss as to how to help him.
I moved away from the scene as I could feel myself gagging and getting clammy. I wanted so badly to comfort J-man. But, I knew if I got too close, my lunch was coming up too. So, I stood with my back to them and just kept telling J-man it was okay.
Thankfully my hero steps in. And without as much as a blink, he starts cleaning up J-man.
Unfortunately, Galya's birthday was cut short. We packed up and headed home. She wasn't too disappointed. She's so great like that.
And little J-man had to ride home in his undies holding a plastic bag. {he was so cute and brave}
I prayed the whole way home that he wouldn't get sick again. And that no one else would for that matter.
I am happy to say that there has been no more puke since then.
HALLELUJAH.
I am still praying it stays this way.
*Note to self {who really at this point should know better} When vomiting has occurred anytime in the previous 24 hours, do not attempt to make a trip anywhere. Just stay home. Close to the toilet. Really. It isn't worth the risk. In addition, always carry a change of clothes in the van. And a roll of paper towels. Just in case.
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