Adoption Update --

We received this e-mail today from our adoption agency!  Just a quick update for you all.  AND...I just want to say thank you to all of our friends and family.  We love that you are as excited as we are about all of this.  I love that last night the first thing my brother-in-law Guy asked me was how our adoption stuff was going and if we had heard anything!  Thanks Guy!!  We appreciate you!  So...here's the e-mail...I had sent Margaret an e-mail just asking for an update!!  

Good morning!

It is fine to check in and you aren't bugging me. I know waiting is hard. 

Well, to bring you up to date, we have had a couple girls in the program who
looked at your information, but in the long run, they dropped out choosing
to parent. There are others in the program, of course, but they are not at a
point to select the adoptive family yet. We are getting more girls sending
back their information to begin working with us so it will happen for you.

Again, you are not bugging me. I appreciate you checking in, because I get
so busy with all the paper stuff in this work getting other families
approved, I let time get by and don't check in with all of you as I should.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes!!!!

Have a great weekend and you continue in our prayers for the Lord's plan!

New Posts....

Four new posts....ENJOY!  You may need to scroll down I added them by date!!

On my way to work....

I was driving my usual route to work one day this week...nope, I didn't get pulled over.  But, I did see this sign on a church billboard:

NOW OPEN EASTER THROUGH CHRISTMAS!

I chuckled but, then thought...how true this is.  We need to get others to church on more than just Easter and Christmas....

Happy Birthday!!!

Here are some of favorite pictures of Jess through the years....Enjoy!!!

So tomorrow is one of my best girls birthdays...yep, Jessica Belle is turning FOUR!!  I can hardly believe it....I remember the day Dena called to tell me she was pregnant...we were so excited and praying it would be a girl!!  Josh and Dena chose not to find out until little Jess was born!  We were even more excited then!  Can I just tell you about this girl?  She is a princess through and through...hence the picture of her painting her room while wearing a hot pink dress, at least I think it's a dress!  That is so typical for her.  She detests wearing pants, even while camping.  In fact, let me just relay a story about our camping trip to you.  Jess came out of the tent after changing her own clothes I was the first one to see her.  She was wearing a halter top and high heeled princess sandals...that's it!  Mind you, we were in Florence, OR and it was a little chilly at the campsite.  I asked her to put something else on....ah, pants maybe???  "No April, I want to look pretty"....Jess, you can wear pants and still look pretty.....oh gosh, I was thinking...where is this going??  I did convince her that it was a good thing and a pretty thing to wear pants...and wearing a long-sleeved shirt under your halter wasn't too bad!  This is the same girl that is curious about all things...I took her to the bathroom on the same camping trip....I needed to go as well and she was with me in the stall.  I went to the bathroom and was pulling up my pants...she says "Do you have Elmo on your panties?"...I'm thinking oh my word, what now....I look at my panties which have large orange flowers on them....AHA!  Those flowers were Elmo to her....but, of course, her Princess panties were better!!!  She is tender hearted and so full of life...and right now she is so excited that she is going to be a big sister yet again!!  We're hoping for a little sister for you Jess!  Aaron and I love you and we are so proud to be your Godparents!!  We pray Jesus blesses you so much this coming year....we know He loves you and you long to know more about Him.  We hope you have a super day with your cousins and friends at your Polka-Dot party!!  Send us some pictures..........

On friday

Today is friday.  Can I just say I am so thankful that God gave us weekends.  I'm feeling sooooooooo  busy and worn out!  I really need this weekend to recharge.  I would also like to speak about my lack of posts.  Folks, the last sentence says it all.  I sat down last night to do some posting and I don't think the garlic french fries I had from my favorite store "Trader Joes" agreed with me.  So...no post!  It's was ginger peach tea and the couch for me!!  This post is kinda random....I'm hoping to get some posting in this weekend.  Now, I know it says I have only NINE followers...come on, where's the love??  I think I honestly have more than that!!  AND...lastly, if you remember would you pray for our adoption.  I'm becoming weary.....I know it's only been 7 weeks since we've been approved, but...the agency made it seem like it would be a lot faster than this.  Please pray we will be able to welcome our baby into our family by the end of the year!!!

Honesty...still the best policy!

Well...today is Monday.  Monday is NOT my favorite day of the week.  But...this Monday was going to be ok...I went shopping yesterday with my Mom and got some cute stuff...I was excited to wear a cute new dress to work today with my fun red shoes.  So...I set off...I was late only about 5 minutes, but...still late.  I live way out in the boonies so I take a back route to Bellingham which usually gets me there faster.  Well....I was taking my usual route and see another vehicle coming at me...flashing his lights.  We all know what that means...a member of law enforcement is up ahead just waiting for an unsuspecting person who is late to work on Monday in her new cute black dress with her fun red shoes!  YEP....I slowed down, but...not soon enough.  Just as I thought I had made it around the corner his lights turned on.  I pulled over and grabbed my EXPIRED insurance card.  Only three days mind you...I had just looked at those cards last night and told Aaron we needed to put them in the vehicles...sheesh!  Our conversation went like this.  Officer: Good morning...are you late for work?  Me: Yes, now I'll be even later.  Officer:  Not necessarily.  Could I see your license and proof of insurance.  Me:  My insurance card is expired...I reminded my husband last night we needed to put these in our cars.  Officer:  It's only three days.  You were speeding...  Me:  I know  Officer:  You were going 15 miles over the speed limit.  That's above my thresh hold for giving a ticket.  But today is your day.  Because you were so honest.  I'm not writing you a ticket!  Slow down and have a good day!  Me:  Thank you so much!  I really appreciate this...and I will slow down!   Praise you Jesus for your favor....I really did not need a ticket today....and trust me, I have slowed down.  I will be getting up earlier so I don't have to speed.........good grief!!!  OH...and the insurance card is in my purse and will be in my car tomorrow morning.

Oatmeal Carmelitas

Tonight was small group for us and it was my turn to bring snacks....I brought these yummy treats!  They are always a hit and not too hard to make.  Beware....they are DEFINITELY not fat free!  Let's just say Paula Deen would be proud.  The next time you have to bring goodies somewhere...try Oatmeal Carmelitas!!

Base:

2 cups flour

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, softened

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Filling:

1 jar (12.25oz) Smucker's Caramel Ice Cream Topping (1 cup)

3 tbsp flour

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1.Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 9x13 inch pan.  In large bowl, beat base ingredients with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly.  Reserve half of crumb mixture (about 3 cups) for topping.  Press remaining mixture into bottom of pan.  

2.  Bake 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together carmel topping and 3 tbsp. flour

3.  Sprinkle chocolate chips over partially baked base.  Drizzle evenly with caramel mixture, sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

4.  Bake 18 to 22 minutes longer or until golden brown.  Cool completely in pan on cooling rack, about 1 hour.  Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until filling is set.  

Followers???

Hey all!  If you follow my blog and would like to be added to my list of followers...clink the "follow this blog" in my left side bar...the rest is pretty self explanatory.  I'd love to see who reads this and your picture!!!

Fireproof

You may have noticed the banner to the left promoting the movie "Fireproof".  I wholly support this movie and all it stands for.  Aaron and I went on a date today after church and saw this.  I am so very glad we did!!  Every married couple, single individual who plans on getting married and especially those couples who are struggling in their marriage should see this.  It makes you laugh...cry A LOT, and you walk away so blessed by God's amazing love and grace.  We as believers should be praying that this movie blesses and encourages those who need it most.  I have a list of those I know who I'm praying see it.....please join with me in praying for those you know who are struggling in their marriage.  Pray they will be nudged by the Holy Spirit to see this fine film and beautiful example of how God wants our marriages to be!  Afterward, Aaron and I talked about how the movie ties right in with the sermon series at our church.  God wants us to treat others as we want to be treated.  I don't want to give it away....so go see it!!!!  And...Kirk Cameron is even in it!!!  

Shara's Wedding

Amber, Mom & I -- "The Girls"

Flower arrangement at the reception

Truffles from "Lynden Chocolates".  These were the favors.

Here's my Mom and her bestest friend Marlene

On October 4 Marlene's oldest daughter, Shara was married to Billy.  This family has been long time family friends of ours.  My Mom was in their wedding and I along with my best friend, Jessica, babysat for all three of Don & Marlene's girls.  Mom, Amber and I were honored to attend.  AND...Mom and I helped out Marlene by setting out the truffles on each plate before the wedding...along with some yummy goodies.  My favorite...AnnaMae's oh so delicious almond tarts.  The floral arrangements at the wedding AND reception were AMAZING!!  And oh so fallish!  LOVE THAT!  We had a fabulous meal catered by Rose and her Girls from the Fairway Cafe....YUM-O!!  We all had a great time and we're so glad we were able to be a part of this!!!

What I loved....

About this past Sunday...Pastor Kim is preaching this AMAZING series called "The Golden Key..Unlocking Winning Relationships".  It has been so powerful already.  Let me just give you a few points that really spoke to me.  This for one....it rings true for so many people in my life.  It's the Pain Principle and it says: Hurting people hurt people and are easily hurt.  WOW!!  I was just really challenged to remember this.  People have been hurt and that is why many times they react the way they do.  We need to remember to see them with our Father's eyes.  Luke 23:34  Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".  This is something else that also made me think hard about myself...we need to be quick to listen and to understand, NOT to express our point of view.  GUILTY!!  I am so guilty of this....I could blame it on my personality, but...really, I need to be more careful of what I say.  I will try and work on this.  James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  These principles are taken from this book.  We are reading it right now for small group and we are really enjoying it.  But...my most favorite part about Sunday was this video...get out your kleenex...trust me...you'll need them!!

Bran Muffins

Some things you remember from childhood, right?  Growing up I always remembered these muffins.  My Mom made them often and I really liked them.  In fact, I remember eating bran muffins elsewhere and not liking them at all.  The same is true for my husband.  After I made these I asked him if he like bran muffins...."they're ok"...hmmmmm....that was his answer.  Pretty much...that means he doesn't like them.  I was really surprised after he ate a bite of mine and later ate a whole muffin!!  The really cool thing about this recipe is that you leave the batter in the fridge and scoop it out when you want to use it.  Don't stir it...those were the instructions I received from my Mom.  She made the muffin batter for me after I asked about this recipe.  Don't I have the best Mom??

1 1/2 cup sugar, blend and add 1/2 cup canola oil & 2 eggs.  Beat all together until smooth...

2 cups all Bran

1 cup Bran buds

Over this pour 1 cup boiling water...Let stand until cool (bran & water)

Add 2 cups buttermilk to bran mixture after it is cool and mix well.  Then add to sugar and egg mixture and mix well.

2 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

Add dry ingredients to the bran mixture and combine.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes

Please note:  I left this in original format...My Grandma Rose had written it this way on a recipe card for my Mom...

Hooray for FALL!!!

Ok, some of you may think I'm crazy, but...I do love FALL!!!  That being said I had to change by background!  AND...I found an even better site for free backgrounds...I LOVE this gals designs...she is RIGHT up my alley!  The format is wider...I think I can make my pictures bigger!!  So...visit her site.  I will most definitely be going back there...in fact, I have my next background already picked out!  Now I'll leave you with some of my favorite things about fall, not in any particular order.

the leaves changing color...

cool crisp mornings with dew on the grass....

pumpkin spiced lattes from Starbucks...

let's hear it for sweatshirts and long pants...

volleyball season...

fall line-up...

hot apple cider....with caramel...

pumpkins...

all things gloriously fall at Fairway Country Furnishings...

snuggling on the couch....

reading a good book with a cup a tea while it rains outside....