Movin' and a Shakin'...er, Breakin'

Things have been crazy busy around this house....like the kind that plum wears you out. This is one TIRED momma. Our new year started off with the purchase of a new car for me! I haven't named her yet, so feel free to help choose a name for this new car.

I LOVE this car. Didn't think I would, but I honestly love it. Seat warmers, remote doors, a built-in cooler, a rear-backing camera (because we don't want me to repeat that time I backed into my own car. It really happened.) The list goes on...not to mention the leather! It is a 2011 Honda Odyssey. Yep, I pimp a minivan now, and am proud of it.  ;)

Jake also began dabbling in consuming solids. He isn't such a fan. He really needs to work on that whole swallowing the food rather than spitting maneuver. We tried organic oatmeal. NOPE. Messed up his sleep and other unmentionable things enough for us to know he isn't ready. Next we tried mashed avocado, and YES. He tolerates it some.

Big Brother Stayton started 2013 off with THIS:

Last Sunday he went to the recreation center to shoot hoops with his buddies, and as he came down from a shot he landed on a friend's foot and his ankle rolled. And popped. The next morning it was HUGE, so I loaded the boys up and went to the foot doctor, and by X-ray they found a fractured lower fibula. (a.k.a. ankle bone). Sure has made some of the simplest things challenging, but he seems to be in less pain and getting around better now. So maybe he is on the mend!

We spent time getting the little cousins together to love on each other...

And found out that Evangeline is going to be a big sister in September! Another little munchkin to love.

Our church has started a new 40-day challenge that is really good for me so far. We love our church, and this series is really hitting home...with topics such as "stop living for the little things, and live for the one greatest thing." It really makes you look at your life and think about how to make priorities and set goals that matter...that are Christ-seeking and striving. That make a difference somehow. Kinda hard when I feel like my "circle of influence" is so small. Like, VERY small. You know, pretty much just me and Jakester most of the time. But it gives me a new vision for the support group I help lead, and how to be a better friend and wife, mother, sister, daughter, etc. I'm loving it.  :)

We have enjoyed time with our friends, and getting our adopted littles together. We joke that these two will marry someday, and in this photo it actually looks like he is asking permission already. Ha! We love having friends that have been where we have been, shared in similar heartaches, walked the adoption road together. God definitely blessed us with them!

The Mommies and their Long-Awaited little ones....

Jake also started sitting up this week! He is so good at it already! It amazes me.

He also turned 6 months old yesterday! Where the heck is the time going??? Next thing we know he will be applying for college. Seriously, this kid is smart! And active....boy I already have a difficult time keeping up with him!

Is it just me? Or is he the cutest baby in the whole entire world?!

And lastly, something I have dreamed of for over a decade now...I am making it a reality, folks. I went and set up my DBA and started my own design business! I am so excited to be working at the very thing I went to college for, and have dabbled in my whole marriage. It is nice to know that I can be home with Jake when I need to be, and designing when I have the time. It's a good, healthy balance for me. AND a creative outlet, which we all know I go crazy without having. I hired Kat French to create a logo based upon a 2-color scheme of warm navy and copper. I tell you what...she is amazing! Check it out!

This logo makes me proud to have this business. I already have 3 small jobs underway, and 1 possible large job...with another medium job about 2 months down the road. So the business is definitely good! God is blessing us beyond belief. Literally. God is good...all the time!

~Peace

Another Book Review

Well, I think it's about time I get back on this blogging bandwagon.
Truth is, I just haven't had that much to say lately. I can't put my finger on the exact reason, but I have been very melancholy the last couple weeks. I'd love a fresh set of ideas for blogging, more reasons to share what is on my mind and heart. So if you have any fun ideas, please share!

But for today, a book review will have to do...





This book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, was amazing!! It drew me in right away and it was one of those books you just don't want to put down. It really made me stop and think about friendships in a whole new way. It made me want to live with no regrets. The book also gave a very accurate glimpse into what life was like in China in the 1800's. It turned me on to reading another fiction piece set in China, below. I give this book an A+.












The Bonesetter's Daughter was a more modern book partly set in China, partly in America. The setting was a great contrast to Snow Flower. This book was reflective both in its' writing as well as how it made me reflect as a reader. I really enjoyed parts of this book, but not all. I would give it an A-.









This book is a Christian Fiction novel that my mom bought me for Christmas. It is a split setting, the first part being set in 1974 soon after the passing of the Roe vs. Wade law regarding abortion. The main character has a choice to make...and weighs her options is a strong way. The second part of the book is set in 2008 and shows the ripple effect of the choice she made all those years ago. From an adoptive mother's standpoint, I highly recommend this book if you have any role in adoption, or if you are related to anyone who is. If you aren't, it can be a great introductory educational tool in teaching others about adoption. It is a very good story, well-written and lingers in your mind long afterwards. This book gets an A+ from me.

Happy reading, friends!
~Peace