Purple!

My youngest has been studying karate for a little over a year. I am proud to say that he is a natural at it and he has advanced quickly.  Last week he earned his purple belt!  He had to run 5 miles, complete 600 sit-ups and 600 pushups and perform all karate he has mastered. It's been an exciting thing to see him thrive, doing his *thing*.  

Phoenix Is Going Home!

I have some excellent news!  First some background.  A couple of years ago, my youngest son chose two boys listed on Reece's Rainbow to pray for.  He chose "Gideon" and "Phoenix".  Gideon is being adopted and should be home pretty soon.  It's been a joy to see him thriving at his "Happy Home" that is sponsored by Maya's Hope.  The work they do is amazing! 

Phoenix has finally, after 14 long years confined and even tied to a crib, been chosen, too! He and another young man, Denzel, will be joining the McQuinn's as beloved sons. The McQuinns are also adopting two other children.  They travel in a matter of weeks and still have about $10,000 to raise.  

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED 

I am blessed to be able to offer up a lovely Caron Cakes "Red Velvet" colorway afghan. This yarn is a very soft, long striped treasure.  It is an acrylic wool blend that can be washed in the gentle cycle.  Don't you love the way the colors blend? It's 57" diagonal; the perfect size to keep you comfy on the couch this winter. 

This is a very simple giveaway.  You earn an entry with each $5 you donate, so a $20 donation earns you 4 entries.  Paid entries are capped at 20, so the more you donate, the better your chance at winning.  Email your receipt to me by clicking here.  You can also earn a free entry by sharing this post, along with the McQuinn's FSP or YouCaring link. Leave a comment here telling me that you did!  

What a joy it will be to see these formerly forsaken children gathered into their loving home!  Thank you for helping make this a reality! 

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"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:27

Vic at 18

Can you believe it?  This dude is 18.  And graduating.  What a blessing he is! He works two jobs, leads worship at church, has big plans for autumn and I can't wait to see where the Lord will lead him after that! 

Spring Surplus

This is a picture of one of last year's many cherry flats.  We LOVE May and can't wait for fresh cherries. It's been too long! 

It is, however, strawberry season right now.  

This is last night's haul.  There is ONE advantage about living where we do!  You can't get so much fresh, perfectly ripe food for so cheap anywhere else in the nation. 

Happy SPRINGTIME to you all! 

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Gen. 1:29

Long Overdue Update

Well, it's been some time since I've blogged!  Facebook took over the blogging world,didn't it. LOL  So, what's new around the old homestead?  

My friend Lauren added a lovely little (and I mean little!) eight year old named Victoria to her family. I was blessed to be able to be their family warrior. Isn't she adorable? You can follow her recovery at And Then There Was Hope.

We just redid the Second Bedroom.  Trixie, Polly and Missy now have a beautiful triple bunk that they love.  The walls are charcoal gray, with burgundy and ivory trim.  It looks very nice, and they did excellent work! 

We took the crew to the snow.  It's been FOUR YEARS that we have wished to go play in the snow, but the drought precluded our desire to play.  It was a very fun day.

I haven't discovered which child or family I should be benefitting over at Hooked on Hope.  Since Victoria is home, the Lord hasn't nudged me in any way with that. 

We are looking at joining with Safe Families to minister to hurting folks right here in our town.  More on that if we do begin that ministry.