An Adventure in the Backyard.

They were excited and that made us excited.

A backyard camp out.

I have so many fun memories of my own backyard camp outs as a kid.

Driving up to the gas station to pick out treats to eat in the tent.

Hostess cupcakes or Whatchamacallit candy bars for me.

Going to sleep with Dad in the tent.

Waking up to find him mysteriously gone.

An adventure in the backyard.

We didn't run up to the gas station to get treats.

But we did roast marshmallows and make smores.

Kory pulled out the guitar.

We sang Twinkle, Twinkle little Star as the stars made their night-sky debut.

We took turns telling scary/funny stories that involved ghosts, bears, squirrels, golf balls and smores.

And then, we fit five kids and one brave Dad into a 4-man tent, while Mom (that would be me) headed in to sleep in her own bed.

They fell asleep with Dad in the tent.

And woke to find him mysteriously gone.

An adventure in the backyard.

Epilogue: Kory tried to sleep in the tent until about 2:00 am when he decided to move in to the sofa, where he tried to sleep with the window open and a clear view of the tent. The kids went to bed late, woke up too early and were all feeling tired today. They loved sleeping in the tent and we are going to love sending them to bed early tonight. :)

Gabby God's Little Angel - a book review

Gabby God’s Little Angel, is a sweet picture book about a fun-loving guardian angel named Gabby. If you are familiar with the Gigi, God’s Little Princess series, this book is written in the same style which should not be a surprise as both characters are the work of author Shelia Walsh.


The illustrations, done by Marina Fedotova, are whimsical and sweet. Without a doubt, they add value to the story and make this book a fun one to look through.

The story is based on Psalm 91:9,11, “The Lord is your protection… He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go.” And while I love anything that reinforces the message that we are precious and loved by God, which is a clear message of this story… my one concern is the idea that God shows us his love by protecting us from harm. While I believe He does protect His children at times, I also know sometimes He does not.

Despite my concern, which could get me accused of way over thinking a children’s book; I look forward to sharing the story of Gabby with my girl. It is a sweet, whimsical, girly story book that will be a fun adventure for us to share together.

***DISCLOSURE NOTICE: A free copy of this book was supplied to me for the purpose of review by Thomas Nelson Publishing. No monetary exchange was given. All comments and wording in this review are purely my own.

Christmas Shopping!

Yes,  you read that correctly.

And even though it is 100 degrees outside, I am beginning to think Christmas.

Last year I set a goal to purchase gifts that gave back. This year I'd like to do the same.

So, in the spirit of Christmas, I'd like to share a few opportunities with you.

Have you ever heard of Scentsy? Head over here to learn more.
The Scentsy fundraiser will only last during the month of September. What makes this FUNdraiser extra fun is if you make a purchase over $10 you can be entered to win other prizes. AND, for every purchase you make money goes to help orphans in Henan (Suhn's province in China). So go knock a few items off your Christmas list and help orphans at the same time. It's a win-win-win (which is by far the best kind).

One more "gifts that give back" tip (and I'm hoping to share more over the next few months so stay tuned)...

Wild Olive T's

Awesome, awesome t-shirts for women and kids. Better yet, a percentage of EVERY purchase you make goes to help orphans.

My "So Loved" t-shirt if an easy favorite. Mya and Suhn's too! Go check out the site. Seriously, t-shirts don't get any better than this.

Happy Shopping and have a great Labor day weekend!

Caught in the Act

I thought I was being economical.

At first everything was going according to plan. No problems. Life was great. Until, I started noticing...

It really seemed like nothing. A few crumbs behind a chair or under a table. No big deal.

Then, the crumbs begin to show up on his face. I'm ashamed to say I looked the other way. Denial set in.

Things proceeded to get worse.

I started locking the box in the cupboard, but it continued to "disappear." It would mysteriously show up behind a chair or in the toy cupboard. I started getting sick to my stomach every time that box was gone.

I knew something was up, I knew it was bad and I needed to confront, but it is so hard to admit your loved one has a problem.

The day finally came when I caught him in the act.

We were getting ready to run some errands. He smiled sweetly and ran to "find his shoes." I followed. He led me right to it. He had hidden the box again for easy access. He grabbed a handful, stuck it in his mouth and turned. He saw me.

We silently regarded each other. The jig was up. We both knew it was time for change.

Hello, my name is Sean, and I'm a... goldfishaholic.

Love You More - a book review

Love You More by Jennifer Grant is the story of one mom’s adoption journey to her daughter Mia. It has the feeling of a memoir and is divided into three main parts: Starting the Journey, Waiting for Mia and Learning to Know. The author is vulnerable and realistic as she shares her journey and is an engaging writer. Once I started reading, it was a book I looked forward to picking up which is always a good sign!

As an adoptive mom myself, I could relate to a lot of what Jennifer wrote about even though our adoption journeys, including the countries our children came from, had many differences. Adoption brings with it many special challenges and it is a relief to know you are not alone when facing different issues.

Love You More is a book I would highly recommend to those considering adoption. It gives a realistic view of what the journey might look like, it challenges you to check your motives and it shares the many joys that may surprise you along the way. I would also recommend this book for those who are in-process or who have already adopted. It will remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. And, I would recommend this book to those who have family or friends who are adopting or have adopted. It will give you greater insight into the adoption journey and how you can support those you love who are on it.

Love You More is an inspiring and insightful read, well-written and well-worth your time.


***DISCLOSURE NOTICE: A free copy of this book was supplied to me for the purpose of review by Thomas Nelson Publishing. No monetary exchange was given. All comments and wording in this review are purely my own.

The Sappy "First Day of School" Post

The house is suddenly quiet. Today marked the beginning of a new season. The three big kids are off to school. One of the littles has started preschool.

5 - 4 = 1

One little left in the mornings to keep me company. It feels strange.

The kids are all ready for the change. Third grade, Kindergarten and even preschool are exciting adventures and my kiddos are ready. I am too. I'm excited to see what they learn, and how they grow. I'm excited to have one on one time with my little boy. I'm excited to walk with them through this next stage of life.

But.

I got a little teary as I watched the bus pull away. The first day of school always seems to bring melancholy with it. It marks the passage of time and reveals the growing up like nothing else.

It makes me want to stop time or at least slow it down. Instead the opposite seems to happen.

Come Monday, melancholy will surely move on. We will jump into our new routine full force, time will ramp to warp speed, and I will do my best to make the most of my days as they race on.

You Never Know Where Thomas Will Turn Up...

For more of Thomas's favorite places go here!