New Project

I was inspired by this blog to create a homeschool area for the kids this fall. While I have tried to do this in the past, the location I chose did not work well, for one reason or another. This time I am going to put a bit more thought in how I go about this. For now, here are my before pics. We don't have an extra room so we will be using our family room. Currently, the bar is utilized as a pantry. With a bit of de-cluttering and reorganizing I should be able to have a nice place for the kids to work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please forgive the mess...

Host Family Needed

MAT is in need of a temporary host family in the Portland, Oregon area for a 5 year old little girl coming to the US for cardiac surgery. She will probably be arriving with her mother. If you are interested in this situation please email  medicaladvocacyteam@live.com and MAT will send you a host family application.

Wildlife Refuge

Pioneer Farm

K. in her bonnet:
E. looking cute:

K. cutting biscuits:
Grinding flour:
E.'s first horseback ride:

L. showing off his smitty skillz... they actually let the kids heat a horseshoe and shape it with tools all by themselves as long as an adult was with them.  I was scared!  Do you know how hot coal can burn?
L. in the barn:
C. by the pond:
E. getting ready to jump into a pile of hay:
Milking a real cow:

A NEW ALL YOU Magazine Giveaway!

Go to this site: $5 dinners

and leave a few comments to enter the random drawing to win!

All You is giving away a 1-year subscriptions to ALL YOU magazine to 2 lucky winners.  ALL YOU magazine is geared to the value-driven woman and sold on newsstands at Walmart stores nationwide and by subscription. ALL YOU offers practical, realistic, affordable ideas for every area of her life.  Editorial covers a range of topics from budget-friendly recipes to affordable fashion for every body type to decorating ideas for under $100.  In every issue, on every page, ALL YOU makes real women feel great about their lives and themselves, just the way they are.

Haircuts and Glasses and more

K. got glasses! We had no idea her eyesight was as bad as it is. She told me last month she thinks she can see better out of one eye then the other. Sure enough, she is far sided and needs glasses. The doctor was surprised she hadn't come in sooner (she's six) but she passed her screening tests. She will take a while to get used to the glasses and the doctor even mentioned the possibility of patching for a bit. Poor girl. The excitement of something new hasn't worn off yet though, so we hope she will always stay this positive! E. got a haircut yesterday, due to crying fits when someone tries to comb his curls.  It is so much easier to care for now!  He looks so handsome. 

E. is doing good.  He is scheduled for his evaluation by the Children's Neurodevelopmental Center next Thursday.  I can't wait to see how he does.  We are still learning so much about him, and he surprises us every day.  His English is improving and his personality is emerging.  

He is attached to two silly little toys lately.  We call them his "guys".  He carries them around everywhere and I find that it is better than his fist clenching he was doing.  It seems to calm him and make him happy to have his "guys" with him.
 

We are going on a "camping" trip this weekend.  My sister lives about 3 hours south of us and has horses.  She is letting us set up camp on her farm for 3 nights.  We should have good weather and the kids will have lots of fun.  We are also planning on going to some fun places near her.  A bridesmaid dress shopping trip is also in the works.  Should I get a dress that fits me now and then have it altered, or buy one that is a few sizes too small?  Her wedding is in November.

Also, please read below for the newest on my fundraiser for Real Hope for Haiti.  I still just have one pledge and I really want to earn a lot for the people in Haiti.  

A bit discouraged, but still working hard

I am a bit frustrated. I have only one pledge so far (thanks Traci!) for my fundraising attempts. I need your help! If you can't make a financial contribution, please spread the word, or link my blog to yours.  Every bit counts... I have a goal of raising at least $2000.

If you are not familiar with Real Hope for Haiti, it is a wonderful organization!  I have met Lori in Port au Prince and have worked with her and Licia for a couple years now.  Their faithfulness and passion for the Haitian people is amazing.  Here is a bit of info about RHFH from their website:

Real Hope For Haiti (RHFH) is an evangelical non-profit organization that is committed to faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ among the Haitian people. The Bible speaks of a hope that does not fail.

In Romans 5:5 Paul writes, "And this hopedoes not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us." 

RHFH is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Haitians and meet their physical needs, but RHFH also understand that these efforts do not offer a hope that extends beyond the difficulties of this life. We pray with and for the patients in the clinic and the children in the Rescue Center that God's love might be shed abroad in their hearts. That they may be filled with a hope that comes from above.  Please join with us in this prayer. 

Centre Sante de la Grace du Bon Samaritain, Cazale ("Grace of the Good Samaritan Health Center") is a medical facility established under the direction and funding of Real Hope For Haiti, Inc. As a faith based medical center serving the population of Cazale, Haiti and the surrounding rural mountain villages, we will strive to meet the medical, economic, and spiritual needs of all persons that we serve with compassion, excellence, and hope in the Name and to the Glory of Jesus Christ. 

The Rescue Center

Zach, Gretchen, Lori and Licia began taking children into there home in Jan of 1999. They started with a child that was severely burned on her stomach and leg. The dream of the Rescue Center was started and it has only grown from there. They cared for up to 10 children in their home before permanently moving to Cazale in May 2002. The Center has grown to care for an average of 50 to 60 children and 4 to 6 adults at any given time. 

RHFH is very involved in community projects, helping replant vegetation, rebuilding homes damaged by flooding, etc.  

Your donation is tax deductible and if you use firstgiving.com the funds are sent DIRECTLY to RHFH.  www.firstgiving.com/mama25bears   

If you want to follow my weight loss efforts more closely, I started a blog to journal my journey.  You'll find it here: a journal of transformation

Thanks so much for your help!