Invested

As I have had time off for Christmas break I have had a lot of time to think. This is good and bad. Maybe "bad" isn't the right word. Maybe the better word is "hard". Even though we have just started on this process to adopt I feel a mixture of emotions. I am so excited and yet the wait and the unknown is so hard. I already love this child so much and I have no idea how long it will be before I can see their sweet face or hold them. I do not know if I will have a boy or a girl. I just know how much I have prayed for this baby and for God's help in making decisions to lead us to our baby. I have been trying to do all of the work I can on my end. I'm praying for His wisdom as we make decisions about our agency we will use.

Merry Christmas from Marty

I do not yet have a child to take Christmas photos of....but I do have my puppy :). Marty is kinda rare. He really enjoys wearing "clothes". If we take his collar off of him he is so upset until he can get it back. He really enjoys wearing little sweaters or vests. He is such a ham.

So tonight I found this Christmas sweater my grandmother bought for him last year. I was like 2 sizes to small. So I just put it around his neck like a scarf. He didn't want me to take it off of him!

So...I decided to have him pose by the tree. What cute shots we got! The scary part is that I truly believe Marty wanted and enjoyed having his picture taken.

Winter Break

With an unexpected snow/ice storm I began Christmas break a couple of days early. For now I won't complain. However I may feel a little differently in May/June when I am still in school.

Ice covered everything. Poor Marty had to slip and slide outside in the back yard.

While I do not enjoy driving in such icy conditions there are a few things I enjoy about the cold weather like drinking hot chocolate and wearing scarves. I love listening to Christmas music, spending time crafting while watching Christmas movies, and baking yummy confections. Yummm. I love watching snow fall.

The next snow looks like it might be on December 24th and 25th. White Christmas this year???

Our Adoption

Adopting a child was somewhere in the back of my mind when I was younger. I thought I would like to do that someday, but I wonder now if at the time if I really believed I would do that one day. Or would I would marry a man who longed for the same thing? Again, this was just a thought I had once that was tucked away while I pursued life as I wanted to. Little did I know a seed had been planted that God had plans for.

God led Derek and I to one another. We lived in the same small town our whole lives and even attended similar events and yet we never knew one another. Our families even knew one another and we knew many of the same people. I always felt like we met at the perfect time, God's timing. I knew not long after we met that I wouldn't be looking any further. I had found my best friend.

As it would happen, he too, was interested in adopting. It is funny how God works in our lives. As we began to research adoption we started to look more closely into Ethiopia, which I'll be honest, I had never thought of before when I pictured adoption. Yet again, God had other plans. As we looked into requirements and learned about the countries and the need we knew where we would adopt. We may have still talked about other places, but our hearts always came back to Ethiopia.

I have tried to read everything possible. I've looked all through the Bible for answers when I asked myself so many questions about whether this was His plan for us for sure. I saw it again and again as I read things about Jesus being the defender of the fatherless(Psalm 68:5) and that He would place the lonely in families(68:6), and that religion He accepts as pure and faultless is to look after the orphans and widows (James 1:27). Once the call had been placed on my heart I began to look at how very blessed we are. At the same time, we are so very undeserving of all that we have. He has provided for our every need. Jesus gave it all. He just wants us to care for those less fortunate and those who can not defend themselves. I knew I could not say no to Him.

Derek and I have prayed about this for a long time and we are so excited to have officially started on our journey to adopt from Ethiopia! It will be months of paperwork, fundraising, waiting, and praying. We are willing to work hard to raise the money we need and to prepare for this. We believe that God will show us this generosity and support through others. We know it will be absolutely worth it.

As we got to the end of our homestudy application we got the the part that required our signatures. As we looked down and saw the words "Adoptive Father" and "Adoptive Mother" we both got a little choked up. It was a really special moment. We were so overjoyed to begin on this path that we have prayed about for so long now. I know that we will face many joys and challenges, yet we are very happy that this is the journey we are meant to be on. Please follow our journey!

New Wreaths

After making several wreaths for the Christmas season I decided to make a couple that were a little different. I made this heart shaped fabric wreath! This will be so cute in January and February.

I had black fabric and wanted to make something a little different. So I made this! I love it and I made the flowers out of felt. I think this is super cute.

I love making these and knowing that it is going to help raise money for our adoption makes the time spent even better. :)

Tis the Season!

I'm loving this time of year right now. There is still something so magical to me about a Christmas tree. This is my first "grown up tree". This is our first Christmas in our house so we always had a small 4 foot tree before which I still have upstairs in our loft. The first thing I do when I get home from work is plug in the tree so I can enjoy the lights.

I enjoy the glittery ornaments.

Our mini tree upstairs.

My wreath that I made last year before Christmas.

A super cute cookie jar that I got for Christmas last year. It currently houses my candy canes and hot chocolate mix. Yummmmmm

I bought these last year after Christmas for like a dollar. I LOVE shopping for Christmas decor after Christmas so that it is super cheap. So I plan on going out the day or two after Christmas to hunt for decorations to add to my collection.

A Little of This..

...and a little of that. Wow, I can not get over how fast fall has come and gone (well it feels like it is gone now). Thanksgiving was really nice. I am sad that this break is over.

Derek and I made our own Thanksgiving here at home before we headed to see our families and have the big meals. It was fun to make it all even if it was just for us two. I made a turkey which turned out pretty well, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and rolls. I bought the Sister Schubert's rolls that you can find frozen at the grocery. They are sooo good. However I discovered upon opening my package that I had bought rolls with sausage links inside??? Who would think to see if their rolls possibly had sausage tucked inside of them? Not me! Oh well...they were still good even if they did have a smoky flavor.

I was also so happy to watch our tree in the backyard change colors this Fall. I made Derek wait a few minutes just so I could take a picture before we headed home to visit our families at the beginning of October.

I am already putting up Christmas decorations! I love it. We also were given a dining room table that belonged to Derek's great grandmother. We are sanding it now and I am trying to decide whether to paint it or stain it. I keep thinking I want a white dining room table yet I can't think of any I have ever seen.

I am so thankful for all of the little things and so very thankful for my family :)

It is funny how you can see so many "emotions" in your pets. I feel like we can tell when Marty is happy, excited, sad, bored, or annoyed....like in this picture...

Marty, our sweet puggle. He was annoyed that this was like the 10th picture I had taken.

New Holiday Wreath

I am loving this wreath. I made this one to sell and I think I may have to make one for myself to keep now too! Check out my etsy store to purchase!

Money

http://www.southernstudies.org/images/sitepieces/Money%20stacks.jpg

Since we decided to adopt one of the main things that has been a source of concern (for me primarily) was money. Since I have been adult I can say I feel pretty responsible with money. I like to save and budget. I can feel ok about that. However that makes it harder to wrap my mind around the amount it will cost to adopt.

At the same time I wonder why I am even nervous about the idea of how much money it would cost us to adopt. I can think about so many things in life that I wondered "how in the world: I was going to afford:

1. Paying for my gas in my car (pre- high school graduate)

2. Paying for College

3. Renting my own apartment (paying my own rent-before having a "real job")

4. Getting married while both Derek and I were still in college.

5. Buying a house.

Yet you know, no matter how much I worried, God provided. God has always provided. That doesn't mean that things will always work out. However I feel I can find peace in knowing this.

I think of all the things we might not think are a big deal to spend that kind of money on: cars, homes, jewelry, vacations, and perhaps an excess in shopping or other material possessions. What kind of good is any of that doing? How is that helping to further the messages Jesus left us with?I too am guilty of worrying about such "stuff" or material things that we hope to bring some sense of enjoyment. Therefore I know that I can do without a night out to dinner or a new shirt here and there. The stuff that I have at times based my life around brings such a false sense of security. I know that no matter how much "stuff" I need to give up, that nothing can compare to the cost that Jesus paid. That nothing can compare to the precious lives that can be saved.

Orphan Sunday from Greg Buzek on Vimeo.

Fabric Wreaths for Home Decor

Small 14 inch- Cream fabric - $25
In order to help fund our adoption I began making these lovely fabric wreaths. I love crafting and in wondering how in the world we could afford to adopt I thought I might as well try to do something I enjoyed in the process. We know that God will help provide as long as we put forth the effort.

These are beautiful indoor or outdoor. They can be made using any color of fabric in a small (14 inch) or a medium (17 inch) size. I can add silk flowers (can specify color of flowers to be added) or decorative ornaments such as holiday berries, tree ornaments, snowflake ornaments, etc based on holiday decoration themes.

For the Holidays





This is the 17 inch version. Silk flowers or ornaments may be added. $32 alone and $38 with additional flowers or decorations.




Small Wreath with additional adornments. $30.00
This is another favorite of mine. This wreath is made with burlap and has silk flowers attached.



Please order a great new wreath to help support our adoption!
Email at: leslieallisondesigns@gmail.com for questions and order placement in specific sizes, colors, and attachments. Prices are listed on the side of the blog.

Sometimes I would like to ask...

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid he might ask me the same question." - Anonymous

Isnt this so true? Have you not ever asked this same question?

How often do we think about how awful things in the world are, and then go back to watching our televisions on our comfy couch?

We are so blessed in this country. More than we realize. I read somewhere that we spend enough money on ice cream alone in a year that the rest of the world could have had clean water to drink.

I want to help. I want to do my part. I want to live my life for God and help those in need.
I have learned a lot about God's command "to look after orphans and widows in their distress: James 1:27. I feel that calling in my life. I feel like I know my purpose. I am so excited.

"Falling" into the Season

I looked at my last post where I was so excited about planting my mums. I do not know what I did wrong but all of my blossoms died. I don't get it, everyone else has pretty mums. I have made such progress with plants. I have 4 living in my house. Believe me, that is progress. So why can't my pretty mums be ok? I used plenty of water and placed them into good sunlight. Alas...my pretty blooms lasted merely a week. I see some more buds starting so heres hoping they make a miraculous recovery. :)

It has been such a strange, exciting, stressful, and busy couple of months. Life is so unpredictable. I learn everyday that I am not in control. Sometimes realizing that makes it easier. Sometimes that makes things hard to accept. I have been working so hard lately which has been stressful. My brother was robbed which was sad, scary, and stressful. My grandmother's house caught on fire which thankfully turned out ok. Family members have gotten sick and some have prayed for hope. I have prayed a lot this month for patience and understanding in all of these areas.

Yet this Fall has also come with a lot of really interesting and exciting changes:

Derek and I found a Sunday bible study class we really enjoy! We also started volunteering in the 2 year olds ministry at church. It feels good to be involved in a place where I feel so much love.

Marty is getting doggy training. After months of trying to calm the wild thing on our own we called in for some reinforcements. We are using Bark Busters here and it is really working! It is such a relief to see that our puppy can be really good and not just crazy and cute :) We are still a work in progress, however I have been amazed with the results we have achieved in such a short amount of time.

I have been reading a lot more in the evenings. I love reading and I am happy to make time for it regularly. I have been reading a couple of adoption books. One was titled "From Ashes to Africa" which was a really interesting story of a couple's adoption journey. Now I am reading "Adopted for Life" by Russell Moore. I love learning about adoption. It makes me so excited for the future.

I baked my first apple and pumpkin pie and both were a success! I also went to Huber's Orchard in Indiana. We went on a Saturday so it was a little too crowded for our taste but I enjoyed just being outside on such a nice day and enjoying a big caramel apple. Yum.

It has been a season of learning, loving, and accepting. With the good and the bad I am thankful for all that I have. When I was feeling overwhelmed the other day I came across this wonderful passage "³³"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 33:16. I am so loved even though I do not deserve it. Happy Fall :)

Fall is Approaching

Fall is almost here officially. In the great state of Kentucky we have already experienced a night in the 40's. While I am not so much a fan of winter or super cold temperatures, I have recently begun to love Fall. Such beautiful colors in flowers, trees, and decorations. Apple picking (which I have never actually done this time of year but plan to), pumpkins, and being able to walk outside without sweating or freezing to death are among the reasons I have developed a love for Fall.
I am so excited that this year I actually got to plant mums. I have a couple of burgendy mums in pots and yellow mums planted near my sidewalk. I LOVE them! One thing I have been dreaming about while still renting an apartment was to be able to one day plant my own flowers. I adore flowers.

My husband and I have enjoyed weekends together so much. Beginning a new school year has been very draining to say the least. I am looking forward to pumpkin and apple picking this year, trying to learn more about football and actually enjoy it, and hopefully beging able to still spend time with loved ones.

The First Days of School

I made it...second year teaching! Even after having to move back into my classroom in one day after summer renovations. I made it! Let me tell you the first few days of school are so chaotic...busing issues getting to school, paperwork, busing issues, school procedures, getting to know so many kids, busing issues, oh and did I say busing issues? Haha I guess that is what happens in such a large school district. Everything has gone really well though and I love my students!

But wow, my body and my brain need some help getting adjusted to the new schedule. It is SO weird to go from doing NOTHING but leisurely activities (ahh goodbye paradise) to one of the busiest weeks of the whole ENTIRE year. In all seriousness though, this week helps me to appreciate the summer break I had so much more! I am so thankful to have had that kind of time to relax and enjoy life. Ironically enough, for the first few weeks of summer I was "bored". Now I want to reminisce about the days of sleeping until 8 or 9, shopping in the afternoon, and reading novels, crafting, or watching Lifetime all day long. :)

Now to hope and pray I can adjust quickly to the steady pace of a 5th grade teacher.
I will be posting classroom pictures soon, (hopefully).

6 Other Professions I Dream About

I really enjoy my job. Especially now that I am getting ready to start year 2 and I feel more prepared (well, somewhat!) for what is to come. Yet everyone has those days when you like to think about your other interests and dream of new possibilities. These are my top 6 "jobs" I dream about. I say that loosely because I feel like most of them are hobbies.

1. Cook/Chef - I LOVE to cook. I love watching the Foodnetwork and I love trying new recipes. If I am bored, I usually want to cook something. Being on the Foodnetwork looks really cool :)

Giada De'Laurentiis

2. Cake Designer- another profession in the cooking field. I am such a sucker for really awesome wedding cakes, party cakes, themed cakes, you name it! I love to be artsy and crafty so most of my dream jobs involve creativity.

Wedding Cakes

3. Florist-I always used to say that if nothing else worked out then I wanted to own a flower ship. Whether for happy or sad occasions, flowers are such a comforting symbol.

We

Wedding Bells

4. Nurse-because I play the "what if" game I often wonder what being a nurse would be like. I always wanted to help others in some way. I really admire nurses and those in the medical field.

5. Photographer- I have never tried beyond my simple little digital camera but there is something I love about photography. What a beautiful career...being able to capture he most precious moments in the lives of others.

6. Stay at Home Mommy- I hope to add this to my official resume one day, at least for a few years. I love children (hence being an elementary teacher). So now there is much budgeting and saving to be done now in order to enjoy this in the future. Maybe I can practice some of these dream jobs on the side during this time period. One can dream right?

Teacher Week-Must Haves

I found Babbling Abby's blog and she is hosting a teacher week for blogging. Yesterday was teacher "must haves' so I am a day late in posting. So here is my list of 10 things I couldn't do without in my classroom.

1. My computer- the district where I work provides us with laptops to use in our classroom. They are tablet computers so I can download worksheets to my computer and write on them with the "pen" that is attached to my computer. I plug it all up to the projector and voila, my students can interact with my computer and we can use it as if it were an old school projector.

2. Dry erase markers- I know they make better chalk these days, you know, chalk that isnt so gritty and skretchy when you write with it on the chalkboard. However I just love dry erase markers. There is something kinda fun about them. :)

Suppies

3. Bandaids- If I didnt get asked at least once a day for a bandaid I don't think I would know what to do with myself. Students are always getting these itty bitty cuts they "need" bandaids for. So I just buy the cheapest kind and keep them in stock. This saves on a lot of trips to the office that would be unnecessary and it keep everybody happy.

4. plastic bags- I think any kind of storage is a necessity for teachers. I keep materials in plastic bags for the classroom and as well as give them out to my kiddos when they lose a tooth :) They love having a mini plastic baggie to carry one of their few remaining baby teeth in.


5. baskets- any kind of (preferably plastic) basket. Especially the flexible plastic baskets that won't break. I love grabbing items like this up at target in the $1 section. I use baskets for books, markers and crayons, or distributing materials to students. You name your task and a nice basket is there to help you accomplish the task.


6. My clip board. My clipboard is attached to my hip. It comtains my to-do list, info about kiddos I need to remember for the day, my lesson plans, and notes to myself because I can't remember anything on my own. I love clip boards.


7. Post-it notes- come on, am I the only teacher who LOVES Post-it notes? Especially all the cute little cut outs and designs that stores carry now. That makes it so much more fun to use them. I like ot give my kid's little notes of enocuragement on them sometimes.


8. My Brother brand label maker. I just got this last year for Christmas but am so looking forward to labeling everything in myclassrom with this little beauty. As a teacher I think we could all agree we love to have our materials organized.

www.imagesupply.com

9. Pretzels- weird maybe but I always keep pretzels in my room. I get so hungry during the day. My lunch is the last one of the day because I have 5th graders. So by 9 or 10 when I haven't eaten breakfast since 6 am I am pretty hungry. Pretzels are such a great, low fat snack to keep around. It is so easy to grab a quick handful and keep going.



10. Finally, I love the notepads that contain templates for notes to go home for students. They have carbon copies so I can keep a copy of everything I send home. It is very covenient for record keeping.

School, School, School

Oh how life (and mine imparticular) seems to revolve around school much more than I'd like. I guess when I chose teaching as a profession I should expect that, right?

School will start for me in two weeks and I am just starting to mentally prepare. It will be very hard to prepare my classroom since our school is being renovated and my stuff is packed in many many boxes all put in various storage units. The fact that we wont be able to get into our building until a couple of days before school actually starts really stresses me out.

Not only will be career start back up, but I have to take the GRE and apply to grad school so that I can also go back to school. More fun! This stresses me out because grad school is sooo expensive!! More stress.

I was so looking forward to the summer time because I felt I would get to spend more time with my husband. He works part time because he is in SCHOOL to get his MBA. He usually only has classes 2 nights a week, but guess what? He has busier this summer than ever before. He has had a couple of Saturday classes, a weeklong class, then he had to make up work for missing during that weeklong class, etc.

Can you see how school might play a huge role in my life? Im praying that I will not stress over preparing for school in a limited amount of time and that I will be refreshed and ready to meet my new students. I pray that I will not be stressed about the cost of grad school. It is necessary and God has blessed and provided for us all along, so why should I doubt in Him now? I pray that I will treasure all of the time I get with my husband, family, and friends because we all know time is too precious to waste. As easy as it is to be stressed about these things I am greatful to be employed , to be able to persue a graduate degree in an area I am excited about, and thankful my husband has had the same opportuity!

Two Years as Mrs. Jones :)

Monday will be our 2nd wedding anniversary. I can not believe how quickly these two years have gone by. I love remembering our wedding day. It truly was the happiest day of our lives. After years of dreaming and months of planning it was more beautiful than I expected. Not because the decorations were really elaborate or because I had all the perfect songs picked out. It was so wonderful because on that day we had everyone we loved so dearly there with us, to celebrate with us. At what other time in your life do you get to experience that? Most importantly, because we were starting our lives together.

To my wonderful husband, I love you more everyday. I am so proud of all you do for us. Im so thankful to have a husband who has brought me closer to Jesus. Im so thankful to have a husband who can walk with me and hold my hand through the good times and the bad. I love having someone to eat dinners with, pray with, watch re-runs of the office (or whatever show we are currently into) :), and discuss our dreams for the future. Thank you for being my best friend :)

Our very first picture on my 21st birthday :) Derek with long hair.

Our 1 year dating anniversary

Engagement night