A post so full of sweetness your teeth will ache afterwards

Today will be photo overload. Proceed with caution. Or not.

My amazing friend Lindy sent home some dresses for our girls. Big deal, huh? Welllllll, they aren't just any dresses! They are dresses made from KIKOIS! And, let me tell you. Have mercy at the cuteness you are about to witness. It's almost more than I can handle.

The good news is that Lindy also sent back a TRUNKLOAD of stuff (along with lots and lots of kikois) all hand made in Kenya. I'm helping with a big fundraiser in early October and once that's over I'll open the Kenyan goodies up to you, here on my blog. I'm telling you, this stuff is AWESOME. Save up your dollars now ladies. Save 'em up.

And yes, I KNOW I'm going to overuse CAPS and italics in this post. But seriously. If you think the caps are loud and the italics are over the top YOU SHOULD BE INSIDE MY HEAD.

On with the photos. I'm posting so many because I promised Lindy good pictures of the girls in their dresses and do you know how stinkin' hard it is to get a good photo of a 6 year old, a 4 year old, a 2 year old and 4 month old?

Impossible, I think.

Here's the best only one I got of all 4 of them where someone didn't have their eyes closed and Ella wasn't trying to eat her dress or Elizabeth's. And this one is good. Even though Ella is clearly more enamored with her oldest brother than me by this point.

Oh my word at the sweetness. I seriously wanna just squeeze them all until they scream. But then I'd regret it because can I just tell you how dramatic a certain 2 of my girls are. Especially those two on the left.

Their wails can make my ears bleed.

Of course, Ashlee is a baby hog, so the first chance she got to sit up by Ella and "read" to her, she did. I love how it looks like Ella is reading along with her.


But that baby hogging and sweetness was short lived because approximately 37 seconds after that photos was taken, I snapped this one.


That girl LOVES her bike. Which is hysterical because this time last year she would only walk beside it and push it. Except she thought she was riding it because when I would ask her, "Ashlee, don't you want to ride?" She'd exclaim, "I am!"

Riiiight. Except you're not.

Elizabeth is OBSESSED with our neighbor's cats. We've told her she can only pet them when our neighbors are outside and, clearly, her ear is finely tuned to the sound of our neighbor's door opening. When they are not outside, she stands just inside our yard and stares at them, like this.

Well, not exactly like that because, you know, she's looking at me in that one. But you get the idea.

And this little girl. Well, I just wanna scoop her up and eat her. I mean, when she's not busy being dramatic which is apparently her new hobby. Ashlee has officially been dethroned as Drama Queen. Queen Olivia has recrowned Ashlee but a mere princess of all things drama. I think explosive drama must come in small packages, don't you?

Good thing she's cute.

And this girl, well, I'm still adjusting to the fact that she SIX. And while I'm adjusting to her new age, she's already begun telling me stories about "Back when I was 5 years old." Yeah. That was just 2 days ago. Slow down, missy.

In this next series of photos I'd like for you to take special notice of each of the big girls' agendas. I told them to "model." Apparently, modeling to Ashlee means work.it.girl. While modeling to Elizabeth means make-sure-Olivia-is-in-the-photo-nomatter-how-many-times-your-Mom-says-to-put-her-down.

Seriously, scroll down and watch them independently. Wow. Just...wow.








Clearly my off handed instruction of "put your hand on your hip or something" was taken seriously by Ashlee. Work it sassy. Work.it.

The next one is great of the older two and I thought Olivia would be a modeling whiz too except that she decided at the last second to bend over behind her sister which makes it look like Elizabeth has the lowest kneecap known to man.

Then I started losing them so naturally we had to do a shot of "Crazy face!"

I don't know what Ashlee is raising her hand for in this photo. Maybe she thought I said "Who wants more drama?" when I clearly said, "Who can look at Momma?"

Oh well. At least I finally got Olivia in there with the older two. Even though she decided it was time for a serenade. Did I mention she sings a lot? And by a lot I mean anytime she's awake.

This is Ashlee, mid camera click leaning forward to ask, "Can I see that one? I wanna see it!"

And, showing Elizabeth some birthday love.

Clearly, never a dull moment around here. Which is fine with me, because I love it that way.

Now, who wants to buy a kikoi and make their little girl a dress just like these? Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

Six

Today our firstborn turns six years old.

Six.

Seriously. Where did the time go? I know for a fact that it was only a year or so ago that I held her new little self in my arms and marveled at the fact that the nurses and doctors actually let us bring her home. Clearly, we'd somehow slipped through the hospital's cracks because we seriously had no clue how to be parents.

Six years later, I still stand in awe of this precious little girl and I'm still struggling to figure out this whole motherhood thing. My bald headed, easy going baby is now a beautiful, curly headed young girl and sometimes I look at her and she just takes my breath away.

I'm not quite sure why God chose to bless us with this treasure but He did and I am forever blessed by His goodness in her. Completely loving, the best big sister any sibling could ask for, she's never too far from a younger brother or sister who needs a little help. In fact, quite often lately, a favorite of her and Olivia is this:

If you think either of them is disliking this set up, think again. Olivia couldn't be happier resting right there on her big sister's hip. And Elizabeth, well, she couldn't be more delighted that Olivia requests to be held, often exclusively, by her.

Now that my baby is moving into new phases of independence I find my heart soaring with joy and breaking with sorrow all in the same breath. How my heart overflows when I hear her speak to others with kindness and grace, knowing that she desires to please us and the Lord with her actions and words. At in the next moment, my mother's heart tears apart, knowing that this is just the beginning of me having to let go and not always answer the questions asked of her. Watching her grow up seemingly day by day, even minute by minute, and her have thoughts and questions and ideas that are original to her little self is amazing and sad. How can my little girl already be able to be so independent of me?!

But she is. And my heart overflows with pride for being her mother. This tender hearted hazel eyed girl is so concerned with the well fare of others. "Do they have food Momma?" and if they don't, "How will their tummies get full?"

Seeing her experience the hurt of this world, in limited portions, and knowing that it hurts her fragile heart is sometimes more than I can bear. Knowing that she's able to experience and remember such hurts makes me want to lock her away so that her innocent spirit won't get damaged and her desire to change the world will always be pure.

But I know that would do her much more harm than good. And as I sit back and soak in the conversations that we are now having, discussions of life and theories and understandings that her six year old mind can comprehend, I savor every second.

She's gone from a toddler who we've had to explain the world to, to a young girl who is able to understand the things around her, understand her God and see the world with eyes of her own. It's so much fun to sit and talk with her about the mundane and the majestic. Seeing the world, fresh, through her eyes makes me fall in love with her all over again.

Never too serious for a laugh or a little sassiness, she makes me realize, daily, that I have the best job in the world. We laugh together regularly and I love watching her wit grow and her sense of humor develop.

And it's because of her that I can never doubt that God's plans are ultimately best. For the heart of a man can plan his way but the Lord establishes his steps (Prov. 16:9). This tiny little miracle that entered our lives 6 years ago showed me that my plans were futile. The Lord knew that deeply rooted in me was a desire to be a Mother. And it was with her first breath that He granted me a life I never even realized I wanted. With the beginnings of her tiny heartbeat, He transformed in me a heart that would have been forever separate from Him. And I also believe that He placed within our little girl and heart sold our for the Lord. She continually amazes us with her understanding of a mighty God, His marvelous mercy and His compassion for hurting people.

How I pray that Luke and I can equip her for the purposes of God's kingdom, whatever they may be.

Our sweet birthday princess. We love you more than words could explain! Happy #6 baby girl. You make our hearts overflow.

Ella Joy at 4 months

4 months.

How in the world did I go from being incredibly, miserably, 42 weeks worth of pregnant to having a 4 month old in a 3 week time span? Okay, maybe I didn't but, seriously it feels like just yesterday I was in the hospital gazing at her new, sleeping self and now she's 4 months old. Dear God, PLEASE STOP THE TIME.

But, she has got to be the most sweet, cuddly, chubby cheeked, grinning 4 month old I know. Seriously, y'all. She is the sweetest baby. So content, so smiley, so easily satisfied. Oh I just love her beyond words.

My sweetest Ella Joy,

At 4 months old you surprised me by rolling over from back to front and then from front to back. You are proud of yourself but you get a little ticked when you can't get your arm out from underneath your belly. Once I help you though, you're usually content on your belly for a few minutes then, FLIP!, back onto your back. And, you're just so happy at your newfound skill!

As for sleeping, well, it's getting a little better. For the last several nights you've had some 6 hours stretches. And, I've found that if we put you "down" for the night at around 10:00pm, you sleep much, much better. Even if you could go down at 8 or 9, holding you off til 10pm makes your nights much easier on Mommy.


You still sleep swaddled, but starting last night Mommy and Daddy are moving you from sleeping exclusively in the swing to sleeping the crib. Last night you did great and right now you are napping in the crib. So, it's a start! I'd imagine that the next week or so could be rough until you've adjusted to sleeping solely in the crib and only sitting in the swing for fun.


Your cheeks are so squishable that I just want to spend all my spare time squeezing and kissing them. Your rolly polly thighs are nothing short of sweet marshmallow fluff! How I could just take a bite!

You are seriously the most content baby I've ever seen. You're so happy to just be in the mix with everyone. We drug out the exersaucer and I gave it a good scrubbing (you know, since it's the same one we've had since Elizabeth was born 6 years ago) and you really love being able to "stand up" in it and move some of the parts. You especially love the little turn-table that's on it. You smile at whoever stops to talk to you and you tolerate your siblings mothering you quite well.

When you sneeze, Aaron is the first one to come to your aid, if only to say, "Wess woo Wellwa." It's especially tender. Ella Joy, you make our family a sweeter place to be. We all love you so very much and I just can't remember what life was like before you were my baby girl. I've never been a Momma who desired to wake her kids just because she wanted to smooch on them, but you are making those thoughts go through my head on occasion. As I've said before, the word that I'd use to describe your little self, more than any other, is simply Sweet. I think that maybe, even your drool and slobber is as tasty as straight sugar. Or maybe it's just me.

I love you sweet girl,

Mommy

Das Not Funny! Friday: A real winner

Your regularly scheduled laughs at my children's expense are being postponed this week to reveal to you my nerdiness. Reader discretion is not at all advised. Unless you have an aversion to nerds, then you might want to look away.

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Hey folks. Well, I stayed up super late just so I could draw a winner for the kikoi/iTunes giveaway. Okay not just for that. Actually, a friend and I had plans earlier this evening and I'm up because I'm still a tiny bit giddy from the little excursion we took.

If, at any time, I've ever deceived you into you thinking I was cool get ready because I'm about to blow my cover big time.

When I texted (clearly the spell check powers that be have not caught up with the coolness of 2010 because "texted" has a red squiggly line under it and I know it's a real word) my friend to confirm our plans for tonight, she texted me back saying she had to run an errand. Let me just say that when she told me where we'd be going I got a tad lot excited. This place just makes my little heart flutter for reasons totally inexplicable to me. Remember that time I was NOT Type A? Yeah. That's now.

Anyway, I know that you're just dying to know where we went, aren't you? Well, brace yourself people. Serious nerd alert.

Staples.

Yes, the office supply store.

I can't tell you how much I love going into office supply stores. My affection for them isn't something that I share freely, er....at least until now. But y'all, I love them. Something about the fresh paper, all the pens full of ink, the crisp, new folders and the stickers and post-its. Well, it's more than my little self can take.

Oh. And tonight. GET THIS. They have this new snazzy idea. There's this little station filled with fun shaped paperclips and soccer ball erasers and highlighters and large paper clips and magnets and other such fun and you get a little tub and you can put as much in as will fit and it's ONLY $5.99.

I just about peed my pants I was so excited. I may have even clapped my hands. Seriously. I dropped my container once on the counter and once on the floor. I guess my hands were a little shaky from all the excitement.

I'm totally serious.

See? I told you I'd totally ruin any coolness you ever saw within me. Who gets that excited over office supplies? Especially when THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE AN OFFICE TO SUPPLY?!

Me = total dork.

So how do office supplies relate to the winner for my kikoi/iTunes giveaway? They don't. Not one bit. But I thought you should know the truth about me. And the truth is. I'm a freako nerd. Welcome to my world.

Alright, now for a winner. Thanks to Random.org the choosing of the $15 iTunes giftcard is totally unbiased by my nerdy, office supply store loving self. There were a total of 16 eligible entries (Because not everyone knows how to follow directions...ahem). Random.org chose lucky number 1 as our winner!

Wooo hoooo Chasity!

Congrats! Email me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (d0t) com and we'll work out getting your gift card to you.

In the meantime people, enjoy your weekend. If you need me, I'll be sniffing my new erasers and sorting my new five dollar and ninety-nine cent container full of office supply goodies.

I'm totally serious.

iTunes Giveaway: Last Chance!

You have until 11:59pm EST today to enter my giveaway for the $15 iTunes gift card. All you have to do is either buy 1 (or 2) of the remaining kikois or blog, tweet or post on facebook about the kikois for sale. All the funds from the kikoi sales will help bring home orphans by supporting the adoption of my friends Chris and Lindy.

Click here for full details. Don't forget to leave a comment for EACH entry. Please leave those comments over on the original post. Thanks!

I ran a 5K and my shins are still mad at me for it

Well, I did it. I ran a 5K.

My goal was to run the entire time without stopping to walk. With my ever encouraging, supremely amazing friend Lindsey jogging happily by my side, joyfully dumbing down her run BIG TIME to stay with me and chat me up while I jaulked and gasped for air and occasionally grunted something that sounded like responses to her questions, we crossed the finish line without even a hint of a walk.

Then my shins promptly snapped in half.

Well, it felt that way at least.

I had a second goal that I didn't really mention to anyone until after the race. I really didn't want to finish last. I mean, if it was either not walk and finish last or walk and finish 2nd to last, I'd have settled for last. But, Lindsey encouraged me to step it up the last 25 or so yards and pass some people right at the end.

It felt good. You know, until I stopped and my shins began hurling obscenities at me.

In case you've missed my previous running posts, you should know that, typically, I LOATHE running. But, as Lindsey has reminded me time and time again during my training for the 5K and during the actual race itself, this is a goal that I am actually seeing come to fruition. As a Mom, often our goals are either short lived (ie. clean the kitchen, wash the laundry, repeat) or it can take years to see our goals come to pass (ie. raise respectful children, have a family who serves the Lord without hesitation). But running, well, it's a goal I can set and reach in a fairly short amount of time.

Truthfully, two weeks ago I went out for a run and ended up stopping about 1/4 of the way through. With tears streaming down my face, I came home feeling so defeated. I began thinking of ways that I could get out of the 5K and it seem like a good, valid, not-my-fault excuse. "Maybe I'll get mastitis or maybe I'll sprain my ankle!"

Seriously. I.wanted.out.

But now that I've accomplished a goal that I never even thought I'd set for myself, it feels good.

But don't think I'm going to become a die hard runner. Because let me tell you, I saw some pretty special people on Saturday. Wow. If you're an avid runner, this isn't a slam on you because, Lord have mercy, if I offend you it's not like you couldn't chase me down and hurt me. But, you know, runners are a rare breed, I believe.

I seriously saw a 60-something year old man jogging around the parking lot, pre-race to warm up. He jogged over in front of the 10 or so Port-a-Johns, jogged in place while he waited for one. Went in, did his business and then came out jogging and jogged away.

I have to wonder if he was inside jogging and peeing at the same time.

Then, there was the Chuck Norris wanna be runner. As he laid on his back in the grass, warming up by doing round-house kicks and pelvic thrusts, I almost couldn't look away. After he wind-sprinted across the parking lot 9,732 times I realized that, WOW. HE'S SERIOUS. Chuck ain't playin'.

Oh. And there was a woman in some weird shoes who wore a shirt that, apparently, she'd been previously attacked by a shark in. I'm serious. Shredded, from the breast down. SPE-SHUL.

Then, of course, there was the guy with long curly hair, tied back with a bandanna, in his tie dye shirt, jean shorts and BARE FEET who stood in front of us at the starting line. See? Specialness. Maybe he should have spoken to shark-shirt lady about her shoes.

Maybe I don't get out much anymore, or maybe I'm always the one being stared at, but I found the pre-race people watching worth the torture that my shins endured.

I mean, people. IT'S THREE MILES.

Which I mean, sure, that's Everest to me, an overweight, out of shape, stay-at-home Mom, 4 months postpartum. But for the avid runner I just had to chuckle at how serious they all were.

But I will say, those runners impressed me mucho. I mean, the guy that won ran his 5K in something like 13 minutes. I WAS BARELY THROUGH MY FIRST MILE AT 13 MINUTES. Actually, that's not true, I think 13 minutes is when I looked at Lindsey and said, "We're almost half-way, right?" and she checked her watch, chuckled and said, "Um. Not really."

And then I died inside. And maybe threw up in my mouth a little.

Das Not Funny! Friday: I heard it through the grapevine paper thin walls

It's Friday! Woop! I am so excited and totally past dry heaving (or at least for now) over the fact that my first ever 5K is tomorrow night. I ran the equivalent to a 5K last night just to see if I could and I DID IT! I did have to stop once so I didn't get smoked by a car, but otherwise I ran/jaulked the whole time. This is HUGE people. I am NOT a runner by nature. Not one bit.

At any rate, I'm stoked I made it a whole 3.1 miles without croaking. Also, if you haven't entered to win my giveaway that supports my amazing friends' adoption, you totally should. Click here for details or that little link above my posts.

Alright today's Das Not Funny! Friday funnies come to you courtesy of my kids and the commentary I hear between them while I am in the other room. These are just the ones I could remember off the top of my head and maybe some that I just heard while typing up this post. Hope y'all have an awesome weekend!

Ashlee: "Awww. Ellabella. You're so cute! I'm not your Mommy though, Ellabell. So you can't drink from my boobies."

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Elizabeth speaking to an over dramatic member of our family: "Oh Oli-vi-a. Seriously girl. It's not that bad."

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Aaron: "Knock-knock."

Elizabeth: "Who's there?"

Aaron, before Elizabeth can finish: "BOO!"

Then...silence. Apparently Aaron doesn't understand closure in a knock-knock joke.

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Elizabeth: "Her name is ELLABELLE!"

Ashlee: "And you're her kid!"

Elizabeth: "No. I'm her Mom."

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Lucas: "You know what my baby says? My baby says 'WAAAAA'."

Elizabeth: "That's nice."

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Lucas: "Stop calling me Lucas and call me The Man!"

A GIVEAWAY! Strike while the iron loom is hot!

**** Final Update (7/26/10)****

All the kikois are sold! Yay! But, if that makes you super sad b/c you're just now reading HAVE NO TEARS! Lindy is sending back TWENTY more kikois for you guys! They'll still be just a measly $15 a piece and certainly just as beautiful! Check back in a week or so and I'll hopefully have them photographed and ready to go!


****New Update****

Pinky Linky is SOLD. Sorry folks!

****UPDATED****

Clearly my brain is NOT functioning correctly! I forgot to post one of the kikois! See the 1st one on the list, "Pinky Linky!" Sorry if you've already bought one and wanted a pink one! If it's not already marked "SOLD" and you want to switch, let me know ASAP!

Again, MY BAD. I'm a nerd.

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Original Post:

It's no secret that I have a heart for orphans. Well, at least I hope it's not a secret. It's also no secret that I'm all about my new favorite baby wearing product, The Kikoi (pronounced key-koy). Okay, technically it's not a product. But, it is a fabulous way to wear your baby in numerous different ways. I know there are tons of nice brands of baby wearing paraphernalia out there but what I can promise you that the other brands cannot is that these kikois are cheap and 100% of the profits go to support international adoption. The adoption of the baby(ies) of my dear friends Chris and Lindy Thompson who are currently serving as international missionaries in Kenya.

Can I just tell you that missionaries don't really make a ton any money? So, funding an adoption with little-to-no income is pretty tough. Chris and Lindy are not using ANY of their ministry funds to pay for their adoption. And, I bet if they knew I was posting this huge 'ol long blog post about their adoption they'd probably ask me not too. But, DARN IT! those are my pseudo nieces and/or nephews waiting to come home and I intend to do anything and everything I can to see them home quickly!

So, what's the point? How do orphans and kikois relate?

Glad you asked.

You see, I love, love. LOVE my kikoi that Lindy brought me back from Kenya last year. Truthbetold, I didn't really think it was that awesome until I had Ella. I mean, I used it some with Aaron...

(11 month old Aaron)

And quite a bit more with Olivia when she was littler, but still not tons.

(7 month old Olivia)

But with Ella, well, I use it ALL THE TIME. Especially when we are out and about and she's screaming like her carseat is on fire she doesn't want to sit in her infant carrier or ride in the stroller. A couple nights ago, Luke got home later than normal and I wrapped her on me while cooking and serving up dinner to my other 5 hooligans children. It's been a sanity saver for sure.

(That's a 3ish week old Ella in there.)

And, I even have some friends (including Lindy) who wear them as skirts and they are so cute! I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Anyway, Lindy sent home to me 10 brand-spankin' new kikois this past week. And, let me tell you, I'm questioning my friendship with Lindy. I mean, these kikois she sent are SO BEAUTIFUL and vibrant. When she gifted me a kikoi did I get a beautiful, vibrant kikoi?

No. I got puce green. Thanks Sista. Thanks a lot.

Not sure how to use a kikoi? Click here for a sorta informational video. Of course, I use the term informational loosely. Very loosely.

At any rate, you can purchase these fabulous kikois for a mere $15. They measure approximately (and I say approximate b/c I only measured 1 and they are hand made so they could vary by an inch or so) 39 inches wide by 65 inches long. For you seamstresses that would make them almost 1 yard wide by almost 2 yards long. (Obviously, I'm a math genius.)

Here's what I have for sale for $15 a piece (that's so cheap it should be a crime). Three guesses on who helped me "name" them.

******Pinky Linky is SOLD.******

******Ralphie is SOLD.******

*****Sherbert is SOLD.******

******Callie Pink is SOLD.******

******Earl Grey is SOLD.******

*****Seablanket is SOLD.******

******Greeny Beany is SOLD.******

****** Yellow John is SOLD.******

******Yellow John 2 is SOLD.******

******Elizabeth Ashlee is SOLD.******
(Not my Elizabeth or Ashlee. Just the kikoi.
You know, just to clarify, in case you were curious.)

(Please pay no attention to the circular blobs in the middle of each photo. Apparently, when you have dust in your nice, new camera, removing said dust by blowing into your camera with your mouth is not the best idea. Slobber can get on your sensor. Clearly, I'm a genius.)

Purdy, ain't they? But please, don't just take my word for how marvelous they are. Here are some friends of mine who have and use kikois. They are the real experts. Or not.

Here's what my BFF Amanda had to say about her kikoi:

I love, love, love my kikoi! I have to admit that when Jessica told me that she got one for me I completely underestimated it. "It's just a simple sling. How great could it be?" I had already gotten a Baby Bjorn and thought that was the be-all, end-all in baby carriers. I quickly learned otherwise!

I have used the kikoi since Annabelle was born. Even now, this 16-pound, 9-month-old loves to sit in her comfy red sling. I love it because it is versatile. She can ride sitting up or lay flat for some of the best naps she has ever taken. I also love it because it is portable. I just cram it into the diaper bag with everything else. Mostly, I love it because it is simple. It takes two people to get a newborn into one of those carriers with straps and buckles everywhere like the Baby Bjorn (which costs $70). I just leave the kikoi tied all the time, throw the baby on my hip, slide it over both of our heads, and she's ready to go. She literally starts shaking and grunting with excitement when she sees me grab it. Don't let the simplicity fool you. It's my favorite sling and I use nothing else!

(Amanda and her daughter Annabelle,
who was almost brand new at the time)

Also, my bloggy friend Tia bought one not too long ago and wrote me this,

I found out about the kikoi through my super sweet and awesome bloggy friend. It looked simple, easy and like it didn't take much effort. That is exactly what I needed for my chunky baby since she has a very very active two year old sister. Once I received my kikoi in the mail I was a little confused about how it was supposed to feel while carrying my large load of a baby. I watched Jess's informative videos on it and once I gave it another try I was hooked. I use my kikoi while grocery shopping, during family outings, while cooking dinner and pretty much anytime carrying my baby is needed. I've even found ways to use it while not carrying her. When I have her in the umbrella type stroller (without the umbrella) I just slide it over the handles (while still tied-knot on backside of stroller) and let it fall over the baby. It's loose enough to keep her from getting hot but it keeps the sun off of her sweet baby skin...and when the wind is blowing too hard I just pull it up over her head. And the other day I figured out that if I get tired of carrying her I can put her in the grocery basket, strap her in and then slide the wrap over her body and around the shopping cart seat (knot on back of seat) and it will keep her from falling over :-). We REALLY love our kikoi! I think you need one too.

(Tia and her daughter Isabelle)

After reading all of that don't you want to support adoption and buy one of these beautiful pieces of fabric?

Here's what you should do. Email me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com and tell me which one you like. (You can find the name of each one in the photo. Click to enlarge if you need to.) I will email you instructions on how to pay and once your payment is received I will ship it to you! Easy peasy!

Now, for the giveaway part.

I will randomly give away one $15.00 iTunes gift card to someone who either purchases or promotes the purchase of a kikoi. Don't want a kikoi, but want in on the giveaway action? No problemo! Here are some additional ways you can enter to win the iTunes gift card.

* Twitter about this post, linking this post's URL in your tweet. (You can obtain this post's URL by clicking on the post title and then looking at the web address in your address bar.)

* Facebook about this post, linking this post's URL in your status.

* Blog about this post, linking to this post's URL in your blog post.

Please leave one comment for each entry. You can create an entry for each option available. For example, if you buy a kikoi leave a comment saying, "I bought one" or something. Then, if you also twitter about this post, leave a separate comment saying "I tweeted! Here's the link to my tweet: http://...." If you additionally facebook about the giveaway, then leave yet a 3rd comment saying such and leaving a link to your facebook post.

You get the idea. I will use Random.org to randomly choose ONE winner for the iTunes gift card and send it to you via your email address. Entries for the giveaway must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The kikois will be available until all are sold.

So, buy a kikoi or spread the word and let's un-orphan a few more babies and decrease the 147 million orphans world-wide one family at a time. Whatta ya say?

Random

This is going to be a random post. All over the place.

What's new around here?

A lot.

Luke and I took the three littlest kids to the farmer's market on Saturday. It was awesome. We'd never been to a farmer's market before. It was eye opening. We've also watched Food, Inc. It was informative. But, we've wanted to go to the farmer's market long before watching that movie. Watching it just sort of spurred us to go sooner rather than later. We bought lots of fresh produce and also some meat. We've been debating/talking about buying half a cow. We've heard it's healthier than buying grocery store beef. We bought some from some of the farmer's at the market and I've just finished browning some hamburger. Can I tell you there was hardly any fat? Wow.

Luke and I made our first batch of homemade laundry soap last night. I've been debating doing it for a while now and after I read this post and then realized we were about to run out of the store bought stuff, I figured now would be a good time to try it. I used this recipe. I've washed two loads today. The jury is still out on how much I like it. It's awfully lumpy/jelly like. And, there's hardly any scent. It was super easy to make though and cost next-to-nothing.

Ella has begun "biting" me with her gums when she nurses. It hurts. A lot. When I tell her "NO!" she grins at me. Earlier, I pulled her off and gently flicked her mouth and said "NO!" She grinned bigger. Great.

Our neighbor's cat had kittens. So, naturally, Elizabeth wants a kitten for her 6th birthday. Ithinknot. Thankfully, my (step)Dad took her last night and bought her a fake cat. It looks so real. It's subdued her desires to have a real cat. Thank you, from the bottom of my cat-loathing heart Dad. You are a LIFE SAVER. THANK YOU.

The 5K I signed up to run in is THIS Saturday. Holy moly. I think the dry heaving has started. (Gag.snort.cough.) Yep. Definitely.

Tomorrow is sort of an important day for us. I'll try to give details soon. If you feel led and/or you remember, we'd appreciate prayers.

There is so much laundry piled on our love seat that our children are (at this very moment) pretending like it's a mountain and climbing to the top. Elizabeth's wearing a batters helmet while she climbs. I think that's a safe precaution. It's pretty high up there.

Later this week I'm having a fun giveaway. Or, at least I think it's fun. And, it will help bring home 1 or 2 of the 147 million orphans that have no place to call home. Stay tuned!

He's my glimpse of the beginning

I loved reading your comments on my last post. All of them. Even if you don't believe the same things I believe, I appreciate your honesty and I'm honored that each of you care enough about me and this silly little blog to share your hearts with me. I'm humbled.

I pray that you will see my heart in the words that I'm hoping to pour out for you.

I've been working on this post since April 26th. I'd write a little then back off for a few days. Then write some more then walk away for a week. It's been an evolving post and I think I might have all of my thoughts out. Maybe.

I know I've blogged before about how I've changed since I became a professing Christian. And, I know that there are those of you who read this that knew me before I am the person I claim to be now. And, the truth is I'm pretty much the same person as before.

But I'm also completely different.

I'm still too loud.
I still talk too much.
I still say things that teeter on the edge of hysterical and slightly ill timed.
I still love to spend my time laughing, more than just about any other thing.

But, I'm also dramatically changed.

What the me of right now possesses that the the me of college and pre-kids never understood is Jesus.

Please. I'm begging you. If you'd normally stop reading a blog because of something religious being mentioned, I'm asking you not to stop just this once. Because I have some things that I'd like to say and they probably won't make a single, solitary difference to you. But maybe they will. And, I'm praying for the maybe.

There's a song by Addison Road called, "What do I know of Holy?" One of the lines says, "Then I caught a glimpse of who you might be. The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees."

I'm praying that if you've never caught a glimpse of who He might be that today you will. Not necessarily from my words or this post because, truthfully, I'm not that important. But I pray that the God of the universes calls to you and out of the corner of your heart you catch a glimpse.

Now...Who is Jesus to me? Glad you asked.

You see, I think there's a huge misdirection in the life of Christians and churches today. I think that, unfortunately, Christians and churches alike see Jesus and think of salvation as the end result.

"Change your ways, believe in Jesus and you will be SAVED!!"

Yes, that's true. Believing in Jesus will save you. It will save you from an assurance of eternity separated from God. But, I want to share with you where I think that most Christians (myself included) have missed the mark. You see, we often times see the salvation as the end of a journey. We sell ourselves short by saying we believe in Jesus, going church, changing some things and we then are saved.

I'm here to tell you that I don't really think salvation is the end. I don't think that the whole "then we are saved" is the final result.

Sure, I'm burdened for the eternity of people that will never choose Jesus. Yes, their eternity is vitally important. But where I think we Americans water down our faith is when we believe that the final destination is salvation.

You see, I'm a changed girl. I used to allow my body and mind to be used by whatever man I saw fit. I used to allow my soul to be captivated by things that were not healthy and certainly not encouraging. I used to allow my mind to linger on things that would ultimately damage my relationships and poison my heart.

And, then I met Jesus.

My love for Him wasn't overnight. I knew I needed more of Him but, truthfully, I wasn't sure what that looked like and I just knew I didn't want to be any place other than heaven when my body was left without a spirit. However, I can't tell you that I instantly fell in love and on such-and-such day my life began looking drastically different. I still struggled with lustful thoughts and allowed my heart to dwell on jealously and greed.

I wasn't changed overnight. But, I thought I should have been. I would beat myself up over my mistakes and obvious flaws because I was sure that any real Christian wouldn't struggle with such things. Afterall, calling yourself a Christian and then allowing profanity to spew all over another person is slightly, no blatantly, hypocritical. Calling yourself a Christian and then having lustful thoughts, even allowing them to engage your mind is just not permissible. Is it?

But, what I have slowly come to realize is that salvation isn't the end. It isn't the true definition of what a Christian is. Salvation doesn't mean that I've finally arrived. I've still got so, so, so much to learn. And truly the learning doesn't even BEGIN until salvation has occurred.

My point is, I am really beginning to believe that heaven is a byproduct of loving Jesus and that knowing God is the real reward.

Think about that.

Yes, heaven will be a glorious place. A place with no sin, no hurt, no hunger, no orphans, no sickness. My mind cannot grasp that no matter how hard I try. But I still think that heaven is a secondary prize of loving Jesus. Because, loving Jesus gets us to God.

God is the prize. He's the #1 benefit. He is what you get when you strip away all of the things that come along with labeling yourself as a Christian. Sure, heaven is awesome. But God? He's phenomenal.

David Platt wrote in his book Radical, "We realize that we are saved not just to be forgiven of our sins or to be assured of our eternity in heaven, but we are saved to know God."

Heaven isn't the reason that I pray over my thoughts and plead with God to control them. Desiring to know God more intimately is.

Heaven isn't the reason that I pray that my eyes will only be for my husband and that my desires will build within me so that I only crave his affection.
Desiring to know God on an intimately personal, yet totally vulnerable level is.

I didn't decide it was time for me to become a Christian because it was suddenly a little easier to control my tongue. I didn't decide it was time for me to become a Christian because I finally found a way to read my Bible more frequently. I didn't decide it was time for me to become a Christian because out of the blue my thought life became less centered on sexual immorality.

I didn't decide it was time for me to become a Christian because suddenly I am better equipped to do those things. It's actually the total opposite.

I am able to better control my tongue and my thoughts because I follow Jesus. I read my Bible more frequently because I desire to know Him more. It is possible for me to sometimes forget how I whored my body to men because as I desire to know more about Him, God is slowly erasing those memories from my mind.

I sure hope this is making sense because it's so hard to convey this with written words. What I'm trying to say is that

Reading my Bible
+
Controlling my tongue
+
Pushing away lustful thoughts
+
Having more self control
+
Speaking more kindly

DOES NOT equal Christianity.

I am not a lover of Jesus because I am finally able to do those things on my own accord. It's the total opposite.

Because I have seen how Jesus is the lover of my soul and because His Spirit (the one that rose dead men from their graves) lives within me am I now able to do the things I listed above.

Because of His Spirit's power deep inside my soul I have more self control, I speak more kindly, I'm better equipped to push out lustful thoughts when they enter my mind, I can more easily control my tongue and I desire to read my Bible, study it even, so that I can understand God's character.

My claims of being a believer in Jesus are not rooted in my desire to enter heaven. They are rooted in my desire to know God. And Jesus is my in. He's the one holding the back door open for me so that I can sneak in. In John 14:6 Jesus spoke these words, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Can I just tell you that before I understood Jesus, before I caught a glimpse of who He is I thought that He was an arrogant jerk? I thought that he had an awful lot of gall for claiming to be the be-all end-all. Can I also tell you that just a glimpse of Him changed my perspective?

It is my whole-hearted plea with the Lord that each person that I love and each person reading these words would also know God on an intimate level. One that changes you to your very core. My prayer is that God would reach into your soul and pull out the seeds of sin that have deeply planted themselves in the dark places that you never thought could be touched.

Trust me, I know those parts. The parts of you that you are afraid to confess to the darkness of night even when no one else is home, the doors are locked and you are certain, certain not even your faintest whisper would ever grace the ear of another human, yet you still don't utter a word because who thinks/does/says those things?

Please believe that the God of all creation who chose to send himself in human flesh so that he could meet you where you are knows your darkness and he loves you anyway. How I wish I could show you how much my heart aches for you to feel that love. It drives me to my knees.

Yes, I desire to see you "get into" heaven. But I really believe that being with you in heaven would just be icing on the proverbial cake. Seeing you flourish in the love that the Lord himself has for you would be my heart's greatest desire. Knowing that you could be missing out on experiencing the greatest love ever known makes tears spring to my eyes.

I desire it so deeply for you. And yet, my fear is that many people reading this profess to be Christians and have never felt that love. Many people reading profess that they know God apart from knowing Christ Jesus. And, that doesn't make me love them less. Nor does it make God love them less. But it does ensure that they are missing out on knowing and abiding in the love the Creator has for them.

I can testify to that because the me of 7 or 8 years ago never knew this kind of love. She never knew that even though her claims of Christianity were voiced, her heart had never truly felt the Father's love. She never knew that the sin that had grown deep roots could never be removed unless she allowed the Lord into the darkest places of her soul. She never felt complete. She never felt the desire to move outside of what was comfortable, what was normal and forsake her own desires because that meant knowing God even more deeply. And, she wouldn't have cared even if I had told her what she was missing.

Me. Now. I feel it. Yes, I struggle with holding my tongue and anger and jealousy and still, infrequently - lust. But the grip that those things held me with so tightly, will never again hold me captive. You see, knowing the God of the universe is more important to me. Knowing His plans and His desires for my life far reach my own desires. Knowing that His perfect plan will increase my faith and equip me with just what I need is enough.

So who is Jesus to me?

He is the conqueror of my darkness. He is the lover of my burdened heart. He is the One that knows me intimately and yet chooses me anyway. He's the One that chose to get his hands dirty when he reached down to pull me from the pit.

He's my glimpse of the beginning.

I have a question for you

Okay, so I've had a post saved in my drafts for a while now. I've changed the title quite a few times as the post has evolved. I've been praying my way through it because I want it to say just what is bottled up inside my heart.

I've even debated not even publishing it.

But, after listening Sunday's message from our Pastor, I've realized even more that there's a question I need to ask myself and in turn, bring its answer from within the recesses of my heart and put it out here.

But, before I attempt to answer this question myself, I'd like to first ask you.

A few things first...

* You do not have to be a Christian to answer. (Although, if you post spam in Chinese/Japanese/Mandrin characters I will delete you.)

* I don't want your "church" answer. I don't want a Sunday school answer. I want a raw, real answer.

* Be honest. Honesty is healthy.

* If you feel uncomfortable answering in the comments section, you can email me your response and I'll post it for you, in the comments anonymously. You can email me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com. Please put "Answers" in the subject line so I won't think you're spam.

Okay, so here it is. It's a simple, yet a totally sincere question from my heart...

Who is Jesus to you?

I look forward to your comments.

Prayers for Bennett

Hey folks. I'd like to ask you to send up some prayers on behalf of my blog-friend Adrienne. Although I've never met her IRL (in real life) we've emailed back and forth several times and she has just encouraged me in countless ways.

Yesterday, Adrienne delivered their son Bennett at 26 weeks and 5 days. Adrienne has had many complications throughout this pregnancy. After having 6 miscarriages Adrienne was finally able to maintain her pregnancy with Bennett. He is their 4th child though, since they've welcomed 3 others into their home through adoption. The last two little ones in their house have joined them in the last 8 months and both of their 2 littlest ones are just over year old! Their oldest son, Owen, is just 4 years old! They've gone from 1 child to 4 small children in just a year. What a blessing!

That's just a snippet of their story. Check out Adrienne's blog and lift up her family, especially Bennett in prayer if you will. I know that they have a long, long road ahead of them.

Thanks friends.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Find a new twin

Hey folks. Although it's been a quiet week around this blog, that doesn't necessarily equate to a quiet week around the house. Yesterday might have been the most beautiful southern summer day I've ever experienced in my 30 years of living exclusively in the south. It seriously felt like spring time. It was exceptional and I'm sure God sent it specifically for me to enjoy. Me and everyone else who wasn't living in a cave yesterday. I think the humidity was actually less that 1,000% which is just a few percentages less than the previous 20 days.

Anyway, I only have two funnies that I remember this week. Actually, that's not true. Aaron and Olivia have become quite the comedians but it's difficult to convey to you the hilarity in words since it typically includes over exaggerated body language and toddler jibberish that I'm not even sure where to begin with spelling them accurately. Because accuracy when spelling jibberish is apparently high on my list of things I must do with pin-point accuracy.

Just know that Aaron thinks it's hysterical to inflict bodily injury on himself and Olivia sings. Constantly. And by constantly I mean all the time. And it's typically accompanied with dancing. And it's hilarious on about 57 levels.

Anyway.....

This one is courtesy of our babysitter/nanny. (I struggle to call her just a babysitter because she's more than that, but calling her our nanny just feels wrong.) At any rate, she told me of the following conversation that happened earlier this week while she had the kids outside playing.

Lucas: "I don't want to be pals anymore."

Ashlee (talking as if the world was ending): "But we're TWINS!! If we can't be pals we can't be twins!"

Lucas: "Well, find a new twin then."

His love for his sisters is sometimes only surpassed by everything else in the world.

-------

Lucas to me: "Mom, since I've been so good today, in the morning can I add chewy gums [fruit chews] to my cereal?"

Ahhhh. Because that would taste especially yummy. Or not.

Y'all have an awesomely superb weekend.