Who's Mom?????

I just told my kids that I'm changing my name. It's no longer "mom". Ian asked me what my new name was, and I told him I wasn't telling anyone. That way I wouldn't have to hear my name being called in utter desperation every two minutes.

Anyone else relate?

(All the above typed with a thankful smile :o) on my face.)

Heat Wave!

Yesterday it was 60 degrees in Western PA. In February. Needless to say, we took advantage of the heat wave. With 60 degree weather and about eight inches of snow to melt, we had lots and lots of big puddles.

Lily was enthralled by this fuzzy brown caterpillar...

What is it with boys and mud? By the time were done, Ian was COVERED in mud.

We walked down and visited my niece, Allie. She was elated to see Ian and Lily.

Look at this here darling. A day lily. My day lilies are obviously dazed and confused over this five-day run of 50 degree weather we've had 'cause it's way too early for them to be poking their little green faces out.

Yes, poor little day lilies. 'Cause today it's in the 30's, and there's snow in the forecast. Such is life in Western PA.

~Amber

I Needed a Decorating Distraction...

I needed a distraction. Do you know how long it has been since I've done anything decorating-related? I haven't even crafted for months. It felt so good to lose myself in fabric and hot glue.

I've seen this way of treating curtains several different places on the web, and I thought I'd give it a try. I bought some fabric that coordinated with the colors in our master bedroom, cut and hot glued it to the curtain panels. Then I hot glued some coordinating plaid ribbon along the top to hide the seam. This was so easy and quick. I didn't even take the curtains down off the rod!

Here's a before: (Sorry, you must look to the far left of the picture. This was taken several months ago. I tried to get a "before" photo today but the sun was too bright at that moment.)

Here's the after:

Then I took the rest of the fabric and covered an extra decorative pillow I had laying around.

This master bedroom has been an extremely slow work in progress. Try a two-year work in progress, to be exact. I'm striving to make this room a little haven for my sweetness and I. We're worth it. We deserve a nice, relaxing, cozy spot to relax in together. I think all married couples should have an area in the house that is just theirs, and I would say that for most couples this would be their bedroom.

Anyway, I still need to figure out what to put on the walls. They are hum-drum bare. I need to make that a priority. I definitely want to incorporate pictures of the two of us. I'm thinking sepia toned. I just need a little more motivation and inspiration and I'll figure it out.

Oh, and this was all very therapeutic. I forgot how much I enjoy decorating!

Later!

Amber

New Every Morning

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-24

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. We so have appreciated them. Although we do not have closure on several things occuring in our life right now, I have a renewed sense of God's unfailing love and care for me and my family. Sometimes, we must walk through the darkness to be reminded how faithful God really is and how He is our Deliverer.

I'm feeling rejuventated, waiting on the Lord's timing. For His ways are perfect and He takes all things into account for those those whose trust is in Him. He promises me strength and joy and dancing when I call out to Him. He promises to lift us up out of our pits of despair and set our feet upon the firm rock.

Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness and Your perfect, unfailing love.

When I don't understand...

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. Knowing that the testing of your faith produce endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ~James 1:2-4

Have you ever felt confused and at a complete lack of understanding? Have you ever just wanted to scream, "Why God?!" I'm in one of those valleys right now in my life. The mountain in front of me obscures my view. I can't see where these present trials are going to lead me. And that mountain there in front of me looks unsurmountable. My legs are sore and achy and my mind is fatigued. In myself I just can't find the strength to take that first step up the other side.

But then I remember that I'm not walking through this valley alone. I'm not expected to climb that mountain on my own will and strength. I remember that I have the one who made that mountain walking right beside me. And He reminds me that He'll carry me when I get too tired to climb. He also reminds me that He can see past that mountain. That mountain does not obscure his view. And he can see the path that is called my life the whole way to the end. He sees every valley, every mountain, every cool rippling stream, every warm sandy beach. And He walks side-by-side with me wherever my path may lead.

Lord, help me to remember that you have my best interest in mind when you allow me to face trials. Help me to remember that through the firing process, I am refined in my faith. Help me to remember that each experience in life, whether good or bad, is making me into the woman of God that you desire for me to be. Hold my hand as I walk up this mountain, and carry me when I'm too exhausted and overwhelmed to keep going. Guide me, Lord, because I know that you can see the beauty on the other side.

Prayers Needed

Not being able to give any details, please just keep our family in your prayers regarding our adoption of Jin. Last Friday, we received some devastating news that could have a huge impact on our adoption of this sweet little boy.

It's been a very emotional and heart-wrenching last couple of days, and Brad and I would really appreciate your prayers.

~Amber