Thru Mom's Lens

Kim at 3 Peanuts has inspired me to start my own Photography Project 365. I started taking photos every day on February 10th, and each day I select my favorite to post on the blog. It has not taken long to realize how difficult it is to get a variety of snapshots to post. While I am not a great photographer and really don't know anything about photography, this Project has inspired me to hopefully learn more throughout my year!

It took a few hours for me to decide on the name of this new blog. I chose Through Mom's Lens. You can find my photography blog here.

Thanks to Jennifer at Polka Dot Design Shop, my new blog got a really cool facelift this morning! Jennifer is so great to work with...she was very patient while I searched digital kits and came up with the combination that I was looking for!

Enjoy!

The Call

At 11:14 a.m. today, I got THE CALL from our agency! We have a little referral in St. Petersburg, Russia! She was born on January 24, 2008. My head is just swimming right now! I can't believe it!!!

We are not allowed to share more of her information yet due to Russia's rules, but please say a prayer for our little girl tonight. There is still so much that could get in the way of us bringing her home.

www.kathyloperevents.com/whitenights/
St. Petersburg Cathedral

Wordless Wednesday - LENT

http://media.skinnychef.com/recipes/sweet-potato-fries.jpg

Tuffy the Tooth

Since 1949, the American Dental Association has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month each February.

Last Friday, JC and I had the opportunity to go to Jackson's Kindergarten class to do a little presentation on oral health. We showed a video to the students, and he talked to them about taking care of your teeth and gums. We also took in "treat" bags consisting of a new toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.

I was the "prop"!!! At the last minute, Jackson changed his mind about being "Tuffy the Tooth" so that honor was bestowed upon me...y'all don't laugh too hard!!!

I know my dental hygienist friend in Louisiana is getting a big kick out of this picture!!!

I've Been Bitten

I've finally started reading my Twilight series. I can't seem to put these books down!

I'll be back soon though, I promise!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for so many blessings in my life as I know most people are...so where do you start and when do you stop a post like this? I am at work now so I've decided to just "jot down" my thankful thoughts as they come to me in no particular order...

1. I am thankful that the sun came out today.
2. I am thankful that my two sons snuggle up together on the sofa in the mornings (under the same blanket) while waiting to leave for school.
3. I am thankful that my husband allows me to go off on a whim every once in a while and chase a dream.
4. I am thankful that springtime is just one month away.
5. I am thankful for our two mini dachshunds who love and adore our family.
6. I am thankful that Aveda hair color cleverly masks my gray hair.
7. I am thankful that my Tar Heels beat the Wolfpack both times this year in basketball.
8. I am thankful that my husband has decided not to play softball this spring and instead offered to coach Jackson's soccer team.
9. I am thankful for the internet; what on earth did we do beforehand?

AND I think 10 would be a great place to stop so...

10. I am thankful for the little daffodil blooms that are springing up here in NC.

I am home now, and of course there is much more that I am thankful for in my life. For example, a few minutes ago, Jackson came running downstairs with his notepad in hand. He said, "Hey Mom, look, I did my journal entry all by myself!". This is what I saw...

Keep in mind that Jackson is in Kindergarten. He meant to write, "I had a good day.", but this is what I read. I think there is a much deeper meaning there meant just for me. My spirits are up today after a disappointing Wednesday so in addition to the above, I am very thankful for my "God day"!

Off the Market

Remember this post "I May Be Crazy"?

Well, we had to take our house off the market today. The house that we had under contract (with a contingency that we sell ours) got another offer. The sellers took it. That means if we sold our house, we would not have one to move to. That would be detrimental to our adoption process.

So I have been very disappointed today, but I am coming around and focusing on the positives - like for example...I don't have to make up three beds in the morning if I don't want to!

"Disappointment is often the salt of life."

~Theodore Parker

My Moment

Every call has a beginning.

A quiet moment when God whispers a promise to a mother’s heart

A holy place where a father bows and faithfully accepts the journey set before him

A miraculous morning that unexpectedly dawns…

Casting its first light on a chosen threshold

A gentle knock...

A closed door opens.

A sacred invitation sent by the Father...

Leads to the other side of the world.

Where lonely hearts stare out orphanage windows

Praying for someone to care...

And then one morning,

On an ordinary day

An orphan’s life changes...

God sends them a second chance...

Through you...

~ author unknown

This time last year (the 3rd week of February), I had my quiet moment; I heard God's whisper in my heart! Although it was not the first moment when my husband and I discussed the possibility of having a third child, this was the moment when I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we would adopt a little girl.

I can only pray that our "ordinary day" comes soon; that Emma's life will change and that she will get that second chance - the promise of a loving family.

My favorite President

George Washington

"The Father of Our Country"

Fun Facts

~ Born February 22, 1732

~ First President of the United States

~ He never went to college - in fact, he only went to school for 9 years.

~ He was a General in the Army.

~ He never had any children of his own, but he rasied his wife, Martha's, children. Later they adopted their grandchildren.

~ He was 6 feet 2 inches tall (one of our tallest presidents).

~ He tried to be a better person and improve his manners by copying the 110 rules of a French priest.

~ Little was known about George Washington's childhood. The famous story about him chopping down a cherry tree is probably a myth.

~ He suffered from toothaches his entire life so he had all of his teeth pulled at age 57. He then had handcarved teeth (mostly from ivory) made for him which distorted the shape of his mouth. They were not carved from wood.
~ He lived in New York City and Pennsylvania as President but never in our current capital which is named for him.

~ He was the only President elected unaminously.

"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen"

Ironically I just asked both of my boys what they did for President's Day at school. They both claim that they didn't even talk about President's Day! I wonder if that is true, but there is no reason to doubt them.

I distinctly remember making the Presidents' profiles as a child and learning the stories about George Washington crossing the Delaware and chopping down his father's famed Cherry tree. How about you?

In Lieu of...

FLOWERSMy Valentine let me order this for Valentine's Day...

I am so excited! I cannot wait until it arrives! I know it will take me forever to learn to use this software, but I am very excited about it!

Hope you've all had a L O V E ly day!

Valentine's Day Party

Today was Jackson's Valentine's Day party at his school! He was very excited this morning to take his cards and treats.

One of Jackson's friends brought these treat bags for the class.

Jackson loves his teacher, and he had a special gift just for her. I think he has her wrapped around his little finger.

My station during the party was BINGO. We played with candy hearts.

I hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day this year! We are off to Wilmington for the weekend.

Wild Hair Day

Lately it has become a daily struggle to get the boys to fix their hair! It seems that the messier it is, the better they like it. Yesterday, Jackson woke up with this wild hair - truly unprecedented!

He absolutely LOVED it, and he refused to let me near him with the water bottle. I begged; I pleaded; I threatened - all to no avail.

I wonder what his teachers thought when he walked through the door at school.

"When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out." ~Erma Bombeck

Biggest Rivalry in College Basketball

As you all know, we are avid Carolina Tar Heels fans. Both my husband and I went to school in Chapel Hill. We were married in the United Methodist Church on Franklin Street. Both of our boys were Christened in that same church! We are HUGE Tar Heel fans! And I am happy to report that we REALLY REALLY REALLY dislike Duke.

Of course we brainwash our children to have the same affinity to Carolina that we do! It has at some times been a little embarrassing. For example, when we pass someone out in public with Duke gear, my boys have been known to point and say "oooh...Duke"! I think we have just about curbed that behavior (because I really don't like them doing that), but deep down I am a proud MaMa!

So tonight we will be in Carolina Blue in front of the big screen cheering on our Heels - hoping for a little more of this... Hopefully our seniors can go 4 - 0 tonight in Cameron! Now that really would be unprecedented! With this rivalry, no matter the records or rankings, it will be a battle 'til the end!!!

Scholastic Bookfair with Boys

Glittering

So the other day we are riding down the road and Jackson (age six) starts one of his many lectures on life. This particular lecture was titled, "Glittering".

No, seriously, Jack decided to inform us all that "Glittering" is not good. No one should ever "Glitter" because it is bad for the environment. He goes on and on the only way he knows how until he comes to the finale. He then tells us that the worst "Glittering" of all is when people throw "smoking sticks" out of their car windows on to the side of the road. I mean, you just can't make this stuff up!!!

I guess it's true that everything you ever need to know, you learn in Kindergarten!!!

Flashback Foto Friday

Go RED

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day!

Please join me and fellow North Carolinian Andie MacDowell in the fight against heart disease!

The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women campaign is designed to raise awareness about the impact of heart disease on women.

"Every minute, someone's mother, daughter, wife or sister dies from heart disease and stroke in the United States. Reducing these diseases in women must become a national priority. Ask your lawmaker to support the HEART for Women Act. Women's lives depend on it." http://www.heartforwomen.org/

This organization is especially near and dear to our family. My father lost his battle with heart disease on April 21, 2008!

"Whether it's a red dress, a red T-shirt, a red dress pin or red lipstick, show the world you support Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association's movement to help save women's lives."

Wordless Wednesday

The Remodeling Guy

Since we got the "new" house under contract, I am constantly thinking of home improvement projects that I can do myself! You see, the new house is actually 22 years old, and there is a lot that needs to be done to it. We really love all of the square footage and character that this house has though.

I don't know much about using power tools, etc. and basically the only thing that I can do right now by myself is paint. BUT with the help of this guy, The Remodeling Guy, I am hoping to learn a lot more about Do-IT-Yourself home improvement projects!

If you haven't checked out his blog yet, please do! It is very informative, and he posts great photos with suggestions as to "how to do it"!

Here's an exerpt from one of his posts last week...

"I’m Your Guy

If you want great advice on bigger scope issues. Such as:
Should I hire an architect?
Should I hire a contractor?
If I should, how do I do it?
If I shouldn’t, what do I do?
Can I add on to my house?
How do I make it look like it was “always there”?

How can I improve my use of space?"

And today's post is "An Idea Kitchen - A Close-Up Look" where he discusses details in this beautiful kitchen that almost everyone can incorporate.

I have already asked him two questions, and he responded to both in less than 24 hours! What a great resource, and if you are not interested in the DIY projects, he still has fabulous photos and ideas! Go check him out!

It's Official

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter! Boo! It is 61 degrees here today (although the cold is rolling in tonight), sunny and feels fabulous! My tulips have even started to make their debut! I vote for spring! NOW! How about you?