An anniversary surprise....

Q and I just celebrated five years of wedded bliss! We decided to celebrate a day early on Thursday, since Fridays are always so busy for us. We all got ready early on that morning, so that we could have a few hours to ourselves before Q had to go to work. We took A to the babysitter's house and then we were off for a date--all alone (it doesn't happen much when you have kids as many of you know:).

Our first stop was Starbuck's. I tried something different (I usually get a green tea frap). I got a frap that had a mix of strawberries n' cream and their new coconut cream flavor. Toasted coconut was sprinkled on top of the whipped cream. It was delicious and definitely one I'll have again.

We drove to downtown Denver and parked. Q took me for a walk and led me to this store:

I was so excited! Being a frugal shopper, I scoured the clearance racks and found some things to try on. He told me I could choose a few things. It was fun to try on brand-new items in a store like this (which hardly ever happens since most of my clothing comes from thrift stores). I found a couple of tops and a nice pair of jeans that fit nicely.

While I was in the dressing room, my phone rang. It was a caseworker who said that she had a baby for us and asked if she could bring her to our home. You see, the day before we had heard about Little S and through an unusual circumstance, didn't arrive that day. So we prayed for God's will to be done, and now we were hearing she was coming. She and Q arranged the way we would get her. Since we were in the area, we decided to go to the clinic where she was being checked by the doctor. We grabbed lunch and a couple of treats from the Cheesecake Factory and headed to see her.

We immediately fell in love with this nine-month-old baby. We drove to pick A up from the sitter's house and she was surprised that Little S was finally with us. The rest of the day was so fun and the two girls got along well. But then, the next morning, we found out that she was going to leave us because of the decision the judge had made at a court hearing. Both A and I cried about it; I think she took it the hardest. An hour later, she was gone.

We sometimes wonder why things like this happen, but God always has the best in store for all who are involved in the situation. I took A to go see her mom and then I talked on the phone to family about what had happened. I knew I had more tears to shed so that's what I did. I was so tired and discouraged about it. Why would a decision like that be made so quickly? Inside I prayed that Little S would be safe. I went to get myself lunch at a deli because even though I wasn't really hungry, my body needed it. As I was paying the cashier, my phone rang. It was Q. He asked me to be in a place where I could hear him, so I went outside. He said that the caseworker had called and asked if we'd be willing to take her back. I couldn't believe it! Whoever took Little S back had found out some more things from her living situation that were not safe. So, the judge ordered her back into foster care.

Yesterday evening, Little S came back to us. We don't know how long she'll be with us, but for now, we're enjoying cute baby feet....

....and the most adorable head of curls!

We're grateful for another young life we can be a help to in the days ahead. Please keep us in your prayers as we get adjusted to life with two kids.:)

This was an anniversary I will never forget...through the tears and prayers, we went to bed overjoyed with what God did for us.

Her long-awaited dress

A few weeks ago, I showed A a picture of a pillow case dress. I was asked by a friend at church to make a couple of them and it was finally time to make them. A asked if I could make one for her, too. I found an old pillowcase (that had some pink in it, of course!) to use. I set all the pillowcases aside and got busy with other things. But--she knew a dress was coming her way some time soon.

Not long after that, A said something to me that was so cute. I was reading some crafty blogs and she peered over my shoulder. She saw a picture of a little girl wearing a handmade dress. She asked me what it was all about. I said, "Her mommy made her that dress." Then she said, "Like you're making me one." Of course my heart melted. ;) I've always wanted to make dresses for my daughter, and this opportunity to make one for my foster daughter is special to me.

This past Saturday, I set to work on the three dresses and A was so excited! She even helped me figure out where to put the trim and to make a letter "a" for the dress.

Adding the rick-rack to the top and bottom of the dress was a special touch.

She really likes that appliqued "A" that stands for her name.

She could not wait to wear it, so she wore it to church on Sunday. She enjoyed all of the compliments from everyone at church, too. I loved making this dress for her; it was something I always wanted to do. And I know that she'll remember it, too. It makes my heart smile.

A's creativity

I have been delighted to see A enjoy crafting and baking as much as I do. Sometimes, we put something together using a book's instructions, but there have been a few times when she comes up with something on her own.

I was going to put a large oatmeal box into the recycling box when she stopped me and said, "Can I make a baby bed out of that?"

She came up with the design and I helped her with the cutting and taping. We were both pleased with the end result.

We cut off one side of the box so that her babies could rest snugly inside. She wasn't satisfied with just a regular bed--she wanted one that rocked, too. So, we took part of that extra piece and curved it to fit the bottom.

She has been a great mommy as she puts her babies down for naps in that crib--her very own creation.

I absolutely love it.

Our growing garden (and chickens!)

We have had so much rain here lately, which has been a big help for the garden. We may be stuck indoors some times, but we're grateful that things are growing well outside.

Here's a look at some of the plants that are growing....

First up--the radishes (hope the bunnies don't get them first!)

The strawberry plants are beginning to flower. We are sooo excited that our berries will be here soon. A and I have been talking about recipes we'd like to make using the strawberries.

Snow peas are great in salads, so we'll be able to enjoy some soon.

The gooseberry plant is really growing fast.

We've been watching the rhubarb lately and decided that it needed to be harvested soon. So, today, A and I went outside and brought a bunch inside to clean, chop, and put in the freezer.

Yummy rhubarb for lots of great desserts this summer!

This first picture of Dorothy and Turkey Lurky was taken by A herself. I just love it! Our little chicks are becoming full-grown hens.

The four of them stick together as they search for bugs and plants to eat.

They have discovered that there is fun all around our property. We don't have the fence up yet, so we need to watch them closely, especially in the front yard. They like to walk around on the front porch, too.

Here, Mary Poppins stops to stare at A while she claps her hands. As they have come closer to the house, it has reminded me of the Minerva Louise books. I just read the first one to A yesterday and hope to borrow the others from the library soon. Minerva Louise is a chicken who likes to explore and ends up in all sorts of places. It's really cute!

How's your garden growing so far? I can't wait to begin harvesting more things in the near future.

Celebration story time

This month was my last to do story time for the year. I had a great time and will miss the kids until school starts up again in the fall. The theme for this story time was celebrations, so it was fun coming up with things I could do to fit this theme. I decided to do a book about a mother for Mother's Day and then focus the rest on birthdays.

Before I began, I placed this hat on my head:

I thought it was pretty cute! We sang the "Hello Time" song, then I pulled out a special friend who I have brought out before--Mr. Monkey!

He had on a birthday hat, so he was ready to celebrate, too!

This first book called, Hazel's Amazing Mother, by Rosemary Wells, is such a cute story. Hazel's Mother does so many things for her, and at the end of the tale, shows her courage in a way that demonstrates loves to her daughter. So sweet....

Then I did a finger play about cakes:

A delicious cake

Mix the batter, stir the batter (stirring motion)

Shake some flour in. (shake one hand)

Mix the batter, stir the batter (stirring motion)

Place it in a tin. (pour into pan)

Sprinkle little raisins on, (sprinkling motion)

Pop it in to bake. (put "cake" in oven)

Open wide the oven door,

And out comes a cake! (open oven)

Bunny Cakes, by Rosemary Wells, is another cute and funny book about Max and Ruby. They set out to make cakes for their grandmother and surprise her at the end.

Then we played a balloon game where the kids had to hit their balloon in the air and try not to let it fall on the ground. We played a second round where we sang the Alphabet Song while we did it.

I read a poem called, "The End" by A.A. Milne. It's one of my favorites!

The End

When I was one,

I had just begun.

When I was two,

I was nearly new.

When I was three,

I was hardly me.

When I was four,

I was not much more.

When I was five,

I was just alive.

But now I am six, I'm as clever as clever.

So I think I'll be six now forever and ever.

The last book was called The Secret Birthday Message, by Eric Carle. It is a simple story about a boy who has to find his birthday present by following clues.

For our last activity, I used these adorable cupcake cutouts that I purchased at the Dollar Tree for an alphabet game. I wrote a letter on each one, then put some velcro on the back to attach to the flannel board. I left several letters out, so the object of the game was that they had to figure out what letter came next. If they did, then I placed it on the board and put a real birthday candle behind it.

When we were done, we sang, "Happy Birthday" to everyone. Then, I brought Mr. Monkey out again and we sang, "The Good-bye Song" to end our time together.

We had fun at our celebration! Hope this gives you some ideas to use for a story time or learning activities at home.

Scripture for kids to memorize

I was excited to see a post at Katey's blog, Having Fun at Home. She shares a list of Scripture passages that have word pictures in them, which are easy for kids to memorize. (To find the post, go to her blog archive for April of this year, and you'll find it easily. I tried linking to it first, but was unable to do so).

I really like her list; here are a few of them:

Psalm 23--The Lord is my Shepherd; He leads me beside the still waters...

Ephesians 6--The armor of God is described.

Hebrews 4:12--God's Word is a sharp sword.

Psalm 51:10--Create in me a clean heart.

John 8:12--Jesus is the light of the world.

I've been thinking about beginning this list with A during our breakfast or lunch time. As she has become more knowledgeable about the Bible through our teachings at home and church, I think she is more ready to do this. The time she is with us is so valuable. We know that if she does leave us, than the things that have been taught will stay with her, including God's Word.

Check out that post today. I hope that it will be a help for you to teach your children, grandchildren, and even the children you work with at church and/or school.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

(This is another verse to put on your list(if it isn't on Katey's already--can't remember!:). It was one of the first verses I remember learning as a child because it was posted on my Christian school's hallway. It has stuck with me all of these years....)

Can't-Leave-Alone Bars

Are ya looking for a new recipe to try using a cake mix? If so, I've got the recipe for you. As A and I were searching for a yummy dessert to serve to some friends, we came across this one in Taste of Home's Fast Fixes with Mixes Cookbook. These brownies are called Can't-Leave-Alone Bars for a good reason--you really can't leave them alone after you've tried one. They are addicting!

Can't-Leave-Alone Bars

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup butter, cubed

In a bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs and oil. With floured hands, press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x2-in. baking pan. Set remaining cake mixture aside. in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. microwave 45-60 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted; stir until smooth. Pour over crust. Drop teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting. Yield: 3 dozen.