Charlotte Mason, anyone?

Ok, after researching home school curriculum for this year, I have come to the conclusion that I like this woman, Charlotte Mason.

She taught of a relaxed home school environment with short lessons that spark the imagination. Focusing on the CHILD, and their strengths and interests. And again, building that imagination.

So, now that I know what style I think we are going to focus on, I need to find the right curriculum to go with it. I'm thinking about Heart of Dakota, or Living Books. But it's expensive all right. I wanted something that came complete and with daily lessons all mapped out for us and that don't take too long and that are interesting!

Any suggestions??

Look at this sweet little boy

Could he be your son?

This is Brady, he lives in an institution in Eastern Europe. He's almost 6, but probably the size of a much younger child.

Look at those eyes! Such deep, soulful, beautiful eyes.

He needs someone to love him, to take care of him, to teach him.

He needs a family.

His future is very, very sad if he stays in the insitution. He's in a place where there are mostly semi-adult boys mixed in with the little boys...

His situation is about as desperate as they get. He needs SOMEONE to save him, to VALUE him.

I can just imagine the joy and love he would bring to a family.

Is God calling you? Is He gently nudging you?

Has He placed the burden of the fatherless in your heart?

Brady, and so many like him are just waiting and waiting. And waiting.

They are totally at the mercy of those around them.

He could be adopted very quickly...most likely in 4-7 months he could be HOME.

It's really not that hard. I used to think it was before our adoption. It seemed like a huge mountain that I was afraid to climb.

But it wasn't hard, it was a wonderful journey that I'll always treasure.

It was the best thing we have ever done.

"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with down syndrome doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family!"

Please search your hearts....look in this little boys eyes, and SEE the possibilities.

LISTEN to that little voice coming from your heart.

Yes, I want Brady to be my son...but the Lord may have other plans for him. Please don't hesitate on his behalf because you know I have a special affection for him.

Perhaps that special affection was placed in my heart to help his family find him.

Nothing would make me happier than to see him on the 'my family found me page' of Reeces Rainbow.

http://www.reecesrainbow.org/

the weekend

was long.

It's been a super hot/like tropical hot around here lately. The kids get cranky, mama gets cranky then WE ALL get cranky.

Michael and I went to Walmart on Friday and we bought things for him to sell at the corner stand he set up. I figured it was a good way to keep him occupied. So far, so good ;)

He made $44 in one morning! So, he had to pay me back for the merchandise; pop, freezies, suckers, pop rocks, juicies, licorice, silly bands, and candy.
But he's quite happy with having a few bucks in his pocket. And it DOES keep him busy :)

The only thing is that he has a lot of things to pull down to the corner and back. We live on a culd-de-sac on an incline, and today he was pulling his cart back up the street to come home and his whole thing of 697 gumballs fell and all went rolling down the hill.

Luckily, his dad took pity on him and helped him pick them all up.

I've been cleaning and rearranging this weekend and I really don't feel well on top of it. I took a nap today because I didn't feel well, while my sweet husband went grocery shopping for me.
The little boys took a nap too, but Toma isn't used to taking one so instead he took off all his clothes and pe*d in his crib. Now I have to strip that down. The laundry is already a mountain!

But I have to thank all 6 of you that are now following me (albeit out of pity) but hey, I'm not complaining.

Lizzy, you are such a sweet girl! Really. Thank you for your kind invitation, we would love to bring the gang over sometime :)

Well, that is if your mom is still talking to me after the Elton John comment.

I'm not picky

about even or odd numbers~ as long as they're high numbers! (followers)

I just have to meet and exceed Nancy Thornell's! HA!

What do I have to do, take another trip to 'my special country' to get that # up?? Cuz, i will you know!



I know, I know..............pathetic.



and I will take sympathy followers.

you know I need to get a life when...

I get so excited that I FINALLY got 40 followers!

I've been sitting at 39 for the longest time and it was driving me BONKERS.

Weird, I know.

You should really get this book... MaryBeth Chapman...Love her!

I have always loved this family.

They are SUCH an inspiration.

Anytime I think my life is hard, I think about the road this family has been called to walk.

Unbelievable pain...yet unbelievable faith.

Praising God in the worst moments of their lives.

These people 'get it'. (and exceed it!)

They are the inspiration behind Artioms adoption.

I wish them only happiness and I long for the day they are reunited with their princess.

Read the book and you too will be inspired!

I love this song

Have you ever listened to 'Tears of the Saints' by Leeland?

I love this song.

I listened to it while flying over the ocean on our way to get Artiom.

It was was the middle of the night, and so quiet on the plane. I had so many different emotions about the whole journey; excitement, hope, fear, uncertainty.

But mostly, compassion for these children who have no one. No chance at life unless they are a few of the lucky chosen ones to get a family.

Anyway, this song runs deep to me. Maybe it will speak to you as well :)