.Not A Lot of Words.

Not a lot of words today, because I am on day three of suffering with a pinched nerve. I cannot type very long with this before needing a break. I am grateful for my husband these past three days. He has taken care of EVERYTHING - from me, the children, the house, meals, church etc.

He also took Scotty to the ER late last night, as he has been very ill. Scotty is doing better today, and we are praying that what seems to be a very nasty virus will run its course and get out of our house.



Taken last night. We were trying to get a good photo of the welts and rash breaking out all over Scotty, so that we could get advice from Jim's Mom. With his 104 degree fever and weird rash/welts the hospital was a must.

But he is looking much better today and getting lots of snuggle time.



He is truly one of the sweetest boys. Jim said he charmed all of the hospital staff last night, and insisted on bringing a sticker home for his big sister.



I mentioned that I had been re-researching Jamesy's hair care as we attempt to grow it out. Jim envisions Jamesy's hair looking like the little brown girl's hair in the photo someday.





We have a little way to go. But he is so cute!



The boys wearing Jamesy's sleep caps.



We finally have a "Baby's First Christmas" ornament for Scotty. Ha!



We've been homeschooling (love her fashion sense!).



Scotty has developed a great love for play-doh, and enjoys his "school time".





We have had a lot of late nights with this little man. This was taken one night after I raced up the stairs to Jamesy's screams. I ran into his room, and immediately Jamesy stopped screaming, grinned at me, shook his finger at me and said "no, nigh, nigh, no nigh, nigh." Then he lifted his arms up to be picked up. He got what he wanted.



I am excited to have crafted (before my pinched nerve) Thanksgiving outfits for the children. (Full photo to come). No, the boys did not get pants. {grin}



And that's all I can type for now. Happy Monday!

.Just Writing (with photographs of Habtamu).

Sometimes I like to sit down and just see what flows from my heart to my finger tips. Writing is like an extension of myself. I am not sure I would be able to think clearly without writing. It is a gift. There have been moments when I have sat down and written so fast, so furiously that my fingers cramped and ached when I was done, but it is in those moments when I feel alive. When I get it all out and on paper. I have been like that for as long as I can remember. There have been few days in my life, since I was old enough to grasp journaling and writing, that I have not written something. I am thankful for this outlet.

So, as I sit here in my dark, quiet home, I am just going to write. It's not thought out or planned or purposed. I am not sure how it will end or when. It is not written for anyone. I am not even sure if this will be one of the posts that make it onto the blog. I'm just trying to untangle the thoughts in my heart.

It was really hard to say goodbye to Jim. Harder than saying goodbye to my children when we went on our two trips to Ethiopia (and that was hard). It's just that we are so connected I guess. We do everything together, and both of us love being together and doing life together. We are such a team when it comes to parenting, and he has left a huge void here. Although, I must say my children have been really resilient and really well behaved. We have had fun together. This is the longest Jim and I have ever been apart since being married. I believe the record before this was four nights. This is eleven. Now that I think about it, most of our dating years were spent at the same college, and even though we lived in different towns, we always managed to see each other over our school breaks. I am guessing this is the longest we have gone without seeing each other in probably 13 or so years. It is weird.

But it is worth it for the sake of the gospel. It is worth it to know that while Jim did leave his family for a bit, he is sharing Jesus' love and the gospel. I truly believe that God is pleased with this. It is worth the sacrifice to know that their may be a kingdom increase because he was obedient to the Spirit pressing on him to take this trip.

If the Lord has put a particular people group on your heart, do not delay in your obedience to GO. (Project 61)

This knowing, that it was God leading, and that we would rather be smack dab in the center of God's will than anywhere else, is the only thing that gave my heart peace as Jim stepped out of our door for another country. Jim went for the sake of the gospel. I stayed here for the sake of the gospel. Everything should be for the sake of the gospel. The gospel is all that matters, because without it where would I be?

Not only is Jim getting the opportunity to share the gospel, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus alongside various ministries in Ethiopia (Ministries such as FashionABLE , Mark 10:14 , and Children's HopeChest - Ethiopia), but he is also having a BLAST!


Doesn't this little sweetheart look like our Jamesy?! They must both be from the same region. I can't get over her cuteness.

Jim has also been able to spend time with Habtamu! Thank you for praying as Jim broke the news to Habtamu about adopting him. Jim said that he was very sad, but he was brave. I have not met a braver boy than he.

These photos do something to me that I cannot even describe. It is the weirdest thing to walk around here feeling as if I have a teenage son in Ethiopia. I asked Jim if Habtamu remembered me, and Jim just laughed.

He said Tiffany, he talks and asks for you - "Mom" - all.the.time. The feeling is mutual. How God can bind hearts like that must be supernatural. I just have no other way of describing it.

Here he is, my beautiful, brave, teenage son, who lives across the ocean.

And here is a side by side of Habtamu in January the day I met him and today with my husband. It's only because of the love of Jesus. I am in awe.



I still want him home, but I am trusting in God's perfect plan for Habtamu's life.

I have been searching God's Word intently, these past few weeks, regarding missions and the Great Commission. I grew up believing (and I actually think I was even taught this) that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age".) was a mandate only for the disciples in Jesus day and then Super Special Spiritual Christians today with a special "calling" on their lives. But I cannot find anything in Scripture to back this up. Nothing Instead I am reading in the Bible that EVERY believer is called to spread the gospel to those who have not heard. I do not think we all have to move to Ethiopia or a foreign country, although I know that people think that I think this. But I do think we all must go somewhere to a place where there are people who have never heard. That seems to jump out in the Scriptures, and I have not found a loop hole that gives me an out, or any believer an out - even being a mommy (to read a great article on why even Mommies are called to go to all nations click here I really love her line about not always feeling called to go to Target, but she still goes. It makes me chuckle because that is the line I hear the most and have used the most in my own life.)

I will even step on toes and say that I think all believers should have a passport and be ready to go. I am amazed at how many pastors, here in America have never stepped outside of this country. Yes, they must shepherd their flock here, but what happens to them outside of their comfort zone, and the renewed passion they can carry back to their people is immeasurable and very valuable to their ministry here at home. I am ashamed that it took me 31 years to go outside of our country, and it was only necessity that I went at first, until God exploded my world and opened my very blind, very foolish eyes.

I am not going to go as far as to say that we all must go on a trip outside of America (although I will say we all must be ready and willing), but this verse does leaves me uneasy, because I know that there are literally countries around this world that have barely even been touched by the gospel. And we cannot say this about America - no matter how heathen we think America is - there is opportunity for people to hear the gospel everywhere in America - even on TV or the radio. This is just not true in other countries. There are people who have never even heard the name of Jesus or had opportunity to hear.

And thus I aspired to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation; but as it is written, 'They that had no news of Him shall see, and they who have not heard shall understand'. (Rom. 15:20-21)

I know that there are many, many that will not agree with me on this, and that is okay (please be kind though and back up your reasons with the Word of God if you feel led to share your reasons). I am really still working and praying through all of this myself. I am not a biblical theologian or any kind of expert.

I am leaning towards the thought process that God wants us to share (verbally) the gospel where we are everyday, and then he also wants us to GO and share the gospel with those who have never heard - which probably (but I am not definite on this) means another country. So, I am really starting to see the value in (properly done) short term mission trips, and I am seeing that they are not "just for teens". Again, I am just beginning to really get a handle on any of this. It's foreign to me because of how I grew up.


I guess that is what I am pondering tonight and begging God to give me clarity. I have miles to go in this journey of sanctification. I promised myself that my next blog post was going to be light and fluffy. So much for that.


As always thankful for grace.

.Uh huh.

I've read a lot of descriptions for introverts over the years, but this one caught my eye because it was so accurate though concise. Along with being introverted, I am analytical, so I have always loved researching and studying personalities. One time my dear friend, Joanna, who also happens to be introverted, explained us as arttroverts. I love it. I found this on Pinterest {swoon}.

This just made me smile. I am still learning how to not make my introversion an excuse not to have real authentic relationships. It's the 's' on that that really trips me up, but God is good and gracious. Jim and I have talked about this extensively (as he is the exact opposite), and Jo and I have talked as well. Where Jim feels energized after being with and around people; I feel depleted. I re-energize in solitude - with my pen or keyboard and my thoughts and quiet. It is only then that I am really able to enjoy people for a bit again. Jim on the other hand re-energizes with people around - and the more the merrier, and then he is able to withstand solitude again. Makes for some interesting dynamics in our marriage, but I would never change it. He pushes me where I need to be pushed.

This other little nugget I found this weekend, and I feel like wearing it as a sign around my neck! It is so, so true.

Without a pen in my hand I am dull and uninteresting, and not able to think. Put a pen in my hand or keys under my fingers, and I come to life. What a unique Creator we have.

Continuing on with our week of school. I am thinking about doing a 2-3 week recap now. I think the every week re-cap would be kind of boring even for me to look back on in the future. Things are going well. I am learning to teach with a needy toddler attached to my hip, and to not react when our schoolwork is done and Scotty has completely rearranged our house! {grin}

Praying for strength, grace, and patience this morning. I was up all night with my youngest. Going to the Children's Hospital really set him back. It seems we are almost at square one again with night time stuff. He could use prayer as we battle through the fear and try to find healing once again.

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.Did I Mention.

...tomorrow we leave for Kentucky, and I have yet to start packing?

...our tent camping trip was absolutely amazing?

...but getting to the campground was tricky? We got hours lost.

...that the outtakes almost always outnumber the decent shots?

...but our husbands are pretty good with our cameras?

...although I really should have pulled my hair down for these shots?

...yesterday I spent the entire afternoon sitting at my computer writing Cadi's Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) to turn into NY state? I am glad it is done.

...Jim's oldest and youngest sisters came up north last week for a surprise trip?

...and for the first time in years we snapped a photo of all of the grandchildren together...we were just missing Jill and Roy's son, Joel, who is still in Ethiopia?

...Ethiopia is always at the front of my thoughts?

...that my Scotty is at a really fun age, but that I am in denial that he is really turning three in just two weeks?

...we finally have Jamesy scheduled to see three specialists at a children's hospital, so just one more month living with the unknown?

...complacency is suffocating, and I am begging God to make the gospel enough to eradicate it in my life?

...that I may possibly be as excited as Cadi is for Classical Conversations to start up?

...I got my baby fix from holding my sweet nephew?

...this may possibly be one of the busiest summers in a long time?

...being a white mommy with a black child makes it nearly impossible to not be noticed in public?

...the 100 degree plus temperatures that we had last week is exactly how I believe summer should be?

...adopting Jamesy has given me a glimpse of my relationship with God and an even better understanding of it than I had previously with my birth children?

...one of the best gifts God has blessed me with lately is Cadi becoming friends with Joanna's daughter?

Did I mention that we leave for Kentucky tomorrow, and I have yet to start packing?

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.I've Got Babies on the Brain.

It might have something to do with spending the afternoon with this scrumptious little guy. My lens was fixated on him, and I was mesmerized by him.




He's my 5 month old sweet nephew. And he is G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.



These little darlings are sweet, too, but {sadly} they are only shadows of their babyhood.



I could just stare at him all day. Ahhh, baby love. I was pleased as peaches to snuggle him until he fell asleep - soft and warm curled into my neck just how his cousin Scotty once slept.

Or it might have something to do with us leaving for Ethiopia to see OUR baby in 2 weeks. Yeah, that may have a little something to do with it. {grin}

.Apple Palooza.

(Alternately titled: The Post in Which I Make up for not Blogging in a Week.)

Palooza: An exaggerated event.

Yup, that is what has been going on here - an exaggerated "event" of using all of my apples up! Jim has been away a lot this week, Cadi has been sick, and Scotty is a cute little ball of perpetual motion. So to keep myself sane, I pulled out my recipe cards and started peeling apples. That was my therapy for the week, and it worked!

I thought some of my readers might be looking to use up some apples or just wanting some new fall recipes, so I decided to share.

Roasted Applesauce
Last year I made applesauce for the first time. It was just a small batch that we ate right away. It was part of Cadi's preschool curriculum. A recipe was included in her curriculum, but I wanted something a bit more complex. I searched the internet until I found one, and it was delicious! After I made the applesauce a friend of mine, one of the GREATEST prayer warriors in our adoption (!), Kathy, asked if I had ever roasted my applesauce. She sent me a recipe, and I vowed to try it this year.

**If you enjoy trying new recipes, you will want to follow her new cooking/baking blog! I always know that anything Kathy makes will be excellent! I have used several of her recipes in the past, and I have never been disappointed!**

Somehow I lost last years roasted applesauce recipe, but I found this one. I decided to use his roasting method but my recipe from last year, and the results were perfect - not too sweet, perfectly spiced, caramelized apple goodness! I prefer my applesauce chunky. I am not a big fan of pudding and jellos because of their lack of substance. However, if you prefer a smooth applesauce simply put it through your Foley Food Mill after roasting it.



1.Gather your apples - you will need 4lbs (which is approximately 12 apples). As you can see I did not use the apples we picked. I used the "seconds" or "dropped apples" that we purchased. This is what my mom always did growing up. If there was a really rotten spot I just cut it out.

2.Wash, peel, core, and slice your apples. Place them in a deep roasting pan. Add 1/2 C. cider, a 1/2 C. water, 4 strips of lemon peel, 3-4 T. lemon juice, one cinnamon stick, 1/4 C. dark brown sugar, up to 1/4 C. white sugar (I used 1/8 C), 1/2 tsp. salt, and grated nutmeg to your taste.



Put the roasting pan in a 400 degree preheated oven uncovered. Roast for 1-2 hours depending on how dark and caramelized you prefer - stirring often. I roasted my first batch for about 1.5 hours and my second and third batch for about 2 hours.



This was the first batch.



I was surprised how little 3 batches made! I froze 5 Quart bags of sauce, and I will no doubt be making more again soon.



Click here for the printable recipe. (I do not remember which website I found the recipe on for this sauce, but it is NOT original to me.)


Apple Crisp
I also made apple crisp this week. I am picky about my apple crisp, and I really think this is the BEST apple crisp recipe ever. Yes, it is sweet and totally unhealthy, but you only have it one time of year! Right??? This recipe was originally a Taste of Home recipe. Click here for the printable recipe.




Mile High Apple Pie
The last apple recipe I made this week was apple pie. I LOVE apple pie especially when paired with some extra sharp cheese. I actually love fruit pie period. Although I am not really a pastry lover besides pie. I guess I just do not enjoy the taste of lard! Ha! And to that end I searched for a lot of years for the perfect crust recipe - using no crisco and only butter. I finally found it last Spring. Sometimes I use whole wheat flour with good results. This pie was made with all purpose, though. Here is the printable recipe for my crust. This also happens to be the easiest pie crust that I have ever worked with.

The secret to getting a mile high or deep dish apple pie is to cook your apples down before putting them in your crust to bake. If you do not they will cook down in your pie and your crust will end up caving in.


Here are my apples gently cooking. Be sure to watch them. You do not want them to turn into sauce!





And the final product! Can you smell it? MMMMM....


Click here for the printable recipe.

If you think the only thing I have been doing during my blogging break was baking, well you'd be wrong.



We had a very belated birthday party for Cadi in which my mom decorated and made this awesome Arthur cake! My daughter's first crush is on an aardvark - hmmm.



My children have been fascinated with the new gold fish that my parents gave her for her birthday. The fish has had several name changes from Dorthy, to Annie, to Julianna. I am not sure what the name is today. {grin}



I have been taking care of a sick little girl. She is on the mend, but she still in not 100%. We did take her to the doctor's as I feared she may have an ear infection that I just was not curing with my homeopathic remedies. She doesn't, but she was put on allergy meds. for a bit. We will see what happens.

We took Friday and Monday off from school because of Cadi, but then jumped right back into our unit on apples! Scotty has loved joining in, too. We are actually having so much fun with How to Bake an Apple Pie and See the World that I am going to "row" it for a third week. There are just so many activities and learning opportunities that can be pulled from this book. If you have not read it with your children I highly recommend it!



And for the first time I let Scotty use paint. I am probably crazy, but it was a really fun memory. And the clean up is done now. {wink}



We also received a very exciting email packet from our agency titled "Welcome to Travel!".



No, this was not our court date, but it was filled with our itinerary and packing instructions and all kinds of exciting things! This hopefully means our court date is in the very near future!!

Oh, and I did bake yummy Starbucks-like pumpkin scones for our Sunday school class. I found the recipe here (it was the 3rd post down).

Phew... were you able to stick with me?! Well, that should do it for a bit. Hope you are all well.

Oh wait!! Thank you so much to all of you who have recently donated to our adoption fund. You are such an incredible blessing. We now only lack $5000 TOTAL for our adoption expenses!!! Can you believe it?! God is GREAT!

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