My New Favorite Author

Ya'll know me. And ya'll know I love to read. Not that I have a ton of time, but I do try to spend every evening, after all the kiddos have gone to bed, curled up with my favorite book. It's my down time and it is how I wind down to fall asleep.

My new absolute favorite author is, without a doubt, Julie Lessman. I honestly cannot sing her praises enough. When I was leaving for a girls weekend in D.C., I asked my husband to find me a good book on my Kindle. He did some searching and stumbled upon Julie Lessman. He saw all the awards she had won and figured she must be "pretty good" and bought me her first book on Amazon. By the time I was home from the trip, I had called him, begging him to please buy the next one for me!

Folks, I am telling you, Julie Lessman has quickly become my new favorite author. While I have always said that Francine Rivers is in a "league of her own", I must tell you that I really think Julie Lessman is as close as anyone has ever gotten that I have read, and I actually, seriously, think she is rivaling Francine Rivers in the quality of her writing. I thoroughly enjoyed Karen Kingsbury as well, but she does not compare to Lessman.

What I appreciate so much is her gift for writing. This is quality writing. I really dislike that I have to compromise quality for content when I read or watch Christian movies or books. I truly believe that Christians should be doing this just as good. And Lessman does! And not only is the writing fantastic, but she incorporates encouragement and the salvation message so well. It truly never comes across force or preachy.

I have absolutely devoured her books. Not only that, but I have given each one to my mother-in-law, and she has devoured each of them behind me. I even bought new hard copies of her "Heart of San Francisco" series, and for those of you who know me at all, you know I don't buy anything new. But I just could not wait until I found a used set!

Seriously. If you like reading, and you enjoy Christian novels, you absolutely must read Lessman's books.

Where to start? Well, you can find a complete listing of her books by clicking here.  But I would suggest you start by reading: A Light in the Window. You can purchase this for only 99cents on Amazon so you seriously have nothing to lose. Buy this book and see for yourself if you are not completely hooked! (I actually didn't know about A Light in the Window and read it after Series #1 and #2 listed below.)

Once you finish (and LOVE!) that book, you can jump into "The Daughters of Boston" series and follow that up with "The Winds of Change" series. Both of these follow along with the O'Connor family, and trust me, you'll grieve as much as I did when those series are done.

SERIES #1

"THE DAUGHTERS OF BOSTON" SERIES:

     A Passion Most Pure

     A Passion Redeemed

     A Passion Denied 

SERIES #2

THE "WINDS OF CHANGE" SERIES:

     A Hope Undaunted

     A Heart Revealed

     A Love Surrendered

Once you finish these series, there are actually two (going on three!) novellas which are shorter stories following a few of the couples in the series listed above. Let me know if you get there and I'll give you a link to the novellas!

After that, I got started on "The Heart of San Francisco" series. It was very hard for me to leave the O'Connor family, but honestly, and I am still not sure how she did it, but Lessman reeled me into an entirely different family nearly as seamlessly.

SERIES #3

THE "HEART OF SAN FRANCISCO" SERIES:

     Love at any Cost

Dare to Love Again

Surprised by Love

I am planning to do some further reviews of Lessman's books in the weeks and months to come so stay tuned. But for now, let me know if you are going to jump in and read based on my recommendation. I really want to know what you all think even though I know you will love her as much as I do!!

Adoption Myths (and the truth)

Information from this article was gathered from the The National Center for Health Statistics.

Some misconceptions about adoption trouble prospective birth parents and adoptive families. For instance, adoptive parents may wonder if they will love an adopted child as much as a biological child; birth parents may worry that their child will have ill feelings toward them. Outside the adoption community, little has been done to change these perceptions.

However, the U.S. Department of Health released adoption statistics from a 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents. The evidence refutes common misconceptions about adoption, as the adoption statistics prove many widespread misconceptions are false.

There is no doubt in my mind that adopted children are actually loved as much or more than biological children. Obviously, there are cases where this is not accurate. However, the amount of paperwork and money and requirements that adoptive families must adhere to truly weeds out people who are not serious about what they are doing. Take some of these stats to heart:

• Nearly 3 of every 4 adopted children ages 0-5 are read or sung to everyday, while only half of non-adopted children receive the same attention from their biological parents.
• Well more than half of all adopted children eat dinner with their families at least six days per week.
• Adoption statistics show that more than 90 percent of adopted children ages 5 and older have positive feelings about their adoption.
• Today, 100 percent of birth mothers choose the amount of openness in the adoption and select a family that meets her request. Thus, 67 percent of private adoptions today have pre-adoption agreements for a semi-open or open adoption.
• But the adoption world has changed: today, 99 percent of adopted children ages 5 and older know that they were adopted.
• In truth, 85 percent of adopted children are rated to have “excellent” or “very good” health while 82 percent of non-adopted children have the same rating, according to

Misconception: “Will the adopted child be loved as much as a biological child?”

Adoptive families and birth parents may share this concern before the adoption. Fears of the adoptive family not loving an adopted child are eliminated as soon as they first lay eyes on their baby in nearly every adoption.

Look at how adoptive parents interact with adopted children: nearly 3 of every 4 adopted children ages 0-5 are read or sung to everyday, while only half of non-adopted children receive the same attention from their biological parents. Furthermore, well more than half of all adopted children eat dinner with their families at least six days per week.

At first glance, these adoption statistics may not seem important, but they show how adoptive parents cherish the time they have with their children. They appreciate the opportunity to be a parent every day.

Couples with infertility have an astounding appreciation for parenthood. Adoption grants their dreams of raising a child, and their love shows in the little things like reading before bed.

The study says that 9 out of every 10 adoptive couples said the relationship they share with their adopted child is “very close.” Nearly half said that the relationship is “better than expected.” More than 9 of every 10 adoptive parents said they would “definitely” make the same decision to adopt.

Misconception: “My child will hate me because I placed him or her for adoption.”

This concern is perpetuated by the media and people with no adoption experience. A family member or friend may not agree with a pregnant woman’s desire to place her child for adoption and may say that the child will hate her if she does so. Some TV shows and movies have unjustly portrayed adoptees this way as well.

The adoption statistics show that more than 90 percent of adopted children ages 5 and older have positive feelings about their adoption.

Misconception: “Once I place my baby for adoption, I will never see her again.”

At one time, this was reality. It was thought that the adoption process was easier for everyone if the birth mother went on with her life not knowing anything about her child. However, the past several decades have changed openness in adoption.

Now most adoption professionals agree that a semi-open adoption – in which pictures and letters are exchanged through adoption professional mediation after the adoption – creates healthy relationships. Many adoptions are even more open. Keeping some contact with the adoptive family gives the birth mother peace of mind that she made the right decision.

Today, 100 percent of birth mothers choose the amount of openness in the adoption and select a family that meets her request. Thus, 67 percent of private adoptions today have pre-adoption agreements for a semi-open or open adoption.

Misconception: “My child won’t know that she was adopted.”

In the past, adoption was very “hush-hush.” A birth mother wouldn’t tell anyone she was pregnant. In some situations, she even moved elsewhere to have the baby and place him or her for adoption. Meanwhile, adoptive parents often didn’t tell their child that he or she was adopted.

But the adoption world has changed: today, 99 percent of adopted children ages 5 and older know that they were adopted.

More Adoption Statistics About Birth Mothers*

• Women who place a child for adoption have higher educational aspirations, are more likely to finish school and are less likely to live in poverty or receive public assistance than mothers who keep their children.
• Women who place a child delay marriage longer, are more likely to eventually marry and are less likely to divorce.
• Women who place a child are more likely to be employed 12 months after the birth and less likely to repeat out-of-wedlock pregnancy.
• Women who place a child are no more likely to suffer negative psychological consequences, such as depression, than are mothers who rear children as single parents.

Misconception: “Adopted children are not as healthy as non-adopted children.”

This misconception stems from inaccurate stereotypes of birth mothers. Some worry that a birth mother won’t take care of herself during pregnancy if she is placing the baby for adoption and wonder if the child will grow up with poor health.

In truth, 85 percent of adopted children are rated to have “excellent” or “very good” health while 82 percent of non-adopted children have the same rating.

Misconception: “Adoption agencies withhold relevant medical information about the adoption, birthmother and child.”

State adoption facilities once thought it better to withhold medical records. They thought that the child would have a better chance of being adopted if medical records were withheld, but this practice did more harm than good.

After lawsuits and a shift in perception, state governments, private agencies and many state laws and regulations now mandate that all known medical information be disclosed to the adoptive family. This information is extremely important for an adoptive family to watch for health concerns in the adopted child.

Other General Adoption Statistics

• In 2007, 38 percent of children adopted in the U.S. were adopted through private domestic adoption, 37 percent were adopted through foster care and 25 percent were adopted internationally.
• 62 percent of children adopted privately are placed with the adoptive family when they are newborns or less than one year old.
• Roughly a fifth of private adoptions are transracial.
• 88 percent of adoptive parents describe themselves as a “happy” couple, while 83 percent of non-adoptive parents describe themselves as a “happy” couple.
• While stats vary, generally , more than 95 percent of adoptive families have a high school education, and more than 90 percent have a bachelor’s degree. Nationally, adoptive parents have high school and/or secondary education in 79 percent of private domestic adoptions.
• Adopted children ages 6-11 are just as likely to read leisurely as non-adopted children.
• 85 percent of privately adopted children ages 6-17 engage in extracurricular activities.
• Many agencies report 100 percent of children in their agency are placed in two-parent homes, obviously higher than societal norms.
• Adopted children are more likely to live in neighborhoods that are safe, that have amenities and that are in good physical condition than are non-adopted children.

Growing Up Adopted: A Look at Health, Happiness of Adopted Children

All information (except for "More general adoption statistics on the birth mother") is taken from the U.S. Department of Health’s 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents (NSAP): (http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/09/NSAP/chartbook/chartbook.cfm?id=1)

*Source: McLaughlin SD, Manninen DL, Winges LD, Do Adolescents Who Relinquish Their Children Fare Better or Worse Than Those Who Raise Them? Family Planning Perspectives, 20:1 (Jan. - Feb. 1998), pp. 25-32

Sequence for Kids

I have had more and more people reaching out to me and asking for recommendations for Christmas presents. I wanted to take a moment to review a game that is fantastic for ages 4 and up.

I am really big on games that can be enjoyed by a wide age group. Sequence for Kids is a great one! There are so few games that my 4 year old can play -- especially ones that don't drive me crazy. (Candyland and Chutes and Ladders are really not very fun for grown-ups!) This one is a game that really be tackled by kids as young as 4, don't last that long, and don't drive grown-ups crazy!

Another one that I reviewed previously is: Busytown which remains my all-time favorite for a really great family game!

Dear Hannah,

Dear Hannah,

In our house kids nap until they are at least 4. Your big sister, Abigail, still takes a nap regularly. Your brothers were just released from their hour of quiet reading time this year and the are 6 and 7!

I am not sure where you got a bit confused. Please take the day to refocus. This is 5 out of 7 days that you have not napped in the afternoon. You are two. The CDC recommends that you are have between 11-12 hours of sleep each day. Your mother recommends closer to 14 for my sanity.  You will continue to spend two hours in your bed every day between 1pm and 3pm for the health of our relationship. It would be best if you slept during that time. (It makes it go much faster, and I am able to relax a bit more knowing that you aren't hurting yourself or damaging any property or changing your clothes or getting naked or as you say "Maken as a Jaybird.")

Although, okay, I admit it. Whenever you nap you end up standing up in your crib for about two hours at bedtime. Last night it was 9:45pm when I heard you giggle your last, "Never!!!" in your bed.

But that is neither here nor there. I am currently unable to be a good mother without nap time. If you want to fully understand, you can read the post I wrote last year entitled: Wipe-Your-Own-Butt-Time.

Sleeping is a very valued activity in our home. Get with the program.

I love you soooooo much!

Love,

Mommy

Remember

We Bought a Farm: Wise Advice From a Farmer's Wife

Found this on Facebook. Don't have an author. But I loved it!

• Whenever you return a borrowed pie pan, make sure it's got a warm pie in it.
• Invite lots of folks to supper. You can always add more water to the soup.
• There's no such thing as woman's work on a farm. There's just work.
• Make home a happy place for the children. Everybody returns to their happy place.
• Always keep a small light on in the kitchen window at night.
• If your man gets his truck stuck in the field, don't go in after him. Throw him a rope and pull him out with the tractor.
• Keep the kerosene lamp away from the the milk cow's leg.
• It's a whole lot easier to get breakfast from a chicken than a pig.
• Always pat the chickens when you take their eggs.
• It's easy to clean an empty house, but hard to live in one.
• All children spill milk. Learn to smile and wipe it up.
• Homemade's always better'n store bought.
• A tongue's like a knife. The sharper it is the deeper it cuts.
• A good neighbor always knows when to visit and when to leave.
• A city dog wants to run out the door, but a country dog stays on the porch 'cause he's not fenced-in.
• Always light birthday candles from the middle outward.
• Nothin' gets the frustrations out better'n splittn' wood.
• The longer dress hem, the more trusting the husband.
• Enjoy doing your children's laundry. Some day they'll be gone.
• You'll never catch a runnin' chicken but if you throw seed around the back door you'll have a skillet full by supper.
• Biscuits brown better with a little butter brushed on 'em.
• Check your shoelaces before runnin' to help somebody.
• Visit old people who can't get out. Some day you'll be one.
• The softer you talk, the closer folks'll listen.
• The colder the outhouse, the warmer the bed.

Adoption: Aaron & Kristen

In honor of National Adoption Month, I am revisiting a post from last year at this time. This wonderful family has since added a third child to their brood!

It's absolutely amazing how God places people in our lives at just the right times and just the right places.  We met John and Wendi when they were going through infertility.  We had always thought we would adopt, but had never actually walked along with another couple going through infertility.  A couple years later, we found ourselves working through our own infertility and reaching out to John and Wendy for their thoughts on domestic adoption.  We had been starting to work with a local adoption agency which, while a fabulous agency, just wasn't feeling right for us.  I will never forget Wendy telling me that they had looked at Bethany at one time, and she and John felt that it was a very reputable agency.

Fast forward another 8 months (and working with Bethany), and I was at work when my husband called to tell me a baby boy had been born that morning and his parents wanted us to adopt him.  Little did we know how different our lives would become in that one phone call.  The love and total awe we have for the fact that Noah is our son are beyond any words that I have.  It was truly love at first sight, and we couldn't ask for a more perfect fit for our family!  We are blessed way beyond anything we deserve or ever imagined. 

Two years later we were matched with a young lady who was having a little girl.  I was in the delivery room that June morning when Lillian was born.  There are no words to explain how humbling it was to watch Jamie (Lillian's birthmom) give birth to her daughter and hand her to me.  I still cry even writing about it :)  The true love it took for Jamie to carry Lillian and give birth to her and then to make a plan for us to raise her...  I am am speechless!

And now we find ourselves getting ready to start waiting for a third baby to join our family.  Even after being blown away by God's goodness through our first two adoptions, I find myself nervous and anxious about how this third baby will fit into our family.  And then I spend time with my two kids and remember that we have been truly blessed through adoption beyond anything we ever imagined or dreamed. 

***Update: Since I posted this family's story last year, they have added a THIRD adoption miracle to their brood! Congratulations Aaron & Kristen!

Friday Funnies

Isaac: "Do you have to go to college if you want to be a lego designer?"
Me: "You might. I'm not sure. You have to get good grades and be really smart."
Isaac: "Okay."
Me: "And you might have to move to Sweden because that is where they do most of the Lego stuff."
Isaac: "It's Denmark, Mom."
Me: "Oh. Okay. Yeah. Denmark."
Abigail: "Deadmark?"
Isaac: "Yeah. It borders Germany."
Abigail: "Yeah but why do they call it Deadmark?"
Sidge: "It's Denmark Abigail."

*****

Isaac: "I wish I wasn't allergic to eggs."
Me: "I know. Me too. But we sometimes have things that we don't like having."
Isaac: "Like what?"
Me: "Well, I have this rash on my hands that I haven't been able to get rid of that really bothers me."
Isaac: "Yeah?"
Me: "And Sidge. He's color deficient and he wishes he wasn't."
Sidge: "No I don't!"
Me: "Huh?"
Sidge: "Yeah. I like being color blind. I get to see the world in a really cool way."
Me: "Okay. Well forget that example then okay, Isaac?"

We Bought a Farm: Funny time!

Hannah ... Sigh ...

Today was a Mom-Day for the record books.

There are so many ways I could try to write it and explain it and quantify it and qualify it. I will instead say that Hannah beat me today. She won. She literally left me spinning and completely and utterly off my axis. 

I was forced, at the end of it all, to hug all my children and apologize for the raving lunatic I became in the midst of attempting to do school work, make lunch, and stop Hannah from destroying my home. The kids assured me, as they always do, that I was the "best mom ever."

But I have my doubts.

In the course of twenty minutes (and I am not exaggerating when I tell you it was, honestly, twenty minutes) Hannah managed to rip Isaac's favorite magazine, break Abigail's bracelet, and get into the sharpies, while changing outfits .... well ... check out her outfit changes for yourself ...

This child has left me questioning everything about myself as a woman, a mother, and just plain human being. I have no idea how to homeschool my other three children with Hannah in my home. When she walks through a room, things totally lift into the air and start to spin behind her coming down all over the room. She is "Hannah the Hurricane."

And while she forced me to put her down for a nap she didn't take and quit homeschooling my other three children and put on a movie for my older children and climb into my bed with a bowl full of chocolate ice cream smothered in chocolate syrup, I truly cannot imagine my life without her spirit and spunk and love.

I love her so much. So much.

But holy cow am I in over my head or what.

We Bought a Farm: Catching up with our birds!

We have two breeds of geese: Pilgrim and Large Dewlap Toulouse. Pilgrim Ganders (male) are all white. They are a bit smaller than the Toulouse Geese in the back. Geese can leave many years and usually mate for life. We will allow them to raise their babies. (They don't lay many eggs) and will then process their young for food around 8 weeks. We plan to process one of our males for Thanksgiving dinner this year.

This is a Pilgrim Goose (female). The female (goose) is gray, and the male (gander) is all white. Believe it or not, we cannot put these geese and ducks (easily) on any of our ponds. These animals are very hard on bodies of water and if you put too many of them on the water, they will deplete your fish production and they can even completely ruin the pond. For now, we simply have them around our house, moving them regularly to fresh grass. The geese love to eat grass. We may, eventually, allow one pair on the pond.

One of our Large Dewlap Toulouse Ganders showing off. These are amazingly beautiful birds.

Another shot of another Large Dewlap Toulouse Gander. You can't really see from this picture, but they have a HUGE amount of fat on their chest. This actually makes breeding difficult for them unless they are in water.

Guineas on the prowl. These are Pearl Guineas, the most common variety. They are bug eaters on our farm. They are wild and have free roam of the property -- even the ability to leave us if they wanted. We put a small amount of food out for them each night to help them continue to return to us. Isaac thinks they look like skeletons. In addition, they are an extremely unintelligent animal. (Maybe it is their head size.) They really make us laugh with their antics. For example, if they are separated from their friends by a fence, they will throw themselves into a fence dozens of times before we chase them over to an open gate just a few feet away. 

A fine looking Rouen Drake (male). Rouen Ducks were developed from the wild Mallard which is why they have a similar color pattern, but the Rouens are much larger. They were developed for both meat and egg production. We have decreased our males so now we have 5 males and 10 females. We will eat their eggs but also allow them to raise their own young and then process the young around 12 weeks for meat. These ducks are fed a small amount of feed every  morning but really enjoy being rotated onto fresh grass and digging in mud for bugs and worms of all kinds!

Book Review: I Prayed for You

I loved this book.

Hard pages perfect for little hands, this delightful little book tells the story of a Mama bear and how much her little cub was wanted. She shares about how she felt the first time her little cub was held, took first steps, prayed, changed clothes, got in trouble, and went to school.

What I really loved about this book is that it works perfectly for biological and adopted children. As an adoptive mom, this is something I so greatly appreciate. In addition, while the little cub is in blue, there is no reference to the cub being a boy or girl -- allowing the book to work for either gender. 

This book would also work for single moms as well as it is simply the story of a mother's love with no mention of a Papa bear. 

I found this book incredibly sweet and one I cannot wait to read to my four little cubs! From before these sweet babies are born, and for every part of their futures, Mama covers them in prayer. Every spread shares a different prayer, and mamas everywhere will resonate with this eternally important message. 

A fantastic gift for a new mom -- adopted or biological!

Booksneeze provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Review: The Rainbow Egg

I just finished reading the book The Rainbow Egg by Linda Hendricks, M.D. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review from Booklookbloggers. 

The Rainbow Egg tells the story of a particular young hen who is unable to take care of her egg. She therefore begins a search for someone to help her care for her egg. She finds Mr. and Mrs. Rainbow who have not been able to have any chickens of their own. They agree to care for the egg, and ultimately the little life that emerges from it. 

Very easily, you can see that this story is presenting adoption in a way that children can understand. I think it did what it intended do in a very clear way. I think that the physician-author created the start of dialogue between parent and child.

That being said, as an adoptive parent, I don't think that this will be a book that I would share with my adopted son. I can't really put my finger on it, but I really think it was the way the book was illustrated that sort of seemed to put a little bit of a "gray cloud" on adoption for me. The words were all correct, I just didn't get the same good feelings reading this book that I have when reading other adoption books, like A Blessing from Above for example.

Overall, I think the message was shared correctly, and I think it was tastefully done. I just don't think it would be my particular choice for our adoption library.

Schoolhouse Review Crew

I am so excited! My Blog was chosen to be a part of the SchoolhouseReviewCrew.com. 

A HUGE thank you to my friend Jake Olson for telling me about this awesome opportunity. I had to fill out a lengthy application and meet a lot of requirements. A big part of that was having a daily blog with a certain number of visitors, and a history of completing reviews. So THANK YOU for reading and visiting and being a follower!

What does this mean? Well I don't know everything this includes yet, but I do know I'll be receiving and reviewing a variety of homeschool curriculums that I will then, in turn, share on my Blog. 

I was also recently awarded GOLD status at Booklookbloggers.com which allows me to review two books at a time. I got this because I had 300 followers on my Blog. THANK YOU for being a follower!

Mommy bought some new boots

In case you missed it in this picture ...

... here's the close up of the little stuffed animal she added to the full-length boot look.

Try 17 times

Review & Giveaway!

*****UPDATE! Congrats to Julie Edgar -- winner of video giveaway!

Make sure you read to the end of this review to find out how you can have a chance to receive a free copy of this movie.

If you have not had the opportunity to visit the FishFlix website, you are really missing out! FishFlix is an online Christian Movie Store run by Christians. You can get Christian movies, Christian DVDs, and Christian films at a very fair and reasonable cost.

I had the opportunity to review the movie Return to the Hiding Place this month, and folks I am not sure I can say enough good things about this movie. This one will stick with me for a long time to come.

Return to the Hiding Place details the familiar story of Corrie ten Boom from an entirely different perspective. When Corrie realizes the rising Nazi empire will destroy Holland create the holocaust of every innocent Jew in secret-death camps, she faces the deadly risk using an army comprised of untrained teenagers. While I have both read and seen the movie The Hiding Place, I had actually never heard of this second story. I was worried that it wouldn't be up to the standard that I hold the first movie and book.

But I was not let down at all! This was a fantastic film.

This movie specifically focuses on two young men: Piet Hartog and Hans Poley. What follows is an amazing story of Christian young men and women who risk everything to save the lives of Jewish men, women, and children during Hitler's reign of terror.

This movie is billed as a thrilling action romantic drama, and it absolutely stays true to that. I want to see Christian movies done as well as their secular counterparts, and this movie is that for sure. The acting was outstanding, and I often found myself forgetting that I was watching a non-mainstream film.

You will cheer and cry at this exciting, sobering tale of Hans and the youth movement that dared to resist one of History's cruelest dictators.


In addition, I definitely intend to continue to turn to FishFlix for quality Christian entertainment, and I want you to enjoy it as much as I do. I am going to hold a drawing to give away my copy of this movie. I will also include a copy of Faith of our Fathers which I reviewed earlier this week. Please leave a comment, and I will choose a random winner in one week!

Good luck!

Friday Funnies

A little late this week, but here are a few smiles for you!

*****

Sidge: "I have a new habit."
JB: "What is it?"
Sidge: "Instead of fighting with Abigail, I'm going to play nice with her. That's my habit."

*****

Our new ram has been dutifully fulfilling his obligations. I have explained to Sidge the basics of why he is here and have had to answer more questions then I initially was planning. I especially emphasized that if we see Jerome on a ewe, it is not a bad thing. He is doing a good thing for our farm. So when Sidge saw Jerome on one of the ewes he turned to me and said, "Oh! Look! He's helping and being nice!"

:)

I'm Done Being Nice About Abortion and Adoption!

I'm so SICK AND TIRED of all this Planned Parenthood mumbo jumbo.

I'm sick of being nice.

We currently have four couples still waiting for placement with our organization Because of Isaac.  One of those couples: Ryan and Briana have raised 100% of their monies and after many close calls, are still waiting to be chosen. To say they are weary and tired and frustrated would be one of the largest understatements I could ever make.

Our other three couples: Joel & Criss, Kevin & Tessa, and Chris & Renae are still fundraising. While they haven't raised all their money, they are still on the list to adopt and could get a call at any time.

And yet they wait.

This article: Adoption Update: The Resounding "No" to our Constant "Yes" is an outstanding adoption article discussing what it feels like to be a waiting parent.

In short: It sucks.

How would you like to be one of these couples, waiting for a birth mother to choose you while you watch Planned Parenthood receive GOVERNMENT FUNDING that pays for babies to die?

I keep reading articles and Facebook posts about Planned Parenthood. I keep reading some sort of combination of words that go like this:

"We can't expect these women to not abort when we don't have resources for them. We need more resources if we expect them not to abort."

And I want to punch a wall.

Or scream.

Or punch and scream at the same time.

There are resources GALORE to help these women have a baby without ANY COST TO THEM! All they have to do is call up any adoption agency in any city or any state in all of America and tell them they would like to place their child up for adoption. Within an HOUR there would be someone there and within a day there would be a family for their child.

Here are four families that would be there tomorrow!

Did you know that a birth mother can have all her medical costs and even counseling and housing/food costs covered if they need it?

In addition, a woman can bring her baby without question to any church, hospital, or EMS station and leave them there and a family will be found. It's called the Safe-haven law. Check it out.

And yet IGNORANT PEOPLE keep saying "Mothers need more resources if we expect them not to abort."

Wall.

Scream.

They do not need resources. They HAVE resources. What they need is someone to tell them, "Hey, you know what, abortion is not without issue. You will have emotional and possible physical ramifications. This could lead to infertility. This could cause you sadness and intense grief and pain. And you know what? There is a family who could adopt your baby. You could give this child life. And it will cost you nothing."

How about using this tax payer money to help infertile couples not have to spend $25,000 to adopt a newborn baby? If we weren't paying for women to have abortions, we could do that.

If you could PROVE TO ME that each woman, before being given an abortion, has all of these facts explained to them .... that they are told, "There is someone who can help pay for you to have this baby and give this baby a great home," then maybe I might understand a bit more all these people saying, "Women need more help."

(Please don't tell me they have this explained to them. I'm not talking about a flyer or a quick video. I'm talking about an actual, truthful, counseling conversation that explains this in clear, concise language.)

BIRTH MOTHERS HAVE HELP!

(Please also don't tell me that Planned Parenthood does other good things. If the chickens we are raising on our farm are 99% healthy but have 1% of poison in them, that is not okay. People are not okay with 1% bad. And if Planned Parenthood is doing something 1% badly, then they are not okay. And at the very least, shouldn't be getting my money.)

Meet four families who would LOVE to be the Daddy and Mommy for the baby they are planning on murdering.

I can't be nice about it any longer.

People are ignorant to the truths of adoption.

Hopefully my words help explain it. I'm sorry that I couldn't be more of the peaceful, sublime Wendi. I just can't do it anymore on this topic. My heart hurts too badly watching these four families wait and wait and wait while babies are dying and dying and dying.

It.
Is.
Not.
Okay.

We Bought a Farm: I Hate Flies

I'll be honest: I am loving farm life.

I'll be honest again: I HATE flies.

We have had a serious fly problem at our house. We had a guy come out to look at it, and he can't figure out what is wrong. All we know is that our brick house is very warm and the flies migrate to it like a duck on a June Bug. We also think that a chicken processing plant down the road is contributing.) We get flies by the thousands. They stick to our screens and anytime any door is cracked open, we have dozens in our house again.

Folks, I am not talking about a few flies here and there. I am talking like I will kill ... thirty ... and then an hour later there are thirty more. It is disgusting and I hate it. People who come to visit at first just sort of nicely nod when I tell them about my fly problem, but by the end of the visit they are saying things like, "Okay. Man. Yeah. This is bad." They will be coating our screen doors. This is not an issue of farming bringing in flies. Our neighbors are dealing with it too. Something is really up, and we cannot figure it out.

The flies are ...

B-A-D!

When Shane was here, I got so fed up with the flies that I went outside to kill them -- which I never do. I know it is like throwing a dart at a mountain lion. But I was just so mad at the flies. I had no idea that Shane was filming me. I was a bit embarrassed by this video, but then decided, since I keep it real ... here is me ... having a conversation with myself about flies.

By the way: we got our first frost -- I'm so glad for winter -- if only to get a few months off of flies!