I've been thinking a lot about the eclectic gathering of blogs that I visit on the regular. So, I decided that although many of you know each other, many of you do not. Therefore, I'm being a lousy hostess by not introducing everyone. So....without further ado...
Building Cathedrals: At the top of my blog obsession is my BFF Amanda. I've already blogged about how much I love her, so if you'd like to know more you can check that post out here. Basically, we've been BFF's since the 10th grade and she just "gets me." She's a pretty fabulous writer and I think you should check her out on the regular.
A Testimony Confirmed: This is Cathy. She's a member of my church and becoming quite a good friend. Her kiddos are adorable and probably some the best behaved kids I've ever met. I plan on using and abusing her knowledge of homeschooling as I embark on this treacherous journey. She and her husband have shown such remarkable faith by leaving secular jobs and becoming full time ministers. They left family, their home and former lives to follow God's call. I find it amazing and challenging all in one breath.
Bring the Rain: The beautiful part about being a blogger is that you find others who are blogging as well, and you can watch their life unfold from the outside. This is Angie. Although I do not know her in real life, I feel as though she is a friend. Reading her blog feels just like I'm sitting with her on the sofa, sharing a cup of coffee. Her blog is about the life of her precious daughter Audrey. **Warning, I feel it is only appropriate to tell you that if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, now may not be the best time to read Angie's blog. It is brilliant and a work of art, but also very transparent. Visit it again after you've delivered your baby.
Confessions of A CF Husband: This is Nate. Once again, I've never met him or his family in real life, however I stalk, I mean check up on his family daily. His wife Tricia is recovering from a double lung transplant due to the disease Cystic Fibrosis. They have a daughter, Gwyneth who was delivered 15+ weeks early and at 6.5 months old, is thriving! It has been a wild ride following these folks, and it is so cool to watch God work miracles in their lives.
Exploding Fruit....or something like that: I renamed Matt's blog because I don't understand the meaning of the title of his blog and since it's my link, I can do whatever I want. I attend church with Matt, his wife Beth and their incredibly adorable son Levi (this kid is serious cute). So far, Matt's blogs have managed to make Luke and I cry from laughter. Freakin' hilarious. Also, Matt is the brother of Lindy Thompson (Only Servants). There will be a quiz later, are you taking notes?
How to Be a Hooligan: This is Skylar. She's a youth at our church and becoming a great friend. However, I'm considering removing her link because she never blogs anymore (hint, hint).
Lani: This is, well, Lani. Once more, we have not physically met, but because of God's awesomeness we are getting acquainted through blogg-world. She has an adorable family and it is obvious that her love for Christ leads all that she does.
Levi Buttonfly: This is Beth. She's the one married to Matt (listed above). We actually went to middle school together, which is wild. She was the cool, popular girl and I was the dorky one who wanted to be cool. Now, she's still the cool, popular girl and I'm still the dorky one. However, we are bonded through motherhood and I've come to find out that her heart is the size of Texas. She's a wonderful mother and a woman of God. Since I go to church with her husband, I'm assuming you would know that I go to church with her as well. Her blog is named after that adorable son, Levi, I told you about earlier. Did I mention he's one cute kid?
Mommyhood Awaits: This is Brittany, aka Britt-Britt, aka "Girlfriend" (the last one is for my kids, not me. Trust me, we're NOT that way.) Britt and Matt have become incredible friends. Currently, they are expecting their 1st bundle of joy in February. Britt will be an amazing mommy. I have no doubt that God placed her here to mother kids. She and Matt are quickly growing in popularity at our home as our children are beginning to ask about them daily. Oh, and yes, we also go to church together.
Only Servants: This is Chris and Lindy. Wow, I am going to struggle keeping this description to a minimum. Let's see, currently they are serving as missionaries in Kenya. We actually have the privilege of knowing these incredible people in real life. Already, they have shaped and molded my little Elizabeth's heart in so many ways. This story alone shows that what they are doing is impacting the Kingdom. They are so dear to our family and I know they would cherish each and every prayer you'd be willing to submit on their behalf. As I heard Lindy say to a youth before they left, "You've only got Chris and Lindy to miss, we have everyone to miss." I think about that daily when I feel the ache of missing them. I love you guys. Oh, and yes, I met them at church as well.
Our Journey to Adoption: This is Emily. She is also a mother of 3, soon to be 4. Currently, they are submitting all of their paperwork to adopt their daughter from Ethiopia. Her husband is the Pastor at our church. Emily and I are also becoming great friends. I have learned so much from her about motherhood, faith and life. She's one of those women who know a lot without being a "know it all." We jointly (along with some men, one of whom is my husband) teach the rising 11th graders. Her insight always floors me, yet makes me search within myself to find what God is speaking. Her kids are amazing and her Bailey and my Elizabeth are secretly twins, separated at birth (and by 6ish years). Don't tell them that though, it would just break their hearts.
Pister Michael: This is our Pastor, Michael. I wrote it as "Pister" because that is how Elizabeth pronounces it. Each week, as we are driving to church Elizabeth asks, "Mom (or Dad) can I go to Pister Michael's class this week?" Each week we say yes. I don't know why she has continued to ask, but it cracks us up each time. Emily and Michael have 3 kids, Bailey who I referenced above, William who is the spitting image of his father and "Jim-Bob" as Lucas calls him. Luke and I love hearing Michael's sermons as they usually convict us pretty heavily. Clearly Michael is the leader of his home, which is why I believe he is so extraordinary at leading our church, among other reasons.
Shore 'nuff: This is Jennifer. Jennifer is probably the 2nd friend I made at church, shortly after Phil and Sarah. She and I are kindred souls and I find it both beautiful and amazing that we've not ticked each other off yet. By that I mean that Jenn and I are both "tell it like it is" people. Usually, our filters are a little holey and whatever we're thinking just flies out. She inspires me so much through overcoming past obstacles and still using them to reach people for Christ. If I ever doubt why I'm doing foster care, she's the 1st person I call. Plus, she's got cute kids and they like my kids, so that helps.
The Booy Family: This is Kelly. Kelly and I went to college together and played volleyball together for 3 years. Kelly was more influential in my salvation than I think she'll ever realize. In college, Kelly was known for being set apart. Her faith directed her steps, and although I'm sure she could tell you mistakes that she's made, in my eyes she was the kind of Christian I wanted to be. She knew all the bad stuff most of us were doing, but wasn't judging, exclusive or condescending, she was just Kelly. Funny, warm, contagious Kelly. Now, she and her husband, along with their 2 kids are living in the Netherlands. She views life with zeal, humor and through the eyes of Christ. Now that I'm a believer myself, I realize just how much strength she needed in college and I'm beginning to experience just where she got it.
The Hall Family: This is Mandy. Mandy, her husband and their 3 kids also go to our church. As of late, I don't see Mandy near as much as I'd like. She's serving in the children's area and we're in the youth, which isn't conducive to socializing on Sundays. Mandy has a heart desperate to serve Christ. She and I have so many similar struggles and when I read her blog, I leave feeling normal and refreshed.
The Haut House: This is Beth. We met Beth and Noah in our foster parenting classes. Over the course of 9 weeks, we realized that we were not the only crazy people in the class! Beth and Noah have 3 biological children as well and they too are fostering. In them, I have found confirmation of God's call, insight, compassion and comfort. Each time we are with them, God affirms why we are fostering. I have no doubt that God placed each of us in that class at the exact same time so that we could see that there are other people out there doing exactly what were doing for the exact same reason.....Christ. Currently, they too have a newborn (born just 3 days before Baby D). It seems as though with each step, God is allowing us to experience this together. I know our journey with them is just beginning, and I am excited to see God work as we lean on each other for support.
The Larson Family: This is Stacy. Stacy worked in the student life office when I was in college. We were casual friends, but somehow reconnected on myspace of all places! Stacy and her husband delivered twin boys almost 1 year ago. The boys were delivered at around 24 weeks. They lost their precious son Braedon, but have since brought home his brother Conner. Conner is doing remarkably well and Stacy is such an awesome mom. Not only do I feel a kinship with Stacy as a mother, but as a mother of twins. If you want to see a cute, chubby little boy, check out Stacy's blog. Conner's a cutie, that's for sure!
The Multi-Talented Miss P: This is Paige. Paige and I met almost 1 year ago at Elizabeth's 3rd birthday party. She played Dora the Explorer, I played Elizabeth's mommy. This year, she'll be Bozo the Clown (j/k Paige). In this past year, we have developed a deep friendship. She is, by far, the most amazing 16 year old I've ever met...including myself at 16!! She has a heart for children, missions and Christ. I cannot wait to see how God uses her. Currently, Paige is orchestrating an outreach project to children in a low income housing project. It's a God sized project, but Paige has the faith, gumption and love to pull it off. I'm so proud of her and I am so blessed that my children have her as a role model.
The State of Grace: This is Grace. Grace is another of the fabulous youth at our church. She is leaving in the fall for college, just when I'm starting to really get to know her. She is cynical, which I love, thoughtful and, I think, secretly a giant teddy bear. She is one of very few 18 year olds I know that views life through the eyes of Scripture. Although I know she questions pretty much everything, I also know her deep love for Christ. I again can't wait to see how God uses her as she leaves for college, then grad school then maybe even med school. You show them nerdy's who's boss, mmmkay?
Twin Power Mommy: Last, but not least (b/c it's in alphabetical order) this is Candice. I just recently discovered Candice's name, but we've been tracking each other for a while now. I think she lives somewhere in California. Obviously, we've never met in person. However, Candice has twins, which immediately made me like her. I think all mothers of twins (or multiples) have a shared bond. It's as if you can look at their situation and say, "Aaaahhh, I understand, really." Candice is also a follower of Christ and is raising 3 beautiful kiddos to serve the Lord.
As you can see, I have an eclectic variety of blogs that I link to. Now that you all know each other....click, visit and be merry! Oh, and update your blogs...I love hearing your stories!
Building Cathedrals: At the top of my blog obsession is my BFF Amanda. I've already blogged about how much I love her, so if you'd like to know more you can check that post out here. Basically, we've been BFF's since the 10th grade and she just "gets me." She's a pretty fabulous writer and I think you should check her out on the regular.
A Testimony Confirmed: This is Cathy. She's a member of my church and becoming quite a good friend. Her kiddos are adorable and probably some the best behaved kids I've ever met. I plan on using and abusing her knowledge of homeschooling as I embark on this treacherous journey. She and her husband have shown such remarkable faith by leaving secular jobs and becoming full time ministers. They left family, their home and former lives to follow God's call. I find it amazing and challenging all in one breath.
Bring the Rain: The beautiful part about being a blogger is that you find others who are blogging as well, and you can watch their life unfold from the outside. This is Angie. Although I do not know her in real life, I feel as though she is a friend. Reading her blog feels just like I'm sitting with her on the sofa, sharing a cup of coffee. Her blog is about the life of her precious daughter Audrey. **Warning, I feel it is only appropriate to tell you that if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, now may not be the best time to read Angie's blog. It is brilliant and a work of art, but also very transparent. Visit it again after you've delivered your baby.
Confessions of A CF Husband: This is Nate. Once again, I've never met him or his family in real life, however I stalk, I mean check up on his family daily. His wife Tricia is recovering from a double lung transplant due to the disease Cystic Fibrosis. They have a daughter, Gwyneth who was delivered 15+ weeks early and at 6.5 months old, is thriving! It has been a wild ride following these folks, and it is so cool to watch God work miracles in their lives.
Exploding Fruit....or something like that: I renamed Matt's blog because I don't understand the meaning of the title of his blog and since it's my link, I can do whatever I want. I attend church with Matt, his wife Beth and their incredibly adorable son Levi (this kid is serious cute). So far, Matt's blogs have managed to make Luke and I cry from laughter. Freakin' hilarious. Also, Matt is the brother of Lindy Thompson (Only Servants). There will be a quiz later, are you taking notes?
How to Be a Hooligan: This is Skylar. She's a youth at our church and becoming a great friend. However, I'm considering removing her link because she never blogs anymore (hint, hint).
Lani: This is, well, Lani. Once more, we have not physically met, but because of God's awesomeness we are getting acquainted through blogg-world. She has an adorable family and it is obvious that her love for Christ leads all that she does.
Levi Buttonfly: This is Beth. She's the one married to Matt (listed above). We actually went to middle school together, which is wild. She was the cool, popular girl and I was the dorky one who wanted to be cool. Now, she's still the cool, popular girl and I'm still the dorky one. However, we are bonded through motherhood and I've come to find out that her heart is the size of Texas. She's a wonderful mother and a woman of God. Since I go to church with her husband, I'm assuming you would know that I go to church with her as well. Her blog is named after that adorable son, Levi, I told you about earlier. Did I mention he's one cute kid?
Mommyhood Awaits: This is Brittany, aka Britt-Britt, aka "Girlfriend" (the last one is for my kids, not me. Trust me, we're NOT that way.) Britt and Matt have become incredible friends. Currently, they are expecting their 1st bundle of joy in February. Britt will be an amazing mommy. I have no doubt that God placed her here to mother kids. She and Matt are quickly growing in popularity at our home as our children are beginning to ask about them daily. Oh, and yes, we also go to church together.
Only Servants: This is Chris and Lindy. Wow, I am going to struggle keeping this description to a minimum. Let's see, currently they are serving as missionaries in Kenya. We actually have the privilege of knowing these incredible people in real life. Already, they have shaped and molded my little Elizabeth's heart in so many ways. This story alone shows that what they are doing is impacting the Kingdom. They are so dear to our family and I know they would cherish each and every prayer you'd be willing to submit on their behalf. As I heard Lindy say to a youth before they left, "You've only got Chris and Lindy to miss, we have everyone to miss." I think about that daily when I feel the ache of missing them. I love you guys. Oh, and yes, I met them at church as well.
Our Journey to Adoption: This is Emily. She is also a mother of 3, soon to be 4. Currently, they are submitting all of their paperwork to adopt their daughter from Ethiopia. Her husband is the Pastor at our church. Emily and I are also becoming great friends. I have learned so much from her about motherhood, faith and life. She's one of those women who know a lot without being a "know it all." We jointly (along with some men, one of whom is my husband) teach the rising 11th graders. Her insight always floors me, yet makes me search within myself to find what God is speaking. Her kids are amazing and her Bailey and my Elizabeth are secretly twins, separated at birth (and by 6ish years). Don't tell them that though, it would just break their hearts.
Pister Michael: This is our Pastor, Michael. I wrote it as "Pister" because that is how Elizabeth pronounces it. Each week, as we are driving to church Elizabeth asks, "Mom (or Dad) can I go to Pister Michael's class this week?" Each week we say yes. I don't know why she has continued to ask, but it cracks us up each time. Emily and Michael have 3 kids, Bailey who I referenced above, William who is the spitting image of his father and "Jim-Bob" as Lucas calls him. Luke and I love hearing Michael's sermons as they usually convict us pretty heavily. Clearly Michael is the leader of his home, which is why I believe he is so extraordinary at leading our church, among other reasons.
Shore 'nuff: This is Jennifer. Jennifer is probably the 2nd friend I made at church, shortly after Phil and Sarah. She and I are kindred souls and I find it both beautiful and amazing that we've not ticked each other off yet. By that I mean that Jenn and I are both "tell it like it is" people. Usually, our filters are a little holey and whatever we're thinking just flies out. She inspires me so much through overcoming past obstacles and still using them to reach people for Christ. If I ever doubt why I'm doing foster care, she's the 1st person I call. Plus, she's got cute kids and they like my kids, so that helps.
The Booy Family: This is Kelly. Kelly and I went to college together and played volleyball together for 3 years. Kelly was more influential in my salvation than I think she'll ever realize. In college, Kelly was known for being set apart. Her faith directed her steps, and although I'm sure she could tell you mistakes that she's made, in my eyes she was the kind of Christian I wanted to be. She knew all the bad stuff most of us were doing, but wasn't judging, exclusive or condescending, she was just Kelly. Funny, warm, contagious Kelly. Now, she and her husband, along with their 2 kids are living in the Netherlands. She views life with zeal, humor and through the eyes of Christ. Now that I'm a believer myself, I realize just how much strength she needed in college and I'm beginning to experience just where she got it.
The Hall Family: This is Mandy. Mandy, her husband and their 3 kids also go to our church. As of late, I don't see Mandy near as much as I'd like. She's serving in the children's area and we're in the youth, which isn't conducive to socializing on Sundays. Mandy has a heart desperate to serve Christ. She and I have so many similar struggles and when I read her blog, I leave feeling normal and refreshed.
The Haut House: This is Beth. We met Beth and Noah in our foster parenting classes. Over the course of 9 weeks, we realized that we were not the only crazy people in the class! Beth and Noah have 3 biological children as well and they too are fostering. In them, I have found confirmation of God's call, insight, compassion and comfort. Each time we are with them, God affirms why we are fostering. I have no doubt that God placed each of us in that class at the exact same time so that we could see that there are other people out there doing exactly what were doing for the exact same reason.....Christ. Currently, they too have a newborn (born just 3 days before Baby D). It seems as though with each step, God is allowing us to experience this together. I know our journey with them is just beginning, and I am excited to see God work as we lean on each other for support.
The Larson Family: This is Stacy. Stacy worked in the student life office when I was in college. We were casual friends, but somehow reconnected on myspace of all places! Stacy and her husband delivered twin boys almost 1 year ago. The boys were delivered at around 24 weeks. They lost their precious son Braedon, but have since brought home his brother Conner. Conner is doing remarkably well and Stacy is such an awesome mom. Not only do I feel a kinship with Stacy as a mother, but as a mother of twins. If you want to see a cute, chubby little boy, check out Stacy's blog. Conner's a cutie, that's for sure!
The Multi-Talented Miss P: This is Paige. Paige and I met almost 1 year ago at Elizabeth's 3rd birthday party. She played Dora the Explorer, I played Elizabeth's mommy. This year, she'll be Bozo the Clown (j/k Paige). In this past year, we have developed a deep friendship. She is, by far, the most amazing 16 year old I've ever met...including myself at 16!! She has a heart for children, missions and Christ. I cannot wait to see how God uses her. Currently, Paige is orchestrating an outreach project to children in a low income housing project. It's a God sized project, but Paige has the faith, gumption and love to pull it off. I'm so proud of her and I am so blessed that my children have her as a role model.
The State of Grace: This is Grace. Grace is another of the fabulous youth at our church. She is leaving in the fall for college, just when I'm starting to really get to know her. She is cynical, which I love, thoughtful and, I think, secretly a giant teddy bear. She is one of very few 18 year olds I know that views life through the eyes of Scripture. Although I know she questions pretty much everything, I also know her deep love for Christ. I again can't wait to see how God uses her as she leaves for college, then grad school then maybe even med school. You show them nerdy's who's boss, mmmkay?
Twin Power Mommy: Last, but not least (b/c it's in alphabetical order) this is Candice. I just recently discovered Candice's name, but we've been tracking each other for a while now. I think she lives somewhere in California. Obviously, we've never met in person. However, Candice has twins, which immediately made me like her. I think all mothers of twins (or multiples) have a shared bond. It's as if you can look at their situation and say, "Aaaahhh, I understand, really." Candice is also a follower of Christ and is raising 3 beautiful kiddos to serve the Lord.
As you can see, I have an eclectic variety of blogs that I link to. Now that you all know each other....click, visit and be merry! Oh, and update your blogs...I love hearing your stories!