Pumpkins

We went to 2 group homes tonight. The first was an elementary age group home. We loaded up the van with pumkins and brought them all their very own pumpkin to carve. Ok, really, they cleaned out the pumpkins and drew a face, we carved. They had very definate ideas on what they wanted their pumpkins to look like and they were very pleased with the results.

We also went to an teen girl group home and suprised one of the girls with a birthday cake. She is turning 18 next week. A cool thing for other kids, for her, it meant she would no longer be a minor so she would be forced out of a group home and into a homeless shelter. She has no family here. Two days ago, her house manager told us she had family in another state that wanted her but they couldn't raise the money to get her to them. We were able to put the word out and get donations for her to get a plane ticket to go back to her family and NOT the homeless shelter. Many happy tears and an awesome birthday celebration. Thank you so much to those who helped her out!

Fall has fallen finally!

We took a day trip to Sedona yesterday after church. We were pleasantly suprised to see the fall colors all over the gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon trail that we like to hike. Nice and cool and oh so pretty. Then we came back home to our high 90's weather in Phoenix. Gotta love Arizona.

Couch makeover update

And here's the finished product. I actually fininished the day after I bought it, just took me a while to get the picture. And then I reupholstered our ugly but really comfortable $6 chair to match the couch.

couch

chair before

chair after

Garage Sale Score!

I have a small loveseat for my main couch in my living room. It's really just big enough for one person. Then it started sagging in the middle and went from bad to worse. I've been dreaming for and looking for a couch for a while now. The ultimate was a leather couch. Out of my price range, but a girl can dream. Friday, Brent and I went to a yard sale and there was a big comfy leather couch with beautiful lines for $40! Brent immediately said, "no." The cushions were very faded and worn and one cushion had a tear. I begged and convinced him, handy seamstress that I am, that I could reupholster the cushions and it would look fabulous. He sighed and let me have it. Yeah!! I got right to work, I was so eager to get it fixed up I forgot to get a before picture. So here's some pictures of the couch with the worst cushion already reupholstered with brown corduroy. I love it! I'll post another picture when I get it finished.

Red Thread

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break." - Chinese Proverb

Brent and I wore red thread bracelets until Angie came home. We wore red threads until Amy came home. Now the whole family is wearing red thread bracelets until little brother- Jack, comes home. It's just a way to keep him close.

 His name is Jack did you catch that? Brent and I have mothers and their mothers that have the same first and middle names. Both of our Grandfathers had a brother named Jack. It's like we're related or something! :-) With Amy and Angie, we gave them a special name to us, as well as a tie to their Chinese heritage. They kept part of their Chinese name as their middle names. We are doing the same for little Jack. Jack Gaoshan Peak.

We're waiting for you Jack and can't wait til' you are home.

Something Fun

I thought this would be fun. For the next 2 weeks, every $5 donated to our adoption fund gets you entered for a chance to win this custom outfit in any size you want. You can donate on the CHIPIN on the right. Drawing will be Oct. 14th.

You can see more pictures here

Made just for fall, your little darlin can wear this through the whole season. Pumpkin print Apron top with matching ruffle pants. Wear it with short sleeves under the aprop top and when it gets a little cooler, wear a long sleeved shirt underneath. Great for those pumpkin patch pictures!

Thanks for helping us!

Ps. 68:6 "God sets the lonely into families"