E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D and B-L-E-S-S-E-D

Update coming soon.....but right now. I need rest. 

my type of parenting

I'm sitting here doing my normal routine - hairbows.  My mind wanders.  I am thinking about Ethan and Reagan and in my mind a movie plays watching them grow.  Then I think about Maggie.....

Before I say too much about that, let me share something with you.  I am THAT mom.  I don't let my kids do things where I am not involved.  I don't want to miss things.  I want to be involved in everything that they do while I can.  I want them to know that I am ALWAYS there.  I don't let people take my kids places.  It isn't because I don't trust them.  It is because I want to be there.  I want to know and experience everything with my babies.  (Judge me if you want) 

Here is my every night (granted this is just a sample of the types of hairbows that I am making) 

Lately, I have felt like a bad friend to all the people that are special to me.  It isn't because I want to be or that I don't feel the connection with them anymore.  It is simply that I am busy being a mom, wife and making hairbows for the craft fair.  

As I am cutting the satin....I am overwhelmed with the fact that I am missing out on Maggie.....I never missed a moment with Ethan and Reagan.  It hurts me so deeply.  My coping mechanism is to stay as busy as possible.  If I don't sit still then I don't have to think about it.  (Yes, it may be a slight case of ADD too - but I can't get a doctor to confirm it).

Truth be told. My heart breaks.  It is hard to have your child on the other side of the world.  We haven't seen her picture or met her yet so that makes it easier, I guess.  But still everyday we pray for her.  Everyday we ask God to let her know that she is loved.  Her situation is temporary and soon she will have a person in her life that will be there (God willing) for everything even to the point where she doesn't want me to be. 

So, if I didn't get you a birthday present or I haven't called in awhile.  I am not wanting to disconnect....in fact once this craft fair is over I need you.  I gotta keep this ol' mind busy......



Whoo-hooo!!!!

First I am so, so sorry!!!! I know I have been out of it lately but seriously......my friends and I are preparing for our mega fundraiser for Maggie by selling hairbows, personalized cups and other items at the Bardstown Arts and Crafts Fair.....that sucks up just about every free moment that I have.  (and almost 100% of my creativity)  :)

But I wanted to let you all know about something very exciting! Months ago we applied for a matching grant through Lifesong for Orphans.....and well....God is so, so good!

Yeppers!!!!  We got it. God is good!  This is such a huge blessing as right now we are waiting to be matched with our precious little girl.  If interested in more information about our grant and what it means....just shoot me an email and I am happy to give you all the details. 

sneak peek

You remember how I said I have been working on making a room that was once for one now for two....it is still a work in progress....but here's a sneak peek

I am really proud of myself. If you've ever watched the show, Design on a Dime - I feel like  I could give them a run for their money.

I bought this off of Craig's List for $100.  It is actually a corner TV armoire - but I like to think outside the box and feel like it is the best use of the space.....

let's face it - I wasn't feeling that color and we all know how much I love to paint furniture! so here it is:

We are going to put a rod in the top portion (where the TV is supposed to go).  We now call it a multi-purpose armoire.  (notice that I spray painted the hardware - which is a HUGE savings!)

Here is a mirror that I bought at Goodwill for $8

Here it is finished and in place.

More pics will come soon - we are working on their headboard and other things to make it more personal and well.....better suited for our new addition!  



in my earlier days....

I am reading this book....'No Longer a Slumdog'.  It was a free book and you can get it here http://www.gfa.org/book/  I am just partially through it but let me tell you - it is good, it is easy to read (just on my level) and gives you enough to make you cry....

I wanted to share a portion of the Forward in the book written by Francis Chan.....just because well....it's you and it's me......

In my early days, I would see images on the televsion of suffering people overseas.  I would quickly switch the channel because I did not want to see suffering.  I certainly did not take the time to think of them as individuals with names, lives, families and souls that are just as valuable as my own.  I merely labeled them, "needy" rather than lovely people with personalities.  Work hard at seeing their worth.  Pray and work for them, as you would want them to do for you if the tables were turned. 

What if for a moment you imagined the tables being turned?   I certainly don't want to do that....in fact I turn the station if it is on the news.....HOW DARE I!!!!.....Seriously, if that was you or me....would you say, 'It's okay.  I know it is hard to look at or think about so don't worry about me and my suffering.' 

NO!!!!!
 
It's not okay. It's not okay on so many levels......

These are REAL people.  Real names. Real lives.  Real families that are in desperate need. 

I'm not posting this for you, it is for them.  Domestically kids need help.  Internationally kids need help.  Do I think that everyone is supposed to adopt?  No.  Do I think that more people could do it than are?  Yes ma'am and yes sir.  If you can't adopt, sponsor a child at Compassion International, go on a mission trip, reach out in some way. 

Sorry it's been a while!

I told  you before if I can't be insightful or inspirational - I don't feel like you want to read about my boring ol' life.  However, just in case you do here is what my days consist of:

1) my kids and being a momma
2) waiting for Maggie or Mags as we are already calling her - poor kid. 
3) working on repainting and fixing up a room that was once for one girl and now will be for two (I have to say I love it and once complete I will be sharing)
4) making hairbows*

*If you haven't heard a good friend and I are going to have a booth at the Bardstown Arts and Crafts Fair as a fundraising opportunity for Maggie.  Our booth's name is Maggie's Hope...don't you like how subtle we are?  Nonetheless, I am working like a mad woman to have 1.5 million hairbows ready....and my fingers have the calluses to prove it.  So, start saving your money cause between the hairbows and specialty drink cups and other items that we are making you have alot of Christmas shopping to do! 

If I haven't said it before, thanks for checking in on us here at the Runner household.  We do appreciate it and have been a little overwhelmed with your kindness!

Much love, us

A favorite

Okay, what you will see below is one of my favorite bloggers.....she is full of crafty ideas and is an amazing photographer.....She is also an advocate of adoption (yes, I started reading her before we started or even contemplated our journey)

We all know that God can move mountains.....but sometimes it is really inspiring to see it in someone else's life....

http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/08/01/and-the-journey-finally-began/

check her out....and well.....if you see some of 'my' ideas for pictures or craftiness.....yeah, she thought of it first.  :)