#18

onward

The talks I alluded to in the last adoption post did happen. They did not go well. The Russian door has now closed firmly. Their government refuses to budge, so even if a family has received a referral (which we did) or has made their first trip (which we didn't) or got a court date (we weren't even close), they are done. The law is the law and stands as written. Most, if not all, of the kids were released from the 'reserved' list and are adoptable again.

I've taken my time getting to this post. I haven't been ready for sympathy*. The pain was too intense and I didn't want to hear 'God is in control' or that everything happens for a reason or speculations about what God is doing. 

I also wasn't ready for 'so what are you going to do now?' because we just don't know**. That question also is not allowing us to a. grieve and b. daily rest in God's plan. b. is already really hard to do, so the extra pressure of needing to know 'what's the next step' is stressful.

Here's a really good article about how to Not Say the Wrong Thing. And though we didn't have a physical loss, here's some good advice for after a miscarriage, parts of which you can apply to our situation, too.



We watched a movie in youth group a couple of weeks ago, and the main Bible verse used in that film is Proverbs 3:5-6. Though the whole thing is appropriate for the storyline, the section that one should 'lean not on your own understanding' jumped out at the main character. And it jumped out at me, too. I'm trying very hard not to lean on my own understanding in this situation, but it's tough.




*I was totally ready to be able to cry and receive hugs and 'I'm sorry'. But that's it.
**Poland has a few hiccups we weren't expecting. 

trial

I'm not sure how these tags came about, other than I decided I really needed to try something out of my usual comfort zone of creating. I think it also is a result of getting some new paint daubers.

Regardless, the purple tag happened first:

I just kept going with the additions--when it was only halfway done (and at that point I didn't know it was only at the halfway mark), it looked terrible. It still isn't something that I like, but I think it turned out okay.

The orange tag came second:

The background and the edging stumped me for a while, then I remembered I had new stamps from 100 Proof Press that I hadn't used yet and pulled the queen owl out. Perfect! This one is my favorite of the three, though it still isn't my style.

And finally the blue tag:

This one I really wanted to leave alone, but knew I had to play with it*. I can always recreate the part I really liked (the blue color and outline) in a future tag. Anyway, I didn't want too many dimensional layers on this one, so I kept things minimal. Now I'm second guessing myself--it almost seems too flat... maybe it just needs a bit of glitter.

Overall? It was fun to go outside myself and force some new thinking. How often will I do this? No idea.

One other note: all three of these photos are from my iPhone. They turned out better than the ones from my 'real' camera!







*Yes, I did. It was a personal challenge by this time.

#17

deluge

#16

coherentific

In getting ready for another Make-n-Take, I decided to peruse my stack of magazine pages for ideas. As before, I found one that gave me a great idea.

I took the sweater as the base and stamped white dots on kraft cardstock, reserving the hot pink for the focal color this time. I added the black bits to accentuate, like her purse and belt.

I may make more of these for Christmas--it turned out rather cute!

classic

One of my youth group teens recently expressed an interest in learning how to cook and started asking around for help. I'm honored that I made that list!

Spring break finally came and we quickly set a date to cook supper for both our families. As we chatted about the menu, Chip piped up that he thought we should pursue a supper club theme.

So that's what we did.

Jen came over mid-afternoon so we could map out the meal and order of events. We had to get a few of the 'extras' that are expected at a supper club ready, including printing the menu, assembling the relish tray and the breadsticks. We also had to decide if we'd plate everything or serve family style.

We decided to serve it all, as if it were a club.

Then we got to work marinating, chopping, peeling, mixing and measuring!

Cocktails were at 6 pm, with dinner served at 6:30 (starting with the salad). I highly recommend that apertif--it's delicious! I'm sad I didn't get a picture...

Again, if you're following me on Instagram, you got some of these early!

hypochondriasis

Unfortunately, there isn't much new on the Russia front. I believe both governments have finally agreed to talk, with the tentative date being April 17, but who knows what will come of that discussion. Perhaps it will benefit those families that already traveled and accepted a referral (but never got a court date). Perhaps it will only close the door firmly, with the Russian government feeling they've done all they need to.

We've made the decision to start new paperwork and submit to Poland. That is all the info I have for you right now: Chip's still really busy and we haven't met with our social worker to discuss details of this.

Would you consider signing this petition? It's one small step to help orphans all over the world (including right here in the U.S.) be allowed to be placed in a loving family, regardless of race, region or country: Make a Child's Right to a Family a Priority.

#15

comfit

Remember Chip's cupcakes? I had leftover blackberry frosting and it's been languishing in the fridge, waiting for me to either a. make more cupcakes or b. find the perfect use for it.

Fortunately for our waistlines, b. happened first.

As Easter approached, a bunch of the blogs in my reader started touting things to make for the holiday. This included homemade buttercreams! And thanks to my mom cleaning a few of her cupboards, I had a candy mold to use (rather than free form as the original recipe there does). So I bought some Ghiradelli chocolate and got to work.

A little time consuming, but these are totally worth it, even if you don't have a mold and go free form! They have to be stored in the fridge so they don't melt, and I'd recommend letting them warm up a bit before you eat one.

Note: those following my Instagram got a sneek peak of these!

flux

#14