November 2011

So things just got taken up a notch for our family.

More on that soon.

All good. Just busy.

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In the meantime, we’re selling stoves!

They are the Hottest Gift for the Holidays, no doubt.

Check out the great Huffington Post article.

We are determined to help 10,000 families this holiday.

I just keep buying a stove every time I start to get sucked into the holiday frenzy.

It’s helping. I think.

We will send them as e-card gifts too to your list if you want.

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Or if you have kids who are looking for a project, they could join this sweet girl in her clean water effort.

I chatted briefly with her Mom this morning.

I love it when kids step out to do stuff like this.

Would love to see her succeed as well.

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My husband has a birthday today.

We love him.

And I can honestly say–I don’t think there is anyone on the planet I am more proud of.

Happy Birthday, Andy.

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Anyone, anywhere near us in Olympia should join us too on Dec. 7. (7:00 pm)

All worship night at our church.

We will bring our First Gifts of worship…in an upward expression of worship and also in an outward expression of worship through giving opportunities.

We’ll be there with stoves. A couple others non-profits will be there too.

The two cannot be divided–Worship vertically and horizontally.

I’m already looking forward to it….a night to simply center ourselves in the craziness of the holidays.

He is bigger. It is all His. And we get to be a part.

Pretty cool

Meet me there?

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OK, that should do it for now.

I will be practicing some deep breathing techniques over here.

That and coffee.

Should be fine…

November 28, 2011 1 Comments

“I know God loves the sound of our voices when we sing songs of praise. It’s music to his ears. But you know what God loves even more? God loves the smell of your sweat….God loves it when we break a sweat serving his purposes. Our energy turns into beautiful melodies…”

(Mark Batterson)

November 27, 2011 3 Comments

The sun was shining.

It was dry.

The leaves are still a bright, golden yellow.

The drive to Portland–often with the windows down–was awesome.

Andy and I savored the time.

We discussed all the problems of the world.

And planned for the holidays with the kids.

We panicked about how much we have to teach Dawson before he leaves us in 6 years.

And we debated the value of Christmas carols, and cats, and Catholicism .

We tried to stick to things that only begin with C…..

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Meanwhile, the kids exhausted their caretakers.

How thankful we are for them.

This is Kora’s happy face.

Believe me. It is.

November 26, 2011 0 Comments

We walked around downtown Portland.

Sang Christmas carols in the Square.

Bought 2 cupcakes.

Had an intense theological debate over dinner.

And then went back for the tree lighting…

Perfect.

November 26, 2011 1 Comments

We had a fantastic day yesterday.

Thanksgiving in WA is lovely.

We have tremendous people in our lives here.

The enormity of that blessing is not lost on us.

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And today, I’m running away.

With my husband.

For his birthday.

For 24 hours.

When we look at the calendar for the next couple months.

This is an emotional and physical and psychological necessity.

Without any family close by, this is always a serious effort.

And always involves some guilt for me.

We have a lot of children. We understand this.

So we are incredibly thankful for the young people who jumped in to make this 24 hour getaway happen.

It’s a big deal.

November 25, 2011 0 Comments

Provided us the rare occasion for a slow start.

Andy and I were awaken by a full force basketball game happening in our living room (the hoop hangs on the outside of our bedroom door).

Complete with a play by play announcer (Quincy) on the High School Musical microphone (loud).

Glorious.

Decided to put Pinterest to the actual test this morning.

Muffin tin eggs. Perfection.

Kids loved it.

I don’t like eggs.

So broiled grapefruit for me.

This one…not so much.

Won’t do it that again.

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Andy and I worked together to make mashed potatoes for our dinner tonight.

Our sweet hosts and friends know our limits….

November 24, 2011 2 Comments

We are converting the bus to a submarine.

It’s either that, or build an ark…

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And can I just say that this is LIES. Lies, I tell you.

There was nothing “Easy” or “5 minutes” about this.

It should be more like “Guaranteed to make you curse and cry.”

(And no, it didn’t get done.)

November 23, 2011 1 Comments

Things I love.

It’s that time of year.

And I just want to tell you about a couple things I love. Personally connected to all these awesome people somehow. And I really love….

1. Mavuno Market: “Where shopping changes lives…” Fun stuff here!

2. Water For Christmas Etsy Shop: Opens in 2 days. All purchases go to bring clean water to thirsty people around the world. Check back on Friday!

3. Because Every Mother Matters: Shop here and support maternal health in Ethiopia!

4. Votre Vu : If you love amazing skin care, shop here and enter AP at the end of your name (example: Jody Landers AP) and Michelle will donate all the profit to buy stoves in Haiti!

5. Brown Water Coffee: Every time you buy a bag, you help a thirsty community get clean water.

And I got this email this yesterday too about a friend’s stove purchase:

“I felt “convicted” to provide two stoves because I believe I should always be looking to give beyond myself. One stove, pshhh, easy, but two, that had a little more financial impact and I felt my heart connect with those lovely Hatian women who already face too many hardships and barriers in life!”

I’m inspired by that.

And for that reason, I love the holidays!

Love to you all.

Know that I am thankful for the team and cheerleaders and fellow warriors that you all are.

I mean that. I really do.

November 23, 2011 2 Comments

“Jesus understood unfinishedness very well, which is why he was comfortable leaving eleven unfinished disciples. When he died, the disciples were confused, depressed, afraid, and doubtful. They faced a lifetime of finishing, just like you and me. Messy spirituality not only reminds us we will always be a work in progress; it also reminds us that the unfinished life is a lot more spiritual than we imagined.”

(M. Yaconelli)

November 22, 2011 0 Comments