the itsy bitsy spider...

These simple cut-outs made my life easier at Freedom Readers this week as I attempted to get Devonte's attention with reading..

For the past few weeks I have tried to push through his short attention span reading book after book after book and attempting to 'write' a one-minute speech like the other young scholars (who are all a good bit older than him). Being that D. is only four, it's been tough to follow the prescribed regimine, to say the least!

My other aid this week was a dry-erase white board. After we sang the spider song a few times, we drew spiders and talked about how they make webs and lay eggs. Then we even practiced the letter D for Devonte! :)

It made my day to have him so engaged and enjoying himself! So thankful Tracy (Founder of Freedom Readers) was kind -and wise- enough to encourage me to stray away from the norm and get on my little guy's level the best way I knew how...

Great challenge for me. And even greater reward seeing Devonte's joy Wednesday afternoon when he realized I was on his side.. And that he could keep the itsy bitsy spider cut-outs! :)

Jordan-cousins...

Just in case you didn't know, the Jordan family was able to come home with their twin bundles last Monday!

So excited for them!!!

Can't wait till they're all settled in, immune systems built-up, and ready for visitors!! ♥

wii bowling...

We got together for Shannon's birthday this weekend, and a very fine highlight was not only wii bowling with the Alfords, but making our own Miis!

Jeremy's was the best by far. :)

Visiting Woods & Grands...

This past weekend, Mom, Kayla and I went to visit Granny & Papa, my mom's parents.

It is absolutely beautiful there.

My favorite thing to do besides visit with G&P, is to walk through the woods down to the pond.



Kayla and I took the short hike Sunday before lunch was served and we had to head back home.

She's the goofiest, most fun sister I ever could have asked for!

Great to see the grands doing so well. Granny is home and as healthy as she can be. Still not able to do much for herself, but between Papa, her children, and her sweet day-nurse, she is well tended to.

Thankful for the time with them, and with Kayla & Mom. ♥

Current Read: Just Do Something

...and officially my first eRead....

Enlightening and refreshing thoughts on God's will.

If you're one who gets caught up in the littlest decisions, fretting over whether God would have you go this way or that, I would highly recommend this book!

Thanks to Google...

Thanks to Google I know today would be Swedish architect and artist Josef Frank's 125th Birthday!

Love the way they honor special days with a personalized Google!

more Josef Frank goodness for your viewing pleasure...



textiles...



wallpaper...



furiture coverings...



even lamps...

what a guy!

sewing update...

Project #12: African Baby Sling

I finished this a few weeks ago and gave it to my dear friend Jill. She was excited to get a homemade maya wrap for Baby Girl #3... of course that made my day! :)

I'm currently back to working on Project #7: the Paisley Dress that I started in October of last year.

This guy took a back seat right about the time we started the bridesmaids' dresses...

thank goodness we only had 3 to make...

I thought they turned out wonderful.

I loved them, and I think the girls did too. :)

Decided to make an album of my projects so I could have them all in one place... Unfortunately I took most of the pictures with the camera phone... maybe one of these days I'll update with new ones, but for now at least they're documented :)

Lessons from Toy Story 3, by Don Miller

Once again I find myself encouraged and spurred on by this guy!

...always talking about telling good stories with our lives, and how/why go for it... I just eat it up; hopefully you will too...

Words of wisdom from part 1 of 3:

"Clearly define your ambition, and clearly define what you have to overcome, and then go for it. The stuff that makes a great story also makes a great life."

Definitely some food for thought:

what's your ambition...

consider obstacles...

go.

You should probably check out all three Toy Story posts (pt.1, pt.2, pt.3)... I think it took me all of 20 minutes to read all three. :)

Skyping with Thailand

Got to skype with my Steph this Monday morning (since we were off for Independence Day! :)

Great getting to talk with her, share what we're both learning, and even dream a little about some things we'd love to do more/start doing (for example, she wants to start volunteering at a dog pound in Thailand and I want to keep working with my little guy from Freedom Readers..)

She's alone for the next few weeks while Jen is in Panama with Teen Mania.. Praying for her days and weeks and productivity with Pure Heart and good times with the people around her...

Devonte's smile...

This little guy has been stirring my heart & desire to make an impact since I met him two weeks ago!

Meeting Freedom Readers has stirred in me the passions that were at work when I was with Teach My People (Nov. 05-Jan. 09).

Devonte's inside-out shirt, shoeless feet, and joy-filled smile make me want to conquer the darkness and overwhelming obstacles that threaten his success!

How about you? ...Any mentor [or parenthood] experiences to speak of??

Who/what makes you want to conquer the world?

Truth & Light: thoughts behind my scribble...

Crazy sketch, I know, but there was a lot being processed as I scribbled it out…

It’s inspired by a family I’ve learned about and all that they’re going through…

Black: deep, dark issues
Gray: more issues
Yellow: Truth & Light

The truth cuts through lies. Always.
And Light always penetrates the darkness..