Friday, October 28, 2011

Friday

Its Finally Friday!  What a week!!  My mom had surgery and the doctor was very happy with how well she did.  My sisters and I have formed a small army, taking care shifts and its so nice to all be working together and hanging out with mom.  Meanwhile on the home front I finished a HUGE portion of the Homestudy paperwork and we are gearing up for the fundraiser on November 6th that the Persian Fellowship is sponsoring.  What wonderful people they are! 
To sum up:  The Lord is good...all the time:)

Here are a few photos from Shepherd's Field...They were trying on costumes this week getting ready for Halloween...Henry is the Dragon.


Monday, October 24, 2011

Blessings and Disappointment

My mom was diagnosed with cancer last week.  The diagnosis came as a complete surprise, because she is a healthy mom.  We have been together alot, my family and I and it is nice, but although there are smiles and laughter no one is happy.  Every once in a while the air gets sucked out of the room and there are no words, nothing to say.  Today she will have surgery to try to remove all that they can, I covet your prayers...for her....for me.
Cancer isn't a death sentence these days, the doctor seems to feel that she has a great chance of beating this, he is so positive, which is great.  But as I look at the next 6 months, as positive as I try to be, all I see is a hard road.  Unfortunately, or fortunately that road also holds the adoption of my Henry which makes it bitter sweet.  Its interesting how God works sometimes.  He's not taking life and giving it, but He is improving quality of life for one as He takes quality of life from another.  And as I read this morning and pray to my God, the only thing I have to say is that He is the only answer.  He holds everything we all need, whether it be healing and comfort, love and compassion or money and patience, endurance and sanity.   It is He who formed us from the womb with one eye or two, with parents or none, with cancer or healthy.  It is He who has the plan for our lives and who is delighted when we choose to walk in it no matter what the situation.

Ephesians 1:2 starts with Grace and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Today I don't feel very blessed, but I am thrilled that all I have to do is go to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and Grace and Peace are freely given.  I am told I have been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing and today I will walk around knowing that, despite what I feel.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Homestudy

So I've always thought of myself as a very efficient type of person, able to sit down and accomplish what needed to be done.  This homestudy has thrown me for a loop!  First of all it is two stacks of papers, each needed a different thing from a different person at a different location.  Some from friends for referrals, some from teachers, employers, doctors and even the vet.  We need birth certificates and marriage certificates, appraisal documents and loan verifications.  Then there is the two page autobiographies, the photos and the drawings of our home and yard layouts.  To say the least I am overwhelmed with it all and frustrated with myself because as I procrastinate, the piles taunt me and Henry waits patiently.

I  have always known that I was not the patient type but I have this sinking feeling that this might be the season of learning patience.  Pray for us...we will persevere...we will move forward...as we wait.

Just a couple of photos of some things that I have made recently....They will also be in my shop if anyone is interested in purchasing them.

Holiday Hostess Full Apron $30

Spring Cooking Full Apron $25

Spring Cooking Half Apron  $20                 








I finished the quilt for Henry as well.  Vivienne cut out this panda about 5 years ago because she wanted a pillow for her bed.  She never finished it so hes just been hanging around my art room for all this time.  When I found him a couple of weeks ago I knew just what to do!  
I call it "While I Wait" because he looks like he is waiting...just like me.

While I Wait   $85


If you are interested in a quilt like this please email me...I would love to make one for you.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Three Crazy Sisters


On Thursday and Friday for the first time in a long while I got to be with my sisters.  We were given some potentially devastating news and we are nothing if we aren’t supportive during difficult times.  We piled in the car with my mom and drove to get my grandma in Apple Valley.  After two days I found myself exhausted but completely thankful and not wanting it to end.

I have two sisters…together we are 41, 42 and 44.  We are all driven, constantly moving and doing.  We are all creative and quilt as an outlet for that creativity.  It brings fulfillment and without creating we are bored.  We are all mothers and take that title so seriously that it describes the very core of us.  We love our kids to a fault.  When they are happy we are thrilled, when they hurt we ache, when they are disappointed, we are devastated. 
My daughter describes us as three of the same person and when we are together we slip into a world where we almost telepathically communicate and uncontrollably laugh.  We are all sisters of the same mother, all parts of the same, all equally different. 

Temre is the oldest, the Romantic, the Funny One. There is no situation that she can not make hilarious and spending one good day with her can keep you giggling for days to come.  She is the most emotional and not only wears her heart on her sleeve she wears her emotions pinned all over the front of her.  She carries them with her and periodically they weigh her down completely.
With complete abandon she loves and works and the rest of the world fades.  She has found balance as she has gotten older, and with that balance she has found a drive that is admirable. 

Buffie is the youngest, the Realist, the Skinny One.  She has always been so naturally thin that she had us forever longing.  She is the baby of the family and she is the peacemaker.  The one who wants everyone to be happy at any cost.  She is so unpretentious and humble that she can poke fun at your weakest parts and because it is so honest it is impossible to do anything but laugh.
 Buffie is generous and viciously loyal, she is selfless financially and emotionally to a fault and definitely the most compassionate, but she carries her worries inside, shoving them further and further down until they eat at her health.  As she has matured she has learned much about self restraint and how to do many things well but thankfully she has never learned how to stop loving unconditionally.

I am the middle girl, the Idealist, the Pretty, Smart One.  First, I get two labels because I have so many other negative ones, second before you take them as me being prideful, you have to realize that in the order of importance I rank at the bottom, with Funny being the most desirable trait and Skinny in a close second, if not first sometimes.
I am definitely practical to a fault and tend to take myself too seriously most of the time.  I carry my cares neatly packed in a backpack, where I can’t see them and am in control of what I deal with and when.  Unfortunately most of the time God allows me to trip, spilling them all out at once where I have to let go of my control and surrender my pride. 
I will quickly trade emotion for information and compassion for honesty, which comes in handy only on the rare occasion and is why I am commonly the “mean sister” as well.  It is also the reason I cherish the attributes of my sisters so much to whom humor and compassion come so naturally.

We are coming into what could possibly be the most trying season of our lives as sisters, as mothers, as wives and as daughters. There quite possibly could be bickering, I’m pretty sure there will be tears…but I’m also sure the tears will be mixed with laughter and I’m positive that is what is going to keep us sane.

Sewing My Heart Out

Here are the new quilts I've been working on.  Each is aprox. 45x50 the perfect size for your favorite little girl or boy.  All are 100% cotton.  All $85.


FREE Customizing options:  
                       Your choice of colors/fabrics
                       Personalization:  name
                                                   initials 
                                                   favorite scripture

China Girls


 Scrappy Birds




Happy Birds
 

Turtlestone

  
 Alternative Sizes:
              Med    55x65     $125

              Twin   66x90     $200
Feel free to email me if you would like more photos or have any questions at gretchenhill@sbcglobal.net

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Faces of Henry

Ok So I couldn't resist, these photos were just posted by Annie who was an English teacher at Shepherd's Field over the summer.  The sweetest girl, with a HUGE heart.  The kids were practicing their emotion words. 
Can't wait to see them in person:)

This is Henry's Happy Face
This is Henry's Sad Face
This is Henry's Scared Face
This is Henry's Surprised Face








Saturday, October 8, 2011

Fundraising

Don't you just love his sweater vest?
When God called us to adopt there was one hesitation..only one, money.  The cost of an adoption from China is between $20,000 and $25,000 and honestly we don't make that kind of money and have never been very good savers.  There is no way to rationalize what one hears from God.  There is no way to predict how He might work, but in obedience we decided to walk forward.  As far fetched at all this may sound, each time I get weary and start to doubt I am reminded of the verse in Galations 5:22, 23,
  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentelness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.   
Believe me I realize that Paul is speaking of the fruit of the Spirit and not adoption but He is using this to speak to me about adoption also, "against such things there is no law."  How could it be wrong in any way to provide this child with a family that will care for him and love him and provide all the things that a family can provide?  Caring for those less fortunate than us is a command and therefore if we are obedient, He will bless.   


So far...out of nothing He has provided $4000 so we have started the process of the homestudy, which is where an outside company is hired to thoroughly study your family to assure you are suitable to adopt.  We will do interviews, take classes on adoption and finally they will make a recommendation to the government on what they decide.  This process takes from 1 to 3 months.We are confident that the Lord will provide every dollar that we need but if you feel that after prayer He is leading you to help, following are some fundraisers you might take part in.








Fundraising

Persian BBQ:
A Wonderful man from church is going to host a full Persian BBQ to benefit the Henry fund after church on Sunday, November 6th, so we are going to postpone the tamales until next month.  Please keep checking back for a date, or you can email me with an order.  

Tamales:  UPDATE:
 We will be selling homemade tamales to friends and family and at church in mid November. (date to be announced)
We are offering Chicken or Beef and we can sell them cooked or uncooked with cooking instructions.
They are $10 for 6 or $20 per dozen. 
 If you would like to order some you can email me at gretchenhill@sbcglobal.net. 

Quilts
I have been working on quilts that would be perfect for a new baby, or a Christmas gift for children or for a special friend.
Of course you can buy them from my shop but I am also planning to sell them at a Fall Boutique on October 22nd,where you can shop at other booths for all kinds of Fall and Christmas items.  My sweet niece Lauren will be joining me with her creations as well. 
Rainbow Kids Achievement Center 
30412 Esperanza,
                                   Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-2144

Help for a Widow
Later in the year we will be teaming with an organization called Lifesong for Orphans in their project, Both Hands.  This offers grants for getting a team together and working to help cleanup and do light maintenance work on a widows house.  The cause is wonderful and will bless a widow as well as raise money to bring our Henry home.  Your donation to this organization is also tax deductible and 100% will go towards our adoption.
http://www.bothhandsfoundation.org
www.lifesongfororphans.org.
Further details to come.

1/2 Marathon Fun
And Last but not least I am putting together a team to run in the Surf City Marathon...before you have a heart attack, read on.  We will only be participating in the 1/2 marathon event and you can run or walk.  Here is the scoop...The race is February 5, 2012, along PCH in Huntington Beach and is 13.1 miles.  The original fee to run is $100 but you will only be required to pay $50 to register and then raise at least $50 in donations.  I will provide a letter with all the information about our adoption and where the donations will be going.  You will also get a free "Team Henry" t-shirt.
How fun would it be to have a huge team of your friends to run...or walk for this cause?
More info to come but please email me if you or someone you know might be interested.  For more information on the race course go to runsurfcity.com.

Ordinary Miracles
I am starting a new page on this blog called "Ordinary Miracles" so that I can share with you the wonders of our God.  I have a feeling it isn't going to fall from the sky into our laps, in the form of a check, but that it will come little by little in the ordinary miracles of everyday life.  I really hope that you will join in with us through prayers, awareness or financially...but please do keep tabs on God's provision for this as I am positive it will be miraculous.



Monday, October 3, 2011

A True Jamie Goodbye

          Its only been a year. We met her last summer and she, in the most natural sense became part of our family.  A year ago she was lost, kinda living under the radar, accountable to no one.  In one year, 12 months, the Lord has recharged her, given her direction and set her on a mission.  I have said a million times, that the love God gave me for Jamie is amazing.  Its amazing that He chooses to use us to influence other peoples lives, its amazing that He loves us through other people....If we let Him.  I have said over and over that China ruined us forever, in a good way, and Jamie did the same.  She showed me how much joy God can bring when we open up our lives to those around us, she showed me how incredible it is to be involved in God's plan and not just on the sidelines watching.  She showed me what its like to love others with God's love and be loved in return. 
           A Year ago, after learning what Jamie's job entailed, and realizing all that she was capable of, I asked her, "What do you want to do?"  She said nothing.  I asked her what she would do if she could do anything in the world, she said nothing.  After getting frustrated, I asked her to pray about it, that the Lord would show her what it was that He wanted her to do with her life.  There were no miracles, no writing on the wall.  There were no prophetic words or visions, just a committed daily walk.  She did what she was called to do that day...she went to the bible studies that she had avoided before, she babysat the kids that she had grown to love...she walked in Him and she waited, and then there was China.
          I know I will see Jamie again soon, probably sooner than most because we will be visiting her in China when we adopt, but I don't think I will ever again see the Jamie that I am driving to the airport today.  As she steps out of my car and boards that airplane she is accepting what God has for her life and when you do that you can't stay the same because a life in Him is exciting and challenging and wonderful.  You are ruined forever...in a good way.  We are so proud of you Jamie...and yes, I will miss you.               
Whoot Whoot!!

Jamie in the front of the house playing with the kids during her party.
The sweet Willette girls
Jamie with Sweet Shane
The girls who love Jamie:)

Josh Patopoff after his sweet Jamie goodbye.
When Charles started praying for Jamie, all the kids gathered close and started hugging her.


Jamie's dad, Dave, Jamie, Charles and I


I love you Jamie, see you in the spring:) and oh, oh give Henry lots of hugs from me.