Finished Object Friday - Cake Made to Order

A few weeks ago I had a talk with a couple of girlies. We were talking about what they wanted for their birthday cakes! On her birthday, I made sure I had "Gracie's" order correct for her little party the next evening. So here's the cake - made to her specifications with a little embellishment on my part...

And here's the whole cake:

(and yes, it had her real (actual) name spelled out on it, I just choose not to share it on my blog...)

I think she liked it!

She is such a dear, special girl! She is soo tender and loves Jesus with all her heart! Her parents couldn't ask for more than that!!

Here's the whole trio!

I had so much fun making this cake - I usually do! :) And let me tell you... it's pretty yummy!!! I'd much rather make a birthday cake myself than have to eat a dry grocery store one. heehee! :)  (but don't tell anyone... they think I'm doing the favor!)

So what have you been up to? I'm doing good this week and actually getting the post up early! :) I can't wait to see what you have been creating! (If you're trying to figure out what this is all about, read my intro post to FOF here.) Happy linking!

Taking Steps

Last week, my husband stopped by our local agency office with a big folder of paperwork. This big first step is (almost) completed! It's so exciting to make progress on bringing our little one home! We are so ready to meet this little person and welcome him or her into our forever family.

(This isn't the folder we turned in... we didn't get a picture!!)

Mark posted this update on our Facebook:  "Just submitted formal adoption application plus accompanying paperwork (> 100 pages)! -Mark"

The outpouring of love on that post has been tremendous!! I can't help but feeling so blessed at the love and support from our friends and family!

Mark and I are so full of joy at this big step in bringing our child home. You might call it a "paper pregnancy." All parents go through a period of waiting for their children to arrive, and most arrivals take a different path. (Why else would there be so many "birth stories" on blogs?) :) God has shown us that this is our "birth story," that adoption is the way that He has chosen to build our family. At any time, He can change the path. He can lead us in a different path of adoption than we have chosen or he could chose to send us a biological child. That is up to Him. We are just walking in His path. Does that make us better people? Are we "super religious" for choosing adoption? I don't think so. Because we are, as each person should be, simply choosing to walk in the path that God has laid out for us.

When our path arrives at the place where we are meeting for the first time a little person who is to be ours, our path with that person is just beginning. I am excited about the baby years. I get pretty "gushy" when I see little tiny babies. But children running and playing makes me sentimental too, and so does the thought of an honorable young man or a lovely young lady - the person my child will (by God's grace) become.

Love You More - Book Review

I love reading adoption stories. It's wonderful to see how God has brought other families together through adoption. I am excited to see how our family will come together! When I saw the opportunity to read this book about the Grant family's adoption story, I took it! You know you have enjoyed a book when it looks like this when you are done:

In her book, Love you More, Jennifer Grant tells the story of how they came to the decision to adopt, how they adopted their daughter, and how life has been since Mia joined their family. She describes the emotions that come before, during and after adopting. It is a book that will resound with any adoptive parent - domestic or international - because many of those emotions are the same in so many circumstances. She also helps the reader understand what is an appropriate response to discussing adoption if you are unfamiliar with the process.

I certainly enjoyed reading it, as you can tell by all my place markers. Not only was the content good, it was a very enjoyable read. A few times, as Jennifer was telling about her own childhood or giving historical background, it seemed to get a little tedious and I would wonder where she was going with it, then she would tie it back into their story and it all made sense. It took me a while to get through the book, mostly because I wasn't actually reading it. (duh, I know.) but when I took time to read, I was quickly sucked into their story.

Truthfully, the only thing I really disliked about the book - lame though it may seem - was the feel of it. It felt like sandpaper. I like to enjoy holding a book that I'm reading. :)

I would recommend this book to anyone considering adopting (domestic or international) as an easy, encouraging read. I love that she lists resources in the back - not only for adoption, but for ministries dedicated to helping the orphans. It's also an awesome book for those who know an adoptive family or a family considering adoption. It is would help people understand how adoption works and the miracle of becoming a family through adoption.

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I was given this book to review by Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chari Tree Chat

Busy day around the house for me! It's been a rather slow week - I've had a nasty cold. So today I'm trying to catch up! :) Yesterday, I actually finished my wreath!

and no, that's not it's permanent location - I'd have a problem when I want in my pantry!! :) Hanging it in it's permanent location is actually one of the items on my to-do list today!! I've also been working on home study paperwork - got our floor plan all done with dimensions, and furniture!! (This is a great free site - if you ever need to do up a floor plan!!)

THANK you all for your prayers for Ryan!! He came home from the hospital and is doing much better! The healing is going to take a little time, but we are so thankful that the worst is over! (In fact, he and his wife, Mary, may be making a short visit here this weekend!) :)

One more thing... If you don't read Sugar Pie Farm House, you might want to check it out!! I love her decorating, and this post is just the thing to get me inspired for another thing on my list - Fall Decorating!!! :)

Finished Object Friday - Book Pages

Alternate Title: Well begun....

... is half done....literally!!

I fell in love with book wreaths... there are so many cute ones on Pinterest! This one especially grabbed my attention:

Source: yarner.blogspot.com via Charity on Pinterest

I thought it looked like something I could actually do! Problem: it's taking a LOT longer than I had anticipated!! The good part? I got to enjoy a film I've been wanting to rewatch for a while. Here is the tutorial. I did find my 2" punch at Hobby Lobby. I don't really have any extra advice, just plan on it taking a while!! :) Hope I can get it finished up next week.

Another title: "I tore up a book!"(which is really saying something for a book lover like me... I had to buy some books specifically for tearing up!) :)

I also have a special prayer request! Mark's brother, Ryan, has been in the hospital since Tuesday with a brown recluse bite on his arm. Last I heard, they may be doing surgery again this morning. We made a quick trip up to see him last night. I know he enjoyed the visit, but he is still in some pain. The Dr. didn't like the looks of things when he checked him yesterday. I know he would appreciate your prayers!


Happy Friday and Happy Linking, everyone!! :)