Baby Face here again...

I have a guest blogger today -- my niece, Leah Marie

HI it's Baby Face here again. Back in April when I was only 9-months-old, Aunt Jewel let me write my first blog and you can read it HERE.

Since then I have perfected my crawl, taken steps on my own, grown hair, grown a mouth full of teeth (including molars), started brushing those teeth, and been told that I'm going to be a big sister in May.

It's been a pretty exciting 16 months of living, and next to eating (I eat absolutely everything by the way), my favorite thing to do is go to Grams and Gramps' house and play with Aunt Jewel and Aunt Jessie.

Right now Aunt Jessie is my favorite, but Aunt Jewel told me that she has a plan. When everyone is giving all their attention to baby #2 that is coming in May, she plans on still loving me and swooping in to be the fave in my life!

So on Saturday, I spent the evening at Grams and Gramps' house with Aunt Jewel and Aunt Jessie. The rest of the blog will detail a few of the things that we enjoying doing that night. Also included should be: chasing the kitty cat Simon, eating dinner, playing with my toys, reading books, and going to sleep.

I can crawl so fast and I like to run my head into walls and the furniture at high speeds!

Here I am with Aunt Jessie (my fave) playing with all the cans and such in the bottom cupboards. Next to chasing Simon, this is my absolute favorite thing to do at Grams and Gramps' house!!

Here I am playing with the telephone. I was amazed that it would stretch so far across the room! Please notice my beautiful bracelets (technically they are infant foot rattles, but I like to wear them on my wrists and shake 'em around!)

Before lotion, pajamas, and two stories, Aunt Jewel gave me a bath. Here I am wet and naked, and reaching for a hug!!

(I told you I had hair and a mouth full of big teeth!)

Well everyone, that is all I have for now.
I don't know when I will be back, but hopefully soon. Poor Aunt Jewel has been so busy preparing for her World Civ. exam tomorrow and her Theology exam on Wednesday, she was only able to take a short short break to monitor me as I wrote.

I love you all (really, I love everyone!),

Bye bye! ♥ Leah Marie (Baby Face)

At the end of a quick week!! :: Friday's Fave Five

I can't believe it's already Friday again! This week went by so fast. To think that we are so close to Thanksgiving, so close to Christmas, and so close to the end of the semester is exciting; but with that comes the nerving reminder that there are still many things left to be done in only four-and-a-half more weeks!

Happy “Friday’s Fave Five” blog, hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. Click on the linky to see what 5 things other bloggers found pleasurable this week!

1) Our Indian Summer

Sunday and Monday were absolutely beautiful, with temperatures in the 70s. I left my jacket on the couch, and even wore flip-flops Sunday afternoon! There were even a few students on campus studying on blankets on the lawns. It was beautiful.

2) The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Dr. Bounds, my theology professor, offer 5 extra credit points on our next exam if we read The Last Battle, the seventh and final novel in The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. I had only read book two (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), but a classmate convinced me that these books need not be read in sequential order, so I picked it up Monday afternoon, and finished yesterday evening. It was really good! I felt like I was reading for pleasure, even though it was an assignment. I love reading for pleasure, but I am never able to because there is always a pile of textbooks waiting for my attention!

The unicorn (seen on cover) was introduced in chapter two. I was immediately drawn to him because his name is Jewel. :) Hellooo, that's my name!

3.) My elephant collection

Writing yesterday's blog (click HERE), remembering each elephant's story and where they had come from, made me appreciate each one so much, and made me more excited to extend my collection as I continue to travel -- to Mozambique in May, and (HOPEFULLY) back to Cambodia in June and/or July.

4.) The Colts (8-0 baby!)

My beloved Indianapolis Colts moved to 8-0 on Sunday. This Sunday night they face the New England Patriots (6-2). I love football and I love the Colts!

5.) Leah Marie

I love that baby face! I can't wait to babysit my 16-month-old niece tomorrow! I can't wait until she has a little brother or sister on May 24th!

She loves the slide!

Granddad and the Story of My Elephant Collection

Years and years ago, my maternal grandparents were Christian Missionary Alliance missionaries in Sierra Leone, Africa. A few years after my mother was born, Grandmom was pregnant and got very sick; the family returned to America, and comfortably settled. Granddad was a pastor and a history teacher, and eventually returned to the mission field for short periods of time, preaching and even planting churches. In addition to the dolls he bought for Jessie (twin sis.) and I, he apparently bought elephants on every trip because my grandmom, mom, and uncle each have a large collection of elephants -- a variety of shapes and designs, and from a variety of lands. Granddad passed away 15 years ago this month, and I miss him every single day; but his passion for mission (and elephants!) remains alive in me. I wish nothing more than to have my granddad back, even for just 1 day. Whew.. anyways!

Here are the stories of a few elephants that I have collected over the past few years as I have traveled and ministered (just like Granddad!)

This first elephant actually belonged to Granddad, and was the first added to my collection as a Christmas gift from Grandmom. It could be from Haiti or India or somewhere in Africa; I don't know.

This doesn't have a great story, but is probably the most unique in my collection. It's a "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" set and I bought it from a cute old oriental man at a market in Florida.

Sadly, this elephant took a hard fall two years ago, and both tusks have been broken off. Actually, one leg had also broken off, but I was able to superglue it back into place. Ironically enough, I bought this marble elephant at the airport in Cuenca, Ecuador. (No, I don't expect you to "get" the irony.) He is still one of my favorites though...

This elephant is from Rajana in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It looks like it was handcrafted from recycled metal parts (nuts, washers, & piping).

The Rajana Association is a nonprofit organization for income generation and skills training, producing fair trade products using traditional Cambodian skills with contemporary designs. The name “Rajana” means “design” in Khmer. Rajana Association focuses on the rural and urban poor, and small producers of handicrafts. Rajana trains young Cambodians in traditional craft–making skills, as well as in accounting, marketing, computer courses and English. Through development of traditional craft–making skills, Rajana helps maintain and rebuild Cambodia’s rich cultural traditions, damaged in the country’s wars.

This is a bronze elephant also from Cambodia. The detail on it's blanket, cap and anklets is amazing.

I have quite a few of these. I dissembled 2 mobiles (similar to THIS) and gave a few of the elephants as small gifts. Earlier this week I decorated our Christmas tree with the rest of these silk elephants (see HERE).

This elephant is also very unique. It is meant to sit at the edge of a ledge, but I have it sitting on a small rock so it appears self-supportive. Jessie (twin sis.) bought him for me this past summer in the Philippines.

This elephant bag is also from Rajana. I love it and I get alot of compliments on it. "Thanks! It's from Cambodia." Until winter (when I start wearing my big poofy coat), I carry this over my shoulder with my books. I love love love it!

Now I would really love to add one of these to my collection::

A typical souvenir from Thailand, posted by Kari. Aren't they beautiful?!

Random 12

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.


1. What was the last song you listened to?
Christmas in the Caribbean by Jimmy Buffett This music video is pretty lame, only a still frame advertisement; but it's a good song!

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
I have, but it's rare because I'm pretty tight with my money.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)

Not having the opportunity to return to Mexico freshman year, and going to Honduras instead. It was definitely a life-changing direction!

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
It is definitely one of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving, but I don't always get to each year. My favorite? I don't know, I love the huge balloons.. and all of it really. :]

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day.

To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place.

Worthy, You are worthy!

(Unashamed Love by Ten Shekel Shirt)

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?

Facebook.

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?

Absolutely all of it! Sweet potato casserole, turkey, sweet corn, ham, green beans with shaved almonds, moist rolls, fruit salad, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie...

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?

The Cul-de-sak Kids by Beverly Lewis. Loved them! It was a series of 24 books, and I had at least 20 of them -- bought them 2 or 3 at a time from a Christian children's book magazine from school. I wish I had kept them, but I'm afraid we probably sold them at a rummage years ago. :(

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)

Elephants! Inspired by my granddad who was a missionary and a world-traveler.

He's been gone 15 years this month and I miss him everyday. :(

Come back tomorrow to read the story of each elephant!

(No disclaimer. I promise it will be posted tomorrow. It is already drafted!)


10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?

Wrapping paper absolutely, except for the occasional atrociously odd-shaped gifts.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?

In junior high I had volleyball or basketball practice after school, and in high school I had soccer or track practice. In elementary, Mom always picked up Jessie (twin sis.) and I, and we went home. We played Super Nintendo and N64; watched Full House, Family Matters, The Cosby Show, Home Improvement; and read lots of books. We ate dinner as a family. Played in the yard with 2 neighbor boys Josh & Luke, road our bikes, and went to church on Wednesday nights.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??

Yes, I'm pretty sure that I do; but without clarification, I couldn't tell you for sure! HA.

Dream 2 of Reoccurring Dreams: After 50 hours and down a father..

After last Wednesday’s Random Dozen, I promised to share two outlandish dreams with you. I shared the first (read HERE), about giving birth to a small, white baby girl in The Bush, without the recognition of my family. I had this second dream maybe a year later, almost equally ridiculous, but eerily similar. I gladly welcome anyone’s attempts to interpret these dreams. HA

Again, I’m pregnant. I was happily married and we were expecting our first child, a boy. My pregnancy had been problem-free, and everything looked great. I went into labor the exact date that the baby was expected, and we rushed to Marion General Hospital, only 20 minutes from home. Then it all began.

After 50 (fifty) hours of hard labor, the doctors decided to do an ultra-sound to check the position of the baby. They realized the baby was in fact not a boy, but a girl. We had really really wanted a boy, but I was emotionless – I didn’t have the energy to feel anything. My husband, Micah, however, was outraged. Micah left me, right then and right there; and he didn’t just leave the hospital, he had no intentions of being in our home when I arrived home with our baby girl.

Apparently the baby had crawled back up the birth canal, and the doctors encouraged me to take a couple laps around a nearby park to lower the baby. No big deal, right? …It had only been 50 hours of hard labor, and my husband did just leave me. So I left, still in my hospital gown, and was ecstatic to find my family still in the waiting room. I expressed my appreciation to them, and my brother was like “Whatever, we have only been here 2 hours.” Two hours? I thought that was strange, I had been there for 50 hours, why did they only arrive 2 hours ago? So I asked, “So, would anyone mind joining me for a short walk around the park? The doctors…”

I was quickly interrupted by my mother who rudely denied my request and informed me that my sister had just delivered a baby. “Why did you think we were here?” She asked. “Jessie went into labor two hours ago, and your beautiful nephew was born just 5 minutes ago. Only two hours!! She is so strong!! Isn’t that wonderful?”

She had done it AGAIN. Previous to two hours before, no one was even aware that my sister was pregnant before marriage. Then she slides right in; and quickly and easily, she has a perfect baby boy, while I’m pushing and pushing and pushing, and 50 hours later my family has only decreased in size.

Interpretations?

I spy...

Welcome to Monday Meyhem, the home of Meyhem on a Monday.
Every week is something different.
Have fun!

Today's meme- I Spy.

For each of the prompts, you may answer with an image, a sentence or however you want to.

I Spy something......
Delicious.

Chicken fried rice!

I Spy something......
Cute.

This picture of my niece Leah with my brother Jeff

I Spy something......
Stupid.
Obviously this isn't a picture of what I'm going to explain, BUT it works. Today there were two lines at Wildcat Express for lunch checkout. Everyone always chooses the first line, as if it is the only option, and I am able to sneak around to a much shorter line, and feel like I am cutting 30 people. Maybe they don't realize??

I Spy something......
too much.

$1,800!

The cheapest flight I can find from Indianapolis, Indiana to Phnom Penh, Cambodia is about $1,800.. LAME! Thanks for nothing cheapinternationalflights.net!

I Spy something......
I'd like to do.

Have twins.

I Spy something......
I'd like to visit.

Honda Bay, the Philippines

I Spy something......
outrageous.

awkwardfamilyphotos.com

I Spy something......
I would rather do than work.

Relax on the beach with a good book!

To quiet down my busy mind...

You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day

To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place

Worthy, You are Worthy

(-Unashamed Love by Ten Shekel Shirt)

SILENCE. STILLNESS. SERENITY. JESUS. CAMBODIA.

Happy Friday and Friday's Fave. Five!

Happy “Friday’s Fave Five” blog, hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. Click on the linky to see what 5 things other bloggers found pleasurable this week!

1. A beautiful new bracelet made be oppressed women in Kenya
I bought this beautifully beaded bracelet yesterday from my friend Kat who spent her summer in Kenya, ministering in an orphanage and among oppressed women. She is selling these bracelets, made by the women, to provide an even more sustainable income for the women. Often women and young girls are taken from prostitution and are taught trades such as crafting, but the income becomes much less than they were making by selling themselves. So sad. The bracelet was was only $7. How much is the dignity of a women worth?

2. My 8:55 speech class was canceled!

I give this mixed reviews, but I'm listing it anyways because, LET'S BE HONEST, who doesn't get a little excited when a class is canceled? Especially a morning class! However, I had already had a 7:50 class, and didn't know class was canceled until I got to the classroom. AND I spent three hours last night preparing for today's speech -- three hours that I would have rather enjoyed sleeping. BUT, I will enjoy the free hour. :]

3. This short video about Cambodia

I made this short video last night for speech class about Cambodia. Today I was supposed to give an informational speech, and probably no one will be surprised that I chose Cambodia. It's only 45 seconds (45 seconds!), so you should watch it! It's simple, but it shows the color and beauty of Cambodia. Cambodia is also full of despair, but it is a beautiful place! If you ever have the opportunity to visit Cambodia, seize it, but it will guarantee a memorably life-changing experience.

4. Love Has a Face by: Michele Perry

My good friend Jennie Telfer graduated from IWU in 2008, and now lives in war-torn Sudan, Africa, working with Michele Perry for Iris Ministries on a compound in the middle of the Bush, where Jennie, Michele, and only a few others care for 93 broken children who have been abused, neglected, sold, recruited by soldiers, etc;. it isn't an orphanage, it is a home, where 93 children know they have a heavenly Father that cares for them. Both Jennie and Michele have incredible stories of God's providing, His love, and His miraculous power. This book is about Michele's story.

Termites for dinner. Bombs in the backyard. A nation torn by decades of war still on the brink. Can one life really make a difference here?

Click HERE to read more about the book.

5. The weekend

Thank goodness it is Friday! This semester has been rough with a difficult course load, and since June, the School of Nursing has been preparing for accreditation, so work has been stee-ress-ful!! Next week's workload is decent, so I won't be overcome by homework this weekend (as I am anticipating for next weekend), and the accreditation team arrives on Monday, so after Friday all of my work should be done (unless, of course, there are necessary changes).

All this to say -- I'm going to enjoy sleeping in Saturday morning, watching movies, and putting up the Christmas in our suite. :] I hope everyone else can enjoy a beautiful and relaxing weekend!!