Mar
2
2010
10 again
1. How is that Tuesday seems to come twice as quickly as any other day? Didn’t I just post a 10 on Tuesday? Is someone sneaking in extra Tuesdays…what gives? I shouldn’t complain because in all acutallity Tuesday is one of my most favorite days. It’s the day reserved for just me and my little Jules. We go to violin, out to lunch, and then to ballet. It is SO fun to watch your child exceling at something. And let me tell you…today at her violin lesson she seriously rocked the house. Her rendition of “May Song” deserved Carnegie Hall. I was so proud 
For all the grief she caused during her 4th year…FIVE has been darn near perfect. So happy I still have a few more months to soak up her five-ness.
2. It seems everywhere I turn these days there is sadness. I’ve been following SWEET KATE’S STORY for awhile…and also the story of TINY LAYLA GRACE. These two tiny bodies are such an inspiration to me. Then a few weeks ago I got an email that completely rocked my world. Cancer. A dear friend. Stage 3. I sat on her bed after her first round of chemo…snuggled up in her comforter and tried to appear strong while she poured out her heart to me. She asked me “why”…and I SO longed to have an answer for her. But I DO know that GOD LOVES these precious people SO MUCH more than we can fathom and has BIG BIG plans for their lives. Sometimes I wish I had more answers but I’m also thankful that the hurt we experience in life makes life real and helps us to appreciate the many gifts we are given. Would you join me on your knees in prayer for my friend? We’ve known each other since kindergarten. Almost 30 years. She is so beautiful, strong, and full of life. I’m praying that she knows how much she is loved by God and that He provides the strength she needs to endure!
3. We should be receiving our new wait list numbers this week. Things have been a bit SLOW lately so I’m praying for BIG MOVEMENT in March!
4. Many of you know that my sister’s heart for adoption inspired our journey to adopt. She will be receiving a referral for her PERUVIAN PRINCESS soon and is raising travel funds by selling some AWESOME tees she designed. You can purchase them on HER BLOG. I have one of each color and they are the coolest tees I have in my closet!
5. Happy Birthday to my BEST FRIEND tomorrow. You know who you are. And I couldn’t love you more!
6. Did I mention that I am wearing TWO shoes these days?!? Finally kicked off the big ugly boot last week and now I’m footloose and fancy free (well almost). I wish I could say my poor toe is pain free…but I’m glad to have my leopard ballet flats back!
7. I bought Mr. P a food processor for Valentine’s Day. Pretty romantic huh? But seeing that his favorite toy from his childhood was an Easy Bake Oven…he loved it! Now I’m getting fresh home made hummus every week…yum.
8. I’m working on getting MY ETSY STORE re-stocked. Wow is it a lot of work. Any special requests?
9. So what are your kids wearing for Easter this year? Are you a dressy family? Or do you keep it casual? I’ve always dressed the kids all up…but I’m thinking this will be our year to tone it down a bit. We usually do an egg hunt in the back yard (in snow) and they wear their winter coats over their white sandals. What’s your game plan?
10. Tonight I snuck out of the house as soon as my husband came home from work for a bit of ALONE time. It has been WEEKS since I have spent ANY time alone. Don’t get me wrong….I love the pitter patter of those little feet and the incessant chatter that accompanies it. But it’s nice to miss it for a few hours isn’t it?
wow…i am running the whole gambit of emotions right now. delighting in your beautiful daughter, agonizing over your friend’s heartache, saddened over the loss of children, elated over new numbers, laughing about the “easy bake”. i’m exhaused! glad i don’t have to restock the etsy store this week! LOL Love you!
J,
This “10 on…” post was filled with so much; I think I need to catch my breath! I will keep your friend in my prayers. May she be blessed with strength above all things.
Your photo of J is simply gorgeous. I love the little twist in her hair. Keep these special Tuesdays with her close to your heart.
I hope the numbers give you a nice BIG jump. Fingers crossed! And yay to Mr. P for weekly homemade hummus. That would make me smile too. (Too bad my DH can only barbecue. Lol!)
Glad you finally got some alone time. Don’t ever feel guilty about it. The moments of calm makes us all better mommies.
Keeping your friend in my prayers!! One of our dear family friends is also battling the ugliest 6-letter word as we speak and it makes me feel so overwhelmed thinking of all the hurt around. Indeed, God’s master plan will be revealed amidst the pain…in His own time. I love that you have Tuesdays with Julia. Days like that are what memories are made of
As far as the etsy shop…he, he, he – how about some patchy capris and coordinating tanks? I LOVE twirly skirts on the little pumpkin but reality is pants are so much more convenient when they’re hanging upside down like a monkey…which is everyday around our home 
Wow, perspective check. I hugged my daughter a little tighter this morning. Praying for your friend, too. (Beautiful picture of your middle one…what a sweetie!)
(Loved the Sam pics too…oh my goodness he’s growing up!)
Stols – great post. Trust me, we’ve been praying overtime here too! Had to tell you I just bought E a dress at TJMaxx for Easter. Had a matching dress for her Am. Girl doll ($12.99). The price worked for me, and she’s in heaven. Hope to see you very soon.
Cute knot dresses…and maybe some coordinating tees…LOVE the ones from Matilda Jane that were on J the other day–just haven’t had time to check them out! I am going to try and get some things ordered for our upcoming Canada trip! I want K’s suitcase stocked with some “out of the ordinary” pieces!
Wow, I’m praying for your sweet friend and all those babies affected by that horrible disease. We are all really so blessed to have healthy families. You are so lucky to still have days alone with your little one
I try to eat lunch with Jack everyday now that his sister is in school full time. I wish I had that time back with her. I love everything you have up in your etsy shop. I’d love to see some simple and sweet little dresses. I love a little girl in a dress! We are pretty casual for Easter, I usually make something for Mallory and Jack wears a polo and khakis. Yay for alone time!! We ALL need it from time to time to RE-CHARGE!! 
Have a great rest of the week!
First…J looks precious…. I love the picture…and her footloose and fancy free smile! I can’t stop thinking about your friend….and what she must be going through. So many difficult questions I’m sure…. Life doesn’t seem fair all of the time….and I often catch myself wondering why???? We had a big discussion about the beatitudes in my book club last week…and sometimes I think I need to reread those to remind myself that God has a plan for each of us and there is so much beyond our life here on earth. I am praying for her strength.
Praying for your dear friend. I’m hugging my family a little tighter these days.