The other side of pumice

Our house has well water that is high in iron and loves to stain everything orange. For a long time we used the basic rust removers, highly abrasive and toxic. One of them was so bad that we would have to break up the time we spent in the bathroom while the product was working because the fumes felt like there were burning our lungs. YIKES!

This is what those products left us with.GROSS! Well, I am through with those harsh products since they obviously don't work well anyway. I researched alternatives online, and I found the prospect of using pumice stone. The pumice stone is softer than porcelain, so it doesn't scratch it. After 20 minutes of elbow grease and about 1/3 of a pumice stone, this is what I have now.I know it is not perfect, but what an amazing difference. I am hoping to get the rest of the orange stain out over time thanks to pumice!

Father's Day houseboat fun!

Last weekend we spent 4 days on a houseboat in TN with all of J's family. It was so much fun! I am so thankful that he has such a great family, and that we truly enjoy spending that much time together!

The houseboat was incredible! It was bigger than my house. I guess if you think about cramming 13 people into once place it had better be somewhat spacious. I'm bummed I didn't take more pictures, but here are some of what I have.

This is the top of the boat.

So peaceful.

Who let these 2 weirdos on the boat?

OE and his cousin pretending to be doggies - time for a tummy scratch!

OE's first night in his big boy bed

OE slept in his big boy bed for the first time yesterday afternoon. He did great! Last night was, um, more interesting. After 1 hour of going to bed, OE called for me to inform me that he was all done with his nap. I explained that this was bedtime and he had to sleep until morning. He woke up again around midnight, and then at 5 in the morning he fell out of bed. After comforting him and putting him back, I managed to step on and break a toy, cutting my foot open in 3 places! He woke up again at 6:15. After that he was quiet, and I went to wake him up at 8:15. Now I know why he was so content (see picture below). Note: he did not go to bed with any stuffed animals. He can be so quiet and sneaky sometimes!

Bargain shoppers - best deal in gently used clothing!!!

If you love bargains, check out Third Phase's Thrift Shop. I got all these items - 7 baby items and 1 pair of leather New Balance shoes for my 2 year old - for $2! The shop is located at Third Phase, just south of the main house. There is a sign the says "SHOP" and a parking lot just in front. Since the shop is new, they have tons of stock, but you might have to work a little for it. They are still trying to organize all the toys and baby items. They also have adult clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Plus, all the money goes straight to the program in the house - teaching women and children to live on their own after being victimized.

Easiest Oil Change Ever!

I had my oil changed at my mechanic's this morning, who just happens to be 2 doors down from Reynolds Farm Equipment. That made the wait pretty manageable for my 2 year old.

Strawberry Fields

Today I took OE strawberry picking for the first time. You can see he enjoyed it by the amount of strawberries I was able to pick.

Two of my good friends were able to join us with their daughters. OE has so many girlfriends! Lucky guy!
OE ate so many strawberries that I was a little nervous about him getting sick on the way home, but he's fine.
Don't you just love the red mouths? It was so much fun! I can't wait for raspberry season!

creating a world of HOPE

"Should we let the babies of our country live, or should we let them die?" The answer is "live", right? Well, then, "Who is going to take care of them?"

These unthinkable questions haunt many countries in Africa due to the middle generation being wiped out by HIV/AIDS. In fact, those very questions were asked to Bob Pearson inspiring him to create Horizon International.

This evening we attended a fund raising event for Horizon International in which we heard Pastor Tatenda from Zimbabwe speak about his child care center that provides a home, education, dignity, and a future to orphans. If you followed the news articles about Zimbabwe in the past year, the events that took place were horrifying. Pastor Tatenda saw many of his own people beaten and killed just for helping those in need. Praise God that there is political peace for the time being and that his children are safe. He and his wife are amazing people that are carrying out Jesus' call to serve the poor and needy.

At the end of the program I was one of 2 people that won a Ministry Trip Gift Certificate good for a credit of $200 toward a mission trip to Africa!!! Good thing it is valid through 2010 since I am prego! I am very excited.


Please check out Horizon's website to learn more about how you can help create a world of hope for Africa's orphans.

Enough to break a mama's heart

Poor OE was so sick yesterday - the sickest he's ever been. He lied on the couch the entire day and was too feverish to even sit up. He even refused popsicles and ice cream! Poor guy! Fortunately the fever broke around 3 a.m. and he is feeling much better and perkier today.