The Young Family Farm »

Here we go!!!

06.25.2010

We’re loading up…and we are OFF! Next time you hear from me…we’ll be in ETHIOPIA! Please, please keep us in your prayers as we travel—you all KNOW how MUCH I hate to fly! Please pray for safe travels and a calm spirit. I’m just not a good flyer;)

Praise the LORD the day is here!!! I ran by TJMaxx real quick b/c of course my diaper bag malfunctioned at the last minute. Zipper broke…and even hot glue wouldn’t fix it…because YOU know I tried;). No worries—I found a cute one for just $24 and it’s goldish and stylin;). THEN–I got in the van with my precious little ones. Turned the key and the song “Savior, You can move the mountains…” was playing. THIS was the song that brought my heart rest when we got Isaac’s referral! The odds were against this boy—but the Savior MOVED MOUNTAINS! And NOW we are on our way to bring him home!!! He is our son…and I can’t believe in just a couple of days–1.8 to be exact…he will finally be in my arms.

Thank you for praying. When you wake up in the States on Sunday morning…a little boy and his momma will finally be together. Thank you for riding this road with me…for all of your love and constant encouragement. I love you all to pieces and can’t wait to share my son and our new sweet family with all of my faithful friends and prayer warriors. Here. We. Go!!! (tears!)

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

22 comments

link to this post

Elle J - June 25, 2010 - 12:35 pm

CHILLS and eyes filling with tears … speechless. God Bless you and your travels, your mom and sister, your husband and children. Go Get ISAAC, ANDREA!!! =)

Kristin - June 25, 2010 - 12:38 pm

Wow! Just awesome. Praying for you!

Jenny - June 25, 2010 - 1:11 pm

the day is here, the time is HERE! i’m so excited and cannot wait to hear that you are IN ETHIOPIA!

Gini - June 25, 2010 - 1:22 pm

Happy tears, too! Praying for your flights (REALLY don’t like flying either).
~Gini 🙂

Rebecca Harley - June 25, 2010 - 2:09 pm

I have been thinking and praying for you all day – and of course tearing up too! Praying for peace with flying and just pure joy as you meet your Isaac! Love you

Lauren - June 25, 2010 - 2:17 pm

Praying my heart out Andrea!!!! 🙂

April - June 25, 2010 - 2:55 pm

we are praying! Jacob remembered that today is the day & was so excited that you will be meeting your little man. Can’t wait to see a pic of you with him in your arms:)

Alex & Michael - June 25, 2010 - 3:02 pm

I remember taking care of Parker & Laney and hearing God preparing for your heart for this child.. and here you are- almost about to hold him! Praying and excited for you guys!

Christina - June 25, 2010 - 4:03 pm

Praying for you, sweet friend!

Heidi - June 25, 2010 - 4:28 pm

I just can’t wait to see him in your arms!!! We are praying for you!

Jennifer - June 25, 2010 - 4:43 pm

Praying for you and oh so excited!
Jenny

Rory - June 25, 2010 - 5:40 pm

Andrea,
Just wanted to let you know I have been lifting you up in prayer several times today already. I too have a huge struggle with flying (understatement) and I am praying for you as though I were the one flying…that it will be the most enjoyable flight you’ve ever experienced, that your heart would feel so at peace it would not be a breeze, that it would actually be really FUN, that the enemy would not be able to use turbulence as a weapon of warfare to worry you or wear you down, that you would sense angels and know that you are more than a conqueror…and so much more. I pray these next hours will literally “fly” by.:) And though we’ve never met in person, I am so blessed to have come across your blog. I was blown away that you sent my family a cupcake thank you with Isaac’s picture on it. I felt so included, so loved, and it brought me to tears. Gotta love the body of Christ. If you’re ever in Portland, Oregon you’ve gotta swing by for a cup of coffee.:)

Can’t wait to hear how the trip goes. I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty amazing.:)
Love,
Rory

Rory - June 25, 2010 - 5:41 pm

BTW–I meant that it WOULD be a breeze…sheesh.:)

Alison - June 25, 2010 - 6:38 pm

Oh, Andrea…I am squealing with joy here in Mississippi!! I am just so, so, so excited for ya’ll! And for Issac!! I cannot wait to hear all about him and see pictures! Will be praying!!

Sara - June 25, 2010 - 9:51 pm

WHOO HOO!!! So excited for you!

Angela - June 25, 2010 - 10:24 pm

Oh my goodness…I’m so excited that you are going to get your sweet baby boy! I’ll be praying!

Rebekah - June 25, 2010 - 10:27 pm

So excited for you as you grow your family! Will be praying for you as you travel and get meet your sweet little Isaac! Will also be praying for Mr. Mom and the other precious babes at home! God bless you and your beautiful family!

Megan - June 25, 2010 - 10:32 pm

Chills. Tears. Overflowing with excitment for you!

Tiffany - June 25, 2010 - 10:39 pm

So exciting! I totally get the flying thing. I am a terrible flyer…to get on that airplane and travel so far away from my kids here…it was so difficult. God met us though and He will meet you too. I will pray for all of you this weekend…have loved following your blog and getting updates here and there through your sister. Go get your baby!

Kristy Filbrun - June 26, 2010 - 10:33 am

May God give you traveling safety! Looking forward to hearing all about it and I haft to say I am a little jealous 🙂 God bless you!

Kittye Kelley - June 26, 2010 - 3:10 pm

We feel like we are there with you. It’s surreal, isn’t it? Praying for you and waiting to see pictures. 🙂

The Kelleys

natali - June 26, 2010 - 4:06 pm

woohooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Just a matter of hours…

06.25.2010

and we’ll be on our way! Oh…I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight. This is REALLY happening!!! Oh…I hate plane rides. Hate ’em. BUT…there is nothing a momma wouldn’t do for love to bring her baby home. I’m coming Isaac T. Young! Can’t wait to hold you in my arms THIS WEEKEND! Ok…off to bed. BUT–we all know it’s going to be hard for this momma to sleep tonight!

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

8 comments

link to this post

Lara - June 25, 2010 - 12:20 am

Via con Dios! Praying safe travels for you.

Gini - June 25, 2010 - 12:23 am

SOOOOOOOOO excited with you!!!! Praying for you!!!
~Gini 🙂

Kim - June 25, 2010 - 1:28 am

Praying for your travel mercies. I can hardly wait to see your boy in his Mama’s arms! Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

Karen - June 25, 2010 - 2:01 am

Have a GREAT time! SOOOO excited for you!!

Trudy - June 25, 2010 - 2:27 am

God be with you! What an exciting journey to your baby.

missy - June 25, 2010 - 10:12 am

the time is NOW!!!!! so happy for you all!

Shannon - June 25, 2010 - 10:45 am

praying for for peace on your travels…I just CAN’T wait to see you holding sweet Isaac! Much Love~

Nikki - June 25, 2010 - 1:08 pm

Praying for all of you! Can’t wait to see pics!

Help us–help you…in the kitchen:)

06.24.2010

Ok…sorry for the Tom Cruise-ish title. But seriously. I have something you ALL NEED to purchase. Seriously. You need it;). And it can’t wait to be shared after I get back. You must know about it now;).

Wiphan’s cookbook!!! Wiphan USA got ’em in just got ’em in…and I’ve only had mine for less than a week…I’ve already cooked 3 meals out of it…and so far—we are 3 for 3. YUM. The FABULOUS thing about this cookbook…well…ONE of the MANY fabulous things about this cookbook IS…when you purchase one–the proceeds go to help orphans and widows. And what gets better than that? Ok…so you really don’t NEED another t-shirt…but this one—you really do;).

Isn’t that beautiful…for a cookbook?! Before each section, there is a child or widow’s testimony featured. Within the sections–are HUNDREDS of YUMMY recipes!!!

I have to confess…the cookbook committee was full of young, fun women—who happen to be busy…who happen to be mommies…but who also happen to love to entertain. I’m convinced this is officially the best cookbook on my shelf now–and it’s pretty enough to keep out. And to think I can even raise orphan, widow and Wiphan awareness with it out on my countertop! I love me some cookbooks, but I have to confess—I’m not a fan of “school” or “church” ones. No offense…but Mable and Gertrude always seem to stick in tons of recipes that are just canned foods making another casserole;). Don’t get me wrong…I love an easy dish—but we also love healthy and fresh here at the Young house.

Here is one of the yummy recipes I put to use this week…if you have never had blackberry pork chops—then you are missing out!

We have 600 cookbooks to sell–and they are JUST $25.00 each. Will you consider purchasing a cookbook AND/OR even sharing the cookbook and the link to purchase one on your Facebook or blog??? You can purchase the cookbook through the Wiphan site here. It would make my week to come home to find out our Wiphan USA team was so busy shipping cookbook orders!!! We need voices to help us spread the word—sell as many cookbooks as we can…and of course help us–help you make a YUMMY meal for your family. You will be doing more than just feeding your family when you buy one and help us spread the word!

P.S. Another cool feature…it’s a BINDER. So you can pop your recipes OUT and even take them to the grocery WITH you. How convenient and fun is that?!

P.S.S. There is ALSO an ENTIRE section in the back for KIDS recipes! Everything from bubbles to playdough to snacks and meals they can help cook!

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

10 comments

link to this post

Elle J - June 24, 2010 - 1:12 am

I will second that ~ the cookbook is GREAT!! I just got mine in the mail yesterday and I am so excited to try out the variety of recipes. Thumbs Up to Wiphan for another great product to raise awareness and funds for widows and orphans.

Mandi Johnson - June 24, 2010 - 2:25 am

Okay, this has to be the COOLEST cookbook I’ve EVER SEEN!! Who ever came up with the concept was genius & beautiful presentation. I can’t wait to have one. May God do awesome things with this project!! And you’re thoughts on our grandma’s church books & casseroles are crackin’ me up… soo true 🙂

Kim - June 24, 2010 - 6:05 am

Love it!
Heading over to place my order NOW!

julie@Flitterbugs - June 24, 2010 - 7:37 am

SUCH a good idea! Gonna have to save up out of the grocery budget….then head over and buy one!!!!

Kim Bedzyk - June 24, 2010 - 8:09 am

Ordering mine now….safe travels this week! Can’t wait to see your homecoming video!

Melissa Lazzara - June 24, 2010 - 8:41 am

Can’t wait to try the blackberry pork chops!! Praying for safe travels & for great attachment with Isaac!

Kimberly McG - June 24, 2010 - 9:50 am

I have been enjoying praying for you family and watching for updates for about a month now. We are very excited about your trip TOMORROW! The cookbook looks amazing and I was excited to share the word with my family and friends. Keep the news coming; we love seeing what God is doing through His children.
Kimberly

Tiffany - June 24, 2010 - 10:50 am

I love this idea…will order one for myself and a few others to save for gifts!

darcee - June 24, 2010 - 1:01 pm

YEAH! YUM! …I am heading over to WIPHAN to get me a copy! 🙂 Thanks for posting this! 🙂 …praying for your family and your newest addition! ♥ SO excited for you!! ♥

Becca Harley - June 24, 2010 - 3:03 pm

off to order many – i did not know that they were ready!!!

A few more outfits for Ike…

06.22.2010

First off–no, I don’t plan on calling him Ike;). However, this is a HUGE debate in our home. Richard says we’ll call him “Ike”…and I say “Isaac”. Just had to put that in the title to make him smile when he reads this in the morning:). After we got the kids put down tonight (remember it’s Tuesday…so our dinner with the Denton’s always puts us up a bit later!)…but as soon as they were asleep…I rocked out a few more outfits for the little guy! Now…off to hang with the hubby:)

I decided white onesies are a bit boring. SO…we added a little UMPH to our tops…(these are made by Circo and you can find them at Target…these were $6 for a pack of 5 fun designs…and I just added the quick applique:)

And “I” is for Isaac of course;)…

And just because I was tired of cutting out Africa’s and we need some boy action…

(If you make these at home—I suggest buying WonderUnder by Pellon. The easiest way to use WonderUnder is to simple cut out a square of WonderUnder and the same size fabric. Iron on the WonderUnder to your fabric–and then peel off the WonderUnder and THEN cut out your applique. Place your applique on your tshirt where you want it to go. Dampen a hankerchief and put on top of applique on shirt and iron for 15 seconds. You an zigzag stitch around the applique, but you don’t have to. I just like the way it looks and I’ll go back and zigzag stitch these later…maybe even after our trip:).

For all of the pants I used a SUPER simple pattern: Simplicity 2734 and you can buy it for $2.99 at JoAnn’s fabric stores. It covers simple pants–sizes 6 months to 4 years.

When I wake up in the morning…JUST TWO MORE DAYS!!! Are you getting excited?! I AM!

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

15 comments

link to this post

Lara - June 22, 2010 - 11:44 pm

You are outta control, woman! And I have to laugh about “Ike,” it makes me think of Dwight Eisenhower. In fact, maybe you should find some vintage campaign stuff that says “I like Ike.” Hee hee hee. Can’t believe you’re leaving in two days! I can’t wait to hear about the trip. We are finishing up our application to AGCI and should have it ready to send in the next couple of weeks!

Shannon - June 23, 2010 - 3:52 am

You are just so talented! Love all his sweet outfits and so excited to see him wearing them!

Kim - June 23, 2010 - 4:04 am

My hubby would vote for “IKE” too!
Now … we are ready to see your boy in those adorable outfits!
Counting the “sleeps” til his in your arms!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

april - June 23, 2010 - 5:41 am

Just wanted to let you know that we got the call and our Isaac was born on Father’s day! We meet birthmom today and baby and Lord willing get to bring Isaac home on Thursday! I am SO excited for you guys and wanted to tell you our good news! There is a post on our blog with details! :0)

Ia - June 23, 2010 - 7:14 am

I absolutely love the outfits. I am a grandmother who loves to sew. I am expecting one little Ethiopian grandchild this year for our daughter and husband and two for our son and wife. Yeahhhh!!!!
This may be an dumb question in the day of computers, but how did you make the trace of Africa. Thanks for all the detailed information. I am excited to see you are leaving this weekend. I will be following your blog. Exciting!!

Ia - June 23, 2010 - 7:21 am

Congratulation on your new little boy!! I can’t wait to see pictures from your trip and your family.
I am so excited to see your outfits. What a great idea. I really appreciate the detailed instruction. I am a grandmother who loves to sew. I am expecting three grandchildren from Ethiopia this year. Our daughter Nina (Wes) are adopting one and our son Erik (Jeanne-Ann) are expection two. We are sooooo esxited.
So for an computer illiterate. How did you make the trace of Africa.

Ia - June 23, 2010 - 7:27 am

sorry about the two comments. It told me it did not post

julie@Flitterbugs - June 23, 2010 - 8:03 am

April…I could not sleep lastnight…I was so excited for you!!!! And I think I have mentioned this on someone’s blog before…but HeatNbond Lite is an AWESOME product! After years of wonderUnder…I made the switch:) Love it! SO cute Andrea! ANd hubs gave the final OK that we can come to see you all at the airport next week! I think we are even going to bring the kids….they heard me say LL would be there…and they went nuts!

Liz Blalock - June 23, 2010 - 8:10 am

I wish I had half of your creative talent! You are amazing.

Olivia - June 23, 2010 - 9:05 am

Those are SO cute!!! We call my brother Isaac “zeek” sometimes, but I think Ike is an adorable nickname!

Lauren - June 23, 2010 - 9:38 am

I can’t wait to see him in those clothes!!!!! SOOOOO cute!!!! I can’t wait to see him in your arms too – just a few more days!!!

Jenn - June 23, 2010 - 10:13 am

You are a woman on a mission. I love that you use productivity to get rid of all that pent up energy 🙂 HANG TIGHT my friend…you are SO CLOSE. I just emailed you…but wanted to tell you here too…you will be in our prayers friend. God is moving in such a beautiful way in your family!!!!

Jenn

Missy @ It's Almost Naptime - June 23, 2010 - 2:48 pm

I have an Ingram Isaiah and we call him Ike!!

Watch out though. Boys named Ike tend to be HURRICANES.

He was already 18mos old when Hurricane Ike hit us (we’re in Houston) so we say we didn’t name him after the hurricane, they named the hurricane after HIM!

Liv - June 23, 2010 - 7:08 pm

These are all so cute! Can’t believe how quickly you’re pumping them out!

marci - June 26, 2010 - 10:13 pm

Andrea , you are the most talented ,gifted person I know ! It has to be the HS that gives all these gifts to you ! Adorable outfits.

Sew happy…

06.22.2010

it’s just THREE days until we leave! And to celebrate…during nap time today—I sewed THREE outfits for our little guy. I was having trouble finding clothing that worked well for 50-70 degree-ish weather. I wanted to dress Isaac in layers…so I was thinking onesies, pants and sweaters. Couldn’t find much since it’s HOT and June here in the South…so I decided to make him things instead:) Who says boys can’t have custom outfits just as cute as the girls?! I have about 3 more to make…but thought I’d share a sneak peak of what I got done today:)

Ok…so I know Richard is going to say this next one is PUSHING it for his boy…but I just couldn’t help the giraffe print…

On a side note—Carter’s onesies are WAY thicker and better than Gerber. Sorry Gerber. The stripes one is Carters–the other 2 are Gerber. After the kids wake up from naps, I’m off to buy more Carters onesies to replace these 2 Gerber ones. The Gerber ones are practical for sleep (to thin for my taste to wear by themselves)–and the Carters are thick enough to wear alone.

Have a great Tuesday!!! Can you believe it?! Just 3 more days!!!

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE WITH A FRIEND SUBSCRIBE

by admin

16 comments

link to this post

natali - June 22, 2010 - 2:53 pm

gosh, andrea! you are so talented!! 😀

Elle J - June 22, 2010 - 3:06 pm

A+ amazing! I can’t wait to see photos of Isaac in his new outfits. Three more sleeps … that’s it … THREE!!!!

Amy @ Filled With Praise - June 22, 2010 - 3:10 pm

Love them! Is there anything you can’t do??? SEW talented 🙂 Hee Hee.
Love ya,
Amy

Tisha Alexander - June 22, 2010 - 3:32 pm

You did that during nap? I could maybe pull that off if naptime was FIVE YEARS LONG!! Great job and I agree that Carter’s has better onesies. I can’t believe only three more days… yay!

KT Pierce - June 22, 2010 - 3:50 pm

50-70 degrees isn’t cold, though, is it?

Gini - June 22, 2010 - 4:04 pm

Wow–those outfits are amazing! Can not believe that you leave in 3 days! Will be glued to the computer (more than usual)! 🙂

Ashley Fairley - June 22, 2010 - 5:15 pm

I just wanted to say hello and tell you that I think I know how you feel. My husband, mother, and I are leaving in six days for China to adopt our 18 month old princess. Our trip will be eighteen days and I’m feeling very anxious about being away from our three sons for such a long, long time… Our boys are older than your babies, but I don’t think it matters, we still miss them so much. The packing is daunting and the fear of the unknown is unsettling, but I trusting that God will meet us there… Congratulations on your sweet Isaac and may you all come home safely.

Ashley

Dawn - June 22, 2010 - 5:25 pm

Those are tooo cute!!!! YEAH- Only 3 days!!!!!!! WAHOOOOO!!!!

April - June 22, 2010 - 7:27 pm

“You so CRAZY”~ IN the middle of everything, I think I’ll sew a few outfits!? LOVE YOU and can’t wait to see the cutest little man in Africa (soon to be the USA~ competition is stiff with Pman and Frank; 3 way tie, maybe!?) sportin’ these!!!

Kim - June 22, 2010 - 8:25 pm

Girl … you could sell those precious outfits for big bucks! Your talents seem endless! SEW excited for you!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

becca - June 22, 2010 - 8:34 pm

I love them!!!! Praying for you guys…cannot wait to see him in your arms!

Shannon - June 22, 2010 - 9:41 pm

Those are PERFECT!! Love them!. and you are correct with the onesies thing.. although- they thin gerber ones do stretch to expanding belly sizes. Good luck on your trip. not sure how I found your blog but glad I did!

Laura - June 22, 2010 - 9:49 pm

you amaze me!! can’t wait to see sweet Isaac!

Shannon - June 22, 2010 - 10:00 pm

I just got caught up reading some old posts and wanted to share that my son was also classified as severely malnourished- came into care with full kwashiokore. Feel free to contact me for support or help or just info. Don’t worry!!

julie@Flitterbugs - June 22, 2010 - 10:11 pm

I agree….Carters are WAY better to sew on! Kohl’s also has a brand (First moments, I think) that are really great to applique on as well. SO cute!

Sara - June 22, 2010 - 10:55 pm

1. Those outfits are SOOOOOOO cute!
2. I am slightly ashamed by how much you seem to accomplish in a day – and how little I do! 😉
3. I can’t believe you leave in 3 days!!!!