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The Colors in my Basket…

03.29.2012

One of my FAVORITE preschool children’s books for Easter time is “My Easter Basket: And the real story of Easter“. It links the colors of eggs in your basket to the Easter story as each color represents a part of the story. As one of the “party moms” in Isaac’s 2 year old preschool class tomorrow, I’m going to read this book to them–and then let them come get an egg of each color.

I wrote on each egg what that color stands for so parents can retell the story in their own words…

Green = Palms that lay for Jesus to walk on
Purple = The Last Supper (bread and wine)
Red = God’s LOVE for me! (the cross)
Brown = Cave that was Jesus’s grave (p.s.you won’t find brown eggs…this is for your brown chocolate bunny:)
White = The angel that declared, “HE IS RISEN!”
Yellow = The sun celebrating all that God has done!

(Found these tins in the $1 section at Target which perfectly hold just the right amount of eggs for our story tomorrow:)

I LOVE EASTER:)

Here’s the cookie cake for tomorrow in the shape of an egg.

In other news…a few St.Patrick’s day pictures. Nothing like a grilled cheese a round of baseball for a 2 and 3 year old:)

Don’t you like the “tux” he wore for St.Patrick’s day??? LOVE this picture of ITY–“Which do I wanna do more??? Baseball or finish my sandwich???”

I love to watch these two play…only 8 months apart…and the best of buds.

Frank decided to graduate from the tee–and he can actually make contact 80% of the time. But the tee is way more fun to play with brother when momma is too tired to pitch…

Aren’t you proud of me mom??

And finally–for those of you who are so precious to pray for my health stuff…I got more blood work and tests back last week–and it’s official that my immune system is down as I’m picking up anything and everything. Last week’s report included H plory bacteria in my stomach, 2 parasites–ONE of which the labs have NEVER seen before and now they must name. The other from South America–a country I’ve yet to visit but one that I eat a lot of veggies from. Good times. I’m on 3 antibiotics now for all of these wonderful things–and then we’ll pick back up on Lyme treatment after these are knocked out…hopefully in just a week or so because I’m so ready to be done with this round of antibiotics…not loving the side effects. I started everything for this course BEFORE Created for Care–so once again it is just proof that the Lord gives you strength and sustains!

Still praying about school stuff for the kids for next year. Starting to lean toward ANOTHER year of homeschool. I really felt like I need to pray about another option so this momma can focus on wellness…BUT I also know the Lord is able–and I’m trusting in His complete healing this summer. Sure–call me crazy…but it’s possible!

Blessings to you all! And happy celebrating Easter!! Such a joyous time to celebrate!

He is Risen!

Andrea

Posted in Day in the Life,Inspirational,Waiting
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living out His love - March 29, 2012 - 1:20 pm

I am loving the Easter egg idea, awesome! I will keep your health in my prayers!

Rory - March 29, 2012 - 1:48 pm

Haven’t stopped praying. Believing every need will be supplied with more to spare…kinda like the little boy and the lunch which fed the 5,000…you never feel like it’s enough but everyday God will multiply and those around you will be fed.

He already is doing that with everything your hand touches.
Know that when you’re too tired to fight, when you’re drained and can’t seem to find even the right words to pray, He is waking intercessors in the night–all over the world–to lift you up because you’re THAT important to him. Not only people that know you by name and face, but God can burden the heart of a man in India in the night to pray for you even though you’ve never met. He can show your face in a vision to a woman washing her clothes in Africa and impress on them to pray. I know it, I’ve seen it, and I believe it. He cares that much.

I am reading through Hudson Taylor’s biography right now, missionary to China. Loving this quote: ‘”I cannot read,’ he said when things were at their worst; ‘I cannot pray, I can scarcely even think–but I can trust.'”

Yes Lord, we can trust.
And we are REJOICING with you for healing as well as praising Him for His sustaining power, His strength being made perfect in your weakness.

I know it feels like a baptism of fire sometimes, but just like the men in the fiery furnace…there’s a fourth man in the flames. You’re not just being delivered “out of”, your deliverance is happening right now, right in the midst of your trial.

And STREAMS of refreshing are coming.

Love,

Rory

Sandi - March 31, 2012 - 1:44 am

Night intercessor reporting for duty…praying the pain & the fear away…My heart is heavy knowing just how draining the AB therapy is for a supermom. We give refrigerated probiotics & yogurt to pts with H.Pylori to increase chance of eradicating the bacteria. It may help to blanch those veggies in boiling water & to avoid eating skins of fruit while your immune system is suppressed. Praying that you will give yourself permission to rest, it’s so hard but it will be worth it. Praying for miraculous & undeniable healing!

Created for Care – March 2012

03.26.2012

I think this is the longest I’ve ever gone without updating my blog since I first starting blogging. Last week was the week of the C4C retreat–so this mom was slammed with homeschooling and planning a retreat for 450 moms. The weekend was AMAZING. It was so funny even how it had a completely different feel from the January retreat…also AMAZING–but it was a completely different group…more domestic, China and of course lots of Ethiopia mommas. There was just a more laid back feel–maybe it was just us because it was the 2nd one of the year! There’s no doubt we’ll have to do 2 retreats next year to serve these 900+ women–and we’re praying about whether to have 2 retreats HERE…or 1 retreat here or in another location! We should have this decision made in the next couple of weeks–and then the planning for 2013 will once again begin.

Here is the slideshow of the March Created for Care families that we opened up our weekend with:

I’ll be posting two additional sessions that were not at the January retreat later in the week too by the most precious adult adoptee on the planet! We completely fell in love with Carissa Woodwyk, one of the co-authors of “Before You Were Mine”. I MUST get that book by the way! On my “to do” list for the week!

This mom is spending THIS week recovering and resting–and also praying through our school year next year. With this momma needing more rest–we are praying about a half day classical school close by or the full day covenant Christian school the littles attended the last few years and we have loved! While I LOVE homeschooling, I have to be realistic about what I’m able to do well while also focusing on getting better health wise for my children. I’m trusting the Lord to guide me, and although some times it’s hard–I’m thankful for this season. I stand amazed what the Lord can do in our weakness–and how He sustains.

Blessings to each of you!

Andrea Young

Posted in Created for Care Adoption Retreat
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Alison - March 26, 2012 - 5:16 pm

So glad that it went so great!!! I really do wish I come have come back for the March one! Haha! Can’t wait to hear what ya’ll are planning for C4C next year!!!

Beth Templeton - March 26, 2012 - 5:59 pm

Andrea, it was a truly wonderful weekend. Your ability to express genuine love to so many mamas is beautiful to see. A real gift from God. What a joy to think of all the ways God will use this retreat in each of the families represented by each woman there. So cool! Rest well this week my friend.

Naomi - March 26, 2012 - 6:32 pm

It was my first C4C conference and I was so blessed! Thank you to you and everyone else for making us ladies feel so special. I had such a sweet time on my date with God and heard His voice! Have a restful week Andrea!

Meredith - March 26, 2012 - 8:32 pm

Andrea…I really can’t thank you enough for all that you give of yourself to do C4C! It is such a tremendous blessing for all of us mommies! Can’t wait to see the plans for next year!

Jennifer - March 26, 2012 - 8:45 pm

what a blessing the entire weekend was! i am so thankful for the tons of work that went into making the retreat a true refreshing, educational, enjoyable break. thank you so very much!

McCall - March 26, 2012 - 10:08 pm

Andrea- This weekend was absolutely AMAZING! Thank you times ten for all of your hardwork and dedication to loving and serving the orphans of this world and those who love them. And please forgive me for bombarding you with ideas…sometimes I get ahead of myself. Be my friend in spite of this? 🙂 -McCall

Deena Marquis - March 26, 2012 - 11:10 pm

Andrea, Thank you so very much for everything you did for us at the retreat! My friends and I had a WONDERFUL time. We learned a lot, were able to relax, and met some amazing friends along the way. The C4C Retreat was definitely worth the trip from Wisconsin! From the first few hours we were in Atlanta (in the spa ;)), to the Sunday morning worship, we enjoyed everything. Thank you for all of your hard work. Please give thanks to the other volunteers on my behalf. I know you work so hard to provide adoptive moms this amazing opportunity…please know that you were appreciated! One of my favorite parts…meeting my “virtual/blog friends” and leaving the retreat with them being my “real” friends! Thanks so much Andrea!

Kim - March 26, 2012 - 11:51 pm

Looks like you’ve done it again. Amazing. Just amazing.
Will be praying for your rest and peace in His perfect plans!
Love & Blessings,
Kim

living out His love - March 27, 2012 - 8:29 am

Andrea, words cannot describe the thanks and gratitude that ALL of us mamas have for you and your wonderful C4C team. Seriously, your ministry to adoptive mamas is one that is truly needed and you were made to do it girl! What a blessing you are, God has big things planned for you friend!

I have blogged shots that I took of all the tables, worship, and prayer cross (along with pictures of mamas) if you are interested in having a look when things settle down. I always think it’s nice to see things through other people’s eyes, especially when you are the one running the show! God’s Blessings to you and your family!

-nicole
http://www.LivingOutHisLove.com

Rachel - March 27, 2012 - 8:36 am

Thanks for sharing the video. I am in the time of waiting and it was such an encouragement to see God’s faithfulness to the families that have gone before us. I love the songs that were chosen as well, the words were so powerful!

Meaghan - March 27, 2012 - 9:58 am

Thanks so much for everything you and your team did to make such an awesome retreat possible! It was such a great time!! Ya’ll are a blessing to all the adoptive mommies!

Kara - March 27, 2012 - 9:33 pm

Andrea,
Thanks for a fabulous retreat! It was so good to have time away, worship together, and be with people who “get it.” It was wonderful and so evident that God was present! Must say I loved the band. 🙂

I didn’t turn in my C4C survey sheet. Is there a place on the C4C website where I can still give feedback, is it too late, or would you want me to email it?

Karen Snyder - March 28, 2012 - 12:25 pm

Andrea-

I loved the video you created for your conference! It was inspiring, reassuring….just beautiful! I am working with a coalition of churches in Indiana to put together our first adoption and orphan care conference, Answer the Call. We are trying to reach out to those in the community and to provide a central resource for those who feel called to help children through foster care, adoption, and orphan care ministry in their church. After I watched your video, I was so moved! Right now we have put together a promo video for our conference that involves interviewing a teenage boy that has been stuck in the foster care system his entire life. He is just desperate to find a place called home.

I love the video but I also love what you have done. I sent my team to look at your video to see if we could do something like it for our conference also. 🙂 One member asked if we could use your video, as it is so well done.

I guess that is my question. I know it is on U- Tube but this is something precious that you and your team has crafted. I hesitate to ask you. But I guess I am. Would you mind ? If so, that’s fine. We will create our own. Just asking. 🙂

Takin’ it easy…

03.15.2012

That’s Laney’s baby doll–Emma (affectionately named after her cousin)…who travels with us every where. And apparently the sun was bothering her yesterday when we were at the park. YES–Emma needs some clothes on, but I’m from Alabama and it’s okay to strip down if you’re hot.

We’ve SLOWED down here lately–and it’s a good thing. We spent yesterday at the park–and today we axed homeschooling and spent the day at Mama Judy’s house. If you know us well or you’ve kept up with our family blog–then you know Mama Judy is dear to us. We met back in 2007…in my photography days…and I had the honor of capturing her with her husband before he went to heaven. Mama Judy and I connected through that photography session–and we became family. We drove to her house today…played in her home, test-tasted herbs in her garden (the kids really did learn something!) and we heard stories about her growing up, their family land and even about her trip to Ireland (and now Parker, my 7 year old, wants a Leprachaun).

Yesterday, we had a dinner picnic at the park while Parker had baseball practice with daddy as coach. Sounds dreamy doesn’t it? Well, don’t be fooled because blogs can have a way of doing that you know. Let the truth be told that we have our days here, too. May I show you how our pleasant dinner picnic started out??? A few pictures of us getting loaded up reading to go.

She was hot…because she is a princess…and anything over 70 degrees is hot. He was sad…because he is 3–and anything that doesn’t go his way right now…um–I’m hanging in there people with this terrible 3 thing:). 3 is the new 2 just in case you haven’t heard…

I just realized the other day that “happy” and “perfect” are how many of my pictures turn out because I delete the crazy ones. I told myself I needed more REAL pictures to remember what it was really like one day.

So…here is real for you;)

Yep. 3 is the new 2 at the Young house. And our 2 year old wants to know what the problem is. (He’ll be 3 next year though…so it’s not over.) You gotta love Isaac’s face trying to figure Frank out…

And THIS. This my friends is why some times you need to load up your kids at dinner time and go to the park for dinner.

Peace…and joy…

The only one who had a bad time at the park was the poor bug they wouldn’t share the slide with…

I’m totally digging this book The Maker’s Diet! And I thought I was healthy because we stick to organic and unprocessed foods. I have heard AMAZING testimonies from people with chronic illnesses who followed this plan…so I think I’m going to take the plunge. He has great plans for getting rid of toxins, getting your GI track strengthened and building up your immune system by what you allow into your body. You can get the book at any book story or on Amazon here. Rico Suave is in…you know you want to join us! 40 days people…just 40 days:)

Alright–I’m off to bed! Y’all have a great night!

Andrea

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Amber - March 15, 2012 - 11:35 pm

Oh my goodness – can I just add a “amen” to the whole “3 is the new two.” My twins just turned 3 the beginning of this month and I think we have more than few similar pictures. . . every day : )

Oh it’s revealing as it can test this momma’s patience. Yet it’s always such a blessing knowing we’re not doing this parenting thing alone, isn’t it?!

Amy - March 16, 2012 - 9:55 am

Yes. After your post a couple of days ago, I have begun rereading the book. I so need to do 40 days!!
amy

Melissa - March 16, 2012 - 10:03 am

Oh yes, 3 is definitely the new 2! I had one 3 years ago! 😉 I remember the glory days well and of course,I still miss them! haha I love that pic of Laney looking exactly like a hot princess should look and Isaac is too funny staring at his unhappy brother. 🙂

Corinne - March 16, 2012 - 1:46 pm

Love seeing the “real” pictures. I will have to check the Maker’s diet. Thanks for sharing!!

lauren - March 16, 2012 - 4:55 pm

My husband has Crohn’s disease and got so so sick 2 years ago. He lost 30 pounds and no steroids or treatments from the doctor worked. He almost died and no one could keep him from losing weight.

We got radical and did The Maker’s Diet. Everyone thought I was crazy (especially when I went to see the “Goat Lady” weekly for goat’s milk and eggs).

It was so amazing, the healing that took place. The first few weeks were rough as his body purged everything. Doctors treated me like I was contributing to his death if we tried it. But it worked…God is so amazing. He hasn’t been sick at all for a year!

One thing that really helped was some of the garden of life products (specifically the one Jordin recommends with the HSOs).

It’s called Primal Defense.

Good luck in your journey. I know how much planning and hard work it takes to do the Maker’s Diet. The Chicken Soup is still one of our gut-healing favorites 🙂

Bless you!

Love is all you need - March 18, 2012 - 4:58 pm

Your kids are adorable! I can’t wait to see what my son is like with our new baby when he arrives:) Love your blog!

Sherry - March 28, 2012 - 11:04 pm

I love the real everyday pics..would love to one day go to a conference.

Get your cupcake on!

03.14.2012

Y’all head on over to the Cupcake Kids blog to sign up for a cupcake sale!!! I had the honor of posting today on their blog…so y’all go on over and be entertained from last year’s pictures and how much the littles have changed in a year!!! So…who’s with me??? Let’s join 60Feet in making a difference in the lives of orphans in Uganda and challenging our kids to join us!

Head on over to the CUPCAKE KIDS BLOG HERE!

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Our Wiphan Waddler:)

03.12.2012

Finally downloaded the pics from last weekend! It’s so unlike me to let my camera stay packed up for a whole week isn’t it;)?!

We had SO MUCH fun at the 5k/1k Wiphan Waddle last weekend. Here’s mommy with her littlest runners…(can you tell it was EARLY in the morning–I hadn’t had my coffee yet!) AND can you BELIEVE how much HAIR Frankie baby has now?!

Here’s me with my sister April (far left) and Elizabeth (far right–who is a college student on our trip last summer AND plans to intern THIS summer!) AND April and I sporting Wiphan’s NEW quarter length tees!!! Don’t you want one?!

And here’s ITY being a lady’s man pre-race. Seriously–the sweetie on the left is one of Loo’s VBFFs and and on the right is his cousin Izzy who adores him. Isaac gave her a VBFF tshirt from him for her birthday:) They are TIGHT.

FUNNY moment of the race was taking pictures of take off and seeing my 6 year old niece and my 6 year old daughter taking off for the 5K! They were SUPPOSED to run in the 1K and took off with this group instead. I had to send someone to run get them because they were actually pretty fast:)

EVENTUALLY–they made it in the race they signed up for and earned their metal:)

And the BEST part was my little man bringing it in for the 1K. He was the very last runner to come in–but he ran until the end and had a HUGE smile on his face. I wish you could’ve heard the crowd! It made mommy tear up!!! He was SO proud of himself too! (Of course cousin Izzy never left his side!)

This sweet boy is too young to understand that he was running to raise money for orphans in Africa–but I’ll tell you what…cheering for him to come over the finish line and MY KNOWING THIS made me unable to cheer because I had a lump in my throat!!! I know the Lord has BIG plans for our son…and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for him! He is a MIRACLE!

THEN we got to go to Atlanta and see a precious friend bring home her new one from Uganda! THANKFULLY I had my Holly Anne with me (who ONE day I just have to share our story…she’s a beautiful 23 year old that the Lord brought in my life last year through a random email! She lives in Virginia but she comes and stays with our family every 3 months or so! AN AMAZING…no–take that back…A CRAZY AMAZING story that one day we’ll have to share together:) It’s been one of the sweetest miracles in my life for the last 14 months–I was able to share some of it at the last retreat–it’s just been too sacred to share on my blog just yet…and the Lord continues to unfold the story. She is precious to me!!! THANKFULLY I had her with me last weekend b/c Rich was in Park City, Utah having man-to-man weekend with Parker!

Which I needed my Holly with me cause we got LOCKED out of my van (keys, cell phone and jackets inside) and we had to stand out in the cold for HOURS because AAA kept sending their dispatchers to the WRONG places–and with no cell phone we had to run back and forth into the airport to see why they weren’t there yet every 30 minutes. It was NUTS. BUT all worth it–because the reason in going was to welcome a new one home!!! So…here are some of the FUN pictures…(I did NOT photograph the locked out part…or everyone eating cupcakes because momma thinks cupcakes cure frustration–and some times they really do help;).

My boy waiting patiently to meet his new friend from Uganda at the airport…

AND THEN…there is NOTHING like seeing a family reunited after weeks of being apart! Especially when it was to grow the family through adoption! Here’s the Levy family brining Eddie home and the other children running to see momma after WEEKS of being apart! Amy had half and her husband Court had the other half of their crew…and finally they are together again with one more to their crew!

I told Holly that EVERYONE needs to experience at least ONE adoption airport homecoming AT LEAST once in their lives. I don’t think she understood until she saw this. Trust me–if you haven’t been a part of one–add it to your bucket list. It’s a “freeze time” moment. One that you just have to experience. It is a miracle…in a “labor room” sort of way…holy, sweet and just melt your heart away…months–some times years of fighting to see an orphan made into a son or daughter…and then finally–they are home.

Welcome home Eddie!!!

AMAZING!!!

Now…you tag on the 3 hour AAA wait after that…a few cupcakes and riding the escalators up and down 25 times–and you’ve got yourself a full day. AND YES…this all happened in ONE day…from the waddle to the airport…with birthday parties of friends sprinkled in between! Life at our house is full…crazy…and oh so good. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! If you would have asked me 10 years ago what I wanted my life to look like–I would have told you 2 kids and the white picket fence. Our lives are far better than I ever DREAMED. And as we follow Him…it only seems to get better!

Blessings to you all!!!!!!!

andrea:)

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Holly - March 12, 2012 - 10:56 am

🙂 🙂 Our night at the airport may have been a disaster but looking back, I have to say it was worth it! I’ll never forget how touched/blessed I was to see that family come together and welcome their little boy. I’ll also never bother with TripleA… haha.