tomorrow

a sister is a built in best friend. We are 13 months apart in age and grew up in the same grade. God knew i needed her from the very beginning. Even though we are different God birthed in us similar hearts...hearts for teaching our children about Him, for giving, for simple living, and for loving our families. She is constantly teaching me through her example so much about all of these.

Holly is someone that shows love..gives of her time, her heart, her self, and even her garden :) . Her passion and purpose is her family.

I don't know how to describe all that has happened in my heart since they said the words lung cancer and details that followed that, it is very very aggressive.

I feel as though i am coming out from under the dark cloud though......

I feel thankfulness... thankful that we had today with Holly and praying for tomorrow and after a week of feelings i can't put into words... i am here to this place where each day i am going to do just that.

Thank God for today... and pray that we can have tomorrow.

PLEASE JOIN ME AND BEG GOD FOR A MIRACLE.

Also please ask for strength for her treatments, she started today, and pray joy each day. 

lung cancer

... my first reaction was what does that mean? all along i have been thinking Hodgkins Lymphoma/treatable and all any one could tell me was that lung cancer was not good... whatever that was suppose to mean...needless to say we didn't get on the plane... and this moment right now i am where i know i want to be.

my sister is 34 years old and has four children from just turned 2 years old to 11 years old. She hasn't smoked a cigarette in her life or done any thing unhealthy... i don't understand why she has this but as i sit with her this morning and saw her joy in spite of it all my heart became content... not in her diagnosis... but in a GOD that is still in control and amazing and always good. Her trust in Him is something i want.

The oncologist this morning said it was aggressive and they will be doing more testing soon to see how they should best treat her.

Please pray with me for a miracle! If you want to be on the "Pray for a Miracle"email list or if you would like to make a meal or send Holly's family of 6 a meal gift card please email me. hgrooms@gpartners.org

night before

tomorrow we get into a big van and head up to Newark, NJ to board a plane for India ....our whole little family... at least that is the plan... and though i am almost packed, and mostly prepared to teach these 20 impoverished woman and show love to the people of India, am not ready to leave... my heart that is.

My sister, 34 years old and mother of 4, is setting in a hospital room again tonight for the 6th night... they think it is Hodgkins Lymphoma or if not that then a list of other sad possibilities, the biopsy has been done we are just waiting the results. Such a surprise.

My sister is strong, healthy, she takes care of her home, her husband, her 4 children. She always does whatever it take to take care of others, always gives, always loves even if it hurts, even if she is tired. She is  one of those women that is far above rubies (Proverbs 31).

I know that God set this trip up, that He put it all together. I know i need to trust HIM with Holly and with India as well.... but tonight my heart is heavy.

I know He will turn all of this around for good... for that is His nature. I know He could heal my sister instantly if He so chooses. I know truth. I know that we need not fear tomorrow though we know not what it holds....though i know it in my head .......tonight my heart still aches. The unknown possibilities still rush through my mind.

I hugged my dear sister tonight not knowing what tomorrow will bring, what the doctors will say. She smiles with confidence and a rare joy that i don't think i have ever tasted and says "go on your trip, Heidi".

And though all i want to do is be with her and there for her, i know i need to obey and go forward in the dark where i cannot see and trust HIM.

So hear i go LORD, stepping forward..obeying... trusting you without knowing what tomorrow brings.

2 Dozen Eggs till Easter

Easter is one of my favorite celebrations!!! We have a tradition of starting 40 days ahead with lent then we begin the celebrating 24 days (or 2 dozen eggs) till Easter.

Each day we hunt for an egg with a verse reference in it that teaches us of the purpose of Jesus and not only what He did but why He did it. We play a game and do an art project each day as well, they go along with the vereses found in the eggs.

We have so much fun and the kids love waking up each morning and finding the egg and reading the story together!

If you want to make your own 2 dozen eggs till Easter you have a few days before you need to start... you can print mine if you want (see below) and glue them onto some cute scrap book paper.

After we read them we hang them around the house and on our Easter garland (see above -where we hang some of our art as well)

 Go here for all of the games and art projects that go with the daily scripture countdown. Click on the pictures on that page to see the blogs with all the information.

happy hunting!!!! HE HAS RISEN!!!!!

all things girly

Okay update on Lent before the girly stuff (if you are wondering what i am talking about see previous post):  i am now convinced after many days of trying...  there is no such thing as alone time.... at least for the next couple months of my life... so i have settled for just 30 minutes in a place that is quiet even if i have company... :) and it has been sweet!!

..... why fight for this time with my Maker.... because He is worthy.. He is my first husband... the lover of my soul.... i need Him.... and His presence makes me joyful....and honestly i am grumpy and selfish naturally and His presence gets my eyes off of me and on HIM... where they were designed to be.

And on to all things girly.... 

Here are some fun and easy things i did the few days before Perpetua was born.... you can do them to; i added the links below each on how to do it. Sad thing is most of them are too big for her. Cool thing is i used free fabrics or almost free materials and fabrics.

I kind of forget how much fun girls are.... i have been in the boy world so long, don't get me wrong, boys are definitely fun just in different ways. So i am excited about the pink, the feminine, the dainty, ect. ect.

Head Band fun -

i used hose to make the bands and felt to make the last 2 flowers. Here are some inspirational how to links:
http://mistergandmecrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/felt-rose-tutorial.html

http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/12/felt-flowers-perfect-for-topping-gifts.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BlueCricketDesign+%28Blue+Cricket+Design%29/

Here are cute reversible booties that are little too big right now for her. Hardly takes any fabric at all. You can use cut up material from old shirts etc. I used scraps i had.

 here is the how to site:
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/reversible_fabric_baby_shoes_2


DIY baby leggins you can go here for a tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43lnA4FSl8w
or buy even cuter ones from my friend here and adult ones!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GraceandLaceCo

This one is not done yet but a good start. It is a ruffle duvee cover made from old hand me down sheets...so soft... i am looking for some more old sheets with some other colors to finish it off.

Fleece Bonnet - how to: http://prudentbaby.com/2010/05/baby-kid/diy-reversible-bonnet-free-downloadable-pattern-2/

And my new sewing friend and i worked on these matching shirts together.. made from my late grandmothers table cloth and a unique piece of fabric i found in china years ago ... so fun..

orchestrated

The last two months i feel like i am watching a symphony lead by our Magnificent Creator God. I don't even remember how it began but in less than 20 days we (my hubby and my 3 babies along with some other dear friends) will be on our way to India.

We will be there for 6 weeks training impoverished ladies how to start a micro-sewing business to help them meet their and their families basic needs.

I am in awe as i have watched Him put together every part of this work. I have watched as He has brought new friends into my life to lead different projects in preparation for this and old friends to step up and assist in whatever is needed. I have watched Him put together a divine team. I have watched Him provide before i even mention the need for the remainder of the sewing machines needed, and for different supplies needed. I have seen each instrument come together. There are already over 100 people or more that have contributed in some way to this endeavor.

And though i know nothing of music, have no talent, nor know how to play a single note ...He has allowed me to be apart of the symphony.

I feel inadequate, but overwhelmed that He would let me join Him in what He is doing in at least 20 women's lives... only heaven will tell of the fruit from this endeavor.

If you want to be a part of the team and give $5 or whatever you feel so led to do to help us with further supplies and/or team support. Please click on the pic below.