I'm back!!!

It has been awhile. I have been a little busy, to say the least! Classes online and on-campus, homeschooling, jewelry for a Cause, planning for Costa Rica, and oh yes, being a wife and mother.

Speaking of Jewelry for a Cause. I am having a sale. I just want to move some old inventory and make room for some new designs. I will paste my message that I put on facebook here.

Come and check out my Jewelry for a Cause page. I am asking for a $10 donation and in return you receive a unique handmade necklace. I am trying to move my inventory so that I can make some new pieces for the holidays.
Proceeds go to my latest “cause” which is the homeless population. The kids and I serve breakfast every week at God’s Extended Hand in downtown San Diego. We have built some amazing relationships. There is so much need. Right now, we are blessed to be able to provide cards and stationary for people to connect to their families and friends. Our church provides the stamps. Some of the stories that have come out of our serving, are awesome! For example, a young man was able to send a card to his relatives in Alabama. They sent him a bus ticket. Another gentlemen has been looking for a bike. His was stolen. He wants to get back to Ocean Beach so I am looking for, or raising money for, a cruiser. While we know that reality tells us that these people need so much more than a bike, card, or meal, but to us the hope and joy we can give them through our service and occasional gifts, hopefully can make a difference!!!
So, check out my Jewelry for a Cause!!!

More pics!!

WHAT A SUCCESS!!

I am sitting here after 11:00 and feeling "wired." I am reflecting about the amazing blessings that God has given us. The art show was a success and the Christmas Boutique at church tonight was such a great time! We raised enough money to adopt two endangered animals and to go on another outreach to the Purple Palace Orphanage. It was so fun to share stories about what inspired me to make my jewelry pieces and also for shoppers to be excited that their money was going towards worthwhile causes.

I am doing a little grading of papers right now (this actually is for my family and bills!!), then I will try and get to sleep. Ugh! I am tired, but my mind is going a mile a minute.

Goodnight!!

ART SHOW

So, our art show went great!! We had a lot of visitors and it was successful. The kids made enough money to adopt two endangered species and I made enough money to fund our next Purple Palace orphanage trip in February. We are so blessed to have our friends, family and neighbors, support our passions!!

I am wiped out, though. It was a crazy day. After the open house, we went straight to church for santa's workshop (crafts, etc), then went to see the lighted neighborhood in Santee and dessert with awesome friends. I just posted grades for one class and prepped for my two gromms for this week.

Can I go to bed now???

IT'S HERE!

Tomorrow is the day. Our second annual art show has arrived! The kids and I have been working so hard over the last several weeks, to create some great notecards, bookmarks, and framed pieces. I am a little nervous that we will not have enough stuff!! No to mention, I made the open house from 11-3, which seems like an awfully long time!!

This year, though, I am excited because the kids really put forth the effort. Last year, I used their old artwork and created the pieces. They helped, but minimally. This year, I felt that Jacob and Jordyn did the majority of the work. It was fun to see their passion for helping animals, come out in their artwork. I also have started some new jewelry designs to put out for "Jewelry for a Cause." I am tired, but looking forward to the blessings that God has in store. I feel that our hearts are for serving and giving, and this attitude is the most important goal for tomorrow's show.

I haven't taken pictures yet, but will tomorrow and post them here. Off to bed. I am so tired. Just finished grading papers......

An amazing experience!!

We took the kids on their first "mission's trip" this last weekend. We went to the Purple Palace Orphanage in Tijuana. It was such an amazing experience. We brought donations, but our main goal was to love and play with the kids. Jacob and Jordyn blended in so easily. They didn't want to leave! The kids in the orphanage come from very tragic backgrounds, but are so blessed with where they are now. Connie and Tyler, the missionaries who run the orphanage, are truly an inspiration. Of course, it was also a dream place to be. It is in an old hotel right on the beach!! I can't wait to go again and bless the children there, and have them bless us back!!

Gearing up for our Annual Art Show!

It is 11:30p.m. back from hockey, finished my work. I am now kind of "comatose" but managing to think about our annual art show in November (invitations coming soon). Jordyn has started her jewelry making. I have deviated a little and did some painting. I have included a couple of pics to show the "road I am traveling."