Serious question...

I have a question for all of my readers out there. I really do want your opinion. I have some very intellectual friends, and I KNOW you read my blog... so I better get some comments! However, I don't want this to turn into a nasty blog debate. You've seen them, you know what I am talking about.

I recently was exposed to a situation that I am trying to understand... Let's say you have the opportunity to help someone in need. It could be monetarily or through a service that you provide. The only stipulation is that you must receive permission and approval. The "rules" are put into place for tax and legal reasons and they are totally legitimate. Jesus instructed us to help the widows and orphans (those in need). What does He think of society's "rules" that have been put in place?

Having an accountant for a husband has enlightened me on how necessary these things are. Jeff explained to me tonight that these "rules" are put in place to protect the organization, and maybe even the giver. He also indicated that someone may be more likely to give to a non profit that is set up as a charitable organization for tax purposes. This may indicate that the non profit would be more responsible, better organized, and perhaps better positioned to help people in need. I do understand that we live in a fallen world, everything is not as easy as our Maker intended it to be. I am fascinated by things like "tax credits" and "tax deductions". However, I still have a hard time understanding why people would be motivated to give to a charitable organization just to lower their taxes. What if we just gave or helped out of sheer joy, the same joy that Jesus felt when he forgave the prostitute, or fed thousands?

I know that we can never totally understand everything that was written in the Bible, and that God didn't intend for us to understand everything. It is also ridiculous for me to think that I will every truly comprehend "giving selflessly with no ulterior motives". What do you believe? How do you think Jesus intended us to give?

I know, I know... you usually come to my blog for a light read, maybe even just the pictures! I do have deep thoughts...occasionally! :)

Pendants

Here are a few pendants that I have made so far. I am still learning how to perfect the resin. So far, I love working with this stuff! It is very tedious and time consuming. It is a huge test of my patience... I don't like waiting!

Resin and Chapel

Those two things have nothing to do with each other. I'll start with resin. You probably don't care, but I am very excited about a new medium that I have found. It is basically epoxy, but you can pour it into molds and make great jewelery. I have made several pieces so far, when I have them perfected I will post pictures. I have cast several pendants with pictures of children in them... If you have sent us a photo card lately, I might have used it! Who doesn't love to wear jewelery with there kids on it or in it?
On to chapel... this is Claire's new favorite game. She stands on the fire place and pretends that she is leading chapel. She leads songs, says prayers, and asks the pretend "children" questions about Jesus. I'm super glad that she is going to school now. Remember the day she went for the first time? I was ridiculous to be so anxious!!! Tonight she was even teaching Luke how to pray... pretty much the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She ended the lesson by shoving him off of the fire place because he wasn't listening to her! Oh, come quickly bedtime...

Happy Valentines Day!

I love this day... I think everyday should be Valentines Day! OK, moving on...
Here is a funny story for you. Yesterday, I was busy trying to get the house in order. I seem to spend everyday doing that, it never seems to get finished. Anyway, Bailey needed to go outside, so I let her out. I don't recall ever letting her in. So, I went out back and frantically searched for her. I started to panic because she was no where to be found. I went out front to look for her, I screamed her name. I think I almost had an anxiety attack! We have only had her for a few weeks, and I had already lost her!!! I went inside and contemplated calling Jeff to tell him what was happening. Right when I picked up the phone to dial I looked into the living room. There she was, curled up by Luke's blanket. She was fast asleep... she probably never heard me calling her name! So, needless to say, I felt the sudden urge to go get her micro-chipped and tagged!
Seriously, I might be losing my mind! I found pot holders in the refrigerator this morning. I immediately thought to blame it on Claire. Unfortunately, the sweet thing can't reach that high! Ugh! I guess it was me!
Just thought I would get all of that out. Does confessing your scatter brained craziness help it to go away?! I hope so!



They love this dog!!! Thankfully, she puts up with them loving her!

...by emily on ETSY!!!!

Yea!!! I finally have an etsy shop! People, this is SO FUN! Please go visit my shop (often). I will add new things as I finish them. Etsy is amazing... if you haven't seen it, be careful! You might become addicted! It is a great place for artsy crafty people to sell there stuff.

http://www.byemily.etsy.com/

PS a HUGE shout out to my very talented friend Sarah. She designed my etsy banner for me!!! Sarah is a big up and coming artist in Dallas... check out her blog! She has a gallery opening soon!

Fun, fun, and more fun...

Last week we had the opportunity to have some old college friends come and stay with us for a few nights. We had so much fun. To say the least, the kids had a blast together!!! Here are just a few of my favorites! Claire, Luke and Sophie.












Future ACU roommates! Claire and Sophie!














Every once in a while I like to write about Jeff... Do you know how amazing he is? Well, let me tell you about him! He is a great father, and my BEST friend! He is constantly making me laugh... he can make just about anybody laugh. I love that about him! Anyway... I am very proud of you Jeff. I love you! Claire took this picture of her Daddy a few weeks ago. It is a little fuzzy, but I love it!

















All you ETSY lovers- watch out! I will be opening my ETSY shop very soon! :)

Drama queen

No, I'm not talking about Me, or Claire... I'm talking about Bailey, the dog! On Thursday I took her to the vet for her 9 week puppy vaccinations. Routine, no big deal. Yeah, right! They gave her two shots and then I started asking some questions. After the vet stepped out of the room, Bailey started throwing up. I stuck my head out of the door to ask if it was normal. The vet came running in the room, and just as she got there Bailey passed out and started convulsing. Apparently, she was in anaphylactic shock because she is allergic to the vaccines. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Not only do I have two highly allergic children, but now I have a highly allergic dog!!! They revived her and gave her IV meds and fluids. They watched her for a while and then we were able to go pick her up. Drama.

Yesterday I let Claire take the dog outside to play. I went to the other room and was gone for only a few minutes. When I came back to check on them, this is what I found... (I'm still not sure how Claire got her into the swing!)
Claire assumed that BABY swings could be used for baby dogs, as well as baby humans. We had a long talk about why this was not acceptable. Can you tell how much she loves this little puppy? Don't worry, I won't let Bailey get injured!

Lastly, how FABULOUS is my new blog header!!!! Kelly at Fabulous K designs made it for me... go check her blog out!