International Hope Blankies

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Looks like some genous paid to have Hope Blankies sent to the orphanage that Li Hao (Hope) is at right now. I wish I could have been there when those little ones opened their gift.

Other good news - Zhe Wei has been adopted! Zhe Wei pictured on the 2nd row in the third block holidng the red blankie and cat.

It's Christmas All Year

My amazing sister-in-law gave us the coolest Christmas gift this year. Soap of the Month Club. At first I was amazed by such a cleaver gift! I told my friends and sisters. Naturally, they were jealous of my soap and my good gift giving sister. Later, I found out how naive I was in the estimation of the value of this gift. I read her blog one morning while enjoying the wonderful smell of lavender and lemon grass scented hands and discovered that she had been making the soap all along! I immediately informed the friends and sisters who then had no words to respond to the incredibly amazing discovery of my incredibly amazing new sister. Phew! Try and contain yourself.

The Best News Ever!

It has been a long time waiting, but today our good friends got the okay from China to go bring their little Hope home! They will be able to leave in about one month. Please continue to pray that all of their needs are provided for in the next month and that the travel plans come together easily. Woo Hoo!

Wanna See My Big Belly?

Check out Katchen's Blog. 33 weeks down. Who knows how many to go. :)

Judah the Dairy Farmer

  Yesterday we went to Shatto Dairy Farm. It was supposed to be a TDA field trip, but turned into more of a family event.

We drove an hour and a half out into the middle of nowhere! I'm telling you it was almost to the other edge of nowhere. We walked into their little gift shop and waited for the tour to begin. While waiting a gentleman with mud boots on. He made small talk with me for a few minutes until he decided to walk to the front of the store and introduce himeslf as Leroy Shatto! Welcome to his farm. From there the tour was just about as fun as a barrel of monkeys. We learned all about the dairy farming lifestyle which begins with a first milking at 3:30am. Next we tasted every wonderful kind of flavored milk they make - Strawberry, Bananna, Orange, Rootbeer and their world famous Chocolate milk. We also got to meet and milk some of their cows. There were 2 day old calves that jumped and leaped arround. They were definately the highlight of the tour.

I knew going to the farm that I would leave a raving fan. If you live in the Kansas City area you should be drinking Shatto. Support the local, hormone free root beer cows. Okay?

I'm writing this post just to let you know how dumb white tile floors are.

We have a wonderful kitchen. It is big and will one day be beautiful. There are lots of cabinets (but I think we could still use more), lots of space in the middle for an island one day, and sparkly white tile floors. Oh wait, did I say sparkly? Ummm, well maybe they sparkle once a week...for like 5 minutes. Then the dog will walk through the kitchen and all of a sudden I feel like I need to get the swiffer out. EVERY time the dog walks through the kitchen I feel like I need to get the swiffer out. He doesn't really shed all that much, but the white tile shows EVERY SINGLE HAIR!

The only time that the stupid white floor doesn't show how many times we walk through the kitchen each day is when I wear socks and intentially drag my feet so I can catch whatever extra fluff is floating arround the floor. When someone walks through with shoes there is usually a little gift left from the shoe to the floor as one exits. When Sean cooks there's usually a little funk under the stove. When I wash dishes there's usually a little funk near the mat infront of the sink. I guess the good thing about the white floor is now I realize how much of a mess we've always been making. I just really don't appreciate it the way I maybe should. I like a little mystery.

There are days when I could sweep the floor 10x. I usually give up at 2x, but today...I'm not going to do it at all. There!

The Future is Looking Bright

Well maybe partly cloudy, but at least it looks warm(er)! Hooray!

Kansas City, MO
30°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind: NW at 17 mph
Humidity: 51%Today

33° | 19°Wed

43° | 27°Thu

53° | 35°Fri

On another note... I'm still batteling a little bit of sickness. There are moments when feeling sick and tired seem like a crisis. Right now I'm only cooking a baby. I don't even have 3 and one on the way like some of the women I know. Yikes! How do people do that?

Haven't I already paid my dues??

Since we've been in Kansas City I've had two colds and I'm working on my 3rd. Isn't two enough?

The first was just after we arrived. It lasted a long time, but wasn't too bad. The next one was over New Years. It was probably the worst I've ever had in my life.

I'm hoping this one is mostly done by tomorrow. I'm hoping in the car with Izzy and driving to Cincinnati for our baby girl's first shower. We gotta get this girl squeaky clean!

How to get your very own Hope Blankie

A few of you have asked how to get the Hope Blankie. If you go to the post below and click on the italicized words it will take you to the link. The new blog design I have doesn't allow me to underline the hyperlinks.

Those blankies make great shower gifts. Hint hint. :)

You Probably Need One of These

My dear friends are selling these beautiful blankies to raise funds to bring their little Hope home. You probably need one.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

I'll be in Cincinnati for my baby shower, but if you don't have plans you need to plan to be HERE.

Late Night Activites

I stopped by a friends tonight. She had remodeled, furnished and painted over the weekend and all on a dime. She is truly a "get it done" inspiration.

I came home and put the couch cover on the pink couch upstairs. It had been sitting next to the couch still in the package since Friday. I felt quite accomplished. NOT!

Living Room Before and After

I forgot to show you the living room changes. Last weekend we had a Saturday night painting party.

Before:

After:

Well I didn't run into the Lawrenson's, but once we got to the hospital I found out that their room was just down the hall from my Grandmother's. I went by Trica's room and left a note. I later found out that she was in surgery. I realized while I was there that if her little girl is 5 weeks old and was born 15 weeks early that we would have been due around the same time.

My Grama's tests came back with great results. She has the arteries of an 18 year old. We talked about stopping at the drug store on the way home to get a new appropriate hair color.

This morning I left mom's and came back home. Here are some photos from the week:

Charlotte and me. :)


My new gloves! Thanks Mom!



Here's the old pair. Zeb got a hold of him. I was devestated! My grandmother gave these to me when I was 16. They've been in my jacket pocket ever since.


My first flight was delayed, so I worked on this project. I finished it before my layover in Cincinnati! (please don't zoom - I haven't washed away the markings yet)


I had a great time with my Mommy! I'm so glad I'll get to see her again next weekend in Cincinnati.

Walking Down Memory Lane

I should really call this post "digging through memory boxes."

Mom and I went to her basememt tonight to go through old boxes. There were boxes from my childhood and teenage years. Most boxes were filled with thousands of notes and letters from old girlfriends, boys and my dear Jeannie Bean. I had forgotten that Jeannie and I exchanged SO MANY letters!

There were also lots of picture that I had forgotten about also. I found WONDERFUL pictures of Patrick. There were several years where I really felt like he was almost mine. He was such a fun little boy. Most of the pictures were of the two of us just hanging out in my room.

I found a few things from TheCall DC that happened in 2000. There were a few 40 day devoltionals, the book by Michael Brown and the CD that has Jason Uptons "freedom" on it. It was a quick reminder of what so many anticipate and are working so hard for this fall. That day was historical for me. I can look back to that day and see how it shifted the course of the next several years.

There were a few fun things for my new baby. Mom has kept some of my baby dresses, dolls and blankets that people made for me. I really look forward to getting my baby's room ready when I get back home.

Tomorrow we head to Duke Hospital to be with my grandmother and aunt as my grama undergoes some tests. I'm praying I run into these folks. If you haven't read their story and started praying for them please join me in prayer for them.

I love this girl!

 
I've been at my mom's today with Angela's little girls. They are just wonderful! The only downside is they make me miss my girls! The past several times I've seen these little Solomon's has been with Israel present. Ava loves to play with her and Charlie loves to be squeezed by her.

Israel is planning to come with me to Cincinnati next weekend. I'm so glad that I won't have to miss her when I'm gone then.

We were at the MAC store in Vegas in this picture. We weren't quite sure if the person who did her make-up was a boy or girl. Hmmm...

Last Minute Travel Plans

Sunday I realized that my travel time is ticking away. The next several weeks are already planned and by the end of those I don't imagine that I'll want to be hopping on another plane. SO, I called my mom and asked if I could come on Tuesday. She asked, why don't you come tomorrow instead? Coming Monday meant that I would get to see my sister, her kidlets and my Grama. So...here I am in beautiful North Carolina. :)

Bad Pictures Big Belly

Wanna see a bad picture of my big belly?

The little old man at Sun Fresh who bagged my groceries just asked if I needed help out to the car. I only had one bag - it only had lettuce in it. I said no.

Jesus Loves Me - So Does La Mar's

This morning after dropping the girls I realized that I could not go another moment without a donut. It was an undeniable craving that if denied may involve tears. I head north on Wornall convinced that there would be a Crispy Cream in just a few blocks. I was wrong. I knew that there would be a donut place on Holmes, so I head down one block and start working my way there. Salvation! I saw La Mar's just up ahead. I pulled in the parking lot. Grabbed my wallet and headed in. As I was almost to the door I realized that I didn't have any cash. I headed back to the car to my change stash to find that there was only about a dollar there. Surely a dollar would be enough. I went in and saw the sign that said, .75 for donuts. I chose my donut and then the cashier gave me the bad news. Specialty donuts are $1.75. She saw the disappointment on my face and quickly offered to help me otu and feed my baby. :) She took the change I had and called it even.

Note to all my pregnant friends. Keep at least $5 on you at all times. You never know when you may have an undeniable craving for something you can't justify putting on a credit card.

Bad Blogger

Sorry I'm such a bad blogger. Check out Christina's blog for some Henry household updates. We've been having some Haunakka fun.

I'll be blogging...as soon as I have something to say.

Someone Has a Birthday Today...

Happy Birthday Friend.

Yum!

Let's start at the top of the plate.
Mashed Potatoes: Kelsey
Mushroom Bruchetta: Sara
Deviled Egg: Sara
Sweet Potatoes (oh Wow): Kelsey
Salad: Mark
Green Beans (hiding beneath the salad): Mary
Green Bean Caserole (one of my favorites): Sara
Asparagas: Grayson!
Center Deep Fried Turkey: Sean


Mmmmmm. That's all I have to say about that.

After dinner I had the pumpkin cheesecake that Gray made. Again...oh Wow!

The Kids Hate the New House

This picture was taken when we took the girls to look at the house for the first time. Can't you see what a horrible time they are having. Please pray.

Prepare for Thanksgiving

Sean has been preparing for Thanksgiving for the past week. Let me just show you what an interesting week it has been...

(National Safety Director please go to the next post and disregard this one.)

Get out your ponytail holders and headbands because...well, you'll see. Don't try this at home kids.

First, you need a unitasker:


Some fire:


Some Veggies and Tofu:



And a Wok:



Should you decide to purchase a turkey fryer and make this wonderful meal you probably won't be as blessed as us to have the two coolest strangers show up at your door and stay for dinner.


Daniel Academy students look out, you are about to take the most exciting Culinary Arts/Food Science Class that has ever been. Check in again in the next few days to see the fried turkey.

*Please note all cooking was performed in a well ventelated area.

I have some photo updating to do...

Well I guess I can start with today.

It snowed! All had fun including the dog. This is our old backyard. Pictures of the house we just purchased are yet to come.

Notice Judah wearing a skirt over her pants...

Well..it's not a boy

When Angela was pregnant with Charlie, Leah was the first to find out if it was a boy or a girl. She wanted to give us all a hint. "It's not a boy." I love that hurricane.

Today we got the exciting news (of course we'd be excited no matter what). It's not a boy! Poor Patrick is still going to be the only boy, and Sean is going to continue to have a house full of girls. :)

It was so fun to see that tiny little girl. She is so scrunched in there. The technician thought that she is about 8 - 10 inches long.

Judah has been text messaging everyone in her phone from the moment we found out.

Night Watch

Pregnancy has take a toll on my energy levels. Since I got married last year I have realized the great value of going to bed early. Since I've been pregnant that value has increased tremendously. About 7:30 8 each night I find myself heading to bed. Some evenings I would climb in at 5 if I could.

The recent complication has been my night watch. I feel like I need to go to bed at 8, but never fails...around 12 maybe 1 I wake up. Could be my bladder or could be the dog. It doesn't really matter. This means I'm going to be up for a few hours. The big decision I have to make is, do I spend this time laying in bed hoping that I fall asleep or do I come downstairs and occupy my time with something else? Tonight I've decided to come say hello to you.

Luxuries

The luxury of my life right now is going to get a burrito and running into Dave W. and Katchen and Izzy! The next day I go to the Prayer Room and there they are again! Later I went to TheCall office and Randy was there. This is so fun! I love living near friends.

Winter Itch

Well it's not exactly winter, but I'm starting to itch. This was something I did not miss about the midwest. In California dry skin is almost NEVER an issue. Especially when you live near the ocean. Now I should consider that pregnancy may have something to do with this, but man...I itch all over. The kind of itch that makes you wiggle in your jeans cuz there's just no fixing it. Lotion helps a little bit, but what I really need is a portible humidifier to carry along with me wherever I go. Could someone invent that for me?

Pin Cushions

Anna Maria Horner puts my pin cushions to shame. Check these out.

15 Weeks

This week I had my first doctor's appointment and got to hear our little one's heart beat for the first time. For the duration of my pregnancy I have had a hard time believing that I have a baby growing inside. It has kind of felt like a perpetual state of Mono. After that heart beat it us undeniable. We are having a baby...or a puppy if you asked Leah.

People often ask, "Do you think it's a boy or a girl?". The answer is yes. It is either a boy or a girl. The other question is, "Do you want a boy or a girl?". Same answer. A boy or girl would be great!

Well it's off to the City Market. I'm so happy to be back in Kansas City where I know where everything is. I can find the City Market and the cutest coffee shop within 1 mile of it. I can find any grocery I need (except TJs of course) and when I get there I don't have to wait in the longest line you've ever seen in your life. What a luxury!

Sounds Like Kansas City Too!

Laying in bed last night I could hear the wind blowing through the trees. While in California I had forgotten that this is actually a normal sound arround here. It sounded like to might be raining. I had to hold my breath to be sure that it was the wind in the trees and not just another down pour. I have enjoyed the down pours, but I LOVE the sound of the wind in the trees just outside the window.

We are finally in a somewhat normal state of living now. We are renting a house from some friends until we can find our own place. It has a backyard which is just perfect for Zeb and Judah.

Now it's off to WalMart to get all of those things we decided not to bring from California in the moving truck.

It Feels Like Kansas City

Well friends we've made it! What a miracle! Sean, my mom and I arrived a week ago and crashed the Weavers. Mom left the next day and since then it feels like we've been in a bit of a whirl wind. Leaving California felt the same way.

Sean worked super hard to unload the moving truck. We had some great reinforcements come in and save the day. Some guys from this ministry came and helped him. We couldn't have done it without them.

Today we are moving to another basement and continuing our house search. The fun just never stops!

I am actually having a hard time believing that we are here. It kind of felt real when we went to church with the girls yesterday morning. It kinda feels more real today because it is raining and chilly outside. I'm sure we are only days away from glorious leaves. I imagine that it will be a process of letting life in Kansas City and in the IHOP community become a reality. What a great reality!

Happy Birthday

Christina Ortega - one of my VERY favorites had a birthday! We couldn't get the candles on the cake to light, so Sean quickly came up with a solution and pulled a log out of the fire. He's so helpful.

Blog on Pause

Well if you haven't noticed...I don't post very often. Sorry! We are in the midst of a move and I'm in the midst of early pregnancy. Phew! I'm sure Sean will keep a more detailed log.

I will get some pictures of Jocelyn's wedding up and some details about the move...but probably after the move.

Love you all!
Danie

Oops

I thought I posted this while in Germany - but the website was all in German, so I must have made a mistake. Oops. :) More to come soon.


Well I'm in Germany for a very good friends wedding. It's only once that your Jocelyn gets married!

Germany is beautiful. It resembles parts of the northern midwest and the weather reminds me of Washington DC. Sunny and beautiful then the next day it's cold and raining.

My first day here we walked all over Dresden. Everyone here walks or rides a bike. There are few cars on the street. I've seen families with 5 kids all on bikes. Also, everyone has a dog. Some of the dogs are on leashes. Most just follow right beside you. When people go to the store they bring their dog along. The dog just patiently sits outside the store and waits for it's master to come out. We came across a farmers market in a VERY beautiful part of town. People who walked by would grab a beer and just keep walking. We had fresh apple juice. Yum! On our way back to Jocely's we got an ice cream cone. The BEST ice cream I've EVER had in my life! It was fun to order because Jocelyn wasn't with us, so trying to figure out the flavors was quite interesting.

The next day we went to a church brunch. Most everyone who we spent time with spoke English. Brunch was quite an experience. Lots and lots of breads with lots of different spreads and cheeses to put on it. It was delicious. After that we walked to the river and sat on a blanket in a big field near the water. Sammy and the rest of my travel buddies played soccer while Jocelyn and I made wedding lists.

Yesterday Autumn, Leslie and I got on a train to Prague. WHAT AN ADVENTURE! We got to the train station minutes before our train was scheduled to leave so we RAN to get the ticket and get on the right train. The train ride was beautiful. We couldn't understand the announcer, but there was a helpful passenger who told us when to get off. We got into the station and the girls went to the restroom while I changed some Euros for Crowns. Aparently you have to pay for the restroom in CZ. They didn't have crowns, so the woman at the door yelled at Leslie in Chez intil I could get there with the Crowns. She was so angry that she didn't even take the money. When we got out of the station we were all very excited because Prague is supposed to be the most beautiful city in all of Europe. Well...it wasn't. We were in some cruddy part of town and couldn't find a map in English. After walking for a while we found a helpful American who gave us his map. Once we figured out how to take the tram and get to the MOST BEAUTIFUL part of Europe we were happy. I would have never guessed how beautiful it was going to be. At the end of the day we ran to the train station to wait more than an hour for our train. We had one adventure after another, but I'm almost out of minutes at the cafe, so I'll have to tell yout about it later.

Today we are just hanging around Dresden.

Well I wish I could post pictures, but I left the cord for my camera back at Jocelyn's.

A New Weekend

This was the weekend of new. It all started when the sink clogged last weekend. We thought that it was fixed, but this weekend it clogged again. SO that means we got a new garbage disposal!

Friday afternoon instead of going to the beach we all went to Barnes and Noble. While we were there we decided to go into the mall. While Israel and I walked around XXI, Sean and Judah got me a new shirt! Thanks guys! They said it was a Danie shirt. They were right!

Yesterday when I was vacuuming the vacuum began to smell like something had crawled inside and died. Also the thing underneath it stopped spinning, so we got a new belt for the vacuum - and a new bag!

Judah and I had a sewing lesson. She made a Cutesy Clutch and I made this:



My mother-in-love came by this morning and informed me that the new bag she had made for herself was entirely too big. Darn, I have to keep her darling handmade bag.

Zeb has grown quite a bit since you've last seen him, so he got a new green collar and a bath this weekend. He thinks he's pretty hot stuff. Last night we went to the park near our house. Judah rode her bike and Zeb got to chase her around the park. Israel was on the equipment, so of course Zeb had to go play with her in the sand. Sand would be one of his very favorite things - next to little kids (that's my dog!). I'll post pics of the dog later. My camera battery is taking a short rest.

Pin Cushion Crazy!

Recently, I've been on a bit of a pin cushion kick. If I have an extra scrap of fabric the thought that always comes to mind is, "I bet I could make a great pin cushion out of this!"





I saw this on a craft blog a few weeks ago and couldn't get it out of my head. Isn't it the cutest fried egg pin cushion you've ever seen?





This is my current favorite. I can put all of the extra pins inside the jar and keep the ones that I need out. The jar is from a jelly making family member. Thanks for the tripple berry jelly Jeannie! It was great!

More Crafts

I found a great website that gives you simple how to's for really fun projects. Cut Out and Keep - I really liked the roll-up pencil holder.
I followed the directions on my first try, but the pencil slots turned out to be bumpy and uneven. I decided to make another and just eyeball it instead of measuring and pinning. It turned out much better that way. I didn't have any velcro dots, so I used cute buttons and elastic instead to secure it.

It's Official - The Henry Girls are Artists

Thanks to Nanette we can now call ourselves artists. Two weeks ago this may have not been the case. After two days full of boring work (smashing plates, wearing goofy safety glasses, making big messes with putty and grout - none of those things are fun for little girls) we have finished our mosaic flower pots. We are now prepared to mosaic just about everything in the house. The extra kidlet is Dakota. She's been our super fun roomy recently.

Last Sunday we kept the Henry tradition and went to the Orange County Fair. We ate all the things we shouldn't have, walked until we needed a footsie wootsie break and saw the most delicious piece of chocolate cake in all of Orange County.

I was very surprised to see these guys there. They belong on a dry lake bed in the middle of nowhere.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Israel Weaver's Birthday! I can't believe he's already three years old. Happy Birthday little Izzy. I wish I could squish you myself, but since I can't I'll send Sean to do it for me.

Guests

We have some guests who've made themselves completely comfortable. They make themselves at home to the fridge, the bathroom, they help with the dish, and they'll even take a lick off the sucker on my dresser.

Does anyone know how to get rid of ants?

P.S. The sucker was in a wrapper.

I'm liking Torrance More Every Day

A few weeks ago this sign appeared next to Whole Foods:



Yesterday was the day Pete's in Torrance became more than just a sign. I was one of the first customer's in line and I was the first customer to have my order messed up. I guess I'll have to go again to give them another chance. Darn.

More Beach Fun

The kids had a horrible time at the beach. They barried Judah and Jenai in the sand and Jenai dug a hole to China. That evening I heard Jenai pull her dad into a side room and say "I have bumps...". Hmmm...I wonder how that happened.

Getty Fun

This past weekend Sean suggested we all go to the Getty for lunch and a crochet lesson. What a great idea! It was a peaceful afternoon with sunshine and a cool afternoon full of cartwheels and crochet.

Beach Fun

Each Friday I'm taking off work early and we are going to go the the beach! That's Judah in the waves and Israel trying to convince herself to get into the water.