Goodbye for Now

This space has been a blessing to me.  Not only by allowing me to express my feelings and record memories for my family, but also because of each of you.  You have encouraged me and challenged me.  I've had friendships blossom all because you left a comment here on this humble little space of mine.  Thank you all for that.

My life is just currently in a season where blogging isn't possible.  There are not enough hours in the day to make this space a priority anymore.  So, thank you sweet friends for sharing in our lives with me this way.  I hope some day I'll have time to be back here.  Until then, you can follow me on Instagram.  My name is aredburn.  It's about all I have time for these days!

Much love,
Ashley

Halloween

I am thankful for kids who are adaptable.  

And a Husband who went along with (and actually helped with) the decorating.  

And friends who can come in your house and start cooking when we're not even home.  

Pumpkin Bowling

We didn't go trick or treating last night - First year since Hunter was old enough to actually eat the candy.  We still went to Aunt Kim's and Mom's, but then we had a Halloween Party at our house with our small group fam.  It was super nice.  Tuesday night Mom came over and we baked our hearts out making Halloween themed treats (thank you Pintrest).

ghost bananas, pretzel bones, pumpkin poop, halloween cupcakes...

Mummy Dogs

We had 9 kids and 5-7 adults at our house.  We ate mummy dogs for dinner, and then our other fun treats.  We played pumpkin bowling, pin the nose on the pumpkin, Halloween BINGO, colored Halloween pictures, and read Halloween stories.  It was a nice change of pace.  My kids never once complained about not trick or treating.  They didn't complain (too much) about not getting new costumes this year.  I love that my kids aren't stuck in their ways.  I like to change things up, and I'm so grateful that my kids are along for the ride - with happy hearts!

Pin the nose on the pumpkin

Silas, Blake, Easton, Ally, Pikie, Hunter, Kayden, Mya, and Graysen

Lincoln isn't really into decorating (except for Christmas).  He definitely doesn't enjoy things that make a "mess"...but check out the front door that he did for me!  It's things like this that make me happy from the inside out...that make me feel loved.  Thank you honey for doing it.  It was a huge thing for me.  I love you.

We didn't make it home before our friends came over.  I walked in - a stress ball (because when guests are coming I like to have everything. just. so.) and Britt reminded me how wonderful it was that we are close enough that she and Casey could just come on in, start the food, dig in my kitchen (more like they already knew where everything was!).  We didn't have anywhere to go, no schedule.  We just got enjoy being together with our families last night.  I'm grateful for good friends.

Orphan Sunday

Once again, it's Orphan Sunday.  I have such mixed emotions about this day, so my thoughts here will probably be jumbled and jump back and forth a lot.  I am thrilled that most churches in America will take a few minutes all the way to the entire service today to shine some light on the orphan crisis in the world.  It is our command from God...to care for the orphans, so we need to talk about it.  

My church (whom I love!) didn't even mention it this morning (although I did still wear one of my 147 shirts!).  Most of me is devastated.   This is the 3rd year running that not a mention of Orphan Sunday has been mentioned.  My church stands for a lot of biblical things...but one thing that they tend to really look past is caring for the orphans...not sure what's going on with that.  I should talk to one of the pastors about it...but I haven't yet...because honestly, I don't have the time or energy to head up that kind of a ministry at our church, and who I am to ask for one, if I'm not willing to be the one who runs it?!

Part of me was relieved.  I didn't want them to call us up to the front to be put on display.  "Look at what these awesome people have done!  They've done their 'part' for the orphan crisis!  Here are all the adoptive families who are in our church...yup, you already know it because they look different than everyone, but let's just call them out anyway!"  I didn't want anyone looking at me...because I'm not awesome.  If they only saw how wretched my heart is.  If they only knew how I struggle.

 I definitely didn't want my sons singled out or defined by their past.  They don't even think of themselves as ever being orphans...because orphans are "kids who don't have parents"...they've always had parents.  I don't think that they can even comprehend what they've been through or how horrific it really was.  I'm thankful for that.  I don't ever want them defined as orphans...or redeemed orphans, or anything dealing with the word!  That's not who they are.  

While we were going through our adoption process if someone had asked me what I thought God intended when He said to care for the orphans, I would have said...everyone should either be adopting or supporting those who adopt.  Hands down...I really believed that.  

I don't anymore.  Adoption is not for everyone...but caring for the orphans is.  It's not an option...it's a command!  (I know, I'm not nearly perfect or follow all of God's commands, so please know that I'm not judging here!)  You CAN care for the orphan even if you're not called to adopt or foster.  You can volunteer your time in an orphanage, you can do respite for foster families, you can help financially support adopting families, you can purchase items (that you would already purchase) from organizations that care for orphans, you can bring meals, do laundry, babysit, pray, etc. for adoptive families.  You can start your OWN organization.  The options are really endless.  What are your passions?

Orphan Sunday.  I pray that lots of people's hearts are turned toward adoption and foster care today.  I pray that God moves mightily in the families that He intends to bring His children home.  It's just such a complicated topic.  I don't think that one day can sum it up.  I've been deeply involved in the orphan care community for over 3 years now and I haven't come close to wrapping my brain around it all.  It's difficult, but it's also so fulfilling.  So full of hope, and peace, and love...all things that bring me closer to the heart of God...which is right where I need to be...

if you have any questions about the orphan crisis in the world, please ask.  You can comment here or email me personally @ ashleyredburn@hotmail.com.  I would love to chat with you, dream with you, pray with you.  I would love to point you in the direction of some awesome organizations who are doing so much more than I could ever dream of doing on my own.  please...let's chat!  

Sole Hope, what I do

Sole Hope.  

Those of you who talk to me daily know what a difference this organization has made in our lives.  For those of you who don't, I love it so much I just have to share.  This month, the month that focuses on thankfulness, I want to share things that I am thankful for...and Sole Hope is definitely one of them!

I first got involved with Sole Hope in 2011 when I met Asher at my very first Created For Care Conference.  (You can read about that first meeting here.)  In case you don't know, Sole Hope offers HOPE, healthier lives, and freedom from foot related diseases through education, jobs, and medical relief.  Very simply said they employ widows in Uganda to make shoes that we then give out to children to help fight jiggers.  Jiggers are nasty little sand fleas that make their home in feet.  They can effect anyone...including these precious boys...

who you now know much better as...

yes.  my sons.  they both had jiggers before joining our family...and you know this momma isn't going to stand back and not fight!

I started off hosting a few small shoe parties.  (You can read about them here, and here.)  From there, I felt God encouraging me to help out organizations - leading me to "Help From Home".  I hosted "parties" where we helped a few other very awesome organizations -  Sixty Feet and The Mercy House being two of them.  

Although I loved helping different organizations I felt the pulling to commit to one.  To pour myself into a group of people - to start building relationships.  To love them.  My friendship with Asher was still growing, I got to spend a lot of time with her at my second Created For Care Retreat, and I got to volunteer at the Sole Hope booth for several hours over that weekend.  That sealed the deal for me.  

I spoke with Asher and Dru (her husband) and asked how I could become more involved.  Long story short I became their "shoe party specialist", answering all inquiries from other people about the shoe parties they were hosting.  I was privileged to be a part of creating the new shoe party pack, and I even filmed an informational / instructional video that goes out in every shoe party kit.  From there, we developed the Sole Hope Ambassador Program, and I am heading that up as well.  

Although I am a full time volunteer for them...often working 20-30 hours a week, this really a family ministry for us.  My husband and kids help me prep for our shoe parties, we walked together in a local walk a thon to raise money for Sole Hope, the kids attend all of our shoe parties (that now have up around 80 people in attendance!), and Blake has even filmed a fabulous video (compliments of Two Are Better) talking about his personal experience with jiggers...(to be revealed soon)!  

I made my first trip to the Sole Hope headquarters in Asheville, NC this past summer, and hope to be able to go back once a year to head up an Ambassador Conference!  Not only do I get to work with a great core team at Sole Hope, I am also blessed to work with awesome women from around the country who have become Sole Hope Ambassadors!  They inspire me every day to keep doing what I do.  

I can't tell you what a privilege it is for them to trust me with a part of their organization.  I really believe this organization is made up of a team of people who are earnestly seeking God's leading and direction each step of the way.  I love what I do every single day.  I know this is where God needs me right now...working to help financially support my family, loving my husband and children, helping to home school them, and volunteering for Sole Hope.  

Spike Hat

You might remember Spike's special hat from Miss Carrie from this post.

It's cold enough that we need to start wearing hats again, so I thought I would try it just to see if it still fit.

It's kinda tight and small, but man, is he cute it in or what?!  

Random pictures: People I love, homeschooling, and wedding planning!

There have been so many times since Fletcher was born where I was so sad that my Grandma isn't here to love on him like she did Hunter and Graysen.  When I pulled out the winter clothes, I was sad again...Fletcher wouldn't have a home made winter hat to wear from GG.  God turns all of our sadness into happiness, and we were blessed with a neighbor who loves to make gifts for my kids (croqued hats, tie-dyed items, etc).  My kids love her, and spend countless hours reading books or playing spades with her under the tree.  

Pikie with his hat made by Susan

 I love this girl.

and this boy.

and this boy!

Is he not hilarious in that hat?!  I love it!

Sleepy kids in matching PJs.  I so adore this!

One aspect of homeschooling that we have come to love is that we have time to teach our kids to cook!  I got them their own recipe box filled with "kids meals".  They usually pick one breakfast, lunch, and dinner each week and we make it together.  They are learning about different foods, how to read a recipe, measuring, cutting, the stove and oven, etc.  Life skills people!  Here is one of their creations!

While we're talking about the positives of homeschooling...can I say that homeschooling boys is so wonderful?!  Boys were not created to sit behind a desk all day!!  We love going outside and exploring.  They find something, we research and learn about it!  I also feel like our learning isn't on a time schedule.  One evening we went to our family's lake and they played in the mud around the edge of the lake and found all kinds of wonderful things!  

Silas with a clam shell

Hunter with one of the 30 tiny frogs they found.  

 Fletcher update:  He is sitting up really well.  Learning to play by himself (some - I don't know that he's ever going to have to actually play by himself with 4 older siblings!).

poor sicky boy.  Double ear infection.  He had red eyes and cheeks, runny eyes, nose, and mouth.  Pitiful!

Pikie "eating" an apple.  He really liked this net thing!

 The big wedding is coming along!  It's been so fun to walk this road so closely with Kara.  Here we are trying cupcakes (that we froze and then thawed) as an alternative to wedding cake.  A BIG THANK YOU to Kelley for whipping them up for us.....they were fabulous!

Baby Wearing: What else to talk about?

I will say that since getting my iPhone Instagram has kind of taken the place of my blog.  I love posting pictures through our day!  I wonder if there is place where I can print my Instagram in book form like you can your blog?  Anyone know?  

I can't speak highly enough of baby wearing.  I know some people are against it, and that's okay, but for our family it is such a blessing!  Women around the world have worn their babies for centuries, and I am happy to carry on the tradition!  

 My babies are always soothed when I am wearing them, and especially after doing so much research and reading on the way that babies brains are developed (due to adoption stuff), I am even more of a believer in responding to your babies needs and making them feel as secure as possible at all times.

Yup, my most hippie picture yet.  Baby on my back, chai tea in my hand, tie-dye shirt (gift from our neighbor), and my hair in a braid (so that Fletch doesn't pull on it!).  But..we're happy!!

 I have worn lots of different carriers, but my favorites are my Moby (for when my babies are little), and now this Baby Hawk that I was gifted by a very sweet girl!  I wear Pike on my back, and he and I both love it! Now that he's in the stage where he's interested in everything and wanting to grab everything, a front carrier isn't very realistic around the house.  On my back he is happy, secure, and able to see everything that is going on, but is out of reach of everything (except my hair)!

He has fallen asleep in it several times....obviously he's comfortable and secure!

I was hoping that by bringing my blog up to speed from my 3 month blog sabbatical  I would be inspired to write more, be able to sort through the things of my heart and share them through my writing like I used to.  Unfortunately, as I sit and try to come up with something to write a post about I draw a blank.  I would love for those of you who (for some reason) still read my blog to ask me questions.  What would you like to know?  What would you like for me to share about?  What has been happening in your life?!

MIA- September Update

- September started with the annual Fantasy Football Draft on Labor Day.  Ugh.  That's about all I can say.  I do try to be supportive, and I honestly am glad that Lincoln has something he enjoys doing outside of the family, but it feels like the computer is always open and I just don't understand how something that has zero eternal impact can be so important!

- Lincoln also started playing in a Disc Golf League on Tuesday nights with Nick.  It's a 6 week league leading up to their annual Disc Golf Road Trip.  

- The annual Grape and Fall Festival was the first weekend in September.  Thanks to our two mothers the kids got to go ride the rides again this year.  They always look forward to this day and are completely worn out for the two days following it!

The kids ready for the parade to begin

 

-  The boys started soccer again.  They moved up to the 3rd and 4th grade league this fall.  They are practicing on Sundays for an hour and a half, and their games are on Monday evenings.  They are playing a full field this year, which is probably the biggest change!  We are very proud of the teamwork that they have developed and their passing skills are getting better by the week!

Fletcher and Sissy at one of their games.  It's really hard to get pictures of them now that they are on a full field!

-  We took the kids to our first homeschool event this month.  We attended the homeschool skating time at the local skating rink.  It was lots of fun, and we can't wait to attend every month!  School is going really well.  We are constantly changing up our approach...not sure if we'll ever find one way that works really well for us...we think it might be a constant change as the kids change, as the subjects change, etc.  We're okay with that, and are trying really hard to have a more student led learning enviornment than we've had in the past.  We're working on teaching the kids time management (by giving them all of their work first thing in the morning and letting them know we expect it by the end of the day), while still doing some teacher led activities. 





free journaling

Fletcher and Henry.  Just a few weeks apart playing at the skating rink. 

- Graysen also started dance in September.  She is taking ballet, tap, and tumbling again this year.  She has mastered her cartwheel and her one handed cartwheel.  She has a great bridge, and now she's working on her backbend so she can move on to her walkover! 

She is in class with Madi, Lily, and Kate.  I'm not sure how Megan survives each Thursday night!

Graysen showing me here bridge. 

-  Bart and Erin got married on the 22nd in Springfield.  It was a beautiful wedding, perfect for them!  It was wonderful to see so many members of my family in one place, and we really enjoyed the afternoon out. 


-  Fletcher is really learning to go with the flow.  With four older siblings, he pretty much gets drug around!  He is sitting up on his own - he still tumbles once in awhile, but it's rare.  He's rolling all over the living room.  We started giving him just little bits of food here and there, a squished piece off our banana, a jar of baby peaches.  Not much, but he seems to be handling it pretty well!  He had a double ear infection again this month.  High fever, cough, no sleep, it was soooooo sad.  I took both he and Graysen in to Dr. After Hours this past Sunday and he had a double ear infection, and she has one ear infection and the start of pneumonia!  So glad I took them! 

Graysen put her sparkly eye lashes on him!

Always so happy!  The only two times I can ever say he's been really unhappy are when he's had his two ear infections. 

 

-  The biggest news this month is that Kara and Chad got engaged!!  We are so excited for Chad to officially be joining the family!  They are planning a beach wedding for next summer. 

 

The picture announcement!

 

-  We had made new friends.  This is a precious couple who very recently moved to town.  They have been over for a dinner a few times, and then joined our bible study on Wednesday nights!  We're feeling so blessed to be creating a friendship with them!

 

 

-  We celebrated Ethiopian New Year on the 11th of this month with Doro Wat.  I didn't even get to eat any...guess that means it was good!  I really need to make an effort to cook Ethiopian food more often...it's not that hard, just out of my comfort zone.  

 



The boys with one of their favorite babysitters.  Hilarious, let me tell you!

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