Saturday, December 19, 2009

Send off to Africa

I had the greatest college experience and it is mostly due to my wonderful roommates. We lived together for 2 years in the dorms then 2 years in an apt. They met in high school and we all met the first week of college. We were all 18 years old.

We had a couple other gals that lived with us for a while, but we three were a cord that has not broken. We have watched each other grow up in our faith, cry over break-ups, share our deepest hurts without condemnation and truly rejoice in blessings.
Here we are all youthful looking- atop of bad haircuts, bushy eyebrows, outdated clothes and as you can tell from Shannon on the right- she didn't learn how to smile in a picture until like yesterday. But that is just one of her quirks that we like.
The girls came over this weekend along with their husbands and children. We celebrated our last meal together as the Jones' are heading off to Africa for two years. (I also just noticed we are in the same order as the pic above.) Vanessa is in the middle and their family has committed their lives to God's service and to His people in other countries.
Kyle (top right) is a doctor and will be working at a hospital in Kenya. Vanessa and their 3 boys (all under four) will be doing school at home and ministering to the women of the village.
They also came bearing gifts...
They are all from Amani Ya Juu. All the items on their site are handmade by African women who are in need. The words Amani Ya Juu in Swahili means, "higher peace," which they are learning comes from the Lord. The women made our family an angel, a purse and a kickball. The ball is made of grain sacks from relief agencies. The refugee's in Kakuma make everything from curtains to roofing from these sacks.

We had a wonderful time eating delicious food, letting the kids play and spending time in prayer. Their family has been attacked in many ways, especially in forms of sicknesses, and it was time the enemy knew they have a whole army behind them sending them off to Africa. I look forward to the letters sharing how Kyle was able to pray for someones healing and they were healed and how Vanessa's househelper notices this home is just a little bit "different" because the Lord lives there... you will be missed, but are exactly where you are supposed to be!

RANDOM LANGUAGE THOUGHTS:
We talked about learning Swahili in Africa and I wanted to share a statistic I heard:
To become fluent in a foreign language requires 800 hours of conversation. OH My Word.

As you know we started Vietnamese lessons in August. I REALLY LOVE learning the language and can tell that I am actually learning something. I can say short sentences (like my name is..., hello friend or thank you very much), I know individual vocab, numbers and introductions.
My favorite website for basic instruction is everydayviet. Donna's tones are awesome and you can actually hear the slight tonal differences when she teaches! And of course we love our teachers at language school. We would not be where we are today without their kindness, patience and one-on-one instruction.
I did have my first dream in Vietnamese. I was buying a purse at the market in HCMC and I started talking to her in Vietnamese. "How much Dong is this purse Miss?" I woke up happy!
My next thing to figure out is how to write on our computer in Vietnamese. Like with the accents an everything. I can go to a language converter and do it word by word, then paste it, but yuck! Adam says they have Vietnamese keyboards. I don't know, I want to be able to type... we will see.
Mrs. Anna, Avi Joy's Vietnamese teacher, sent us a Christmas card this year. I loved what it said... "Wishing you a beautiful Christmas season. May your New Year be showered with blessings and steps closer to God's dream for you." Is that NOT precious!

"I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples." Psalm 57:9

Natasha

Friday, December 11, 2009

Spreading a little Christmas cheer...

Its was Christmas morning... in the early tween years.
I combed my Sun-In'ed hair, got dressed and went into the living room to open all my Christmas presents. Little did I know that it would be the BEST Christmas ever!
This was the year I LOVED every single gift I received...


I put on my new 1, 2, 3 sweater from my aunt and uncle.
My new watch-ring and locket necklace.
Put on my gold, black and white pearl dangle earrings.
Painted my nails with my new Streetwalker Red nailpolish.
Opened my new Estee Lauder make-up kit (which my grandma always got me) and bathed myself in Hot Pink Porsche lipstick and Sunset blush.
I posed next to my frilly lamp and my see through neon colored phone (remember those?)

I am sure I had to make sure that my bangs were just right, my non-plucked eyebrows were not hanging in my eyeballs and everything looked perfect for my Christmas night photo showing off all my new gifts!

Oh yes it was a grand Christmas.
NHP

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Advent Adventures Part Hai (2 in Vietnamese)

Please see previous post for Days 1-10.
I also have a friend who posted about her Advent box for 2009 and she posted her complete 25 day Advent from 2008 (it is SO awesome- check it out!)

We mostly use Avi Joy's "Read with Me Bible" for these stories. They have great pictures and the amount of text is age appropriate.

So on with the show:

Day 11. Heart: Psalm 119:11. I have hidden Your Word in my heart.
12. Nail: Unless the Lord builds the house- Psalm 127:1. Then build and decorate a gingerbread house. (Without nails of course... you may have thought it was for Jesus's hands- we are not ready for that yet!)
13. Candy: Psalm 34:8. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him."
14. Map: Mark 16:15. "Go into all the world and preach the good news."
15. Bar of soap: Having a clean heart. Psalm 24:4-5 (she loves taking baths with actual bar-soap, so she will get to use it next bathtime.)
16. Key: Paul and Silas locked in prison and then released. Acts 13 and 16
17. Cotton ball: Psalm 100:3. We are like sheep.
18. Ring: Isaac and Rebekah get married. Genesis 24.
19. Torn piece of paper: Ecc 3. A time for everything. It is torn and she will get to mend it with tape.
20. Net: Matt 4. Called to be fishers of men. (I am using an avocado net)
21. Two silver coins: The good Samaritan gives 2 coins, Luke 10.
22. Little wash cloth: Jesus washes his disciples feet. John 13
23. Empty: the tomb is empty, so nothing will be inside. Matthew 28.
24. Sugar packet: Bake a cake for Jesus.
25. Star: The star of Bethlehem. Matthew/Luke's story of Jesus' birth on Christmas morning and we might even let them eat cake for breakfast- ahhhhhhh!

Again, hope these ideas spur you on in your parenting. I know many of my ideas come from watching and listening to others- the rest come straight from God!

Natasha
P.S. Our Advent box came from Target. I searched many places last year for the right one. Target had the most selection, so many beautiful ones. I leave mine up year round- I love it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Advent Adventures...

We are counting down our Advent box this year. We started tonight, December 1st with the first door... Twenty five days until Christ's birth, Christmas Day.
I have seen this done by my friends in many ways...
Some put treats inside.
Some teach scriptures.
Some give their kiddos missions (like bake cookies and give to neighbors)

As I see it there really is no wrong or right in starting an Advent tradition. The goal is to focus more on Christ for Christmas other than shopping and Santa.

My goal (because I am cheap) was to find things around the house for free and tag them along with a story.

I have come up with half and will post the rest in a few days.
I hope you can take this and run with it!

1. Band-aid: Jesus is our healer. Read Jesus heals the 10 lepers in Luke ch. 17 (p.s. this went over really well since she got to put her band-aid on before bed!)
2. Pecan nut: God taking care of animals. Matthew 10 & we have a book with kids thanking God for nuts to feed the animals. (Then she will get to eat the pecan)
3. Leaf: Noah's ark. Dove went out and brought back the olive branch, new life.
4. Butterfly: Read story Hermie and Wormie. Transformation, we are like the caterpillar to the butterfly. (we have a butterfly hair clip)
5. Light bulb: God made the light/dark in Genesis and Jesus is the light of the world.
6. Rock: David and Goliath (her favorite story right now)
7. Hay: Jesus born in a manger. Story of His birth in Luke.
8. Cup: the wedding feast where Jesus turns water into wine for His first miracle.
9. Bread: Give us today our daily bread. Prayer in Matt 15.
10. Q-tip: Sit and listen to Jesus. Mary and Martha with Jesus in Luke 10.

Please share your traditions,
Natasha

Saturday, November 14, 2009

construction.

My life has been under some serious construction. Isn't it just when we think we have mastered an area of our lives it comes back again to bite us where it hurts???

The road I live on is under serious construction. It is being widened from 2 to 4 lanes. God has really been speaking to me about this in relation to my life.
Construction:
1. Takes a lot of workers to accomplish this change
2. Lots of detours
3. The look changes daily
4. Slow signs posted
5. Stop, Bump, drop off signs everywhere
6. New speed limit
7. Double the fines if you go too fast
8. Bull-dozers, jack hammers and shovels required
9. New power lines are going up
10. Traffic is backed-up

IS THIS NOT LIKE US?? This has SO been ME!!! I cannot do it alone. I need God, my husband, family and friends to accomplish changes. It looks different daily and I am constantly having to slow down, stop and take detours to healing. I have to use my "tools" to make the changes. I could GO ON... This construction has been applicable to my life.

Recently on a bad night my hubby said: "You are having a runners stitch. Push through."
OH how I needed this thought. I have been having those a lot. I want to quit or cower in fear. BUT I must press on past the stitch.
In Romans 7 Paul talks about for what he wants to do, he does not do, and what he hates he does. YUCK. I understand this and choose to trust God and freedom.

Other things helping me...
Putting on the armor of God and letting God fight for me.
Going to war, "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

Knowing He is faithful (Chapman's song You Are Faithful is amazing!)
And the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

Not perfect. Stop striving. Just rest. He provides a way.
NHP
perrymanadoption

Thursday, November 5, 2009

So You Think You Can...

...DANCE!
My cousin Jansen and her boyfriend Brian, Adam and I all have birthdays within 3 weeks of one another. Three of us in the same week! Well us girls wanted to celebrate with going to So You Think You Can Dance. While all my friends were out seeing Wicked or attending the U2 concert, we were out with the other tweens watching the best dancing and choreography ever!

So you think you can?? YES WE DO!
Here are some of our favorite things from the evening.
Kupono's plug for the SYTYCD Workout DVD. So funny I cried. Because the next day was Halloween they all came out in costume as well. Jeanine sucking her thumb totally got me.
Adam's favorite Philip doing his solo. My favorite Janette. I LOVE the whole group water dance. Super hot.
Everyone gave Brandon a standing O for his solo. Amazing.
The closing of the show. It was a super time and our seats were awesome.
We stayed after to take pictures with the top 12 dancers. Kupono is Jansen's other boyfriend so she was thrilled to give him a kiss. Just kidding, she wishes.
I will say they were all so beautiful in person, but truly Jeanine surpassed them all. She was BEAUTIFUL beyond words really.
With Philip...
She took over 200 pics inside and I took tons after... I don't want to completely bore you with all of them. The other dances that stood out for me were The Ballywood number, The Butt Dance and The Disco- if you are a fan of the show you will know all these. We so love Mia, Wade and Sonya. They are our favorite choreographers.
Happy Birthday to us!
Natasha

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

THIRTYONE

I am 31 today!
This has been an AWESOME birthday. I think usually birthday's are hit or miss for me depending on my expectations... this year was a BIG HIT!!!
My morning started off with my hubby helping me get the kids ready for the day.
THEN... my mom came over and CLEANED the WHOLE house spotless! Whoo Hoo!
Then I went out and met my precious girlfriend for a birthday lunch at Te Kei's.
After the kids woke up from their naps the weather was perfect! We played in the backyard and cleaned up the backporch.
When Adam came home from work he told me that we were going out to dinner. Two times out in one day! He gave me a few options... I chose Villa Ravenna in the Farm Shopping Center- YUMMO and great ambiance. Here is our birthday self-pic.
He got some smooches for my presents: A replacement c.d. of Memories of a Geisha- one of my favorites that broke, Peony in Love by Lisa See- an author I love and a giftcard for a massage. Adam's parents and my dad gave some cash for cloths and such. I mean was I spoiled or what- a goooooooood birthday!
There was a huge mirror in the waiting area. We took all kinds of funny and silly pictures. This one made us laugh SO hard. Can you see why???
Check out Adam's HORNS! Here we are laughing at his little devil self.
My mom's birthday is in 2 days and she asked for some earrings. I LOVE making earrings (one of many things I have learned from the Perryman family) so I got to work. Fifteen earrings later her gift was complete! I wrapped a cereal box with pretty paper and cut slits for the earrings to slide through- Love you mommy!
Lots has changed since I was 30. It is amazing how much can change in such a short amount of time. Here are just a few...

We traveled to Vietnam and now have a son.
Started a US domestic process for more kiddos.
Gained friends and lost friends.
More serious about the Lord.
Intentional about working on my behaviors.

Oh man, I could seriously flood a boring list here.
But most of all I am very grateful for LIFE. That I am healthy, loved and whole. God shows me everyday that I cannot *cannot* do anything, a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g, without HIM. If you think you can, you amaze me, but I cannot. I cannot think, parent, drive, fly, be still, be brave, love or be at peace without my Jesus.

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water." Revelation 7:17

Friday, October 16, 2009

A BLOG AWARD!

A BLOG AWARD!

1. Recognize who sent the award to you and add a link to their page
2. Tell 10 things about yourself
3. Award fellow bloggers

Amanda and I have known each other for over 10 years now. She has a precious family and is an amazing woman. It is my honor to call her my friend. Thank you for the award!


1. I have lots of weird pet peeves, most no one knows. Here is one: Like why some mom’s do not use the diaper to wipe some of the poop off their baby’s bottom before they use wipes? I don’t get that? Why use 100 wipes really…

2. I used to be VERY regimented in the shower. First do this, then this, then that. Always the same. Then I lived with a roommate who told me she took a different shower every day. Now I do too- its so liberating. Wild- I know.

3. I am constantly working on things. I work on things on the outside… like paintings, sewing, crafts with my kids, etc and working on things on the inside like anxiety, anger, irritability and bitterness on the inside every day.

4. I love every color, I mean LOVE, like some colors make me want to scream with joy. But I rarely like purple. I do not own any purple item in my home or wardrobe. And guess what, my daughters favorite color right now is purple.

5. I only liked cooking after a few years of marriage. Adam loves to cook, along with every member of his family, now I think it is the best gift God ever created. A good meal cannot, cannot be beat!

6. I love being a multi-cultural family. I have heard the WORST comments and yet have had the most beautiful comments from strangers, family and friends. I truly think that adoption is a special gift and I cannot believe that our family was chosen to experience its awesomeness.

7. This is my third year being a stay at home mom. I have days I LOVE it. I just look at my kids and go crazy for them. But when they are having a bad day… uhhh, I dream of being elsewhere. Badmommy!

8. I am rarely complimented on my appearance. If I am complimented it is always my eyebrows. I have been stopped many times over by strangers asking me how I do them. Other than that it is usually a comment about my name or something I have made.

9. Adam and I have everything in common and yet are SOOO completely different. Don’t know how it works sometimes but God knew the man for me. Although I will say we did not come in the “package” either of us ever expected for a future spouse. (Looks, job, personality)

10. I have LOTS of dreams. Both at night and those I want to accomplish. God speaks to me through my dreams, its really amazing when things foretold come to pass. And I have a list of dreams I would like to see happen someday, to name a few: live in Vietnam, write a book, speak to 1,000’s of women, raise kids to love Jesus, see the blind set free and have a pixy short blonde haircut.

Well that is off the top of my head. I am sure I could actually sit and think about this for awhile, but there is no time to stop and think! Just write and publish! 

As for others: Hummm. I actually check a lot of blogs so this is hard. I'll tell you what: If you check my blog, you get an award!
Leave me a comment and I will check up on 10 fun things about you.

Natasha

Friday, October 9, 2009

My Week In Prose


Monday we pampered a precious friend
Along with her 4 day old baby the stork just flew in
Then lunch with a girlfriend talking about adoption
We both agree it is the greatest option

Tuesday little girl was off to school
Where she is praised for following the golden rule
I went off to make homemade baklava
With my sweet friend named Talksalotta

Oh by Wed we were all emotional and down
Family time was spent playing hookie around town
Life can be hard when we spend no time on our knees
Oh my word my dog has FLEES

Thursday Parents As Teachers stopped by
Talking discipline, games and milestones oh my
Then I spent the afternoon cutting and sewing
Their Halloween costumes will be quite a showing

Friday was a Wal-Mart trip
I wanted to beat the cart guy with a whip
Then off to dance, the post office and making dinner
The semi-homemade pizza was a super winner

Saturday is our final DHS adoption training
The gift of a new child we will be gaining
So thankful for our faithful babysitter
No, I have yet to use the program twitter

Sunday no doubt church will be a blessin
Lunch, naps and our Vietnamese lesson
A family birthday party we will be attending
New mercies for the next week God will be lending


Looking forward to some craft updates!
Have a great weekend,

Natasha

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Can I put your baby in a basket??

You gotta love a friend where you can say...
"Ummm... Can I put your week old baby in a basket? Outside? In a pretty blanket? And take her picture? You know this would be fun for me, pleeeasssee?"

Introducing my girlfriends first kiddo, Payton. She was a perfect subject. This was my first newborn photo shoot and I hope to do more... precious!!!










Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. "Who are these with you?" he asked. Jacob answered, "They are the children God has graciously given your servant." Genesis 33:5

Payton, you are a gift from God!

Natasha
perrymanadoption

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Project updates...

Project update:
Finished all the sewing for the quilt- it is completely pieced together. I sent it off with batting and a sheet to be quilted together. Looking forward to our new kiddos handmade quilt!

Next up:
1. Making a SEMO license plate for my dad
2. Tweaking and painting/distressing the new twin bed
3. Starting on a small qulit for Avi Joy, it will be made out of her baby clothes.

I had the opportunity to do two watercolors this week. Both clients were giving them as baby gifts.
Baby Jaxsen Alexis...
Baby Sadie...
NHP kitchen tip. (I am sure many have tried this, but it was a new idea in my mind and it worked out great!)
Our family tries to stay away from partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose sugar (at least 75% of the time anyway). We love our desserts and fast food, so we are not going for perfection here.
I have used/made several types of crusts, but they either didn't taste good or I could not get over the ingredients.
So... *idea*
When making your favorite Chicken Pot Pie- purchase two healthy deep dish pie crusts (mine come two in a pack) and flip one over. Bake as normal.
Turned out perfect! Yum!

VIETNAMESE LESSONS:
I read the most awesome article. Loved every word. Especially the part about their language. The people at our classes even disagree about how things are said because they are all from different regions.

Today was the churches/language school's 20th year celebration. All in Vietnamese, lots of games and food. They had not met Adam or Nehemiah yet, so that was fun. In the end (after lots of nerves and prayer) we sat down to eat (delicious authentic VN food, my first time to love the fish sauce) and so many people came over to talk to us and hear our story.

Our family lives by the motto... as a multi-cultural family you have to meet people from other cultures on purpose! It is hard and intimidating, but completely and totally worth it. I am falling for these people.
We went to lessons last week and they had asked the congregation if anyone would want to give us personal VN lessons. A beautiful woman named Kim Ahn offered to help us. Her sisters both adopted internationally. One from VN and the other from China. We had lots of laughs with our tones!

Have a beautiful week,
Natasha
perrymanadoption

"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that You, O God, are strong, and that You, O Lord, are loving." Psalm 62:11-12

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Free Craft Friday with Mrs. P

Free Craft Friday with Mrs. P.... MAGIC BAGGIES
* A lesson in color mixing *

Again: FREE & EASY
(barring you have these things lying around your house of course)
SUPPLIES:
Ziplock Baggies
Foam Shaving Cream
Tape
Food Coloring
Markers

STEP 1:
Squirt shaving cream into baggie.
STEP 2:
Drop two different food coloring drops into the baggie.
Let out some of the air and seal the baggie with tape.
Write with colored marker on the tape which two colors (for your non-readers)
Put an = sign (Leave it blank for a real surprise)
Mix the baggie and see the results.
STEP 3:
Repeat with different colors
Examples:
Blue + Red = Purple
Red + Yellow = Orange
Blue + Yellow = Green
EXTRA FUN:
Have your kiddo tell you their favorite color...
Write their name on the back...

Enjoy,
Natasha

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Thinking of You Quilt

I started a "Thinking of You Quilt" for our next kiddo. She/he has been on my mind as we are starting our 35 hours of required classes next week. As I am thinking and praying about our next addition, I wanted something to make for her bedroom. I choose a girl quilt. If it is a boy, I will make a boy one and give this one to my daughter- I think about her a lot too.

I have never quilted, but my mom can sew just about anything and I am convinced I have some of this too- its just lying dormant.
Several years ago for my birthday my dad called and said, "I want to get you a sewing machine for your birthday, because I think you would be really great at sewing!"
I love this about my dad... always encouraging my gifts.

After that, I sewed curtains and a few other things, but the patterns back then were just not as, "ooh-la-la" as they are now.
I CANNOT get over the beauty of the patterns these days. I have found a few local places to buy fabric and over the last month or so have been collecting a few for the "thinking of you quilt."

I chose seven fabrics for the quilt... (I wanted to buy a 100 more, so if you would like to send me some $$ to buy more fabrics, be my guest!)

My version of quilting:
Step one- buy fabric, draw out the design and cut all the pieces

Step 2- layout the design, the kids can watch
Step 3- sew it (have not started on this yet, but it's coming soon)

In other news, I heard the best female speaker of my life... Christine Caine from Hillsong in Australia.
I have heard many speakers, but Christine Caine was totally and completely on fire for Jesus! To say she was amazing is an understatement. And blogs too.
Hear both her messages!!! (week 1 and 2) WOW!

Hungry? Here is a yummy and quick meal.
My mom introduced me to Oroweat Sandwich thins. SO yummy. She uses them for everything from burgers to sandwiches.
I made little pizza's with them, they were perfect!
Toast bread
Cover in sauce-Our favorite marinara sauce- Emeril's or Newman's Own
Mozz cheese
Your favorite toppings
Bake 350 for 15 minutes

Word of the week- SURRENDER!

Happy Sum Hop Day to my daughter!
Natasha

Friday, August 28, 2009

Free Craft Friday with Mrs. P

I am an art teacher by trade and love to inspire others to paint and make crafts with their kiddos. I think it is SO important to let them create. Just as a parent into sports would think it is important for their kids to be on a softball team... all parents are created with gifts we pass on to our kiddos. This is my gift. I know I love to watch (and be inspired) by how other families do life so I hope you can be encouraged to create with your kiddo. For free!

FREE CRAFT FRIDAY with Mrs. P...
The Caterpillar
Supplies (ALL from around the house)
An old sock- who doesn't have one of those without a mate
4 wal-mart sacks
4 paper towels
hot glue gun (or needle/thread)
2 buttons
Thread (dental floss, pipe cleaners, yarn, anything)
Put the paper towel into the sack.
Make the sack into a ball and stuff it inside the sock.
Tie it up with thread
Repeat all 4 times. Glue (or sew) the end closed.
Hot glue (or sew) two buttons as eyes.
We added pipe cleaners as the antennae.
Don't have pipe cleaners. Draw/paint them on the sock.
We wrapped some around the body just for fun.
And no they do not have legs. But you could paint them on.
If you would like to add 1,000 legs be my guest and let me know what you used.
Important: Let your child NAME their caterpillar!
Her choice: Kissy Ma-nonda

Have a wonderful weekend!
Natasha