Question of the Day

Why are these packages impossible to open when you're sick?!? There are much greater issues to resolve, but this is what we've been dealing with this week. Goodbye, flu!

21 Years Ago ...

... our perspective, priorities and life as we knew it changed forever! At about this time ( 7 a.m.) Clayton was leaving for work, and I was going to push mow our large lawn. Clayton barely made it to work, and the yard didn't get mowed for several days. Did I mention I was 39 weeks pregnant?!? I felt the strangest sensation, and when I finally stopped, I realized I was in labor and my contractions were 5 minutes apart ;-) Clayton drove 25 miles home in about 10 minutes, we drove 30 minutes to the hospital, and 3 hours later ... our world was rocked for good! I never thought my heart could be so full of love. Kuyler Lee, we love you and are so proud of you! Happy Birthday, Son! Thank you, God, for using my oldest son to begin to bend my heart to Yourself!

Giveaway!

Between now and September 16 YOU have a chance to receive 8 fab items!
For each $10 entry in the Chip-In, you get one opportunity for all 8. Yes, one lucky person drawn September 16 receives ALL 8 items!
1 boy's "Chosen" t-shirt
1 girl's "Chosen" t-shirt
1 mama's "Unfolding" t-shirt (all from Wild Olive Tees!)
1 girl's backpack
1 boy's duffel
1 mama's tote (all from Crazy Dazy!)
1 scented candle by K&Ko Kandles
1 book (Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
Watch the slide show above to see all the items. If you have any questions, please email me.
Blessings to you all!

Opening it up and ...

... we have two giveaways coming soon! Stay tuned!

Ended Up Being a Good Day After All!

Look what came in the mail! Get your verse on! Check 'em out! Next time you see these, they will be on two precious bumpkins! We've had a rough couple of days, lots of tears and frustration. But even when we aren't faithful, God is! He came through, big time! I praise Him for His 'bigness' and His unending grace toward me!

Behold the Cuteness :)

So the lighting wasn't the greatest ... but these pictures were taken with purpose ... and we were not late for church ;-) Someday I want to have a nice camera (and learn how to use it.) Big changes in our household this week: Kuyler goes back to college :( Corn ends Friday :) Football and softball begin! We'll get into a nice routine .... and then change it up BIG TIME, praise the Lord!!!!!!

Face the Music - or the Corn

Less than 1 week of sweet corn left ...and though we've grilled our fair share, I have yet to put any up, until today. No problem, I'll tackle 2 bags today and more later. This is a bag...
With a little help we can get this done!

With the right equipment and a system ...

...we're getting somewhere now.

This ... times three and we're done for today!

HOLD UP! I promised to bake Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies for youth tomorrow.

That's what I'm talkin' about! Now I'm done!

NO WAY! I'm not goin' there today! That can wait till ... who knows, after corn maybe?

Yes, my sweet family, you MAY have cookies for supper. I can think of at least three food groups in them :)

School's In!

One in college; two in jr. high; one in elementary; two who wanna be in 'pee-k' and two ... on their way home :) :) :) Be still, my heart!
On our way out the door - wait, we have to take a picture!

GOD IS GOOD!

J-o-u-r-n-e-y ... or not?

Many of us call the adoption process a journey. I've been thinking about this for a while. What does journey mean? According to Webster's: a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time (that sounds about right). A distance, course or area traveled or suitable for traveling. Passage or progress from one stage to another (aha!).
Then I started thinking about the definition of path. Again, according to Webster's: a way beaten, formed, or trodden by the feet of persons. A narrow walk or way. A course of action, conduct or procedure: the path of righteousness.
For certain, our adoption process has been a journey, definitely down a narrow path. There have even been crossroads, points where we could have stopped, worn, weary and defeated. We are human, and we entertained the idea - but only for a split second! I want to think we were discerning, earnestly seeking the Lord's will, wanting to know for sure how He wanted us to proceed. At those points (and I can think of at least 3) He gently lifted us into His arms and carried us through the fire. We've come through the flames with a few burns, but God has strengthened us. We will never fully comprehend His 'bigness,' but He has certainly shown us a fraction of it!

I would never compare myself to Job and his faithfulness or the amount of torment he endured, never. And I can only think of one time in the last few months that I asked, "Why, Lord?" With each trial, we have passed through the waters with clearer understanding, wisdom and grace. Just last week as I was crying out to God, I had a visual image of the Enemy approaching Him and pleading, "Let me test the Johnson family. Let's see how they react to my torment," and God said, "You may test them, to an extent, but know this: I have promised that I will never leave nor forsake them!" I didn't share this with anyone because I didn't want to liken myself to the Lord's servant, Job.

This morning Clayton shared his quiet time with me, and I couldn't help but smile. He asked God for a word, and when he randomly opened his Bible, it was in Job! He read and re-read Job's trials and reminded me that we haven't endured anything like Job did, but he certainly believed this was God's word to him today. After he finished telling me about it, I shared my vision from last week. We know the trials aren't over yet ... but remember Job, the Lord restored him and his household, and He is doing the same for us!

Let the living waters flow through us, no matter the journey or path!

Welcome!

I'm still in the process in sending invitations... thanks for your patience :) It's kinda ironic that one of my pet peeves is logging into blogger, and now that's how we have to access One More Ladybug. It is of utmost importance that we protect our children, so we have two options: quit blogging or go private. I know of a few families who have dealt with a situation such as ours, but I don't know how they 'handled' it. I really didn't intend for this first private post to sound like I'm paranoid, because I'm really not. Let's move on to more pleasant topics ... kids, faith, adoption, friends ...
Back to inviting. I just wanted to say HI! and we're so glad you've joined us.
Many blessings to you all!

Still a Few More Days

Thank you for all your words of encouragement and requests to join - you have blessed us so much! Apparently I can only issue invitations after I've locked the blog. Please see the post below for the three gals I need email addresses for.
This decision to go private has made us reflect on the reason we blog in the first place. It's not just so we can show off our beautiful children (although that would be good enough, wouldn't it ;-), or that we assume anyone really wants a view into our pretty simple, laid-back lives. The purpose for our blog is to exemplify Christ and prove that our amazing God still uses ordinary, ill-equipped people to do extraordinary things. And guess what - He even uses those who weren't 'born under the pew.' My dear hubby was 40 and I was 36 when we came to know the Lord, and we had a lot of catching up to do. We were a long way from looking like Christ (still are!), but we strive to claim the abundant life He has given us through His sacrificial death and resurrection, even in the times of turmoil and uncertainty. I guess that's why it's such a difficult decision for us to lock the blog. Many of you have 'stumbled' upon us and chosen to hang around - thank you! Many have been dear friends for a long time and have ridden the roughest waves with us - thank you! Many we would have never met but for the miracle of adoption - thank you! If God has spoken to even one heart through this blog, then we've served our purpose. We will continue to seek and follow, and you are welcome to come along for the ride ... and to Him be the glory!
This is why we are so busy! Mr. Greenthumb is raising some amazing corn! He did take time to pose for me at 6:30 a.m. on the sorter!
That's a load of corn. It has to get from the field, to this trailer, to the bags, to the rig, to the customer all in the same day!

Sortin' before dawn. Beautiful sight!

Our 'boss' being cheesy for Mom! Just load the corn, dude.

I tried to get a picture of Mr. Greenthumb cutting corn very early.

That's what I'm talkin' about!

What does this have to do with corn? Not a thing, but he sure is cute!

I spy with my little eye ... two cutie patooties!

Ya'll have a blessed weekend. We're going to work some corn. Be sure to leave your email address so I can invite you to join in a few days. Blessings to you!

Going Private, Info Request

Only another day or so to request to join. Ya'll are in! I need an email address for the following gals, and you can either leave it in the comment or email me directly:
Erin (from October group)
Kristi in MI
Tracey (Lainey)
Blessings!

Going Private

No, we're not quitting the blog, but we are closing the blinds. If you'd like to continue to hear how the Lord is daily changing our lives, please leave a comment or email me. Thanks for following along!

****Please include your email so I can add you, especially if you commented as anonymous. Feel free to email it to me. I'm overwhelmed by your awesome response.

Monkeys & McD's

What a day! We have less than 2 days till we're back in corn harvest, 12 days to school starting, and we needed a day off. Nothing like chomping down a little grease cheeseburger before hitting the zoo!

Stroller maintenance for a smoother ride.

Are you hot, Kayden?!?

What about you, Kambry? You done?

Not you, Buddy. You're always good to go!It's a buffalo, guys. We can see those at home!

There's always a crowd at the misters. Wait, that's my crowd!

Too cute!

Sisters!

Sweat Sweet Family!

I hope your Saturday was awesome as well!