A Place Called Simplicity: Hanging (literally) Around the Hotel Room

Our Boatload of Dreams.....

Welcome to Our Place Called Simplicity.

We invite you into our lives with one goal in mind: that you would be encouraged to live simply and truly love one another.

Married for 33 years, we are the parents of many. Eleven {so far} children. Eight of whom are adopted. We also have four sons and a daughter that we are parents of in Uganda as well. They were raised on the streets and had no parents until we "adopted" them 3+ years ago. So we really have sixteen children total {with more on the way}.

After 7+ weeks in Uganda, Emma {18} and I recently returned to the United States with our newest addition - a baby girl named Ruby Grace. Dw and Emma were leading a missions team in June 2011 where they had the privilege of meeting Ruby - a tiny 11 month old gem weighing only 6 lbs.

Our oldest daughter Abigail and her husband finally{!} allowed us the privilege of being Mimi and Jaja by bringing us our very first grand baby {from Uganda}...making us now, officially, a multi-generational adoptive family. Proof that adoption is a very, very good thing!

We've had the privilege of adopting our treasures from all over the world, some dubbed "special needs" we are convinced that the only TRUE special need a child has is to have a family.

Our peers are empty nesters, but we are certain that given this option to any orphan - "old mom and dad" or "no mom and dad", all would still vote for the old ones. So here we are - the old ones....doing it again....

If you are need of encouragement or wonder if God is able to move your mountain, please head over to the sidebar where Special Posts are listed. Start at Our Wild Adventure Part 1. You will be reminded of Almighty God's deep love for the orphan and how He will move mountains on their behalf....we call Him the Miracle-Working, Mountain-Moving, Awe-Inspiring, Gasp-Giving God!! Yippee Jesus!!

I am humbled beyond words and ever so grateful that the Lord is fulfilling a promise He gave me way back in 1982..."making the barren woman to be at home - the joyful mother of children" (Psalms 113:9). How I praise His name!!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Hanging (literally) Around the Hotel Room

Bitter winds?

7 Degree Temperatures?

No playground?

How 'bout a luggage cart from the hotel in our room?

39 Simply Sweet Words:

My boys said...: What a great Mom!!!! You can put the good in EVERY situation! They will remember that forever! Nice of the hotel to give you an indoor jungle gym!!

Kelly ;); January 28, 2009 6:02 PM
scrappy quilter said...: What fun pictures. Now I know what to do with a luggage cart. What a genius idea!!!
Love it.; January 28, 2009 6:13 PM
Amie@HeartSmiles said...: Lemons from lemonade, girlfriend. You have a gift!!

Umm... did you post this while we were on the phone.LOL. You really are good!!!

enjoy this special special day. And refer to these pics when you need a smile. Because the joy and love and fun your bring these kiddos, its all right there. shining through.

You rock sister friend. Blessed to know you. Though I will have to be upfront and tell you the next time we are in a hotel, I am totally claiming this idea as my own. No credit will be given to you. I need the coolness points.

Love you girl!

Hugs to you all!

:)
Amie; January 28, 2009 6:25 PM
tmm said...: Gotta love the creative~ness needed to entertain in a small area! Who needs toys!

The 'Martin' rule allows for jumping on the beds in hotel rooms. SHHHH. don't tell anyone:)

I am glad that everyone is working through the emotions of your loss.

I hope you find a house soon. Of course we know that God has a plan!!!!

Tammy; January 28, 2009 6:25 PM
Karen said...: Gotta love those luggage carts. They're my kids favorite things at hotels. Way to improvise. What a clever momma you are:-); January 28, 2009 6:36 PM
Pam said...: It's been a long day inside for us here too, i can't imagine being in a hotel room all day, day after day, after day... praying for much grace for you in this time...; January 28, 2009 6:46 PM
Shauna said...: What a creative Mama!; January 28, 2009 6:57 PM
ReillyClan11 said...: Poor things. I remeber doing that when I was 10. We had just moved from WA to IL. I was the oldest of four and my mom was pregnant with the twins. That was a long week for all of use. Hope you find a house soon.
Samantha; January 28, 2009 6:58 PM
Lisa said...: You can make fun no matter where you are. This is something your kids will remember forever.

I am sure you would love a little more space though. It is cold here in Ohio, with lots of ice and snow.No school again today and not looking good for tomorrow.

I finally got my blog page up and running. Let me know what you think!

Lisa
Newark, Ohio; January 28, 2009 7:11 PM
blessedmomto7 said...: My kids go BATS for luggage racks too :) HUGS TO YOU ALL!; January 28, 2009 7:21 PM
Nicole A. said...: Smart, imaginative kiddos! So glad they're smiling and having fun ... and being creative! Did Elizabeth get a new Snow White dress?! I remember the pic of her from December or so with her dress on (my 3yo was peering over my shoulder back then and said "what a pretty Snow White!") Anyway, have a good evening.

Still praying for you here in snow-blasted OH!

All the best,
Nicole A. in OH; January 28, 2009 7:28 PM
Jaime said...: Oh Linn...your kids are just beautiful! :)

Jaime D; January 28, 2009 7:43 PM
Bobbie-Jo said...: Looks like a fun moment of respite. That's what I'm praying for ... peace in the transition - and a house for rent real soon!; January 28, 2009 7:54 PM
That Quiz Kid said...: haha I'm almost one hundred percent sure thats all those things are in hotels for, well and for having races in the halls cause there pretty much worthless for anything else :}; January 28, 2009 8:00 PM
Rachel said...: Oh my goodness... is Isaiah not the PERFECT size for swinging like a little monkey on his new jungle gym? Looks like the foursome was having fun!

Bless you!; January 28, 2009 8:01 PM
Patientlywaiting said...: Too cute! What fun pictures. Aren't kids great? You offer a little inspiration (i.e. luggage cart) and they provide the imagination and energy! I'm sure it does your heart good to see them laughing and being carefree.

Hugs,
Robin; January 28, 2009 8:50 PM
Jocelyn-Chris said...: Just coming out of "lurkdom" to say that I have followed your blog for a couple of months now. What an amazing testimony your lives share! We are an adoptive family as well, just returned from getting our child at PHF. Wish we could have met your Jubilee there...it is an amazing place! You have been in my thoughts and prayers. He is able!; January 28, 2009 9:02 PM
Holly said...: I love kids. They are so fun! And all of yours are adorable, but I have to say, I still think Isaiah has the best smile EVER! Praying that you will be in a home soon!; January 28, 2009 9:04 PM
Adeye Salem said...: Linny, I am just catching up on the last few days in the Saunders lives. My goodness, what a roller-coaster. I read your posts and sense that your heart is so raw with emotion. I can only imagine! Uuugggg---I cannot believe about not being able to find a rental. Yip, I guess discrimination is alive and well! YUK! We will add that to our prayer list for your family. I KNOW God will come through for you on this. Praying for your heart as you sort through your house AND release your son into the safe and protective Hands of the Father. He will be home before you know it.
Know that our family continues to pray for you all DAILY! You are truly covered in prayer in this season of your lives. We are trusting Him in ALL THINGS for you. Can't wait to see what He is going to do in your lives, because it is obviously going to be BIG!
LOVE the playground----the simplest of toys are probably the most fun anyway :)
Sending you a HUGE hug tonight.
Adeye; January 28, 2009 9:08 PM
Andolicious said...: This is great!! They will definitely always remember playing on the luggage cart in the hotel room. lol. They look to be so happy and doing well, despite what's going on. I don't know you in person, but I know you are such a wonderful mother!; January 28, 2009 11:11 PM
Melissa-Mom to 3 bugs said...: Linn~~ I thought about pretending to be the angry hotel manager in this comment, but I don't think I could pull it off!(: You do what you need to to keep everyone sane!
The kids are having a fantastic time; I'm so glad! Did Elizabeth get a new SnowWhite dress?
Melissa; January 28, 2009 11:12 PM
Leslie said...: Yeah, those luggage carts are FUN!

Linn, I just don't know what to say to bring comfort. I am at a loss for words. The prayer requests you shared with not finding a home to rent b/c of the children (it makes me angry and I know that is not from God but why, why???), the nightmares … I am just so very sorry.

I am just going to go to bed praying for you all! I do know one thing: God is being glorified!!! Everywhere I go, people are talking about the preacher's family whose home burned and how they are just so amazed by your strength. To God be the glory in all things, even this. I wish I could come and give you a hug or share that cup of coffee you mentioned a few months back on my blog.

May God BLESS YOUR HEART THIS VERY DAY. In Jesus' Name. Amen.; January 28, 2009 11:50 PM
Waitingfaithfully said...: Precious sweet babes (sorry Liberty, I know you're not a baby, but you know how us mamas are). Oh how good to see the kids "in action", and smiling BIG . . . and to see Snow White and Spidy back in character again, yippee Jesus!

Love you friend,

Tina; January 28, 2009 11:52 PM
Maryellen Zimberlin said...: God Loves Little Children and how happy your's look today Thank You God !!! Sorry I have not written before this, I have been ill. but I have prayed for you and your family ever day since the fire. i have rosary beads that by best friend gave me when I was in the hospital with my MS. They were the only thing that was left of her house after a fire also. The thing is she never saw then before. I have always prayed with these beads every since for very special people. I pray a rosary for you and your family every nite. I know God will help you Linn, you are one of the good guys !!! Hooe you and the family find peace and a house you can call a home very soon.

God Blees You,
Maryellen from Springfield Ohio; January 29, 2009 2:28 AM
Lisa said...: I'm so glad you found a way to entertain them for awhile! We go totally stir crazy in hotel rooms. I'm feeling for ya!

And I'm praying for ya!!!; January 29, 2009 7:22 AM
Stacy said...: It is wonderful that the kids can still have fun!! Great idea Mom!! I pray you find the perfect house that God wants you to have!!!; January 29, 2009 7:39 AM
Stephanie said...: Hey at least they look happy!!!!

Keeping you in my prayers!; January 29, 2009 7:45 AM
Pam said...: I cannot even begin to imagine what you have been going through, but please know that prayers have been said on your behalf. I will continue to pray with you, and am grateful for your openness in sharing from your heart. God is truly good, but life can be very hard. May you continue to find strength from the Father as you face what each day brings. (There may be two "Pam's" in this Blog world. I'm from Indiana and we are looking at over 8 inches of snow in our backyard!); January 29, 2009 7:49 AM
Pam said...: I cannot even begin to imagine what you have been going through, but please know that prayers have been said on your behalf. I will continue to pray with you, and am grateful for your openness in sharing from your heart. God is truly good, but life can be very hard. May you continue to find strength from the Father as you face what each day brings. (There may be two "Pam's" in this Blog world. I'm from Indiana and we are looking at over 8 inches of snow in our backyard!); January 29, 2009 7:53 AM
JR said...: Your children are so sweet & precious!! (Especially Mr. Isaiah - his smile just lights up a whole room!! Sweet sweet boy!) I'm sorry for the "cabin fever" ("hotel fever"??)..........praying for God to lead you to the perfect rental for your wonderful family. Praying, praying, praying...

Love you guys!; January 29, 2009 9:05 AM
justlori2day said...: Good morning! Thank God for friends who are there to help! You seem to have a large support group!

I have a suggestion, that may be too late, or maybe has been suggested/done, but have you thought about all of the melted items being used for some sort of artwork? Specifically I remember melted glass. The devastation of what was held behind it was heartbreaking, but in a sense, it also represents what God has planned for your future.

I dont know if it is appropriate or not, but as an artist, I always try to find beauty in the broken things in our lives.

I LOVE the portable monkey bars!

As always, praying for answers, a place to rest your hearts, and Jubilee's coming home!

Lori :); January 29, 2009 9:31 AM
Lisa C. said...: How nice of the motel to have an in room jungle gym!!! So good to see your little ones happy :) We continue to pray!!!

Blessings, Lisa C.
findingrealityinhim.blogspot.com; January 29, 2009 10:03 AM
Tammy said...: Linn,

I don't comment much but please know I'm praying for your precious family. I was led to your blog well before you went to Africa for your little ones. I almost stopped following after, but the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "not yet" so I know I'm "following" for a reason.

Our home was hit by a tornado (while my girls and I were home) so I can understand some of what you are feeling.

Praying in Alabama,
Tammy; January 29, 2009 10:13 AM
as written by Barbara said...: HEY KIDS:
find some string, a 6" piece of yarn, or a shoe lace and 2 balloons. Blow the balloons up.
One balloon can be a volleyball with your luggage rack.
Tie the other balloon to the luggage rack when your not playing volleyball or monkey bars with it, and you can play tether ball.
(Actually, if that gets too noisy, you can even play quiet circle games with the balloons too!)
Have fun!! Thinking about you and sending you lots and lots of hugs!!!
A silly Mama from WA state,
Barbara Lyman; January 29, 2009 12:06 PM
Judi said...: It looks like they had fun! I just wanted to say that I am praying for your family here in Ohio, which is also cold and very snowy!; January 29, 2009 2:55 PM
lauradodson said...: So. Did Elizabeth get a new costume? I remember she received that costume as a Christmas present, right? :o) I hope it was a God thing.

;o); January 29, 2009 3:42 PM
iheartbowheads.blogspot.com said...: So - I am a reader who prays for you often - LOVES the adoption stories - and never comments. I was telling my friend about your blog today and we want to know if we can get our Moms club to gather - well - whatever you need - and send it to you?

Please email me and let me know what we can do.

hollyo1@mac.com; January 29, 2009 8:44 PM
Chelsea said...: You really are suited to be the mother of 10+ children being able to pull this one out of your hat. I'm afraid I will NEVER be able to complain again if Josiah and I are stuck in a trailer in OK.
Loving you guys lots. PS My parents said you can come out and live with us and they were really serious about it too. Consider the weather :); January 29, 2009 11:23 PM
Mike and Barb said...: Great pictures :-))) They made me smile BIG, and too see delight and happiness on your children's faces just made me smile even bigger!!
Barb; February 9, 2009 8:54 AM