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!!

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Learning Which Cupboard to Keep Cereal In with Toddlers

If this day didn't help me learn..... Then this one did.....




42 Simply Sweet Words:

Mr. Daddy said...

Linny: Thats what LIFE, is all about. ROFL

Amie@HeartSmiles said...

oh how sweet!!! These pics always make me so thankful that they have a little cupboard from which to steal cereal. that they have cereal to steal. that they have eachother as partners in crime.

I LOVE this pics. Praising God for every bit of it!

Hugs~
Amie

blessedmomto7 said...

I'm sure it's EXTREMELY difficult to even get the least bit upset with these dolls :)

Lisa said...

Awwww...they helped make breakfast. What sweet little servants hearts they must have!!!

Somewhere In The Sun said...

What a great post! Elijah's face in the last picture says it all. They are just so cute it makes you want to hug them!!

~Lynn

Jaime said...

oh my, oh my! that's like $10 of cereal all over your table!

thankfully jax hasn't learned to open the pantry door at our house yet... and for when he does... i have all the yummy stuff up high and the yucky stuff (and tightly sealed stuff) in his reach.

Mom on a Coulee said...

Those eyes show so much thanks for simple cereal I think I'd let them spill it more often, but maybe I'd get the small boxes. They are so adorable, God's gifts are always so amazing.

Shonni said...

What cute pictures!!! How precious that they conspire together!!ha-ha

Shonni said...

What cute pictures!!! How precious that they conspire together!!ha-ha

Suzette said...

I'm sure you were praising God that it was only the cereal and NOT the milk. They do look like they are having fun!

Ioana said...

I like Elijah's look in the last photo. He is so cute. And Elizabeth as well. Beutiful toddlers you have there, Linn. How's being a mom for toddlers again? Actually, 2 toddlers. :D

On another side note, you and your husband are great parents, and you are an inspiration to all those who heart of you and about you.

Tarbs said...

LOL! Too cute.

Carolin said...

Oh my goodness, now that just made my day! How funny is that and look at his look in that last picture. How did you keep from just cracking up?!

scrappy quilter said...

That is just too cute. Those priceless faces, so innocent. I love it!!

I remember the time 2 of our older kids got into the cereal and toothpaste. What a mess. Thanks for the memories of days gone past.

That Quiz Kid said...

Linn really I think Elizabeth and Elijah would love for you to keep the cereal in the cupboard it's already in, I mean why would you even think of moving it lol

That Quiz Kid said...

Linn really I think Elizabeth and Elijah would love for you to keep the cereal in the cupboard it's already in, I mean why would you even think of moving it lol

Just Me said...

YEA!!!! Someone else lives in the same world I do :) By the way ... they are just SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness ....

Blessings, Lisa C.

karina said...

Hahaha! I've had many days like that. Our cereal cupboard has a tot lock on it for that very reason! But they are SOOOOOO cute, those two! I want to hug and kiss them!

Nicole A. said...

Oh my goodness, they are so cute, even when they're into mischief! I love the look on Elijah's face in the last one: a cross between "Um, Elizabeth, look up, we're busted!" and "Elizabeth made me do it, really!"

Have a great weekend!
All the best,
Nicole A. in OH

Lauren said...

Cereal Smorgasbord!!

traceylynndel said...

Cute. We keep it in the fridge for just this reason. We have two toddlers too. Double trouble. Ours are lovingly nicknamed "the gremlins" as they are constantly in to everything. I love reading your blog. I only found you after the fire but I am so glad I did.

Chris and Sarah said...

Just think though, they have full bellies. Oh my goodness are they cuties!

Amy said...

Thank the Lord for the sweet toddlers that can make that mess!

Kim said...

According to E.'s eyes, he's not responsible for this mess!

Tony and Rett said...

Whoo hoo! Big fun at your house! How about if we all come over and help you eat it up!

Nancy said...

How cute are they?
Nancy

Sheri Keys said...

Mama, leave the cereal where it is or else you wouldn't see this cute, who me,innocent face. Thank GOD they have cereal to get into. Too cute wait until they start "sharing" with the dog. I found my toddler "sharing" cereal w/ the dog out of the dog dish once. I was disgusted and hysterically laughing all at once. Thank God for those moments.
Sheri

Rachel said...

Priceless! So glad to see that you stopped to take pictures of it! :) They are adorable and we can't get enough pics!

lauradodson said...

oh goodness...guess they learnt you somethin' huH?

This is precious. Did Elizabeth put her on bib on? Or did you after the damage was done? :o)

Sarah the Kool Kid said...

Haha! Awe...

mncfi said...

I just love that last picture! I think it looks like sweet Elijah is saying grace before they tuck in. You can't get much cuter than that. Love Fi

Amy Tiemeier said...

Hahahaha.....if you put different toddlers in the picture, that would have been a picture from my house this morning!

Lana said...

hee hee! How much cuter can that get?! I just wanted to say I have tried to comment a number of times in the past month or two, but blogger was having some issues. Looks like today is my lucky day!
I read every post!!
Just a quick question, and if you want to keep it private I totally understand, How is the adoption process for your little Jubilee coming alo9ng? Everything still on "track"?

God's Girl said...

What a beautiful family you have! Just by looking at your blog, I can see Jesus shining through!

May He continue to work in you and through you!

Blessings to you,
Julie

Mike and Barb said...

*Giggling*
Been there, done that :-)) I'm glad you're taking pictures of all those little "happenings"... it will be great material for future girlfriends/boyfriends ;-))
Love, Barb

Lynsay said...

Oh goodness I miss them! They are adorable! Love ya!

Chelley said...

oh how sweet!!!

oh how messy!! but you have to live and learn

Dawn said...

I LOVED this! It reminded me of last week and my adventures! Thank you for teaching where NOT to put the cereal when I finally get my daughter home! Enjoy those moments, as I know you are!
blessings,
Dawn

Wife of the Pres. said...

That is just precious! Well I guess it wasn't precious at the moment, but just look at them! PRECIOUS!!! Duly noted here … I think I learned with my Mo about where to keep cereal!!! LOL! Oh and PRAISE JESUS for Isaiah's decision!!! Now he is forever in God's family too!!! He is adorable but I know you already know that! HUGS!!!

Chrisann said...

How exciting!! It there a more joyful day for a parent! I am so thrilled to welcome Isaiah as a brother in Christ. Love you guys!

Kristi O said...

This made me smile. It made me smile they knew that there was cereal to get out.. thank God for smiling faces and a cereal mess. Amen.

The James Gang said...

Oh, you guys did get your beautiful round dining table into your house, how nice. What can I say that hasn't already been said several times over? Your kids are adorable, and we adore you & Dw too! So happy for you that your Abby & Ryan will be here soon! We'll have another play date with Liberty & Isaiah after their visit.