Monday, September 27, 2010

Song Birds

My friends are crafty.

The good kind of crafty!

Lindsey and Susan came to my house and we made some pretty bird wall art.

Here they are covering our canvases with old book pages.

Blue Cricket Designs blog had this great tutorial that we wanted to try!

Our supplies
Two Canvases
Sharpie Markers
Cut out Birds from a calender
Scissors
pages from an old book. I used an old hymnal and Lindsey used a dictionary
Glue or Mod Podge

Susan with the covered canvas.
After mod podging the pages to the canvases we drew branches with the sharpies and traced the birds where we wanted them on our branches.
 
Lindsey coloring in her birds.

Almost done! Just need to draw in a couple more small branches and leaves.

I hung them over my couch but the wall still feels very bare to me.
You all have any ideas on what i could do/add to spruce it up?


I was thinking I might add a sign like this one above them.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Rise and Sing

"If you were bound but now you're free, rise and sing, rise and sing."


I felt God's love and hope rising with in me as He and I enjoyed one of His beautiful sunrises together this week.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Having a bad day?

Just give this little man a squeeze and you'll feel much better!




Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Gill Family in Crayon

Elijah's first family portrait!
I see daddy, mommy, Elijah and Ethan (still a baby in mommy's arms) all there with the stairs running up the left side just like in our house.

Check out our cool family car parked out front! =)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Putt & Stuff

Elijah's first mini golf experience!
 Geoff's turn!
Elijah and Sierra.

Do you see Geoff and Ethan through the waterfall?

Last Friday evening our neighbors invited us out to go miniature golfing with them. So much fun! Both Geoff and Elijah got a hole in one! Talent runs in the family, i tell ya! =)


What did you do this weekend?













Monday, September 20, 2010

Winners!

Wow, that was crazy! With 414 entries in two days! Thanks for joining in the fun! I know i say this every time but I DO wish every one could win.

The winner for Prize Pack #1 is: Henria O.

The winner for Prize Pack #2 is: Justine M.

The winner for Prize Pack #3 is: Melanie

Congratulations to the winners!

A great big THANK YOU to each of our amazing sponsors. This wouldn't have been possible with out them!

If you haven't had a chance to check them out here are our Blogmania sponsors and their shops. Even if you have visited their shops i noticed some new things in them today!


Bell Design

Dream Weaver Shop

Happy Accidents

Irish Hooks and Yarn

Irish Pixie

Journey Designs

Original Designs by Amy Sutherland

Pat the Cat

QA Create

GraceandCorazon

Sunburst Outdoor Decor

Xavier Gifts

Friday, September 17, 2010

Someone Needs Your Help

Poll is now closed. Thanks to those who voted! Last i checked Hannah was in the lead!
-----------------------------
Hannah, age 12, and her family just moved to the Missionary Training Center in Missouri over the summer. Just before school began this semester, she was diagnosed with a serious medical condition which requires a bone marrow transplant. The family's medical bills are quickly adding up, and there is a way you can help.
Mike's Chair, a Christian band, has decided to do a charity concert, and they are leaving it up to their listeners to decide who of the top three videos should receive the donations. You may have heard about this on Christian radio--it's been talked about for a few weeks now. You can go to this website to vote for the video that Hannah's four sisters made.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE (look along the right side of the page. She's the 3rd one down.) I believe today is the last day to vote.

Thanks for your time to vote, and for your prayers for Hannah and her family!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Irish Blessings giveaway!

Welcome to The Missionary Mama and our Irish Blessing giveaways!

Irish Blessing prize pack #1

1 oz Irish Breakfast blend Tea & cloth tea bag
from Dream Weaver Shop
An excellent way to start your day, whether you live in Ireland or not! A full-bodied blend of black teas, most often favouring Assam teas from India, Irish Breakfast tea is strong and smooth. It is often described as having a malty note and invigorating finish. Drink Irish Breakfast with milk and sugar or add a splash of lemon - this commanding cup will get you moving and keep you going!

Recipes for Irish Scones and Irish Potatoes
from Irish Hooks and Yarn

"These two recipes are favorites in our family. Both recipes have been passed on to me by word of mouth. I have been making the Irish Potatoes for almost 30 years and they are a sweet treat to make (and eat!) around St. Patrick’s Day.
The Irish scones are a more recent family favorite. The recipe came to me from a friend’s mother who was in her 90s when she gave me the recipe. The scones are a great addition to family gatherings throughout the year, not just for St. Patrick’s Day.
Since I always use my food processor for baking, I have added directions for using a food processor or mixing the old-fashioned way by hand!
The recipes will be sent to you as a PDF file that you can save and print."

4 Irish Coffee Mug Soy Candles
from Happy Accidents
"A classic clear textured glass Irish coffee mug filled with a hand poured soy wax candle. My soy wax candles are totally natural. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than any other wax.
The yummy scents are “FUDGE BROWNIE”, “CINNAMON BUNS” “VANILLA SUGAR COOKIES” “Apple Pie” with wax toppings so realistic you’ll want to take a bite! Cup is 51/2” high and 3” wide. When the candle is burned you can use the mug over and over. It is microwavable and dishwasher safe."

Handmade Irish Bells Bracelet and earring set
from Journey Designs

The Bells of Ireland flower symbolizes good luck while the color green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth, renewal, health, and environment.
This bracelet measures 7" and has a 1" extension. There are 4 10-11mm Bells of Ireland petal beads connected by a chain and has a lobster claw closure. At the end of the extension is a small 6mm Bells of Ireland petal bead.
The beads are handmade of translucent polymer clay and dried green Bells of Ireland petals.


Irish Blessing prize pack #2

Celtic Silver and Purple Bracelet Cuff
from Original Designs by Amy Sutherland
This Celtic-design cuff is handwoven using nylon-coated silver wire and nylon-coated purple wire. The cuff is about 6.5 inches around and is adjustable. One-size fits most.

 Abundance Pocket Mirror
from Bell Design
Pocket Mirror (2.25”). One side is a beautiful graphic image, the other side is a real glass mirror.

Great Inexpensive Gifts for All Occasions!
* Hand assembled with beautiful images-top sealed with Mylar
* Measures approximately 2.25” in diameter
* Fits easily into a purse, pocket, or drawer
* Items come in a small gift bag, great for gift giving
* Mirrors made with glass-not intended for young children

Bless Our Home With Love and Laughter Primitive Wood Sign

from Sunburst Outdoor Decor
'Bless Out Home With Love and Laughter'

"This is one of my brand new wood signs. They are made of premium pine or spruce and are painted and sealed with Patio Paint. I am imagining they will be hung primarily indoors, but because I use Patio Paint they are outdoor safe if you have a protected outdoor area you would like to hang it in.

This one is a light tan color with brick red, green and cream border accents. The sign is distressed and antiqued to look old and worn. It will be a great addition to your country, primitive, or rustic decorating theme, or any other decor for that matter. The sign measures approx 5.5" tall x 24" long and comes ready to hang with two sawtooth hangers on the back."


Claddagh Ring
from GraceandCorazon


 Irish Blessings prize pack #3

Celtic Blessings Irish Tea Basket
from Xavier Gifts
The Celtic Blessings Tea Basket Contains:
•Celtic Blessings Tea Towel "May the road rise..." Poem
•Celtic Blessings Trivet "May the road rise..." Poem
•Bewley's 25 Count Box Of Afternoon Tea
•/3 Cup Bewley's Shamrock Tea Pot
•Dark Brown Beautifully Decorated Gift Basket


Irish Harp / Rabbit Coin Cuff links



These cuff links are made from authentic vintage Ireland Harp coin.

One side shows a harp, the other side a rabbit. They are silver tone and about the size of a US dime. They were in circulation but they have been polished for a close-to-new look. They are secured to silver cuff link posts.

The cuff links will be shipped in a velvet cinch pouch.

Irish Dancers - Tote Bag / Shoe Bag
The Irish dancers on this bag have been practising hard; their jumps are high, their toes are exquisitely pointed and their posture is perfect... Does your dancing measure up to these high standards?

An original design by me, printed on 100% organic cotton sateen by Spoonflower, then sewn up into a pretty, lightweight yet roomy bag that's perfect for you to carry all your shoes/socks/water bottles/purse/phone/random dancing paraphernalia to class and back... I know, I'm a dancer and I do this myself :)

Natural-coloured background with black design.


Irish Coffee with Cream Bracelet



To Enter for all 3 prize packs:

Leave a comment on this post.

Extra Entries
Make a purchase from a sponsor shop.
Each purchase gets you another entry.



Giveaway open until Thursday September 16th midnight.

I'll randomly draw three names and announce the winners within 72 hours.
The prizes will be sent directly from the sponsors.

Check out all the other Blogmania giveaways below.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Last Sneak Peek!

Tomorrow's the day!

But just what is BLOGMANIA?

WHO?
175 bloggers are each
WHAT?
hosting a giveaway with at least $100 in prizes

WHEN?
from Sept. 15, 2010 at 12:01 am – 12:00am (EST) Sept. 17, 2010

WHERE?
on each of their blogs.

HOW?
You can start here – http://www.geoffandmelissa.blogspot.com/ – or on any participating blog. Each blog will have published a post describing their giveaway theme and prizes and clearly letting you know how to enter their giveaway. At that end of that post, you will find a link to another giveaway post and a link back here in case you get lost or are searching for just certain giveaways (IE – those open INTERNATIONALLY). Read each post carefully , as how to enter will vary blog to blog. Each blog is responsible for drawing and notifying their own winners and handling the prize distribution, in partnership with their sponsors. BLOGMANIA and Parker PR Online are not responsible for any claims, opinions, or prizes offered by any participating blog/blogger. We do expect blogs to have announced their winners on their blogs by or around September 20, 2010 and for the prizes to be distributed within a timely manner upon receipt of shipping information.

Tomorrow and Thursday you'll get the chance to enter the biggest giveaway event ever held here on The Missionary Mama!

Since we have so many wonderful items I've divided them into three different prize packages. That way more people get the chance to win.

You get an entry for a comment on the post and bonus entry for anything you purchase from a sponsor shop.  Easy peasy!

These are the last four items and their shops...

QA Create specializes in niche artisan-made jewelry. We try to create jewelry with an edge and style, recycling lost and forgotten items into something fashionable.


Follow QA Create on Twitter at http://twitter.com/qacreate

QA Create has kindly donated these Irish Harp/Rabbit Coin Cuff links.

These cuff links are made from authentic vintage Ireland Harp coin.

One side shows a harp, the other side a rabbit. They are silver tone and about the size of a US dime. They were in circulation but they have been polished for a close-to-new look. They are secured to silver cuff link posts.





Annie says, "I have a Confession to make...I love Old things, and Uniquely Beautiful things!

"Grace and Corazon" features an Eclectic Line of Jewelry that is Quirky and Fun rather than Serious and Predictable! By combining my love of Repurposed and Vintage pieces, with the desire to Reduce Waste, the hope is that "Grace and Corazon" will be a Beautiful, yet Thoughtful place for you to shop…"


Annie is donating this beautiful Irish Claddagh Ring in sterling silver.

The Irish Claddagh Rings are probably the most culturally rich pieces of jewelry ever recorded in history, with the design of the claddagh ring deeply rooted in Irish tradition. The meaning, significance and history of the claddagh ring have a rich ancient past that dates back to over 500 years. The claddagh is a heart encircled by pair of delicate hands with a crown above the heart. The hands of the claddagh symbolize friendship, the heart love, and the crown loyalty.


Summer's End Sale. 20 to 30% off everything as marked. Annie offers free shipping too!

For more unique items, please visit her other shop here.


Googly Dragonfly Paitio Person
These make great outdoor decorations to greet visitors or to dress up a flowerbed, and these are the ones that lots of my customers use for doorstops. They are completely customizable and personalization is free.
"Hi! My name is Jamie and Sunburst Outdoor Decor is my business. I sell rocks. Painted rocks that are also versatile pieces of home and garden art, that is. I take ordinary concrete pavers, natural stones, tiles, and terra cotta pots and turn them into one of a kind pieces of art that will please everyone on your gift giving list. I LOVE custom orders-some of my favorite items started out as someones custom order idea. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is something you want that you do not see, I will get right to work. I will be listing new items weekly so please add me to your favorite stores and check back often, you may just find the perfect gift for yourself or some one else! Thanks!"

Rocks are the only thing Jamie paints. She also creates these great primitive wood signs! One of which she is donating to our giveaway!

I would love to have one of these hanging in our home.

Check out the other patio people and wood signs here.

And last but not least we have...

Xaviar Gifts offers Celtic and Irish Imports that include hand knit Aran sweaters, souvenirs and a traditional range of Irish products. For the 45 million people in the United States claiming to be Irish or of Irish ancestry, Xaviar Gifts has Specialty items for St Patrick’s Day and Christmas.
Giveaway item:
Celtic Blessings Irish Tea Basket
From Bewley's famous Grafton Street Café in Dublin, Bewley's Afternoon Tea and Shamrock Tea Pot are included in this beautifully rich and rustic basket. We've added an Irish Linen/Cotton Celtic Blessings Tea Towel. Also, included is a matching Celtic Blessings Trivet.




Friday, September 10, 2010

For My Friends

“At the request of NTM and with the consent of the former students of the NTM school for missionary children in Senegal, GRACE conducted a review of the situation at the school in the 1980s. They presented their report to NTM and the former students on Monday [August 23, 2010]."

It's been a rough around here lately, i'm not gonna lie. We've  had some really emotional things to deal with and i've not been sure how to share them so i've been silent about it on the ol' blog here. I'm still not sure how to articulate it clearly so I'll let this article from WORLD magazine share it for me... http://www.worldmag.com/articles/17134


This video is for my fellow studends and friends from Fanda.

Fanda Eagles, I love you and am praying that God continues to work in your lives and heal your hearts.


Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Harvest Festival

On Labor Day our church here in Missouri put on a Harvest Festival in Barnett as an outreach to the community.

There was food, games for the kids, prizes...



face painting...

more games...

music by Mike...

and our pastor gave a message from God's word.

At the end they released animals and let the kids chase them and if they caught one they could keep it...
It was pretty funny!
Look what Elijah caught...


He's the sweetest little bunny!

What should we name him? Elijah needs more ideas other than "Ethan", "Elijah" and "Mr. Bunny Rabbit." =)

....

.

A Challenge...

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