My Creative Journey

Our 2017 Refuge 127 mission trip

2017-01-11T05:37:00.001-06:00

Hey guys!

Thanks for following along on our journey to Africa and welcome to any new readers! My prayer is that I can convey in words, my experiences and my awesome teammate's experiences. I will be posting a series of blogs throughout the next two weeks to keep all our supporters, family and friends informed about our mission and purpose while in Uganda.

Just to step back a bit for any new readers or followers who don't know much about Refuge 127...let me explain a little. Also for more information, you can always visit the refuge 127 website at www.refuge127.org. I currently serve on the Refuge 127 board, as the board vice president, but years before this officially formed non-profit and now years of doing mission work in Uganda, Africa...God connected me and my sister in law Mandy in ways we didn't think were possible.

First, we grew up together as both our father's coached together at EDWhite, we sleep at each other's houses as kids, we went to EDWhite together, we may or may not have partied together and done things we were not supposed to, years later we dated and married the Holloway brothers, and God radically changed our lives. He saved us. She taught me my first bible study. Ya'll I said we didn't always do good things...but then God...God took someone I knew, had a relationship with, to reach me and show me something about God that I didn't know. Since then life hasn't been the same and it has been the best adventure.

As I sit here in Uganda on my first full day of this trip, I am just in awe of the amazing things God has done with Refuge 127 and our awesome team members. Guys when I tell you that God is so mindful of the details and simply only needs willing vessels...I ain't lying!! If he can take two sister in laws (me and Mandy), about 10 plus years ago on the floor of her tiny living room at the time and give us the idea to do Tour of Homes, which would years later ultimately be the first fundraiser for our Uganda mission and birth of the non-profit organization, Refuge 127, he can do it for you!

Last night after we arrived into the Ugandan International airport, which is located in Entebbe, Uganda, we met up with our Uganda family (more about them in future blog post because they are all awesome) and we loaded (oh, I mean stuffed) our 32 suitcases of donations, our carry-ons, backpacks, and ourselves into the vans for about an hour drive to the capital city of Kampala, Uganda to stay the night. On our roller coaster journey, ride of your life, don't know if you will live to see the next morning drive into Kampala (the driving in Uganda is something I have never seen until I first started coming here and I can say that I am happy to only have to experience it once a year....my God!!!), I was talking to my sister in law Mandy, Tee Delatte and Jason Delatte (which it is his first time here) about just being excited to be in Uganda and the initial shock of "oh my goodness we in Africa people!" kind of feeling. He said something that I believe we can all relate to, he said if you would have told me when I first married Tee, "you guys will be doing mission work in Uganda, Africa....I would have never believed you!". But, guys that is what living for God is all about and being a willing vessel! He will open doors you would never believe is possible. He did it for me. He did it for my husband. He did it for my sister in law, Mandy and brother in law, Shay. He did it for Tee and Jason and all the other teammates who have joined us and he can do it for you. No that doesn't mean you are called to Uganda, Africa, but we are all called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

How can you do that where ever you may be today?

(This is the bus that held 14 people...on top of all the luggage and look at all that luggage at the top! It seemed as if we were going 100 miles an hour around sharp curves and how we didn't lose any luggage is only a miracle!

I think about the awesome people who are back home taking care of the team's children, my parents who are taking care of my children, the family and friends who have stood with us in prayer, my employees who hold the fort down every day doing amazing work, the people who have partnered with Refuge by donating their time, resources or money....these are all examples of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

We have so many things in store for this trip and I am happy to share that with you all over the next few weeks. Just to give you a little of an overview, so that you can be in prayer for our team in the next two weeks. We are going to be visiting multiple orphanage sites while we are on the journey. The first site is in the village of Kenkebu and this is the very first site that Shay and Mandy first visited many years ago, prior to Refuge 127 ever starting. The next site that we will be visiting, is in the village of Kachoma, which is the location that Refuge 127 has been involved with since the first time Mandy and Shay came to Uganda, Africa. On Mandy and Shay's first trip to Uganda, they prayed that God would show them the reason why they had come to Uganda. You see back then, Refuge 127 was not formed, it was the first time they stood on African soil, and they were part of a mission team they joined from Indiana for what they knew could be a one time thing. But, they were open. They were ready to hear from God and find their purpose.

Little did they know what God had in store for the future. During that first trip, Mandy and Shay were brought to the village of Kachoma, where the Bishop John Wayabire oversees (Bishop holds many positions, but in a nutshell, he is a cultural leader here in the villages in which we stay, a pastor, and has also started these orphanages). God connected Bishop John Wayabire and Shay in a mighty way over the years, but during that very first trip, they were able to view the property that was purchased in the Kachoma village, which would eventually house an orphanage and school for the orphaned and vulnerable children from that area. When they arrived on the property, all that existed was the shell of 4 buildings with only some basic walls. The bishop showed them the plans for the future site and explained the work that would need to be done in order to have the site up and running properly. After that visit, Mandy continued to pray about her purpose and she recalls God spoke to her loud and clear, "I just showed you!". She knew in that moment of prayer, exactly what the purpose was for her and Shay. The purpose to see this property. See the needs. See how long it had taken Bishop to simply build the shell of just 4 small buildings. She needed to see all of these things with her physical eyes so that her answer to prayer would make sense.

Since that very first trip so many things have happened, well first Mandy and Shay came back to Thibodaux and shared with our family just what God had done for them in Uganda. She knew that our fundraiser, Tour of Homes, was not just for orphaned or vulnerable children in our community, but also for the children of Uganda. Initially, it was a world wind, but things started forming and God started opening doors. Refuge 127 was formed and became an official 501(c) 3 by 2012. Now Mandy and Shay are leading teams to Uganda through the non-profit and we have done some amazing work in the village of Kachoma at the new orphanage site. Over the years through the donations that have come through to Refuge 127, we have seen the completion of 4 school classrooms, furniture for the classrooms, we have purchased 1.5 acres for future farming, built a girls dorm and just added bunk beds so every girl living there has here own bed to sleep in, dug two deep water wells for the orphanage site and also the people of the Kachoma village, and also built complete restrooms (and in case you wondering, basic buildings are not equipped with restrooms necessarily).

The purpose of us providing these facilities is because we want them to ultimately be self-sustainable, have adequate living quarters for children who are orphaned or vulnerable (meaning needy children, children without one of their parents, or without a family who can provide for them), have a place in which they can also attend school, and lastly and most importantly a safe place in which they can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ being taught. We have not completed all the work there, meaning all the facilities on the grounds have not been completed at this point. We currently need to build a boy's dorm because the boys are currently sleeping on the floor of their classrooms. So yes, they go to school there during the day and also sleep there at night. We need to build a common place or multi-purpose building which can be used for various purposes and also can be used as a church on Sundays. We desire to see the land be farmed, so they can reduce cost in food and truly live off of the land. We want them to be trained in Farming God's Way, which is a program to teach them proper farming skills by learning how to farm the way God designed. It's an incredible program and we have been lucky to be connected with some friends who are missionaries to Uganda doing this exact type of work, so we look forward to when we can use their calling. We also desire to build a fence around the property of the site to secure more safety for everyone there. This is just some of the projects that are in the works for Refuge 127.

If you want to know which way you can help, consider becoming a monthly sponsor through the Refuge 127 website and we can promise you your money will be used directly in Uganda. You can also do one-time donations through the Refuge 127 website also. We currently run a non-profit with very little overhead cost, using the majority of our donations directly on project specific needs. We all have full-time jobs and do this on a volunteer basis, so anytime you are desiring to help please let us know!
www.refuge127.org

More to come!

Vera

Summer 2016 Bucket List! Fun ideas for your little ones!

2016-05-26T05:27:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of each summer, me and my children set out to make a bucket list of activities that we would like to accomplish for the summer! It really gets me excited (probably a little more than them) and it ensures that we have a plan for the summer. I often have great ideas, but if I don't make a solid plan....let's just face it....this Momma won't get it done! So, this is my plan and I wanted to share with you all...Enjoy!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
1. Ride bikes and make sure to discover new trails. For an amazing day trip for biking visit the Tammy Trace.

2. Discover a new zoo!

3. Take a nature walk or hike through a state park.

4. Visit a U-pick farm. This year I will be bringing my kids to a U-pick Blueberry Farm (this is an annual summer tradition for us). Check out the Blue Harvest Farm near Covington, LA. I have visited various U-pick farms throughout Louisiana and here is a list of farms throughout Louisiana.

5. Go camping (even if it's in your back yard!) and have a family game night.

6. Move it Monday! Or actually move it any day! Pick an exercise for you and your kids to do together! (yoga, swimming, biking, backyard races, obstacle course, game of soccer, etc.)

7. Try Geocaching. If you haven't done this before...give it a try! Download the Geocaching app and beginning exploring your community for hidden treasures.

EXPLORE YOUR COMMUNITY
8. Take a road trip for the day! Louisiana has so many great places to discover...do a little planning and surprise your kids with a fun day!

9. Visit a historical site. This summer I want to explore the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park which is near New Orleans. They have some nature trails that I know my kids would like to explore.

10. Pack a picnic and discover a new place in your community to have a picnic lunch.

I guess it is time to use those vintage picnic baskets that I have been collecting over the years!

11. Visit a Spray Park near by! We actually have two spray parks near by....Bayou Black Rec Department just opened up a new spray park and you can find them on facebook! There is also another great spray park in Bayou Vista. These spray parks are both $5 or less to get in and it provides lots of fun for the kids!

12. Go tubing or canoeing down a Louisiana River. Check out the Tiki Tubing along the Amite River.

13. Visit a Farmers Market. I love that the city I live in has a farmers market every Saturday morning and we also now have a farmers market every Thursday afternoon. Stopping by the Rienzi Market is definitely worth it!

14. Visit the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Did you know that our state capitol is the tallest state capitol building in the United States? Go to the observation deck on the 27th floor and check out the beautiful view. If you are not into historical buildings, but in the Baton Rouge area go and visit Mike the Tiger at LSU!

15. Take a visit to Laurel Valley in Thibodaux, LA. My kids spend a great deal of time here each summer! My son, Jacques started going to Laurel Valley weekly in the summers when he was just a little boy. One of his favorite things to do was to meet up with "Uncle Danny" (as he would call him...and he still does!) and retrieve eggs. Now Jacques is almost 9 years old and he is still going to retrieve eggs and hang out with "Uncle Danny". They truly have the sweetest people who work and volunteer there...they will make you feel at home!

16. Visit Insta Gator Ranch & Hatchery in Covington, LA. How about holding a baby gator? Well I know for sure my kids will love this place! During our day trip to the blueberry farm, we will stop at the gator farm also! Its all in the same neck of the woods!

17. Visit a children's museum. Discover a new children's museum in your community. Louisiana has some great children's museums and one I would like to check out this year is the TREE House Children's Museum in Alexandria, LA. We have a little cabin in Tioga, LA (which is near Alexandria) and when I bring the kids to the cabin this summer...we will check out this museum. One of the things I love the most about our local children's museum is the awesome summer camps they offer...be sure to check out Thibodaux's Bayou Country Children's Museum summer schedule.

18. Complete a project at your local Lowe's , Toys R Us, Michael's, or Home Depot. Did you know that many of these stores offer free or very low cost activities for kids during the summer? Check out their websites for more information!

19. Visit a garage sale and purchase some books for summer reading!

20. Go to a Dollar Movie! Did you know that the Movie Theater in Morgan City offers super cheap movies in the middle of the week / during the summer time!

21. Bowl for Free! Check out Kids Bowl Free website for more information.

22. Career Day for kids! If you can make it happen...see if your child can explore a career they are interested in for the day! My son wants to be an architect when he grows up (just like his grandfather!), so one day this summer I will arrange that he gets to visit his grandfather at work and go out to a few job sites with him.

IN YOUR BACKYARD

23. Swim a lot! If you don't have access to your community pool or a neighbors in ground pool...figure out a way to get your kids swimming! Making sure your child can swim and getting them experience around water is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give them!

24. Glow in the dark hide in seek or glow in the dark dance party! They have lots of glow in the dark ideas on Pinterest....Just do it...Have fun...Your kids will never forget this!

25. Plant flowers or a garden.

26. Do a science experiment! Allow your kids to search online for a fun science experiment that they would enjoy doing outside.

27. Host a summer time party for friends in your backyard.

28. Fill the back of a truck with pillows and blankets and go star gazing!

ALL ABOUT THAT FOOD

29. Make Sand Pudding! Yes...try this recipe.

30. Take a Doughnut Tour! Yes...you heard me correctly! I actually just took my kids to the Krispy Kreme Shop in New Orleans and they really liked it! They were able to watch the doughnuts coming off the conveyor belt and being glazed. As my son says, "Rob's still has the best donuts though!" Truth is....we sure do have an amazing doughnut shop here in Thibodaux and I really haven't found a place that compares! Well, Mr. Ronnie's in Houma runs a close race!

31. Have an ice cream cone or snowball from a unique place. One place that is on my list this summer is Hansen's SnoBiz in New Orleans...after all in 1939 Mr. Hansen was the first to invent the ice shaving machine! This place is a staple in NOLA and a must try!

I am also wanting to try these super stuffed snowballs that can be founded at Brooke's Sno World in Houma, LA or at The Crawfish Boss in Lafayette, LA.

This is a Chantilly Snow ball from The Crawfish Boss and it is stuffed with cheesecake, strawberries, blueberries, soaked in wedding cake cream syrup and topped with whipped cream! I mean....people!!!!! Too good to be true!

32. Allow your kids to prepare dinner and serve the parents! For added fun...invite the grandparents over or cousins and have dinner outside.

33. Make root beer floats! Oh so yummy! August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day (who would have thought it had it's own day!)

34. Have a Family Fondue Night! Yum!

35. Treat your kids to a Soda Night! Make sure to purchase various glass bottles of different types of soda or pop from the store...and allow your kiddos to have a taste testing party! And don't plan to get much sleep that night! Ha!

36. Visit a Candy Shoppe!

37. Make a summer time drink or homemade Popsicles. I plan on making raspberry lemonade slushies for my kids this summer.

BUSY @ HOME

38. Start a collection or continue one. My son collects baseball cards...my daughter collects shopkins....so I am sure this collection will get organized and continue to grow further over the summer.

39. Set up days to just do arts in crafts!

40. Make a memory book or scrapbook of summer memories.

41. Have a family sleep over in the living room.

42. Have the kids write letters to family members and put them in the mail! Yes...that is correct...snail mail!

43. Teach your kids how to properly set a table and actually let them use fine china! Yes...dig out your china and let them use it! You only live once...use the china!

44. Pick an activity or craft from Pinterest and actually complete it!

45. Make a 4th of July craft.

46. Buy journals for the kids and give them fun writing prompts.

47. Play school! Allow your kids to set up a classroom under the carport or somewhere spacious, take out the chalk board, print some worksheets from online, and just go all out.

48. Play truth or dare...Kid Style and all G rated! For great ideas on truth or dare games with kids check out Pinterest.

SPREAD KINDNESS

49. Have your kids participate in weekly acts of kindness. It can be as simple as bringing the neighbor a desert, ordering food for a busy family, writing cards for children in the hospital, paying for someone's coffee, etc.

50. Come up with a family service project for the summer! It could be putting together a care package for the troops. Having a garage sale for a family in need. Cleaning out closets and donating items to a non-profit. Be creative, but challenge your family to go above and teach your kids the importance of giving of oneself.

I really hope you have enjoyed the ideas. I hope you feel inspired to go out and do! Go make memories and have a wonderful summer!

Vera

Red dirt stains...

2015-01-06T00:31:00.001-06:00

I have so many red dirt stains...

Stains on my heart. Stains on my mind. Stains on my clothes. Stains on my shoes. Stains on my backpack. Red dirt stains everywhere. I never want them to leave me. I want them to stay forever.

On Saturday, January 3rd we met up with the rest of the team in jinga as they were passing through and heading to Mbale! It was great to finally see them, but I was so sad to say goodbye to our missionary friends in jinga! But, I know I will be seeing them again soon!

Our team consists of 12 people (including me) from the thiboduax / Houma area! Some are medical people, some here to teach and preach, some here to minister in prayer, some to play with the children while medical missions are going on, some to work on the new buildings that have just been built - but all of us share the heart for the orphan and the needy with the main purpose of sharing Jesus with them!

It's honestly humbling and I just don't know how to quite put everything I have seen into words! I don't know how I will ever do it justice! But, I will keep trying!

I pray I can explain these red dirt stains for you all. I pray my message can convey the huge needs here. It will take a few blog post to explain everything, so consider this only part I !!!

So, as I walked onto the grounds of the Kekebu Village in the district of Budaka and I heard the sounds of the African children and village people singing in their native tongues in an open air brick church house - tears filled my eyes and my heart leaped in joy. I couldn't get off that bus fast enough. I looked around the bus and noticed one of our team members - Ronnie Mablie eyes completely full of tears! The feeling is so unexplainable - it's something no pictures or stories could ever prepare you for! It's something that is personal for each person and I know now what my husband and family has been talking about! The sounds of the children singing to us as they greet the Mzungas (that word is Luganda for white people), the intoxicating smell of stinch, the sight of the children's faces as we got off the bus, the touch of the first Ugandan child to my hand, oh every sense was on over load for me. My heart was on overload - you can't possibly come to this place and not fall to your knees in prayer. They treat our team like we are royalty and it is a common practice for them to bow down and kneel at your feet whenever they greet you. First of all I am not anything special. I have a heart for these people so I raise money all year for them, but that doesn't make me a celebrity in any means. But, to these beautiful Ugandan people they want to show how thankful they are for us - so they bow down to us! At that moment I wish I spoke their language because I would have told them "it should be opposite - I should be bowing down to you." When you have people in such great need and they bow down to you - that just does something to your heart - well at least mine. It made me think of God - and when we are in such need and all we know is to bow down at his feet and pray - it brings him such joy and an overwhelming since of pride, love, and desire to bless us even more! That's how I feel - they appreciate us so much - it makes me want to work harder, fight harder to spread the message of refuge 127, and never complain that I am too busy to make a difference in these great people's lives!!

(When we arrived we had church in here! In Africa - you dance and sing in church - and nothing like what us Americans do in church! Basically, you get down!! The children sing and dance and then the adults get up and sing and dance! Even the African men can move and grove their bodies - it's really something to see! Lol!! Me and my sister in law Mandy have been practicing, but can't seem to move our bodies like them!)

All the village kids and orphans piled into the front of the village church! God is ever present here - you feel his presence in every place you walk!!

Each day of the mission our days are split - first part is prayer and church service and second part is serving the needs to the village and orphan children. The site we are at is the original site Mandy and Shay (my brother in law and sister in law) visited many years ago when they first traveled to Uganda. It's in the middle of a village, surrounded by small huts, small brick houses, a village church, various buildings for the orphans to live in and eat in, and some school houses for children of the village and orphans.

After church service, I have been working with the Ugandan doctor refuge 127 hired, another team member - Paula who has been a nurse for 30+ years, and Elijah who is one of the Bishops sons who is currently in medical school in Uganda. I will need to do a blog post about the Bishops family - because they are all amazing people and I have fell in love with them all! The bishop is over various orphanages and boarding school sites and is a pastor to multiple churches throughout east Africa. I have been dispensing medicines, working with a translator and listening to the needs of the people. My heart is to serve people. I never get tired of serving people because Jesus doesn't. The lines of people waiting to be seen never seemed to end. They came early in the day and waited and waited and some were not able to be seen the first day. That was heart breaking, but we are here all week to serve. The first afternoon - I made it a point to learn all the Ugandan medicines that were being used - another language - completely different medications than America - but with God he makes all things possible! I was in a very small closed in room with no air condition and medicine all over! It was a hot mess - literally!! So, two team members helped me organize everything in alphabical order so when the doctor spoke to me in Luganda I would know what medicine he was referring to! Also, the way they write scripts are completely different than in America! So, I had to learn that to! It was a crazy first day, but I learned an incredible amount that day. Before long - I was starting to see the same patterns of illness in Uganda - the same complaints over and over! Sadly, they didn't realize that the majority of their medical problems are due to the lack of clean water intake and improper nutrition. Their is no sanataization what so ever!!!!! They have no access to toilet paper so you can imagine how bathroom time goes. Then they go and eat and they have no forks or spoons - and everyone in the village eats with their hands!!

The pharmacy! The small hot room where I meet with hurting people - not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually also!

I can write a post about all the needs of this place, but I can't get caught up in the American ways of doing things. Because in America we have access to everything - a doctor when we need, medicine when we need, clean water, clean clothes, food - so naturally we don't go to God first because we don't even think twice about these things - we just have access to them! This experience has taught me that just because god has blessed me with access to so many luxuries - I should never put that before God. He must be my first consultation before a doctor.

Today I got to speak to the village people and the orphans and I told them that - when the medicine runs out, or the money runs out, or the food runs out - they have to remember that God is the great physician, he is the great provider, and the supplier of all things!

I know this place has stained me forever, but those stains will be a reminder of why I have to keep pushing and why I have to keep working harder and harder to raise money for refuge 127.

The next few post will be more about the work we are doing here and what God has been doing over this trip!

Psalm 63 "oh god, you are my God; early will I seek you; My flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." Mandy read this one morning before leaving for the orphanage - she had opened her bible and this was the first thing she had read. Water is something you can't live without and so many adults and children here don't get enough. They do have a water well, but it's questionable on how clean the water really is from there! Another stain to my heart, but another purpose for refuge 127 to look into!

Thanks for following along! Love y'all!

Vera

What is your definition of poverty?

2015-01-02T15:17:00.001-06:00

Hey guys!!

Happy 2015!! Hope you had a wonderful new year! I sure have been having a wonderful time in Uganda even though I haven't quite gotten use to the bugs or food! But, I have so many stories to share with you guys and many are probably wondering why we traveled up earlier than the rest of the team - so I will share tonight! (FYI - I am now with the rest of the team and this post is posting late due to not having the best access to wifi!)

So, in my last post I shared that we are in jinga, Uganda - which is a city in which a lot of American missionaries live in or near.

(The Nile River)

Many come for short term rotations and some stay for years and some a life time! It's a beautiful city that is located on the Nile River and it's home to a great deal of poverty. But, let me explain that topic for a minute. Poverty. Poverty in American standards and poverty in Ugandan standards are two totally different things. The average fair wage in Uganda per day is about $4 dollars or 10,000 shillings. That is the fair wage and a well enough wage to take care of your family. Some Ugandans fall well under that fair wage - some times earning only $1-$2 dollars per day.

But, let me explain a little further - have you heard the saying "it takes a village to raise them!" - well I think that must have really started in the villages of Africa! Village people take care of each other. They are all family!!! They take care of each other's needs!! So, while I was passing through a very remote village that was only accessible to man by either foot, bicycle, motorcycle or atv (4 wheeler) - I had this understanding that to the American eye - everything around me was poverty but to the Ugandan people of that village they had everything they really needed! I am certain they desire more and desire to often get out the village (well some don't - even if they had the money!), but they have what they love surrounded by them and it's not material things! They were surrounded by their family, shelter (although it wasn't up to our standards), children had a school near by, and they had basic food and an area to prepare it! These children were not orphan although to the American eye they appeared to be very neglected! Because the areas are remote and transportation is expensive - it's hard for people to have access to any of life's necessities. I have noticed the parenting and raising up of children from Uganda to America is truly another world of difference!! I haven't found much of anything alike what so ever! (I will later in the week write about the differences in culture and parenting - because they have much to learn from us and we have much to learn from them!) Yes they don't have the nicest clothes, but if you lived near red dirt everyday I can promise you before long you would be very dirty!!!

(This is what I had To wear in order to ride on the atv - and when I got off the atv I was completely covered in red dirt - even places I had multiple layers on!)

(Sorry for the scarey picture, but it's just to show how much the red dirt gets on you - and is so hard to actually get off even after you shower/ bath!)

So what was our connection to jinga, Uganda? Well - thanks to social media my friend Lacey was able to meet a dear missionary family through Instagram and Facebook. They started communicating in may and months after that - god told Lacey she would travel to Uganda up early. It didn't really make sense to her at the time and she knew she couldn't travel by herself and when she expressed this to me - I told her - I would definitely travel with her early. Then we thought - can two girls travel to Africa alone??! Well, given my husband just traveled here last year - he suggested we travel with at least one guy! So, me and Lacey asked our friend mike (aka "our bodyguard" ) - we are all blessed to do ministry together and serve on the refuge 127 board - so we were so eager to learn more and explore places of Uganda the team members haven't traveled to before!

(This is our sweet missionary friend - Vicki - who has moved to Uganda 6months ago with her husband and three children! We meet up for the first time and spent the week with her - it seems like we have been friends for years!! I have no doubt that god had a purpose for us meeting and I can't wait to see how our friendships will continue - all for the sole purpose of seeing lives changed through Jesus Christ!

During our time in jinga we got to visit some amazing non-profit organizations - sole hope (check them out here www.solehope.org), arise Africa, and amazima! Look them up - they are all amazing and doing great things!

(One of the coolest things I have ever done - went down to the source of the Nile and yes we walked to it!)

Here are some pictures of my time in jinga and the non-profits that we went to visit and learn about. Learning about life, culture, how non-profits are run - helps us to be able to help refuge 127 even better - so I am truly thankful for this time.

(I can't even handle the cuteness of the set of twin girls I got to love on for a little while! Their mother died in childbirth and they were left with an aunt and they arrived at sole hope - which is not an orphanage but a medical clinic for jigger removal but they are an awesome organization and they will find a special place for them!)

This is the guest house we stayed at while in jinga - which is own by arise Africa and we met up with another sweet missionary friend- Dacia who is over one of arise Africa's babies homes. Just a quick side note - babies homes is another name for orphanage.

(This is the guest home for arise Africa that they rent out rooms for any one needing a place to stay while visiting jinga)

Here are some pictures of sole hope:

Sole hope's man mission is to treat a very preventable condition - jiggers! Sadly, they still have such a large problem in various villages of Uganda and sole hope meets that problem head on! They can do jigger removal in their medical clinic or they can travel into the villages and do the removals there! Besides removing the jiggers, nursing them back to health, they also make shoes for all children who have had jiggers.

Here is one of the Ugandan ladies who works for sole hope and shoes the shoes together. They make shoes from old jeans and old tires!!

(I love the jigger removal jeep they use!)

(Jigger removal in action)

A jigger is a bug that gets attached to the skin and lays eggs which there for causes more bugs, so it's important if a child gets one - to have it removed before it spreads! The only way it can get really bad is if the child is neglected and no ones removes them (bathing and having clean feet won't get the jigger out - it has to be removed!) The removal process is fairly simple - it's done by using a safety pin! The organization told me that man doctors have come by and tried to use fancier things for removal, but they always go back to the safety pin!!

This is a very serious case of jiggers!!

If you notice the volunteers at sole hope - charts everything and marks where the jiggers are around the feet, hands or knees. It can take all day sometimes to remove. This kid had over 700 jiggers! Many people in remote villages believe that jiggers are cause by having a voodo curse on you and they will neglect the children and leave them to get worse! Isn't that awful! Their is a lot of witchcraft and voodo here, so sharing Jesus can be difficult in some areas!

The handmade shoe shop at sole hope! Got some for Juliette and my godchild Cc!!

These are all children who are currently at the sole hope medical clinic and they are recovering from the jigger removal and being nursed back to health! Once they are better they will go back to their village and will have learned how to remove jiggers, be equipped with a safety pen for removal, have new shoes and will also have access to follow up care to make sure they are jigger free!! Isn't that awesome! All because this is what Jesus would do! They also share the gospel with them while there!

Here are some sweet friends I meet at the Arise Africa babies home! These girls are beautiful and they are taken care of so well!

The first three in this picture are triplets! They are well feed here and well bathed (they get 3 to 4 baths a day)!!

I also got to visit amazima - which is the organization started by Katie Davis! We also got to learn about Farming Gods Way!

This is where they teach bible studies and serve lunches on Fridays and Saturdays to the village children!

So, that is a recap of some of the things I have been doing for the first week! But, I am now with the team working the purpose of our mission! I can't wait to share on that!!

Love y'all!

Vera

OMG! My first world problems...

2014-12-30T17:01:00.001-06:00

I am dating this post because sometimes when I write and when it actually post (do to crazy wifi) is two totally different times!

So, I am writing this 12/29/14 - on Monday night and some on 12/30/14 Tuesday night! I am ahead of my people in Louisiana by 9 hrs or 8 hrs - well I don't quite know I am still confused and disoriented by the smell of BO.

First, let me start off - I re read my first post and let me apologize for all my misspellings and bad grammar! If my former English teacher is reading this - I am just writing from my heart and skipping the grammar while in Africa! Lol! Plus my iPad isn't working for some reason so I am blogging from my iPhone (and that is getting a little hard!)

But, everyone back home who have commented or sent me messages - thank you! I will just keep pecking away at my little keyboard on my phone - just thumbing away all for y'all!

So, I have arrived tonight in entebbe, Uganda! Entebbe is where the international airport for Uganda is. I really can't quite believe I have made it and I don't think it has set in just yet - I AM IN AFRICA - people!!! Africa!! There are like 2 white people in this hotel right now - me and my friend!! I know how you minorities feel - I know how ya feel now! Everyone is looking at me - with these really serious eyes - like I am an ailen and from another planet! Which I am from a mosquito biting, hot as heck bayou town too - which is a lot like what I am experiencing right now!! But, then it dawned on me - "Vera every person in this building looks almost exactly alike - dark skin, bright white teeth, dark hair, black eyes - and then there is me - with my big blue ailen looking eyes - I guess so they looking!"

So when I write - of course I will be serious sometimes but I got some first world problems and right now the only way for me to get through it is to 1. Laugh at myself and add a little humor 2. Pray, pray and pray!! 3. Just be real - I am not making the next few paragraphs up!! After, these post if you are still interested in a possible trip to Africa - message me! Lol!

So back to my arrival and tonight's sleeping conditions! Ok. Well we arrived in the airport very late, so our taxi driver got us straight to the hotel and then we were in our rooms in no time. Also, I might add - the Uganda healthcare workers are standing at every gate - checking for Ebola and getting temperatures (FYI - Ebola is on the other side of Africa - not any where close to here!!) Now mind you - I had just left a first world country (the Netherlands) and it was freezing there and I arrived in a third world country on the equator! I am a southern girl, so I was bundled up bc I can't take the cold to save my life and the next thing you know I am walking into an airport with NO AC!!! Plus I was already nervous and anxious and then I began to sweat! And I felt myself getting hotter and hotter! So I took off my jacket, took my belt off, and was about to take the scarf off and next thing you knew the healthcare worker was taking my temperature - I thought to myself "Vera if you don't stop sweating you will break out in a fever and you will be contained at the entebbe airport and have to wave goodbye to your friends and everyone will see you on the news!" Ahhh then I started sweating more and then I saw bugs and then I couldn't stop itching!! It was a hot mess for me and thankfully y'all prayers are working and I had no fever!!

Ok back to the orginial point of the post - sorry a little ADD right now - so many experiences! So, we are spending the night at the central inn in entebbe, Uganda before we head out tomorrow! The center inn was recommended to us by a friend who has previously stayed here and stated it was really nice! So, here is what the outside of the hotel looks like! This is very nice for Uganda standards.

But, I told ya I have a few first world problems. Currently, I am typing while I lay in a mosquito net all around me with small little bugs flying above my head!! Here are the pictures to prove it bc I knew you wouldn't believe me!!

Our rooms were nice for given some of the living conditions in this part of the world! But, the bugs were still there!

So, naturally because of the bugs above me - I can't fall asleep! And then I start thinking and thinking - and praying and praying. Then I have the thought - "I miss the pleasures of America already!!" Did I mention that I am sticky, itching like I have the chicken pox, and I have no ac for the next two weeks! And lots of bugs! I mean I am embarrassed to say I miss America already! And haunte that I am so dependent on the American pleasures - that we have some how convinced ourseleves it is all necessary (and I am not referring to AC - that is necessary in louisiana!) Just to actually have working wifi for longer than 3 minutes, cell phone service, and direct connection to anyone and everyone whenever you want!! That is such a luxury - I am feeling that already and I haven't even been here for 24 hrs (lawd help me!!) I just wish I could pack up some of those teenagers in America and place them in this country for two weeks! They would have a whole new perspective! Hey - wouldn't this be a good idea - create a summer camp - where it would be boot camp Africa for spoiled American teens! (Ok that is another post!)

(They would have to use phones like this! Lol! I had to buy this Nokia today to make international phone calls when I leave the place I am staying at and travel into deeper villages in Africa and don't have wifi!) Let's all take a moment us spoiled Americans - when is the last time you used a Nokia?! I must confess I had a red Nokia back in 2001 my freshmen year of college!! Y'all we are blessed with technology!! I asked if they had apple phones around - the sales man said yes but definitely none in his store! Maybe in the larger capital city - Kampala! But, I didn't see any in jinga today!

What I am really thinking about tonight as my mind races and I go from praying to thinking to crying and so on...is my children - god I miss them so much and it's only been 5 days that I have been gone! It seems like a lifetime people! But, the heart of the matter is what god laid on my heart as I was complaining in my head about my sleeping conditions! My spoiled American children are so blessed. I can't wait until they can really, really understand that. They will each lay in a comfortable bed tonight, get good night kisses and hugs from their awesome dad, have taken a bath in clean water, dressed in nice fresh pjs, and sleep with a parent just right down the hall (or maybe even in the same bed - since mommy is gone!) as I am thinking this god whispers to me - WHAT WILL TONIGHT BE LIKE FOR THE ORPHAN?

I thought - "God I can't even imagine how scary that must be." To rest where ever you fall, on dirt floor possibly, dirty clothes, no parent around to comfort them or give them love, what if they are sick or hungry, and for heaven sakes they are in complete darkness because they have no electricity! And I miss wifi?!? Oh heaven I need to be here. This is just where I need to be. In my mosquito net, sticky, itchy, with no AC self! That's just what I need!

Always remember...what you are complaining about tonight...someone is praying for. Tonight I was complaining about my sleeping quarters and tonight the orphan is praying for just a bed to sleep in.

Thanks for coming along this journey with me! Hope I made you laugh a little! But, in all seriousness - God is going to do a great work this trip and I am really just a vessel for him.

Tomorrow 12/30 I take a 3 hr ride to Jinga and will be there the rest of the week!! We have some exciting work in store and I just can't wait to share!

Love y'all!

Vera

The pit stop to Amsterdam + my top 10 I have learned while being here...

2014-12-28T17:50:00.002-06:00

Hey guys-

So, we landed in Amsterdam yesterday morning and it has been a world wind of fun already!! This was a planned stop when we started planning this trip many moons ago! My friend Lacey, who I am traveling with had never been to Europe before, so knowing that I told her it was a must stop! Mike our friend and (aka body guard) was game for it too! You see in order to get to Africa you typically pass through a European airport - so this time we were passing through Amsterdam and I checked to see if the cost of the flights would change any if we stayed for a few days - and it didn't at all!! So it was a must book for us!

(This is me flying from New York to Amsterdam...the spells of bad B.O. Over took the plane and I just couldn't handle it! So I used the eye mask the airline passed out - as a nose cover! Clever right?! Well desperate times call for desperate measures! Please excuse the puff eyes I have in this picture - it's horrible but lack of sleep will do that!)

Any way - back to Amsterdam! I like to think of Amsterdam as the New Orleans of Europe!! Lots of craziness going on here, but still it's a beautiful city and lots of things to do (even if you decide to skip the red light district and so called "coffeeshops"!)

For your humor here is my top 10 things I have learned while in Amsterdam!!

1. You will see a "coffee shop" on every block...literally!!! Please remember this - it's not a coffee shop like us Americans would think!! Yesterday as I was about to open the door to one of these to purchase a real cup of coffee and noticed an odd sign that read "no hard drugs in here!" I was confused and noticed by looking Into the Windows it was indeed a place to smoke pot! I knew pot was legal in Amsterdam but didn't know that the shops were called "coffee shops"!

2. Amsterdam has some amazing museums - two of them I got to visit - the Anne frank museum (which add that to your bucket list - it's a must!!) and the van gogh museum! I highly suggest, but just purchase tickets in advance because the lines are longing that a ride in Disney world and you can literally wait all day! We pre-purchased them before the trip and didn't have to wait in line at all!! So, just like they have amazing museums they have some very odd ones - and the therapist in me is interested in the people who may visit these! So here are a few odds ones - The Torture museum (yes I wrote that correctly - this is on the history of torture!), next odd one was The Prostitution museum (yes this career path is legal in Amsterdam and they think it's worthy of a museum), and another interesting one The purse and handbag museum (while I love a good purse or handbag - spending the day in a museum touring them?! I don't think so!) . So we pasted these up, but should you ever be interested in those above museums they are in Amsterdam!

3. Amsterdam has got to be the world capital of bicycles!!! Everyone rides bikes! There are bikes, bikes, and more bikes! Parking garages for bikes!! More bikes than I think people!! It's the only place I have been to that it's cool for a guy to ride what we call in the states a "grandma bike with a large basket attached!" My husband would never be caught riding these in the states, but in the Netherlands it's completely normal!

4. They have waffles along with every kind of topping at every corner also!! They are a must and one of the most delicious things I have ever tested!! I

seriously couldn't stop eating them!

5. Watch where you are walking because motorist will run you over! Seriously! Whether it's a bike, motorbike, or car - move out the way because they are speeding by on those brick roads! Also, they have lots of electric vehicles and vehicles that are actually smaller than this one! Don't every expect to see a pick up truck in Amsterdam! It's not like in Louisiana where guys drive big trucks - no in Amsterdam they ride bikes with baskets!

(This one is charging up!!)

6. We never saw a policeman! It is either really safe or they let the people run wild! Seriously - I am traveling with my friend mike who is an investigator / officer in the states and he was amazed by this! You never see them! In a city of thousands upon thousands - they are no where around! By the way, we felt extremely safe in the Netherlands!!

7. The bathroom situation is ever interesting! If you are out and about in the city you either have to pay to use a public bathroom (for example - if you are in a shopping center and need to use the bathroom you have to pay .50 euros and some 1 euro - which is between .80 cents to $1.20 in US dollars!) Also, they have public restrooms in the middle of busy intersections for guys to use - basically it's a john - in the middle of the city and yes everyone could see! So, that's the free option - if you don't want to pay!

8. No advertisements / media blasting! In America you just can't escape the media! Whether it's television blasting in airports across the United States or huge billboards along side busy interstates - you just don't see those kinds of things in the Netherlands! And that's a breathe of fresh air!

9. In the dead of winter in The Netherlands you can never (I repeat never) have too much clothes on!! Layer, layer and then layer some more! I looked about 20 lbs over weight in each photo , but seriously I was still cold! When it's rainy, snowy and windy - it's nice to have 6 layers!

10. All the cultures in one place mixed together is quite amazing!! When I am in Europe - I can't quite soak up enough of it!!! I love that I can stand in line at Starbucks and speak to a sweet lady from the United States, then order dinner at a restaurant and speak to a woman who is from Bali, and then have a taxi cab driver from Camaroon, Africa! Seriously, that makes life so interesting!! When you from a city like Thibodaux, Louisiana where people are born and died there and never leave - experiencing this is amazing and it just never gets old to me - no matter how much I travel!! I love how creative God was with this beautiful world he created and I love all the diversity in it!

...and one more for kicks! Amsterdam radio loves to play old school American music!! It's nothing to hear Keith sweat or a little old school country like shawina twane!

Well that's the recap of Amsterdam! It was a blast, but now on to our work in Uganda! I'll be flying all of Monday, dec 29th- 8 hrs approximately! But, can't wait to share our next part of the adventure! I miss my kiddos and family and coworkers / employees already! I can't quite believe I will be gone from the states for 17 days (well minus a few now!)

(I am typing this as I fly to Uganda - I don't have wifi right now, but once I do - it will post!)

Thank you all for your support, prayers and love! I can't wait to share these experiences with you! I know we are not all called to serving in Africa, but your prayers and support is just as much a ministry.

"Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Scripture our non-profit - refuge 127 was based off.

(Eating Belgium chocolate covered strawberries in Holland!)

Love you guys!

Vera

Let the journey begin...

2014-12-26T14:42:00.000-06:00

This post is an emotional one for me (so bare with me!)....I can't quite believe I am sitting in New York airport waiting to board my international flight into Amsterdam and then to Uganda, Africa! As I sit here and reflect what has lead up into this point....I am truly humbled....humbled by God's goodness and mercies that he would allow me to be apart of something that is beyond bigger than me.

If you are reading by blog for the first time and want a little back ground info on how all this got started...check out Refuge 127 website and the work that we are doing in Uganda, Africa. But, before Africa was ever placed on my sister in laws heart my years ago...we started in our community with a little idea...with a little fundrasier...and never dreamed nearly 8 years later we would be in this place! Here are a few articles that were printed over the holiday season about Refuge 127 and how it all started! Check them out! One is here (thanks to the Daily Comet for featuring us!) and the other article is here (The Houma Times - thanks to them too!) .

So here are a few details about the journey we are about to take...We have 15 people traveling up to Uganda, Africa all from the Houma-Thibodaux area and they begin their journey Dec. 31st! Me, Lacey Melancon, and Mike Garner all serve on the Refuge 127 board and have decided to leave 5 days early in order to travel to a few other places in Uganda, Africa that we have been desiring to see and explore. Thanks to soical media we have been able to connect with some missionaries who are living and working in Uganda and we are meeting up with them before we meet up with the rest of the group! Now that is the beautiful side of social media! Connecting like minds for the same purpose - to serve the orphan, the needy, the hurting, and the lost!

We are traveling to the city of Jinja, Uganda first! Last year, I made a blog post about Katie Davis and the book I was reading at the time about what she was doing in Jinja, Uganda....well, well a year later I will be in that exact city! We will be staying at the Arise Africa Guest House (check out Arise Africa - they are doing mighty things in Africa and its a wonderful organization!) During our time in Jinja we will be visiting with a family who recently moved to Jinja, Uganda from the United States to become full time missionaries! They are part of a non-profit organization called Heart4Uganda . We are so excited to meet Vicki and here family and learn about their everyday life now in Uganda and the wonderful work they are doing for Heart4Uganda!

(Many years ago we started talking to our kids about helping others less fortunate than us...here is a picture of jacques making a special piggy bank for the orphans of Uganda about 3 or so years ago!)

Here is a map of Uganda

I am about to head out from New York, so I have to close this post out but I will be posting as much as possible! Stay tuned and keep us in your prayers!

One little word...+ Welcome 2014!

2014-01-01T19:18:00.006-06:00

So I have decided to take the challenge to adopt one little word for 2014! One word that will guide me and motivate me throughout the year. Keep me reminded of what I plan to accomplish this year. One word that basically sums up what 2014 could be for me. Click on the link to read more about this challenge of one little word (creator Ali Edwards).

My word for 2014:

I plan to blast this word all over my life - in my house, my office, my car...and where ever else I spend a lot of time! Why you ask...well I need the daily reminder of where I want to Go and who I want to be in God.

Last year, I chose the word GROW and I really felt that word truly guided me through the months that made 2013. I felt I grew in friendships, I grew professionally, I grew in the word of God, I grew as a mother and as a wife and at the end of the day those are the things that really matter most. 2013 was a great year for our family and I am blessed to have been a part of it.

So, why explore? Well, I felt this word tied in to so many things I want to accomplish this year...explore...the true definition of explore means to:

travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it.

I have so many things I want to explore this year. After all aren't there unfamiliar things in your life - places or things you are avoiding, relationship you are staying away from, avoiding helping your neighbor or loved one, going the extra mile....what is it in your life you are not exploring?

I challenge you to search your soul, heart, and mind during this early season of 2014 and ask yourself...."If I could choose one word to sum up what I would desire 2014 to be like...what word would I choose?" If you desire change in your life - the first thing you must do - is set goals and a plan of action to get there. Just can't keep talking about it...have to take some action. Let's get in the game people!!

So here is my heart and why I have chosen EXPLORE:

A page I painted and created today...to remind me of why I want to explore this year!

....I want to explore my heart and anything that is hard, not of God, bitter...I will let Go of in 2014. I want to explore my heart to go the extra mile, to love harder, go beyond the ordinary, beyond just the motions.

Here is a board I created at the last fundraiser for Refuge 127 - Tour of Homes.

....I want to explore my relationships....relationships with family and friends...and do more...pour into their lives more. Meet new people and develop and strengthen relationships that inspire and motivate me to live my life to the fullest. You see it really doesn't matter the number of friends we have...it is the quality of that friendship! I often ask my clients in counseling to make a list of what I call "Toxic vs. Non Toxic". What does that mean - make a list of people who are truly toxic in your life, who bring you down, leave you feeling worse, drain the life out of you vs. the non toxic people. A non-toxic person inspires you, brings you up, leaves you feeling empowered, and loved. If I had to guess many people that you love greatly would in all actuality fall into the toxic category. So what does that mean....you better use some wisdom and boundaries with them...because they will keep you stuck and not accomplishing much in 2014! Remember God designed more for you!

...I want to explore more in scripture. This is one area I need to improve in and no matter what there is no excuse that is worthy of not doing this. I don't want the bipolar relationship with God - when I need him, down, depressed, and stressed I run to him and when I am feeling good and things are going great in my life - he gets pushed to the side. No...that can't happen. It won't happen - no ups and downs because after all he deserves all my praise and my time first and for most.

...I want to explore better health. My goodness...I drink too many McDonald's sweet teas and eat too many McD fries!!!!! I need help in this department my friends! I have always enjoyed working out, but I have been slacking in that department too!

...I want to explore this world both near and far. I feel God has showed me that I will travel to Africa this year and that is a little scary. Plus, leaving my children is the last thing I want to do. But, if it is His will for my life all things will work out for his Glory. I know there is Africa and tremendous needs there, but do you know how many needs we have in our city alone? My goodness - LOTS! We have people in our community who don't know Jesus, people in our city who are suicidal, families that are ending in divorce and violence, broken and dysfunctional homes, children that are abused, children that are neglected...yup...right in our little community! It is happening people...and if you don't believe me....come spend a day in the mental health world.

Our team made large life size Africa's and people were able to grab off the board for a donation any picture that moved them or inspired them. Another picture of the decorations from the Tour of Homes.

Here are some table decorations that I made for the Tour of Homes fellowship hall.

Here is me and one of my dear friends Gabby - sitting in front of the "hut" that was created to look like a typical home in Uganda, Africa. This was designed for our annual fundraiser the Tour of Homes.

...I want to keep exploring my profession to greater depths. I feel the next step for me in that area...is to obtain a Ph.D. It is completely scary too! Because after two bachelor degrees and a master degree in psychology counseling and a certification in divorce and custody mediation...I thought I was done...and so did my husband! But, I feel called to complete the last step...it isn't necessary and isn't a job requirement, but I feel God has placed a program in my lap that just fits...that just makes sense. It is time consuming. Lots of reading. Lots of writing. But, with God and a supportive family all things are possible.

...I want to explore creativity. If you know anything about me...I create. It's my therapy outside of the office! I am happier when I create. People ask me: "How do you have the time to do this?" Well, I just make the time for it. I don't watch TV, don't play computer games, don't play iphone games, rarely lay on the sofa...when you cut that out...you have time to create. But, please know the things I just listed are not wrong...everyone needs to find a release and way to relax. When you don't that is a problem! My release is just creating things! This year I will be completing the Project Life (documenting on paper and through pictures 2014).

My project life album for this year...keeping myself accountable.

My title page for 2014 project life.

....I want to keep exploring the vintage life! I have made so many great memories in 2013...I travelled with one of my best friends to the longest yard sale in America and found more vintage treasures than one can imagine. I also got a little booth to in houma at an antique store - where I sell items. I have also had craft and vintage sales at my house. All the money raised we have put towards Uganda, Africa. My next sale at my house will be Jan. 11th! Saturday morning!

Somewhere in North Tennessee at the Longest Yard Sale!

Update on Uganda: The team will be leaving tomorrow to begin the travels of heading back home. The team doesn't arrive until Saturday afternoon in New Orleans though. Once, they are back and I am able to talk to Seth and get pictures uploaded I will share with you all! Thanks to everyone who has been following along! You guys keep me inspired.

Happy 2014!
Best wishes!

Vera

Are you just going through the motions + another Uganda Update!

2013-12-30T23:37:00.003-06:00

If you click on the Refuge 127 website www.refuge127.org you will hear the song by Matthew West "The Motions". I will never get tired of this song and each time I hear it - I am encouraged and motivated to Go. And Feed His Sheep.
Here is Matthew West performing it live...

Man....how many times do I fall into this trap...Just going through the motions of life. Being a mom, a counselor, running a business, homework, soccer practice, bath time, clean house, and the cycle repeats and repeats! But, I don't want to go one more day - just going through the motions!! No not me! I don't want to spend my life saying / wishing I would have done more!! I don't want "what if's" in my life or my family's life - I don't want it!! God didn't design me to just go through the motions and he didn't design you for that either!!

My last blog post about Francis has really got me thinking. It's convicting. It's humbling. It's sad, but redeeming at the same time. As Americans we have so much - so much stuff - so many barriers that prevents us from really having a relationship with God. Lots of distractions. You see in Uganda this is one way they are blessed...they don't have the distractions we have.

I just got off the phone with Seth and was able to talk to him for about 20 minutes which has been the longest since he has been there. Because they are no longer in the larger city of Kampala and now at the orphanage site - which is such a remote part of Uganda - the communication is extremely hard. Seth and Shay got an international phone plan (basically renting a phone there) and even with that at times it is hard to hear him and everything is delayed (so imagine 7 to 8 seconds between each thing you say). "Can you hear me"....pause 8 seconds...."yes I can hear you"....pause 8 second delay..."how are you"...pause 8 second delay....LOL! You get the point!

So I am going to get real for a little while...really real...

We can't find time to read our bible, go to church, minister to someone, share the gospel....all because we are too busy....too busy on our ipads, iphones, laptops, and just keeping up with a life that isn't real any way. One thing the children and adults at the orphanage in Uganda have that we don't as Americans...No Barriers! They have very little barriers that prevent them from having a relationship with God. They rely on him 100%. You see in America we have gotten really use to relying on man not God. We are sick - a doctor will heal us not God. We have no money - we will go to the bank and borrow it - not pray to God to take care of the situation. We are depressed - we rely on things and people to make us happy - not God!

I complain because my house is dirty and takes hours upon hours to clean....after all I have a home and it isn't made of mud, bamboo, or thin pieces of cardboard. It's a mansion in Ugandan terms.

I complain because Seth keeps the house to cold (seriously, I complain about this all the time!)....after all I have electricity! The new orphanage buildings that Refuge 127 is helping raise money to build will not have windows or doors because they have no access to electricity. In order for air to circulate windows and doors can't be put in. So yes, you can imagine what night time is like and bugs and insects and everything else does get in.

Here are some of the buildings that are currently being built.

I complain because my stainless steal appliances always look dirty (with finger prints and what not...ya'll know what I mean?!)....after all I have a stove and a place to keep food cool. These orphans don't always know where there next meal is coming from. Seth said today to me that time and things move very slow in Uganda - he said it is really hard for the people to understand programs and the importance of having structure - he said "Babe they are just looking for food when they wake up in the morning...just trying to survive."

I complain because I don't have a new trendy outfit for the next social function in my life....after all I really have a closet full of clothes. When the team visits the orphanage yearly they often notice that the children have the same outfit on from the previous year. Yes. That means the only thing they own are the rags on their little bodies.

Here is my friend, Lacey Melancon with some of the orphans.

Seth said approximately 5-10 years ago the gospel was first shared in this part of Uganda. So, learning about Jesus is something still new for them and they are extremely hungry to know more. But, remember how I said no sort of time there?! Yeah, well they have church for like 4 to 6 hours everyday! He told me today that they had to suggest to the bishop that the church services will need to be shorter because there is so much work that needs to be done while they are out there and they are on a time frame! You see in America we can't find one to two hours a week for church, but they want to spend hours upon hours in the presence of the Lord. While Americans are workers and know all about structure and implementing programs - Ugandans have no concept of that. So, that is where the team steps in and assist them in that.

At night after having attended church service and working the team travels back to there hotel near the orphanage. Seth said he is staying in a little room by himself and he currently doesn't have a sink, shower or bath tub. All he has is the spigot to get a little running water from. They will be at the orphanage until after the new year. This year they will celebrate the new year by having a church service at the orphanage at midnight tomorrow night! How cool will that be? Praising and worshipping God among 1000 orphans - all in one accord!

Update on Francis' wife....she is now out of the hospital! Praise the Lord for working fast in her life!

Meanwhile, at my home both of my kids have been diagnosed with the Flu now! My three year old, Juliette (we call her Juju) has gotten extremely sick and been severely effected by it. Today, I had to take her back to the doctor because the Tamiflu didn't help her at all and her congestion got so bad that she was having trouble breathing at night. She has been running really high fever also. Thank God for my parents. They always come to my rescue. Thank God for sweet friends who come visit and bring Starbucks to! Before today, I had stayed in the same clothes all weekend, didn't brush my hair, was lucky I had time to brush my teeth - basically around the clock taking care of sick kids. But, I had to go into my clinic today for at least a little while to get some work done before the new year - so my mom came watch the kids until we had to go back to the doctor! My office is next door to the pediatrician so sometimes that is extremely convenient to say the least. But, this round of sickness I see things a little more clearly. I normally get completely stressed out and moody. But, it's just different this time.

I have lots of medicine for my kids, health insurance, the doctor's cell number if I have an emergency or need anything, and lots of loving family and friends praying and taking care of us....I am beyond blessed. I will not just go through the motions and take these things for granted. I am thankful. And I will give Him all the glory for it.

Blessings to you and your family! Hope you all stay well during this crazy flu season!

Vera

A Real Healthcare Crisis + Uganda Update!

2013-12-29T00:58:00.002-06:00

Hey guys! First, I wanted to say thank you all who have shared my blog post, shared the message on facebook, instagram or where ever and second thank you for your prayers! Refuge 127 has become such a huge part of our lives, but especially the team that is in Uganda and I know they feel your prayers!

Today, I was able to not only speak with Seth - me and the kids were able to face time him for a little while this morning! They were at the hotel in Kampala, Uganda and had wifi (not the best connection, but hey it worked for a little while!) I was also able to speak with my sister in law Mandyand my friend Lacey! They were suppose to head to the orphanage today, but due to plane delays (by hours!!) they got pushed back a day. So, as I type this message they are headed to the orphanage (which is about a 5 hr bus ride from where they are).

My husband teaching Francis & Geoffrey how to catch an American Football!!

Thank God for modern technology, wifi, and Facetime! Uganda doesn't seem so far when you can see the people you love!

Hearing Seth's voice today was really nice, but the change in his heart is pretty incredible already. It's all very humbling and I am not even there! Seth shared a story with me today on the phone and I wanted to share with you guys because it moved me to my core. Because the team are all Americans their is an unspoken rule that they at all times have African men with them. One it helps with language barriers, directions, buying things (apparently when they go to the market - they negotiate prices - I mean could you see us at Rouses Supermarket - "Yes, would you take $1 for these bananas?") and mostly safety purposes. One of the African men with Seth and the team is named Francis. Seth told me Francis is married and has 6 children of his own and has adopted 7 children. He is the worship leader at his church and also has a day job as a taxi driver. In the past he has owned his own taxi, but recently wrecked his taxi so he is now renting one from someone else . Because he is renting one now - it cuts a great deal into his income. He is paying close to 50% of his wages to just renting the taxi, so he told Seth he is saving up to purchase a taxi so that he can increase his income and be able to adopt more children. Right now he can't afford to take care of any more children, but once he can save up enough money he will purchase a taxi. In the United States people spend between $30,000 to $40,000 on average on a vehicle - in Uganda $10,000 will buy him a taxi and provide him with a decent wage which will allow him to adopt more children in need!

Last year's mission trip - my sister in law Mandy and a team member Ronnie.

He then told Seth today that his wife was in the hospital and they believed she may have Malaria. So, I get we think we have a healthcare crisis in America - but we have no idea what a healthcare crisis really is!! What we have is truly the best healthcare in the world!! We have the best doctors in the world with access to modern medicine and the latest greatest technology. The people of Uganda know all about healthcare crisis - their crisis you ask - NOTHING! There is no health insurance, covered services while in the hospital, routine check ups, access to good quality medicines at your finger tips - it is humbling how little availability is out there. If someone enters the hospital in Uganda, they have to pay out of pocket for all the services performed and medicine given. In Katie Davis's book Kisses by Katie - she writes about the healthcare system in Uganda and states that if you are unable to pay for services you are basically left to die in the hospital. The doctor doesn't make rounds and check up on you, food isn't provided for you, medicine isn't given - nothing! Seth began to tell me that Francis was only going to be able to keep his wife in the hospital maybe one day because he wouldn't be able to afford her continued care. I mean my heart broke - she is a mom with 13 children and possibly can't be treated for Malaria!! Well that is when God steps in - you see I believe it is no chance of luck that Francis and my husband crossed paths. None at all. It was a divine appointment. It was Seth's chance to bless someone who is sold out to God, but financially doesn't have the ability to continue to pay for his wife's medical care. She will stay in the hospital and Seth will provide him the money each day - because after all - $16.00 American dollars will get her the daily medical care that she needs to become healthy again. Can you imagine that? We live in a country that you don't have to work and you get free health insurance and someone across the world may die because they can't afford $16 a day for a hospital stay with the proper medications. God Help Us Americans. We have no clue! I have never taken healthcare for granted, but really won't now - not ever!!! Today, as I brought my little boy to Urgent Care and he was diagnosed with the Flu I thought to myself - Wow - in the matter of 30 minutes I will have medication for him (that was electronically sent to the pharmacy of my choice) and within 24 hours I will see many of his symptoms disappear. In Uganda that never happens. Never.

The story continues...While in the market today Seth and the team noticed child after child roaming the busy city streets of Kampala, Uganda - completely homeless, orphaned, starving, dying and ALONE! Parentless! Imagine driving through all busy city in the United States and seeing 3 year olds roaming the streets - would you not stop dead in your tracks or possible notify police?
Seth noticed a child who was around the age of 3 and he only had a shirt on - no shoes, no underwear, nothing but a shirt and people just continued to pass this child by one after another. You see this is a regular sighting for them - they have become so immune to homeless children wondering and living on the streets that they don't even stop any more. Why stop? What can they offer them? Well you see this is where Francis steps in - he wants to open his home and adopt more, but is limited on income now and wouldn't be able to provide for there basic necessities. How many more good Ugandan people like Francis are out there, but are limited due to such low levels of income. Well this is where Refuge 127 steps in - its our heartbeat and I hope that it can be yours. Not everyone can be missionaries - God didn't call us all to be missionaries - but he did call us to be his servants. We can all serve in different ways, but no service goes unnoticed in God's eyes. None too small - none too big! Let's go and take care of his sheep.

If you want to know more about ways you can support our work - go to Refuge 127 and you can become a monthly sponsor. But, we don't just need money to keep this going - we need prayers, laborers, and willingness to be used in any way possible! I am praying about a medical mission that I would love to see take place - Refuge 127 has been in contact with Thibodaux Regional Medical Center and I would love to see a medical missions take place in 2014!! I am praying for doctors, nurses, and any medical professionals who feels the burden to come forward in 2014!!

This little girl that Seth is hugging - her name is Praise. Her father is the Bishop (pastor) and director/owner of the orphanage.

Thanks for reading!
Vera

Willingness is the only job requirement!

2013-12-27T17:44:00.005-06:00

So, I wanted to share with you all a book I have been reading - Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis.

It is about a 22 year old girl - who abandoned her extremely comfortable life in Tennessee and moved to Uganda, Africa! She is now 25 years old, has adopted 13 girls, and is the director/founder of an amazing non profit organization Amazima . Her writings are real, bold, and awe inspiring! I am truly inspired by her great works, but I am in love with her total surrendered heart for God and his will in her life. She was just a willing vessels - to the human eye she was not equipped for this adventure, but to God she was just the person for the job!

You see often times we feel as if we are not good enough, we need just a little more schooling, a little more experience, a little more money, a little more of this, a little more of that and once we have just a little more - maybe we can do something for God - well that isn't the case at all!! I have fallen into this trap so many times before. His best job candidate needs one thing - willingness!! Willingness to have courage, willingness to be bold, to be submissive, to be uncomfortable, to be hurt, to be criticized - and the list goes on and on! You see when you have willingness - you have everything that God needs and he will do the rest!

Here is a part of her writing that represents true willingness : "I am like Peter who made many mistakes, but I am Peter for who God had great plans, whom God established to do his work. Peter is the rock on which Jesus built his church. The very night when Peter foolishly jumped out of the boat, Jesus reinstated him in the presence of the other disciples. "Do you truly love me?" He asked. "Then feed my lambs." "Do you really love me? Take care of my lambs." "Peter, do you love me? Feed my sheep, and come follow me." Katie states, "For each time I deny God the glory that is his, for each time I follow my will instead of listening to His, for each time I jump ahead without first consulting my Lord, He asks "Daughter, do you truly love me?" and I DO. "Feed my sheep". And I will. And I do. "Come follow me". And I am, or at least I am trying.

You see we are all like Peter - we mess up - we make mistakes - we worry - we are far from perfect, but God still wants to use us - if we are willing!!! As Katie states: "You are Peter. God already knows that you will make a mess, but His plan for you is great. Go. Feed His sheep."

So when many people read about Katie Davis they sometimes think she must have the most perfectly rewarding life! Well no doubt she is extremely blessed and she is blessed so richly because she was willing to allow God to bring her to unknown, uncomfortable, scary places and because of that she is greatly blessed.

So the team has touched down in Uganda (praise the Lord!!). Here are there travel adventures - my super organized brother in law sent me a little map weeks before they left (note to self: If you are strained on a deserted island or in a third world country you most definitely want Shay Holloway with you!) Tonight they stay in a hotel in the Capital city of Kampala. If you are reading my blog from your computer - I have put a little timer on the side of my blog - so you can know what time it is in Uganda as you read this. If you are reading this from an iphone or ipad - make sure to scroll down to the bottom of page and link on the little red link "View web version" and you will then be able to view the time clock also!

So getting back to my brother in law, Shay - he is always prepared - I mean both physically and spiritually (he could hands down win any reality show competition that required you to live off of just the things in your backpack!) But, my husband on the other hand - is the exact opposite!!! The spiritual side - he was prepared - the physical side - ummm I don't know but can't wait to hear! A few days before the trip I was talking to Seth and asked him - "Babe are you bringing a laptop, ipad, earphones, books, etc...(you know all the things the average person would pack on a two day long plane ride!) .... his simple response "Nope!" I am like "What will you do for that long!?" Well I got a video from my dear friend, Lacey Melancon who is also part of the team traveling to Uganda! Poor souls who had to sit next to him for 24+ hrs - I know they were ready to pull their hair out!

I haven't been able to talk to anyone yet and if I had to guess I would probably hear from my friend Lacey or my brother in law before Seth! I mean after all he didn't bring any technology with him (other than the iphone) and didn't get the international calling plan like I asked him too! Once I do hear something - I will update! My friend Lacey Melancon will also be blogging about her adventures while she is there (given they have internet access!) Click here to view her blog.

Meanwhile at the Holloway residents the kiddos are continuing to ask for Papa and if he has made it to Africa yet! Jacques is a champ and rarely complains, but Juliette on the other hand could just about win an academy award for the most dramatic performance of "Missing Papa". Yesterday in the car, I had heard about 45 minutes of all I could take whining about "Papa" - it was enough and I needed a break - I said "Juju - papa is coming home - he is just in Africa for a few days and then he is coming home...please stop crying and whining!! Her three year old response: "But, Mommy I am trying but the crying just won't stop coming out my eyes!" I was like - that would be the tears that can't stop and second Mommy is having the same problem too!

So we got an ice cream, chick fa la ("chick a lay" as juju calls it!), and a new stuffed animal to make her smile!

When Papa is gone - some rules go right out the window! First one - we get to stay up later (well it is the holidays and the kids are out of school) and Second one - the kids are sleeping in bed with me! For some reason, when Seth is gone it seems as if our house is 10 times larger than what it really is! Having the kids next to me just seem to make things better - well that is until I get kicked and elbowed in the face 65 times in the night (I believe my kids are some of the wildest sleepers!)

Thank you to all who have shared my previous post - you are feeding his sheep - you are spreading the message and I am humbled!

My love,
Vera

Goodbye, Papa! Hello Uganda!

2013-12-26T23:49:00.000-06:00

This year I really haven't blogged much, but I did want to make a point to blog while my husband was on his journey to Uganda, Africa. I wanted to share my heart beat, his experiences, and our experiences back home while he is gone. I also wanted to share a little bit about how this all came about and Refuge 127 the non profit organization that has developed as a result of having an open heart and willingness to serve!

You can find out more information about the Christian based non profit organization that I have the privilege of working with and serving on there board at the above link! Refuge 127 began in Jan. 2008 as an outreach to children living in our local Juvenile Justice Facility. To make a really long story, a little shorter - basically the Christmas of 2007 me and my sister in law, Mandy Holloway wanted to do a Tour of Homes in our community. We had spent hours upon hours decorated our homes and we wanted to do something fun for women in the area and raise a little money for a local charity or group in need. That first Tour of Homes turned out to be a success and we prayed about finding a place to give the money to - my sister in law Mandy discovered the JJC (Juvenile Justice Facility) in our community. Little did we know that our small town of Thibodaux was home to a facility that housed children and teens who were in state custody due to prior abuse, neglect, or lack of safety. That Christmas was the catalyst of change and we didn't even know it then! No one ever dreamed the work would go beyond our little community of Thibodaux, Louisiana - but God knew other wise! I am excited to say we just finished our 7th annual Tour of Homes and it has grown to be a huge fundraiser now for orphaned children half way across the world! It is humbling how God will move when you are a willing vessel!

In 2012, my brother in law and sister in law, Mandy & Shay Holloway had the opportunity to go to Uganda, Africa. That was the second catalyst of change. She needs to write a blog/book about all that, but all I can tell you is I am pretty certain they didn't imagine things would continue to evolve the way they have! From that first trip, Refuge 127 was put into existence. The work had begun many years before as I stated above - 2012 was just the birth of the non profit! It was through there work with children at the JJC who were abused, abandoned, and orphaned - that there hearts changed. The name is based on James 1:27 which states: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Since that first trip in 2012 - many things have happened! A new orphanage is currently being built and is named after Refuge 127 - it is the Hope Refuge School which is located in a small village called Kachomo, Uganda. Refuge 127 is committed to helping in 4 major areas: Buildings, Farming and Food, Medical, and Education.

This year, my husband Seth decided to make the trip to Uganda! There is a team of people he is traveling with (his brother Shay, sister law Mandy and many others from our area) - willing to give up there holidays and travel to the other side of the globe - for truly one purpose and one purpose alone - to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

To be honest, when I first found out that Seth was leaving on Christmas Day - I was so upset (for way too many selfish reasons!!) This is an amazing cause - and I don't want you to think I have lost sight of that - but I am human and these were my first thoughts ("Who is the person who did the scheduling of this trip...they must have no family!!" "Why can't they leave the day after Christmas?" "Our kids won't have there Papa on the most important holiday of the year!") And then God kindly reminded me - we have a healthy happy home with a loving Papa 365 days a year - we could share him for 2 weeks!!

As I type this and listen to my 3 year old daughter cry for her Papa - my heart hurts so badly! My kids are beyond spoiled for there "Papa" as they call him! He is more than your typical dad - he is superdad to the highest degree and any day without him is too much!

Today I was off of work so I took the kids to New Orleans - they are always up for an adventure and I knew it would be good to get out the house! The kids wanted to take Papa's truck today to New Orleans so I agreed - I guess it was there way of having him with us in spirit! Our papa is a very gifted singer - if you have never heard him sing you are missing out - he really is that good! Seth has a day job and doesn't sing for a living, but he leads worship at our church and has grown up singing in church. Because he is always practicing or learning new songs - Jacques and Juliette while riding with him after school and every where else - also practice! They also sing at the top of there lungs while in Papa's truck! So today when I turned on the truck and heard this song....
("Great are you Lord" by All Sons and Daughters)

and heard my kids singing there hearts out - my heart was so full! It brought tears to my eyes...and then they didn't stop! It is because of Papa that my kids are also worshipers! The one thing I would love to see is him singing in Africa - I could cry as I type this - knowing I won't get to see that in person! Some of the words in this song states - "and all the earth will shout your praise" "You bring light to the darkness" - for a moment Seth will get to hear another part of the earth singing God's praises - what a beautiful thing!

Today, was a hard day for me and the first time in a very long time I cried like a big ole baby! If you know me, I am not an emotional person - never really have been, but today you would have thought over wise! I guess it all hit me today - and as I was praying in the car and listening to my kids sing - I was completely over come with sadness and a fear of death. If you know me - another thing is I am not a worrier! I counsel people for a living who battle with anxiety - I practice the cognitive behavioral techniques I use, so most of the time my anxiety is low! So I quickly prayed for God to release me of the fear of death (my husband is traveling into Ethiopia and then Uganda today, so I assumed that was my reasons for thinking about death?!) But, as I prayed God showed me why death was on my mind. There is a death that is taking place - Seth is dying to his old self and a new person will emerge from this experience in Uganda. Same for me - God is preparing me for something (what it is I don't know), but a dying of myself is also taking place. It really isn't about us at all - and the moment you think life is all about you - you have it all wrong!

This is how the children currently sleep in the orphanage. With the building of the new site - beds will be made for each child to sleep on.

So, I am certain by now - God is safely delivering my husband and the team to Uganda, Africa. I will anxiously await what is next in store for them!

Many people have asked if I was worried about Seth going into a country that was unsafe - of course I am - this world is completely unsafe, but I know the God we serve and I know that his hand is on him and I have no doubt that he will arrive and return safely. Remember that fear of death that came on me today - as I was driving to New Orleans today - of course my mind went straight to the fact that my husband was flying into a third world country, but as I drove home I was passed up by probably 10 racing cop cars - right before I got into Thibodaux I passed a house that was flooded with cop cars and ambulance - I knew right away something really bad had happened - I get home turn on the news and learn that 3 people were killed and others injured. So miles from my home people are killed and someone said it was unsafe to travel to a third world country? No place is safe, but when you have God you have just the right armor for protection!

Be Blessed!
Vera

My Fave Back to School Ideas!

2013-08-27T03:38:00.001-05:00

So school has started!! I can't quite believe my little man has started first grade!! Time really must slow down!!

Here is my little guy on his first day of First grade!

To print this image or any other grade level sign please click here. From Catch My Party.

Since school has started...I wanted to share with you guys some examples of crafts I have either done myself or ideas that I have found online that are great for the beginning of the school year!

1. Printables & Parties!

And is this Back to School Party not to die for?!? It is an Apples and Donuts themed party! If one of my children were born in Aug. or Sept. I might have to do this as there themed Birthday party!! Or why not have a back to school themed party! You can find all the details of this cute themed party here.

Here is another adorable back to school party from Giggle Galore!

Here is another link to some adorable free printables! Click here to view and print various Back to School printables!

You can also print these adorable School Days labels and notes here.

Print these school time inspired stationary here.

2. Back to School Crafts!

This Ball Mason Jar Pencil Holder is to cute and you can find all the instruction on how to make it along with the printable here.

This adorable First Day of School Teachers Crate from SippyCupMom Blog! Not only is this crate super easy to make but it is such a great way to send school supplies to school + give that new teacher an extra special gift!! You can find the directions and supplies needed right here.

3. Back to School Interviews!

I really, really love this idea! This is a great way to capture your child's heart...and it will be quite funny to read when he/she is all grown up! Oh, to have the mind of a child...and dream big, big everyday!! You can download and print these cute Back to School Interviews here.

4. Back to School Photo Shoots!

Seriously if this is not adorable I don't quite know what else is! Such a great idea to photograph them as they start the new school year!!

Do these pictures inspire you to take some of the little school age children in your life? I know it does for me!! Hope you are inspired!

Love,

Vera

The Longest Yard Sale - Day 2

2013-08-02T23:41:00.000-05:00

WOW Guys! We are whipped!! So tired and Ash is saying that she can't post until tomorrow because she can't keep her eyes open any more! Today was beyond great!!

Our first day we started in Gadsden, Alabama and traveled all the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee...we slept over at a Super 8 (watch out...keepin' it classy!) I would rather spend my money on vintage treasures and not hotels! But, remember guys this is off the beaten path...so please don't think you will have the option of staying at a 5 star hotel, because you don't! Some of the cities / towns that you pass through on the Longest Yard Sale are very small and don't have very many options for places to stay! So tip #1....book your hotel rooms well in advance....one you can get great rates (I booked early and didn't pay more than $50 per night!)

So today we traveled from Chattanooga, Tennessee all the way up highway 127 north and made it to Crossville, Tennessee! Because Crossville is such a small town - there were no options for hotels and the few places to stay like cabins and such - were booked well in advance...so we are staying in Cookeville, Tennessee which is about 35 min from Crossville (but when you have a truck full of stuff...it takes a little longer to travel, so it took us about an hour!)

The part of the route we traveled today was my favorite so far...don't get me wrong...I spent the most money today (in comparison to yesterday), but man it was worth it! Tennessee is such a beautiful place for one and two the people around here are so kind and lastly of course...they have some amazing treasures hiding behind these mountains! Me and Ash many times would just pull over on the side of the road and take our bags of cameras out and just start snapping away (I say bags of cameras...because if you know me and ash...we travel with multiple cameras...iphone camera, Ash's professional camera, my nixon 1, our instax camera, etc...I mean you get the point...it is madness!)

We traveled through lots of little towns and cities today - if you ever decide to take this crazy adventure....please know that in many of the cities on Hwy 127 (the route for the longest yard sale) have vendors / antique dealers that set up in groups...which makes it nice when stopping because you can park and look through hundreds of vendors booth all in one central location! But, Tip #2 if you stop at every vendor booth and every single yard sale on the route you will never be able to get very far each day....because there are thousands!! I know it is hard to pass up any yard sale if you like me, but in this case...you have to pass some up!

Here are some awesome things that were found in Signal Mountain, TN area...

When I was a kid...I had this little red suitcase and of course my mom (with four kids!) could not keep everything...but I am now the proud owner of this suitcase once again!! Circa early 80s I was bringing that to my Mimi's house every weekend!! Now I need a second one...for my twin sister because we had a matching set!!

Who remembers these stencils put out by Tupperware back in the 80s as a promotional item?! (Can't you tell I grew up in the 80s?) Well...another item I use to own and my mom got rid of...I mean that is where my creativity began...well for $1 I got them back!! It is those little things that bring back such happy memories...and that is why I collect!!

One of my many purchases for my yard! This beautiful wooden blueberry wagon that I will most likely use for plants! I paid $17 for it!

Vintage bicycles are all the rage these days!! And they are so expensive and in some places extremely over priced! Some of these bikes in these pictures were any where from $300 - $800. So if you are the owner of one of these...you have a serious treasure!!

Ash bought a vintage doll house (circa 1940s) from a Mennonite woman who told her that her and her husband do a lot of estate sales and resale the items...recently they were at one and saw this doll house...she looked at her husband and said "please get that doll house...I have always wanted one as a child and never had one!" Awhh....she was tearing up telling Ashley that! She was excited because she knows it is going to a good home...and it will be sure appreciated!

Cookeville, TN is a jewel of a city too (that is where we stayed friday & saturday night) I learned today while at dinner (at the best Italian restaurant around this area...go to Mauricio's if you ever in the area!)

that Cookeville is home to Russell Stovers Chocolate and you can visit the factory store...although they manufactured the chocolates in the Cookeville for many, many years....they no longer do it because they learned that you can make things cheaper in Mexico (Go figure...even our chocolates are made in Mexico!) They still have the retail store...where you can buy chocolates for a discounted price (I guess they are passing there savings on to you...since they are now made in Mexico...how sweet?!)

After a long day of treasure hunting...here I Am amazed that we can even fit another thing in the back of the truck!!

Still another day of junkin'!!! Our three day will be in the next blog post...it will start in Clarkrange, TN!

Also I am posting this blog post from my iPhone, so please know when I get home to my actual computer I will up load pictures from my camera and also take pictures of all the items I got (everything is so packed down...I can't even begin to try to unpack it until we get back to Louisiana!!)

Vera

The Longest Yard Sale - Day 1

2013-08-02T01:07:00.001-05:00

Well, Well Ladies...

How do I even begin to write about my first experience at the Longest Yard Sale in America??!!! What....What....incredible!!!

To begin....Me and my vintage junkin' lovin' bestie (Ashley Burke) headed out from Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon and began the road trip to our first destination and also the beginning of The Longest Yard Sale in America - Gadsden, Alabama.

We stopped a few times on the way up to North Alabama, but the drive was pretty much interstate the entire way, so total drive time was about 8 hours (only due to a major rain storm right before we got into Gadsden, Alabama.

Gadsden is known as the officially starting place of The Longest Yard Sale and we started the sale off at 7am at the very first stop in Gadsden - Noccalula Falls Park at the top of Lookout Mountain! It was beautiful and to kick off the morning of our first day right....we met an incredible little man named Paul (from Kentucky)....as we were getting out our truck...he yells "Ya'll ready Ladies!" and we are like "Of Course!" and he states "I collect Vintage Pyrex!" and we say "Oh yeah...well we do too!" Well by this point Paul was pumped!! He next takes out an organized binder from his truck with pictures of every single Pyrex dish every made!! He has an organized system for keeping up with which pieces he has and which ones he doesn't have...but he is quite the collector and has been collecting since the early 70s! He is currently the owner of over 1,100 pieces of vintage Pyrex!! I would say that he is considered an expert in the field of Vintage Pyrex to say the least!!

To say we knew what to expect is completely wrong...although I was the obsessed researcher (that I usually am before a trip...especially a junkin trip!) we really didn't know what we were walking into...we could only imagine and hope the junkin' God would pour out vintage treasures from the sky!!

Well let me just tell you....that is pretty much what happened...and don't think me and Ash didn't pray on the way...and I tell you...God didn't let us down!!

Here are the cities that we covered on Day #1...(there is an official highway that The Longest Yard Sale is on...through Alabama it is Hwy 176 or also known as Lookout Mountain Parkway...Once you cross into Georgia it is Hwy 157...and then into Tennessee it is Hwy 127 all the way into Michigan!

We covered a ton of ground and went through hundreds of yard sales, antique deals, and my fave...estate sales!!

Here are some of my favorite memories from today and some beautiful sites that we saw!

Junk, Junk, and more junk! For all your picking' needs!!

The beautiful Desoto State Park on Hwy 176! Be prepared for curvy roads for miles!

I love the tiny city of Mentone, AL...beautiful and also home of many famous girls/boys summer camps!

Wildflower Cafe is amazing and located right on the route of the Longest Yard Sale in Mentone, AL (just 6 miles from the Georgia State Line).

So for the final question....what did we find today? Me and Ashley definitely walked away with some steals! Here are the things I found today (sorry for the bad pic...I am posting this from my iPhone and hotel rooms lighting/tacky carpet can just about kill any picture!)

Here is a break down of what I got!! Can I say cheap??

Longest Yard Sale Finds...Day #1:

1. Metal wire basket $10
2. White distressed shelf for wall or can be free standing $10
3. (2) Wire Metal Baskets $2
4. Bama Vintage Tin Can $2
5. Large wooden Spool $5
6. Vintage Pillow $1
7. Large Chalk Board $2
8. Large Tin Water Pale $12
9. Crochet White Sweater $1
10. Large Tomato Basket $3
11. Glass jar with red top $1
12. Small Bama Apple butter jar $1
13. Spool of Lace Ribbon $2
14. Clutch Purse $1
15. Large wooden Frame $15
16. Baby bed spring $15
17. Bag of Lace Trim $1
18. Bag of Vintage Lace $.50
19. Bag of Vintage Papers $1
20. Vintage Material $.50
Total for Day #1: $86.00

Ash had a great junkin' day too and only spent $86 bucks...you can check out her finds here.
She found some great things and even snagged some precious vintage Christmas decor for way too cheap!

Well tomorrow we will both post recaps of Day #2...we are starting in Chattanooga (where we are laying to rest tonight!)

Happy junkie' to all!

Vera

Blueberry & U pick Farms

2013-07-11T02:33:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite family summer time activities is blueberry pickin! And we are in peak season! Blueberry season typically runs from the end of may through july! Have you ever been pickin' before? Have you ever been to a u pick farm?

If you answered "NO!"....you owe yourself this experience!! Not only is it fun...it is such an inexpensive family activity!!

So what is a U pick farm?! It's an independently owned and operated farm that allows visitors to pick there own fruits or vegetables directly from their trees or bushes! Basically, you cut out the middle man...instead of having someone pick the fruits or vegetables and then packaging them for resale at a grocery store...you do all that work!! You pick, weigh them, pay for them, and take it home for cleaning! Because you are doing all the work...you will save money in comparison to the grocery store prices!!! Most of the blueberry farms I have picked from in the past I have paid about a $1 per lb. in comparison to double that price at a grocery store!

My little girl Juliette enjoys eating the blueberries right off the bush or from her bucket of blueberries! These pictures were taken at Bulter Blueberry Farm in West Monroe, LA

Here are some great places to Blueberry pick in Louisiana! (There are many more farms...I just listed a few, but if you have a favorite one and I didn't list it...please leave me a comment...because I would love to hear about it!)

Near the Baton Rouge Area:

Blueberry Ridge Orchard (is one of my favorite places to pick!! and there berries are $1 a lb.)
2199 Holly Ridge Road
Jackson, LA 70748
225-629-5311 or 225-629-5373
They also have a facebook page you can follow for updates on there season!

Berry Sweet Orchards
This was the first organic U pick certified farm in Louisiana
5110 Brown Rd.
Ethel, LA 70730
225-683-8584

The Blueberry Farm
24393 Greenwell Springs Rd.
Greenwell Springs, LA 70739
225-262-6239

Equi Terra Farm
12798 Muse Lane
Clinton, LA 70722
225-683-8406

Blahut Strawberry Farm (this is a u pick Strawberry Farm)
(Strawberry season is typically April & May in South Louisiana)
24980 Fayard Rd.
Holden, LA 70744
225-294-5074
http://www.blahutstrawberryfarm.com/

North Louisiana Area:

Bulter Blueberries
735 Ole Highway 15
West Monroe, LA 71291
318-396-2593

New Orleans Area:

Ridemore Ranch & Berry Farm
22154 John T Prats Rd.
Covington, LA 70435
985-875-1965
www.ridemoreberryfarm.com

Also there are lots of farms in the small town of Franklinton, LA!

Lafayette Area:

Daniel & Anna's Orchard
5116 Freetown Rd.
New Iberia, LA 70560
337-365-1690 or 337-380-3795
*This is a really nice farm that has many other fruits besides blueberries!*

Eddie Romero's Orchard
(Is across the street from Daniel & Anna's Orchard)
5119 Freetown Rd.
New Iberia, LA 70560
337-364-3370 or 337-380-0419

Also, there is an awesome Herb Farm that is located in the small town of Riverton, LA and it is located on the historic Breston Plantation that is open daily selling fresh cut herbs, plants, spices, eggplant, lavender, pecans, summer squash, winter squash, and tomatoes all when in season. The website is www.louisianaherbs.com and the address is 276 Breston Lane Riverton, LA 71418. Riverton, LA is located south of Monroe, LA

Check out www.pickyourown.org for a list of u pick farms in each state and it also includes international farms!
I have used this site many times when planning my pickin' adventures! One thing I like to do with my family - is if I know we have a road trip planned out of town - I check to see if we will be passing near any u-pick farms and if so we make it a point to stop and pick!!
You can make this an all day adventure or just go for a few hours!

Here are a few tips to remember when you go pick:
1. If you are pickin' in the south - it will be hot has heck.... So bring water, towels, bug spray, and anything else that helps you stay cool and bug free!!
2. Bring buckets or plastic containers to put your pickin's in! Most of the time the farms have buckets to use when pickin there crop but you won't be able to take those home...so make sure to arrive prepared!
3. Bring cash because most of the farms are still old school and use the good ole' cash/check only method and some are only cash!!
4. Be prepared to take some time to actually pick...you don't want to drive all the way out to the farm and not be prepared to sweat and work! It is fun work and a good sweat...so don't stress, but do be prepared and ware comfortable clothes!!
5. Pick enough blueberries to share with friends and neighbors - it will be a nice summer surprise for them! Also, plan to pick enough so you can freeze!
6. Make sure before you drive all the way out to the u-pick farm...that they are actually open and have lots of blueberries to pick! Many of the farms don't have websites, but giving them a call prior to leaving will help out a lot!

I am certain that you can find a great farm nearby or definitely within an hour or two drive...it will make for a nice family outing and it will support our local farmers!!

Happy Pickin!!

Vera

December Daily 2012...

2012-12-14T05:40:00.005-06:00

I have a GOAL...I am documenting all of December....I am recording my families daily memories...

I have set in mind that this December I am completing....December Daily...

Have you heard of December Daily? Well...it is just quite an awesome little idea started by the talented Ali Edwards

Here is what she says about it:
December Daily is an album project that documents the 25 days leading up to Christmas. Many people start their documentation earlier and many people go longer. I have found that 25 days is just right for me.
It is a chance to reflect, to share, to celebrate the season in a manageable, in-the-moment way. The entire key to this album is to put it together BEFORE December.

I can say that I have always wanted to do December daily but was never on top of my scrapbooking game to have the album done before December....really? Well this year I said I was doing it....so Dec. 1 rolled around...bought snacks, energy drinks, and headed to ashley's scrap room and we began the process of creating our albums! It took a little while for me to get rolling, but once I did....I was on a roll!!
I was motivated and on a mission....because I know me....if I didn't complete all the pages ahead of time...there would be no way during my busy weeks....I would be able to document each day and scrapbook a page. This way everything is pretty much done....print some pics out, grab some washi tape, a few mementos from the day, do a little journaling and you are done!! I have to say 14 days into in and I am loving it and it is getting me excited about daily scrapbooking!

Here are a few pics I took with my phone, but this weekend I plan to take out my good camera and get some better pictures of the book....

The foundation of the book....all the mini pages....I choose to used various size pages....no specific theme...just all blends together! I love multiple layers and various textures...so I am not surprised by book turned out this way!

Outside cover of my December Daily Album (I used an 8.5x11 canvas album from Pink Pasilee)

Day 1 of December Daily

I will be posting throughout the month of december my various pages....and by the weekend I hope to have better pictures up here!

Happy Holidays!!
Vera

Sunday Layout....Week 2

2012-10-15T01:52:00.002-05:00

So....I have to apologize already....I didn't get to post this layout last Sunday....so this Sunday I am posting two of them! I was quite crazy last week...between work, conference presentation, hubby leaving for out of town, kids activities, etc...so this week I am making it up!!

I must say doing this challenge has been really great for me...because it forces me to scrap and get things done!!

Here is the layout for the week: "Rough and Tough"

My little boy (Jacques) turned 5 in July and is quite obsessed with sports to say the least!! My parents gave him custom made football pads and all the other necessary things for a little football player! He had a "football" themed birthday party and our backyard was transformed into a mini football field. So, needless to say...I have a lot of those pictures to scrap!

1. Background Paper - My Minds eye

2. Other papers used - Echo Park Paper Co (Line: This & That)

3. Title Letters - Jillibean Soup & Love, Elsie

Green ones are made by Jillibean Soup and can be found at the link highlighted

The other letters I used are quite old...but some of my favorites!! Back in the day famous blogger Elsie Lawson (A Beautiful Mess) used to design scrapbook products ( I wish she still did!)...and I swear I still hoard her stuff....I secretly don't want to use it because I don't know if I will ever be able to find her cute stuff again! I did some searches and you can still find the stuff on Amazon and Ebay!!

The green frame I used to board the pictures of jacques is also made by Love, Elsie...and I found some on Ebay.

4. Index Journaling Card - LilyBeeDesign

5. Washi Tape and other embellishments

I used various washi tapes from companies like: Queen & Co, My Minds Eye, and Bella Blvd

The number 5 playing card is from Tim Holtz...

Happy Scrapping!

Sunday layout...Week 1

2012-10-01T01:08:00.005-05:00

Hey guys-

So I always attempt a challenge...sometimes I complete them...sometimes I fall short, but I really like a good scrapbook challenge to get me going!! I am quite behind on my kids scrapbooks to say the least...Life is just to busy (and I can't seem to get around to printing pictures!!) But, any ways...that really isn't an excuse...

So here is my challenge for the month of October....scrap a layout each week and post about it on Sunday! I can do this...my life is crazy...yes I know....I am stressed...yes I know....I work too much....yes I know....but that doesn't matter I need to get on the scrapping ball (after all doesn't that reduce stress?!) So any one want to join the challenge for the month?

Here is the first layout for this month....titled " U are "

This layout was quite fast...light on the techniques, but big on the title and all the adjectives to describle my two year old right now! The picture of my little girl was taken this summer and when I look at it so many things come to mind...so I thought why not use short descriptions to describe who she is right now! I have acquired tons of stickers, labels, rub ons, etc...so I took a bunch out and began to search for ones to describe my little Juju!!

The hexagon pattern I created in the background was done by using a Crafter's Workshop stencil, embossing powder, and Viva Decor Inka Gold (color: Old Silver) I first did a layer with the hexagon stencil by embossing and then came on top of the embossing with a larger hexagon stencil and rubbed the viva decor inka gold to create the second layer of hexagons! Super easy and a cool element to the page!

I made the flower by using pleated ribbon that I recently bought from a Scrapfest vendor named BuyTheYardRibbons (only thing she sales in her booth is ribbon cut by the yard...but the ribbon is so unique and beautiful...every kind you can think of!!)

1. Paper - My Minds Eye (from the new release The Sweetest Thing)

2. Brads & Various title stickers - My Minds Eye (from the new release The Sweetest Thing)

3. Hextagon Stencil - The Crafter's Workshop (6x6 template) I purchase mine from Treasured Memories Scrapbook store in Lafayette, LA

4. Ribbon Flower & Cameo embellishment - Buy the Yard Ribbons (for the ribbon flower and measuring tape ribbon) Webster's Pages (for the cameo flower embellishment)

5. Washi Tape - My Minds Eye and Queen & Co

6. Sticker Banner and chipboard frame - October Afternoon

Hope you enjoyed! Happy Scrappin'

My upcoming Craft / Garage Sale...

2012-09-10T02:26:00.001-05:00

Hey Blogger Friends-

Just wanted to share that I will be having a craft / garage sale Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 @ my home beginning @ 7:00 am - 12:00 noon!

<<< Here are the details >>>

1. Between owning a scrapbook store in the past, being obsessed with paper and everything else that goes along with it, teaching scrap classes, and antiquing/flea marketing often....I have acquired alot of stuff!! So, I have cleaned out...got organized...and have been planning on having a little sale...because I want to see my goodies in other scrappers hands! Alot of the stuff I really like, but the reality that I will use it...is very small...because I continue to buy the latest scrapbook lines or for scrappers "the new stuff" and never really get around to using the "old stuff"!!!

2. This garage sale will not just be crafty / scrapbook items....I will also have vintage papers and embellishments (lace, dollies, hankies, stamps, etc)

3. I will also have other items for sale besides the crafty / vintage things...our little family moved into our new house last nov. 2011....so I have stuff that I haven't used since moving into the new house....so that stuff is being sold too!

4. I will have free coffee for all the shoppers and a little open house! So, feel free to grab a cup of coffee and walk around my house if you would like...I will have it decorated for fall time...and maybe something will inspire you.

5. Really hope to see you Saturday, Sept. 22nd!!

<<< My House >>>

Address: 300 Ridgefield Rd.
Thibodaux, LA 70301

(the corner of Ridgefield Rd. & West 7th)
You will see signs....I plan on posting some!

(This was our house last Nov. before any landscaping!)

<<< Garage Sales in the area >>>

If you want to make it a day of garage sales...here are few things to check out that might help you!

First...if you are a garage sale lover then you need to make sure to download the app Garage Sale Rover....it will map out a route for you...and connect to your GPS on your iphone...really cool!!

Second...check the local newspaper....or check it online...Daily Comet or Houma Courier

Third....come prepared...large vehicle!!!

Hope to see ya'll!! If you have any questions please feel free to email me @
veraholloway@gmail.com

Also one more thing...to kick off Fall... since it is my favorite season and time of the year...found this on pinterest....hope you emjoy!

A Vintage Wedding + A Hurricane!

2012-09-06T02:06:00.001-05:00

Hey bloggers!

Hope you all enjoyed your long Labor Day weekend (and if you are from my neck of the woods...south Louisiana....that is...you have been off for probably more than just an extended weekend!!) Can we say...Hurricane Isaac....you sucked (even though they only called you a CAT 1) .... many South Louisiana residents are still with out power and our children have been out of school for well over a week!

Thank you Jesus...my family was safe and we fared pretty well in Thibodaux, LA....our little city popped up on the map quite a few times....because the eye of the storm came straight through good ole Thibodaux! Which if you haven't been through a hurricane before...when the eye comes through....the sun comes out, the wind stops, the rain stops, and you get a little calmness for a few hours...in our case...we were blessed....the eye stalled...yeah stalled....I mean practically STOP....and it was beautiful weather at my house for almost 6 hours! Hurricanes usually move pretty fast, so for the eye to stay over us for that long was pretty crazy! I am counting my blessings this week because so many people very near to us...were not so lucky...levees breaching, homes flooding, roof damages, buildings and schools with lots of damages....my prayers go out to them!

Look directly at the center of the storm...you will see how Thibodaux is in the middle of the eye...as Isaac was blowing over Louisiana.

This was me and the kiddos during the eye of the storm...standing in our front yard...despite all the strong wind...our house stood strong and we were safe...thank you Jesus!

So before the storm blew in...I tackled a big project....decorating/crafting/floral design for a friends wedding!! The entire wedding was vintage through and through and of course I love nothing more than that...so I was in my element and I never considered it work at all!! It was just plain fun!! Don't get me wrong...a DIY wedding is a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun to say the least!

So I wanted to share with my fellow bloggers a few sneak peaks of the wedding decor...the pictures from the photographer haven't come in yet, but these pictures are taken by one of my friends who is a photographer and some of them are taken by me. Hope you enjoy and leave inspired!

The cake!! Ahhhh I loved the way the cake turned out!! First, things first...the cake was made by Little Cakes with Big Attitudes which is located in Alexandria, LA. Isn't this just adorable? The entire wedding was full of sweets...not just wedding cake! Every kind of sweet you can imagine...so Little Cakes did her wedding cake below plus lots of cupcakes!!!

The burlap flower was super easy to make...you can click here for a great tutorial from the House of Smiths Blog.

The Flowers....awwwhhhhh.....quite a task....a labor of love....but they came out great! I will forever love working with flowers...it is just something that I never get tired of...and each time I do it...I learn more and more! So what kind of flowers did we use...well first and foremost...lots of garden roses (which came all the way from Ecuador!! Yeah...that's right...all the beautiful pink roses you see are a specialized garden rose straight from Ecuador! All of the other flowers were bought in the US....actually alot of the roses, carnations, and baby's breath were ordered from Sam's...yup...that's right...you can order large quantities from them for a great price and it will ship straight to you!!

This is a picture of some of the bridesmaids bouquets.

The wedding took place in Washington, Louisiana...have you guys ever been there? Well, well, well if you haven't take a little day trip...it is worth it!! It is about a 30 min drive from Lafayette and I can say I know I will be going back again!! From Thibodaux it is at least a 2 hour drive, but really worth it! I mean while you are in the area you can visit some other great places (maybe...Breaux Bridge too...one of my favs!)

Washington is that kind of town that allows you to step into another time in history...so much of the little town has been preserved and one of the most popular sites there is the the Old School House Antique Mall....which is over 40,000 square feet of antique shopping!! I was so busy doing the wedding that I didn't get to stop by...but I am planning on going by soon!

Here were some flowers right when you walked into the entrance of the building. The wedding venue was awesome to say the least! It was at an old building that had been completely restored....wood floods, exposed bricks, large wood beams running across the ceilings....you get my drift!!?

Display set up right by the flower arrangement when you walk into the entrance.

I used tin cans to also decorate and put flowers or greenery in...the mother of the bride...began saving large tin cans for me a few months prior to the wedding and that worked out really well...besides using vintage bottles and vases we were able to have another type of vase!

This picture is of me holding one of the bridal bouquets...I just fell in love with those garden roses...plus...they are the best smelling roses you will ever smell!!

Here is a picture of the bridesmaids...the bride let them all pick out there own dresses...as long as they stayed within the pale pink/blush colors she had picked out! Sad... but I don't have a picture of the bride yet....as soon as I do...I will post Ms. Kira Davidson!!

I set up a table in which the guest could leave the bride and groom a personalized note...I cut down some vintage file cards that someone recently gave to me.

Leave a note and then file it back into the drawer!!

This table was set up to give away the wedding favors....Vintage Hankies!!

The sign reads: "Take a hankie to dry a happy tear"

Through the mirror you can see a little of beautiful building!

I know that was alot of pictures, but there will be more coming...so I will post a part 2 of this lovely vintage wedding!!

Vera

A Vintage Bridal Shower

2012-09-06T00:54:00.002-05:00

I recently hosted a bridal shower at my house for a friend...the entire bridal shower was vintage inspired...I mean would you expected anything else...I guess if you are reading this blog...you have kinda of picked up on the theme of my life!

Any ways, I wanted to share some pictures with you from the bridal shower. This was so simple to decorate for and quite easy to put on! The bridesmaids did most of the hard work...I just decorated and did all the flowers!

This is the sun room / my craft room...when you enter through the back of my house...this is a fold down table that was built into the wall (my house is 75 years old)...so this is original to the house...on the table we placed wedding shower favors...with a chalkboard sign that stated "Take a favor for planting and Let happiness grow". We put small seeds into craft paper envelopes and sealed with a small button. I used old vintage books and milk glass jars to display flowers and pictures of the bride and groom.

Here was the cupcake display and one of the flower arrangements I put in an old mason jar. The flowers I used for the shower were various roses, carnations, succulents, and greenery from my garden. The roses and carnations I purchased from a local grocery.

I have a friend at work that makes awesome cupcakes - Lainey Toups - if you live in my area (Thibodaux/ Houma) and ever need a cake or cupcakes - she does great work!! I used mini chalkboard sticks that I bought from the dollar bin at Michael's...wish I would have bought a ton more...because I use them all the time!

Of course we have to serve coffee...I just displayed what was being served on a green vintage chalkboard and put it on a vintage scale that I recently got during a trip to Denham Springs!

So we were able to acquire enough small mason jars for drinking before the shower...so I put this old dresser drawer on the corner of my bar and stacked all the mason jars in the drawer....it was perfect for grabbing!

Of course you need paper straws...right? Where do I order them from...well my favorite two places to shop for party supplies are....Shop Sweet Lulu and The TomKat Studio

The fruit bar...with lots of different dips

Flowers...and I put the little chalkboard sticks in the flower arrangements (bride and groom is Kira & Wes...so you will see I use the K+W alot!!)

Drink station!

Hope you enjoyed...I will be following up with a post about the wedding that just took place!!

Vera

My Halloween Mini Album Class @ Treasured Memories!

2012-08-13T03:40:00.003-05:00

Hey guys!

I am excited to share info about my upcoming class in which I will be teaching at Treasured Memories Scrapbook Store in September! I will be teaching a Halloween Mini Album class on Sept. 1st @ 1:00pm at the store (make sure to check out the website because they have lots of great classes taking place that weekend besides my Halloween mini album!)

Here are some pics for what's in store for this class!! I used some great products on this mini album and most of the products are from the newest Halloween line by My Minds Eye (called Lost & Found Halloween) It is currently in stock at Treasured Memories.

The entire book is handmade...including the mini album itself (the mini album is 4.5" x 9.5" inches in size). In this class you will learn how to design a mini album from scratch, and distress and alter the mini album using various mediums! Washi tape and Masking tapes will be used to secure parts of the book plus it will also be used for extra embellishments!!

Twine is looped through each page and then hand tied together...

I will teach you how to make your own pages by using various items like tags, scrapbook paper, baseball card holders, and much more!

If you have any questions about the class or signing up for it please contact Treasured Memories at 337-534-4433 or sign up for it on there website....by clicking here.

Hope to see some of my fellow scrappers in Lafayette!!

Juliette's Vintage Candy Shoppe Party...

2012-07-24T02:27:00.000-05:00

Oh wow.....ummm I wonder why I never got around to this post of Miss Juliette's 2nd Birthday party...I am sure any mom could relate...way too much going on!! But, any ways...Juliette (we call her Juju) turned 2 at the end of April and I spent a good bit of time creating a little Vintage Candy Shoppe for my little momma!!

I previously posted about the invitations I made and where you can purchase some awesome DIY invitations on etsy!

I also made a post about finding great birthday products and where I got my inspiration! The color scheme was aqua, red, and pink!

Photo from TomKatStudio

So here are a few collages I created of her special day!

I wanted to try out different filters on my pictures...so please excuse the variation in pictures!

So I have broken down this post into a few categories...

1. Cupcakes & Candy (which includes the food/cake/candy of the party)
2. Decor (all the details and decorations)
3. Party Details (games, goodie bags, invites, etc)

So one of my most favorite things about her party was her ladder display of cupcakes!! I decided to use an old vintage 12 foot ladder that I have acquired since moving into our new house! I put wood planks across the ladder horizontally for the cupcakes to be displayed on! I have a friend at work who makes the best cupcakes...Lainey can bake like no body's business!!! She is super talented and I always tell her I am ready to invest in her business because I know she would be a huge hit!! Here is a picture of the Cotton Candy Cupcakes (complete with individually wrapped cotton candy on a stick!!) I found little mini chalkboard planter sticks at Michael's a while back and they really came in handy for the party!!

We had three types of cupcake flavors:

1. Cotton Candy

2. Pink Lemonade

3. Strawberry Cream Cheese

The party was of course complete with a Vintage Candy Bar...

We had blue, red, and pink candy of course...blue and pink jelly beans, gummies, rock candy pops, sour cherries, pink malt balls, and strawberry wafers to name a few.

We also had a fruit bar with various dips! The food was a success...it was truly the first party I threw in which I didn't have tons left over...I like the idea of simple party foods...stick to a small menu, but foods that everyone loves and you can't go wrong!! I mean who doesn't like cupcakes, candy, and fruit...prefect for your sweet tooth!!

The small cake in the middle was also made by my friend Lainey! It came out precious + it was delicious!!

I created banners by taring fabric and knotting it to twine...and then voila...I hung it up!! I also created Dollie banners and draped them from side to side. I created a cluster of tissue balls and hung them from the center of the ceiling!

Here are some pictures I took with my iphone too...

of the tissue balls, garland, and Dollie banners

They were so super easy to make...you can find a ton of tutorials on pinterest helping you with this task!!

I decorated old wine bottles and also spray painted mason jars...and put flowers in them for added touches!

With the help of the hubby...I spray painted a large plank of wood with chalkboard paint and created a large chalkboard for all the kids to use (and a large place to display "Happy Birthday Juliette!") Plus...the kids are still using this chalkboard!!

I also set up a spot in which the kids could take a quick Polaroid using my instax camera...I made sure to include props and lots of jewelery for the kids to put on when taking pictures! It was the home made version of a photo booth!!

I set up a section at the party for family members and friends to leave a birthday wish for her! Some of the notes were so sweet and I will save them for years to come...and look forward to the day she can read them!!

After the note was complete they were able to use a clothes pin to clip the little birthday note to the old screen window!

Here is the birthday girl! I bought her birthday dress from the etsy shop called Rock-n-Baby Boutique

From Rockn Baby Boutique

Lastly, the kids favors....what else other than toothbrushes...right?? Couldn't think of anything better!

It was alot of work, but thanks to Juliette's Nannie for helping me out with all the set up and after looking at this video again...it makes everything all worth it!!

Thanks for stopping by!

New CHA-S round up...my faves!!

2012-07-21T02:14:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness...have the scrapbooking designers down well or what this season? So many great products are being released this season and I am way too excited!! I can hardly wait to get my hands on some new products....

So I recently made a blog post about one of the new Glitz lines called Cashmere Dame (quite in love with it)...any ways...I have decided to do a product round up of all my favorite releases this year...hope you enjoy! Make sure to click on the links for even more product review and pictures.

(**I am not posting any holiday releases right now....even though I have found some really great ones...waiting to do that on another post**)

1. Jenni Bowlin

First things first...these adorable feathers...

Second...I am in love with these new stamps stickers and journal cards! Jenni Bowlin also released some awesome Die Cut and Perforated Papers and new file folders and various tags!!

2. Studio Calico

Ok I can seriously just about die over everything this company makes...seriously...they make some great products!! Here are some of my favorites from the line titled "Yearbook"

Mini Album books...that you can add various types of page protectors to it! The page protectors are made by Simple Stories...

They have a lot more that goes along with this line...but I just picked out a few of my favorites!

3. Dear Lizzy & Amy Tangerine's Lines (w/ American Crafts)

Here are a few embellishments from Dear Lizzy's new line called 5th & Frolic

Amy Tangerine's new line called Ready Set Go

Amy Tan's mini albums are awesome...can't wait to get another one!

Hope you are inspired...I know I am dying to go out and get new products!!