Emma fell in love with these little things when her uncle Bert introduced her to them over the weekend.  Initially she was scared of their loud noise, but Bert gradually brought her over to the dark side of fireworks fun & she was chucking them like nobody’s business soon after.  I found another pack at Target yesterday & after showing my ID, brought it home.

I found these journals in packs of 3 for about 3 bucks at Target (which you all know is a black hole in my universe, continually sucking me in…that’s another post).  Immediately when I saw them I thought they’d be great for the girls in our High School bible study.  So, I prettified them with these ribbons (I found it on old birthday bags – yes, I save those suckers) & added a pen later.  It just felt nice to think of someone besides myself.

I’m gonna be honest with you, internet readers, friends, stalkers, whoever you are.  I really don’t feel like writing this blog post tonight.  I actually just feel like shedding some tears.  I get this way from time to time, my husband will tell you.  And mostly there is no real reason.  I am just feeling overwhelmed…but all in positive ways.  My heart is on overload.

I took the above photograph during a quick trip to Target tonight.  I sometimes enjoy shopping alone, later in the evening, to just think, relax, and get stuff without little hands grabbing for things they “need!”  This guy greeted me in the bargain section, where things range from $1.00 to $2.50.  I picked up my little girls each a pair of white Easter gloves.  They love dressing up.

Then…that got me thinking…I’m about to leave my little girls for two whole weeks.  *gulp*  Fourteen days.  *sniff*  My family!  My heart is heavy with this burden, yet it also heavy with the burden of those people I will soon see & meet in Ethiopia.  There is a lot to be done, on my end.  My visa, my medications, packing, shopping, camera gear, recording bedtime stories for when I’m gone, loving on my husband while I’m here, etc, etc, etc.  But it’s good to stop and think that no matter how on “Target” I am on my end, nothing – absolutely nothing – will be able to prepare me for what God has for me across the ocean.  I am fully expecting to lean on Him as I cry for my family and as I cry for my new brothers & sisters in Ethiopia.  *sigh*  Pray for me, please.

Here’s a little video from last year’s group….

Brooke went on the potty today!  I’m not fooled into thinking she’s ready to potty train or even anywhere near ready.  I know better than that because her older sister fooled me at the same age & did not completely get it until 6 months later.  But, we saw this cute froggie potty at Target & she squealed about how cute it was & how she wanted to go pee pee on it!  And I got it  (sucker.)  She told Josh two times today that she wanted to go.  The funniest parts of this photo are: 1) Emma brought out the toilet paper roll for her and 2) she’s reading the book “I can read difficult words.”  Don’t know why they’re funny….they just were to me.

This is not a Neutrogena ad.  I decided to go out and buy my very own make up today!  My sister-in-law, Laura, showed me how to apply it all (and she’s very good at it) & I tried today to put in on myself.  I am needing a head shot for my support letters for Ethiopia, so I thought I better get all prettied up!  While Emma was in preschool this morning, Brooke & I sat on the floor of the make up section in Target & scoured over all the endless possibilities, shades, skin tones, lip glosses, etc.  We’ve decided I’m extra white white girl shade.  It was fun!  The lip color was too pink, but nobody screamed or ran away when they saw the rest of it.  I think I’ll call this a success.  Just a quick girl question:  Mascara on the bottom too, or just the top?  And eyeliner on the bottom?  Thanks friends!