Journey of my Singer

My Singer sewing machine was last year's birthday gift from my wonderful husband to me:) I take it with me from Plano, Texas to Cairo, Egypt as my carry-on luggage. 
In Cairo, Singer and I have a love-hate relationship as I attempt to learn how to sew.  I break all the needles except for one, but I successfully accomplish three sewing projects!

The revolution happened and Singer is left behind with all of our other belongings.  I shed a tear over Singer.  Let me explain: I wanted to practice sewing so I could join Jordan's family on their quilting retreats. So, yes I cry over a $100 piece of plastic and metal.

Then, Jordan goes back to Cairo with his dad and brother to our Villa, untouched and just as we left it.  Singer goes in a box and onto a truck that survives it's way through Cairo traffic, up to Alexandria, on a ship over the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, to Miami, and then on a plane to Chicago to sit in a house of a friend of ours. 

Jordan flies up to Chicago this week and picks up the very box that Singer is in.  Singer is loaded on to a plane to Detroit as Jordan gets on to a plane to Atlanta.  Yes, Singer is on the wrong plane.  Singer finally makes it to Florida (again) and is brought to us by the airport people and placed on our porch in the middle of the night.  I discover it the next morning:) 

I open up the box and pull out Singer, place it on the kitchen table and marvel at the thought of a night of sewing.  I run errands all day, cook dinner, feed the baby, watch a movie with Jordan, put the baby to sleep, sit down at the table to spend time where I left off with Singer and realize that every piece of metal on that machine is snapped, twisted, torn, broken and dangling. Yup, that chunk of plastic that traveled more than most humans, that was cried over, that was lost and returned, that was a gift from my wonderful husband is broken. 

I need a reminder of the gospel every day.  I have started over many times, given up possessions many times, and realized each time the beauty and freedom of His saving grace. The Lord has seen us twisted, bent, broken and yet he still uses us and refines us as servants to bring glory to his kingdom.  He cherishes our journeys, cries over our separation, eagerly awaits our return, picks us up and places us high, only for us to be humbled in His perfect presence.  His gift to us cannot break, be lost, or damaged. What good news to those who know Jesus!   

Day trip

When my parents were in town, we drove up to Ft. Pierce to visit with Aunt Anna.  We got to take Annabelle swimming for the first time! She was a little unsure at first, then she seemed to enjoy it!



Aunt Anna



Check out that drool! Teething baby girl:)

Baby Annabelle in the pool!

Bathroom Remodel

 Before:

 After:

Quick update

I've been meaning to write on the blog, but it's been a whirlwind of activity in the Stone household. I'll keep it short:

Reno: Not done, but moving along at a slow pace. Before and after pics of the bathroom are coming soon.

Annabelle: She has rolled over three times already! When I put her on her tummy, she can flip herself on to her back:)  She also has been learning sign language.  Every day, I sign mommy, daddy, diaper, milk, eat, happy, play, bath, ceiling fan(her favorite thing to watch), tired, and nap. I've been introducing five new words a day and she watches me and giggles. Gma will be here soon to help her learn more sign language since she is a pro at it!!  And Papa Steve will be here too!! Annabelle is so excited! 

Jordan: He has been such a good daddy and has been taking walks with Annabelle in the evening.  She loves her daddy. Last night, Jordan prayed over me and Annabelle and she was squeaking along like she was adding her prayers. So precious! I love our family:)

Sister: Counting down to Jeanine's wedding! Four more months and I've got so much to do before the big day. It's going to be such a fun wedding and I am thrilled Scott will be officially part of the family!  

Happy July!

updates are fun

I'm not going to talk about the house and renovations even though that has been consuming most of the day and my thoughts. It reminds me of when I was engaged and I was in "wedding mode" without an off switch. Well, I'm in "house renovation mode"...super annoying.

I've been soaking in the theologically sound teachings of Tullian in the flesh. Yes, I get to watch him speak from across the room now instead of listening to him on podcast in Egypt. I can't get enough!!

Annabelle has been keeping me busy.  I've got a pretty good routine for her when we aren't running errands buying things like ceiling fans and insulation. She likes to sit up and enjoy the view. I hold her in a sitting position on my stomach and do crunches and every time my face meets hers she laughs!! I gave her a tour of a kitchen today and she really listened! I saw her reflection in things as I was pointing them out and explaining their use and her eyes were following as I pointed.  She giggled when I turned on the water in the kitchen sink and she jumped when I opened the freezer.  Tomorrow I will show her around the bathroom.

Pics of my sister's bridal shower will soon be making their appearance on the blog and fb.  I can't wait to share those!

Please no hurricanes!

Well, we are off to South Florida to move back near the beach. Annabelle has had quite the story to tell of her first four months of life: Being born in a blizzard in Texas to dodging tornados in Oklahoma...please no hurricanes in Florida! See what I mean?!!



Annabelle and me near the beach last month



We are related for sure!

Like mother:

Like daughter: