Blessings and Raindrops

seeking joy in the midst of the ordinary

Right here, right now.

I’ve been quiet in this space. It hasn’t been intentional. I’ve just had so much to share and absolutely no time to do so. My words swirl in my brain and often end up written in fragmented sentences in the small journal that rests on my nightstand rather than here. Having a baby and four (very busy) little people has kept me busy like never before. Not to mention the fact that we are filming a television show and remodeling homes…I’ve just been trying to make it through each day without dropping all of my precariously balanced balls from the air.

One amazing thing about having a baby is that I have been forced to slow down. I literally have to sit down every few hours to feed him. I have to rock him to sleep at night, I have to alter my daily crammed schedule to allow for his needs. What a beautiful gift.

I know that God gave us our littlest man in this season for so many good reasons…not the least of which is the perspective Luke brings to my life. While I so desperately want to always remember the feeling of his weight in my arms as he drifts off to sleep, I know from experience that I won’t be able to recall the exact feeling even a year from now. I find myself missing his “baby-ness” even as I hold him and stare at his perfectly puffed cheeks and long lashes and chubby wrists. I know this moment, this feeding, this belly laugh, this new discovery deserves my full attention; right here, right now.

That’s the crux of motherhood – to live in the moment, to soak in every drop of these little cherubs, even in the midst of complete chaos and bad attitudes and sibling squabbles and messes and dirty rooms. Because, in retrospect, these moments that we think are exhausting and these days that seem to drag on will all certainly find the rosy glow of hindsight. These ARE the days. These 6,570 days of childhood (until they are 18) are the most beautiful, messy, hilarious, precious, glorious, treasures.

When I opened my laptop, I had planned to write about the Coronavirus and fear and uncertainty. But, as I started typing, I realized the very thing we need to do right now is exactly what these last nine months have taught me to do every day – take a deep breath, look around, count my blessings and soak in this moment. Don’t think about the next moment (and the uncertainty looming) because while I’m focused on what’s ahead, I’ll miss what is unfolding; right here, right now.

This is the most unique time we’ve ever experienced – school and sports and commitments are cancelled. Our calendars are clear for the first time, well, ever. Let’s use the time with intention. Let’s fix our thoughts on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, let’s think on those things when fear threatens to seep in. Let’s play boardgames and get out in nature. Let’s be smart and safe and informed while still remaining kind and loving and hopeful. Let’s not look to the uncertain days ahead with foreboding but rather to the certainty of this moment; right here, right now.

Fear is on the horizon for many, I know. And, here’s the thing: I’m not a stranger to fear (I’ve battled this particular nemesis many times before – feel free to search “fear” on this blog and you’ll find words from years past on this subject) and I believe God works in and through us in all things. Therefore, I know that my past experiences with fear and uncertainty have taught me a thing or two about the faithfulness of God. I have first-hand experience with God’s trustworthiness. I know that my God hasn’t turned away and forgotten His people, I am confident in this: He is right here, right now.

I am with you continually, so don’t be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying Peace in My Presence. {Jesus Calling}

The Lord said to me in the strongest terms: “Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear Him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.” {Isaiah 8: 11-14}

Tuesday!

This Tuesday is a big day for our family! At 9|8c, the final episode of our first season of Fixer to Fabulous will air on HGTV. I can’t believe how fast these few months have flown by and how amazingly supportive and encouraging everyone has been about the show. Our lives are definitely a little wild right now (I should start brushing my hair and putting on make-up when I go to Wal-mart since I never know when a selfie opportunity will present itself – ha!) but it’s been such a fun ride and we are so very grateful.

In honor of the big night, our dear friends and partners with the work of The Berry Farm and Help One Now, Pastor John and Orpah, are here from Zimbabwe to help us celebrate.

It’s always such a gift to be around John and Orpah. They both exude joy and love and I just want to sit and listen to their wisdom for hours on end. We had a beautiful evening together last night, sharing dinner and laughs here at home, and then this morning, Pastor John spoke to our little barn church gathering about love and exuding the fruit of the Spirit. It has been such a sweet couple of days with them so far.

We are so excited about Tuesday night! I’m going to be over at the barn setting up for the rest of the day but I wanted to jump on to quickly say THANK YOU to everyone who purchased tickets! We sold out fast and cannot wait to welcome you all to the farm and introduce you to our dear friends. And, y’all, this is amazing — we raised $10,000 for Help One Now Zimbabwe through ticket sales!

But, that’s not all! On Tuesday, our friends at Beautiful Lives Bentonville will be donating 25% of sales to Help One Now Zimbabwe! AND, Orpah will be at the store before it opens on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am for a conversation on the importance of education in women and girls. Orpah is a second grade school teacher in Zimbabwe so this conversation will be powerful and is a big passion of hers. If you are local in NW Arkansas, you will not want to miss this special time with her! I promise you won’t regret spending your morning with Orpah (and shopping for beautiful clothes!).

I went shopping for an outfit to wear on Tuesday (it’ll be a casual night but who doesn’t love an excuse to shop?) at Beautiful Lives and let me tell y’all – this place is amazing. The clothes are gorgeous and their mission is so dear to my heart — > Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique exists to serve and transform communities by uniting, mobilizing, resourcing, and empowering women. 

Okay, I’m off to make the barn pretty for all of you coming Tuesday night! I can’t wait to hug your necks!!

Don’t forget to go shopping on Tuesday at Beautiful Lives Bentonville!

And, (I can’t help myself with the exclamation marks), if you aren’t local, don’t forget to watch the show that night! I wish you could all be here to watch with us. It’s truly an honor to be welcomed into your living rooms each week. We don’t take that lightly. Know I’m sending you a virtual hug and big thank you!

I also need to say a huge thank you to Fiamma 1873 for donating all of the food and beverages for our celebration on Tuesday! And, to Downtown Bentonville Inc., Grand Savings Bank, Homestead Homeware, and Samantha Kindred….y’all are AMAZING and thank you for donating your time and resources for this event!

a celebration.

Happy Christmas Eve-Eve, friends!

I am hopping on here to let you know that if you happen to need a last minute gift idea, I have a good one! We are hosting a Fixer to Fabulous season finale celebration at our Berry Farm and tickets go on sale TODAY. We are only selling 100 tickets and they will likely go fast – so, go ahead and reserve yours now and it’ll double as a fun Christmas gift!

Here’s the scoop: two of our favorite people in the world are coming to town the same week as our last episode airs. Pastor John and Orpah will be here visiting from Zimbabwe and the timing of their visit is just too perfect to not throw a big party for the occasion!

Tickets are on sale HERE.

The last episode of the season airs on January 14th at 9/8c (it will actually be the original pilot episode we filmed). It’s a crazy full circle moment for Dave and I because we renovated that very first home for our friends, the Newberrys, who were moving back home to Arkansas after living in Uganda for several years while working for Help One Now. And, our partnership with Help One Now is what led us to work with and get to know Pastor John and Orpah. And, our time in Zimbabwe with these gifted leaders is what led to the creation of the Gatehouse Project, an agriculture training program for orphaned teens, in Zimbabwe funded by our Berry Farm here in Bentonville.

Are you still following all of this? (If not, you can read more here).

Because of all of these connections, we thought it would only be fitting to host the season finale watch party and celebration in our white barn at The Berry Farm. And, because the training program is incredibly important to our family, we wanted to use this opportunity to raise enough money to fund ten new students for the 2020 training year (our goal of $15,000 will send ten students through a full year in the training program).

How will it work?

We will gather for a delicious dinner and drinks provided by Fiamma 1873 (their generosity will allow 100% of ticket sales to go directly to the Zimbabwe program!), hear stories of the work taking place in Zimbabwe directly from John & Orpah and then we will watch the last episode of the season together. We cannot wait to open the doors of our barn for this evening of storytelling, hope and celebration!

BUT! It doesn’t end there! Dave had a super fun idea to sell a handful of “Behind the Scenes” experience packages in addition to the events of the evening! If you purchase this experience, you will join Dave, Chase and I for lunch and a tour around town to see a few of the homes from the season. Then, we will get to spend some time with one of our favorites – Joe! And, of course, his mini donkeys- yes, the one and only Tator, Lily, Spud and Muffin! We will then spend time with Dave and Chase in the shop learning how to create something special that you will take home with you. This experience will take place during the day and then you’ll come back that evening to join us for the season finale party at the barn.

I can’t get over how much fun this is going to be. The fact that you all have supported our little family and our work and the show and our farm… it’s so overwhelming and humbling. We are honored and grateful to be able to host Pastor John and Orpah during this time and cannot wait to introduce them both to you all. I can tell you from experience, you will come away better just for having spent time with these two.

From our family to yours, we wish you all a VERY merry and blessed Christmas! I hope to see you next month at the farm!

Much love, Jenny

Purchase event and Behind the Scenes experience tickets HERE.

National Adoption Month 2019 (a few thoughts).

When People.com asked if they could share our adoption story, Dave and I agreed only because our intention for saying yes to a show on HGTV was always for God to use this platform for His glory. While I’m fiercely protective of our daughter and our story, I also know it is a story written in Holy places and one I could never author on my own. Therefore, it is one I can share carefully and pray God uses for good.

Our 602 day rollercoaster journey to bring our daughter home was one of the hardest, yet most spiritually-full, times of my life. God was so clearly moving and He proved himself faithful again and again. Looking back on those dark days of waiting, I can see how that was a season of preparation for our family. I assumed when Sylvie came home, we would finally be able to rest and exhale. I didn’t realize that the battle had actually just begun. Because, the truth is: adoption stems from loss and grief. It is a tragic piece of a bigger picture – one that can’t be tied up with a pretty bow at the airport homecoming moment.

Since that beautiful, miraculous day in July of 2014 when our girl finally landed on US soil, we have persistently fought for joy and peace and healing. We have taken two steps forward and three steps back. We have spent countless hours in prayer and in therapy. We have healed broken pieces and immediately discovered new fractures. We have laughed and cried simultaneously. The journey of grief becoming overshadowed by joy will likely be a lifelong one. Grief is tricky like that – it can’t be placed on a timeline and it is far from predictable. Undoubtably, and to my momma heart’s absolute devastation; the truth is, our girl will likely uncover new losses throughout her life.

Yet, our daughter is not the face of adoption. It is only one small part of her story. There are so many other chapters yet to be written – chapters penned by her strength and bravery and tenacity. Chapters depicting her kind heart and gentle spirit. Volumes of good things to come. And, the privilege of watching those stories unfold is not lost on me.

Yes, adoption is hard. Yes, adoption is full of grief and sorrow. But, most importantly, it is rooted in love. Adoption is the beautiful and tangible depiction of active, fought-for, sought-after, relentless love.

“I feel like God put it on our hearts that she was ours and right we knew, it was just like, ‘Yup.’ It was a key in a lock,” Dave shared about our girl in the article for People.

You can read the People.com story for National Adoption Month HERE.