Happy Halloween!

We are back in town and feel a bit like I've been hit by a train, and have to get up and walk right away. I ended up with the stomach flu at the end of our training in Orlando, which was so sad because I missed out on some goodbyes. Our flight home was quite eventful with one very active child crawling back and forth between our laps as I eyed the woman sitting next to Brian as she quietly read her book and had a beverage from the cart. "I used to fly alone, it was lovely. I miss the free beverages that I now realize will end up on my lap if I opt for one."

We got home and we slept. The next day, church and more sleep. Today was difficult to get back into the swing of things and I feel like Henry may be a bit bored now that he isn't in a room with 8 other toddlers all day and a cafeteria full of people to smile and laugh with at meal times.

It is an interesting change of pace, I keep expecting to turn a corner and see some faces that we have just spent many hours with the last couple of weeks. But in reality we may never see many of them until we reach the party in the sky.

Picture of our lil fam during the training.

I.M.

The Full Opinion: American Apparel

Ok, Eva Marie wanted to know my full opinion about American Apparel, so here it is.

I'll start out with what I like about them. I like that they pay a fair and good wage to their workers who are all in the LA area, even the manufacturing is done in LA as opposed to outsourcing it to sweatshops overseas. They also have opportunities for low cost full family health care.

Moving on. Founder and CEO Dov Charney admits that he only has these socially responsible policies because he knows it is popular and good for business. Which might be fine, depending on your opinion. But on top of that..I'll be blunt. He's a sleezebag. Many news articles have made known that he has held many meetings in a thong or a just a sock covering his ::ahem::. Seriously? Yep. Just google his name and you will find many-a-interesting article about the way he conducts interviews with women and how poorly he treats them. And I really feel like their advertising reflects this as well.

Last year I was searching for some blank T's that we could print on for the shop. I knew I wanted them to be sweatshop free, well made, and super soft. I knew that American Apparel was sweatshop free, and had a few band teeshirts using them as a base that were really comfortable. So I went on their wholesale site to input my info. Once I clicked submit, I was sent to their "thank you" page which bore a topless woman. That gave me my answer right away as to whether or not I would be using them.

I believe in using my dollar to support causes I believe in, even with especially with clothing companies. So many of their practices really effect people's lives. So I choose not to support American Apparel when it is apparent that the leadership does not respect women.

Thoughts?

I.M

Jessalin Beutler

I didn't think I would do much blogging while here in Orlando, but I just happened to come across Jessalin Beutler's shop. Hand painted clothing, much of it is Organic, and I bet I would really love the designs on Brian.

Baby Triangle Primary Organic

Black and White on Galaxy

Stripes Sleeveless Cardigan

Grey Ribbon Organic

My one and only squawk would be the American Apparel for the T's. If you want to hear my full opinion about this company let me know, but I guess it is better than Hanes.

I.M.

Wycliffe Equip

Good gracious.

The only words that I can come up with at the moment in response to our past week. We are in Orlando training to become missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. It has been an intense week with a very full schedule. Henry had his first experience with all day child care, (although we got him for lunch). It was a rough go at first, but he seems to be doing much better every time.

I don't have any pictures from our classes or meals yet, but here are some from a break we had one afternoon. It still feels very summer like here compared to Illinois so we've spent some time at the pool.

Below is a photo of Poppy. She is the daughter of a very sweet couple who will be headed to Cameroon in the future. Poppy just happens to be 2 days younger than Henry and we are all pretty sure that we will keep the two in touch so that they can get married someday.

A few nights ago Brian, Henry and I took a walk around the lake in front of the Headquarters after dinner. We were so lucky to have started right at the beginning of sunset.

We have one more week here. I'll try to do one more post before we return. But right now I need to take advantage of some peace and quiet and have a nap.

I.M.

Family Farms

So very worth the $3 entry fee.



Only a half hour from home. A great place to play with your bud.



Try out all the porches. And chairs.

We need one of these at home. I'd even be ok with an indoor one. (Corn instead of sand. Genius)

Maybe one of these for the backyard? I'm not even sure if would fit in our yard.

We will be back. Next time I won't forget shoes for the little guy.

The farm life would suit us well I think.

I.M.

Pieces of Fall // Day Five

Baroque Embroidered Jumper

Frankie Shirt Dress

by People Tree