Hi Rachael,

I'm so sorry you had a bad week. I've certianly been there in the not so distant past and will probably go again in the future. ha!

I've wanted to ask you for a long time how you continue to seem so real and genuine. I've been reading a lot of blogs since I lost my baby and so many people seem fake when they talk about their faith and trust in God, but I just keep coming back to read your thoughts because you seem to truly mean what you say. How do you stay so strong in your faith? I find myself questioning mine and Him for the first time in my life and I hate the feeling.

I hope things get better.

~Hope

I love your style, I was wondering if you have or would show more of your house for me to drool over? How do you choose your colors and not go overboard on buying pieces that you like?

This might be too hard, but since I've lost two babies as well (and am pregnant again)... I was just wondering if you guys are planning to have any more? I have to say this pregnancy is very nerve wracking, but I know God has a great plan for our life and I would take my other two pregnancies back for anything... we also have a healthy living 4 (almost 5) year old little boy!

Sorry you've had a rough week. Ok, how about the cleaning products then? Here in Oz I use enjo products which are environmentally friendly. Do you use the equivalent over there and if not what do you use? BTW I'm not trying to guilt you into using them, I use them because my eldest child is asthmatic and chemicals are a known trigger for him.
So yes, cleaning products?
xxx
ps hope the week gets better for you.

I hope that you have a soothing weekend to balance out your rough week. For some light-hearted fun, I'd love to hear what some of your current favorites are:

1. What movie can you watch over and over?
2. What song can you listen to on repeat?
3. What book do you never tire of re-reading?
4. What family activity never gets old?

Ooooh... questions!

Do garage sales in the south just rock? Prompted by you I started going out all summer long and never found any deals as good as yours... mostly just junk.

What's your discipline style with Oliver? Or is his disposition is sweet as he looks and there's no discipline needed :)

Any inexpensive decorating tips?

Favorite Christmas tradition?

Hmm... I'm sure I could think of more.

Sorry your week hasn't been great, praying it gets better.

I can imagine this week has been a tough one for you and I have been praying for all of you mothers this week.

So questions...

1) What are your favorite blogs?
2) Why do you write a blog?
3) How are you?

Thanks for the opportunity to connect.

Melissa

So sorry you had a rough week... those can sap the life right out of you....
My question: what sewing machine do you use? If you don't love it can you tell me which one you've been envying?

Ok, here's a few from Michigan:
What's been going on with you over the past few months? We've been missing your frequent posts, and am tickled pink to see two in a row! Do you and Ryan have any siblings? How's homeschooling going? I love your style! Any chance you are planning a trip to Michigan so you can consult me on how to choose colors for our addition? Hope you have a good week.

This is a more personal question, but I want to know about your marriage. Your relationship with Ryan seems to be so strong. Maybe it's because you have known each other for so long. Maybe you are able to read books together....I don't know. What is your secret?
I've been married almost 4 years and just now feel like I am getting to know my husband. I love him dearly and would love to continue to grow together with him. Any tips?

Actually, I have a lot of questions...maybe I will just call you for a coffee date next time I am in town!

Wow, what great questions that have already been asked. I just want to hear the answers to them and don't really have any other questions.

I have read that you love to garage sale. When I garage sale with my wife and son, we find mostly junk and weird stuff. My question for you: What is the strangest thing you have come across at a garage sale?

Hi Raechel!
I love reading your blog. You have inspired me to do a photoblog of my own. And I love the way you've decorated your house (from the pictures you've posted:).). Here ar emy questions...
1) What are your comfort foods or what foods do you love to make?
2) What suggestions do you have for those (read: "me") who do not live in great yardsale towns but still want to find great bargins?

Sorry you've had a rough week. I pray things start to look up!

Okay, I've always wanted to know...what do you do with all your stuff? I mean, you always seem to have a place for all the neat things you buy. Does it clutter up your house? Do you store the stuff you are no longer displaying? Do you ever have your own yard sale?

Hmmm.....since we've been doing this a lot with family & friends, what is your favorite game?

I like Tri-Onimoes and Uno Flash

What don't I know about Raechel...Hmm.

-Did The Scout eat your mums this year?
-How do you tolerate wearing thongs? Because I know you do, and I continue to marvel at that skill. (You said ANYTHING.)
-What color is your hair right now?
-How much did you pay for your IKEA white (and gray) curtains again? Were they the $15 ones (per panel) or $30? I'm trying to decide with online pictures, and it's hard.

I love you! I hope answering all of your readers' wonderful questions (truly, some of them are downright inspired) helps you have a better weekend.

I'm definitely interested in all the questions asked above and...

do you think you blog less because of twitter? i hear everyone does.

where/who did oliver get his beautiful blonde hair from? every time i see him he reminds me of my cousin when he was that age! was yours that light? ryan's?

how did you decide on both of your babies names? i love them.

how is the dress making on etsy going? and the homeschooling?

ok, i could go on and on i am always full of questions.

thanks!

mary

Where's your favorite place in Nashville to eat? Any mom and pop places we haven't discovered yet? I'm getting bored with the same ones, and we're there a lot. We need something new and exciting! LOL

I am just learning to sew. I just took my first sewing class two weeks ago. I would love to hear ANY sews tips, tricks, or secrets you have!

I would love to know how you find all those AMAZING yard sale items you post each week? I am an avid yard saler and I never find Pottery Barn and other name brand stuff like you. Do you typically go to yard sales in more upscale neighborhoods? I need to know your secret! :-)

Well, all of my questions have been asked... :) But I just wanted to say that I love that you and I share the same theology.....that probably sounds wierd, but let's face it, I don't often stumble accross the blog of a fellow "Calvinist"....
And I knew it the second I read your post about your daughter....your belief in God's sovreignty is very evident here.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate that about your blog! ;)

sorry about the bad week... hope all these questions help to boost your spirits. here are my questions

When you go yard saling, how do you scope out your stops? do you just drive around until you find some or do you look in the paper and then call? What's your tactic?


Also, I've had family members that have lost young children. It of course is devasting to all of us and we still miss them dearly, but I don't think about it every day. Over the years its become more normal (I hope this isn't sounding mean- I grieved the death of these babies and young children and loved them tremendously). I guess what I'm wanting to know is how are you dealing with the loss of Evie? Do you have a hard time everyday, once a week, randomly? I just wonder because its always hard to bring up the topic to my family members, but I'm genuinely concerned with how they are doing.
don't feel pressured to answer if its too hard.

THANKS!

Hi Raechel,
I hope your week definitely gets better! As you know I am always interested in paint colors I have a horrible time finding ones I love but I saw the pic of your kitchen and want to know what color it is b/c I love it! Have a great day!
Holly

Hi Rae. I am totally with you on the horribleness (word?) that is this week... and last week for that matter. So something totally unrelated that will cheer you up to share and cheer me up to hear. what is Oliver up to? Any new phases that he is going through? Hope's new thing is making up her own songs - which are the most hilarious things to hear. So how about that boy of yours? And also maybe some funny quotes from him? I write Hope's down in a book so I know Oliver has got to have some good ones too! Alright - I will wait with lots of anticipation for the cheering that is coming my way and hopefully your way as you talk about your boy.

Hi Raechel,
I have been so blessed by your blog! Thanks so much for your courage in sharing your heart... it has called me up higher! I also think the other posted questions are fantastic and can't wait to read your answers. My question is, why homeschooling? Is that your tentative plan once Oliver is school-age as well? And is there one particular resource (book, blog) that you have found helpful as you've made the decision to try homeschooling? My husband and I parents to three awesome little ones, the oldest of whom will be starting kindergarten next year. We have prayerfully decided to homeschool - and are still surprised that we are!! Neither of us are really the "homeschooling" type, though we have learned there really is no longer a "homeschooling" type! I am voraciously seeking out like-minded homeschooling moms for encouragement and advice - so I'd love and appreciate it if you'd consider answering my questions.
Thanks friend! Hope you're finding some rest for your soul today.

Laura Smith
wheatsmith@yahoo.com

Have you finished your bag of Twizzlers yet?
Mine are almost gone.

which kind of twizzlers do you like better? Original or pull and peel? (or, gasp, black??)

Personally, I like Christine's question about the undies. :)

When are we going to get together again? are you going to make me stalk you again so we can chat? :) Christmas shopping anyone?

What is your favorite smell?

Ooo, I like Nathan's!!

And also whether you had eaten the Twizzlers yet. Good one. (I've already busted into our "hidden" stash of Halloween candy.)

My biggest question, because I'm a totally clueless type of person.... HOW DID YOU MAKE THE INDIGO COLOR?!

What is your all time favorite garage sale bargain?

Would you like to have more kids?

Here's a decorating question for you. We have a bathroom we want... desperately need... to paint. It is not a large or roomy bathroom. I recently purchased new towels because I just loved them. I bought ivory for me and chocolate for the boys. The hallway outside the bathroom is a salsa/adobe/reddish color. Any ideas for color?

And, a sewing machine recommendation... Babylock machines are great. I have a BL sewing machine that I love and the Babylock Imagine serger. To say I love that machine would be an understatement. I am in loooooove with it.

Also, Viking/Husquevarna's are quality machines.

Singers used to be quality - I'd stay away from most Singers now. They just aren't made like they used to be.

I thought of another question: How is Ryan these days? It's been a while since I saw Ryan on a daily basis.. the last time I think was senior year at ONU. we ate lunch in the redroom everyday with Lee and Amanda. I had just started dating Kyle then too. I remember at the end of the year Ryan coming to lunch with his list of things to accomplish before graduation (less than a week away) and the list was like 4 pages long! hahaha.. all he said was "if I don't get all this done, Raechel is going to kill me!" :) So - how is my brothers long lost best friend these days? How is his working for himself going? what is he up to?

Consumer Report rated the Brother PC-210 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine as its best buy it runs about 400 dollars which is great considering the other rated machines where quite a bit more.

This is maybe a little bit of an embarrassing question. Quick background: I have been a Christian my whole life...I was raised in church, spending 2-3 (or more!) days there every week, I read the Bible, I know what I believe and who I believe in. My issue is that I'm not quite sure how to pray or what to say. I know that sounds incredibly silly but every time I try to pray to God, I feel a little awkward--like I'm talking to someone that's not there or I'm talking to myself. It's just not comfortable, I guess that's the best way to put it. And I read about women like you and Angie Smith and it seems so easy for you...I guess what I'm wondering is, first of all, is that completely crazy?! Did you ever feel like that? And if not, how would you suggest getting past that? I really just want to feel comfortable in my relationship with God and I think that all starts with prayer...thanks for any help you can give!

Would you be interested in learning to felt things (like baby booties and ornaments) for next Christmas? Next Christmas.
Do you think that it's ok to have an assortment of different shape and different fabric covered pillows on a sectional sofa? Would you ever be willing to sleep on a sleeper sofa?
If Jered gives mom dancing lessons, will you play along?
If you find vintage little girl dress patterns, will you buy them for me? (I mean, even on ebay.) Where did you get that big box of matches?
What is wrong with Scout?
How many mice are there?
If your van was totalled, what would you buy to replace it?
If you had to buy one, would you choose a futon or a sleeper sofa? Do you still have yellow dye?
Do you eat Oliver's halloween candy?
Do you think it's possible to raise a big family in a small house?
Do you miss Mrs. Mattson, Mr. Eckel and Mrs. Averill?
Do you care if our students have nicer sewing machines and cars than we have?
Do you want to go to Gulf Shores next fall?
Who is your favorite Morrison?
Could you be convinced to watch a Wes Anderson movie?
Have you already planned out Christmas gifts for your family?