My Overthinking

Adoption Links Worth Lingering On

2012-01-31T22:13:00.000-05:00

Just in case you are looking for some interesting new links...consider this my version of StumbledUpon just for you...

Grab a kleenex box and sit down for 2 minutes to watch Danielle's Story - a video from Show Hope featuring a girl who was adopted right before aging out of system that will move you.

And, since you already have your kleenex in hand, come on over to hear words from Xiaoyun, another precious girl who was adopted days before aging out of the system. She speaks unscripted about orphans and what we can do. If you don't find yourself smiling with her and tearing up, check your pulse.

This one got my blood pumping - a news article about a 3 year old Chinese boy who is HIV+ and lives in isolation. The hardest words perhaps to read? "'He is still immature and juvenile, and hasn’t realized that there is something different between him and other children. He thinks all children grow up the same way as him,' said one nurse." Praying that the American family in Xi'an who has come forward asking to foster him is allowed to do that.

After discussing adoption with a Chinese friend whose younger sister, who was adopted as an infant and is now 17, has no idea she was adopted, I found this article from November reminding me that it wasn't that long ago that adoption was not something celebrated in the U.S. either.

One more...

As I was pausing to recognize significant days in our adoption story, I found this article on why one family never celebrates Gotcha Day or even uses those words in their home. Definitely worth the read and will get you thinking on how to celebrate it, recognize it, or do none of the above.

This is What 8 Looks Like

2012-01-29T23:59:00.001-05:00

So trendy with her super cool feather hair dealie on the left there.

Big ole scraggly 8-year-old teeth with some gaping holes.

Silly smirks and faces with the typical 8-year-old, "Ma-ahm, are you done taking pictures yet?"

She was asked to come up with two things she was grateful for at Sunday School--and not just the typical God and family answers. She said she was grateful for (1) different types of people in the world and so many different cultures and countries and (2) that there were orphanages and people to take care of kids who didn't have families and people to adopt them.

This is what 8 looks like.

Beautiful through and through.

Happy birthday, Ashlyn, from the dragon lady.

Overthinking Chinese New Year Children's books

2012-01-25T17:45:00.004-05:00

Year of the dragon. If you didn't notice, I'm full in.

I've been scouring websites and bookshelves for Chinese New Year themed kids' books to read to our clan this week. We found some good ones and some not so good ones.

Overthinker that I am, I hope my musings help you decide which ones are worth your investment.

Chelsea's Chinese New Year explains Chinese New Year for the younger set. I love the size of it--a nice big paperback book (about a 9 1/2" square) with big ole illustrations very similar in style to the Disney Channel's Charlie and Lola. The main character, little Chelsea, explains how her Chinese American family celebrate Chinese New Year, touching on all the traditions either in the text or illustrations. Each page has a little section that gives additional information about the holiday that you can choose to read or skip over to just keep it a story. This one would be great to use in a classroom to read aloud to a group of preschoolers or kindergarteners.

Marcia Vaughan's The Dancing Dragon has simplistic text about how Chinese New Year is celebrated in Chinatown. But, what makes this book worthwhile is that the pages all unfold accordion style to reveal the illustration of a long dragon from the parade. Good one to read to a classroom of kids since you could have a child hold each page as it unfolds. Just wish the book was a little larger in size--at 9"x7.5", a couple more inches would make it much better for classroom use.

Another preschool friendly one, Joan Holub's Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book is a popular one. Each page has 4 lines of simple text in a classic ABCB rhyming pattern (hope that's right...trying to remember 7th grade English class) with good sized flaps to open to reveal some part of the New Year celebration, supposedly one in New York City's Chinatown (though it wouldn't have to be). Colorful and bold illustrations include little "extras" you can point out--the significance of the flowers, the oranges, and the super long noodles. Only complaint? The last flap ends with "Gung Hat Fat Choy!" in big ole print which is Cantonese rather than the Mandarin "Xin Nian Kuai Le!" New Year's greeting - something that really bothered my Mandaring-learning 7 year old.

How does a free Chinese New Year book sound? Bella and the Year of the Dragon by Barbara Nick is a free iTunes download. Despite mediocre illustrations, this is the best book I could find explaining the fable behind all the animals of the Chinese zodiac and their race to the emperor to determine what order they would come in for the years of the Chinese lunar calendar. And, believe me, I read a bunch that were not even worthy of a review. This one, however, does a good job explaining the fable simply but in an interesting way...and it's free. Can't beat that.

Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and Lanterns by Carolyn Otto is a National Geographic book for kids published in 2009 (so, it doesn't look at all dated). It has super compelling photographs in it that have a big wow-factor for kids and adults (including ones of Shanghai, a dinner table in Shanxi, Xi'an all lit up, children in Inner Mongolia, a parade in London, dancers in Vancouver, and fireworks in Guiyang). Includes great information without putting too many words on a page too--something that could turn the bedtime book reading into a bad scene. And, it has a great resource section in the back with facts, how to make a Chinese lantern and fortune cookies (which they do point out are an invention of either the Japanese or Chinese Americans), and where to go for more information including other books and websites. Good for real little ones if you want to just talk about the pictures and interesting enough to keep the attention of older kids (and adults).

This one was just published in October 2011 and has won the Feng ZiKai Chinese Children's Picture Book Award. A New Year's Reunion was written by Yu Li-Qiong who was born in Anqing, China and who currently lives in Nanjing. It tells the fictional story of a family united only once a year when the father, one of China's 100 million migrant workers, returns home for a few days to see his wife and daughter and celebrate the lunar new year. It's illustrated beautifully and is a cute story of a family's traditions, ending poignantly with the father saying goodbye to go back to work. I'm declaring this one a must-have book--not only does it describe well how a Chinese family celebrates the new year, it also shares how so many people in China live as migrant workers. Count on this book opening the door for great conversations with your kids about life in China and, possibly, questions about birth families. Get ready.

Though I'm not a big fan of the illustrations in Ying Chang Compestine's The Runaway Rice Cake, I appreciate the message. The Chang family makes one rice cake with the last bit of their rice flour for their whole family of 5 to eat for Chinese New Year. In gingerbread man fashion, the rice cake comes alive and runs away, showing you elements of the New Year celebration as they chase it. When the rice cake runs into a poor and hungry elderly woman, "the rice cake stopped trying to escape" and surrenders itself to be eaten. The children are sad that their last food is gone, but they return home to an abundance, much more than they could have imagined, to their happiest New Year's Eve ever. Some kids might find the anthropomorphized rice cake's surrender to be eaten a bit sad (or disturbing?), but the overall message of giving generously and receiving blessings, sometimes tangible ones right away and sometimes ones we may not recognize so easily, makes this book a worthwhile family read.

Ying Chang Compestine wrote another runaway book - The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale. These illustrations are way more my style--bright, funky, fun, filling the pages with color. The story is a silly fable that is sort of a mix of Jack and the Beanstalk, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Gingerbread Man, Chinese style. My kids thought it was hilarious and were quickly repeating the catchy "skippity-hoppity-ho" line from the crazy wok. And, in addition to showing them pieces of how Chinese New Year is celebrated traditionally, it gave us the chance to talk about bigger things like sharing, justice, revenge, and mercy. This one will be read in and out of season, I'm sure.

Another Chinese New Year book from Ying Chang Compestine, but one very different from the runaway books. And, one I really love. Yes, Crouching Tiger is a Chinese New Year's themed book with elements I didn't find in other books (like that in Chinatown New Year parades, there is a "cabbage boy" who holds a head of cabbage on a bamboo pole in front of the dragon in the parade) as well as the more traditional elements (the cleaning, a new haircut, traditional foods, etc.), while also engaging readers with Chinese martial arts (each page shows a different Tai Chi position) and beautiful illustrations. But, more than that, it's a book about a young boy learning that he is "Chinese as well as American," a very important lesson taught to him by a loving and faithful grandfather. Don't just get it from the library. This one you'll want to buy, especially if you are a parent of a Chinese boy.

Start your own New Year tradition with this series by Oliver Chin. So far, in his Tales from the Chinese Zodiac, he's written a story book for the Dog, Ox, Pig, Rabbit, Rat, Tiger,...and dragon. All are charming little stories that capture the symbolic spirit of the zodiac animal featured. The Year of the Dragon: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac doesn't disappoint. The only book I've found that involves the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival celebrated in June, you read about Dominic the dragon who along with his other zodiac animal friends and a little boy named Bo try to enter the big race. Failing miserably, Dom becomes the boat himself to lead them to a big win. The dragon's symbolic nature of encompassing the nature of the other animals and being wise and powerful shines through the story. And, the silly little pictures will amuse the kids and you. AND, just released, you can get the iPad app for it for only $3.99 (which you know I did). Complete with Chinese style music, you can read it alone or have it read to you, and tapping on characters on each page make them do fun stuff (e.g., dragons puff smoke and people move and make sounds). There are even hidden Chinese coins you can find behind parts of the illustration as you tilt your iPad that explode into lots of coins when you find them. Oodles of fun for iPad junkies like us. Buy it so that they are motivated to make apps for the rest in the series. Download the Year of the Dragon version of Angry Birds while you're at it for another $.99 just so your iPad can celebrate too.

Janet Wong's year 2000 This Next New Year is unique in that it shows different ethnic groups in America celebrating Chinese New Year. The little boy who is the main character is half Chinese and half Korean. The book also mentions a little boy who is French and German who celebrates the holiday with Thai food to go and a little girl who is Hopi and Mexican who calls the New Year her favorite holiday because she likes getting red envelopes from her neighbor from Singapore. With vibrant colors, the boy explains with a bit of wit and humor and spunk their traditions around the New Year including washing his hair and "drying it extra dry." A cute book for the younger set - maybe 4-7 year olds - and particularly good for pointing out that lots of different people enjoy recognizing Chinese New Year with their own little traditions.

How did I not hear of this book before? Karen Chinn's book Sam and the Lucky Money is one that engages your children in Chinese New Year traditions while teaching a lesson of contentment and generosity. Sam is excited to get his red envelopes from his grandparents for Chinese New Year filled with $4. But, when he goes to Chinatown to buy himself something special, he's frustrated that everything he wants is more than what he was given. When he sees an elderly homeless man without shoes on his feet, he gives all his money to him. I'm more of a bright, funky illustration type of person, so the soft watercolors didn't wow me like they might for some. But, the message is one that does wow me. And, it gives you the opportunity to talk to your child about what it means "to be lucky" and if there even is such a thing.

Red Eggs & Dragon Boats: Celebrating Chinese Festivals by Carol Stepanchuk is a great kids' reference book for Chinese New Year, the grave sweeping holiday (Clear Brightness--which we were in China for), red egg and ginger celebrations, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Moon Festival. Loads of information about those holidays, fables, and other traditions are in here and explained in a way that a grade schooler can understand. The color illustrations are really pretty--made me wish they were fabrics for a cute little dress for my little one. Published in 1994, I think it's now out of print. But, you can find used copies around. And, honestly, I hope they update and reprint this one. It really is well put together.

Want a book for an older girl? You might want to check out The Chinese New Year Mystery, a classic Nancy Drew mystery. I skimmed it myself before giving it to my 7 year old daughter, and I admit that I remember these being a bit more compelling...when I was 7 years old myself. In classic Nancy Drew style, their school is getting ready for the Chinese New Year parade when the dragon is stolen. Nancy Drew (you can't just call her Nancy) has to figure out who stole the dragon so that the parade can go on. Traditions of the Chinese New Year are described as one of Nancy's friends, Mari Cheng, is Chinese American. There's a little bit of interesting drama too as a few girls mouth off about Chinese New Year being "stupid." I'm interested to hear what Ashlyn thinks of it.

There are a few others yet I'd like to check out - The Star Maker that looks good for the 2nd-5th grade boy and teaches about the Chinese American celebration, Celebrating Chinese New Year: An Activity Book since I have one who is all about activity books, A to Z Mysteries Super Edition #5: The New Year Dragon Dilemma which looks like a boy might enjoy it too--boys just won't read Nancy Drew, and Lucky New Year! Board book even though we will be graduating from board books soon, the pop up feature in this one looks super cool.

And, I'll also check out some recommended by bloggy friends - Great Race, The Paper Dragon, and Long-Long's New Year: A Story About the Chinese Spring Festival.

Any others you think I should add to our Chinese New Year library?

A Chinese New Year Cake

2012-01-22T09:07:00.000-05:00

Last week, I volunteered to bring some sort of food to Ashlyn's Chinese school New Year Gala today. What to bring, what to bring?

I found a winner. Easy peezy. I think the word she used was "foolproof."

If you want to give it a try yourself and wow your kids, Chinese friends, or simply yourself (I'm thinking I have been my biggest admirer on this one), here's how to do it:

Find a dragon head online to use. My inspiration used this one. I preferred something a little more elaborate and Chinese looking. So, I used this picture I found online that was a bulletin board decoration a teacher made for Chinese New Year.

Gather ingredients. I may be slightly over ambitious to try this thing. But, I'm not insane. Cake mixes are just fine. And, I used two to make my dragon about 26" long. My inspiration used M&Ms to cover her cake with scales. But, when I went over to the single color bulk M&Ms and realized I would need to spend over $30 on M&Ms alone, I quickly decided that icing with nonpareil sprinkles and gummy orange slices for spikes would be just fine. I did "splurge" on an impulse buy of rock candy on a stick for his horns for $.99 each. And, I spent a whole $.33 on bright colored gummy tulips to use for feet.

Find some sort of board to use to put this baby on (unless you happen to have a platter several feet long). My board was 1'x3'. I wrapped it nice and tight with a red plastic table cover from the dollar store.

"Foolproof" didn't start out real well when my first attempt at my bundt cake turned out like this.

Here's my formal thanks to all my Facebook friends who talked me off the ledge and coached me through how to butter and flour a bundt cake pan. I happened to have another mix in the pantry. So, back to work. And, the next two turned out just perfect.

After your cakes are fully cooled, cut them in half and set them up on the board in S shapes.

Mix up your icing to be whatever color you want. For two canisters of icing, I used a whole container of yellow food coloring with a couple drops of red to make an orange color. Then, start icing the thing. I intentionally made the icing "rough" to look textured. And, I used the icing to glue the cake pieces together a little when I got to the seams.

As you finish up icing a half cake, sprinkle the nonpareils or sprinkles if you are going to use any (I used them only behind the head and around the tail) and go ahead and start to set up your spikes since the icing will harden if you wait to the end and make it hard to get those things to stick. When I was buying these in bulk, I had no idea how many we would need, so I bought 3 lbs of these at $1.50 a lb. Turns out, we only needed 28 total and I have about 3 times that left. Orange slices, anyone?

You can see here that cute little foot gummy we used too. We added those last but I wanted to show you the spikes.

Use Twinkies or some other Twinkie-like cake (I used butterscotch crumpets with the icing removed since my store was out of Twinkies...how does that happen?) to form a tail. Mark masterfully cut down the end of the cake and shaped the tail for me like a surgeon. And, after generously icing the tail, I used three orange slices sort of fanned out to make the tail look like a dragon tail and not just a snake tail or something.

When you are all done icing and spiking it, attach your paper head by putting some icing on the front of the cake to use as glue and then just stick it right on there. I had laminated the dragon head at an office supply store but ended up printing out a new one on card stock and using that instead since the laminated one wouldn't flex enough to work.

For the horns, I had Mark cut off the balls at the end of the rock candy sticks and then stuck them in the first cake on an angle behind the head.

For the feet, I used a little bit of icing and stuck the gummy tulips opposite each other along the body. I realize that most dragons only have 4 feet. But, we used 8 for fun.

I really got creative then with the streamers and whiskers using Fruit by the Foot. I used one full fruit by the foot in some tie-dyed flavor cut in half for the streamers. Using icing as glue, I sort of ruffled it starting behind the head and looping it around. For the whiskers, I used kitchen shears to cut the fruit by the foot to be thin using the lines on the snack itself and then looped it around behind the head to mimic the whiskers from the picture itself.

Done.

I guess it was sort of foolproof once I got the cake out of the pan.

Now, wake your husband who went to bed a few steps ago and Skype your mom and dad at close to midnight and make them oooo and ahhh at your creation.

Now, I just have to get this thing in the car and to the gala. Lord help me.

During breakfast, Mark suggested you could make individual servings of something similar using bagels or frosted donuts. He's a genius.

Now, off to make some of our own hóngbāo to give the kids later. No money in ours though. I'm going to handwrite some blessings for them and use that instead.

Pausing to Remember

2012-01-20T23:18:00.002-05:00

8:29pm

2 years ago

When we learned God had answered our prayers

Two nights before, at 10pm, Sarah called. She had a file for us to see, and she couldn't wait until the morning to call us.

We saw this sweet face. I wanted her to be ours. But, as we started to look at the file, we quickly noticed that her weight, length, and head circumference measurements were not good. In fact, what we had in front of us were numbers that could not sustain life.

But, God can.

The 47 hours after we got that first call were crazy. I don't know if I will ever be able to delete my "sent" folder because of the story all those messages between January 18th and January 20th, 2010 tell. Messages with "cute as a button--but teeny" and "a little peanut" and "sweet 10-mo. old girl" - so funny to read those words now and know that I was talking about our daughter.

Messages to Mom and Dad - "I thought I'd be able to sleep! Now, I'm a bit frantic....I've got a little face to look at!"

By the 19th, those messages were filled more with words like "concerned," and, "I feel a wreck," and "I wish I could fly to China right now and see her myself," and "We are exhausted and emotionally spent. I do not want to give up hope on this baby, but it is looking bleak," and "we are trying to hold onto hope that a miracle has happened in her body."

We knew we needed an update, the one Sarah requested before we had even asked her to, the one we knew we wouldn't have before a decision would have to be made. It could take a week or even two to get an update. We had 48 hours--now less than 24.

I sent Mark an email on the morning of the 20th. We were talking constantly. I don't know how he got any work done over those days. But, I wanted to write, needed to write.

I think it would be wrong to not submit the LOI and let this girl go...I feel strongly that we need to trust God that He could do a miracle here if it's in His plan to do so. I do not feel like we can say no to Mei without having the full information. I feel like it would be a deliberate act of disobedience and lack of faith at this point. I understand that God may not choose to answer our prayers with a yes and that her growth may still be poor. But, I need to act in faith here.

...
41, 7, 62 --

And, I prayed, like I've never prayed before. Like I imagine Hannah prayed. I said those numbers over and over again, the measurements I had been led to cling to, measurements that would show she was okay, would be okay...something. I held that paper where I wrote those numbers, and I begged.

And, we prayed for an update soon. The idea of moving forward but not knowing if this was happening or not was overwhelming.

But, we moved forward. We had to.

8:29

Sarah called.

And, she had an update. With pictures. And numbers.

And, she was obviously smiling as she spoke.

And, we knew it was good.

And, then we saw these while Sarah stayed on the line.

I prayed for 41, 7, 62

She was 43, 7.2, 65

And, we laughed, cried, danced.

And, we met our girl. She was real. And, she was ours.

2 years ago tonight

Chen Mei Yue. Lydia Mei.

Using Your Passion {Red Thread Sessions}

2012-01-19T16:54:00.001-05:00

Let's just say your family is called to adopt. You recognize that call; your heart is all in; you answer that call.

Paperwork, paperwork. Write a check here, write another check there...here a check, there a check, everywhere a check check. Fingerprints, doctor appointments, background checks, photocopies.

Then, you wait. Some for a while. Some not long at all.

And, then you see your child for the first time. And, life is changed.

You bring that child home. And, your life that was changed already is now seriously changed.

Yes, there's struggle in that. Yes, it's uncomfortable at times. But, it's good.

And, when you sit back and marvel at what God has done, you might find yourself thinking, "I am changed. We are changed. And, I want to live that difference out by doing something more. I need to. Lord, what can I do?"

And, that's fun to watch from the outside because you see God using people to do some pretty creative things. This week, I got to see that.

Nicole. She and I talked adoption as they were just starting out...and we haven't really stopped. I got a front row seat to seeing God bring their family together through the same special social worker who God used to bring our family together. They waited anxiously to bring Brooklyn home to their family. And, home she is.

Driven by a compassion for adoptive families, Nicole has answered the call to do something more.

Together with a fellow photographer and adoptive mama, Nicole Bradley, they dreamed up uniting photographers to serve adoptive families using their talents to offer newly formed families a photography session at no charge. Celebrating and promoting adoption through photography? Perfect. Two more photographers touched by adoption joined their dream--Jenna Stoll and Amy Vecchio. A year later - Red Thread Sessions is officially launched.

The photographers in their network will completely waive their session fee and provide edited proofs from these sessions at no cost to adoptive families. These sessions could be

a family portrait session within the first 3 months of a finalized adoption,
a homecoming session where the volunteering photographer meets the adoptive family at the airport upon arrival home, or
a birth photography session to capture the birth of the adoptive child.

They started with 2 passionate photographers who wanted to use their giftedness to honor adoption and serve adoptive families.

They joined up with 2 more to bring them to 4 passionate women.

Launching their website on Sunday, by the end of the day, their numbers came to 20 passionate for the cause.

By the end of the second day, their ranks were 59.

By the end of the third day, make that number 98.

3 days. And, enough traffic to exceed their site bandwidth (for all those techie types).

Their plates have been full these last few days answering emails and looking at applications and portfolios. But, they can't seem to stop smiling because they are so excited about how God has led and how He's going to bless their efforts to bless families, bless children, preserve very special moments in life, and promote adoption at large.

Grab their button; spread the word; they've got over 100 photographers now ready to start clicking.

Since when is international adoption un-American?

2012-01-15T23:08:00.002-05:00

I overthink a lot of things. But, I don't overthink politics.

I'm passionate about a good number of things. Adoption's one of them. Politics are not.

Having said that, some political things do catch my attention as one did today.

Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman was hoping to hold up the Republican cause in the race for the Presidency. As of tomorrow though, according to news just posted online, he's withdrawing from the race. I'm sure lots of overthinking went into that decision. Overthinking that I hope had nothing to do with the recent buzz I've read about from an opponent.

Someone who is passionate about politics apparently, someone who claims to support Ron Paul, attacked Huntsman for his "anti-American" values and for being "soft on China."

because of his daughters.

He and his wife happen to have 5 biological children and 2 children who joined their family via adoption--one from China and one from India.

This person used video footage of Huntsman receiving his daughter in China and paired it with the words "American Values? or Chinese?"

I'm not quite sure to which American values this person is referring. But, I'm thinking that international adoption doesn't quite contradict "liberty and justice for all."

And, frankly, given this video claiming to hold up American values, Chinese values are looking a whole lot more mature.

Little Miss Independent

2012-01-13T09:35:00.000-05:00

When I hear Mark give a little gasp and a "LY...DI...A,"

I know to run for the camera.

And, I'm thinking that running for the camera may not be so helpful in the training part of parenting.

See if that stops me.

Do you Duo?

2012-01-11T20:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I overthought the iPad itself. I'm an apple junkie. But, an iPad? it's just an expensive toy, right?

But, it was a gift. So...well...gifts make overthinking a little less over-the-top since it's a gift and all.

And, now, I confess, if my cases reviews weren't convincing enough, I'm diggin' this thing.

And, when we're not digging out dirt to get water to Swampy (which every single one of us feels compelled to do), we're watching shows, singing karaoke, and duo-ing.

Yes, duo-ing. And, it's so fun.

My favorite add-on gadget - the duo plink - this fancy little gadget that works quite simply. You put your token on the top to indicate your answer to whatever the question is in the app, hit reveal answer, and a flashing light under the thingy mabob signals the thing to turn dropping your token in the container if you are right or leaving it on top if you aren't.

Simple and brilliant fun. $30 and 3 free fun apps (and one app you can get for $1.99). I bet they'll be coming up with more apps to keep this gadget hot on the market too.

Our fave? Yoomi.

Two people play. You take turns choosing which of two things you prefer. And, the other person guesses which you chose.

And, for the record, I'd prefer being 10 feet tall over being 1 foot tall.

And, I'm flattered that Evan couldn't decide if I'd rather change the color of my eyes or change the color of my hair. Apparently, he has no idea what I'm doing when I go out in the evening once every 6 weeks by myself.

But, he did guess correctly that I'd rather cuddle a porcupine than wrestle an octopus. So, he still won.

After which, I was promptly booted out so the big kids could move onto another fun iPad gadget from the same company - the duo pop. Think game show. Funny how holding a hand buzzer adds just enough more pressure to make a simple game of hidden pictures a lot more fun. Highlights has never gotten me so riled up.

Ahh...nothing like seeing the glowing light of technology on your children's faces.

So clever. The little hand things are detected by that box you see on the table which then makes a sound that we can't hear but the nifty iPad can (of course, it can) which works with the app then.

*Note* these work right out of the box...if you actually set them up right. It took us a while and two units to get rolling with the Duo Plink -- once we changed the settings for autobrightness to be off and the maximum brightness on, we had no problems at all. That flashing light to get the Plinky deal to turn has to be bright. And, make sure you put the Duo Pop box thingy next to the iPad microphone, not your home button. If you put them near the home button, you will be super frustrated and think you got a dud. Once we learned (thanks to Discovery Bay Games' handy dandy quality assurance man) how the thing worked with sound, I had my little aha moment and realized I was putting it on the wrong side of my iPad. (smile)

Hmmm...what iPad thing can I review for ya'll next? I'm on a roll.

One of These Things Is Not Like The Others

2012-01-08T21:06:00.001-05:00

but, she most certainly belongs.

which is pretty much the coolest part really.

Hasn't phased her one bit that she's the only blondie in the crowd.

Not one bit that the entire show was narrated in Chinese. Maybe she understood a little.

But, I certainly didn't.

I even got yelled at by an 8-year-old backstage who snipped at me, "Do you have to speak English?" Ummm...yes...sorry, I do.

The rest of my family didn't understand one word either. You know, that would be the 7 white people in the audience who happened to also have a Chinese toddler with them who calls me mama.

So very proud of my fan dancer.

For dancing, for being brave, for wanting to learn Chinese and dance it too, for being so excited about her little sister and who our family now is.

I love that girl.

{Advocating} Still Waiting

2012-01-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

On December 15th, I advocated for a little boy. Our social worker so wanted to see his family find him. And, I wanted to help her.

The post on my blog, as of today, has had 1,463 page views. That doesn't include the views on three other websites where it was reposted.

And, he still waits.

We requested an update about him.

And, yesterday, that update arrived in my inbox. And, I had to stop and catch my breath. Because he’s perfect.

He has been healthy. Though he does not have use of his hands, his cognitive development is normal. He has been in physical therapy for 2 months.

And, he still waits.

His special needs may not be totally clear. His future may not be totally clear. But, he’s wonderfully made.

He cannot yet walk, but he can stand in the crib holding onto the rail. He likely has arthogryposis which has a lot of treatment options.

And, today, I am trusting that the One who made him knows his family already and is preparing them right now for their new son. And, until they are together, there are at least two people on this earth who are committed to praying for him. By name.

Just a Few Minutes Inside Her Head

2012-01-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

Every parent wonders, right?

Thanks to her monkey-like antics and blog hopping others' wonderings, I'm thinking it probably goes something like this with each lasting, oh, maybe 3 seconds.

1. Hi, Mama, Hi
2. I want the ipod
3. Iphone?
4. iPad?
5. What you doing?
6. What can I do to be a part of what you doing?
7. What can I do to make it harder to do what you doing?
8. Hold me
9. Hi, Mama, Hi
10. Put me down
11. What would happen if I did this?
12. Will I get in trouble for this?
13. Oops.
14. Sorry, Mama, Sorry
15. What’s that?
16. I want that.
17. I will get it myself.
18. I don’t want help.
19. HELP
20. Tank you
21. Hi, Mama, Hi
22. HOLD ME!
23. I want the iPod
24. Iphone?
25. IPad?
26. NOW
27. Put me down
28. I don’t want these clothes on
29. Much better
30. Need a snack
31. Need a snack
32. Need a snack
33. STARVING
34. Fruit snacks!
35. Yay!
36. I’m cold
37. These ARE my shoes
38. I will only wear these shoes
39. Oh no! My shoes keep falling off!
40. Almost fall down!
41. No shoes
42. Hmmmm…..
43. What’s that?
44. I’m going to dump this out
45. BOUNCY BALLS!
46. Mine
47. SERIOUSLY, MINE
48. Okay, here. I’ll share.
49. Want my hot big bobble
50. Too hot!
51. Blow on it, blow on it!
52. Warm?
53. Alright, Mama, Alright.
54. Where’s Ren Ren?
55. Right here.
56. (sniff sniff, suck fingers)
57. Hold me
58. Hold me
59. Hold me
60. I love you, Mama

It's a New Year

2012-01-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

Back to school today was painful. Brutally painful. For all of us.

Early mornings again. Clothes having to somewhat coordinate...or at least fit. Homework. Lunches.

Brutal, I tell you.

And another near brutal experience?

Trying on bathing suits on New Year's Day.

What was I thinking?

I had ordered some on sale. They arrived a couple months ago and have been in a box in our bedroom ever since.

And, new year means some straightening up. Shamefully, it took my husband saying, "Can you do something about this box?" to motivate me enough to put those things actually on my 2012 body.

an experience which motivated me to start using this

(yes, this new iPad owner is a bit overly Appley right now)

And, in case you were wondering, you don't stand on your iPad. Not even the best case would make that a good idea.

I stand on this

smack dab in the corner of my dining room.

Amidst the dust bunnies, the random fish from a board game, and gumball machine bouncy balls that seem to have some sort of support group underneath my side buffet.

And, when I stand on it, the weight (which will remain a mystery) goes to my iPad and gets charted. I'd really like that chart to show some sort of decline rather than a straight line graph...or (gasp) an inclined line.

This may be just what this Type-A crazy lady needs to motivate me to lose a few...or about 10...but I'm not thinking about numbers at all. Because I'm not overthinking it at all. Nope, not me. Not at all.

Overthinking iPad 2 Cases

2011-12-31T17:57:00.002-05:00

It's official.

I'm a bona fide overthinker.

One week into iPad ownership and 7 cases later, my overthinking has reached an all new level.

And, to save you from your own overthinking, I'm going to share mine with you--in video form no less.

Make fun of my anal retentiveness or take advantage of my research so that you only have to bring one case into your home. Your choice.

The Addycase - good iPad 2 case for families with really young kids who find the home button irresistible.

The Trident Kraken case - well known company with a well known iPad 2 case marketed towards families. But, not my fave.

The Ekto 2 from Uzibull - good case for older kids who need a protective case but don't want one that shouts "My mom made me get this big ole case to protect my iPad."

The iGuy stand-up case from Speck - not my favorite, but I may just have to keep him around because he's so darn cute.

The Big Grips case and stand - very popular case particularly for schools right now. The case isn't my favorite because of the entire back exposed and difficulty getting to the ports. But, I love the stand.

M-Edge Super Shell case in Atomic Green - great case at a great price.

Gripcase - handles on all 4 sides that are perfect for both little and big grips alike. Hoping they make one in 2012 for the Kindle Fire too for my grandmother and great aunt. And, as a side note, really like their website and their content there...marketing works on me.

My favorites at a glance...

Here's to a new year of lots of productive and stress-free overthinking...for me at least.

Pierced and Inked

2011-12-29T23:22:00.000-05:00

It was one of those what-were-we-thinking moments.

I had to wait until I was 12 to get my ears pierced. It's a rite of passage. I practically counted down the days until I was allowed to get them pierced.

But, Ashlyn wanted them pierced...now. Months ago, we said no. She asked when. We said when we felt like she was responsible enough to take care of her ears as well as oodles of little earrings she would no doubt accumulate.

When we were deciding what experience gift to give her for Christmas, we decided this would be it. I mean, why wait? She's pretty responsible. And, there's no real reason why we have to make her wait. Haven't read anything that says a girl has to be a certain age.

But, seeing her sitting there in that seat waiting for the big moment, I was thinking we may have made a mistake.

She's 7 years old. And, getting her ears pierced would make her look years older - 10 years older, I'm sure. Okay, maybe only 8 or 9 years older.

What's next?

Don't answer that.

This was the worst it got. No blood. No tears. Not even a rating more than 1 on the pain scale, so she told the 8 year old waiting to age 10 years herself.

My little girl, looking all grown up, with her sweet dainty little pink pearl earrings.

And, you know what, I kind of like them on her after all.

But, Drew's new look he greeted us with when we got home?

Nope. This mama has to draw the line somewhere.

My favorite things

2011-12-29T00:18:00.000-05:00

Brown paper packages tied up with ribbons

AND a super cute tea kettle to replace the boring silver one I left on the burner too long.

A very generous gift from Gran for our whole family...

One Mark really appreciates for the kids' sake, but one he says he'll never use.

But, my favorite gift of all was one that made me cry.

Remember this?

Weeks earlier, as Lydia and I walked Evan and Ashlyn to school, Lydia asked to go with them. The big kids and I laughed and started talking about what their day might be like if Lydia (aka our Chinese Curious George) joined them.

A few days later, Ashlyn won a Bingo game in school and chose the prize of a Mickey Mouse shaped pencil, one she was pretty excited about. But, then she got an idea. So, she asked her teacher if she could trade her already sharpened pencil for something else--a blank book. And, so she gave up her prize and went to work so she could give us something very special.

Yup, I cried. Of course I did. And, I smiled till my cheeks hurt and gave lots of hugs.

And, though I'm an undeniable apple addict and may get warm fuzzies when I think about my brand new iPad 2 and all the neat cases, apps, and add-ons to try, my little handmade story written using a plain old No. 2 pencil makes my heart skip a beat.

And, hearts skipping beats tops warm fuzzies any day.

Ahhh....Christmas

2011-12-28T23:44:00.000-05:00

Every Christmas is fun. Even kidless, Christmases were fun. But, with kids, Christmas is fun. And, this year, well, it may have been the most fun of all the Christmases I can remember.

A big ole breakfast we ate together before opening gifts.

A family devotion over breakfast discussing why Jesus was born as a baby, to go to the cross.

homemade gifts that were graciously appreciated

some interesting gifts from a big sister (which was just what he wanted, mind you)

and some interesting snapshots (featuring Lydia's first gift, her practical gift, of size 2 panties. woot woot).

Watching the kids get more excited about giving their gifts than opening gifts.

And, sharing some big smiles.

That's what made Christmas amazing this year.

The funnest one I can remember. Yes, the funnest.

{Advocating} Dancing Machine

2011-12-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

Our gifts have all been opened. Toys have been played with; some batteries already may be running low. Food has been eaten...and will be reheated today for round 2.

Today, we continue to celebrate, enjoying time with family, a big ole BINGO game, and rest.

Yet, I cannot forget those who are still waiting. Children who have been waiting for years. This child--made ready for adoption and waiting for nearly 2 years for someone to make him theirs. 2 years. 2 years on a list for anyone to view his file and accept him. But, he still waits.

Read about him--words from someone who knows him firsthand.

Share about him.

Maybe his family will meet him today for the first time.

Now, that would be a Merry Christmas.

________________________________________

Not just another summer. This past July, my husband and I returned to China to be part of of the Bring Me Hope Camp in Xian for Chinese orphans. This was our 2nd BMH camp in Xian. And, knowing what we were getting into, we were both very excited to spend 5 days with children who would no doubt change us as we served them.

I was blessed to actually go to the orphanage to collect the orphans and bring them to our campsite. And, the first child I saw was a little boy I remembered from the year before, a little boy who had been buddied with my friend. His little face just beamed when he saw me. Twelve months later, he clearly knew me. And, as happy as I was to see him, I was hoping I would not. I was hoping he wouldn't still be there.

This year, he was my buddy. My little man “Daniel” has a smile that just seemed to go from ear to ear, and a personality to melt hearts.

At the young age of 8, he was able to entertain the entire camp with his incredible dance moves, putting the rest of us to shame (get a first-hand glimpse of the action here or here or here). When he wasn't singing and dancing, we were playing badminton, blowing bubbles, and chasing each other around the campsite.

With an easygoing nature and an infectious laugh, I couldn't get enough of how he would grab hold of my hand and try to drag me to where he wanted to play.

I hope I don't see him again.

Because when I go back to Xi'an, I don't want him to be there. I want him to be home with a family. He needs to be grabbing hold of the hands of his forever mum and dad and maybe dancing around with brothers and sisters.

Three years of waiting for a family to say yes is too long. His best friend will be joining his family soon. Daniel needs to too.

________________________________________

These words were written Carol Blanch (and edited by me for the purpose of advocating). Carol is a school teacher in Anna Bay, NSW, Australia. She and her husband Stephen volunteered with Bring Me Hope in China for the second time this past July. They have two grown, married daughters and are part of a vibrant church community. China and orphans have captured their hearts.

Christmas Links Worth Lingering On

2011-12-23T19:00:00.002-05:00

'Tis the season for mothers everywhere to be running around scrubbing bathrooms, packing bags, baking cookies, and tying ribbons on packages. (please tell me I'm not the only one.)

But, when visions of sugar plums dance in your little ones' heads and no creature is stirring except for your mouse, here are some links worth lingering on.

Incarnation - This is definitely one to linger on. It was written by Sarah Styles Bessey on the blog A Deeper Story: Tales of Christ and Culture. Sarah talks here about the "mess of the incarnation" and the experience of Christ's birth. Beautiful post. Beware, all the Christmas posts on this blog will suck. you. in. Amazing stuff there. I am now a subscriber.

The Christmas Conspiracy - Forbes magazine features an article on the Advent Conspiracy. Excited that it's hitting mainstream and getting some attention among whoever it is who reads Forbes' site...which I imagine is a big ole audience.

Here, Lara, the farmer's wife, tells all why she "does" Santa with her kiddos. We don't. But, I am always intrigued by the whole To Santa or Not To Santa question.

Kristi puts the rest of us to shame with her Gingerbread Soiree. I mean, seriously...get ready to feel like you have zero creativity in comparison. I have vowed I will make those adorable snowman drinks for my clan sometime this winter. Please remind me of my vow come February.

Amy at Mom's Toolbox gives instructions on how to make a mommy and kids' activities advent calendar. Yes, too late for this year unless you want to do...well...one activity. Bookmark it for next year.

Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking shares some questions written by Donald Whitney to help you around the table on Christmas to have some significant Christ-centered dialogue. Whether you are celebrating with 25 or 5, these questions are totally worth lingering on. I'm stealing a few. Wonder how they'll go over with my goofy uncle who always greets me with "Happy Festivus!"

Levi Benkert from Bring Love In shares how he attempts to explain the concept of the fat man in the red suit in Ethiopia. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks all the Santa stuff is strange.

And, last but not least...not exactly a Christmas link except that it is about a gift...or more like 10,000 gifts. My way-cooler-than-me friend Colleen, mommy of 4, 2 of whom were adopted from Uganda, is advocating for the amazing ministry Sixty Feet. If they get enough votes here, they will get a grant of $10,000 for their work. It takes a millisecond. And, they are SO close to winning. Consider it your gift to Sixty Feet.

Any posts you want to share? Lay 'em on me.

He is There

2011-12-21T21:29:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2009. Only 2 Christmases ago. I was a wreck. We were so close to being matched with our new child. I just knew it would be a few weeks after Christmas.

And, that meant that though I didn't know who she was or where exactly she was, what she looked like or how old she was. I knew she was. I knew she was somewhere across the world, alone for Christmas, what was her first Christmas.

And, though I was anxious and wondering and thinking all the time about her, there was something that gave me great peace.

God was there.

Read Luke 2:6-20. Luke mentioned the manger three times. Why?

The manger was messy. It wasn't what we picture--a wooden contraption with a sweet bed of hay. It was more like a box looking thing or basin made out of clay mixed with hay or stones and held together with mud. All kinds of food for animals were put in it, not just nice yellow hay. It was dirty, maybe moldy, smelly.

And, God was there.

As spunky and full of life as Lydia is now, it wasn't that long ago that she was in a pretty messy place. I believe her orphanage was one of the better ones--her needs were met. There were windows with natural light in the room where she lived 24-7. In that room were 40 cribs, but there were also some toys. But, there were older children in that orphanage too, children we weren't allowed to see. And, I wonder what their days were like.

I've heard a lot of stories--about adopted children who flinch when someone moves their direction in fear that they will be hit; children who were never held, children who have come to accept that no one wants to bring home a child their age, only babies; children who suffer consequences from not having the medical treatment they needed earlier.

And, yet, I believe God is there.

God is not only not afraid to get his feet dirty; He is about getting His feet dirty.

Psalm 34:18 tells us He's close to the brokenhearted. I can only imagine that He is very close indeed to brokenhearted children, whether they are aware of their brokenness or not. He's there.

I prayed for our daughter 2 Christmases ago, that He would be close to her, that He would remain close to her. That He would be tangibly felt in that room where she slept. That He would wrap His arms around her when she was cold. That He'd rock her when she needed comfort. That He'd be in the manger with her.

I know He was there.

And, somehow, in the dark places of orphanages around the world, I can't explain how or what He always looks like there, but I believe that He's there. In the warmth of the sun pouring in the windows, He comforted my child. In the smile of a nanny. In the gaze of another orphan. In the provision sent by charities around the world. In her broken heart.

Somehow, He was there.

And, right now, tonight, as my children play with nativity figures and count the stars on our Christmas tree, He is here...and, He is there, somehow making an unholy place, holy.

That's what He's about.

photos courtesy of KC Photography

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 7 Winners

2011-12-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas week, people.

And, I'm a Christmas person. Give me some peppermint hot cocoa and a seat by the lit tree, and I'm a happy woman.

Despite my list of things to do, I've got stars in my eyes this week.

Hoping that these winners are feeling the Christmas spirit too when they find out about the goodies headed their way.

Resurrection Knits still has items left in their store. And, remember, ALL of the money goes to International Justice Mission. The money you spend there is a donation...and you get a really beautiful hand knit piece at the same time. Total win - win. And, I know Valerie Almy is going to love receiving her beautiful scarfette/headband. She's a seamstress herself over at Ruffled Feathers and will treasure this couple's labor of love. Congrats, girlfriend!

And, somebody is going to have some fun over the Christmas break online over at Powercapes to design their very own custom cape. Robin Blankenship, have fun with your daughter! Make it a superhero night, and enjoy some peppermint hot cocoa and Christmas cookies as she picks out exactly what she wants to be her very own superhero.

Don't forget this giveaway for some custom apparel from Apliiq, a very cool new website where you can design your own clothes with whatever fabric you choose from their collection of fun ones. Be warned -- you may become addicted to the creative process.

No advent devotion is complete without...

2011-12-20T21:04:00.000-05:00

the explanation of circumcision.

We are loving our advent e-book Truth in the Tinsel--it's a great way to engage kids in the Christmas story and take it a step further. There are daily crafts...which we have not done any of. But, our discussions have been good. A few days ago, we focused on Bethlehem and that the word itself means "House of Bread;" we talked about how Jesus is the Bread of Life and what that means. Really significant spiritual conversations with a 9 year old, 7 year old, and 5 year old. And, Lydia, well, guess she's soaking it all in.

Good stuff.

Today, the focus was on the Temple. Nothing scandalous there, right? We started out by ripping off a link from our paper chain and reading the word on it--Temple. Then, I reminded the kids, "Okay, when I'm reading the Scripture, when you hear the word temple, go ahead and yell 'TEMPLE.'"

And, I started reading. Luke 2:21-40. Which starts off with Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple to be dedicated....[clear throat]....circumcised.

Being the mom who uses all the anatomically correct words, before being asked, I just put out there, "Do you guys know what that means?"

No.

Of course not. Did I need to ask that?

Was that a smirk I detected on my husband as he stood by and watched this all unfold?

Just picture this...me explaining how baby boys have a piece of skin cut off the top of their penis. Ashlyn gagging and hiding her face and yelling, "OH! I'm SO glad I'm not a boy! OH!" Drew, laying down, unable to even look at me, mortified when he realized, yes, we did this to him. Lydia, looking around and yelling in mimicry of Ashlyn with no clue as to why she's yelling. And, Evan, calm, cool, collected.

"Ooooohhhhh, so it's just like shrimp. You gotta pull their tales off before you eat 'em."

How do you redeem that devotion?

{Purposeful Giveaway} Apliiq

2011-12-17T21:20:00.002-05:00

Feeling creative?

Feeling like you want to make something beyond salt dough ornaments and Christmas cookies?

Well, you came to the right place.

Apliiq. Where you customize your own clothing from start to finish--they call it fabric expression.

There's something really gratifying about designing your own apparel there. So many fabrics to choose from. I could spend a shamefully long time on their site.

Okay, maybe I have already.

Not only did I customize a sweet top that has become one of my current faves (I like to call it Asian Spice), I started our own storefront there for The Sparrow Fund.

For every item sold from our storefront, Apliiq donates 20% to The Sparrow Fund.

How cool is that?

So, this giveaway is going to have a little bit of a different spin to it. It's going to be a little bit of a friendly competition of sorts.

__________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

As with the rest of the purposeful giveaways, no need to be a blog follower to enter. But, it sure has been fun seeing the new faces pop up over there to the right. So, feel free!

What you gotta do to enter is head right over HERE. Have some fun customizing something--whatever you like. They've got tons to choose from for men, women, and little snicker doodles. When you are done, click on the SHARE IT button on the bottom to show it off. And, then click on SAVE IT to add it to The Sparrow Fund's Apliiq storefront.

Create up to 3 designs for 3 chances to win!

__________________________________________________________

On January 2nd, Ethan, one of the hearts and brains behind Apliiq, and myself will choose our favorite design and that person will receive it totally free!

Isn't that fun?

Enjoy some fabric expression as a wrapping or cookie-making break or let your kids help you design something neat during the week after Christmas. Make it a family effort to make Mama her own sweet top. Could be fun!

You only have through Monday, January 2nd to show us your fabric expression.

We'll choose a winner from our favorites after that.

And, that is the last of the purposeful giveaways, folks. But, go ahead and bookmark the link the button above takes you to--because there you will find 29 very fun, purposeful places to shop all. year. round.
WINNER:
So many choices! So many fun designs and colors and patterns. After hours of deliberations and wiping the sweat from our brow, Viva one for her creation Sunny Squared. Other noteworthy creations are the Bandit Beauty and Barb(ara Streisand) cardi (I'm a total victim to marketing--the name was too much!), another sweet dress that lacks a name but makes up for that in design, and the simply named Orange Flower Bag.
Go shop people and know you are supporting The Sparrow Fund when you do!

{Advocating} The Gift of a Home

2011-12-15T22:47:00.001-05:00

These aren't my words. But, they are the words of someone who has become very dear to me. They are the words of the very special person who opened our daughter's file, quickly typed in our names, and clicked a button, changing our lives forever. This very special person announced yesterday that she will be resigning her position as Adoption Director at our adoption agency at the end of this month so that she can stay at home with her toddler son. But, before she leaves, I'd really like to give her a very special gift--one very special match.

Please read and share this link. This Christmas, we want to see [Bo's] family say yes to bringing him home.

__________________________________________________________

Working in the field of adoption, I have read countless heartbreaking stories of the injustices children are forced to endure. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that each “referral,” each “document,” each “jpeg,” is a child. An actual child. Waiting. Is it easy to forget this fact after opening 3000+ attachments? Yes. Until God sends one of these “files” my way that forces me to take pause. To remember. This day, God sent [Bo] to me.

On an insignificant Tuesday, while searching the list of over 1,600 waiting children, I came across a birth date. A date that is so engrained in my heart, it immediately forced me to open this “file” to meet this “referral.” August 13, 2010. The day I gave birth to my first child, Murphy. One of the happiest days of my life. One of the most nerve-wracking days of my life. On August 13, 2010, I was happy-excited-nervous-scared-in pain-full of joy-exhausted. And, across the world, on August 13, 2010, I know [Bo’s] mother shared these same feelings. Though, her day ended much differently than mine.

I spent the night waking when Murphy woke. Doing my best to feed my baby, change my baby, and cater to his every need. I called the nurse many times throughout the night. Am I doing this right? Is he eating enough? My husband was right there with me, getting me water, cradling our new angel. It was hot and humid outside, and I was cool and comfortable in the hospital. I had all of the supports I could need. And after very little sleep, I awoke on August 14, 2010 to my beautiful baby boy.

On August 14, 2010, at not even 1 day old, [Bo] was on his own. Alone. During the night, after realizing that she could not provide the medical care her baby would need, [Bo’s] mother made the heartbreaking decision to give him a chance at life. Her only option was to leave him outside of an apartment building and hope that a good Samaritan would find him and take him to safety.

I think back to those first few days following Murphy’s birth. He had jaundice. They heard a heart murmur. I was a wreck. But, Murphy also had doctors, nurses, and state of the art medical equipment to care for him--not to mention a mother, father, and countless other people who already loved him and doted on him. Now, I find that I cannot stop thinking about [Bo] on those few days following his birth. The same exact days that Murphy and I experienced. But, [Bo] did not have doctors. He did not have nurses. He had no one.

God sent [Bo] to me. Murphy’s twin, in a way. [Bo] reminded me that each birth date, each “referral,” each “document,” each “jpeg,” are all Murphys–all children of God who deserve the love and support of a family.

Could you be [Bo’s] family?

__________________________________________________________

Wanna see his file? Please email Deann (Sarah's replacement) and allow her to introduce you to this very special little boy. Or, you can contact me for more information as well.

__________________________________________________________

Click HERE to see updated pictures of [Bo] from early January! He has become such a cute little boy!

I'm beginning to understand

2011-12-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

how she managed to fling herself out of her crib...

{Purposeful Giveaway} Power Capes

2011-12-14T08:15:00.002-05:00

While you all are trimming trees and baking cookies, we got some action happening here.

superhero action, that is.

which comes in quite handy when you have a little boy home in the afternoons with a napping sister who needs something to do.

villain or hero...not sure.

And, frankly, even a Mom can be a superhero when duty calls.

Powercapes pretty much rocks. Custom superhero capes you design step-by-step yourself--or with little ones by your side. They are the one-stop shop for all things superhero and are handmade by moms themselves.

And, what makes me like them more is their commitment to supporting great causes. Not only do they run fundraisers for nonprofits, youth groups, schools, etc., but they have personally partnered with Heart Heroes to allow people to purchase a gift card for children with congenital heart disease to be able to customize their own capes.

Wouldn't that be a great gift?

$25. You can even write a message to go to the child who will receive the gift card.

Told you it rocks.

And, Powercapes is offering one of you your very own sidekick sized cape--good for a little hero or sidekick.

Wouldn't that gift code be an awesome gift? You can then sit and customize that cape together for fun as you drink hot cocoa and munch on those cookies. Way better than going to a crowded mall and stuffing an animal for fun.

__________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, I'd love to see your cute little picture over there with the other cute little pictures.

To enter, leave a comment here sharing who you'd be designing that superhero cape for and why.

For a second chance to win, head over to their Facebook page and click on "like." Leave them some love on their wall there telling them www.myoverthinking.com sent you. And, make sure you head back over here and tell me you did, okay?

__________________________________________________________

That's all you gotta do to enter. Easy Peezy. And, so worth it to see your little superhero all. decked. out. for Christmas.

You only have through Monday the 19th to do it. So, get on it.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Don't forget to enter Monday's giveaway from Resurrection Knits. One more giveaway to go on Friday!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 6 Winners

2011-12-13T06:50:00.000-05:00

Can you believe we've finished 6 weeks of giveaways? Alas, this is the last week though. So, if you don't see your name pop up here as a winner, make sure you enter the last 3 giveaways this week. You still have a chance!

I really appreciate the work of Ru K'ux Na'oj, though I have to check the spelling every.single.time. I write it out. The winner of the handwoven table runner sold to benefit the local library there in Guatemala is Trista Z. Congrats, Trista!

Glad to know I'm not the only one needing to learn a thing or two about photography. Desi will be learning those things along with me as she downloads the photography e-book from Angela Braniff Photography for free. Everybody else, it's only $15 and super helpful. Head over and download it and help this family bring their little one home.

Perhaps I'm into High Strung Designs because I'm high strung myself (feel free to disagree with that). Regardless, I'm not the only one who likes what they do from the looks of how many entered to win the recycled guitar string bangle bracelet. But, only one of you wins it. Congrats to Bee W Bedard on her win!

Gneiss Spice. So, yummy. And, all those little jars and colors strike me as a work of art. The mysterious hofken will be receiving the gourmet salts in the mail. Everybody else, these make really neat gifts as you know. Mother-in-laws will love these.

Olive Handmade. I do. Olive handmade. And, so do you. A record number of entries for the adorable pillow. And, I'm tempted to give a false name of a winner and have Fallon send me the pillow instead! But, alas, that's not really in keeping with the whole purposeful giveaways thing. So, Kate Wilson, who said she wants this for her nursery...it's yours! Feel free to still take a minute to pop over to Kassidy's Facebook page and offer her some love and encouragement as she presses on in her fight against brain cancer.

Everybody who won--if we don't hear from you by Friday, we'll pick another winner because we want these all squared away before Christmas, okay?

Three more giveaways this week. Make sure you check them out!

Why I Have More Grey Hair - 5 Stitches

2011-12-12T16:16:00.000-05:00

While on the phone with Mark explaining why my day wasn't shaping up so great, I heard a thump. And, then some crying.

You know how sometimes you look at your kid and think, "hmmm...should I call the doctor? Do we really need to go to the E.R.? I don't know..."

This wasn't one of those times.

It was more like a "meet-me-at-the-ER-in-15-minutes" time.

Where apparently, getting 5 stitches is a lot of fun.

But, apparently, getting those aforementioned stitches out is not so fun.

And, posing for Mom to take pictures after the fact to show off how pretty she is, is just plain annoying.

I swear I have a dozen more grey hairs than I did last week.

She's worth every one though.

{Purposeful Giveaways} Resurrection Knits

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Canada is a long ways away from Phili. Wish it weren't though because I'd love to get to know this couple.

Married at 19 and now, 5 years later, a full family of 5 with a 4 year old daughter and 1 year old boy-girl twins. Martin and Jeannie and their little ones live in an 800-square-foot house built a century ago in Iron Springs, Alberta, Canada.

Nearly 3 years ago, they learned to knit together. It's their "thing." They sit, relax together, and knit. And, it's one of those things they can put down and easily pick up again when little ones need some attention. They carefully and painstakingly unravel old knit sweaters back into balls of yarn and reknit them into hats, scarves, mitts, and more--resurrecting them into new creations.

It dawned on them as they were creating all sorts of beautiful things that they could make money doing this. But, they decided not to.

Martin asked me:

Can you imagine the global impact it would make if everyone found a realistic way of donating their spare time, even if it were only ten minutes a day? If we just worked hard with our hands and started creating valuable things and giving to those in need?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Martin and Jeannie give every penny made from their Etsy store Resurrection Knits (they are personally covering the cost of supplies) to the International Justice Mission, a fearless organization committed to ending modern day slavery and oppression of vulnerable people around the world.

Their goal? To sell out. Every last item. Sold.

Come on, folks. We can help them do that. Every penny goes to International Justice Mission. And, you get an incredible handmade item that I can personally testify to is really a treasure (though I rarely get to wear it myself since I am finding some little people in my home keep stealing it)

And, in an effort to get people over to their site and rally them around the cause, they are offering one of these adorable headband, ear warmer, scarfette in ivory to one very blessed winner (and any little ones who might want to steal it from that very blessed winner).

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. I won't make you. But, I'd love to look over there on the side somewhere and see your cute picture.

To enter, leave a comment here with your favorite item from Resurrection Knits.

For a second entry, share this link on FB, Twitter, or your blog. Help this family promote what they are sacrificially doing, and let's get that store SOLD OUT. Just leave a second comment telling me where you shared.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better. And, it's all for a purpose, people.

You only have through Monday the 19th to enter.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Only two more purposeful giveaways--Wednesday and Friday of this week. And, be sure to enter the ones that end tonight too, okay? The more, the merrier.

{Purposeful Giveaways} Olive Handmade

2011-12-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

Please can I enter my own giveaway?

fooey.

Olive Handmade is one my new favorite haunts. Can pillows be delicious? I think so.

Fallon taught herself to sew and just opened an Etsy store "for fun." But, she's realized she could actually make this a career. What is now her 2nd job after working in retail with her family will, hopefully, become a full-time gig for her soon. And, at the rate of how much she is selling there, I think it will be soon.

What makes her things even more beautiful to me is the generosity that comes with them. A portion of shop sales go to her local Rescue Mission which houses a few hundred homeless folks in Las Vegas and feeds many more than that daily. They care for their physical and spiritual needs there and help them get their lives on track again.

And, Fallon has another special project--all of her With Love pillow sales are donated to the family of a teen girl named Kassidy who is battling brain cancer. Her treatments cost nearly $10,000 a month, and Fallon does what she can to give to help defray that cost.

And, just to encourage you to head over to her shop and remember it when you need a purposeful gift, she's offering an Olive You pillow to one very lucky winner here (again, fooey it can't be me)

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, I'd love to see your cute little picture over there with the other cute little pictures.

To enter, leave a comment here with the name of your favorite item from Fallon's store Olive Handmade. Things are selling like crazy right now, but there are plenty of delicious pillows still there.

For a second chance to win, go like 16 year-old Kassidy's FB page called Kassidy's Army and leave her some love on her wall! I'm sure it would encourage her! Leave a comment here to tell me you did to get the second entry counted, okay?

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That's all you gotta do to enter.

And, you have through Monday the 12th to do it.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

We still have a few more giveaways next week!
And, make sure you enter all the other ones from earlier this week: Ru K'ux Na'oj, the Braniff family, High Strung Designs, and Gneiss Spice!

Anyone know how to buy lottery tickets?

2011-12-08T12:55:00.001-05:00

I'm on a hot streak.

And, for me, a hot streak is enough to make me feel like I just drank a pot of coffee--which is good right now since I fell asleep at the computer the other night and didn't wake up until morning (big editing job on my plate right now)

Tuesday morning, I got an email from one of the ladies at One Mango Tree. They had hosted a giveaway for the month of November that was for $100 at their store for the winner and $100 for the winner's friend. Entry? Write a 250 word little dealie telling them why my friend deserves a gift.

So, a few days before the giveaway ended, when I was waiting up at night for the Cyber Monday American Girl doll sale to start, I wrote about my kindred spirit, Stephanie, and emailed this in --

Christmas just got a bit more fun for my friend Stephanie.

After struggling to become pregnant, miracle baby number #1 arrived 3 ½ years ago and turned this couple into a family. Wanting to grow their family again, they were called to adoption and traveled across the world to China in June 2010 to bring home a little girl born with cleft lip/cleft palate. Lots of adjustments and some surgeries too. But, confirmation all along that they were right where they were supposed to be.

Then, something happened. They learned of a baby girl in a remote city in a country many people have never even heard of who was also born with cleft lip/cleft palate. And, she needed a family.

Unsure and a bit anxious, they took steps forward to discern if this little girl was their little girl. And, every step led to an open door; every open door to the next step.

On Black Friday, while most mothers were running around the mall, this mama was on a plane with her husband and her new baby girl. While we were eating turkey dinner leftovers, they were uniting 3 sisters for the first time.

Christmas is going to be interesting for them this year. Two international adoptions in less than 18 months = a lot of money spent. But, I have a feeling they won’t be worrying about how many or how few gifts are wrapped under their tree this year. They’ve got 3 precious gifts to celebrate.

So, the email I got from them Tuesday? We won. Super fun to call Stephanie and tell her she can have a mini-shopping spree for Christmas gifts or to get her self some goodies from One Mango Tree as a pick-me-up as she settles into their new normal as a mommy to 3.

I was still pumped about that when I got another call which put me a bit over the top (some screaming, some jumping up and down, lots of laughing--for those of you who want to know what Kelly "a bit over the top" looks like).

A store at the mall called. I had thrown my name into a box to enter a drawing for one of two American Girl dolls.

And, yup, my name was drawn.

Just like a pot of coffee, people.

I took my girls over to the mall last night and surprised them as we were handed Cecile WHO we learned is their character who lives in New Orleans in the 1850s and volunteers in an orphanage.

Can it get any better than that?

I have never bought a lottery ticket in my life. But, this might be the week for a first.

I'm feeling very thankful despite the dark circles under my eyes for the sweet blessings to me, my family, and my friends. During a week of high stress and late nights, these blessings that I did not deserve are sweet encouragements from Him to keep plugging away.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Gneiss Spice for Microfinance Loans

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our popcorn will never been the same.

As, Lydia would say, "Deeeeee-licious in my belly"

(her version of "yummy in my tummy")

And, it's all because of these nifty little things

How come anything little becomes cute?

These are cute.

Sweet, spicy, and savory spices to put on our popcorn to spruce it up a bit and make a real treat out of something simple.

Simple turns Extraordinary. I like that.

Beth has a great shop where she sells these awesome magnetic spice sets that I am so envious of.

If you all don't "pin" this organizer set, you all are crazy. So cool.

And, Beth has a heart for people and getting others engaged in helping others. She teaches at an inner city school in Brooklyn, NY and works hard to rally the kids for giving. She runs a knitting/sewing club in the high school and organizes a community service project each quarter for the kids involved. They knit bears for orphans in Haiti, sewed sanitary pads for young women in East Africa, and made gifts for women living in a domestic violence shelter.

Beth, can you move to my neighborhood?

In addition to all that, she uses her Etsy site Gneiss Spice to help a great organization--Kiva.

Beth sells this great salt set with gourmet salts from around the world--Bali, France, Hawaii, India, Nepal, Peru, and Salish. And, honestly, the set simply looks beautiful--look at the colors.

When you purchase this Salts of the World Gift Set, Beth uses $25 of the $48 purchase price to finance a microloan to a low income entrepreneur, a real person somewhere across the world who would not otherwise qualify for a traditional loan at a bank. You can even tell her what part of the world you'd like the person you support to be from. Or, you can go to Kiva's website and choose the individual yourself from their listing.

Beth loans the $25 and donates 15% ($3.75) to help Kiva cover operating expenses. Beth then will post to her blog about the individual you both have supported. You get your awesome salt set and can follow the progress of your entrepreneur together.

Now, THAT is a good Christmas gift people.

Perfect gift for the person who has pretty much everything already. And, a perfect way to give PURPOSEFULLY.

To get you over to her site and supporting this cause, Beth has offered one salt set here as a giveaway.

You all are so lucky.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. No pressure! But, would love to have you!

For one entry, leave a comment here sharing your favorite set from Gneiss Spice.

For a second entry, visit Kiva's listing and tell us which project you'd most love to see totally funded.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better. And, purposeful giveaways are about supporting great causes--so, please do go see the various projects these folks are working towards around the world.

And, please share the link to this giveaway so we can spread the word about this great gift opportunity, okay?

You have through Monday the 12th to enter.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Oh, it's not over yet, people.

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 5 Winners

2011-12-07T22:35:00.000-05:00

Oh boy. Choosing winners tonight was especially fun (maybe that's because I've been on a winning streak myself!)

So, drumroll please...

I love when friends happen to win. Sweet Cydil who will be a roomie of mine for the Created for Care conference in March (woot woot) won the beautiful Scripture print from Hermias Wishes custom made for The Sparrow Fund AND the necklace and earrings of her choice from The Sparrow Fund's Nest. And, Traci, who is working hard to fundraise to bring her little Isabella home, won the second print from Hermias Wishes. I have a feeling that will be pretty special to her right now.

Ruthie won the tee from Dandelion Dream--enjoy! And, fellow adoptive mommy of a blessing from Baoji, won the skirt and headband set---oooo, can't wait to see pics of L'il Empress in that set.

And, last but not least, 123 comments to win the amazing nest necklace from Agape Love...and the winner is...Sandra who is also waiting to bring her adorable sweet little girl home from China.

Yay for the 5 of you!

And, the rest of you, keep checking out the ways you can shop purposefully, okay?

{Purposeful Giveaway} High Strung Designs

2011-12-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Two truths and a lie.

I've published a book.

I've got a tat.

I'm a singer.

I've got a turtle which will remain unphotographed with good reason. I've had things I've written published in a book way back when, but I've never published a book (maybe one day). And, yes, I like to sing. Claiming to be a singer is a bit of a stretch; right now, the church worship team is as big of a gig as I get.

But, I love music.

So does Jenny Woods.

Jenny runs Musicians on a Mission, a nonprofit located in New Jersey that has gathered musicians of all kinds together to have a unified purpose. Their mission is to utilize the power of music to create connection and inspire giving. They desire to raise awareness, sensitivity, and funds to support charitable organizations in their community through planned concerts and events.

They just celebrated their one year birthday. And, in that one year, they raised over $5,000 for 10 local charities. Their last event featured 9 female singer/songwriters as well as 6 poets and 3 visual artists and raised $1,500 for the nonprofit 180, Turning Lives Around, serving women who have been victimized from domestic abuse and violence.

Jenny quit her day job and now works as a singer/songwriter, director of Musicians on a Mission, and designer extraordinaire at High Strung Designs, an Etsy store repurposing guitar strings to make wearable art.

like my super cute dangle bracelet here

(note. it's really hard to take a picture of your own bracelet on your arm.

I so need Angela Braniff's photography e-book)

Look at what else she sells--with part of the proceeds going to Musicians on a Mission to offset operating costs.

And, you have a chance here to win your very own bangle bracelet like mine.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, I'd love to see your cute little picture over there with my other cyber friends.

To enter, leave a comment here with the name of your favorite item from Jenny's store High Strung Designs.

And, if you want a second chance to win, leave another comment after you share this link on one of your online spaces---FB, Tweeting, blogging. Gotta help spread the word for Jenny and Musicians on a Mission!

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That's all you gotta do to enter.

And, you have through Monday the 12th to do it.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

A handful more giveaways coming--I can barely keep up!
And, make sure you enter the other ones from earlier this week from Ru K'ux Na'oj and the Braniff family!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Angela Braniff Photography

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Some friends who are volunteering with The Sparrow Fund came over for dinner last week. They are adorable. They graduated last spring. Got married right away. And, since she's from a family of 6 kids, they don't seem to mind the chaos of our 4 running around as we try to talk.

We talked about how we (okay, just me) wish we could get married again so we could have some phenomenal pictures like they have--he comes from a line of amazing photographers and the gene definitely didn't skip Ben. We have some nice pictures--but nothing like what cool people like the Leamans get nowadays.

It's pretty interesting how 13 years has changed the role pictures have in our lives. Perhaps it's blogs and social media that have helped to make photography more important today.

For people like me who long to have really good pictures of our families among the thousands stored on our hard drives, there's help...help with a purpose.

When Christoper and Angela Braniff started the adoption process to bring home a little girl from the Congo last spring to become their third daughter, they knew they'd have to fundraise to see this adoption to completion. As a professional photographer, Angela realized she could do something to help others and fundraise to bring Rose home.

And, so her photography e-book was created based on a beginner's class she taught.

50 pages full of images coupled with practical photography instruction for people who don't know what they are doing besides trying to get some pretty pictures. Whether you have an expensive DSLR that you keep stuck on automatic or a little point-and-shoot, you can get something out of this e-book to transform they way you "do" pictures.

getting blur when you want it and clarity when you want it; aperture, shutter speed, and ISO; composition, focus, and metering; exposure triangle; lens guidance...and more.

Angela just dropped the price of the download to a low $15.00 - $15 to teach you some basics of photography...and help bring Rose home to her family.

Total win-win. And, a great gift idea for a bloggy friend or someone in your family you don't want to just give another "thing" to.

And, she's giving one person here a free download.

Sweet.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. I won't make you. But, I'd love to have you!

To enter, leave a comment here with a photography issue you have that you'd like to figure out or tell me why you'd like to have this e-book from Angela.

For a second entry, share this link on FB, Twitter, or your blog. Help this family promote what they are doing to get the money they need to bring Rose home. Just leave a second comment telling me where you shared.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better. And, I'm looking forward to hearing that I'm not the only one stuck on the automatic setting on my very nice camera.

You only have through Monday the 12th to enter.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, if you win, know I've got the e-book too and will want to hear all about what you learn!

Everyday this week, folks. More giveaways.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Ru K'ux Na'oj - The Heart of Knowledge

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

See this beautiful building? It's our library, just down the block from our house.

And, it's totally full of books.

We don't consider everyday how blessed we are to have access to all these books.

Ru K'ux Na'oj means "the heart of knowledge" and was founded to give this blessing of books to people who don't have it in Guatemala in the city of Santa Catarina Palopó.

In 2006, Guatemalan university students established a library in this depressed city with the help of local organizations. There were then only a few books. In 2007, through donations, the number of books on the shelves began to grow. Through active fundraising and selling traditional Mayan weavings by women from their community, Ru K'ux Na'oj successfully doubled its literary resources during 2008 and reached almost 600 donated books in 2009. Since then, they have focused on promoting reading and the library through reading contests and teacher training opportunities while still growing their library. They are now working to get the funds needed to hire a librarian and acquire a larger space for not only books but furniture and shelving to serve the community whose interest in literacy has skyrocketed.

The sell some really neat items on their Etsy store for this purpose (just look here for my favorite).
And, here's your chance to have one of their beautiful pieces sent to you totally for free.

Up for the giveaway today is the red table runner pictured below. So bright and colorful. Really nice for the holidays.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, feel free to add your cute little picture over there on the right.

To enter, leave a comment here sharing your favorite item at Ru K'ux Na'oj's Etsy Store.

For a second entry, tell us what book you think is a must have for their library.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better. And, I'm looking forward to hearing what book you think simply needs to be there.

You only have through Monday the 12th to enter.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

We're not done yet! This week and next still with more purposeful giveaways!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Agape Love Boutique

2011-12-02T07:00:00.004-05:00

I originally found Agape Love Boutique because of this piece--her Water of Life necklace. So pretty. So unique. And, Maria-Isabel, the artist behind the store, gives 75% of the profits from the sales of this necklace to Compassion's Water of Life which works to provide safe water, healthy lifestyle education, and sanitation services to people in need around the world.

Definitely a great way to shop with purpose.

I also found at her store a necklace that I fell in love with that doesn't support a charity but is so full of purpose that I can't help but share about it.

She created a mother's necklace design that not only recognizes the children you are mothering now but also recognizes children you are not mothering--maybe babies miscarried, maybe a baby placed for adoption, maybe a child who passed away. There are the pearls in the nest--and white pearls outside the nest, on the chain to remember.

I love it.

She even has a necklace for mothers who perhaps lost their only child.

Isn't that stunning?

I'm thinking it could make a very special birth mother or foster mother gift.

And, as a mama who has experienced the sorrow of losing 4 babies, I needed this necklace.

I sat down with my children and let them each pick the color pearl they wanted to represent themselves. Even Lydia chose her own color.

And, I now have a precious treasure to remember all my treasures. When I wear it, Lydia touches the pink pearl and says, "Lydia." Totally warms my heart.

And, you have the opportunity now to have your own treasure

because Maria at Agape Love Boutique is giving away one custom nest necklace to a winner here.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't need to be a blog follower to enter this giveaway, but know that I'd love to have you!

For one entry, leave a comment here sharing one of your favorite items at Agape Love Boutique. Take some time to click around there--Maria-Isabel is so creative and skillful. I'm so jealous.

Really wanna win? (And, I know you do!) I'll give you a another entry if share the link to this giveaway on FB or your blog. Leave a comment telling me where you shared.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better.

You only have through Monday the 5th to enter. Only a few days! So, get right on it!

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

We're not done yet! Two more weeks of giveaways to go!

The Story of 3 Gifts - How We Do Christmas

2011-11-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

$450 billion. Americans spend about $450 billion on Christmas each year.

Way back when we started our family, we didn't know this number. But, we knew we wanted to "do gifts" a bit differently for our family.

We decided we wanted gifts to mean something.

When we were pregnant with our first child who is now almost 10 (gasp!), we decided we'd use gift giving as a teachable moment for our children.

And, so, we give them 3 gifts. That's it. 3 gifts. From us. Not from Santa. From Mom and Dad.

These three gifts symbolize those of the wise men. And, each year, before we open gifts, we read the story and remind the children about the wise men and the gifts they brought to baby Jesus, the incarnate God.

The wise men brought Jesus myrrh.
Myrrh was a valuable gift of practical use--it was used medicinally for all sorts of ailments from coughs to open wounds. It was a good gift to bring a mother of a new baby. And, in addition to daily use, it was used for embalming and anointing the dead. And, so, it was a prophetic gift, already setting up the Gospel story from the beginning. God's son would have to die.

Our children's first gift is a practical gift, something they need and can use daily--a piece of clothing, some sheets for their bed, something like that.

The wise men brought Jesus frankincense.
Frankincense is the purest form of incense and was primarily used in worship. When burned, the white smoke and sweet smell it produces is a symbol of our prayers going up to heaven and creates a meaningful experience for everyone present. It's a symbolic gift, pointing to Jesus fully being God, Emmanuel, God with us, the only one worthy of our worship.

Our children's second gift, likewise, is an experiential gift, something not tangible but something meaningful to us as a family--tickets to a theater show, a coupon for a night out with Daddy for ice cream sundaes, a night out at the ball park, something like that.

The wise men brought Jesus gold.
Gold was as valuable then as it is now. It was a precious gift, one that some say financed the family's trip to Egypt. But, it was also a very symbolic gift in that gold was given to princes when they were born. And, that is what Jesus is--royalty, a King in the line of David, King of the world, King of our hearts. When we become a follower of Jesus, we are adopted into God's family and we too become princes and princesses, heirs to the throne. We don't deserve it; no matter how good we are, we won't ever be good enough to deserve it. But, because of Jesus, God sees us like He sees His own Son. And, we become like Him.

Our children's third and last gift is a gold gift, something they really really want. Sometimes these gifts are a little more costly--like a lego set (shhhh....). And, sometimes, they really aren't costly at all, but just something we know they really want, something that is like gold to them. And, we just want to give it to them because we love them and want to bless them.

Of course, they have grandparents, all of whom dote on our children. And, now that they are older, we let them choose small gifts for each other that they pay for with their chore money (which is a teachable moment in an of itself). So, yes, they do get more than 3 gifts. Deprived they are not.

And, we know we are doing what we can to set them up to understand that Christmas is not simply about Rudolph, sparkly trees, cookies and milk, and boxes wrapped up with fancy bows.

It's about Jesus.

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 4 Winners

2011-11-30T09:32:00.001-05:00

I love winner picking day.

I go to random.org, put in the total number of entries, click a button, take the number that pops up and then count down the comments to that number. And, there is the winner. It's sorta fun knowing who won and knowing they don't know yet and looking forward to surprising them.

It's a fun day.

Sometimes it's just the little things.

Jiayin Designs--near and dear to my heart. I was hoping someone who'd really love the charm would win. And, I think random.org picked that someone well. Except her profile isn't public, and she didn't leave her email. SO, Julie, if you are out there, email me! I'll wait a week and then choose another winner if I don't find Mystery Julie. But, I really hope I find her!

And, the great children's book and the adorable hair clips--Francesca, you are a very lucky lady! She's a mama to a little guy, but I'm sure she will be able to find someone to use these goodies. Christmas gifts, maybe?

And, the Delicate Fortress giveaway--Bloomerbear, lover of the Iha Tote, entering in the last 15 minutes of the giveaway, won the animal backpack. So much for the early bird gets the worm, huh? Congrats, Patti!

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaways--from 6 different shops where you can shop with purpose. Don't miss them!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Dandelion Dream & Stitched With Heart

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's an adoption-fundraising-themed giveaway today. And, you know how I feel about supporting adoptive families. So, I'm pretty excited to introduce you to a couple today.

Erin. Super cute mama of 2 working her tail off to help bring #3 home from the Congo.

She's got a handful of different fundraising efforts that she's doing right now--go check out her blog to see all she's doing. She's got some incredible raffle baskets you can enter to win--please donate to enter them.

And, she's got a not-so-little crafter business called Dandelion Dream. Isn't that a dreamy name? Marketing totally sucks me in.

Carefully dyed
lino carved
hand stamped
tees

Most are organic 100%, from seed to shelf.

And, I'm totally in love with them.

One of each, please.

And, you know what Erin's doing? Of course you do...she's offering you a shirt of your choice from her Etsy store. You pick it. She'll send it to you...if you are the winner, of course. Otherwise, you pick it. You click on "Add to Cart," pay for it, and she'll send it to you. :) And, you will have a super cool shirt and know that you helped bring a little girl home with your purchase.

Maybe one day I will be as cute as Erin. For now, I'll settle for wearing one of her very cute tees.

AND

Desiree's the mama of 6 children...yes, 6. 3 of whom are from China. She advocates for waiting children, working hard to see them placed in families where they belong. Two or three years ago, she advocated for a special little boy. This past summer, they learned that he was still waiting, now 6 years old. But, he won't be much longer. They started the process to bring this little man home.

And, she too is working hard to use her sewing skills to make the money needed to fund his adoption.

Aren't these adorable?

She even makes matching headbands for them. Like this one.

Which is what she is offering as a giveaway today.

You lucky ladybugs.

She will customize the set for you to fit your little ladybug perfectly (12 mo.-size 6).

So, we're going to have TWO winners today.
First winner takes home the Dandelion Dream tee of their dreams.
The second winner will fly away with the super adorable ladybug skirt and headband set from Stitched With Heart by Desiree.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, come on and follow along.

To enter, you need to leave TWO comments--
First, go on by Dandelion Dream and share your favorite design. Make sure you check them all out--they are so fun.

Second, visit Desiree's blog and share your favorite fabric combination she's currently using for her skirts. I love seeing what she pairs together!

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You have through Monday the 5th to enter.

I'll choose 2 winners using random.org after that, 2 blessed winners.

Don't forget to go visit Erin's blog and donate a few dollars to enter the giveaway over there. The baskets she has put together are incredible. Just don't win the one I'm trying to win, okay? :)

Why I Have Grey Hair

2011-11-29T16:47:00.000-05:00

Some say grey hair is hereditary.

(my gorgeous mother, picture courtesy of my talented sister)

I'm thinking it has more to do with this one.

Who yesterday shoved a fruit snack up her nose. Which meant a frantic call to the pediatrician while she screamed in the background with an occasional "BOO BOO IN MY NOSE!," another frantic call to a neighbor who is an ER nurse, another frantic call to my husband at work, and then another call back to the pediatrician after it appeared as if the fruit snack had melted and had now run right out of that left nostril, which led to a "No more boo boo, Mama. Happy now."

At least she won't do that again.

Or so I thought.

Turned around in the car today to find her with a veggie stick totally sticking out of her nose as she just smiled.

10 more grey hairs today than yesterday.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-11-28T19:54:00.003-05:00

I've been so busy posting all the Purposeful Giveaways (4 open right now and more coming this week!) that I've barely just posted about life lately. Sorta goes with how my days have been these last couple weeks though--driven by lists of things to do. I'm crazy with my lists. Something about checking things off makes me feel good.

But, with Thanksgiving means the start of Christmas. And, I'm not going to let lists drive me. I'm just not.

Instead, I'm going to let some things roll that maybe I wouldn't have before. My kids aren't going to have great coordinating Christmas outfits. I'm not going to color code wrapping paper (anyone want to join my Type-A club?). I'm hoping to get a good family picture yet for a Christmas card, but I may have to settle.

But, we're going to have fun. I'm going to have fun. And, I'm actually going to celebrate Christmas enjoying our traditions and the meaning behind them instead of rush through it as I tend to do. Yes, I'll still do some overthinking because that's what I do. But, I'm going to overthink things worth overthinking--like Jesus becoming one of us.

So, there. I've said it. Someone send me a link to this post in a couple weeks, okay?

Lydia loved this guy and told him that she just wanted candy for Christmas. As if she doesn't get it every single day. Well, candy I can do. Check.

First tradition of the season--setting up the advent calendars with 24 little wrapped goodies from Nanma and Granddaddy. I'm already preparing myself for little mini sling shots pointed at my face, light up bouncy balls bouncing off my walls, and stickers permanently affixed to the wall at about my knee height.

Ah, Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Hermias Wishes & The Sparrow Fund

2011-11-28T07:15:00.000-05:00

I've found a friend. And, she's stinkin' adorable. See for yourself. Kim and her hubby just got married not long ago. And, even if she did want to hang out with an old lady with 4 kids, we can't because she lives in Brisbane, Australia. She ends all her emails with "Cheers" just to make that a little more clear. Darn it.

This girl exhales creativity. She's a graphic designer by trade and all into the DIY thing--she even designed and created everything for their wedding (check out that adorable bouquet and her sweet veil?). I found her late August on Etsy (I could spend hours there) as I was hunting for a 13th anniversary gift (lace themed) for my husband. She created the cutest little lace imprinted hearts for me that were perfect. And, after that, we started talking more. And, she learned about what we are doing with The Sparrow Fund.

The Sparrow Fund is committed to encouraging and supporting families as they prepare for the adventure of adoption through providing quality training opportunities as well as financial grants to enroll in programs specifically designed to provide counsel and comprehensive medical reviews of their referred child. It's our passion really--Mark launched the nonprofit last spring, and it has been awesome to pursue it together. The Sparrow Fund has an online store where we sell amazing Kenyan jewelry to fundraise as well as support the adoptive moms in Nairobi we care for who are beading to feed, clothe, and school their families.

Kimmi has had a heart for vulnerable kids for years, having sponsored a 6-year-old Australian boy for years now so that he can afford school supplies, field trips, uniforms, etc. And, she shared with me that she and her husband plan to adopt themselves from Columbia, her husband's home country, in a few years when they move back there.

And, so, she told me she wanted to partner with us. And, I'm so thankful for that. Look at what little Miss Creativity designed for us.

Isn't that amazing? She's going to sell them in her store starting in January when she returns home from her honeymoon, giving all the proceeds of sales to The Sparrow Fund.

But, I know some of you can't wait until then to get this 8x12 print. So, Kim actually created two prints just like this one and packaged them all up ready to mail to the U.S. and left them with her mom so that we can give two of these away here while she's honeymooning. I love this girl.

And, to make this giveaway even sweeter, The Sparrow Fund's store - The Nest is throwing in a mystery necklace and earrings. Winner gets to be surprised when they arrive in the mail, packaged up pretty ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

So, the first winner will receive the print from Kim at Hermias Wishes inspired by The Sparrow Fund AND a necklace and earrings from The Nest. And, a second winner will win the print from Kim.

You gotta enter this one.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, I'd love to look over there to the right and see your little picture.

For one entry, leave a comment here sharing your favorite item at The Nest. Be thoughtful about it too--if you win, I'll be taking your favorite into consideration!

For a second entry, just for fun, go "like" Kimmi's FB page and leave her some love on her wall--thank her for helping The Sparrow Fund, tell her how awesome her print design is, give her newly married well wishes...whatever. But, leave a comment here telling me you did it for your extra entry.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better.

You have through Monday the 5th to enter.

I'll choose 2 winners using random.org after that.

The Sparrow Fund has a Facebook page too. "Like" it to find out more about what they are doing, upcoming training seminars, or specials from the store. Keep your eyes open there for some awesome t-shirts we're in the process of having printed too. And, yes, Kimmi designed them.
I told you she was awesome, didn't I?

We're so not done yet! And, there are other giveaways still open, folks. Go enter the giveaways from Jiayin Designs for a custom Chinese charm, for an autographed children's book and beautiful hair accessories to help bring two babies home to their families, and for a cute animal backpack for your little critter from Delicate Fortress!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Delicate Fortress

2011-11-25T07:30:00.177-05:00

I know you all are out at your doorbusters as I post this. You are trying to find parking spots, fighting the crowds, standing in long lines, probably wondering what in the world you are doing.

Can I show you something? Put your bags down and read a little and then shop a bit from your comfy couch with no. pressure. at. all.

I want to tell you about someone I recently "met" online who I totally admire.

Karyn, a stay-at-home mom and occupational therapist, learned about the human trafficking crisis as well as incredible nonprofits doing significant work for human trafficking victims and survivors - work bringing hope, opportunity, and a brighter future through vocational training. And, her passion for the cause grew...or exploded.

She wanted to support these groups through her shopping and searched for a place where she could purchase items from artisans to support a variety of nonprofits to help fight human trafficking. When she couldn't find a single site like that, she stepped on up and created one--Delicate Fortress Creations.

Since its inception, DFC has opened its arms to over 25 different artisan groups around the world to fight human trafficking, poverty, and modern day slavery. Groups like Abba House Foundation, Radiant Hope, and International Princess Project...to name a few.

And, on top of supporting all those groups, Karyn has started a fundraising program too, giving 25% of sales using your unique coupon code during your designated week to you for your cause. All you do is share the code. People will buy...promise. Since September, she's held 5 fundraisers--2 of which were for adoptive families raising money for their adoption process. The last family who participated had 40 purchases from people from 7 different states. Those purchases supported 22 different artisan and nonprofit groups around the world. And, they raised $741.75 in that one week to offset their travel costs. That rocks.

There's so much I love on her site. I instantly fell in love with the animal backpacks from Made By Survivors--as did some one else I know.

In fact, she's napped with it and asked to wear it in the bath. It's an everyday accessory really.

Here's Lydia trying to explain to Daddy how a toy ice cream cone ended up flushed down the potty. Perhaps you can understand why the monkey is fitting for her, our little Chinese Curious George. (sigh)

Karyn is offering one reader here an animal backpack of their choice (panda, elephant, lion, or crazy crazy monkey)--let's hope your little one doesn't get into any trouble wearing hers.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. No pressure! But, would love to have you!

For one entry, leave a comment here sharing one of your favorite items at Delicate Fortress Creations (I could never ask you to choose just one).

For a second entry, go check out one of the artisan or nonprofit groups DFC supports and leave a comment here sharing which site you visited and something you learned about them.

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Only takes one entry to win. But, two entries make your chances better. And, purposeful giveaways are about supporting great causes--so, sure hope you check a bunch of them out.

You only have through TUESDAY the 29th to enter. So, I extended it a day. Gotta get you all home from Black Friday shopping to come enter!

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, please go to DFC's Facebook page too and like them--please, for my sake, at the very least?
For every new FB fan DFC gets this week, Karyn is going to her Cyber Monday sale by 1% for up to 30% off site wide! Yahoo! The final sale amount will be announced Sunday on the DFC blog.
Come on, we can get 30 new fans there.

We're not done yet! More to come! More to come!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Autographed Book and Hairbows

2011-11-23T07:30:00.003-05:00

I'm loving this giveaway. Such a fun combination--all you moms of girls need to enter this one.

I'm a part of a FB group for local adoptive moms. And, so is Stephanie Farley which is really cool because she's sorta famous, you know. She wrote the cutest children's book perfect for our little girls. It's called God Made You Beautiful. The message comes across loud and clear--it might be fun to play dress up and get all dolled up, but that's not what makes our little girls beautiful. God made us all beautiful. We all look different, and that's something valuable and worthy of celebration. Each page has a scripture verse on the bottom too that supports the message. The perfect book for all little girls--especially ones who may have physical differences they may be sensitive about.

And, the Farley family just announced that they are adopting! And, all the proceeds from the sales of her books ($10 for a signed copy) will go towards the $30,000 their adoption will cost. I'd love to hear that she's sold 3,000 copies, wouldn't you? Buy a copy for your favorite little girl--and enter here to win another copy to giveaway.

AND

I've got another friend--wish she were local, but she's not. But, she and I used to be local peeps way back when. Sharee is a terrific writer and has done a great job with her blog describing her journey through serious postpartum depression following the birth of their first daughter Sydney 5 years ago. She's now only weeks away from bringing home a newborn baby girl via a domestic adoption, and she's done a great job already blogging about that journey.

To help them with their fundraising efforts, a cousin of hers sent her a ton of the most adorable hair candy. Oh my. Too cute. An owl, a ladybug, a koala bear, a bunny, a soccer ball, a cow, an elephant. What a gift of love from her cousin. And, what a great way for people to buy something super cute and help them bring Maggie home (only $5 each and 5 for $20). And, you can start your collection by entering to win these 5 here.

Isn't that gift one just perfection?

A really neat giveaway combination that you can make into a special mother-daughter moment. Make some hot cocoa, give the hair bows, then read the book together.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. I won't make you. But, I'd love to see your cute little picture over there with my other cyber friends.

Leave 2 comments here (gotta leave 2 to enter!):
1. Share why you would like a copy of God Made You Beautiful. Maybe share who you'd read it to or why you think the topic is important.

2. Head on over to Sharee's blog and share your favorite hair accessory listed there.

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That's all you gotta do to enter.

And, you have through TUESDAY the 29th to do it. I'm giving you an extra 2 days from our normal Sunday night deadline. It's the holidays, you know.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Don't forget to follow both of these families' journeys as they bring a boy or girl home from Africa and one little girl home in just a few weeks from just another town.

A bunch more giveaways to go--keep on coming back!

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 3 Winners

2011-11-22T23:21:00.000-05:00

The giveaways last week were a big hit again. So thankful for so many coming over to check out these great places where you can shop with purpose this season and do something more than simply "give some presents."

Now...the fun part...choosing and announcing winners...

The Arton giveaway winner Cindy I'm sure will totally love her squirrel tote and some super cute tee of her choice. Don't forget to keep checking out Arton's site - I'm crossing my fingers to see Ashlyn's 15 minutes of fame there.

Fellow mommy of 4--with a little snookie bear from China too--Jerusha wins the fun junk art from Hepzibah House. Take some time to go shopping on their Etsy store too to support their amazing work helping women who really need them.

And, the amazing artist Sonya will be sending 3 of her prints to Gina, single mommy to one blessing from China and a waiting mommy for another blessing from Honduras! As one who so clearly loves adoption, I'm sure she'll be thrilled to have 3 of Sonya's work on her wall to talk to her children and guests about.

Week 3 and 13 ways to shop with purpose. Check.

More to come--Keep watching for them. Don't miss a single one, alright? And, share the link and spread the word - you can click on the little buttons under this post and so easily share on all your online spaces. Yes, it means more people will enter. But, it also means more people will shop with purpose...and that's the point, you know. :)

{Purposeful Giveaway} Jiayin Designs

2011-11-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

See this bundle of sweetness?

That's our godson Caleb. Isn't he just precious?

I would love to just snuggle him up and tickle those cheekers.

But, he lives in Beijing.

Here he is with his mom Helen and his dad Frank to his left.

And, those white people? They're my parents. They get to see him quite a bit.

Helen and Frank haven't met their goddaughter either.

But, we're hopeful to have those godbabies together one day.

For now, Helen and I are content to work together with Jiayin Designs with the purpose of providing families with treasures to celebrate Chinese culture or their child's heritage while employing Chinese artisans and providing some extra income for Frank and Helen to do what they are called to do. 'Nuff said.

We sell these dolls handmade by a sweet young girl in ZhuZhou City in Hunan Province. And, we just added a 4th color -- purple. Only have a few of them, and they aren't even listed on the site yet. So, let me know soon if she's yours.

And, we're giving away something special.

Our most popular item, the one that led us to start Jiayin Designs to begin with...

One custom name or word charm.

It's hand cut from sterling silver and made totally custom by a jeweler in Beijing just. for. you.

You can choose any name or word and either enclosed in a rectangle or circle frame or freestyle.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you'd like, become a follower somewhere over there on the right. Because, we're all friends here. But, if you don't want to, you can still enter.

Leave a comment here sharing what one thing you would most like to order from Jiayin Designs. Make sure to check everything out there.

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That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have through Tuesday the 29th to do it. So, roast the turkey, eat your turkey and cranberries and pumpkin pie, and then enter to win!
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Go "like" our Facebook page too if you haven't already--there are specials only posted there totally worth your click.

And, if you win or if you don't win and want to order a charm for a gift this Christmas, order before 12/1 to ensure delivery before Christmas!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Sonya for Cassie: Artwork for Adoption

2011-11-18T07:30:00.001-05:00

This is Cassie.

Well, she's Cassie on this side of the world.

In Guangdong, where she is living now and has her whole life, she's Zhong Feng Mei.

And, she is super super cute, isn't she?

And, this is Sonya.

Sonya's 8 and lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana with her mom and dad, though she started her life in Guangdong too.

And, she's eagerly waiting to become Cassie's big sister in just a couple weeks.

Sonya is pretty amazing. At 8 years old, she has an insatiable love for the outdoors and would rather be dribbling a basketball or shooting her bow and arrow over playing with dolls any day. She loves to sing and whistle and build interesting things with cardboard boxes--I like this girl. Sonya especially loves art. In fact, she attends classes at a professional art studio where she is creating masterpieces...seriously.

In an effort to make sure she would not be left behind as her parents travel to China in just a couple weeks now to bring home Cassie, Sonya devised a plan to raise enough money to cover her own travel costs. Sonya’s plan involved selling her very own artwork on her mom's blog. It didn't take her long to reach her goal of $500. So, she came up with a new plan to help pay her sister’s way home.

Her goal is $1,000. And, she has raised about half of that so far. And, it's no wonder. Masterpieces, people.

One of you will have the opportunity to choose 3 of your favorite prints to be sent directly to you. Sonya's mom Cheryl will be sure to slip them in the mail before they fly across the world on December 2nd.

And, the rest of you, please head on over and consider purchasing a print for under $10. That's nothing. Nothing for something...and something big.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter. But, would love to see your cute little image over there in my sidebar.

Leave a comment here naming the three prints you would want as displayed on Cheryl's blog. You can find the prints all on her sidebar there. And her email is right underneath them if you can't wait to see if you win and want to buy some.

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That's all you gotta do to enter.

And, you have until Sunday the 20th at 9pm EST to do it. Ah! That's only a few days away! Get right on it!
(And, don't forget to enter the giveaways posted on Monday and Wednesday from Arton and Hepzibah's House too)

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Share this link or a link to Cheryl's blog wherever you do that sort of thing. And, keep checking in on them--in just a couple weeks, you can join me in stalking it to see those first pictures of the sisters together.

So many more giveaways to go--I can't wait to show you what's coming!

He must have known I needed a laugh

2011-11-17T22:36:00.001-05:00

Drew came downstairs while I was frantically trying to finish up an editing job like this:

That's pirate gear and his Santa beard from Halloween.

When asked who he was, he told me "Whitebeard...you know, like Blackbeard?"

I love this kid.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Hepzibah House

2011-11-16T07:30:00.001-05:00

I'm big on name meanings. Hepzibah House grabbed my heart when I heard what it meant.

חֶפְצִי־בָּה - Hepzibah in Hebrew - "My delight is in her"

And, it's what God calls his people in Isaiah 62:4 - he delights in us.

What a fitting name for the ministry Hepzibah House provides.

Hepzibah House was born in January 2008 after John and Becky Dymond heard Derek Loux speak about human trafficking. They were heartbroken by what they heard - While the most lucrative criminal enterprise in the world is the illegal drug trade, human trafficking is currently second and expected to overtake drug trafficking in the next few years due to lowered legal risks and higher profitability. A kilo of cocaine may be sold once; a human may be sold again and again. Horrific. In global terms, human trafficking was estimated by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006 to be a $10 billion dollar industry. Up to 80% of those people are women and children, most of those exploited in the sex industry.

And so, the Dymonds followed God's call to do something.

Hepzibah House is a faith-based safe house and multi-faceted residential treatment facility for women freed from human trafficking in the south Florida area. They use art, music, talk and equine therapy, integrating both secular and faith-based therapies. In addition to addressing the mental and emotional repercussions of having survived human trafficking, they teach English as as needed and basic skills for securing jobs and independent living, preparing the women for an independent future beyond this tragic experience.

They sell items on Etsy to benefit their nonprofit. And, one particular item caught my eye--Hepzibah Girls. A key supporter was praying about ways she could lend additional support and this artwork--"junk art"--was born.

The world marginalizes women who have been trafficked, judging them and discounting the value of their lives. But, God delights in each one of these women. And, these girls symbolize God's heart.

Oh, these are so a must-purchase gift this season, people. So fun and funky and such a meaningful message and cause behind them.

And, we are giving you a head start. Hepzibah House is offering one here as a giveaway in an effort to bless one of you and also promote the work they are doing. And, I'm all about promoting their work. Please join me.

They are including two of these bracelets too as an extra little goodie--think "stocking stuffer."

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

I won't make you become a follower to enter. But, I'd love for you to join us here.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item currently listed at the Hepzibah House Etsy store.

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That's all you gotta do to enter.

And, you have until Sunday the 20th at 9pm EST to do it.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Share this link on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog. Email it to friends. Like their store and share some of their items on Facebook too. I feel so compelled to share about what they are doing for the "least of these." Please help do that too.

Many more giveaways to go - keep checking in, people.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Arton Collection

2011-11-14T07:30:00.034-05:00

They love children's art. So, they print it on stuff. But, that's not the only reason they do it.

The Arton Collection Project is dedicated to encouraging and supporting lil’ artists. As a mama to several lil' artists myself, I like their thinking. Their mission is to keep art a part of every child’s education--a mission that is getting to be a tough one in recent years with budget cuts all over the place in our schools.

Arton donates 10% of all proceeds to the Americans for the Arts, the largest arts based non-profit in the US, and an additional 5% is put into a scholarship fund for the participating young artist. And, they use their online presence on their website and Facebook page to promote art for kids--you really ought to check it out and like their Facebook page to see all the neat stuff they post there.

Each of their designs has a story. The lil' artists write a statement about their artwork, what it means, why they created it, how it makes them feel.

They are always looking for new lil' artists to celebrate too--got one who might want to submit a piece for consideration? We did.

You may be seeing this masterpiece in a few months on their site--and, oh boy, she'd be proud as a peacock (overjoyed as an owl?) to see her work produced for the masses. Oh yes, she would.

And, ooo la la, Jessica from Arton has offered a tote bag and children's tee of your choice as a giveaway. These are two of my faves. Both my girls would dig the tee design. And, I'm liking the bike tote for myself--though I guess I could share it with my kiddos.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

I won't make you become a follower. I'm hearing my mom's voice in my head saying, "You can't make them be your friend." But, it would be nice.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item currently listed at the Arton store.

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That's all you gotta do to enter.

And, you have until Sunday the 20th at 9pm EST to do it.

I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

Go pull out the colored pencils and get your artists workin'.

They might be the creative geniuses behind Arton's next product.

So many giveaways to go - do come back and support the other places as well. Okay?

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 2 Winners

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so super excited supporting all these places. Hope you are too. How can you not be, really?

Be A Voice gave the thumbs up for THREE winners. My dear friend Julie who may very well become my one of my children's mother-in-law, Kimmie Barnes, and Natasha H are the winners. Enjoy choosing the piece of your choice from Be A Voice!

Cheryl, who you will very soon learn more about, won the ruffle bum pants that I simply adore from Ribbons for Grace. Cheryl, if you can't use them, I can think of a tiny tooshie who can! I'm not above begging. I love them that much.

Jenna from CallHerHappy.com won the pretty necklace from BFK/Better for Kids. Jenna, wear it and think of the beautiful children BFK serves around the world. Love accessories that mean something.

Week 2 and 10 ways to shop with purpose. Check.

Lots to come--look for them every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until Christmas week. Don't miss a single one, alright? And, share the link and spread the word - you can click on the little buttons under this post and so easily share on all your online spaces. Encourage everyone to shop with purpose this season.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Better For Kids

2011-11-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

There's something that makes me want to do cartwheels when I hear about a regular person, a lay person, who feels called to do more and does it.

That's how we all want to be, isn't it? We want to hear the call clearly and be faithful in answering that call.

That's how Better For Kids got started.

Here's what they are doing--they partner with local churches and believers in Egypt and Ethiopia to share Jesus through caring for orphans and vulnerable children and families.

Their orphan home right outside of Cairo in Mokattam, Egypt is currently a home to 42 children. Because adoption is not legal in Egypt, there are more than 1 million children living on the streets. But, there are 42 less on the streets because of what they are doing.

Near the village of Zeway in Ethiopia, 20 live under the care of house mothers. Not only do they now sleep in beds with blankets and eat 3 meals a day, but they attend school and are growing into children of compassion themselves.

And, the impact of their work is being exponentially multiplied as these children grow under their care.

They have an Etsy store where they sell hand-stamped pieces with the letters BFK -- all proceeds support their work.

I've got a necklace myself--it's long and simple and looks cute on (though I promise you that having my 7-year-old take a picture of it on me turned out to be a picture I just wouldn't want to share with you all).

But, more than being cute, I love what it stands for. And, I wear it and know that in so doing, I'm somehow a part of their work. It's just a small way, but I'm standing with them.

And, you can too.

They are offering a giveaway here for one of their necklaces.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Don't become a blog follower unless you want to. But, I welcome you to.

Leave a comment here sharing why you would like to wear something from BFK.

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That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 13th at 9pm EST to do it--which is only 2 days away. So, get on it.
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, go buy something from the folks over at BFK knowing that you can wear or give a funky little something and be able to share how you supported children across the world with your purchase.

My giveaways before Christmas seem to be growing. More, more to come. Don't forget to come back and enter each and every one--and share the links, okay?

Beyond Orphan Sunday

2011-11-10T20:34:00.000-05:00

Orphan Sunday, recognized in thousands of churches across the country, was last week. Churchgoers across the country heard perhaps for the first time about the orphan crisis, about God's heart for the orphan.

My husband had the privilege of being one of the people who got to share that day. He was invited to preach at our church on Sunday...and preach he did. He joked at the start about getting permission to preach twice as long since church had been cancelled the week before due to a power outage. Good thing he did an awesome job because the crowd may have grown restless at minute 50 otherwise.

If you want to hear Mark teach about adoption and how it is the heart of the gospel--click on over here. Would love to hear your thoughts about it--but know that I'm my husband's biggest fan and think he pretty much rocks...because he so does. Just keep that in mind.

As we get ready for another weekend and move past November 6th, think about how you might be able to get involved in caring for orphans beyond Orphan Sunday. There are some great resources here including links to ways you can grow a heart for orphans in your kids.

{Advocating} Ready to Belong

2011-11-09T15:17:00.000-05:00

I never was an advocator.

I didn't think it worked, honestly. No one is going to randomly see a picture of a child and then decide to go through the lengthy, costly, and at times grizzly process to make that child their own. If a family is going to adopt, they are going to depend on their agency to find their child for them.

But, then, I had the joy of seeing this family find their daughter. And, I got to see this family find their son. In September, I helped a young man to advocate for a little man and watched a family fall in love.

And, I realized somewhere along the way that advocating for children does work.

When you advocate for a child, God invites you into His work of forming families.

And, that's pretty darn awesome.

So, here we go again, joining Him in His work, trusting that He already knows the family of this little guy and has already been actively preparing them for their son.

I helped Micah write this post to advocate for her young friend in China.

Read, share, become a part of God's work.

________________________________________

In July, my husband and I traveled to China to serve with Bring Me Hope to provide a camp experience for orphans. As prepared as you think you are with packing lists and immunizations and reading all you can beforehand, I wasn't at all prepared for what God had in store for me.

My heart was broken. My heart was broken over each one of those children He brought to that camp. Broken.

During my second week in Xi'an, I had the tremendous blessing of spending 5 days with a sweet little boy [David]. I'll never forget seeing him for the first time. He immediately reached for my hand and held it with a tight grip. He didn't want to let me go. I noticed right away that he had some difficulty walking. And, as we walked to the edge of the room together to play, I became more aware of the trouble he had walking. As I walked easily in stride, I could feel his body shift from left to right as we walked hand in hand. He has scoliosis. I imagine that the years of little to no treatment and no family to help him get what he needs has contributed to his rhythmic gait.

But, his spirit is so bright. He smiled up at me with an excited grin and told our translator he was excited to come to camp. Every few minutes, he would shift his entire body to turn and smile at my translator and me. I remember consciously noticing what a beautiful smile he had.

That first afternoon, we played badminton until we could play no more. And, he laughed and played with joy despite the differences in how God formed his shape.

When I think about [David], I think first of his sweet spirit--quick to listen, eager to try new things and soak every bit out of camp that he could. He had two close buddies at camp. They all lived in the orphanage together, and it was very easy to tell that they were best buds, three peas in a pod. It occurred to me that they were probably the closest thing he has to a family, the closest thing he has experienced of what it feels like to belong.

He was made paper ready, made available for international adoption when he was only 5 years old.

He just turned 8.

And, for nearly 3 years, he has waited, paper ready to be adopted.

[David] seemed most happy when he was beside his two best friends. I couldn't help but picture him home with a family, HIS family, and how happy he would be, how much potential he has, how much he'd grow and thrive. And, how tightly he'd hold the hand of his mother and father.

________________________________________

This little boy's name has been changed for the purpose of advocating.

Please email me if you are interested in learning more about him. I can send you additional pictures, and I can put you in touch with someone who can send you his full medical file.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Ribbons for Grace for Clean Water

2011-11-09T07:00:00.013-05:00

You need to hear this.

Seriously.

Do I have your attention?

Do you know that lack of clean water kills approximately 9,800 people around the world everyday.

Every. single. day.

Astounding. Frankly, angering.

And, while we are spending $450 billion on Christmas every year. Only $20 billion would solve the clean water crisis around the world.

How's that to take your breath away.

Charity: Water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. With the current number of drilling rigs they have right now, it will take 14 years to bring 100% of the people living in Northern Ethiopia clean water. With just one more rig, it will only take 10 years. If their current campaign reaches its goal, that number will be cut to 8 years.

Monica was moved to be a part of this effort. To celebrate her 28th birthday, she decided to shift her gifts to help fund this drilling equipment. She set a goal of $1,500 which she then upped to $5,000--she knows something big is happening here.

And, you can be a part of it too.

All proceeds from her Etsy store in November are going towards this effort.

And, I'm a big fan of her Etsy store.

Let me show you why...

When Lydia's wearing her Ribbons for Grace pants, her backside is just more fun to photograph than her frontside. I'm just saying.

And, these ruffle pants made from repurposed t-shirts are perfect for skinny little ladies like Lydia. Just perfect.

I'll take 3 different colors in every size until she's 12, please.

Want a pair for your little one? I know you do. And, here's your chance.

Monica is giving away one lil pair of t-shirt ruffle bum pants (newborn-18 mo. size) custom made for your lil one. You are going to love these.

__________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

I won't make you become a bloggy friend, but look over to the right somewhere there and consider joining the party and becoming a follower. But, you can enter even if you aren't.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item from Ribbons for Grace. Look around--she's got some other super cute things there.

For a second entry, give one reason YOU are thankful for clean water.

__________________________________________________________

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 13th at 9pm EST to do it.
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, go order some stuff from Monica knowing that you are helping her reach her goal and helping fund that rig for families in Northern Ethiopia to have clean water.

Lots more giveaways to go before Christmas. I can't even keep track of them all. So, put "checking in at www.myoverthinking.com" on your ical.

{Purposeful Giveaways} Week 1 Winners

2011-11-07T20:27:00.000-05:00

Wow.

What a response.

I shouldn't be all that surprised though. I know I'm not the only one who wants to shop with purpose this Christmas.

Our first giveaway was for adorable American Girl doll clothes AND beautiful photo postcards, both from families fundraising for adoptions. Love them. Wish I could win them myself. But, alas, random.org chose Naddez instead.

Our second giveaway was for handmade cards from Robin of the nonprofit Lefft helping families dealing with childhood cancer. Really sweet cards for an amazing cause. Congrats to Ashley Lou for winning the cards...and for becoming a mommy (her little one from Ethiopia will be home soon!).

Our third giveaway was for sweet earrings from Hannah James--such sweet things and I love how Desiree is using her store. Sara totally deserves to win--she's soon gonna have another girlie at home to share these earrings with. Don't forget to go check out Desiree's auction starting on the 12th--The Nest contributed some goodies to it, so be looking for that!

Thursday's giveaway was a big one--a fabric covered photo album from Gwyn and Ava Quilted and custom vinyl lettering of your choice from Tawyna M. Designs. 91 comments on that post, people. Wow. But, only one person wins--and the winner may be choosing a photo album with a Chinese theme because her daughter Tahlia will be coming home soon to join their busy house. Congrats, Johanna!

Week 1's last giveaway was from Chesapeake Ribbons for the adorable hair accessories like the ones we can't get enough of in my house. Fellow Etsy'er (who you will hear more about soon!) Monica won that one. Enjoy choosing something fun!

Week 1 and 7 ways to shop with purpose. Check.

Lots to come--look for them every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until Christmas week. Don't miss a single one, alright? And, share the link and spread the word - you can click on this little buttons under this post and so easily share on all your online spaces. Encourage everyone to shop with purpose this season.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Be A Voice

2011-11-07T07:30:00.011-05:00

We know first hand that adoption changes you.

It's changed the Palmers too. And, as they wait for their second daughter from China to come home, they have found a way to serve other adoptive families. Through Be A Voice, they have set out to bring their faith and interest in jewelry design together as a path to help raise money for families' adoption processes and orphan care.

To promote what they are doing and to get the word out to adoptive families who may be able to use them to raise funds, they are offering a special giveaway here.

3 winners will be chosen for this giveaway to choose whatever item they want from Be A Voice's webshop.

__________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you want to become a follower of this blog, go ahead and click on that button somewhere over there on the right.

Leave a comment here sharing your favorite item from Be A Voice.
__________________________________________________________

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 13th at 9pm EST to do it.
I'll choose 3 winners using random.org after that.

Go "like" their Facebook page too and share their links with any families you know who might be interested in fundraising for their adoption with them. They are ready and willing to help!

20 giveaways to go before Christmas. Isn't this so fun?

p.s. last week's winners will be announced as soon as I'm able to get the post up this evening!

She's learning too

2011-11-04T17:41:00.000-04:00

"Mommy, I have to tell you something."

That's how it started.

Ashlyn proceeded to tell me that a boy at recess came up to her and asked, "How much did your sister cost?"

Apparently, dealing with tough questions starts early. And, as prepared as I think I am and as prepared as I hope to help Lydia be, I guess I haven't totally prepared the older children for questions like this.

She walked away. Stunned, she didn't say a thing and went and told the teacher on duty who wrote the incident down to tell the disciplinarian.

"Well, you know, honey, we didn't buy her; we adopted her."

Yes, yes, she knows that.

She just didn't understand why someone would ask that.

"It's not like she was at a store!" she told me. Pause. "How much did it cost to adopt her?"

Do you tell your child this number? As overwhelming as it can be to some adults, I'm thinking telling that number to a child who can't count that high is probably not a good idea.

"It cost a lot of money. But, it's because we had to do a fill out a lot of papers and do a lot so China would know we were a good home for her. And, we traveled to China which is expensive."

"You had to pay for the paper?"

Not exactly.

I assured her that her response was fine. But, she can answer if she wants and tell them what I told her.

"You know, some people might really just be curious, honey, because they don't understand."

"He wasn't curious," she told me.

My little girl, proud as can be of her Chinese sister, volunteering to do a Chinese fan dance for her school class, who helps me set up jewelry from Kenya to help provide for adoptive moms across the world.

This wasn't her first experience dealing with someone who doesn't get it. The day after we shared the news of Lydia with our children, she took a picture of her new little sister to kindergarten, so excited to share the news. A boy on the bus home told her she was ugliest baby ever and ripped the picture. Ashlyn ran into our house crying. I cried that day too. But, I also told her she was the best big sister in the world, because she already loved her baby sister so so much. And, yes, I also called the school.

But, today, I called the school without crying unlike the call I made nearly 2 years ago. Today, I left a message saying I heard what happened and we've talked with Ashlyn and we've got it. That's it. Because, I realize, she's going to face questions like this for a long time to come. And, she's learning. All part of her process of understanding what it means to live as family brought together through adoption. She's in process too.

_______________________________________________

Don't forget to enter all 5 of the Purposeful Giveaways

that end Sunday night at 9pm EST.

Round 2 starts next week. Please come back to check them out.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Chesapeake Ribbons

2011-11-04T07:00:00.083-04:00

Hello, dear big bows. I miss you. Remember this post?

Well, Ashlyns even older now--she's a super cool 2nd grader who likes peace signs and ponytails. No. bows. And, unfortunately, as you may know, our little monkey...well...we got some time before bows are part of her get up.

If we are going to be doing ponytails, we will do them in style, darn it.

You may even catch me borrowing these babies.

Margie of Cheapeake Ribbons is a local lady who has figured out how to use her creativity to give to what she's passionate about--support autistic children and cancer research. I love when people do that. Totally makes me want to shop from them, you know?

And, to get you as hooked on her stuff as I've become, she's offering one winner two sets of either ponytail and matching pin sets or ponytail holders. Winners choice.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Go look over to the right somewhere there and become a follower if you feel so inclined--but, I won't make you do it to enter. Everybody's welcome to enter here.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item from Chesapeake Ribbons. Look around--she's got a lot more there than ponytail holders.

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 6th at 9pm EST to do it. That's only 2 days away, so get on it!
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, go order some stuff from Margie for your little princess--or yourself. I'm ordering more as stocking stuffers myself. It's a win-win.

21 giveaways to go before Christmas. I promise you, you do not want to miss them!

{Purposeful Giveaway} Gwyn and Ava Quilted & Tawnya M Designs

2011-11-03T07:00:00.090-04:00

Meet my new afternoon buddy -- little miss keep-me-warm. If I'm sitting still--and that does actually happen--this little miss keep-me-warm is with me. She's become as much my buddy as my afternoon hot drink. Can I confess here that I actually considered heating her up, putting her in an insulated bag, and bringing her with me to my Tuesday morning Bible Study? But, if I did that, I might need to bring my slippers too. So, she's staying home.

My friend came to me all the way from IL made by a creative mommy named Jessica. Jessica and Brian and their girlies Ava and Gwynie are expecting. They are waiting for their two sons/two brothers to come home to them from Rwanda. And, as they live in expectation, Jessica is doing what she can to make some money. Bringing home 2 boys from Rwanda is a costly adventure. So, she's making all sorts of goodies and selling them on Etsy as well as pursuing other ways to fundraise which you can find on her blog.

And, she's offering one of her special items to a winner here--a fabric covered photo album like the ones she has listed here. And, what's super fun about it is you can totally customize it--color, name, flowers, whatever your little heart desires. And, you know what I'm thinking? This would be awesome to take with you on your adoption trip across the world to show your new little one or orphanage staff your family. I bet she'd come up with a country specific design if you wanted her to.

AND

I also want you to meet Tawnya and Kevin. After trying to conceive for over 8 years, they have heard the call to build their family via adoption. And, like so many others, they've been overwhelmed at the cost involved but also overwhelmed at how friends and even strangers have stepped up to support them. They've had yard sales, t-shirt sales, raffles, and auctions in addition to a scrapbook business and custom lettering store whose sales are going to their adoption fund.

And, she's sharing something with you all--basically whatever you want. How cool is that? You can choose anything you want from her store OR you can give her any phrase you want and she'll customize it for you--color, font, and all. What phrase do you need--I can think of a few goodies.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Become a follower somewhere over there on the right if you'd like--though it's not required to win. Don't want to make you be my bloggy friend.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item from Gwyn and Ava Quilted

Leave another comment sharing your favorite item or what you might like to have custom made from Tawnya M. Designs.

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 6th at 9pm EST to do it.
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, go buy some holiday gifts from Jessica and some snazzy quote for your wall from Tawnya and support two adoptive families.

22 giveaways to go before Christmas. So, keep coming back, folks.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Hannah James

2011-11-02T07:00:00.012-04:00

Everyone, I want to introduce you to Desiree and her super cute family (and I'm not just partial to them because she's got a Lydia too).

They are in the process of bringing home a new son, a little man from Ethiopia, who will become their oldest child.

This creative mama started a little shop with all sorts of sweet little vintage looking pieces (how about this one? Seriously cute) in an effort to bring in some money to help with their adoption costs.

But, she felt called to do more.

And, I just love when people feel called to more and step it up.

Every month, she shares her profits--50/50--with another family who needs money for their adoption. Just go here and check out the families she's blessed so far through her store and her heart.

Today, Desiree is offering a sweet pair of earrings as a giveaway to one of you all.

in the color of your choice.

How will you ever decide?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You don't need to become a follower here to enter. But, you are welcome to. We're all friends here.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item from the Hannah James store.

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 6th at 9pm EST to do it.
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, buy a holiday gift from her store while you are visiting and support two adoptive families. And, bookmark her blog, folks, 'cause she's got a fundraising auction happening starting November 12th and running through the 20th that you don't want to miss!

24 giveaways to go before Christmas. So, don't go too far, okay?

{Purposeful Giveaway} Lefft

2011-11-01T07:00:00.085-04:00

Robin's the lady behind Lefft. And, her story is pretty amazing.

At 8 years old, after a little fall outside, her mother (a single mother of 3) noticed a lump under her arm that grew to the size of a tennis ball. A biopsy that week changed their family forever -- bone cancer. A battle began as Robin and her mom flew across the country for experimental treatments which included Robin's arm being amputated and intensive chemotherapy and radiation for over a year all while her brothers went from one family member's house to the next experiencing their own battles.

24 years later, Robin is cancer free and full of heart. She earned her Master's degree in education and has been teaching now for 9 years, currently teaching 2nd grade in Northern Kentucky. And, I bet those kiddos just love her.

During her summers off, she has volunteered at Flying Horse Farms, a camp for seriously ill children. Serving there has changed her life. Robin told me, "To be able to give back the same way people had when I was fighting cancer is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. . . . all things overwhelming about life just seem to disappear while you are there and you have a greater appreciation for life after being a part of something so wonderful."

A photo of Robin and a friend who lost her battle with cancer at a camp they got to attend as children.

The camp isn't the only way Robin has served families. She opened an Etsy store to help raise money as she started the process to launch a nonprofit to support families like her own who are battling childhood cancer. In October 2010, the Lefft foundation became official. The foundation assists families with everyday tasks that are more difficult to maintain when you have a child battling cancer. They also support the siblings of the cancer fighter by providing them with resources to learn more about their role in the process and by sending care packages, with the hopes of creating a sense of value and how they too are fighters in the battle and can also be heroes.

Her Etsy store continues to help fund these efforts. Her handmade cards and other items there have provided over $2,000 for her work.

Today, Robin is offering a giveaway for this set of handmade cards to one of you all.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

I won't make you become a follower. But, if you look somewhere over there on the right, feel free. Because, we're all friends here.

Leave a comment here naming your favorite item currently listed at the Lefft store.

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 6th at 9pm EST to do it.
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, buy a holiday gift from her store or some thank you cards for you to use after the holidays (thank yous are nice) and know that 100% of the money made goes to support her efforts to support families who really need it.

25 giveaways to go before Christmas. So, don't go too far, okay?

Halloween Stupor

2011-10-31T23:37:00.002-04:00

Just a few snapshots before I retire from another day of superhero-hood and Hershey bars.

{Purposeful Giveaway} Creative Mommies Dawn and Leslie

2011-10-31T07:00:00.008-04:00

Some people just ooze joy. I think Dawn is one of those people. Back in February, a precious little 3 year old in China diagnosed with cerebral palsy stole her heart. She spent months advocating for her, trying to find her a family. It couldn't have been them--her MS and early diagnosis of breast cancer meant they no longer qualified to adopt from China. Then, in August, someone challenged them and asked if they were absolutely sure they couldn't adopt her. They thought they were sure. Turns out, a couple of months of doctors visits and notes and lots of paperwork, and against all odds, China said yes. "The family I had been looking for for her was OURS all along." They are hoping to bring her home this summer and are doing all they can to fundraise to make that happen. They are selling goat soap that everyone raves about. And, Dawn burns the midnight oil making sweet little things for your girls' sweet little dolls.

And, Dawn is sharing some of her sweet little things with one of you. She's giving away this little dress and poncho and hat set (the pants are not included--just couldn't photograph a half-naked dolly!) to one lucky winner.

AND...there's more

Popular blogger and adoption advocate Leslie is a mommy to 5 children...soon to be 6 (not a typo. Yes, that's 6). They just recently sent to China what is called a LOI or Letter of Intent, saying "we want this little one to be our own!" Their "little caboose" is 20 months old and waiting for them in Guizhou Province. Since their journey to China back in September 2008 to bring home their older daughter, they had always hoped to go back for another daughter. In 2010, God took them on an unexpected detour as they brought home 2 sons, ages 10 and 5 at the time. And, now, they are headed back for that daughter after all. Leslie shared these words with me: "While our baby girl is as adorable as adorable can be, her sweet little heart is not healthy." Their waiting daughter was born with a single ventricle heart similar to her big sister's heart. She will need a complicated heart surgery when she comes home just like her big sister did when she came home!

Leslie is using her giftedness to make the money they need to complete their adoption and bring their baby girlie home. And, she really is gifted...I'm jealous. One day, when I grow up, I'm going to take really good pictures. Check out these photos she took that she's selling as postcard sets.

She is selling the Sunflower cards (3 different designs) as a set of 9 for $10. And, the Color cards are $5 for 5 cards. Aren't they gorgeous?

And, this first giveaway's lucky winner will get a set of each of these cards PLUS the dolly clothes. How about that for starting off Purposeful Giveaways with a bang?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Leave a comment here naming what color or pattern doll dress you'd most like to see Dawn make to sell. I have a feeling she'll be reading the comments here for ideas.

Leave another comment sharing your favorite design of the 4 different postcards Leslie is selling.
I won't make you become a follower here to enter. But, it would be nice. And, I know you all are nice.

That's all you gotta do to enter.
And, you have until Sunday the 6th at 9pm EST to do it.
I'll choose a winner using random.org after that.

And, go ahead, go freshen up your dolly's wardrobe and buy some sweet postcards to send out to all your peeps (you know, we do still like getting snail mail) and support two adoptive families as they bring little ones home.

26 giveaways to go before Christmas. So, keep coming back, folks.

Sunday Snapshots: {Snow}

2011-10-30T13:14:00.001-04:00

This is a first. At least for me.

I cannot remember ever getting snow in October.

But, we got it. Several inches of wet, heavy snow, most of which had melted by time I got myself outside (in my pjs) to take these pictures. Several inches which took it's toll on power lines and left us without power for several hours. It's amazing how antsy a family gets when they know they can't use any modern technology for an TBD amount of time.

And, we're in the process of getting a new roof put on. They promise us it's water tight.

Even the spot in the sunroom where the roofer fell through our ceiling on Friday and left a gaping hole, bringing wood down that nearly clocked Drew in the head.

No more dilly dallying for me. I've got giveaways to format for everyday this week.