My Overthinking

Philly Area mom, Life forever changed by adoption

Day 2: Need coffee

Who’s crazy idea was it to take 4 kids to the Dogwood Festival without their father?

Oh, wait, that was me.

They went hog wild.

And, I was starting to go a wee bit crazy with a 3 year old running (no walking, only running) from ride to ride and three older kids each with their own plan of attack to get on those rides–different rides.

But, oh, the night looked different when reinforcements showed up and saved me from having to ride the dragon mini roller coaster again and having to force the children to actually stay together. Abbey and Ben are saints to me for sitting on a burlap sack and heading down the fun slide too many times to keep track of as well as going on a ton of dizzying deathtraps and walking Lydia through the Monkey Maze, the funhouse maze of mirrors, that has been my nemesis for years.

Clearly, I’m not the only one thinking the reinforcements are saints. As we parted ways at 9:45pm (whose crazy idea was this again?), Lydia yelled out the door, “Ben, I LOVE YOU!” 
All fun and games until this morning when the choice to stay out that late was not looking as good.
I lived life on the edge and actually drank my cup of coffee 2/3 decaf and 1/3 regular. Don’t judge me. I needed it after all that stress the night before. 
Once the older kids were off to school with dark circles under their eyes, Lydia and I got a dose of social caffeine via a little play date with some other adoptive moms and their kids. 

And, social caffeine is way better than the liquid kind.
Right now, as I type, Mark is going on an official tour of the university where he’s teaching. At least, that’s what the itinerary says. With no wireless where he is and a very busy schedule, I’m not expecting to hear much if at all from him. 
Praying his tour and his first experience on campus is caffeine enough for him. 

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Day 1: Game on

6 hours ago, Mark walked out the door with his backpack and his 49 1/2 lb. suitcase and set out for China.

And, I didn’t cry.

That’s a good thing.

I’m actually feeling quite confident right now, I must say, since I managed to go back to sleep for a bit then get up at 6:15 and get everybody ready for school and there on time.

But, it’s Day 1. And, I’ve got 12.

So, there could be some crying yet and some I-can’t-do-this-anymore talk comin’.

Gotta remember that I’m on the missions field here too–doesn’t always feel like that, but I am. And, I’m a part of what’s going on across the world too (and not just because of the fundraising and supply shopping and making gifts to take and all that). I’m sending him. With my blessing. And with a whole lot of excitement because I know great things are going to be happening over the next couple weeks. And, I’m so glad he gets to be a part of that.

And, at least we have this in our front yard for a few more days to take our minds off of missing him.

This might help me take my mind off things after the kids are in bed tonight.

If you want to be a part of lifting this team up, contact me and I’ll gladly send you a calendar to help you do that. 

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My Tree Treasury

I’ve got a think for birds. And, I’ve got a thing for trees. Put me in a store with a gazillion different eye-catching thingies, and I’ll find the branches and songbirds. 
Here are a few that caught my eye from some of The Sparrow Fund’s 2012 partners.
This print of birch trees from Thirteenth Story. Looks like something my kids would absolutely love to make up a story to go with it. 

Only $6.50 for these 5 Cards from Yes Teacher. If someone sent me this in the mail or hid it in the book I was reading, I would no doubt be having a groovy day. And, everybody needs a few groovy days.

Ooo….This Tree necklace from Peace of Mind is so pretty. Have I shared that I also have a thing for green?
Amylee must have a thing for trees too. This Tree art is one of several different tree designs she has created that are so great. Modern, fun trees with a message. 
This Skirt named “Simplicity Bark” from Red Pajamas with a cute gathered pocket could be just the tree accessory your little one needs. And, for only $15, you may want to get a couple more while you’re on her site. Lynette chooses the most fun fabrics. I love every piece. 
Have I also shared that I can totally be sucked in by marketing? Valerie at Ruffled Feathers just announced her new soft knot dolls–and the first one is named Lydia Love. Seriously? Oh my. Sweet Asian eyes–have you noticed how hard it is to get those right on dolls? Tree fabric. Red with pink polka dots (also have a thing for red and pink together). AND, Lydia Love? 

Get clickin’ and go snag some of these up before someone else does. And, when you do, go share what you purchased HERE so that The Sparrow Fund can get 110% of your total purchase. 
Hard to resist, isn’t it? 

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A challenge I’m doing cartwheels over

I’ve been working hard to promote The Sparrow Fund’s May fundraiser to Build the Nest.

When I asked online for bloggers to help spread the word by sharing their sidebar with us by adding this button (  ——–> see said button), I was not expecting to get this message:

I will personally match shopping made up to 1000.00.

How does that work??

wow.

She went onto to tell me how much she appreciates what The Sparrow Fund is doing and how she wants to encourage the businesses who have made such a big commitment to give 10% of sales to support adoption. She wanted to challenge people to step up and support the work and the businesses too.

And, she posted a blog entry today with that challenge — for everyone who comments there with their first name, the store name where they shopped, and the total amount spent — Leah will MATCH dollar for dollar in a donation directly to The Sparrow Fund up to $1,000.

So, if you make a purchase in the next 2 days from any of those stores, not only will 10% of your purchase go to The Sparrow Fund, you can make that 110% simply by commenting on her blog.

In case you needed an excuse to shop, I think you officially have one.

1. Check out the links to our partners HERE.
2. Purchase something or somethings–anything from jewelry to books to baby gifts to wall art.
3. Go make sure Leah knows you did by commenting on her blog post HERE with your first name, the store name, and the total amount of your purchase. 

We have until the end of the day on the 16th.

I know we can do it.

And, I’m already in awe of how God is multiplying that 10%…just like we knew He would.

(image courtesy of Red Letter Ink, one of our partners. Pretty sweet, huh? Go HERE to purchase it and HERE to see what else is for sale in her store.)

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