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My Overthinking

Philly Area mom, Life forever changed by adoption

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Yes. {Rosie Revere, Engineer giveaway}

9.4.13

The colorful cover caught her interest, and she asked me to read. I was busy, watching the clock and trying to mentally plan the rest of the little bit of time we had before our house would be noisy again with children home from school. But, that was it; we only had a little bit of time before the cats would hide in the basement and backpacks would become kitchen floor coverings. So, we sat down to read.

Rosie Revere 1

Snuggled together in the middle of our floor, I started to casually read the story of a shy girl with hair swooping over one eye who makes trash into treasure when nobody sees until one of her inventions causes laughter and leaves her “embarrassed, perplexed, and dismayed.” And, then I read the words, “She stuck the cheese hat on the back of her shelf and after that day kept her dreams to herself.” And, I felt a lump in my throat and read on.

Rosie Revere 2

I was full in. Fully engaged in the story and anxious for redemption, I spoke the written words to Lydia as if they were my own of how Rosie Revere dreamed once again, designed once again, and crashed once again, learning with the coaching of her great-great Aunt Rose the blessing of fails.

‘Your brilliant first flop was a raging success!
Come on, let’s get busy and on to the next!’
She handed a notebook to Rosie Revere,
who smiled at her aunt as it all became clear.
Life might have its failures, but this was not it.
The only true failure can come if you quit.

Lydia sat still on my lap as I finished the story that had somehow become one of my favorites over the course of only minutes. The illustrations are charming and show people of all different shades. The story encourages science and making and building for girls. It serves as a tribute to the real Rosie the Riveter generation before us. But, more than all that, it’s a simple sort of parable for mommies, daddies, and children alike that there’s such a thing as “perfect failure,” leading us all to stand and cheer.

Rosie Revere 3

Lydia’s new book just became a living room fixture, and the words “perfect failure” one of my parenting and personal scripts.

After reaching out the author with these words, “I’ve just discovered my new favorite book,” she suggested giving someone here a chance to receive their very own signed copy of her new book. So, here it is, friends.

In my own Rosie fashion, simple but effective, just leave a comment sharing why you would want this book for your family. A week from today, on 9/11, a fitting date for an encouragement to keep on keeping on, I’ll randomly choose one of you to receive your own Rosie Revere, Engineer.

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: giveaways, Reviews

Despicable Me 2 Advanced Screening Tickets Giveaway

6.12.13

Already looking for some fun extras to do this summer to add to your pool going and library trips?

There are some really fun movies coming out this summer including Despicable Me 2. It’s been acclaimed as an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable daughters via adoption, the unpredictably hilarious Minions…and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

And, I just happen to have FIVE packs of 4 tickets each for the advanced screening of the movie in King of Prussia, PA on Thursday, June 27th at 7pm for some friends to use. I’ll be there with my 3 big kids and would love you to come with us! Let’s make it a little party, shall we?

(note: not sure how adoption is handled in this film. I’ll share after I see it.)

Enter super easily here. I’ll give the winners a week notice so they have plenty of time to go rent Despicable Me from Redbox in preparation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: giveaways

Trades of Hope for The Sparrow Fund {Giveaway}

5.28.13

When a few strong women get together, better prepare yourself for an impact on the world to be made.

When Holly and Gretchen and their daughters Chelsie and Elisabeth put their heads (and hearts) together, Trades of Hope was born. TOH empowers women around the world to create sustainable businesses. Their web store is full of beautiful treasures, but the most valuable treasures are the lives that are changed by income TOH provides to them via generous compensation for their wares so that they can pay their bills, send children to school, provide for their families.

trades hope Collage

In line with their mission to empower women around the world, they have a team of American women that is growing everyday who add a new label to that of wife or mother or teacher, etc. etc.—that of Compassion Entrepreneur. These ladies work together with unified heart and purpose—growing their business and empowering each other while being a part of something way bigger for women just like themselves all over the world.

I reached out to Trades of Hope to tell them about The Sparrow Fund and our heart and purpose to serve adoptive families. And, their genuine compassion overflowed. With a handful of adoptive families involved in Trades of Hope (including founders Gretchen and Elisabeth who have a daughter/sister from Haiti), they said YES and told us they were full-in to support our efforts to keep giving, keep serving, keep encouraging, and keep pouring into families. Trades of Hope generously donated $1,000 to start our nest building this month. 

They also offered to do a giveaway to all of you, just to sweeten the deal and drive traffic over here so that more people would hear about our fundraiser and efforts for adoptive families—a giveaway I’m certain will do just that since it’s three beautiful pieces worth nearly $70.

trades of hope collage

The Nepali Aqua Scarf, Tri-leaf Earrings, and Haiti Signature Bracelet – 3 of their top sellers. And, guess what? Since they’ve been following along with all that I’ve been doing this month with all the giveaways (and parenting 4 kids sans husband while he’s been serving overseas), they even sent all 3 pieces to me as a thank you! The giveawayer (aka me) got a super fun package in the mail herself! I can tell you right now that these earrings make me feel so cool (and maybe 10 years younger…). Have a feeling they are going to be my new favorites.

Enter to win these three pieces. And, go check out all the partners’ sites. (If you leave a comment naming just one thing you have ordered/purchased from one of them this month, you get an extra 10 entries for any of the giveaways going on right now…and there are quite a few!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May - circle - Building the Nest this may

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: giveaways, The Sparrow Fund May drive

Blue Times 2 for The Sparrow Fund {Giveaway}

5.28.13

Adoption is near and dear to the heart of Cara of Blue Times 2. She was adopted as an infant herself and knows the blessing of adoption. When we asked her to consider being a part of our efforts to Build the Nest through her great store, she didn’t hesitate at all, desiring to help adoptive parents (which she hopes to be herself one day).

blue times 2 Collage

 

She’s a specialist in personalized goodies—and has completely made me fall for her personalized iPhone/iPad plug wraps. I’m placing my own order today for one to match my Gripcase.

Cara is helping us Build the Nest this month, giving us a jump start by sponsoring the event. And, she giving away a monogrammed treat here just so that we can drive some traffic over and raise awareness of the Build the Nest fundraiser going on this month to benefit The Sparrow Fund’s work to support adoptive families. That’s what all these giveaways are really all about.

Enter to win this adorable summer market tote which will be personalized just for the winner. And, go check out all the partners’ sites. (If you leave a comment naming just one thing you have ordered/purchased from one of them this month, you get an extra 10 entries for any of the giveaways going on right now…and there are quite a few!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May - circle - Building the Nest this may

No related posts.

Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: giveaways, The Sparrow Fund May drive

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