Hi, readers!
Mariska Hargitay and Viola Davis both have new additions to their families via adoption!
Parents magazine has a new blogger. The subject of her blog: adoption.
Even though I don't always agree with certain viewpoints, I am happy that adoption is becoming a more and more talked (and written about) topic. I am also thankful that celebs, who are, whether we like it or not, role models, are sharing adoption photos and talking about their adoption experienes.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Family Christmas Project
Yes, Christmas is still over two months away, but being the planner I am, m formulating a plan to do a Christmas project as a family.
I used to love to do volunteer work. In high school and college I went on several week-long mission trips to American Indian reservations and other areas of the US that were poverty-stricken. Meeting the people, playing with their kids, and breaking a sweat (we repaired homes) was personally rewarding because we were doing something for others.
A crazy grad school schedule, followed by my diabetes diagnosis, followed by having two babies in three years...well, volunteering took a back burner.
I did, last summer, work at a hospital in the Diabetes Management Center. It was rewarding, but juggling childcare was a challenge.
So, I'm figuring out other ways to "give back" or "make a difference" (or whatever cliche phrase fancies you) without sacrificing the well-being of my family.
Readers, what can you do, particularly during the upcoming season of abundance (for some) to give to someone else?
A friend of mine told me about a private school in East St. Louis, an area well known for crime and poverty, that does wonderful things for the community's children. They are in need of certain supplies. I immediately felt as if collecting and purchasing (with my new found couponing skills) items for this school would be an awesome family project.
How to pick a family project:
1: What is your family passionate about? Hungry families? Orphans? Education? People with disabilities? The list of needs is endless.
2: What can you reasonably do for your selected organization or person? Compare this to what is needed. (E-mail the necessary people to figure this out). Then ask: Is this project a good fit for your family AND the organization or person?
3: Contribute with joy! Recently, our church asked for school supplies for low-income school districts. This was a fantastic project for our almost-three-year-old who was giddy over picking out Lightening McQueen folders.
4: Deliver. Take your family with you when you deliver your contribution. Let them meet some of those who are being blessed.
Another option, particularly if you really don't have time to shop or volunteer for a cause, is to give a monetary gift in the name of a relative who you would normally buy a gift for. Then give your relative a small token to remind them of the donation. For example, last year we gave money to a maternity home, and then gave a baby ornament to the relative to symbolize the donation in her name. This is particularly beneficial if you have a hard-to-buy-for or has-everything-needs-nothing relative.
'Tis the season to share, give, bless, and be blessed!
I used to love to do volunteer work. In high school and college I went on several week-long mission trips to American Indian reservations and other areas of the US that were poverty-stricken. Meeting the people, playing with their kids, and breaking a sweat (we repaired homes) was personally rewarding because we were doing something for others.
A crazy grad school schedule, followed by my diabetes diagnosis, followed by having two babies in three years...well, volunteering took a back burner.
I did, last summer, work at a hospital in the Diabetes Management Center. It was rewarding, but juggling childcare was a challenge.
So, I'm figuring out other ways to "give back" or "make a difference" (or whatever cliche phrase fancies you) without sacrificing the well-being of my family.
Readers, what can you do, particularly during the upcoming season of abundance (for some) to give to someone else?
A friend of mine told me about a private school in East St. Louis, an area well known for crime and poverty, that does wonderful things for the community's children. They are in need of certain supplies. I immediately felt as if collecting and purchasing (with my new found couponing skills) items for this school would be an awesome family project.
How to pick a family project:
1: What is your family passionate about? Hungry families? Orphans? Education? People with disabilities? The list of needs is endless.
2: What can you reasonably do for your selected organization or person? Compare this to what is needed. (E-mail the necessary people to figure this out). Then ask: Is this project a good fit for your family AND the organization or person?
3: Contribute with joy! Recently, our church asked for school supplies for low-income school districts. This was a fantastic project for our almost-three-year-old who was giddy over picking out Lightening McQueen folders.
4: Deliver. Take your family with you when you deliver your contribution. Let them meet some of those who are being blessed.
Another option, particularly if you really don't have time to shop or volunteer for a cause, is to give a monetary gift in the name of a relative who you would normally buy a gift for. Then give your relative a small token to remind them of the donation. For example, last year we gave money to a maternity home, and then gave a baby ornament to the relative to symbolize the donation in her name. This is particularly beneficial if you have a hard-to-buy-for or has-everything-needs-nothing relative.
'Tis the season to share, give, bless, and be blessed!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tidbits for You
Check out this article on talking to your child's preschool teacher about adoption----or not? :) What do you think?
Good nutrition for adopted kids is an important and often overlooked topic. There's a website dedicated to supporting parents and adoption professionals. Check it out!
Good nutrition for adopted kids is an important and often overlooked topic. There's a website dedicated to supporting parents and adoption professionals. Check it out!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
"Change is Good."
My father, a salesperson for most of his life, would often tell my siblings and me: "Change is good." During his motivational talks, he would take an air conditioner thermostat, showing his audience the area marked "comfort zone." He proceeded to talk about how so many of us refuse to step out of our comfort zones; therefore, our lives are mundane and predictable.
Maybe I'm having something like a mid-mid-life reflection of sorts. I'm turning 30 in January, and all the sudden I'm rearing at the bit to create some change in my life. This is really difficult for me, because between raising two babies who are dependent upon me for almost everything and having a forever-and-ever disease (type I diabetes) that requires 24/7 management, change is frightening. But it's also exhilarating.
So, in the works are several projects and changes. Some of you are probably thinking, "That's dramatic for you?" Yes. I thrive on security, predictability, and control. Part of it is my type A personality, and the other is my disease which teaches me that in order to feel well, I have to be in total control, all the time. I'm forever battling myself. Sigh!
First, my blog is getting a makeover by Fran at Small Bird Studios. Because I'm publishing more and more, my blog is getting more hits. I want my blog to not only inform and inspire, but I want it to look great and reflect how much I am thankful for my readers.
Second, I'm saying no to non-paying writing projects. I have finally built up enough publications on my writing resume to feel worthy of saying no to those who can't pay me for my time and talent.
Third, I'm working on two books. One of which is open to contributors. The other is in the hands of an agent. I'm praying that if God wants me to write a book, He makes it abundantly clear to me. I tend to put the cart before the horse, so I'm trying to be patient and accept if this is the right time in my life or not to write a book. I'm battling myself----deciding to accept that I am talented enough, smart enough, and experienced enough to attempt a book. (This didn't come easily to me, but a dear friend told me that I was good enough and to not pass this opportunity by. I love awesome friends like this!).
Fourth, I'm not going to let my appearance come nearly-last anymore. You know, I used to poke fun at my mom who would put on makeup just to run to Wal-Mart, but now I'm starting to get it. I'm purchasing some newer clothes that compliment my skin and hair, and I'm cleaned out my closet, donating all items that didn't fit, didn't look nice, or urged me to be sloppy. With two little girls, it's easy to excuse being a thrown-together-mama because inevidtably, I will end up with spit up, snot, or food on my clothes. But you know, clothes can be washed. I workout every day, so why not show off that hard work? I'm going to stop buying anything black (because it makes me look washed out), to wear my high heels more often (because I always feel a little more confident in heels), and to not let something that's not working continue (like my attempt to grow out my hair).
Five, I'm changing my goals and being open to the possibilities life throws at me. Steve and I are still considering adopting from foster care, specifically, an African American sibling group. I have so many doubts including if my girls will handle the change in birth order well, if I can manage my disease and take care of a large family, if we can afford this change, what we are willing to give up in order to have a large family, and so much more. But I know if it's the right decision, everything will work out.
Finally, Steve and I working toward spending more quality time together. Shutting the TV off can be hard after we've both had long, stressful days, but I strongly believe that united parents/partners create phenominal families! We're also using the questions from The Five Love Languages to guide us in some revealing discussions about ourselves.
The coming months are filled with possibilities, which I'm excited to greet and embrace. I hope that you are also accepting the possibility of change in your life---big or small---for the better.
Maybe I'm having something like a mid-mid-life reflection of sorts. I'm turning 30 in January, and all the sudden I'm rearing at the bit to create some change in my life. This is really difficult for me, because between raising two babies who are dependent upon me for almost everything and having a forever-and-ever disease (type I diabetes) that requires 24/7 management, change is frightening. But it's also exhilarating.
So, in the works are several projects and changes. Some of you are probably thinking, "That's dramatic for you?" Yes. I thrive on security, predictability, and control. Part of it is my type A personality, and the other is my disease which teaches me that in order to feel well, I have to be in total control, all the time. I'm forever battling myself. Sigh!
First, my blog is getting a makeover by Fran at Small Bird Studios. Because I'm publishing more and more, my blog is getting more hits. I want my blog to not only inform and inspire, but I want it to look great and reflect how much I am thankful for my readers.
Second, I'm saying no to non-paying writing projects. I have finally built up enough publications on my writing resume to feel worthy of saying no to those who can't pay me for my time and talent.
Third, I'm working on two books. One of which is open to contributors. The other is in the hands of an agent. I'm praying that if God wants me to write a book, He makes it abundantly clear to me. I tend to put the cart before the horse, so I'm trying to be patient and accept if this is the right time in my life or not to write a book. I'm battling myself----deciding to accept that I am talented enough, smart enough, and experienced enough to attempt a book. (This didn't come easily to me, but a dear friend told me that I was good enough and to not pass this opportunity by. I love awesome friends like this!).
Fourth, I'm not going to let my appearance come nearly-last anymore. You know, I used to poke fun at my mom who would put on makeup just to run to Wal-Mart, but now I'm starting to get it. I'm purchasing some newer clothes that compliment my skin and hair, and I'm cleaned out my closet, donating all items that didn't fit, didn't look nice, or urged me to be sloppy. With two little girls, it's easy to excuse being a thrown-together-mama because inevidtably, I will end up with spit up, snot, or food on my clothes. But you know, clothes can be washed. I workout every day, so why not show off that hard work? I'm going to stop buying anything black (because it makes me look washed out), to wear my high heels more often (because I always feel a little more confident in heels), and to not let something that's not working continue (like my attempt to grow out my hair).
Five, I'm changing my goals and being open to the possibilities life throws at me. Steve and I are still considering adopting from foster care, specifically, an African American sibling group. I have so many doubts including if my girls will handle the change in birth order well, if I can manage my disease and take care of a large family, if we can afford this change, what we are willing to give up in order to have a large family, and so much more. But I know if it's the right decision, everything will work out.
Finally, Steve and I working toward spending more quality time together. Shutting the TV off can be hard after we've both had long, stressful days, but I strongly believe that united parents/partners create phenominal families! We're also using the questions from The Five Love Languages to guide us in some revealing discussions about ourselves.
The coming months are filled with possibilities, which I'm excited to greet and embrace. I hope that you are also accepting the possibility of change in your life---big or small---for the better.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Etsy Gift Certificate Winner...
Jodilee!
Congrats! :) Contact the Etsy seller to claim your prize. :)
Congrats! :) Contact the Etsy seller to claim your prize. :)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Christmas in October: $10 Gift Certificate Giveaway!
Friends,
I'm so happy to share some information with you about my friend Elizabeth, an Etsy seller whom I ADORE! Her princess clips, featured above, are lovely; they are well made and support little girls of various races. You have the opportunity to participate in a $10 gift card giveaway to Elizabeth's Etsy shop. :)
First, here's some information about Elizabeth:
My name is Elizabeth Irving. I'm from Hudsonville, Michigan, and I make hair accessories for girls. My Etsy shop is called My Little Pixies, and it is so named for my two daughters, whom we have always joked are our "pixie" children because they are so little and sweet. I wanted my business name to reflect my girls, so that's how we landed on My Little Pixies.
I really believe in offering creative accessories for all kinds of girls. I love to create and offer items that reflect the beauty within every little princess. One of the best things about what I do is connecting with the many "friends." I've made in this wonderful community- suppliers, other creators, and clients. I opened my shop as a creative outlet- a way to justify a hobby I've had for awhile, and God has blessed it and allowed it to be a way to help provide for some of the little "extras" it's so nice to have every now and then. :)
Every little girl can use more hair accessories! At my shop, you'll find something for everyone- from the little Christmas baby to her big sister, or even the mom who wants to look extra cute for the Christmas party. I have lots of cute Christmas items, plus fun stuff for all year round.
-------------------------------
Giveaway Item: $10 gift certificate to Elizabeth's Etsy shop.
Entry dates: 10/5-10/10 (at noon, CST)
Ways to enter (up to five ways per person):
1: Become a follower of my blog, and leave me a comment telling me you did so.
2: Go to My Little Pixies on Etsy; leave me a comment telling me what you plan to purchase should you win the $10 gift certificate.
3: Become a follower of my blog's FB page, and leave me a comment stating you did so.
4: Post a FB or Twitter message about this giveaway, and leave me a comment stating you did so.
5: Leave a comment stating what your favorite holiday tradition is.
Winner: The winner's comment will be posted after 12:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, 10/10. The winner is responsible to contact Elizabeth and claim her prize.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Bedding
So, I went online to The Company Store and found two full size sheets that I loved---both on sale and in addition, I used a coupon (of course!). One is of multiracial fairies, the other flowers. My mother-in-law made this custom, reversible quilt for my daughter's bed, and is making an identical one for Baby E when she's old enough to be in a "big girl" bed. Benefit: sheets are far less costly than pre-made comforters! (Note: For a standard size twin bed, you will need a larger sheet than a full to make two comforters).
So, if you are frustrated, like me, with the lack of brown girls being represented, take matters into your own hands, pick your fabric, find a willing friend or family member (or pay someone if necessary), and create a one-of-a-kind creation that will comfort him or her night after night.
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