I love my bloggy friend Kristen for her craziness as a mom and her crazy passion for helping orphans.  Her blog {We are That Family} is wildly popular with moms and I’m also a big fan!  She has given me permission to post this incredible project on my blog to help spread the word.  I want to challenge all my crazy readers to join in the fun and help dress orphan girls in Africa.  I don’t sew, but I can definitely drive to Target and buy some adorable pillowcases… so can you!  Lets rock this party and help this amazing cause!

Crazy adoption friends, I want to thank you for supporting Adoption 101 and the amazing comments and emails you leave for me to read and inspiring others to look into the crazy adventure of adoption.  The advice I offer you in 101 are my own personal opinions and want to keep the door open for critique, advice, or guidance from you, too.  I’m just a mom and I learn so much from your adoption journeys!

As you already know from my crazy T shirt blitz… we are starting our 2nd adoption to Ethiopia.  We are completing our homestudy, (hopefully in the next couple weeks) so the subject I wanted to discuss on Adoption 101: Ready or Not is coming straight from my heart.  This has been a subject that my hubby and I have prayed and talked about for weeks.  Are we ready or not to start the next adoption?  Our hearts are ready to go forward 1000%!  We are prepared to work hard to complete the paperwork and fundraise for the cost of adoption.  We love being a mom and dad… there is no question that we want to open our home and hearts for another child through the miracle of adoption.

I feel like I’m starting an adventurous hike and my backpack is packed with most of the necessary tools I need to start the journey:  water bottle, snacks, extra socks, journal, band aids and flashlight.  I have friends who are ready to cheer and pray and support me to the finish line.  I’m a little out of shape, but I know I don’t have to run up the mountain… I can take my time and enjoy the beauty around me.  However, I don’t have a new map and I understand from others the trails have changed.  I see two roads ahead and I don’t know what path to take.  The signs are not clear to me yet.  I’m ready to start bouncing ahead full speed, but I’m starting to see warning signs pop up.

Hubby & I started talking about the reality of adoption and asking each other some really tough questions.  The financial cost is enormous, but we have the faith to know God will provide all our needs.  Here’s the tricky part of the journey… waiting for validation or confirmation from the Lord on His timing not our timing.  We are ready to move forward with our next adoption, but is God ready for us to move forward?   I read stories every day on blogs and adoption websites of the supernatural miracles for families fundraising.  I weep every time I read a new miracle of how God provides the finances for adoption.  We are struggling with moving forward with the process, not because of lack of faith, but responsibility.  We are praying fervently for direction.

I think the question comes down to – do we stop the paperwork and concentrate on raising the funds… all of it?  If we complete the dossier for an older child, most likely the referral will come quickly.  Are we being responsible to surge full speed ahead with the dossier, knowing we would be lost without a paddle if we did not complete our fundraising?  I trust in the Lord that He will provide in His perfect timing.  I believe if He wants us to adopt, He will open doors for us financially.

I’m working so hard (you are too!) coming up with ideas and creative projects, but now facing the reality of the costs of each stage.  We want to be responsible to our family, adoption agency and child waiting.   I really want to know your thoughts… will you share with me any advice, wisdom and guidance?  Are we ready or not?

I love my crazy readers and want to invite you to blog for me when I’m on my mission trip to Africa in July?  I will be in Uganda and Ethiopia for 14 days and want you to entertain and support and encourage and inspire while I’m gone.  Yep- I’m asking early to start getting things organized.  Here’s a few things I think would be great… YOU PICK:

• Are you a crazy mom or dad or parent-to-be or happily single?
• mommyhood
• Do you like to write funny, crazy, inspiring stories?
• Do you advocate for adoption or orphans?
• Do you have parenting advice on subjects that help with day to day craziness?
• Do you love to cook and share recipes?
• Do you have any DIY Mommy activities for the summer?
• ANY thing fun & crazy you want to share… sky is the limit.

If any of of these subjects make you want to be my crazy bloggy guest for a day, please leave me a comment on this post and add your email… I will contact you.  All I need is your “completed post” and some pics or video to match your subject or clip art + your URL link + 1 horizontal pic I can crop for the thumbnail at the top of post.  Deadline for guest posts- June 30th, but you can send sooner!!!

CRAZY ADOPTION FAMILIES:

I also need a new June, July, and August Adoption Family… leave me a comment. I need a few things:  photos, gotcha video (if you have one- HTLM code), and a few paragraphs WHY adoption has made a difference in your life, family, etc.  Also the challenges you have faced

and joys and miracles.  The post is meant to inspire and encourage, but also show the real side of life.  You can make your “adoption post” as long or short as you want.  Add 2-3 sentence testimoney of what adoption means to you.  That’s all I need for you to be a crazy adoption family!!!

Roger and I had no idea that we skipped the famous Pecan Fudge Balls the first night dining at the Grand Hotel.  It was such a simple name for a dessert.  We went for the Caramel Apple Bread Pudding and the fancy Mango cheesecake, but watched the balls passing by all around us.  They looked amazing.  We ordered the Fudge Balls the next night and we were not disappointed!  They are extraordinary and live up to their famous reputation.  We were Grand Hotel newbies, but quickly caught up by the end of the week.  I was so excited to find the recipe online and wanted to share the delicious dessert with my crazy readers.  I hope you enjoy and don’t gain a pound or two devouring this tasty Mackinac treat.

Grand Hotel Pecan Fudge Balls

Courtesy of The Grand Hotel

Pecan Balls:

1 quart vanilla ice cream
2 cups roasted pecan halves
FOR THE SAUCE:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups light corn syrup
1 pound chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon creme de cacao

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop the ice cream into a ball about the size of a baseball, perfecting the shape by rolling it between your hands. Roll each ball in the roasted pecan halves until well coated on all sides and place the balls on the parchment-line baking sheet. When all the balls are created, place in the freezer.

TO PREPARE THE SAUCE:
In a large saute pan, combine the heavy cream, sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract and creme de cacao. Let cool.

TO SERVE:
Cover the bottom of a plate with about 1/4 cup of the sauce and place the pecan ball in the center of the sauce. Serve additional sauce on the side if desired or store for another use.

Makes 6 servings

Pecan Ball – Ice Cream, Pecans, Fudge Sauce – you could make this at home. Loved the cute dish they served it in.

Zoie and I got to tag along on a business trip with hubby to the Win-Some Women retreat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. I have watched Somewhere in Time a dozen times, but the moment I stepped out on the grand porch… I really was swept back in time.  The porch is the longest in the world and we ran up and down with Zoie all week, so we can testify that the fact is true.

There are no cars, only horse carriages and bikes for transportation around the Island.  We explored every inch of the stunning town and met people who have worked and lived ‘summers’ on Mackinac Island for over 40 years.  Zoie loved meeting Mr. Ron who drove a horse taxi with Peanut and May.  She was fascinated when the horses did big poops and pee pee on the street.  They even have special poop scoopers that smile when they work to keep the streets clean.  She made friends with all the “shop” dogs too… her favorite, Miss Sadie, a precious golden retriever who licked loved on Zoie from head to toe.  The zillion fudge shops are the joke around town, but it was no joke- we gobbled down the gooey perfection every chance we had.  My favorite spot was the “Is it Chu” tree, where Jane Seymour saw Christopher Reeve for the first time, but really meant to say, “Is it you?”  If you listen, you can hear her mistake in the movie clip.

One of my favorite activities we did was rent bikes and ride around the entire island.  It was a 9 mile ride and beautiful at every turn.  Zoie sat in a tent with wheels and loved stopping to throw rocks in the lake.  We watched the sunset together, but made sure we were back in time for dinner.  The pecan balls were to die for… their famous dessert of ice cream rolled in pecans that sits in a puddle of hot fudge.  I definitely have not started my blog diet yet.  We want to thank the staff at GH that made our visit so special… Michael, Mr. Ethiopia, Andrea (thanks for playing with Zoie in the gift shop) Lee Sun, Ashlie (thanks for getting Zoie’s milk with a smile) Sunny and everyone that took the time to get to know us.  We can’t wait to come back to Mackinac Island!

It was so special spending the week at the Grand Hotel.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet hundreds of women who have a passion for the Lord.  It was an adventure I will never forget, especially the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves and the sweet aroma of fudge in the air.

Bloggy friends, have you ever been to Mackinac Island or stayed at the Grand Hotel?  I want to hear your special story of this magical place in Michigan.

Mackinac Blogs:

• I found a stunning blog that features the Lilac Festival starting soon… take a peek.
• Also, this blog from Bree who lives on Mackinac- is that Sadie dog?

Enjoy 3 funny videos of Zoie on Mackinac Island:

Zoie Feeds the Birds-

Zoie and Miss Sadie-

Zoie and the Horse Carriage Ride- she talked louder than the guide.

On the set:

The vintage 1887 Grand Hotel was a location for all three of the better-known movies filmed on the island; the hotel pool is named “Esther Williams” after the star of the 1947 movie, “This Time for Keeps,” filmed partly on the island and also starring Jimmy Durante.

Somewhere in Time
In 1979 the Grand was again the setting for a romantic fantasy titled Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Each fall the hotel hosts a reunion weekend of fans enchanted by the movie. Grand Hotel and Murray Hotel shows the film for their guests throughout the season.

Ice Bridge: Mackinac Island’s Hidden Season
This film follows islanders’ unique and quirky lifestyle throughout an entire year while tracing the formation of the spectacular phenomenon known as the “ice bridge” The filmmakers spent five full years filming on the island, then an additional five years editing footage and creating a meticulously crafted soundtrack. Blending their original music score with narration and rare island sounds, the film achieves an exceptional “being there” quality.

Kenneth Salmon, has worked at the Grand Hotel for 39 years.  He is vice president of hospitality.  The Jamaican staff are incredible and one of the main reasons the service is unforgettable!  Zoie was the princess of the ball at every meal.

Mr. Ron with May and Peanut.

“Is it You?” tree.

Look what I saw walking down the street… Simply Love T on Mackinac Island!!

Mackinac Video-

The Grand Hotel readies for another tourist season from Eric Seals on Vimeo.

• 1. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

  http://68.77.232.90/index.html

  In late Spring from June 9 through the 18th, this year’s annual Lilac Festival takes place on Mackinac Island. There are many special events planned including parades, tours, wine tastings and so much more. TIP: If you discover that it is hard to find accomodations at these times, just book on either side of the festival dates and you will still be able to experience the beauty of the lilacs and the island.

• 2. Getting There is Half the Fun! Starline Ferry

  http://www.mackinawferry.com/

  Taking the ferry to Mackinac Island is a fun adventure. There are 3 ferry lines and this one is the newest and fastest. The others–Arnold’s and Schepler’s–are just fine. The ferries leave from either Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge or St. Ignace on the north side of the bridge.

  The Grand Hotel will meet you at the ferry and take you and your bags up the hill to the hotel in a very wonderful Grand Hotel carriage. The other hotels will also meet you there, but not with as much pomp and circumstance. They will have your bags delivered for you to the hotel by bicycle. Where else can you have your luggage transported for you on a bike?! Everything on the island is transported by bike, or horse and cart.

  If you choose, you may fly to the island’s small airport.

• 3. The Grand Hotel / The Ultimate in Island Accomodations

  http://www.grandhotel.com/

  Ooooh, this is the big one on the island and a fantastic place to stay. If you want luxury, charm, history and a fabulous ambience, this is the place for you. This is where the movie “Somewhere in Time” with Christopher Reeve was filmed. I have stayed here 3 times and that is just not enough. The beautiful view of the Mackinac Bridge which connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan can be seen from the hotel’s long front porch. Have drinks brought to you by the pool or on the porch and enjoy a formal dinner complete with a full band in the evening. The food is excellent.

  TIP# 1: Ask for a room with a nice view. Not all the rooms have a view. TIP #2: Visit with the waiters and the bellmen. They are very interesting people, usually from the Carribean islands and supporting their families by working on the cruise ships in the winter and on Mackinac in the summer.

• 4. The Harbour View Inn/ Another Nice Place to Stay

  http://www.harbourviewinn.com/index.html

  Still a very nice place to stay, but a bit more affordable, perhaps, than the Grand is this romantic and historic inn. This is a hotel complex comprised of three buildings with lovely views and a quiet surrounding.

• 5. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

  http://www.mict.com/

  Exploring the island by carriage is a great experience. This carriage company was established over 100 years ago and is still run by descendants of the founders. You will have an almost 2-hour leisurely tour of the island with some stops along the way. It is a good introduction to the island and you will meander down wooded roads lined with wildflowers, including the beautiful Trillium in the spring. TIP: Don’t feel too anxious about timing. Tours leave whenever a carriage is full and they come around often. Life on the island is relaxed, so join in.

• 6. See The Island by Bicycle

  http://www.mackinacbikes.com/

  It is fairly easy to bike around the whole island. Its a beautiful, woodsy loop along the water and biking offers you an opportunity for a little exercise along with your sightseeing. There are some interesting stops along the way and by biking you can go anywhere you want at any time and, you won’t have any cars to contend with! TIP: take some water and snacks with you.

• 7. Tour the Island on a Horse

  http://www.cindysridingstable.com/

  Originally established in 1953, Cindy’s Riding Stable offers you the opportunity to explore the many trails on Mackinac on horseback. They will match you with the proper horse based on your riding experience and trained guides will help you to navigate the 83 miles of trails and roads. TIP: Book ahead of time as they have a limited number of horses available each day.

• 8. Rent a Horse & Buggy

  http://www.jacksliverystable.com/history.htm

  The other half of of the family business which includes Cindy’s Riding Stable, is Jack’s Livery Stable. For an exciting and new experience, take a horse and buggy on a trip around the island. The staff will give you instructions, and off you go!

• 9. Fort Mackinac for History Buffs

  http://www.mackinacparks.com/parks/fort-mackinac_6/

  This National Historic Landmark is 115 years old. This renovated military fort offers tours which include rifle and cannon firings daily. Its fun for kids and adults as well. TIP: At the end of your carriage ride, get dropped off at the fort for your visit there. Otherwise, the walk up the hill to the fort is a bit steep, and on a hot day it feels even steeper.

• 10. The Island at Night

  Night time on the island is the best time. The day-tourists (called “fudgies” by locals because they walk around eating the yummy fudge freshly made in several different downtown shops) are all gone and the island becomes a quaint and quiet little place. Walking the trails and boardwalks at night is one of my favorite things to do. You might even see the northern lights in the sky like I did one year. Make sure you see the Mackinac Bridge lit up in all its finery.

• 11. The Mackinac Bridge

  http://www.mackinacbridge.org/

  You can’t miss the Mackinac Bridge when you are on the island. Its right there, spread out 5 miles across the water. It is the longest suspension bridge anchored by cables in the world. A drive over the bridge is worth it and it will lead you into the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but that is another story….

• 12. All About Mackinac Island

  http://www.mackinac.com/

  This is the official tourist site for Mackinaw Island. It will give you lots of general information on lodgings, planning a wedding on the island, ferries to the island, shopping and more.

  Enjpy your trip to this fascinating and magical island in the Great Lakes.

Welcome to My Crazy Adoption blog!  I’m a big follower (like you) of Tom Davis and Children’s HopeChest Ministries.  I was so honored to host their 1st Valentine’s Day Project and “you” helped raise a TON of funds for new shoes for orphans in Ethiopia.  This week, I’m so excited to be a part of a new special project for HopeChest and Destiny Foods Direct.  They are partnering and working together to feed orphans all over the world.  I was thrilled to be asked to cook and blog about their project, as well as share a meal with you!

Zoie and I went crazy when this big box was delivered at our door.  I love how they make a bold statement with the packaging … right off you know you are making a difference in the lives of orphans.  Is this cool or what?  I have prepared two delicious recipes for you and even have a fun ‘Flip’ video of my awesome hubby grill’n the meat and showing off his skills.

A word from Destiny Foods Direct:

“Everyone need and buys food, but how you biy your food can change the world.  We get our juicy, prime and choice cut meats from the heartland of America served safely, direct to your door, which is readically more efficient and easier on your pocket book.  We take the savings to feed a care for ORPHANS around the world with accredited care givers.  We are changing the world through food.

All you do is take a few minutes to place your order online and withing 1-2 weeks your food arrives.  Together, we can change the way America shops for food.  Your food feeds twice!“  EVERY box results in a minimum of $50 donation back to HopeChest.

My Crazy Easy Chicken Recipe:

Step by Step Cooking Video- Part 1 & 2

I started out with my super-quick thaw chicken from Destiny Foods Direct. This company provides all natural beef, poultry, and pork–plus they donate $50 from every sale back to Children’s HopeChest.

Destiny Foods Direct ‘food facts’

Destiny Foods Direct will FedEx a 45-day supply of beef, pork, and poultry right to your door. Each piece of meat is individually quick frozen, and packed in a hard foam box with dry ice.

Why buy meat this way?

First, it’s cheaper. Destiny Foods Direct.adds no water or flavoring solutions to their products. These solutions add unnecessary weight and cost you more at the grocery story–10-20 percent more.

Second, it’s better. Look at those photos…the fat is trimmed for you. Who likes unnecessary fat on their steak. Yuck. Fat adds extra cost at the grocery store. Destiny Foods Direct. trims the fat for you, and only uses USDA “prime” and “choice” meat–a higher quality of beef than you are likely to find in the grocery store.

Third, it feeds twice. Every package of Destiny Foods Direct.products you buy will also provide food for orphans overseas. You feed your family with great food, and orphans are fed through a $50 per purchase donation that goes directly to Children’s HopeChest.

Thank you Destiny Foods for allowing my family to participate in this amazing project!!

Please leave your comments and let me know what you think about this amazing project.

I’m serious… my scale told me so!  I gained 10 pounds blogging this year.  I’m not making idle excuses, but I’m blaming my fluffiness on my blog.  It all started when I left blogspot (I do miss ya) and started My Crazy Adoption from my obsession passion with mommyhood, adoption and making a difference in the life of an orphan.  Things were slow in the beginning and I kept up a good pace of blogging, walking and working out with weights in my garage gym.  It’s dusty and dirty in there, but I managed to break a sweat at least 3 days a week.  I even had a rule… no computer time until 30 minutes of vigorous activity in garage gym.  Soon, however I noticed a shift in my obedience.

I started getting emails from you… my bloggy friends.  I was overjoyed that someone was actually reading my blog and taking the time to say hello.  When you leave me a comment on my blog after reading a post… it’s like eating a chocolate bar with 0 calories. Your comments mean the world to me!  I’m a mommy of 3 crazy kids, so the connection with other moms is vital to my day.  I love stalking your blogs, too.  I can spend an entire Zoie nap and barely tap a few blogs I love.

My weight started to creep on me slowly.  At first, I didn’t notice a thing.  I can blog in my adoption T shirts and baggy sweat pants, and no one can see me.  My rules started changing, too.  No computer time unless: 1. Zoie was napping or 2. all my kids tucked in bed with mommy duties done.  I snubbed the garage gym for a comfy spot on the couch with my Brookstone laptop pillow.  The joy of responding to your emails and questions about adoption has limitless power over me.  I can’t stop.  Your support, cheers and comments fill me up with energy and spunk, the kind I used to feel on a brisk walk tugging Zoie up a hill in her stroller.  I still take walks in the evenings, but my awesome hubby is there to share the load.  It’s our time to talk and share about our day… he gets to hear all about you!

I’m getting ready to face summer and swimsuit season is just around the corner (May 28th to be exact)  I’m going to start off with a bang and commit to 3 blogging days a week to keep up with the craziness of my kids summer schedules of fun in the sun.  I’m hoping to shed the bloggy 10 and still enjoy spending time with you – just on a reduced limited diet.  I still want you to email me, but give me a few days to respond.  I’m not ignoring you, but probably out at the park or swimming with Zoie at the kiddie pool wrapped in my new long cover-up from Target.  I look chic and the bloggy fluff is concealed.

You still might find me sipping McFrappes and longing for the lazy hazy days of blogging on the couch to start up again in the fall.  I promise I will be back full blog swing- 6 days a week when summer is over.  Keep blogging and reading and leaving me no-calorie chocolate comments.

It’s your turn to be honest… has anyone else out there in blog land gained weight from obsessive blog stalking or blogging about your kids.  If you have any tips on getting it off quick- let me know.  Just please don’t ask me to give up my chocolate chip scones and caramel macchiatos.

Adoption peeps… this is your day!  You have already added your comments up in “Shout Out” on the top flasher, but I want to upgrade and help share your fundraising projects with Linky!!  I love the new thumbnail photo Linky Tool that Brent Riggs created.  It will show off your thumbnail and link your URL.  My bloggy friend Stacy Richards guided me to this new crazy way to show off your fundraisers!  I have found it on several of my favorite blogs, so I’m going-for-it.

Why R U doing this?

Well, I’m glad you asked … we are starting our 2nd adoption and fundraising, too.  It’s soooo challenging to get eyeballs to peek at all the different projects out there in blog land.  I simply love helping families fundraise for adoption and want to help shout out with a new Linky tool.  God has opened up so many doors at My Crazy Adoption and we are all in this together!  Especially, if you are selling Simply Love shirts with the 13 countries!!  I get emails everyday from readers begging for the different country shapes.  This is your opportunity to get the word out in a fun, crazy way!

Who can post a Linky?

Anyone fundraising for adoption or mission trips.  I’m requesting only that you take the time to “follow” my blog so we can be real true BFF’s (bloggy friends forever) on Blog Frog or RSS.  It just takes seconds to add your name and URL.

How Do I Do it?

It’s so easy.  Write a post or use an old one from your blog- describing in detail your “fundraising project.”  Show off photos and share your adoption story.  Now you are ready to use Linky Thumbnail tool.

Post the permalink from your blog below. A permalink is the URL to a specific blog post. In other words, each blog post has an address and the permalink is the street number and the avenue. For example, my blog address is http://mycrazyadoption.com.  But the permalink to this post is http://mycrazyadoption.com/shoutout-for-your-crazy-adoption-fundraisers.  To get the permalink, I simply clicked on the post title and it popped up in the address bar. On your blog you must link back here to this blog and that your post is part of a “Shout Out” at My Crazy Adoption…….

When will the Linky close?

I opened up a new Linky open until Aug!!!!!!!  It’s located right under the “closed” Linky from last week.  Keep adding your blogs & links!!   Don’t miss out, but if you do … you can still leave a comment with your URL.

If you are crazy about my blog- become a follower, leave a comment, and share some mommy craziness.

I simply love chocolate.  I love hot chocolate, chocolate scones, mocha coffee, chocolate candy and my new chocolate Simply Love T shirts!  I’m so excited to offer you my favorite brand of T… Alternative Vintage, too!  They are the same slim I used for my Valentine HopeChest Project.  They fit slim cut, super soft and longer length.  I recommend ordering 1 size bigger.

I need to sell 100 shirts this month to keep up on our goal for paperwork payments coming up. Every T shirt you purchase on my blog helps bring home our daughter from Ethiopia.   100% of proceeds goes directly into our adoption account.  Please wear our T shirts and pray for our family and crazy 2nd adoption adventure this year!  We are currently updating our homestudy, but ready to start the dossier soon!  Tell your friends and family… help spread the news:)

You can click on the T shirt button on the top right and buy new ‘Chocolate Simply Love’ today!

How do the women slim T shirts fit?

I normally wear a Medium unisex, but feel very comfortable wearing a Large or XL Slim shirt- brand: Alternative Vintage.  My hubby took some crazy pics of me wearing the new slim shirts, so I hope that will give you an idea how they will look.  If you are interested in special orders- small, 2XL or 3XL you can email me.

When will I get my T shirt?

I have new chocolate slim shirts in stock in sizes Medium, Large and XLarge.  You should receive your T in about a week after purchase!

Why buy a Simply Love shirt?

Every shirt sold brings us closer to our new daughter.  We are requesting a girl ages 4 – 10 years old.  We are ready to face the craziness of our 2nd adoption and want to share it with you!  Thank you for your support, cheers and prayers!

Dear Ia Williams,

You are officially my #1 crazy adoption fan!!  You have no idea how much fun it’s been for me to meet you in bloggy land and your big crazy adoption family!!  I adore Nina and can’t believe we have not all met in real life, but we certainly have a special connection of the heart!  Thank you for our 5 handmade knit hats- a sprinkle of Norwegian love!  We love them and have been wearing our hats around the house… can’t wait until next winter!  Your passion and heart for adoption has made a huge impact on your family.  I have a little surprise for you… a special “happy” from your daughter Nina sharing why you are so crazy amazing!

xoxo

“So I’m sitting here racking my brain, to think of a fun story about my mom, and all I can think of is how sweet and sentimental my mom is.  Aside from my dad, she loves her children more than anything in the world.  I have two older brothers, Erik & Rune, and we fought like cats and dogs throughout our entire childhood.  Still DO sometimes!  :)  She was a serious trooper for putting up with us for so long! And now with the added spouses, 5 grandchildren (with three more on the way!)  One for us, and two for my bro, and sis-in-law in Oregon also adopting from Ethiopia, and 3 dogs!!  It’s usually chaos when we are all together (which is about twice a year.)  But my mom loves it.  She loves having us close, and being so far away from all of us is so difficult for her and my dad.  She has been knitting these hats and sweaters since we were babies.  When I was very little, she even knitted my dresses.  In Norway, when my mom was a little girl, all the girls had to learn to knit.  She excelled at it.  Of course, she’s an amazing seamstress too, always making us costumes for school and special occasions.  When we were young, we didn’t realize how special the things she made for us were.  And as a girl, anything different from the norm, was not so cool to wear.  My mom’s sweaters, while beautiful, stood out in junior high, so I wasn’t super gung ho about them.  Now, I can’t wait to get my next one.  All of us siblings argue over who gets the next one because we love them.

So obviously, my parents have given us the world and more.  The experiences they have allowed us to have, and the places they have taken us is more than we could ever have asked for.  I’m so glad my dad chose to sit next to my mom on a 30 hour bus ride through Scandinavia, because otherwise, I may never have come into this world to experience such a wonderful life with such an amazing mom (we call her Mamma, by the way.  Not Mama, mommy, or mom.  Simply Mamma.  Pronounced “Mum-a”.  It’s the Norwegian version of mom.)”  Nina Mullins, adoptive mom-to-be.

Thank you, Ia for making such a difference in the crazy adoption world!!

xoxo Kari

Just for fun:)

Did you vote today?  Help keep adoption on top mommy blogs- just click everyday … forever!

Thanks for all your emails and comments and fun links to post.  Here are just a few of my crazy favorite links:

• Sally Hansen ‘Insta-Dry’ Nail Color #02.  This is the same color as funky swirls on our women’s Simply Love shirts.  You can match your T shirts in an insta-dri!

• I’m a crazy follower of JunkPosse (my friend Tracy!) who makes the most stunning jewelry with passion for adoption and caring for orphans.  She has several new original pieces designed to help Haiti.  We are currently working on a project (coming soon!) to help raise funds for the orphanage I visited.  Take a peek.
• My bloggy friend in real life- Help Bring Home Baby G. I love the super cool design at the bottom of shirt.
  

Testing…Testing…. Help me test a new fun Linky Tool this week for a special post coming soon:

I’m testing today to see if my new Linky tool will show your thumbnail to link back to your blogs.  If you have a blog post that you are CRAZY proud of- a story, favorite photo, or anything you want to show off on your blog… copy the Permalink of the post and you are ready to Linky.

Here’s how to use Linky Tool Thumbnail:

Step 1:  “Click Here to Enter” below in red.

Step 2:  Post the permalink from your blog below. A permalink is the URL to a specific blog post. In other words, each blog post has an address and the permalink is the street number and the avenue. For example, my blog address is http://mycrazyadoption.com/ But the permalink to this post is http://mycrazyadoption.com/my-crazy-list-a-few-things-i-think-are-just-great.  To get the permalink, I simply clicked on the post title and it popped up in the address bar.

Step 3: Take a peek and see if your new linky thumbnail showed up at the bottom of post.

If you are crazy about my blog- become a follower, leave a comment, and share some mommy craziness.

Hannah made me delicious Pancake Puffs for Mother’s Day breakfast… I was so surprised and appreciated her spunk to try something new.  We found 2 recipes that you can try too.  I want to hear what is your favorite breakfast recipe (comments sisters!)

Easy TV Ingredients:

1 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar or brown sugar

How to make Pancake Puff:

Step1-In bowl, beat eggs lightly, add milk and flour. Beat with fork until blended but not real smooth.
Step2-Melt butter in 12 inch pizza pan or skillet.
Step3-Pour batter into middle of pan on top of melted butter.
Step4-Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Pancake will puff up in a peculiar shape.

Step5- Sift sugar over top, then cut into wedges with pizza cutter.  Serve with your favorite fruit or preserves.

A Few more ingredients + Traditional Pancake Puffs:

Ingredients:

• 1 level tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 cup flour (100 g)
• 1 cup flour (100 g)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk (250 ml)
• 1 tbsp butter
• Good quality butter and powdered sugar to serve

Preparation:

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the milk. In a separate bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, flour, eggs, yeast, sugar, salt and half the milk. Whisk smooth. Now add the remaining milk and beat again.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rest for an hour.

Melt butter in a frying pan. When it sizzles, add teaspoonfuls of the batter in circular movements to create the mini pancakes. Turn the poffertjes around as soon as the bottom has set, using two forks.

Serve Pancake Puffs with the best quality butter you can find and sieved powdered (icing) sugar.

Serves 4.

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I’m thrilled to introduce you to the Tucker Family.  Take a peek at Angie’s amazing blog, Giggles and Curls. Here is their crazy adoption story …

Four years ago this week, I became a mother…in India.  My husband and I boarded a plane to Kolkata, India, knowing that in a matter of hours, the child we had studied in the limited amount of pictures we received would materialize into real-life.  It had been a long road to our daughter.  After 5 years of marriage, we decided that it was time to start a family.  Just like so many other couples out there, it wasn’t as easy as it was supposed to be.  The culprit, in our case, was endometriosis…a nasty & severe case. While recovering from a procedure to relieve some of my pain, I started thinking about all of the children out there who were just waiting for a family…waiting to be loved.

Dustin and I had always been open to adoption.  In fact, at the start of our marriage, he and I talked about how we would like to have a couple of biological children and then adopt. We started researching international adoption, but decided to go ahead and meet with a fertility doctor.  Sitting in the waiting room at the specialist’s office, I looked around at the faces of the couples sitting in the room with us.  Some couples looked hopeful, and some emotionally drained.  I remember thinking to myself, “Why am I here?  I have a child in India waiting for me.” After our consultation with the fertility doctor, he confirmed what we suspected.  There was little to no chance of me getting pregnant without extensive medical intervention.  We could have moved forward with fertility treatments, but something didn’t feel right.  We left his office and the very next day took our first steps in the direction of adoption.

The next 2 ½ years were a whirlwind of emotions…anticipation, worry, fear of the unknown and love, immense love, for a child we had never met. Our adoption agency, Dillon International, was supportive, honest and patient in every way.  Jynger Roberts, our case manager, was an angel (even when my devilish impatience would rear it’s ugly head!)  We received constant affirmations from God, time after time.  Small, subtle nudges let us know that we were on the right path…the path that God had chosen for us.  We eventually accepted the referral of Supritha (su-pree-ta), a stunning baby girl with eyes full of wisdom and a head full of onyx black hair.  Today we call her Mia Supritha.  “Mia” means (literally) “mine”, and Supritha in Bengali means “good love”.  The name we gave her and her Bengali name fused together mean “my good love.”

Our plane touched down 15 minutes before Mia’s first birthday.  At the stroke of midnight, new friends & family – people who had never held her, but had carried her in prayer, serenaded Mia with the Happy Birthday Song in the middle of the airport.  It was a touching scene, and one that we will never forget.  One year after we brought her home, another miracle occurred.  We became pregnant.  Mia’s baby sister was born 3 months early, weighing 1 lb. 8 oz.  Once again, God revealed his love.  Today we have two beautiful, healthy girls.

Four years ago this week, I celebrated Mother’s Day weekend in India, and held Mia for the first time.   And for the first time I felt what it was like to love a child the way a mother loves her child.  And four short years ago, I understood more clearly the Father’s love for us.  It’s a love that is pure.  It’s a love that is true.  It is forever.

Please leave them some crazy love in the comments!!

Tucker “Gotcha Day” Video

Did you vote today?  Help keep adoption on top mommy blogs- just click everyday … forever!

I was giddy waking up and thinking “It’s Mother’s Day today!”  I couldn’t wait to see what Rog the kids had planned for me!  The night before, we howled through the crazy TV show ‘The Middle’ and the last scene when Frankie sighs in exhaustion, “I don’t ever want to do that again.”  The house is a mess and poor Frankie collapses on the bed after an awful Mother’s Day. Then her kids come in to collapse alongside her. Suddenly, Mother’s Day night suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.  If you want to watch the “Mother’s Day” episode take a peek.

Well, I wanted my day to be extra special just hanging out with my kids.  And, that’s exactly what we did!  Hannah made me puffed pancakes (wow!) and they each had cards that made me cry when I read them outloud.  They did their best to spoil me, even when I told them they had to watch HGTV with me all day.  Seriously, I’m so blessed to hear them call me mom, momma, mommy, ma, and my personal Zoie favorite … mommmmmeeeeiiiieee!  I just wanted to say “thank you” to my 3 crazy kids for making my moms day nothing like Frankie’s day… even though you are fully capable:)  You keep me loving, laughing, and living life to the fullest!  I love you just the way you are!

My crazy readers, what did you do for Mother’s Day…. I love being nosey!

My crazy readers, I want to know what you are reading? I want to start collecting books for my summer reading. Let me know the title of the book, author and why you like it.  Happy reading!

Also, what are your kids reading?

My crazy readers…. you begged for more and I listened!  Starting today my T shirt blitz just for dads!!  You can get Simply Love Man Up T shirts for your hubby for Father’s Day.  All proceeds go towards our 2nd adoption to Ethiopia.  Help us bring home our daughter!

Blitz ends June 1 (so I can have plenty of time to order & mail out before Father’s Day June 20th)

WHY MAN UP?

This is an amazing opportunity for your husband to advocate for adoption and orphan care… a walking billboard.  God has called our men to Man Up and protect & love the fatherless!

How do the T shirts fit?

I’m using the brand Anvil Extra Soft that fit true unisex.  They are roomy (NOT fitted!) and fit normal.

When will I get my T shirt?

I will work fervently to have all your T shirts in the mail before June 14th.  I want to avoid all the Father’s Day craziness!

Crazy Testimony from Kryste- *her blog and

*adoption blog- A Good Kind of Crazy

“…my husband Frank got home from 12.5 months in Afghanistan 2 weeks ago and I had a Simply Love tshirt here waiting on him. He loved it, wore it the next day and I took this picture after we left our daughter Z’s school from having lunch with her (he’s with our sons R and L). Our Zoe is the one who caught your Zoie’s name in the shirt before we even saw it and she thought it was the coolest thing.  We wear our Simply Love shirts EVERYWHERE… I have people ask me about it at the gym, at grocery stores, etc etc etc. LOVE IT!”

BUY NOW-

Celebrate Haiti with me today – enjoy some of my photos and song “Follow You” performed by Leeland.  If you have traveled to Haiti pre or post-earthquake, please share with me your experience and why you went to Haiti.  Please feel free to use any of my videos to help advocate for adoption and caring for orphans!

Haiti Mission Trip 2010 from Kari Gibson on Vimeo.

Bloggy Friends… thank you for joining me on my Haiti mission trip adventure this week!!  I’m heading out of town (again!) so I hope you spend some time reading older posts you might have missed – blast to the past!!  If you have any questions or comments about mommyhood, adoption or advocating for orphans email me.

My Journal Today:

(sitting on the airplane flying home)

Our group plans were changed so drastically every day that we knew it was God inspired.  God can set us up for great things if we don’t miss the blessings He provides.  All 14 of us NEVER wavered or complained.. but continued to thank God for the changes, re-direction and roadblocks.  We held on with flexibility and trusted God to be our fearless leader through Haiti.  He was our guide, security, protector, and adventure host on a Wild Goose Chase!  I prayed our team would be able to minister to orphans everyday and despite all the craziness – He did it!  The road blocks and detours opened doors for orphan ministry, food distribution, street ministry, 5 hour border ministry, road side guard silliness (guard + machine gun + rooster!)

The precious boy at the border crossing recognized our bus and new friends and ran toward us SMILING… something clicked in my heart.  This boy experienced love from our team – mother’s care and hugs from dads and a little spoiling too.  As we hung out the windows of the bus to say good-bye, he proudly held up his 2 day old flip flops, despite being back in his torn, filthy rags, but this time he smiled.  That’s what love is all about.

I wept after leaving the orphanage at Dos Dane.  I knew exactly why I was weeping and it overwhelmed my heart.  I clearly had a visual picture of Zoie living a life without us… this could have been my daughter had we not obeyed God’s calling and adopted.  Zoie had two very different life paths and I am now realizing how easily it could have gone the other way.  We would have missed the greatest blessings and opportunity to give the gift of a mommy and daddy’s love.  Peeking out the bus window, I cried tears of gratefulness and appreciation that God picked us.  My Zoie will never know what it feels like to sleep in a cold, dark room alone and scared without a mommy’s touch, nurture, comfort, and love.

We are going home changed.

I’m Your Billboard Today:

1.  Paige Alleca (Haiti team) is selling her T shirts for their Ethiopia Adoption.  You can click HERE if you are interested in supporting her project!

2.  The Jewett Family- your T shirt didn’t make it to me in time to take to Haiti, but my hubby loves it!!

3.  Shabby Chic Jewelry with a purpose… my friend JUNKPOSSE.  Hannah fell in love with the necklace – Speak Out. Speak Out for those who do not have a voice. Prov. 31:8.