{UPDATED WITH WINNERS}

Congratulations to the 11 winners of My Crazy Christmas Giveaway. Winners were randomly selected. Thank you everyone who stopped by and entered to win! You are a blessing to me… Merry Christmas!!!

1. Chip- Live-Dead Journal

2. Becky Allister- Trevor Birch CD

3. Michelle Miller- Trevor Birch CD

4. Chantelle Grubbs- Trevor Birch CD

5. Catherine Bertossi- Trevor Birch CD

6. BB- Trevor Birch CD

7. Justin Simmons- Live-Dead Journal

8. Hauter13- Live-Dead Coffee Table Book

9. Kit Hoeck- Tom Davis Gift Basket

10. Jess Roch- Tom Davis Gift Basket

11. Christy- Live-Dead Coffee Table Book

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I have collaborated with three amazing groups- 1 singer, and 2 unique ministries reaching the lost and touching the lives of orphans. This is simply an introduction, but in the next few months we’ll start some VERY exciting projects together. This is My Crazy Christmas GIVEAWAY – you have the chance to win some extraordinary gifts. I will randomly pick 11 winners on Monday, December 12th!!!

Who is Trevor Birch?

Do you remember this guy? He’s one of my best friends and launched his 1st solo album on 12/6! It’s such an honor to share a little (behind the scenes) with one of my favorite new artists. I want to encourage you to head over to iTunes and purchase his EP album of 5 songs.

Trevor shares: The development of this project has been an entire season of lessons on faith. That is why I’m so excited to tell you that my first solo album releases today, December 6th on iTunes. I had the honor of partnering with platinum selling producer/songwriter, Scotty D (Francesca Battistelli, Jeremy Camp, Jessie Daniels, Kutless and Jimmy Needham), to record this project in Nashville, TN. Early on in life, I discovered music has the ability to move people to worship and inspire them to action. I have been involved in the worship ministry of my local church since I was young and I believe strongly in the power of Christ to change a person’s life.  I have witnessed first-hand how music can be an integral part in that transformation. I am passionate about seeing others encouraged in their faith and it is my hope I can challenge others to see for themselves God has more for them than they can even imagine! Taking the step of faith to start this project was challenging, but God has orchestrated all the pieces to fall together in a way I could not have anticipated or planned myself. When I started the journey of recording this EP, I had so many contrasting thoughts and emotions. In recent years, I’ve been afforded opportunities to perform regularly for tens of thousands through my active involvement in my church home, James River Assembly.  But, at the time, it seemed like so many things were stacked against me—the loss of a job, lack of finances, finding the right producer, the divorce of my parents and personal insecurities.  Deciding that I would make the commitment to see this project through meant I would have to live out my faith in Christ in ways I hadn’t done before. The lyrics to my upbeat, guitar driven single, “Open Doors”, describes this journey perfectly: “Here I go even though I still have doubt / A leap of faith isn’t safe / But it’s about time I start trusting You.”

Giveaway #1 – 5 people will win a free Trevor Birch CD. Leave a comment to enter.

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What is Live Dead?

Live Dead: Planting Churches Among Unreached Peoples Through Teams

The Holy Spirit is speaking to his Church, reminding us of the passion that he has never relinquished — the passion to be glorified by every tribe, tongue, people and nation. We committed to taking the church where it does not exist; to making Christ known to people groups who don’t have an opportunity to know him. Live Dead is more than a strategy it is a bridge to practically make a difference in the statistic that 40% of the world lives without access to Christ. We believe that we can make a difference; we believe that we must make a difference. Live Dead is a re-dedication to pioneering whatever the cost. Live Dead realizes that the places today where the Church does not exist are harsh, fierce, lonely and demanding; yet we still must go there. Live Dead is a commitment to evangelism and church planting among unreached peoples in community through teams. Live Dead acknowledges that if unreached peoples are going to embrace Jesus as Lord, we must die to our selfish passions and small dreams and live joyfully surrendered to the will, plan and means of our Missionary God. Living dead is a call to joy, a call to life, a call of hope. Living Dead means listening to the Spirit calling us to “take up our cross” for the sake of those who don’t know what the cross is or what it stands for. Living Dead means listening to the example of those who have gone before us, men and women like Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said, “When God calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Living Dead means listening to the cry of those in spiritual death. They call to us: “We will live, if you will die.”

Giveaway #2 – Two people will win The Live Dead Journal and two people will win Live Dead Coffee Table Book. Leave a comment to enter.

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What is Children’s HopeChest?

My good friend, Tom Davis is simply one of my heroes for the fatherless! He shares his testimony here …. Today, HopeChest is a thriving international ministry to orphans, connecting them to the life transforming power of community-based relationships with Christians in the U.S. and Canada. It’s my passion to inspire others to find their place in orphan ministry and give themselves to the poor and impoverished children of the world. At HopeChest, we advocate a “community to community”partnership model. While many great organizations exist to provide individual sponsorship opportunities, we believe that holistic, sustainable change in the poorest communities occurs when one community partners with another.

We invite you to become an extravagant giver this year by joining Change Their Story. You are invited to sign up and fundraise for orphans who are starving and girls who are targeted by sex traffickers. Your family will never be the same. And if you aren’t ready to take that step, then consider making a donation or supporting one of our HopeRaisers. See the full list here.

Giveaway #3 – Two people will win Tom Davis gift baskets full of his bestselling books (signed) and stunning souvenirs from the different countries Children’s HopeChest serves. Leave a comment to enter.

If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF THE MISSION TRIP GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET READY FOR A LIFE CHANGING GOD-ADVENTURE!!!!! CLICK HERE TO VIEW …. IS IT YOU?

There were over 2,000 of you crazy bloggers who read this post!! The voting is officially over, but now the REAL fun starts. You can win a free mission trip by purchasing the 2 winning tees you voted for here. You heard me, I’m giving away a mission trip. You can WIN A FREE TRIP for you or someone you love simply buying a tee shirt- 1 tee + 1 entry to win! SOMEONE is going to go on a mission trip and not have to spend a dime. This opportunity is so incredible, you don’t want to miss out! There are 13 countries you can pick and 50 trips to choose from with Visiting Orphans. You pick!

Buy Your Mission Trip Tees Here!

I’m so excited to officially announce My Crazy Adoption Blog and Visiting Orphans has partnered for a VERY special project coming soon! I will let your imagination go CRAZY!! First, I need your help. This week, I want to know what Simply Go. Be. Love.  and Man Up Go. Be. Love. tee is YOUR favorite design! What would you wear?

Even if you don’t normally leave a comment or have no plans of buying a shirt, would you please consider sharing your choice?

We had some funky designers make 8 graphics for you to VOTE. Click on each tee photo to view close up. Don’t forget to VOTE for TWO TEES in the comments!

What are your 2 favorite designs you would wear?

•  1- Simply Go Be Love.
•  1- Man Up. Go Be Love.

CHOICE #1

CHOICE #2

CHOICE #3

CHOICE #4

CHOICE #5

CHOICE #6

CHOICE #7

CHOICE #8

{UPDATED WINNER}

**Congrats Andrea** Email me your sizes!!!

Are you ready to be a real-life super hero and take the oath to protect, love, and defend the fatherless? Well, every super hero needs a tee shirt to stand tall and boldly testify his commitment to live James 1:27.  I’m giving away 4 tees (2 adult + 2 youth) to a family (singles, too) that faithfully dedicates to simply love orphans together – minus the cape. You can go Up, Up, and Away with NEW super-hero Simply Love tees.

You Pick One to Enter:

(Let me know what you pick)

1. Leave a comment and share who your (or kids) favorite super-hero is.
2. Add My Crazy Adoption button to your blog or blogroll for daily feeds.
3. Share the Super-Hero challenge on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. (link- http://tinyurl.com/3be66jx)
4. Le me know how you would use your super-hero gifts to make a difference?

This is a 3 day GIVEAWAY!  I’ll announce the winner [here] on Monday with an **UPDATED POST**

Check out My Crazy Adoption Store.

You can purchase tees, hoodies, prints, beads, coffee mugs, and more!

[WINNER: JULIE]  CONGRATS!!!!!

I love being a mom!  In honor of our day, I’m throwing a special giveaway for moms (adoption waiting moms too) here on my blog and on My Crazy Adoption Facebook.  If you have not joined yet- click here. I’m giving away a Simply Love Tote bag filled with goodies- a few of my favorite things!  I will randomly select a winner on May 8th! This is a 2-day giveaway.  Don’t forget to wear your Simply Love Gear on Mother’s Day- together we can make a difference for the fatherless.  **I will post the winner on Twitter (@mycrazyadoption) and MCA FB… also at the top of this post sometime on Sunday.

Praying for all the mom’s I know who are waiting, grieving, longing, and loving.  Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is LOVE. (1 Cor. 13:13)

1 Mother’s Day Giveaway Winner (you get this…)

• Simply Love Tote Bag
• Dig Deep Coffee Mug
• Simply Love tee (exclusive)
• Priceless book- Tom Davis
• Strand of Uganda Magazine beads

Two Ways To Win…

1.  Leave a comment here and share with me: pick one

• How many kids do you have?
• What do you love most about being a mom?
• How are you spending your special day?

2.  Facebook Entry:

• Wear your Simply Love Gear and post your photo with your kids!

If you are selling Simply Love gear- please leave your link on My Crazy Adoption facebook, so readers can purchase your products and help celebrate Mother’s Day all year long!

{UPDATED with WINNER}

Congratulations to Marybeth Rolfe !! You are the winner of the Mama Kiki Tote- email me and let me know the color you pick and your mailing address!! 

This is a 4 day giveaway- you can enter 1x a day.

Last year, on my Uganda mission trip, I was named Mama Kiki by my beloved friend, Pastor Isaac where we served at Canaan’s Children Home.  You have no idea how much fun it was for me to hear hundreds of orphans calling me “Mama Kiki!!”  I adore my nickname and to celebrate my son’s 1st mission trip visiting orphans in Uganda, I want to offer you the chance to WIN your very own Mama Kiki Tote + 1 Uganda Magazine Bead Necklace.  You have 6 tote colors to choose from- this is EXCLUSIVE ONLY for the Giveaway winner.  colors- army, black, natural, navy, red (shown), and safari.

How do I win the Simply Love “Mama Kiki” Vintage Tote?

(you pick two)

Leave a comment and how you entered to win.

1. Click on my “Like” badge on the right side to follow my craziness on Facebook- shown on home page.
2. Add my new My Crazy Adoption blog button on your blog and stay in touch.
3. Shout out my Simply Love Tote Mission Fundraiser on your blogs or FB.
4. Share with me- where do you want to take your “Mama Kiki” tote bag?

What do I win? (tote details)

You win 1 Mama Kiki Tote and 1 Uganda Magazine Bead Necklace.  I’m stuffing the tote with a few of my favorite things… my crazy surprise for you!  Value- $50

This stunning vintage bag has the Simply Love Crazy Heart design, but faded to look really vintage.  The pockets and key hook help keep Mama Kiki organized on her mission trips.  Celebrates the verse- Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is LOVE. (1 Cor. 13:13)

Product details- canvas tote bag with double handles. features two outer pockets, one lobster clasp and one o-ring for compartment closure.

• 100% cotton canvas
• 19” length x 17” width
• this item is custom vintaged for a perfectly worn-in look and feel. nuances in color and texture are unique to each piece. hand wash with care.

Giveaway Ends April 18th- I will randomly select 1 winner and announce the name here on April 18th (top of this post on winning day!) and add your blog site, if you have one. Look for the *UPDATED with WINNER.*   You have 48 hours to email me your address and color choice… or I will have to pick another winner.  Thanks for your understanding!

How can you help my son go on his 1st mission trip?

• You can purchase a Simply Love Tote bag {exclusive design} Click on the store button here. My Crazy Adoption store closes on April 18th, so don’t miss out!
• Follow Man Up 4 Orphans Facebook Group.
• Pray for his mission trip!

I returned home last week from my Visiting Orphans mission trip to Ethiopia and I want to celebrate with you.  This week, My Crazy Adoption Blog will feature a special daily post sharing my top 5 blessings from the trip.  To kickoff missions week, I’m throwing a funky Giveaway featuring the incredible leather items of Carol McCoy, owner and designer of Real Leather Stuff.  Carol is currently leading a Visiting Orphans trip to Uganda (this week!) and helping orphans learn leather working as a trade.  Carol created a stunning Man Up 4 Orphans passport cover… Is that cool or what!

I will randomly pick a winner on Friday, March 11th….  1 blessed winner from the comments.  You can enter 1x a day!

What do you win?

You win a $100 gift certificate to purchase any of the items featured in the Real Leather James line (includes jewelry & passport covers)

How do you win?

You pick 2:

1.  add the Visiting Orphans button to your blogs- you can copy code on VO Blog.

2.  share about Real Leather Stuff on Facebook.

3.  Leave a comment and let me know what Real Leather Stuff you simply love- don’t forget to add your email address.

I told you they were stunning!!

Congratulations to the 2 special Valentine’s Day winners selected randomly from the comments-  please email me and I will give you the contact information to receive your stunning Simply Love necklace directly from Junk Posse.

1st Winner- Amy L. Quick

· 3 days ago

2nd Winner- Wendy Sterk

8 hours ago

Oh, pick me, pick me!! I love them both but my fav is the 2nd one. We have just completed our adoption and brought home a sweet little boy from Kazakhstan last week!!! I love the key and all that it can symbolize. Simply love reminds me that LOVE covers it all! I can not change the world, but for this little orphan, his world has changed. We just simply love him and have adopted him as our own just as Christ has adopted us!

I’m ecstatic to have one of my favorite jewelry designers, Tracy Hanson (Junk Posse) create not one, but two Simply Love necklaces!!!!  They are stunning and girlie and perfect for spreading simply love with funky style!!  I’m soooo giddy, I’m throwing a Giveaway on my blog.  Leave me a comment and let me know what necklace you would pick and why you simply love it.  I will randomly select two bloggers and announce the winner on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday 12/14!!  Email me if you are the blessed winners.

What do you win?

2 winners will receive a gift certificate to purchase one of the new Simply Love necklaces- you pick!!

Simply Love 1

Simply Love 2 – Front & Back

A little about Junk Posse Designer -

I am a Adoptive Mom & Grandma of 2 Amazing Guys and 2 Beautiful Bio Girls. I Love being Grandy to my three Grand-babys! I traveled last year to Ethiopia to bring home our Very Sweet Grandbaby that My Daughter and her family adopted.

I create each piece of my Jewelry one at a time by hand in my little studio in a small town in Colorado. My jewelry is my passion with a purpose and I am inspired by so many wonderful People that have the Heart and Desire to take the risk to Love the unloved, to make a difference and Be the change for Children.  Thank you all!  Tracy Hanson

Here’s the crazy part, starting today, you can purchase your own Simply Love necklace and this will help the Gibson family (us) fund our adoption miracle.  Also, Junk Posse will also give each buyer that puts the words “Free Earrings” in when ordering a pair of Heart earrings.  We are praying 365 Days for His direction with our next adoption and this is such a blessing!

As I sit here writing this post, my daughter Hannah is at summer camp.  We have received two letters from her and thankfully she starts both off with “I love camp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I’m NOT homesick!!!!!!”  I’m a big fan of the hilarious new book P.S. I Hate It Here: Kids’ Letters from Camp, a collection of letters from kids living the nightmare wonderful camping experience.  They borderline crazy and funny and laugh-out-loud pleas to rescue them from camp.  We live next door to a big crazy summer camp, so this book really hit home with me!

OK, my crazy readers…. lets have some summer fun and throw a giveaway party!!  I loved the book soooo much I did something kinda crazy. (you know me) I contacted the author, Diane Falanga and guess what… she emailed me back!  Seriously, I’m just a little giddy to say the least!  I told her I was going to have a giveaway and shout out to my mom readers about her new book.  She graciously contacted her publisher and I received 2 books in the mail- just for you!!!

{Giveaway}

Just leave me a comment – that’s all you need to do to enter.

2 Winners win:

A brand new copy (from the publisher!!) of P.S. I Hate It Here: Kids’ Letters From Camp.  This is a fun book for parents and kids to read & laugh out loud together!!  I will randomly pick 2 winners later this week.

Added Bonus:

Also, you can share with me your own summer camp stories- the crazy memories you cherish or something your kids did or said to make you gulp!  You can even share an actual ‘Kids’ letter from camp.’  I want to hear and so does author, Diane who will peek at all the comments you leave!

More than 150 letters cover all the imaginable scenarios of sleep away camp, from acing the cabin lice inspection, to rowing in the “ricotta” race, to breaking the bad news about a retainer lost in the wilderness. These letters reveal that kids are wittier and more sophisticated than we might assume, and that the experience of being away from home for the first time creates hilarious and lasting memories.

Meet Author Diane Falanga

P.S. I Hate It Here: Kids’ Letters From Camp is a humorous look at homesick kids during summer camp. These real letters are laugh-out-loud funny – everything from forgotten necessities (a strapless bra, five bucks for a lost tooth, a tennis racket) to desperately pleading their case for going home. Factio caught up with North Shore author Diane Falanga to talk about her inspiration for the book, her favorite moment working on this project and her favorite places in Chicago.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Tell us about the book!

DIANE FALANGA: When my daughter, Bianca, was 8 – she was determined to go to overnight camp. My husband and I thought she was too young – but she was very convincing and presented a seemingly rational case. So, we shipped her off! Then the letters started to arrive.  The first one was a hilarious, hyperbolic rant about how the counselors had made her “scraper, sweeper and maid” b/c she couldn’t stop crying. I found this so funny that I instantly started calling friends to read them Bianca’s letter. Everyone seemed to have a camp letter of their own to top this one. An idea was born.

FM: What did you love most about the project?
DF: Reading through the more than 3,000 camp letters I collected from kids around the country. Sharing some of the gems aloud with my 16-year-old son, Blake, Bianca and my husband, Mark. The letters made for great dinner conversations.

FM: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
DF: In the case of P.S. I Hate it Here! Kids’ Letters From Camp — definitely from my daughter.

FM: What are your favorite places in Chicago?
DF: We live a couple of blocks from Lake Michigan and beautiful Gillson Beach. That’s my hang-out.

FM: What are your favorite places worldwide?
DF: Besides fabulous Chicago … Italy – all the way. My husband’s family lives in a little town along the Amalfi Coast, Massa Lubrense. We spent some time with our kids all through Italy last summer.  This summer we’ll be back – hiking the Cinque Terra and in Sicily, too. Hiking and mountain bikinig in Moab, Utah is also pretty spectacular. And Telluride, CO – winter, spring, summer or fall – is a favorite place, too.

FM: What are people surprised to know about you?
DF: That I’m so darn short. Having a loud voice and a big laugh gives the illusion of height.

FM: What was your biggest career moment to date?
DF: Initiating the Heart Homes Initiative of Designs for Dignity. We reclaim gently used furnishings for people who are in need in Chicago.

Hannah’s Kamp Pics:

Good Night- I got immersed in watching the new American Idol with my crazy kids and I almost forgot to pick a winner.  The Tivo is on pause (really!) and Hannah just randomly chose the winning pick #32.   I’m so happy to announce SARA the winner of a Poppy Dip Tunic!  Congratulations!!!!!  Your winning Poppy Dip comment:

Sara says: January 11, 2010 at 9:05 PM

I am so thankful to be a mom of 3 precious children who add so much joy & laughter to my days.
Blessings,
Sara

Happy Birthday Zoie!!  You are two years old sweet girl!  This is a 2-day giveaway to celebrate Zoie’s birthday!!  I will announce the winner here on this post on January 12th- right after the party!

Are you having a POPPY DIP DAY?  You guessed it, it’s time for a GIVEAWAY contest hand sewn with love- 1 Long Sleeve Tunic Dress! POPPY DIP TUNIC– to be worn above knee with leggings or pants.  You win a gift certificate for Zoie’s very favorite Poppy Dip.  You choose the fabric from Poppy Dip Website and give your measurements.  Sallee is adopting again from Ethiopia and these adorable dresses are helping bring home their child!  Every time your daughter, niece or friend wears a Poppy Dip- you are helping make a difference in a child’s life.  Zoie wears her Poppy Dip Tunics constantly and wash after wash her dresses looks fantastic! “The name It’s Poppy Dip means “everything is good”… it’s an expression that our 2 year old (from Ethiopia!!) loves to say when he’s happy and it’s good!!” Sallee- adoptive mom.

How to win- simply share 1 thing you are grateful for today- a Poppy Dip -in the comments = 1 entry.

Winner-  Please email me so I can give you information to shop online using your virtual gift certificate.  If for some reason, I don’t hear back from you within 48 hrs- I will pick another winner.  Thank you for your understanding.

OK- one more favor… we have a crazy opportunity to spread the news about adoption.  Please take the time to click on the cute button (that’s it)  It grabs your vote automatically.  We are about 300 votes away for making top mommy blog. Click like crazy everyday:)

WINNER OF THE ADOPTION BLANKET IS… JCLOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Here was your entry!!!!!  Please email me and I can send you Jamey’s email to receive your virtual gift certificate.  Congrats and thank you for being part of the craziness!

jcloh says:

I’d like to win this blanket for my daughter to remind her how lucky she is to have parents who love her deeply. Thanks for this lovely giveaway!
yumihamano@gmail.com

Friends, here is a special note from Jamey-

Dear Crazy Adoption Readers,

MamaEnat

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

I’m so excited to GIVEAWAY a one of a kind Adoption Flag Blanket!!  You win a $50 gift certificate for 1 large “31 x 34″ blanket- you pick the country.  My Crazy Friend, Jamey is adopting from Ethiopia, raising funds through her Etsy Link- www.mamaenat.etsy.com.  You can meet Jamey via her blog www.zehlahlum.blogspot.com. She recognizes not everyone adopts from Ethiopia, so she can do a lot of other countries as well. She has several other countries featured on her site, so please stop by and take a peek.

The blankets are all custom made, so that customers can pick the color that they want for the back. The 2 extra photos are the small blankets.  It will take Jamey a little time after it is won to be able to ship it out.  All you need to do to win this beautiful giveaway is leave a comment. I’d love to hear why you want to win this one-of-a kind blanket, too.  This is a 3 day Giveaway- I will randomly pick a name from the comments and announce the winner on this post January 7th after Zoie goes to bed.

Winner- Please email me so I can give you information to shop online using your virtual gift certificate.  If for some reason, I don’t hear back from you within 48 hrs- I will pick another winner.  Thank you for your understanding.

(Large Flag Blanket- made in any country U pick)

One more thing- please take time to vote for adoption!!  Lets make ADOPTION #1 on top mommy blogs- all you need to do is click on this adorable button & it automatically votes for My Crazy Adoption.  It’s so simple to do!  We need 500 votes to take the #1 spot- you can vote daily.   This is a public contest, so anyone can vote and visit my crazy blog to learn more about the miracles of adoption, the love of Jesus, and celebrate family all in one spot. whoooohoooo!