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-

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-

• 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 beginng 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 bloggy 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.