This is YOUR personal shout out for your adoption and missions fundraisers!!  My Crazy Adoption Blog brings the craziness straight to you- sending readers to check out your links!

If you have a special project, fundraiser, or blog post you want to share with my crazy readers, leave a comment with all your information and permalink (example http://tinyurl.com/3t4fxbo: ) to take readers directly to your site.

YOU INSPIRE ME!!

1.  Hey Kari! I’m Kelly from VA. Love your blog! Just wanted to direct you to a post I just made. http://growinggirlygirls.blogspot.com/2011/05/headbands-for-orphans-in-africa.html
I am sending 110 headbands to Elisa for your project. I found her when a post was made on a chat board I frequent asking for a cheap place to buy headbands. When I found out why, I knew God had directed me to your project! I have been selling bows and hair accessories for 6 years at craft shows and online. God has placed adoption on the heart of my family. We decided last year to adopt a special needs child from China. We have been met by all sorts of obstacles and are currently in a holding pattern, waiting on God’s hand of provision and perfect timing to move mountains. In the meantime, I fund raise for our family ( www.keystoChina.blogspot.com ) and support other famiies through donations of my products for giveaways. I’m donating 10% of all sales in May to the Sparrow Fund ( www.sparrow-fund.org ) It’s a thrill to send these headbands for your trip. I’ve followed through blogs work being done at several of the places you’ll visit. Maybe one day I’ll be able to serve in person, until then, well, there’s headbands!!

2.

Thank you so much for supporting Man Up Blitz- your tees are helping missions in a big, crazy way…  feeding a community in Korah and provide mattresses for the poor living there.  We will start selling the NEW tees again on July 1st.

Shipping Information:

We ordered ALL the tees in bulk on May 26th to save every penny for missions- allow 2 weeks for delivery.

For the next 7 days, you can purchase this brand new, exclusive Man Up tee with our logo- Man Up. Protect and Love the Fatherless.  We had a contest and this was the winning artwork (way to go Amber Maack!)  The first 20 people who purchase $50 of products or more will receive a FREE hand made Uganda Magazine Bead necklace -my gift to you!

The tees are printed on high quality Next Level brand- color: olive with black ink.  Shirts are cut slightly fitted “athletic style” I suggest ordering up one size for exception fit if you want roomier tee.

Father’s Day Blitz ends at midnight on May 26th!!  We have some sizes in stock, but please allow up to 2 weeks delivery.  All tees delivered by Father’s Day!!

Why Man Up?

What an amazing gift for your dad, hubby, and sons (women too) to Man Up for orphans all over the world.  I challenge you to pass on the message of loving, caring, blessing, visiting, hugging, playing and ministering to the fatherless.  My hubby came up with our logo two years ago and it spread like crazy!  It’s something we can all do- we are ALL called to protect and love orphans.  If you are interested in joining us on a Visiting Orphans mission trip- click here to learn more.

 

It costs a lot of money go to China. I should know, I’ve been twice and I’m going again. This time I’m taking my daughter.

Chifeng, China
Apply NOW!

Dates: July 23rd – August 3rd, 2011
Location: Chifeng SWI

Leader: Frank Pass
Cost: Approximately $3500-$3800 (varies depending on flight costs)

Last April I (Frank) led a Visiting Orphans team to the Social Welfare Institute in Chi Feng, China and we will go back there this July. 90% of the kids in this orphanage are special needs and some of those needs are pretty severe. I saw children with missing limbs and kids with extensive cognitive issues. I especially remember one child who could only lay in a bed. He had fragile bones. We could not play with him or even hold him. We could only stroke his hair and sing softly to him and hope that somehow he understood.

Most of the kids at Chifeng SWI will never be adopted. Many of them will never be put up for adoption and those that are will have difficulty finding a family that is equipped to handle their special needs. There are many stories that tugged at my heart, but 2 did so more than any of the others.

Li Peng Fei is 16 years old. I guess he is 17 now, and Lu Wen Hu was 13 when we saw him last. These two young men are also classified as special needs but not because of any ailment they have. They are special needs because of their age. Teenage boys aren’t cute, they aren’t cuddly and they rarely find a forever family. I remember these 2 not because of anything that was wrong with them but because of everything that was not. They are good looking young men, polite and eager to please. They are athletic and they loved throwing an American football. They even spoke English. They were perfect and there is absolutely nothing unadoptable about them except their age; but because of that they most likely never will be. I wonder if Li Peng Fei will be there this year or if because of his age he had to leave and when he does leave I wonder what will happen to him, this young man with no family.

Li Peng Fei and Lu Wen Hu are why we visit orphans in China. Yes we send teams so that those who go will feel the call to adopt and so some of the children that we visit will find homes, but mostly we go for those children who never will – because regardless of their special need, they are perfect in God’s eyes.

Visiting Orphans will send many teams to Africa this summer and every one of them is needed, and then some. Most of the sites we go to in Africa will receive multiple teams and that will not be enough. We will send 5 teams to China this year and 1 to Chifeng. As far as I know, no other outside group will visit these children. If we don’t go no one else will. In a country that values the collective over the individual and tells orphans they are useless, we will be the only ones to tell these children that they are valued. At present we have 5 signed up. It’s not nearly enough.

If you are reading this maybe it’s because you are supposed to. Maybe God wants you to go to Chifeng this year and tell Li Peng Fei and Lu Wen Hu that you came just to see them. Maybe you’re supposed to pass this on to someone so they can go. I don’t know. I do know that more of us are supposed to go.

Yes, going to China is expensive, but it costs far more to stay home.

Thank you- Frank Pass

If you would like to visit orphans in China with me and meet my friends Li Peng Fei and Lu Wen Hu, email me at or check out our China page at www.visitingorphans.org.

UKRAINE BONUS TRIP:

There are 100,000 orphans in Ukraine. Most of these are social orphans which means they have 1 parent who either cannot or will not care for them. Alcoholism, prison, abandonment and neglect have forced these children to live in institutions and to live a life with very little hope. Eastern European orphanages can be very dark places. The conditions and the statistics are sobering and that is why we go – because when we visit orphans, we bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and most of all a Father to the fatherless.

This August Visiting Orphans will partner with Touched by Grace to visit orphans at the Babynest Orphanage in Ukraine. Babynest houses 130 orphans age 6 and under and Touched by Grace is helping to transform it into a place of joy and love. Our team will do painting and other work to improve the physical condition of the facilities, we will bring in much needed supplies and most of all we have the privilege to be moms and dads and brothers and sisters to children who have none. Through our presence, our time and our touch we will let these precious children know that they are loved, that they are valued and that they have a heavenly Father who loves them.

Won’t you join us this August as we visit orphans in Ukraine. Sign up at our websitewww.visitingorphans.org

Have you ever wondered what the most popular recipe is in mom land?  Well, I found the most popular recipe with 5 stars and 2,615 reviews on allrecipes.com and the winner… Banana Crumb Muffins!!  I’m making these on Sunday for my hubby’s 42 birthday!!  These look sooo yummy!!

If you have a recipe to share with readers- leave your link in the comments!  Thank you for sharing  your yumminess!

PS: Don’t forget to purchase your Man Up tee for Father’s Day – Store closes midnight on Thursday!

Banana Crumb Muffins

Rated: Submitted By: Lisa Kreft Photo By: Joann Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: 35 Minutes Servings: 10

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 bananas, mashed 3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon butter

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2.	In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3.	In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4.	Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

I have been asking some of my favorite bloggers about adding twitter to my blog and they all unanimously said – do it!!  The reason we blog is to connect with other bloggers, but tweeting was foreign to me.  I want to thank all of you who started following me on twitter a year ago, when I had no idea how to tweet!  I’m finally on board, and had a few lessons from my son @michaelgibby1 on twitter 101.  I also love this post from friend, Michael Hyatt here on how to Twitter like a professional tweep!  Thank you, Megan Miller on your twitter tips, too.

First of all, sign up for twitter.. click on the adorable little blue bird on top of my blog.  He won’t hurt you, I promise!  Just add your name and come up with a crazy password and you’re in! You’ll quickly learn the tricks- #crazywords and you will start joining other crazy bloggers craziness!  Twitter really is fun and easy.

If you want to follow me on Twitter when I’m in Uganda you can read tweets from @MyCrazyAdoption and @michaelgibby1 – just type in our “names” and you will be an official mission trip stalker!

Once you are tweeting, check out how to make your blog posts permalinks tiny to add on your tweets.  Check out http://tinyurl.com/ and also, Tweet Deck.

I love my two brothers, Greg and Mike Smalley- they have been a constant joy in my life.  I’m their older big sister and was very bossy growing up.  I’m sure they loved having two moms telling them what to do all day long.  It’s wonderful now that we’re all grown-up, to support and encourage each others passions, gifts, and talents in life!!  My brother, Greg is moving soon to CO to work with Focus on the Family and my brother, Michael lives in TX with a growing ministry in marriage and family counseling.

I had no idea God would open the door for three more brothers in my life, but He has allowed me to embrace sisterhood again!  I met all three men on my first mission trip to Ethiopia and feel so honored to have them adopt me as their sister.  It’s my duty as big sister, to make sure they are being taken care of, prayed for, supported, and encouraged as my brothers!  I’m equally as honored to embrace their band of brothers (all eleven) living in Korah and supporting the entire team!!  We are family.

If you would like to join me next year Visiting Orphans in Ethiopia, I can guarantee you will get a hug from each one of my brothers!

I met Bisrat (Bissy) in June 2010 with my Visiting Orphans team in Ethiopia.  He has an incredible big heart and biblical wisdom.  His testimony is both heartbreaking and inspirational.  Bissy told me once that he will never stop telling others about Jesus- he lives and breathes this commitment with all his heart!  I’m grateful that my brother has helped us locate missing pieces with our adoption.  He was the one who introduced us to the police officer who helped with the relinquishment of birthmother- Zoie’s Crossroad Miracle. If you would like to meet Bisrat and follow his adventures in Addis Ababa, please “friend” him on facebook. (click on his full name above)

I met Maste last year, but it was on my trip in February that we really bonded.  I watched this young man grow in wisdom and kindess for orphans… helping lead my big crazy team with joy. (just look at that smile)  I love that he became such close friends with my hubby, Roger and worked together to bless the community of Korah.  Here’s what Maste wrote to me when I came home- he has no idea how much I cherish his letter…

It was a blessing to know you. you are energetic and devoted GODly women.
James 1:27 GOD care for orphan
GOD use peoples to care others.
You have an amazing husband that he thought me about giving. Roger told me that the secret of life is giving to needy. it was practical lesson for me. he was feeding street kid at the post Office. Tell to Roger am glad to know him.
The gift that I gave to you is I never gave for anybody in my life. Flag shows one country. I gave to you my country Ethiopia for you. hopefully your support will be frutiful and change Ethiopia.
May peace of the lord be with you and your family always

Sammy is one of the dearest people I have ever known in my life.  The instant I met him, I fell in love with his spirit for the Lord, community, orphans and Korah.  In June, I will share his personal testimony and it will blow you away!  How can someone go through so much persecution and still worship the Lord and obey His will.  Sammy and I bonded last year, but our friendship bloomed this past February working again with Project 61.  I tell him he is the Brad Pitt of Korah!  Sammy understands the true meaning of Man Up. Protect and Love the fatherless.  I’m grateful everyday knowing he is there taking care of his neighbors.  God gave him the incredible gift of tenderness and strength.  One of the last things we talked about… his band of brothers working in Korah- that NO ONE is left behind.  I want to continue to make a difference in the life of children and the needy side by side with my brothers!

If you have a special message of encouragement for my three [adopted] brothers, please leave a comment today and spread some crazy love.

(thank you Cherrie Cornish for the beautiful photos!)

 

 

 

 

One of my best friends, Jill Jones came up with a brilliant mommy idea and created the Sleepy Bee.  Jill lives across the street from me and fulfills orders right out of the Sleepy Bee barn, so I can tell you firsthand there’s a lot of buzzzzzing going around over there!  They also have real bees making honey, and a chicken coop where Zoie’s new chicken, Happy lives laying her eggs!

I’m so excited to help launch their big Sleepy Bee day on my blog.  Jill and her hubby, David with sweet baby Viv have been busy little bees getting their website and video up and going.  I encourage you to watch the short buzzy video and see if you can spot Princess Zoie sleeping with her Sleepy Bee!  Zoie made her acting debut in the Sleepy Bee infomercial airing today.

The Jones family donated over 100 bees for me to take to Uganda and give to Amani Baby Cottage to help the precious babies sleep sound.  Sleepy Bee is going to Uganda in June!

Just for moms- What do you think about the Sleepy Bees- do you think it will really help your baby sleep?

BTW- 10% of every Sleepy Bee proceeds goes to Visiting Orphans (for the next 6 months!)

About Us (Jill’s Story)

My friend and blogger, Jamie Jo shared this simple, delicious recipe years ago and it’s still a family favorite.  You can make it really healthy, too by adding low fat ingredients.  I like adding a yummy salad and sweet corn for sides.

What is your favorite recipe you’re cooking this week for your family? (You can also link it up here in the comments)

Turkey Poppy Seed Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb. Ground turkey
1 yellow onion, shopped
8 oz. can tomato sauce
8 oz. egg noodles
8 oz. Neufchatel (low fat) cream cheese
1 cup low fat (1%) cottage cheese
1/2 cup low fat sour cream
1 T poppy seeds

Directions

Makes 8 servings. Brown the turkey and onions in a skillet; drain fat and add tomato sauce. Set aside. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese and poppy seeds; toss with hot, drained egg noodles and mix well. Spread 2/3rd of the noodle mixture in an 9 x 13 pan, top with turkey mixture, leaving a 2″ border of noodles. Top with remaining noodles. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes.

Number of Servings: 8

I wrote a post in March titled Dangerous Surrender Is Crazy [read more].  Kay Warren’s book has flat out changed my life!  She wrote about visiting a leprosarium in the Philippines and I cried my eyes out.  It was very surreal reading her words and completely understanding what she was talking about.  I had the incredible opportunity on my Visiting Orphans mission trip in February to minister to lepers.  I remember feeling complete abandon sitting with the precious locals of Korah and helping them eat their lunch.  I will never really know what it meant to the men and women who were blessed by our team, but we gave them the gift of presence. We were there, physically loving the community of Korah, despite generations of neglect, sorrow, pain, and rejection.  When you go on a mission trip you give the gift of presence.  Holding a baby who has been abandoned- gives them hope and comfort.  Advocating for people who desperately need love is the greatest adventure of your life.  I want to continue encouraging moms to do it afraid, love like crazy, and go on a mission trip.  Crazy moms like, Kristen Welch understand what it means to advocate as a busy mom for the fatherless.

When you extend [radical] hospitality to Christian brothers, sisters, even when they’re strangers, you make the FAITH visible (3 John 5 MSG).

Just for moms- What have you done this year to give the gift of presence- in your homes or on a mission trip?

(Lori- winner of the Mission Trip Giveaway with a precious leper in Korah)

Chapter 7 – Dangerous Surrender

1. In this chapter Kay describes a transformation in her understanding of the essence of compassionate service. Contrast her understanding at the beginning of the chapter with her understanding at the end.
2. Discuss the various levels of impact we can have on
   those in need:
   • providing physical labor
   • speaking words of truth
   • simply being compassionately present
   Do you tend to place a higher value on one over the others? Why or why not?
3. How might the thought of being a container of God influence your impression of what you have to offer to a hurting world?
4. Why did many of the residents of the leprosarium in the Philippines who were already cured of leprosy remain there? Compare their experiences with that of people who bear the “scars” of broken lives as they consider visiting or joining a church.
5. Name specific improvements a local congregation can implement to become a place of greater welcome and safety for those who bear the scars of brokenness.
6. Kay writes, “To make a difference, you don’t have to have a grand strategy for eliminating poverty, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, greed, or suffering.” What is needed? How does this realization affect your willingness to personally engage with a hurting world?

I’m the kind of mom who wears all my emotions on my sleeve, right out there for everyone to see.  I can’t do it any other way… my feelings are an open book for my family.  I’m not a stuffer, but I talk to think.  I have had to learn through the years of mommyhood, to balance what feelings I share with my three kids, and feelings I save just for my hubby.  I feel big, love big, and talk big- I don’t do many things small, but I know sometimes the best mommy motto is less is more.

I love asking my kids how they feel on a daily basis.  I really want to know their feelings after a long day at school, after spending time with friends, after losing a golf match, or just hanging out … but, what if they’re not in the mood to share feelings with me?

My daughter, Hannah (14) has certain “requirements” before she shares her feelings with me.  She definitely thinks to talk and needs time to process what she is feeling.  If I approach her before she’s ready- it’s a closed door for me.  I bat zero or get the crazy look… Mom I’m not in the mood. I work on respecting her space and time to think. The best time for me to hear my teen share her feelings is just before bedtime.  I hang out with her and she opens the floodgates.. it’s important for me to make the time to relax and listen.  Do you have a child that takes time to share feelings?

On the other hand, Michael (17) and Zoie (3) both talk to think.  They know immediately how they are feeling and don’t hold back. I always tell them to bring their drama to their mama! If Michael is watching golf, I might have to wait until a commercial, but he’s great about communicating on the spot what he is feeling.  Zoie is an open feeling book, too.  I never have to second guess what emotions she is feeling during the day- sad, silly, mad, cranky, happy… she pretty much feels a variety of crazy feelings all day long!  It’s a joy for me to just try and keep up with Miss Z Personality.  Do you have a child that has an easy time sharing feelings?

I love this (feeling) advice:

The key to helping your child feel understood is to acknowledge his feelings. Follow these steps to get more in tune with your child:

• Label the feeling: For younger children, the simpler label you offer the better. Use words like mad, happy, sad and scared. For older children, more specific words help them to pinpoint the exact emotion: disappointed, worried and embarrassed.
• State the reason for the feeling. Make your best guess as to why your child feels as he does. For example, say, “It looks like you’re mad because Mom said you can’t have dessert today.”
• Don’t judge your child. Your child needs to know that it is okay to express emotion. However, at times you may need to teach your child how to express his feelings in ways that are healthy and not hurtful to others.

Do’s and Don’ts- important tips for moms!

Eight Great Anger Busters

1. Model anger management. “Mommy is feeling very angry right now, so I’m going to take time to be alone and get some self-control.
2. Show respect. Don’t participate by calling names or getting physical.
3. Give them words to express their anger. “I know you are disappointed, or sad or frustrated.”
4. Identify with their pain. “I remember when I didn’t get to go to a party…”
5. Set positive limits. Instead of saying, “Don’t you throw that doll,” say, “After you put the doll on the table, we can go have snack.”
6. Redirect energy bursts that often come with anger. Encourage positive outlets like running, jumping, blowing into a horn or painting.
7. Avoid power struggles with your child. They’re always lose-lose situations. If your goal is to control, you will teach him to control others.
8. Provide a cooling-off period by reading a book together or going on a walk. Then calmly discuss what happened and make a plan for next time.

Today I Feel Silly Book

“Teaching your kids how to express their feelings can leave you feeling just as frustrated as they are. Make it a little bit easier on both of you with a Kimochi doll that does all the explaining for you. Available as a cloud, cat, octopus or bug, the cuddly, plush Kimochi encourages kids to express their feelings in a fun and comfortable way. Each doll comes with a pack of nine emotions such as jealous, happy, sad, mad, grateful, and cranky, where they can be placed in the front pocket of the Kimochi. Named for the Japanese word for “feelings,” start using your Kimochi by reading the “Feel Guide” that’s also included.”

Are you a  talk to think mom or think to talk mom- I want to know!

Two great (mom-friendly approved) blogs about hair care- they make me feel happy…

PS: they are helping promote my Uganda Headband Project.

Click here to view- Chocolate Hair Vanilla Care

Click here to view- Beads, Braids & Beyond

I want to continue to go crazy big for you as a mom blogger and advocate for adoption and orphan care. Thank you for helping me grow, even if I have gained 10 pounds blogging for you every week! It was YOU who helped raise over $60,000 last year for Simply Love orphan projects all over the world! (yep- you are incredible!) One of the things I’m working on is writing more about my personal life as a mom and wife. I have an unique triple combination of kid craziness- seventeen, fourteen, and three years old!  There are days when I feel seasoned and wise as a mom, but other days I can’t seem to figure anything out. That’s where you come in…

I’d love to know what you want to read about (right here) on My Crazy Adoption Blog.  For example, do you still want my favorite recipe ideas in Wednesday WOW series or should I skip it and move on?  I’d love for you to leave me a comment today and share with me fresh, crazy topics you want from my blog.  I want your post suggestions!

What MOM topics do you want?

• parenting stories?
• sharing struggles in my marriage or as a mom?
• lighter, funnier topics?
• update adoption “One Stop Shop” or add new information?
• Be a guest blogger and share ideas with new readers.
• Balancing family/work/writing/household tasks
• ?

What kind of LIVE video topics?

Roger and I are working on some new adoption LIVE videos to help support you during your adoption process.  We want to know what you need?  We want to share topics that will help you at any stage of your adoption.  We are not professionals, but we are parents who have adopted and want to offer you hope, encouragement, and support!  Please leave a comment if you have suggestions or topic picks- we’ll pick the top 5 LIVE ideas for the month of April.

Top 11 Blogging Tips from Simple Mom.

No one can plan a party like my SIL Erin!!  She can whip up a batch of home made cookies or peanut butter pie before I can pre-heat the oven!  She has the gift of hostess with the mostess!  This weekend, we headed to Siloam Springs, Arkansas for my niece, Annie’s dedication service and celebration!  My brother, Mike and his family drove down from Texas, so it was a mini-reunion.  We headed to the church early, so I could save three rows up in front (that was not easy).  Annie was dressed up like a princess and the anticipation in her precious face made me giddy!  Zoie kept repeating, “Is it time for kid’s class with Annie?” loud enough for the entire congregation to answer, “Not yet!”

I sat in the front row with my camera ready to roll.  Annie came out with her family and my throat closed up.  The church lights dimmed and the special slide show started with each child being dedicated in order.  When my brother’s voice came over the loudspeaker, my [already closed] throat surrendered to the tears.  I took a few photos, but couldn’t take my eyes off beautiful Annie.  My three year old niece HOME from China almost a year.  This was the angel we prayed fervently for over two years, now up in her daddy’s arms being dedicated to the Lord.

Erin and I remind each other (almost daily) how in the world did we end up with toddlers together at 40!  God had such a special plan mapped out for our family.  It’s impossible to imagine what life would be like without our two adopted daughters, Zoie and Annie.

What Is Baby (Child) Dedication?

“Christian parents who dedicate a child are making a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise the child in a godly way, prayerfully until he or she can make a decision on his or her own to follow God. Parents who make this vow of commitment are instructed to raise the child in the ways of God, and not according to their own ways. Some of the responsibilities include teaching and training the child in God’s Word, demonstrating an example of godliness, disciplining according to God’s ways, and praying earnestly for the child.” (Mary Fairchild)

And she (Hannah) made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 1 Samuel 1:11

When God answered Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, she remembered her vow:

“As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:26-28

Roger and I have not “formally” dedicated Zoie yet, but for a very special reason.  We are praying for the opportunity to take Zoie (soon) back to Ethiopia and have Pastor Anteneh Ayalew of Great Hope Church in Korah dedicate our daughter in her birthplace.  Zoie was born in a trash dump community and we are committed to honoring her heritage, her country, and her Korah family.

Do you have a special “dedication” story to share with me?

The Big Party-

I love my family!!

 

[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- 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 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!