Hi friends, would you like to be on the Inspiring Link blogroll featured at One Stop Shop? We want to show off your inspiring blogs, websites, non-profits, fundraisers, adoption agencies or ministries.  I envision having hundreds of banners for my readers to be inspired by your craziness. Here is how!

Form Located at ONE STOP SHOP!

Fill out the form.  Choose a photo or your blog button or logo. You need to edit & crop it to size using photo shop, iPhoto or other.  Your “banner” must be a static 120 pixels wide by 60 pixels high (just click on the ‘upload’ button at the bottom of the form). Please make sure that the size specifications are met or your banner can not be included. I am unable to resize or create buttons for you.  Thanks for understanding.

It may take me one to three days to get links added, so thanks for your patience!  Email me if you have questions.

Here is an example of the Inspiring Links-

My Crazy Friends

If you would like to have MY CRAZY ADOPTION button, I would appreciate the exchange. Just copy the button and load it into your blog and link back to https://mycrazyadoption.org

WHO READS MY CRAZY ADOPTION?

Crazy men and women who are dedicated to family, parenting, and adoption.  My readers are wildly passionate about helping, cheering, praying, encouraging, advocating, and challenging others to take a look at the crazy world of adoption.  They are bold and radical, definitely not wimpy about exemplifying a life that is NOT ABOUT YOU!  They walk the walk!  They wear adoption T shirts that make a statement- don’t try to run away, they are the most fun people to hang out with.  They are joyful, humorous, energetic readers!

Thanks so much for being a crazy friend!

I Dare You to make a difference in a child’s life today!

We loved reading all the entries for the Christmas saying for our cards. Thank you for joining in the fun. Winner- Jackie Mullis!  Email me and let me know the T-shirt size/style you want.

The winning “message” will be featured on my cards, blog and you also WIN a new Simply Love T shirt…. you can pick Women or Men’s style.  Leave your Christmas card saying in the comments and I will look forward to reading the crazy creativity from my bloggy friends.  I’ll announce the winner Thursday night.

You have till December 15th to order your New Limited Edition Simply Love T shirts!

I am so honored that God would allow our family to adopt a beautiful girl from Ethiopia to call our own.  The Girl Effect Video is a powerful tool to spread the word on making a difference in a child’s life.

The Girl Effect: The powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society. WHY GIRLS?
Because when adolescent girls in the developing world have a chance, they can be the most powerful force of change for themselves, their families, communities and nations.
But while those 600 million girls are the most likely agents of change, they are invisible to their societies and the world.
So what can you do about that? Get yourself seen, whether you’re a girl or just believe in girls.

A fun Flip video of my kiddos sharing why our Christmas Memory Tree is so special. You can make one too.  Watch Adoption Life LIVE #2 posted on the right side column.

The greatest key to making adoption thrive is a healthy family.  I’m so blessed to have a family that advocates healthy marriages on a daily basis.  My baby brother is all grown up and has a brand new website I want you to check out.  He has helped me create my crazy blog and works hard to spread the word about adoption through his talent and enthusiasm and sense of humor.  Here’s a little sample of Michael’s ministry…. Go Smalley.

“Amy and Michael Smalley specialize in teaching couples the principles of loving well and loving for a lifetime. Their popularity as nationally renowned marriage builders and couples counselors quickly grew through their signature straightforward, no-nonsense advice. The Smalley’s message inspires, motivates and challenges people to thrive in their most important relationships.”

(www.gosmalley.com)

My crazy family… Michael, Amy, Cole, Reagan, David

I made this casserole the other night and it was a hit with my crazy family!  Let me know what you think?

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

You will need:

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup butter

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 small can chopped green chiles

1 cup chicken broth

6-8 flour tortillas, torn into bite-size pieces

4 pounds chicken breasts, cubed

1/2 lb. cheddar cheese (sliced or grated)

Saute onion in buter in a skillet until tender; add soups, green chiles and broth, mixing well.  Layer half the tortilla pieces in a “13 x 9″ baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.  Layer chicken, cheese and remaining tortilla pieces on top; pour on soup mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork.  Makes 6 servings

I cut up the flour tortillas in crazy pieces.

I combined the onions and soups- mix well.

I used a large broiled chicken from market and it made preparation quick!

One of my highlights in Haiti was when a group of children sang my favorite song, Jesus Loves Me.  Simple and Beautiful. Enjoy this video of God’s love… all over the world.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!

Take the time to watch this short 3 minuet video about Orphan Sunday. You can share this YouTube on your blogs to promote and spread the word today!! Let’s celebrate together Orphan Sunday, November 8, 2009!

It’s been amazing to watch as thousands of individuals have stepped forward to join in the Orphan Sunday efforts—from recruiting event hosts and blogging to planning an event at a local church. Please join in praying for the more than 400 events planned across every state in the U.S., as well as countless others that will simulcast the national “Live from Nashville!” event.   May God stir many hearts with His call to “defend the cause of the fatherless!”

If you won’t be at a local event at the time, we invite you to tune in online to “Live from Nashville!” from 4:00 to 6:00 PM (Central Time) on Sunday. Steven Curtis Chapman will headline the event, along with Geoff Moore and the Children of the World Choir.  Amidst the music, speakers will include Dennis Rainey, Jim Daly, Jedd Medefind and Sharen Ford.To learn more, visit www.orphansunday.org under the “Live from Nashville!” tab. 

And to watch online this Sunday, click HERE.

www.orphansunday.org

My bloggy friend, Gwen Oatsvall and her A-Team is working tirelessly and courageously helping orphans all over the world, helping families fundraise for their adoptions, as well as Katie Davis’ ministry Amazima in Uganda.  I’m a huge fan of her T shirts and accessories.  Please stop by her NEW stunning website 147 Million Orphans.

Orphanages There are anywhere from two to five million orphans in orphanages worldwide, an estimate that is in-line with the Human Rights Watch World Report. The vast majority of orphans are found in third world nations.

Child Trafficking and Slavery There are more slaves today than any other time of history, many of whom are children. It is estimated that 1.2 million children are trafficked every year for exploitation purposes such as forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation and other forms of slavery.

Orphans In Africa Since 1990, the number of orphans from all causes has decreased in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, but has risen by 50% in Sub-Saharan Africa (from 30.9 million to 53.1 million). The government of Kenya predicts that within the next 10 years, 1 out of every 5 children will be an orphan.

The Most Vulnerable and Alone Every 2.2 seconds, a child loses a parent due to war, natural disaster, poverty, disease and other causes. Every 15 seconds, a child somewhere in the world dies from a water-related disease such as parasite and worm infection, diarrhea or typhoid.

At-Risk Children More than 1 billion people live on less than a dollar a day. One of our goals at I Support Adoptions is to prevent children from being abandoned or placed for adoption and help biological families care for their children.

Resources: UNICEF, UN, SOS, Feed the Children

We had this crazy yummy pumpkin dessert last night for Life Group.  We gobbled it down so fast, the ripple of disappointment from the crowd was serious.  I can’t explain the combo, but it all works to perfection.  The recipe is easy and quick fix that will make your family cheer for more!  Let me know what you think?

What you need:

1 cup evaporated milk

4 eggs

1 ½ cup sugar

1 can pumpkin

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

½ tsp ginger

Mix together. Top with 1 box yellow cake mix and drizzle with 1 cup melted butter. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour. Serve with cool whip and drizzle with caramel.

(Forever Family Photo Gallery – Your Crazy Photos)

My Crazy Adoption wants to take a special part in YOUR adoption past, present and future!  As we build the one-stop shop for adoption, here’s how you can help.  Submit your photos of your Forever Family.  You can also include 1 crazy thing that happened on your adoption journey, your first name. and your blog URL.  I will keep the site open 24/7 and updated on Your Crazy Photos (top tab) so bloggy readers can be inspired by your adoption testimonials and photos in one spot.  I hope this provides encouragement and hope to anyone at the starting line, beginning the process of adoption.

We have added a special download on Your Crazy Photos so you can add your photos right on the spot…. together we’ll create a Forever Family Gallery.

Email me today!

Zoie bug had so much fun at our church’s big bash, October 31st Party!! We also took her trick or treating at the Branson Landing. Every store had treats for the kiddos.

Daddy and his bug.

Hannah & BF Alli (its a waterbottle)

Rahel Blackwell & Zoie with super nerds.

Rae Rae & Hannah

Hands down, poppy seed chicken is my family’s favorite meal.  This dish is a cure for the comfort food craving and is a good casserole to take when you need something for a potluck.  Bloggy friends, let me know if your crazy family digs this yummy dish.

• 5 to 6 skinless chicken breasts
• salt
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 – 8oz can of cream of chicken soup
• 1- 8oz can of cream of mushroom soup
• 8 oz sour cream
• 2 tbl of lemon juice
• Ground pepper
• Ritz crackers
• 1 stick of butter
• Poppy seeds

Slow fix: Boil the chicken breasts in salty water and a couple of celery stalks – boil, then simmer for a couple of hours. Quick fix: Cut chicken in bite size pieces and rapid boil until fully cooked.

When the chicken breasts are ready you will want to take them out of the broth and into a large mixing bowl. While still hot – shred the chicken up. I have a shallow stainless steel mixing bowl that I love for this kind of mixing.

Once you have all the chicken shredded add 1 can of Cream of Chicken soup and 1 can of Cream of Mushroom – mix in. Then add the sour cream and mix thoroughly.

Mix in the lemon juice and ground pepper – we do extra pepper because we like it! Once you have mixed, you can put in a casserole dish or my mother in law uses a 9″ square pan.

Then take out three to four ‘stacks’ of Ritz crackers. Just crush the crackers in “stack” one at a time and spread over the bottom (crust) and top.

Then sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top. As much or as little as you would like. While you are sprinkling melt one stick of butter. I do this in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. If you are making this ahead of time don’t do the butter step- just put the casserole in the refrigerator for later. Do the butter step when you are ready to cook.

Death by butter…pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the Ritz crackers.

You are ready to bake! 350 degrees for 30 minutes. If you refrigerated it will probably take about 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees.  I serve with brocolli or any kind of green vegetable…it looks nice. Enjoy!