My Why

If you've been around me on social media for any length of time, you know that I post.  A lot.  I know that.  I always have some new fund raising idea or side hustle.  Some of you may wonder why you still follow me at all. 

I post about Plexus.

And Color Street.

And my knitting business.

And waiting kids.

And adopting families.

Sometimes I even post about what other people are selling or doing.

Basically, it probably looks like I'm always trying to raise money one way or another.  

But hang with me! 

I also post teaching memes.  (Because I can't post actual stories about teaching.)

And about my annual trip to Mexico and our other travels.

A little bit about farm life.  

And I mix it all up with Sara stories and pictures and videos.

But I post everything I do for a reason.  And the reason all leads back to this girl.

This girl is my why.  

I post about Plexus because being healthy makes me a better mom to her.

And Color Street because I'm committed to raising money for adopting families and waiting children while getting our little family into a position where we can live debt free and I can plan for her financial future.

And my knitting business because I love knitting and helping others where I can with the money I make.

And waiting kids because every child deserves a family just as much as she does.

And adopting families because so many people helped me get this little girl home.  I will always be indebted to them for helping me create my little family.  I strive to provide that kind of encouragement to other families.  

Sometimes I even post about what other people are selling or doing because I want to encourage others who have a heart to help those less fortunate.

Basically, it probably looks like I'm always trying to raise money one way or another.  Because I am.  If I can find a product that you need/want/will buy anyway, why not let you know that you can your purchase can help others and not just a big company?

But hang with me! 

I also post teaching memes.  (Because I can't post actual stories about teaching.)  I wish I could share more of my actual teaching stories.  Teaching is such a big part of who I am and what I do.  My love for my students is what made me decide to adopt a child with Down syndrome.  

And about my annual trip to Mexico and our other travels because I firmly believe that live was not meant to be lived in one place.  There is so much out there to see and experience.

A little bit about farm life because who doesn't want to know about baby goats?

And I mix it all up with Sara stories and pictures and videos because she is my why.  I strive to keep it real.  Not every day is a picnic.  Some are just hard.  But in between those rough moments are the hilarious, sassy, funny moments with my girl that make this life all worth it.  

But I post everything I do for a reason.  And the reason all leads back to this girl.

Fairy Godmother

Over the 5 years that I've known about Reece's Rainbow, I've done some advocating and fund raising for some of the kids from Latin America.  I haven't done nearly as much as some people but I've been pulled towards certain kids sometimes.  I sell Avon and hand knit items year round to help waiting children and adopting families.

Some of the kids I've advocated for are home---Mark.  Some are still waiting ---James, Phillip, Vaughn.  Some are stuck in a country that isn't processing US families right now --- Kimberley, Lene.  One passed away before she got the chance to know the love of a family --- Monet.  One I will get to meet this summer --- Josie/Seraphina!

And then, there is the one who is being adopted by a childhood/high school friend of mine.  The one who will live less than an hour from me  The one I will be able to greet at the airport.  And spoil on his first birthday with a family.  The one I will get to watch grow and thrive.  Then there is  --- TJ/Andre.

And, guess, what?  I have the right to do all of those things because I am officially his Godmother.  Because every former orphan deserves one more person to spoil him and love him and pour into his little life.

His new family crashed Sara's dance class yesterday to officially ask us to forever be in his life.  I'm so honored and touched.  (Although I was very confused at the time.)  You can watch the video here:

If you want to help this amazing family financially, you can purchase Avon, buy some hand knit items, make a tax-deductible donation through Reece's Rainbow or make a donation directly to the family to help with upfront costs.  You can also order 31 or buy some great World Down Syndrome Day Shirts.  (Or this style shirt.)

From Unwanted to Wanted

My new friend Priscilla has started the Ribbon Box Project.  You can read the original story here on her blog.  The general idea is that someone gave Priscilla a box of ribbon.  The woman wanted to help her with her adoption but didn't have money.  Rather than just give up, she gave what she had.  A box of ribbon.

Priscilla has turned this into the Ribbon Box Project.  She's going to document every dollar that comes in from that box of ribbon so she can show this precious woman how much she really did give.  Above and beyond that, she is going to use these ribbons and other donated supplies, to make bows for other adopting families.  Priscilla is adopting.  She doesn't have cash to help other families.  But with donated items, she'll do what she can!

So here is where you come in.  I'd like to replicate her project with yarn.  (I wouldn't have a clue what to do with ribbon.)  If you or someone you know have yarn sitting around the house that you're never going to use or you just don't want, please send it my way.  If you are local, we can figure out a good time for me to pick it up.  If you aren't local, you can message me on my knitting page and I'll give you my address.  For the cost of shipping, you could help a child be united with their forever family!

I will take the yarn and make something new, usable, wanted.  These items will then have their own album on my knitting page.  They will be available at no cost to families who are adopting and fund raising.  They can use them for auctions, give-aways, or whatever they want.  The cost of the shipping of the finished products will be my donation.

By taking something unwanted, and giving it away, you can help a child who is very much wanted!

Christmas Shopping

I know.  It's September 1st. Seasonal creep and all of that BUT I started Christmas shopping yesterday.  And I know I am not alone.  Maybe it's because I'm a crafter so I have to plan ahead and wish others would too. Maybe it's because I'm so very excited about Christmas with Sara this year. Maybe it's just who I am since I usually had my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving long before Sara was in the picture.

I'd like to give you something to think about as you start your gift and shopping lists:

Who is benefiting from your Christmas shopping?  

This is not something I thought of before two years ago.  I shopped sales and deals at Amazon, the mall, Target. I bought things that were cute and fun and benefited large corporations.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I love Target and my Amazon prime just as much as the next girl.  I'm just challenging you to think about Christmas gifts a little differently.  After all, isn't part of Christmas spreading goodwill and cheer?
For the last several years, my Christmas shopping has almost exclusively benefited adopting families and orphans waiting for families.  That may sound tedious and stressful but I assure you it's not.  Here are some examples:

*You find the perfect item on Pinterest or Etsy.  Send me the link.  I am almost positive someone in my adoption group can make the item at a reasonable price with all proceeds going to an adoption.

*You find something made by a direct order company like Avon, Tupperware, Color Street, Pampered Chef, etc.  I know someone that sells it and will give the proceeds to an adoption or waiting child.  Pretty much every vendor and crafter you can imagine is selling items at this virtual craft fair from October 1-December 31st.  

*You have an idea for a perfect gift but can't find it anywhere.  Let me know.  I can probably put you in touch with someone that can help you and help an adopting family at the same time.

*You need something for that person that has everything.  Why not make a donation to a non-profit in their name?  Lots of non-profits have special programs at Christmas time that give you a token gift for your donation.  (Need a non-profit? How about Reece's Rainbow's angel tree?)

*You want a unique gift that represents your family with pictures or birth stones?  I can hook you up there too with either Origami Owl or handmade gifts.

*You need to get teacher gifts and another candle just won't cut it.  How about personalized Christmas ornaments for a reasonable price?  I know someone that makes those too!

*I know that there are some people out there that these gifts just don't work for.  (My Dad!)  Sometimes you just need to order something from Amazon. Let me know that too and I can get you an Amazon link so that an adopting family will still get a percentage of your sale!

I know that not everyone is as passionate about adoption as I am.  That's ok!  I get that.  But would you rather help a big corporation or a family?  I don't think any of us are super passionate about big corporations.

Oh, and if you are looking for a gift for me, just message one of my adoption friends. They can help you out!

Meet Laurence's Family

From time to time, you have seen me advocate for another family.  This time it's different.  This time, it's a family that I know and love dearly.  This time, it's one of my first Chicago friends that is adopting.

I wish I could post tons of pictures and tell you tons of stories about this friend.  Unfortunately, she has had some stolen identity issues in the past and doesn't really have an internet presence because of that.  So, I will tell you that she is a dear friend who has an amazing heart for orphans.  She's the one that really stirred my heart in that direction.  We traveled on a my first mission's trip to Mexico together.  We have taught at two different schools together.  We have served locally together.  Now, I get the pleasure of seeing her teach my students about service.

Her heart has always been for kids in need.  She has completed all the steps to become a licensed foster parent.  She has had several children in her home through the Safe Families program.  She routinely opens up her home to children who need a place to stay---all while working and raising her son.  She's now ready to open up her home to her new son permanently.

*She has started a blog for her adoption journey.  Please head over there and check it out.

*She has a page on Reece's Rainbow.  If you feel led, you can make a tax deductible donation there.

*I have an ongoing fundraiser for her (and a few other families I know and love) on my knitting page.  50% of any item ordered goes to her Reece's Rainbow account.

*Check back here and her blog for upcoming fund raisers and updates.

Avon

I've been looking for ways to help adopting families since I completed my own adoption.  I love knitting and will keep doing so but it doesn't make a ton of money in the spring and summer.  So, I've decided to sell Avon online.  I have no interest in selling in person or going door-to-door.  I just want to organize online parties for adopting families.

My first family is Laurence's family.  The commission from any purchases made from my site during the month of April will go to his family.  You don't need a special code or anything.  Just make a purchase!

Laurence's family currently has a matching grant through a local church.  That means, my commission donation will be doubled!!  40 to 80% of the price of your purchase will end up going to help this family!!  And, you still get a great product.

Summer is coming.  We all need to stock up on sunblock and bug spray!

Please pass this link on to your friends and family.  Who doesn't want to help someone while buying things they already need?

www.youravon.com/adoption

Meet the Helf Family

Updated September 4, 2013 to include a new t-shirt sale.

                                       

Meet the Helf family.  I "met" Brooke in an online group of adopting families.  I bought a necklace from her for my mom for Christmas.  I love her jewelry and love how hard she is working to bring her daughter home from Eastern Europe.  Unfortunately, I can't show you Reya's picture but I can tell you that this 16 month old little girl is a beauty! 

Here is what their blog has to say about the Helfs:

This is a blog about our family heeding God’s call on our lives to go to the uttermost parts of Earth from our perspective. We are documenting this journey God has placed us on to be a witness to others. Bear with us as we open our hearts to Him and show our hearts to our calling.

We are a constantly growing family of 7 living in Monroe, GA. Craig and Brooke both grew up in the eastern suburbs of Metro Atlanta. We have 4 beautiful children: Eileen (10), Merrick (6), and Adalynn or Addie (5), Karis (2) and we also have Jana (15) living with us while here on a student visa.

We are currently in the process of adopting a little girl with Down Syndrome from Eastern Europe. We can’t wait to bring this little love bug home to her brother and sisters and to shower her with love!

God has brought us through an incredible journey over the past four years both in our marriage and in our relationship with Him. He has brought Craig back to a calling God placed in his heart at the age of 17 with a focus on missions in the former Soviet Union. Through friends hosting an orphan which led to an adoption, we have hosted five, going on six, children from an orphanage in Liepaja, Latvia. This has led to prayer to seeking God’s will in adoption as well. God has called us to serve the people of Latvia – whether that means full time missions there, short term mission trips there, or being advocates for missions here, we continue to seek God’s will in our next step.

Brooke has worked very hard to raise the money needed to complete their adoption.  She also continues to generously help others along the way.  I think one of the things that I most admire about Brooke and her family is that they have walked the walk.  They have served in Eastern Europe and worked in the trenches with orphans there.  They are not just going to "rescue" a child.   They want to continue to be involved in the work that is going on there.  

Can we encourage this wonderful family?  Even if you can't make a donation, head over to their blog and leave an ENCOURAGING comment.  Adoption is hard.  It's exhausting.  Encouragement and support are crucial---even when they come from complete strangers.

If you love adoption blogs like I do, you can follow their journey  here.    

If you feel led to donate to this amazing family, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.   They have a matching grant of $500.  Any donations made through their paypal will be doubled when they reach $500!  (brooke@thehelffamily.com)

If you want to purchase a hand-knit item to help with adoption costs, you can do that on my Scarves and Skirts for Sara's Friends page.  (50% of the price of the item will go to the Helf family.)

The Helf family currently has handmade jewelry available to purchase on their facebook page or on their new website.   They are currently selling Handmade Jewelry, Metal Stamped Jewelry, Medal Stamped Key Chains, and Vinyl Lettering.  

The family is also selling these great shirts from Fund the Nations.  If you would like to purchase a shirt, you can leave a comment on their blog.  Here is what Brooke had to say about the t-shirt sale:

We have some AMAZING one of a kind t-shirts to sell that an awesome ministry helped us design. These are awesome, quality shirts and when you buy them, the proceeds go to help our adoption! "Love" is written in many different languages in red and then "Love needs no translation" in white. In the background are all the continents. We are pre-selling these shirts for $22 each. If you would like more than one, your price is $22 for the first one and $20 for each additional shirt. Please let me know what sizes you would like and I'll get you a total that you can send to PayPal. Our goal is to sell at least 25 shirts in the next 2-3 weeks. Get a great shirt and help bring Reya home at the same time! Thank you!

Can you find a way to support and encourage this great family?  They are hoping to travel in October or November to meet their daughter.  

The Nelms Family

Meet the Nelms family.  The Nelms family looks a lot like the Keller family.  Right now it's Tiffany.  Soon it will be Tiffany and "Pepe."  I "met" Tiffany in an online adoption group.  We've had lots of chats about adopting and parenting as a single mother.   Tiffany is still working on getting her profile set up with Reece's Rainbow.  However she has a profile on Give Forward to help raise upfront costs.  

Here is what her Give Forward Profile  has to say about Pepe:

Pepe is a very sweet 6 year old boy with special needs. The adoptive family needs help to raise the money to get him home!!

Pepe is a 6 year old from South America with special needs. He has an adoptive family identified, but they need help raising the $24,000 it will cost to complete his adoption. Due to his special needs his adoption needs to be completed as soon as possible.

If you would like additional information about Pepe, you can read about him on Reeces Rainbow orphan ministry website.

Due to restrictions of the country, his photo and real name cannot be made public.

Here is what Pepe's Profile says on Reece's Rainbow:

Boy, born 2006

Mental delays, coming from an indigenous community.

 As of this little boy’s report evaluation when he was five years and nine months old, he was thriving in his foster home with a foster mom and other children in that home unrelated to him. Pepe has been in this foster home since December of 2011 when he had lesions characterized as a form of erythema. Pepe belonged to an indigenous community but was removed because of his physical condition so that he could be available for adoption. Because of his indigenous background, this little boy will likely not be adopted within his country and for this reason is available for adoption internationally.

Pepe had 7 biological siblings but has not had any contact or relationship with them. This child was diagnosed with moderate mental delays and his report describes that his facial features resemble that of Down Syndrome. He was placed in adoption because he was being severely neglected and was in a poor physical state regarding his lack of good nutrition.

Pepe’s report from just before he turned 6 shows that he was at a low height and weight for his age and had poor communication skills. He is reported to have difficulty learning as characterized by his low concentration/attention abilities, low language ability, low expressive and comprehensive communication skills and delays in kinesthetic movement. He is reported to be easily confused by questions and does not answer questions at the level of other children his age.

Nevertheless, Pepe’s picture shows a very happy and engaging face. He reportedly loves animals and plays well with children who are younger than him. He also enjoys watching TV and playing ball, along with other fun activities that require movement. While frustration and inability to communicate can influence him to become aggressive at times, in general, Pepe is reported to be a very affectionate, caring, warm and good-natured little boy.

It absolutely breaks my heart that coming from an indigenous community is listed as a special need.  Unfortunately, that is enough to prevent him from being chosen by a national family.  

Can we encourage this great young woman?  It takes a lot of courage to adopt and even more to adopt as a single mother.  Tiffany has taken an extra job to pay as much as she possibly can on her own.  Like most of us, she's not used to asking for help.  So, I'll ask for her!  Even if you can't make a donation, head over to her blog and leave an ENCOURAGING comment.  Adoption is hard.  It's exhausting.  Encouragement and support are crucial---even when they come from complete strangers.

If you love adoption blogs like I do, you can follow her journey  here.  (I'll post the link as soon as she gets it going!)  

If you feel led to donate to this amazing family, you can make a donation here.   

If you want to purchase a hand-knit item to help with adoption costs, you can do that on my Scarves and Skirts for Sara page.  (50% of the price of the item will go to the Nelms family.)

Can you find a way to support this mom who is working so hard to get her son home?  

The Aschoff Family

Meet the Aschoff  family.  I "met" Jodi in an online adoption group.  She and her husband Ted have a beautiful little Colombian princess with Down syndrome. 

Every time one of us tells a story about our girl, the other ones laughs because our girls are so similar!  I'm convinced if we lived closer to the Aschoffs, we would all be good friends.  Someday we are going to get these too little sassy chicas together and see what trouble they can get into.   Or, we could just play music and see who gets tired of dancing first.   

I've watched as Jodi and Ted have searched for another little one from Colombia.  We forwarded pictures and info back and forth trying to find a child that would fit into their little family.  I remember the day that Jodi sent me a picture of little Leo.  While he isn't Colombian, he's adorable and perfect for them.  I am so excited to watch their process unfold.  
Here is what their Reece's Rainbow profile has to say about the Aschoffs:

Ted and Jodi met in 2001 and married in 2005. After many years of infertility they chose to pursue adoption as a way to grow their family. Initially they encountered some bumps in the road including a domestic reclaim (of a boy with DS) but in their hearts they knew that adoption was the right choice and in 2011 they completed the adoption of their daughter (with DS), Kayella, from Latin America. They knew that Kayella should have a sibling and decided to pursue international adoption again specifically hoping to add another child with Down Syndrome to their family. Once they were ready to begin the process, their search of options for another adoption led them to Leo’s profile and they fell instantly in love with him and knew he would be the perfect addition to their family.

Can we encourage this wonderful family?  Even if you can't make a donation, head over to their blog and leave an ENCOURAGING comment.  Adoption is hard.  It's exhausting.  Encouragement and support are crucial---even when they come from complete strangers.

If you love adoption blogs like I do, you can follow their journey  here.    

If you feel led to donate to this amazing family, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.   

If you want to follow their journey and future fund raisers, you can like their facebook page.

If you want to purchase a hand-knit item to help with adoption costs, you can do that on my Scarves and Skirts for Sara page.  (50% of the price of the item will go to the Aschoff family.)

Can you find a way to support and encourage this great family?  

She's pretty excited!

Ladder Scarves for Sara

UPDATED: July 1, 2013:  I will continue to knit scarves and other items in order to benefit both waiting children and adopting families.  Check the side bar on the blog to see what child and family are benefiting this month.  50% of the selling price of each item will go to either the child or the family.  (Buyer chooses which one.)   

Sara is modeling one of the ladder scarves.  (Ignore the fact that her clothes are too small.  I had a hard time saying goodbye to the 3Ts.)  These scarves are long and light-weight.  I wear mine doubled up.  I always get compliments when I wear it.  

Find Scarves and Skirts for Sara on Facebook!

Scarves are $15 each plus $5 shipping.  $7.50 of each purchase will go to the Family or Waiting child of the month.  

Here's how it's going to work:

*Leave me a comment and let me know what color you want. I will also need an email address.

*I will make a list of those who have ordered and the order in which you placed your order.

*When your scarf is ready, I will send you an invoice.

*When you pay the invoice, I will ship your scarf.

*I will then donate half of the selling price to the Waiting Child or Adopting Family.  I will forward the email receipt to you.  

Here are samples of the color choices:

Color 2 Jade Yellow

Color 3 Sky Blue Silver

Color 4 Gold Brown Green Orange

Color 5 Lilac Red Silver

Color 6 Black White Gold Lilac

Color 7 Red Pink Black

Color 8 Gold Pink Red

Color 9 Blue Purple

Color 10 Brown Gold

#29 Light Purple Blue Yellow

#30 Grey Black with a Hint of Blue

#32 Primaries

#33 Pink Peach Blue

#35 Pink Light Blue Yellow

#36 Pinks Yellow Blue Green

#38 Pinks Aqua Yellow

#64 Black GoldSilver

#73 Red Lavender Green Yellow

#74 Blue Yellow Silver

#78 Pink Purple Orange Black

#80 Reds

#90 Hot Pink Red Brown

#101 Blue Yellow Pink Black

#103 Pastels Blue Pink with Black

#104 Pink Light Blue Black Orange

#105 Magenta Pinks Black

#106 Magentas

#108 Hunters Gold Brown

#110 Black Pink Blue Green

#111 Neons

#112 Purples Fuchsia

#113 Purple, Green, Brown

#114 Red Yellow Purple

#115 Pinks

#116 Yellow Pink Blue Green Purple

#117 Purple Orange Aqua

#118 Orange Blue Fuchsia 

#119 Blue Yellow Green

#120 Purple Blue Green

#121 Pink Purple Black

#9093 Black Purple Blue