Sunday, January 30, 2011

Another Giveaway!



Neely  just got 300 followers this weekend and she  thought you everyone needed a prize!  So head over to her blog and enter to win!

The winner will receive a $50 gift card to one of the following places of your choice:

Target, Starbucks, Sephora, Anthropologie, LuluLemon, or Banana Republic

Is that not exciting :)
Hurry to enter  will end on Monday January 31st at 11:59 PM


If someone enters and tells me that they found the giveaway from my blog I will get  2 more chances!

Valentines Day Giveaway!

 Rachel over at A Life So Lovely decided to make a Valentines Day Wreath for her first giveaway.

They are great decorations for apartments, dorms, and anyplace else

This one is Valentines Day themed in Pink with black and white accents and is 12" in diameter.

 
So you should go over to her blog and join in the giveaway!
Hope everyone has a great week!  We are post to be getting a big ice and snow storm!
Wonder if we will really get it?

Friday, January 28, 2011

Adoption Such a Blessing!

   This is the first time I am linking up with Kelly's  Show us Your Life blog hop.  Kelly's blog is the first blog I started reading everyday faithfully.  It is amazing how many readers she has.  Today is Adoption.  I know most of you know my story but I never get tired of sharing it.
    This was all God doing.  During the adoption process is the first time I really heard God speak to me.  I am so blessed that I listened to him.


     I teach middle school and sometimes you see children that are in foster care.  I coach XC and in the years I have had some kids run for me that were in foster care but some meets they could not go to the meets because they had to go away for the weekend for respite care.  I thought I might be able to help a kid in transition.  So I went threw the foster care classes.
    Then on Oct 8, 2007 - we were off school.  I had plans to spend the day with some other teachers we were going to use our Stamp in-Up stuff.  I also was going to a Christian Concert that night at a local church.  It was 9:00 a.m.  my cell phone rang I did not get to the phone because I was sleeping in :).  Then my house phone rang and it was a call from Lutheran and they left a message that they were wondering if I could take a newborn infant that was being released from Carle that day.   I called Lutheran back and said yes.  I told them I do not have a car seat they said we have one you can borrow but need it back.  I then just sat in my living room turned off the T.V. thinking what did I just say.  I did not even ask if it was a girl or a boy.  How am I going to do this? I have to work tomorrow.  Thinking this could just be for a few days. 
    Then my friend called and asked what time we were meeting to hang out.  I said I kind of can not come I did something.  She like what did you do - I said well I got my foster care license and now they called and want me to come and pick up a infant being released from the hospital.  She like that is wonderful - do you need me to come help you do anything.  I said I feel really sick can you drive me there?  This whole time I was wanting to call and tell my mom but I was like she is not going to believe me.  The entire time I was thinking they are going to call back and say never mind.  So we go to the agency and they handed me this beautiful baby girl and two bottles and a blanket that someone made and gave to the agency.  They said her name was Ashley.  I said do you want to have a meeting - I had never seen any of these people in life.  They are like No - then someone said do you have any baby stuff - I was like no - they said well there is a grant that you can go buy $200 of equipment and $100. in clothes.  She was like go to Target pick out some stuff and then call this number and I will come and pay.   I was like do I call my mom and tell her they want me to take this newborn to Target or do we just go.  So my friend and I went with Ashely we also called another friend who came to Target.  I was in shock I told the girls pick out what ever you think I am going  to need I going to sit with Ashley in the food court.  They told us we could only pick out one can of formula, one thing of diapers and wipes, one bottle of lotion.  Then entire time I was like I can't believe they will pay for this stuff not knowing how long I would have her.  At one time I did ask at Lutheran is this just for a few weeks?  They said No this could be for 1 year or 2 years.  I was like oh.  My friends come over started setting everything up for me.  Boiling bottles, washing clothes we just picked out etc.  I called my mom said come over when you get off work,  I did something she like just tell me now - I said I took in a foster baby.  My mom like baby I was like yes only 3 days old.  She was like where is she going to sleep?  I was like the girls are working on that.  My mom stayed with me for 2 weeks!!!!  If you want to know how it was working with Lutheran or have questions feel free to send me  a comment and we can talk over email.
   Fast forward story -  Ashley had 1 hour week supervised visits with her family for over 2 years.  I went to every court date.  We went threw a bonding study.  With lots of prayer, sleepless nights and loosing weight due to stress of not knowing what was going to happen  I adopted Ashley on Aug 24, 2010!


I just want everyone to remember that is thinking about adoption to really consider Foster Care for Adoption.  They do not always end in adoption but think about the base you are giving that child.  Just think that child could be your neighbor in need or just living across town from you.  I just really think sometimes we forget to help the people that are right under our noses.

Even though the state maintains true custody, foster parents do have a definite responsibility for children in their care. Their ultimate responsibilities are to care for the child and to look after his or her daily well-being. In a very real sense, their job is to provide parental love to children without parents.

On September 30, 2008, there were an estimated 463,000 children in foster care


Almost a quarter (24 percent) were in relative homes, and • nearly half (47 percent) were in non relative foster family homes




40 percent were White/Non-Hispanic •

31 percent were Black/Non-Hispanic •
          20 percent were Hispanic



How do I plant the seed,
Of the things we really need?
To be a mom and teach it right
With out the hassles and the fight,
To teach my child what's right and wrong
To show them what it takes to be strong.
To appreciate the things they have
To know the difference of what's good or bad.
How do I help this flower grow?
Do I let it grow alone?
Or should I save it from the storm?
Will my efforts help to bloom,
The simple act of cleaning their room?
Will the weeds I pull today;
Help my posies listen and obey?
Or do I let the weeds grow tall and wild;
And watch them grow around my child?
Do I wait and see if they;
chop them down to clear the way?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Loving Wednesday


 I am LovingThat my 7th grade boys basketball team is playing in the Regional Championship game tonight.  GO KNIGHTS!


I am Loving - that I joined All You Need is Love Blog Swap and Challenge you should check it out and join in on the fun.


 I am Loving that I joined a small group at church.  The leaders seem really great.  You can tell they really love the lord.  Please pray this group is the right fit for me.  I just wish there were some single people in the group.



Have a Great Wednesday -  Lets hope the Knights win tonight and Illini tomorrow!


Saturday, January 22, 2011

Sister Sister Blog Party Sweet Treats

   I am linking up with Sister Sister Sweet Treats -  They have some yummy links you should check them out.

   HAWAIIAN CAKE



 Bake a White Cake Mix as Directed in a 9 X13 Pan.

 Blend 1 Large Can of Crushed Pineapple (Drained) with 8 oz Softened Cream Cheese.

 Mix 1 Small Package of Instant Lemon Pudding Mix ( or Vanilla) with 1 1/2 Cups of Milk until Pudding is Thickened.

  Add Pudding to the Pineapple-Cream Cheese Mixture and Blend Well.

Spread this Mixture over the Cooled Cake, Then Cover with Cool Whip.  ( you can also add cherries or almonds to the top)   Refrigerate.

May Be Stored in Refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.  Freezes Well.



High Five Sheet



I need your help - Sorry this post is long but I would love your feedback!
 I am not sure if I am overreacting and the teacher in me is coming out in me.  Or I am wounded that someone would say something about my child.
Friday night I picked up Ashley at daycare.  It was 5:30 she had been there since 7:00 in morning.  Towards the end of the day they put all the kids in a room so there were kids of all ages in the room.  Ashley teacher was still there.  Ashley was sitting at a table playing with a flag.  I walked in and she jumped up and said I lost my "High Five sheet"  In a panic she started going threw the garbage can at the daycare. 
They get a piece of paper that says High Five - saying they had a good day.  They do not date these papers or write what they did to get this paper. 
I said Ashley lost her High Five sheet?  As poor Ashley is digging threw the trash.  The teacher says yes in the last hour she was not using her "big girl words".  I was upset that they would give it to her and then take it back.  She is only 3 years old.  I also feel that the teacher is tired and does not like having all the kids in same room.  They seem to be on somebody all the time.
I told Ashley that is was o.k. and lets get out of here.  I was steaming and wanted to say something but I felt like if I said anything right then it would not come out the way I wanted it to.
I know I should let it go but it is hard.  Ms. Ashley was upset about not getting the high five sheet.  I just feel these kids are 3 years old.

What would you do?  Should I say anything? 

For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems.
James 1:3-4

Friday, January 21, 2011

Fill in the blank Friday



 I am linking up with Lauren - its so much fun you should play along.
1.   My favorite quote is  Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.  Martin Luther King.

2.  A bad habit I have is  picking my eye lashes, sometimes I pick them so much that I don't have any left.  I also chew on my turtle necks when I wear turtle necks.  I also make humming noise when I am walking.

3.  The first time I felt like a "grown up" was   when Lutheran called and asked me to take in a newborn baby.  They said to come to the office within in an hour.  I did and they handed me Ashley and then said we could go to Target and buy equipment on a grant.  I had no clue what I was putting in the cart.  Luckily my friends came to the rescue.

4.  Weekends are  for spending time with Ashley and family.  Shopping and fun activities.  Church on Sunday which makes my week better.

5.  When I was a child I wished my name was  I don't ever think I wanted to be named anything different.  I did always like looking at books of names and dreaming about what I would name my child one day.

6.  I wish  I could sew and make clothes.  I just don't have the patience.  Or wish I was creative to use all my Stampin Up stuff that I have.  Or was caught up on my scrap booking.

7.  A secret I have is I really can not think of one - I seem to tell everything I know - not right away but it comes out some time or another.

What are you up to this weekend?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday


I am linking up with Jamie she has so many people linking up with her - I look forward to Wed.

I am Loving -  the little people in my family - they have so much fun together!


I am Loving -  that Ashley is taking swim lessons and I don't have to get in the water with her!

I am Loving -  Life I am so thankful for being healthy.  I pray for families that are going threw rough times.

I am Loving - that tomorrow is Thursday and I only have 2 more days of work till the weekend!

I am Loving - that tonight was Franklin last boys basketball home game.  The year was flown by.  We start regionals next week!


Friday, January 14, 2011

Fill in the blank Friday


1.   I feel happy when  I am hanging out with my family.  When Ashley is laughing and exploring new things.  I am also happy when my Franklin Knights are winning and also when the Illini are winning.

2.  I get silly when  I drink a cappuccino late at night.

3.  Something that makes me sad is  when people are not nice to one another.  Or when people are sick and there is nothing you can do to make it better.

4.  Something that makes me annoyed is  when people are out and act like they never been out before.  Or if they take up the entire space while getting self served drinks.  When people don't return their shopping carts to the correct place.

5.  A time that I've been truly surprised was  right before Christmas when my parents paid for a week of Ashley daycare.  It was a huge blessing.

6.  I am so thankful for  my family and Ashley.  I am so lucky that they live close and is so willing to help.  I work with people that do not always want to watch or spend time with their grand kids.  I am so thankful that my parents are not selfish and would give up anything for us.
7.  I feel loved when   I am with my family and anytime I am with Ashley.
 
This is my brother and sister-law.
 

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Healthy Snacks

 


I think I am better at unhealthy snacks.


Except if I am going to run in April.  I better start thinking healthy.  Our running club is getting ready to start so I better start snacking better.  I came across this list.   Hope it brings some ideas to you!


30 healthy picks

Great snacks with less than 200 calories

  • 5 olives (any kind) (45 calories)
  • 1 small Martin's pretzel (50 calories)
  • 2 oz Applegate Honey and Maple Turkey Breast wrapped around 2 bread-and-butter pickles (80 calories)
  • 1/4 cup hummus, 3 carrot sticks (80 calories)
  • 1 Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original wedge, 3 pieces Kavli Crispy Thin (85 calories)
  • One 1-oz package tuna jerky (90 calories)
  • 1 oz buffalo mozzarella, 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (94 calories)
  • 1 bag Baked! Cheetos 100 Calorie Mini Bites (100 calories)
  • 15 Eden's Nori Maki Crackers rice crackers (110 calories)
  • 1 cup unshelled edamame (120 calories)
  • 50 Eden's Vegetable Chips (130 calories)
  • One 1-oz package of Planters NUT-trition almonds (130 calories)
  • 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Chili con Queso, 18 baked tortilla chips (140 calories)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds in shell (143 calories)
  • 2 pieces (30 grams) prosciutto, 4 dried figs (154 calories)
  • 1 Subway Turkey Breast Wrap (190 calories)

Friday, January 7, 2011

Day 7: Favorite Memory of 2010



I am sure everyone knows what my favorite memory of 2010 is ASHLEY'S ADOPTION!  Foster care had been pulling at my heart for awhile - I had no idea they would call with a  newborn baby .  With foster care you do not know how long the children will be with you they will always be in your heart.  I am very blessed that I got to adopt Ashley.  I will share some pictures from the adoption and also Ashley adoption celebration party.

Walking up to the court room!



It's Official now :)


Ashley loves Cupcakes!
We love Ashley more then you will ever know!!!!!

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.  James 1:17

Fill in the blank Friday

1.   Winter is  very cold and gloomy. The good part is college basketball season.  Also Christmas.

2.  Summer is  wonderful, warm, swimming pools, baseball games, cook-outs, fun sun dresses.

3.  If it were summer instead of winter right now I'd  I would be going around the lazy river at the pool.  Eating a pretzel with cheese from the snack bar.  Just loving the sun.  Having a nice tan.

 

4.  My favorite thing to do in winter is  go to basketball games.

5.  My favorite thing to do in summer is    to spend the day at the pool or a water park.  I also enjoy teaching driver education in the summer ( only in the mornings - I need the afternoons for the pool)

6.  The ideal outfit for a sunny summer day is   cute sundress with some new summer sandals and new sunglasses.

7.  The ideal outfit for a frigid winter day is  a warm sweat suit.
Oh how many days till Summer?

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday


I am Loving  that I  got my computer back today.  It seemed to have a caught a 2011 Virus on New Years Day. :(

I am Loving  that  next Wed we start the Wed night bible study at church.

The Life You’ve Always Wanted.” Based on the John Ortberg book

Did you know the DNA of a caterpillar is exactly the same as a butterfly? Same genetics. Completely different creatures. The same is true for us. God gave us DNA that doesn’t change. We already have the basics for the woman  God intends us to be.

I am Loving these outfits wonder how they would look on me?



I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year Resolutions


 I am linking up with Kit for the next 11 days ( 11 days in 2011)

 Day 1 New Year Resolutions -

I always thought about resolutions but have not written them down in years.  So I will give it a try.  As a write them I think they are more goals then resolutions.

 First Resolution would be is to be better organized - to be better at balancing work and motherhood.  I have a wonderful file cabinet and shredder I have never taken out of the box.  Fun file folders.  I been reading tips from Fly Lady - if I would just use them.  I also enjoy reading Kuzak's Closet blog.  Or if I would just do as my mother says and do a little bit each day!!!

 Another Resolution would be is to Remember to Laugh Ashley makes me laugh everyday.  People matter and I need to invest in them and make a difference.



 Another Resolution would be is to really work hard at starting and finishing 2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team with Beth Moore and going to the celebration in Jan 2012.  I am not the best at going outside of my box - I want to be better at not having a fear of travel and adventure. As my mom would say "finish what you start"

Another one would be to work hard at running and run the half at the Illinois Marathon on April 30 2011.  It is right here in our home town.  Plus I want to be good example for Ashley and my cross country runners.  It goes back to balance work and parenting.  I have all the resources at my figure tips if I just would use them.

My last resolution would be to live a Godly life - be positive and remember that God is in Control.  Remember to Thank him everyday for my rainbows each and every day!