My first on line fundraiser is done....who's next?? Email me if you are interested.
Check in on Saturday for a walk through our first adoption four years ago.
Two years with little YX!
2 weeks ago
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Scentsy Fundraiser
Our Minus 1 Project Scentsy Fundraiser is over. Thank you to all who purchased through my website...I am in the process of notifying the winners by email. I hope you all enjoy your warmers and scents (and buddies). I appreciate you making this a successful fundraiser.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June 29, 2007
We boarded a plane to China to meet and bring home our daughter. That experience changed our lives. Our priorities, our perspective and our purpose will never be the same.
(One of our first dinners in China before receiving Lindsey.)
Last Call....
for a great smelling house
AND
a chance to win some great prizes!!
If I have sparked your interest at all...here is your chance to give Scentsy a try. Between now and the end of the month visit my website:
and click on
Minus 1 Project Fundraiser
and place an order. For every $10.00 you spend, I'll enter your name in a drawing to win one of these fabulous "thank you" prizes.
James 1:27 Key Fob
A set of designer Bobby Pins
Beautiful hand-made earrings
Your choice custom t-shirt by Abby (so many cute designs to choose from)
James 1:27 poster (12"x16")
Bead Necklace with Ribbon
Two people: Your choice item from Minus 1 Project blog
No link needed...see sidebar. :)
Our Scentsy fundraiser ends Thursday (June 30) at midnight. I'll draw the winners and get prizes in the mail Friday.
All t-shirt orders from June 8- June 27 will also be mailed out on Friday because early Sat. morning we are off to the beach!! YEAH! My favorite trip of the year..
...be watching for some BRAND NEW Minus 1 Project fundraising gear that you are going to LOVE and of course a give away, too!
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Guinea Pig
That's me!
Two things I am really into right now: 1. fundraising and 2. helping other families fundraise.
So, I thought I would first try out a Scentsy fundraiser on us. (I did check on the rules to make sure this was appropriate.) I have connected, so far, with two other families that would like to host a Scentsy fundraiser. Would you?
I am finding it is actually very easy to do. On my website, kapisa.scentsy.us, I can list the name of a certain fundraiser. Customers than simply click on the "party" they want to attend and shop. The order is calculated, they pay, and it arrives in about 6 days to them. When I close out the fundraiser (party) the total is posted and I write a check to the host for 20%. It is that easy. I really dig a fundraiser where you can't lose money. The host only has to help spread the word.
Here are some of the great products you can find:
So, now it is your turn to be a guinea pig and try Scentsy. For every $10 you spend you will be entered to win one of the prizes in the below post. What are you waiting for?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
T-SHIRTS
We are placing a t-shirt (both designs) order tomorrow morning. Fill your cart today!! Next order will probably be mid/end of July.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Momma Bird
Whenever I am found in the kitchen doing this:
My two youngest baby birds can be found doing this:
And being the good Momma bird I am, I skip the chewing and spitting part, and do this:
Resulting in some very happy baby birds:
Just wishing there was one more little mouth to feed. Resting in God's timing to bring our newest baby bird home.
I hope I never have an empty nest!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Life according to the triathlon
Last weekend I traveled over night with my dad to do a triathlon. My dad first got me into running the summer after I graduated from college. I have been so thankful to get to do several marathons with him. A few years ago he started doing triathlons--crazy, I know. He really is an inspiration to so many out on the race course--usually finishing last, but with the best smile and sense of humor to match. (As he finished, he said, "down to the lake, I'm doing it again!")
Here is our picture before we left.
-you've got to dig a grandpa who wears a shirt with a picture of his grandkids on it!
This was only my second triathlon so I was a bit nervous. So nervous that I forgot my swim cap in the car, needed a stranger with a similar road bike to show me how to switch gears (I hadn't ridden Tim's "race" bike since the fall) and almost got disqualified while figuring out the gear thing for riding around the parking lot without my helmet on! And this was all before the race started.
Then the race started and except for the initial swim panic, you know, deep water, lots of kicking and splashing, I settled in for a pretty enjoyable hour and forty-four minutes. The race course was beautiful and the weather perfect.
During the run, I started feeling worn down. My legs were tired, I had to potty and the hills kept on rolling. I did my usual head down so I could only see a few feet in front of me. I think this helps me to keep a bit more focused. When I look straight ahead, the hills and distance left can intimidate me. I can get caught up in the long distance instead of the small distance that every step I take covers, which brings me closer to the finish.
I was thinking of this technique as I pushed through and I thought, wow, that is really Biblical.
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
We are all in a race--the race of life. How should we be running? We can always be looking way into the distance (future) and worrying how it will all pan out. Or we can see all the obstacles that seem to be blocking our finish line and get discouraged and even give up.
OR
We can, in essence, put our head down, focus on Jesus and run. We can take our small daily steps forward in the direction that He leads us and not allow the hills/obstacles to cause us to change course. We can trust that every step is bringing us closer to His desired outcome for our lives.
How's your running?
Monday, June 20, 2011
What Scensty is not...
it is not just pretty, light-up warmers that melt wonderful smelly stuff. They also have cute stuffed animals called Scentsy buddies. There are several different animals (lion, elephant, frog, monkey, pig, lamb) and scent packs to choose from. The animals have a small zipper opening that a scent pack fits in to make the animal smell.
So, here is our idea. We are planning on sending one in a care package to our child after we receive our referral. Then, have the same scent warming in our house when we get home. I am hoping that will create a comforting connection for our little one.
What do you think?
GiVeAwAy details:
Click HERE or go to kapisa.scentsy.us to see all the different warmers, plug-ins and scents. Click on Minus 1 Project fundraiser to place an order. Your order will be processed and shipped out, usual arriving within 6 days. For every $10 you spend, I'll enter your name in to win one of these great prizes:
James 1:27 Key Fob
A set of designer Bobby Pins
Beautiful hand-made earrings
Your choice custom t-shirt by Abby (so many cute designs to choose from)
James 1:27 poster (12"x16")
Bead Necklace with Ribbon
Two people: Your choice item from Minus 1 Project blog
No link needed...see sidebar. :)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day X2
Happy Father's Day to my dad.
Pop-you are loved and admired by so many but especially by your children and grandchildren. I love you, dad.
Happy Father's Day to my husband.
Tim-you are an incredible father. I love watching you with our children. The time, energy and love you pour into them is molding and shaping them. I'm so thankful to be on this journey of parenthood with you. I love you!
(taken on Father's Day, 2010)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Amusement Park fun
We spent yesterday with my family at King's Dominion amusement park. Our summers growing up always included a trip to King's Dominion with my cousins. I am so happy that my kids are getting to experience the same thing.
This was right after we entered the park and the last I saw of my boys! Not completely, I did see them on and off but not long enough for pictures. That is one of the fun things about going with several adults and loads of kids all ages. We were able to divide into groups through out the day. Most of my day was happily spent with the girls and younger cousins.
We got home around midnight last night. The kids all slept in late this morning. We had a great time...so I'm off to do laundry. I love the bag of the wet, swampy smelling stuff from the water park....YUCK.
Speaking of smelly stuff. How does your bathroom smell? Mine smells like Sun-kissed Citrus or Pima Cotton and sometimes Sweet Pea and Vanilla. How? By using one of these plug-ins from Scentsy.
Now, I won't say that you "need" one of these in your bathrooms. (That is unless you are bringing home your 7th son--Sonia! :) But, it does keep the bathroom smelling lovely not to mention how the scent spreads to the bedrooms and hallway upstairs.
Be sure to see the post below on how to place an order, help us raise the money for our adoption, get a great smelling house, and possibly win a great prize!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The best smelling GiVeAwAy!
The Scentsy Mission
To bring value to the world by providing an industry-leading, family-friendly business opportunity selling creative, artistic, high-quality products that Warm the Heart, Enliven the Senses, and Inspire the Soul.
(I'm not sure about all of that....but I do know that Scentsy has some great products. They are a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles. The warmers and plug-ins are very pretty and the scents are long lasting. Another great thing is that because they run on a low watt bulb...they are safe for dorms, classrooms, elderly, to run while not home, etc..)
I began as a consultant in February to help with adoption costs. I have been so pleased with the company and the success I have had.
If I have sparked your interest at all...here is your chance to give Scentsy a try. Between now and the end of the month visit my website:
and click on
Minus 1 Project Fundraiser
and place an order. For every $10.00 you spend, I'll enter your name in a drawing to win one of these fabulous "thank you" prizes.
James 1:27 Key Fob
A set of designer Bobby Pins
Beautiful hand-made earrings
Your choice custom t-shirt by Abby (so many cute designs to choose from)
James 1:27 poster (12"x16")
Bead Necklace with Ribbon
Two people: Your choice item from Minus 1 Project blog
No link needed...see sidebar. :)
Feel free to comment or email me any questions or if you would like a scent suggestion. Many of you bought when we did the free t-shirt. Would you considering leaving a comment on what you liked or disliked about your Scentsy purchase?
Every $10.00 spent = 1 chance to win one of the above gifts. Fundraiser ends June 30th.
Thank you and have a "scentsational" day! :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime!
We had a great weekend. We left Friday afternoon for one of our favorite summertime spots: my parent's house. We spent most of the weekend fishing from the dock and swimming.
My mom and Lucy were bird watching.
Only at the lake!!
Ben learned how to flip!
While swimming today, I was thinking how last summer I was so sure our little one would be home in time for summer trips to the lake. Ugh. I do know it will all work out in the timing that is best. And until that time arrives, I am planning on making loads of memories with my family.
Friday, June 10, 2011
First lesson in Fundraising
GIVE
Did I mean to type, SAVE? No.
That would be number 2. I can promise you, in our fundraising experience, that the #1 is to GIVE.
"..give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Luke 6:38
*Disclaimer: I have been wanting to write this post for months but was hesitant for fear of readers thinking I was sharing so that they would donate to our adoption. I was thinking I would wait until our adoption was final and we no longer had a donate button. But as this week's events unfolded, I thought, "People ask me about fundraising advice and this really should be my first response."
And so I am sharing, please know that the purpose behind this is not a guilt-push-give-to-our-fund post, but an encouraging-trust-Him approach to fundraising.
I have received several e-mails asking about fundraising. I have been so encouraged to connect with other families that are working to bring home their little one(s). That was one of our purposes behind the "Minus 1 Project" title: encouraging other families to start their own "Minus 1 Project". The "Project" meaning fundraising to result in one less orphan.
An obvious approach to fundraising or raising money is to save: cut back on the nonessential items (things you would like to have but could wait a year or two to have, for example beautiful wicker porch furniture with big, comfortable cushions in a lovely floral pattern, used of course). But another some-what logical idea would be to cut back on giving. Why would someone who is trying to save money continually keep giving money away? The answer: the promise above in the book of Luke.
The other evening we had several chances to give money to different causes and needs. In the process of doing that, I was hesitant to the amount that my husband suggested we give. It seemed a bit much to me, but we did. (Please, I am not bragging or boasting..I am simply sharing a story, that is part of our adoption journey, which is one of the purposes of this blog.)
The following morning we woke up to several "Notification of payment received" emails that nearly doubled what we had given away. Later that afternoon before paying out a bill that was due, I called to check on the amount only to find out we need not pay at all. Really? Yes, the man explained that there should have been a note attached reading that the fee had been removed. Why? He even was unsure of the reason, but assured me we owed nothing.
Does this happen every time we donate or give? No, but it is amazing how while continuing to give, our savings increases. And, especially the times that my heart is hesitant, it assures me, once again, that God's promises are true.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2Cor. 9:7-8
This post certainly would not be complete without acknowledging and thanking all of those who have given to our family. Whether it be through the donate button, a fundraising item purchase, or check, you are encouraging me to have a giving spirit. We KNOW we could not be doing this without each of you. We take no credit for ourselves. Fundraising only works when others are willing to give, to sacrifice, to bless, to invest, and to obey.
THANK YOU.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Miscellaneous Monday on Tuesday :)
I know I have seen bloggers do a Miscellaneous Monday post...and although it is Tuesday, I'm doing it. Why? Because I feel like I have a whole lot of little things to share that are very unrelated.
1. I am overdue (see counting ticker).
2. I am still recovering from the yard sale..not myself personally but my house. Why does having a yard sale wreck the entire house? I think I may have figured it out as I realized that I ignored all my household chores to get everything priced and ready for the sale last week.
3. I am so excited for friends who travel in about 2 weeks to bring their daughter home from South Korea and friends who just found their daughter (on a waiting list). I love adoption, the faith in Jesus it grows and the joy it brings.
4. I am thinking someone got a hold of my camera:
5. I am trying to understand why so many young girls are allowed to wear bikinis. (Did you hear that can open? :) As summer approaches and posts (and Facebook) pictures turn to the beach and pool ...I am just surprised at the number of girls in bikinis. Does this surprise you? Bother you? If anyone can help me understand why allowing young girls to parade around in front of others in no more (and in some cases less than) a bra and panties please feel free to share. I am not being sarcastic or judgmental here. What happened to modesty???
6. And so if being a homeschooling, transracial, non-bikini wearing family is not enough to make you stick out, then having your husband ride this around the neighborhood will:
Isn't that so funny? Lucy's legs are not long enough, yet, for the tag-along and so Tim hooked the trailer to the tag-along and the tag-along to his bike and off they go!! I think they, really just he, has logged in over 50 miles on that contraption in the last few weeks!
Thanks for reading through my random thoughts this Tuesday morning...have a great week.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like...
A YARD SALE.
This morning we had, yet another, sale in our yard. And once again we had some wonderful donations of really nice items. I was able to craigslist and consign many things before today. Yard sales are a whole lot of work...but they are a sure money-maker! We totaled a bit over $500.00. I think it was worth the sore back and sweat!! :)
Notice that large suitcase in the left hand corner of the above picture? Ben was pulling it up and down the driveway.
And so I say.."stop doing that", and he replies, "but it is so fun." Fun??
Keep in mind there were 2 tarps covered with all different kinds of toys to play with and my two rascals find a large suitcase...
with air holes, I'm sure. :)
Last day to share about our "Bibtastic" fundraiser (see post below) and be entered to win one.
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