Updates.

A couple of updates for you.

#1. The Martinez family is killing it with over $500 in ONE day! That's insane. That's fantastic! You guys are amazing! Keep it up! Those Martinez siblings will be here before you know it.

#2. We have an update too. Today was our first home study. I told you guys I'd keep you posted, so here goes. You know how we wanted two older girls? Yeah, that's apparently not going to happen. Not anytime soon anyway. Our social worker thinks that younger will be better for us since we have such little ones already (3 and 6). It was hard to hear, I'm not gonna lie. I had a picture painted in my head of what our family was going to look like, but she had a million good reasons for us to change our game plan. And she's the expert and we're going to heed her advice on this one. So it looks like the next member of the Cupitt tribe will look more like one of these adorables. We are going to be adopting one 4 or 5 year old girl. And we're actually really excited. I mean 4-5 year old girls are pretty darn cute. It's just different than we planned. But that's ok. God has the right child for us and we're going to find her. She's just shorter than we anticipated.

Say Hi to the Martinez Family!

New week, new family. This is my favorite part of the week. Starting fresh with a new family to bless! So this week we'll be blessing the Martinez family. They have two kids, Maddy and Ben, and are adopting two more. Sibling sets often have a lower chance of being adopted, so it's always nice to see a family willing to take in more than one! BUT it's also more expensive, so we want to make sure we're giving this week so we can really ease that burden. Hop on over to hear from Mom and Dad on their choice to adopt.



And remember, there are more ways to give than one! You can join the Dollar Mob, donate directly to the Martinez family, or you can do a little Christmas shopping in the Give1 Shop. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to provide one more way to give too. It's kinda fun stuff!

 

Strength and Dignity

Ladies, you did something so awesome this week. You gave Asha strength by letting her learn how to sew. Strength to feed all of her kids and put them through school and take care of herself. And dignity to work. This will change her life, I'm sure of it. You should be proud of yourself. Take that warm fuzzy feeling with you all weekend and bring it back on Monday. We've got a new family next week and you're bound to love them.

Peaceful Parenting: The Morning Series. Get dressed.

I know you think I'm joking but I'm not! This one I have learned to my core. You must get dressed. It must make you feel good (or at least not bad). Accessories are the cherry on top and you need the cherry on top. Let's break down some possible cute Mommy outfits and why they work. And then we'll chat about how getting dressed is going to make you a more peaceful parent. I'm sure of it.



This is a winner because it's comfortable, cute, and covers the Mommy bump and butt crack. Yes, I'm talking about butt crack becaause you know how often we have to bend. Picking up stuff off the floor ALL day. You want all your stuff covered. So I'm a fan of this outfit.



More of the same reasons. Thank you, long shirts. By the way have you seen this cute long shirt? One of my favorite adoption shirts to date. Just bought one yesterday. I'll be pairing mine with boots and dangly earrings.



Another fave. Sweater dress with leggings and boots. Except my boots don't have big scary heels. I go for leggings and dresses in the winter because they're super comfortable and look pulled together.

And now for how getting dressed (properly and all the way) makes you a better Mom. It's because you're ready for anything and don't feel ashamed of how you look when the UPS guy comes or your mother in law pops in. You're confident and you feel at peace. And that radiates. You know that Proverbs 31 wife? Verse 22 says "...she is clothed in fine linen and purple."  That means she doesn't look like Franny in sweats. Taking care of yourself is the first step to taking care of your family. So get dressed. Put on some earrings even. And face your day with a smile. Your little ones will smile back. I promise.

A Must See.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/20685850 w=400&h=225]

Home At Last from dan owens on Vimeo.

You guys, this video is a must see. MUST see. It's the most beautiful, artistic gotcha day video I've ever seen. I just love it. And when you're done you might want to pop over and visit  this inspiring family's blog.

Maybe Beth should go to sewing school.

So in keeping with the sewing theme, let me just say that I'm not fantastic at sewing, but definitely have fantasies and aspirations. If I was decent at sewing this is what I'd be trying to make:







And these little darling pocket pixies are going to happen. I bought the pattern. You can too if you just click on them. It'll take you right to Gingermelon's Etsy shop. I adore these and can't wait to get started. They are 7.5 inches tall all done. I'm going to make some to put in Blessing Bags for Christmas time. I'm determined. I already ordered my felt and I can't wait to get started! I'm pretty sure my Abby's going to go bonkers over them too.



Ok, so maybe I won't make it through sewing school, but this week we're working on sending Asha to sewing school to learn a trade and get a job with Noonday Collection. And guess what?! We're actually $28 away from doing just that. And then we can sponsor another gal. Wouldn't that be awesome? How about you guys? Anybody working on a cool sewing project?

New week, new project

UPDATE: Hew's our running total for the week. So far we're at $206!!!



Hey ladies,

It's no secret that I'm a big Noonday Collection fan. Though I will always encourage you to shop there, that is not the focus this particular week. It's our Project Week, and Noonday is doing something so cool that we are going to help them if that's alright with you. Noonday normally sells jewelry and a few home goods, but they are now opening a new line of products. Ten women will now be attending sewing school to learn to make new products for Noonday. And I'd love to sponsor at least one of them.

So we're starting out by sponsoring Asha. She's a 28 year old widow. She has 2 biological children and has also taken in her sister's children when she died. We need at least $180. That's easy peasy for us, right?! Allowing Asha to learn how to sew will teach her a skill that she can use for income all her life. Want to know why work matters (alot)? You must read this post. So, let's send Asha to school, give her a chance, and give those sweet little bodies a life that they deserve. Donate just this week by hitting the red donate button on the top right hand side. OR join the Dollar Mob so you never miss the opportunity to bless a family adopting from Africa or a beautiful project like this.