What makes a family–a family??? Is it blood? Is it marriage? Is it friendships so strong…what is it exactly? Well, it can be a lot of different things that MAKE a family…and at the core of each of them–it’s always LOVE.
LOVE has no boundaries.
LOVE will make a parent perservere dispite circumstances…it will make you never give up.
And while faith, hope and love abide together—the greatest of these three…indeed, is LOVE.
We knew it before…but now our family feels it in new ways this Christmas. LOVE makes our family a family. Beyond borders, race, blood…LOVE is stronger…
So…what really makes a family?
To purchase Ladies Shirt (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) – Please note this run VERY SMALL (you can see explanation at bottom of today’s entry). Unisex shirts are regular fit—they are also available. TO BUY THE SHIRTS…go to our RETREAT SITE: www.createdforcare.org
Maybe you have a sponsored child across the world through Wiphan, Compassion or another orphan ministry…and in your heart you truly feel the child you sponsor every month IS family to your family. Amazing what LOVE can do, isn’t it? Maybe you are waiting desperately for a child you don’t even know yet…but in your heart you know he is waiting and needs you…amazing what LOVE can do! Maybe you are having sleepless nights…days in counseling sessions with during a troubling time…yet you know it’s all worth it…amazing what love can do!!!
THESE t-shirts will benefit the Created for Care Adoption Retreat to minister to mommies who have opened their hearts and home to children all over the world who need families so they, too, can experience and know this LOVE. The cost for them to attend covers food ONLY–so we are trusting God to provide the finances to cover the conference and breakout room fees, set up fees, audio rentals, etc–yes a couple of thousands of dollars. BUT to make this trip more affordable and to keep the retreat fee at just $100 for the weekend…especially for the moms FLYING in as they desperately need to connect with other moms and for many this is their ONLY weekend away as they hold babies day and night helping their hearts heal and grow in security and build trust with new families.
Truly you won’t believe what God is doing…how He has provided so far for this retreat. We need to sell 225 shirts (the same number of women attending!)…so we either need every woman attending to purchase a shirt AND it would be great if we had families throughout the U.S. to purchase shirts in honor of a mom attending too! EVERY penny raised will go toward blessing these moms and encouraging them to press on in their journeys. There will be women coming to share about HIV adoptions, orphan care throughout the U.S. and world and how we can put our heads together to create MORE change together, how they can get rest in their tiresome tasks. There will be 225 women in a room who are willing to do ANYTHING to make a difference in the world and who are also trusting God to lead them…who have even changed their family to make change…and I can ONLY imagine what God will do as a result of these ladies being under ONE roof for an entire weekend. Even if you aren’t coming…will you consider joining us by donating toward the retreat weekend together? You can make a donation by simply buying a tshirt. If you don’t want a t-shirt you can gift it to someone you know who has a sponsored child some where in the world, who has adopted themselves OR someone with a heart for orphan care. OR you can simply make a donation too.
Will you also consider helping us spread the word about these cool shirts? IF you are on Facebook OR if you have a blog OR if you are a blog follower—will you help spread the word? SOOOO…here’s a fun GIVE AWAY!!! We will draw a name on Monday to give away one a t-shirt and have it shipped out on Monday IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! There are 3 ways to be entered…and you can be entered up to 3X. You can 1. BLOG ABOUT THE T-SHIRTS 2. LINK THIS ENTRY TO FACEBOOK ENCOURAGING YOUR FRIENDS TO BUY A TSHIRT 3. SIGN UP TO BE A FOLLOWER AT THE BOTTOM OF MY BLOG (you’ll get all the info about upcoming orphan care things with Wiphan, with the retreat and upcoming orphan/widow care projects we are doing across the country!) SOOOO…lemme know in the comments section which you do and you’ll be entered up to 3X. Aren’t give-aways FUN?! And in advance–thanks for helping us spread the word!
***T-SHIRTS ARE BY AMERICAN APPAREL AND COME IN LADIES FIT OR REGULAR (UNISEX). WE ARE SELLING ALL SIZES IN LADIES FIT AND IN UNISEX L, XL, XXL. THE LADIES FIT RUNS SMALL–IF YOU NORMALLY WHERE A SMALL THEN YOU WILL NEED TO ORDER A MEDIUM IF YOU LIKE YOUR T-SHIRTS FITTED AND YOU WILL NEED TO ORDER A LARGE IF YOU LIKE A LOOSER FIT. IF YOU NORMALLY WHERE A LARGE, I WOULD RECOMMEND ORDERING A XL IN LADIES FIT IF YOU LIKE FITTED OR A LARGE IN UNISEX IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR SHIRTS FITTED.
IF YOU PRE-ORDERED A SHIRT…THEY ARE GOING OUT IN *TODAY’S* MONDAY’S MAIL. PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE YOUR SIZE.
Special thanks to Brad Center Design for rocking these t-shirts. We not only love your work, but also your heart and love for orphans throughout the world. You are a blessing to us brother! Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who helps us with this fundraiser!!! If you would like to make a donation, here is the link also:
I’m glad you posted this because I was going to buy one of these and forgot! 🙂 Done. Well, since I’m already a “follower” I could only do two…I Facebooked about it and am going to blog right now… 🙂 Thank you for all you’re doing for the retreat! I’m beyond excited and ready for it!
I preordered one of these and probably ordered a small. Andrea, what size do you wear in it? I don’t mind a snug fit but if you think a med would be a great fit for you would you change mine to a medium, also? I’m sure either size will fit so whichever fits you best send me:)
thanks!!
Jenny Wallace
i also became a follower 🙂 thanks andrea…LOVE the shirt 🙂 we are selling shirts for my hubbys upcoming mission trip if you want to check it out. it is on our blog. we havent gotten them in yet, but he did a great job designing them and I am excited to wear one. 🙂 and if I dont win this I will be buying a shirt from you 🙂
I am a follower and sharing on FB now! Awesome shirts…maybe my hubs will let me buy one after Christmas 😉 Praying you guys sell all the shirts you need to cover the costs…because I want this to turn into an annual thing so I can go next year! =)
I am a faithful blog follower already! 🙂 And I just blogged about the t-shirt fundraiser! I’m the only person in America not on facebook, so I guess I’ll just have 2 entries! 🙂 And I just copied your idea from your post with all your Christmas cards over the years!! SO fun to reminisce!
[…] give-away!!! We’ve already sold 50 t-shirts but we need to sell 200 more!!! SO…see this post and comment on how many times I should enter you…there just MIGHT a few surprises in store […]
Not sure what you mean by comment on how many times you should enter us. 🙂 I think you should enter me 50 times. Like that?!? Oh, no? I think I only get to be entered twice since I could only do two things. I have a feeling I’m not pickin up what you’re laying down. 🙂
Amy -December 19, 2010 - 5:09 pm
Okay, so I posted this on Facebook and I’m already a follower of your blog. I’m coming to the retreat, although I haven’t sent in the registration fee yet. If I don’t win the T-shirt giveaway, I will definitely order one. LOVE THEM!! We learned last week that we have $16,500 due on the 28th (yes, a mere 9 days) to continue the adoption of our daughter in Russia. Needless to say, ALL spending (including Christmas spending) has been put on hold until then. Anyway…
I’m a follower! Love this shirt…I’m definitely going to order one if I don’t win! 🙂
abby -December 20, 2010 - 12:32 am
I blogged about the give away!
Jessica Hernandez -December 20, 2010 - 12:34 am
I’m a faithful blog follower 🙂 In fact, you’ll probably never truly know how much your words mean to me, and how often I’ve used them to get through my day.
abby -December 20, 2010 - 12:40 am
and i’m already a follower…don’t know if that counts 🙂
Did I grab your attention with that title? I thought I might. Okay, you usually get funny Frank stories, crafts, Isaac updates and our daily craziness–but today I was reminded of something…and then refreshed with something else–so I just had to share.
No matter how old you are, every now and again you find yourself reminded that people are people…girls are girls…and truly it’s impossible to love others and put others first completely without the power of the Holy Spirit. And while the Holy Spirit is always stronger–some times we just don’t listen…as it can be easier and faster to just listen to the flesh. Some times I get a bit lost in my mommy/home world–changing diapers, wiping noses, singing songs, carpooling to preschool…and of course (you know me) scurrying through aisle with crazy kids at Hobby Lobby (you all know that’s my second home). In between those moments, I have the privilege and joy of interacting with some of the dearest mommies and friends who the Lord has amazingly brought into my life to encourage, love and do life with. While it’d be safe to stay in my own world, I also love meeting new friends and some times the Lord seems to drop down a gem…a kindred spirit that you feel you’ve known forever and He seems to always provide these at perfect seasons…doesn’t He?!
I’m going to be vulnerable for a moment because I think there are probably other moms out there that feel the same way I do at times–so I want to encourage you with the same encouragement I have received today. I know no other way to say it except to just be vulnerable and say it. A few years ago, I found myself all of the sudden because of my oldest ones ages mingling with a group of moms here and there…and at first it seemed we had everything in common. They were believers…our parenting seemed similar…and when we did run into them–our kids played sweetly together. Something strange though seemed to happen in my heart every time I was around them–I always left feeling bad…or even what I might say sad. Honestly, I just didn’t feel like I “fit”. And really–I didn’t. Ever feel that way?
I thought maybe I was hormonal at first. I mean, I was pregnant half the time OR nursing OR maybe I was just insecure because I’m sure I can be that too as we all can in some area of our lives. I kept it to myself at first writing it off as hormones, but then just started voicing my heart to my hubby to have another to bounce my heart’s feelings off of. If you know me–I’m anything BUT “girly”. I mean—I love ballets and such…not that kind of girly because I’m definitely that…but girly as in “you are my BEST friend” girly or “do you want to be in our club” girly. I love all of the friends the Lord has brought my way–no matter if for a life time or a season. I am also a pretty vulnerable person (if you can’t tell!) so I share my heart often openly with dear friends and there was no exception to this new fun group of moms. I couldn’t put my finger on it–but something was off…and while I have lots of different groups of friends, I always felt something different or interesting or odd or even lonely inside me when I was around this group. As time past and I opened up more, things would even be said to just remind me that I wasn’t in the “club”. Some of you just might know a group like this OR maybe you feel on the outside when around a certain group OR maybe you are on the inside and don’t even know it. My mind really red-flagged one day when one of the moms asked me how I got to be friends with someone in the group, and finished the conversation reminding me of how special their group was. Was it the mob? Was there something I didn’t know? Really…it was just a clique or as Wikipedia would say: an exclusive group of people that share the same interests…and regardless if you have the same interests—um…I don’t think just just anyone is invited.
People will always be tempted to find their identity in other things than the Lord…like their social lives, their friendships, their clubs or cliques, their stuff…even believers who are trying to trust God to be enough for them…
As believers it will be confusing and especially hard when other sisters and brothers in Christ seem to make you feel this way…you know–when you leave feeling worse and can’t put your finger on it…when you’ve been around gossip or cattiness or feel like you need to keep up but just can’t…
While you will want to run from crowds like these–and even not like them (I remember a pastor once saying “We are called to love everyone but we don’t have to like everyone”…I always want to embrace that one–but that isn’t scripture I’m afraid. Running isn’t what we are called to do as believers (although that is my first choice and something that I instintively and must confess some times do…as in the moment I want to say like Jenny in Forest Gump, “Dear God, make me a bird…so I can fly far…far, far away from here…” BUT that only works for awhile…
YES we are called to encourage one another…to edify one another…to build one another up…to love one another…
BUT when that doesn’t happen…do you avoid? Do you continue to love no matter what? You’ll have these experiences in your kids schools, even at church…and even in your own family. This Christmas will be FILLED with joy, laughter, fun, singing, anticipation…but there also be moments where things are hard for you. Maybe someone in your family doesn’t understand you…or says hurtful things. Maybe a friend doesn’t include you in something…or you pass a mom at the store that seems to be kind but every so cleverly says something that feels more like a poke or cut and leaves you standing there scratching your head wondering what that was supposed to mean…or maybe it’s something so small that is said but something about it–because it happens so often makes you feel lonely or like you just don’t fit. Instead of going cross-eyed (please don’t let anyone see that one)…turn to wisdom when your flesh wants to run…and let your heart be filled…let these penetrate your heart and remind you of how to RESPOND…And if you aren’t sure if maybe you could unknowingly be on the other end–reflect on who is regularly in your home…at your parties…in your outreach groups…how welcoming you are of others coming into your “group” if you have one…do you regularly see new faces coming in and staying around…do you have to get clearance from the others in your group before including others randomly…or at least feel like you need to run it by others…or if you actually have a “name” for your group…
Read these verses of wisdom and truth and let these penetrate your heart as well…and remember above all else to love others…life is just too short and too sweet not to.
Romans 15:7 “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” (NASB)
1 Samuel 16:7b “For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ (NKJV)
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (NKJV)
Psalm 118:8“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
Proverbs 17:9 “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
Proverbs 25:21-22 “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:27-35 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Romans 12:9-10 “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 John 4:7-21 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Remember that HE is enough. He calls us to love no matter what. And while it may be wise to guard your heart and your family and not join the exclusive groups…never give up being kind and loving them…
Much love to you ALL…and I have a really fun announcement to make…a last minute Christmas happy that you need to know about:)
I am so far removed from clique-yness. In our community there is a bit of snobbery that goes around the farming community (i.e. wealthy landowner’s wives) I have a girlfriend who is a farmer’s wife like me and she tries so hard to keep up with all of them. I have this liberated feeling that they are all running a race I’m not. It’s so freeing to remove yourself from any of that!
When we moved back to MS, I just had to separate myself from groups like this. I just didn’t want to be a part of it anymore…it is so freeing. I don’t even think about it anymore…praise God!
This really speaks to my heart. The Lord has been reminding me this week that forgiveness and loving people who don’t love us can be tough, but then again, so was dying for all my sins. I let go of some things and have felt amazing freedom and joy. And…as afar as not fitting in….I was at my neighborhood Bunco the other night, and although everyone was nice, I didn’t fit in. I can’t join in with the chatter about what happened at the gym, or what new clothes I’d bought or what I’m doing to my house. I wanted to chat about adoption and my passion to return to Africa. Polite smiles all around…..
Have a blessed Christmas!
admin -December 17, 2010 - 4:32 pm
BUT are we to remove ourselves from them completely??? This is my instinct and what I want to do…but not what we are called to always do. RIGHT?
Oh, heavens no…hope it didn’t sound like I don’t still love these girls. Some of them are still my closest friends. It was just too tempting for me to be involved and not get so caught up in “keeping up”…Unfortunately, I was probably, although not on purpose, in a lot of cliques in high school and college…I know God doesn’t want that for me anymore…He wants me to love others around me, no matter what!
Sandi H. -December 17, 2010 - 6:24 pm
We moved to an area where everyone goes to church every Sunday but this clique mentality is so prevalent. So many “let’s get together’s” & so few true friendships, it’s sad. I have learned that God wants us to be who he created us to be and to be kind to everyone. You never know how God is using you to change other’s hearts. I have adoption on the brain & I’m not afraid to say it or to talk about Wiphan. We’ve had a few joking comments about “drinking the Koolaid”. Yet those same folks have since donated to adoptive families & families in need when I send my e-mail blitz’s about a new cause/family that God puts on my heart. I truly believe that Jesus went straight to the folks who were perceived as “sinners” & if we are truly living in Christ, we will too. God bless!
This is an absolutely beautiful reminder. Thank you.
Bobi Bobbitt -December 17, 2010 - 9:55 pm
WOW, Andrea! (I know I always say that)… but God has certainly used you again to speak to my heart! I was JUST having this EXACT SAME conversation with my husband last night after leaving a party where many of the “elite” in our community were there. I just leave parties like that feeling like I just don’t fit it.. sometimes it is lonely and disheartening, but how amazing that God knew exactly what was on my heart and used YOU to speak to me! There is so much cliqueness in this small southern town I live in, it can be really hard sometimes feeling like an outsider… it is comforting knowing that I am not alone in my feelings on this!
I love, Alison, that you came back to chime in again:). Wish you lived closer sister–you are one precious momma. And thank you ladies for sharing your words of encouragement! Sandi H…hoping and praying for sweet connections and deep friendships in your new area!!!
Shannon -December 17, 2010 - 11:12 pm
Thank you, Andrea. Much comfort in knowing I’m not the only one.
Merry Christmas!
Isn’t it SO MUCH FUN to run out to your mailbox EVERY day and sweet faces on pictures of friends and families you just love!? I just LOVE it! AND…I have to find a way every year to display EACH and EVERY one!!! We have already filled up BOTH of our huge message boards with Christmas cards…so this momma has her creative juices flowing where she can start displaying the rest!!! Oh it’s going to be so tempting to keep these up ALL year…I just love seeing them full of family and friends!!!
My boards are magnetic–so to hold the cards on, I just bought huge packets of magnets and hot-glued some of Martha Stewarts flowers that are for card decorating and scrapbooks on them. The packets were just $1.50 for 20–so it is pretty inexpensive to cover 40 or even 80 magnets…and they are so pretty…and sparkley:)
AND…dispite our craziness and actually having our cards in hand since mid-November…I FINALLY got the last batch mailed out today!!! I was really excited about this last batch as it was my AGCI family and all of the families we traveled with to Ethiopia. How DEAR they are to me…so I can’t wait for them to get Mr.Isaac Temesgen’s first family Christmas card in their mailbox:)
As I addressed my cards…I had time to reminisce and I was thinking about all our different cards past. AND I thought how crazy our lives have been since Richard and I got married in 2003…YES–NOT that long ago really!!! I just had to dig through old files and find old Christmas pictures!!! And I can’t help but take ya back there with me!!! SO…check out our family changing since 2003!
2003…
2004…(nope…we didn’t wait very long before starting a family…we got married in June and had Parker just 14 months later in August!!!) So our next year’s card looked like this:
2005…and just 14 months after Parker was born…we got our next year’s Christmas gift…
(We waste no time people!)
2006…
2007…We were actually dreaming of another baby this year and HOPING and praying and wishing and dreaming some more! And this year the kids were just TOO cute that I just couldn’t pick ONE picture so I made a really fun tri-fold card…
2008…And oh–THIS year just MELTS me. Frank was a DREAM COME TRUE!! How we longed for him!!! And we just went all out with our card this year…truly you have to see all of it to appreciate it fully!!! It opened up vertically and folded down where you could read the Christmas story…it started with THIS on the front…
This was the next page…
This was the following page…
AND this was the back…
How precious are those?!?!? That was the year we actually got several phone calls from people actually requesting our card…some who were just friends of family or friends of friends…it was so funny and I had to keep ordering more!!!
2009…This was last year—our much anticipated wait for our baby from Ethiopia. My how our hearts were LONGING this time last year!!! And I kept thinking how the world LONGED and WAITED for Jesus…and how our hearts now should long for Him continuously. How much we learned, also, about our own adoption by the God…and although that season of waiting was hard–it was all so worth it!
AND FINALLY!!! 2010!!! Our little miracle baby boy…who from the beginning came with a list of unknowns…only our Father knew them all–and how perfect He was for our family!!! This is the front…
(How about the miracle in the sky as I snapped that shot on the top left!? A plane or a shooting star?? It’s just a miracle I caught it! And our little guy is definitely a miracle and picture of God’s love and grace! SO thankful to finally be together!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!! I have to say I am so amazed and thankful for the support and love we have received from some of the adoption moms planning on coming to the adoption momma retreat in February!!! EVERY month, different moms from our agency’s listerv (AGCI) have sent little happies to encourage the volunteers who are helping plan and serve at the retreat—you won’t believe my precious non-adoption mom friends who are giving up their ENTIRE weekend…actually PAYING the resort to come AND SERVE!!!
LAST month, Kim Jewett sent these to our volunteer meeting to love on the volunteers…
AND just yesterday–I got THIS in the mail…a box full of them…one for every full-time volunteer! Wow!!!
Oh I can’t WAIT to pass these out to the volunteers at our next meeting!!! What is inside you ask?? Pure sweetness!
SERIOUSLY Darcee…you went all out! Darcee another adoption mom made these…thank you Darcee and the All God’s Children International listserv!!! You guys are just PRECIOUS!!! I am blown away by your gratefulness!
SOOO many fun things ahead…nap time is coming to an end at my house–and it’s time for me to go check my mailbox!!! Can’t wait to see if any Christmas cards are inside!
I agree, Darcee is the Best!!! WOWWWW!!! So very cool and her heart is so strong with passion and love for others. Love Darcee, and Love your cards throughout the years!
LOVE your cards throughout the years! Such a great idea to post them all together. Going to have to do that too! And I LOVED getting your precious card in the mail! Made my day! 🙂
I see ours and am so glad you got it! 🙂 The Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus one is SO precious! I just saw that idea this year and am so sad I didn’t do it last year when N was an infant. 🙁 You seriously need to do a blog post on how you get your kids to all look and smile for the camera. I try all sorts of tricks and don’t even force them to and just try to be silly… and it still barely ever happens! You have amazing talent!
I love the cards. Of course Frank makes a grand entrance that year on the card. 🙂 That is DEFINITELY the cutest card I have ever seen.
I also like the 2010 with Frank’s great smile looking over at Baby Isaac T
Dawn Marcordes -December 15, 2010 - 9:40 pm
I love Christmas cards too!! Your Christmas cards are beautiful and your family is precious. We keep our Christmas cards up all year so we can pray for the families that have sent them to us throughout the year. Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Andrea,
Oh my gosh…that nativity card is the best and most blessed card I have ever seen! I have 9 grandkids under 8 and I think we could re-create the nativity in a big way next year…as the nana who sews, I might have to whip up some costumes…thank you for always sharing your heart and your blessed family with all of us.
Merry Christmas!
Wow! ALL of the Christmas cards are so wonderful. I love that you shared them all with us. 🙂 I have to say, that the manger scene one was amazing!! Your kiddos will love having these to look back upon. That is so cool about all of the volunteers, I’m so grateful for their willingness to serve us adoptive mommies, what a blessing!
Love your Christmas card message boards. I just made a much simpler (read: less crafty) version. Kari from My Crazy Adoption is posting it Monday as a guest post on simple decorating ideas.
Love all the cute cards, especially the manger. You deserve some sort of “Best Christmas Card Award”. I nominate you.
marci -December 16, 2010 - 7:08 pm
You are amazing ! Your family is BEAUTIFUL and a reminder of how GOOD God is, has been and always will be….Isaac has been loved and dreamed about and how sweet our Lord is to have put this desire in your family’s heart and to watch over the months of your trust and obedience and REWARD…ITY…he looks as if he has always been with you and your family… BEAUTIFUL !
Love. Just FYI, we will be the ones that surprise you with a Christmas card in like, March….just don’t think we forgot about you. 🙂 And, actually it won’t even be a card…you just wait. 🙂
I have a precious friend adopting with our agency whose little guy needs our prayers. You can read more about it on their blog here.
Tucker is Lauren’s FIRST baby boy…and she will be traveling in ONE month to see him for the first time. They’ll then have to travel back home and wait for an embassy date…and hopefully have him home in February. Please pray that Tucker begins to thrive, gain weight, transitions to regular formula (we went through this SAME thing with Isaac while he was in ET), and that he will stay well. Pray for Lauren and her husband as they wait on the other side of the world longing to be with their son!!! If you have a chance, please visit Lauren’s blog and leave her a note in the comments to encourage her and let her know you are praying. I remember being in a similar spot and how MUCH prayers of complete strangers meant to me!!! THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME IN LIFTING THIS PRECIOUS ONE UP TO THE LORD!!!
And a few more prayer requests for tiny ones who are sick…There are A LOT of babies and children at Hannah’s Hope right now going in and out of the hospital. Addison (my friend Betsy’s daughter) and Daniel (my friend Jenn‘s son) are two more that you can pray as they have been sick on and off as well. Also lift up Baby “T”, my friend Connie’s baby who now has pneumonia. Thank you for praying for them by name. The Lord knows exactly who they are…and they are all so tiny and just precious…please pray the same for these babies–that they will be strengthened and stay strong as they wait for their mommies and daddies to come and get them to bring them home. Pray a hedge of protection over them…God is able and He can sustain these sweet ones and even make them completely healthy…pray for their parents as they feel helpless and trust the Great Physician to be by their babies’ side.
If these babies were HERE…most of them would be special care receiving the best care we have available. On top of being sick—some of them probably have parasites and other things that also make fighting illness extra hard. We just don’t know sickness like Africa does here…it is just LIFE there. Truly…by our standards of wellness–much of Africa belongs in the ICU if they were here!!! It is easy to get numb to the fact that thousands of children are dying every day there–and unlike these babies most of them have no one to pay for their medical care…let alone bring them home and fight for them. It can be SO OVERWHELMING…so much so–that we do nothing. OR…we can say “I have to do something…” and start praying how God wants to use us to impact His children and His world…it is NOT impossible—as all things are possible through Him!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! It is so special knowing that so many people are praying for Tucker and the other little babies who are sick right now! God is with them in Africa and He’s with us here in the US… and He is good all the time!
Thanks for the sweet words about Daniel. Hopefully he will be well just in time for our trip to PICK HIM UP!! As you know…it is SO hard to wait on God to reveal His plan…oh the waiting!!!!
We had an action packed weekend with the littles. Family night on Friday night. A Christmas party benefitting Wiphan and foster care on Saturday morning. Gigi took the older two to the Fox Theatre for the Nutracker…and Richard and I thought it’d be a good idea with JUST two kids to go Christmas shopping (HA! HA! HA!). Our shopping spree only lasted 1 hour and ended at an Italian restaurant since food is more exciting to Frankie baby and Isaac than being drug around from store to store. (Now someone tell me why we thought taking 2 kids 2 and under would be easy??? THEN…finally SUNDAY came–our much needed day of rest and we all 6 vegged out, took naps and watched snow flurries come down (a rare occasion in the South!)
We are truly enjoying this Christmas season with our Isaac Temesgen finally being with us. Oh how we LONGED for him last season…and it’s so fun to watch his little face light up as he sees new things like Christmas lights and sings Christmas songs…he is QUITE the dancer!!! He had his first encounter with Ho-ho at the Elphick’s Christmas party…
Isaac liked this old hairy man just fine—BUT FRANK…once again cared NOTHING for him and the ONLY way he was going to get in the picture was if momma joined him!
Don’t you think these pictures are a good representation of their feelings on the big guy?! (Can you tell that Isaac Temesgen is actually SITTING on Santa’s LAP…and that Frankie baby wants to R-U-N?! He is like GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!! This is so not cool!)
Now, we don’t make a big to-do about Santa at our house over Christmas–as we like to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus’s birth. If our kids ask us what is true–we tell them. Last year, our inquisitive child with the biggest heart in the world asked us so many questions and begged us at age 5 for the truth…”Is Santa OR Jesus real? Which one do you believe in? If Santa is real, then why would God grant Santa special powers and not others?…” The list of questions went on–and we answered each and everyone of them truthfully and Biblically. Now, Laney–she has heard these conversations of course…but she has the most grand imagination and she told us, “Santa can be real if you want to pretend he is real…so I am believing he is real…” and her sweet little imagination can do just that. In fact–when she saw these blog pictures she told me that THIS Santa IS the real Santa! And guess what she is asking for?? Once again–the SAME things that her big brother is!!!
This girl MELTS my heart!!!
I love how different each and every one of my children are…Laney has such a precious, kind spirit about her–she dreams big and has a heart of compassion…oh don’t you wonder what she’s thinking here?
Parker kept looking at me and smiling–but he still chose to sit in Ho-ho’s lap and tell him he wanted a skateboard, a teepee and a stuffed elf. The children always get THREE gifts to symbolize the gifts of the Magi…and having that long-standing tradition they never ask for more. They narrow it down to three…and some times it changes here and there–but it’s always 3. Parker once told me, “Baby Jesus got three gifts–so it wouldn’t make sense for us to get more on his birthday.” Well said don’t you think? Parker is now 6, and I love that he’ll go with the flow and we talk about not spoiling the fun for other children whose parents like them to believe in Santa. AND if he wants to believe he is real…he can if it wants to–but to always remember that the reason for Christmas is Jesus’s birthday and everything else can be a lot of fun–but it’s really about knowing the baby in the manger and searching for Him and living for Him.
As if life isn’t crazy enough–my kid’s school has this fun little stuffed animal that “gets” to come home with you for a weekend. You take pictures of him EVERY where he goes with you–and you document your entire weekend together. AND sinse preK and kindergarten do this—and since most preK and K kids can’t read or write or take pictures or develop them or drive to the photo store to get them…then GUESS WHO gets do all of it. Okay, so the kids LOVE it…but seriously–who does all the work??? SO–as if we aren’t crazy enough–we got to document a stuffed animal’s adventures all weekend:).
Seriously–the kids do love him and his name is Buddy the dog…and if you ask Frank now what he wants for Christmas all he says is “Buddy”. If you see a dog that looks just like this while you are out shoppin’…lemme know;).
I imagine if we talked a lot about Santa that Ho-ho just might become the focus of Christmas for our children…and it’s hard enough in our world to make Jesus the light of the world. Laney ran in the door today from school and asked to hear the story of Jesus again…HE is the Christmas story and it reminds me to look for Him in all things around us. I can’t wait to share a new tradition of our family that will BEGIN ON CHRISTMAS DAY!!! I’ve got a few more finishing touches and details to finish up–but if you are like me you just hate when Christmas day is over…and really–it should just continue on and on. After Jesus was born, the wisemen began their journey to find Him…and our journey should be like theirs–seeking Him out no matter the obstacles that are put before us and traveling together through this life to be with Him.
I am so thankful for the journey that the Lord had guided our family on…and as I rocked Isaac to sleep last night I thought about how DIFFERENT our lives really are. I have to confess–just 4 years ago things that were important to me are DRASTICALLY different than what is important to me now. Orphan care really changed my perspective. Four years ago…my goals were different…how I wanted to spend my time…what I thought I “deserved”. I realize I don’t really “deserve” anything…yet the Lord has blessed us—and much of it is because through His guidance and power and through seeing Him more we have changed our goals, our life purposes, the way we want to spend our time…the things we LONG for are so much different. I am so thankful that He continues to change our hearts and what we desire…and how thankful I am to travel this life now with many like-minded families who will do anything for His calling…even if it means saying yes to changing your family, your sleep, your time, your comfort…thankful that we are just starting to get what LIFE is REALLY about. I pray the world never changes me–but Jesus does more and more.
And two more pictures to go on…Isaac Temesgen won’t just go to anybody…but I’m so thankful for those he does want to love on him. His Gigi…
And my friend Christy…
Christy was hands down one of our BIGGEST cheerleaders during our adoption. I can’t say all the ways they helped us because I know she wouldn’t want me to–but she and her hubby were used greatly to press us toward God’s calling for our lives. SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT!!! Truly–during our adoption…when life was CRAZIEST for us and we were probably more emotional and on a roller coaster ride than EVER is where our friendship was truly born. One thing you will learn during a life journey like adoption is who your tried and true friends are as they journey this with you! I mean, seriously–who wants to support someone after a YEAR roller coaster…phone calls every month saying “you won’t BELIEVE our new number!!!” or upon coming home being patient as you nest in a cocoon with your new one…but this girl—she was so excited for every stage and this friend is the picture of the word SERVANT. You wonder how I’ve done everything I’ve done with doctor visits and such and 3 other little ones…well—here is a friend I couldn’t have done it without!!! People always say that adoption is NOT for the weak…and that you better have your thick skin on—truly I think back to our journey and some of the hardest things that were spoken to me during that time was by other Christians and some times friends—BUT God is always, always faithful–and He will also provide friends like these to love you through it, support you while you are home and be there for you when it’s fun and when it’s hard! Christy is one of those behind the scenes people who is always serving and I just had to take a minute to brag on her a bit (you do read this DON’T you Christy…and thank you for picking up my kids today so I didn’t have to wake the babies up!!!) And in the end…I think Isaac Temesgen sense’s her authenticity too…don’t ya think?!
Hope you all are enjoying the season!!! Please keep the THOUSANDS of children in foster care in your prayers this season…and the millions who long for families all over the world. Pray that the Lord will comfort them during this season…and that He will even open homes and hearts to be there for them and love them…
Andrea~ I always love your posts! And I know (at least I know my version) of what you mean about LONGING for Isaac last Christmas. Just yesterday a simple jewelry commercial with a mom rocking her baby on Christmas Eve made me burst into tears just filled with longing for the babies we are journeying toward. To think of them out there somewhere in Africa as orphans and us here this Christmas is heartbreaking…yet I know this is part of the process..part of God’s plan from the beginning of time…He is faithful. He is mighty to save, and so we walk with Him into the days ahead as we celebrate our Savior’s birth and journey toward the little ones He is leading us to.
i love all your pictures and think its great how your kids ask all the questions about santa and jesus and im excited to hear what your going to do with them for the day after Christmas! also…love Isaac’s little tummy…oh so cute!
Lovely, Andrea! Your Laney’s heart, Parker’s wisdom, Frank and Isaac’s adorableness … wrapped up makes a forever and amazing blessing for you! Merry Christmas!!!!!
Bobi Bobbitt -December 14, 2010 - 11:33 pm
WOW, Andrea! You have done it again! This post was so right on for me today, I know that God used your words to touch my heart! I can so relate to so much of what you said! Especially about hurtful things from “so called” friends, as we begin this adoption journey, I am so glad that God has placed a couple of true friends to support me along the way, it means so much! And we also do the three gifts from Santa, so fun to hear that y’all do the same thing! Have to say it again.. I LOVE THIS POST and my sweet “BLOG WORLD FRIEND”… I am so blessed to have you as a part of my life!
haha I remember in first grade we had a stuffed koala and one time I got to bring it home for the weekend. Best weekend of my life up to that point!
I really like the idea of 3 gifts! Will have to talk that one over with hubby and see how he feels about that!
by admin
I’m glad you posted this because I was going to buy one of these and forgot! 🙂 Done. Well, since I’m already a “follower” I could only do two…I Facebooked about it and am going to blog right now… 🙂 Thank you for all you’re doing for the retreat! I’m beyond excited and ready for it!
Love the new shirts! Already a follower.
posted on facebook.
I preordered one of these and probably ordered a small. Andrea, what size do you wear in it? I don’t mind a snug fit but if you think a med would be a great fit for you would you change mine to a medium, also? I’m sure either size will fit so whichever fits you best send me:)
thanks!!
Jenny Wallace
facebooked the giveaway 🙂
put it on my blog
i also became a follower 🙂 thanks andrea…LOVE the shirt 🙂 we are selling shirts for my hubbys upcoming mission trip if you want to check it out. it is on our blog. we havent gotten them in yet, but he did a great job designing them and I am excited to wear one. 🙂 and if I dont win this I will be buying a shirt from you 🙂
I am a follower and sharing on FB now! Awesome shirts…maybe my hubs will let me buy one after Christmas 😉 Praying you guys sell all the shirts you need to cover the costs…because I want this to turn into an annual thing so I can go next year! =)
I am a faithful blog follower already! 🙂 And I just blogged about the t-shirt fundraiser! I’m the only person in America not on facebook, so I guess I’ll just have 2 entries! 🙂 And I just copied your idea from your post with all your Christmas cards over the years!! SO fun to reminisce!
I’m already a follower, but I’m about to blog about it, and FB it!! Have a happy weekend!! Love the shirts:)And, beautiful Christmas card!!!Thanks:)
just bought one! they are awesome!!
Can’t wait to see all of you moms at the retreat!! Andrea, I posted to facebook and linked up to follow the blog.
just ordered mine!~!
I just blogged about it.
I am a follower!
And I facebooked about it. 🙂
you know i’m a follower! trying to decide what size to order… LOVE the shirts!
I just shared on Facebook 🙂
[…] give-away!!! We’ve already sold 50 t-shirts but we need to sell 200 more!!! SO…see this post and comment on how many times I should enter you…there just MIGHT a few surprises in store […]
Posted on Facebook
I’m a follower! I’m gonna blog about it too. Thank you SO much for doing all of this. I’m super excited about the retreat in Feb.
Not sure what you mean by comment on how many times you should enter us. 🙂 I think you should enter me 50 times. Like that?!? Oh, no? I think I only get to be entered twice since I could only do two things. I have a feeling I’m not pickin up what you’re laying down. 🙂
Okay, so I posted this on Facebook and I’m already a follower of your blog. I’m coming to the retreat, although I haven’t sent in the registration fee yet. If I don’t win the T-shirt giveaway, I will definitely order one. LOVE THEM!! We learned last week that we have $16,500 due on the 28th (yes, a mere 9 days) to continue the adoption of our daughter in Russia. Needless to say, ALL spending (including Christmas spending) has been put on hold until then. Anyway…
Happy Birthday Andrea! I posted on FB, I follow your blog and I bought a t-shirt. Sooooo excited for the retreat! Hugs, Kristin
I’m signed up to follow. The shirts are beautiful – good luck!
Facebooked it;)
🙂 Of course I follow:) Oh and I blogged about it! http://www.campbellfamilypartyof3.com
I’m a follower! Love this shirt…I’m definitely going to order one if I don’t win! 🙂
I blogged about the give away!
I’m a faithful blog follower 🙂 In fact, you’ll probably never truly know how much your words mean to me, and how often I’ve used them to get through my day.
and i’m already a follower…don’t know if that counts 🙂
I’m a follower!
And I just facebooked about it!!!
Hi Andrea! I’m doing all 3, please enter me three times!
Maybe I should make separate comments? So, consider this my facebook one. (my previous was my “follower” one)
I’ve followed your blog for awhile…..but am “officially” now! 🙂 Love the shirts!!!!
Blogging about it!
I also blogged about it and I’m a follower (forgot to add that to my first post!)
Posted link on Facebook!
Also added as a follower!
LOVE THESE SHIRTS! :o)
i will be a follower and will put it on my fb status:)
i just became a follower:)
I just bought one through paypal and realized paypal still has my old home address. I need to send you my new mailing address.
I just found these wonderful t-shirts! Are they still available for purchase? I tried to purchase one and it would not let me : (
Thanks!
Stori
PLEASE tell me I can still buy one of these shirts!?!? I LOVE IT!
Are these shirts still available?
Hi!
Also curious about these shirts? Still available?