Gettin' Our Verse ON!

I am OVER DA MOON to announce that The Gang has been selected as a Wild Olive Tees Fundraising family!  It's no secret that I have LOOOOONG been a fan of this amazing, creative team of ladies that make the world more fashionable and more beautiful with artistic, meaningful tees. At last count, I currently own 5 or 6 of my own pretties and have given several as gifts to friends and family. I just can't get enough!

Ever since we began this journey to our girl, I've been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to partner up with this amazing company. I love their heart for orphans. I love their heart for adoptive families. And I love how they network with so many other wonderful organizations to support and care for the precious little ones who are in need all over the world. I hope that you will head over to their site and peek around their site for yourselves to read all about their mission and their passion. It will be time well spent. But do that after you stick around to read the rest of this post... Cuz it's about you.  Yeah. YOU.

Well, really, it's about how YOU can help us
in this grand adventure as a Fundraising Family.

First, you can head HERE (and only here on this page of the site, for it to count toward our efforts) and pick some tees out for you and your family. For your kids and your sisters. For your sisters' kids. Or maybe for your neighbors. Ooooh, and don't forget those end-of-the-year teacher gifts. Get creative, get crazy and have some fun spreadin' The Word. We'd be so incredibly grateful.

Just remember: When you purchase a tee, you MUST use our family code IN THE COUPON CODE option under the shopping cart. (That can be found in the pink tab to the right of the screen). You can also be sure the code is noted by entering it into the comment section (it's not necessary, but it's for added security when they are calculating orders). This code will not provide you with a discount. Rather, it will track sales that can be credited to the Whitney Family Fundraising efforts.

Are you ready?

The Family Code is WHITNEY407.

Got it? Goooood.

This button will take you directly to the page for the fundraising tees.

Second. you can feel free to help us spread the word about The Gang's efforts by sending this link to folks whom you think might love adoption.

Or whom might love really artsy, hip, and creative tees with GOD's Word on them.

Or whom might love The Gang.
(And really, who doesn't love The Gang? They are mighty cute, if you ask me.)
(And yes, I know I'm biased. But really. We have some seriously cute kiddoes.)

You can share the updates and links I'll be posting with folks in your neck o' the Facebook woods. You can contact me for other creative ways to help us get the word out, if you are interested. The sky is the limit. The world is your oyster. But only till June 29th. Then? Well, then the fundraiser is slated to be over.

Finally, you can pray. Pray, pray, pray. We are (as I mentioned in my post last week summarizing where we are in our journey to Brynna) more earnestly seeking the Lord for the specific file of the child HE has been preparing for our family. We are praying for financial provision (through this and the other jobs I have taken on during this journey). And we are praying for full-time, career-position employment for The Boss.

Our faith has been stretched in ways we did not envision in this season of our life. We are trying to stand strong; although it is indeed very stressful to switch from full-time corporate life to part-time, seasonal retail work. We know it's temporary, so we are making every effort to stay united and connected to each other and to The Father. It isn't easy and in fact, these last two weeks have been really, really hard. But we know He is in control. Of The Boss's job. Of this adoption. Of our future. And we are trusting Him for it. For all of it.

Thank you so much, in advance, for the prayer and the support.

We are truly blessed by all the love that we have felt in this season.

Now? Go. Get Your Verse On!

So Loved. Sharing The Love.

My bloggity crush is hosting two really big, special giveaways, to help raise funds to bring home her TWO precious girls from China.  You really need to check out the fun going on over there.

The first give-away is called SO LOVED. You can ready about it by clicking on the adorable button strategically placed here in my post. It'll take you straight there, like some kind of super-duper high speed magical transporter. Give as generously as you can to help bring home little Poppy and Esther to their waiting family.

You automatically get entered with every donation for some pretty sweet prizes.  And even better?  It's an investment in two sweet little girls who need to come home to their Mommy and Daddy. It's an investment in a family that is heeding God's plan  to build their family through special needs adoptions. It's an easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy way to DO the Love Of Jesus. Cuz we're all supposed to be DOING that stuff.

The second give-away is called SHARE THE LOVE.  You can enter that by posting on Facebook and/or your own blog about the SO LOVED give-away. Literally, you will be "sharing the love" by telling others. And if you do that, you can be entered to win some purty stuff.  Click HERE to see what you can win. 

Purty, huh?

So, there ya have it. Some bloggity clicking to keep you busy and to get the word out about cool prizes, a really cool family, and some fun stalking.

Ooops. Did I say that out loud?

And don't forget, when you click there,

tell her The Gang's Momma sent ya.

Making My Heart Race!

You might have heard about a new little network debuting this weekend . . . you know the one. Formed recently by that famous lady that folks talk about all the time? You know, around the water cooler, over coffee with friends, in the grocery store with strangers? The one who is responsible for most conversations that start like this,   "So, did you see Oprah this week?"

You might remember that I've had my own love-dislike relationship with her over the recent years of this blog. (Here's a post about a show I loved. And here's one about a show I disliked.) No matter how you feel about the amazing Miss O, I'm pretty sure you've had at least one conversation recently about her or about one of her shows. We all have, whether or not we can overcome our pop-culture snobbery enough to actually admit it.  (Ouch, was that my toe I just stepped on?!)

Here at The Gang's headquarters, I can't stop talking about one of the new shows that premiered over the weekend on her new network. In fact, when I watched the first episode in full, I was so excited and motivated, I could hardly fall asleep when it was over. Which, as a night person already, is really not a great thing at 10 p.m. Especially when your sick, morning-person hubby is staggering up the stairs for bed and the bed isn't even made yet.

(Earlier that morning, I was highly motivated to clean my room because The Boss has been sick. I "NEEDED" to strip the sheets. RIGHT. THEN... And wash all the towels. And everything else he might have touched. Or breathed upon. Or near. Yes, I am The Gang's Momma and I am a germ-a-phobe.)

So, anyhoo.  (I never really say that. But it sounded so, so, Australian. Didn't it? Did it? I'm going with a big fat "yes.") So. I've been anxiously awaiting this new show for weeks now. As soon as I heard that my hero of home-organization was coming back to regular television programming, I was over the moon with joy. You may remember him from this little gem of a show:

But this new show? Is giving me palpitations. And I've only seen the sneak peek previews and one full episode. My little heart is going crazy with skipped beats and "a ha!" moments. I've already purged a couple jewelry boxes, Li'l Empress's closet and dresser, my desk organizer, my make-up stash, a huge pile of paperwork, and a couple random drawers. Next up is our huge collection of cd's, dvd's, and vhs tapes.

(And by the by, if you have any leads other than cr@igslist

for a great way to unload those kinds of items and fill our little Adoption Jar

with some extra change, I'm taking suggestions!)  

I even got the kids in on the action by making them sort and purge their arts and crafts bin. Whew! We filled three kitchen garbage bags of that sort of stuff just from Sunday night till their bedtime on Monday night. In fact, after seeing the sneak peeks of my favorite new show between football games on Sunday, I even ordered my whole Monday schedule around how to best and most efficiently run my errands, do the holiday returns/exchanges, and purge through some more paperwork in order to be able to sit (guilt-free!) with a big mug o' chai and absorb all of Peter's wisdom undistracted by my workload.

Yes. Yes, I am talking about Peter Walsh and his awesome new show.  If you haven't caught it yet, you really must find it. Then, DVR it. Prepare a mug o' hot drink of choice for yourself and take it all in. Seriously. There's something for everyone. Even The Boss sat and watched it with me, commenting and agreeing with points along the way. (Whether he actually implements any of the tips and tools for his own stash of "STUFF" remains to be seen. Although I will give him props. Over the weekend, he did clean out his closet and got rid of a couple t's and some old socks. Santa brought him new socks this year.)

I was oooh'ing and aaaah'ing over his sage insight (Peter's, not The Boss's!) and strategizing in my head what I would be able to do with what I was taking in. Oh, and the beautifully organized, focused, intentional living space was making me positively teary by the show's end. What a lovely room. What a gift to give that family. What a delightful jump-start for their new perspectives. Sigh. I've already set the DVR to record each and every episode. I canNOT miss even one. And look at that, I'm being super-time efficient by dvr'ing them too - no commercials detracting from the mission of my viewing pleasure and only a portion of an hour taken up in my day. I'm so proud of myself!

I've decided to ride that wave and keep feeding the thrill that I feel every time I throw something out. I'm gonna ride the crest of accomplishment that soars inside when I clean a shelf or  re-organize a cupboard after a good purging.  I'm hanging on to the high I get whenever I down-size a drawer. (Wow, that was some kickin' alliteration, there! Look what an un-distracted 48 minutes with Peter Walsh has done for me!)

(Well, really, I've loved his work for years

but this show has catapulted

him to celebrity crush-dom.

I wonder if he knows

how auspicious that is?)

Oh, and One More Thing Before I Go

. . .before I go enjoy the food and fun with my family for tomorrow's feast, that is. . .

I know I'm late to the game on this one, but so my whole last month goes..... But apparently there's a cool give-away going on over at Ni Hao Y'all.  And you all know how much I love me some giveaways. Add to the fact that Miss Stefanie is spearheading the effort and I'm over that.  Late, I know. But all over it now. :)

So, head over to her post today. Join in the fun. And tell her The Gang's Momma sent ya. Cuz she's not already scared enough of my stalker tendencies.

My Apologies

I'm sorry. I can't talk right now. 

And maybe not for the next couple days.

I'm busy listening. And singing.

And smiling.

And even maybe doing a little dancing.

Okay, ya caught me. Lots of dancing.

Deluxe Edition style.

Great Case For Ordering Your Home

It's no secret among my family and friends that I prefer to run a tidy, organized home.  I've taken a lot of heat for it over the years - jokes about OCD, anal-retentiveness, and other psycho-babble that is easy to let roll right off my back. After all, my pantry is spit-polish clean, neatly stacked with T*pperw@re galore (most of the time).  And when I go searching for something important (like, say, that amazing recipe for butternut and farfalle in a creamy chive sauce), I can usually find it pretty quickly (or at least in time to make it for dinner that week).

But when I read this article, the heavens opened.

The angels sang.

The "cleanie" in me sighed in joy and contentment.

In her eloquent and logical way, Jamie Lee Curtis explains beautifully just why an organized home is a happy home.  Why neatly stacked containers of dried goods, complete with labels (snicker if you must, but I LOVE my label-maker), make such good sense for a busy wife and mother.  Why streamlined closets and archived boxes full of the kids' most sentimental belongings makes room for creativity, freedom and contentment.

Sigh. I think I have a new celebrity crush.

And a whole lotta new ideas for some fall projects!

Just Because

Last weekend our country music station had a "Tall Guys of Country" theme goin' on all weekend long. Which means I got precious little of my favorite guy crooning over the airwaves. So today, I'm sharing this song and this video Just Because.

Because they are awesome lyrics. Because he captured in words what I only wish I could say myself. Because I do try to say it, but it's never so eloquent. Because who doesn't need a little KU to start their morning?!

This one's for you, Boss... I'm in!

This Is A MUST Read

Okay, so in recent months, I've alluded to my little crush on Tonggu Momma. But yesterday, she wrote a new post that has catapulted my little crush into full-out, heavy duty crushing.

Umm, Miss Stefanie?  Could you scoot-ch over just a smidge?  Would you mind making some room on that bloggy-adoptive momma-celebrity stool for Tonggu Momma? (I'm pretty sure you're gonna be okay with sharing, cuz I know that's the kinda gal you are. . . )

Seriously?! You really need to read this post. 

Go. Read. Share your thoughts over there - cuz, I promise you, this one will make you think. Pass it on - it's that good.

*Edited to add: Don't stop at this post. Go ahead and read Swimming in Cluelessness. And stay tuned for the "part two" of it coming tomorrow . . . Really. They're totally noteworthy . . . .

Oh, What A Night!

Last night, my favorite show celebrated their 100th episode.  It was a delightful episode, quirky, funny and witty.

But the most amazing thing about the whole episode was a 3 or 4 second blip on the screen. An FBI agent slamming a stack of papers onto a copier and walking away with his copies.  My Dave. My two Daves.

Sigh.

I was so happy.  Two Daves, two generations. Two celebrity crushes in one episode. It was a good night for this momma.

Oh, what a night.

Are You Ready?!

Well, it's here. The day that millions of tweens (and slightly shame-faced middle-aged women) have been waiting for, for close to 9 months now.

Are you ready? Will you be watching? What do you think of all the conversations that are going on in the media about the new season? What do you think about the changes they've made?

Maybe a better question is whether or not you will even admit that you are a fan of what has become classic American reality television?

I'm a little bit of a fan of 2008's winner. Just a teensy. . . weensy bit.


Edited to add: I do enjoy the show, but only after the real talents have been put through to the finals. I just cannot get on board with wasting, I mean watching, hours of folks getting mocked or humiliated on national television. Being embarrassed in that way is one of my worst nightmares, so I cannot sit through even a moment of the early parts of the season. Even if the contestant has no clue how bad he or she really is. . .

Please Pray!

My bloggity crush on the lovely Miss Stefanie from the captivating Ni Hao Y'all has been well-documented here and here. Well, really, in lots of places all over this blog but if you visit me often, you know that by now. (And probably snicker under your breath at my ridiculous fawning. You do, I know you do.)

I'm so excited to share with you all that she is leaving today for China to adopt their sweet little Vivi. You really should follow along. I began reading her blog back when she was in China adopting their adorable little Jude, back in 2007. The in-country posts were amazing to me and I loved seeing the journey through a mom's eyes. It was one of the first adoption blogs I read, where I could follow the whole trip through the beautiful land of China. If you enjoy a good adoption story, you really need to check out this post and follow along with the fun.

Even if you don't follow the whole trip, can you please join me in praying for her whole family? Dad, Chris, is home with the rest of the crew taking care of the daily routine and can certainly use our prayers for health, safety, grace and patience in Mommy's absence. The kids will all be missing their Mommy fiercely, so they certainly need our covering. And Stefanie is thrilled to be traveling their son Asher (how cool is that name?!), so they need prayer for safety, easy flight connections, health while in-country, and smooth paperwork.

Then of course, there's little Vivi.

Recently, Stefanie wrote this amazing post. It says it all better than I could possibly say, so head over there to read about sweet little Vivienne.

Please, pray for little Vivi. Her whole world is about to change. Everything. In the space of about 15 minutes. That's a lot for any one. It's a lot more for a little two year old. Please pray!

Go Tell It On The Mountain!

I'm so excited. I mean, I always love Christmas, with all the cookies,and eggnog, the lights, the music, the colors. The anticipation, the cookies, the eggnog. Did I mentioned the eggnog? But seriously, I really am feeling so buoyed up in my spirit right now. Why now, in particular, you ask? Well, I'm more than happy to tell you about it . . . and I'm so glad you asked!

I've mentioned before that I'm not a huge Oprah fan. I mean, I watch the shows that interest me, on occasion. And I almost never miss her big "Favorite Things" show. But other than that, I'm not a regular. Sometimes, I luck out and get to oooh and aahh over a favorite celebrity, but really, that's about all I tune in for. Honestly.

Well, since she announced her impending retirement and since the Christmas season always provides some good viewing, I've been "dvr'ing" her show. Yes, I programmed her in. This way, if I record something that's worth my 40 minutes of laundry folding time, I can sit and enjoy it while I match the gazillion socks I washed that morning. And boy, am I glad I didn't miss Monday's show. (Well, I actually did miss Monday's show. But like I said, I "dvr'd" it so I got to sit yesterday afternoon and watch it.) It was a continuation of a show from last week, about Heroes (honoring everyday heroes, including Capt. Sully from the "Miracle on the Hudson" flight last year). If you didn't see it, you really ought to catch it in re-runs. I especially loved the tribute to the mail carriers. It was so nice to hear regular folks talking about "doing the right thing" just because it was the right thing to do!

So anyway, Monday's show was the second half of that Heroes show. It was a concert of duo acts, singing a Christmas concert for the heroes in the audience. The pairings were unusual but they really worked: Tim McGraw with Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige with Andrea Boccelli, and Sugarland with Jennifer Hudson. The music was beautiful and inspiring and artistic.

But what struck me the most?
What excites me more than
anything else at this time of year?

It is the ONE time of the year that the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST is poured forth without censure and without reservation. From Oprah's stage. From television channels all over the world. From radio stations across the globe. In malls, in grocery stores, in the post office. In beautiful traditional classics. In smooth jazzy tunes. In fun, joyful celebration. Where ever you go from Halloween till New Year's, you hear the stories of the birth of the Savior.

So the next time you are walking through the mall or hunting down that perfect gift in your local W@lM@rt, remember that for this season THE WHOLE WORLD is singing of THE. ONE. PERFECT. GIFT. Go ahead, sing along with all your might. His Word promises that it will make a difference. And you know what, while you are singing, pray that that Word goes forth and changes hearts. Pray that hearts are open to hearing the story and receiving it. You don't even have to preach it. Oprah's guests will preach it for ya!

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Say It Ain't So!

Okay, today's post was going to be a recap of my time at our adoption agency's special needs seminar Tuesday night.

Until my dear hubby saw a promo for the 11 o'clock news from his hub of horrible sickness in the middle of the living room.

We tuned in, live. Cuz, well, in our foggy-up-too-late-what-are-we-thinking state of mind, we forgot we have a DVR. Anyhoo. We tuned in and watched the entire newscast. Only to have my heart shattered in million pieces.

My dear Dave is retiring. Effective December 11.

(You can read about my itty-bitty local celebrity crush here and here.
Don't judge me, you know you have celebrity crushes too.)

The happy news is that for the coming weeks, they have promised all kinds of tributes and retrospectives on his career and his life serving the local region. Which means I'll get lots of opportunities to see him in action, sharing his folksy charm and winning smile with me. And if I'm really lucky, they'll be smart enough to throw in a couple peeks at Dave's adorable son. You know the one I mean. . . .

How often is it that a girl gets TWO celebrity crushes
in ONE FAMILY?!
That's some good genes there, I must say.
But I digress . . .

So, in tribute to my local celebrity crush, I give you this video. Don't be fooled by the different names - he's used a couple different ones over the course of his 56 year career. That's right. I said FIFTY SIX. You go, Dave.

Now, I must go clear my calendar of all fluff and nonsense in order that I might be able to sit and wallow in my sorrow and loss every night at 6 o'clock from tonight till December 11th. I don't want to miss a minute of my final moments with my Dave.

This is WHY

This post. You have to read this post.

It answers so many questions. So. Many.

Not the least of which is "Why is she my bloggy hero?"

Go there now. Read. Be blessed. Be inspired.

But remember. She's. My. Hero.

Mine.

Something Good is Goin' On!

No Hands But Ours is one of my favorite adoption sites. It was formed by a great group of intentional, passionate moms who feel called to get the Word out about special needs adoptions and orphan care around the world. I've shared with you before about my bloggy crush on Stefanie, and my profound respect for Tonggu Mommy. I regularly keep up with Amie and of course, we can't forget Wild Olives' site for awesome, feminine t-shirts that get the Word out there. And raise funds for orphans all over the world at the same time.

But the No Hands But Ours site has just increased their awesome amazing-ness by adding some guest bloggers to the mix. They are now featuring other adoptive blogger moms whom I've followed for a long time. These great contributors are now writing from their hearts. Sharing their stories and experiences. All for the purpose of further educating and raising awareness about special needs adoptions.

Something good is goin' on over there and you really shouldn't miss it.

Tell them that The Gang's Momma sent you!

Great Summer Dinner

The other night, I made a yummy summer dish. There's a bit of a story to it. (I know, you're thinking that there always is with me. I know. But it's my blog, my recipe. You love me anyway!)

For years, I'd heard about "fish tacos" on the boardwalk. The way my friends described them, they sounded like a big, greasy, salty, yummy mess. But I never got to try one. I'm not really much of a beach girl. And I really do my best to generally avoid fried foods. Well, I try anyway. That's a whole 'nuther post for a 'nuther day . . .

So anyway, about a year and a half ago, The Boss and I were dining out with friends. I saw "Fish Tacos" on the menu and was intrigued. These were decidedly Asian in their twist and not a fryer in sight. I decided I must try them.

Oh. My. Yummy. Goodness.

There were two on my plate, so after I devoured the first one (in the most ladylike fashion possible, because, I was after all on a date in public with my hubby and friends) I dis-assembled the second one and committed the main ingredients and their flavors to memory. (I think my dining companions lost me for a few minutes there!) Shortly after that meal, I caught a re-run of this episode of my favorite television chef grillin' away (mmmm, another celebrity crush to rave about?!) but the ingredients are not ones that I regularly purchase. His version wouldn't be terribly cost-effective for our family's eating habits, I'm afraid.

Tuesday night, I finally got around to the first draft of my version of Asian Fish Tacos. Here is a rough cut of my new recipe. When I'm making something new and getting creative in the kitchen, I usually go through about 3 versions till I get it just right. It's part of my creative process and so far, no one in The Gang has complained. Or died of food poisoning either!

Asian Fish Tacos
4-6 boneless skinless tilapia fillets
1 recipe of Asian Broccoli Slaw (this one is very close to the recipe I used)
1 package of flour tortillas (We prefer the whole wheat ones)
Chinese 5-spice powder (I used this one)

• Lightly spray a grill-able fish tray with non-stick spray. Layer the fish fillets across the tray.
• Gently sprinkle the Chinese 5 Spice over the fish to your desired flavor preference. (Mine were quite generously sprinkled, but if this spice is new to you, go easy. Or just do one side of the filet to try it out first.)
• Allow fillets to cook without flipping for about 6-8 minutes. Gently flip the fillets over and sprinkle that side with the 5 spice if desired.
• Allow to cook another 6 minutes or so. Fish is done when it flakes easily when touched with a fork. Tilapia in particular will be white through and through.
• Avoid repeated flipping - it makes the fish fall apart and it gets tough or dry.
• To serve, cut fillets length-wise and layer them in the middle of the taco.
• Top with Asian Broccoli Slaw.
• Fold up bottom of tortilla first then fold up sides to overlapping in the middle.

What I'd do differently the next time:

• First, I'd marinate the fish in a stronger (more flavorful, not spicy-hot) dressing and then repeat that dressing (or something really close to it) for the slaw. I'm thinking of my soy sauce-based dressing that I use for my Chinese Chicken Cabbage Salad (it's another of The Gang's summer favorites). The Boss mentioned that Ken's Lite Asian Sesame would be a good one to try.
• Second, I'd eliminate the ramen noodles in the slaw. Instead, I'd add more sunflower seeds and maybe throw in some sesame seeds, too.
• Third, I will definitely lightly toast the almonds and sunflower seeds (and sesame seeds). I do that for my Chinese Chicken Cabbage Salad and the results are well worth the extra step or two that it takes. Toasting just brings out a richness and depth of flavor that you can't get with "raw" seeds.
• Finally, I think I will make a double recipe of the slaw so we have some to serve on the side. Maybe then I'd toast up some of the ramen noodles and let the kids use them as a topper to the side salad. There just never seems to be enough broccoli slaw at our table when I make it!

There you have it. The Gang's version of Fish Tacos. Not completely unlike ones you can order in a restaurant like this, but far more cost-effective and more easily adapted to your own family's tastes and preferences. You can thank me later.

Oooooh, I'm All Goose Bumpy!

Okay, I've taken a lot of heat (well, not heat, mostly giggles and fond eye-rolling) over the last couple years for my um, fascination? obssession? with certain celebrities. I admit it. Some famed beings capture my interest. Some noted personas make my little heart go pitter-patter. Not like it never happens to you. I just happen to talk about it. A lot. I'm not the only one. Really. I mean, even my MOM has a few notable little crushes.

(I mean, the woman was practically in tears when she thought this character might actually be guilty of treason. It took all summer to convince her that he's just a character and not a real spy.)

So, can we please acknowledge that it happens to all of us? That we all have a couple famous folks that cause a little twitter (the old-fashioned kind, not that crazy one-liner status stuff). I just happen to be a blogger who gave those posts their own label. Go ahead, type "celebrity crushes" in the search function and treat yourself to a look inside my scary little world. Don't forget to come back here. And don't judge me. You know my insanity is what makes you come back again and again. It's part of my charm.

So, imagine my joy and excitement when I found out the other day that this celebrity is coming back to weekly television. Imagine my thrill when I found out these interesting facts about my childhood (and adulthood, yes, I can admit it!) crush! It seems that I'm not so silly after all. Thousands, nay millions, around the world agree with me. I'm not as crazy as you all thought.

Granted, he's coming back without the bell bottoms and nifty vests. And without the long flowing mane of gorgeous brunette softness. But he's coming back. And I can hardly wait.

Get Your Verse On

There's a fabulous new website (okay, not super new, but super fabulous just the same) that I'm really excited about.

You may remember I've mentioned a time or two that I have a blogging/adoptive mommy hero. This morning, she stopped by my pool post and COMMENTED. How cool is that?! But anyway, she and several friends created a on-line clothing company to "get your Verse on" and to help fund their various ventures to provide aid and resources to orphans around the world.

You really need to get over there and check out the amazing t-shirts on this site. So cute. So stylish. So eternally minded. And their value far exceeds the mere dressing of one's body in cute Words of Truth. These t-shirts are changing children's lives. Go there NOW.

But don't enter their new contest. I wanna win. I really wanna win.
Maybe Stefanie will sign one of my winning t-shirts. Wouldn't that be the coolest?!

Someone Thinks I'm Fabulous

(Hang in there, this is a bit long-ish. You'll forgive me, tho, when you see the gifts I've given you in the following post . . . )

Other than Baby BlueEyes, who regularly grosses out his brothers by telling me how beautiful and wonderful I am, I don't hear a lot of "Wow, you're fabulous!" The big brothers call what BBE does "sucking up." I call it brutal honesty and unabashed adoration. And I like it that way. I mean, come on. Someone around here has to say it like it is! (said cheekily)

I was happily surprised this morning when I sat down to catch up on my blog-reading. I've been occupied with all manner of germs, viruses, and bacteria, and the de-contaminating and disinfecting of such things for the past week. Blog reading, while a beloved past time, took a distant second or third to restoring order and obsessive-compulsive cleanliness and routine to my home. Yeah, I have issues. We've covered that already, I believe.

So, back to the surprise. My bloggy friend over at Salzwedel Family Adventures granted me this nifty award. It was a pleasant little boost to my morning. Which, coincidentally is already almost perfect: we're all still in our jammies, in one room, and peace and contentment reigns. There's not a tissue in sight, dirty or otherwise. Sigh.

I'm passing on this award to several that I read frequently. I have one more particularly in mind, but since it's a private blog, I shall respect that. Just know that it is my top pick for this lovely recognition.

Five Fabulous Blogs You Should Read:

1. Created and Called - this blog is a collaborative effort of several gals who keep it real, and keep their sense of humor while they do it. Always interesting, almost always informative (even if it's completely useless and trivial information that just tickles my fancy), it also helps me stay connected to a great group of gals with whom I have "grown up" into the fabulous Mommy and blogger I am today. (again, said cheekily!)
2. Mississippi Zen - I "met" this Southern adoptive-mom friend through a special needs forum I joined last year during our journey to Li'l Empress. She is creative, buoyant of spirit, and a faithful prayer warrior who advocated VIGOROUSLY for adoption. I linked to this particular post because it's one of the biggest things I love about her blog. And even if you are not even remotely interested in international adoption, you must go by and see her photography. OH MY GOODNESS. Her skills, her subjects, and her perspective amaze me.
3. The Harrells - the first adoption blog that I ever read was the one captured me immediately. Elissa alternates with ease between hilarious self-deprecating humor and lovely, heartfelt adoration for the little miracle known as Lily. I particularly love her political blurts that get regularly injected into her conversations about her every day life. Yes, she just blurts them out. And while I laugh all the way through them, I also agree most of the time with her summaries! An added bonus? Her brother works on the road crew for Blake Shelton. Yes, I've mentioned it before. Yes, I'm obsessed with the idea of it. And yes, he's worthy of one of my celebrity crushes. Which, incidentally might be making a return to my musings soon. I'm just sayin' . . . .
4. Callapidder Days - I can't remember how or where I found this little nugget, but I really must insist that you head over there now. Chock full of great book reviews, thoughtful insights on parenting toddlers and pre-schoolers, and honest evaluation of her journey of faith, Katrina has the added plus of being a really gifted writer. Her style is stream-lined, yet conversational. Intelligent but accessible. Honest but hopeful. I haven't been there in while, what with all the changing and adjusting and cleaning and disinfecting I've been caught up in for the last, oh 4 months!, but I love settling in with a mug of coffee and reading a bunch of her posts at once. It's a little treat to me, those piles of posts that I hoard in my reader and save for a cozy morning.
5. Little Cabin In The Woods - the link for this blog was sent to me by my sister-in-law, primarily because she found it interesting that they homeschool AND they have adopted three gorgeous girls from China. I go back, again and again, (even when she hasn't updated recently) if for no other reason than her amazing photography. Yes, her daughters are gorgeous. Yes, her simple, pared-down lifestyle is immensely appealing. Yes, her steadfast and pure faith is challenging and inspiring. But her photography? I swear, I could cover the walls of my home with the amazing landscapes and breathtaking portraits. I have the added benefit of getting to "know" her via email and have so appreciated the support and resource she has been in our journey to Li'l Empress. You really want help with packing lists from a woman who has been to China and back three times!

So, before you head over to peruse these little gifts I've bestowed today, the second half of this fabulousness award is to share with you some of my addictions. Truth be told, I'm sure in my obsessive-compulsive bent I have more than five, but I'll limit myself for your sake. I'm sure your bum is getting numb by now. (Hee hee, I made a funny. And it rhymed!)

Five Things To Which I Am Addicted:

1. I am completely committed to averting dangling participles whenever I possibly can. I have been known to labor over a sentence, here and in other writing venues, for ridiculously long periods of time, while crafting the perfect way to avoid "which's" and "of's" dangling precariously in space.
   
2. I love coffee. Strong, rich dark coffee, perfectly flavored with Nestle's Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer. 'Nuff said. You have all suffered enough with my rantings and ravings on this topic.
3. I must hear my children's laughter at least once a day. Or the day seems dreary, dark and dull. Multiple times a day, and the world is sunny and bright once more.
   
4. Good, meaningful, conversation. I recognize that those adjectives are in the eyes of the beholder, so to speak. But I don't enjoy small talk for long. I prefer diving in, rooting out emotion and thought, and wallowing in it. It exhausts The Boss, I'm sure, this little addiction of mine.
5. Country Music. Please, no judgment. This is my blog, my addiction. I love me some Keith Urban or Little Big Town at full volume, cruisin' down the road in my big ole mini-van. Give me some Tim McGraw or Dierks Bentley in the background and watch me go. I'll stop now. I will spare you. That is another of my gifts to you. ** Edited - I don't know what came over me. I originally typed Dierks Benedict. "What Was I THINKIN'?!" Thanks, sis! :) :) :)
   

Okay, you are free. Go now. Explore the blogs I've listed here. You're welcome. It was my pleasure.

So Excited To Share

For a little more than a year now, I've been following the adventures and excitement over at Ni Hao Y'all. In typical blog-addicted fashion, I can't really remember how I found Stefanie but once I started reading, I was hooked. I was so hooked, in fact, that I literally spent hours poring over her archives and reading through the adoption sites she had for her individual children. Hours of laughing and crying and delighting in the story of this big, happy, multi-cultural family of hers. Hours of winter and spring afternoons paging through her very prolific and hysterically funny wrap-ups of their various happenings and mis-adventures. Hours of being lost in her witty story-telling and heart-tugging advocacy for adoption and special needs children.

Okay, so at this point, I feel I must confess.

My name is Gang's Momma and I'm addicted to Ni Hao Y'all.

Further, I am Stefanie's own personal blog stalker. I think I am addicted to Stefanie herself. It's an innocent addiction (and harmless, I promise, Stefanie. IF I may be so lucky as to have you chance upon this humble blog. Oh, vapors and frenzy at the thought!), but serious nonetheless. For example, this summer, the four kids all stood by the sliding glass doors sunscreened-up and towels at the ready. Waiting for me to finish reading the posts I'd been unable to get to earlier in that week. They stood there, calling to me of their readiness for an afternoon in the pool. Growing increasingly impatient with my "Just one more minute, please!" They stood there, antsy and pinching each other when tempted to interrupt me just one more time. At one point, I'm certain that little legs fell asleep and testosterone-raging violence broke out. The details are fuzzy, as I was engrossed in the day's events in Stefanie's house.

All of this is to say that in Stefanie's blog posts, (look at me throwing her name around like I'm a close personal friend or something. I'm shameless!) I have found a kindred spirit, IF I may be so bold (OH, the boldness!). Her heart leaks out all over her posts. Her heart for her hubby. Her passion for her kids. Her mission to share the word with the world about adoption. Her zeal and drive to see special needs kids from all over the world find loving and godly homes. Her consuming desire to make a difference in the lives of as many of these precious kids as possible. Her challenge to the church to BE the church to a child. It's all there - and all wrapped up in each post is her overwhelming need to do it all in a manner that brings the most glory and honor to Our Father.

This woman, to me, is the embodiment of James 1:27:

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless
is this: to look after orphans and widows
in their distress and to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world."

Yeah, she could be my next celebrity crush. She's that amazing to me. Which is why I am so excited to share with you a new site that she and several other adoptive moms have launched. It's actually been up and running for a few weeks now, but I've been having a hard time finding time to put thoughts together (I've been relying heavily on my Post Options to schedule posts in advance and pounding out several posts at one sitting lately. Don't you just love that option?!).

Introducing:

This new site exists to be a clearing house of sorts. A place where anyone interested in adoption, specifically special needs adoptions, can come and gain insight from other families who have been there, who are there and who are making it work. A place where you can read helpful information from the point of view of professionals AND those of us who live with various special needs every day. Where you can read inspiring and amazing stories of families that God has knit together from over the world. Where you can be encouraged and make contact with adoption agencies, specialists, experienced parents and others who can partner with you at any particular phase of your adoption or parenting journey. It's beautiful, it's hopeful, and it's exactly what I would expect from a woman of excellence like Stefanie. (Again with the familiarity, like I actually know this woman! Who am I kidding?!)

As a brand-new mom of a daughter with special needs, I find myself poring over this site frequently. I have gleaned so much from these moms and their stories. In fact, one of my most favoritest gals, Kateri (from Blessed Beyond Measure) has already shared her family story here. I am so excited to know that some day, I might actually be able to be a support for another mom who has been where I am now. I might actually be able to help connect families with resources that will enable them to parent with excellence as they meet the needs of their precious little gifts. (OMIGOSH! I just skipped over to the new site to grab the code for their button, and my little blog is listed under family blogs related to hearing issues. I'm on their radar - Stefanie knows about me. Little Ole Me!)

This site is worth every minute you will spend surfing around on it. But be forewarned. Once you start reading the stories, once you start looking at the little faces who have been given the precious gift of a loving family and a "brand new start," you will totally get sucked in. Your family might not see your face for hours. And when they do, it might be splotchy and red and your eyes might be swollen from the tears you shed while you read. Unless you are one of those really, really annoying people who can cry pretty and dainty. (But that's a whole 'nuther post, isn't it?!)

Go now. Read now. And give Stefanie and the gals some bloggy love. Let them know that you are standing with them in their mission. I'm so excited that I get to share the news with you!