Coats, Coats, Coats

Things in life don't ever seem to turn out as well as I imagine them. In spite of a yucky rainy day, we loaded the kids up and went to the bazaar in search of coats.

Of course everything had already gone wrong this morning-- baby with a fever, kids fighting, parents speaking unkind words to each other. Ain't that always the way it goes when you're trying to be a "good Christian" and do something like buy 14 coats to send to poor children who live in a cold, snowy, devastated place? That's how it seems to go for us anyway...

I think Hubby's face says it all here. But doesn't he look like St. Nick with his big bag o' coats?

We got 14 coats. We actually ended up having more than $100 to spend on coats. When I blogged yesterday, two people wanted me to buy a couple of coats from them to add in, so the blessing multiplies. God is good.

(I totally realize the picture of the coats is oriented wrong, and usually I would so care, but I just don't today. If you've ever dragged three kids- one sick- to the outdoor bazaar in the rain after a horrible night's sleep, you understand. Ahem.) 

In spite of the rain and the bad moods, we shared some sweet conversation with the kids about why we were buying so many coats and where they were going to go. 

Ladybug promptly burst into tears and said, "I don't want to go to Van!" I think she thought we were cancelling our trip to America for Christmas and heading to Van to deliver the coats instead. After that misunderstanding was cleared up, she was very happy to help get the coats.

And I may still be a little disappointed that I didn't win an iPad... but how can I be anything but joyful that he will have a coat this week?

I Won Today

I won a blog giveaway today.

I won $100 cash to give away to someone else from Nancy Ray Photography. Isn't that awesome and christmas-y and fun??????

It would be if I wasn't such a wretched, sinful being.

You see, the original giveaway was for an iPad2 PLUS $100 cash to give away to someone in need. All you had to do to enter was leave a comment saying what you would do with the $100 if you won. Cool, huh?

Note: Honestly I would never pay for an iPad. I have an iPod touch (although the screen is busted) and an iPad just seems like a toy to me... a toy I could never justify paying that much money for. But to win one for free from a blog giveaway? Cool. I'm down. Hubby said that if I won (a long shot at best!) we could sell the iPad and put the money into our adoption fund. So I entered- hey everyone else online was doing it.

I mentioned here that Hubby was doing disaster relief work a couple weeks ago. He was helping to build shelters for families who have been displaced by a major earthquake in Van, Turkey. As he told me about how cold he was (wearing three layers of bottoms and four or more layers of tops... edit: Hubby just told me he was wearing SIX layers on top!), and sent me pictures like this...

...my heart was saddened. These kids don't have any coats on! (And it had started snowing while Hubby was there! It's cold y'all!) As a mama, my heart aches when I see children in need around the world. Children going without the things- like coats- that my children (AND ME!) take for granted every single day.

So on the iPad giveaway blog, that's what popped into my head! I would take the $100, buy as many kid-sized coats as I could, and I would cargo them to one of the men Hubby met while working in Van. It sounded like so much fun as I thought about it... Of course it would be a family affair to take the kids out, bargain for the coats to be cheaper (I love living overseas!), talk to the Bugs about how wealthy we are compared to the rest of the world, and how awesome it is to be able to give to others... yada yada yada.

(I don't mean yada yada yada like this isn't important. This is very important.)

The problem is that I have a wicked heart and tonight I glimpsed again just how wicked.

My friend called me to tell me I had won a giveaway on Nancy Ray's blog. NO WAY! I exclaimed and laughed as I pictured myself checking Facebook on my brand new iPad. Visions of the kids and me cuddled up watching Mickey Mouse episodes together on the shiny iPad screen danced in my head.

She went on to explain that it wasn't the iPad I had won, but a generous anon had given an extra $100 to be given away and I had been chosen to give that $100 away.

SAY WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?


Inside, my mini-me sinner started stomping her feet. No iPad? Her lips pursued into a pouty grimace. No new toy for me?  Her sense of entitlement screamed-- only $100 to give away? But what about ME? What do I get?


I am ashamed to tell you about all this. It's hard to realize (yet again) that I am a sinner, and to be transparent with others is even harder. But I can't just let you read my comment on Nancy Ray's blog and think-- oh what a great little Christian girl! She's so happy to buy coats for those poor children and bless them this Christmas! Her first thought is probably simply for others as she spends her life working overseas.

Because that ain't how it went down y'all. But I'm happy to report that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I was able to recognize my thoughts and attitude as sin, and ask God to forgive me. I was being selfish, petty, self-centered, entitled, jealous, and I was coveting a stupid iPad. And tomorrow morning, we will bundle our three little Bugs up in their coats, we will head over to the local bazaar and I will bargain my heart out to get as many coats as I possibly can with that $100. And we will talk to them about needs and wants and how important it is to care for the poor and the helpless and the widow and the orphan. And I'm pretty sure as we walk home with all our coats in hand to box up and send, I'll realize what a precious gift this experience has been to me.

So anonymous donor, whoever you are, thank you. Thank you of course, for making it possible for some kids in Van in the snow to have new warm coats.

But thank you from me too. If you hadn't given that money for the extra giveaway, I would not have had the chance to see my sinfulness in this way, and be forgiven. I maybe would not have seen so clearly this Christmas how selfish and petty my heart (still) is. And I wouldn't have had the opportunity to step outside of my self, my family, my Christmas, my life for a few minutes and experience the awesome joy of doing something generous for someone else. And I might not have had the chance to have those important conversations with my kids. So from the bottom of my heart, Thank You and Merry Christmas!

(I will hopefully have a chance to blog this week about buying the coats and mailing them off...)

'Tis the Season-- Last Chance!

Today is the last day to participate in the 'Tis the Season carnival by linking up a gift ideas post to one of the categories from this week. I will choose the winners of the giveaways tomorrow morning (my time-- I'm seven hours ahead of EST) and email them!

Here are the categories you can post about and link up to:

1. Gift Ideas FOR HER

2. Gift Ideas FOR HIM

3. Gift Ideas FOR THE KIDS

4. Gift Ideas FOR THE BOOK LOVER

5. Gift Ideas FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

So, link up any time today and good luck in the giveaways!
Don't remember what the giveaways are?!

Lisa Leonard Aqua Stone Earrings

AllforAbby Frame-A-Name

Gift Ideas FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Today's gift ideas are all about creativity-- a gift that is a little different.

1. Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog: My parents give each of their kids a gift from the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog each Christmas. Basically it is a gift in honor of. They are gifts like milk for children, blankets for families, toy lambs that play Jesus Loves Me, a bicycle for a pastor around the world-- you pick out whichever gift you'd like to give, and you can give it in honor of another person. They have really beautiful "in honor of" cards you can get to tell the person what you gave in their honor. It's a super gift idea for anyone, especially people who have a heart for the world. Here's an example of a gift:

Gift 21 - Feed a Hungry Baby for a Week

The anguished cries of hungry infants is an all-too-familiar sound in famine-stricken villages and impoverished communities. Even if they survive, malnourished children are at risk of serious physical and mental problems. In Ethiopia and other crisis areas, Samaritan’s Purse is responding to the cries of hunger through a variety of child-feeding projects that provide a tangible witness to the gracious Lord who “fills the hungry with good things” (Psalm 107:9, NIV). Just $9 can feed a baby or a nursing mother for a week.

Suggested Gift: $9

2. A personalized T-shirt Quilt: I got a T-shirt quilt made this summer with T-shirts symbolizing my relationship with Hubby. A shirt from the college we went to, the college ministry we were apart of, a trip we took to NYC, a shirt I got on our honeymoon, the shirt I was wearing when Hubs proposed-- it is such a special way to preserve memories! My friend, Courtney, has started a little business making quilts, and she did a fabulous job. I actually just got a tacked blanket, so there's no quilt stuffing, but it's a perfect couch snuggling blankie! Here's a picture Courtney posted to her business blog after she finished my blanket. Isn't it fabulous? I love it! Having a special blanket or quilt done like this would be a great gift idea! (I even thought about having a blankie done with snippets of all my favorites of the baby clothes the Bugs wore... wouldn't that be sweet?)

3. Homemade goodies: This is always a hit. My mom has always been a Christmas baker, whipping up all sorts of deliciousness during the month of December and presenting pretty plates of the goodies to teachers, pastors, and friends during the holidays. I have continued the tradition since getting married. It's special to get in the kitchen as a family (or by yourself) and make some delicious treats to gift! (It's also quite a bit cheaper than buying gifts for everyone in your life.) Plus, you get to sample the goods yourself, so this is a win-win situation!

OK, there are some of my favorite gift ideas for something different-- who's next? Tell all your great ideas for gifts FOR THE SOMETHING DIFFERENT on your blog, then come back to Momfessions, and click below where it says "MckLinky". Enter your name and the link to your gift idea post. Don't forget, each time you link up a gift ideas post this week, you're entered to win one of the awesome giveaways!

(Check here for carnival guidelines.)

Gift Ideas FOR THE BOOK LOVER

Books are a popular gift around our house. Hubs and I were both teachers in our previous lives in the states, so we love childrens' books, and gift them to our kids. I grew up as a avid reader, devouring fiction, and though that passion has waned some, I still enjoy a good book in all my spare time-- HA! And Hubby is a newbie reader, but adores theology books and spy novels. So I have lots of ideas today for gifts for any book lovers on your list!

Fiction:
* Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: Oh. my. word. This is my all-time favorite book. I've read it every year since my junior year of college. Love it!
* Mark of the Lion Triology by Francine Rivers: A great story-- these books would make a terrific gift to any book-loving woman who loves historical fiction.
* The Bourne Trilogy by Robert Ludlum: These are Hubby recommended. He warns that they are nothing like the movies, so read them as such!

Non-fiction:
* Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg: My absolute favorite baby how-to book. This woman speaks to my kind of parenting-- I'm somewhere in between Attachment Parenting and Babywise. I love this book because before I read it I didn't know you could be in-between AP and BW. Great gift for new or expecting mothers!
* Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose: One of Hubby's picks. I've never read it!

Childrens' Lit:
* My Very Own Name personalized storybook: Both of my kids have one of these and they are such a perfect gift! How neat that a real book is all about animals bringing the letters to spell your own name?! Click here to see a virtual book tour on the website. So cool, and helpful when your child is learning to spell their name!
* The Jesus Storybook Bible: I cannot say enough good things about this childrens' Bible. It is a "storybook" Bible, so it's not word-for-word, but each story is told with a emphasis on the coming Messiah (Old Testament) and the sent Messiah (New Testament). The words are stunningly beautiful, and I want to cry when Ladybug curls up in her Daddy's lap and asks him to read her the Bible.
* Olivia by Ian Falconer
* Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
* If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Other:
* ESV Study Bible: I gave this to Hubs last year and he loves it. It had just come out last Christmas, so it's only about a year old. I've heard great things about it though, and I love the English Standard Version anyway.
* Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper: Great and totally convicting book!
* Daily Light: A sweet daily devotional that is purely Scripture. I got this book as a gift recently, and it's perfect encouragement from the Word of God. Each day has a theme and all the Scripture listed relate to the theme. It's a great gift!
* Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman: My favorite parenting resource. This is how Hubby and I seek to train our children in righteousness. Perfect for Christian parents with toddlers or preschoolers.
* Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman: Companion and reference guide to Don't Make Me Count to Three. Very handy and very helpful!

OK, there are some of my favorite gift ideas for book lovers-- who's next? Tell all your great ideas for gifts FOR THE BOOK LOVER on your blog, then come back to Momfessions, and click below where it says "MckLinky". Enter your name and the link to your gift idea post. Don't forget, each time you link up a gift ideas post this week, you're entered to win one of the awesome giveaways!

(Check here for carnival guidelines.)

Gift Ideas FOR THE KIDS

I love shopping for my kids! It is a very rare occasion when I am out shopping and don't see something for one of my kids! Here are some of my favorite ideas!

1. AllforAbby Frame-A-Name: I ADORE this woman's stuff! I introduced you to Melissa while back during Fantastic Finds. It's been a few months, and a lot has happened-- Melissa and her husband brought their little girl, Abigail, home from China! How precious! Abby is having surgery this week, so please say a prayer for Melissa and Abby! I love, love, love my kids' name frames! Aren't they too cute? Decor for a kid's room is a great gift idea-- less plastic, junky toys for us, please!
*Melissa has agreed to do a giveaway during the 'Tis the Season carnival! For each post you link up, you will be entered to win a Frame-A-Name or Frame-A-Family!

2. Melissa and Doug toys: Speaking of plastic, junky toys, I have to tell you how much I love Melissa and Doug's stuff for kids! We got the kids the standard until blocks last Christmas, they are perfect for building and imagining all sorts of things! These blocks will grow with our children! We also have a lot of wooden Melissa and Doug puzzles, the kids are big fans!

3. Praise Baby DVDs: We got these DVDs as a gift right about the time Bumblebee was born. Ladybug loved them! Each DVD is 30 minutes of praier music with clips of babies, children, animals, numbers, and letters. Think Baby Einstein, but not as creepy! I could listen to praise music all day, so they don't wear on me like the annoying voices on some of Ladybug's other DVDs. Bumblebee has just started watching them and he's enraptured with watching the other children! They are perfect to put in when I need some time to read my Bible and pray-- and I don't mind praise music in the background!

4. Doll Sling: This is what Ladybug has asked for this Christmas, and it thrills me to the core! I love that she watches me wear Bumblebee and wants to do the same with her babies! She asked for an Ergo specifically, but their doll carriers are $25! I found this one: on etsy from SnuggyBaby for $10! If she really seems into it, maybe we can get Ladybug an Ergo for her babies later.

OK, there are some of my favorite gift ideas for kids-- who's next? Tell all your great ideas for gifts FOR THE KIDS on your blog, then come back to Momfessions, and click below where it says "MckLinky". Enter your name and the link to your gift idea post. Don't forget, each time you link up a gift ideas post this week, you're entered to win one of the awesome giveaways!

(Check here for carnival guidelines.)

Gift Ideas FOR HIM

If yesterday was the easiest day of this carnival, today is the hardest day. I pretty much feel slightly clueless when shopping for the men in my life. Hubs is a little easier than the others, but I still have to hem and haw and research and shop to find my gifts for him. (I won't even begin to discuss the trouble I have with shopping for my father and father-in-law.) Not that little man is shaping up to be much better-- all I can think of to buy him ever is blocks, trucks, and balls. Maybe I'm making gifts for men harder than it needs to be... I definitely look forward to reading YOUR ideas in this category!

1. iPod Touch: This idea doesn't help much if you're on a tight budget, but I will say my husband's iPod Touch is probably the most used gift I've ever given him. I gave it to him for his birthday this year, but I invited my parents and sisters to chip in for his birthday if they wished. That took some of the sting off the price tag, and they didn't have to come up with their own ideas for his gifts. My Hubby does email, facebook, and twitter on his iPod. He keeps all his contacts, and lists and calendars. He plays Pocket Tanks and Skee Ball. There are soooo many applications to do all sorts of random/helpful/weird things for you. It's like the neatest gadget ever invented. I can say that with total confidence because my rockstar Hubs gave me one this summer *gush* I heart him! And your man would totally heart an iPod Touch.

2. Gerber Pocket Knife: Last year, Bumble Bee gave this knife to his daddy for Christmas. (Yes, I realize he was only a month and a half old-- the kid knows he loves his daddy, what can I say?) Hubs has the knife on him every. single. day. He has found so many things to cut, slice, and open with this thing. I can't really complain because at least once a week I bring something to Hubby to open or fix and this little knife is his tool of choice. A great choice for any man-- it's small and perfectly handy!


3. Socks and Underwear: My Hubby usually needs some new socks and underwear about Christmastime each year. If I wrap them up it seems like I got him more gifts. So to fill out the space underneath the tree, just pick up some of your husband's favorite socks, underwear, and under shirts, and throw them puppies under the Christmas tree. Note: Make a point to go through his old socks, underwear and undershirts and throw away the holey and yellowing ones. Second note: Not recommended as a go-to gift for any other men in your life.

OK, there are some of my favorite gift ideas for men-- who's next? Tell all your great ideas for gifts FOR HIM on your blog, then come back to Momfessions, and click below where it says "Mr Linky". Enter your name and the link to your gift idea post. Don't forget, each time you link up a gift ideas post this week, you're entered to win one of the awesome giveaways!

(Check here for carnival guidelines.)

Gift Ideas FOR HER

Today is probably the easiest day! Of course I can tell you MY favorite things! Piece of cake! Without further ado, here are some of my favs... things I think any woman would love to receive as a gift!

1. Lisa Leonard Jewelry: I can't even describe how much I love this woman's jewelry! I won a blog giveaway some time ago and got a custom necklace from Lisa Leonard with the words "Go with all your heart". As we were moving overseas and I was sometimes (still am!) struggling with "wherever you are, be all there" (jim elliot), I love the reminder that this custom necklace is! I have gotten so many compliments on it. Love it! Lisa Leonard Jewelry is the perfect gift for any woman on your list!
* Lisa Leonard is giving away a pair of Aqua Stone earrings to one participant in this week's 'Tis the Season carnival! *

2. Ergo Baby Carrier: If I were to pick my all-time favorite baby product, I'm pretty sure it would be my Ergo Baby Carrier. I love this thing! I actually am getting another one for Christmas, so Hubby and I can each wear a kid around town-- necessary when you don't have a car and rely on walking and public transportation! You can totally tell a MOM designed the Ergo! It's comfortable and completely practical, right down to the pocket for cell phone, money, or paci. The sleeping hood is ingenious, BumbleBee goes right to sleep in the Ergo when he's in it, and I can pull up the hood and let him rest. Frankly, I wish I had invented the Ergo Baby Carrier myself! (The bonus is that my husband is OK wearing our kids in the Ergo. It's "manly" enough that he doesn't mind being seen out in it-- in fact, he has really come to enjoy wearing our babies just like I have!) The perfect gift for a mommy!


3. Real Simple Magazine Subscription: I love Real Simple. It's such a practical and beautiful magazine. I love how home-focused it is, from recipes (although some of them are sorta out there), to laundry tips, to decorating ideas... it's a magazine I love to have in my bathroom for those moments I'm hiding from the kids needing some reprieve. The pictures are gorgeous, and really the whole magazine just has a comfy, homey feel to it. A subscription for your favorite woman would truly be a gift that gave all year!

OK, there are some of my favorite gift ideas for women-- who's next? Tell all your great ideas for gifts FOR HER on your blog, then come back to Momfessions, and click below where it says "Mr Linky". Enter your name and the link to your gift idea post. Don't forget, each time you link up a gift ideas post this week, you're entered to win one of the awesome giveaways!

(Check here for carnival guidelines.)

'Tis the Season Carnival!

'Tis time for the 'Tis the Season carnival!

I've been thinking, and listing my favorite gift ideas, and I hope you'll share some of your favorite gift ideas too!

Each day there will be a different "theme" for the gifts:

Monday: For her
Tuesday: For him
Wednesday: For the kids
Thursday: For the book lover
Friday: For something different

So whichever day(s) you want to participate,
1. write your post about your gift ideas in that category-- please use pictures and links to help us out!
2. Please include a link to Momfessions (or use the 'Tis the Season button, so others can come enjoy the carnival too!)
3. Then come back here to Momfessions and link up your post (not a link to your blog, but to your specific post), and
4. enjoy reading the other ideas!

Each time you link up during the week, you'll be entered to win one of the awesome giveaways! (Are you wondering what they are???)

* Aqua Stone Earrings from Lisa Leonard *
* Frame-A-Name from All for Abby *

So... are you ready to exchange your best gift ideas?

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'Tis the Season (Almost!)

This time of the year is usually the start of the holiday chaos... planning, cooking, baking, gifting, shopping, wrapping, visiting, traveling, eating, gaining, laughing, singing...
Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful time of the year, and I enjoy it tremendously, but sometimes I wish I had a little help!

No, I'm not complaining about Hubs! I love my Hubby dearly, and he truly does SO MUCH to help me around the house all year 'round. But when it comes to gifts for Christmas (and birthdays), I'm on my own. And since we've been married, I've inherited his family onto my list too!

Some years I just feel stuck-- you know... I. just. don't. have. any. good. gift. ideas.

To help myself (and you) out, I thought we could have a little bloggy fun! November 2-6, I will be hosting a carnival here at Momfessions to share our gift ideas. I'll share some, you'll share some, and we'll all get on the shopping ball before December even hits!

(If you're unsure what a blog carnival is, check Works for Me Wednesday for an example.)

So each day, we'll have a "category" of gift... Monday will be FOR HER. Tuesday will be FOR HIM. Wednesday will be FOR THE KIDS. Thursday will be FOR THE BOOK LOVER. And Friday will be FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Each day you can write a post about the favorite gifts you've given or received in this category, and then link up here at Momfessions. As you visit the other links in the carnival you will find all sorts of helpful ideas for your own slew of family and friends to buy for.

The best part of all? I already have two awesome giveaways lined up! So for each gift idea post you link up, you'll be entered to win! (I would love to offer more giveaways during the carnival, so if you have an idea, email me!)

Go ahead... get a button for your blog and get ready to share your best gift ideas!



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Fantastic Finds (Vol. 3)

I've been scouring etsy finding more fantastic ladies to introduce to you. I have been successful, indeed!

Today I want you to meet Melissa. Melissa's story of selling homemade is so intriguing to me... I wanted you to "hear" her yourself!

So, Melissa, what's your story? My story is that I'm a stay-at-home mom with three boys, Joshua (almost 11), Zachary (almost 9) and Tyler (4). I've been married to my husband Martin for 14 years this summer.
I've always been interested in crafts and art and 4 years ago I started as a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I hold classes at my home for different card classes. My upline gave me a frame with our last name as a gift and I was inspired by that to start my All For Abby business. We are adopting from China and we have been waiting just about 32 months. We have decided to name her Abigail and can't wait to go and bring her home! We are prayerful that we will get her sometime this year, but still don't really know if that will be the case.

Um, 32 months?! How in the world have you waited 32 months without losing your sanity??? Well, thank goodness we believe and trust in God and He has given us the patience for this long wait! When we started the process, it was a 9 month wait. How funny. . .we figured it was just like being pregnant. By the time we got our paperwork done, it was up to 12 months. Never did we dream it would take this long, but I guess God just doesn't have Abby ready for us yet! We know when she's ready, it'll be our turn!
So, to keep me busy in the meantime, I've had so much fun making the frames and such that you see on my Etsy shop. Each Frame-a-name is personalized for that person. The customer gets to pick the colors and theme and frame color and I stamp it, cut it out and mount it all for them. For the Frame-a-family, each person is customized according to the customer and I then again, stamp it all out, color it in and frame it for them. The Frame-the-Grandkids works the same way. Each one is unique and made after the order is placed. I try to get them done within 2-3 weeks, but can be made quicker if I have the time.

How did you decide to pursue adoption? My husband and I didn't feel our family was complete yet and I had gone through 3 miscarriages and didn't want to go through the pain of another loss. So we looked into adoption and pretty much immediately looked into international adoption. We looked at Russia and China and China appealed to us more for various reasons. The cost was a factor. . .the stability of Chinese adoptions. . .the travel time. . .and we just felt a pull towards China. We have now pictured the future with our little Chinese girl and 3 big brothers!

And her name is Abby, of course! The name Abigail has actually been picked out since I was pregnant with son #2! We wanted to find out if it was a boy or a girl and at my first ultrasound, we were told 90% sure it was a girl. Well, my husband didn't believe it and wouldn't let me paint the nursery or anything and we were told we could have another ultrasound in a month. So, a month later we went back and a different ultrasound tech also told us it was a girl! We had picked the name Abigail and told Joshua that he was getting a sister named Abby. Thankfully, 3 weeks before I gave birth, we had one last ultrasound, this time my OB did it. We were then informed it was a boy. . .to our huge shock!! The nursery had already been painted purple and had butterflies stenciled everywhere! I'm thankful we found out before he was born and not AS he was being born! I had time for the shock to wear off. So she'll be named Abigail Rose and then one of her Chinese names.

And look what a darling frame Melissa made for my little boy:

How adorable is that? And it's all for a good great cause! The money Melissa makes from the frames goes towards her daughter's adoption (hence her store name of All for Abby), and $5 from every frame will be donated to her orphanage when they go to pick her up! Ahhhhhhh, I love this kinda stuff!
(I've already decided that Bug's getting a frame-a-name for her birthday this summer-- this one, how appropriate!)

But wait, there's more!

Melissa has kindly offered to make a Frame-A-Name for one of you!!!
*squeals of excitement*

If you'd like to win, please leave a comment either telling me something that inspired you about Melissa's story, or which frame you would choose. (Please make sure you leave a valid email address.) I will select a winner next Friday May 15!

For an extra entry, you can blog about this giveaway and link back to this post!

And hey, go buy a frame-a-name to support a worthy cause! (And cutesy up your walls!)
~~~~~~~
This giveaway is now closed. The winner is #14!

The Music of Corneille

I had a chance to listen to a new CD a few weeks ago so I could tell you about this new artist, Corneille: And his CD--ahem, "album", The Birth of Cornelius.

I have to confess that I'm not a music-know-it-all. OK, I'm a music-know-nothing-at-all. I judge music based on one criteria-- do I like how this sounds? So when I read that Corneille's CD is "smooth soul and acoustic-based R&B pop", I couldn't really explain to you what that means.

My take on it? I would call it "easy on the ears". Hubs and I popped it in while riding in the car one day and it was great background music. It's not fast-paced at all (fast paced music usually makes this mom feel frantic!) and his songs tell stories, which I like my music to do. He's very passionate and has a very nice-sounding voice.

Hubby's more into the whos and whats of music than me and he says, "I really like it. It is a good easy listening album, and the words have a lot of meaning."

Alright, he didn't sound that much smarter than me, did he? Here I thought he was gonna share something oddly profound about this CD, The Birth of Cornelius!

Anyhow, we like it.

Exciting News! I have an autographed copy of Corneille's new CD, The Birth of Cornelius, for one of you! Just leave me a comment and tell me what kind of music you like to listen to. I will choose a winner on Tuesday March 31!

from random.org

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3

Timestamp: 2009-04-03 02:35:05 UTC

Thanks to everyone who came to participate in Diaper Chatter!

Big thanks to the three ladies who donated giveaways for the winners-- check out their links on my left sidebar-- Terie (oliveandbubby), Maria (mariasfavorites), and Laura Beth (happygirlgreetings) are terrific! Consider using etsy shops next time you need to buy a gift/bag/baby supplies/stationery and support these hard-working, talented women!

I have emailed the three winners, and they have a day or so to get back in touch with me otherwise I will choose alternate winners!

I have many thoughts swirling around the bloggin' part of my brain, but they'll have to wait until next week...

Until then, adieu, friends!

Diaper Chatter!

Welcome to Diaper Chatter!
I'm your hostess with the mostess...
I'm a part-time cloth diaperer. I prefer Fuzzi Bunz and BumGenius pocket diapers. On a hectic or crazy day, I enjoy the convenience of a good Luvs disposable diaper! I've been changing diapers as a full-time job since June 29, 2007 when my daughter, Bug, was born. My work doubled on November 14, 2008 when my son, Little Man, came along. Some days it's all I can do to keep everyone in a clean diaper-- but I love it! I can't wait for you to join the diaper chatter!

Everyone who links up to Mr. Linky will be entered to win one of THREE great giveaways! Many thanks to
Terie and
Maria and
Laura Beth!

The giveaways are now closed! Thanks to everyone who participated!

The idea:
1. Write a post about diapers on your blog-- funny diaper stories, diapering advice, lessons learned from diapers, potty training experiences, cloth/disposable thoughts... please include a link back to Momfessions.
2. Come back to Momfessions.
3. Link to your diaper chatter post (using the permalink) in Mr. Linky.
4. Visit the other sites and enjoy the diaper chatter!
5. Feel free to email me if you have questions! momfessions(at)gmail(dot)com

Diaper Chatter Giveaways!

Tomorrow I will be posting Mr. Linky for the Diaper Chatter carnival! To play along, write a post in some way relating to diapers on your blog with a link back to Momfessions. Come back here and in Mr. Linky's box, put the permalink to your diaper post. Then enjoy visiting the other diaper chatter posts and cross your fingers for the giveaways! Everyone who links up a diaper post will be entered to win automatically! I will draw/announce the winners on Friday when the kids are napping!

Here are the Diaper Chatter Giveaways! Go visit these crafty ladies' etsy shops-- they are truly talented!
1. A Reversible Diaper Bag from oliveandbubby!
A simply goregous, non-traditional-looking diaper bag with 5 pockets. It's reversible to keep things fresh and it retails for $50.00!

My name is Terie and I have a store on Etsy called 'Olive and Bubby'. I sell handbags/diaper bags, clutches and pillows. I also love doing custom orders. I have met so many wonderful people on Etsy, and was thrilled when Sheila asked me to participate in this giveaway on her blog. I would love to gift someone this great diaper bag! The great thing about it is, it isn't the typical "mom diaper bag". It is cute, stylish, reversiblee and can just as easily be used as an everyday bag. It has two pockets on the outside and three on the reverse side. It measures approx. 14" length x 15" height and 5" in depth. The drop on the handles are approx. 13" Good luck to everyone and I can't wait to find out the lucky winner!
---Terie (oliveandbubby.etsy.com)

2. A Diapers To Go Bag from mariasfavorites!

Part of our Stylish Necessities line, this Diapers-To-Go Bag is sure to be a favorite of mom and dad. This on-the-go bag measures 11.5" x 6.5", has a velcro closure, and a gross-grain ribbon handle that can be folded in or out. It holds a travel wipes case, 2-4 diapers, and a tube of diaper cream (please note: these items are NOT included with the bag). It is a great bag to throw in mom's purse for those short outings when the whole diaper bag isn't needed, but it also can be used in baby's full size diaper bag to keep diapers clean & unwrinkled. Each Diapers to Go Bag is regularly priced at $11.99. The winner can pick their choice of either a Dandy Damask, Kleo, or Turquoise Dots diapers to go bag. (Pictured above in order.)

About Maria: I am a WAHM of 2 wonderful children. I created Maria’s Favorites, LLC in 2006 with the desire to create unique and modern room décor for my own children. On a whim, I decided to start bringing some of my handmade items to local arts and crafts fairs. I have had so much fun bringing my line of children’s room décor and baby necessities to people all over Wisconsin at the various arts & crafts fairs and festivals I have attended over the past 3 years. So I've decided to take the leap, and offer my products to fans of handmade items on Etsy. I have also recently opened an online children's boutique at www.mariasfavorites.com. As you can see, I love crafting and I love to stay busy.

3. A set of 100 personalized Calling Cards from happygirlgreetings!

Hate writing your email address on a cocktail napkin?
Tired of not getting your stuff back?
Let me custom design a set of calling cards for you. You'll find that these little cards are an invaluable resource. They're like a business card for your personal life!

100 cards come in this set which is packaged in a solid black crayon box
Printed on heavy ecru cardstock
Measure 3.5"x2"

Choose any text and any image
(here are a bunch, but feel free to request something you don't see!)

About happygirlgreetings: I have always had a bit of the personality (and a lot of the sleeping habits) of a little old woman. So I guess it makes sense that I'm partial to old stuff -- houses, books, furniture, photographs...
I have recently fallen in love with the rich pen & ink drawings found in old dictionaries and encyclopedias. I love incorporating these images into stationery to create a look of simple vintage sophistication.

Join us for Diaper Chatter tomorrow
and YOU could win!