Even though we are in the beginning of this whole adoption process...I have been humbled by the people that are excited about our journey and willing to donate. Our current fundraiser is the jigsaw puzzle piece...I got this idea after doing a lot of research on the best fundraisers for adoption. This is by far my favorite idea...especially writing the names, words, or Bible verses people have chosen for their particular piece. It will be simply amazing to look at when all the pieces are spoken for...all these people sharing in the journey to bring a little girl home. The one word that keeps coming to mind when I look at all the pieces already written on thus far is LOVE. There is so much LOVE going into this...and not just our family, but by every person that has chosen to be a part of this journey.  When each piece has a word written on it, we will have it framed with clear glass on each side...it will be a constant reminder to each of us how an entire group of people came together to make this happen. 
    This process is very humbling to me. I am not one that likes to ask for help. I am very much one that wants to be able to do it on my own. But I knew with this it wasn't going to be possible. I can work extra hours, have rummage sales, be more aware of my spending, go without...but I would still have to ask for help. Prayer has been a huge help for me in this area...as I know He will provide. Each time a donation comes in, my heart smiles and a tear comes to my eye. It doesn't matter the amount...it is the thought, the selflessness, the LOVE behind every dollar. How do I thank one enough? There are not words. 
    So, even though it isn't adequate...THANK YOU.

Winter...it is here...and anyone that knows me well enough knows how much I dislike the cold. I am not sure why I do...I grew up in South Dakota, had a blast being pulled behind the tractor on the car hood in the snow (yes, we really did that...went through lots of snow pants!), snow ski, build snowmen and would play outside for hours on end. Maybe it is my age. I am always cold. It seems like I just can't get warmed up after the cold season hits...I would wear fleece pajama pants, fleece sweatshirt, and fleece socks all the time if I could...and then add 3 blankets on top. COZY. Yeah, I know, attractive.

The snow is pretty. It is nice to sit inside with a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and watch it come down. But that is it. Or when it is sitting ever so carefully on the branches. Beautiful. But the minute I have to go out in the cold...that's it.

I always talk about moving south...like, waaaay south...warm weather year round. Wow. I can't imagine what that is like. I do have to say, however, that I would miss the seasons, especially autumn. The trees are stunning and the air is crisp and fresh. It would be nice to have fewer clothes...no more rotation of the bins of winter and summer clothes...no more boots. It is okay to dream, right? For now, for this winter season, I will continue to dislike the cold...but, at the same time, be grateful I am here, alive and breathing, to enjoy yet another day...be it cold and snowy...I will still wear a smile on my face and go about my day. After all, I am so blessed!

Adoption puzzle fundraiser update: I appreciate all those that have donated...the tally from "chip in" isn't completely accurate, as I have had several people give cash and send checks. The puzzle is coming along nicely...will be neat when all the pieces are sold and an incredible momento. I will give a total of donations at the end of each month, starting at the end of December. I have other fundraisers in the works, also...

Until next time...have a great time preparing for Christmas...but don't forget

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year...I love the Christmas carols, the lights, the manger scenes all about town, families gathering together, the celebration of Christ's birth....but I was blessed to also have had my children close to Christmas...Russell was born December 21 and Katrina January 18. God certainly blessed me with two incredible children.

Russell is my first born...named after his grandpas...he would make them proud. He has had many nicknames through the years...perhaps my favorite was "MACK", after the MACK TRUCK...because, yes, the lean, tall boy use to be short and round...couldn't even button his shirt collar. Russell has always been my child with neverending energy...from the time he was small he didn't require much sleep and he was always on the go...he is still that way. I would love to have half his energy. He has always been a happy child, too...and even now, as a young man, he generally has a smile on his face. Russell has the ability to make me smile,,,even when I am in the poorest of moods. He has an excitement for hunting and adventure...he will hike for miles, always waiting to see what is around the next corner. He also has the talent of being able to strike up a conversation with anyone...yes, I do consider that a talent...one he certainly didn't get from me. He isn't afraid to try anything, either...never dreamed he would try things like sushi, alligator, or frog legs! Russell has big dreams for his future...and I am sure he will reach whatever he puts his mind to. He is a great young man...I am very proud to have him as my son.

Katrina is my youngest...my "baby". She was definitely a surprise, born just over 12 months after her brother. Katrina favored my dad as a baby...he could just be in the room and she would stop crying. Perhaps it was his calm personality that did it. Her nickname has forever been "Bird"....no particular reason except that she had this little sleeper she wore as a baby that, yep, you guessed it, was yellow and had a bird on it. I try not to call her that in public anymore, but sometimes it just slips! Katrina is a quiet, gentle soul...wiser beyond her years and has a heart for each person and critter she comes in contact with. You can always find her loving on her pets...they are treated with lots of love and compassion. She has an artistic flare, too...likes making things for other people, whether it is her "pop tab bracelets", cards, or any other creative idea she can come up with! She is smart, enjoys school, and loves music too. Katrina will certainly achieve her goals...no matter how big they are! I am proud to call Katrina my daughter...she is growing into a beau

I love spending time with Russell and Katrina...by themselves and together...we always find something to do that we enjoy. We discovered a new activity this summer that we all enjoy...kayaking. We would go for hours...and even took the dogs a few times! We also love to cruise together...we have incredible memories of our cruises together! They really are my pride and joy...loving each age they become just as much as the last. So....those are my kids...both born around Christmas...gifts to me.

Thanksgiving with my family was great. I appreciated having them come to our house....we usually do all the traveling....and, well, there is just something about being "home" for the holiday. The cousins had fun swimming, playing games, and just being together. We had a fun time bowling...had not bowled in a long time....and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. It is evident I am not good at cooking for 10...made enough to feed an army...so I guess some meals will be put in the freezer!

I am so blessed to have such an incredible family and great friends. Thank you for being a part of our lives!

It is Thanksgiving week...my parents, sister, niece, and nephews are to arrive tomorrow. I can't wait to see them! I have lived in northeastern Wisconsin for 10.5 years now...and I love the area...but it seems the older I get, the more I miss being in close distance to my family. I am, however, appreciative for the technology we have today....a quick chat with my sister or niece on Facebook, the random texts from my kids or my niece...it makes family seem a bit closer. May each of you have a fantastic Thanksgiving...I know I will!

Check out the fundraiser tab....African Beauty jigsaw puzzle fundraiser. Click on the tab for details.

Thanksgiving week is upon us soon....I'm so excited that my family will be coming to my house for the holiday. Time with my family=a happy girl. My mom, dad, sister, nephews and niece will all be here...oh the fun! Even though their visit will be short, the memories will last forever! We hope each of you has a great Thanksgiving!

It has been one of those weeks....we all have them. Today topped it off...yet another friend diagnosed with the dreaded "C".... Breast Cancer. No one deserves the dreaded disease...and it simply astounds me how many I know that have been diagnosed this year. And not just breast cancer, but other cancer as well. This friend of mine that was just diagnosed is simply amazing. She has a heart bigger than most, is loyal, compassionate, sweet, and energetic. She is loved by so many. I know this much...cancer picked the wrong person to mess with...between her strong will and the many prayers being said, cancer doesn't have a chance. You go girl...