30 in my 30's: This One is Huge

So, those of you who know me know that when I get an idea in my head, getting rid of it is like trying to dodge mosquitos when driving down the road in Mississippi in the summer. In other words, it's just not gonna happen. And for the past few months, there's been one thing one my mind that I simply can't shake:

AFRICA.

I think about Africa, I daydream about Africa, I talk about Africa...heck, I've even Googled Africa, more than once I might add.

I've bought the t-shirt:

And the ring:

But it's very obvious to me that I'm meant to do more to help this hurting continent and its beautiful people.

And while I'm not quite sure what exactly God has in store for me and Africa just yet, He's recently given me an opportunity to help this land I've come to love and respect in such a precious way.

You see, Kristen, who happens to be one of my pseudo little sisters, has recently been called to go on a mission trip to Africa this summer.

And I'm terribly jealous.

Like we're talking jealous to the depths of my soul jealous.

But I'm also determined to help, so excited for her, and more proud of her than I can possibly express.

You see, not only is Kristen going with a group she doesn't really know, but she's also going out on a giant leap of faith in terms of funding for her two week African adventure this coming June, both of which are shoving her out of her comfort zone.

For the past four years, Kristen has been a huge part of my life.

She's loved my children more than words can express and has truly become a part of our family.

Our guestroom might as well have her name engraved on the door.

I've watched her grow, not only in her faith, but in her desire to serve others, which is something that is such a huge part of my own life that I can't help but want to share.

And it thrills my soul that she's listening to God's calling for this trip.

I literally CANNOT WAIT to see all that He has in store for her and all the ways He will bless her and use her.

And if you've been around here long enough, you know that I am firm believer in the idea that God gives us each gifts. One of my life verses is 1 Peter 4:10, which talks about how we are to use our individual gifts to serve our God and His people.

And while there are a million things that I am absolutely terrible at, I believe one of my gifts comes in the form of fundraising. Seriously, I have mad skills, yo.

And I could not be more excited to use them to help Kristen help Africa, which just happens to be #29 on my 30 in my 30's list:

Do something to help the people suffering in Africa.

This weekend we kicked off her fundraising campaign by writing, sending, and addressing letters to those she hopes will support her via prayer or finicial means or both.

And I'm going to be hosting a fundraiser for Kristen

and my two other friends who will be traveling to Africa this summer.

So while I can't go myself and while I'm certain this is not all God has up His sleeve for me and dear ole' Africa, I am sure that helping someone I love do something wonderful....well, it pretty much made my month....and she hasn't even raised any funds yet.

But, they'll come, I'm sure.

And we will be both be blessed with every dollar that comes her way.

And in the hopes that I've peeked your interests about Africa and why I feel such a desire to help, I'll be doing several posts about Africa in the days to come, as well as hosting my first ever attempt to use this here blog to do some good via a blog fundraiser I have in the works.

Are you excited yet?

If not, don't worry...I think I'm excited enough for us both.

Oh My Aching Back....Literally

Well, all those big blogging plans I had for this week and weekend are just gonna have to wait. You see, my body thought that since there just wasn't enough going on at our house this week that it had to shake things up a bit, so as I wouldn't have a chance to get bored...or rest...or catch my breath. So, out of nowhere I wound up with a HORRIBLE backache Wednesday night. Let me just say that this backache made childbirth look like a picnic and gave appendicitis a run for its money.

Anyway, I've been drugged laid up on the couch for the past two days in a non-blogging state.
Sorry bout that.

In fact, the Mister is probably about to fuss at me for even this feeble attempt to communicate with the outside world seeing as how he's had to play Mom and Dad to these two:

Good thing this little one is so darn cute, right?

And her newest word: DOC.

She says it about one hundred times a day....think the seagulls from Finding Nemo.

And this one has tried to be helpful, especially in regards to the new puppy.

I did not get him with the hopes of making her more responsible, but I'll take that wherever I can get it, so for now, it seems to be a good thing.

However, this little dog is earning his keep in terms of being the best snuggle buddy ever made.

And I absolutely adore him.

Oh, and I'm working towards scratching not one or two but three things off my 30 in my 30's list.... more to come on that in the near future.

In addition, I have a giveaway (or two) coming up soon.

I also have an opportunity for you to help support one of my former students as she heads out of the country to do mission work-- more on that to come after I help her kick off her fundraising this weekend.

If you get a sec., say a prayer for ma aching back, alright?

Thanks.

Wordish Wednesday

Man I love that kid.

Just wanted you to know that I haven't gone A-Wall; I'm just trying to recover from the party and the retreat I planned and led last weekend for about seventy great kiddos (more on that to come).

I'm also working on super cute giveaways for you guys to oogle over, so there's much to be excited about...and many reasons to come back soon.

See you then, mkay?

After Party Funk and a WINNER

First things first, CONGRATS TO comment #8, ELIZABETH, on winning the Children's Museum Tickets, and thanks to all who entered. And don't be discouraged if you didn't win; it doesn't mean you can't pack up and head that way.

There is some serious after party funk going on at our house today.

You know, the kind where seeing as how mom worked so hard on the party and had so much fun at the party that now that the party is over, mom has no desire whatsoever to finish picking up from the party or do much besides sit on the couch and watch Despicable Me, which has turned out to be way cuter than expected.

Looks like mom isn't the only one in a funk.

Good thing Libby is an expert at helping us get rid of our funkies....

...and it turns out this little guy isn't so bad either.

Here's hoping your Tuesday that feels like a Monday is funk free.

Turning One is Oh So Fun: Hollyn's Milk and Cookies Party

There are two things my little one absolutely goes nuts for:

1. her bottle.

2. cookies of any kind.

So, when it came time to plan her first birthday party, the theme was a no-brainer: milk and cookies.

Here are the invites I sent to all of her favorite people:

Of course, the birthday girl needed something appropriate to wear to her par-tay.

Here's what I came up with for her big day:

I whipped up this little head band and then made the shirt with some felt, heatbond, and simple stitching.

She supplied the bruises on her own; how thoughtful of her, right?

And seriously-- isn't my mom the cutest?

I've thrown some pretty elaborate birthday parties in the past, and I have to see this one was so simple in comparison.

But don't let that fool it-- it was one super cute, fun party.

I kept the menu really simple.

Of course, there had to be coffee for the grown-ups.

Other than that, I stuck to the basics:

cookies, cookies, cookies, and more cookies.

And cupcakes....but not just any cupcakes.

These cupcakes were filled with magical goodness in the form of cookie dough centers, based on a recipe I adapted from here.

I found the silver platters at the Dollar Tree (score of the year) and am IN LOVE with the milk pitchers that I found at Wally World.

They were quite the hit and perfect for serving plain milk, as well as strawberry and chocolate.

I then recycled the cupcake tower from Lib's party and made some cute cupcake toppers-- some made to look like cookies and some sticking with the black and white photos motif from Hollyn's first year.

I also left the tree up and used it to display more pics of the little one; with her birthday being so close to Christmas, I just couldn't resist.

I also used black and white pics. to decorate the mantel.

I had one picture to represent each month of her life so far.

The food was great, the atmosphere was better, and the fun had by those in attendance was the best of all.

And this little girl could not POSSIBLY have been any cuter.

She was so sweet and patient while we opened all of her presents.

And I think the sock monkey slippers might have been her favorite, seeing as how she couldn't stop hugging them.

Personally, I was a little partial to these.

And I'm not sure who invited nudist colony Barbie, but she made an appearance nonetheless.

Her cake (decorated by friend Lenzie- thank you :) ) was adorable, and Hollyn ate every. single. one of those cookies. I told you she fiends for them.

We didn't even get to finish singing to her before she had to sample them.

She kept trying to share, but for whatever reason, no one wanted any of her cake....hmmmm....

The finished product:

I am so thankful for all the people who adore this little girl.....

...even if some of them do try to steal her on their way out.

And again, could my friends GET any cooler?

I'm thinking not.

The odds of that happening are about as good as the odds that this baby could possibly get any cuter,

...and let's just say I'm not holding my breath on that one.

We sent everyone on their way with some cookies in tow.

And I all have left to say is that turning one sure is fun.