But what if I eat the whole thing?

Happy day after Thanksgiving to you and you and you! 

We have some BIG adoption news coming soon, but for today I wanted to give you a little something yummy to make and enjoy with your family. 

It's perfect for tree decorating, board game playing, and watching Elf, my all-time favorite Christmas movie. 

Friends, today I give you the infamous HEATH BAR DIP. 

I first had this about nine months ago when my dear friend Laura made it for a Noonday party. 

It's safe to say I've been dreaming about it ever since. 

Here's what you do: 

-mix one 8 oz. cream cheese (I used fat free, but you can use whatever you so choose) with 3/4 cup brown sugar. I used my mixer, and it took about thirty seconds to be mixed to perfection. 

-stir in some Heath bar bits. You can buy them in a bag, already chopped up. They should be in the same area as the chocolate baking chips in your grocery store. 

-add in a few Snickers bars, chopped up into bite-sized pieces. Or, you can do what I did and buy the Snickers bites, which I found in the checkout line next to the other sugary sweets. 

-serve it cold with graham cracker squares, animal crackers, or whatever else makes your mouth water. 

You can thank me later for the yummy goodness. 

We're off to decorate our tree today, 

as we are firm believers in the NO TREE UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING rule. 

Here's hoping you are happy and full and surrounded by those you love today. 

While I Wait

We are in a constant state of waiting around here these days. 

We're waiting for the phone to ring. 

We're waiting for an email. 

We're waiting for news. 

We're waiting for our girl. 

And waiting....well....it's not my favorite. 

But the way I see it, I have two options during this phase of life:

I can either drown in it, letting it consume me and frustrate me and make me a grumpy mess for the next few months, or I can keep on living, keep on praying, and keep on keeping my chin up. 

Needless to say, I'm trying to stick to the second option as much as I can. 

The truth is, we're on the verge of news. 

By that I mean, we are sitting on the edge of the cliff leaning over as far as we can to avoid diving head first. 

All that stands between us and a referral is a document. 

We've been waiting for said document for many, many days. 

Some days I've cried. 

Some days I've stayed busy. 

Some days I've gotten really excited. 

Some days I've been frustrated as all-mama-get-out. 

If any of you are looking for an emotional roller coaster to catch a ride on this Holiday season, come on over;  I'll leave the light on for you. 

Would you pray for us that this document will arrive soon? 

Tomorrow would be great; today would be better. 

Before Thanksgiving would make me one very happy mama. 

And if you need me, I'll be buried in Dossier documents. 

If anyone needs a birth certificate, marriage license, or passport photo, my house is the place to be. 

Hoping to finish and submit the Dossier next week. 

Can you say I WANT IT DONE NOW? 

I can. 

Heck, I'll even say it in Pig Latin if it means I can stop thinking about it. 

Little girl, we are coming for you, no many how many notaries I have to tackle to get there. 

Home Sweet Houma

Sometimes you just have to get out of town, you know? 

Well, last week was that time. 

In the spirit of sharing the Noonday goodness, my girl and I loaded up and headed South.

We spent four amazingly amazing days in Louisiana. 

These four days were jam packed with hugging old friends, playing with our cousins, sharing Noonday, 

relishing in childhood memories, and eating. 

Oh, the food. 

I'd forgotten just how incredibly amazing the food is at home. 

Shrimp poboys, gumbo, and crawfish...oh my. 

We rested, we read, and we visited. 

It was just the break we needed. 

Libby and I came home yesterday ready for the business that is sure to be the holidays. 

Too bad the food couldn't come with us. 

This week will be filled with working on our Dossier, working on our Dossier, and working on our Dossier some more. And then, when we think we're done, we'll work on our Dossier some more. However, we're hoping to submit it by the end of the month. Can you say I CAN'T WAIT? I can. 

Orphan Sunday: Some Thoughts

Yesterday was good. 

Yesterday was hard. 

I hate knowing that there's a need for a day dedicated to increasing awareness to the millions of children without families throughout the world. 

I hate that there are orphans. 

I wish that there wasn't a need for a day like yesterday, but there is. 

I do find joy in knowing that we are working to make one less orphan in this world. 

It's a tiny dent, hardly even worth mentioning in the big scheme of things. 

But what if more people work to make even a dent in the orphan crisis? 

A dent could become a big, gaping hole. 

And then one day, there could be no more orphan crisis. 

I also find joy in the hope that this time next year, 

we could be celebrating Orphan Sunday in a very different way, with Emily HOME. 

That is my prayer and my hope. 

If you'd like more information on Orphan Sunday, 

here are some great blog posts from fellow adoptive mamas: 

Lovin' Much

Lauren Casper

Gloriously Ruined

Feet 2 Our Faith

My Overthinking

Stuff and Things

Please be in prayer for those orphans waiting for their families. 

Please pray for those who are waiting for their babies to come home. 

Please pray for those feeling the call to adopt and not quite ready to take that great leap of faith.

And please, please, please pray for our Emily. 

AND, have you ENTERED OUR GIVEAWAY YET? 

We've raised ALMOST $1000 dollars at this point and still have several days to go. 

You can find our giveaway HERE. 

Emily's Bundle Giveaway: An AWESOME Adoption Fundraiser

It's no secret that we are adopting. 

(However, if you're new around here, you can learn more about our journey here, here, and here .)

It's also no secret that adoption is expensive. 

But like I've said at least a hundred times, 

GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE MONEY WE NEED TO BRING OUR GIRL HOME!

So, I recruited some help....mostly from total strangers, amazing strangers from all over the country who want to help bring Emily home and create one less orphan in this world. 

I asked them to donate an item or two. 

And donate they did.

Thirty-one people sent some of their hard work our way, 

to the grand total of $1200 worth of goodies....

for four of you.  

That alone has had me in tears more than once. 

God is moving. 

He wants our girl to come HOME, and I can't wait to one day tell her about all of the people from all across the country who worked hard and sacrificed so that she could be part of a family. 

*My eyes literally fill with tears just from thinking about that.*

But we are still a long way from our goal. 

Think thousands of dollars. 

 God is good, and He will give us what need to bring our girl home. 

We truly believe that. 

(You can read more on my thoughts on fundraising and how it's defining 'humble' for me here.)

But it takes a village. 

$5 can truly make a difference in our adoption journey. 

I have over 400 followers on this blog. 

I have close to 400 followers on Facebook. 

I have over 900 followers on Instagram.

And I have over 100 followers on Bloglovin'. 

That's almost 2000 followers in all. 

And if they each entered just one time, well that's a lot of pocket change. 

Our goal with this fundraiser is $3500. 

That will completely cover our Dossier fees to Congo. 

I fully believe we can meet this goal. 

$5 is one cup of coffee at Starbucks. 

It's five $1 items at Target. 

It's less than most people spend on one meal at McDonald's. 

We spend $5 and don't even think anything about it sometimes. 

Well, the mom in me is asking you to think about it. 

My girl is waiting on me. 

She needs her family. 

And your $5 can be the difference we need. 

This will be our last big fundraiser until the new year. 

I'm putting all of my eggs in one basket and praying hard the people will be moved by our story. 

I'm praying they will think about our girl. 

Don't do it for me; do it for Emily. 

Would you like to be part of Emily's village? 

Do you want to play a part in our adoption journey? 

Well, here is your chance. 

This giveaway will be open for eleven days

 (NOVEMBER 1-11). 

Here are the details on how to enter: 

- Each bundle has its own rafflecopter entry system. 

-For ever $5 you donate, you get one entry.

 So, let's say you donate $20. 

You can then choose to either enter each bundle one time

 or your favorite bundle four times 

(or any other four entry combo. that works for you). 

Divide your entries however you choose, 

I just ask that you be honorable.

 $5= one entry to one bundle.

-You can also get entries for sharing about this giveaway by sharing. 

Social media has already played a HUGE roll in bringing our girl home, 

and we'd LOVE for you to use your voice to help spread the word!

Share on facebook=one entry. 

Share on Twitter=one entry. 

Share on Instagram=one entry.

You get the drill. 

You can choose to enter whichever bundles you choose with your social media entries and can share every day to gain even MORE chances to win!

Again, I just ask that you be honorable. 

1 share=1 entry on 1 bundle of your choice

-At midnight the night of Nov.11, 

rafflecopter will randomly select FOUR WINNERS, 

one from each bundle. 

-Can you donate $10, enter two bundle giveaways, and win them both?

Totally possible. 

If you have any questions on how to enter, please leave them in the comment sections on this post, as chances are you aren't the only one with that question.

 I will do my best to answer your question(s) in the comment section as well.

And before you begin entering, let me just say THANK YOU. 

Thank you for sacrificing for my girl. 

Thank you for helping us bring her home. 

Thank you for helping us get one big step closer to her. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Here is where you can make your donation: 

And now, without further adieu, I give you, THE BUNDLES. 

This bundle is jam-packed with items for you to spoil yourself!

At a total value of $349, this bundle includes ten awesome prizes. 

What an awesome way to treat yourself or take care of some women on your Christmas list!

Thank you again to all of the amazing people who donated to this bundle! 

Check them out and show them some love! 

Rose Camera Bag in teal- Jo Totes

'You are my Sunshine' 19x22 wooden sign- Go Jump in the Lake

'It is well with my soul' insulated acrylic tumbler- Sweet Sipsters

Noonday Galapagos necklace, Coastal bracelet, and Escelera bracelet- Wynne Elder from Gloriously Ruined

Set of two wishlet bracelets- Letter Happy

Come Thou Fount canvas- donated by my precious friend Megan

'Home Sweet Home' print- Sweet Tea and Sparkles

Just a simple donation of $5 can result in your winning all of THIS! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Is there a little girl in your life? 

Well, then this bundle is for you!

I was so overwhelmed by the responses for the little girl bundle! 

NINETEEN awesome prizes. 

Wow. Just wow. 

Thanks again to all of the wonderful people who donated for this one!

Check them out and thank them for helping to bring Emily home!

headband holder- Khloe's

toy map- Cake in the Morn

baby doll sling (cupcake print)- Lil Peeper Keepers

set of two fabric hairbows- Fiori Finti

8x10 Little Girls print- Kensie Kate

Set of three tissue paper pom poms and paper lantern (pink)- 1 Pom Pom Girl

children's jersey infinity scarf- Two Potato Apparel

set of two boutique hairbows- Diva Girl Boutique

mudpie shoes

juice box holder

Stephen Joseph butterfly thermos

set of two felt hairclips

two Sophie and Lili dolls- North American Bear Company

The girl who wins this is in for such a treat. 

Think birthday presents. 

Think stocking stuffers galore. 

Think about Emily being HOME with her forever family. 

Your $5 donation can make a world of difference. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little boys, little boys, little boys. 

This bundle is so much fun. 

With eight prizes worth $239, this bundle would be great for the little man in your life!

I can't say thank you enough to the people who donated to this bundle. 

My love language is when people love my children, and this one has me floating on cloud nine. 

Thanks again, to all who donated!

burlap cross- Garlands of Grace Designs

Steely Teal messenger bag- The Pleated Poppy

age blocks- Pretty in Polka Dotsky

'You are my Sunshine' print- Sweet Tea and Sparkles

quiet time ideas box- The Idea Box Kids

set of two striped bow ties- The Belle and the Beau

chalkboard mat- Hustle Mama

reusable sandwich bags- Lily Pie Baby

Such a cute little bundle for your little fella!

Just a $5 donation, and it can all be headed your way in time for Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm just gonna be honest and say that this bundle is my favorite. 

I love the idea of sending a big box full of Mississippi goodness to someone else who loves my little state as much as I do!

Thanks again to all of those who donated for this one!

Eleven prizes and $397 worth of Mississippi goodness. 

Love, love, love this bundle and secretly wish I could enter to win it. 

Show those who donated some love?

'Feels Like Coming Home' print- Pen, Meet Paper

four pack of MS notecards- So Filled With Love

MS copper and sterling bracelet- Bird on a Wire Jewelry

MS necklace- Kim's Jewelry 

Made in MS onesie- MS Mud Apparel

MS pillow- Gigis Stitches

MS flour sack dish towel- Clara M Designs

MS canvas- donated by my precious friend Megan

MS hand towel- Andi's Appliques

The South 8x10 print- Sweet Tea and Sparkles

a mini photography session with the amazing Masa Kathryn Photography in Columbus, MS (in case you don't know, Masa does a lot of the Deep South Pout shots.
She's a personal friend who loves Jesus and missions and my daughter whom I haven't met yet.
So grateful for her and her amazing donation!)- Masa Kathryn Photography

$5 is all it takes to make a difference. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thank you.
Thank you for helping to bring my girl home.
Thank you for being a part of our story.
Thank you for supporting adoption.
High fives and bear hugs for everyone.
Seriously. 

God gave me a gift. It's a book.

A few months ago, I agreed to write a review for Lisa Harper's book Overextended...and loving most of it!. 

Notice I said a few months ago. 

You see, I hadn't been able to read it yet because lately I've been....well...overextended. 

Lately I have literally felt like I'm being pulled in one too many directions. 

Between family life, Noonday life, and adoption life, there needs to be two of me...and some days really call for three. 

It's not so much that I'm busy. 

I'm always busy. 

I thrive on being busy. 

I haven't NOT been busy since I graduated high school.

But lately I'm busy AND my emotional plate is full. 

Adoption does that to a mom. 

I've been too busy lately to do a lot of the things I love, including reading, which happens to be one of my

 all-time favorite pass-times, right behind white water rafting and loving on babies in Africa. 

And last night I just needed a break. 

I needed to lose myself in a good book. 

Of course, I was too busy yesterday to go to the library, so I headed on over to ye grand ole' bookshelf. 

And what could be more appropriate for a girl in the busiest season of her life

 than a book about being busy? 

I had no idea the gift that God had waiting for me between those pages. 

First, the book was written while the author was in the midst of her own adoption.

I had no idea. 

I picked it and didn't put it down until I'd completely finished. 

It felt like it lasted about thirty minutes....and I wasn't ready for it to be over. 

It was just what I needed on so many levels. 

Every once in a while, the strangest thing happens. 

I get a book I've been waiting to read, yet I suddenly have no immediate desire to read it. 

When I finally get around to it, it just so happens that this book is 100% appropriate for the place I'm in at the moment. 

I like to think of these books as gifts God is giving to me. 

He knows what I need EXACTLY when I need it, and He always meets my needs, even if it's via the words on a written page.  And I'm pretty sure God had Lisa Harper write this book with me in mind. 

I learned from this book. 

It made me laugh. 

It made me cry. 

It drew me into God's word. 

It provided some practical tips to managing the busy times in life. 

It left me feeling refreshed, empowered, and longing for more. 

Lisa Harper, I want to hug you, sister friend.

Your words spoke straight to my heart and made me laugh out loud. 

It was the perfect combination of funny, insightful, and spiritual. 

What have I've got to do to get another chapter or two?

Five of my favorite quotes for those of you who don't read and to encourage you who do to run (don't walk) to grab a copy of this one for you and your favorite busy girlfriend: 

* Life isn't always orderly and relationships rarely fold neatly with hospital corners. Real life....abundant life....God-honoring life is about loving Jesus and the people He allows us to rub shoulders with well. Which means some days we'll be stretched emotionally and physically. We'll be taxed to the max. We'll be exhausted. We'll probably even embarrass ourselves in the process. Thankfully, God can expand our hearts, minds, bodies, and calendars to accommodate our calling.  (pg. 8)

*...God gives us specific directions--even when life is loud and chaotic. All we have to do is listen. (pg. 69)

*...often when we're feeling frazzled, the stress we're experiencing is less about what's taking place in that moment and more about baggage we're still lugging from the past. (pg. 72)

*If you live long enough, disappointment is inevitable. Drama, on the other hand, isn't. (pg. 73)

* I have grown to appreciate every single scar etched into my jar of clay because they prove I put myself out there. I've taken risks. I didn't sit idly on the curb while life passed me by. I'm learning to do the same thing with my heart. If it gets a little dinged in the overextension process, it just proves I trusted Jesus enough to put it out there. Besides, I think God digs chicks with scars. (pg. 193)

Seriously, if you're looking for a book during a busy season in life (emotionally, physically, or both), this is the book for you.

Buy it now, read it when God tells you to. 

*And while I did get a free copy of this book to review, I want to make sure you know that these words, thoughts, and ideas are mine. I was in no way paid to write this...although that would be awesome.*

And be sure to come back to this here blog tomorrow....great things are coming your way. :) 

It's Not About Me

This past weekend, I had the conversation I knew was coming.

 In fact, I'd been waiting for it. 

Notice, I didn't say 'anxiously waiting'.

 I didn't say it because that part isn't true.

 In fact, if you want to be completely honest, I'd kind of been dreading it....not because I thought it'd be hard and uncomfortable (it was a little bit of both), but because I so hoped I'd handle myself in a way where what came out of my mouth truly reflected what's in my heart. 

Here's what happened. 

I was with an older lady whom I'd never met before, and she overheard me say I was adopting. 

Here's the gist of how the conversation went down: 

Lady: Oh, so you're adopting. Can you not have your own kids?

Me: Well, I actually have two kids and have no reason to believe I couldn't have more in the traditional way, but my husband and I feel called to grow our family through adoption. 

Lady: Oh, well you are at least adopting from America, right? Your kids will be American? 

Me: Well, we are actually adopting from Africa. But after our adoption is final, yes, my daughter will be an American citizen. 

Lady: Africa? But you're white. 

Me: Yes, ma'm. I am white, but I have real place in my heart for Africa. I was there twice last year and just love the culture and the people so much. And we really believe God has chosen us to parent a child from there.

Lady: You mean you went more than once? 

Me: Yes ma'm, I did. I'd move there if I could. I can't wait to get back. 

Lady: But your kid will be black. 

Me: Yes, ma'm. She will. But we don't really think of it like that. 

Lady: So your kid will be black, and you're white? 

Me: Yes ma'm. That's pretty much how it will be. 

The conversation continued on for a bit, but you get the point. 

I have so many thoughts about this sort of conversation.

 I'm not mad at this lady.

 I'm not judging her.

 To me, she simply represents a whole herd of people out there 

who simply don't view adoption the same way we do. 

I have so much to say about how so many people view adoption. 

But, like anything else in the world, adoption is not something that everyone feels the same way about. 

Even among adoptive parents, there are still so many 'hot topics', if you will. 

Open adoption or closed?

 Domestic adoption or international? 

Infant or older child? 

The list goes on and on, and I could go on and on as well. 

But if I've learned anything as a mother, it's this:

Motherhood is the one of the things people tend to be the MOST opinionated about in life. Everyone believes her way is the BEST way. But as long as your kid is safe and happy and loved, there is more than one RIGHT way. My way or your way is NOT the ONLY way. 

And the bottom line is, adoption is not about me. 

I'm not adopting because it's fun. 

I'm not adopting because I like the fundraising or the not sleeping or the stressing.

 I'm not adopting because it's easy. 

If anything, adoption will probably be one of the hardest things I've ever done. 

I'm adopting because there's a little girl out there who needs a family. 

She needs our family, as loud and crazy and dramatic as we can be at times. 

God calls us to take care of His children, black, white, red, and anything in between. 

And I fully believe this is what God has planned for our family. 

I'm not going to be the girl who tells God no simply because something is hard sometimes. 

I'm not going to miss out the blessing of being Emily's mom simply because some people out there don't understand. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: 

Adoption does not exist so parents can have children; 

adoption exists so children can have parents. 

Yes, my daughter will be black. 

Yes, I'm white. 

Yes, she's from Africa. 

Yes, I'm from America.

Yes, I love Africa. 

Yes, there are many days when I'd rather be there than here. 

Yes, I realize not everyone will understand this. 

And no, it doesn't bother me a bit. 

But it would have. 

Two or three years ago, it would have bothered me. 

And I can't say it won't ever-- when the day comes when someone is ugly to my girls about their sister who doesn't look like them or talk like them, it will hurt. I will feel the need to defend my kids, just like mothers around the world feel on a daily basis. 

But God has shown me so much about His character and His will and His plan. 

And I can sum so much of what I've learned up into one little sentence:

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. 

It's about Him. 

He loves Emily. 

He created Emily. 

And He wants all of His children to have families, no matter how many people out there don't quite get it.