.a thousand sisters.

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.a thousand sisters.  If you want a book that is eye-opening, then A Thousand Sisters is it.  I am only a third of the way through and already I feel the need to do more.  The book is about the ongoing war in the Congo.  Yes I said ongoing.  Many people do not know of the injustice women there face daily.  Although there is less bloodshed, there is still a battle being fought.  A battle that women must brave through.  Congolese women are still facing mass rapes and their voice is often unheard.  Their stories are tearing my heart apart and I want to help my sisters on the other side of this globe.

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In A Thousand Sisters Lisa felt the same way, the same tug, when she learned about the Congolese women.  And she did  more.  She raised money.  She started Run for Congo Women to sponsor sisters through Women for Women International.  She went to Congo to visit her sisters.  Then she wrote about her story to let others know more.  She is an activist fighting for women, some she will never meet.  Lisa Shannon is a hero in my book.  She felt the tug and stepped up to make a difference.  As Christine, WFWI Congo programme director, says, "One woman can change anything.  Many women can change everything." 

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Please join me in sharing this story with other women, and men too.  Because together we have the opportunity to help our sisters in the Congo, and in other war torn areas of the world.  Also, consider sponsoring a sister in a war torn area, or consider joining a run for the Congo women.  We, my family, are signing up this week to sponsor a sister.  I am more then thrilled to get to know my sister through writing; I want to hear her story and send her words of hope and encouragement.  I want one more woman to know that there are people who care.  Every woman deserves to know they are loved.  .a thousand sisters.

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*Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies.  They are changing the world one woman at a time. *  - taken from WFWI website.

More links on this specific issue:
Women for Women International
Run for Congo Women
A Thousand Sisters

.this week.

I love this picture - even with the naughtiness of climbing on the table.

.this week.  Oh man this week was fun.  And much needed!  Mr. Winter caught my drift & we welcomed a taste of Mrs. Springs glory.  I am sure Mr. Winter still has some cold in store, but the warmth that came gave us hope that spring will come soon.  This week was full of walks, friends, play, and fun.  It is so apparent how the weather can, and does, change moods.  It was like life opened up and we were all happy, even in with our colds and over tiredness.  This week can be repeated anytime.  .this week. 

Always on the go... this is one moment she paused and smiled for me.

.show some love auction.

.show some love auction.  Hi everyone, my blogging friend Angela is having an auction this week over at her blog, expecting a blessing.  Her and her husband are adopting from Taiwan.  Every dollar raised at her auction goes toward their adoption.  There are some really great items including some of my notebooks.  Please stop by and support her & her family.  .show some love auction.

.game night.

.game night.  Around here we love games.  We love card games and board games, but strategy games are our favorite.  Lately we have had quite a few game nights.  I believe that playing games can really bring out some hidden personalities in people.  Like, for instance, my competitive side shows strong and my determination to be "right".  So.... maybe it doesn't bring out the best traits.  None the less game nights are a blast.  Our friends recently introduced us to a game called Dominion.  It is awesome and highly recommended.  I am excited for tonights game night, they just get better and better.  .game night.


What games are your favorite?
What games do you recommend?

.prayer request.

Mandie and Surprise (baby's name) in Liberia.

.prayer request.  Hi friends!  I have a prayer request for you all.  My friends Mandie & Dave left for Ethiopia this morning.  They are going to meet their son!  I would love it if you could pray for them.  They are anxious, nervous, filled with joy, and I am sure they have many other emotions going on as well.  They have waited to meet sweet little Malachi for 6 months. 6 months.  Which, I am told, is really long after the referral date.  I am super happy for them.  Could you pray that they have a safe trip, both there and back.  Pray that God is with them through all the emotions they will face.  Pray that time slows down for them there (this is a specific request from Mandie).  And pray that when they do come home there time here would be short before they go back to get him (I cannot even begin to comprehend how difficult this part of adoption must be).  Thank you friends!  .prayer request.

.old man winter.

.old man winter.
Dear Old Man Winter,

I was loving you until about a week ago.  I really was, and you know that is very uncommon for a habitually cold person like myself.  Then, you decided to launch a huge blizzard at us.  Causing me to miss meeting up with my sister and having a craft night.  As a result of the extreme cold you have dealt us the van would not start for two days.  And the road conditions that you bore upon us caused my husband to be late coming home for several days.  I know not all are entirely your fault.... but blaming you Mr. Winter is what I do.

You also decided to throw a bunch of sickness our way.  We thought we might be free and clear of getting sick this winter - we are soooo close.  Spring is right around the corner.  But alas, you sent something our way that is making the little girl not feel good - which is not good for her already overly small frame.  So, I am asking you, Old Man Winter, please go away.  I do like you, sometimes, but I think your time here has past.

Mrs. Spring and her lovely birdies and flowers and warm days are wanted.  Please let her know.  We can't wait for long walks outside.  And sandals, we desperately wish to wear those.  And days with windows rolled down to feel the warm breeze - the breeze Mrs. Spring brings.

Thank you, Mr. Winter, for understanding.  We would love to see you again next year.  We will look forward to the snowflakes that look like glitter falling from heaven.  We will wait for the clean and pure look you bring to the forest in our yard - the peace that only you can bring.  But, for now your stay has reached its end and it is time to move on.

Love from the Thompson house.
.old man winter.

.one more cheer.

GO PACKERS!!!

.gearing up.

.gearing up.  We are gearing up for the big game.  You know the one.  The game the Packers are in.  THE SUPERBOWL!  Superbowl Sunday is this weekend & we are more excited than usual.  Because it's not every year your team goes.  This is our year.  And we could not be more excited.  AND WE COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!!!

I have a great recipe below that I am going to be making for the game.  It is for some bean dip & is from my sister Hilary.  It is amazingly good.  Easy to make.  And perfect to add to any party.  Have fun watching the game, wherever you are.  We will be cheering loud all night.  GO PACK GO!!!  .gearing up.

Spicy Black Bean Dip
3 cans black beans (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can diced jalapenos, 1 can diced green chilies, 1 bag shredded cheddar cheese.  Mix all ingredients in crock pot & serve with chips!

Note: If your not a fan of spicy things you can take out the can of diced jalapenos and/or green chilies.  It is still delicious!