.compassion in the philippines.

.compassion in the philippines.  This week five bloggers are witnessing how Compassion International works in the Philippines, I am sure this experience will forever change their lives.  They are part of Compassion Internationals blogger team and are learning about those in the Philippines by first hand experience.  They are going to be seeing the difference Compassion really makes in the lives of the children and families there.  I know that mission trips impact lives, even if they are short.  I know that spending one day in another country can be eye-opening.  It can change you.  It does change you. 

Please follow the blogs with me and let your hearts be open to change.  Please also pray for these bloggers, their families, and all who support them.  Pray especially for their safety, pray that they stay safe as they are on this life changing journey. 

If you don't know anything about Compassion International... let me tell you a little.  Compassion is a Christian child advocacy ministry that helps release children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty so that they may become responsible Christian adults.  They help more then 1 million children in 26 countries.  Compassion is amazing at what they do.  My husband and I sponsor a child in Ghana - Michael.  We love getting letters from him & have loved watching him grow throughout the past four and a half years.  Honestly it means so much to us that we are able to sponsor him and help his family.  Sponsorship doesn't cost a lot ($38.00 a month) and you get so much in return. Consider sponsoring a child today.  .compassion in the philippines.

For more information on Compassion International go to their website.  Or their blog.  To sponsor a child go to their sponsor a child page.

Follow the Philippine bloggers:

Emily Freeman

Kat

Lindsay Edmonds

Stephanie Langford

Tsh Oxenreider

And the leaders:

Shaun Groves

Patricia Jones

Keely Scott

And for even more about their trip visit:
Phillipines 2011 flickr page
And watch their videos on you tube

.and the winner is.

The winner of Gregory Bunny is..... 

Callie of Striving to live my life like Mr. Mason!  

Congrats Callie, and thanks to everyone who played along.  There were a lot of interesting random comments and it was fun to read each one. 

.a cup of tea.

I love ya Hill!

.a cup of tea.  Last weekend was my sister Hill's wedding shower.  On Friday, at the last minute, I decided I should make some fun props and we would set up a photo booth area.  It was so last minute, the props were made with straws and some plastic knives.... haha.  Her shower was a lot of fun and I loved the fact that a lot of family & friends came to celebrate Hilary in style.  Everyone wore tea party attire and it was lovely!  .a cup of tea.

I love her banner so much! I will be making myself one....for something!

Cake stands with cupcakes made by the bride to be!

 Welcome Sign

Lydia LOVED the decorations!

She couldn't stop staring at the decor!

Her hair bow & pom pom garland (in doorway) are both from Millalove

 Our Grandma playing the Accordion! 

Asher wearing his heart breaker outfit, from mama runs with scissors.

 My sisters & I

 All the Bridesmaids.... EM you are seriously cracking me up!

 Who knew they could be so much fun!

My earrings are from Hannah James...silly self promo, I know!

My friends daughter saw these pics and said, "Why is she looking so ridiculous?" 

My answer, "If I can't look ridiculous at this age, then when can I?"....

....maybe at my mom's age... 

All the lovelies! 

What is a Hannah? What is a James?

Hannah James is a name that has a lot of meaning for me.  In adoption, most parents have to wait a long, long time in order to bring their babes home.  Many adopting families wait well past the 9 months of a regular pregnancy.  In our case, we could be waiting as long as two years, or more.  I have heard of families adopting from China that wait five years or longer, FIVE YEARS!  

There is one women in the Bible I have looked up to that dealt  patiently in waiting for a child, her name is Hannah.  I love Hannah's story.  I love that she brought her hopes and dreams and difficulties to the Lord.  I love that she put all her hope in the one who we need to put our hope in, God.  She so longed for a child and I know that the adopting mothers out there are longing to be with their babies too - and I hope we can all find peace in the Lord and lean on Him for strength through our own adoption journey.  

The second name that I chose for the shop is James.  It comes from James 1:27, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."  Basically it represents the babes we are longing for.  The precious orphans we care about.  

The shops mission is to help other Hannah's so we can bring home more James's.  By helping other moms,  and families, we can help bring home more orphans!  I love the name, hoping you do too!

.shop open.

 The shop is now open!!!  Go check it out!

.a big, big, announcement.

.a big, big, announcement.  I have been teasing you a little with something I have been working on.  And I was going to wait a little longer..... but I can't take it anymore, I just need to share!  If you have looked in the .simply.simon. shop lately you have probably noticed I have not re-listed anything in a while.  I have sort of let the shop go and have been giving the items away in adoption auctions and through giveaways.  Because, I  am opening a new shop!

The new shop I am opening is called Hannah James.  This new shop is going to be helping our adoption fund, and each month it will sponsor another family that is adopting to help them as well!  I believe that a lot of people are weary to step into the adoption world because the cost is so high.  We ourselves don't know where we will get all the money.  But, we do know that God is providing for us and is blessing us with so much, so we want to help others as well.  We are hoping that by using the shop as a fundraiser for two families we can encourage more people to be open to adoption.  And we can give encouragement to those on the road less traveled.  It is our mission that through the shop, we will be helping other Hannah's so we can bring home more James's.

The shop is now officially open and our first sponsored family is lined up for June.  I would love it if you would go and check them both out & decide to follow.  Thank you for all the support.  I am hoping that together we can raise a lot for our first family and then keep it going strong!  .a big, big, announcement.

{hannah james shop} 

{hannah james facebook}

.giveaway day.

Giveaway Now Closed - Thank You!!!

.giveaway day.  Hi Everyone from Sew Mama Sew!  I love giveaway day... well, giveaway week really!  I know you all love to enter these giveaways and quickly move on, but if you have time I would love for you to stick around and look a bit.  .giveaway day. 

This year I am giving away Gregory Bunny, and some materials from my stash (not pictured).  

Giveaway Now Closed - Thank You!!!

Thanks for playing have a lovely day!

work in progress

.baby powder.

.baby powder.  This week the little one has been a little bit more mischievous then usual.  Tuesday night she got into the baby powder when I was cooking dinner.  Sometimes, it is better to laugh instead of get mad.  I was just glad it was baby powder and not a repeat of the Honey Incident that occurred last Spring.  .baby powder. 

.tea parties.

.tea parties.  I have been really busy lately making decorations for my sisters wedding shower tea party.  It is this weekend and I can't wait for it.  It will be so much fun.  Everyone is encouraged to wear uber ridiculous tea party attire, at least that is what was on the invitation that I sent.  After watching the royal wedding a few weeks ago, I got really into the spirit and decorated a hat.  Rumor has it the Queen of Hearts might be judging outfits... I just hope that she likes mine, or it's off with my head.  Here are some pictures to get everyone in the mood.  Have a lovely day.  .tea parties. 

 

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.8+8.

.8+8.  One thing I have learned to appreciate about blogging is the fact that I can look back and see my children grow.  Last week I saw this post about Lydia and it stopped me in my tracks, because this is exactly how old Asher is right now.  So I thought I would make a post for him too. .8+8.

Asher, you are growing up too fast.  Way too fast.  It is like mega-speed fast.  And some days I would like time to stop for a while, just so you stay (somewhat) little.  Happy 8 months and 8 days - we love you kid.

This is you right now:

You are crawling at lightning speed, which is highly impressive since you just learned about two weeks ago.

You go straight for cords and outlets, I am redirecting you all the time - and then you find another to go to.... this drives me crazy.

You are happy around me - that is it.  If I leave the room, you cry.  If daddy has you, you worry and often cry until your back in my arms.  If you are with a sitter, you cry and then go to bed.

You are definitely a mommas boy and thats alright with me because someday you won't want to be cuddled.  And someday you will not want me all the time. 

You love to babble.

You love the ladies (as long as I am holding you), seriously you give them your biggest smile and they can't resist you gorgeous eyes.

You love your sister and think she is hilarious - which she is most of the time. You two can really crack each other up.

You are a big boy!  Already in size 18 month pants, not for the length but for your big tummy. 

You love bath time and splashing.

Your favorite baby foods are fruits.  And crackers.  You don't like vegetables and would rather not eat when we offer you them.

You have the same big blue eyes as your sister, and everyone comments on them.  

You love your blanket and when your tired you want it and me. 

You have already pulled yourself up to a standing position by yourself, twice.

You are growing too fast.

We love you to infinity and beyond. 

so - blogger was not working last night and somehow they deleted my post from yesterday.  Granted it wasn't the greatest post - but still.  My post for today will be up Monday.  So weird.

.27.

.27.  Ah - Today is my Birthday and to celebrate I am having a virtual party.  Because these pictures are amazing and lets face it no one in my house would throw me parties like these, unless it was myself.  And do you know the plus side of a virtual party?  No clean up!  On todays glorious menu I am praying for long naps, a little etsy browsing, and ice cream before dinner - because I can :) .27. 

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.one down.

.one down.  Hey everyone - this is just a quick update.  Last night we meet our social worker, who is really nice and funny.  I am so relieved that we get along with her!  We received a bunch of information that I am still trying to wrap my brain around.  We also got a three inch binder full of paperwork that we need to read through, fill out, and send back.  The binder is no joke and has the prospects of either becoming my best friend this summer or my worst enemy.  I am hoping the first option plays out.  Thanks for all the support and love, my nerves are on a break for now - but might peak again on May 24th the night of round two.  .one down. 

.butterfly's.

.butterfly's.  Tonight we have our first home study meeting.  And I am a mix of emotions - nervousness being the top one.  I am excited to get going on this part of our journey, but I am also really scared.  Because, I have no idea what to expect.  Will it be casual?  Will it be more business?  What will they ask us?  Lots of questions and lots of butterfly's.  Please pray that my nerves calm down and I can actually focus.  Thank you blogging friends.  .butterfly's.

Also - I just wanted to share these two adoption fundraiser success stories.  Both made me teary because both families have been blessed with wonderful friends and family that have helped them raise funds in creative and inspiring ways!  Ok a garage sale is not too creative, but the amount of stuff they got, so inspiring!  God is good and it is awesome to see him move mountains :)

Overwhelmed by City Grace
and
Amazed by Ground Swell

PS: One of my friends told me today, "I don't know why your nervous, if you guys can't adopt - I don't know who can!".... Thank you for the support and love, I really appreciate it - nerves are still strong though, ha.

.mothers day.

Lydia - You have taught me so much these past two years.  It is a blessing to be called your mom.  I love how much laughter you bring to our house.  You might be little, but your personality is big.  I love you so much small girl.  So much.

 

Asher - When you were born I was so afraid of not being able to divide my love between two children.  I learned quickly that my love is multiplied and not divided.  It is such an honor to be your mom.  I am grateful that God gave you to us and am excited to watch you grow.

first post

Hannah James was started to help the Thompson family raise money for their adoption, while helping other families as well.  We believe most people are afraid of adoption because of the high cost.  It is a huge sacrifice for any family to make.  Hopefully this will help a little, while giving encouragement to those on the road less traveled.  It is our mission that by helping other Hannah's we can bring home more James.

.crazy busy.

.crazy busy.  Oh, around here we are busy, busy, busy.  I am trying to clean from room to room and purge what we don't use so we have more for our garage sale, which is now mid-summer.  We have weddings coming up, showers, pictures, home studies (ahhh - so excited), and more.  I am loving this crazy ride right now!  What else am I loving - the fact that spring looks like it will stay!  Oh, the warmth we felt yesterday was glorious and I hope it keeps getting hotter and hotter.  

I am also trying to think of new ways I can raise money for the adoption, while helping other adoptive families as well.  A few ideas are being processed.... but much more planning is in the works before I share.  .crazy busy.

Blog land is busy as well.  There are so many cool contest out there, free things, and giveaways.  Below are some links.  Go check them out!

Sarah is raising money for Compassion International.  She has many shops and bloggers on board who are donating partial sales for the cause.  I love Sarah, her honesty is beautiful.  And I love Compassion International, they are truly changing lives.

Speaking of Compassion International - they are taking bloggers on another trip!  This spring 8 people are going to the Philippines to see how Compassion International is helping those there.  Learn more here.

The Carter Family is adopting from Ghana and right now they are having a Ghana Shirt Giveaway! If you have not visited their blog, Ground Swell, I highly recommend it.  Sarah is such a great artist and the beauty she brings to this World is awesome.  I am so glad I came across her blog!

Made by Rae is holding their Spring Top Week.  You have until Monday to enter up to three shirts.  I made one so far....

The Whitakers have extended their adoption auction until Monday due to the tornadoes in Alabama (where they live).

Paper Coterie is holding their grand opening this week!  Remember my Liberia book - I love it!  They are offering $40 of free products to anyone who comes to check out their site.  Due to the high traffic the site is extremely slow - but if you have patience and want the free $40 of awesome items its worth the wait.  The coupon code OPENHOUSE is good until Friday at midnight....looks like it is extended through the weekend - yahoo!

Oh - I almost forgot.  Sew Mama Sew is holding another giveaway day!  It is starting May 23rd so there is still plenty of time to sign up!

And Some Deal Saving Sites I like to remind you about every now and then.....

*Heartsy is like Groupon but with all homemade items.  And they have some serious good deals.  After you sign up and buy your first deal you get a $5.00 credit to use on future deals.  They have awesome deals everyday!  *link is working now!

With my Swagbucks I have now earned $15.00 in pay pal money - it is going to our adoption fund.  I love how easy it is to accumulate points doing things I already do, like search online and shop.  I came across one woman who said she used her points to get her children's Christmas gifts.  If you want to try doing the same - now would be the time to start building up those points.

And don't forget about Ebates and Shop At Home.  Both of these sites work the same.  They offer cash back for shopping at stores you all ready shop at such as Borders, Walmart, Target and even Groupon!  They also have so many different coupons available to you that are way better then the ones I usually find on Retail Me Not - and some you can use with the cash back programs.  They also have a whole slew of other incentives, freebies, contests, daily deals and more.

.african floral shirt.

.african floral shirt.  Oh, she is at it again.  Mrs. Rae is holding her spring top sew along!  I believe this is her third year, and every year I am amazed by all the wonderful shirts that are made by everyone.  I have always wanted to participate, but two years ago I had an infant, and last year we were moving.  This year I dropped all other projects to get at least one shirt done.

While I was in Liberia I was in love, LOVE, L-O-V-E with buying lappas - African fabric.  Their fabrics are gorgeous and I became addicted to buying them.  Seriously, wherever we went my eyes were looking for these beautiful fabrics.  I bought a bunch and had high ambitions to make a quilt when I came home - that did not happen, yet.  Most of the lappas I bought are cotton, for the quilt.  Except for one - this African floral fabric is a poplin wax and feels like silk.  And it is perfect for a shirt.

The shirt I made was based off from another shirt that I have in my closet, and love.  I did not use a pattern or draft a pattern at all.  I just traced the amount of fabric needed from the shirt - with room for sewing.  That way of cutting fabric worked well enough, but next time I might just trace a pattern out first.

Overall I like the way it turned out.  I love this fabric and am glad I can finally wear it around.  The only thing I don't like about it is that it is a little tight near the armpit area.  Now I know to trace a lot bigger there for next time.

 If you want to participate in the spring top sew along you have until Monday (May 9th, 2011) to enter up to three shirts.  Or you can just check out all the other lovely tops on the flickr page.  .african floral shirt.