7 Quick Takes Friday - The Unfortunate Series of Events Edition

--- 1 ---

Last week I mentioned that the kids were sick. Well, the baby got REALLY sick and I ended up taking her to the ER on Sunday morning. She spent the night there with an IV and Monday when she was released, she already felt much, much better. It was so sad, but I was so thankful that she felt better fast and that we had access to good medical care.

This is the morning after having an IV for 24 hours. Feeling better!

--- 2 ---

When I took Charlotte to her follow up appointment, the pediatrician's office told me they couldn't take her because we have secondary insurance through the state (for emergencies) and it was illegal to accept money from me. It would've been nice if they had told me that before I made the appointment and driven all the way down there with all 4 kids in tow, 3 of them sick... I was ticked. I called my insurance company and they conference called them with me and we got down to the actual truth, was that it was not law, it was their policy. A policy I find pretty discriminatory.

I got home, got recommendations from friends and have an appointment with a new ped MUCH closer to my home. I'm sad that I've waited 4 years to get back to the other pediatrician only to have them spit in my face, but I will trust that this doctor will be good for us.

--- 3 ---

Today we were headed down to Ikea to meet up with Heidi and her boys to let them play and do some shopping for Amelia's birthday. I have to take 3 freeways to get there, which is no big deal, unless your Serpentine belt snaps on your car in the middle of one... in 106 degree heat...

Fortunately I was able to coast off the freeway to a fairly safe place on the off ramp, have roadside assistance, and Heidi and Kyle were able to get to us just before that point where I was about to panic.

--- 4 ---

Then I got a call from Amelia's school saying that we didn't get the scholarship, but that they found us another one, and it is way more than I expected, so we're good. So thankful for her amazing new school.

--- 5 ---

Oh, ohhhh, and yesterday our fridge broke. Seriously, isn't it just laughable? It all happens at once. And I'm really not freaking out... yet...

--- 6 ---

Why? Because even though all of these crazy things happened to me, we're all safe. And that's all that matters. Something has worked out from each of these situations. The Lord took care of us. We are under spiritual attack and that's fine, because Jesus wins. Always.

--- 7 ---

So, I always fall for the orphans of a certain country. I can't help it. This week, I want to share this sweet face, because I am in love.

http://reecesrainbow.org/39847/micah-15h

I'm doubting he'll wait very long. Who can resist that face? 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes Friday

--- 1 ---

Today is the last day of VBS for A & L. They are having so much fun. I have never seen such an amazing program! This parish continues to bless us in every way!

--- 2 ---

The 2 babies have been sick this week. I was really enjoying the peace at the beginning of the week, but 2 kids exploding from both ends kind of ruined that. :( Please pray for them, they are miserable and I have a headache, so I'm afraid I'm next.

--- 3 ---

Yesterday began the Fortnight for Freedom event in the Catholic Church. I wasn't able to make it to the prayer group last night, but I'm hoping to make it a couple times before it's over. DH has been working more, (finally!) so I don't have anyone to watch the kids. Check your area and go to some events! We have to fight this mandate! We will storm heaven with prayers!

--- 4 ---

I will tell you what, there is nothing better for an upset stomach than Sprite. Tessa hasn't been able to hold anything down and was throwing up all morning. I got her a Sprite at McD's and she drank it all and fell asleep. I know these days they recommend against that, but I say hogwash.

--- 5 ---

I have been calling repeatedly about a house for rent by our parish, but no one has called me back. I'm so frustrated.

--- 6 ---

These are such boring Quick Takes... Yawn. I have nothing to put on #6.

--- 7 ---

Since the region these babies are in need extra advocating, I chose Elden today. He is so precious, has a large grant, and is getting close to transfer. Someone needs to save him soon.

Happy Friday!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

New layout?

I haven't had any comments at all since changing my layout. Is it messed up and you can't? Or are we all just quiet lately?

Email me if it's messed up, please.

The Big Switch

We are blessed, in the Diocese of Phoenix, to have many wonderful parishes to choose from.

We called St. Bernard's our home parish for 4 years. It was a great home, but not the perfect match.

We are traditional folk. We want to grow in our faith and be faithful to the magesterium. We want a community that will foster that growth. One that will challenge us and help us.

We THINK we have found that now.

This parish has been calling me for a while. Especially after I met with the priest to discuss my issues with my mom.

I also love the fact that there is confession almost every day of the week. There is a strong pro-life presence at this parish, which is something I desperately need. It feels like a community I can be involved in. I didn't feel that before.

Also, they have a preschool and Lily is at that age. She is supposed to start this fall.

We are also likely going to end up much, much closer to the new parish when (if ever) we move.

I will miss St. Bernard's. But I do think this is a much better match for us as a family. I do hope I can make Wednesday mass at St. Bernard's now and then, though. It is still amazing.

7 Quick Takes!

--- 1 ---

Wooh! I feel so off kilter. I usually do my Quick Takes on Thursday night, but it's 10 am on Friday morning and I'm just getting started. Hope no one misses my super awesome Quick Takes because of it!

--- 2 ---

I have started fundraising for a particular orphan and would appreciate it SO much if you donated a $1 or $2. I will reveal the rest of the story as the Lord reveals it to ME! Haha..

--- 3 ---

Does anyone like Waldorf dolls? Of course you do! If you are looking for one, please let me know. I am just about to start one for Heidi's baby boy Peter. I can customize them to look like your sweetie. Boy or girl. I can even scent them and embroider their clothes with their name, if you'd like. I will have pictures as soon as I get "Peter" finished!

Hmm, I just realized that maybe some of you lovely readers may not know what a Waldorf doll is, so here's a link to someone's store I found on Google. But for goodness' sake, don't order from them! Order from me! All proceeds will go to a Reece's Rainbow orphan! :)

Waldorf Dolls

--- 4 ---

Please pray to St. Joseph for us. Things still haven't worked out with DH's job and I am not coping well. I've become an extreme complainer and I hate that. Please pray to Our Lady of Grace to comfort me and give me grace while it all gets situated.

--- 5 ---

Speaking of Our Lady of Grace, I have been bugging my dear friend Susan to paint me one for over a year. She is the one that donated her GORGEOUS painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe for Bidding Malcolm Home. Well, she finally painted her for me! I am picking it up tomorrow!! I love her and her paintings and I'm so thrilled to finally have an Our Lady of Grace! I will post a picture of it next week, but here's Our Lady of Guadalupe!

Our Lady of Guadalupe Artist: Susan Alexander

--- 6 ---

The girls go to VBS next week and I'm so excited! The program is really awesome and I'm hoping they learn a lot and have a blast.

--- 7 ---

For my #7 orphan, I am choosing Jewel and Jessica. They are sisters available for adoption together. Please pray for them and donate if you feel compelled. Aren't they gorgeous? It is very hard to find families for siblings and children with HIV, so please consider helping.

Jewel and Jessica

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

 

Okay, I did it.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a little insane. But generally it's in a good way.

I made a Chip-In. "For what?" you may ask. Well, the money raised through this chip-in will benefit an orphan.

I know this is a weird and cryptic way to fundraise, but I wanted to get it set up before I start selling my dolls. :)

Please consider donating even $1!



It will also be on my sidebar until Jul 15th --->

*quick update: I am having issues with my PayPal acct. The donations so far are pending, but they will show up on the Chip-In soon, hopefully! Sigh, technology.*

*update #2: Yay! It's working! Thanks everyone!*

100th Post!

This is my 100th post! But it's going to be boring...

We are busy around here lately. But, I have decided to jump in with both feet and start the process of becoming an insurance underwriter and also making Waldorf dolls. I have two kits for the dolls coming in the mail and I'm itching to get started. My first doll will be one for Heidi's baby boy Peter, who will hopefully be coming home from Asia soon.

I had thought we were way below the income guidelines to be able to adopt, but it turns out we're not that far off at all. As soon as Kyle's job situation is worked out, and hopefully I can start making some money, that gap should close, plus some.

Please pray for us. And keep an eye out for the dolls!

7 Quick Takes Friday

--- 1 ---

Bidding Malcolm Home was a HUGE success! We raised close to $1,500 for the Smiths in just a weekend! I am still recovering and making sure all gets paid and shipped, but it's going awesome! I am so happy with how well it did. We had some beautiful items from some wonderful donors, and I am so thankful!! People even came out of the woodwork and offered some more prizes after it was already started. It was all just really wonderful. God is so good.

--- 2 ---

We celebrated my little one's birthday this week and it was great! We went swimming at a public pool and then to Chuck E. Cheese's for dinner. It was so fun. All of us had a blast and the kids were pooped. Works for me!

Yes, I cleaned up after her.

--- 3 ---

My oldest daughter's birthday is next and I am hoping I can do a 4th of July type theme for her, since it's so close to the 4th. I reeeeeally want to make her these:

--- 4 ---

I am considering making some Waldorf dolls to auction off next. I need to be prepared in case Nico gets a grant! Which, I hear they are working on! (don't squee yet, Kara!)  :)

--- 5 ---

This cracks me up.

--- 6 ---

I went to an orthopedic surgeon the other day to see what the heck is wrong with my knee. He said it's likely a medial meniscus tear, and ordered an MRI. Who knows if I can even afford that nonsense, so I might not have it done. My aunt swears by prolo injections, so I will probably try those first. But, I watched a YouTube of the injection process and OMGoshhhhhhh...... I almost passed out. I'm not a wuss when it comes to needles, either. But... omg. That is all.

--- 7 ---

I'm going to steal Leila's idea and always make my #7 about an orphan. Even though I almost always talk about Nico anyway, I still want to show some of the others here. 

This sweetie has a huge grant. I've posted about her before. But she's still waiting. She has almost $24,000 in her grant. She has Down syndrome. She is living in an institution. A bad one. She needs the love of a family. Spread the word. She is such an angel. 

http://reecesrainbow.org/652/megan2h

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

 

Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome

This is an easy way to help out Reece's Rainbow! Go watch the video and then vote! Lots!


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My family and I have loved being able to work on behalf of the children on Reece's Rainbow since finding this great organization.  It's for this reason that I had a hard time sleeping because of the excitement after hearing about this announcement!

Two months ago, Ironman announced a contest called Kona Inspired.  How it works is they have given the general public an opportunity to submit a 90 second video based around the theme, "Anything is Possible".  Winners receive a spot to race in the Ironman World Championship in October, but most importantly, they will race as a media athlete and have the opportunity to share their story on NBC's nationally televised broadcast of the championship this year!  THIS COULD BE OUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THESE PRECIOUS CHILDREN'S STORY WITH THE WORLD!!!

After reading Ironman's press release we immediately went to work.  This is an opportunity to help these children in a way that I never imagined possible!  The video came together with the help of many wonderful people and we submitted it.  105 videos were submitted.  After over a month long preliminary public voting, we just received word that we are one of the top 15 videos and will compete in the final round of voting June 4 - June 18!!!

Please take a moment to WATCH, VOTE, and SHARE our video as much as possible throughout the day from your home computer, work computer, laptop, phone, etc!  We need to be in the top 2 videos at the end of the day on June 18.  

KONA INSPIRED VIDEO LINK

Thank you for your time and willingness to make the dream of these orphans of finding their forever family a reality!

A BIG giveaway!

Micah Six Eight: TEN for TEN in TEN days:

This family has an amazing story and needs your help! Please spread the word, pray, and donate. You will be entered to win a Macbook Pro!!!

I will blog about the awesome outcome of Malcolm's auction soon!