Thoughts Thursday: HALLELUJAH and a Quick Update

January 20, 2011 Leave a Comment
Life has been extra busy lately with the start of a new semester, our big Reece’s Rainbow fundraiser, and wedding blogs galore…
…but let me start with a HALLELUJAH!
Both Clara and Sophie have reached the $100 mark in their adoption funds!
Poor Clara is $5 behind Sophie, but maybe somebody will change that soon!
You have no idea how happy and humbled I am to see their funds go from $0 to $100 in only a few days!
Thank you a million times over!
…and stay tuned to Make it Beautiful for two exciting deals coming up to help Clara and Sophie:
1. A catalog show with Premier Designs Jewelry in which 30% of the proceeds will go to the girls’ funds! A-MAZING!
2. A giveaway with one of my favorite local vendors in which everyone who donates will be entered to win a beautiful necklace . Also, those who donate more than $25 will get a free print from the artist. This will launch Monday and I’m keeping you in suspense on the rest of the details until then!
Don’t forget to add the buttons to your blogs and keep spreading the word! I will fix Sophie’s button tonight because I know it’s not working as of now. Check back later!
We still have a long way to go before we reach $1,000 but I know we can do it. And don’t forget the ultimate goal–that both of these girls will find a forever family…and soon! If you know of anyone interested in adopting, please pass their information along. As far as I know, both girls are currently in Russia. Reece’s Rainbow helps with the entire process, and they can start the adoption BEFORE all of the money is raised, and continue to raise money well into it (even after the girls are home).
My heart would MELT utterly and completely if these girls got adopted before their first birthdays…so splease pread the word!
She is begging and pleading with her one sock and Christmas book.
Love.
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With: ,

Worthy Wednesday: What’s so amazing about grace?

January 20, 2011 1 Comment
As I was writing yesterday’s post, I couldn’t help but think of a book I once read for Sunday school called “What’s so Amazing About Grace?” I have to admit, I didn’t read the whole thing, but I did buy a very cool, visual version, which I highly recommend.

These are the pages that always stood out to me.

They say…

“Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us MORE–no amount of spiritual calisthenics and renunciations, no amount of knowledge gained from seminaries and divinity schools, no amount of crusading on behalf of righteous causes.”

“And, grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us LESS–no amount of racism or pride or pornography or adultery or even murder.”

Hmm…so does that translate to my own, every day life, too?

You mean to tell me there is no amount of perfection I can achieve (or not achieve) to make me a “good” person? One that God, and everyone else (including myself) approves of?
Women spend a lot of time judging themselves, beating themselves up, worrying we are not “good,” or “appropriate” or “pretty” or “skinny” or “smart” enough.
But when I read those lines I realize none of that matters. 
God loves me no matter what. I love AJH no matter what. I love Clara and Sophie no matter what, and I have never even met them. 

So why don’t I feel the same about myself?

As I said in my first Worthy Wednesday post, “Would you tell an innocent baby boy like Cliff that he isn’t worthy because of his situation? Because he has no parents? Because he is sick? Because he needs help?”
The same goes for Clara and Sophie. 
Would you tell those precious girls they are not “perfect” just the way they are? 
 
I didn’t think so.
 
So don’t do it to yourself.
 
Each one of us deserves the same love as baby Cliff, baby Clara, and baby Sophie, the same love you feel for your own babies, the same love you feel for all of those that you care, and want the best for.
 
*my little piece of heaven*
 Spread the grace. And spread the love. 
 
Don’t forget to add one of Clara and Sophie’s buttons to your blogs and spread the word on our campaign! We’re in this together and there is no way I could do it without all of your support!
 
If people aren’t comfortable donating online, they can simply mail a check or money order.  If mailing a check you must include “Sophie (2H)” or “Clara (31)” with the donation so Reese’s Rainbow can correctly allocate the gift to them.  Mail donations to the following address:
Reece’s Rainbow
PO Box 4024
Gaithersburg, MD 20885

 And some exciting news–a friend has offered to donate 30% of all profits of a Premier Designs catalog party to the girls’ funds! Keep your ears open for more details coming soon! 
 
Thanks again and keep spreading the word!
Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Writing Inspirations Tagged With: , , ,

The Power of ONE

January 18, 2011 3 Comments
Last night I launched my BIG announcement about Clara and Sophie…

…And I’m scared.


What if we don’t reach the goal?

What if no one reads my blog?

What if people think I’m a sham?

I’m not a big deal. I’m not Kelle Hampton or Oprah or famous by any means.

Sometimes my inner voice tells me I’m just silly and crazy and pointless.

Sometimes all it takes is ONE unpopular post or ONE email ignored from a big time blogger to crush my self esteem.

But, sometimes all it takes is ONE nice comment or ONE helpful email from another blogger to build me back up and face (what I like to think is) reality.

I may not be a big deal. I may not have a ton of followers. I may not be famous.

But I am not silly and pointless and crazy. I am not a sham and I am not a poser.

Because my intentions are good.

I want to help people. I want other women to believe that they are okay. I want to help babies. I want to write to heal myself and everyone else. I want to connect with beautiful people and create beautiful moments in an ugly world.

And I know you all want the same.

Or you wouldn’t be here…and I thank you for that.

I have to believe that if my intentions are good then everything else will fall into place.

And I have to remember, when I feel like people may laugh at me and my tiny little blog that this is not a competition. We’re all in this together. We’re all trying to help the greater good. No one is better or worse because their blog/hair/facebook status/marriage/etc. is prettier or cooler or bigger than another.

But this isn’t about me and my self-esteem issues.

It’s about Clara
and Sophie
And how I love them already.

I want to squeeze those little legs and kiss those chubby cheeks.

I want them to have a mommy.

I want them to have the medicine and care and LOVE they deserve.

And the more money they have in their adoption funds, the better chance they will find a forever family.

Someone to squeeze those little legs, and kiss those chubby cheeks.

I pray for those faces to find a home…because they aren’t just faces in a photo. They’re real baby girls who will be turning ONE in just a few months. And I want them to have a rockstar party, too.

Remember The Power of ONE.

ONE person can make a difference.

So please, help in whatever way you can. If you’d like to donate, click on Clara and Sophie’s profiles. Then, once on their profile, click on the “donate” button and it will lead you to Paypal.

If you’ve already donated, please pass this on to everyone you know–email, FB, twitter, blogs, etc.

I’m making “buttons” for you to put on your pages, as well. They should be ready tonight!

Also stay tuned for some cool specials I’m working out with some local vendors!


Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With: ,

If there’s a will, there’s a way: Meet Clara and Sophie

January 18, 2011 4 Comments
I have been SO inspired by Nella’s ONEder fund and baby Cliffy being adopted that I can’t stop thinking about the faces of Reece’s Rainbow.
In particular, these two…

 Meet Clara  and Sophie.

Born only days apart from my own daughter.
Precious and perfect and in need of a forever family.

Clara has congenital malformation of the central nervous system, cerebral hernia, hydrocephaly subcompensated, and flail legs.

Sophie has down syndrome and many other special needs.

Both currently have $0 in their adoption grant fund.

But not for long…

We’re gonna help ‘em.

Make it Beautiful has teamed up with the amazing ministry of  Reece’s Rainbow to be a “New Years Warrior” for both precious girls who will be turning one this March, just like AJH.We are sponsoring them to raise as much money as possible to go toward their adoption. All donations will go directly into each child’s adoption grant fund, not the general Reece’s Rainbow fund, making it that much easier for their future family to bring them home. As I’ve said before, not all of us are called to adopt a baby, but we are all called to love… and help.
Our goal is to raise $1,000 for each child by their first birthdays.

Keep posted for guest bloggers, vendor specials, buttons for your blog and more! Until then, pass it on. Spread the word. If every Facebook fan on my Make it Beautiful page gives $5 for each girl we will meet our goal of raising $1,000 per child. Please help in any way you can and let’s give these babes the best birthday ever.

To see Clara’s profile, click below:

To See Sophie’s profile, click below:
{If there’s a will there’s a way..let’s MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL for their first birthdays}
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With: ,

Make it Beautiful Monday: Beautiful Blessings

January 17, 2011 1 Comment
So many beautiful things are happening that I’m bursting at the seams!
First, Kelle Hampton has not only reached but EXCEEDED her goal of raising $63,000 ($5 per blog follower) for the NDSS through Nella’s OneDer fund! She has raised $68,000 as of Monday morning and has upped her goal to $75,000. As of now she has raised more money than major corporations such as Toys R Us! Don’t be shy…if you haven’t donated, go for it and let’s get this girl on Oprah! I got AJH this tutu from Loving Shop in royal blue and white so she can cheer on her daddy in style as he coaches his basketball games. 10 % of the proceeds go to Nella’s OneDer fund, so if you’ve had a hankering for a tutu, this is your chance!
Next, remember Baby Cliffy? Jeannett from Life Rearranged told his story back in December, and hoped to raise $20,000 for Reece’s Rainbow to help cover his adoption costs. Well, guess what….he is being adopted!!! Please check him out on the “My Family Found Me” page at Reece’s Rainbow. Thank you to all who donated. There is no doubt that the $9,418.52 that has been raised toward the cost of his adoption truly made a difference in him finding a “forever family.” If you haven’t donated to Reece’s Rainbow, please consider doing so and helping one of these miracle children get the home they deserve!
I feel very passionate about both of these causes. I will never forget being ten years old watching a special about Eastern European orphanges on Dateline. I cried for the babies stuck in cribs with no one to love them. For one of the first times in my life, I felt completely helpless. I wanted to go get them all and bring them back to my warm home immediately. But I was ten. And I didn’t know what to do about it. So I tried to forget, but it’s been in the back of my mind for years. I feel so blessed to have found organizations like Reece’s Rainbow to help some of these babies get adopted. Maybe one day we will be called to adopt, but until then I hope to be able to help as many children as I can by raising awareness, spreading the word, and donating toward their adoption funds. I hope I’ve inspired some of you, too, if not to donate to one of these causes, but something that you feel passionate about…something that’s been pulling at your heartstrings since you were a little girl.
As you can see from both of these fundraisers, one person really can make a difference!
Finally, my last beautiful blessing was be able to spend time with one of my little sisters this weekend for her birthday. We started Friday by going to the amazing Tailgate South concert. Speaking of blessings, it gave me chills to see Tony Lopacinski play for his hometown friends and family in a room completely filled with love. Tori and I really enjoyed the lyrics and all around talent of this group of guys. We know we’ll be hearing many of their songs on the radio very soon.
It was quite magical…
…to be in their presence.
After the concert we were convienently located next door to a quite happening club which got little T’s attention. Being the oldest of four, I have gotten the reputation of being the “grandma” of the bunch, and as I approach 30 I have to say it hasn’t gotten any better. Little T. really wanted to try the nightlife of our small town and was very intrigued by the pumping music and crazy dancers spilling out into the street. I think she’s a city girl at heart. Finally, because it was her birthday weekend, I gave in. My mind was racing with scary thoughts of two girls being out past midnight in a wild club, along with the typical I have a BABY…I’m a TEACHER…I’m OLD… but in the end, I am glad I went. I drank a soda and sat in a booth watching the electric energy of the room. It was quite invigorating to see the “kids” let go and dance their little buns off. The rap music got us thinking of my high school days when I played Master P in my 1990 Nissan Stanza with my softball girls. I guess I rubbed off on T. and we happen to know every word of his Ghetto D album. It doesn’t get much better than “Woodgrain with the leather seats, windows so dark you need a flashlight to see me…” (right, Bob Dylan?)

And we and had a very pecial request for the DJ…
 …but he didn’t speak English and had never heard of our American Master P.
 PS. I can’t get over the cuteness of T’s hand-written note to Mr. DJ.
We had a good time and then headed home, only to stay up until 3 am talking.
My sisters are such a blessing and T. and I have gotten much closer as we’ve gotten older. Our childhood was filled with barbie fights but now we are one in the same. We share the hair inspiration of Isabel Two and can do a rendition of Litte Eva and Big D’s “The Christmas Song” like no other. I only wish she lived closer but I intend on getting her skinny behind down here soon…I think she’ll be an easy convert to the country life.
Today I am counting some blessings…
one for baby Nella, one for baby Cliff and one for my T.
Happy Monday!
Filed Under: Beautiful Family, Make it Beautiful Tagged With: , , , ,

Free Friday: Do something!

January 14, 2011 Leave a Comment

If you don’t read this blog…you should.

You already know I’m obsessed with her hair, so for “Free Friday” I am re-posting the video from her blog today.

Do something to help NDSS and find beauty in unexpected places…
Happy Friday!
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With:

Thoughts Thursday: My cup runneth over with love

January 13, 2011 2 Comments
Okay, so I’m having one of those tears-in-my-eyes-all-day kind of days. Everything is making me feel not only super-emotional, but super-grateful in a my cup runneth over kind of way.
(Sometimes in the mornin’ when shadows are deep
I lie here beside you just watching you sleep
And sometimes I whisper what I’m thinking of
My cup runneth over with love
Sometimes in the evening when you do not see
I study the small things you do constantly
I memorize moments that I’m fondest of
My cup runneth over with love
In only a moment we both will be old
We won’t even notice the world turning cold
And so, in these moments with sunlight above
My cup runneth over with love
My cup runneth over with love
With love)
Last night the three of us brought dinner to and visited with BRH’s grandad. He has been on his own since their dear, angelic, Granny passed away on New Year’s Eve of 2001. Seeing AJH really seems to brighten his spirit. She wowed him with her new clapping skills…
…and he recited “Annabel Lee” to her, a poem he has known since grade-school. She sat on my lap, cooed and touched his face as he recited, “It was many and many a year ago,in a kingdom by the sea, that a maiden there lived whom you may know, by the name of Annabel Lee…”
He loves that her name is so close to “Annabel Lee” and it was so special to see their interaction together. I promise to get it on video next time because I never want her to forget a moment so pure and beautiful.
My cup runneth over with love.
We came home and I saw a Facebook friend post that she had to take her 12 month old son to the ER because of a fever and low white blood cell count. You may remember my post about “Iron Aiden” and his journey to fight against pediatric cancer. In early May 2010, baby Aiden was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), an aggressive type of muscle cancer. They are currently on week 27 of his 54 week chemotherapy treatment plan. I read his mom’s current blog post and was sobbing within minutes. It is not fair. I don’t understand. It doesn’t make any sense for a child so small to have to go through such a fight. And his parents? I can’t imagine how they are getting through this…But I know that PRAYER is a large part of the equation. I encourage you to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers as they get over this hurdle and as Aiden continues to fight.
I started to watch this video on the Journey 4 A Cure website and selfishly couldn’t get through the first 30 seconds.  If I can’t even watch the video about these precious lives, how are these parents able to live it? I can’t write about Pediatric cancer without thining of MaDee…this is near to our hearts because we lost a friend to cancer last February. She was an amazing person and only twenty-two when she passed. It is sad and horrible and makes no sense and it isn’t fair. But we love her and we want her story to go on forever.
The thought of my own healthy little girl sleeping soundly in her room upstairs tied a knot in my heart.
My cup runneth over with love.
My husband asks why I put myself through reading and watching such sad stories when I know they’re going to upset me.
And I say, through hysterics and sniffles, “Because I can’t sit back and pretend it’s not there.”
Just like Reece’s Rainbow and all the babies waiting for their “forever family.” My sister and I looked at this site over New Years and of course, we cried and cried. And we want more than anything to make life better for them. One day maybe we, or someone we know, will be able to adopt one of these precious children. I know MaDee would’ve adopted them all if she could have. For now we pray and pray and give money when we can. My cup runneth over with love.
Please click here to see more waiting children. If adoption isn’t in your plan, you can donate money to help families pay for the large expenses.
Just like those who lost their lives in a senseless shooting, including nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green, whose funeral services will be held today in Tuscon, Arizona.
Just like the fact that there are MILLIONS of people who suffer from mental illness…and it’s not just going to go away.
I know it seems like there is absolutely nothing we can do to change the horrible things that we see on a daily basis.
But that is no excuse. Please don’t turn a blind eye. Do what you can. Spread the word. Give money to the cause. Raise awareness.
Count your blessings…
…and “make it beautiful” when you can.
With the help of NDSS, Annie Clancy, a Connecticut high school student, was able to join designer Anya Cole in her studio to learn about fashion design and production.
As I write this, the Pandora gods have chosen to play “Salvation Song” (no joke.)
Sing with me.
“We came for salvation.
We came for family.
We came for all that’s good, that’s how we’ll walk away.
We came to break the bad.
We came to cheer the sad.
We came to leave behind the world a better way.”
-The Avett Brothers
My cup runneth over with love.


Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Entertainment Tagged With: , ,

Free Friday: Reminders and Food for Thought

December 3, 2010 1 Comment
First, a few reminders:
~Today is the LAST day to enter to win a free, signed copy of Four Word Self Help by Patti Digh. Leave a comment on this post with your own “four word” mantra(s) to be qualified! So far there are some really great entries!The winner will be announced around 4 pm this afternoon.
~If you haven’t donated to help Baby Cliff, please consider doing so. He’s getting closer and closer to reaching the goal of $20,000, but still needs all the help he can get. Remember, he is only ONE of the MILLIONS of orphans in the world. I know so many amazing couples that would love to adopt a baby like Cliff, but feel very intimidated by the daunting costs. Organizations like Reece’s Rainbow help to make adoption possible, giving not only a loving couple the opportunity to become parents, but a beautiful child the opportunity to have a family. I think it’s an amazing idea and was even voted as one of People Magazine’s top Heroes Among Us in February 2010. If you’re feeling sentimental, please take a look at these kids that were adopted in 2009…it will melt your heart with tears and LOVE.
Now, some food for thought. These are things that have been on my mind lately. I don’t have the energy to really delve into each topic at this moment, but they have been on my mind and are some things I’d love to discuss with friends and readers as time goes on. If you have any insight or ideas, feel free to comment!
~Homeschooling: the more I think about this, the more I like it. More to come!
~The Blood Type Diet: Have been researching this and think their actually be some validity. Let me know if you have tried it!
~A new vitamin regimen: I recently spent an hour in the natural food store in our town. I did a bunch of research and got a bunch of new vitamins. Did you know that magnesium deficiency can cause migraines, sensitivity to sound, body odor, bad PMS, anxiety and depression? I’ll let you know how it works!
~Foggy Brain: I apologize for being flighty or “out of it” recently. I’m still dealing with a lot of harsh symptoms from going off of my medicine–not mentally, but physically. Not to discourage anyone, but the withdrawal has been pretty bad. My brain is constantly “zapping” and dizzy and I am hoping and praying it goes away soon. Please forgive me in the meantime for being just a bit “off” (or more “off” than normal!).
And because it’s Friday:
~Take a look at his awesome website with beautiful, FREE holiday blog backgrounds. I love Shabby Blogs!
Finally, if this doesn’t make you laugh/cry/smile…nothing will.
Attempt #1 at Christmas card photo of our “kids” (furball and human)
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With:

Worthy Wednesday + Help Baby Cliff!

December 1, 2010 1 Comment
For my first edition of “Worthy Wednesday” I’d like to attack what I like to call the “perfection obsessions” I’ve been having lately.
From reading the work of Brené Brown I have been inspired to spend at least one day of the week remembering why “I am worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” 
Perfection obsessions are the the negative thoughts running through my mind as I sift through a messy house, try on clothes that don’t fit, or question my ability as a wife, parent, teacher, or friend.
I’d like to replace my perfection obsessions with worthiness affirmations in hopes of letting go of the pressure I put on myself to be “perfect” as well as the “worthiness prerequisites” I feel on a daily basis.
Here are some of my “worthiness affirmations” for this week:
~I do not have to have perfect Christmas decorations to be worthy.
~I am still worthy when my house is in an uproar because of a mouse.
~I can have dirty dishes left in the sink over night and still be worthy.
~I am still worthy if my pre-baby pants no longer zip.
~Procrastinating does not = unworthiness.
And if you believe we are ALL worthy of love and belonging,then you must take a look at Baby Cliff’s story.
I encourage you to not only donate to help Baby Cliff get a family of his own this Christmas, but also to… 
See YOURSELF as you see Baby Cliff
Would you tell an innocent baby boy like him that he isn’t worthy because of his situation? Because he has no parents? Because he is sick? Because he needs help?
Would you tell baby Cliff that he is not “perfect” just the way he is?
I didn’t think so.
So don’t do it to yourself.
Each one of us deserves the same love as Baby Cliff, the same love you feel for your own babies, the same love you feel for all of those that you care, and want the best for.
If I could love myself the same way I love this little girl…
…I think know all of my anxiety, stress, and quest for perfectionism would melt away.

~E.L.E.
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With:

Iron Aiden

September 28, 2010 1 Comment

I first learned of Aiden’s story through Lindsay, one of my best friends from childhood, who is very good friends and sorority sisters with Aiden’s mom, Leslie. As a new mom, I just cannot fathom dealing with pediatric cancer and as I read Leslie’s blog entries and try to put myself in her shoes, my heart breaks. Seeing how their family and friends have come together to help Aiden, combined with his amazing strength and smiling face is truly inspiring. I have faith in the power of prayer and hope you all will join me as I continue to hope for his healing. 
Lindsay and Leslie’s good friend and sorority sister, Kere, has an adorable online store called Olive to Sew and is offering 20% of her profits be given to help with Aiden’s treatment.I know so many of my readers LOVE all things monogrammed, so if you need a classy gift for a baby, wedding, graduation, house warming, or upcoming birthday, please consider using Kere’s store. Please type in “For Aiden” in the special instructions box before checkout. If you have any questions, please contact Kere Knapp at olivetosew@yahoo.com.

One of my favorite items is this mini-market tote:
Please continue to follow Aiden’s journey, spread awareness, and pray for all of the little “warriors, survivors and angels” of pediatric cancer. 
 
Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With:

To the Top