Julie Gumm - Author

Hi, my name is Julie and I have OCD issues…

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Am I the only one who has enough OCD issues that this drives them insane?

dishwasher

And no, I’m not talking about the dog. Let him lick the dirty dishes to his heart’s content.

I am talking about the plates. The red plates.

It’s after dinner. Each child is asked to put their dishes in the empty dishwasher. The first plate goes in. I’m not sure which was the first plate but, for the love of all that is holy, why is it NOT in the first slot? Why is it in the 3rd or 5th?

Then child #2 comes along. Yes, slot #1 would have been ideal, but they couldn’t even put it next to the other red plate???!?

Yes, I realize I need therapy.

I should be happy the dishes went in the dishwasher at all. I did hold my tongue. I took a deep breath. Took a picture so I could rant online. Rearranged the plates and went on with my night.

“Sol the Super Hairo!” Book Review & Giveaway

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I love big, black natural hair, especially tight curls.

To be honest I probably didn’t pay a ton of attention to black hairstyles before our adoption, but now whenever I see someone with BIG hair that looks awesome I get excited. Usually it’s adult women who are rockin’ these cool ‘dos.

If Beza is with me I’ll point it out. I do this for two reasons. First, I honestly do think it’s cool. Second, I want her to see women that are comfortable embracing the natural beauty of their hair.

LeelaJames macygray Solange

Artist, author and natural hair ambassador, Ishé Hollins has written a cute children’s book called “Sol the Super Hairo!” – the story of a young girl who is proud of her hair and sees it’s beauty and strength. It’s a cute book for girls ages 3-7.

You can win a copy by entering the giveaway below, or it’s available for purchase on Amazon. (affiliate link)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adoption Fundraiser Spotlight – The Thayer Family

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Fundraiser-Thayer

We are Shawn & Amanda Thayer. We began the process to adopt our first child in March of last year. Our home study has been approved, and we are currently in the process of preparing a nursery and our hearts for the little one that God has planned to be a part of our home. We are expecting to adopt an infant domestically, but are willing to allow God to redirect as He sees fit.

We’ve been married for over eight years and have not had any children. It’s always been our desire to have a family and to raise children to serve the Lord.  Now we believe that it’s God plan for us to accomplish this through the miracle of adoption. It took a long time for us to let go of our own “perfect” plan, give everything over to God, and allow Him to mold and prepare our hearts for the ministry of parenting; which we now realize is far more than simply “having a baby” and much more an opportunity to love, nurture, and provide for a precious little life that God loves and wants to see brought back to Himself. It took a while for us to accept God’s will for us, but we now have great peace about the steps we are taking and look forward to seeing Him work in ways that only He can.

Since our decision to adopt, we’ve seen God address one of our greatest fears originally holding us back from beginning the process; the cost. Our adoption costs will total $21,500, plus lawyer fees.  We desired to fund the adoption without going into debt, and we believe God will help us to accomplish that feat.  We’ve held various fundraisers and experienced great results.

Thayer-tshirtOur first fundraiser was a huge yard sale in which dozens of volunteers, friends and strangers donated scores of items and hours of time. In the end we raised over $4,000!  We’ve also hosted a couple online fundraisers, featuring Premier Designs jewelry and Scentsy products and raised another $700.  A generous friend offered to auction off an original painting, which raised over $200. We also have designed an original t-shirt that has allowed us to raise over $1,500 and that we continue to offer through our blog. Our most current fundraiser is an online sale of Jamberry Nails.  We are excited to see how once again our God will provide.

We have come to accept that we are not in control of this process. We learned well before signing the original paperwork for adoption that we never really have been in control, that no person truly controls the creation of a life and that children are a gift from God, which He in His sovereignty allows to be born and raised in ways that He sees fit. We are thrilled to simply allow Him to work through us in preparation and provision for the moment when we will meet the perfect little baby He has made for us to love.  We pray that God will be glorified through it all.

If you would like to keep up with what God is doing through our adoption journey, please visit our blog.

Thayer

Each Friday I’ll feature a different fundraising adoptive family. My hope is that we can support each other and also learn from each other. For submission guidelines, go here.