Our Adoption Plans

Since I was a little girl I knew I wanted a big family. I come from a big family. My dad has lots of siblings and so did his dad. In fact when my great grandma passed away her obituary said that she was survived by 317 grandchildren/great grandchildren. That was years ago and I believe the number has grown. Whatever the number may be, it is a blast having so many relatives. I want to continue that. Do I want 14 kids like my great grandma had? No. Well I don't think so. I do know that I want a lot of children.

Steven and I have always said that we would have what we could handle financially. I told a friend the other day that I thought this was God warming me up to His plan. I'll explain later.

As sure as I am that I want lots of kids, I am even more sure that I want to adopt. Again, the number I am not sure. (By I, keep in mind that I mean we, hubby is so on the same page) I am also not sure how we plan to adopt. International (the one thing hubby is not on board with), Local, Private, Open, Foster to Adopt...we just don't know. I love the idea of a baby from Africa or China but it is just not an option for us. For numerous reasons that I don't have time to get into. Remember I blog while my baby is on my lap or napping?

I have always had this dream of adopting a baby by standing outside of an abortion clinic and talking someone out of aborting the beautiful child they are carrying. Telling them that I will gladly adopt the precious life they hold. And although I still feel strongly about doing that or even just having you tell a friend who is desperate that I am here, I think God may have another plan.

You see the past few months the topic of Foster to Adopt has been brought up. Let me tell you how much I hate the idea of this. I just get these images of holding this amazing child that I have had for months and then having someone come in and rip them out of my hands to take back to the mom that abandoned them. Don't read to much into that, I don't think all moms that give their kids up are evil, only the one in my head taking my baby back. However, every time I hear or think about the option of Fostering to Adopt, I feel something pulling me. I don't want to say it is God because I am not positive and I don't want to put words into His mouth. But I think it might be.

At this time in our lives, we could not afford to have another child. We surely don't have enough for adoption. This is where the part about the thing I said before "God warming me up to it". Lately, whenever I say there is no way we could afford to adopt, I feel like God is saying "If you are willing to take a child, I am willing to provide" Not His exact words or even surely His words at all. You see a parent through Foster Care is given money to assist in raising the child. No, this is not the reason I would be doing it. I do not care about the money. It is only enough to help with the child. Key word being HELP. It does not cover everything but it would be enough to make another child affordable for us. Does that make sense? I don't want people to think I want a child for the money, so I really hope that is clear.

Does this make my fears go away? No! Not at all. I am terrified that if we go this route I may have a baby taken back, if not more than one. I am trying to wrap my mind around all of this. I feel overwhelmed. I am not saying that we are going to do this soon or at all for that matter. I want to confirm that this is really truly God speaking before we move forward but I want your input. Sooo...comment here or email me! Tell me your story or of someone you know. I want info and input on our plans.

WIWW- Week 2

Ok, so this week was crazy but I managed to get most of my outfits in here. Let's take a look.
(I also realized that I wear my ugg boots way to much. What can I say, I like comfort.)

Went to dinner at Chipotle with a couple of friends.
Shirt and Under shirt- Forever 21
Jeans- Forever 21
Shoes- Payless

Bible Study

Top- Old Navy
Undershirt- Target
Jeans- Target
Ugg Boots- Sports Chalet
Headband- Allora Handmade

Played with my babies all day and then ran errands with the hubby at night.
Shirt- TJ Maxx
Cardigan- Target
Adorable Brooch- Olive Blue
Jeans- Local boutique
Boots- Milano Shoes

Went and ran around at the park with the fam.
Shirt-Solomon Beads
Under Shirt- Target
Jeans- Old Navy
Ugg Boots- Sports Chalet

After 10 minutes at the park this was the new look.
All of the above plus
Sweater- Forever 21

Comedy Night at my church
Top- TJ Maxx
Jeans- Target
Boots- Ross
Necklace-Premier Designs
Bracelet- Anchor Blue

Moms Night Out
Uh Oh I have a repeated cardigan...
Different brooch though-The Pleated Poppy

Changes

The new year is here and with it came a ton of ideas for Rock-A-Bow. Not only is my brain filled with new ideas but also a great deal of motivation. I thought that you, my followers, should be the first to know what is about to happen. A sneak peek without an actual peek.

A New Look-
I will be switching over from Etsy to Big Cartel. It's a huge leap but after reading this over at Gussy Sews, I am convinced it is the right choice for me and my business. BTW that means I am clearing out the etsy shop to add new items (you will read about those in just a few seconds). In order to clear the store, everything is 30% off. Yes, you heard me right 30%. Just type in the code NEWYEARchanges.

Anyway, back to the changes. Big Cartel will be a whole new look. Fun but simplified. There will be a new, simple and clean look to the blog as well. With a button that you can all add to your blogs. It's gonna be rad! Do people still say that? Doubtful but I like it.

The new store and all new look should be here by the end of the month. I'm trying not to rush anything since I have the two little ones.

New Products-
This is what I am most excited about. I am totally changing the concept of the shop. It is going to be totally directed at babies-young kids. Although it is already mostly that, it will still be a big change.

New styles of bows...fabric bows. A lot more fabric through the store since I LOVE FABRIC now. Lots of headbands. Some adorable felt flowers that I have been playing with.

Oh yes, clothing! Yes clothes. I am so super thrilled about this. Starting off with just a few items but will expand as I go. There will be appliqued onsies. There will be some re-fashioned dresses. There will be completely handmade dresses. It will be fun!

New Things Happening-

Not sure exactly how many or how often but there will be guest bloggers. Super excited for this as well. Just emailed a friend, who I ADORE and you will too, to ask her to be the first post. Ahh! I cannot wait

There will be tutorials. I mentioned this a little before. Said I wanted to do it but never did. Well it WILL happen this year. They will help me to continue crafting for myself and my fam. That is something I do not want to lose sight of.

I am also hoping to start posting about other items or blogs I love. There are so many handmade business' and mommy bloggers out there that I just know you all would love. I should be sharing them with you. So I intend to.

There is so much going through my head right now. I am sure I forgot something but I thought I would share and get you excited with me. Make sure if you don't already follow Rock-A-Bow, click to follow now. You will not want to miss out on this!

WIWW- Week 1

Okay, Let's give this a whirl. For the first time ever I am going to do What I Wore Wednesday. I intend on doing this every week from now on. Hold me accountable people! By the way, I did take pictures for every day but the hubby deleted them on accident. Opps.

As far as the background. Well, the only room with a full length mirror is the kids room, so please forgive me in advance for any mess or toys joining in on the fun.

Date Night! Dinner and shopping. (Yes my husband is amazing and took me shopping for our date)
Jeans and Tank- Target
Cardigan- TJ Maxx
Boots- Ross
Necklace- Salon 180

New Years Party/Playdate at my Home
Shirt- Forever 21
Jeans- Target
Ummm...shoes... well I guess I shot the picture to high.

Toughed the rain and took the babies to John's Incredible Pizza

Jeans-Old Navy
Tank-Target
Cardigan- Forever 21

Ugg(ly) Boots- Sport Chalet

Beanie- Krochet Kids Int. ...Check them out, now, seriously!

Oh Man! I went there...Let me just be real with you. I cleaned all day and played inside with the kids. Frankly, I wanted to be comfy and comfy I was!

Husbands wrinkly sweater- Tillys
Yoga Pants- Old Navy
Super comfy socks- Kohls

Replicated Cinnamon Roll

Remember my last post. You know, the top ten things I received in 2010? I mentioned my love of baking and all the new things I got for the kitchen this past year. Well, all those wonderful things have inspired me to bake, bake and bake some more. Good thing? Not sure yet. My tummy is loving it, as is my husband, however, not sure how my butt and thighs are dealing yet...

Anyhow, last night I whipped up some AMAZING cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese frosting. Yummy! Everything lately has been from scratch, so my heart really goes into them. Let me give ya a little background on just how much heart went into these babies! Hubs and I spent our Honeymoon in Pismo Beach. We chose somewhere close in hopes of going back every year. While on our honeymoon we found this little place that made the BEST cinnamon rolls. Sooo it became tradition that on our anniversary we would go there and enjoy. Cute right? Well...we went back once and then came Rhiannon. And now Talon. Apparently when we made these plans to go back every year we knew nothing about being parents. Bye Bye trip. See ya later cinnamon rolls.

So last night I decided to try to replicate those yummy cinnamon rolls. Although doing it around our anniversary in July probably would have been a better idea. That's not the point. They hit the mark! That's what is important.

I thought I would share them with you. If I knew how good they were gonna be I would have taken pics along the way and made you a little tutorial but I had no idea. So here is the recipe. That is the best I can do for ya. You will not be disappointed! Here ya go friends...

(Pardon the horrible photo. Snapped it super quick with my phone.)

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 cups warm water
  
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/3 cup sugar in warm water. Stir in salt and 2 cups flour. Beat mixture for 2 minutes. Beat in eggs and oil. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; set aside.
3. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces. Take each piece of dough, roll into a log and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the knots in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden.
   

Then for the frosting:

Ingredients

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk
  

Directions
Combine confectioner's sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Add milk gradually until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Spread over warm (but not hot) cinnamon rolls.

Top 10 in 2010

2010 has been an awesome year! The year has brought us so much. Some silly, some serious and some seriously silly! Do a top ten countdown with me, will you?

10. Michael Miller
This year marks the beginning of my love affair with Michael Miller. Not the man himself, just his fabrics. Can we say Oh Em Gee?!? I am in love! I cannot get enough of these beauties. Check back in a couple weeks to see my kiddo's nursery loaded with the some good ol' Michael Miller. Ahh it is gorgeous.

9. Baking Goods

These lovelies barely made it in by the end of year but they got here soon enough to make the top ten. Rhi and I got these adorable matching "Trendy Housewife" aprons. Mommy's apron is even reversible (the other side is even done in Michael Miller's Eiffel Tower pink. I die!). To top off the wonderfullness happening in the kitchen, my grandma bought me a standing mixer. My heart skipped a beat and I wasted no time to get in the kitchen. These things may seem so small to most but lemme give you some background here. I was the little girl who wanted to be a wife/mommy when I grew up. Ballerinas, teachers and princess' NO SIR! I was gonna be a good old fashioned 50's woman. Most women would be offended but if my husband told me to get back in the kitchen, well, I just might kiss him! So these goodies made it into the countdown easily!

8. Hair

That's right folks bald baby has got some hair. So much hair I don't quite know what to do with it. It is messy and awkward and just gets in the way. So why is this annoying hair on my top 10? Well, it is beautiful and blonde. Women would kill for this gorgeous hair. Oh yes and she is not mistaken for a boy anymore! WOO HOO for hair!

7.My new bible study


Mid-2010, God brought me an amazing group of women. My mommy, my aunt and her stepmom and sister, and one more aunt. These girlies are wonderful and inspiring and just so refreshing. This has been such a blessing to sit back and relax while we revel in God's grace and love. Then to take it up a notch, my lil sis who I having been praying over for years has joined us! Is God good or what?

6.Sewing
Last year my mother in law got me a sewing machine. It was fun and all. I tried it here and there but nothing really. 2010 brought me a love of sewing. I don't even know if love describes it well enough. It is what I do to unwind after a long day. It is a love language to my children. Making them something fun is something that I can do to say that I care. Awww sewing!

5.Rock-A-Bow is growing
Woot! You heard me right. Rock-A-Bow has tripled it's sales this year. I have a sneaky suspicion that as I add my sewn items to the store it may just grow some more. In fact the end of 2010 brought some big ideas for my business. Let's just say you might want to look back here next month and see what all is about to change. But shhh, these works are a secret. In fact, I better go update the hubs about some of it.

4.Debt Snowball
If you are a Dave Ramsey person, you have probably caught the lingo. The hubs and I have begun working on our Total Money Makeover and let me tell you IT WORKS! Our debt snowball has begun and it is unstoppable. So far we have paid off 4 credit cards. We estimate that by March of 2012 we will be completely out of debt. This is huge for us. This is a goal that has seemed so unreachable and it is in clear sight now.

3.Working from home
Yes ma'am (or sir), this momma is working from home. I now have the freedom to spend time with my little ones, be the mommy I know they deserve and to of course work on my business! Now with working from home, my hours have been reduced drastically so this is a HUGE step of faith. However, it is a complete answer to prayer. Now let's get Rock-A-Bow moving so that this momma can help pay the bills ;)

2.Scars
Check out these beauties. Okay, so I'm not gonna show you but I've got 3. It's where they removed my cyst. Now I know to most people some nasty old scars would not be on their top ten and surely not number 2 for goodness sakes! Yet, for me, they are a constant reminder of God's hand in my life. His protection and mercy and love. Though the scars will fade, those things will remain the same always. So for that reason my ugly little scars are number two and they would be number one if it weren't for....

1.Talon Reid Murphy

(no he does not eat in the nude, his rolls just hide the diaper)

Ahhhh my fat little moose! I love this boy. On August 23rd God brought us our miracle baby. Isn't he amazingly yummy? Talon is by far the best thing that we received in 2010. I cannot even tell you what a joy he is. I'm sure you can tell by the photo above. He is all smiles and happiness and fun. Yes, he is our number 1 in 2010.

Please comment and share what your #1 was in 2010!

Project 320

"Ice, Water, Ice". It is my 2 year old daughters most common request. Such a simple thing. A nice refreshing glass of water. But what if a clean cup of water was not an option? To us, clean drinking water is such a natural thing but for many it is an unobtainable desire.

Knowing that so many children, children like my own daughter are going without clean drinking water breaks my heart. If only I could give them a glass of water. If only WE could give them a glass of water. Wouldn't it be amazing to give just one glass of water, like the one my own child has in the photo above, to another child? Now what if I told you that WE could give an entire community not just one cup of water but water for a lifetime and even to generations to come.

Rock-A-Bow has teamed up with Project 320 to do just that! Will you join us? Will you help us to bring a well to a community? Clean Water to a community? With your efforts in helping us you will be entered in a Rock-A-Bow giveaway. Of course the giveaway is a fun aspect but the true reward will be seeing photos of the children of a community enjoying CLEAN water...maybe for the first time in their life. Knowing that WE were a part of something big, something LIFE CHANGING!

Here's what YOU can do:

Go visit Project 320 Well and donate as much as you are led and able to give. For every $10 you donate, you will be entered in this Rock-A-Bow giveaway.

Simply visit the site, make your donation and come back here and leave a comment about how much you gave.

Next Monday, the 20th, I will pick a winner through Random.org for this sweet little prize!

The prize? This super cute sibling set.

Giveaway includes: A tutu that will fit most 18m-5y old girls, a headband and bow to match the tutu. Then for baby brother: A size 0-3 month Music Note Tie Onsie and a SUPER cute pair of 0-3m Black and White Baby Leg Warmers by Olive Blue.

Wow! What more could you ask for? A chance to win a super cute set for your kids (if you dont have a little boy and big girl, that's ok, it all makes for great gifts) and the opportunity to help an entire community. So head on over to Project 320 Well and donate now.