Thursday, June 30, 2011

Tomorrow...

 I'm so tired!!! It's way past my bed time, but I've been workin' on a few things...
Drop by tomorrow and see what's up!


Remember it's a surprise for Olga and her parents.


Goodnight, see you in the morning .

Forecast...

Today will be sunny and eighty degrees at Daily Smiles. But tomorrow there seems to be some rather unseasonable weather coming. Temps will be dropping dramatically, there may even be a flurry!
 Sounds more like Christmas than summer!  Stay tuned for more weather updates...

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Hey Good Lookin...

 ... wanna read me a story??

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

BRRRRRR!

Any one else getting a little cold????

heheeheheheheh...

See you Friday

Monday, June 27, 2011

It's Almost July!!

Gosh June is just about over! July is right around the corner. It'll be looking a little different around here come July. Got a little something up my sleeve for a special little Dumpling named Olga. And I dare say I don't remember seeing anything like this.
My brain has been working overtime trying to think of a way to help The Abell's get a little closer to that three thousand they still need. I've come up with a really cute idea!!

Hints??

Ok, it's not a giveaway. It's a "Give To". (I don't know I just made that up.)
You don't win anything.
Remember... it's better to give than receive.
It's the perfect gift.
It will last a lifetime if cared for, (no it's not alive)
Olga will still get to enjoy it when she is all grown up!
You can add a personal touch.
This must be done in July.


Come back on July First to see!! :)



Sunday, June 26, 2011

Thankful Sunday

I haven't done a Thankful Sunday in a while. Lately I've been having a hard time trying to find something to be thankful for. I'd sit here on Sunday morning and have every intention of writing a post, but some how I just couldn't. Negative thoughts just took over. I wouldn't have wished this year we are having on my worst enemy. But in the midst of everything God still shows me He is in control. He is supplying what we need when we need it. Somehow the mortgage is paid, somehow we make it through each day. Somehow our needs are met. Even the things that really are not of the utmost importance. Things that are just important to us as mere humans. I realize even the things I don't dare to pray for, like say stockings for the girls or money for a field trip, have been supplied. God knows our needs and our wants. Even when we don't tell Him. Just as we know what our children need but also what they want. I was always raised to be thankful for getting what you need. God has had His hands on us, He has made sure we have what we need.

It's amazing what you can do without. I know this sounds a bit crazy , but even though this year has been by far the toughest, I'm thankful for it because I know God has a plan. I know He' s got something up His sleeve. I feel like this year... this year specifically has been a year of discernment and prayer and us having to absolutely rely on God.

I feel like we have been in training or bootcamp for something God wants us to do. And I cannot wait to see exactly what it is. With each passing day I know we are one day closer to God reveling His plan. I am so thankful that in despair I can still see hope. I can see that God has only our best intentions in mind and He loves us enough to put us on this journey in the first place.

I used to look at people who just glided through life and think , "Boy, God must really love them. They don't have a care in the world, everything always goes their way". And yes, of course God loves them, but not more than me. Not more than any one else having a tough time.

I'm thankful that God believes in us, He believes we can handle this time and come out stronger and better prepared to do His work.



Saturday, June 25, 2011

Now YOU Know My ABc's...

Oh, I thought this was so cute. Plus I like to know things about my bloggy friends that they would not normally talk about in a post. April over at The Narretto Family, posted this ABC post. It's not too invasive but gives a few interesting tid bits. She invited others to play along so here are my ABC's.

A, AGE, UGH, what a way to begin! 42

B, Bed Size, Queen

C,Chore you hate, scooping the cat litter box!

D, Dog, None at the moment. I use to have a greyhound named Quincy.

E, Essential start to your day, COFFEE

F, favorite color, any earth tone. As Peter so kindly puts it, the color of dirt.

G, Gold or Silver, I'm not picky, whichever one you give me.

H, Height, 5' 3"ish?

I, Instrument you play , none :( I'm not musical at all. I did take piano lessons when I was little and can still play a mean Fara Shaka with one finger.

J, Job Title, Well this could take a while. I guess as any SAHM, can attest to. How about the most grossly underpaid, Physician, Psychologist, Short order cook, Laundress, Event Coordinator, Referee, Cheerleader, Friend, Foe, Adviser, Financial Consultant, Entertainer, Clutter Clearer, Hair Stylist, Personal Driver, and my personal favorite, Hug Giver and Receiver.

K, Kids, 6 beautiful creatures! Aniela my stepdaughter who is 24!! Olivia 13, Sophia 11, but turning 12 in a few days!!! Bella Bella, 9 , the boy!!! Andrew 7, and Miss Emilia Faith 32 months , which is way to close to THREE years old!!!

L. Live, In the smallest state in the union with the biggest name , Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. But you can just call it RI.

M, Mothers name, Jeanne

N, Nicknames, I don't really have any, I give them but I don't think I've ever gotten one. Peter calls me Stefania, or Stefcia. The Polish version of Stephanie. My Grandpa used to call me Stefania too. It's also the Italian version.

O, Overnight Hospital Stays. when I was three I had my tonsils out. The nurse made it so much fun! And other than that just to deliver the Dumplings.

P, Pet peeve, I have so many. My most serious one, People who think they are better than others. That gets under my skin. On a lighter note, PILES!! Piles of stuff that accumulate around my house, and watering the garden. UGH, I can't stand watering! I love planting , but someone else better water. And cleaning out the fridge, and going to the bank!

Q, Quote from a movie, "Why this old thing? I only wear it when I don't care how I look" Violet, from It's a wonderful Life . And " Is this the ear you can't hear out of? George Bailey I'll love you til the day I die" Mary, also from It's a Wonderful Life.

R, Right or left handed, I'm a genuine South Paw

S, Siblings, I was an only child until I married Peter. Now I have the most handsome and sweet brother Michael, who unfortunately lives in Poland. But I love so much!

T, Time you wake up, The alarm clock goes off at 5:30. I'm usually up by 6:00.

U, Umbrella?? Well, it's usually in the car when I'm in the house or vise versa.

V, Vegetables you dislike, Please keep brussel sprouts away from me. For some reason the only time I ever ate them was when I was pregnant with Olivia. I cannot look at them or smell them now!

W, What makes you run late? I'm glad W wasn't weight, LOL Anyway what makes me run late, let's see... Peter, Olivia , Sophia, Bella, Andrew. So far Em very conscience of the time.

X, X- rays you've had. My knees and my back, both are rotten!

Y, Yummy foods you make, Lasagna and I think I make a mean beef stew. Liv. loves my homemade cake.

Z, Zoo, favorite animal, Elephants! Love them!!

Who's next???

Friday, June 24, 2011

Little Miss Sauerkraut




Sorry Em we thought you might like sauerkraut. You are half Polish. Towards the end she looks like she's praying for it to just go away. Oh Miss Em, you're always good for a laugh. love you!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Email Security and Kids

Here is a very helpful article about email security for parents, from an expert in this area. Guess who that is??? No not me!

What Parents Have To Realize Regarding Email Security!


Are Kids Discriminated By Hackers and Spammers?


Kids are especially vulnerable to spam emails, because it is easier to entice the child to open an enticing email message with their favorite cartoon characters. The sophistication level is at all time high. Imagine you or your child going to your favorite, reputable website and clicking on one of the banners there, only to find out (too late) that it was planted by a hacker. This is already happening. For families with kids, it is especially important to have an effective email security tool not allowing malicious emails close to their computers.

Colored Fonts


Lets face it, nice looking email messages with colored letters, great graphic images, and fancy text are some of the main reasons why HTML is used in email and became popular with many of us. Sure, it makes email attractive and - in some cases - easier to read. However, there is a downside to attractive email message wrapped in HTML. As far as a security is concern, just text email is simply put, great. Reading all your emails in only text offers crucial benefits for your family security, something that is of a greater value than the pretty graphics and colored letters.

The Bugs Need a Squash


HTML based email is capable of virtually wiretap your computer system or network via the implementation of tiny invisible images, different - specially formed links and many other ways that would enable the bad guys to track your email. Here is an example of how this is done. A different sets of numbers are connected with invisible graphics kept on a different server. Because, every time you read the email, images are included and accessed, so a different number is assigned to each image, creating a separate record, whether the email was ever read or opened. Many companies sell tracking email software, providing a means for the sender not only to know whether the email was seen, but when did it happened, and also, keep tracking it further to know, whether it was passed to other computer users. Spammers are known to use special scripts to figure out, if an email address is a good one or not or even if the receiver of the message usually opens spam or not - setting those users up for even more unwanted email in the future.

Email with text only will squashes those pesky web bugs and does not allow embedded images.

We recommend the following:



  1. Use anti virus email software.

  2. Use anti virus software.

  3. Update your virus definitions regularly.


Lets say that there are very flashy animations, tempting looking graphics with celebrities on a website, but your overall feeling is that the look is unprofessional, don't download anything from this place.


Do not read or open any attachments to an email from a source that you are unsure of.

  • Don't open any attached email files, unless you are very sure what it is. It may appear to be from a friend, family member or even someone you really trust. Some computer viruses can reproduce themselves through email. Confirm that your contact really sent an attachment.



  • Don't open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected.



  • Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. It is considered spam - not asked for, disruptive messages that fill up the in-boxes like Land Fills.



  • Don't do any downloading of anything from strangers.



  • Be very cautious when downloading any kind of files from the Web. Make sure the website is it claims to be: reputable and legitimate one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site.



  • You have to keep up with updates of your anti-virus software. Some programs will make it very easy for you. McAfee's Total Protection security software will automatically update through the Internet.



  • Back up your files on a regular basis. How important is it to back up you files? There is nothing more important than this one activity, because, not If, but when a computer virus damages or destroys completely your files, you will at the very least will be able to replace them. You absolutely must keep your backup files in a separate place, away from your computer.



  • If not sure what to do, always choose caution and don't download or open or execute any files, attached or not. Check with your product vendors for updates for your operating system, web browser, and email.



  • Get email security software, to help you stop every email virus, email worm and other malware from even reaching your computer


BIO


Andrew Thomas is dedicated to fight distribution of spam, email viruses and other digital creepy crawlers. He is leading the fight against spammers and hackers. Eradicating cyber garbage on internet, from our computers is very high on his list. Find out more, including his personal experiences with Computer viruses at www.webbaster.com

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

ROAR!




Lovin this crossed eyed Tiger. I went on a field trip with Bella's class to Southwick Zoo in MA. Amazing zoo. And I love this guy. Just wanted to grab his cheeks. Of course he probably would have grabbed my neck, but he was a definite favorite.







And this lazy man. Would not budge!
And he definitely wasn't going to roar. I did hear a lion roar once. We were at a zoo in Poland, visiting family and the lion there let out a good one, it was feeding time! Wow it was a scary sound. I think the info sign said it could be heard for two miles, or something ridiculous like that. no wonder old lazy bones here is the King of the jungle.




Then there were was this fearless wonder. That's my girl!
Who also was just received : The Best sense of humor award in her third grade class by her teacher. Wonder where she gets it from.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Prayers Needed, This post rated PG13ish

I wanted to write this post last night but it would have gotten an R rating for language. I've prayed and slept and composed myself a bit. On Sunday we were rejoicing because The Abell's had reached their goal of 1500.00 and could switch agencies. This move was being done to hopefully be in better hands and get Olga home faster. Some complications have arisen and the switch isn't going as smoothly as it should.

I am asking for all the prayer warriors to please come together in prayer. We who know and love and trust The Abell's are aware of how much they love Olga, we know she will be in good loving and capable hands once she is home.

Please pray that Jesus will open a door(and put a freakin door stop in it) for them.

Please pray that He will protect them from people who are less than kind.

Please pray that the professionals they come in contact with during this adoption help them to bring Olga home. There's nothing more painful than being Discouraged by the people who you are paying to help you.

Please pray that The Abell's will be surrounded by true friends who have nothing but the best intentions.



And finally...

if you are judging STOP IT! IT's not your freaking job. IF you are thinking God made a mistake, DON'T, HE doesn't! If you are thinking this adoption is taking too long, they must be the wrong parents, WRONG AGAIN. The Abell's are trying to make this happen with the smallest support group I have ever seen. I wonder why? Where did everyone go?

And if you are sitting there reading this with a smug look on your face, just waiting for this adoption to come crashing down, SHAME ON YOU!

Whatever comes of this adoption, know that it is God's will and God's will only! Nothing you or I say or do, either in favor or in opposition of this adoption will change the will of God! Let's not hand out power like that to ourselves.

And just in case you are new here and don't yet know the beautiful Abell family, here is where you can find them.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Thanks Again :)

Emmie finally got to put here toes in the sand. Sort of. We went to the beach the other night. Our first breath of salt air. Nothing like it! Of course Miss Em made a bee line for the water and had a nice hissy fit when we stopped her from running in. Sorry Em you weren't dressed for a swim.

Thursday is the last day of school! FINALLY! Then some much needed down time. CANNOT WAIT!

And I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone who rallied this weekend. There is now 800.00 in Jenn's chip in. I'm thinking we maybe should have made this a fully funded weekend. LOL

Next time!!! :)

Sunday, June 19, 2011

NOW YOU'RE TALKING

$600.00

Now The Abell's can switch agencies!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!! EVERYONE WHO DONATED. EVERYONE WHO PRAYED AND POSTED TWEETED AND FACE BOOKED THIS WEEKEND.


I know you, and I knew you would make it happen. We carry each other, we won't let another fall.

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

One Still Missing




UPDATE: 185.00 to go and it's not even 8:30 am yet!! COME ONE!!!!! my heart is racing!!!

Well, in the few hours that I did manage to sleep last night Jenn's chip in went up $100.00!!
The reach is getting closer. Just over $200.00 is needed so that The Abell's can switch agencies and be in better hands to bring their daughter Olga home. I'm still praying that Chris can get a great Fathers day gift from all of us. I'd love for him to see $575.00 in their chip before the day is over.
Olga belongs to them. They love her and will be the best parents in the world. We prayed for them to come along and they did. They answered the call, but they still need our support.

They have not had the best support from some, and that saddens me. When anyone decides to adopt, they have , just with that decision, already made a huge sacrifice. They have already made the conscience effort to bring another child into their lives, to be put under a microscope by another country, to be buried alive in paper work, to answer tons of personal questions,.and to raise an ungodly amount of money. Really the last thing anyone adopting needs are others trying to bring them down, or make them feel bad because of their decision.

Imagine just saving a life and someone asking you, Why did you do that?

We need to raise them up and carry them, for they are doing God's work. They heard the whisper and they answered it.

So as you gather today with the Father in your life, be it your husband , your father, brother, uncle. As you watch him laugh with delight at the homemade cards and gifts, as you watch him play outside, or pick up a little one to snuggle. As you watch him catch a moment to just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of his children playing, please keep Chris in mind. Think about what's going through his head today, the uncertainty , the questions, the anxiety. As Chris watches his children today, as they embrace him and yell out Happy Father's Day, he will remember that there is one missing. One so very far away, he cannot hear her yelling for him, yet his heart can!

Just 200,00 more dollars can put them on a better road to get her home. Are there 20 people out there who can spare $10.00 on this Father's Day to bring a little girl home to her family??

I think so, I know so. Think of the smile on Chris' face, think of the joy the whole family will have to know they can bring her home where she belongs.

Happy Father's Day to all the great fathers out there. To all of you, to the ones who can hold your children tight today, and to the ones still waiting and praying. God bless you all.

Click here to donate and make this a great Father's day for Chris

Saturday, June 18, 2011

IT'S WITHIN REACH!!!

Jenn's chip in is at $240.00!!!!

Only 335.00 to go!

And it's says that there were only four contributors. Imagine what a few more could do. Wouldn't it be nice if for Father's Day, Chris woke up to 575.00 in the chip in! What a beautiful day he would have knowing that come Monday morning they could switch agencies and kick this adoption into high gear. And wouldn't it be nice if he knew that because we all rallied together today, Little Miss Olga would be in his arms next Fathers day. Just saying... it's not impossible but so within reach.

Please keep it going, it's so close!! click here to donate

ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION :UPDATED

UPDATED: There is $90.00 in The Abell's chip in! That from only three people! See how possible this is! Now only $485.00 needed!



"Thank you all who prayed, donated, and shared our giveaway. We made $925 of the $1500 we needed to switch agencies. We are putting another chip in up as a couple people wrote us saying they would donate later this weekend. We have a lot of decisions to make over the next couple days and we covet your prayers during this time".
Jenn Abell

Here's the addition, 925 + 575= 1500 The Abell's need another 575.00 to switch agencies and be in better hands and bring Olga home.

Here's the subtraction, they don't raise the money by Monday and Jenn& Chris- Olga= HEARTACHE

Would you loose your child for 575.00?? Would you give up your child for 575.00?? Would you say Shoot we were so close but we just can't do it, too bad. Would you turn your back on them???? TELL ME!!!!
I'M SO FLIPPIN MAD RIGHT NOW I COULD SPIT!!!!!!!

I know I'm preaching to the choir here. I love my followers my friends out here, and I know what you all have already done. And I thank you. But many are still
SITTING ON THEIR HANDS!

I've got nothing to loose here so you know what today I let it all out.

This is our situation. My husband has been out of work for months we don't have a penny. LITERALLY! You don't even want to know how we have been living and surviving!
BUT within that time I, with the help of my community have raised about $2300.00.
since January for Olga.
It's not a fortune but it was something. I'm not saying this to give myself a pat on the back or make others feel bad. I can care less about crap like that. I'm saying this to ALL the people who say they want to give but can't.Please tell me WHY you can't.
I asked the school my kids go to to donate items for a yard sale. For three weeks in a row we had yard sales for Olga. We raised 80.00. We had a dress down day. These things didn't cost me any money, but they helped. If I can do these things you can too.

In December everyone with a blog was posting for Olga. Everyone was crying for Olga, everyone was praying for Olga. Then Olga got a family! And everyone said Thank you God and WENT ON WITH LIFE.
OLGA is not home yet. She is not safe yet! WHY are WE not finishing what was started in December!
WE cannot let her be lost because of 575.00!!!!!!
I'm asking that you please post on her behalf. FB, twitter, whatever you can do.
CAN WE ALL MAKE A CONSCIENCE EFFORT TO HELP!

Jenn's chip in is still up. I am begging please make a SMALL sacrifice to save a life. Please don't be the one to say I would if I could, because everyone can do something. Please do not say 5 dollars won't help because at this point every flippin penny helps. You don't have to donate 100.00 to make a difference. Please, if we in our pathetic situation can do something I know you can too.


I will not stand before God and try to explain why I didn't do all I could. I will not let Him show me what would have happened if only I had made an effort. I will not let Him show me the life Olga could have had if only I had done more.

WILL YOU???????

575.00 by MONDAY or God will be asking WHY!

We are His hands and feet!

I know I don't normally write like this but I cannot believe that Olga is not home yet. We have the ability to make it happen, to support The Abell's and get her HOME. WHY in the hell aren't we?


Can you look into those eyes with a clear conscience. When you meet her in heaven will she know you did all you could...

575.00 by Monday...

BTW, I'll be fasting and praying today for Olga and The Abell's, I'd welcome some company.



ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION


UPDATED: There is $90.00 in The Abell's chip in! That from only three people! See how possible this is! Now only $485.00 needed!


UPDATED
"Thank you all who prayed, donated, and shared our giveaway. We made $925 of the $1500 we needed to switch agencies. We are putting another chip in up as a couple people wrote us saying they would donate later this weekend. We have a lot of decisions to make over the next couple days and we covet your prayers during this time".
Jenn Abell

Here's the addition, 925 + 575= 1500 The Abell's need another 575.00 to switch agencies and be in better hands and bring Olga home.

Here's the subtraction, they don't raise the money by Monday and Jenn& Chris- Olga= HEARTACHE

Would you loose your child for 575.00?? Would you give up your child for 575.00?? Would you say Shoot we were so close but we just can't do it, too bad. Would you turn your back on them???? TELL ME!!!!
I'M SO FLIPPIN MAD RIGHT NOW I COULD SPIT!!!!!!!

I know I'm preaching to the choir here. I love my followers my friends out here, and I know what you all have already done. And I thank you. But many are still
SITTING ON THEIR HANDS!

I've got nothing to loose here so you know what today I let it all out.

This is our situation. My husband has been out of work for months we don't have a penny. LITERALLY! You don't even want to know how we have been living and surviving!
BUT within that time I, with the help of my community have raised about $2300.00.
since January for Olga.
It's not a fortune but it was something. I'm not saying this to give myself a pat on the back or make others feel bad. I can care less about crap like that. I'm saying this to ALL the people who say they want to give but can't.Please tell me WHY you can't.
I asked the school my kids go to to donate items for a yard sale. For three weeks in a row we had yard sales for Olga. We raised 80.00. We had a dress down day. These things didn't cost me any money, but they helped. If I can do these things you can too.

In December everyone with a blog was posting for Olga. Everyone was crying for Olga, everyone was praying for Olga. Then Olga got a family! And everyone said Thank you God and WENT ON WITH LIFE.
OLGA is not home yet. She is not safe yet! WHY are WE not finishing what was started in December!
WE cannot let her be lost because of 575.00!!!!!!
I'm asking that you please post on her behalf. FB, twitter, whatever you can do.
CAN WE ALL MAKE A CONSCIENCE EFFORT TO HELP!

Jenn's chip in is still up. I am begging please make a SMALL sacrifice to save a life. Please don't be the one to say I would if I could, because everyone can do something. Please do not say 5 dollars won't help because at this point every flippin penny helps. You don't have to donate 100.00 to make a difference. Please, if we in our pathetic situation can do something I know you can too.


I will not stand before God and try to explain why I didn't do all I could. I will not let Him show me what would have happened if only I had made an effort. I will not let Him show me the life Olga could have had if only I had done more.

WILL YOU???????

575.00 by MONDAY or God will be asking WHY!

We are His hands and feet!

I know I don't normally write like this but I cannot believe that Olga is not home yet. We have the ability to make it happen, to support The Abell's and get her HOME. WHY in the hell aren't we?


Can you look into those eyes with a clear conscience. When you meet her in heaven will she know you did all you could...

575.00 by Monday...

BTW, I'll be fasting and praying today for Olga and The Abell's, I'd welcome some company.




Friday, June 17, 2011

$765.00... SERIOUSLY?

"Giveaway ends tonight at midnight. We still have $765 to raise :( Frustrating & Depressing to see the hope of getting our little girl being home slipping away. Gonna get off here and spend the day praying. God can work miracles!! Will post winners tomorrow morning on our blog."
Jenn Abell



If I could write the damn check myself I would! I cannot sit idly by and just feel sorry about this! Can you???? A lousy $765.00! My heart is broken. I will not let Olga slip away because of $765.00!!! I have done everything I can! Now I am pleading with you all to do everything you can.

Please can you reach out to the Abell family and help them?? Just a little???

I seriously don't care how desperate I sound. In fact I am as desperate as I sound. And this situation is as desperate as it sounds. I know this community and it doesn't ... DOESN'T let another fall! We lift each other up. We witness miracles and rejoice together over them. We surround each other with prayer and support. WE NEED THAT NOW!!!

OLGA NEEDS US NOW!!!!!!!!!!

Please support the giveaway or just donate, ANYTHING!!!!! Please.

They will grow...

She'll be lovely in her cap and gown too...

But please don't rush the years Miss Em, I don't think my heart can take it. Let's keep things the way they are for a little longer. Let mama hold on to these days, and cherish these moments.
Watching you and your sisters and brother just "be" brings me the greatest joy. To hear the chorus of giggles and complete pandemonium through out the house keeps me alive. I don't ever want it to be silent.

So please take your time growing, linger a bit longer in childhood . You'll have your adulthood forever, but mama's time with you is so short in comparison.

There will be plenty of time to spread your wings , for now just let me hold you close .

Thursday, June 16, 2011

URGENT! PRAYERS NEEDED NOW!


I'm calling all prayer warriors to please pray for Bellie (Isabelle) You can read here. This is Summer's daughter who recently was adopted from Ukraine. She has been taken to the hospital with seizures. please pray Miss Bellie is ok.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

My Girl

Olivia's eighth grade graduation. How? How did all those years go by already? I'm beyond proud of this girl of mine. I don't know how she manages dancing and school and keeping great grades, but somehow she makes it all look easy.

Liv, you take my breath away. I can't believe my little girl has grown into such an extraordinary young lady. I'll always miss that little girl but I'm excited about the future... your future, where anything is possible. You have the ability and the heart to make it all happen.

Now I'm crying! I somehow made it through the graduation and the dinner and the tear jerker video with the music to match, but now I'm crying. UGH

I love you Liv, and of course... I love you more

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

For The Sweetest Starfish

A Giveaway for Olga

A Giveaway for Olga


The Abell Family is still trying to raise funds to bring Olga home. Please, it's been too long for this Starfish. Can we work some magic ?? Below are the words of Olga's mama, Jenn. And BTW, the $1500.00 will not make them fully funded. The Abell's are switching agencies in order to save money and hopefully bring Olga home sooner. It's been a long road, one that they have been encouraged, by some, to walk away from! But Olga is their little girl and they are going to bring her home! Can we help make it sooner? Every time I look at her sweet face I can't help but think she should be home by now. Do you remember the frenzy of last December? Can we get it back? Can we have one more huge rally for Olga? Can we really rest until we finish the job we started? I know we all have a special place in our hearts for this little one. Let's get her home guys. Please!

(Jenn's words)

** An update $285 has been raised as of 6/13. To add some fun to the giveaway when we reach our goal of $1500 or more I will chop my hair for Olga. Right now when it's down it's below my shoulders, I'll chop it above the shoulders. Donate to be entered to win some great prizes. **

We need to raise a minimum of $1500 so we are having this little giveaway here. So many RR mommas and my sweet cousin came together to make this happen quickly.





(Please note donations are going to chip in & are not tax deductible. )





Now to the fun stuff....


CLICK HERE TO SEE "THE FUN STUFF"

In Honor Of Carissa

A beautiful post written about a beautiful girl . Some how this brother found the exact words to describe the life of his beloved sister. please take a moment to read, In Honor Of Carissa

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Worrier, Warrior

Wow, it's been a while since I posted. I feel a little out of practice. Not even sure if anyone is still coming around to Daily Smiles. I just have been preoccupied with life outside of Blogger , I guess. But that's not what I'm here to talk about. I'm here to talk about a little girl named Nellie. Now, if the sound of that name just made you roll your eyes, well then you are excused. Please, by all means take your eyeballs and leave.

I'm Nellie's Warrior and I'm turning into her Worrier! Here is a beautiful , child with $7,500 in her accounts and still she sits. WHY?


She should have been scooped up ages ago! Nellie should be home.

People, are any of you on the fence about adopting? Are you willing but maybe your better half is hesitant? Are you just scared?

Can you just for a minute put those fears into the hands of God and instead think about Nellie.
Can you think about a day in her life. The same monotonous routine, looking at the same four walls day in and day out. Never leaving, and never anticipating leaving. Never a good night bubble followed by a story and a kiss goodnight. It's summer, Nellie should be picking out her favorite bathing suit and going to the beach. She should be smothered in sun screen and sand . She should smell like fresh air and salt water.
She should be outside playing and running until night time, and getting all sticky from freeze pops. Here lips and tongue should be stained from her favorite flavor.

But she sits and waits. If she waits much longer, she will go somewhere. She will get a ride. But we all know where that ride will take her. I cannot handle the thought of her being shipped to an institution.

I've been looking at Nellie waiting for too long. I've done whatever I can. I've prayed , I've posted , Ive tried to raise money. Others have too! But I cannot do the one thing for her that she needs the most. I cannot be her mama. Oh , how I wish I could. How I would love her. But someone else can. God knows who you are, maybe you are reading this, maybe you know someone who is thinking about adoption. Maybe, God is whispering in your ear. Maybe...

Take your fears to Jesus and He will give you strength. Please if you are thinking about adoption, please think about Nellie. I will help in any way I can. I will be as committed to bringing her home as the family who commits to her.

Look at this face.


Please she needs to get out of there. She needs to live with her family. She needs ice cream and baby dolls and her daddy's arms swinging her high. She needs to squeal with delight. Nellie needs her family!