Happy Birthday Kelly!

I love a good birthday!What  I really love is other peoples good birthdays! That way I can have all the fun and not get any older!


Well, today is Kelly's birthday. Kelly recently adopted Miss Charlotte. And Miss Charlotte was from region 15H, just like Carina. I'm also very partial to region 15H.
Anyway, while Kelly was in country adopting Charlotte and visiting with her , she meet a Princess. This princess  is still there, waiting .  


Below is a completely stolen post from Kelly's blog. Her words left me feeling absolutely devastated. And since I read it I have not been able to forget any of her words.Sometimes a story grabs your heart. I've heard so many heart wrenching stories about the ones left behind, and honestly they all leave me feeling so sorrowful. But sometimes one just touches you a little differently. This was one of them.


I wish I could have gotten this posted earlier, but the day didn't allow it. Better late than never. Happy Birthday Kelly! I hope Kacey's mom reads your post. You know I even prayed that Kacey and Carina would be sisters. 

 Here is Kelly's post:

Dreams, redux.

She begins her daily walk toward me, uneven and slightly halting, as soon as she sees the groupa room door open.

Before long, her arms are wrapped around my leg and she is looking up at me.

She doesn’t make a sound.  She doesn’t have to.  Her piercing blue eyes speak volumes.

When is someone coming for me?  Can someone love me, just as I am?

And then I wake, brokenhearted all over again. 

Kacey.

One of the ones we left behind.  The only child with special needs in Charlotte’s former groupa that does not have a mama coming for her.

At some point at the end of that first trip, Kacey stopped asking me if I was her mama.  Maybe it was hearing me respond “nyet” each time she asked.  Maybe one of her caregivers explained.  Maybe she just knew.  She simply resigned herself to being left behind—again.

On the second and third trips, Kacey would simply hug my leg and stare up at me.  I will never know what Kacey was asking for in those silent moments—but I will never forget how her body relaxed and melted into me when I would reach down and stroke her fine blonde hair.

She deserves love all the time, not just when families are passing through her groupa room.

She deserves comfort from a family while she recovers from surgeries for her Apert Syndrome.

She deserves acceptance and opportunity and a family to help her blossom.

Think about it.

Is she your daughter?

If you think she might be, please contact Reece’s Rainbow.

If adopting is not something you can do right now, please share this blog post and her picture.

Donate to her grant fund.  It only has $200 in it right now.

Please help me show Kacey that she isn’t forgotten—and that there is someone, somewhere dreaming of making her their daughter.

Share the love.

 

Need a Little Emmie?

Miss Em has been having a great week. No school, she hardly napped and she's been partying all night with her sibs! Life is good for this Chick , let me tell you. She has it made!


Monday morning is going to hit her ... and the rest of us HARD!


Thank goodness it's almost summer vacation. I think we can all suck it up for another two months.


Here's what Em's been up this week.

A little yard work. And let me stress "little".  She'd much rather make a mess than clean one up.

 Yesterday we actually got the pool ready. The weather has been so incredible we just took advantage of it, plus Bella was bound and determined to get the job done!

 Emmie giving Bella a pedicure. Wonder how long she'll consider this fun??

Nothing like an eyeball to eyeball snuggle on the couch hours past your bedtime!

Oh and the cheesy Cheetos smile mixed with just a touch of brownie mix. Mmm Mmm Good!



Yesterday was a record day for Carina's Hope Giveaway. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU to everyone sharing, praying and donating . And I cannot stress how important sharing, and praying is. I believe with out them there would be no donating. So please don't stop praying!!! And Sharing!!  it may seem like it isn't making a difference but oh my goodness it certainly is! 

Maybe I talk too Much

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has".
-Margaret Mead,



I have often been accused of nagging, by my hubby, my kids, and anyone else who would let me. But only when I'm concerned, or excited , or trying desperately to save a life. I nag with love :)

I often hear from my girls,"Mom ok, ok ,we know, you already said it a million times"

 And they are completely right!


But, maybe it will be that millionth time that they will not just hear me but listen.


I know sometimes I hear, but I don't listen.I'm just like my kids. I hear God speaking, and so often don't listen. 


I shake my head and say " Oh no Lord, you're not talking to me, I can't do that. I'll look like an idiot!"
"I'm not setting myself up to fall on my face, I have enough issues of my own right now. "


We've all done it. Pushed aside that nagging little voice in our heads. 


We've all told that voice , "No not me, please don't be talking to me, Not today!"  I just can't"


Right now, honestly that voice is bothering me. I don't want to nag you about Carina anymore. I don't want to write about my giveaway. But that voice is relentless!


Do you all have any idea how much fund raising and asking for help  is sooooo far out of my comfort zone??


I like being behind the scenes.I do not like being the guy up front. The one everyone will be looking at. The one in "charge". 
No way, that's not me.


But our all knowing and infinite God, sure had other ideas. Although He really didn't discuss them with me first.  He just broke my heart for what breaks His. I'd almost say He has an unfair advantage. No , I will say it. He absolutely has an unfair advantage, lol 

Carina's account hasn't moved in a couple of days, but She will be moving soon. To an institution. God does not want that. She is His daughter, and He wants her home. He wants her to enjoy life, He wants more than anything for her to feel LOVED!
 He has a plan for her, and we are all part of it. Without all of us in on it... well, it just won't come together like it's supposed to. It's that free will thing. God will not force you to listen. He will not force you to share or pray or donate. He wants you to do it because you feel it in your heart.He wants your heart to break for what breaks His. 

Carina

Only then will great things happen.



I have a great Giveaway special running that I will keep up for another day. You can see it here. 

 Today I will be fasting and praying for Carina. For all things to work out for her according to God's will. For hearts to break , for eyes to open, for ears to hear, and listen. If anyone wants to join in the company would be  greatly appreciated. 







 

Back To Business

After a couple of days away from Carina's Hope Giveaway it's time to get back to work. 

There are a couple of items that have no entries yet :(


One is this fabulous necklace from Lisa Leonard. I'm baffled! I have a Lisa Leonard design, that I won in a giveaway and the quality is top notch. This is a bargain! You could win it with a $5.00 entry!! believe me you couldn't buy it for five dollars.  Lisa was kind enough to donate this for Carina's Giveaway. Please consider taking a chance at this. 

#16

And this beautiful hand made cardigan. Will fit size NB to 3months approx.

My friend Heather made this on her vacation ,for this Giveaway! Just whipped it right up. Now I can't put a price tag on this because Heather loves Carina, and to do this on vacation?? Well, that's just the sweetest thing ever! I'm seeing a lot of new Dumplings on FB who would look just beautiful in this. Or one is worth  keeping for someone who is expecting, just because it's so beautiful and again, you can't buy this for five dollars!

#17

This bow holder would look so cute in any little girls room!I want one for Emmie!!!! I can't have this one, it's for you!!! And it comes with a matching bow. So pretty! 
Again a five dollar entry and it very well could be yours. 

#11

And the last item with no entries yet is this adorable summer dress, size 4T. NWT, and a 34.95 price ticket at that! Also a bargain for $5.00.   If this fit Emmie it would never had made the giveaway!!! 

#9

So for today only, I'm doubling the entries for these items only.  So how does that work?? Like this:  If you donate $5.00 you usually get 2 entries. But today you will get 4. FOR THESE ITEMS ONLY. NUMBERS, 9,11, 16, 17


Of course you may donate to any of the other items too. But the entries will not be doubled on those. See all items on Carina's Giveaway here.

Just leave me a comment on this post telling me where to put your entries! Easy! And don't for get to double them if you are donating to numbers, 9,11, 16, or 17.

An Open Letter , To Carina's Mama

Hi there, 

I don't really know how to start this letter. Maybe I should introduce myself to you. I'm Carina's Warrior. I found her in November when Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree was getting started. She wasn't my first choice, you know. In fact I didn't even notice her until I had to go back and pick another child. You see my first choice  was Lucille. Her big smile just drew me right in, but she already had a warrior, so I had to choose another child.
That's when I saw her. Just the opposite of Lucille, Carina had no smile at all, not even a hint of one. I just sat and stared at her for a moment wondering what this sweet child has already had to endure, what had those beautiful eyes already seen, to give her such a sorrowful look on her beautiful face. 

Well, I was in love and there was no turning back. She didn't have a penny in her account and had never had an inquiry, but she had me, for whatever that was worth.

But she needs you! Her mama!

I wish I could be everything to her, I wish she could lift her arms up to me one day and call me, mama. I dream about holding her and snuggling with her and above all else, seeing her smile! But that is not to be. 

I know you are out there. I know with all my heart that you exist. I know that for every orphan there is a family. God would never abandon any of his children. It's just finding them that is challenging. And finding them in time.


Carina doesn't have a lot of time. She is turning four this month and at  that ripe old age she is aging out. She is too old for the baby house. Imagine that. Too old at four. So, she will be transferred to an adult mental institution. Somehow I'm not seeing how four is the appropriate age for this final destination either.
I'm not seeing how any age is an appropriate age to be transferred to hell on  earth.

I'm afraid for her. I'm afraid her spirit is too broken already to withstand what lays ahead of her.  

 I am terrified that she will give up. 


When I found Carina in November, I honestly thought she would get adopted during Angel Tree. I mean she is healthy, and just breathtakingly beautiful.  I'll admit, I was a bit stunned when I found out, that nobody even asked about her. But, I still had confidence that long before April she would have a family committed to her. I put her photo everywhere, I blogged about her, and all of FB knows Carina... at least all of my friends. 

And yet, she still waits. 
Where are you??
She needs you now!


Please, she cannot go on without you. And neither can I. 


I cannot let her down. 

In November , April seemed so far away. Maybe I was over confident. Maybe I just assumed everyone would love her like I did, and there would be a line forming for her. 

 I think about you often. I wonder where you live. If you have other children, do you already have a child with Down syndrome?  Do I already know you? So many thoughts of you swirl around in my mind. 

 But the only thing that matters is that you love her. That she makes your heart skip a beat when you look at her. That you can't think of anything else but bringing her home. 

If by some miracle you are reading this, I want you to know, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to get her home. I will help you in any way I can. And there is a big beautiful community out here who I'm sure won't mind me speaking for them too.  We will help you get her home.  It's just what we do for each other.
 Please don't let fear stand in your way of saying Yes! You're not alone, that's for sure!

Please, Sweet Carina's Mama, put your faith in God, and step out to Carina. Extend you hand and your heart to this beautiful child who needs you so desperately , right now.
I'll be right behind you.

Carina

 All my love, 
Stephanie



 

Where Did That Ball Pit Go??

The beloved ball pit, it's never far away.


But it has moved from the living room to the sun room. 


Next move... the back yard.


Slow and steady.

Have you visited my giveaway yet??
Check it out here.
It's all for Carina!

The Power of Sharing

You just never know! 


When something is written, and put out on the Internet, that means the world now has a chance to see it. 


Someone puts something out there and it can instantly travel to the other side of the world, with one click of a button. Just a click. What power!!!!


That's why I'm such a  stickler about sharing. I try to share whatever comes my way. 


One time on FB, someone posted about a little boy who was in need of a new wheelchair and of course their insurance company wasn't going to cover it. So he was in a contest to win one. I voted and actually as an afterthought I hit that share button. 


A little while later I got a message from another FB friend, who saw my share and has also "shared" the story about this little boy. He was in contact with a Friend who saw the story on his wall, because he shared it, and wanted to buy this boy his wheelchair!

  THE POWER OF SHARING!



Listen to this!


My friend April who blogs at The Narretto Family, shared my giveaway. Here is what she wrote to me the other day.


"My heart was touched last night....a girl I went to school with (elem-high school) fb me after I shared your giveaway link and said she donated. Sometimes it so frustrating b/c it seems like so many don't read it or maybe don't think this is real and possibly don't care but to know she donated to help Carina made me so happy and I know others are reading too. She said she would pray about her and what a terrible situation this is...touching lives one at a time is how this works right?"



I believe with my whole heart that Carina's mama is out there. And odds are, she has a FB.


She literally could be a click away!

So please, sharing (to me) is as important as donating, and praying. It's just a click. It's free, it's easy, you don't even have to write anything. Just Click. 

Please today can we click the heck outta this giveaway, for Carina???

It takes about one second if you click really, really slowly.   

Here is the Giveaway. Just click. And please share wherever you can.   


And remember that, those  few seconds that it takes to share, is all for her. She is worth that and so much more. 

Three Years! Another Anniversary!! I Almost Forgot!

I almost forgot what today was!!  It's my blog anniversary!! Daily Smiles has been up and running for three years. 


Honestly I love all the friendships I've made put here. The support is priceless. I don't know what I'd do without you all!


Here's my very first post.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

This is us!

Today is day one. My first post. It's pretty primitive compared to what's out there, but it is a start.Let me introduce ourselves,I'm Stephanie and my husbands name is Peter, then there is Aniela,22, Olivia,11, Sophia, 9, Bella,7, Andrew,5, and our daughter Emilia Faith who was born on October 22,2008,with Down Syndrome. That day turned out to be the happiest day of my life, but the months before her birth were far from happy. On May 21,2008 I went for a level 2 ultrasound, for no other reason than my "advanced" age (39). I just wanted to get in, get out and get on with my perfectly normal pregnancy. This was my fifth baby, and if there was one thing I could do it was have healthy babies. Well the technician came in and did her thing,now we had to wait for the doctor. We didn't wait long, great a quick acquittal and we're out of here.Wrong. Seems the baby had an echogenic bowel. That is when the bowels appear bright white on the ultrasound.The only part of the baby that is supposed to show up white is bone ,everything else is gray or black.It's not a huge issue the doctor assured me, but it is a soft marker. "A soft marker for what"? I asked. "Down Syndrome" the doctor replied. The feelings that immediately came over me were fear,I can't handle a special needs baby, our lives are basically over, doubt, how will we ever be happy again, guilt, what have I done! Were we greedy to want just one more baby? Anger, lots and lots of anger. Who is this guy? How can he sit there and tell me I could be having a baby with DS. Then of course came the mother of all questions from the doctor. "What do you want to do with this pregnancy"? Well, let me think about that,for starters how about I walk out of here the same way I walked in-PREGNANT ! To say I freaked out completely would be the understatement of the year, no the century. I even got the bright idea to take the AFP quad test. Bad idea, it came back positive. Within 2 days my odds of a healthy baby went from 1/75 to 1/2 . Things were not looking good.I took a crash DS course on the Internet to try to educate myself as much as possible. The good and the bad. We gathered the kids and told them as gently as possible that most likely our new baby would be born with DS. I had this beautiful image in my head that after we told them there would be a few tears , then immediate acceptance and a group hug. Wrong again. What there was, was loud wailing, fears of losing friends, fear of the baby looking different .Every one ran off crying and slamming doors. My husband Peter and I sat there with our mouths hanging open.Who were those kids, that's not how we are raising our children. Then my husband assured me, to give them time and they will come around . The first one on the scene was Bella, and what did this little sweet thing say? "we'll just love her".One by one they came around, and with the incredible support of friends and family we managed to get through the next 4 months of my pregnancy.It wasn't easy, I had at least one meltdown a day. There were days that I just wanted to walk away from it all. Doubt took over many times."I can't do this ",was how I began every prayer.Doctors visits, that in the past had always been something I looked forward to became stressful. Doctors were always too willing to remind me that 75% of "theses babies" die in utero, or (and this was one of my favorites) "the baby looks great, good heart, good measurements, but something catastrophic could still happen". Isn't that nice! But we went on, what else could we do.Finally it was October 21, my last doctors appointment, my due date was Oct 24, done with these stressful visits. Wrong yet again. My doctor suggested one last ultrasound since it had been a month since my last one. Fine, I'm 3 days away from due date, what could possibly go wrong. Well, after the ultrasound the doctor had a strange look on her face,"you have no amniotic fluid left, did your water break?" Ok, not to sound like a complete idiot but can your water break and you not realize it? Apparently so, I guess I had a slow leak. This was followed by, "we need to get you to the hospital and induced immediately". Since I had not had an ultrasound in a month and was unaware that my water broke, there was no way of knowing how long the baby was without the fluid.Great. The doctor didn't want me to go home at all, but what about the other kids in school, my husband, I couldn't just call him from the hospital. I got the OK to go home and take care of things but make it quick. I had my ultimate meltdown in the car on the way home. This time I started my prayer, not with the words "I can't do this", but with the words, "I am not losing this baby now, no way,You brought us this far we are going all the way"!!!!! On October 22, at exactly 5pm Emilia Faith arrived.The second she was placed in my arms I felt all the stress and fears and doubts just fall away, replaced with such complete happiness and pure joy and peace.
I have never felt the presence of God stronger than at that moment. This has been an extremely long post, but when I found out that Emilia most likely would be born with DS, I searched online for hope. I had no place else to turn. The doctors don't tell you things will be OK.They don't tell you, sure there is a very likely chance of some serious health issues and this is going to be the most challenging time of your life, but hang in there,have faith,whatever the out come, this is your baby,the one God picked especially for you.It's not a mistake,or a burden,it's a blessing. If I can be a comfort to someone ,who is where I was just a few months ago,that's great.I found a lot of comfort and support reading about families with children who have DS,and that life goes on and it goes on beautifully. 

Yes, I have to leave a link to Carina's Giveaway!! Click HERE! :)

Hmmm, What should I post about today???

I know! How about this great giveaway I'm having for Carina?

Oh already heard about that one , eh?

Ok, then how about I  just post some pictures.

Of who, you ask??

Why of me of course!!

   Here I am holding baby Bella. Circa 2002.  

And here I am with Peter dancing at my friends birthday party. That was a great night! 

And here I am with the Dumpling! Look how little she was.




HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sorry Guys I just couldn't resist!!!!!!!  Have to tease you for a while.


Plus I was looking through my photos and this is what they all look like! 


But not to worry. I'm true to my word and I promise, cross my heart! I'll post real pictures soon. Finding some is going to be the hardest part.


Yesterday was a great day for Carina's giveaway!!! Thank you!!! Please keep sharing! Let's get that beautiful face seen!!


And just in case you haven't seen my giveaway yet, well, here it is in all it's glory!


$5.00 donation= 2 entries
$ 15 donation =  5 entries 

$ 25 donation = 10 entries

$ 50 donation = 20 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

Share on facebook/twitter = 1 entry

Post about Carina's Hope Giveaway on your blog = 2 entries

Please make all donations through Carina's donation box in my sidebar. Leave a comment telling me how many entries you have and what gift items you would like to use them for. All items are numbered. Example: You donated $25.00. You have 10 entries. Your comment should say" I have 10 entries. I want three on number 1, Two on number 5, And five on number 4.  OR  "I want them all on number 6.  

You can divide your entries up however you want.


Don't forget to tell me if you shared anywhere, that is one entry, and posting on your blog will get you two entries.
if you have ANY questions , please don't hesitate to contact me. my email, rarefindings@verizon.net
This giveaway will run until midnight on April 30th.

#1, A Jillian Raye Design. This was made just for Carina's giveaway!  This beautiful necklace and headband were designed by Jillian Raye. She was an absolute delight to work with, and I've been a fan for a while.This necklace and headband are beautifully hand crafted and of high quality. I know this because it is in my possession. It came beautifully wrapped but I had to peek. :)

#2  Newborn hand smocked dress set,  Oh how I wish Emmie could fit in to this!!! Just in time for summer! And there are little panties to go with it!
Just beautiful!!! Donated by Heather Enger Brown, who may just love Carina as much as I do:)

#3. Meet Annie, Book!!!  Meet Annie! She is a special little girl that is just like you, but she has Down syndrome. Join Annie in her engaging story and learn how we accept who we are. Come on in and meet Annie. She can't wait to meet you!  Donated by author  Heather Scharlau- Hollis. Thank you Heather for being so easy to "talk" to, so generous and so kind! 

#4.Set of three hair bows made by the fabulous Beth Cole. Who is adopting Nellie and Katelyn( and should be packing at this very moment to go meet them)  of course what else should she be thinking about but my giveaway when she is leaving to meet her daughters! Love you Beth!!! These bows are gorgeous!!!

#5.Game Night Deluxe Edition!!!! You get them all!!!!Perfect for summer family nights and long car rides!! Also donated by Beth Cole. 

#6. Another beautiful piece made for this giveaway by the multi talented and beautiful Stacy Richard. She has a heart for the orphan that you can see shinning from miles away. She never ceases to amaze me. You can see more of her beautiful pieces here at Jubilee's Jewels.

#7. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, "For Generations we’ve had to put up with harsh chemical smells to get a good clean. Enter Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. A collection of household products with essential oils from flowers and herbs that smell nice, but really pack a punch against daily dirt and grime. Our garden fresh scents include Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil, and Geranium. All earth friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals". 
Donated by Robin E, A dear friend who I could definitely say is a kindred spirit.And always one prayer ahead of me;) Thank you!!


These are for you whether you love to clean or hate to clean. I've researched them and they rock! These are kitchen cleaners and liquid hand soap.

.



#8.  Also donated by Robin E, this adorable dress! NWT. Size 4T. The retail price is $25.99 for this tulip skirt dress with hippos from  Flower Bazaar.

#9.  Love this waterfall ruffle dress with scallop embroidery. Size 4T, NWT.  The retail price is $34.95 The line it is from is Cape Cod Cutie. Also from Robin E.

#10. Searching for... The You We Adore, Book. Donated by Valerie Westfall. Children's picture book celebrating a parent's love searching the world for a special child they dream of adopting. On this heartwarming journey, love climbs trees with panda bears, splashes with elephants and swims with dolphins Searching for...The You We Adore.

Ask and you shall receive. That's all I can say about Valerie's generous donation. With out hesitation, she responded , YES! Thank you Valerie for this beautiful book. 

#11.  Bow holder with matching bow, donated by (The also should be packing right now to go meet her daughters) Jenn Abell. Jenn is adopting Olga and Vanessa and is leaving in like a second to go meet them!!! But of course she had time to whip up this gorgeous bow holder first! How do you even make something like this? Amazing!! You know I absolutely adore you Jenn!!!

Close up of pattern

#12. $50.00 Gift Card to Silpada! Donated by Tanya Robinson.

#13. Straight from Africa! This is gorgeous!!  Donated by Becki Little.

#14. Baby Doll. Guaranteed to be super soft and huggable. Donated by Robin E.

#15.  A $50.00 Gift card to Bee's Felt Market! Donated by Heidi Marie. Shop her beautiful Etsy store and stock up on her hand made felt food!! So realistic!!! Children will love playing and learning with her delicious food. Pictured here is a yummy pizza and veggies. You will have the chance to pick whatever you want.  

#16. Adorable Lisa Leonard necklace with "Feed Your Soul Charm. Donated by Lisa Leonard.
 Also comes with a 10% of your next purchase coupon.

#17. Soft, pink acrylic (non-allergenic/easy to hand-wash and lay flat to dry) full/gathered crochet cardigan with three pearly buttons. Size NB-3 months, approx.  Handmade by Heather Brown.

#18. Adorable blue and white print photo frames. Fits 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 photo. Value $20.00

13 for 13 on The 13th..Carina's Hope Giveaway"Anniversary" Special

Friday the thirteenth... and it's my lucky day! Well actually our, meaning Peter and I. You see sixteen years ago today we were married. So thirteen has always been our lucky number. No silly superstitions here. We love it!

Look at that tiny waist!

So in honor of sixteen years of craziness and chaos  I mean love, laughter and fun. I'm offering a special deal in Carina's Giveaway. 


For Today Only there will be a special donation amount. 

$13.00

And for every $13.00 donated you will have 13 entries!! 


So please celebrate our anniversary with us by showing your support to Carina. Maybe today is her birthday!! I pray she can feel the love we have for her. I pray that God allows her to be comforted , somehow even though she is alone. Alone for every special day of her life. And transfer is imminent!!  She will be alone for that too.


She will be taken for that dreaded car ride. Maybe she will feel excitement and hope , only to realize that things just got so much worse. Worse than she could ever have imagined.


We can prevent that from happening. We do have the capability to save Carina from that nightmare. 

Just $13.00...

And remember "sharing is caring" too . If you blog about the giveaway you get two entries and FB one entry. Just let me know! To share on FB you don't even have to leave my blog. I have a FB share gadget in my sidebar. Just click on it! So simple! 

It's all for her. This beautiful child who is suffering needlessly! If you have the ability , please reach out to her today. Be her HOPE! 

And because this child means the world to me. If  over $100.00 is donated today. Now do the math, that is less than 10 people donating $13.00. I will publish a post of pictures of me. I will swallow my fear of the camera and fear of people looking at me and for Carina ONLY I will put myself out here on my blog.
plus Peter thinks it's weird that I refuse to post pictures of myself and it's my blog.  After 16 years of marriage I don't want him to think he married a weirdo! 



 $5.00 donation= 2 entries
 $13.00donation = 13 entries, Today only!! 
 $ 15 donation =  5 entries 

$ 25 donation = 10 entries

$ 50 donation = 20 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

Share on facebook/twitter = 1 entry

Post about Carina's Hope Giveaway on your blog = 2 entries

Please make all donations through Carina's donation box in my sidebar. Leave a comment telling me how many entries you have and what gift items you would like to use them for. All items are numbered. Example: You donated $25.00. You have 10 entries. Your comment should say" I have 10 entries. I want three on number 1, Two on number 5, And five on number 4.  OR  "I want them all on number 6.  

You can divide your entries up however you want.


Don't forget to tell me if you shared anywhere, that is one entry, and posting on your blog will get you two entries.
if you have ANY questions , please don't hesitate to contact me. my email, rarefindings@verizon.net
This giveaway will run until midnight on April 30th.


#1, A Jillian Raye Design. This was made just for Carina's giveaway!  This beautiful necklace and headband were designed by Jillian Raye. She was an absolute delight to work with, and I've been a fan for a while.This necklace and headband are beautifully hand crafted and of high quality. I know this because it is in my possession. It came beautifully wrapped but I had to peek. :)

#2  Newborn hand smocked dress set,  Oh how I wish Emmie could fit in to this!!! Just in time for summer! And there are little panties to go with it!
Just beautiful!!! Donated by Heather Enger Brown, who may just love Carina as much as I do:)

#3. Meet Annie, Book!!!  Meet Annie! She is a special little girl that is just like you, but she has Down syndrome. Join Annie in her engaging story and learn how we accept who we are. Come on in and meet Annie. She can't wait to meet you!  Donated by author  Heather Scharlau- Hollis. Thank you Heather for being so easy to "talk" to, so generous and so kind! 

#4.Set of three hair bows made by the fabulous Beth Cole. Who is adopting Nellie and Katelyn( and should be packing at this very moment to go meet them)  of course what else should she be thinking about but my giveaway when she is leaving to meet her daughters! Love you Beth!!! These bows are gorgeous!!!

#5.Game Night Deluxe Edition!!!! You get them all!!!!Perfect for summer family nights and long car rides!! Also donated by Beth Cole. 

#6. Another beautiful piece made for this giveaway by the multi talented and beautiful Stacy Richard. She has a heart for the orphan that you can see shinning from miles away. She never ceases to amaze me. You can see more of her beautiful pieces here at Jubilee's Jewels.

#7. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, "For Generations we’ve had to put up with harsh chemical smells to get a good clean. Enter Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. A collection of household products with essential oils from flowers and herbs that smell nice, but really pack a punch against daily dirt and grime. Our garden fresh scents include Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil, and Geranium. All earth friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals". 
Donated by Robin E, A dear friend who I could definitely say is a kindred spirit.And always one prayer ahead of me;) Thank you!!


These are for you whether you love to clean or hate to clean. I've researched them and they rock! These are kitchen cleaners and liquid hand soap.

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#8.  Also donated by Robin E, this adorable dress! NWT. Size 4T. The retail price is $25.99 for this tulip skirt dress with hippos from  Flower Bazaar.

#9.  Love this waterfall ruffle dress with scallop embroidery. Size 4T, NWT.  The retail price is $34.95 The line it is from is Cape Cod Cutie. Also from Robin E.

#10. Searching for... The You We Adore, Book. Donated by Valerie Westfall. Children's picture book celebrating a parent's love searching the world for a special child they dream of adopting. On this heartwarming journey, love climbs trees with panda bears, splashes with elephants and swims with dolphins Searching for...The You We Adore.

Ask and you shall receive. That's all I can say about Valerie's generous donation. With out hesitation, she responded , YES! Thank you Valerie for this beautiful book. 

#11.  Bow holder with matching bow, donated by (The also should be packing right now to go meet her daughters) Jenn Abell. Jenn is adopting Olga and Vanessa and is leaving in like a second to go meet them!!! But of course she had time to whip up this gorgeous bow holder first! How do you even make something like this? Amazing!! You know I absolutely adore you Jenn!!!

Close up of pattern

#12. $50.00 Gift Card to Silpada! Donated by Tanya Robinson.

#13. Straight from Africa! This is gorgeous!!  Donated by Becki Little.

#14. Baby Doll. Guaranteed to be super soft and huggable. Donated by Robin E.

#15.  A $50.00 Gift card to Bee's Felt Market! Donated by Heidi Marie. Shop her beautiful Etsy store and stock up on her hand made felt food!! So realistic!!! Children will love playing and learning with her delicious food. Pictured here is a yummy pizza and veggies. You will have the chance to pick whatever you want.  

#16. Adorable Lisa Leonard necklace with "Feed Your Soul Charm. Donated by Lisa Leonard.
 Also comes with a 10% of your next purchase coupon.

#17. Soft, pink acrylic (non-allergenic/easy to hand-wash and lay flat to dry) full/gathered crochet cardigan with three pearly buttons. Size NB-3 months, approx.  Handmade by Heather Brown.

#18. Adorable blue and white print photo frames. Fits 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 photo. Value $20.00