Twas the day before the Iron Bowl

Twas the day before the Iron Bowl,

Brian was acting funny.

He knew that Alabama fans had donated more adoption money.

So, I in my hoodie and Brian with his cap,

had just settled in for a post-Thanksgiving nap.

But, in Alabama there arose such a chatter.

We turned on the computer to see what was the matter.

There was smack-talk and boasting and teasing galore.

About which team was better and whose team would score.

When what to my grateful eyes should appear?

but a notification of a donation HERE.

Play on Yeldon and Norwood, Mosley and Depriest,

On Prosch, Davis and Louis of the conference South East.

Whether Foster v. Parkey 

or Saben v. Malzahn,

"Roll Tide" will shout the Florida girls.

"War Eagle" will cheer John!

Till half-time tomorrow to vote for your team.

If Alabama wins, Brian's ears will blow steam…

While it's clearly our preference she wear orange and blue;

the ultimate decision will be up to you.  

Your dollar donations won't change the game's score,

each contribution will make our hearts soar!

I'll hear Brian exclaiming, "WAR EAGLE" all night!

Happy Iron Bowl to all and to all a good fight!

Final Push: Adoption Auction Fundraiser

I was contacted not too long ago by a friend from college.  She shared a link to a family having an auction on Facebook to raise money for their adoption.  What a terrific idea!  So, I contacted my creative community near and far and the response has been INCREDIBLE!  I am so blessed to be supported by so many artists.  This is going to be super fun.  I wanted to give you a heads up on what is going to up for bids. 

• 3 Book Birdhouses [Madeline, Frog and Toad, Cat in the Hat]
• 2 Line-a-day note card journals
• 5 Tie-dyed [Auburn] t-shirts
• 1 crocheted apple hat
• 1 crocheted pumpkin hat 
• 2 crocheted Auburn hats [one boy/one girl]
• 2 crocheted Alabama hats [one boy/one girl]
• Winter wreath
• 4 hand dyed indigo napkins
• 2 bunting banners
• 10 pairs of button earrings
• one of a kind painting
• 3 handmade mason jar hanging lights
• 2 Very Hungry Caterpillar Tote bags with books and toys
• Ballerina doll
• Mosaic wooden wall hanging
• 2 lbs of fudge
• doll quilts
• paper crane mobile
• pottery
• handcrafted hot pads
• bracelet/earring set
• spinning bowtie
• stationary
• Christmas dish towels

My heart is overflowing with gratitude!  Please, spread the word!  I'll be posting a picture of each item on the Auction Event Page.  The auction will be open Sunday, December 1 [1pm] - Tuesday, December 3 [12 noon].  To bid, you simply comment on the photo.  Highest bid at noon wins!  I'll contact you and get your address and your prize will be sent to your door!  You can pay with PayPal, at our Adopt Together page or by check.  All items should arrive by Christmas! 

Adoption Questions

Thank you all of your encouragement and support!  It means the world to us.  We are feeling so many things right now.  I love your questions.  I wanted to address a few of them here.

Are you working with an adoption agency?
Yes.  We chose Bethany Christian Services because we know several families personally who worked with them and had a great experience.  They have been very supportive and helpful.  They're a nation wide agency that has been around a long time.  They are a great fit for us.

How long have you been in this process?
Almost exactly one year ago we had our initial interview to make sure we weren't crazy people.  Somehow we made it through :O)  

How did the expectant parents choose you?
When expectant parents contact Bethany [Christian Services], they begin counseling with a social worker.  Then, they make a list of preferences for an adoptive family.  It really could be anything: married couple, with or without children, college educated, pets... Their worker takes what she knows about the situation [i.e. medical history, gender of the baby, ethnicity...] and compares their preferences with waiting families.  She pulls all the profiles that match.  Then, she gives all the profile books to the expectant parents and asks them to identify a family.

What was your book like?
We created this profile book.  Take a look!  We used a company called Artifact Uprising and we LOVED working with them!  The final product came out so well!  

Are you planning an open adoption?
Yes.  Open adoption is when the biological and adoptive families have access to varying degrees of each other's personal information and have an option of contact.  We are really excited to build a relationship with the expectant parents and their families.  This will include letters, pictures and visits.

Did you request a girl?
Nope.  We didn't specify gender.


Have you met the family?
Yes!  We met the expectant mother and her mom last Friday.  They are wonderful!  We had the best visit with them--just getting to know them and asking questions... it was hard not to stare at her beautiful face and belly.  I really wanted to bring her flowers and cupcakes; but we're not allowed to exchange any gifts at all.  I suppose cupcakes for a pregnant women would be coercion...

What was the meeting like?
We met at the Bethany office.  We got there first [okay, we were a hour early--a little excited].  We met with our social worker, who we love!  Talked about questions we should and shouldn't ask that day...  They arrived and spoke with their social worker for a while.  Then, they came in to the conference room where we were.  It was such a moment.  I'll never forget it.  Surreal.  We introduced ourselves, sat and talked.  Our social worker helped prompt a few questions to begin with.  We ended up talking for over an hour.  We left sharing hugs all around.  We met with our social worker for a bit afterward-- then, floated home on a cloud.  It went really really well.  I just love them already. 

What now?
Now, we wait.  We wait for her to be born.  She's due at the end of this month!!!

Will you bring her home from the hospital?
Unfortunately, no.  In the state of Maryland, birth parents have 30 days before they can terminate their parental rights.  Basically, if we took her home and they chose to parent, we'd have 24 hours to give her back.  We feel like an "at risk" placement [straight from the hospital] is not the right choice for our family..

Where will she go?
Bethany has families whose whole job is to care for these tiny babies during the risk period.  They are called interim care families.  We will get to visit with the baby once a week for one hour... her biological parents will also have the option to visit her too.  

How can we pray for you?
Pray for protection over this sweet baby and her mother.  Pray that God would strength them both: mind, body and soul.  Pray that we can rest to God's will and trust that He will provide for all we need to welcome this baby into our home.

We're happy to answer any other question you might have.  We are so thankful for you sharing our Adopt Together.  Any encouraging words you want to send our way are always appreciated. 

Thank you for everything!
Kristen

p.s. The current standing of our Iron Bowl Fundraiser : AUBURN- $750 alabama- $950... There's still time!!!  War Eagle!

We got the call.

We are thrilled to announce that we have been identified as the family for a baby due at the end of this month!  It's a GIRL!!!  Are hearts are so full of gratitude to God for orchestrating this match, to her first family for choosing us and to you for supporting us on this adoption journey.

Nothing is set in stone.  Her parents can change their minds in the coming weeks.  After she is born, there is a 30 day waiting period when they can choose to parent.  So, she will be looked after by a foster family from our agency until the risk period is over.  After that 30 days, we'll bring her home!

Please pray for us.  At the time of placement, near the end of December, our placement fee is due.  This is a large hurdle for us to overcome; but we believe God will provide.  Pray that we can have patience as we prepare our hearts and home for this little girl.  Please lift her biological family up as they make these difficult decisions in the days to come!

Thank you for all your love and support!
Kristen

T-shirts for sale!

We tried our hands at tie-dye for the boy's birthday party.  This is what I came up with.  War Eagle!  All sale proceeds go toward Auburn in our Iron Bowl Fundraiser.  Shirts are $20 [this includes shipping]. 

#1: Small

#2: 2XL

#3: Small

#4: Medium

#5: Small

 

 

 

 

Shoot me an e-mail with the number you're interested in.  [kristen.christy@gmail.com] I am also open for private orders.  I'll even do Alabama colors!  Maybe.

Thanks everyone!  Please share with others you think might be interested.
Kristen

The Table

I am one of six children.  Yes, six.  When I was young, my dad set aside Saturdays to do something special with us one on one.  I'm not sure how he chose the activities; but I have a vivid memory that on our day we built a birdhouse together.  We've been doing projects ever since... Here's the latest.  The table.

We made a table.  We made a memory too.

Sacrifice

We are exhausting every possible way to raise money for our adoption.  This was my contribution this week:

 I sold my hair.  Louisa May Alcott would be proud... 17 inches = $300.  Probably more than Jo got.

BEFORE

AFTER

Reversible Fall/Auburn Wreath

I love wreaths.  I just do.  I also love fall.  This year I want to make something a little different.  Especially in light of our Iron Bowl fundraiser [contribute to your team HERE] I wanted to have a wreath for Autumn AND a special wreath for game days.  So, I got to thinking... why not make a reversible wreath?  You can make one too!

You will need:

• clothes pins
• a chip board wreath form
• scrap book paper
• glue
• ribbon
• a small sign [optional]
• letter stickers

 

Smear some glue...

 

Glue your pins to your scrap book paper. 

 

 Once your pins have dried, cut them out.  Repeat with paper for the reverse side.

Create your sign to hang in the middle.

Tie on your ribbon.

Clip those beautiful pins to the chip board wreath.

Your reversible wreath is done!!!

Monday.

Tuesday.

Wednesday.

Thursday.

Friday.

Sunday.

SATURDAY.

Auburn vs. Alabama

We're kicking off a big football fundraiser today.  Auburn vs. Alabama.  Here we go.  It's football season!!!  Rally the troops.  Rehearse your battle cries!  Lets see which team can raise the most money for our adoption.  Winner gets the joy of seeing our new little one decked out in your teams gear!!!  Who will win it all???

Here's how it works: contributions can be made at our Adopt Together Profile.  Specify which team you're rooting for in the comment line.  We will also count donations made in person or by mail.  We'll keep you posted on the progress!  [As it stands today: Auburn: $500 Alabama: $800] The winning team will be announced during half-time of the actual Iron Bowl. 

Which team will win???

[My Auburn loving husband is really nervous...]

Adoption: Did you know?

Sometimes, it's not about what you know... it's about who you know.  

Did you know that most adoption matches are made independently?  i.e. outside of agencies?  Maybe your mother-in law's youth pastor's daughter's best friend finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and wants to make an adoption plan...  and somebody remembers seeing some facebook/twitter/ e-mail prayer request update about us and makes a connection.  Isn't that wonderful?!?  In light of this, we're getting the word out there.  Would you help us?  This is our web profile: http://waitingfamilies.bethany.org/home/maryland/brian-and-kristen.  People all over the country can look at this and identify us to parent their baby.  It went live today.

A new wave of waiting has washed over us.  Day by day.  Moving forward.  Making strides to welcome this little one home.  Lots of fundraisers, preparations and hope on the horizon.


Thank you for walking this path with us.
We are so grateful.

Kristen

Adoption Update

We're waiting.  Patiently.  Every day I think, "This could be the day."  My eyes will check the clock around 5pm and realize--the adoption agency office is closed, today is not the day.  Maybe tomorrow.  I'm constantly wondering about all the things I don't know...  What I do know is that my love for this tiny one is growing every day.  I am filled with hope and anticipation [which some days crosses the thin line into anxiety].  But, we are trusting in God's timing.  And in the meantime, we are continuing to gather resources.  So, when we do get that call, we'll be ready.

We have set up a profile with Adopt Together.  We have a link to our profile over on the side here -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
where you can make a tax deductible contribution to our adoption efforts.  Truly, we want to use this resource for ease and efficiency for folks to pay for adoption fundraisers.  For instance, we are planning a 5K in the Fall [details to come] and we're happy to have this profile for you to pay your registration.  Great, right?  I'm excited and thankful.

So, here's the fundraising update.

YARD SALES: 

• August 24th
• September 7th [Bake Sale too]

We need:

• Donations: clothes, toys, books, furniture, household items... 
• Volunteers: 
• Pre-sale: sorting, pricing, organizing
• Sale day: set up, tear down

• Bake Sale donations for September 7th 

***We are more than happy to pick up any donations!***

CLOTHES SWAP: [TBD]

• Donations: clothes, accessories [scarves, purses, jewelry], shoes

This was such a fun, successful venture in the Spring, we're going to do it again!  Hopefully, even more people will participate and find some new things for the Fall and Winter.

IRON BOWL BATTLE: [Name still in the works]

• Attention sports fans!!!  Starting August 31st we are kicking off College Football season with a battle royale! [please start reading this in a movie trailer guy voice]  A competition as fierce and cut throat as the Iron Bowl itself! Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide[s, Tiders...Tidesmen?] Elephants... An adoption fundraiser like non-other.  Which team will win it ALL?!?
• Okay... seriously, starting August 31st, we're starting a Auburn vs. Alabama competition to see which team's fans can raise the most money on our Adopt Together profile [just specify which team in a comment].  We will also tally contributions made in person or by mail.  We'll give updates periodically and announce the winning team during the Iron Bowl half-time.  We will dress the baby in an outfit of the "winning team".  Any questions?  Tell your family and friends!

We have been and continue to be totally overwhelmed and grateful for your support.
Thank you.

Kristen       

Smith Island Cake

Yesterday, we had a going away party for our dear friend, Robyn.  We asked folks to bring a Maryland themed contribution for a pot luck meal.  We had delicious food: crab dip and soup, Oriole's hot dogs and popcorn, Berger cookies, Smith Island Cake and more.  It was delicious.

I wanted to share my Smith Island Cake recipe with you.
 

A Smith Island Cake is made up 8-15 layers of yellow cake filled with fudge and Reeses and iced with chocolate butter cream frosting.  It is a really special cake. 

• Grind about half a bag of peanut butter cups finely.  Chill until ready to use.

CAKE: [I had to double this portion of the recipe to get 12 layers and a dozen cupcakes.  The amount below produced 9 layers.]

• Pre-heat oven to 350°.
• Line four 8" round cake pans with parchment paper.
• Mix: 
• yellow cake mix 
• 1 1⁄2 cups evaporated milk
• 1 stick of butter 
• 1 teaspoonvanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
•  4 eggs 
• 1⁄3 cup water

• Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 10–12 minutes. 
• Spread one cup of batter into each cake pan.  
• Bake 10 minutes.
• Set aside to let cool slightly, then loosen cake layers with a knife and invert onto cooling racks. 
• Wash and dry cake pans. Reline with fresh parchment.
• Repeat process a second time.  Then, a third for 12 layers.

FILLING:

•  Combine ingredients in a pot and boil for 4 minutes:
• 12 ounces semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
• 3 sticks of butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 15 ounces evaporated milk
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

FROSTING:

• Combine:
• 2 sticks of softened butter
• 6-8 cups of powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup of cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons of milk 
• a pinch of salt

Assembly...

Place the first layer on your cake plate.  Spread the cake with about 1⁄4 cup of filling; sprinkle with about 1 Tablespoon ground peanut butter cups. Top with another cake layer and repeat process to make 12 layers in all. Frost outside of cake with chocolate butter cream. Let sit for 2–3 hours before serving. The cake can be stored for up to a week refrigerated in an airtight container.

Because our friend is moving across the country.  I thought it would be fitting to decorate the cake with a US map.  I print an outline map in the size I wanted, carefully cut it out, laid in on the cake weighing it down on the edges by patting it with damp fingers.  Then I sifted powdered sugar over the top and carefully lifted it.  Easy process.  Big impact.

We'll miss you Robyn!

The Cake

For seven years on this day I have made a special cake for the man I love.  Today is his birthday.  He likes what he likes and what he LOVES is peanut butter and chocolate.  So, each year that is my special task: to create a Reeses's cake.  This year I asked for some input.  The birthday boy said he wanted: "A cookie cake, an ice cream cookie cake! A Reese's ice cream cookie cake cake... with brownie!"  I accepted the challenge and this is what I came up with.  I had a happy helper:

 I started with a Reese's peanut butter cup chocolate chip cookie base.  I pressed about half of the batter into the bottom of a  lightly greased 9 inch spring form pan.  

Yum!

 Baked at 350 for about 20 minutes.  Just until it was a little brown around the edges.  I let it cool for a while and then put it in the freezer.

While that was cooling I made brownies.  I put less than half the batter in a 9 inch cake pan and baked them for a little less than the package directions.

While the cookie and brownie layers were chilling.  I made hot fudge.

It was easy!  And decadent... it froze beautifully.  If I can give any tip for making ice cream cake: include this some how!

Now to assemble:

 I let my ice cream sit out for about half an hour.  It made a good soft texture for spreading on top of the  frozen cookie layer.

First, the peanut butter cup ice cream.

Next, I added the brownie and half of the hot fudge.

Finally, the cookie dough ice cream, the rest of the hot fudge and a a bunch of peanut butter cups.  Back to the freezer...

TA-DAH!!!

It was a success!  It was a time consuming process; but totally worth it!  The birthday boy was pleased.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hong Kong

I am a country mouse at heart.  I love to travel; but city life moves with a rhythm that I'm not sure I'll ever get used to.  Two of our very best friends grew up in the great booming city of Hong Kong.  I've heard so many stories about this place.  I was stuck somewhere between worrying this city wouldn't live up to expectations and feeling totally unsure what to expect at all.  In reality, it was 100% the second.  This country mouse could not have imagined what Hong Kong is actually like... New York City x 20.  It was fun.  It was hot!  It was unlike any place I've ever visited.  We had a blast.
 We bought passes to a tour bus.  We saw so much:

CITY

MOUNTAINS

THE BEACH

Not to mention shopping and food...

Night market

Dim Sum

We learned a lot about this beautiful, busy, crowded, bustling, extreme, rich, wonderful city in the short three days we were there.  It was truly an adventure.