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Bits and Pieces and Iris Scarves

So the weirdest thing happened the other day.  My friend Jaime mentioned on the Reece’s Rainbow facebook group that our blog was nominated for an award.  I was on my way out the door but thought, awww, that’s so nice that she noticed that and thought it was cool enough to mention.  Later that day I checked it out and we were indeed nominated for an award by Parents magazine.  Then…I checked out the other blogs nominated, and they were like real blogs, with real followings, and they were saying that they were honored to be nominated and were asking for votes, and I was all, huuuh??  All of a sudden, I felt so surprised.  First I was surprised that people other than my amazing in-laws read here.  (“Mom, you know I put picks of the kids up there?  “What’s it called again, honey?”)

So anyways, it actually is a really nice nomination we received, and although we are still mostly surprised, we also feel a bit honored now that we know a bit more late in the game.  Then, deep down in my heart, I started to feel like, wait–what if?  What if someone who had an open heart saw these two kids, even our sweet Maria, a big kid, who had been passed over for 10 whole years and maybe saw these girls on the verge of aging out and would see them differently. And my surprised turned to happy 🙂

So, here is the link to vote.  We don’t put a whole lot of stock in winning, because, well, we just don’t, and we love all the sweet people who were nominated.
 https://www.facebook.com/parentsmagazine/app_124605674371692?ref=ts
So here’s the link to vote if you like, a week late, but better late than never 🙂  You’re allowed to vote once each day until the 24th of this month.  Don’t feel bad if we don’t win, I’m not kidding, real blogs are nominated. 🙂
***
Maria had her very first play date last week with the sweetest little girls you could imagine.  Andrew and I have been feeling so thankful for these sweet girls.  Tadee is a special little girl who has loved and prayed for Maria since she was in Russia.  Their mama told her girl’s that God had been preparing them to be Maria’s friend all along on all their mission trips to Mexico each year, coming up with games to play and show love that don’t need langauge.  They told Maria she could bring her Josefina with her, and she did.  Maria came home so, so happy and joyful.

This was a big step for Maria who previously wanted to be with mama and papa only.  What special friends who went to great lengths to make her feel loved and comfortable.

Girly heaven!

Tadee even made some friendship bracelets for her, Finley and Elijah.
***
Tonight, while making dinner, I heard Finley ask, “Read me a booky, Maria?” 
“Ok, come here buddy,” she got his blankie, put him in her lap and read him Ten Apples up on Top. At dinner, she helped him eat his whole spinach salad, giving him a high five with each bite, “Good job, buddy!” she smiled and encouraged him.   It’s moments like these I can’t forget the fear we had about adoption when we first started out, how we felt nervous about adopting these sweet little kids.
Thankful isn’t half of it
When Finley got up from his nap after Maria’s play date, she gave him his friendship bracelet, this is them showing them off together.  “Hold still, buddy,” as she tied them on. “My bwac-a-let?” he marveled.
***
Iris Scarves for SALE
In a couple different colors, modeled by a major sweetie, who she and her mama had too much fun on this project.
#1 (sold)
Pink and Purple Infinity Scarf $15 for Iris

Blue and Black (This one took forever and is $25!)

Pink and Black $15

Blue and Teal, and an awesome pose $15

Pink and Yellow, this one would be a good toddler infinity scarf $12
Yellow and Gray $25

Tutti Frutti #2  $20

Sahara, Yellow and Brown $25

We made one more black and teal
This is her Russian smile, hahaha!  We may have had to much fun doing this photo shoot…
For sales, email me: amy@tinygreenelephants.com 
(We already sold one to sweet Josie who goes to her school and said she will pray for Iris each time she wears it :)
We also had so much fun making them.  Maria was nervous, and ready to give up after her first full stitch line with the loud machine and foot push pedal that would go fast, then slow.
“Just try one more time, babe!” I told her.
This time, she got the speed down just right and loved it!
“MAMA! I deeed it!!”
“Go girl!”

 ***
This weekend Iris has reached just over $6,000 in her adoption fund.
She officially has twice as much in her fund as Maria did when we committed to adopt her, in a country that costs almost half 🙂
Sweet Iris, I can’t wait until the day you hear, and later for the day you know, that you are so, so loved.

 
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Comments on this entry are closed.

  • godhasnoproblems February 11, 2013, 7:23 am

    So, so, so cool! All of it!

    Sent you an email about the black/teal scarf (and a bunch of other things so I’ll try not to ramble here!)

    But I really am excited to see how God uses the platform of this nomination He’s allowed you to get to bring even greater awareness to the issue of adoption! Hey, maybe this will even be what He uses to get Iris funded or a family found for her!

    Love all the great stuff God is doing in and through your family!!

  • Sarah Phillips February 11, 2013, 12:50 pm

    I love reading your blog and I hope others will hear about you through the voting process. Those scarves are *almost* as beautiful as the model 🙂 Thank you for being an inspiration to others to change the lives of those around them (or even half way around the world)!

  • Heather February 11, 2013, 2:52 pm

    I just wanted to let you know I would so vote for you…if I had a facebook account 🙁 But since I don’t, I’ll just tell you to your face (well, not literally, but I would if you were in front of me)that you are an amazing soul. I have learned to live life with a more open heart through your example, thanks.

  • Kath February 12, 2013, 1:24 pm

    Hi Amy!
    I love your blog! Something someone else commented the other day resonated with me – I too check obsessively for updates because I know that whatever you are going to say will make my heart swell, ten times. Also, like them I’d say I’m not religious, but this feeling in my heart and seeing what it might be like if I were makes me question my own lack of faith, too.
    As for your blog being nominated for the award, I think you have the winning cobination of frequent updates (I don’t know how you manage to fit it it with all of your other commitments, but I guess it helps with lots of them), and something positive to say. And I think the Californian tourist board should nominate you too – it always looks so idyllic in your photos! Really hoping to get back to California someday!
    Also, loving the scarves, and those modelling poses that Maria is working are hilarious!
    Katherine (from the grey UK) xxx.

  • The Idaho Neumanns February 13, 2013, 6:22 pm

    Have you checked out these reusable pouches? I just found out about them and thought of you and Elijah and Finley. Enjoy! Have a blessed day! http://www.amazon.com/Squooshi-Reusable-Food-Pouch-pack/dp/B00AWJHCDW/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  • Ellenors Mama February 13, 2013, 6:48 pm

    I so enjoy your blog … don’t discount yourself as a blogger ….

    “Don’t feel bad if we don’t win, I’m not kidding, real blogs are nominated.”

    … whether or not you win this contest you ARE a real blogger who makes a real impact on your readers!

  • Rebecca Higgins February 14, 2013, 6:07 pm

    So glad Maria was able to spend time with my cousin’s girls! My aunt (MeMe) told me they had a great time. Thankful too for the exposure your blog is getting to promote adoption awareness and help other children find forever families!

  • Elle Bee February 14, 2013, 10:03 pm

    Hi Amy, I’d like to be part of Team Iris. :o) I just donated $100 to her account. Thank you for your advocacy and heart!
    Love ya!
    Linda Benham

  • Rachael Klopfer February 15, 2013, 3:37 am

    Sent you an email…not sure if you received it. May need to check your spam folder. Thanks for all you do to inspire others!!

  • Kimmie February 15, 2013, 10:41 am

    Voting in Australia!!

    Hugs n luv

    Kimmie
    xxx

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