cute...

As most of you know (and if you don't, sorry, now you do), Dan and I, and our GREAT friends the Savage's are going to Uganda in September with Childrens HopeChest. I am trying to prepare the kids as much as possible for the fact that we are going to be gone for 10 days, etc etc. So, needless to say, we talk about Africa and Uganda ALL the time. Eli and Ava can even find it on the globe.

So, yesterday we were just talking and Eli said (no idea what or what brought it up) "Mommy, I don't want to have another baby in our family." Me: "Ok, Eli. But, how would you feel about adopting a baby from Uganda. One that doesn't have a mommy or daddy and needs love and a home." Eli ponders this for a while. Ava, meanwhile, says: "OH YES Mommy!!! I want to do that!! Will you PLEASE bring me one home with you???" :) Is she a girl after my own heart or what??? If only it were that easy, Sweetheart.

Feed The Forgotten

For $0.14, you can feed someone in Uganda a meal of posho and beans. (posho is cornmeal, which is filling and beans are protein). There is an urgent need there. People--adults and children, are starving to death EVERY DAY. Take in for a moment. . .

$0.14 a meal

$2.86 for 20 days

$1 per FAMILY

$20 feed a family for 20 days.

I spent $11 on lunch yesterday. How much did you spend? How much is your grocery budget every week, every month?

Join Children's HopeChest to FEED THE FORGOTTEN!!! (CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW) (note: please write FEED THE FORGOTTEN in the notes section)

Look at this face and search your soul...these kids are starving to death.

Will you help? Even with paypal fees (2-3%) even $1 will feed 6 people! You CAN make a difference.

Spread the word, blog about it, facebook it, twitter it, ask your church or school or business to give, post the blog badge anything. Truly, we are begging you. . .on behalf of these children not to forget this post. Stop, pray, act.
GIVE TO FEED THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN!!!!!

(note: please write FEED THE FORGOTTEN in the notes section when you give)

"Scared"

Author Tom Davis  has a novel, "Scared-A Novel on the Edge of the World" coming out in 10 DAYS!  He wrote "Red Letters", a book which rocked my world and changed my life.  This is his first novel, about the AIDS pandemic in Swaziland and one mans journey. Visit Tom's page for information regarding preordering, reviews of the book and more. Or, visit the official "Scared" page.

  

I know she loves pink, but come on!!

Here is a photo of Ava on her first birthday...with pink eye...






Here is a photo of Ava, days before her third birthday...with pink eye...

While we are comparing, I cannot get over her hair! It was brown, and so short a mere two years ago.  Now it is so long and blonde!! Ava Girl is such a joy in our lives.  Happy Birthday Honey!!

**I realize it is hard to tell, but her right eye(left looking at it) is super swollen and red...poor baby!!**

Changes....

As you can see, I've added some "badges" to my blog (the Childrens Hope Chest, AHOPE, and Red Letters badges on the right side of the page).  I have been going through a major (I hope) life and soul change.  Through reading "Red Letters", and "The Hole in Our Gospel", my eyes have been opened to the daily atrocities that happen in our world, and I've been FORCED TO PAY ATTENTION.  "The Hole..." isn't a blasphemous book, contrary to some reactions elicited by Christians I know.  I would sincerely, from my the bottom of my soul, encourage you to read both of these books.  AND DO SOMETHING.  It only takes one person to start a revolution.  (And, if nothing else the proceeds of Red Letters feeds an orphan for a month, and those of "The Hole..." go to World Vision {it is written by their CEO, Richard Stearns}. )  But I warn you, prepare to have your world rocked.  America ISN'T all their is.  We have to get out of that mindset.  And make a difference.  

Zoo Trip

Last week, we had the pleasure of having our good friend Lily (or Wiwy Wou, as Ava calls her) play for the day while her Mommy and Daddy took a much needed vacation.  I didn't want to be at home with four kids five and under ALL day, so we went to the zoo.  Yes, I do realize thats a WEE bit crazy.  All in all we had a great time.  

Friday 5-The Great Outdoors (hehe)

Friday 5 for April 17: The Great Outdoors

1. When did you last sleep in a tent? Honestly CANNOT remember.  I mean seriously. I just don't camp.  It was definitely before I got married.  So, more than 6 years ago.
2. What comes to mind when you think about relieving yourself in the great outdoors? Eww. Or, the memory of last week when Ava had to go and we were at Gold Top (our local ice cream place, that doesn't have a bathroom) and so I went behind the cars and pulled her pants down and told her to squat and let er rip.  Thank god we all could laugh, because a 2 year old girl cannot successfully do such a thing.  
3. Where’s the best place you ever went camping?  Hands down, Lake Leelanau Michigan.  It was primitive camping (which was hidden from me until I told them "I'm going to go shower" and they pointed to the lake).  It was gorgeous.  A very fond memory.
4. What’s your favorite camp food?  S'mores.  And, hotdogs (which, if you know me, you know I don't really like, but there is something about one over a fire).
5. What's your sleeping bag like?  N/A. The boys have really cute blue and yellow ones though! :)

This topic just made me laugh.  I'm appreciating nature more and more everyday, but am by no means a "camper"... Now, it's your turn!!