Raffle for Ruffles !!!!

                       

Raffle Items Listed Below!!! 
All details at bottom of post.

$5 a ticket! 

Post in comments below how many tickets, and what number you would like your ticket placed in! 

Use the YOUCARING Donate Now button on the front page of our blog to purchase tickets:)

***Share this blog post and let me know for a free raffle ticket of your choice!



Make sure you scroll ALL THE WAY DOWN!! SO MANY AMAZING PRIZES!!!

Jamberry Nail Heater and 7 Wraps! ~ Value $94

Jamberry Nail Heater and 6 Wraps and 1 Mommy & Me Wrap ! ~ Value $ 94

ReDefine Eye Cream ~ Value $60

jodiewebb.myrandf.com

Young Living Essential Oils Home Spa Gift Basket~ Value $ 60

Orangle Essential Oil 15ml bottle, Orange Bath Salts, Orange Sugar Scrub,

Orange Moisturizer, Orange Linen/Room Spray, Cotton Ball Diffusers, Clothespin Diffusers. 

Young Living Independant Distrubutor # 1967419

mandy.mianecki@gmail.com

DoTerra Refreshing Body Scrub, two Lip Balms, Body Sugar Scrub, Wild Orange EO 5ml , Peppermint EO 5ml  and OnGuard EO 5ml.

Value $ 70
www.mydoterra.com/ashleyodell1
Wellness Advocate # 2085961

It Works Gift Basket! ~Value $150 

1 Body Wrap, a Facial, 2 Energy Drinks, a Reusable Hot and Cold Drink Bottle, a Week worth of GREENS on the go, Sample of WOW, Green Chew, and a Bottle of Hair, Skin and Nails. 

skinnywrapsbyshelbie.myitworks.com

03ashton03@gmail.com

6 Jams ~ Value $ 75

hillarybecker.jamberry.com

Parlor Edison Bulb Premium Warmer and two Scentsy wax bars- Christmas Cottage and Winter Cypruss~ Value $ 69

www.katieswaggerty.scentsy.us

Element Songbird Warmer and two Scentsy wax bars- Love you Berry Much and Winter Cypruss~ Value $ 39

www.katieswaggerty.scentsy.us

Amber Ombre Premium Lampshade Warmer and Scentsy Wax- Very Snowy Spruce and Winter Cypruss ~ Value $59

www.katieswaggerty.scentsy.us

Christian Book and DVD Bundle ~ Value $200

Chasing Fireflies Mason Jar Premium Warmer and two Scentsy wax-Perfectly Pomegranate and Winter Cypruss ~ Value $ 49

www.katieswaggerty.scentsy.us

4 ** It Works Ultimate Body Applicator Wraps ~ $ Value $99

crankupyourhealth.itworks.com

jamiejocrank@gmail.com

Thirty -One Gift Bundle ~ Value $ 70

Little Things Canvas Tote, Littles Carry All in Black Links, Hang it Up Key Fob in Black Tweed, Recipe Cards and Mini Candle.

www.mythirtyone.com/heatherricca

heatherkricca@gmail.com
248.915.8934

Thirty-One Large Utility Tote In Pink Cross Pop ~ Value $35 

11.75 in x 21.5in. x 10 in.

www.mythirtyone.com/433243

Karen's Sweet Tooth Emporium Gift Certificate for 1 Dozen Cupcakes OR 2 Dozen Mini Cupcakes OR one 7 in Round cake

kcsmac@aol.com

Find her on Facebook * Karen's Sweet Tooth Emporium

Pampered Chef Gift Bundle ~ Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette, 9 Spices and a Dish Rag ~ Value $55

Wildtree Natural Grapeseed Oil,  California Style Garlic Pepper Blend, Recipe and $25 Gift Certificate! ~ Value $ 47

www.mywildtree.com/shepard

Molly and Maggie Designs Handmade Pea Pod Necklace OR a Handmade Bird Nest Necklace 18" chain. You can choose your bead selection to signify your children or grandchildren.

 ~ Base Value Starts at $ 22

molly_and_maggie@hotmail.com

Haircut and Color, Haircut for a child, a brush and three awesome hair care products!   

Hair By Lisa in South Lyon, MI ~ Value $ 50

lisa832002@sbcglobal.net

Win a FREE Registration for Brighton Girls CROSSFIT ! Value $155

2 Locations Sat/Sun Cross fit Brighton & Venture Church Hartland, MI Tues 

www.TeamGirlsEDGE.com

1 Hour Facial with Brow Wax ~Value $65

emgordon6@yahoo.com

www.facebook.com/estheticianemily

One Make-up Application (Makeover) 

Value $65

emgordon6@yahoo.com

www.facebook.com/estheticianemily

Choose a Family 4 pack of shirts! Two adult shirts of your choice, 2 children's shirts of your choice!

intangibilitees.com

INTANGIBILITEES is an athletic sportswear company founded on the premise of promoting integrity and hard work in sports.

twenty one twigs

CUSTOM-MADE DOOR DECOR

offering this gorgeous wreath! 

Value $30

twentyonetwigs@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/twentyonetwigs

KEEP COLLECTIVE Pendant of your choice and chain of your choice!!

Value $65

Contact Denise Cantrell for your order!

www.keep-collective.com/with/denisecantrell

HUGE THANKS TO ALL THE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE WHO DONATED!!

 Mandy Mianecki, Emily Gordon, Lisa Shenton, Ashley Odell, Lisa McCormick,

 Christy Shepard, Kara Follman, Karen French-Dowell, Jodie Webb, Shelbie Green, 

Jamie Crank, Hillary Becker, Heather Ricca, Molly McIntyre, Dianne Ilkka, 

 Mark Shenton, Denise Cantrell, Krystle Edelson & Carrie Kundinger!!!!

Raffle Q&A

I am so excited to kick off this Raffle! The Raffle prizes that have been donated for this event are awesome! I wish we were eligible to win because I want ALL of them!!! Donations are still coming in so check back for updates! I have had people donate services, handmade items, baked goods, gift certificates, and products they sell!! Thank you so much if you have given something, we are so thankful and know this Raffle will be a huge success!

Entries are $5 a piece. Contact us through the blog, email, Facebook, phone, text, or in person and let us know how many entries you want! Upon purchase tell us which price number or prizes you would like to enter to win. Example: "I would like four tickets. Please enter two tickets in the Prize 1 and 2 tickets in Prize 8." We will put your info on each ticket and enter them into the prize baskets. Payment can be made through the YouCaring Donate Now button on the blog, or in person. The winning tickets will be drawn by my boys and we will contact you via phone or email and post on the blog!! Good luck!!!

Steps to enter the raffle . . . 1. Use the Donate (YouCaring) button on the right side of the blog to make your donation or you can pay me directly in person. 

2. Let me know about your donation by commenting on this post with the number of tickets you bought and what number you want the tickets to go for. Example( Item 1, 5,14,22 and 24.
3. I will put a ticket with your name in that basket of each raffle you enter. 

4. My sons will choose a winner for each prize at the end of the raffle.

5. I will contact you via phone or email if you are the winner and post here!

After you donate, if you share the link to this blog post on your blog or on Facebook, I'll give you an extra entry! Just let me know that you shared the link!

All money raised from this raffle will go towards of financial goal towards our daughters adoption. We are currently working towards the agencies fees.

THANK YOU AND HAVE FUN!!!

Safe Families for Children

If you haven't heard of the incredible ministry of Safe Families for Children, then I'm so glad your reading this! Its a incredible opportunity to help a family in their time of crisis. Its a chance to hopefully step in and support a family who may not have the support system that you have. Its a way to prevent another child from ending up in the foster care system. The whole family can serve God together. There are many opportunities to be involved.

 Over the last year we had the incredible opportunity to love on 4 children in our home. 3 through placements and one through respite.  Each time was a incredible way to be the hands and feet of Christ to children and their Moms.

It is not a easy task, but it is a highly rewarding one! And whoever said the right thing was easy? It taught my entire family spiritual truths we could have never learned and most importantly we were able to help a few families who desperately needed it!

We cherish the memories we made with each little one we were able to welcome into our home!

The process has allowed to to clearly hear from God about how to move forward with the adoption process as well. When we began praying we were unsure if what age we felt led to adopt or what method whether it be through foster care, international or domestic infant.

God uses so many situations to speak to us and lead us down the path path that He has laid out before us!

The goal of Safe Families is always reunification with the child's parents or parent, it is not adoption. During the time of us serving this way, we knew God was speaking clearly about us expanding our family permanently through adoption. We are taking a long break from hosting and hoping to fill the role of  Coach and supporting the Host Families since I can put myself in their shoes and imagine more easily what their needs may be.
There are so many amazing ways to be involved, big and small!! Check out the list below, as well as the website for further information!

Opportunities to Serve

The Safe Families movement is only successful when entire communities come together to support both volunteer and biological families. Volunteers are needed at every level to help provide for the needs of our children. Volunteer opportunities in your area may include: 

Host Families
Volunteer families willing to open their homes to children in crises and provide a safe and loving home and family atmosphere for them on a temporary basis. 

Providing Resources
Most children come to Safe Families with very few supplies and possessions and Host Families are not reimbursed for any expenses they incur. Therefore the donation of children's items including (but not limited to): diapers, formula, cribs, car seats, strollers, and clothing are essential. 

Professional Services
A comprehensive network of professionals willing to provide services on a donated or discounted rate for the support of children in crisis and/or volunteer families. Doctors, dentists, hair-care professionals, handymen and house cleaners are just a few examples.

Respite Care
Volunteers willing to provide temporary (less than 1 day) care of children to allow volunteer families to run errands, shop, or simply get a break. 

Support Groups
Groups of individuals providing prayer, encouragement, and support to volunteer and biological families. Examples include play groups, coffee talks, burger night, etc. 

Mentors 
Mature Christians serving in a mentoring role to connect with biological families; assisting with and addressing the circumstances that led to their crisis. 

Case Coaches
Volunteers who facilitate the relationship between the biological and volunteer Safe Family during a placement. Their primary focus is ensuring the well-being of the child(ren) while coordinating communications between the various agencies, Host Family, and the biological family. 




http://www.safe-families.org/

Family Photo Shoot for our Family Profile Book

My precious friend Ashley Odell took our family photos so that we had current ones for our family profile book that will be shown to prospective birth parents. Here are a few of my favorites!

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CATCHING THESE PRICELESS MEMORIES ASHLEY!!

 

Setting up her room:)

We have had a extra room in the house set up for our Safe Families kiddos that have come to stay with us. When we were approaching the season we are in now( rapidly moving forward with our adoption) we decided to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and begin to put up all the little treasures I have been collecting over the last years as I have thought and dreamed of our daughter. It is a mixture of things I had as child, items purchased from others adoptions auctions, won in giveaways, salvation army finds and items that cause my faith to rise when I walk in her room. It is a place that I go and steal a few minutes away to pray for her and her family. I have found some incredible Etsy Shoppe owners who are incredibly talented and precious! I have bought a few items this past year that God spoke encouragement to me when I saw them! I always love Strawberry Shortcake growing up, I hope she does too! Its been great because it's 30 years since the original Strawberry Shortcake came out. They have released a Classic Rag doll and a Original Doll to commemorate her. My mom hooked me up and got these for Baby Girl!

FreshPickedGrace - Pom Pon Banner and Faith cards

www.etsy.com/shop/FreshPickedGrace

Homestudy is Complete!!

The Home study took months to gather all the things we needed. Everyone in the family had to have a extensive physical, have multiple visits with our social worker and expose our lives and history! It is FINISHED! Big milestone out of the way!! YIPPEE!! It arrived in the mail on October 28, 2015! We are now officially adoption ready:)

Adoption Puzzle Fundraiser

We are so excited about the PUZZLE FUNDRAISER! The symbolism is just so beautiful! This is how it works:

1. We bought a 1,000 piece puzzle that will fit perfectly into her bedroom decor!

2. Individuals can "sponsor" a piece of the puzzle by making a donation toward the adoption. As each sponsor donates, their name is written on the back of a puzzle piece.

3. In the end it will serve as the most precious visual reminder to our daughter and us for the rest of our lives who was a piece of her puzzle bringing her home to us!

4. When all the pieces have been sponsored we will put it together with the boys and have it framed with glass on both sides and hang it in her bedroom. She can look at the back and see the name of everyone who donated and was a huge part of making it possible to be part of our forever family!

5. We are selling each piece for $20 dollars. You can choose to buy 1,2,3 or 10! There is no limit!

6. If you do not want to donate online you can email me at mrsswaggs@gmail.com for our address and send a check in the mail.

7. THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

F & Q's

**THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED**


WHY DOMESTIC ADOPTION?
We are firm believers that there is no wrong way to grow your family through adoption. We hope that through prayer and time God would show us the path for our family and He sure has! We have prayed about each route to adoption. Foster to adopt, International and Domestic. We believe after taking steps down each way that the Lord has made our path clear for us to adopt domestically. We desire to have a semi-open or open adoption. This is made available through domestic adoption. We believe it will be in the best interest of our four children to bond from infancy with their sister.

ARE YOU ADOPTING A NEWBORN?
Yes! The way domestic adoption works is that we will be matched with an expectant mother.
WHAT IS A ‘HOME STUDY’?
A home study is required for every adoption, whether it is an international or a domestic adoption.. W This study is a basic overview of your life – including criminal background checks, your finances and lots of endless questions about your personal relationships, how you parent and discipline. They get all up in your business about every aspect of your life!  It is used by the courts to assess if our home and life is a stable environment for a child. A home study is often the lengthiest step when preparing to adopt. We used Child and Parent Services for our Home Study. They did a fantastic job! We have a wonderful social worker that is conducted all of our interviews and walked us through the Home Study process. She will also be the social worker to come to our home after we have brought baby home!

WHAT AGENCY ARE YOU USING?
We are taking a unique route to domestic adoption. Instead of using one agency we are using a consultant agency, Christian Adoption Consultants. They work with quality agencies all over the US. We will have greater exposure to expectant mother’s by working with multiple agencies, instead of just one. We hope that this allows our wait to be on the shorter side.  Our  baby could be born anywhere in the US.



IS THERE A RISK?
The biggest “risk” is a failed placement. A failed placement means that we could be matched with an expectant mother, meaning she chose us, and we are getting to know her as she prepares for delivery, but then after delivery (or even before that) she decided to parent the baby. Although we know this would be very difficult, we know that these type of things happen, and we also know that we will support that mother’s decision. If there is a failed placement, we would go back to being a “waiting family”.
WHEN WILL THE BABY BE HOME?
Well it is really hard to know the answer.  The typical wait from “waiting family” is 6-12 months.  Once our family profile book is done and sent to the agencies we will be a “waiting family”. When you are a waiting family, you are presented potential “situations”. These “situations” show us information about the expectant mother, information about their medical history, her birth expenses, agency fees, how far along she is, what state they are in, etc. At that point, we can decide to present our adoption profile to them (an adoption profile is a book that you make all about you that tells the expectant mother what you a like. It’s like your personal letter to her). If we decided to present our profile, the expectant mother will have a few profile books to look through and she will then pick who she wants parent her baby. This process is very unknown. We could match with an expectant mom right away or it could take a while. We are trusting that this will all happen in God’s perfect timing!