My crazy wacko day!

I've had so much fun this week reading all the wonderful Poppy Dips. They have been funny, touching, *sniff* and adorable! It's made me focus on James 1... count it all joy when you face testing. We can always find a Poppy Dip in our day.
All day long today... I have pondered on choosing my favorite Poppy Dip: Hubby is out of town, sweet Zoie is sick with sinus infection, bronchitis and cutting 4 molars (I just found that out) Awesome M jumped in and packed himself for 2 weeks at Kanakuk Golf Kamp. I love teenagers! Awesome H played with sissy so I could take him to Mexican food lunch date, but an hour before kamp he learned the hard way to look reallllly good for parked cars behind your vehicle. It was a solid crunch, but thankfully there was no one trying to get in their car. WHEW!! 10 people ran toward us and my teen handled it like a pro... pointing at me "She did it!" Just kidding. He was very grateful the damage was minimal and no cops involved.
Kamp dropoff, no nap Zo = VERY grumpy baby. Pizza delivery. Praying all drama is over for the day! That's why there is no way I can pick just 1 Poppy Dip today.... it was all good and crazy!

Poppy Dip contest ends at midnight:)
Keep writing those "P Dips"

Poppy Dip Contest 6... one more day to WIN!

Share your Poppy Dip day with me.... it's your last chance to win! All you need to do is share one thing that made today extra special. Enter 1x a day. I'll draw a name on Saturday & share the winner via bloggy video in the afternoon when Zoie naps:)

If I draw your name... you win a very special Poppy Dip dress! You pick the fabric available and size...graciously donated by Sallee.

Poppy Dip Contest... Give me your best today:)

It's been a rough morning... poor Zoie is sick. I wanted to hear today one thing that you are so grateful for... a special Poppy Dip. I'm grateful for my kids this morning! They are making their baby sister smile even though she's feeling miserable!

What is your special Poppy Dip, even when things are hard?

Wednesday WOW Recipe... S'more Bars

We loved family camp this year.... adorable Sarah Yocum gave me this yummy creation she made up on her own. She wakes up in the middle of the night and writes recipes that come to her head. I think that's simply amazing! She gave me permission to post her one-of-a-king original S'more Bars. Thanks sister!

The stuff you need:

1 1/2 cups of butter
1 2/3 cup of sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons of vanilla
1 box of graham crackers
1 cup of flour
1 teaspoon salt
8 chocolate bars, dark or milk ch.
3 cups mini marshmallows

Go for it:
Preheat oven to 350.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add eggs and vanilla, stir in crushed graham crackers. Take 1/2 of the mixture and press firmly in the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Add chocolate bars in a single layer on top and cover with mini marshmallows. Add last half of cracker crust and cover marshmallows and press firmly. Bake for 20-24 minuets.

Sarah baked this delighful treat for us on her 24 and we gobbled them up! Keep enjoying your summer & all the yummy things to pig out on:)

Poppy Dip Contest Day 5... enter 1 x a day!

I love reading your "Poppy Dips"... they make my day a little brighter! Keep sharing to win... that's how easy this contest is. Here's Zoie's new Poppy Dip dress.
Sea Beauties.

(click to enlarge)

Pray for AW families tonight... passing court miracles!

GOD IS GOOD... GILLMANS PASSED COURT!

Our dear friends received their referral back in Feb. and are still waiting to bring home their 2 beautiful children. Problems happened that were out of their control, but they have had to wait so long. Tonight in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia they have their official court date and we pray that they pass with flying colors. God won't allow his precious children to stay in Ethiopia a second longer than He has planned! We pray that THIS IS IT!

Here's how you can pray (a note from Kim)
*that the judge is satisfied with all our court documents and how they read, that the Women's ministry MOWA writes the recommendation letter we need, and general favor upon our case.

At some point Wednesday morning our agency will call to let us know how things went. I will post an update on our blog A Blissful Heart

Gillman family we are hoping and dreaming and praying and cheering that you hear the words... you passed!! I have your favorite cupcakes and we can't wait to celebrate God's miracles no matter what!

Poppy Dip Contest Day 4... enter 1 x a day!

My poppy dip today.... all 3 kiddos are sleeping in late:)
Who's going to win an adorable Poppy Dip dress?

One more thing to add... I bumped smack into an AWAA family today at the Landing! It was so great to meet Michelle Witaker and her adorable kiddos. What a special surprise:)

Mr. Ipod Touch's NEW family!

Mr. iPod Touch's new family.... was so awesome to send us pics! You might recognize new mom... Sallee (she's Poppy Dip mom too:) What an incredible family. They are living examples of the gift of adoption and love and fun! I think Mr. Touch is feeling right at home now!

If you are interested in bringing home his niece, Lulu iPod Touch... take a peek at my BF's blog and Raffle Contest. She is joining the Haiti mission trip and needs our help!

Mr. Ipod Touch we love you.

It's A Poppy Dip Day 3... enter 1 x a day!

I can't wait to read all your "Poppy Dips" today!! Bloggy friends, you are my Poppy Dip blessing!! OK... even though it's my contest, I had to share my Poppy Dip today was getting a "happy" in the mail from Mr. Ipod Touch's new mom, Sallee!!! Zoie's new dress... Little Mermaid is soooooo adorable!!!

Miss Lulu iPod Touch RAFFLE.... my friend's mission trip contest!

My friend Julie (Juju) Neal is going to Haiti with me on our incredible mission trip with JRA!!!!! Join in on the fun and buy your "virtual" raffle tickets on her blog for the next 10 days to win Miss Lulu iPod Touch!!! Just click here.... RAFFLE!

It's A Poppy Dip Day 2... enter 1 x a day!

Poppy Dip Day 2... leave your comment to win a dress!!
Check out the new Christmas fabrics!

NEW CONTEST... ENTER 1 x a day!!

I'm a huge fan of the cutest dresses on the bloggy block... Poppy Dip!! If you have a girl, these dresses will make even the cloudiest day brighter! Poppy Dip mom, Sallee is adopting again from Ethiopia and sewing these adorable creations for their fundraiser at the very affordable price of $25... tons of fabrics to choose from!

You can win an original dress right here at Simply Love. Every day you can enter to win! Here's what you have to do...

"The name It's Poppy Dip means "everything is good''... it's an expression that our 2 year old (from Ethiopia!!) loves to say when he's happy and it's good!!" Sallee

Here's how the contest works: I want to know what makes your day a Poppy Dip day. Leave me a comment and share one Poppy Dip "everything is good" thing about your day. You may enter 1 time every day for a chance to win!! The more comments you leave the greater your chances will be. I will randomly choose a name on Saturday, Aug. 1st. You choose the fabric and Sallee sews the prize. We'll announce the winner via bloggy video.

Grab your high heels.... On your mark, get set go!

FRIDAY FUN FOTOS

No words. Just pics.

NEW CONTEST.... nitty gritty details!!

I'm thrilled to announce to my bloggy friends a NEW CONTEST starting soon!!! Yep, I'm having withdrawals and came up with a fun contest & a fun prize just for YOU! I'll share the nitty gritty details on Saturday. Stay tuned....the race is on!! One entry per day. You can even wear your high heels:)

Wednesday WOW Recipe.... It's back!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but Wednedsay WOW is back!!! We are down in Siloam Springs, AR visiting our awesome family... fun from the second we come! My very best friend in college married my brother... now we celebrate our passions of China & Ethiopia as sisters. God's plans are so amazing! Erin is a fantastic cook... bakes killer desserts. This is her family's favorite... its so easy & yummy my niece (who's in Ecuador) bakes this with her eyes closed:)

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie

Graham Cracker Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
7 Tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 c sugar

Filling:
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 c peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
1 c powdered sugar
1/2 c milk
1 (9oz) carton non-dairy topping
1/4 c finely chopped roasted peanuts

How to put it all together:
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar. Press into a 10 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes. Cool.
Whip cream cheese until it is soft and fluffy.
Beat in peanut butter and sugar. Slowly add milk, blending thoroughly.
Fold in topping. Pour into cooled crust.
Sprinkle with peanuts. Freeze until firm.

My niece on mission trip in Ecuador!

Tay's journal entry for the day... Ecuador Mission Trip blog!

"We had an exhausting day of travel yesterday and today but we are finally here in Santa Domingo, Ecuador. We arrived in Quito at about 10:00 and by the time we went through customs, got our luggage, and arrived at the hotel it was 12:00. When we were getting of the plane we were all given masks to wear until they collected our health forms. I think we had the masks on for about 100 ft. Customs went very smoothly and we did not lose any luggage. We all slept very well and after breakfast was finished we loaded the bus and headed to Santa Domingo. Thank goodness for Dramamine. The road to Santa Domingo is brutal. Buses here have no problem passing on corners and the curves never end. Fortunately we arrived with no sickness, just a few upset stomachs. This afternoon we settled in and practiced our dramas. Tomorrow we will be going white water rafting. The reason we are doing this first is because the kids in school are having exams this week and we will not be able to be in the schools until next week. Thursday and Friday we will be doing the dramas in parks and at city squares. I could tell by some of the responses at our share time during devotions that our young people are already being impacted by what they have seen. Please continue to pray for us that God will use us in a great way and that he will provide protection for us."

Ecuador Mission Trip 2009
Please pray for my niece!!

MOVING SOON!!!!

I would love to announce that we are moving to a new blog website soon! My little brother bought our new URL & created the website for us... what a gift of love!!!!!!! He's been packing up ALL our things, just like a real move over to the new website. I'm not quite ready for the official launch, but I would love for you to take a peek! You can add our new site to your blog roll (I don't want to lose touch of my favorite bloggy friends) The best part, my genius techy bro will be able to make it possible to come here (if you forget to change your roll) and it will escort you to the new site:) Sooo cool!!! I'll make the official blog switch launch notice soon!!! Here's a SNEEK PEEK... I'll keep updating here & the new site simultaneously.

www.mycrazyadoption.org

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!

We are soooo excited to share Pastor John's sermon "There's No Place Like Home" If you are passionate about adoption, please take the time to listen to this amazing talk on how YOU can help orphans. Every orphan has the same dream.... a mom, a dad, a home!! Take the time to pass this on to anyone considering foster care, domestic, international adoption. You can also find out ways to help connect, serve or donate towards an adoption.
We can ALL DO SOMETHING!!

click & listen....
James River Assembly • Messages

Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed.
(Ps. 10:17-18)

CHERISH KIDS... we can call you!!

What an incredible Sunday.... Cherish Kids Sunday with a powerful message on what we can all do to help orphans! We received 79 cards of families interested in foster, domestic and international adoption. Our team has been calling and emailing all morning... if you have any questions or need support, please email me personally at karigib@gmail.com

I will post the podcast of the sermon as soon as I can!!

ORPHANS. ADOPTION. SIMPLY LOVE.

OPEN YOUR HEARTS. Learn more about foster care in your area, domestic and international adoption. Ask. Seek. Pray. Act!!

Orphan Study Part 4 of 4.

A family to INSIPRE... Lucy Lane!!

This weekend, as we prepare for Orphan Care Sunday... we really want to inspire you to look deeply in your hearts and pray about adoption. A dear bloggy friend, Kristi just traveled to Ethiopia to bring home their baby girl, Lucy Lane. A friend created a beautiful video to celebrate this incredible miracle of Gotcha Day!
One less orphan.
Watch and be inspired to take action!

Powerful video U don't want to miss!

Orphans need a family, a church home, and resources to empower!!
Our BEST is to put children who do not have a mommy or daddy into homes and families... a family is a permanent solution!! It's radical hospitality!! Adoption requires sacrifice!!

Orphan Study part 3 of 4

O.R.P.H.A.N CARE

6 Key Values of O.R.P.H.A.N. Care that Every Person Can Do

O pen your heart to orphans: Understand God’s heart for the orphan. He cares for them and expects us to care as well.

R ecognize your responsibility: Every person can care for a child who is vulnerable or orphaned in practical ways both locally and globally. Become involved in an orphan-care ministry in your church.

P revent children from becoming orphans: Advocate for children. Prevent children from becoming orphans by offering care and treatment of mothers, fathers, and children who are living with HIV.

H elp in practical ways: Offer relief, food, and clothing but don’t stop there. Focus on family-based, church-initiated solutions which are sustainable and wholistic emphasizing education and community development.

A ccept orphans into families: Work toward solutions which allow children to grow in families—not just homes or institutions. Promote adoption and permanency as God’s idea for the health, growth, and healing of a child.

N ever forget the church: The local church via the family is God’s answer for the orphan. Create partnerships with churches worldwide, encouraging the local church to own and direct orphan-care efforts.

S - Submit to God's Word & pray

Gather together with other members of your church to study God's Word and pray about the ways God wants you care for orphans.

Orphan Study part 2 of 4

We can all make a difference!

I'm so blessed to be a part of Cherish Kids... a special program at our church that advocates for foster care, domestic & international adoption. Julie and I will be at James River this Sunday, July 19th at the EXPO booth all 3 services (8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am) The church service will be simply amazing... advocating for ORPHANS!! Please join us if you are in the area and come say hi:)

We had the opportunity to watch Rick and Kay Warren's powerful study on orphans today. I want to share it with you, too. Take the time and watch the video..... it's passionate and crystal clear on our role as followers of Jesus Christ and His commandments to take care of orphans. Here is Rick Warren's orphan website and I will post the 4 part video each day.

Wrap your hearts around this today... There are 3 things YOU CAN DO to help orphans. We are called to obey and simply love.
1. Relieve their hurts.
2. Defend their rights.
3. Provide long-term solutions.... ADOPTION!!
We can all make a difference.

Orphan Study SVCC Part 1 of 4.

Zoie at the beach

(click to enlarge)

Zoie was not a big fan of walking on the sand. She would sit and play with shells, but refused to put her feet down and walk. She curled up her legs and made it crystal clear that sand was yucky. Mommy found it a little difficult to hunt for sea shells holding Zoie.... dipping chubby girl down to search for the perfect shell:) She loved floating in the water with us holding her.
I took these pics at sunset.... people kept walking by and saying hi. I even got to talk adoption to a few passerbys. How amazing to be in such a special place with my girls!

Gramma thank you for the very special "happy" Spending time with my mom & girls in FL was so special!!

Sanibel Fun with my girls

Just the girls having fun! We went to an amazing restaurant with dear friends called the Bubble Room. It was one of a kind. The desserts were scary good. We have found beautiful sea shells, watched a huge alligator swim in its natural habitat...Ding Darling preserve, swam with dolphins (in the wild) and found 2 nine-legged star fish. Every day has been a fun adventure with my girls.

CONGRATS SALLEE COUCH!!!!

Sallee Couch... YOU WON!!!! I'm so happy for Poppy Dip's mom for winning Mr. Ipod Touch!!! You are an amazing bloggy friend!!!
Take a peek at her blog!
Whooohooooo!!! Mr. Ipod will be coming home to you soon!
Congrats and thank you!!!

MR. IPOD TOUCH WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take a peek and see if YOU WON MR. IPOD TOUCH RAFFLE!!!!!!!!!!!

Haiti Mission Trip.... update & miracles!!

71 amazing, generous gifts of love for Haiti mission trip!!
Exceeded what I prayed for....
We did it!!!! I'm so excited to share we raised $2,154 for my Haiti mission trip and overflow to bring important supplies and needs to the Haitian orphanage!!
God is so good and faithful. My bloggy friends are so good and faithful and loving. My heart is overwhelmed by your kindness and support! We're all in this together.

Today at noon we will announce the winner of MR. IPOD TOUCH!!

$200 TO REACH GOAL... raffle open till midnight!!!

I've been praying for a special goal for my Haiti mission trip.... $200 more to go!!!! Raffle open till midnight tonight!!

LAST DAY TO BUY RAFFLE TICKETS!!

Today is the last day to get your raffle tickets!! Mr. IPod Touch's Hillbilly adventures are about to end. He's had a delightful time vacationing in the Ozarks. We can't wait to see who wins!! OK... here's the deal. Ticket booth closes at midnight tonight. I'm going to give it my all to video & post the winner on July 11th. I'm praying Sanibel Island has internet connection:)
My fingers are crossed!! Stay tuned!

Zoie Senait Elise Gibson FINALIZED ADOPTION TODAY!

Zoie, we are so proud of you!! Today is a special day.... you are officially Zoie Senait Elise Gibson!! You are an American citizen!! We love you with all our hearts!

Gibson 5 with judge and lawyers

Zoie and Judge Jim Justice

Zoie and Mr. Eric Farris...my lawyer!

Look at my lawyer's tie.... so cool!

Celebrate!!

Please leave Zoie a special note for today (life book memories:)