Only 3 Days Left!!!

That's right... only 3 days left to enter in your chance at winning one of the great prizes listed on this page. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this page to view all of the FUN items you could win! (You can learn how to earn entries by scrolling down to the "Welcome" post.)

But for even MORE chances to win... you can earn 3 bonus entries each by posting about this on your blog and/or spreading the word on your Facebook and linking them back to this sight...even if you've posted before. Leave a comment on this post to let me know when you do! :)

We are in the 'crunch time' and will be leaving in less than 2 weeks, so every effort to help us spread the word about our fundraiser is GREATLY appreciated! Thanks again to everyone who has already reached out to help in so many ways... words cannot adequately express the gratitude we feel towards EACH of you for helping us on our journey!

Have a blessed weekend! :)

More goodies!!! :)

The generous doners are still coming forward! Thank you to EACH of you for your contributions. We have just one week to go til the end of our fundraiser, so please help spread the word if you haven't already. You can link to us from your blog or even FB! ;)

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The following gifts are being donated by my Aunt Laurie. She and my Uncle Sherwin have the most loving and giving hearts. It is because of their prompting and encouragement, that we first began looking into special needs adoption. They will always be a special part of our journey to Khloe!

Home Interiors Plush Decorative Snowmen

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And something for the BOYS!! :)

Home Interiors Transportation Construction Plaques

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This beautiful beaded watch was hand-crafted by my dear friend Molly, who just brought her son Evan home from China. If you look closely, you will notice the red wire she used to represent the "red thread" to China. (Read the poem below the photos if you have not heard of the "Red Thread" before.) This is a beautiful time piece that will surely compliment any wardrobe and would make a great gift!

The latest 'additions'...

Here are the most recent contributions given by some more of my very talented blogger friends. I'm beginning to wish I could win from my own raffle!! ;) If you are just coming by for the first time, please scroll down a ways to the "Welcome" post to learn how you can be eligible to win!

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This prize is hand-crafted by a fellow adoptive mama (Sharon!) who is currently raising funds to bring their daughter Shaylee home. Click on the button below to check out their online auction.

The Rainbow Roll

is a great way to get your child's art supplies organized and ready to travel.

All the colors in the rainbow fit in this handy little roll. It holds 16 regular crayons, twistable crayons, or pipsqueak markers (skinny ones). This little roll is very compact and will fit in your purse, a small backpack, or your coat pocket. It is made from 100% cotton fabric and features 16 individual pockets for crayons or markers. When rolled up, it is secured with a covered button stretchable band- very easy to manage (crayons and markers not included). This is another perfect gift for any child on your list.

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And this incredible prize collection was made by my very talented friend, Kelly of Girly Girl Bowtique. Kelly designs and hand makes all of her beautiful creations. I am a HUGE fan and already have MANY of her bows and hair accessories for Khloe.

Kelly has a very strong heart for the orphans and has sent several of her hair accessories to the girls who reside at New Day Foster Home. These pictures were taken just as the kids were about to go outside and play after a fresh rainfall late last summer. Khloe is sporting some of Kelly's pretty ribbon flower clippies.

Please click on the button below to visit Kelly's Bowtique. You will be impressed by the amazing designs and quality of her work! Kelly also sends 100% of her profits from the sale of her embroidered adoption bows directly to New Day!

This is what the lucky winner will receive!...

Three feet of girly goodness! A pink and pink swiss dot bow holder fully stocked with 20 alligator pinch clip bows. The pink layered double ruffle bow at the top not only adorns the bow holder, but is ready to wear. Everyday basics, fun patterns, a ribbon sculpture ladybug, bumble bee and pretty pink carnation, a lavender poof... there's a little bit of everything any girl needs to add to or begin her bow collection!

And we can't forget mom. Just in time for spring and summer wear is this trendy pink and green floral print fabric covered headband and matching wristlet key fob.

(Total Prize Retail Value ~ Over $100)

Another prize!!

Only a few days into this, and the support keeps pouring in... THANK YOU to everyone! The fundraiser ends on Sunday, May 2nd...and just 2 weeks from today, I will be drawing the lucky winners. Please continue to help spread the work on your blogs and FB... everybit helps and we are SO grateful for the generous support of family, friends and complete strangers. It's wonderful to see so many amazing and giving people coming together to help bring our daughter home. We feel blessed beyond measure by each of you!!

( * scroll down to our "Welcome" post for details on how you can get involved and possibly win one of these great prizes!! )

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This prize comes to you courtesy of my beautiful stepsister, Jenna! Her bags are becoming more and more recognized by purse lovers and bag collectors all around and even caught the eye of a complete stranger in the Mall of America who asked if it was a "Jenna Lou" original... and indeed it was! The lucky winner of this prize will enjoy her popular Amy Tote in Pop Daisy print... the perfect colors for summer!! Visit Jenna's Etsy store by clicking on her button below... you will LOVE what you see!!

Description:
With lots of room for all you everyday necessities Amy can go from office to market to park with ease. Pretty pleats along the front and back give Amy all the confidence to strut her stuff.

Amy would also make the perfect project bag for knitting on the go. Stash a few skeins, your needles, and a book.

Inside you will find a zippered pocket for keys, wallet, library card and other small take-alongs. A magnetic closure keeps everything inside. Like all Jenna Lou bags, Amy is fully lined. The body of the bag is made of high quality designer fabric.

Measurements:
10" tall
16" wide
3" gusset in bottom
Handles have a 10" drop

More Prizes Added!! :)

...and more chances for everyone to win!! Just scroll down to my previous "Welcome" post to learn how!


Let me start by thanking each and EVERY one of you who have stopped by our blog, offering your prayers and support. Whether you have donated to our Chip-In fund to help bring Khloe home, or you have contributed to the prize list, or maybe you helped spread the word by blogging about it or mentioning it on your FB page...whatever you have done, THANK YOU! I can't even begin to tell you how touched we are by all of the amazing people who have stopped by to offer their support in one way or another. Many of you have only 'met' us for the first time when you linked over from another blog or sight. We are so humbled by the generosity of complete strangers and touched to the core that you have reached out to help us bring our daughter home. You are forever linked to our journey, as you are now part of Khloe's story. We pray that God richly blesses each and every one of you in abundance for the kindness you have shown, and that He multiplies your gifts back unto you in return! Thank you ALL!!! :o)

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This next prize comes in the form of a gift certificate to the Etsy store of a very talented woman who makes the most amazing stationery sets, notepads, calling cards, gift tags, cupcake toppers, stickers and more! And the best part is, they are all personalized to your taste and can be monogrammed with your initials or name. Melissa's designs make the perfect gift! And she is not just donating one gift certificate... but TWO lucky winners will enjoy picking out $25.00 in merchandise of their choice, customized to their liking!!

Melissa is not only a dear and special friend, but she is also one of Khloe's sponsors at New Day! We are so grateful for all the love she has shown our daughter, and so glad that we have had the privilege of getting to know her and her beautiful family through her blog!

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These next two prize groupings were generously donated by someone that just came across our blog the other day. I am so touched that she is willing to help our cause... I love her Etsy store and have added her shop to my favorites!

The first prize is a Ty brand Hello Kitty toy and matching Hello Kitty hair clippies!! What little girl wouldn't just LOVE to have these in her collection!?! :o)

The next grouping is a set of 2 coordinating Panda Bear clippies and the winner's CHOICE of ANY ruffled "Sox" that Lynda makes in her Etsy store. Just stop by and tell her which ones you choose! (*note: the 'sox' in the photo below are just examples of ones you could choose from...but there are many more in a variety of styles and sizes in her store!!)

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And yet another group of prizes from someone I have only recently met! What a blessing all of you are in our lives...thank you!!

Ashley generously donated the next three prizes! She is such a sweet person with a big heart. Please stop by her blog to say hello... and while you are there, say a prayer for her family, as her mother is not doing well. She has been battling Multiple Myeloma for more than a decade, and has decided not to go forth with any further treatments. I know this is a difficult time for their family, so please stop by to offer your prayers and support.

~American Girl Doll Elizabeth's HolidayGown Set~

($32 value!)

Elizabeth is ready to dance in this outfit, featuring:
*A gown printed with flowers and trimmed in satin ribbon, piping, and lace
*A sweet faux petticoat that peeks out from the pleated skirt
*A ribbon headband, braided choker, and slippers

Ashley has also offered to make a beautiful personalized banner for TWO lucky winners! There are many styles and designs to choose from, and they can be personalized for almost any occasion.

Each winner will recieve one personalized banner. They can choose: "Happy Birthday xxx", "Welcome xxx" or "Congratulations xxx". Font, paper and ribbon samples will be discussed so that the banners are completely customized to the winners needs (as long as she can find the paper to match, Ashley can pretty much make anything to your liking!) Banner pieces are approximately 3 to 4 inch circles and they will be tied together using ribbon, string or twine (depending on the desired "look" of the banner). Winners will receive their banners in approximately 1-2 weeks after all final selections have been made.

(*below are some examples of her creations!!)

Welcome to Our Adoption Fundraiser!

Welcome to our Adoption Fundraiser

and thank you for stopping by!

(* Please grab our button on the sidebar.)

I know this is very "last minute" so-to-speak, but we are really in need of YOUR support to help us bring our daughter home. We are excited to announce that we received our TA (travel approval) on Wednesday, April 14th, and will likely be leaving for China the second week in May. As many of you know, adoption is a very expensive journey, both domestically and internationally. We thought we would have these expenses covered on our own, but like so many others, job cutbacks and the current economy have affected our finances and we have come up short. Quite short in fact. Up until this point, we have covered every adoption related expense from our own pockets. But unfortunately the funds have run dry and we still have a good chunk to come up with before we can travel to bring our precious Khloe home.

Some of you have followed us from the beginning of our journey. Others are newer acquaintances or stopping in for your first visit. However you may have found us, I would like to think it is not by accident that you are here today. Thank you SO much for taking the time to learn about our family and the precious little girl who will soon be joining us!

Khloe Mei, as we have named her, will be coming home soon. She just turned two back in Feb. and we are beyond excited to meet her in person! Khloe resides at New Day Foster Home near Beijing where she is thriving and growing into a fun little toddler. She arrived there at barely 3mos. old, in dyer need of their top-notch love and care. Khloe was born with a condition called bladder exstrophy, where her bladder was literally exposed on the outside of her body. Because of her more serious need, not even the larger city hospitals were equipped to handle her case. At just over 8mos. old, Khloe traveled with her caregivers to Hong Kong to undergo various tests and meet with specialists to prepare for the extensive surgery. On Sept. 20th, 2008, she underwent her long and complicated surgery, and it was clear she was not alone...God was there with her! She experienced great 'miracles' that are now part of her testimony, and ours. You see, I was part of the emergency prayer team and had the privilege of praying for this sweet baby girl, long before I knew she would one day be our daughter! (I will share "our story" on our family blog sometime in the not-to-distant future; I promise!! ...It is a neat one, with God's fingerprints all over it!) Khloe is now a flourishing toddler and our family is beyond ready to have her home!

This is where you come in. After much prayer and with the support and encouragement of family and fellow bloggy friends, we have put together this fundraiser to help with our remaining adoption expenses. We have all of our in-country and travel costs yet to raise. If need be, we can use our credit cards to cover the airline and hotel expenses, but everything else has to be in cash. I could not bring myself to ask for the entire amount, so it is the most needed 'cash' amount that we are hoping to raise here. This will cover everything from our required orphanage donation (over $5k alone) to the notary fees, guide fees, Khloe's mandatory health exam and immunizations, VISA fees, cab and tourism costs, food and various other expenses not specifically noted. The truth is, I'm not sure I fully understand all of the expenses yet... I just know the ballpark minimum figure that we must pay forward. Unfortunately, we were not able to get any grants or adoption loans like some families; either due to the time constraint, income caps and/or an over-abundance of applicants. With Khloe's special need, we thought we would qualify for some help, but so far we have hit only dead-ends. And believe me, I have spent many days and countless hours scouring the Internet and exhausting every resource I could find. So with all pride aside, we are humbly asking for your help.

We know that financially not everyone is in a position to donate, and we completely understand. Your prayers and support are priceless to us, as well. We KNOW the power of prayer and wouldn't be this far in our journey without it! The Bible says in James 1:27 that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless..." is to take care of the widows and the orphans. We know that not everyone is called to adopt. But everyone is called to do something. And sometimes that means the financial support of others, and/or sponsoring an oprhan (which you can do HERE) or missions. Whatever that may be for you, is between you and God. But for our family, that has been all of the above; and most recently, our call to adopt. We have always counted it a blessing to give to others, and now we are stepping out in faith and praying for those blessings in return. Whether through prayer, finances or both...thank you so much for your support and we pray that God richly blesses each of you in return!

"And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, In as much as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me."

(~ Matthew 25:40)

Now onto the prizes!!...

As you can see by the photos in the previous post (see below) we have had a handful of wonderful people offer to contribute prizes to our fundraiser... and we gratefully welcome anyone else who would still like to contribute. If you know of someone with a special talent for creating things, who has an online store or Etsy shop, or simply has a nice prize they'd like to donate, please direct them my way!! The more the merrier, as it will provide more chances for SEVERAL different people to win! EVERYONE is eligible to enter, whether you are able to donate to our funds or not. "How?" you may be wondering?! Well, I'm so glad you asked; there are MANY ways you can gain entries to win!!.....

• Receive an entry simply for commenting on this post.

• Receive (5) entries for your suggested donation of $10 or more through our Chip In box on our sidebar. (There is no minumum required)
  
• Receive (5) additional bonus entries for any donation over $25.
  
  
  
• Receive (2) entries for posting about our fundraiser on YOUR blog and linking it back to this blog.
  
  
  
• Receive (2) entries for grabbing our fundraiser button (sidebar!) and posting it on your blog where I can see it! (*leave a comment to let me know where I can find it.)
  
  
  
• Receive an entry for posting about our fundraiser on FB and linking it back to this blog.
  
  
  
• Receive an entry for becoming a 'follower' of this blog.
  
  
• Receive an entry for becoming a 'follower' of our family blog.
  
  

*You do not have to leave separate comments for each entry. Just tell me which ones and how many total you qualify for in your comment, and that will be fine! :) Thanks!!

Please note that the Chip-In box is completely safe to use and the donations will come through your PayPal account (which can be set up to come direct from your bank account or your credit/debit card.) I personally have used PayPal for nearly a decade now, and had no security issues whatsoever. If you do not already have a PayPal account and are uncomfortable using one, you are welcome to send your donations direct via the postal mail and you will still be entered in the drawings for the prizes. Feel free to email me directly if you wish to mail your donation and I will send you the address. You can also send me an email me if you do not wish to publicly comment on this blog, or do not have a profile set up for commenting. I want to respect everyone's right to privacy.... and I love hearing from all of you!

Thank You SO MUCH for your support and prayers...they mean the world to us!

"Everytime I think of you, I give thanks to my God!"

(~Phillipians 1:3)

*NOTE: See the post below for the current listing of prizes. Remember...EVERYONE is eligible to win, so join in on the fun!! :)

List of Prizes!!! :o)

Here is the current list of prizes that YOU are eligible to win!! (See details of how to enter in the post above.) I will update with new prizes as they are added. I already know of a few more donations that are coming in and will post them soon.

If you or anyone else you know of might be interested in contributing a prize to our fundraiser, please have them contact me. (*see email address on sidebar.) Every donation is greatly appreciated. Thank you to EVERYONE who has already contributed...you are the best and I pray that God richly blesses each and every one of you for your generousity! We have just over 2 weeks to raise our funds, and I appreciate all of your giving hearts!! Because of what God is doing through all of you, we have HOPE!!!

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These next few prizes were donated by my very talented friend Valerie. She is such a 'giver' with a big heart for the oprhans. Valerie is also the creator of our fundraiser blogger button on my sidebar. Thanks Valerie!!

"Cross My Heart" -- Quilted Table Runner
By "Ruffled Feathers" (aka: Valerie Almquist)

Based on the traditional "Blackford's Beauty" pattern, I designed this table runner with the children who have crossed my heart during the past year in mind, especially those with heart conditions. Jewel-toned squares of oriental floral fabric accent the corner blocks in a diagonal fashion, drawing the eye toward the aqua toned star in the center of the piece. The heart of the quilted piece however is the cross design found in the chocolate colored fabric that also has notes of gold and aqua dancing through its fabric's print. The center of each cross anchors the colors in a strong striped pattern of chocolate, gold, aqua, and avocado. The table runner has 3 blocks that have subtle variations in the jewel-tone colors in the smaller squares. The neutral tone on tone floral pattern in off-white looks fabulous on a wood table!

Size is 16.5" x 44.5"
Hand pieced, machine quilted

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3 Children's Books Bundle:
• Daisy Comes Home by Jan Brett
• Forever Fingerprints by Sherrie Eldridge
• A Max Lucado Children's Treasury

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Lil' Twirl Umbrella Twirl Skirt
by "Ruffled Feathers" (aka: Valerie Almquist)
Size 2T/3T

Light-weight twirl skirt perfect for your lil' twirler this summer or paired over leggings/tights for cooler weather or for more tomboyish adventures!

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This next grouping is a fun "package" generously donated by sister Kami, who happens to be a Pampered Chef consultant. Included is everything you need to create a beautiful and tasty dessert for that next gathering or special occasion!

• Trifle Bowl (very versatile!)
• "Simply Sweet" cookbook (just released!)
• Sweet Apple Sprinkles
• Lemon Sprinkles

Beaded Serving Set

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The following 2 prizes were given by my sweet friend, Amy. Amy is a mom of FOUR beautiful blessings! They are also in the midst of their adoption process to bring home their second adopted daughter Madelyn from China. We can't wait to see her in their arms!!

"Armor of God" Teddy Bear

Eph 6:10-17 (NIV) ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

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"Vera Bradley" bag/purse (also donated by Amy)

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This bundle of CD's was donated by one of my favorite radio hosts, Dawn Madsen. Dawn is the music director at Spirit 92.9 out of St.Cloud,MN. She and her twin sister, Diana co-host the morning show there. If you are in our area, I urge you to tune in. Or simply visit their website and listen live... You WILL be blessed!

*The CD's will be given to individual winners, rather than in a bundle.

• Toby Mac ~ "Tonight"
• Casting Crowns ~ "Until the Whole World Hears"
• Kutless ~ "It Is Well"
• Third Day ~ "Revelation"
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The following group of prizes are donated by a special blog friend of mine: Holly. Holly and her family have such a love for the orphans. If you visit her blog, you will clearly see her passion to help bring these precious children home. She is also the creator of Purpose Driven Beading, founded to help raise funds for their own adoption of their sweet Elaina.

These hand beaded serving pieces were inspired by the colors found in nature and is appropriately named "Mother Nature". Both serving spoon and serving fork are approximately 9 inches long and are perfect for serving up potato salad, macaroni and cheese, veggies, meats and more! Perfect as a gift (Mother's Day!) or to use for yourself.

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This set is called "Marina" and includes a 9 inch serving spoon and 3 piece cocktail servers. Perfect for a gift or for your own serving needs.

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Introducing the new Children of the World line! This flatware is one of a kind and we will NOT make another set like it!

This is the very FIRST "Children of the World" plate set and how appropriate that it will be used to help raise funds to bring a very special little girl from across the world home to her forever family!


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These beautiful note cards were created by my dear friend Daleea, who is gifted with an array of creative talents. Daleea makes everything from children's clothing and hats, to bracelets, dolls and note cards. She is using her talents to raise money for their adoption to bring their sweet Isabella home.

Your NOTE CARD SET will include:
10 Note Cards
blank with a small IzzyBella girl
on the inside bottom right corner
5.47" x 4.21"
10 Envelopes
10 Picture Insert Cards - has the coordinating
IzzyBella Sweeting
on the front and the information
about her on the back.
measures 5.47" x 4.21"
(suitable for framing)
10 coordinating Envelope Seals
*Each set has been professionally printed. They are bundled with a decorative ribbon and sealed in a cellophane bag.