Titus-11 Months

Titus turned eleven months on Christmas Day. I can remember last year thinking I cannot wait for this baby to be here. I however had no idea it would only be 1 month later when I would actually meet my sweet baby boy. (I was thinking it would be more like 2 months)

I hate that I didn't write this when he actually turned 11 months old because its hard to remember the subtle differences between months.

Titus was working on teeth and kept me up most of the two nights we stayed with my parents. His sleep has definitely been more affected by teething than the girls. Although I also figured out I don't think he sleeps near as well when we are not at home.

Christmas Crafts

So, usually around Christmas time I become super crafty. We like to give lots of handmade gifts. This year however, was not my most "crafty" Christmas. We always make something for the "grandmas." Kristina usually does an ornament with her kids. So, when we got together to freezer cook we also took on the "grandma" craft project/ornament. This is what we came up with...

We didn't actually finish this project due to the craziness of 6 kids and cooking so we each finished up on our own.

I have a set of 3 frames in my hallway that are a work in progress. My goal is to display a piece of seasonal artwork for each child. My mom had previously helped the girls make a fall tree and snowmen for winter. This year I decided to tackle making a piece of Christmas artwork. I actually did this with all 3 kids so Titus made his own tree too. Here is the finished product. I thought they turned out great. I am hoping to "catch" Titus up so that his frame will have other seasons as well. My next project is to decide what we want to do for Spring. So far all of the art has involved painting the kids hand/fingers in order to make it. The tree is made of their handprints and the ornaments are their fingerprint.

A New Adventure

Well, our family is beginning a new adventure. This week I officially became an independent consultant for Inspiranza Designs. For over a year I have been trying to find a part-time/work at home "something" to make a bit of extra income for our family. I have looked at a whole array of options! But I found myself drawn to jewelry. For awhile I was looking into making my own jewelry to sell on Etsy. I purchased a $10 downloadable e-book and watched some online tutorials, but just couldn't take the plunge.....

I have always said I will NEVER do the party business, I'm just not a sales person. While I've enjoyed hosting parties I just didn't think I'd ever sale anything. But, this fall I was invited to several home parties with other ladies in our church. I realized how much I looked forward to these "Girls Night Out" events. And then God just surprised me by getting me thinking about jewelry again.

I love jewelry. Over the past six years I have been pregnant or nursing most of the time. And I have learned the benefit of accessorizing! My jewelry always fits & is flattering no matter what my current size. But, I was still a bit uncertain about the sales thing.

This month Jeremy and I are going to a Discover Adoption Seminar. I am literally counting down the days! We actually attended this same seminar six years ago when I was pregnant with Grace. So this dream has been a long time in the making! The Lord has really blessed me with the ability to trust in His provision for our adoption. But, I also knew we would need to do our part. I was itching to do something that could begin our official adoption fund.

With my draw towards jewelry and my new openness to the home party business I decided to do some research on the Internet and see what I came up with. The very first company I found was a Christian company, Inspiranza Designs that sold sterling silver (my favorite) jewelry. And then I saw a tab "Show Hope." I was currently reading Mary Beth Chapman's book and new this was their foundation that helps set waiting orphans into loving homes by giving financial grants to families who are in the process of adoption. Inspiranza Designs donates $2 to Show Hope for every charm sold from their charm bracelet line.

I was interested in possibly selling jewelry to start an adoption fund and discovered a Christian company thats mission is to be "the helper of the orphan" (Psalms 10:14) Wow!

I requested more information and excitedly waited to hear more. I also began researching other companies. Right away someone from Inspiranza Designs called me back and answered all my questions. Leslie was SO helpful and is an adoptive mom herself, who started as a stay at home mom when her kids were young. We hit it off right away. But, i was still feeling a bit indecisive...

So I sent an e-mail to some of my closest girlfriends. Their feedback was split right down the middle between two companies. I had been hoping the responses would be unanimous making for a clear decision. But, God had a better plan. Through a conversation with my close friend Lindsay I realized that Inspiranza was the right choice. She said, "This company really seems to be a good match for you - in mission, especially. You can't put a price tag on that." It helped me to realize this venture wasn't going to be about just selling jewelry. I might have "Come for the jewelry." But I was going to, "Stay for the MISSION & join in shining for Him!" (Inspiranza's tag line!)

Its so exciting to see how God was working in my life when it wasn't even really on my radar. I'm still a little nervous about sales. But, God has given me an intense passion for adoption. Not just for my family, but to also encourage others to be "the helper of the orphan." I know I can share that. And I am stepping out in faith that God will show me with Him all things are possible (including turning me into a sales girl!)

You can check out my new website here. I am currently hosting an online party to launch my new business! Or if a girl's night out sounds like fun to you and you want to join me on this new adventure I am currently booking parties! ;)