An Ocean Sized Love

Stop and Shop Raffle

2011-12-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

We have a beautiful home full of beautiful things made by and for very beautiful people:-) Please come by and shop our Stop and Shop! 4202 West Watrous Ave. Tampa 33629 (minutes from Westshore Mall). We are here from 1-5 today.

Can't come? Want to contribute to the 6 adoptive families and 2 missions families?

You can!

We have a raffle with so many wonderful items. You are able to buy tickets online- $1 per ticket.

All of these lovely items can be yours! Plus, all proceeds go to help us fundraising families to adopt or finance missions.

Items include:

Love tee size S
Bow holder
Sparrow ornament
Premier Jewelry bracelet
Premier Jewelry jewelry roll up
At Home America- candle and pillar
Stained glass ornament
Banana bread
Cheese board, knife and cocktail napkins
Tote with note cards, recipe cards, pencils and clip board
Leather belt with beaded buckle
Uganda beaded necklace

Simply click the link to donate, $1 per ticket.

Quick Update

2011-11-21T05:51:00.000-08:00

We are now on the waiting list for HoA. We have almost all of our documents in for our homestudy (waiting on a few referrence letters and our fingerprinting) to complete our homestudy.
Because we have no idea when our match will be, we are pushing forward to make some of the funds that we will need to pay once we have a match. Please join us for our Stop and Shop, December 10th. I have some awesome items to sell. If you would like more information comment with your e-mail and I will send you the information. You can also support us by giving a holiday gift of coffee, just click the button on the sidebar to go right to the shop. This coffee is amazing and it makes a great, quick, easy gift that everyone appreciates! We also have a Thirty-One party going now.
We thank you for your prayers, positive thoughts and encouragements as we enter the waiting phase.

Many blessings this holiday week! May you and yours find many new things to be thankful for!
Love,
Sarah

Holiday Stop and Shop

2011-11-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

You are invited to "Stop and Shop" at our Holiday Market. This event is helping at least 6 families to raise funds for adoption and missions.

Where: 4202 West Watrous Ave. Tampa, 33629

When: Saturday, December 10th. 1-5 p.m.

Items that will be available for your shopping pleasure:

Jewelry

Ethiopian Framed Photo Art

... Tee Shirts

Unique Items from Africa

Hair Flowers

Ornaments

Boutique Clothing

Tutu's

Bow Holders

Hairbows

Key Fobs

Camara Strap Covers

Edibles

Sugar Scrubs

Doll Diapers

Appliqued items

Stockings

-WithCherriesOnTop

-A Little Bit Of Pink

-Mary Kay

-At Home America

-Thirty One

And more!

Come, shop, eat some yummy cookies, sip some cidar and support adoption and missions this holiday season. Get your christmas list completed in one stop!

Hope to see you there!

Families that you will be supporting:

The Shubin Family ( with Lifebridge Church Missions )- http://www.blogger.com/goog_224053179

The Sobkowiak Family- http://zzpetals.blogspot.com/

The Carlson Family: http://alittlebitofpink.wordpress.com/

The Viera Family: http://anoceansizedlove.blogspot.com/

The Mills Family: http://learningtorejoice.blogspot.com/

The Shreeve FamilySee More

Wild Olive Tee's +Thirty One= Fundraising for our adoption

2011-11-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love companies that have a heart for adoption! Wild Olive Tee's is supporting adoption by helping fundraising families through the sale of their beautiful tee's. Here are a few of my favorites:

Fear Not

Rooted

Chosen

A percent of every tee purchased will go towards our adoption fund. To make a purchase please enter our family code: VIERA0805 at checkout in the coupon code box. If you don't enter the code you will still be supporting a great company but it won't contribute towards our adoption fund:-)

You can also support our adoption by shopping Thirty One! My favorite blogger Erica is helping us out with this one. Get your teacher gift (they LOVE the lunch bags), your family gifts, a gift or two for you (wink) and support adoption too! I will try to close this out about November 15th to get every one's orders in plenty of time for Christmas gifts. Feel free to pass along the link to friends that love Thirty One!

Our homestudy paperwork is going in by Friday and our application is going with it. We will be preparing our adoption profile for the agency and getting ready to wait for a match. We have raised almost $1900 with the help of friends and family. We thank you all so much for your support. We truly need it! Adoption is a costly endeavor. Worth every struggle, penny and moment of work though.

Still an ocean sized love, just not an ocean sized distance.

2011-10-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

If you ask any adoptive parent if their adoption journey was easy I am sure that their answer would be some variation of "no". Adoption is not easy. Adoption is not even close to easy.
We knew this going in this time around, of course. We knew that adopting internationally would prove to be an even bigger challenge than domestic adoption.
If you have followed my blog for a while you would know that coming to the decision to adopt from China was a very difficult choice. We started out wanting to adopt through the Foster/Adopt system. Then we considered China. Then we considered domestic African/Bi-racial adoption. There is a need for parents for all of those types of situations. We ended up deciding on China for a number of reasons, one of them being that a friend of ours started working for CCAI and I share her passion for orphans. I felt good about working with her to find our son.
We applied, were approved and started the process. We filled out some paper work. Fundraised. Waited. School began and what started out as an exciting adventure became a heart struggle. There were circumstances that made us re-think our plan to adopt from China.
I will not get into the intimate details of our choice to switch back to domestic. There were new challenges that we faced shortly after our journey to China began. Challenges that cleared our path, helped us to see what the right choice was with more clarity than before.
Many families are called to adopt in many different ways and I truly believe that no child is more deserving than the next. A journey to China would have been amazing, I'm sure. Perhaps someday we will make the journey. Right now though, we know that our son is a bit closer to home.
We are now trying to determine what agency/attorney to work with. We have our home-study update packet and plan on beginning the process right away. We will continue to fundraise and will continue to covet the prayers and support of our friends, old and new.
Our hope is to provide a loving home to a child who needs one, and gain a son, a child that we (our whole family) want so badly. If you know of any agencies/attorneys or resources for domestic adoption we would love for you to pass the information along.

Thanks-Sarah

Just a bit busy

2011-09-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

People have been so sweet and encouraging in regards to our fundraising and our adoption in general! I wish I had more updates for you all! I have been in over my head as usual with back to school. I am working on getting all of the auction winners their items and trying to figure out how much more we need to get to our goal for our first agency fee : $3500.
As soon as I have some time I will be working more on our paper work and setting up the next fundraiser. My lovely sister has made some amazing jewelry for us to sell and it should all be up soon!
I will give a better update soon!
Thanks so much for all of your support and care!
-Sarah

Giveaway Winner!

2011-09-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Jennifer Chase! You are our winner. I will contact you later today with details on how to claim your prizes!

Thanks to everyone who donated and helped to spread the word!

- Sarah

Thank you and all of the winners!

2011-09-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to all of you who participated in our auction and giveaway! We could not have done this without the many wonderful donations and our awesome friends who bid and helped to spread the word.

Below is a list of all of the auction items and the winning bidder. If you would like to make a check payment please comment and let me know so I can get you our address. Otherwise you can just click on the donate Paypal button and donate the winning bid. For custom items I will be e-mailing you with details and contact information to help you get your item(s).

Uganda Necklace- ~~Kristin Lemus. Winning bid: $10.~~
Dinner Done $25 gift certificate- Amber Gonzales. Winning bid: $15
Where You Live Tee- ~~Adoption Mission: Possible. Winning bid $21~~
King Sheet Set- Darbi. Winning bid: $40
Queen Sheet Set- Elizabeth Sobkowiak. Winning bid $30
Ethiopian Cross Pendent- ~~Jessica Ann. Winning bid $6~~
Fish Purse- Tara. Winning bid $15
Caiti Belle Dress- ~~Tera Tichy. Winning bid $100~~
Two Dozen Cupcakes by Amber- ~~Dawn G. Winning bid:$18~~
Darcy's Botanicals- ~~Kiersten. Winning bid $35~~
Daisy Girls Doll- ~~Tracy Hanson. Winning bid $25~~
Chartrouse Hair Flower- ~~Cydnee. Winning bid $5~~
Red Fabric Flower - ~~Cydnee. Winning bid $4~~
Pink Hairflower- ~~Kristin Lemus. Winning bid $4~~
Flower with feather- Jenn Wright. Winning bid $10
"M" pony-0- ~~Cydnee. Winning bid $2~~
"E" pony-o- ~~Cydnee. Winning bid $1~~
"L" pony-o- Franny Tough. Winning bid $1
"K" Pony-o- ~~Kiersten. Winning bid $2~~
"E" Pony-o ~~Adoption Mission: Possible. Winning bid $5~~
"M" Pony-o- ~~Cydnee. Winning bid $1~~
African Safari- ~~Jen chase. Winning bid $25~~
Snowman Pillowcase Dress- Krisin VdB. Winning bid $10
All Tangled Up- ~~RB. Winning bid $10~~
All Tangled Up Jewelry-~~Jessica Ann. Winning bid $8~~
Cherry Blossom Hat- Stacy. Winning bid $10
Cherry Blossom Hat- ~~Lisa. Winning bid $8~~
Purple Flower Earings- Deborah. Winning bid $7
Ethiopian Art by Canvas Heart- ~~Toni Lee. Winning bid $50~~
Bieber Necklace- ~~Raquel Blair. Winning bid $4~~
Mickey Mouse Necklace- ~~Cydnee. Winning bid $4~~
Red Thread Bracelet- ~~Tera Cox. Winning bid $5~~
House Rules- Christy. Winning bid $125
Two Prince Bakery Cookies. Franny. Winning bid $8
Mommy's The Lucky One- ~~Adoption Mission: Impossible. Winning bid $30~~
Dark Cycle Octopus Tee- ~~Jonathan. Winning bid $50~~
Dark Cycle Dino Tee. ~~Sherry. Winning bid $20~~
Meeting Momma Print. ~~Adoption Mission: Possible. Winning bid $10~~
Plush Owl. Amber Gonzales. Winning bid $20
Adoption is the new Pregnant Tee.. ~~Tera Cox. Winning bid $10~~
Adoption is the new Pregnant. ~~Jen Chase. Winning bid $10~~
Jars of Pie. Franny. Winning bid $12

Update: If there is a line through your name that means I have record of your donation. I am shipping items out today for those of you who bid on items in my possession. I have also contacted the donors for winning bids that are being shipped from donors. If you have any questions about your items, or making a donation please e-mail me at sarahviera@yahoo.com and I will do my best to get back with you within a day. Thank you!-Sarah

Paper Beaded Necklace from Uganda {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

2011-08-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Paper Beaded Necklace from Uganda {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

Single long strand paper beaded necklace made by loving hands in Uganda. This necklace is versatile and so pretty! Wear it long, or double it up!

Minimum bid: $10

Dinner Done $25 gift certificate (Includes pick up meals!!!) Great Gift Idea

2011-08-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

$25 Gift Certificate for Dinner Done (Carrollwood, Florida)

This gift certificate includes pick up meals! What a fantastic gift this would make for a new mom, dad, sick family member or friend! Hate to cook? Love to cook but have no time? Bring your gift certificate in to Dinner Done and leave with a fresh, delicious and ready for the oven meal!

Minimum bid: $15

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"Love", "Where you live should not determine if you live" Tee Size Small {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

2011-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

"Love", "Where you live should not determine if you live" Tee Size Small {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

My pictures do not do this tee justice. It is a very high quality fitted tee size small with a powerful message supporting adoption and Africa. I have a tee that I bought while Erica was fundraising to bring her daughter home from Ethiopia and I LOVE my tee. It's the best fabric and comfortable fit.

Minimum bid: $15

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Egyptian Cotton King Sized Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

2011-08-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

This beautiful set of King size sheets are made of 1200 thread count Egyptian Cotton. Softer with each wash, you will love the feel of these sheets. The color is Gold and will coordinate easily with many color themes. Set includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases. Fits pillow top mattresses. Donated by Lori's Linens - www.lorislinens.com

Minimum Bid: $25

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Egyptian Cotton Queen Sized Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

2011-08-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

This beautiful set of Queen size sheets are made of 1200 thread count Egyptian Cotton. Softer with each wash, you will love the feel of these sheets. The color is Bright White and will coordinate easily with just about any decor. Set includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases. Fits pillow top mattresses. Donated by Lori's Linens - www.lorislinens.com

Minimum bid: $25

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A genuine Ethiopian cross pendant {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

2011-08-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

A genuine Ethiopian cross pendant {donated by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

Minimum bid: $5

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How do you know?

2011-08-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

We reciently had to face a choice that I wasn't prepaired to make. How is someone supposed to choose an adoptive child?

Ultimately I believe that God has formed our family. I know that my children were selected perfectly for us. We didn't have to really SEE them and make a choice. We looked at their birthfamily history (medical and otherwise) and considered the legal risks and {obviously} said yes. We've never had to say no. Now of course international adoption doesn't work in quite the same way.

With international adoption you are given a file to consider. Within this file there is limited health and medical information. A bit about the child's development and patterns through out the day. There is a lot that is not included and the medical information is at times either impossible to understand or limited information.

When we were presented with the opportunity to review a file I was in my "momma bear" mode- calling specialists, asking family for advice, looking for local resources to help our son (if he was the one) and doing tons of research about his medical needs. In the end we had to make a choice. I was totally unprepaired for how hard that would be so I asked some of my new BFF's in the Tampa Bay Adoptive Families group on Facebook (if you are local you should totally join, amazing support and some of the best ladies on the universe are on there!). Here is what they had to say:

{"I think this is a pretty sensitive subject. having worked with hundreds of adoptive parents prior to retiring, i can tell you that a great many of them rejected referrels because their expectations were not realistic. having said that, a ...great many of them throw all expectations out the window and accept any referrel given them, even if the child would impact their current family very negatively. I think that if moms and dads listen to their guts, BUT also get realistic counsel, they will be ok when it comes to 'knowing'! :-)" - Patty}

{"In short, when we saw *C*'s picture and file we could not imagine NOT bringing her home. There were a lot of scary unknowns but we knew she was meant to be ours. And in the weeks and months following God provided in miraculous ways and ov...er and over again HE proved to us that we were meant for her and she for us. Next weekend will be 2 months since she was placed in our arms forever and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that she is perfectly made just for us! With *E*, she was just 3 weeks old when she was referred to us (Vietnam, *C* is from China) and when we saw her face is was like there was just something familiar about her. We knew she was ours.it was a perfect match " - Jessica}

{"I have to say for me, with both kiddos, I received the referral and was numb. I think it was my defense mechanism at work. I knew that nothing was for 100% sure until we went to court and they were granted ours. With my ds, I was coming off of 9 yrs of infertility and I did not think anything was real (sounds strange, I know). With my daughter, after we received her referral everyone was so excited for us (it was a long wait for her) and kept saying this over and over and how beautiful she was and how excited they were. I remember just going through the motions and saying, 'oh, yes, we are very excited" but in reality, I was completely numb. I would have to say that in both adoptions, after the judge granted them ours and I burst out crying both times, it was then that I felt they were my kids and that I could breath again and finally realize they were mine. With my son, we were only with him in country for about 6 days, then flew home. When we got home, it was as if I had never been without him. With our daughter, we were in country 30 days (with her) and I never felt "truly" attached to her as my son was here in FL and this child had never even been with a babysitter before let alone without me for 30 days! As soon as we got home and I had my son and daughter together, in the good ole USA, I felt like it was complete and at that point. I know some people fall in love right when the receive their referral, but in all honesty in the 9 yrs that I have been counseling families through the process, I have told them to try not to fall in love with the photo and nothing is a sure thing until it the judge grants the adoption. It is hard to say that, but I have seen families have their hearts broken bc they "knew" that the referral was meant to be theirs, but turns out the child was never meant to be theirs." - adoptive mom}

We ended up having to say no to this particular file. It was hard. Hard on both my husband and I. Adoption is HARD sometimes. So worth it, but not all peaches and cream. I know that having gone through this experience has made an impact. I'm praying that the next file...will be LB (little brother) and we will know that we know that we know. I pray daily for the little boy who was not meant for our family. I pray that his "perfect fit" finds him soon and that he is adored and cared for in the way that he needs. I don't think I will ever forget him.

Have you faced a decision like this? I would love to hear from you! How did you know? How has the choice impacted you and your family? If you would like to guest post about your choice please contact me at sarahviera@yahoo.com or comment below with your contact information.

Sweet blessings to you!- Sarah

Tastefully Simple Variety {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

2011-08-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

Tastefully Simple Items {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

"Tastefully Simple offers "the food you love, the time you deserve!" Convenience driven gourmet food products require less than two additional ingredients for their preparation. Enjoy a savory sauce and some sweet treats!"

Minimum Bid: $12

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Beautiful Handmade Fish Purse {by Jaiyin Designs}

2011-08-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

Fish Purse

Donated by Jiayin Designs, to celebrate good and beautiful news

In China, the fish represents wealth and prosperity; the actual word in Chinese for fish also translates to “abundance”. The carp is noted for its strength and bravery because it swims against the current. And, according to legend, the carp turns into the revered Celestial Dragon when it makes a final leap over the rapids.

Celebrating that symbol, this purse is handmade in Beijing with fabrics from Dali city in Yunnan province. Winning bidder may choose the main color of the bag depending on what is in stock at the auction end.

Minimum Bid: $15

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Caiti Belle Dress with Bloomers {by Red Thread Stitches}

2011-08-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

Caiti Belle Dress with Bloomers {by Red Thread Stitches}

Winner selects size 1 thru 3

Delivery 2-3 weeks

Minimum Bid: $25

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Scrapes & Bruises™ "Proof That He's My Dad" Infant Onsie {by Made in The World™}

2011-08-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Scrapes & Bruises™ "Proof That He's My Dad" Infant Onsie {by Made in The World™}

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeinTheWorldEIRIC?ref=pr_shop_more

Website: http://madeintheworld.everythingiric.com/

Sizes available:

3-6

6-12

12-18

18-24

Minimum Bid: 9

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The Gift Certificate Giveaway

2011-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

In addition to our wonderful auction items you can also enter to win a giveaway of some amazing gift certificates donated by friends of our adoption. To enter the giveaway, donate $5 for one entry or $10 for 3 entries. In addition to your donation, you can earn extra entries by:

1. Sharing the auction main page and giveaway on your blog or Facebook

2. Tweet the auction and giveaway: { An Ocean Sized Love, Adoption Auction. http://networkedblogs.com/l8QKc }

3. Become a follower of AnOceanSizedLove

Please leave a comment letting us know you have donated and leave one comment for each extra entry. Include your name and e-mail in each entry so that you can be notified if you are the winner. The winner of the giveaway will be announced September 2nd. If the winner is not local to the Tampa area a new winner will be selected for local area gift certificates (Red Elephant).

Each and every donation will go 100% to fund our adoption from China.

This giveaway includes:

{$10 Baby Sweet Treats™ gift certificate}

{$100 gift certificate from It's Written in Vinyl}

{$50 gift certificate from JunkPosse}

{Think Garnish $25 dollar gift certificate}

{$100 gift certificate from Red Threads}

{$40 in El-Fun-Bucks for The Red Elephant Restaurant}

{Two Buy One Get One Free (Burrito, Bowl, Salad or Order Of Tacos) cards for Chipotle AND a Free Chips and Guac Card}

2 Dozen Cupcakes by Amber

2011-08-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

This listing is for 2 dozen cupcakes of your choice delivered by Amber (local Tampa bids only please):

1. Traditional Red Velvet w/ cream cheese frosting

2. Mocha w/ espresso buttercream frosting

3. Peanut Butter w/ whipped chocolate ganache

4. Carrot Cake w/ cream cheese frosting

5. Chocolate dream w/ orange zest butercream

6. Very Vanilla w/ whipped vanilla buttercream

7. Snickerdoodle w/ cinnamon buttercream frosting

Special requests area also accepted. This listing is for the local Tampa area.

Minimum Bid: $10

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Organic Hair Care Products for Ethnic Hair {by Darcy's Botanicals}

2011-08-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

One Jar of Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade {by Darcy's Botanicals}

"If you have been looking for a light styling aid to help you provide you with sheen and to condition your luscious curls, then look no further. Our Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade will provide you with the much needed nourishment your curls require along with lovely sheen, softness and conditioning. This styling pomade is not a heavy, waxy pomade but more of a light coconut hairdressing with a touch of beeswax. It is excellent for styling twists, braids, locs and waves. It will not leave a heavy build up in hair:)
Excellent for many natural styles like twists, braids, afro, and waves. Our pomade is also great for relaxed hair as well. It is naturally scented with the aroma of fresh organic coconuts. 8 oz. PET Jar"

One Jar of Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme {by Darcy's Botanicals}

"This has become one of our favorite naturally curly hair styling butters. I use it on my (4a/4b type) hair and on my daughter's (3b/3c type) hair. This one is EXCELLENT for type 3-4 natural hair types:)
Our Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme is a highly moisturizing hair butter that will give your natural curls the extra conditioning and moisture they need. It has a butter-like, thick & creamy consistency with a vanilla aroma that is just heavenly. You only need to use a small amount since a little goes a long way."

One Bottle of Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Natural Hair Conditioning Oil {by Darcy's Botanicals}

"A wonderful blend of Organic Hibiscus flowers in Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and other natural hair conditioning oils.
Our Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Conditioning Oil can be used as a truly muli-purpose oil.
:: Can be used as a pre-shampoo conditioning oil for hair
:: Use as a bath oil
:: Use as a body oil for after bath and/or shower
:: Use as a hot oil treatment
:: Use as an oil rinse
:: Use as a light conditioning oil for everyday styling of twists, afro, locs, curls, braids, waves and relaxed hair styles.
:: Can be used for men and women:)
This listing is for a 4 ounce PET bottle. "

Combined retail value: $34

Minimum Bid: $18

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Beautiful Handmade Doll {by Daisy Girl Dolls}

2011-08-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Handmade Doll {by Daisy Girl Dolls}

"This adorable 17 inch (43cm) handmade doll, dressed in her bright and cheery floral dress is sure to be a little girl’s new best friend! Her cheerful face is my own one of a kind design, which makes her truly unique! She is made from a cotton/knit material for easy care and softness. I have added a wafer thin lining to help keep her shape and to prevent stuffing from coming through. She is machine sewn together using a thick, quilting weight thread and shorter stitch length for strength & durability. Her stuffing opening is hand stitched closed using the same quilting weight thread, doubled over and knotted with a professional seamstress technique. Her stuffing is 100% hypo-allergenic. Her hair is soft 100% cotton yarn, also triple stitched by machine to form her part. It is attached using 3 strands of thick hand embroidery thread down her part and attached to the sides of her face. Her hair flowers are also hand sewn on. Her dress is made from 100% cotton. The seams are all triple stitched for durability and lots of playtime!"

Minimum Bid: $25

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Pretty Petals Red Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Pretty Petals Red Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $3

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Red Double Flower Hair Clip with Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Red Double Flower Hair Clip with Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $4

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Chartreuse Green Flower with White Feather Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Chartreuse Green Flower with White Feather Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $5

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Red Fabric Flower with Toile Accents and Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Red Fabric Flower with Toile Accents and Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $4

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Red Carnation with Feathers and Toile Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Red Carnation with Feathers and Toile Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $5

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Purple Hair Flower with Ribbon Accents {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Purple Hair Flower with Ribbon Accents {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $4

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Beautiful Pink Chrysanthemum Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Pink Chrysanthemum Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

This gorgeous piece is layered with toile and petals and placed on a comfortable alligator clip with a felt back.

Minimum Bid: $4

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Champagne Flower and Feathers Headband {By Eden's Garden}

2011-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Flower and Feathers Headband {By Eden's Garden}

This beautiful headband is on a skinny, stretchy headband that will fit size one year-adult. Champagne flower with beautiful sparkling center adorned with colorful peacock feathers.

Minimum bid: $5

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"M" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

"M" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"S" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail holder

2011-08-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

"S" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"E" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

"E" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"L" Monogrammed Pony-O

2011-08-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

"L" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"K" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

"K" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"O" Pony-O Monogrammed Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

"O" Pony-O Monogrammed Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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"E" Monogrammed Pony-O

2011-08-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

"E" Monogrammed Pony-O

Minimum Bid: $1

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"M" Monogrammed Pony-O

2011-08-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

"M" Monogrammed Pony-O

Minimum Bid: $1

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Fabric Covered Pony-O

2011-08-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Fabric Covered Pony-O

Minimum Bid: $1

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Fabric Covered Pony-O

2011-08-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Fabric Covered Pony-O

Minimum Bid: $1

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"T" Monogrammed Pony-O

2011-08-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

"T" Monogrammed Pony-O

Minimum Bid: $1

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"O" Pony-O Monogrammed Ponytail Holder

2011-08-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

"O" Pony-O

Monogrammed Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

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An African Safari from Kenya donated by The Sparrow Fund

2011-08-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

An African Safari from Kenya

Donated by The Sparrow Fund

Website: www.sparrow-fund.org

Store: www.thesparrowfund.etsy.com

Lovingly created by refugee women currently living in Kenya, women broken from war and HIV, caring for orphans in their community, but made whole together. This set of animals--an elephant, giraffe, rhino, and zebra--were donated by The Sparrow Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to families adopting internationally specifically through grants to be used for preadoptive medical reviews and counsel, in-country support, and postadoption support. They sell beautiful handcrafted jewelry and dolls on Etsy, pieces made by adoptive mothers in Kenya. It's a full circle approach in adoption support and orphan care--they desire to give their friend Mary (biological mother of 9 and adoptive mother of 7) an income so she can care for her family and the women she works with who make the beads while also raising money for The Sparrow Fund.

Want to know more about The Sparrow Fund or how to apply for an adoption grant?
Visit http://www.sparrow-fund.org

Kelly Raudenbush

My personal blog and living out our passion

Minimum Bid: $25

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An Ocean Sized Love, Adoption Auction.

2011-08-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank each and every person and company that has contributed time, items, gift certificates, kind words and prayers. We are truly blessed by each and every one of you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

People have graciously and wonderfully given to help us and I am so grateful for each and every person that has been a part. Would you also be a part of our adoption? Could you help us to spread the word? If you would spare a status update with the auction information I would be so thankful!

So here's how this works:

1. Shop the AWESOME items that are for sale during the auction

{Now through September 1st at midnight}

2. Find the items you would like to bid on and place your bid in the
comments section*

{include your bid, name, and e-mail address}

***To leave a comment, click on "__ Comments."
Type your comment, select your profile (if you don't have a google account, select anonymous).
Click "Post Comment" (you may have to do this twice).

3. If you win, I will send you an E-mail requesting payment for the item and/or information about your requests (if the item is custom-made). Upon receiving payment via check or paypal, the item will be shipped to you!

4. Additional instructions are provided for the Gift Certificate Giveaway.

That's it...super easy! And, every last penny that you spend will go directly into our adoption fund.

So, without further ado...the auction items! (Click on each item for it's bid page.)

Happy shopping!

{If you have any questions or technical difficulty please e-mail me at sarahviera@yahoo.com}

------------>Gift Certificate Giveaway<-----------

Make-Up Artist:
Make-Up Session {With IQ of Beauty}

Jewelry:
Justin Bieber Scrabble Tile Necklace {by Emtabby}
Mickey Mouse Initial Bottle Cap Necklace {by Emtabby}
The Red Thread Bracelet {by TheGlassGecko}
Purple Flower Stud Earrings {by YourMomDesigns}
All Tangled Up Jewelry Set-Blue {by YourMomDesigns}
All Tangled Up Jewelry Set-Pink {by YourMomDesigns}
All Tangled Up Necklace- pink and mauve {by YourMomDesigns}
A Genuine Ethiopian Cross Pendant {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

Clothing:

{DarkCycleClothing} Men's Octopus Tee Size Large
Adoption is the New Pregnant Unisex Tee Size Small {by thenewpregnant}
Adoption is the New Pregnant Unisex Tee Size X-Small {by TheNewPregnant}
"Where You Live" Tee Size Small {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

Children's Items:

Mommy's The Lucky One Fortune Cookie Tee {by With Cherries On Top}

Christmas Snowman Pillowcase Dress with Minky Trim {by WithCherriesOnTop}

{DarkCycleClothing} T-Rex on a Bicycle Tee Size 6

African Safari from Kenya {by The Sparrow Fund}

Plush Owl {By April Foss of I Sew Lucky}

Cherry Blossom Hat {by YourMomDesigns}

Cherry Blossom Hat {by YourMomDesigns}
Beautiful Handmade Doll {by Daisy Girl Dolls}

Scrapes and Bruises " Proof that he's my dad" Infant Onsie {by Made In The World}
Caiti Belle Dress with Bloomers {by Red Thread Stitches}
Beautiful Handmade Fish Purse {by Jaiyin Designs}

Food:
One Dozen Gluten Free Cookies {by Two Prince Bakery Theater}
6 Jars of Pie: You Pick the Flavor {by Sarah Viera}
2 Dozen Cupcakes {by Amber}
Tastefully Simple Variety {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

$25 Gift Certificate To Dinner Done

Art:
Ethiopian Art {by The Canvas Heart}
Family Rules Subway Art Print {by Alexander Creative}
{MossyRocksDesigns} Meeting My Momma Art Print

Home:
Egyptian Cotton Queen Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}
Egyptian Cotton King Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

Christmas Snowmen Pillowcase Dress with Minky Trim Size 5/6 {by WithCherriesOnTop}

2011-08-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Christmas Snowmen Pillowcase Dress with Minky Trim. Size 5/6 {by WithCherriesOnTop}

This dress was made with pale blue snowman print cotton fabric with a soft and lush pale pink minky trim and coordinating pale pink ribbon shoulder tie. Size 5/6

Minimum Bid: $8

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All Tangled Up Neckalce-pink and mauve {by YourMomDesigns}

2011-08-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

All Tangled Up Neckalce in pink and mauve {donated by YourMomDesigns}

Made from cotton and silk blend. necklace measures 24" around.

Minimum Bid: $6

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All Tangled Up Jewelry Set-Pink {by YourMomDesigns}

2011-08-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

All Tangled Up Jewelry Set in light pink {by YourMomDesigns}

Necklace + bracelet + ring. Necklace measures 23" around, bracelet measures measures 7" around, ring measures about an inch around.

Minimum Bid: $8

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All Tangled Up Jewelry Set- Blue {by YourMomDesigns}

2011-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

All Tangled Up Jewelry Set {by YourMomDesigns}

Upcycled jewelry set in blue. Necklace + bracelet made from upcycled t-shirts. Necklace measures 24" around and bracelet measures 7" around, both with a bit of stretch.

Minimum Bid: $8

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Cherry Blossom Hat {by YourMomDesigns}

2011-08-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Cherry blossom hat {Dontated by YourMomDesigns}

Azure blue with scallop edge and branch with flowers design. available sizes:

0-3 months

3 - 9 months
12 months

2 t

3/4 t

Minimum Bid: $8

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Cherry Blossom Hat {by YourMomDesigns}

2011-08-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Cherry blossom hat {Dontated by YourMomDesigns}

Azure blue with scallop edge and branch with flowers design. available sizes:

0-3 months

3 - 9 months

12 months

2 t

3/4 t

Minimum Bid: $8

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Variated Purple Flower Stud Earrings by YourMomDesigns

2011-08-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Donated by YourMomDesigns

Earrings - variated purple flower stud earrings. about 1" across.

Minimum Bid: $3

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Beautiful African Art by The Canvas Heart

2011-08-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Donated by: The Canvas Heart

8x10 brown canvas with Isaiah 41:13 in Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia).

" For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Can be hung as-is, or inserted into an open 8x10 frame.

Minimum Bid: $25

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Make-Up Artist IQ of Beauty Personal Session

2011-08-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

IQ of Beauty

Details:

This listing is for one free personal make-up session with IQ of Beauty's Ivelisse valued at $65.

This is for local (Tampa Florida) bidders.

Minimal Bid- $20

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Justin Bieber Scrabble Tile Necklace by Emtabby

2011-08-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

This listing is for one scrabble pendent necklace pictured above by Emtabby

Minimum bid: $4

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Custom Initial Mickey Bottle Cap necklace by Emtabby

2011-08-01T16:34:00.003-07:00

Bottle cap necklace, comes with either a ball chain or a voile necklace. Custom made with the initial of your choice. Made by Emtabby

Minimum bid: $4

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Red Thread Bracelet by The Glass Gecko

2011-08-01T16:34:00.002-07:00

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,

regardless of time, place, or circumstance.

The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break."

A popular sentiment in the adoption world, said to have originated from a Chinese proverb.

This bracelet is made of red satin cord, Tibetan silver and metal beads. The center bead has the Chinese character for Longevity.

Some of the knots I use are snake knots (said to bring good fortune), lotus knots (symbol of purity and fertility) and button knots.

Donated by TheGlassGecko

Minimum bid: $4

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Family Rules Subway Art Print // Black and White // 20x30 by Alexander Creative

2011-08-01T16:34:00.001-07:00

By Alexander Creative

"20 inch x 30 inch art print of black and white family rules displayed in a subway art style design.

Sign Text:

{LOVE JESUS

ENCOURAGE YOUR SIBLINGS … SHARE IN THEIR JOY

ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH

OBEY YOUR PARENTS

USE KIND WORDS

HAVE FUN

SING SILLY

DANCE CRAZY

ASK FIRST

BE A GIVER

SHARE EVERYTHING … EXCEPT BAD IDEAS

SAY WHAT YOU'RE SORRY FOR

FORGIVENESS IS MANDATORY

HANDS ARE FOR HUGGING NOT HITTING

NO FUSSING. NO WHINING. NO BAD ATTITUDES.

NEVER STAY ANGRY

BE CONSIDERATE

BE RESPECTFUL

BE GRATEFUL}

Looks incredible when mounted to wood or foam core, or can be framed in 20x30 poster frame."

Minimum Bid: $12.50

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Two Prince Bakery Theater 1 Dozen Allergen Free Cookies

2011-08-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

Two Prince Bakery Theater

Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, Vegan, Chocolate Chunk Cookies. This listing is for a dozen freshly baked 3 inch cookies.

"Remember the delicious cookies your mom used to have waiting for you when you came home from school? Why should a child who has food intolerances be deprived of such wonderful childhood memories? Or a grown up who has acquired food allergies? These cookies will be enjoyed by both young and old. By people with allergies or free of allergies.

These decadent cookies are lovingly prepared to be gluten free, casein free, soy free, egg free and vegan. Most of the ingredients used are organic when available. I put all the love and care that a mother can give to each batch of cookies that I make because out of every batch of cookies I make for you I also bake off two cookies one for each of my Little Princes.

It has taken me over two years to perfect this cookie recipe. I created this recipe especifically for my two little boys who have major food allergies, primarily to gluten,casein, egg and soy. When none of the commercially produced cookies out there tasted good enough for my boys I decided I would have to create something especial just for them. Now for the first time I will be sharing these cookies with you!

These cookies are sure to please even the most Persnickety Prince! I have served these cookies at many functions and they were eaten and enjoyed by all. Unbeknowns to them that these cookies were free of most common food allergens!"

Minimum Bid: $8

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Mommy's The Lucky One Fortune Cookie Tee by With Cherries On Top

2011-08-01T16:33:00.002-07:00

WithCherriesOnTop

Adorable T-shirt made in the size of your choice. Color options are available. Adoptive mom's and dad's often here "they are so lucky to have parents like you" and we as adoptive parents usually feel like truly, we are the lucky ones. That is what inspired this design.

Minimum Bid: $10

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Dark Cycle Clothing Octopus Tee Men's Size Large

2011-08-01T16:33:00.001-07:00

Dark Cycle Clothing

This awesome design is by DarkCycleClothing. Men's Tee size Large.

Minimum Bid: $10

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Dinosaur on a Bicycle Kids - Black Short Sleeve Children T-Shirt by DarkCycleClothing Size 6

2011-08-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

DarkCycleClothing Dinosaur on a Bicycle Kids size 6 T-Shirt

"Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Bike.

T-Shirt.

What more could you want?

This Dark Cycle exclusive is printed in soft green ink on a black 100% ring spun cotton American Apparel shirt.

We use high mesh screens to give you a high quality soft to the touch print made to wear over and over again."

Minimum Bid: $9

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Meeting my Momma adoption ACEO print by MossyRockDesigns

2011-08-01T16:32:00.003-07:00

"The biggest day in this little girl's life is meeting her Momma! What a blessing both to the parents and their daughter to spend the rest of their life together as family.

I painted this little ACEO as part of my "Everyday Art Project" - and am delighted with how it turned out. This listing is for an ACEO print of the watercolor. The original is also ACEO-sized, 2.5"x3.5".

You will receive 1 ACEO-sized (2.5"x3.5") image in a protective sleeve.

The images are professionally printed with highest quality inks on Kodak Endura Professional papers."

print by MossyRocksDesigns

Minimum Bid: $2

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Plush Owl by April Foss of I Sew Lucky

2011-08-01T16:32:00.001-07:00

Donated by: April Foss of I Sew Lucky

Small owl with Riley Blake fabric and green gingham on underside of wings. Wool felt eyes and beak. Safe for little ones.

Minimum Bid: $8

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Adoption Is The New Pregnant Tee Size Small Unisex

2011-08-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Donated by :TheNewPregnant Etsy shop.

Blog:http://iquitwhenitscold.blogspot.com/

Size Small Unisex

"Our "adoption is the new pregnant" design screen printed on a Silver American Apparel Unisex Tshirt. Each shirt will come packaged in a stylish creme colored tote bag printed with the "adoption is the new pregnant" phrase. Everything is designed and silk screened by hand."

{This etsy shop is raising funds for their adoption so if you do not see the size you want but love this design please visit their shop and support their adoption fundraising too!}

Minimum Bid: $10

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Adoption Is the New Pregnant Tee size X-Small by TheNewPregnant

2011-08-01T16:31:00.001-07:00

Donated by :TheNewPregnant Etsy shop.

Blog:http://iquitwhenitscold.blogspot.com/

Size X-Small Unisex

{This etsy shop is raising funds for their adoption so if you do not see the size you want but love this design please visit their shop and support their adoption fundraising too!}

Minimum Bid: $10

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6 Jars of Pie- You Choose Flavor.

2011-08-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

{pictured recipe: Apple Pie}

Donated by me! {Sarah Viera}

6 jam jar pies fresh baked and delivered (for local Tampa area folks, if you would like pie shipped, this can be arranged for an additional shipping fee of $4.95).

Flavors to choose from:

Apple

Peach

Berry (blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry)

Lemon

For local delivery only:

Chocolate Cream

Snicker's Pie

All flavors can be made Gluten Free. Other allergy concerns can be addressed. If you have questions about this listing you may e-mail me @ sarahviera@yahoo.com.

Minimum Bid: $8

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Update

2011-07-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

We have been approved for CCAI and had our orientation last night. Next comes lots of paper work and our homestudy. We really need to raise some additional funds in order to get the ball rolling quickly. To do that, we are having an online fundraiser beginning August 1st and it will run through September 1st. We would love your support in getting the word out. There will be lots of wonderful vendors. Some are local, some are far away friends:-)

If you have a good or service that you would like to donate we are still collecting! Thank you so much to all of you who have already. I have been so touched by the sweet and thoughtful way even strangers have supported us. Show these sweet folks some love by visiting their shops and let them know that Sarah from anoceansizedlove sent you. You can find their shops on our sidebar or by visiting the Friends page.

We have also been prayerfully considering a file on a baby boy through CCAI. I won't give out details at this time because it is very uncertain and frankly, we don't know what is going to happen. It is such a hard choice.

I have bonded to a picture! In many ways international adoption is so different from domestic. There is really no way to bond to more than the idea of a baby when you adopt domestically. With international adoption, your first glimpse or idea of your little person is a picture. A picture can mean the world.

I know that if this particular little boy is not meant for us, our prayers are meant for him. And our journey will continue!

Love to all,
Sarah

Source

Coffee Giveaway Winner and Update

2011-07-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.... #4:

Kristin said...

I posted on FB.

Just let me know what flavor you want Kristin and I'll get you your coffee! Or Espresso!

Thanks for all who entered. You can all try Fresh Cup of Hope and support a great company and our adoption. Just click on the button under "Fundraising" to shop.

Now on to the announcement...
We just got a letter today from CCAI that our application has been approved! This is wonderful news and I am excited to dive into the mountain of paper work we have to finish. With this step comes a fee due within a month. The fee is $3350. We have raised about $1300 through the garage sales and we are working on some additional fundraisers.
If you follow along on www.iwanttobakeyouabirthdaycake.blogspot.com you have seen some announcements about donations for a raffle. The raffle will begin August 1st and you don't want to miss it! If you would like to be a part of the raffle, please comment and let me know!

Photo credit: yourmomdesigns

I am reminded today of the intricacies of God's plans. He knits us together in our mother's womb. He also knits our hearts desires and our journey toward adoption. I remember as a young girl being introduced to adoption in many beautiful and wonderful ways. From my favorite Red Head BFF as a little girl to the baby girl that my Aunt's friend adopted from China. To a husband who's heart was always for the orphan, to unexpected circumstances that changed us, molded us, and allowed us to take the journey to our forever family. I am so thankful that even in spite of our best laid plans, God has a plan for us and He lovingly takes our hand to direct us along the way.

-Sarah

The best coffee ever- Giveaway!

2011-07-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

I do not know many people who do not enjoy a good cup of coffee. I know I LOVE a good cup of coffee. I depend on it now-a-days with my late night studying and surely with each of my children I have ~~needed~~ enjoyed drinking good coffee.

I recently stumbled upon a local company (out of Sarasota) that makes some of the best coffee I have ever tasted. The best part? It's a company that believes strongly in fairtrade and building a better life for those who harvest their coffees.

Here is a bit about Fresh Cup of Hope-

Fresh Cup of Hope coffee pays their farmers more than twice what they would typically make in a year. The increased revenue has allowed the farmers to provide better housing, health care, tutors for the children and full time pastors to minister to the two hundred plus people living and working on the farm.

Another great thing about Fresh Cup of Hope- with every purchase you make directly from the link that we provide on this blog, a percent of each sale will help to fund our adoption! Great coffee, great cause, great company! It's a win win!

So, to help get the word out, I am doing a coffee giveaway! I know you will love this coffee, and so will your friends and family. So, for every person who follows our blog, and "likes" I Want To Bake You A Birthday Cake on Facebook you will be entered to win one 12 oz. package of your choice from Fresh Cup of Hope.

For additional chances to win, post the giveaway on Facebook or your blog, tweet the giveaway, and comment below to let me know that you did so.

For one more entry, comment with the flavor you'd pick if you won! I highly recommend the Snickerdoodle and the Jamaican Me Crazy!

Recap:

Required to enter: Follow the blog and "like" us on Facebook. Leave a comment below letting me know that you did so.
For additional chances- post about the giveaway on your blog, facebook or twitter, and let me know by commenting below.
For one more chance, leave a comment letting me know which flavor you would choose if you win the giveaway.

Good luck! Winner will be chosen at random Monday at midnight.

Rained out Garage Sale

2011-07-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have such amazingly giving and loving friends and family! So many people donated, shopped and helped us with our garage sale last Saturday. It was a lot of work and everyone pitched in!

We had a 6 a.m. shopper (the sale started at 8). It always cracks me up when people show up so early!
The sale went well. We sold a few lemonades and cookies, and lots of clothing and household items. All in all we made just shy of $600 dollars in 3 hours before the rain came down.

Check out those beautiful cupcakes that our friend E made! So sweet!

Then we laughed while we ran to save our goods!

And now...well...let's just say, we will be having another garage sale in about 2 weeks! I will be posting a new flyer shortly. Thanks so much to everyone who gave, helped and spread the word! We love you all!

Thirty One Fundraiser!

2011-07-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was so happy when my mom contacted me and asked if I would be interested in her friend Vickie doing a Thirty One Fundraiser for us. What a sweet heart to offer! I am just discovering Thirty One and I sort of love every bit of it.

The "party" will go for a week and all profits will go towards our adoption fund. There is a range of prices from $5.00 on up so there is something in everyone's price range. If you want to order with a buddy to save on shipping you are welcome to do so. Otherwise, shipping will be added to your order total.

Here is a link to the online party: Road To China Adoption Fundraiser with Thirty One

Here are some items I am drooling over:

$48

$19.00

$5.00

Even if you can't shop, I would love it if you would pass this link along so that the party can be a success! Thanks so much for your support! -Sarah

Two more weeks!

2011-06-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well, in just two short weeks we send in our application and our journey officially begins. I have filled out all of the forms, filled out passport applications and I'm busy getting garage sale donations priced and ready for the sale on the 9th. Our hope is to get a good part of the first big fee covered between our garage sale, a Thirty-One Fundraiser and a raffle (more on those later) that will be in August.

I am starting to feel a bit like a mom in the "nesting" stage, which is strange. You know, the feeling of getting the house clean (well...wishing it were clean anyway;-)), getting less sleep and somehow still functioning. I am having a hard time shutting off my brain at night because I'm so excited about this adoption and to meet my son! I keep wondering if he is being cared for by a sweetheart nanny, foster mom, if he is getting the sweet hugs that I wish I could be giving him. I can't wait to show him the love of a mother.

I have been very sweetly touched by the kindness of friends and strangers alike who have donated items for our sale (and my mom's garage sale), offering commissions from Thirty-One, donating items and services for our raffle (this is going to be awesome!). It has been wonderful to see such kindness and it inspires me in every way. Our family is growing by more than one, it is growing by a "village" and we thank you all for your love and support!

Sarah

Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale!

2011-06-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale

Please come by and support us in our efforts to raise funds for our adoption from China. All proceeds of the sale will go towards are adoption fees and expenses.

Many wonderful friends have donated their treasures and we have lots of wonderful things to sell! There will be clothing (all sizes and many great brand names), furniture (rocking chair, armoire, side tables, a beautiful crib and more), household items, kitchen items, TV’s, DVD’s, CD’s, Books, toys, and lots more!

There will also be brand new boutique items such as pillowcase dresses, burp cloths, key fobs and hairbows for sale as well as a bake sale with packaged baked goods and bottled beverages.

Where: 15905 Countrybrook St. Tampa, Fl. 33624

When: July 9th from 8:00 A.M-2:00 P.M.

Please contact Sarah at sarahviera@yahoo.com for questions or more information.

To follow along with our adoption journey please visit us at www.anoceansizedlove.blogspot.com.

Thank you so very much for your support! It means the world to us!

Please feel free to re-post and pass this along via Facebook, Blog or e-mail.

We are taking a journey to China

2011-06-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce that we will be "expecting" a baby/toddler boy from China sometime in the next year- year and a half. We are submitting our application to our agency (CCAI) in mid July and will be getting the ball quickly rolling for a homestudy and dossier.
We decided on China for many reasons. Both my husband and I have always talked about adopting from China. When we began adding to our family through adoption China wasn't a possibility because of my age (being under 30). We had started looking into the process to adopt through foster care and also looked at several other country programs. While we were debating what to do several things happened:

My heart was really being pulled to go on a journey for our son.
Our friends J&E started talking about their upcoming adoption from China and we were really excited for them.
I just happened to find out that a friend of mine was about to become the co-director of an agency that we had not looked at before.
We looked at the agency and found out about the tremendous need there is for parents to adopt boys with minor and correctable special needs from China.

I have battled with the question of what was meant to be for our family and studied a lot about all sorts of adoption. My friend E said to me "if this were your last adoption, what would you regret not doing?". Truthfully, I've always wanted to adopt from China. Truthfully, if I didn't, like E said, I know I would one day regret it or wonder if I had missed out on something.

So here we go! I hope that you will partner with us in prayer and spread the word about our fundraising efforts. If is very costly to adopt but we have seen God make a way when it seemed impossible in many families lives. I know that He funds what He favors. We are trusting in this.

Fundraising Hairbows

2011-05-20T11:18:00.001-07:00

Small- single layer hairbow

Suggested donation- $3

Color Options:

Please include color choice and shipping details with donation.

Thank You for supporting our Adoption!

<3Sarah

An Ocean Sized Love

Stop and Shop Raffle

Quick Update

Holiday Stop and Shop

Wild Olive Tee's +Thirty One= Fundraising for our adoption

Still an ocean sized love, just not an ocean sized distance.

Just a bit busy

Giveaway Winner!

Thank you and all of the winners!

Paper Beaded Necklace from Uganda {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

Dinner Done $25 gift certificate (Includes pick up meals!!!) Great Gift Idea

"Love", "Where you live should not determine if you live" Tee Size Small {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

Egyptian Cotton King Sized Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

Egyptian Cotton Queen Sized Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

A genuine Ethiopian cross pendant {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

How do you know?

Tastefully Simple Variety {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

Beautiful Handmade Fish Purse {by Jaiyin Designs}

Caiti Belle Dress with Bloomers {by Red Thread Stitches}

Scrapes & Bruises™ "Proof That He's My Dad" Infant Onsie {by Made in The World™}

The Gift Certificate Giveaway

2 Dozen Cupcakes by Amber

Organic Hair Care Products for Ethnic Hair {by Darcy's Botanicals}

Beautiful Handmade Doll {by Daisy Girl Dolls}

Pretty Petals Red Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Red Double Flower Hair Clip with Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

Chartreuse Green Flower with White Feather Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Red Fabric Flower with Toile Accents and Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

Red Carnation with Feathers and Toile Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Purple Hair Flower with Ribbon Accents {by Eden's Garden}

Beautiful Pink Chrysanthemum Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Champagne Flower and Feathers Headband {By Eden's Garden}

"M" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"S" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail holder

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"E" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"L" Monogrammed Pony-O

"K" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"O" Pony-O Monogrammed Ponytail Holder

"E" Monogrammed Pony-O

"M" Monogrammed Pony-O

Fabric Covered Pony-O

Fabric Covered Pony-O

"T" Monogrammed Pony-O

"O" Pony-O Monogrammed Ponytail Holder

An African Safari from Kenya donated by The Sparrow Fund

An Ocean Sized Love, Adoption Auction.

Christmas Snowmen Pillowcase Dress with Minky Trim Size 5/6 {by WithCherriesOnTop}

﻿All Tangled Up Neckalce-pink and mauve {by YourMomDesigns}

All Tangled Up Jewelry Set-Pink {by YourMomDesigns}

All Tangled Up Jewelry Set- Blue {by YourMomDesigns}

Cherry Blossom Hat {by YourMomDesigns}

Cherry Blossom Hat {by YourMomDesigns}

Variated Purple Flower Stud Earrings by YourMomDesigns

Beautiful African Art by The Canvas Heart

Make-Up Artist IQ of Beauty Personal Session

Justin Bieber Scrabble Tile Necklace by Emtabby

Custom Initial Mickey Bottle Cap necklace by Emtabby

Red Thread Bracelet by The Glass Gecko

Family Rules Subway Art Print // Black and White // 20x30 by Alexander Creative

Two Prince Bakery Theater 1 Dozen Allergen Free Cookies

Mommy's The Lucky One Fortune Cookie Tee by With Cherries On Top

Dark Cycle Clothing Octopus Tee Men's Size Large

Dinosaur on a Bicycle Kids - Black Short Sleeve Children T-Shirt by DarkCycleClothing Size 6

Meeting my Momma adoption ACEO print by MossyRockDesigns

Plush Owl by April Foss of I Sew Lucky

Adoption Is The New Pregnant Tee Size Small Unisex

Adoption Is the New Pregnant Tee size X-Small by TheNewPregnant

6 Jars of Pie- You Choose Flavor.

Update

Coffee Giveaway Winner and Update

The best coffee ever- Giveaway!

Rained out Garage Sale

Thirty One Fundraiser!

Two more weeks!

Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale!

We are taking a journey to China

Fundraising Hairbows

All Tangled Up Neckalce-pink and mauve {by YourMomDesigns}