Ethiopian Orphan Adoption Crisis

Did you know that there are 5 MILLION orphans in Ethiopia?

5 MILLION babies and children without a mom or a dad.

How wonderful it is when those little ones get a family!

But the devastating news is that the Ethiopian government is planning on cutting international adoptions by 90%!

That's a decrease from 50 adoptions per day to 5 per day.

While I encourage you to do your own research on this to check my facts, here's what I think is happening.

{Corrections or comments are encouraged!}

United States adoption advocates have held Ethiopia under great scrutiny for possible adoption fraud.

Basically, I think there have been some instances of children being torn away from parents and labeled "orphans" in order to bring in revenue for the country.

There also have been instances of Ethiopia lying to prospective parents about actual ages of the children they are adopting.

It sounds like, as a result, Ethiopian government is retaliating by cutting intercountry adoptions by 90%.

Wow.

So many foreign families are waiting for their little Ethiopian baby to come.

This could extend their wait for YEARS.

So many beautiful children are waiting for parents of their own.

Their wait may extend for YEARS.

A reader emailed me {who happens to be in the process of adopting from Ethiopia} and asked me to send out the link to this petition.

Sign it if you feel so called.

{I think it was being sent to the Ethiopian prime minister on Saturday, but I still think signing it shows great support!}

But more importantly,

PRAY for God's will to be done in this situation.

And for peace for all those families waiting to adopt.

And for protection for the children in Ethiopia.

Thanks for considering this great opportunity to take a stand for

making

lives

better.

{It's not just about bags.  It really is about a better life.}

Signer #35882

St. Patrick's Day Bow Tie

Need something quick, cheap, and easy for your little man to wear on St Patrick's Day?

Try this easy bow tie tutorial from A Lemon Squeezy Home!

don't mind the wrinkled shirt or messy face :)  we're in survival mode around here.

I seriously put it together in less than 15 minutes.

AND I used a bandana from the dollar section at Target.

Can't get much cheaper than that!

I even had some bandana material left over to make Lady Bug a matching one for her hair head.

I'm going to use this for our St. Patrick's Day Photo Shoot.

Don't forget about joining me for taking photo shoots of our kiddos on holidays.

Remember, you promised me you try!

So.....

Are you getting ready for your St. Patrick's Day Photo Shoot?

You can find some ideas on setting up your "station" here

{from my Valentine's shoot}

and finding cheap decorations for the backdrops.

Keep checking back for some tips on editting your photos after you take them!

Meet Clara

Meet Clara.



She is super concerned about the environment.

That's why she made herself into a reusable market tote.

She is large enough to carry a gallon of milk (or two) plus produce, bread, and more!

But she also folds down really small so you can keep her tucked safely in your purse or the glove compartment of your car.

Don't forget your reusable bags again!

You can design YOUR own Clara at my shop!

*** Right now Clara is 25% off during the Spring Cleaning Sale!  Click here to find out more details ***