Great Service Opportunity!!

I got this idea from my sister-in-law Lisa and I think its great! We are excited to try and get this ready in time! Here is what Lisa's friend wrote...

I have an acquaintance, Kelly, whose husband is stationed in Iraq right now, by a city named Bartolla, a Christian town. Here's what he had to say about the city and it's people (from Kelly's blog).

Really, though, yesterday was the best day of the deployment for me. To have an entire town swarm us thanking us and wanting to chat was incredible. The older women did this really high pitched howl/whistle thing and other people banged drums and were just having a party. It was great. The best part was how I told you that they take care of their own town. No cops or army, just beefed up neighborhood watch. I have no issues fighting to help those people. They know what freedom is and anyone who tries taking it from them is an enemy of mine. I wish I could better explain how it was to be with those people. I got watery eyes walking the street trying to comprehend the huge difference in the people there and the people in Mosul.

Mosul is the neighboring town and things are not going so well there. You may have heard about it in the news. The Christians in Mosul are fleeing for their lives. They have been told that they need to leave or be killed. Once again from Kelly's blog:

As some know, by talking to me or just by watching the news, the Christians in Mosul are in trouble.. On the speakers that surround the Mosques, instead of the regular prayers being recited every 5 hours, now there are warnings to any and all Christians the leave the city or be killed. Tyler went back to the Christian city Bartolla, that neighbors Mosul. The same city he visited a couple of months ago when he was overwhelmed with the feelings of hope, love and gratitude they had for the US soldiers. The city has changed. Drastically. Most Christians from Mosul have now gone there to get away from the persecution and murderers in Mosul. There are multiple families per home, and they're running out of food, clothing, and medical supplies.

Tyler asked Kelly for help and she in turn has asked all of us to help. You can get all the info here and here. But basically it's this:

At any post office, you can ask for Flat Rate Boxes. To send the largest size box, no matter the weight, it's only $10.95. If you can, get a couple of these and just fill it with stuff you don't need at home. Old clothing that your kids have grown out of, unused tooth brushes, unused tooth paste, band aids, canned goods, even seeds for planting, just anything. This would be an incredible way for you to have a family project and have your kids understand how important it is to give.Have them draw pictures- and even stick some colored paper and crayons in the boxes as well.Anything you send will help more than you could ever imagine. If you send a box, 1, 2, 3.. post below. Let's see how many we can get over there.

Please send to:
SPC Tyler E. Adams
C/O Chaplain CPT Pratel
HHC, 1-8 IN BN
UNIT # 43179
APO AE 09334

Please send your packages no later than Saturday, October 25th. With this date, they will have all the boxes by the middle of November and be able to take them to Bartolla and start organizing distribution.

Adorable Little Mouse!

I know I'm spoiling the surprise but I can't help it! Sam is the cutest little mouse!

Seven Random Facts...

I was tagged to post 7 random facts about me that most people don't know, so here we go...

1. I have a fear of heights and I try to hide it.

2. I would love to have twins! Crazy...I know!

3. I miss working outside the home, but wouldn't change being a stay-at-home mom for anything!

4. I love snow and snowboarding, but hate being cold (go figure)!

5. Chris and I also have a dream of opening a bed and breakfast! (I promise I'm not just copying you Lisa!)

6. I have never had a swimming lesson in my life, therefore I'm not a very good swimmer!

7. I can do the Elvis lip thing, but only on one side.

I tag Samantha, Megan, and Julie if you so choose!

Free handbags!

Handbag Planet is giving away free handbags! Go to www.handbagplanet.com for more information!

My Birthday!

Wow, it has taken me a long time to finally post this! Well my birthday was on the 1st. It was really a great day! My husband and daughter never fail to make everything perfect (in my eyes)! Chris got up super early so he would have time to make me breakfast in bed, which Samantha helped me eat, of course! Then I opened my presents, and Chris went to class and work. Sam and I went to a playgroup at our neighbor's house and she played with her friends. Chris brought me stargazer lilies(my favorite flowers) between work and class. For dinner they surprised me with Thai food, cake, and friends! That evening we surprised our families with the news that we are going to have an addition to our family in May! It was great to be able to spend time with my family and friends! I love you all, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful people! The pictures are actually from a ward activity we had a few weeks ago, but they are too cute not to share! Sam and I got flowers painted on our cheeks!