A Real New Yorker - 10 years Today

Today I celebrate 10 years living in New York City. This is definitely the longest I've ever lived in one city and in one neighborhood.  Its kind of insane especially given I thought I'd only be here 2 years.  

So in honor of my 10 years, I thought I'd share with you some of my most favorite people and times in New York (through pictures only).  I'll let them speak for themselves. They are in no particular order.

Looking back, I wish I had put these into years but that's too much to redo now... Also, there are TONS more so maybe I'll share those with you another day. Alot has happened in my 10 years here.  I look forward to 10 more!

THANK YOU NEW YORK FOR BEING SO GOOD TO ME!

Adoption 10:10:1

Hi Friends.  Today I want to introduce you to one of my sweet blogging friends, Christie from Satisfaction Through Christ.  She's definitely one of those bloggers that sticks with you and makes you feel like you have been friends in real life forever.  

When Christie approached me about sharing her story with my readers I was quick to respond!  If you read anything on my blog this week, this should be it!  

I have a heart for adoption and hope one day to adopt myself. I see the value in the process and redemptive hope adoption brings to not only the child but the family.  Christie and her adorable family are in the process of adopting their second child. Read about that here.  In order to make that happen, they have to raise $35,000.  I'd love to ask you to consider helping this adorable family reach this goal.  $10 can go a long way!

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea or whatever makes your day), sit down and get ready to be moved by her most recent adoption journey!

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Friends, I have been so overwhelmed by the generosity shown towards our family over the last few days.  The response has been amazing and I'm at a loss for words on how to say thank you.  I'm praying that the Lord will give me the proper words at some point.  Words will never be enough, though.

For the full story and to read our adoption announcement post, visit here!

Today has been an emotional day, but I now know {without a doubt} that the Lord has called us specifically to bring this baby girl home.

Last night we had a $10 donation come in from a friend.  I emailed her thanking her for her donation and she quickly expressed sadness at not being able to give more.  I told her that every little bit helps...and it does.

If you're anything like me, all you've seen is $35,000 and thought, "There's no way I can help with that."  

I get it and I know -- it's so much bigger than any one of us but it's not too big for God!

This morning the Lord laid an idea on my heart and I've fought Him all day about presenting it to you, but I know that He hasn't called us to walk this road alone.  So, I'm excited to present our biggest fundraising effort yet....

Operation {Adoption} 10:10:1

10 Days: $10: 1 Baby Girl

Goal = $10,000

Our adoption agency has given us 15 days to raise the initial $10,000 we need.  The remainder will be due in increments until she is born.  But for now, we are praying for 1,000 friends to come alongside of us and donate just $10 each.  

I know $35,000 is overwhelming.  

I know $10,000 is overwhelming.

But $10 is a little less overwhelming.

So, would you commit to partnering with us and would you commit to praying for us?

If so, simply use the PayPal donation widget below (if you don't see the PayPal widget you can donate here, too).

Please leave a comment with your first name.  I'd love to use each of your names in a special project for our little girl; something she can always have to remember how many people helped bring her home.

And, if you're so moved, would you share this post?  On your blog, on social media, through email?  May the LORD be glorified in it all...

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You might be like me and think even $10 is tough on your budget... and to give it a stranger?  But I want to strongly urge you to consider helping the Hill Family through this amazing and trusting venture.  That $10 will go a long way and I am convinced God will bless you in some way or another for your gift.  I gave $10, won't you consider giving!

Thank you for your time and for stopping by! I hope you were encouraged by their story!

Fears, Oh My!

In an effort to exercise my writing muscles, I've decided to take on the 30 Days of Blogging Prompts. I got the idea from Brooke from Covered in Grace (30 Days of Blogging Prompts) who got the idea from @ Lashes & Beard. Today I am doing "Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and describe how they became fears."

This one is sort of a struggle to write not because of the fears but because I am not really sure what they are... at least not legitimate fears.

MICE
Sounds silly, right, that I am afraid of mice. Now, I am not afraid of mice that have been pets or caged up. At least I don't think that I am. But I am afraid of the ones who hang out in my kitchen and scurry around in the dark looking for food that is not theirs to eat.

I live in NYC and having mice in your apartment is pretty likely no matter where you live or how clean you are. My last apartment had an infestation. They had done construction on the basement that I think must have stirred up a colony of mice. To top that the apartment right next door had been under construction for the entire 4 years I lived there. So I think they migrated up the 5 flights and decided to make my apartment and that gutted apartment theirs. We had weeks where we saw 1 or 2 a day. Our landlord refused to do much more than give us sticky traps.... so in turn i killed 1 or 2 a day... i am not kidding. So this made me a little jumpy. The straw happened when i was in my room and my hangers started moving on their own. Yes they made it to my room. I moved out soon after. In my current apartment we have had a problem too but not to the extent as before. They show up for a week or so and then disappear for 3-6 months. Its usually a tiny little guy that lives in and on our stove.

Still i am afraid of them. I am more afraid of how sneaky they are. I am afraid that i will step on them or that they will scurry up my leg. Not rational and I know it! Yet I am still afraid.


DEATH OF A PARENT
Over the last few years the reality that my parents are getting older is becoming more real. In the grand scheme of things they are still young. Most people live to be in their 80s but they are reaching ages where the risks are higher and the reality is, well, more real. With my mom's health scare this year, it has become even more obvious that I am not promised to have them forever. The fear of losing them is becoming a daily thing lately. I often find myself wanting to call them every day just to make sure they are OK and doing well. I also find myself wanting to play parent to them. I want to beg them to take very good care of themselves. Not in judgement but purely out of fear that i could one day lose them. I watch my mom struggle with taking care of her ailing mother (95) and hope that I get to do that with her one day. I know that's not ideal for my mom but I hope that I have plenty more years to be with her.


NOT HAVING A FAMILY OF MY OWN
I am turning 37 soon and the reality that I will be single and childless for the rest of my life gets more real every year. I won't go into it too much here but this is an overwhelming fear of mine.  I legitimately want a family. I am not overly proactive nor do I complain about my current status much but it is a fear on mine that is very real.  You can read a little more about this here.

What are some of your fears?  If you've written a post about it, link them up below in the comments section. I'd love to hear them!

Have a great week!

List 10 random facts

In an effort to write more creatively or openly, I am using an idea from Brooke from Covered in Grace, 30 Days of Blogging Prompts who got the idea from @ Lashes & Beard.

So today I thought I'd start with the first one, day 1, "List 10 random facts about yourself."  I don't plan to go in order so just beware :)

So here it goes.

1) I was born in Landstuhl, Germany.  I was an Army Brat! 

2) I have a fairly small family and my parents are still married. I have one brother who is married with 2 kids (16 and 14).

3) I love the experience of coffee.  I love the taste but the experience of a good cup makes me so happy.

4) I have watched Pitch Perfect almost a dozen times over the last month... and I could watch it a dozen more.

5) I am an Apple Girl.  I have 2 Macbook Pros (1 is mine and the other is for work), an iPod mini, iphone, and an ipad.  

6) I can't have a meal without having something sweet afterward.

7) I am amazed at how messy I can be yet I am well known for being able to organize things sufficiently. (when its not my own life)

8) I have a problem with always seeing both sides of a situation. It always leads me to not know which side I land on.

9) I am a romantic at heart and a true softy when it comes to people reaching their dreams... no matter how small they are.

10) I can't stand the sounds people make when they drink or eat. It makes me crazy.

Just a little about me!

All I Want For Christmas

Presents! 

We all want them!  

Regardless of what we end of doing, we all probably have a not so secret secret list somewhere of what we want for Christmas.  To be honest, this year, I am just glad to be home with my parents.  Its been a rough few months so I am glad I can wrap my arms around them.  

But I too have a wish list. I even made it a pinterest board.

What's on your wish list this Christmas?

I asked some of my blogging friends what's on theirs!

Courtney from Baxtron{Life}
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

"This year - I've asked the hubs to commit to one year of Saturday breaks for me. Meaning - I'd love to have one day off a week where I didn't have to cook, clean or be the main caregiver --- its a free gift in terms of money and essentially priceless!"

Lanaya from Reagan's Toy Chest

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

Reagan's Toy Chest:  Facebook ~ Twitter 

"Red Coat & Tall Boots from Express" 

Sarah from Folderol & Frippery
Facebook

"I'd love gift cards from Think Geek and JCPenney! If nothing else, I'm usually pretty thrilled with a bottle of good, sweet wine!"

Amy from The Ramblings from Miss AimyMichelle

"A kindle fire HD is on my wishlist." 

Danielle from Football & Rainbows
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

"Amazon giftcard, Torrid giftcard, iPad, Toms &
Things for my new house"

Nicole Robinson from Scraptastic Memories

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

"Just more craft stuff. You can never have enough!!"

Danette from All My Love For All My Days

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ HelloCotton ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

"I love this necklace from J Crew. It's more expensive than I'd usually ask for, but I'd love it." 

Britt from Yellow Umbrella
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ HelloCotton ~ BlogLovin

"I always have the worst trouble coming up with gift ideas for Christmas...maybe because my ultimate gift would be an iMac and that is a little expensive. I would love some black riding boots and definitely clothes though!"

What on your list?

Have a great Christmas, everyone!

Dear Santa...

We all have expectations as we enter the holiday season.  For some of us we just hope that life will seem normal. For others its about what we will get, give or who we will see.

This year, I simply want to spend time loving, serving and hanging out with my Mom and Dad.  Its been a year full of life change, illness, and for many, tragedy.  I can't wait to wrap my arms around my mom and dad and say thank you for all they have done for me throughout my life.

What is something you'd like to see happen this holiday?

I asked some of my blogging friends what they'd life to see!

Britt from Yellow Umbrella
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ HelloCotton ~ BlogLovin

"I know this sounds silly, but I would love to be able to relax and let the stress of life go so that I might enjoy every moment of this Christmas season. "

Courtney from Baxtron{Life}
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

"This Christmas, I'd love to see my younger sister let go of her resentments and join in our festivities - seriously - having her celebrate away from her family is the hardest thing ever."

Lanaya from Reagan's Toy Chest

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

Reagan's Toy Chest:
Facebook ~ Twitter 

"I would love to see my family all appreciate each other. I want them to realize that despite the differences (whether it be religion, ideals, etc) it is still important to respect one another and love each other for who we all are." 

Sarah from Folderol & Frippery
Facebook

"I'd like to see people relax! In retail, I see so my people who are just in a bad mood this time of year. Don't take it so seriously. Keep in mind that the people working might be tired and cranky themselves (I've been putting in 42-50 hours a week on my feet!), but we are doing our best to help you and smile while doing it. There is no reason to be mean. You gain so much more from the experience when you are kind."

Amy from The Ramblings from Miss AimyMichelle

"Realistically I would love to see all of my family get along and be together but I know that just won't happen due to things that have happened." 

Danielle from Football & Rainbows
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

"I would like for my son and nephew to be happy and have a great Christmas!"

Nicole Robinson from Scraptastic Memories

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

"I would like to learn how to better manage my time and not try to do so much!"

Danette from All My Love For All My Days

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ HelloCotton ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

"I'm anxious to see nieces and nephews and even children of my own for Christmas. Even though several are married, it seems like this gift may be several years away still yet, but one can always hope." 

What would you like to see happen this holiday?

Have a great Christmas, everyone!

Favorite Family Traditions

Holiday traditions are some of the best things about the holidays, no matter how you celebrate.  

For me, its the Christmas Eve Crab Legs with my Mom and Dad, brunch on Christmas day and hanging out with my parents enjoying the day.

What are some of your family traditions during the holidays?

I asked some of my blogging friends what their's were!

Danette from All My Love For All My Days

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ HelloCotton ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

"On Christmas Eve, all the grandkids go to our grandparents house and make Christmas candy. We eat a late dinner, open presents, and stay up late. Sometimes we even get to take a midnight tour of a historic "haunted" theater. It's the best ever." 

Britt from Yellow Umbrella
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ HelloCotton ~ BlogLovin

"I love that every since I was a little girl when I have had Christmas with my parents we have always read the Christmas story, and then go in a circle opening gifts. Afterwards, we always have a huge brunch with biscuits and gravy, omelets, and of course bacon."

Courtney from Baxtron{Life}
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

"Favorite traditions are candy-making and cookie baking with my mom, visiting the botanical garden, drinking fancy homemade coffee drinks, getting competitive with the xbox live and the special midnight gathering at my church in Washington state."

Lanaya from Reagan's Toy Chest

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin

Reagan's Toy Chest:
Facebook ~ Twitter 

"Because we are starting this year we have implemented:
Elf on the Shelf ~ Reagan named her Pia and she loves talking to her and finding her new places she pops up.

Staying home on Christmas Eve and experiencing the joy of watching Reagan come down the stairs for the first time and seeing all her presents.

Christmas dinner with family ~ whether it be from my side or my husband's side ... We like to spend it with someone." 

Sarah from Folderol & Frippery
Facebook

"Living away from my family, its hard for us to have any big traditions, but my boyfriend and I always decorate the house together and drive around town to look at the lights."

Amy from The Ramblings from Miss AimyMichelle

"As a family the most prominent tradition is driving around different neighborhoods looking at the light displays. i always remember doing that and still love to do it now, we always used to stop and get ice cream too." 

Danielle from Football & Rainbows
Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

"My mom's side of the family gets together on Christmas Eve and we have a big dinner and white elephant Christmas. Every year all the cousins try to out do each other on the gifts we give. Last year I totally won when I gave a Forever Lazy!

Also every Christmas Eve my son and nephew get to open one gift, which always ends up being pajamas ha ha."

Nicole Robinson from Scraptastic Memories

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

"For the past 23 years we have had a sleepover held 2 days before Christmas with all my nieces and nephews at my sister-in-laws house and I somehow always got volunteered to participate. This started with 15 kids and has now grown to around 38 kids including the children of those that started it all. We play games and have lots of fun!  

My family also spends time together decorating sugar cookies, making homemade Christmas ornaments, watching Christmas movies and checking out all the Christmas lights around town."

So what are some of your family traditions during the holidays?

Have a great Christmas, everyone!