Using my Voice

Anyone who knows us, knows that we love adoption.  We wouldn't be a family without adoption, and that I cannot imagine.  I love hearing people's stories of adoption.  How families were created in such amazingly unique ways and EVERY story is different.  The problem is, that adoption isn't always an option for every wannabe family because of the cost.  Adoption is expensive.
That is why I am so in love with organizations that raise funds for couples hoping to adopt.  Every little bit helps.  In comes Subsidy Shades to help families lessen the financial burden.

{Me in my Crystal Aviators}

Through Instagram I came across Subsidy Shades.  (I can go on and on about my love for IG)

Melissa started Subsidy Shades to raise funds for her family's second adoption.  This mother

warrior did what she needed to do to expand her family.  She just did it in an utterly cute 

and adorable way.  

Shades. 

Cute Affordable Sunglasses. 

For mommy, daddy, and baby. 

Free shipping too! 

So I am using my voice and spreading the word
about a fantastic way to help others. 

A way to change people's lives.   

Now which pair to get my girls?

Being a Voice

In December 2013, I came across Ali Edwards and her blog for word of the year. 

She calls it her One Little Word. 

I was instantly intrigued.  

I embraced this new way of taking on New Year's Resolutions.  

Not setting goals, that sadly I end up falling short of year after year,

but using a word to navigate you through a year.  Push you in mysterious ways.

I was inspired by her words and way of finding meaning in this one little word throughout the year. 

In 2013, after contemplating and really over thinking it I chose my word.... SPARK. 

I had my word posted so I would see it every day and the word's meaning 

transformed over the course of the year.  I was ambitious and energetic seeing 

how my life, from new hobbies to my faith really did spark throughout the year. 

{read my 2013 thoughts here}

In 2014, my word was LIFE. 

I really wanted to have a cool word, but as January approached and I reflected 

on 2013 and looked to what I saw in 2014 this word kept being in the forefront. 

The first thing on my list for 2014 was to take care of me.  

I had been neglecting myself and putting all my energy in taking care of my family. 

I am ashamed to admit it, but until last year I hadn't been to a Doctor since we moved to the 

Quad Cities.  I hadn't seen a gynecologist since I had Lily.  Sad truth. 

So 2014 was to take care of me and take care of my LIFE. 

I finally got a physical, have a family doctor for the hubs and I, 

saw a gynecologist (ugh, pap smear), and here's the kicker took time for myself. 

I found myself taking more mommy breaks. 

(Hello, trip to the Mediterranean)

Saying "yes" to more Mom's night out.

Not feeling guilty for going on a run over the weekend when hubs was home.

I actually shocked myself when I ran 500 miles this year.  

I couldn't have done that in the past... I wouldn't have found it necessary. 

But taking care of me has become as much of a priority as taking care of my family. 

This year 2015, my chosen one little word is VOICE. 

I am looking forward to seeing how this word appears and directs me in 2015. 

Discovering my voice and being a voice for others. 

Keeping Shel Silverstein's poem in my head this year,

I am ready for a year of more personal growth. 

Being a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and human being.

That is what I am striving for.