Top 5

We've been busy around here!  Here are our top 5 recent events to fill you in!

1.

Any free time that I've had has been spent doing adoption paperwork.  I just finished answering all of the required discussion questions, autobiography info, and trans-racial questions and ended up with 18 solid pages of typing.  Phew!  Paul is almost finished with his and then we can schedule our next home study visit.

2.
Weston and I sneaked out for an afternoon, just the two of us.  He needed new shoes and some one-on-one time with mom.  After running up and down the aisles with every pair of shoe in his size to test both speed and height of jumping capabilities, he chose these.
(Thankfully, I was able to avoid the "light-up" shoes, but it was a close call!)

Of course, we had to get a treat at Starbucks, then we headed over to a favorite park for some play time.

3.
We went out for Ethiopian food!  The boys LOVED it and can't wait to go again.  I think it had something to do with the whole 'eating with your hands' thing.  It was super yummy and I'm excited to learn how to cook some of these dishes at home!

4.
 We went to Azul's for brunch on Mother's Day.  Yum!

Then I had the crazy idea to do a little painting in the backyard.  The boys loved it.  
Isaac especially, as you can see!

5.
And the most exciting event of all, 
brad, lisa, and maya are here!
As in, they live here.  In Mill Creek.  Walking distance from our house.
It still seems surreal!  We have ALWAYS talked about how we wanted to live near each other and through a somewhat fast, but awesome series of events, it has happened!
We are SO excited and Isaac is completely in love with Maya.  It's so cute to see them hug and play together.

  
And one more thing!!!!
(so I guess this post should be titled Top 6...but that doesn't sound as good)
SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!
(now we just need the summer weather to go along with that)


It was a crawl across the finish line for me and I feel like I'm in recovery mode from a very draining year.  But, that's another post for another time.  For now, bring on the rainy day movies while I sit on the couch and look at magazines.  I think I deserve it...at least for a few days!!! 

Tukula Bags

Well, the fundraising continues here at the Stutzman household!  As you saw in my previous post, our garage sale was a HUGE success!!  

Now we're on to something a little more fun and pretty!  

I recently found out about an organization called Tukula.  They teach women in Uganda how to sew tote bags, clutches, wristlets etc. and then use these skills to earn an income.  

Here is their mission:

Tukula (meaning we grow in Luganda) is a cause-driven business invested in giving local Ugandan entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow above poverty. We do this by giving our artisans an above average wage for quality handmade products, an encouraging work environment, medical care and access to international markets. They are then able to provide themselves and their families with homes, food, education, and hope for the future. Through working with Tukula, these ladies are gaining confidence, joy, and the opportunity to empower others.

Here is a video that shows the amazing work that these women do.

I love the idea behind this and the handbags are super cute.  I purchased one of their fundraising kits, and this is where YOU come in!  I will be selling them here on the blog and with your purchase you will be supporting these beautiful women in Uganda, as well as our adoption!  It's a win all around :)  And just in time for Mother's Day!  These make great gifts.

Here is how to purchase a bag:

1.  Below, you will see pictures of the items that are available.  If you see something that you'd like to buy, either leave me a comment or send me an email at deannastutzman@gmail.com, telling me which specific item(s) you'd like and how many of each. 

2.  Then click on the donate button at the upper righthand corner of your screen and follow the directions to donate and pay for whatever bag(s) you've chosen.  Please include an addtional $3.00 if your order needs to be shipped.

3.  I will update the quantities as the bags sell.

4.  If you live locally, I will get the bags to you soon!  If it needs to be shipped, I will mail it within 24 hrs of your purchase.

5.  Enjoy your bag and knowing that you've helped, not one, but TWO great causes!!!

And now...here they are!  Happy shopping!

Navy, yellow and pink tote $25.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 15" x 12" (not including shoulder straps)
Quantity: Sold Out!
(The square on the front is a pocket. The inside is lined in navy and has an additional zippered pocket)

Turquoise, brown, and yellow tote $25.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 15" x 12" (not including shoulder straps)
Quantity: 1
(The square on the front is a pocket. The inside is lined in brown and has an additional zippered pocket)

Green and mustard leaf clutch $15.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 7.5" x 4.5"
Quantity: 1

Navy and orange clutch $15.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 7" x 4"
Quantity: 1

Green and brown bird clutch $15.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 8" x 4.5"
Quantity: Sold Out!

Turquoise and brown floral clutch $15.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 7.5" x 4.5"
Quantity: Sold Out!

Navy, yellow, and burgundy wristlet $18.00(+ $3.00 shipping)
Measures 11" x 6"
Quantity: 6


thank-you so much for your support!

First Fundraiser {success}

Yesterday was the annual Mill Creek garage sale and the big kick-off for our adoption fundraising efforts!  We had a ton of donations from local friends...especially our church Life Group.  We are SO thankful for their support and generosity!!  We could not have done it without them!  The turnout was great and the rain held off.  The shoppers came out in droves and they even decided to start browsing through our garage at 6:40 am while I was still in my pajamas, but whatever. 

Caleb and Weston were a big help with preparation.  We had a fun time making our huge banner together.

My favorite part was that while we colored away, the boys and I had a good, real talk about what it might be like when their new brother or sister arrives.  We are excited, but realistic and I think it's important for the boys to be able to talk openly about any fears or questions they may have.  

 When it came time for the actual sale, the boys were busy running around with friends who came to "help". They had a GREAT time!

My friend Julie and I had fun people watching and selling stuff all. day. long.  We were tired by the end, but it was fun!  Thanks Julie!!  Her husband, Bob was here helping too.  We love the Archers!!

People were very generous and encouraging.

We even had one of Caleb's buddies ask if he and his family could set up a lemonade stand and give us their proceeds!  It was so sweet and kind.  What amazing and selfless people! 

After all was said and done, we raised nearly $1,200!!!

Now, we just need to have 29 more garage sales and then we'll be good! :)

Kidding, we know that God will continue to provide as we work toward bringing our little one home!!