Birth Mother Baskets

What do you LOVE today?

2012-01-31T09:47:00.002-07:00

February is the craziest month for us.

JD turns 10.

Evie turns 7.

V day the 14th.

B and I celebrate 11 years on the 28th.

woozers!

Plus, pull of a birthday party for 16 of JD's friends, take Evie to a BYU gymnastics meet, interviews for bmb, guitar, baseball, basketball, gymnastics and keeping the house up to par...

plus, being a mom to one very determined 13 month old.

Life is hectic, crazy and exhausting.

i love it!

I dropped the blueberries on the ground this morning, while getting them out of the fridge. Evie helped me pick them up and said "it's ok mom, those are really easy to spill when your opening them."

JD reminded me that he has 4H today after school, since yesterday I forgot Evie had it and I frantically searched for her for 20 minutes before texting our neighbor who had to remind ME that my daughter was at 4H. LOL! whoops.

I can hear them laughing in this one. It makes me laugh out loud!
i love it!

I watched Jett for 15 minutes this morning, climb in and out of his car seat {it was in the living room}. He was so determined to inspect every inch of that thing. I loved watching his little mind work.

What do you LOVE today?

Being a Mom is HARD...

2012-01-27T09:04:00.001-07:00

Let me just first mention... I have three beautiful children that I am wildly crazy about and adore, however being a mom is HARD work! Yes, I am extremely grateful for them, but after the morning I had, I just wanted to crawl back in bed!

I woke to Jett screaming "aaawwhhhhh" "mamamama" "dadadada" It was 6am. Really? Staying up watching the debate until 12:30, probably was my FIRST mistake! When I eventually went in to get him, he was oozing poop out the sides of his diaper and on to his cute jammies. :(
Horrendous smell insert here!

JD is 10 years old. He can basically get himself ready... shower, get dressed, so on. However, this morning he decided, while mom was wrestling a massive pile of oozing poop, I'm going to play legos. Seemed like a perfectly good idea, since mom is too busy to notice. Thinking he was downstairs finding breakfast I found him wrapped in his towel on the floor of his room creating a massive lego universe. Really? Stay calm... we can still make it to school in time... stay calm. {I'm not the best morning person, I'm working on this}

I wake Evie up, tell JD to hurry and take Jett and his freshly new diaper downstairs to start breakfast. When I hear, "DON'T LOOK AT ME!!!!!"
My precious hubby has the day off and is trying to sleep in during this crusade.
What is wrong?
Evie says... 'I fell down the stairs and JD is... LOOKING AT ME!' Oh man! For real?? Looking at you? What the ____ are we going to do about that. {of course these words were all said in my mind}

She is sitting in her underwear and her jammie top. Apparently, she couldn't get her shirt off, so she came downstairs for me to help her, but she fell on her way down and JD asked her if she was ok.
She didn't want him to look at her in her underwear, so she started screaming.
I sent misses fancy pants up to her room to finish getting dressed. She stomped her way up there yelling, 'THIS IS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE!' You and me both girl. You and me both. {again said in my mind}

It wasn't long before I was...

-cleaning up 2 glasses of spilled chocolate milk

-washing lil' hands from getting in the oh so fun toilet water

-brushing out super ratted hair and listening to Evie scream... again.

-dragging Jett away from the 'lazy susan' so I don't have to clean up 2 boxes of spilled cereal like yesterday

-looking for missing socks, coats, backpacks shoes... why doesn't anyone put there ____ away??

Finally, we are all in the truck ready to go.

Evie screams {again} "YOU FORGOT IT'S WINNIE THE POOH DAY!! I NEED TO BRING A WINNIE THE POOH BOOK TO SCHOOL AND A STUFFED ANIMAL" followed by sobs.

Keep in mind I haven't even pulled out of the driveway yet. {oh, the beautiful dramatic life of having a girl}
Run in the house frantically searching for a Winnie the Pooh.
Back in the truck.

"Mom, what's for lunch?"

oh ___, seriously?

I will bring you one.

I'm sure every mother has these mornings. I have had my fair share, in fact, some days are a lot worse then this morning, my point...

It's hard being a mom.
It's hard being a mom with a supportive husband, a steady income and a loving family. I can't imagine trying to do this on my own! Stressing about school, work, bills and so on.

I am grateful for my life.
But this morning, I wanted those covers up over my head!
Don't be ashamed of these feelings as a mother. Don't judge yourself. Don't judge others. Life is hard. Being a mom is hard. It's ok to have days when you want to crawl back in bed, just don't let it overwhelm you and remember... we ALL have days like this and feel this way from time to time.

Mom's be strong! Be proud and make sure you are finding some 'me' time in between these crazy days of being a mother.

The BEST Day

2012-01-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

You know when a letter starts:

"We are pleased to inform you..."

That it is going to be

~~good,~~ ~~great~~, ~~incredible~~, the most AWESOME news EVER!!!

Well, that is how the letter started that we received from the IRS today

Drum Roll Please......

It is Officially Official:)

Birth Mother Baskets is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charity!!

And the best news is that it is retroactive back to August 16th, 2010.

We cannot even put into words the feelings and emotions we have felt today. This has been the most incredible journey, and we realize this is only the beginning.

There is no way we could have done this without all of your love, support and donations. THANK YOU!

We will be adding a tab to our blog with all of the good information so you can be sure to get your tax credits!

Welcome Home

2012-01-20T08:09:00.001-07:00

Open Adoption, Open Heart post this video on Facebook this morning. I cried watching it, my son asked why I was crying, so I let him watch it. {he is 10 years old} I explained it to him and he grinned from ear to ear watching it. "they look happy to have that baby mom," he said.

Yes they do bud, yes they do.

What joy this video brings my heart... as a birth mother I LOVE seeing adoptive couples with their beautiful new babies and HUGE grins on their faces. Why does this for some reason, lesson my sadness? You can't help but cry, with a smile on your face, watching this.

Happy open adoption. Happy filled home with adoptive family and birth family.

I ache for this myself.

But, have to remember that some day, we to, will share our home with her adoptive family.

Something tells me, today is going to be one of those 'let it out' days, and that's ok, even 11 years later. I too will be smiling through my tears.

i miss u butterfly

Enjoy.

Fantastic Deals!!!

2012-01-19T09:15:00.002-07:00

I saw a few good deals this morning I thought I better share with you all. There are super easy and cheap donations out there that bmb could really use. Please, keep us in mind. If you aren't able to donate at this time, email me the great deal you saw, so I can share it with others.

The Body Shop
60%-80% off

Some items are as cheap as $2.00! Plus you get free shipping and can ship directly to bmb {PO Box 1582 Spanish Fork, UT 84660}

Enter code: FREEJOY at checkout. Thank freebies2deals.com for the heads up!

I LOVE their body butters. They have perfect lids for easy shipping to our birth mothers. Please... take a look, now is a FANTASTIC time to donate.

Also, I noticed in the Shopko ad, they are having holiday & winter home clearance. 60%-80% off.

This includes blankets. Which we ALWAYS need! We don't mind holiday print :)

You can ship your donation to use or I am willing to pick them up. You are also welcome to drop anything off at my home in Spanish Fork or my mom's house in Highland, UT.

Thank you everyone for your support. Please keep your birth mothers in mind all year long, they need our love and support!

What Advice Do You Have For Prospective Birth and/or Adoptive Parents in 2012?

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

americaadopts.com let Jenny and I add our advice for birth parents and adoptive couples for 2012. I love linking up with other blogs and websites. I get to meet so many great people that way.

Take a look at their GREAT post on advice for 2012. I agree with Melissa Nilsen, The Modern Mom

when she said...

"If you hope to have an authentic open adoption with your birthson or daughter, remember that you are also signing up for an open, authentic relationship with his or her adoptive parents."

I also love Mark's comment...

New. New. New.

2012-01-16T14:16:00.002-07:00

I love starting a new year, it is that small kick in the butt, that I need from time to time to get things done
or
start something new!
We need something new, in our baskets, and we could use YOUR help. Can you think of something different, that is not listed below, that we could add to our baskets?

Candles
Journals {in every bmb}
Lotions
Bath Salts
Bath Bubbles
Bath Pillow
Bath Loofah
Perfume
Movies
Jewelry
Frames Music CD’s
Make Up
Finger Nail Polish
Manicure/Pedicure Sets
Photo Albums
Magazines
Small Blankets
Hair accessories
Gift Certificates
{Massages, spa treatments, pedicure, manicure, movies or book store etc.}
Reusable Shopping Bags

Have you received a gift basket before or just a really cool gift? What was it?
Help us improve our pampering items in our baskets.
Also, have you seen any good deals?
We could use your tips.
Please, leave a comment below or email us birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com

Thanks ya'll!!

It does not matter what you do, just do something.

2012-01-10T22:41:00.002-07:00

Last night Jared and I took our boys to the local homeless shelter. This is always one of the most humbling experiences. It is difficult to watch these men, women, and even children file into the National Guard Armory carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. We helped with the set up by placing thin mats side by side on the concrete floor for their beds. The boys and Jared wiped the mats down and sprayed them with Lysol before anyone was allowed to come in. My job was to check in the “clients,” as they are called. As each one of them handed me their identification, I asked them how they were doing. All but one of them gave me an unexpected, happy, positive answer like: “I’m fine,” “I’m glad to be here,” “Doing great, how are you?” or even the common, “Good.” It was inspiring to hear them be so thankful for a place to sleep and a good, hot meal.

Sometime we get great donations at BMB that we are not able to use in our baskets. I made good use of some of these items last night as I took some toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and toothbrushes with us to give to someone in need. They were all very grateful for the much needed items.

When I get in a rut thinking of my own problems, the best thing for me to do is to just go out and do something for someone else. It is during this time that I realize that I am blessed beyond measure. We may not have the big house, or the fancy car, but there is always much to be thankful for.

Please Help The Pack Family!!!

2012-01-06T09:06:00.001-07:00

Rarely do I ever post something on bmb that has nothing to do with adoption... however I grew up with Kelly and grief is grief, whether you place your child or lose a child. {In no way am I trying to compare the two, that's be clear with that.}

But, this could happen to any of us... this family could really use your help!

Thanks!

Meet Kelly & Ryan Pack

Their family is ADORABLE.

On Christmas Eve, they were in a horrible car crash on their way back home to American Fork, Utah from a Christmas party. They were hit head on at high speed by a man driving a suburban who veered over the median and directly into their way. All four family members were in critical condition. Their sweet 18 month old, Colum, passed away on Christmas day.
He died in his mother’s arms.
Their three year old son Finn, has been released from the hospital and is reported to be doing well, but Kelly and Ryan remain in critical care with months ahead of them full of surgeries and therapy.

Please read more about their courageous story here.

And find out how you can help out.

The following prints are for sale...
100% proceeds will go to the Pack Family.

Each print is made to order,

so please specify which print you want (House Rules or You Are Braver),

how many and what size (8x10 or 11x14).

(ex. House Rules 2 8x10's gina crotts)

'House Rules'

printed on premium card stock
8x10 $12.00
11x14 $15.00

unframed & unmatted

'You Are Braver'

printed on premium card stock
8x10 $12.00
11x14 $15.00

unframed & unmatted

Money Order or Paypal accepted.
Email happycatof2@yahoo.com with any questions.

For more great items that will benefit the Pack Family go here...

Sew She Sews

Couple Forced To Hand Over 2yr old

2012-01-03T11:08:00.002-07:00

I want to know your thoughts on this. Please leave a comment! What do you think about this story??

Check out Save Veronica

If you believe in this story and want to save Veronica sign this petition here!

77 years!!

2012-01-02T20:51:00.002-07:00

The wonderful Amber Madsen shared this story with me and I just cried reading it. I LOVE hearing stories of birth mothers meeting their babies for the first time. My heart just leaped with this one.

Enjoy.

Mom reunites with biological child

77 years later

The Holidays

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas!

bmb has been very blessed this year and we are even more excited about 2012!

I know there are birth mothers out there thinking of their butterflies, this time of year, our hearts are with all of you and you are always in our prayers.

May peace fill all of your homes

the true spirit of Christmas be with you.

Love,

Last Minute Shopping... or just for fun :)

2011-12-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Can you believe Christmas is SUNDAY?
Seriously, where did the year go?

I wanted to share with you some of my FAV etsy shops. I am a HUGE etsy fan. I love buying something unique and handmade. However, you will have to check with each shop to see if you can have it shipped in time for Christmas or not, if not, Valentine's Day isn't that far away. lol

I LOVE this pendant "a wish come true"

Junk Posse has MANY adoption related items that are to die for!! Thank you Tracy for creating such a GREAT product.

Who can talk about etsy and adoption and NOT talk about The R House? Not me... LOVE, LOVE their new adoption t-shirts!

I'm also LOVING Raspberry Creek Fabric. She has the cutest dang fabric ever! I love using fabric in my art work or handing to my mom to make a blanket. hehe! My favorites...

 I love the vintage feel of this one! swoon!

Another GREAT last minute gift that I love to do, is pick up a bread basket from Great Harvest. They have the best items there and it's so easy to put together a simple yummy basket. Their oatmeal cookies are evil, they are so good! They have many stores around Utah County and surrounding areas.

Great Harvest Bread Co.
1774 N University Pkwy. #48
Provo, UT 84604
Great Harvest Bread Co.
101 North 1200 East
Lehi, UT 84043
Great Harvest Bread Co.
217 E. 12300 S.
Draper, UT 84020

Great Harvest Bread Co.
4667 South 2300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Great Harvest Bread Co.
6541 Landmark Drive; Suite C
Park City, UT 84098

I hope you are taking the time to enjoy this Christmas season. I know it has been one party after another at our house and I am looking forward to Christmas day when everything around us disappears and I get to see the beautiful light in my children's eyes. I cherish them and my family. I will be thinking about our birth mothers, as always, and praying you may find peace in your hearts. We love you!

The 13th Annual a Home for the Holidays

2011-12-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

DON'T FORGET...

Wednesday Dec. 21 @ 8pm (mst) on CBS

is the

The 13th Annual a Home for the Holidays

Hosted by Martina McBride, the event puts the spotlight on children and adoption. There is a special joy to waking up on Christmas morning, running downstairs, and ripping open all the presents set in front of you. As this special points out though, not every child has that advantage, and "A Home for the Holidays" is all about those who have been helped and those still in need of help. Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Gavin DeGraw, OneRepublic, Christina Perri, Katherine Heigl, and Denise Richards will all be there.

Has anyone out there seen this before?

I haven't... so I am excited to sit down and watch with my children Wednesday.

I hope you are all finishing up your holiday shopping and enjoying this time of year.

My heart is with our birth mothers all over the world, may you feel comfort and confidence in your decisions to place.

bmb will be shipping out 4 baskets this week!

peace.joy.happiness

Survivor Finale!

2011-12-16T16:22:00.001-07:00

My husband and I are HUGE Survivor fans, so I was ecstatic when I heard there would be an adoptive mom from Utah on the show this season. Meet Dawn...

Adoptive mama of 6 kids & one tough mama I might add!!

I was so proud of Dawn, though I don't know her personally, but let's be honest... the odds were against her. She was one of the older contestants and her first mental break down, I thought, was going to be her ticket home for sure. However, she hung in there! Spreading her beautiful joy and personality with the cast and winning challenges. I was so IMPRESSED and cheering her on every step of the way. I wish she could have made it to the end, and having been on the opposite side, I think she could have won it.
But... now is the time for the viewers to vote for their fan favorite.
Yes, that means YOU.
Realistically, I don't know how you could not LOVE Dawn.
So all you adoption advocates out there VOTE. VOTE! VOTE!! for Dawn that is.

She could win $100,000 and YOU, yes you, could win $10,000 just for voting.

Follow the link here Click on Player Of The Season. Then VOTE NOW.

You have to sign up an account with CBS. I ran mine through my FB page, just easier. Then vote... 10 times!

Oh, and did I mention she blogs?? Yep right here The Deseret House Wife

So, GO NOW!!

We hope you get it Dawn!!

Throne Of Grace

2011-12-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

We did it!!

Thank you for everyone who ordered through Throne Of Grace.

We will be receiving our 40 sets! yay!

Throne Of Grace...

"Thank you so much to all of you who participated in our Birth Mother Baskets donations! We met our goal EXACTLY!!! 20 sets donated, with our matching 20 sets, for a total of FORTY SETS of "God's Word for a Birthmom's Heart" going to courageous women in need of encouragement and healing. Praise God for the generous hearts of so many! Please be praying with us as we produce, package, and mail these gifts off. May God's Word go forth and not return void!"

Also, don't forget about Spotted Owl Soap. They will make a donation to bmb for every order under $20 and over $20. Remember to put bmb in your order comments. This is only good for the month of December!

A Fitting Day For My First Post

2011-12-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you my dear sweet Gina for your gracious and kind words. I love you dearly!

I became a birth mom 22 years ago today. I was blessed to receive a tender, sweet message from my amazing birth-son this morning thanking me for giving him his wonderful life.

In my family my boys love to hear the story of their births on their birthdays. And I love to share them. I love to tell about how they made their grand entrances into this world. Christian coming 2 weeks early to his very unprepared parents. We did not even have a car seat yet. Us speeding to the hospital with Matthew and getting pulled over on the way. Our very scary moments with Charlie, when my blood pressure dropped and the doctors having a difficult time getting it back up. Stephen being very sick and having to spend a week in the NICU. They love to hear the excitement in mine and Jared's voices as we recall those life changing experiences.

Today I am sharing the story of David's birth with him; he has never heard it. I am excited to share it with him. I love you my sweet boy:) well I guess you are a man now!

I also sent 2 BMB's today. They should have been sent days ago but I got too busy. I think it is very fitting they are going out today.

22 years ago today...

2011-12-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

My amazing friend & bmb partner placed her precious baby boy for adoption. This courageous and selfless decision is only one of MANY reasons why I adore Jenny. I thank God everyday for sending her to me.

Jenny, 

Thank you for helping me take bmb to the next level. You are an incredible birth mother, wife, friend, sister, mother and businesses partner. I am so blessed to have you in my life! Thank you for riding this roller coaster with me, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now, if I could only get you to move to Utah. :)

Love you dearly!

Spotted Owl Soap

2011-12-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

SPOTTED OWL SOAP

We are teaming up with the Spotted Owl Soap for the month of December... if you haven't heard of the Spotted Owl Soap, you are truly missing out on some YUMMY natural skin care!

Let the Spotted Owl Soap tell you how wonderful they are...

"Natural skin care isn't complicated, it's really simple. Instead of  formulating for maximum shelf life or using cheap fillers, we developed  our soaps and lotions for maximum benefit. We use only the best quality  ingredients and every ingredient is there for a purpose. We use only  natural oils derived from plants - no animal fats or petrolatum. We feel  our natural skin care products strike the perfect balance of what  nature and science have to offer your skin"

They carry handmade soaps, lip balm, lotions & butters, scrubs, bath salts and FABulous gift sets. ALL for an AMAZING price!!

PS. did I mention their packaging is so darling?!

For the WHOLE month of December Spotted Owl Soap will donate a free lip balm for any order under $20 and a free soap over $20 to bmb.

So, all you have to do is order a great, original and inexpensive gift for your loved ones for Christmas & you will be making a donation to bmb at the same time. What could be better then that? ummm nothing. :)

DON'T FORGET TO PUT bmb IN YOUR ORDER COMMENTS!

Go here to order.

Follow Spotted Owl Soap here on Facebook.

And share this with your friends & family!!

Let's see how many FREE lip balms and soap we can get our brave birth mothers!

Tis' The Season!

2011-12-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, is it December 1st already? This Holiday season is already getting the best of me. Every night we have some kind of party or family get together. I love being busy, but it makes me scatter brained, so I tend to forget ummm, well almost everything that is important or not so important.

I wanted to remind you all to keep bmb in mind this Holiday Season. Now is a perfect time for you to donate to bmb. Look for the GREAT deals that are going on and grab a few 'extras' for bmb. The items we typically accept are...

Candles
Journals {in every bmb}
Lotions

Bath Salts

Bath Bubbles
Bath Pillow

Bath Loofah

Perfume
Movies
Jewelry
8x10 or 5x7 photo frame
Music CD’s
Make Up
Finger Nail Polish
Manicure/Pedicure Sets

Photo Albums

Magazines
Small Blankets
Slippers

hair accessories
Gift Certificates
{Massages, spa treatments, pedicure, manicure, movies or book store etc.}
Reusable Shopping Bags

Also, it is always fun to get your family or friends involved. Start a Birth Mother Baskets service project, divide up the Items Needed list among your group of friends or family members and see how many baskets you can put together for your Christmas service this year.
{email birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com if you would like help putting one together}
bmb is always in need of items and donations.

We run 100% on what our supporters give to us.

I am always open to sharing my story for your family events or church programs. Please email birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com if you are interested in that as well.

All donations can be sent to PO Box 1582 Spanish Fork, UT 84660. Checks can be written to Birth Mother Baskets or donate using a PayPal account.

Cyber Monday!!

2011-11-28T11:12:00.002-07:00

Donation Tips

Today, as most of you may know, is Cyber Monday! {insert cheers here}

There are thousands of GREAT deals going on online today.

PLEASE... keep bmb in mind while you are doing your holiday shopping.

It doesn't cost much to donate to bmb & it helps us tremendously!

Here are some FABulous donation tip ideas,

that won't hurt your holiday budget!

Kohls: Free shipping on ALL orders today. No minimum purchase required!

Coconut Shower Gel & Lotion

only $3.20 + 20% 0ff {use code CYBER20}

Cheetah Manicure Set

only $12.00 + 20% off {use code CYBER20}

Calvin Klein 4-pc. Fragrance Collection Gift Set

only $28.80 + 20% off {use code CYBER20}

Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta:

today only 30% off use code HUGECYBER {thank you freebies2deals.com}

Patterned Performance Fleece Blankets @ Old Navy

These are a GREAT deal...

Cozy Socks @ Old Navy

there are many, many more. so shop away! hopefully you will find some great prices on things you need for Christmas!

Happy Holidays & Happy Cyber Monday!

YOU ARE BLESSED

2011-11-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

{thank u pinterest for ur amazing stuff}

This poster... really made me stop and think.

i stress

too much

Especially around this time of year, that we won't have enough $ to get the kids what they want for Christmas, that they will be disappointed.

i often

forget

How much we truly have. How blessed I am, my kids and my entire family.

Today,

i won't stress

i won't forget

How God has blessed my life immensely.

How each step in my life has brought me here, to a life that I love!

Thank you God for your answered & unanswered prayers.

I am grateful for a roof over my head, clothes on my back {and few in my closet}, for $ in my bank account {no matter how little it may be}, good health {in me and my loved ones} and knowledge.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Shout Out!

2011-11-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

We wanted to give a shout out to Milkin' Mama's who were able to give bmb a HUGE donation last month. We are so grateful for your support! Thank you for including us in your great cause.

Find out more about Milkin' Mama's on their webiste or their FB page.

Thank you Alice & Keri!

You are the best!

Throne of Grace

2011-11-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

We have teamed up with Throne of Grace this month for National Adoption Awareness.

Check out their AWESOME "God's Word for a Birthmom's Heart"

Every Birth Mother set that is bought this month, Throne of Grace will in return donate another set to bmb, so go order NOW. Such a great thoughtful gift!

Throne of Grace-
"November is National Adoption Month. Come partner with us to bless the heart of a birth mother who has made the heroic decision to choose life and provide a baby for a waiting family. Working together with a fantastic ministry called Birth Mother Baskets, Throne of Grace is helping to fill up baskets for birth mothers who need comfort and encouragement following an adoption placement. From now until November 30th, we will match every set of "God's Word for a Birthmom's Heart" scripture cards that are purchased and donated (up to 20 sets) to Birth Mother Baskets. Just $18 will send the gift of God's Word -- and we'll pay the shipping! Come check it out...and then tell your friends!"

Journal Entry May 5, 2000

2011-11-18T09:31:00.001-07:00

May 5, 2000

I know where I am, yet I am lost.
I'm left in an unfamiliar life with no real guide, except my soul.

I know where I am, yet I am lost.
I don't know what the future holds for us and that adds to my loneliness.
I am lost.

In a world that does not know the real me.
A world that does not understand my thoughts and dreams.
I know where I am, yet I am lost.
My family is far and moving on.
My world is changing without me following.
I am lost.
Left with one beating heart inside of me.
Facing fear.
Left only to trust in myself.
Which way is up? Which was is down?
What will be right for her/him?
I am lost.
Who is asked to make a decision like this?
And then left to defend myself alone.
I know where I am... at a crossroads.
But I am lost.

My heart aches as I reread this journal entry. I can still feel that pit in my stomach! I was at the lowest point in my life and I remember thinking, "why do I have to make this decision now?" Place? Keep? Place? What is the best decision? It was heart wrenching and nerve racking that I was going to mess this up like all the decisions I had made before.

I wanted this decision and every decision after this one to be the "right" decision. I wanted to fight this fear with confidence, but finding that confidence was so difficult and felt almost impossible.

Here I am 11 years later. I am confident. I am proud of my decision and truly, for the most part, proud of all my decisions after. I am blessed in my life and feel grateful for the lessons I have learned. They weren't easy... lessons never are... but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

Please, reach out this month to your birth mothers. Be grateful for them, not only in your heart, but publicly! This is the time, to tell them how much you appreciate their decision as a birth mother. Trust me these decisions are not made lightly, as most of you understand. Be an advocate of adoption! Teach others what adoption is really ALL about... LOVE! Now is the time!

Birth moms, I love you! I respect you. I honor you and pray for you daily. Be brave. Be the amazing person that you were born to be. Speak out, reach out and serve each other.

My heart is full and I am grateful for so many things today.

What are you grateful for?

Adoption Walk With Me

2011-11-16T21:33:00.003-07:00

It was cold!

and I got stuck in the snow, in Park City, then

I got lost... who gets lost finding Liberty Park?

Seriously!?

I'm blaming the 2 1/2 hours of sleep I had the night before. :)

Then my phone died... and I had NO charger. Oh Brother!! And...

It was windy!

BUT

It was so much FUN!!

The 6th Annual Adoption Walk with me was a success!

Thank you The R House for putting it all together.
You know I love ya!

Check out their ADORABLE adoption related items on Etsy They are perfect for Christmas.

My FAVORITE right now... {hint. hint. hubby}

Also, LOVE, love, love their new adoption T's.

Thank you The R House ladies for always supporting bmb!

They had a GREAT raffle, which sadly I did not win anything, I really wanted the CUTEST adoption orange blanket. One, because it was so cute & two because I wanted to wrap myself inside of it! :)

I LOVED seeing everyone in their ORANGE and plan to be a little more original with mine next year... the BEST orange costume BY FAR was thee Orange Man! I asked him to do some Jazz Hands for me... they are more Spiderman hands, but what the heck huh!

But... He got it perfect in this one!! LOL

Lindsey, Thee Orange Man, Leisha

"Jazz Hands EVERYONE!"

{ Lindsey from The R House }

The A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Leisha who did our blog design!

me in my silly, I didn't have time to put makeup on glass, lol!

Believe it or not I tend to be a bit shy when it comes to some of these events. I try to step out of my comfort zone, but it isn't always easy for me, I know I'm weird. So, please if you see me around the adoption world come talk to me... I am horrible at starting a conversation!

But... I LOVE to talk. hehe!

Once again, it was GREAT to be around people who understand and know what adoption is truly about. I was proud to be apart of such a great event and can't wait for next year.

Maybe next year they will actually put us on the news... bummer.

it will be a touch warmer :)

for you...

2011-11-04T10:31:00.000-06:00

Watching Evie on the swing at the playground, I wanted so much to freeze time and keep her 6 years old forever. Her pig tails were swinging back and forth as she moved with the swing. Her enjoyment from such a simple gesture brought a priceless innocent smile on her face.

I yearn for her to always find joy in the simple things in life.

I cringe thinking that someday she won't be 6 years old, and she, like many others, will have to face difficult trials.

I want to brace her, shield her, from any heart ache or pain. 

I don't want that innocent smile to disappear with the evilness this world holds.

Every time she gets higher and higher on the swing, she looks over at me for approval. I see in her eyes she wants me to be proud of her, to approve of her accomplishments... and I do with a smile.

I pray she always values my opinion and wants my approval.

Her laughter is contagious, as she leans back too far and falls to her knees on the ground. Her hands go to her face and she shakes her head and laughs at her own silliness. I laugh too. She is so beautiful and fragile.

Again, I wish I could freeze time and allow nothing to break her spirit.

She is alone at the park today, but it doesn't seem to bother her. She prances around in all her princess glory. Making up games and taking advantage of every empty swing and slide. I can't hear what she is saying, but I see her expressions as she plays make believe.

Her imagination is fresh and artistic.

I could sit here and watch her smiling, laughing and chasing imaginary creatures for hours.

One day I will blink and it will be all over with.

I promise myself to always remember this moment... this day and thank God for sending me my lil' princess to love and adore.

Mommy loves you Evie, and I know it is hard for you to understand why your only sister is not here for you to laugh with, play with, pretend with and love. However, she is in our hearts and one day the two of you will be GREAT friends. I promise.

National Adoption Awareness Month~

2011-11-01T10:58:00.002-06:00

November is National Adoption Awareness Month!

yay!

Lots of fun things going on this month. There are also a lot of FUN things you can do as a family, or individually to bring ADOPTION into your home this month.

Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate ADOPTION...

#1 Watch an Adoption related movie. This is a GREAT way to bring up the conversation of adoption with your lil' ones.

Lilo and Stitch
The Prince of Egypt
Stuart Little
Angels in the Outfield
Annie
Tarzan
The Rescuers
Kung Fu Panda 2

Don't forget the popcorn and milk duds. {yum! my fav!}

#2 Write an adoption related poem. This is also fun for the kids to do. Post your poem on your blog, Facebook page or simply share it with your family. I wrote My Little Butterfly just after holding my precious baby. It has been a very cherished item for me and is also shared in ALL of our bmb.

#3 Talk to your local library about displaying adoption related books through the month of November. You will have to act fast on this one, but what a wonderful way to inform people about adoption. Take a list of your favorite adoption books to give them a good idea of what to display.

* How I Was Adopted By Joanna Cole

* I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis

* Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

#4 Write a Thank You card to anyone who helped you through your adoption process or placement. I LOVE receiving a hand written letter. There is something more personable about getting mail, real mail, not an email. :) Reach out to those who helped you during your adoption trials and success. A Thank You card can go a long way and it is a perfect time of year to show your gratitude to those you love.

#5 Be an adoption advocate!! Start an adoption blog, make a video on adoption and post it online, share your story and love for adoption to someone new or attend your local adoption activities this month and throughout the year.

Check out adoption.com, 30 days of ideas here.

Also, don't forget about the Adoption 'Walk With Me'..

bmb will be there accepting donations and answering any questions you might have. Look for us!

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T13:33:00.000-06:00

My lil' puurrrfect kitty last year...

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-28T11:00:00.001-06:00

Check out our article in adoption.com Emagazine. Remember November is National Adoption Awareness month.

Lasting Change

Thank You!

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

Even though our Launch Party is over, there are still a few companies I would like to highlight who donated FABULOUS items for our auction.

Jane Henry

so, so adorable!

the quality of these hats are A grade.

EVERYONE LOVED these at the auction.

My fav...

this one!

and

this one.

Thanks Jane Henry!!

Minky Baby Blanket

I literally received these beautiful blankets in the mail the day before our auction...

and I'm soooo glad I did.

There was quite a bidding war over the adult blanket. :)

I was super impressed with these blankets.

I'm absolutely in LOVE with this one!

And this one with the satin ruffle is ADORABLE!!

Thank you Minky Baby Blankets!!

a BIG thank you to

Dawg Painter

Cupcake Chic

Baubles & Bits

I can't say enough about these booties!! omg! They are just so DANG cute!

Makes me itch for a baby girl... kind of. lol

You can completely unsnap them so they are super easy to get on and off.

EVERYONE LOVED these Jaime. Thank you soooo much for sending them.

PS. can you make some cute boy ones :)

THRILLER!!!

2011-10-25T10:00:00.005-06:00

THIS WAS SERIOUSLY SUCH A BLAST!! lol

You girls were CRAZY!

But, there can only be ONE winner and she won by only 2 minutes...

emailing the RIGHT answers to our bm gmail.

Thriller has sold over 110 million copies.

{most of the websites I looked at had this as the answer}

So...

kimsueellen

YOU WON!!!

sorry JLBills you were so close... beg her and she will take you ;)

Odyssey Dance Theatre...

ever heard of them? lol

OF COURSE you have,

unless you have been living under a box :)

Odessey puts on this AMAZING show called THRILLER!

Ever heard of it??

Well, I hope so, because it is by far one of the

BEST, if not THEE best, thing going on in Utah during Halloween time.

AND

we have TWO tickets to give away.

YEP

Two Tickets to Saturday Oct. 29th show.

So... here's the deal.

Share our NEW & highly improved blog button on your blog,

{paste and copy the text in this box and add it to your blog. email me if you have ?'s}

Facebook page or Tweet about us

be the first to answer some Michael Jackson Trivia Questions

and the two FREE tickets are YOURS... all YOURS! FREE!

#1 What is Michael Jackson's home town?

#2 How many copies has Thriller sold worldwide?

#3 How many Grammys did Michael Jackson win for Thriller in 1984?

#4 Which of Michael Jackson's videos was named Video of the Century?

#5 What rocker played guitar on 'Beat it'?

Ready...
Set...
GO!!!

First person with ALL 5 correct answers
WINS!!

Would You Believe It...

2011-10-24T09:20:00.000-06:00

if I told you we didn't get ONE picture from our

Launch Party?

I wouldn't believe you...

but sadly, it's true. not one.

So... if you didn't come, well, you MISSED out!!

It was a magical night... truly!

Magical. 

I can proudly say we ended up with 100 different auction items.

ALL the companies that donated were AMAZING and very generous.

Thank you for supporting us.

I believe everyone there found something they LOVED & had to have. :)

It was so fun having Jenny in town. I didn't want her to go home :(

She is a powerful force in running bmb!

THANK YOU, to all of you, who helped us get ready for Tuesday night.

It was a lot of work and there is NO way I could have done it alone.

Jenny's family  

{you are ALL amazing}

My family
{I love you dearly}

Brenda

{incredibly delishous food}

Rick @ the Harley Shop

Many friends and everyone who attended.

We feel incredibly blessed to be where we are today.

We raised OVER $2,000!!!
YES!!!

thanks everyone!

Tomorrow Ya'll

2011-10-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

Please join us!

{Gina Crotts & Jenny Treanor}

Yes, Jenny will be here. Yay!

At our Launch Party

Oct. 18 6:30-8:30pm

Timpanogos Harley Davidson

{555 S. Geneva Rd Lindon, UT}

We will be having a GRAND silent auction and light refreshments.

The Last Sassy Scoop

2011-10-14T09:01:00.001-06:00

Thanks Kim for the awesome post... thank you Sassy Scoops for letting us share with you what bmb is all about. {all the pictures were AMAZING}

{Kim Orlandini Photography}

Please, join us at our Launch Party
Tues. Oct. 18 6:30-8:30pm
Timpanogos Harley Davidson 555 South Geneva Rd Lindon, UT

Don't Forget to RSVP birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com

silent auction & light refreshments

xoxo

Thank You!

2011-10-12T13:11:00.001-06:00

Before I start thanking a few incredible companies, I wanted to share something with you. I spoke last night in West Valley City {thank you Amy for having me} It was a GREAT night for bmb. We filled, well more like STUFFED, 10 baskets and have surplus for 10 more.
This makes me feel over JOYED!

On my drive home I caught myself smiling, yes just smiling, as I was driving. I'm sure I looked a little silly driving in my car alone with a BIG silly grin on my face, but it was so natural. I felt true happiness. I take a lot of my personal time to run bmb. My family sacrifices, I sacrifice, to take the time to promote, deliver, and drive bmb. Every minute has been worth it, and I believe my family would say the same. My husband is incredibly supportive and so great with the kids while I am out speaking. I love this about him. Once I reached my house I sat in my car in the driveway for a minute and thanked God, one for an incredible night and two reconfirming to me that if you serve others your life will be blessed.

I feel blessed!

I feel loved!

I feel important... and this for me my friends is BIG.

I finally feel true happiness and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world!!

Super grateful today.

Now...

My Sister's Closet

This store on Main Street in Spanish Fork is seriously, not joking, my 'go to' store for an inexpensive, super cute outfit. They not only carry gently used items, but they also carry the cutest new stuff too!

Their inventory changes daily, so I feel like I am constantly in there to see what someone has brought in or what they have ordered that's new.

I have made some pretty good CASH taking my clothes there to consign

& 9 out of 10 times turn around and spend that cash at their store.

I love it!

So, what are you waiting for? Take your unwanted clothing to My Sister's Closet and get some extra cash to spend on something that makes you SMILE!

Thank you My Sister's Closet for your oh so super cute donation for our auction!!

Dear Ears

I found Heidi and Dear Ears on Etsy. I love wearing fun button earrings, since my hair is short, they always look so cute :) Heidi carries the most original ones.

Sassy Scoops 2

2011-10-12T09:06:00.002-06:00

Check out our Review with the Sassy Scoops!

Review: Birth Mother Baskets {bmb}

ps. the donate button is back. yay!!

Sassy Scoops!

2011-10-11T15:26:00.000-06:00

Wahoo Sassy Scoops!

We love our review...

can't wait for the other posts :)

Thanks for the FUN night and helping us spread the word about bmb!

If you haven't been following Sassy Scoops, you are missing out!

Learn more about each Sassy here

They do GREAT reviews of local companies.

Everything from Food to Fashion + Giveaways & Discounts.

Check out our post, of course...

but also follow them on Facebook & subscribe to their email feed, so you never miss a review.

Thanks Sassy Scoops!

Thank You!

2011-10-11T09:34:00.000-06:00

Everyone Invited!!!

bmb Utah Launch Party

Oct. 18, 2011

6:30-8:30pm

Timpanogos Harley Davidson

{555 S. Geneva Rd Lindon, UT}

Silent Auction

Light Refreshments

RSVP @ birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com

I wanted to thank a few companies who have recently donated to our auction...

Cafe Rio

"Free Meal" I love when they say that.

Hello pork salad, you make my mommy days so much sweeter and easier!

Hello pork anything actually, you satisfy my cravings.

If you don't know who Cafe Rio is, and you live in Utah, you may have been living in a cave, so

get out and try it! You won't be disappointed.

PS. thank you for FINALLY coming to Spanish Fork. Yes!!

Coco Bella Boutique

I ADORE their baby car seat covers!!

Like this one.

So cute right?

LOVE IT!

and

this one.

THANK YOU for your support!!!!

Pause!

2011-10-10T14:34:00.000-06:00

I have to admit most days I feel like I am in over my head with everything that I have going on...

Today started as every other day...

I got the kids out the door this morning {on time! yes!} laid Jett down for his nap and...

Answered emails.

Revised donation list for out silent auction {Oct. 18} DON'T MISS IT!

Filled 2 bmb.

Put away 3 loads of laundry.

Showered. Oh yes, a shower. :)

and skipped breakfast, well because by the time I realize I didn't eat breakfast it was 11am,

which is more like lunch right?

Jett wakes up...

crap didn't do my hair, throw a hat on

Change poppy diaper.

Quickly make a grocery list.

{but only enough to get us through the next few days, because really I don't have time to shop for anything more then that}

Pay bills.

Balance check book.

And we are out the door!

I stopped at a friends house to discuss the recent silent auction she put together for her kids school, which I heard was a HUGE success, so I wanted to pick her brain. She was great to let me stop by at the last minute and go over a few things. Out the door...

To Fedex.

Deliver 2 bmb. {insert heart singing}

Stop at grocery store, but realistically I only have 15 minutes before Jett will want to fall asleep in the car and ruin my chances of him acutally taking his afternoon nap at home.

Grab 10 items and we're off.

But wait...

I need to check the PO BOX.

Quickly run in and... YES 3 letters today!

One letter I wasn't expecting, a hand written letter, which by the way is so refreshing to receive and almost weird, since everyone emails.

I honestly pulled over to read it, the curiosity was that great, and it did not disappoint!

Thank you birth mom for Austin Texas. Your letter made me pause, remember why I work so hard running bmb, and made me cry. {one of those great cries}

Your donation is GREATLY needed at this time and I am just thrilled you shared your story with me.

THANK YOU!!!

I needed that pause today... :)

Happy Birthday!

2011-10-05T17:27:00.002-06:00

My Little Butterfly,

It was 11 years ago today, when they placed you in my arms. You were more beautiful then I had ever imagined! You see, we had a short time together, not quite 9 months and your delivery day marked a very close end to our time together. It was a bitter sweet day for me and my family, because we knew it wouldn't be long before we would be saying goodbye... when really we had just said hello.

I held you in my arms and heard very clearly... this is not your baby.

These words stung.

Hurt.

And caught me off guard, but yet they were true.

My love for you was {is} intense and like nothing I had ever felt before at the young age of 19. However, I knew in my heart, I was just a path way for you to come to this world. I was chosen, as you were chosen, to come to this world to learn and grow. Placing you for adoption was and has been my biggest lesson and trial in my life.

God is amazing.

He knows you.

He knows me.

He knows life can be messy, as it should be, and placing you for adoption has brought me to who I am.Lessons can be hard. Growing can be hard, but truly I can't imagine me without YOU.

i can't imagine me NOT being your birth mom.

well, because that is who I am.

The days after you were born went in a flash. I felt outside of myself. I felt like I was watching a world around me like a movie. I was making steps, but I didn't feel my feet on the ground. It rained every day I was in the hospital with you. I would watch it from my window and think...

how could anyone understand how I am feeling right now?

No one does.

No one.

I was wrong, though I didn't know it at the time, there were many other birth mothers out there who were making the same decisions I was. They were there, but I had no idea. I felt alone and angry.

angry at God.

Why me?

Why couldn't she stay??

But, in my heart I knew. The movie screen I was behind was lifted on the drive home without you. You were in the arms of a very loving father, who had just placed eyes on his first baby girl. Your relationship with him is one of the many reasons why I placed you for adoption. Being a daddy's girl is fun. :)

11 years ago, my precious butterfly, I made a decision that I can never take back. A decision I spend many hours thinking about... even 11 years later. Your lil' baby face is still forever in my mind...

my heart

my soul

you are so much apart of who I am.

And I can't wait to laugh with you, cry with you, spend hours talking to you... to your beautiful face about life, love and everything in between. It won't be long.

You are so loved my little birthday girl. You have so many people, who have never met you, who pray for you daily and can't wait to see your beautiful face again.

feel my love

remember me

I can't wait to say hello again!

Happy Birthday My Precious Butterfly!

we ALL love you!

Thank You!

2011-10-04T09:01:00.004-06:00

We are having our Utah Launch Party

Oct. 18th 6:30-8:30pm @

Timpanogos Harley Davidson

{555 South Geneva Rd. Lindon, UT}

During this Launch Party we will be having a FABulous silent auction...

and when I say FABulous,

I seriously mean FABULOUS!
All the proceeds from this auction will go directly to running bmb.

I would like to thank some Etsy Shops who have donated lately.

Alicia Art Shop

{omg, really this women is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G}

she is a HUGE inspiration to me as an artist

and I can't wait to see what she comes up with for our auction.

Check her out here on Etsy, as well.

This one is my personal fav! {one of the many}

Thanks Alicia!

Words i Love

such cute quotes and digital art!

I love this one, can you see why?

and this one,

and this one :)

ALL would look so super cute in a white matte and white frame.

Thank you Kasi!

Jennifer Pugh Studios

Jennifer is my incredibly talented friend!!

here is a lil' bio in Jen's words:

"I am a Mother of 2 little boys from Utah. In between work & being a mother I began creating artwork & cute ways to display them. I began selling them to friends, family & the local craft shops. I soon got the attention of a Local Frame shop that started buying my artwork to sell in there store & to there clients.
January 2009 I contacted an Art Publishing company that was interested in pick up my art to sell in stores & to license into products. Since then my Art has been sold in Stores all over the Country like Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Kirklands Home Decor, Walmart, Target, Micheal's, Hobby Lobby, Bedbath & Beyond & Kohl.

{I told you she was good :)}

I had no idea my little hobby would turn into such a great business for me.
I have over 1,000 designs and am always designing new artwork. My Artwork ranges in Genres from; Inspirational, Religious, Love, Family, Kids, Kitchen, Bath, Fruits, Floral & more.

My dreams are to one day quit my job and be able to stay home with my family full time.

My family & my Art are my passions in life.- Jennifer Pugh

Check out her designs here

I Love this... of course

and this

ok, and this one

Thanks Jen!

Also, Thank You...

Autobahn Service Center

American Fork Clinic

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

it's 4 am

although the clock on my post will say 9

my mind is awake

stressing

thinking

over thinking

I feel strong

but so weak

no tears yet

just that lump in my throat

that increasingly grows with each ticking second on the clock

I want to wake him

but what do I say...

i miss her...

again

and again

what words could he use this time

to soothe

and comfort

this worn out soul

morning sounds

I hear him

i am down

i whisper

I know he says...

and the tears begin.

{thank u pinterest}

today

2011-09-28T09:51:00.001-06:00

because today

i miss her

more then my heart can take

and each breathe i see her face

smiling up at me

because today

i can't imagine life any other way

but today

i wanted to change my choice

i wanted her here with me

because today

it's just hard

and it's hard to think right

when things feel so wrong

because today

that hole seems larger then before

a lot larger

and there is this aching feeling

that won't go away

today

Spit Fire Dirty Dash

2011-09-26T10:48:00.003-06:00

I spent my weekend running Thee Dirty Dash with my sister and some friends.

We had a BLAST! To say the least.

I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard and long!

It was a GREAT stress reliever and I seriously can NOT wait for next year.

Bring on the MUD ya'll!

At the beginning of the race, I was seriously running with my hands in the air,

like a silly girl screaming "don't splash mud on me!"

yes I know this is the Dirty Dash, but I don't really want to get dirty! lol

It felt so wrong to be purposely getting mud all over yourself.

But, it didn't take long before I was rolling around in it and laughing my head off!!

My kids ran the piglet plunge as well...

They thought I had lost my mind when I told them they would be doing a race in the mud.

In fact, I said to JD, "you are going to run the piglet plunge on Saturday."

JD said, "I am...? With pigs mom?"

Yep, he really thought he would be running with pigs!

Silly boy, you are the pig... playin' in the mud!

Evie cracked me up! She was not shy AT ALL!! Check out these pics!

What a tough lil' girl!

I was so shocked when she plugged her nose and dove in!! I didn't even get a pic of her under the mud, because I just sat there watching her like "did she seriously just do that?" lol

Umm Mom how do I eat this?

My Lil' Spit Fire!

Thank You Brenda for winning this awesome entry into the Dirty Dash and inviting lil' me to join the SPIT FIRE GIRLS!

Check out my sistah's blog MessFire! She is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I love her honesty! And I think you will find it refreshing as well.

So Go.... Now here and follow her... because she rocks!

ps. she will be doing the refreshments for our Launch Party

Oct. 18 6:30-8:30pm Timpanogos Harley Davidson. So don't miss it!!

I highly recommend this dirty race to anyone and everyone of ALL ages.

There is nothing better then acting like a kid again, and boy did I feel like a kid!

It was like riding an hour long roller coaster... without getting sick,

but getting down and dirty!

THE END !!

Thank You Kristina Curtis Photography

2011-09-21T08:30:00.000-06:00

Dear Kristina Curtis,

Let me count the ways I love you...

Family pics 2009? {I believe} It was freezing! No really FREEZING cold when we took these pics. I could NOT feel anything on my body, nor could the kids, however you managed to get GREAT pics of my precious, lil' freezing hinny, family.

YES!

It's my daddy's birthday and what does he want, oh just pics of us girls, we HATE having our pics taken. {even though you can't tell from this GREAT }
You went above and beyond our expectations!

My daddy was THRILLED!
And believe it or not it was really hard picking which ones to give him.

When our Master Jett arrived my first thought was to call YOU for darling baby pics.

And they are just that... DARLING!

{I love his lil' feet hanging off of this chair! I just want to eat them!}

Your talent goes without saying. Thank you for ALL the amazing pictures and for supporting bmb. We are just thrilled to have your donation in our auction!!

Love,

Check out Kristina Curtis Photography HERE!

And her blog HERE!

Also 'LIKE' her on FB

DONT MISS OUR SILENT AUCTION

OCT. 18 6:30-8:30pm

Timpanogos Harley Davidson

555 South Geneva RoadLindon, UT 84042

Thank You Lime Ricki

2011-09-20T11:09:00.001-06:00

I have been SUPER busy getting ready for October,

I have a lot of speaking engagements along with

our Launch Party YAY!!

{Oct. 18 6:30-8:30pm @ Timpanogos Harley Davidson in Lindon}

I am SUPER excited and feeling incredibly blessed with where

bmb is going and how far we have come.

Thank you everyone for you continuing support and thoughtful emails,

encouraging us to continue to serve these wonderful birth moms.

Your words help me push forward and remind me there is a GREAT need to show our birth moms that they are LOVED & not alone!

We have been receiving some FUN donations for our silent auction,

that will be taking place @ our Launch Party

{Oct. 18 6:30-8:30pm}

YOU are ALL invited, by the way,

more details & invites will be going out the beginning of Oct.

I want to spend the next few weeks highlighting some of these

WONDERFUL companies who are supporting bmb.

FIRST: Lime Ricki Swimwear!

CUTEST swimming suits ever. seriously!

My personal favorite... VICTORIA ONE-PIECE

adorable right? and that super cute flower will hide what I am, ummmm, lacking up top. :)

PS. I am TOTALLY buying this for my lil' Evie!

One GREAT thing... they offer free shipping on ALL exchanges.

This is always my biggest worry with ordering online, will it fit?

This solves your worries.

They also have a GREAT sizing chart to help

you pick the right fit the first time.

OR check out there stores ALL over UTAH, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada & Canada!

They carry Mens, Womens, Maternity and Girls.

You can also find them on Twitter & FB

Check them out... and join us Oct. 18 to bid on there GREAT donation!

Thank You Lime Ricki! We Love You!

We Will See

2011-09-12T09:14:00.000-06:00

I drove past a tree in our neighborhood that is already changing colors.

I had a rush of giddiness and sadness all in one quick breath.

I love fall.

{thank u pinterest & Kristin Owrey for this beautiful pic}

However, fall is difficult for me. My Little Butterflies birthday is in October and every year when fall comes I struggle. The air smells different, the colors change, everything changes...

and so do I.

A perk to living in Utah is the fall weather, there is nothing more beautiful, and I look forward and cringe each year that it comes. This October is slam packed with speaking engagements.

I speak every week in October, but the week we will be in St. G for my son's baseball tournament.

This could be either a very smart idea on my part {to keep my mind busy} or I could turn into a blabbering mess as I try to tell 'my story' during the hardest month of the year.

We will see.

Adoption Scam

2011-09-08T10:02:00.001-06:00

I am going to try and keep this a positive post... I actually let this story sit with me for awhile,

so that I wouldn't completely lash out on all the horrible things I would really like to say to girls who do this to adoptive couples.

Instead I think it is MORE important to educate couples on girls who actually do this

absolutely horrendous act.

First, read the Smith's story... Forever Family {Smith's I'm so sorry for you!}

Yes, this actually happens, a lot, and no she wasn't looking for money...

just attention & love.

Please educate yourself, so this doesn't happen to you or your loved ones.

How To Spot An Adoption Scam

I think it is sad... sad that girls who do this give 'real' birth moms a bad rap.

I think it is more sad that there are girls out there that thrive so much to be loved and payed attention to, they will go to any length to get that love and attention.

No matter what!

Yes, I read the Smith's story and wanted to kick and scream... at this girl who told lies. Being a birth mom myself, it puts a bad light on my story, my REAL emotions, and all the other REAL birth moms out there. I can't believe someone would pretend to have emotions that are so deep, so raw, and feel in their own minds that this is ok to do.

Then as I was searching for information for this post I saw this...

Words From A Scammer

It reminded me that these girls are sick. Literally ill. And it's sad, so sad, that they have to go to these lengths to get love and attention.

So... girl who scammed the Smith's,

I feel sorry for you. I pray for you. Please find the help that you need. And any other 'so called' birth moms out there, please stop hurting innocent people and seek for help instead.

Adoptive couples... read, search, and educate yourselves over and over and over again.

So this doesn't happen to you! You can find more information here...

Don't Get Scammed!

Thank you The R House.

You are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G at educating everyone on adoption!

Thank you for your honestly and enlightenment on difficult subjects such as this.

Check out The R House on Studio 5 TODAY @ 11am {all you Utah followers}

Everyone outside of UT, I'm sure she will be posting a clip asap for you all to see.

Thanks,

Journaling

2011-09-07T08:47:00.000-06:00

One thing I love about blogging is the online journal it creates.

I just recently printed my family blog with blurb an I absolutely adore it!

My journals have helped me get through some very, very difficult times in my life.

I love to go back and read what I was doing a year ago today or four years ago.

I love writing funny things the kids say

and then reading them back to them as they get older.

They think this is funny too. :)

I started writing in a journal when I was 10 years old, and though I wish there were many, many things I hadn't written down... there are many, many things I am glad I wrote.

I heard these lyrics in a song {can't remember the song} but I love it...

Every Regret Is a Memory Made.

I like to include birthday cards, notes from the kids and hubby,
or movie tickets in my journals.
Some of my journals are STUFFED!
Seriously... I have rubber bands around one just to hold it together. :)

I cherish them, all of them!!

{thank you marleyandme.tumblr.com & Pinterest for the great pic}

When I have days where I don't feel like writing or

feel like I have nothing to write about I use these 7 questions:

The last gift I gave.

Nicest thing that has been done for me.

Last movie I saw.

Someone I'm thinking about today.

Last person I talked to on the phone.

Something I've learned lately.

1 thing I love about my life right now.

2 years ago TODAY I answered these ?'s in my journal... here are MY answers.

The last gift I gave: I found a book at a thrift store and gave it to my 2nd mama {my mother in law}. It was letters that President Reagan had written to his wife. She was very excited I had found it and told me she heard it was really good. It cost my a whole lot... $2! :)

Nicest thing that has been done for me: I was having a rough day on Saturday and B {my hubby} held me while I cried. It was all I needed.

Last movie I saw: Night At The Museum. I took Evie, JD and JD's friend. They all had a great time.

Someone you are thinking about today:

My Little Butterfly

Last person you talked to on the phone: My dad, on his way to JD's baseball game.

Something I have learned lately: People fear diversity! Especially here in Utah.

1 thing I love about my life right now: My Kids! They are so much fun right now. Evie has turned out to be very loving {she wasn't before} and JD loves to cuddle with me at night. That's when he tells me all about his day. Evie gives the best BIG hugs. JD will wake up in the morning and come get in bed with me. I am so blessed!

Below these answers I wrote:

Be Original

Be Strong

Be @ Peace

Be Loving

Be Calm

Be Courageous

Be Grateful

It's funny how similar my answers would be today...

Later today I will be on my way to JD's baseball game.

I am still thinking about My Little Butterfly today.

I cried last Saturday while B held me. lol

I have also tried doing a list of Favorites. It's fun to see how your interest change throughout the years. I also love to do this with my kids.

The most important {I believe} that I like to do in my journal is list...

5 Things You Are Grateful For!

It keeps me in a positive light, reminds me of all the wonderful things that are going on {when life might not seem so wonderful at the time} and helps me write uplifting journal entries instead of using my journals as my soap box to complain. :)

I also keep a separate journal for My Little Butterfly. It is a journal I will happily give to her one day. I tell her about bmb progress. I tell her about family events that I wish she would have been too. Some days they are happy entries and some days I cry... and I let her know I'm crying. It is a very open and honest journal that I hope she will find valuable when she is older. It is every conversation I wish we could have or will have. It's priceless to me.

I truly, with all of my heart, believe that keeping a journal will help with grief. It may be an online journal or the stuffed journals that I keep, but writing out your thoughts and feelings help you grow.

Grief is about healing

and I believe keeping a journal does just that.. heal.

So get those pens out or pull out your laptop and write!

You might be surprised what you learn about yourself.

Jen-Fit's Playground

2011-09-01T16:07:00.000-06:00

My sister has a friend who is incredible... {my sister is incredible too}.

The two of them started talking and quickly realized they both share something in common,

besides both being incredibly fit and healthy,

adoption!

Check out Jen-Fit 's Playground. She is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Ummm, can I have a body like that??

Thank you Jenny for the sweet post and for helping me spread the word!

Some day I will have arms as buff as yours! :)

Bath & Body Works SALE!!!

2011-09-01T09:59:00.001-06:00

I had a different post ready for today... but after seeing this GREAT deal on Freebies2deals

{one of my favorite websites, next to Facebook}

I had to share it with you all. Bath & Body Works have GREAT items for bmb.

It is also great when people donate lotions that they have ordered online, because they come with a plastic over the top of the bottles that make it easier for me to ship them to birth moms all over

without the caps coming off.

BUY 3 GET 3 FREE +

20% OFF OR $1.00 shipping!

use code: PARIS20 for your extra 20% 0ff

SUMMER25 to get shipping for $1.00 {once you hit $25 in your cart}

YAY!!

You can ship them straight to bmb

PO Box 1582

Spanish Fork, UT 84660

With this deal you can grab some for yourself and still be able to donate as well!!

Thank you Freebies2Deals for the heads up!!

Complete & Pure Love

2011-08-31T08:00:00.002-06:00

I have read Danya's story of adopting her daughter three times now... and every time I read it I cry. I have come across many placement stories, but Danya's story spoke to me so clearly. I love the way she explains her thoughts and emotions.
I too took My Little Butterfly home with me to give my family a chance to say goodbye. It was the BEST decision I made. {besides placing that is} We have many great memories and photos of her at my parents house, that I cherish to this day.

Thank you Danya for sharing your story.

You are an amazing adoptive mom and adoption advocate!

Complete & Pure Love

"I call our placement story unique knowing all placement and adoption stories are. But ours is unique in a different way then most since it was a constant stream of pure beauty and treachery (in my own mind and heart anyways). Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change a thing! But it was also pretty hard and scary. So here's our story.

My husband and I were elated when we were matched with a set of birth parents only 4 short weeks after our profile going active with LDS Family Services. As we got to know the situation and birth parents we become slightly hesitant; perfectly amazing birth couple, supportive birth family, wanting the same amount of openness as us - it seemed too good to be true! But we trusted in Heavenly Father and the strong feelings of love he was placing in our hearts for this birth family and baby girl. Our little one wasn't due for about 6 weeks so we started to cultivate a relationship of trust and openness with her sweet birth family. Time was an interesting mix of going way too slow and way too fast during those weeks but everything was falling into place so perfectly. Together with our birth family we made a hospital plan that did not include my husband and I being there for the birth. We were slightly disappointed but knew it was for the best since our birth mother, N, and our birth father, C, had such a large supportive family that would be there at the hospital. We agreed that we would visit the day after she was born to start bonding then have placement shortly after.

We began to fantasize about our baby girl and what she might look like. We picked out her name. We would dream about touching her soft skin and bundling her up for her first car ride home from the hospital. I even packed up her coming home outfit. So you can imagine the shock that followed when our dear N called me about a week before Little Lady L was due to let us know that they had not changed their minds about the adoption plan, they were still firmly committed, BUT they needed more time with Little Lady L to say goodbye. Instead of having placement from the hospital they planned to take her home for a week so that they and their family could process their goodbyes. I remember that phone call all too clearly. Fear shot through me. I trusted N with all my heart but just a few months earlier a close friend of ours had experienced a particularly devastating failed placement. It started with the birth mother saying she needed just a couple more days, taking the baby home, and then deciding to parent. My husband and I were so torn between trust and fear that we hardly knew how to react. We told N that we trusted and supported their decision. To be honest, we were dying inside. Was this the beginning of the end? Maybe things were too good to be true.

After a phone call of tears to our amazingly patient case worker we began to pray... hard. In our minds we didn't have a choice, we just had to trust N and C that they did just need some time and that they would be honest with us if they were changing their plan to place. I became exceptionally defensive (and still am) of N and C's decision to keep her for a week. We decided we would only tell our closest family of their choice until after the fact. The last thing we needed was a barrage of well intended yet hurtful reminders of what might happen.

Finally Little Lady L's induction date came and N was put into labor. N and C were so sweet and kept us posted via text message all day long of changes in labor. At 8:41pm our Little Lady made her grand appearance into this world. It was a small picture and message but it was the sweetest one we had ever received. We were completely smitten. The next day we went to the hospital to meet our daughter. I cannot express the peace we felt as we walked into N's room and held our baby girl. In those moments we knew things would be OK. The following day N was released from the hospital and took Little Lady L home, to her birth home, in an outfit picked out by her birth mother. That hurt a little. Part of me wanted that experience so badly.

I don't know how but Heavenly Father helped us find patience and peace that week. We kept busy as possible preparing for our daughter's arrival home, to our home. We visited again a couple days later at N's house and for the first time I was able to step outside of my own selfish desires and realize why this time was so desperately needed by our birth family. I'll never forget when our visit ended, as we were saying goodbye and walking out of the front door I nearly burst into tears. Not of fear or pain but of joy! The Spirit spoke so strongly to my heart that this was right. That if we were patient our time with our daughter would come but her birth family needed her first. I was so indescribably grateful that they had chosen to take this week with her! Even today it fills my heart with joy that they had those few precious moments to cherish.

Then it was finally here. Placement day. How do you describe placement? Pure joy for yourself. Guilt for that joy knowing your joy meant someone else's hurt. Someone you loved, no less. We arrive at N and C's LDS Family Services office and waited patiently in the lobby. They were already in the back having their last moments as Little Lady L's parents. My heart hurt so bad for them. My husband and I sat silently across from our caseworker. I don't think words were needed as we waited. After a while N, C, their mothers, and our Little Lady entered the room. Those were tearful, consuming embraces we exchanged. We sat for a while and talked about Little Lady L's health and schedule. We took some pictures and hugged some more. It was time. N was ready. I could see determination in her pained face as she gently placed our daughter in my arms. Pain, joy, and everything in between. Emotions were palpable. There weren't many words that could be said after that. Everyone could feel it. It was time to go. N and C wanted us to leave first. I don't think they could stand walking away. We understood.

Once we exited the building I stopped being strong for everyone else and cried for the first time during placement. First they were confused tears, not knowing how to feel, not knowing what I was allowed to or should feel. Finally I gave myself a few moments of unrestrained, guilt-free joy. I wanted to jump in the air do a fist pump and yell, "Whoohoo!"... I didn't. I felt the urge to run to our car and speed away so I could show my beautiful baby to the world... I didn't. I just sat down, buckled Little Lady L in snugly, kissed her cheeks, and told her how much her birth family loves her.

In the end I realized that's what placement came down to.
It was an act of complete and pure love."

-Danya "The Adoption Advocate"

I told you it would make you cry! I LOVE positive adoption stories :)

Tuesday Donation Tips...

2011-08-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

We will be doing a Utah Launch Party in October and I am super duper excited about it! I know I said it would be September 17th, but that is the BYU vs. UT football game ya'll, and I'm a HUGE
BYU football fan, so I wouldn't even be there. :) hehe! So I changed it to October 18th.
We will be having a silent auction, which I am also super duper excited about. :) We are currently looking for companies who are willing to donate items for our auction. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please email us @ birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com. We already have some GREAT items, so mark your calendars.

Birth Mother Basket Launch Party!!

Come Celebrate with us...

October 18th @ 6:30 PM

The Timpanogos Harley Davidson Shop

555 South Geneva Rd
Lindon, UT 84042

{it will be in the conference room upstairs}

Auction items can be gift certificates, coupons or actual items. We are looking for a WIDE variety, so please any tips or ideas are welcome.

You may also make PayPal donations here...

or send checks to...

Birth Mother Baskets

PO Box 1582

Spanish Fork, UT 84660

Thanks,

High 5! Kala, Scott, Zarek & A

2011-08-22T09:32:00.002-06:00

You will NEVER believe this story... because, well, I didn't even believe her, when she sent me her email. Then I read The Story... and I just kept saying "no way!" I read it out loud to the hubs and he said "no way!"
I cried when she said the EMT's were giving her high 5's. I also cried thinking about "A" and how raw these first emotions can be after placement. You are all in my prayers!

Such an incredible unique story.

Congrats Scott & Kala. Zarek Miles is adorable!
"A" you are our HERO!

I had to include this quote that was at the bottom of Kala's email... LOVE IT!

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." -Louisa May Alcott

Where Did The Time Go?

2011-08-18T10:13:00.000-06:00

Is it seriously Thursday already? The kids start school next week and I am feeling the pressure of all the things I told the kids we would do this summer slipping away. Where did the time go?
I have many post that I want to share with all of you, but I just haven't had the time to put them together the way I want. So, be patient with me while I get the kids ready for school and cram in as many activities as I can!

Utah Launch Party is scheduled for Sept. 17th 7-9pm. We are still looking for a venue, so I will keep you posted.

Thanks ya'll for the support!!

My Thoughts Monday

2011-08-15T12:07:00.001-06:00

While I was watching the kids at the pool Friday, I couldn't help but think how funny it is when kids get excited to get in the pool {or out} they RUN. You will hear the lifeguards say... "walk" "walk please" {whistle blows} W.A.L.K. Wouldn't it be great if we, as adults, ran when we got in the pool? {And maybe some of you do such thing}
How great would it be to have so much excitement in your body that you truly can't think of anything else to do but RUN?! Run to that next adventure, run towards that next decision or change in your life. Some of the kids, like my son, seriously have to concentrate to get their little bodies to stop running. You can see them thinking... "walk, walk, slow down" but their faces are FULL of energy and each step has a skip to it.
There are few times in my life where I have RAN to get into the pool. The excitement and anticipation was that GREAT. Many of those times have been from my involvement with the adoption community. I am so grateful to be a birth mother. {I know that may sound strange to some of you} Yes, it was hard, is still hard, but has become so much apart of who I am, I can't imagine it any other way. Being a birth mother is
Who I Am.
And I am Proud of Who I Am.

I challenge myself {and all of you} to tap into your inner child. Look at life with more excitement, energy and passion, so much that you can't help but RUN and jump into your next adventure.
What joy I believe this will bring to your life and to those around you, if you truly face each day this way. Be passionate about Who You Are and what you have overcome {who cares what people think} run and JUMP in... the water is WARM :)

Just remember to not do it at your local pool. :)

Show Your Stripes

2011-08-12T12:46:00.001-06:00

Last night at the R House GNO we passed out Show Your Stripes bandanas

for everyone to wear to the National Adoption Conference.

I hope you ladies remembered to tie them in your hair, around your arm

or hang them from your bag or purse.

Support a birth mom & Birth Mother Baskets by wearing your bandana everyday at the conference.

And well just wear them because they are SUPER duper cute!!

I will be sporting mine at the pool today with the kiddos.

{secretly wishing I was at the conference, but that's just between me and u}

FRIDAY! National Adoption Conference!!

2011-08-10T16:04:00.000-06:00

Don't Forget!!

Friday, August 12th through Saturday, August 13th

is the NATIONAL ADOPTION CONFERENCE

GO HERE to register!

I'm sad to say I will NOT be there this year, but please go so you can tell me ALL about it!

I want serious details people!!

Tell me what class you loved and didn't like so much.
Have FUN!!!

Celebration!!!

2011-08-09T10:09:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all of you who entered our fun Celebration Giveaway.

WINNER WITH BLUEBIRD PICTURES...
JESSALYNN

Please contact Bree @ breefowles@gmail.com to schedule your session. {sooner is better}

WINNER OF A bmb & NECKLACE...
STEPHANIE {NECKLACE}
&
KASEY {bmb}

Please email us @ birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com with your address so
we can send you your bmb & necklace to you.

I also want to give you a HEADS UP.

We are going to be doing a Launch Party {like we did in CA}

here in UTAH! yay!

Jenny and I will both be there. It will most likely be Sept. 16 or 17th

{I will let you know all the details as I get them}

It will be a FUN night!

Sorry Guys!

2011-08-08T17:56:00.002-06:00

I have had one of those days...

I'm so sorry I did not post winners today.

They will be up first thing tomorrow morning.

Thanks for being patient with ME :)

Ends TODAY!!!

2011-08-05T08:51:00.000-06:00

TODAY is the last day ya'll!

Get your nominations in for this GREAT giveaway.

with BlueBird Pictures

Winners will be announced Monday August 8th 8am MST.

birthmotherbaskets@gmail.com

DON'T FORGET

2011-08-03T08:33:00.003-06:00

Please don't forget our FABulous giveaway ENDS on FRIDAY!!

Nominate your birth moms to win. Local {Utah} winners along with out of state winners.

SPREAD THE WORD ya'll!

We are getting many, MANY, many request for bmb.
This makes me HAPPY, sad {for these new bmoms who's hearts are hurting} and excited that we are reaching so many bmoms.
However, I am praying we NEVER have to turn a request down for bmb.

This is only possible with our AMAZING supporters... supporters like YOU who donate $
so that we are able to reach out to hundreds of birth moms.

PLEASE... if you can, donate to bmb!

Here is a reminder of what it cost to keep bmb running...

one bmb = $40
one agency, hospital or social services has about 2 placements/month = $80
{this only covers one agency}

for one year to cover only one agency= $960

bmb that are shipped outside of Utah are generally $12 to ship.

Again, I never charge anyone to receive a bmb, so donations are always needed.
{This week I had 7 request for baskets :) 7x$40= $280+ shipping $84 = $364!}

We have been shipping A LOT of our baskets right now, so shipping cost are getting to us.

PLEASE, donate!

Write Checks to Birth Mother Baskets
PO BOX 1582 Spanish Fork, UT 84660