Life Happens...

Life Happens... yes, that's right!  Its a complete understatement and unfortunately, I'm not excited about this post.  This has been an emotionally draining weekend for me and its been one thing after another in the Freeman household.  On top of just being an emotional creature these past few months.... the other day we realized that Richard's car had been leaking transmission fluid for who knows how long.  When he checked it... it was practically empty and there is no telling for how long it had been that way.  We have been filling it up non-stop for the past couple of days and trying not to drive it until we can take it into the shop.  

Then... if that wasn't enough, my check engine light came on today on the way to church.  My car has been acting kinda strange for a while now... and well... this is the last thing we needed on our plate.  Plus, I spent hours taking pictures of the items for our online auction, picking things up, posting everything on the auction site and pricing stuff.  Only to realize after the reading the fine print today, there were several hidden fees that I didn't know about, and they certainly didn't make very clear ahead of time.  

So... once again... I'm going to have to start over from square one.  I'm frustrated, upset and even more emotional than I was before.  I feel like Satan is doing everything possible to prevent us from reaching our final goal.  We want so badly to remain optimistic and bring glory to our Savior for all of these wonderful blessings!  And we're so anxious to the day when we can bring our baby home and meet him/her face to face.  

So, the bad news is that we have NO online gallery to post for you right now.  This makes me cry even typing this into a post.  After 2 delays and now this, I'm broken inside.  I will work as hard as possible to make something work so that the auction will get online soon.  But for now... I'm off to get some much needed rest, and possibly a little "pitty party" with my loving husband.  Thank you for your prayers! 

Until then, Brantley

Everything Crafty Adoption Auction!!!!

Just a friendly reminder that our Adoption Auction will take place beginning Monday (not today, next).  We're so excited about it and are praying we will raise as much of our remaining funds as possible!  If we do meet our remaining balance.... we will donate anything over to some of our friends who are adopting from Ethiopia!  Now... some of you may think that's a stretch... and maybe so.  However, we're praying for an awesome turnout and hopefully some eager Christmas shoppers to come out and buy!  :)

Again... if you have anything you can donate to help us out... we'd love your donations as well.  If not, please help us by spreading the word as much as possible, and praying for us and this last fundraiser to bring our baby home!

Quick Recap on what we have so far!

• Handmade jewelry
• Handmade Owls - Children's Stuffed Animal (so cute!)

• Crocheted Baby Blanket

• Handmade Coasters (2 Sets)
• Another Jewelry set

• Handmade Painted Canvas Gallery Wraps (2)

• 3 Sets of 5 of Handmade Christmas Cards w/ envelopes

• Children's Apron
• Your Name in a Frame (custom signage)

• Custom Designed Wall Art (w/ saying)
• 24 Homemade Cupcakes (yum!)

• USC Children's Dress (made to order via size)

• Handmade Picture Frame

• LOTS of Christmas Ornaments

• Photography Prints

• Adoption T-Shirts (LOTS!)

Thank you again for your continued support and prayers!  We're forever grateful and look forward to the day when we can share all of this with our child!  

Until then... Brantley

Online Auction...

Hey everyone!  As something we had planned originally for one of our fundraising projects... we're doing an Auction!  Well, sort of.  The original plan was to do a spaghetti dinner/live auction.  We already received a couple of things (hotel vouchers, gift cards & custom items) and currently have someone painting some large gallery wraps for us.  But other than that, we are still in need of some great items you'll be willing to donate.  Here is the deal though.  Because our yard sale turned out to be WAY bigger of a deal than we ever imagined, and because so many friends and family helped us out - we feel terrible asking for more help just 2 months later.

However... since we're still in need of raising almost $8,000, we need to do more fundraising!

Since we're not in a place to plan, organize and come up with everything needed for a big dinner and auction, we've decided to do an online auction right here on our blog!  We are still asking for your help though!  We need your help in spreading the word to get people here to shop!  We need your help with donations (yes, again!) to auction off!  We also need your help and prayers to make this a great success!  Ever since we stopped receiving donations for our weekly giveaways, we've noticed a decrease in blog readers, hits on our blog, as well as feedback in many areas.  To be honest, that hurts.  I'm noticing a trend on so many other blogs where giveaways are given, that the number of people come in flocks!  Boy, when something is given away and they can take back from it... people have no problem spreading the word about your blog, cause or anything else.  I'm sorry to say it, but its true.  In reality, its sad and selfish.

So, we have NO incentive to give you - except that you will be helping us bring a baby home through your selfless acts of spreading the word!  We haven't set a date/weekend for the online auction at this time, however, we will here shortly.  We appreciate your help greatly!

Please keep checking in for more information in the future!

Until then, Brantley