14 In Life

A Friendly Reminder

Good morning, folks! First, thanks for your prayers for our state, they are much appreciated and still much needed. I feel so far behind here on the blog… life has been quite crazy as of late but I’m hoping maybe to catch up this weekend. We have had 2,387 Easter egg hunts, we’ve been harvesting both veggies {Rover pictured above with squash bazooka} and honey, and unfortunately this week the little man came down with the crud which has made for many sleepless nights, both for him and me. But last night he slept, therefor I blog.

I was taking pictures of Justin all suited up and then what to my wondering eye did appear? My mini-me with my cellphone in hand, standing among the cabbage, taking pictures of her daddy! Fortunately we had enough distance between us and ornery bees to remain sting-free.

More on that later… I’m here for another reason this morning.

I blog this morning to remind you of the 6,000 foster children in the state of Alabama. And I can’t help but think after Wednesday’s tragedy that the number of children in the care of our state will grow. There are so many accounts of children separated from parents, of parents gravely injured or killed, it completely rips my heart out. Many tears have been shed over the loss in our state… not of houses, of lives. I come to you this morning and ask that if you are at all able to help, that you do. Micah has trusted the Lord with this swimsuit drive and I have been so encouraged by her faith that God can do big things and this is BIG. Last year she ran the swimsuit drive in Lee County alone but  this year she stepped out in faith to help the 66 other counties filled with foster children. I also remind you that the most tangible way you can help is to open your heart and home to become a foster parent, but if you’re not able to do that, you can also support those who foster and this is one thing that would be a blessing not only to the children receiving but also to the foster parents. Our county alone  has 111 children in foster care. This number blows my mind.

As we wrap up the swimsuit drive an anonymous donor has committed to matching all donations made to Big House Foundation today and tomorrow. Praise the Lord!  This is the website to make online donations to the drive. Donations made online or locally at Bellamia Children’s Shop will be entered to win a Kindle {place FTOW in designation line}.

Seeing their names makes it so much more real! Big House Foundation is also looking for individuals with monogramming machines who would like to come to the packaging event in Trussville, AL May 14th and embroider towels on site. This should be a fun event and an opportunity to get involved in a hands on way! If you would like to sign up as a volunteer or embroiderer, go to www.ourbighouse.org and fill out the volunteer registration!

Ok, I think that’s it… happy weekend friends and thanks tor helping these children!

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  • JulieJ
    April 29, 2011 at 7:17 am

    Darby, thanks so much for bringing this to our attention now and earlier. I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise, and I’m thankful to have been able to help out.

    Thanks also for writing about the tragedy that’s affected our fair state. My hometown is Tuscaloosa and although my people are all safe, it was the scariest afternoon of my whole life. My heart is literally broken. I’m headed there today to hug my loved ones and see what I can do to help. Thanks again for publicizing…the more prayers, the better!

  • Laura @ LauraLikesDesign
    April 29, 2011 at 7:18 am

    A squash bazooka and a mini-you…how cute! 😀

  • Nancy H Click
    April 29, 2011 at 8:17 am

    Thank you for your continued ministry, Darby. While I’ve spent the morning wrapped up in real-life fairy tales, thanks for the reminder to teach the little one about more than being a princess….we’ll be at Old Navy selecting a suit later this morning {I’m not sure if you know that Jill P. smartly arranged for Junior League of Tallahassee to do a drive for the cause – great way for members to get last minute community credit while impacting an amazing fundraiser}. Continued prayers for all the states and families affected by the storms.

    PS – The names on the towels are absolutely fabulous. A wonderful visual for those of us that monogram our precious children’s names on everything and such a special treat for these children.

  • Kate
    April 29, 2011 at 8:29 am

    I’m heading over to donate! Thank you for sharing this with us. And I love the squash bazooka. It’s amazing what gets turned into a “gun”. Also, just wanted to plug my own giveaway this week (I’m shameless, but these books are AMAZING) – a $25 Barefoot Books giftcard. Head over to my blog to check it out!

  • Emily
    April 29, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Hi, Darby, for your readers who are interested in helping with the clean-up and rebuilding, perhaps they would consider volunteering with or donating to Samaritan’s Purse Alabama Relief Effort here: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/responding_to_deadly_tornadoes/
    I am not in any way affiliated with Samaritan’s Purse. However, I recognize them as a very reputable 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt charity that upholds financial accountability with utmost integrity. Our prayers are with all of those affected by the tornadoes!

  • Melanie
    April 29, 2011 at 9:26 am

    It is so nice to be reminded of this wonderful cause. If I weren’t so far away, I would hop on over and SEW!

  • Amanda Wells
    April 29, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Love the Rover and his squash. Been praying for Alabama. If any readers are in the Jackson, MS, area, I posted how to help here
    https://www.amandadovewells.com/?p=290

  • mrs. may
    April 29, 2011 at 9:59 am

    Wow, the towels! They are so sweet with their little names embroided on them!

    Continuing to pray for all affected…

  • Katie@ Noodle and Boof
    April 30, 2011 at 9:19 am

    What a good idea with embroidered towels! Rover and the squash is such a sweet shot. Love his eyes 🙂

  • April Queen
    April 30, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    Your family and all those in Alabama are in my prayers. I am in GA, and where I live, we were thankfully spared. My uncle does live in Cullmen (I think that is how it is spelled), but he was in Fort Benning on business when it all happened. He was supposed to come home (here in GA) this weekend, but he went home to a terrible sight. His house was okay, but the whole town is a mess. I am going to give the monogramming info. to a friend of mine who does that as a new business. I will also see what I have. It breaks my heart to think of any kids going without. Bless you for your involvement in it!

  • nealie
    April 30, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    love this fundraiser!! Seeing those names is so powerful!!
    Would you consider a tee for the tornado victims? I am a Bama grad living in NC and Toomers for Tuscaloosa on fb has done an AMAZING job getting the word to help out there and girl I know you could do the same 🙂

  • stacey
    May 1, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    hey darby…

    this is random, but i had ordered two shirts from you a few weeks ago. one was the firetruck and the other was a dark grey (cannot remember what it had on it). anyway, both were a size 8. you said you had somehow messed up on the orders and didn’t have the dark grey one in, but you would be getting it in in a few weeks. it’s been several weeks and i still have yet to see it. i have paid for both shirts so i’d like to either get a refund on the dark grey one or if you could mail me one that would be great. thanks so much!

    stacey madison

    ps…sorry to post this on the blog. i couldn’t find your email address.

  • erin
    May 3, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Love the swimsuits and monogrammed towels. What a special treat for the children that will receive them! Also, thanks for writing about the storms; for most it was a news story for a few days, but for others – it was life changing. It was certainly the scariest day of my life. We were hit by a freak morning tornado Before we expected the severe weather in the afternoon – and my niece was in the basement of the Zeta house when Tuscaloosa was hit. Our family is fine, but my heart breaks for those who lost their homes and loved ones.

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