Things that make me happy

I am not going to lie. I have been in a bad mood. My sinuses are making me crazy, the weather around here is cold and dreary and work has been super crazy. I just hate hearing myself speak these days because I sound like a brat. In addition to all the small stuff, my mind has been filled with thoughts of Haiti. Thinking about conditions on the ground in Haiti puts my bad mood in perspective. I know it has been over two weeks since the earthquake but I still think about the people a lot, especially the children. I will admit that I told Damon last week I had been thinking that if some Haitian children are brought here then I would consider fostering one. I mean we have a completed homestudy and have done all the background checks. But then I read THIS ARTICLE online and listened to THIS PODCAST on PRI and took check of my emotions. I also read Sarah's take on the issue over at Much Has Been Given and she wrote eloquently on the topic. If it is something you have been conflicted about or just want to read a really great post then I highly recommend clicking over and reading it. If a child were to be mistakenly taken from their country and it turned out they were separated from a birth relative that could raise them then that would be truly devastating. But Haiti clearly needs our help and I hope people continue to give generously. I also just heard that NBC nightly news will do a special episode tomorrow night about Haiti adoptions. I'm eager to watch it.
So that is where my mind has been. In an effort to improve my mood and lift my spirits I thought I should focus on some things that are making me smile these days.

Happy Item #1:
I have mentioned my friend, Valerie, on this blog before and how her adoption story was an inspiration to me. Well, she is one of the craftiest and kindest ladies I know. I read her blog regularly and dream of someday being crafty. Recently, she posted about these reusable Starbucks sleeves she made and I was head over heels in love with them. I told her how awesome I thought they were and then just a few days later she emailed me to tell me she would make me one. I think I may have gasped outloud. Last week it arrived in the mail and I LOVE it. Check me out holding my coffee with my incredibly cute sleeve.

Everyone at work was very jealous and the Starbucks employees "oohed" and "aahed" over it. Please notice the "e" for Emily and you can sort of see the Oklahoma on it and there is also the cut out of Ohio on the other side. Truly thoughtful. I have used it several times in the past week and every time I do I just beam. If you are crafty and would like to read her post about it then go HERE.

Happy Item #2:
I read a really great poem about adoption over on the Campbell Party of Three blog. I copied it into a word file so I could save it and possibly use it in a future baby book. It makes me happy.

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life,

But in my heart I know

The love I feel is deep and real,

As if it has been so.

For us to have each other

is like a dream come true!

No, I didn't give you

The Gift of Life,

Life gave me the gift of you.

-Author Unknown

Happy Item #3:
Our niece turns 2 this weekend. I cannot believe it. For Christmas she got a kitchen set and is apparently very into it. Damon and I were trying to figure out what to get her and we found the best thing! I actually remember seeing my friend Sam's daughter playing with this in some photos and thought it was the best toy EVER. Wooden Sushi! Are you as in love as me?

Damon's brother and sister-in-law also love sushi so I think it is good that their daughter will get some early training. So excited to give this to her!

Happy Item #4:
Have you seen the movie trailer for the movie, Babies? Oh.my.goodness. This movie is a documentary that follows four babies from around the world. The babies are from Tokyo, San Francisco, Mongolia and Namibia. These babies are so cute that it is almost too much to handle. I watch this trailer and instantly smile. I think it comes out in April. Here is the trailer.

The topic of babies brings me to the final happy topic.

Happy Item #5:
There is a rumor that Benjamin Yared Ornstein will make an appearance at Family Night at Abyssinia Cafe on Sunday. The Ornsteins are part of our group of adoptive families and they brought Benjamin Yared home from Ethiopia on January 2nd. I am beyond happy for them and am so ready to meet the little guy. I have a feeling that tears will be shed.

HAPPY tears, of course.