Operation Craft Fair: Complete

Some of you may know that my older sister Laurie and I have been running our very own sweat shop with ourselves as the only employees for the past few months. I made a TON of jewelry, picture frames, and a whole lot of baby gifts. Laurie is a nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn. Every year they have a massive craft fair and this year we decided, 'Why not rent a booth?' Well, the day finally arrived after an 11 hour drive to Minnesota -not to mention a couple near death experiences due to middle-of-the-night driving adventure with my parents. This was our first venture at a Craft Fair, so we learned a lot, but more importantly, we made a decent amount of cash!! I also want to mention my INCREDIBLE mom and sister, Rachael who worked tirelessly at sewing and contributing to our inventory.

We also managed to fit in a trip to the Pannekoeken-Dutch Family Restaurant. Famous of course for their Dutch style pancakes. While Laurie had the seasonal Pumpkin Pannekoeken and my mom had the traditional Pecan Pannekoeken, I kept it Southern and had a Bacon Pannekoeken. IT WAS ABSOLUTLEY FAB!! A little syrup+bacon= pure heaven. The best thing about this place is the fact that the waitresses bring each Pannekoeken out chanting, "Pannekoeken, Pannekeoken, Pannekeon" (see Northern Fargo accent). I guess it's just one of those places you have to visit first hand to get the full experience.

Here are a few of our best sellers- Tie and Bow Tie onesies and my neice, Charlotte modeling the Ruffle Onesie...

November is National Adoption Month

**Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be political or religious, I just thought the material was moving. I hope you do too...

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
All children deserve a safe, loving family to protect and care for them. In America, thousands of young people are waiting for that opportunity. During National Adoption Month, we honor those families that have strengthened America through adoption, and we recommit to reducing the number of children awaiting adoption into loving families.
America is a country rich in resources and filled with countless caring men and women who hope to adopt. These individuals come from all walks of life, united in their commitment to love a child who is in need of the protective arms of a parent. We must do more to ensure that adoption is a viable option for them. By continually opening up the doors to adoption, and supporting full equality in adoption laws for all American families, we allow more children to find the permanent homes they yearn for and deserve.
This month, we also focus on children in foster care. These children are not in the system by their own choosing, but are forced into it by unfortunate or tragic circumstances. These young people have specific needs and require unique support. Federal, State, and local governments, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring that foster children have the resources and encouragement they need to realize their hopes and dreams.
The course of our future will depend on what we do to help the next generation of Americans succeed. This month, we celebrate those families brought together by adoption and renew our commitments to children in the foster care system.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by reaching out to support and honor adoptive families, as well as to participate actively in efforts to find permanent homes for waiting children.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA