This and That

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Last night we went to Esmé's first "Girls' Night" at her cousin's house. Pizza, popcorn, hot chocolate, back rub, foot massage, and two romantic movies later, we were all relaxed and made it home around midnight. Thanks, Auntie & Cousins! We need to do that again, and Esmé especially likes the "run around and beg popcorn off people" part!

Today was relaxing. I was hoping for some sleeping in after a late night, but Esmé was up and in my face by 7:30. At least she took a nice long nap around 11:30. We read some books, played in the yard a little, did some crafts, and watched lots of online videos.

It is only 9 p.m. on a Sunday evening, baby is bathed and asleep in bed, and all the animals are fed! And tomorrow is a holiday here in Mozambique. So, except for the fact that we are out of dish soap and no stores will be open tomorrow, we're off to a great start for the week!

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I posted a couple of weeks ago about starving babies in Zimbabwe. I had a few questions on how to help when the country had banned help from outside countries.

I'm happy to say that since that post, on August 29, Zimbabwe lifted the ban on NGOs, so NGOs can once again provide aid to Zimbabweans. I'm not sure which organizations are starting up again, since there is still concern that the government will seize incoming aid and redistribute it.

World Vision is the largest humanitarian organization operating in Zimbabwe. Here is a link to updates on their position in Zimbabwe.

Here is a link to a list of other organizations known to provide aid in Zimbabwe. I would suggest contacting them first to make sure they are still in a position to provide aid in that country at this time.

The two links I put in my previous post are for smaller organizations that have not discontinued operations in Zimbabwe during this crisis. Their "insignificant" size allowed them to continue through it all.

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And I have an award to pass on! This one comes from a blogger I have been lurking around since I had about 2 regular readers, and I was very surprised and happy to receive it. Thanks, Kailani at An Island Life, for the I Love Your Blog Award! Not only does she have beautiful girls and an interesting career to write about, she has regular giveaways and hosts the fun Aloha Friday each week.

Passing it on to the following bloggers:

1. Notes From One Mom. Lots of Grammie stories of her seven grandkids, great recipes, and a good mix of fun posts.
2. Beanish and Other Languages I'm Learning. A mom blog with stories of a beautiful miracle girl.
3. Clothed With Scarlet. Great reminders to be thankful, to appreciate the people in your life, and to praise God.

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Last but not least, a photo to warm any book-loving mother's heart. This is the sight I walked in to this afternoon in our living room. Note the tippy toes. I suppose I could put the exciting books a little lower, but I think the placement of the books adds to their excitement.

Passing It On

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It's been a busy week and a half here - a good kind of busy - with Grandpa and Oupa and Daddy all home. So you may have noticed that some of our posts have been delayed. And we are about 2 weeks behind in responding to comments, though we've been loving them all!

We've got two awards to pass on this week. The first is the You Make Me Smile Award from Lori at Teacher Turned Mommy. Thank you, Lori! Lori just posted some beautiful scrapbook pages of her little boys - I'm so inspired to make some of my own!

I'm passing this award on to:

1. Dani at Give Me a Second to Think About It. Dani's posts don't just make me smile, they make me laugh! And she writes wonderful comments over here, too . . .
2. Wifey at Wifey's House. See where my second award comes from. Wifey's posts regularly leave me challenged to change and be a better wife and person.
3. Momisodes. A mom blog with incredible photos and cute posts.
4. Jessie at Muthering Heights. Another mom blog featuring two beautiful little girls.
5. Sarah at Que Sarah, Sarah. A personable blog with a great mix of humorous, thoughtful, scary!, and spiritual posts.

The second award is the I Love Your Blog Award from Wifey at Wifey's House. Thank you, Wifey! I was rather intrigued by the iPod accessory I found on Wifey's Wednesday post last week! (Note: Not recommended for kids!)

This award came with some strings ... and the rules are :

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you’ve nominated.

I'm passing this award on to the following:

1. Lori at Teacher Turned Mommy. I've been wanting to pass an award on to Lori for a while now, so this isn't just a payback!
2. Mamajil at M is for Mommy. Mom to 10 kids - I'm amazed to see what they are up to every week, and I love reading how all the kids are discovering and learning and helping out.
3. Heather at The Extraordinary Ordinary. A wife and mom who alternatively makes me laugh and think hard from post to post.
4. Sandy at Writing in Faith. Beautiful photos and beautiful words that make me feel and think and ponder.
5. Tracy at My Cup Runneth Over. Where I go when I'm looking for some spiritual uplifting.
6. Marilyn at A Mixed Bouquet. Another site for spiritual upliftment . . .
7. Connie at The Young and The Relentless. A great mom blog with two cute kids!

Wishing you all a blessed and wonderful week!