The Macs » Blog

“You are getting so big.”
That is what everyone says to you.
And you are.
You are growing, growing, growing.
It seems like you are always hungry too.
And even after a grouchy day like you had today,
I am so glad my days are filled with you.

*****************************

Thank you for all your suggestions yesterday.
I knew you would have ideas for me.
I am still working on a solution.
Hopefully I will be able to let you know more soon.

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  • Christina - Oh dear! I didn’t read about your situation until right now…it’s always alarming when someone comes along and informs that we are breaking some law! How nutty. So sorry…but it sounds like you got some good ideas from people.
    Your little man is just so darling. They grow so, so fast. I hope tomorrow is a good day.ReplyCancel

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  • Diana - By gosh and by golly, he’s just soooooooo squeezably handsome! Such a good-lookin’ fella! Yep!

    We know you’ll a-figure somethin’ out!

    Praying for whatever your decision turns out to be!

    ♥ReplyCancel

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  • Tibbetts Travels in Thailand - I came across your blog today as I was looking for the words, “Come to Jesus”, a song that was played while a missionary family’s premature daughter died at 4 months on January 22, 2010. I have been praying for them as they grieve. As I read your story of losing Cora, I wondered it might be of mutual benefit for you to be in contact with each other. Their blog is at http://rustylynette.blogspot.com/ May God continue to help both of your families through this tremendous loss. I enjoyed too the pictures of your precious baby Levi.

    Take care,
    Jennifer Tibbetts, a missionary in Chiang MaiReplyCancel

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  • Momma H - Oh my goodness. That little boy could melt a Granny’s heart!!ReplyCancel

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  • Carrie Rogers - He is just precious!!! Sorry to hear about the Paypal police! I hope you get a solution soon.ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Awwww…he’s so stinkin cute…just wanna give him a squish and a kiss!ReplyCancel

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  • Heidi - OMG Levi is so sweet. I love the smile he has in the photo.ReplyCancel

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  • tami - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - You’re so lucky to have such an adorable little guy. I love that he’s smiling in this picture…..truly happy!ReplyCancel

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  • Robin in Benton - What a yummy baby boy!!! and growing so fast! Thank you for all you are doing for the Johnson’s – with God’s help I know you will find a way to make it work!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Oh my goodness, he is getting big and is quite the handsome little guy! Enjoy him!ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - What an adorable picture. I’m so happy you have him in your life to love on, even on the grouchy days:)ReplyCancel

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  • flower power momma - Such a darling photo of your enchanting little Levi.ReplyCancel

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  • shepherdsgrace - He…is…beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - Sweet little man, he is so handsome 🙂 Enjoy every minute xReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Such a cute pic of Levi, Jess. Can’t believe how much he is changing! Still see lots of Uncle Matt 🙂 Hope you guys are having a good week. Love you. Also hope things are working out with Cora’s for Calla. What a BUMMER! Talk to you soon…ReplyCancel

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  • Micah - He is just precious. I’m so glad you’re enjoying your snuggle time.ReplyCancel

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  • Miranda - Awww, your little blessing is getting bigger. I can’t believe he’s six weeks old already! He is too adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - he is beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • 3LittleByrds - He’s such a doll. I just wanna squeeze him. He’s growing so fast.ReplyCancel

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  • tara - could he be any sweeter?!
    i think not! 😉
    what a little lovebug!ReplyCancel

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  • BEK - What a beautiful blessing and miracle from God!!!ReplyCancel

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  • run26.2mom - Levi is adorable! 6 weeks already, time moves on when they are not yours. LOL….You are such an amazing mother.
    Peace.
    SusanReplyCancel

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  • Megan DiVito - Levi is just beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Charity - What a precious kiddo!!! 🙂 He is so special… 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • michele_kotrba@hotmail.com - Wow, I can’t get over how MUCH older he looks in this recent picture. Just goes to show how fast this time goes. ENJOY!! He’s absolutely adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • The Buchanan Family - he is adorable and makes me want another one so bad! You take great pics!ReplyCancel

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  • winchesterspeech - What adorable pictures of Levi. He is so precious. I can’t begin to imagine the loss you feel everyday for Cora, but I’m sure this little guy brings light into your lives everyday.

    I loved your post about the cupcakes. What a fun and thoughtful way to thank the nurses and staff that took care of Cora. I’d love to know where you bought the containers to transport the cupcakes.

    Blessings,
    DonnaReplyCancel

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  • Lynn - Oh my goodness, that is one precious face. He is cute, cute, cute and it is so nice of you to share him with us. Do you think he will mind you showing us all pictures when he’s 17? I hope not!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - Beautiful! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • 41wray - He is an adorable little bundle – think i do see some Bev resemblance
    hugs to you all
    SharleyReplyCancel

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I hate to start the week off with bad news.
But, I’ve got some.
I received an e-mail from the PayPal police this weekend.
That is never good.
Apparently my raffle violates the gambling section
under their acceptable use policy.
I didn’t know a raffle would be considered gambling.
But it is.
After all it is for a really good cause.
Doesn’t he know that?
The e-mail said that I had to remove my donation button immediately.
So, I called to see if there was any way around it.
There isn’t.
I tried.
Really hard.
I asked if I could have a disclaimer at the bottom of the raffle
that said that you didn’t have to donate to participate in the raffle.
Mr. PayPal police said no.
It is still considered gambling.
I asked if I could keep the donate button and have giveaways instead.
Totally separate.
People could still donate.
It would not be linked to the giveaway at all.
Surely giveaways aren’t considered gambling.
Mr. PayPal police said no again.
He said that in order to accept donations
I would have to get approved as a non-profit organization.
I tried.

So, now I need your help.
What should I do?

My guest room bed is covered with items that are supposed to be raffled.
There are some awesome things to giveaway.
And I know you want to see them too.
Do you know of another way I could accept donations?
Any ideas?

I would love to hear your suggestions.
After all, with how well Miss Calla has been doing,
she could be coming home soon.

Oh, and in case you are wondering.
All the donations received so far are fine.
We still have raised $2000 for Calla and her family.
And for that I am very thankful.

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  • Susan - I was going to suggest putting them for sale in your etsy store…but I assume there would be a fee involved and of course the paypal fees. However as fast as your store sells out, I’d have to say it would probably go over well, just not sure about the amount you would raise vs. the raffle. Ebay would be another option??? I hope someone has a good idea. So sad that you are in essence punished for doing good.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’ve seen where people have “auctioned off” items to the highest bidder. You may want to consider doing that. It would still be a great way to raise money. Good Luck!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - Can you auction them off?ReplyCancel

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  • E @ Oh! Apostrophe - What if there was a separate way for people to donate? Banks sometimes set up accounts/online sites for donations, no? Then people could comment saying that they had donated, and that would enter them? It wouldn’t involve PayPal so I don’t see how they could prevent it?ReplyCancel

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  • jen - paypal. grr. i just had the same issue with them over a benefit raffle i hosted for haiti. so sad that they wont help us help others. i ended up just asking for cash and check donations sent to me directly. that worked fine from family and friends who know that the money is going right where i say it will. hope you get something figured out!!ReplyCancel

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  • Deen Family - Sell them in your Etsy store!ReplyCancel

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  • Marla Taviano - I’d say just sell them at Cora’s store, but jack up the prices and donate the $ yourself.

    Would that work?ReplyCancel

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  • Miss Em - Ask this woman….http://our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/

    She had a fund raiser very similar to this for the adoption of her little girl.ReplyCancel

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  • Mere - This is my first time to comment on your precious blog! I have loved reading about your sweet family.
    I am giving you a link to another blog I follow. This family just adopted a little girl from Korea and had giveaways to raise money for adoption expenses. Adrienne might be able to tell you how she handled it.
    http://www.our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/ReplyCancel

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  • Beth - Check out http://www.chipin.com/overview

    Not sure if it would work for the raffle, but it might!ReplyCancel

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  • Susy M. - Do it the old fashioned way. We can send a check for a donation. Put everyone’s name in a hat that donated and whomever you pick wins.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - i think you etsy store is a good solution. raise the prices by a percentage of what you would normally do, and designate them as a calla item.
    of course, there is the tax issue, but hopefully you can figure all of that out.
    sorry the paypal police has pulled you over.
    best wishes!ReplyCancel

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  • Johanna Simpson Baker - tack on a ‘shipping fee’ (a stamp) and a handling fee (photo printing cost) and send everyone a sticker or a little photo of Cora. That way, everyone who ‘bids’ is actually buying something. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy - I know The Design Girl (thedesigngirlblog.blogspot.com) has held raffles (for Haiti for example) and I believe she used Chip In (chipin.com) like someone else mentioned.ReplyCancel

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  • beckley - does the church have an account for them? have the money given/written to them, and people can comment and mail checks, like the church did for cora, right? Then, pick the comment at random and give it to them.

    or, go to prayforkate.com and ask them. they have people fundraising for them right now.

    or just set up a non-profit. maybe that’s something you will be called to in life? raising money for struggling babies? i don’t know. maybe? maybe cora could have her own non-profit?

    shalom-ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Use Chipin.com to raise money for an event.

    -OR-

    You know….you could use your etsy store and post $10 and $20 “gift certificates” for Calla. Once the raffle is over, change the remaining listings pictures/titles to the new raffle picture. Then you won’t be wasting money on unused listing fees and whatnot.

    I would list a reasonable amount of certificates based on what you’ve been receiving the past 3 raffles.

    I know there’s the listing fee and percentage Etsy takes but…..it’s small and it’s worth it. Calla might only get $19 instead of $20 but she’ll appreciate it.ReplyCancel

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  • Judy - Hmmm…I too was going to say Chipin.com I used it to raise money for a friend going to Malawi Africa. But I’m not entirely sure if it would be okay, because the chipin money actually does go into your paypal account. But I think Chipin is a third party that just uses Paypal. Definitely something to look into! Hope that helps! I love that sweet baby Calla!ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - I would second the etsy suggestion. The drawback of checks (or cheques as we’d write here :-)) is that it exludes overseas donors like myself. I like the idea of an auction either, could be fun :-). Its very frustrating that Paypal are being so obstructive. Its for a tiny baby girl, how heartless can they be????? I’ll keep thinking xReplyCancel

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  • Judy - It’s me again with one more comment about chipin! Make sure you’re Paypal account is verified before setting up a Chipin fund raiser. When you use Chipin you get a little bar graph widget that shows how much money you’ve raised and it won’t update automatically if your Paypal account isn’t verified (I learned that the hard way…people were giving money and it wasn’t showing up in my Chipin account because my Paypal account wasn’t verified with a bank account). Just giving you a heads up. The whole purpose of Chipin is to raise money for various charities, etc…so I don’t think you should have any problems using it.ReplyCancel

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  • Julia - Patrice Williams, Jonah’s mom,is having an auction for his first birthday and they have set up a blog to do it. You can check it out here… http://jonahsebauction.blogspot.com/

    You would have to do it as an auction rather than a blog, but it might work.ReplyCancel

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  • mymcmlife - I would sell the items through eBay so people can bid on the items as high as they’re willing to donate. Or sell “shares” or raffle tickets through etsy?ReplyCancel

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  • Kandis - Try Chip in!! Mckmama has used that one!! You could ask her how it works….www.mckmama.comReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - what about having a silent auction going through your personal email only, and the highest or closet bidder, what road you take, just transfers it through paypal as if you are just doing a simple transaction.ReplyCancel

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  • Savanna - I know that Baby Be Blessed (they have a website and a blog)….their button is on my blog (grits-savanna.blogspot.com) and Angie’s Smith’s as well……anyways, they do a raffle/giveaway of sorts on a regular basis. I would see how they set it up. It is very similar if not the exact same of what you are doing. They do one every month for a different child/baby in need.

    SavannaReplyCancel

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  • Megg - Oh no, I’m sorry about that! Why not try a silent auction? That way people can bid on the exact things they want? I’ve seen a few of those before.ReplyCancel

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  • Veggiemommy - I have donated through ChipIn several times. It seems the best way to go. As the organizer, you will have access to the email addresses of those who donate so you can still randomly select a winner from those. Good luck!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - i’d say an auction too.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - how about a silent auction?ReplyCancel

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  • Charity - oh my… Paypal can be very frustrating! So sad that you’re in trouble for doing good… grr.
    Well I (like at least 10 others :D) second the Etsy shop idea… or you could check out that Chipin.com – I have heard about that never used it though…
    God bless! hope you find a solution soon!ReplyCancel

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  • zoefeher - I agree with putthing them in your etsy store! Good luck!

    ZoeReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - open up Calls’s own etsy shop with all the itemsReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Auction them on ebay. Make sure in the title that it makes reference to Calla or make a link to your seller’s list. It might be fun.
    Also, if people still want to donate maybe you can give an address (their church, maybe) where people who didn’t win the auction could still send donations.ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - are silent auctions legal?? that is such a shame!ReplyCancel

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  • Megan - I had wondered if paypal might make a stink about that.

    hope-for-haiti.blogspot.com has had similar issues. Check out this post where she talks about it. http://hope-for-haiti.blogspot.com/2010/01/update-on-paypal-situation.html

    maybe you can email the blog administrator there and see if she’s come to a resolution.ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - the auction idea is a good one! totally unfair for you to be punished!!! what is the world coming to… 🙁ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - sell the remainder in Etsy! jack up the price to cover shipping and maybe keep a few girlie items out for that sweet baby you are raising money for 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Taylor & Laurel Cline - You could probably set up an account on smartyPig.com. It’s an online savings account that allows people to help save for your goal. You should also put a disclosure on your posts that states “No purchase or donation necessary to enter or to win. Odds of winning depends on the amount of eligible entries received.” (I work in banking and this is what we use for raffles we hold at the bank).ReplyCancel

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  • Molly - Oh no! Like someone else suggested, with Hope for Haiti, she used Google checkout. Not sure if that would work. Also, if you would consider it, you might able to just create a donations area and do the “raffles” as a giveaway? Not sure how that works legally, but lots of bloggers do giveaways and I am sure that most people would still donate.ReplyCancel

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  • Shannon - I immediately thought Ebay. Maybe you would get some people that have never heard of your blog– make sure you explain the story in the description. You could post the item number (link) on your blog so all of us can find the items quickly!!ReplyCancel

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  • A Dusty Frame - It’s not just paypal. Raffles are highly regulated by state law too.
    Your raffle (and raffles I see on other blogs) very likely violate state law.

    Lots of people don’t realize that, but at least it was only paypal contacting you!ReplyCancel

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  • Holli Taylor - Whatever you end up doing let us know. And if you decide to do an auction coukd you maybe do a couple of seperate ones so more people could end up getting stuff.ReplyCancel

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  • merlin - Well, when The RustedChain sold “blessed” necklaces, a 10$ donation was made to Haiti for each necklace sold. Could you sell the items and donate the proceeds?
    Not nearly as much fun, but you have lots of blogging folks who want to help Calla.

    Can we just freely donate to the paypal button for Calla with no chance of winning anythig in return? Just a goodwill offering so to speak. I think people would.

    Is there a blogging friend with everything set up “legally” that could run your Cora’s for Calla program until all of the items have been given/donated away?

    OK that’s my 2 cents worth. I KNOW that there is going to be a way to keep Cora helping Calla.ReplyCancel

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  • Townsend Crew - How about a daily auction and the item goes the the highest bidder… who also has to leave a lovely, warm words of encouragement to you and/or Breezyfarm…

    Don’t be discouraged. Your good work is all good.ReplyCancel

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  • Niki @ Southern Baby Boutique - As one of the stores that donated, I don’t like the idea of an auction, because 1 person who has more money that someone else could easily get it, where as a raffle, chances of receiving the prize are a little more spread out and seem fair. But I do like the Etsy store “gift certificate for Calla” or the chipin.com ideasReplyCancel

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  • Joy - I’m not sure if anyone has already spoke about this as I haven’t read through the comments. But, Jenny with Simply Delightful Designs whom just hosted a raffle Hope for Haiti. They (paypal) did the same thing to her. She tried google checkout. You may get more information from her?
    jenny@ simplydelightfuldesigns dot comReplyCancel

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  • kimalli1 - Hi.

    Can you use ChipIn? Are you familiar at all with this blog? http://our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/

    They just adopted a little girl from Korea, and in order to raise some of the money required for the adoption, they did raffles and I believe they used ChipIn rather than PayPal. The woman that writes that blog seems like the sweetest, most open person you could ever meet. I am sure she could offer you some suggestions. (Nice of me to volunteer someone else to help, I know. But this is definitely not my area of expertise- I don’t even have a blog!) Good luck!
    -KimReplyCancel

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  • Heather | Cookie Mondays - can you take donations via their church?ReplyCancel

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  • Auntie Mip - I am sure thsi has been said…how about Esty???ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - Jess that stinks.

    You won’t be able to sell them in your etsy shop. Etsy doesn’t allow “combined” shops, and essentially that’s what it would be. They only allow the artist/creator, and possibly a handful of helpers to list in one shop. But I’m afraid the etsy police would get you if you sold there.

    I have done many charity auctions on ebay. BUT you can’t use the word “charity” in your title or listing unless it’s being contributed to a registered non-profit.

    But I think you could still put groups of things up on ebay with the search term “Calla” and people would know that the money was being donated. You just have to be careful with the wording.

    I was able to raise $3000 to help Haiti with my Blessed necklaces, but people just had to trust that I was sending the money to where I said I would. (Which I did, of course.) I think that might be the case here, wherever you decide to do it. People will just have to trust that the money is going to where you say it will. And if they follow your blog and are willing to help the Johnsons, I’m sure they know that you’re honest and will follow through.ReplyCancel

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  • Dani - I have no idea, but check with Adrienne here; http://www.our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/

    She did raffles and giveaways to bring her daughter home from Korea.

    Good luck.ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - I’m not sure if it’s because they’ve changed their policies, but I know that MckMama used them for her canon giveaway a year ago via the chipin program. http://www.chipin.com – worth a shot?ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - My only idea is a P.O. box.

    I really, really hope that if I ever have trouble with paypal – say I win an auction and do not receive the merchandise – they are as interested in helping with things like that.

    :::rolling eyes:::ReplyCancel

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  • Todd and Courtney - I like the etsy idea and set up gift certificates. I really like that idea and it’s super easy. With the gift certificates, just have a ton of the different amounts. Open then for a week and then randomly draw an email. I think that’d be soooo easy! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • It's just Mommer - What about a silent auction? Post an item and people could bid through their comments. Would Mr Paypal allow that?ReplyCancel

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  • Dina - What if people ‘gifted’ the money to you through paypal using your email address? Is that still ‘illegal’?ReplyCancel

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  • Robin in Benton - I hate stupid rules like this – they make it hard to do nice things like you are doing. I guess my best suggestion would be using your etsy store too. It shouldn’t be so hard!ReplyCancel

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  • Abby - What about having people bid on the group of items on ebay? Get an ebay account and post the items on there…give us all the link to your ebay store and see how much each group of items goes for…ReplyCancel

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  • The Straub Family - Hey Jess,
    I sent you a couple of emails over the past two weeks letting you know the SAME cruddy thing happened to me and my fundraising event for sweet Lilly – a three year old – my daughter’s best friend – who just had brain surgery.
    Is it not the SCARIEST thing ever to get that email?!?!
    I think my heart fell out of my chest for a second!
    GAMBLING???
    REALLY???
    I removed my donation button and ended my raffle a week early.
    I would suggest putting a button up on your blog inviting people to contact you about making donations – and then giving them a mailing address for sending checks directly to Ian & Julie.
    My biggest fear was that I was going to get into legal trouble…I have not heard anything else, thankfully.
    Also, why not list all of your items (with approval from the donors) in your shop for sale….or better yet…list them for sale on your BLOG to avoid any more fees?
    I wish you the best of luck…I’ve been following yours and Julies blogs for over a year….I feel like I know you all!
    Hugs & Prayers,
    Jill
    http://www.zingotots.blogspot.com
    …oops, I see I am signed in as Lilly’s mom because I just posted Lilly’s update for her on her own blog!ReplyCancel

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  • The Straub Family - …one more thing..
    I see alot of folks are suggesting ChipIn.
    I was using ChipIn for my raffle….and I still got shut down..because the payments still go through Paypal.ReplyCancel

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  • nikki - go to babybeblesseddolls.com and then at the bottom there is a link to their blog and to email them….each month they set up a chip in for a different person once to click the chip in to give you forward that to them and they enter you to win something. You could email them to get more specifics but I’m sure it would work for you…they are super sweet ladies and would be thrilled to help you figure it out.ReplyCancel

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  • Ginger - Hey Jess… I follow Young House Love (http://www.younghouselove.com/) and they have a ton of “fab freebie” giveaways on their blog. You might check with them to see what they do. They’re great about communication. 🙂 Hope you find a simple solution! Love ya 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I have no ideas, but I’m praying!!ReplyCancel

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  • merlin - You could think REALLY BIG and see this as a legacy for Cora and set up a charity in her name…..ReplyCancel

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  • laura - I really like the idea of making the purchase of a photo of Cala & those names being put into the raffle. Also like the suggestions that there has to be a way around this.
    You are doing so much good for Baby Calla’s family.
    Bless you & your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Glittergirl - I am from the UK so you would need to check this out but could you have participants answer a simple question as well? I think if some sort of “skill” is demonstrated it is no longer classed as gambling. I think you would also probably need a disclaimer stating that no donation was necessary to enter…
    Hope you get it sorted.
    Good luckReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Hi Jess,

    I have had a lot of trouble with paypal in recent months. I hosted a fundraising ball to raise money for a charity supporting bone marrow transplant patients in honour of a dear friend going through one.

    Paypal were VERY quick to put a hold on my account and not so fast to help me sort it out am afraid. It was a frustrating few months of back and forward emails, me having to scan and send a ton of documents – including having to prove I was using the money in the way intended.

    It took me four months to have the limitations lifted and to withdraw the money. Such a drama.

    Can you leave the donate button if it’s not a raffle? I am sure that your blog followers will still support Cora’s for Calla. I also love the idea of selling through your etsy store, if this is possible.

    Good luck!
    xo Jen, Australia
    jenvangemert@hotmail.comReplyCancel

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  • JD - Paypal has the option of sending money as a “gift.”

    Couldn’t you just accept “gifts” on behalf of Calla and then in return you could send a “gift” to someone in return?

    Don’t call it a raffle. Don’t call them prizes. It’s all just a bunch of people exchanging gifts.ReplyCancel

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  • Audrey - There are other paypal-like sites that you can use to send/receive money in a secure manner. Paypal is notorious for this for this sort of goofiness…I’m sorry that you got “caught.”ReplyCancel

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  • Donna H - As someone else mentioned, you can set up a donation account at a bank or credit union in the childs name for her needs. People can donate directly to that account. (wink wink 🙂 You would then want to thank everyone who donated and you would get a list of the names of all who donated. You could use the list to put all of those people in a drawing, not a raffle, and GIVE away the clothes.

    When I saw that you were doing a raffle I was concerned but I don’t know the laws in your state.

    The other option is to set up a foundation in Cora’s name and then you can give to whomever you like.

    It may work out to be something bigger than any of us planned.ReplyCancel

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  • Donna H - PS There is no way to call it something other than a raffle and still raffle. State and Federal gaming laws are strict and breaking those laws can be a criminal offense. Not everyone has the good intentions of the Macs and the law is the law. Paypal is right.ReplyCancel

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  • Outre Beauty Bistro - How about just auctioning the stuff of on ebay and linking your auctions with your blog? Most people have an account on Ebay. After fees, that would be your donation amount. There is always a way! We just have to find it! XOReplyCancel

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  • Outre Beauty Bistro - Or, doing what Jen said and having people send the money straight to you…that is no different than paypal…you are ultimitaley in control of where both goes. I am 100 percent sure Jess, that everybody would be fine with that. You are a strong christian, you proved yourself with cora’s place as far as donations, and everybody’s knows you have a heart for others. I would have them send it to you and then do the comment. ??ReplyCancel

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  • Tsquared417 - Have you heard of chipin.com? I used that last year for a raffle….they can use a credit card or pay pal…ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - I did not read all the good suggestions, but one I thought of is that you put a ‘price’ on them, but it it more a suggested donation, so someone can ‘buy’ it and then pay whatever amount they want…ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah G - Stephanie of A Daily Scoop (http://adailyscoop.blogspot.com/) recently did an auction to benefit a family in need and it seemed to run pretty smoothly. You could contact her to learn more about how she handled it but I’m pretty sure PayPal wasn’t involved. Good luck!ReplyCancel

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  • The Evans Family - Use a chip in button instead here is the link:

    http://www.chipin.com/overview

    Good luckReplyCancel

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  • Ceri - What about Calla’s family? Do they have a pay pal account? Then people could gift the money directly to them??
    “You could manage the paypal account to help Calla’s family to help send out thank yous” ;)and privately send that thank you out. And it would be your new hobby for a while to Post a picture of “whats on the bed in your guest room this week”ReplyCancel

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  • amazeingteacher - i’ve been trying to find the “clause” in their policy and it may help others…
    Lottery tickets – Include the purchase or sale of any opportunity to participate in a raffle, drawing, sweepstake, pool, or any other form of game or contest involving the distribution of prizes or monetary compensation.

    it is my understanding that you can use chipin but you cannot give any gift/ticket/prize for people contributing. does anyone have another understanding of this?ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - How about a live auction for those of us who are local. Pretty sure we could round up more donations, an auctioneer and some cookies and punch. It would give those who are close to them a chance to give items, mingle together and have a good time for a great cause.ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - Your church is non profit and they helped you setup a way to donate for the playground. Maybe they can setup a seperate fund and you can continue to help people who need it that way. Maybe they can setup a silent auction for the items and the money goes into that fund.ReplyCancel

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  • momof3darlings - I’ve been a part of MANY raffles for good causes! We just had each person send the money for a raffle chance to a certain PayPal address. In the comment section, they would list it as “donation” and then YOU just take all the names, and draw them out of a hat. EASY!

    We’ve done this many times before.ReplyCancel

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  • Nan - How hard is it to get registered as a non-profit? Cora’s could go public as a non-profit support for families of sick children! I’m sure that’s way easier said than done though.

    What about listing them as auctions on Ebay with the additional information always included that all proceeds go to help families of sick kids?ReplyCancel

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  • Kara - hyenacart.com does that! I belong to a cloth diaper board that does some raffles and such for Mamas in need.
    Check it out?ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - I would absolutely shop like mad at your store if you put them there. Would that work? That’s how I found you, after all. I bought Etsy stuff that went to fund Cora’s playground.ReplyCancel

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  • Suesan - I was going to also say auction as a suggestion, I know nothing about the legalities but I saw this recently. http://jonahsebauction.blogspot.com/
    Good luck!ReplyCancel

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  • Kari and Robert - What if you were to set up a Calla Shop much like in the beginning for Cora’s Playground. Then people would still be buying items and the money would still be going to Calla?ReplyCancel

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  • Teresa Peschke - I agree with selling it on etsy, just include the price of listing the item and the amount paypal will take in the price that way everything can go to calla.ReplyCancel

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  • KyndraRenae - I dont see how a raffle is gambling when it’s going to a charitable cause. I dont’ know what you could do. What about people who set up the buckets in stores and stuff. They’re not an organization, it’s basically the same thing. I don’t know what you could do. Wish I could help. I think it’s great what you are doing to help calla.ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - I think you’re probably on top of this but one more suggestion.

    I just opened a shop at bigcartel.com. It’s quite easy, and faster to list items than etsy. There are no fees! AND people don’t have to sign up to purchase. They just click “buy” and it prompts them to pay through paypal, so they don’t need to register with a new site or anything.

    So far I’m loving it. There are record companies, handmade sellers, and lots of others that use it and I think it could work great with Cora’s for Calla.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Just read this and thought of your predicament with PayPal. I may be really late in the game with this since you already have so many comments!

    http://mycrazyadoption.org/crazy-fundraiser-for-a-mission-trip?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyCrazyAdoption+%28My+Crazy+Adoption%29

    Scroll down to the bottom where she writes about “My Crazy Idea” which is about an ipod giveway. She says that you can write “Donate to enter a giveway.” That way you aren’t labeled as a gambler. Hope it helps!ReplyCancel

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  • Lisa Daniels - I was listening to the Kim Komando show, and she brought this issue up. Here is a link to a possible answer to your situation. (You may have found another answer, but I didn’t read all the responses)
    You don’t have to be a non-profit, but your “cause” has to be approved. Give it a look. If you haven’t found another situation, I hope it works for you!!! :0)

    Keeping up with your family,
    Lisa & Daniels’ FamilyReplyCancel

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  • Lisa Daniels - Duh…forgot the link…

    http://www.kickstarter.com/start

    They require 5% if the amount is reached or exceeded though. It’s a service, so no free lunch.

    LisaReplyCancel

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The winner of giveaway #3 is…
Becki (February 12 @ 7:05 am)
Congratulations Becki!
I will be e-mailing you soon so that we can get your package in the mail.

Thank you again for giving so generously.
We have raised $2000.00 for Calla and her family.

Amazing!
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  • Jessica Faith - Yeah!! Praying!ReplyCancel

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  • carla - Fantastic fundraising, well done you CReplyCancel

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  • 4torock - Yeah!! Way to go:DReplyCancel

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  • SouthernGalsBoutique - GREAT job on the fundraising!!!! That is AWESOME!!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Bec - Over Christmas, Cake Wrecks did a donation thing and I don’t think they used paypal so you could email Jen over there- http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com

    or, can you create a new paypal account and not have anything about the raffle/donations? Or does paypal make them leave a description of why the money is being put into the account? Like they could just say babysitting or cleaning services or something 🙂 Then have them leave a comment on the blog to let you know they donated to be entered into the raffle that way?ReplyCancel

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Where has time gone?
My little Levi will be six weeks old tomorrow.
I thought I should post this before two months creeps up on me.
He is already doing things like smiling and sleeping 6-8 hours at night.
Way to go Levi!

We love you so much Levi. Although we are still missing your sister everyday, you have brought so much love and laughter to our house again. You are such an incredible blessing to us. Here are some things I want to remember about your first month:

You grew out of your newborn diapers the first week you were home.  You are now in size 1.

You also grew out of your newborn clothes. You are a growing boy! You are wearing 0-3 month clothes and I don’t know how long you will last in those.
You are starting to like your baths. No more screaming!
I love when you stare at me with those big, deep blue eyes. 
You are a spit up baby. Definitely not as bad as your sister, but my piles of laundry are multiplying.
You are starting to give us little half smiles. I think you will be smiling in no time.
You are still sleeping in your bassinet in our room. You wake up every 3-4 hours at night, but you are a good sleeper.
You have the hiccups ALL the time, just like when you were in mama’s tummy.
You are a true boy. Very noisy. You are definitely not a quiet baby and you are always grunting. I think you like to make your presence known.

At one month you are weighing in at 11 pounds 4 ounces. Obviously you are a good eater. You weren’t a big fan of getting stripped down to be weighed. You let the nurse know by peeing all over her.  Oops!

I love you sweet baby boy.

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  • Kat - He is so precious!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Tiffany - I’ve never commented on your before but your family is such an amazing family. Cora and My son Samuel are the exact same age down to their birth date. I found your blog last year and have followed your journey. You’ve given me so much strength. Your story is amazing and I’m so glad the Lord has blessed you with Levi.ReplyCancel

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  • Lindy - What a handsome little man! I love the picture of him sleeping on your shoulder. I have a new grandson coming to visit next week. He is 2 months and I can’t wait to squeeze him. Bless you all!ReplyCancel

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  • Debbie S. - So sweet!!ReplyCancel

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  • Devon - aw, he is adorable…

    my little premie girl is 4.5 months old and weighs 11 pounds! she seems huge to me but i guess not…lol!

    i always think of your cora cuz my twin boys share her birthday…they live in heaven with cora now too.ReplyCancel

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  • The Parker's - He is adorable. He also looks like a little boy in the face. I know it sounds funny, but you know how you can’t tell w/ some babies? No question w/ Levi! I also hear ya about how little boys are so noisy! My daughter was so quiet, but my little guy is constantly making noise. Congratulations again!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - He is so precious, Jess!ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Such a beautiful baby boy!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - He is so cute, I’m so happy for you guys you deserve this and a lot more, may God always bless him.

    EldaReplyCancel

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  • The Sweigart Family - He looks a little like Esther in the one in the blue jacket. So sweet. I can’t believe how big he’s getting!ReplyCancel

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  • Nikki B - He is so incredibly gorgeous!ReplyCancel

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  • Robin - Your line about him bringing laughter into your home brought tears to my eyes. I have been praying for your family, and there is just something about a baby that is so joyful. I am glad he is there bringing you some much needed joy.ReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - He is such an adorable bundle of blessings for you! I wish there had been blogging when my kids were little. What a wonderful memory album you have of these special moments with your children. Keep it up!ReplyCancel

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  • SouthernGalsBoutique - He is soooo cute!!! Makes me miss the baby stage! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • merlin - OK, my baby years are past, I have to bide my time for grandkids in the very far, distant future, BUT when I look at these photos of Levi, every cell in my body screams: I want him, I want that baby. Forgive me, please.

    I even dragged my husband to the computer, and he agrees, Levi is a baby like no other.

    But no, I can’t have Levi and there won’t be more babies. It is OK though, I can enjoy Levi through your blog, be happy for you, pray for him, and have a sweet spot for him in my heart.

    These photos make me feel JOY!
    Thank you.ReplyCancel

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  • gwswenson - Love, love, love, love, love your darling Levi!! What a sweetheart!! Thank you for the update, Jess. Always thinking of your lovely family.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Happy Valentine’s Day — and what a great post to kick off the weekend, Congratulations again on your son. You are always in my prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • It's just Mommer - What a sweet boy!ReplyCancel

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  • jen christians - Oh Jess,
    He is absolutely beautiful… I could look at those pictures all day. Precious. he makes me long to hold a newborn again. There is certainly nothing like a sweet baby, and I think God made your little man extra sweet.ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - he’s so cute!
    i still have to get your present to you! since i missed the party. it was great chatting with you in the freezer section last week. 🙂

    see you soon i hope!ReplyCancel

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  • Nan - What a cutie patootie!ReplyCancel

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  • Alex and Jill - He is such a beautiful baby!!ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - Jess, he is YUMMY!!

    (And you look so much like your mom in that picture.)ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - Levi is absolutely precious, and I can’t believe it’s already been 6 weeks since you had him! My daughter had the hiccups a lot too when she was a baby. You might have heard of this but Little Tummies makes something called Gripe Water. You can get it in the childrens section at the pharmacy (near the gas drops). It’s amazing, and takes hiccups away in an instant. Just thought I would pass a recommendation along.ReplyCancel

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  • susy - God Bless you all!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - he’s so cute, looks so cuddly and positively dreamy. Makes me want another boy….ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - Wow six weeks… seems like only three. Scary when time not only flies for mommy but all the other people too. The pictures are so precious, thank you for sharing them.ReplyCancel

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  • Yankee Mama - He is such a gorgeous baby!!!!!!!!!!! Makes me want another!ReplyCancel

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  • Cori - What a beautiful little guy! You take wonderful pictures of him.ReplyCancel

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  • Diana - Mr. Levi is a truly handsome little man… so special and sweet! Love every one of those photos… look at his beautiful eyes! And he’s sure a-growing fast already!

    Praying bountiful good blessings on you guys!

    ♥ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle - He is so absolutely gorgeous I can’t stand it! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • twolittletots - can’t believe he is a month old…so cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Whimsical Creations - He is just precious!!ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - I’m a first time commenter as well but had to say that having a boy is SO fun! I have a boy myself and where I live I feel like I’m the ONLY one with a son so I’m thankful that you have little Levi so I can hear some boy stories 😉 He’s precious!!!
    http://www.emilyandzachparker.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - What a precious baby boy.
    You are a beautiful family, inside and out!! 🙂

    Krissy Hunecke
    Batavia,ILReplyCancel

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  • Marianne - Been reading your blog for awhile, but not sure if I ever commented. You and your husband are inspiring! And by the way, you make beautiful children!ReplyCancel

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  • Wenbren Explains It All - what a wonderful gift the lord has given you!!I’m so excited that you guys had a baby, sooooo happy to find out, I’m just a stranger, but I have followed you guys for a while, just thought I should say how I’m feeling:)ReplyCancel

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  • Courtney - He is so SWEET!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren Kelly - He is so handsome. Going to be a hearbreaker!!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Baylee and Blair's page - He is just the sweetest baby!!! SO cute and so big!

    Hugs – TiffanyReplyCancel

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  • Stacie - he is so beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Tressa - He is so precious! I LOVE the pic of you and him together! AMAZING! I am so glad he is a healthy growing boy!
    TressaReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - One other thing Levi is doing at one month?? Still being the cutest baby I have ever seen.
    h.o.l.y. c.o.w. is he cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - He is beautiful! Even though I only “know” you from your blog and only saw Cora in pictures I definitely think little Levi has the same eyes as Cora in the 2nd from the last picture. You and Joel are such an inspiration. You embody Jesus’ grace and strength.ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - He is such a beautiful baby boy. What a face. He looks mature! I love the pictures with each of you…keep taking those! My husband and I were just noticing that we don’t have pictures of us with the kids. So, don’t stop doing that! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Rambling Girl - Gift from God! Such a beautiful baby and his big sister, Cora is watching over Levi.

    I had a premmie and went trough a scare when she was born but happy she is a helathy five year girl today.ReplyCancel

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  • Geets - May God richly bless you and your beautiful son.ReplyCancel

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  • tara - he is just luscious and looks so so snuggly too! i know you guys are enjoying every tiny second with your new little man! bless your adorable family!ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - absolutely precious!ReplyCancel

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  • mommaof4wife2r - oh my word…he is precious! precious!ReplyCancel

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I think the giveaways keep getting better and better.
And Calla is growing, growing, growing.
Thank you for joining me in praying for the Johnsons.

Giveaway #3
This is what you will win:

Cora’s Dress – 3 months (long sleeve)

Flannel Baby Blanket

Nursing Cover & Burpie

Layered Bow & Crocheted Hat

Baby Girl & Baby Boy Blankets
Madivia Designs

Flower Onesie – 9-12 months

Camouflage Bow

Pink & Black Bow Set

Earrings

Bracelet
(This is my cousin’s new shop. She has great jewelry!)

Ruffle Bib

Felt Flower Headband

Thank you to the many people who have donated items for Cora’s for Calla.
My mailbox has been overflowing!

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