Let's begin again, shall we?

Well hello to you!

Remember me, a blast from the past? Yes, it has been a while since I have graced this blog to spill thoughts out about this thing we call adoption. A long while.

2012 I entered public service as a school board trustee and since that time life has moved at warp speed. I feel as if I have gone back to school in a sense as each and every day I am reading, researching, speaking with the community, chatting it up with students about the intricacies of how school districts are run. It has been quite the education and to be honest, I am loving what I am doing.

With that said, understand that it has also been quite time consuming: governance workshops, conferences, symposiums, more research, trainings, working dinners, 100+ meetings in the first two years and 40+ last year (most school boards meet once a month with occasional special board meetings perhaps 4-6 times a year).

Oh, did I mention that we unified two school districts while serving on separate boards until the merge became official the summer after we were elected? Now that experience could become an interesting writing experience as it is not one of the easiest feats in the universe, nor is there a book on how-to-unify. But that is an entirely different blog, one I may write some years down the line. Perhaps.

With all of this learning under my belt, I have finally had an opportunity to come up for air and find that life I had before I was a public servant. The one where I was a woman with years of experience and positivity to share on this vast topic we call adoption. In my absence, I have seen you looking, reading, liking, and supporting A Birth Mother Voice on various social media sites that exist in our daily lives. I thank you for always reminding me that taking that leap in writing my book and then starting this blog was something that would only enlighten my life and the journey I am continually on, and apparently I am not alone.

So hello to the faithful, welcome to the new ones and if you are just scrolling today and came upon this, check back in a couple of days as I have already been composing some ideas into posts that may interest you. Those who know me often wonder just what may come out of my mouth, and I think that is a good thing. :)

Adoption Avocation, life heritage and ghost stories ... oh my!

This photo was used courtesy of The Bacon Party on Facebook.

Okay, my post on Tuesday was a little weird. But I cannot stand to see people hurting in our Country and not receive the help that they need. I am off my soapbox.

Instead, allow me to explain my sometimes here sometimes no attitude towards blogging lately. I took it upon myself to run for the local School Board and I had no idea just how much time it would take from my regular routine. It was a three month blur of talking, meeting, talking, smiling, listening, talking and making sure people knew not only who I was, but what my platform would be.

I did this because a one income family does not have extra cash to spend on a campaign. Besides, nothing makes me more irritated than to hear the National Candidates’ spent over a billion on their campaigns. I don’t want to buy your vote, I wan to talk to you, tell you my ideas, hear your concerns and then let you know that if elected, I am going to work hard for our students.

My approach worked. Despite not having a committee to back me, yard signs to plunk strategically down the most driven streets and no experience in the position I was running for … over 2,500 people in the community voted for me. Guess a reputation can make a difference in an unknown candidate. Because to tell you the truth, I bet there are more kids in town that know who I am than adults. I volunteer quite a bit, and make it a priority to give each kid my undivided attention so they know I am there for them. Not me. Not anyone else. I am there for the kids.

The election ran so well for me, that at the end of the first count I was one vote ahead to gain a seat on the Board. One Vote! If that is not democracy, I don’t know what is. And if you think to yourself, “my vote does not really matter,” well this is key evidence that it does!

Now we move onto counting all the absentee and provisional ballots which could be finished soon, but could take as long as December 4^th to determine who the Board member will be officially. In the last update on the County Recorders Office it said I was behind my opponent by 30 votes. That is still a very small margin, so more waiting will follow.

So, yes, now I know how Bush and Gore felt in 2000. I now know what a long wait means. I now know what I could have done differently and what I did right. Either way, I am thrilled that so many believed in me and chose to give me a chance in this election.

But this is a blog about adoption, and it is National Adoption Month so I SHOULD be writing about that topic, not an election that for some is now history. I want to write, but just cannot keep my mind off of the future here and now. I have tried, but have failed to write coherently what I want to convey. SO instead of babbling on, I will leave you today with this post from NAM two years ago. It is a post that will provoke thoughts, perhaps some anger but mostly I hope it brings some deep contemplating about what you can take from my words.

Adoption Avocation, and Life Heritage and Ghost Stories ... OH MY! 

A Stellar Review of The Best For You

Thank you to Robyn for this insightful review of my book. I think this just might be one of my favorite reviews yet. Why? Because Robyn really took the time to convey how the book touched her family, and she went so far as to explain why some may like it, and some may not.


I am so appreciative of people who not only take an interest in the book ... but take the time to share it with their readers and others they may know. You are so kind Robyn, and I would call you friend any day!


The Chittister Family: Book Review: The Best for You

For other points of view, please visit the tab at the top of the page that says The Best For You Reviews.

Happy New Year!

2012

Happy New Year to all of you! May the coming year be the year that we all take some time to be kind to others, listen with a compassionate heart to those that need a helpful ear and enjoy the people we are. New year's hold so much promise, I hope that this will be the year you will remember for a long time to come!

~ Kelsey

Be

Be strong, be compassionate, be kind, be the light you want to see in others but most of all .... be you!

Congratulations to all the entries for the last giveaway! I am so into the Holiday Spirit that YOU ALL are going to receive a book! If you entered, please email me here so I can get your address and send you the book: thebestforyoubook@gmail.com.

 

Thank you all for coming to enter, and for those of you who missed it there will be another chance to win in January! In the mean time, I will return before the New Year to put some thoughts to things I have seen this past week.

Facebook Exclusive!

Want to win a copy of The Best For You? Head on over to my Facebook Fan Page and comment on the status to enter for a chance to own your copy! It is a simple question, and you are more than welcome to share this info with anyone you know ... there may be someone on you list who might be looking for a book like this!


You have until NOON PST on Friday, December 2nd to enter. This is one of MANY giveaways I will be doing throughout the Holidays so be sure to check in regularly for more chances!!!!

Thankful GiVeAwAy!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me what you are most thankful for this season for a chance to win a signed copy of The Best For You!!!! Yup, that's it! Just a few words about what makes you thankful this season, and you could be the owner of a brand spanking new copy of my children's book on adoption, The Best For You!

Enter until 11:59 pm Saturday, November 26th ... and if you do not win this round then keep checking back throughout the week for a chance to win!!!!!!! Black Friday is going to be celebrated here all week long!

Want to tell others about it? Feel free to, they may want this book as well!!!!!

Congratulations! Here's Your Book...

Wow! Thank you all for entering this round of the giveaway ... I am blessed to have so many interested in this book! And as much as I would like to give you all a copy, I cannot. What I can say is this ...

Congratulations to Bumber's Bumblings, your name came out of the hat as the winner! (Yes, I do it the old fashion way. I list all of those who entered, then tear up pieces of paper to put into the hat and that is how the winners are picked. VOILA!)

If you are interested in this book and would like to read it, you can always order a copy. Or, another great idea is to go to your local library and request that they order a copy for their branch. You can do that with any book that you are interested in, and most libraries will comply and get a copy of the book for their patrons. If would like to order a copy of the book, here is a list of places that you can find it:

Author House ~ This is my publisher and this is where you will find the cheapest price for the book.

Barnes&Noble.com

Amazon.com

Tapestry Books ~ This is a FANTASTIC website that only carries literature related to adoption. Yes, I know! How great is that??????



Again, I thank you all for entering and taking an interest in this book. Keep an eye out for more giveaways, there is usually one a month so you still have a chance to win one in the future. In the mean time, may you all have a great weekend and continue to enjoy your summer! ~ Kelsey



Last Day to Enter!!!!

This is just a reminder that today is the last day to enter the current giveaway of The Best For You! Please click on the link below to read how to enter. If you are not familiar with the book, please click on the Articles/Reviews of The Best For You tab at the top of the page.

Good Luck to you all, and thanks for reading!
~ Kelsey

Enter GiVeAwAy! 

Winners from Latest GiVeAwAy!!!!

40 Comments!!!!!!! Love to you all!!!! The winners are:

Hannah

Jodie Lee (kind of hard not to win, you were entered quite a few times!! ;)

and ...

Russ and Kylee!

But don't fret if you did not win. I run monthly giveaways of the book so be sure to visit from time to time! I thank all of you for your enthusiasm and for entering. Remember, you can always go to your local library and request that they order a copy for the branch. Always a good way to read a book, and then share it with others!!!

Thanks to all of you, I so appreciate you coming here to read!!!! ~Kelsey

Almost There!!!!!!!!!

So ... I am just under 24 hours before I board that plane for Colorado where I get to meet more amazing people in the adoption world! (Not to mention more Birth Mothers ... YAY!!!) I just cannot tell you how excited I am to be attending this conference, and most of all letting my voice be heard in a postive kind of way!!!

Here are the details again if you are near Littleton or wonder what the heckalecka I am talking about!

If you would like to attend and have not registered, here is a link to all the information you need to do so:

FSA Colorado Regional Conference

And here is the schedule for the day if you are interested in attending ....

9:00 Check- in- drop kids off at the Nursery Area. Come get your registration packet, class descriptions, goodie bags and ID tags. Make sure to give proper instructions about your kids to the babysitters on staff, if needed.

9:15 Profiles Plus – Learn ways to maximize your profile exposure on the web with help of SEO and all avenues on the net. Develop Pass-Along Cards, learn creative and effective ways to tell friends & learn who to leave your cards with. Learn the in’s and outs of blog etiquette and how not to offend potential expectant parents while staying true to who you are.

Open Adoption Success- Listen as Adoptive Parents and their birth parents share their keys to openness and what works for them. Open Adoptions can be tricky as emotions run high but, after this class you may realize how simple and wonderful open adoption relationships can be.

10:00 Infertility: Help, Hope & Healing- Kirsten Daynes (Author ) shares her insight about how working through their infertility and how it affects marriage and relationships with others. She gives guidance that will help all those experiencing this life-changing event and leaves you with motivation and inspiration.

Life After Placement- Jessalynn Speight, placed her baby girl 3 years ago and has blasted into the Adoption Outreach world by starting birthmothers4adoption.blogspot.com, starting a non-profit birth mother scholarship program( and much more), becoming a wife and keeping a healthy relationship with her daughter’s Adoptive Parents. Learn some secrets of post-placement success from this motivating woman!

11:00 Adoptees Panel – Adopted adults and teens speak on their outlook about being an adopted individual. They share details about how they view and feel about their birth parents, life experiences and adoptive parents.

12:00- Lunch- in Cultural Hall

1:00 Advocating-4-Adoption – Corrine Christian( FSA Central Region Chair)-Learn how birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees can advocate for the cause of adoption. Get ideas on HOW to share your love of adoption with anyone you meet, educate in classrooms about the Option of Adoption, make Media contacts, become involved in all areas of outreach and education by developing a rapport with your agencies outreach program and FSA! Make a Difference!

Love After Loss- Tommy and Annie’s story will inspire anyone who has experienced a failed placement. Listen as they share how their heartaches turned into joy after multiple “Almost Miracles”. Their view on how they endured strengthened their marriage and made the adoption of their son, Judd much sweeter!

2:00 Birth Parent Panel- Birth Mothers & Fathers speak on why they chose adoption, the difference it has made in their lives and the relationships they have with the adoptive parents and much more. They give insight to anyone involved in or considering adoption.

3:00 Keynote- Kelsey Stewart – Author of The Best For You book , birth mother to 3 children and wife & mother to 2 more. She will enlighten us about Unity among all involved in the adoption triad. She will share her passion for adoption and inspire all to do their part to have greater harmony in their respective rolls in adoption.

4:00- RAFFLE time:) Items will be raffled off for all in attendance.

All classes (except 1st one) are 45-50 minutes.

Displays to be set up in Cultural Halls: Life Books, Foster Care Information, Display for Photos, Poetry, Adoption Arts.


Don't forget that today is the LAST day to enter the giveaway that I am holding in honor of this incredible day! I will post the winners tomorrow morning, just before I leave for the ROCKIES!!!!

GiVeAwAy Starts NOW!

Well, I am ONE WEEK AWAY from stepping on Colorado soil for the Families Supporting Adoption Conference in Littleton, CO!!! I heard there are more birth mothers registered to attend than ever before, and that just makes my heart sing! If you are close to Littleton, please try to come out! Not only will I be speaking at the event, but so will the lovely Jessalyn Speight ~ Author at Birth Mothers 4 Adoption Blog. Also there, Kirsten Daynes ~ Author of Infertility: Help, Hope and Healing!


So, here is the info as to how you can enter to win a signed copy of The Best For You, my book explaining adoption to children from a birth mother's point of view.

1. Leave a comment on this post saying you would like to be entered (1 entry)
2. Like the FaceBook page Kelsey Stewart (1 entry)
3. Become a follower of A Birth Mother Voice (1 entry)
4. Tell a friend about the giveaway, have them mention that you sent them. (1 entry for you and one entry for them!)
5. Follow the Birthmothers4Adoption blog. (1 entry)
6. Tweet about the giveaway, then let me know your twitter address where it is. (1 entry)
7. If you are registered to go the the conference, just let me know that as well (1 entry)

This contest is open from Friday, April 1st (NO JOKE!) until the day before I leave, Thursday April 7th at 11:59 pm. Depending on the entries, there will be the possibility of several folks winning this book! For every 15 entries, there will be another book GIVEN AWAY!!!

So enter today, no limit as to how many times you would like to enter ...  just type away and have fun reading all about Jessalyn and Kirsten!

The Winner Is......

Thank you to all who wrote in telling me about their Heroes! I sure did enjoy reading your responses. And now, the winner is ....

Heather! who wrote:
"I have so many heroes for different reasons. My best friends... a dual certified psychiatrist, wife, mother, "sister" to me, active in her community, her mother's sounding board(this one is a killer) and such a fun and generous person. She came from a really rough family and is so successful but she doesn't see that. I love her!"

Congratulations to you! I thank everyone who read about My Hero, and a very special thank you to all who entered the contest! There is a monthly giveaway so be sure to check back from time to time for another chance to win!

Hero GiVeAwAy!!!!

Today is the 40th Birthday of someone very special in my life. My husband's family is one amazing group of people who grab life by the horns and hold on for the ride. Adventurous to the core, every one of them has an insatiable appetite for life, love and laughter. My sister in law Shannon happens to be one of my favorite people in my life.

I met her in high school when we were in the same French class together. I could not have known then that she would become not only a wonderful friend, but a family member through marriage that was crafted beautifully by the powers that be. When I started to date her brother, she and I slowly but surely started to become more than friends, more than casual classmates. Along the road, little by little we learned more about each other and the more we learned, the more we liked what we saw before us. Then in 2004 I convinced her to meet me in Vegas for some much needed girl time, away from the kids time, not thinking time with some gambling and Australian male stripper time. (That show, The Thunder From Down Under, was attended to celebrate my cousin's 40th Birthday, the reason for the trip to Sin City.) That weekend was what solidified our relationship, rather it catapulted us into more than just in laws. I boarded the plane that Sunday evening knowing the true meaning of having a sister in life.

Thanksgiving week of 2006 was spent with my husband's immediate family on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Neither my husband or myself had been out of the United States before, much less been on that large of a ship. It was the trip of a lifetime, spent lazing around with family ... watching fantastic memories unfold right before our eyes. Our first stop on the jaunt was in Nassau, Bahamas. It was the perfect island day with sun, clouds, warmth and amazing arrays of color everywhere the eye could see. After sightseeing, the kids could not wait to get to the beach and hang out in the ocean. The beach was bizarre to me because instead of sand it was more like tiny broken shells rolled over the landscape. It was sometimes sharp to step on leaving all of us to walk cautiously towards the brilliant teal water. I could tell that the ocean was rough that day, even making a mental note that I could physically see the tell tale signs of rip currents. Bodde and my niece were both 6 years old and skinny, and Chase at least a head smaller at the age of 3. Living in California, I respect the ocean. She has a mind of her own and you never know what is happening under the surface so I made sure to caution all the adults of the dangers and the need to keep the kids safe.

Most of us were in a group standing about 10-14 feet away from the water. My husband and father in law were in the water and we could all see that even they, grown men, were having difficulty standing knee high in the water. The ocean was churning something wicked. The younger kids were playing on the beach just to the left of where I was standing, and Chase was literally about two feet to my left, far away from where the waves were lapping the shore. Suddenly and with urgency, Shannon leaped between myself and my mother in law, sprinting towards the water. I turned with camera in hand and was thinking I should capture the spontaneity of her spirit when I realized Chase was gone. I heard her shouting over the loud waves ... "Bruce! ... Chase! ... Get him!" I followed her calls to the wave and saw nothing but feet and hands turning over and over again in the cylinder that was churning violently. I was frozen. I could not move even though I was screaming at my body to go to the water. I watched as Chase's body flipped over and over again at the mercy of the ocean.

She never stopped running, right into the water with no regard as to how she would fair against the mighty waves. Finally my legs heard my brain and I ran to the water's edge watching as my husband and his sister tried desperately to grab Chase's body. They got a hold of his arms but the sunscreen made his skin as slippery as an eel and just when they both got a hold of him, he slithered from their grip and went back under. Finally, with all of their might, Shannon took one arm and my husband the other, they threw Chase as hard as they could towards the beach. I prayed that Chase would be breathing when I grabbed him from the water. I was terrified that it had been too long, that he was not able to hold his breath as long as he did. Coughing and scared, his body met my hands and I held on and backed off the water as fast as I could. He looked at me and started crying and all I could do was say ... "Thank you God! Thank you God!" As tears filled my eyes I realized that my sister in law had just saved my son's life.

This is why I call her my hero. I know that she would do anything to help her family, her friends and her kids. She thinks of everyone else first, never selfish in her kindness. She is beautiful both inside and out and always counts her blessings. She is just an amazing person and I know that I hit the jackpot when she came into my life.

So, in honor of my hero's Birthday I am hosting a giveaway of my book The Best For You. I know that there are everyday heroes that do not get world wide recognition but mean the world to someone, like Shannon means to me.

Here is how to enter..... tell me who your personal hero is. If you would like to explain why, I would enjoy that. If you choose not to, that is fine too. I would just like to spotlight some folks who have put themselves aside for those that they love.

 Giveaway will end this Sunday, February 6th at 11:59 pm.

 

Happy 40th Shannon! May you always know just how much you are loved by all who know you!

The Cat's Meow!

I would like to say a big Thank You! to Cathy for sharing my book with her readers! I found Cathy through Amazon one day while I was reading other people's review of books. She is an adoptive mom who has a passion for reading, and it just may be because she is an elementary school teacher! (I LOVE TEACHERS!!!!) I contacted her and asked if she might be interested in a children's book about adoption and if so, could I send her a copy of The Best For You. She wrote back the same day with great enthusiasm telling me to send it and she would read it.

Well, it reached her and she had some fantastic things to say! I was on Cloud 9 after reading what she had to say about the book and she was kind enough to give me permission to share her words with you.

So thank you Cat! So glad that you liked the message and I am honored to be featured in your blog!!!!!

Cat's Litterbox: Day 31

Dr. Turner Gives A Shout Out About This Author

Yesterday was the launch of Dr. Laina Turner's iPhone app that allows readers to preview her books, read about her fabulousness and so on and so on. Today, she shared the love with her readers about three authors that she calls "RockStars", and hey ... I am mentioned on that list! (Thank you Laina!)


Get to know some new authors and also a little more about this wonderful woman and fellow author. Her motto?

"Being Fabulous is a Skill."

Laina Turner's blog:

Check out great authors Kely WIlson, Kelsey Stewart, and C.L. Talmadge



The Holiday GIvEaWaY Winners Are.....

Thank you all who came by to enter for your chance to win The Best For You. First let me say that I loved all of your answers about the Holiday song! I agree with all of you, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be O Holy Night. Brings tears to my eyes when I hear it, just love that song! (I also love "Baby It's Cold Outside", but that is not a traditional Holiday song, I just like hearing it on my favorite Christmas album by The Brian Setzer Orchastra!)

So, here are your winners ....
Stephanie Nichole Pavey from Facebook

Carol Lozier from the Blog


Michelle Weber Mussachio from Facebook

Amanda Negley from the Blog

kgtang70 from the Blog


Sterling Bo from the Blog
 
That's right! I am in such a giving mood this Holiday Season I doubled the number of winners because each comment made me smile! Thank you so much for reading the blog and the fan page, how can I not be in such a giving mood with such fantastic follwers?!
 
Merry Christmas to all ... or what it is that you celebrate this season! My Best to all of YOU! ~Kelsey

If you did not win and are interested in the book, it can be purchased at the link below.

Holiday Adoption Book GiVeAwAy!!!!

So, I should be taking a long winters nap after all the writing that I have done over the last 30 days, but I just realized that I did not do a giveaway during National Adoption Awareness Month! What? Was? I? Thinking????

December has begun and I think it is time to gift THREE readers with a copy of The Best For You!!! There are a few ways to enter, and you may choose all of them if you wish ... that I will leave up to you!!!! Since we have all had a month full of adoption talk, let's do something just for fun! The big question is this:

What is your FAVORITE Holiday song?

Here are the ways you can enter ...

1. Answer the question above, and you can tell me why you like it so much if you like. I always like to get to know my readers ;) and leave your email so I know how to get a hold of you should you win.

2. Tweet about the giveaway to your friends and family, be sure to leave your twitter address here and your email so I know how to get a hold of you should you win.

3. Become a fan on Kelsey's Facebook Fan Page and leave your email so I know how to get a hold of you should you win.

4. Follow Kelsey's Blog if you do not already and leave your email so I know how to get a hold of you should you win.

This giveaway will be open to all until 11:59 pm (PST) Sunday December 5, 2010.
Feel free to spread this far and wide, I  can think of no better time than Christmas to share a book that could help so many families open up that sometimes difficult conversation about adoption with their children ... not to mention help kids understand that they are loved a thought of more than they could ever know.


HO! HO! HO! ~ Kelsey Klaus

Giveaway for September!

It's that time again! I am preparing to go to the Southwest Regional Families Supporting Adoption Conference in Arizona later this week and thought it would be the perfect time to do another Giveaway of The Best For You!!!!

For those of you that are new or not aware, I am a birth mother who wrote and illustrated a book called The Best For You that explains why one birth mother chose adoption for her child. It is honest, heartfelt and unlike any other children's book about adoption.

To enter, please do one of the following, or to enter more than once....do a couple of them!: (please make sure to leave your email address in your comment so I may contact you if you win!)

1) Leave a comment telling me what adoption means to you.

2) Become a follower of this blog then comment here that you have done so.

3) Become a follower of Kelsey's fan page on Facebook then comment here that you have done so.

4) Tweet about this giveaway and then comment that you have done so.

5) Tell a friend about the giveaway and have them enter and have them comment that you sent them (I will enter you twice if you are the informer!).

One winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 10th 11:59 p.m. PST, after I get back from the conference. I thank you all who have been following so far, and I sure do hope that I will meet some of you at the conference!!!

A Story of Three Mothers

Hey, I am alive and kicking. I have just been overwhelmed with back to school, Scouts, Little League and anything else that needs a volunteer ;)  !!!!!!!!!

I cannot believe it has been this long since I have written over here...I feel like I have been living in a time warp as I carpool the kiddos around to new adventures! I only wish there were 36 hours in a day! Many things have been on my mind and I have been jotting down notes here and there. I will catch up with the world this week and some of the topics will include the irony of television, my true sadness about 9/11, the AMAZING birthday that I had in St. Louis, the beauty of a few simple words and how I feel now that my adopted children are now in their twenties. Like I said, I have been thinking about some stuff.

In the mean time, I would like to share with you a beautiful little story about how two birthmothers connected because their adoptive mother was kind enough to share a little book that she adored with both of them. Thank you Becca for sharing not only this review of The Best For You, but also of the friendship that has formed because of your thoughtfulness!

Our Family, Our Life ~ The Best For You Review