If you are interested in following Nathaniel's journey, praying for him and his family, and perhaps financially helping them out (they still need to raise approx. 12,000), please visit: www.savenathaniel.blogspot.com (notice the 'tabs' - see 'updates'!). I am so, so thankful for all your help in finding Nathaniel his forever family, and for your generous donations to his adoption grant!
I am hoping to introduce another sweet little one soon, also in dire need of a family. Please stay tuned :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Give-away winners and Nathaniel's family
The winners of the give-away have all been notified by email :) THANK YOU EVERYONE for making this fundraiser such a great success. Not only did you all raise nearly 6k for Nathaniel, thanks to your sharing, Nathaniel's family actually found him through the Facebook page!
You can follow the Preston's journey to get him here: www.savenathaniel.blogspot.com
And here: http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorpreston
They still need about 12k to be fully funded, so please consider donating to their family sponsorship account (fsp) through Reece's Rainbow.
Thank YOU, and most of all, thanks to our wonderful Lord and Savior!
You can follow the Preston's journey to get him here: www.savenathaniel.blogspot.com
And here: http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorpreston
They still need about 12k to be fully funded, so please consider donating to their family sponsorship account (fsp) through Reece's Rainbow.
Thank YOU, and most of all, thanks to our wonderful Lord and Savior!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Nathaniel's Family found him!!!
Nathaniel's family found him!!!
More info to come in the next few days, but I want to encourage you to keep praying and donating. Nathaniel's adoption is halfway funded, so his mommy and daddy still need quite a bit in order to be able to get him- in addition to the medical costs they are facing. Please keep them in your prayers, and most of all, pray that Nathaniel will 'hold on'...
Thank you!
More info to come in the next few days, but I want to encourage you to keep praying and donating. Nathaniel's adoption is halfway funded, so his mommy and daddy still need quite a bit in order to be able to get him- in addition to the medical costs they are facing. Please keep them in your prayers, and most of all, pray that Nathaniel will 'hold on'...
Thank you!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Nathaniel and his prospective family
No, unfortunately Nathaniel has not yet found his forever family, so please keep those prayers coming.
Thanks to a physician who contacted me regarding Nathaniel, I would like to write the following:
Nathaniel needs a family who is experienced with severe medical needs, and because of his urgent need preferrably a family that is homestudy approved to adopt a child who has a high possibility of not surviving. It can take a lot of effort, time and money (good insurance), not to mention it can be emotionally and physically draining as a parent, to take care of a child with hydrocephalus. Nathaniel definitely needs surgery, but how much he could improve, only a specialist here could give him any kind of western level prognosis. Just like no one can say he will be normal, no one can say for sure what his true lifespan will be like until he is here and evaluated here. What we are trying to prevent is further brain damage or medical complications, and giving him a chance of life and to know the love of a family. It would be a leap of faith for any family, particularly considering no family is able to get him sooner than a few months from now, and anything can happen within a few months.
There are several families who have adopted children (through Reece's Rainbow) with severe heart conditions and/or other life-shortening diseases. They knew they were going to bring their child home and either bury them soon, or help them to live a life longer than anyone would have expected because they were able to get quality medical care.
Nathaniel is a precious creation, made in God's image, who deserves surgery to relieve his pain and likely improve his condition, and he deserves to do so in the arms of a mommy or daddy, love he's never known.
PS: While I am not a physician, I have a daughter with hydrocephalus, have researched (as a layman) hydrocephalus for nearly 6 years, have been part of many communities and support groups, and am comparing Nathaniel's case to that of Baby Klaus in Texas just last year, who was in a much worse state than Nathaniel is, yet benefited greatly from surgery. All of the above give me hope for Nathaniel, in addition the fact that Nathaniel is a worthy creation, deserving of surgery and a forever family, regardless of where/what he might be in a year, or 5. He is suffering alone, and does not need to be - nor should he be.
Thanks to a physician who contacted me regarding Nathaniel, I would like to write the following:
Nathaniel needs a family who is experienced with severe medical needs, and because of his urgent need preferrably a family that is homestudy approved to adopt a child who has a high possibility of not surviving. It can take a lot of effort, time and money (good insurance), not to mention it can be emotionally and physically draining as a parent, to take care of a child with hydrocephalus. Nathaniel definitely needs surgery, but how much he could improve, only a specialist here could give him any kind of western level prognosis. Just like no one can say he will be normal, no one can say for sure what his true lifespan will be like until he is here and evaluated here. What we are trying to prevent is further brain damage or medical complications, and giving him a chance of life and to know the love of a family. It would be a leap of faith for any family, particularly considering no family is able to get him sooner than a few months from now, and anything can happen within a few months.
There are several families who have adopted children (through Reece's Rainbow) with severe heart conditions and/or other life-shortening diseases. They knew they were going to bring their child home and either bury them soon, or help them to live a life longer than anyone would have expected because they were able to get quality medical care.
Nathaniel is a precious creation, made in God's image, who deserves surgery to relieve his pain and likely improve his condition, and he deserves to do so in the arms of a mommy or daddy, love he's never known.
PS: While I am not a physician, I have a daughter with hydrocephalus, have researched (as a layman) hydrocephalus for nearly 6 years, have been part of many communities and support groups, and am comparing Nathaniel's case to that of Baby Klaus in Texas just last year, who was in a much worse state than Nathaniel is, yet benefited greatly from surgery. All of the above give me hope for Nathaniel, in addition the fact that Nathaniel is a worthy creation, deserving of surgery and a forever family, regardless of where/what he might be in a year, or 5. He is suffering alone, and does not need to be - nor should he be.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Huge Giveaway for Nathaniel!
Here it is! Look at the amazing line-up of items to give away! Do you want to have a chance to win one of the following prizes? Please read on! And remember this is all for Nathaniel :) All your donations are tax-deductible, secured through PayPal, and go into Nathaniel's adoption grant with Reece's Rainbow. I cannot emphasize this enough... in order for this fundraiser to be succesful, besides your donation, please share about Nathaniel and this give-away with as many people as you can! A special thanks to all who so generously donated items. And to all of you: Thank you so much for helping Nathaniel!
HOW TO ENTER:
1) Through the Chip-In on the right side of your screen:
$10 donation= 1 entry
$25 donation= 3 entries
$50 donation= 8 entries
$100 donation= 20 entries
$250 donation = 55 entries
$500 donation = 120 entries
$1000 donation= 250 entries
2) By sharing! The more people know about this give-away, the more donations, the bigger Nathaniel's grant! In addition to your donation, you can earn entries in the following ways:
- Follow this blog = 1 entry
- Like the Facebook page = 1 entry
- Suggest the FB page to all your friends = 2 entries
- Post a link to this give-away on your Facebook or Twitter page = 1 entry
- Write a blog about Nathaniel and this give-away = 5 entries
- Send out an email about Nathaniel and this give-away = 3 entries
Once you have done any or all of the above, email me at fornathaniel@hotmail.com and send me links (your blog post for example) where possible. Please be honest. This is for Nathaniel!
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HERE ARE THE GIVEAWAY PRIZES!
A brand-new KINDLE with WIFI
Donated by S.S.
HOW TO ENTER:
1) Through the Chip-In on the right side of your screen:
$10 donation= 1 entry
$25 donation= 3 entries
$50 donation= 8 entries
$100 donation= 20 entries
$250 donation = 55 entries
$500 donation = 120 entries
$1000 donation= 250 entries
2) By sharing! The more people know about this give-away, the more donations, the bigger Nathaniel's grant! In addition to your donation, you can earn entries in the following ways:
- Follow this blog = 1 entry
- Like the Facebook page = 1 entry
- Suggest the FB page to all your friends = 2 entries
- Post a link to this give-away on your Facebook or Twitter page = 1 entry
- Write a blog about Nathaniel and this give-away = 5 entries
- Send out an email about Nathaniel and this give-away = 3 entries
Once you have done any or all of the above, email me at fornathaniel@hotmail.com and send me links (your blog post for example) where possible. Please be honest. This is for Nathaniel!
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HERE ARE THE GIVEAWAY PRIZES!
A brand-new KINDLE with WIFI
Donated by S.S.
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A $100 gift card to WALMART
Donated by the M. Family
Donated by the M. Family
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A $75 gift card to SEARS/KMART
Donated by A.G.
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A $50 gift card to TARGET
A $50 gift card to TARGET
Donated by the S. Family
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A Thirty-One large utility tote –
you choose design and embroidery
you choose design and embroidery
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A basket filled with 2 soaps, lip balm, sugar scrub and scented bath salts (all natural ingredients) from Naked Bloom
A basket filled with 2 soaps, lip balm, sugar scrub and scented bath salts (all natural ingredients) from Naked Bloom
Donated by Jenn W. of Naked Bloom (check website for product pics and descriptions)
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A t-shirt or tank top of your choosing from Etta Grace
Donated by Hannah T. of EttaGrace (check store for designs/examples!)
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Pampered Chef Coating Trays & Tool
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Toddler Girls shoes - size 5 - from Hissyfits
Donated by Edye D. of Hissyfits
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Toddler girls shoes - size 3 - from Hissyfits
Donated by Edye D. of Hissyfits
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Handmade tote with crayon holder on the outside
(brown cord/dots fabric)
(brown cord/dots fabric)
Donated by R.S.
Handmade tote with crayon holder on the outside
(dinosaurs)
(dinosaurs)
Donated by R.S.
New crochet baby blanket (30x35)
Donated by A.L.
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Oak frame w/ winter landscape pictureDonated by A.L.
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The fine print:
1. In order to be entered into the drawing you HAVE TO make your donation through the secure Chip-In on the right side of this blog. Otherwise I will not know how much you donated and for how many chances you qualify. Make sure you provide a correct email address, because you will receive a receipt from Reece's Rainbow for tax purposes.
2. If you are a winner, you have 7 (seven) days to claim your prize, starting on the day winners are announced and you are contacted via email. Make sure you provide an accurate email address when making your donation. Once you receive an email, please acknowledge it by replying and providing your mailing address. If you do not respond within 7 days, you forfeit your price and a new drawing for that item will be held. If you are a winner, you give me permission to pass your address on to the person (which are all friends of mine) who has donated the item you won. They will be shipping the item directly to you.
3. In the unfortunate and highly unlikely event that something should happen to Nathaniel (passing away, becoming unavailable for adoption, etc), all donation money will be put into the adoption grant of a little boy named Presley, also an orphan in the same country as Nathaniel, who was diagnosed with Leukemia and is in dire need for a family, and excellent medical care, as well.
4. The drawing will be held on the evening of May 30th. Since this is all for Nathaniel, I might possibly extend the drawing by a week if donations are slow. However, I am going to believe you all are just as passionate about helping this precious one and will spread the word about his plight with me! We can do this... for Nathaniel!
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Surgery denied - ready to raise his full adoption grant?
(Google has not yet restored this missing post, or the draft that contained the list of give-away items. I found the missing post floating on google somewhere else and have reposted it here below. I will have to create the give-away post all over again, and hope to have it up by tonight. I am so sorry for the delay!)
Received some bad news... but nothing that is outside His hands.
Please keep in mind that this supposedly happened, and that the opinions and decisions were made in Nathaniel's country where there is a huge stigma on orphans, people with severe medical needs and disabilities, and where doctors and medical facilities are not as 'capable' as they might be in countries such as the US.
Nathaniel was taken to a neurosurgeon, who determined, supposedly by MRI (not sure, as a CT scan is what would really determine this, not an MRI), that his head is "all water, with very little brain left." They are unwilling, and incapable of performing surgery, because they don't think it will do anything for him and he is a 'lost cause' sort of speak. Though the orphanage director very much wants help for Nathaniel, his hands are tied without approval of the doctors.
In light of that information, I urge you to please take a look at his pictures. Does that child look like a lost cause? Those pictures are less than 2 months old. He holds a bottle, looks around, grasps a toy, and his eyes are open. Logically, of course his head is filled with mostly cerebral spinal fluid (not water) and there is little brain. Not just comparatively, but the excess fluid is not allowing his brain to grow.
However, the brain, especially a child's brain is an amazing thing that can heal itself. Nathaniel has a lot going for him, and that includes his young age. I encourage you to google "Baby Klaus" (warning for graphic pictures) - an infant boy from Texas, who did not receive surgery either until much, much later. The size of his head is beyond anything you will have ever seen - his case... much worse than Nathaniel's. He received surgery and survived. The diagnosis Nathaniel received based on his "MRI", or however they determined this, is not one he would have received in a westernized country. Rather than being denied surgery, he would have received it immediately.
So, with that said, there is one thing left to do... find Nathaniel his family. The main way to do this is by raising his adoption grant and spreading word about his plight across the internet. Children listed on Reece's Rainbow who have received significant grants, have found their families quickly. I am hoping to raise $22,000 - nearly the entire amount needed to adopt Nathaniel - by the end of the month. I realize this is a huge effort, and I cannot do this alone. Please help me by donating, and spreading this blog and Nathaniel's facebook page across the web.
I will be posting a big give-away tonight or tomorrow, I am just waiting on some items to give-away. We already have a Kindle (!), another $75 Sears card, Pampered Chef items, and several other items. Please check back often for an update on that, and most importantly, lift Nathaniel up to his, our Heavenly Father.
Received some bad news... but nothing that is outside His hands.
Please keep in mind that this supposedly happened, and that the opinions and decisions were made in Nathaniel's country where there is a huge stigma on orphans, people with severe medical needs and disabilities, and where doctors and medical facilities are not as 'capable' as they might be in countries such as the US.
Nathaniel was taken to a neurosurgeon, who determined, supposedly by MRI (not sure, as a CT scan is what would really determine this, not an MRI), that his head is "all water, with very little brain left." They are unwilling, and incapable of performing surgery, because they don't think it will do anything for him and he is a 'lost cause' sort of speak. Though the orphanage director very much wants help for Nathaniel, his hands are tied without approval of the doctors.
In light of that information, I urge you to please take a look at his pictures. Does that child look like a lost cause? Those pictures are less than 2 months old. He holds a bottle, looks around, grasps a toy, and his eyes are open. Logically, of course his head is filled with mostly cerebral spinal fluid (not water) and there is little brain. Not just comparatively, but the excess fluid is not allowing his brain to grow.
However, the brain, especially a child's brain is an amazing thing that can heal itself. Nathaniel has a lot going for him, and that includes his young age. I encourage you to google "Baby Klaus" (warning for graphic pictures) - an infant boy from Texas, who did not receive surgery either until much, much later. The size of his head is beyond anything you will have ever seen - his case... much worse than Nathaniel's. He received surgery and survived. The diagnosis Nathaniel received based on his "MRI", or however they determined this, is not one he would have received in a westernized country. Rather than being denied surgery, he would have received it immediately.
So, with that said, there is one thing left to do... find Nathaniel his family. The main way to do this is by raising his adoption grant and spreading word about his plight across the internet. Children listed on Reece's Rainbow who have received significant grants, have found their families quickly. I am hoping to raise $22,000 - nearly the entire amount needed to adopt Nathaniel - by the end of the month. I realize this is a huge effort, and I cannot do this alone. Please help me by donating, and spreading this blog and Nathaniel's facebook page across the web.
I will be posting a big give-away tonight or tomorrow, I am just waiting on some items to give-away. We already have a Kindle (!), another $75 Sears card, Pampered Chef items, and several other items. Please check back often for an update on that, and most importantly, lift Nathaniel up to his, our Heavenly Father.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Blogger issues
Finally, Blogger is back up! While blogs/pages were viewable, there was no way to post! Unfortunately I just noticed that the post about surgery for Nathaniel being denied was deleted in the process, but I believe Blogger is working on restoring those. I worked for hours on the give-away post (lots of items), and saved a draft. The draft has been deleted as well... sorry for the delay everyone. Praying Blogger will restore both posts!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Winner!
Thank you so much for all your donations for Nathaniel. Please stay tuned for a new, bigger, and better fundraiser in the near future!
The winner of the $75 gift card is.....
Ana G.
I will be emailing you soon! Congratulations :)
The winner of the $75 gift card is.....
Ana G.
I will be emailing you soon! Congratulations :)
Update
The doctor of Nathaniel's orphanage was reached last week, and in 'true' fashion/attitude toward orphans with medical needs in this area of the world, the comments were very discouraging. "Have you seen the child? He's beyond saving." "Surgery is not worth it, it won't do anything for him," "He's going to die anyway." Maddening, because surgery WILL help Nathaniel, SO, SO much, and those comments really stem from ignorance.
However, - and here is the good news - yesterday I received a message from the director of the non-profit, who told me that the orphanage director is willing to take Nathaniel to see a surgeon this week!
PLEASE PRAY that the surgeon will value Nathaniel as a HUMAN BEING, as a child who is worthy of surgery and LIFE. Please pray the surgeon will consent to performing the surgery.
The orphanage doctor will supposedly call with the outcome of the visit this Wednesday or Thursday. I have no idea if that will actually happen, so please pray he will keep his word. I was also told that though it seems like a long wait to 'us', it's actually quite 'fast' for (Nathaniel's country's) terms to be able to get him to see the surgeon this week, etc.
A word about the fundraiser currently posted: Those funds will likely not be able to be used for his surgery, however, they will go toward his adoption grant - which is great, because one of the other things he needs most is a forever family! How ironic and sad would it be to get this one surgery, but then he'll have to wait for a family for years... or in vain. As soon as I have more info on the surgery (if, when, where, cost), I will post a new fundraiser.
Thanks for all you do for this precious one!
However, - and here is the good news - yesterday I received a message from the director of the non-profit, who told me that the orphanage director is willing to take Nathaniel to see a surgeon this week!
PLEASE PRAY that the surgeon will value Nathaniel as a HUMAN BEING, as a child who is worthy of surgery and LIFE. Please pray the surgeon will consent to performing the surgery.
The orphanage doctor will supposedly call with the outcome of the visit this Wednesday or Thursday. I have no idea if that will actually happen, so please pray he will keep his word. I was also told that though it seems like a long wait to 'us', it's actually quite 'fast' for (Nathaniel's country's) terms to be able to get him to see the surgeon this week, etc.
A word about the fundraiser currently posted: Those funds will likely not be able to be used for his surgery, however, they will go toward his adoption grant - which is great, because one of the other things he needs most is a forever family! How ironic and sad would it be to get this one surgery, but then he'll have to wait for a family for years... or in vain. As soon as I have more info on the surgery (if, when, where, cost), I will post a new fundraiser.
Thanks for all you do for this precious one!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Last chance to win a $75 gift card to Sears!
I have extended the drawing for the $75 gift card for Nathaniel until tomorrow night, in the hopes of raising for money for his adoption grant. Just a little over a day left to have a chane (or more!) of winning a frea git card! Please donate!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Update
Overflowing with thankfulness for your generosity and your prayers for Nathaniel!
I just wanted to post a quick update:
A few days ago, I had a phone 'meeting' with the director of a non-profit (here in the US)that has been working in Nathaniel's country/region for years. They have provided surgery for orphans on numerous occassions. They have contacted their people/workers in Nathaniel's country, who in turn are contacting the director of Nathaniel's orphanage. The director has to give permission for Nathaniel to have shunt surgery. Often surgery is denied (worth a blog post in and of itself), so please pray that the orphanage director will have favor on Nathaniel and ok's te surgery.
Once permission is granted, the non-profit organization will then find a hospital that is able to perform the delicate surgery. It might mean that Nathaniel has to make a 14 hour train ride to the capitol city of his country. They will also find out the cost of the surgery, so I will have an idea of what to fundraise for. The non-profit (which I will disclose once things are finalized) will set up an account for Nathaniel's surgery, and all $ donated will be tax-deductible.
The director of this non-profit "happens" (I don't believe in coincidence) to be traveling to Nathaniel's country, even his specific area in June and will be able to be involved in his surgery process. Once I know a surgery cost estimate, there will then be very little time to raise the funds, but I believe everything is possible with the One who created this precious little boy. I will hold another fundraiser then as well.
Again, thank you SO much for all your prayers and support! Please keep checking back for an update and pray, pray, pray for favor for Nathaniel.
~ L.
I just wanted to post a quick update:
A few days ago, I had a phone 'meeting' with the director of a non-profit (here in the US)that has been working in Nathaniel's country/region for years. They have provided surgery for orphans on numerous occassions. They have contacted their people/workers in Nathaniel's country, who in turn are contacting the director of Nathaniel's orphanage. The director has to give permission for Nathaniel to have shunt surgery. Often surgery is denied (worth a blog post in and of itself), so please pray that the orphanage director will have favor on Nathaniel and ok's te surgery.
Once permission is granted, the non-profit organization will then find a hospital that is able to perform the delicate surgery. It might mean that Nathaniel has to make a 14 hour train ride to the capitol city of his country. They will also find out the cost of the surgery, so I will have an idea of what to fundraise for. The non-profit (which I will disclose once things are finalized) will set up an account for Nathaniel's surgery, and all $ donated will be tax-deductible.
The director of this non-profit "happens" (I don't believe in coincidence) to be traveling to Nathaniel's country, even his specific area in June and will be able to be involved in his surgery process. Once I know a surgery cost estimate, there will then be very little time to raise the funds, but I believe everything is possible with the One who created this precious little boy. I will hold another fundraiser then as well.
Again, thank you SO much for all your prayers and support! Please keep checking back for an update and pray, pray, pray for favor for Nathaniel.
~ L.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Pictures
If the main picture of Nathaniel used for this blog did not convince you of his urgent need for surgery, perhaps these, that show the size of his head even better, will...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Would you like to win a $75 gift card to Sears?
Would you like a chance to win a $75 Sears giftcard (also valid at Land's End and K-Mart) AND at the same time make a difference for Nathaniel?
Donate via the Chip-In on the right of this blog (remember it is SAFE, SECURE, and TAX-DEDUCTIBLE) for a chance, or multiple chances, to win!
A donation of:
$5 = 1 chance
$20 = 5 chances
$40 = 12 chances
any donations larger that $40 will give you an extra chance for every $5.
When donating, please leave a comment on this blog entry, and/or attach a note to your donation. The winner will be randomly chosen on APRIL 30th.
Please help make a difference for this precious one!
A donation of:
$5 = 1 chance
$20 = 5 chances
$40 = 12 chances
any donations larger that $40 will give you an extra chance for every $5.
When donating, please leave a comment on this blog entry, and/or attach a note to your donation. The winner will be randomly chosen on APRIL 30th.
Please help make a difference for this precious one!
Nathaniel
Will you please consider donating to Nathaniel's adoption grant? The sooner he finds his family, the better. The sooner he gets surgery... the better! You can do so securely here: http://reecesrainbow.org/nathaniel410 - see the little donation button or by clicking on the donation botton on the right side of this blog. All donations are tax-deductible. My goal is to raise $1000 by Easter... no... scratch that... how about $2000 by April 30th? Please help me save this little boy from death, or from a life as an 'invalid' in an orphanage. From a life of headaches, pressure, and a life lacking the love and care of a family. In light of Easter, please consider, and pray about what the Lord might ask of you, and please remember Nathaniel in your prayers.
Thank you SO much!
PS: some ideas on how to scrape some $ together to donate to Nathaniel:
- Saving money because you're 'couponing'?
- Sell something on Craigslist
- Forego going out to lunch for a week, or until Easter
- Reduce the size of your kids' Easter baskets, and show them Nathaniel.
- Getting a tax refund?
- Etc, the possibilities are endless.
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