What do you call...
A few clothes here, a little paint there, with some nude mannequins everywhere?
I think it would be safe to call it...
A CHAOTIC MESS!
But with this chaotic mess comes a name. That's right, at least we have a name!
The Cottonwood House is now presenting...
Ele Ela
His and Her Apparel
For the entire family
Not sure how to pronouce it? (A-Lee-El-ah). It's portuguese for His and Her. Some of our Brazilian friends gave us the idea. THANKS girls!
(imagine hanging all these clothes up one by one & after putting the last piece up...the entire rod FALLS...well, Ashley didn't have to imagine. this actually happended to her. poor thing. sorry ASH!)
(here's my faithful DAD. he's always here with a smile to offer his services. mom couldn't do it without HIM.)
(who else paints with nice clothes on? you look beautiful as always MOM.)
(my neck is still stiff from this job!)
I know, I know, it doesn't quite look like a clothing boutique yet, but hopefully in a few weeks, it will! You'll just have to wait & watch for the transformation.
Now for some more news...
As you know, Ele Ela will be contributing a percentage of our sales each month to a different mission's organization or local charity. Here's a little info. about our first recipients...
~HOME INTERNATIONAL~
While most Americans know of the desperate situations of poverty stricken countries of the world, few have actually been to those places. Those who have, often say they are changed forever. One such person is Debbie Hollinger. Now the director of HOME International, she cares for and totally supports 50 children, and provides food and education for many more.
It all started in 1999, when a trip to India changed the course of her life. She says, “I simply could not forget the children’s eyes – they begged for help”. After some considerable planning, she embarked on a mission of inviting orphaned girls into a home environment where a loving mother and father would care for them. They would have 14 sisters and would experience a family. What started with a few children in one home has now grown to three homes caring for 50 children.
These children are in India, where many are abandoned or orphaned for various reasons. Girls are most susceptible to abuse. There are no government programs to protect them. Orphanages are often very hostile environments that lack the warmth of family.
Debbie knows each of the children personally, and they call her ‘Mama Debbie’. She is committed to caring for them until they are married or otherwise independent. Until that time, all of their needs are met. Special attention is given to the children’s emotional development – to help heal the wounds of the past. Discipline, coupled with loving words and education help to balance out the care they receive. They are no longer orphans. They are part of a family. They have come HOME.
The vision of HOME International is to open additional homes for many more children. “As funds are received, we will open our doors to provide a family for the little ones who need love."
We're excited to be apart of Debbie's adventure and we look forward to blessing
HOME INTERNATIONAL
financially!
If you're interested in donating your clean and well kept clothes...drop your bags off during our store hours Wed.-Sat. 10-5pm
THANKS!!!
New items come in daily for Ele Ela and here are a few of our favorites!
cute yellow girls jumper
oh so cute Gap girls dress
For crying out loud can it just be warm and stay warm...I mean come on, we have tornadoes and hail...a sure thing in the spring and summer but now it's FREEZING!!
stop laughing....but it is a cute coat!
Hmmm, I just noticed this "boy" must be a girl, she has red nails!
Cute coat!
Good, no more photo's of me!
Max is wearing one of our kids hats.
Eli loves wearing this hat...but if you try getting it off his head, good luck...
Okay, let me explain.
Don't ask me what I'm doing with my lips...honestly, I dont really know (I was told to make a model face). 
The "dreamer" & her hubby working on the dressing rooms.
Tadaaa!!!!!
Can you tell I like to climb?
This bed was a lot harder to put together then it looks =)
Ashley's excitement during the whole project motivated all of us. About every second she would walk around the room with a big smile on her face and say, "i think it's coming together guys, it's really coming together!" And might I add...she said this even when there was hardly anyting in the room.
Hmmmm...too many things to place, not sure where to put it...
Ash, I know you didnt want me to put this picture on the blog, butt...
We carried 4 of these heavy shelves through the snow and up the stairs. Our momma had us workin' =)
Ash and I pricing...
And this is why.
(imagine hanging all these clothes up one by one & after putting the last piece up...the entire rod FALLS...well, Ashley didn't have to imagine. this actually happended to her. poor thing. sorry ASH!)
(here's my faithful DAD. he's always here with a smile to offer his services. mom couldn't do it without HIM.)
(who else paints with nice clothes on? you look beautiful as always MOM.)
(my neck is still stiff from this job!) 
I know, I know, it doesn't quite look like a clothing boutique yet, but hopefully in a few weeks, it will! You'll just have to wait & watch for the transformation.
While most Americans know of the desperate situations of poverty stricken countries of the world, few have actually been to those places. Those who have, often say they are changed forever. One such person is Debbie Hollinger. Now the director of HOME International, she cares for and totally supports 50 children, and provides food and education for many more. 
