It occurred to me that there may be some reading my frustrations and thinking "Well, I will not be adopting from Bulgaria! It takes too long!". The fact is, it does take a while, but not really much longer than a lot of international adoptions.
One reason ours took so long is because we had trouble finding a social worker who could do a homestudy for Bulgaria and that would do one for 2 unrelated children. So our homestudy that should have been completed in only 3-4 months ended up taking 6! Our homestudy was done in August. We traveled on trip one in only 5 months from that date of completion. God willing, trip 2 will not take longer than May to happen. So in 9 months from the date of our homestudy, there is a good chance the girls will be home.
Any extra wait/delay in an adoption journey is paramount to a huge disaster! Perfectly normal to feel this way! After all we are fighting to bring children home and into a Christian family! No amount of time is quick enough.... :)
Waiting is part of the adoption journey, delays are a common part of it, frustration and sometimes heartbreak are also included, but you know what? So is JOY beyond your greatest imaginings my friends. So are MIRACLES that you will ONLY see as you follow the PATHS GOD HAS SET BEFORE YOU! And so is the freedom to hear the laughter of a child to long in the dark, to long absent, to long without the love of a family, to long alone.... and now free, as the "ransom" has been paid! Which way will the scales tip for you? Are you brave enough to choose suffering now for greater joy in the end? For the assurance of seeing GOD like you have NOT seen Him before? For the chance to save the life of an innocent child?
It's worth it my friends! Embrace the frustrations, waits, heartaches, sufferings... and in the end GOD will BLESS you with HIS greatest gifts. A CHILD created intimately by HIM! WHAT a GIFT! :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
It' not going to happen...
At least that's what I am feeling right now. I can't give up, but how does one wait forever? It's not fair to dislike our USCIS officer so intensely as I do right now. I am really glad I do not know who he is lest I do something I regret! He is just doing his job... But right now I am really sad, down, angry, and feeling hopeless. I am feeling like nothing I/ we do will ever be enough to bring them home.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Waiting
I am still so upset about USCIS. I just feel like I can't wait any longer. I have been singing the chorus to the following song off and on all day today. I am still singing it. My heart just wants to stop, every now and then I have to take a deep gasping breath... believe me when I say that "I" can not wait any more for my sweet girls to be home. I CAN'T, but HE can! So I keep singing...
____________________________________________________________________
As I wait, I also want to draw your attention to two special little girls who are in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. They are actually in the same one and can be adopted together for very little extra cost! They are younger than my Tavi by a year.
You have all seen on the videos how precious Tavi is. If not, click here. Tavi is 4 years old and completely blind. She had the odds stacked against her since her very premature birth. And look at my little angel now! UNKNOCKDOWNABLE! The thought of the joy she brings to the world, fading away in a dark mental institution still keeps me up at night! Praise God that will NOT be her fate!
SO I send out a plea for a mama and daddy to come and ransom these two little ones from a world of silence and darkness. There are so many things they will never know. What some are lucky enough to at least "see", they never will. Not unless someone steps forward and is willing to answer the call and rescue them! Be the light that brings them out of the darkness, be the light that brings the love of God into their lives. Be there for them.
They are both adorable and would be such blessings for a family willing to step out of their comfort zone, out of the "box", away from the dreams of the world and into the light of heaven! Look at these faces, and look to God and ask if you are to be the light in their world!
Now, in case you aren't familiar with Eastern Europe orphanages, children with special needs are transferred to mental institutions. These are not good places, and the children die within a few years of being sent there... some would say "If they're lucky." These are real little girls, with real feelings, with a right to hopes, and a right to dream! They have never gotten to dream, their world is just dark... no one has taught them that life has possibilities. If you are at all interested, you can find their waiting child listing HERE.
Come And Meet With Me
As I wait, you make me strong
As I long, you draw me to your arms
As I stand and sing your praise
You come, you come and you fill this place
Won't you come, Won't you come and fill this place
____________________________________________________________________
As I wait, I also want to draw your attention to two special little girls who are in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. They are actually in the same one and can be adopted together for very little extra cost! They are younger than my Tavi by a year.
You have all seen on the videos how precious Tavi is. If not, click here. Tavi is 4 years old and completely blind. She had the odds stacked against her since her very premature birth. And look at my little angel now! UNKNOCKDOWNABLE! The thought of the joy she brings to the world, fading away in a dark mental institution still keeps me up at night! Praise God that will NOT be her fate!
SO I send out a plea for a mama and daddy to come and ransom these two little ones from a world of silence and darkness. There are so many things they will never know. What some are lucky enough to at least "see", they never will. Not unless someone steps forward and is willing to answer the call and rescue them! Be the light that brings them out of the darkness, be the light that brings the love of God into their lives. Be there for them.
They are both adorable and would be such blessings for a family willing to step out of their comfort zone, out of the "box", away from the dreams of the world and into the light of heaven! Look at these faces, and look to God and ask if you are to be the light in their world!
This is Wendy. Girl, Born June 25, 2006
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!
Wendy is a beautiful girl with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. She was born quite premature (not sure which gestational week, but it is listed as "4th stage"). She has CP and is completely blind, with congenital cataracts in both eyes, optic sub-atrophy, and microcephaly.
Despite all of these odds stacked against her, she is an orphanage favorite and is well loved. She will really blossom in a loving family, and learning to use her other senses will open up the world around her.
Wendy is already 3 1/2 now, and is facing the institution soon. She needs a family right away!
This is Michelle. Girl, Born September 8, 2006
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!
This precious little girl is mostly blind. She has obvious cataracts and strabismus. Her medical records indicate that she is blind with optic atrophy. She has tetraparesis (limb weakness), and this is caused by diagnosed CP. A family who visited with her recently tells us she is quite low functioning right now, but goodness, how she would blossom in al oving family who could really help her overcome her lack of vision!
Michelle will be transferred to a mental institution and will likely remain bedridden for life if she is not adopted. Hope someone will consider being her "forever family"!
Now, in case you aren't familiar with Eastern Europe orphanages, children with special needs are transferred to mental institutions. These are not good places, and the children die within a few years of being sent there... some would say "If they're lucky." These are real little girls, with real feelings, with a right to hopes, and a right to dream! They have never gotten to dream, their world is just dark... no one has taught them that life has possibilities. If you are at all interested, you can find their waiting child listing HERE.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
MORE EVIDENCE PLEASE.... ARGH!
[the above was said in a very snotty voice by me!]
No go... I had called USCIS yesterday, but didn't get him [our officer] so I left a voice mail. Called a little bit ago.. and "gasp" he isn't there again. So I hung up. But before that the secretary told me he requested more evidence, which will take at least 4-5 days to arrive. SO I called my agency worker, whom I love, and she is calling and emailing... trying to get a jumpstart on what it is they want. I was told birth certificates [which will not ever happen!], so who knows!
I have sent in exactly what other families adopting from Bulgaria have... but apparently there is not consistency in the workers desires or whims. I can not believe the one time I talked to him I told him how cool he was and I appreciated the time he took to talk with me! Just see if I ever say that again! I have half a mind to call his mother and tell her what a screwed up son she raised!
Having no recourse, I turned on some fast, loud worship music and sang along while washing my dishes. Great therapy, but I am still mad!
No go... I had called USCIS yesterday, but didn't get him [our officer] so I left a voice mail. Called a little bit ago.. and "gasp" he isn't there again. So I hung up. But before that the secretary told me he requested more evidence, which will take at least 4-5 days to arrive. SO I called my agency worker, whom I love, and she is calling and emailing... trying to get a jumpstart on what it is they want. I was told birth certificates [which will not ever happen!], so who knows!
I have sent in exactly what other families adopting from Bulgaria have... but apparently there is not consistency in the workers desires or whims. I can not believe the one time I talked to him I told him how cool he was and I appreciated the time he took to talk with me! Just see if I ever say that again! I have half a mind to call his mother and tell her what a screwed up son she raised!
Having no recourse, I turned on some fast, loud worship music and sang along while washing my dishes. Great therapy, but I am still mad!
Please Pray!
I am calling USCIS around 3 today! Please pray with me that our I800 has been approved!!!!! I will keep you updated!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The girls Visa photos...
For those who haven't seen them, they are just too cute!
Oh how I miss these little girls! I try hard to not think to deeply about how much I miss them, I think my heart might break if I do. I told myself that in March I will get their room ready. I can't wait to be able to set up a permanent place in my home for them!
A few things I know we will need are:
1. Another crib, as we just have one. We have decided to start them both out in a crib as that is what they are familiar with. We are hoping to borrow one, as we don't think we will need it very long.
2. A highchair. I think Tavi will be fine in the booster seat with a tray that we have, but I think Yana would be better able to explore and eat safely in a highchair.
3. A DRESSER! We dont' have enough closet space as is, and the room they will be in does not have a closet at all.
4. 2 baby gates, one of which can be fastened to the wall, and have a gate. This will block the basement stairs! The other will block the hall way to the kids rooms. Initially, until we know if they like to put little things in their mouths and such we won't leave that part of the house freely open to them. I am looking at my house and baby/toddler proofing it.
5. A double stroller.
6. 1 car seat. We have 2.
7. Bedding for the cribs.
8. Curtains for their room to block the light.
9. Clothes, though I think I have enough to start out until I know their sizes better ... except socks and pjs, we still need those.
10. A good supply of diapers or pullups.
11. Bottles for Yana.
12. A food masher/baby food maker for Yanas bottles.
13. A few big bibs.
14. Toddler toys. I would love one of those music discovery tables for Yana. And a push along walker for Yana as she learns to love to walk independantly. Muscial toys for Tavi, and toys with alot of cool textures!
That is what I feel I need to start out with... a few things we can get as they have been home a bit, but overall I need most of the above list. Money will be tight for a while, but I am hoping we can come up with a good budget and even things back out...
I am still praying for an April return date! It IS possible for God!
AND my I800 could be approved as soon as Wed, tomorrow, but may take until Friday.
Please God ... move mountains, which in this case is represented by mounds of paperwork, and bring these little ones home into their mamas arms! In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Oh how I miss these little girls! I try hard to not think to deeply about how much I miss them, I think my heart might break if I do. I told myself that in March I will get their room ready. I can't wait to be able to set up a permanent place in my home for them!
A few things I know we will need are:
1. Another crib, as we just have one. We have decided to start them both out in a crib as that is what they are familiar with. We are hoping to borrow one, as we don't think we will need it very long.
2. A highchair. I think Tavi will be fine in the booster seat with a tray that we have, but I think Yana would be better able to explore and eat safely in a highchair.
3. A DRESSER! We dont' have enough closet space as is, and the room they will be in does not have a closet at all.
4. 2 baby gates, one of which can be fastened to the wall, and have a gate. This will block the basement stairs! The other will block the hall way to the kids rooms. Initially, until we know if they like to put little things in their mouths and such we won't leave that part of the house freely open to them. I am looking at my house and baby/toddler proofing it.
5. A double stroller.
6. 1 car seat. We have 2.
7. Bedding for the cribs.
8. Curtains for their room to block the light.
9. Clothes, though I think I have enough to start out until I know their sizes better ... except socks and pjs, we still need those.
10. A good supply of diapers or pullups.
11. Bottles for Yana.
12. A food masher/baby food maker for Yanas bottles.
13. A few big bibs.
14. Toddler toys. I would love one of those music discovery tables for Yana. And a push along walker for Yana as she learns to love to walk independantly. Muscial toys for Tavi, and toys with alot of cool textures!
That is what I feel I need to start out with... a few things we can get as they have been home a bit, but overall I need most of the above list. Money will be tight for a while, but I am hoping we can come up with a good budget and even things back out...
I am still praying for an April return date! It IS possible for God!
AND my I800 could be approved as soon as Wed, tomorrow, but may take until Friday.
Please God ... move mountains, which in this case is represented by mounds of paperwork, and bring these little ones home into their mamas arms! In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Once your children, adopted from abroad, are home.....
Recommended Screening Tests and Evaluations
as written by Dr. Jane Aronson
for Pediatric Annals, Vol. 29, No 4, April 2000
The following article describes what screening tests and evaluations your child should have when you return home.
Once the child has arrived an initial visit to the doctor should ideally occur within 10-14 days, unless the child has an acute illness and then a sick visit is obviously imperative within 24 hours. Once the family knows their travel dates, they can schedule the adoption consultation appointment long in advance since the initial visit should take at least an hour or more.
There is consensus among adoption medicine specialists about the screening tests that should be performed on every child adopted from abroad initially. For a discussion of some of these screening test recommendations, consult the 2000 Redbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. The list in the Redbook should be viewed as just a guideline. The list below is a more comprehensive list recommended by most adoption medicine specialists in the U.S.
list updated August 1, 2002
* Antibody titers for children over one year of age who have a credible vaccine record from the country of origin:
- diphtheria antibodies
- tetanus antibodies
- polio neutralizing antibodies for type 1,2, 3
- chicken pox antibodies (varicella antibodies)
- measles, mumps, rubella (depends on the country and reliability of these vaccines)
* HIV-1,2 ELISA
* Hepatitis B serology (Hep B surface antibody, Hep B surface antigen, Hep B core antibody total)
* Hep C ELISA
* Hep A total with reflex to IgM in case of acute infection
* Syphilis serology (RPR, FTA-ABS)
* lead level (venous)
* Complete Blood count with differential and platelets
* Hemoglobin electrophoresis
* Thyroid screen
* TSH
* Free T4
* Total T4
* Rickets screen
* Alkaline phosphatase
* calcium
* phosphorus
* Liver Enzymes
* SGOT
* SGPT
* Kidney Function tests
* BUN, Creatinine
* Audiology evaluation for all children adopted from abroad (unknown birth history and possible prematurity)
* Vision screening by a board certified pediatric ophthalmologist for all children adopted from abroad (unknown birth history and possible prematurity)
* Dental visit with a pediatric dentist should be done by 18 months of age
* TB skin test on arrival and again 6 months from the time of arrival (If the BCG site is not healed wait until it is healed and if more than a few months is needed for healing, consider having a chest x-ray; then do the PPD (TB skin test) when the BCG scar is completely healed
* Consider repeating HIV, Hep B, C 6 months after arrival (lengthy incubation periods and exposure just at the time of departure)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
365 missed kisses
On Friday, the 19th, it will be the one year anniversary of when we committed to the girls.
One year... that is 365 missed good mornings, 365 missed good nights, 365 missed I love you's, 365 missed "you're wonderful's", and more.
I know they have a life time ahead of everything they have missed so far. But my heart breaks for the years they have missed having the love of family!
When I went into this, I never thought it would take over a year! In fact, I was geared towards 9 months. Ha, wishful thinking!
Still, I truly, truly believe that Gods timing is specific, His plans are specific, His reasons are specific, and though I will most likely never know why this process has had to take so long... I completely trust in Him!
Not having them home weighs heavy on my heart. This adoption has been a journey of emotional highs and lows in the extreme.
But looking back, seeing God's hand in each step, seeing HIS heart in each step... I would do it all again! Once you have seen God working so clearly, leading you down HIS paths, it is hard to want to let that go. You just want to relieve the moments over and over.... I hold them close to my heart. They are my moments with God, a gift from Him.
In my bible reading I found the verse Psalm 25:4:
I have been praying that this week. You will see miracles along His paths my friends. Miracles that create memories that you want to store up in your heart, in your photo album of God and yourself. And you will flip through it during the storms of life, you will flip through it when you pray, you will flip through it and your JOY in the Lord will abound!
I have missed 365 days of being a mama to my girls, but I have gained 365 days of relying and trusting in God. I have gained 365 days of growing ever closer to Him. Life is good.
One year... that is 365 missed good mornings, 365 missed good nights, 365 missed I love you's, 365 missed "you're wonderful's", and more.
I know they have a life time ahead of everything they have missed so far. But my heart breaks for the years they have missed having the love of family!
When I went into this, I never thought it would take over a year! In fact, I was geared towards 9 months. Ha, wishful thinking!
Still, I truly, truly believe that Gods timing is specific, His plans are specific, His reasons are specific, and though I will most likely never know why this process has had to take so long... I completely trust in Him!
Not having them home weighs heavy on my heart. This adoption has been a journey of emotional highs and lows in the extreme.
But looking back, seeing God's hand in each step, seeing HIS heart in each step... I would do it all again! Once you have seen God working so clearly, leading you down HIS paths, it is hard to want to let that go. You just want to relieve the moments over and over.... I hold them close to my heart. They are my moments with God, a gift from Him.
In my bible reading I found the verse Psalm 25:4:
4. Show me your paths, and teach me to follow;
I have been praying that this week. You will see miracles along His paths my friends. Miracles that create memories that you want to store up in your heart, in your photo album of God and yourself. And you will flip through it during the storms of life, you will flip through it when you pray, you will flip through it and your JOY in the Lord will abound!
I have missed 365 days of being a mama to my girls, but I have gained 365 days of relying and trusting in God. I have gained 365 days of growing ever closer to Him. Life is good.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Interesting fact about Bulgaria
A unique and uber beneficial bacteria is used in the yoghurt in Bulgaria. IN fact, it was discovered in Bulgaria. Trust me, they have the BEST yoghurt, and I am not a yogurt fan! :)
They are very proud of this fact. :)
If you have time, read a little about it... it's cool. You can buy it in the US under the brand "Greek God's". Now there is some argument if this in in fact the exact strain of tht bacteria that is used in the yoghurt in Bulgaria... because many Bulgarians say that it doesn't survive being exported. But it is the same according to the container, at least the same name... so?
Check it out below, it's cool!
L Bulgaricus
They are very proud of this fact. :)
If you have time, read a little about it... it's cool. You can buy it in the US under the brand "Greek God's". Now there is some argument if this in in fact the exact strain of tht bacteria that is used in the yoghurt in Bulgaria... because many Bulgarians say that it doesn't survive being exported. But it is the same according to the container, at least the same name... so?
Check it out below, it's cool!
L Bulgaricus
Step by step God is bringing them home! HUGE praise!
... again! :) We received our receipt in the mail that our I800 is being processed!!!! It could be approved as soon as 10-15 days from the 10th of Feb. :) Waaaa-Hooooo!
And I got my docs back that are apostilled and ready to send to Toni. All that's left is my updated physical form, and police clearance which only take minutes. Once those are apostilled I will send them on their way to Toni.
Do you know what this means???? The paperwork saga for the girls is SO CLOSE TO BEING COMPLETELY DONE WITH!!!! And soon, the only thing I will be doing is twiddling my thumbs waiting for the all clear to go and bring them home!
Pray with me that Renee and I are both bringing our kids home in April! That is... after Shelley gets her son home in MARCH!
Thank you again for every prayer!
And I got my docs back that are apostilled and ready to send to Toni. All that's left is my updated physical form, and police clearance which only take minutes. Once those are apostilled I will send them on their way to Toni.
Do you know what this means???? The paperwork saga for the girls is SO CLOSE TO BEING COMPLETELY DONE WITH!!!! And soon, the only thing I will be doing is twiddling my thumbs waiting for the all clear to go and bring them home!
Pray with me that Renee and I are both bringing our kids home in April! That is... after Shelley gets her son home in MARCH!
Thank you again for every prayer!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Another video, and 3 weeks ...
It's been 3 weeks. This morning I woke up thinking... "3 weeks, I have made it, I am going to be okay." Then I watched these videos which I hadn't watched since I got back. My arms are aching to hold them, my eyes overflowed with tears... tears of sorrow that they are not here with me, tears of joy that the WILL be here soon, and tears of thankfulness that the light in these two little ones eyes, and the joy of their laughter is not going to go out. They are soon to be heard, loved, and acknowledged!!!! Thank you Jesus for watching over them. Thank you for not letting up on me until they are finally home! Jesus... you are, and will forever be their HERO, their Guardian angel, their SAVING GRACE... and mine as well!
Seriously though, does Tavi remind you of a little girl who was born 3 months premature, and is fully blind? Do you think we should break it to her that she might have limitations? :) She takes my breath away....
And Yana, is there a funnier girl out there? Not to her anyway. :)
Seriously though, does Tavi remind you of a little girl who was born 3 months premature, and is fully blind? Do you think we should break it to her that she might have limitations? :) She takes my breath away....
And Yana, is there a funnier girl out there? Not to her anyway. :)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Rejoicing!!!
God is so awesome! I knew, I just knew, when we started this adoption that he would find a way to ransom the girls from an existence w/o hope! A ransom, I might add that has cost over $20,000!
Today in the mail I received a wonderful surprise. A donation of $1,500 towards our adoption fund!!!! THAT MEANS WE HAVE ONLY $1,000 LEFT THAT IS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE ADOPTION!!!
I had decided that w/o the extra money I would go alone to bring the girls home, even though that was not a very good option for their situation. And my husband was not comfortable with that. I asked God to lead me in this decision, and apparently He wants me to travel with someone too! :) He is making a way!
I can't change the chip in at the top, but I did change our funds tracker on the right side of the blog. :)
God Bless you all for prayers, donations, and the love you have shown these girls! Someday they will know! Someday they will understand!
Today in the mail I received a wonderful surprise. A donation of $1,500 towards our adoption fund!!!! THAT MEANS WE HAVE ONLY $1,000 LEFT THAT IS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE ADOPTION!!!
I had decided that w/o the extra money I would go alone to bring the girls home, even though that was not a very good option for their situation. And my husband was not comfortable with that. I asked God to lead me in this decision, and apparently He wants me to travel with someone too! :) He is making a way!
$1,000 LEFT! I had my hands raised praising Him!!! Glory to God! Our girls are coming home soon!!!
I can't change the chip in at the top, but I did change our funds tracker on the right side of the blog. :)
God Bless you all for prayers, donations, and the love you have shown these girls! Someday they will know! Someday they will understand!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Strollers, strollers, strollers....
So I am in the market for a double stroller. Not being rich... a $500 stroller is not in my price range. But considering how often I will use one, I don't mind spending some money for a good one.
Here are the options I am considering:
#1.This one is nice as it leaves room for Luke too. He likes to walk, but if we go for a walk he is still little enough he can't go too far! And he would love the stand option as it would let him ride when he was tired. Oh, and it is slightly expensive. NOT $500 though! Also, no way can I take it to Bulgaria for the return trip. I would instead have to take my single stroller and back pack. That wouldn't be so bad since I won't be alone, but it is a considering factor. :)
#2.I like the size of this one. I like the ease of folding it down. I love the blue color. But the down side is there is no option for a 3rd child, and I wonder how all that fabric holds up. This one is slightly expensive too.
#3. This would be a great all purpose stroller for a great price. But is it enough of what I want. Again, no option for Luke.
#4. "This one is my first choice, but I refuse to spend so much on a stroller. Maybe Bill Gates can do this, but I sure can't! I love to walk, and if I walk outside, these big wheels are SO NICE! Not sure I can do that much money, well... I know I can't. But it would be worth it.... AND I could easily take this along to Bulgaria. Why do the perfect things always cost more! I also love that it lists handle bar height. Being taller, I hate having to bend over to walk wiht a stroller!
Soooo, anyway.. that is what I am contemplating this morning... :) Strollers!
Here are the options I am considering:
#1.This one is nice as it leaves room for Luke too. He likes to walk, but if we go for a walk he is still little enough he can't go too far! And he would love the stand option as it would let him ride when he was tired. Oh, and it is slightly expensive. NOT $500 though! Also, no way can I take it to Bulgaria for the return trip. I would instead have to take my single stroller and back pack. That wouldn't be so bad since I won't be alone, but it is a considering factor. :)
#2.I like the size of this one. I like the ease of folding it down. I love the blue color. But the down side is there is no option for a 3rd child, and I wonder how all that fabric holds up. This one is slightly expensive too.
#3. This would be a great all purpose stroller for a great price. But is it enough of what I want. Again, no option for Luke.
#4. "This one is my first choice, but I refuse to spend so much on a stroller. Maybe Bill Gates can do this, but I sure can't! I love to walk, and if I walk outside, these big wheels are SO NICE! Not sure I can do that much money, well... I know I can't. But it would be worth it.... AND I could easily take this along to Bulgaria. Why do the perfect things always cost more! I also love that it lists handle bar height. Being taller, I hate having to bend over to walk wiht a stroller!
Soooo, anyway.. that is what I am contemplating this morning... :) Strollers!
Monday, February 8, 2010
17? Seriously ... 17????
Am I really old enough to have a 17 year old? UGH! :)
Riley turned 17 today! Happy Birthday Riley!
Riley is one of those kids who make being a parent a breeze [excluding those totally teenage moments, which every kid can have!]:). She is a joy to parent, a joy to be around, a wonderful daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece, cousin, friend, and babysitter. :) She has a great relationship with God, and is not afraid to stand up as a Christian in school, family gatherings, or parties. :)
Riley, my dear... YOU ROCK! Keep it up!
FROM THIS:
TO THIS:
She opted for rootbeer floats over cake this year. :)
She is just so pretty. She gets that from me! LOL
She is trying to be cool. :) Hhhmmmm....
Riley turned 17 today! Happy Birthday Riley!
Riley is one of those kids who make being a parent a breeze [excluding those totally teenage moments, which every kid can have!]:). She is a joy to parent, a joy to be around, a wonderful daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece, cousin, friend, and babysitter. :) She has a great relationship with God, and is not afraid to stand up as a Christian in school, family gatherings, or parties. :)
Riley, my dear... YOU ROCK! Keep it up!
FROM THIS:
TO THIS:
She opted for rootbeer floats over cake this year. :)
She is just so pretty. She gets that from me! LOL
She is trying to be cool. :) Hhhmmmm....
Strengthening my roots.
Okay, so in a bible study I am doing, though I hvae yet to actually attend, we are reading "A Woman After God's Own Heart". In it Elizabeth George talks about the importance of having a strong root system... meaning a firm and knowledgeable relationship with GOD and His word.
It has occurred to me I am sadly lacking in memorization of bible verses. I know a small handful by heart, some more with a very general idea of what they say, but not always what book of the bible they are in. So I decided to start memorizing, even if it is just a verse or passage a week.
This might take me more than a week, obviously, but in doign my "read the bible in a year", of which I might add I am just over a week behind :(, I read this passage in Psalms and really want to keep it in my heart. So it will be first on my agenda. Nothing like diving in head first!
It has occurred to me I am sadly lacking in memorization of bible verses. I know a small handful by heart, some more with a very general idea of what they say, but not always what book of the bible they are in. So I decided to start memorizing, even if it is just a verse or passage a week.
This might take me more than a week, obviously, but in doign my "read the bible in a year", of which I might add I am just over a week behind :(, I read this passage in Psalms and really want to keep it in my heart. So it will be first on my agenda. Nothing like diving in head first!
Psalm 16
The Best Choice
1Protect me, LORD God!
I run to you for safety,
2and I have said,
"Only you are my Lord!
Every good thing I have
is a gift from you."
3Your people are wonderful,
and they make me happy, [a] 4but worshipers of other gods
will have much sorrow. [b] I refuse to offer sacrifices
of blood to those gods
or worship in their name.
5You, LORD, are all I want!
You are my choice,
and you keep me safe.
6You make my life pleasant,
and my future is bright.
7I praise you, LORD,
for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
your teachings fill my mind.
8I will always look to you,
as you stand beside me
and protect me from fear.
9With all my heart,
I will celebrate,
and I can safely rest.
10I am your chosen one.
You won't leave me in the grave
or let my body decay.
11You have shown me
the path to life,
and you make me glad
by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side, [c] I will always be joyful.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Who is claiming your time?
“There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan” C.S. Lewis
Friday, February 5, 2010
Desperately seeking a family before it is too late!
Please visit this blog! Sam and Andy do not have much time. A $10,000 grant is HUGE! Please inquire if you feel any nudging at all!
Visit this BLOG
It's been 2 weeks.
2 WEEKS since I last held Yana and Tavi. This is not what a mother does, a mother is not supposed to sit and wonder how her girls are doing, she is supposed to be holding them. :(
Have I mentioned I am terrible at waiting?
Have I mentioned I am terrible at waiting?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Little things help
I lied, that's not all for today I guess. :)
I received some clothes in the mail I ordered for the girls. I had been waiting, and waiting to be able to order them POPPY DIPS, until I knew more what sizes they would need. Sallee, does a beautiful job, and oh my are these ever cute!
This would be so much MORE FUN if the dresses were filled with little black haired, brown eyed girls... but here is a peek at what they will be wearing when they come home!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I received some clothes in the mail I ordered for the girls. I had been waiting, and waiting to be able to order them POPPY DIPS, until I knew more what sizes they would need. Sallee, does a beautiful job, and oh my are these ever cute!
This would be so much MORE FUN if the dresses were filled with little black haired, brown eyed girls... but here is a peek at what they will be wearing when they come home!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, now, now...
Sometimes, like today, I want to be a brat and scream "I WANT MY GIRLS HOME, NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW!!!!"
I want the waiting over, and the next phase of being a family to begin. I want to stomp my feet in frustration, wailing that I am not waiting any longer.
But that will not do anyone any good. So I look to God, I cry to God, and I ask Him to keep them safe and bring them home soon!
That's all I have for today. I just want them home.
I want the waiting over, and the next phase of being a family to begin. I want to stomp my feet in frustration, wailing that I am not waiting any longer.
But that will not do anyone any good. So I look to God, I cry to God, and I ask Him to keep them safe and bring them home soon!
That's all I have for today. I just want them home.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
My poor Tasha....
I found out Monday that the best dog in the whole wide world has Leukemia. Tasha has been a dream dog. She has welcomed 3 children to our family, helped raise my kids, helped socialize tons of puppies and kittens, traveled with me to schools to talk about dog safety, went with me as a DELTA certified therapy dog partner to nursing homes and schools, been my demo dog for the dog training classes I held, and many other things!
She is actually the dog that got me into, and fired up for having a well trained dog. There was a group of us ... the instructors Jerre and her dog Pearl, and Mike and his dog Cody. Then there were the students... Kathy and her little sheltie, April and George, and then Tasha and me. IT was a great time in my life, and losing Tasha will leave a hole in my life that was filled with that time. Jerre has since become one of my best friends, and I know she will be as sad as I am when Tashas time to leave us is here.
She has been going down hill for a while now, so this isnt' a shock. And truthfully part of me is grateful that it is something we really can't do anything about. I was afraid it would be a cancer that would be treatable if I wanted to pay $1000 or more! But knowing we cant do anything about curing or prolonging it gives me peace. She has had a great life. She isn't in pain really, jsut getting weaker, and slower, and sadder looking. She has a tumor on her foot that they can't remove because they dont' think she would make it through surgery. :( So she gets to wear colorful socks on it to protect it, and a ziploc baggie bootie when she goes outside. I have to help her up sometimes. And I have to help her down or up steps...
She smells like she is dying. But since she isnt' in pain, I am not ready to let her go just yet. It may be a couple weeks, it could be a couple of months... It makes me so sad that she wont' be here to help the girls learn about dogs! She was always the PERFECT baby dog! So gentle, so loving, so reliable! :(
Tasha loves people, more than she ever loved other dogs. But her true and first love remained the game of fetch! She would fetch anything. Once she couldnt' find the stick I threw adn she brought back a HUGE chunk of cement! She was so proud of herself! She loved fetching tennis balls and frisbees the most though! I once took a dog obedience class with a police dog trainer. He offered me over $1000 for Tash. Nope, couldn't sell my best friend! She has always been priceless.
This is the Tumor on her foot. It doesn't seem to hurt her, and she can walk on it, just limps a bit.
Here she is with her sock/bootie. She always has a pathetic look in pictures... but here she loosk very sad. :(
She is actually the dog that got me into, and fired up for having a well trained dog. There was a group of us ... the instructors Jerre and her dog Pearl, and Mike and his dog Cody. Then there were the students... Kathy and her little sheltie, April and George, and then Tasha and me. IT was a great time in my life, and losing Tasha will leave a hole in my life that was filled with that time. Jerre has since become one of my best friends, and I know she will be as sad as I am when Tashas time to leave us is here.
She has been going down hill for a while now, so this isnt' a shock. And truthfully part of me is grateful that it is something we really can't do anything about. I was afraid it would be a cancer that would be treatable if I wanted to pay $1000 or more! But knowing we cant do anything about curing or prolonging it gives me peace. She has had a great life. She isn't in pain really, jsut getting weaker, and slower, and sadder looking. She has a tumor on her foot that they can't remove because they dont' think she would make it through surgery. :( So she gets to wear colorful socks on it to protect it, and a ziploc baggie bootie when she goes outside. I have to help her up sometimes. And I have to help her down or up steps...
She smells like she is dying. But since she isnt' in pain, I am not ready to let her go just yet. It may be a couple weeks, it could be a couple of months... It makes me so sad that she wont' be here to help the girls learn about dogs! She was always the PERFECT baby dog! So gentle, so loving, so reliable! :(
Tasha loves people, more than she ever loved other dogs. But her true and first love remained the game of fetch! She would fetch anything. Once she couldnt' find the stick I threw adn she brought back a HUGE chunk of cement! She was so proud of herself! She loved fetching tennis balls and frisbees the most though! I once took a dog obedience class with a police dog trainer. He offered me over $1000 for Tash. Nope, couldn't sell my best friend! She has always been priceless.
Ah Tash, I am so sorry! You are and will forever remain one in a million!
This is the Tumor on her foot. It doesn't seem to hurt her, and she can walk on it, just limps a bit.
Here she is with her sock/bootie. She always has a pathetic look in pictures... but here she loosk very sad. :(
Monday, February 1, 2010
I have the best friends!
I posted on FB asking for prayer for our paperwork. This is how my friend responded...
I am praying that they have a paperwork person who is in an overachieving mood and trying to impress his/her boss and speeds yours to the front of the pile (because she/he dropped them all on the floor and and when she/he scooped them up, yours popped up on top).
Amount needed for second trip...
I am estimating we need about $5000 to finish this adoption. That included plane tickets, hotel, health exams, etc. Of that we still need about $2,500. That doesn't seem to daunting!
We are trying to come up with a fundraiser to help.... yes, we have a credit card and it can be used. But our goal has been to not have to use it for this adoption! :) So we will have a chip in on our blog... till I can come up with something fun! :)
:)
We are trying to come up with a fundraiser to help.... yes, we have a credit card and it can be used. But our goal has been to not have to use it for this adoption! :) So we will have a chip in on our blog... till I can come up with something fun! :)
:)
These are my girls.... in whom I am well pleased!
When your child is born, don't you just take in every nice thing said about them. All the ooohing and aahhhing, the lovely compliments, the gushing and the joy and smiles on everyone faces at seeing this precious new life mean so much. I never really thought about how special those moments were to me. They weren't special because I needed to hear them for myself, they were special because so many were celebrating this new life, this wonderful little gift from God. And I LOVED knowing that, because IT WAS WORTH CELEBRATING!
Like I said I never really thought about those times before now, I never really noticed them as being so vital to new life. BUT I do notice when they are conspicuously absent in celebrating the life of my girls! NOT ONE person on this earth celebrated their birth. I do not think their birth mothers did, I think they regretted their birth knowing what lay in store for them... and I think they hurt for them deeply. I do not think they celebrated. So when I bring pictures of my girls to show someone, I DO notice when that ooohing and aaahhhing ISN"T there! And it hurts, and it makes me SO ANGRY! I want to scream at them. I am SO PROUD of and SO OVERJOYED to welcome these beautiful little girls into life as my daughters!
I want the WHOLE world to celebrate their life, because NO ONE EVER HAS! I think Heaven cried the day they were born. I think God was so excited, so happy to have such perfect little girls representing His greatest gifts and His glory... and not one person on earth shared in His joy. I think He cried. And then He saved them for me [my family]!
You know, even GOD could not and would not contain His joy in sharing His precious Son with others! He wanted us to know just how pleased and overjoyed He was at seeing His son! He couldn't wait to say "HE IS MINE! AIN'T HE SOMETHING!" Being created in Gods image, I admit I can not contain it either!
If any of you want advice on how to relate to someone adopting... just think about being pregnant. It is the same thing, the same feelings, the same expectations, hopes, and dreams. Our children are not lacking, or unwanted, or just a way to serve God when the world is looking on.... THEY ARE OUR PRIDE AND JOY, they are our DELIGHT! All of them, equally and individually! Just staring ooohhhing and aaahhhing, you can't go wrong! :)
Like I said I never really thought about those times before now, I never really noticed them as being so vital to new life. BUT I do notice when they are conspicuously absent in celebrating the life of my girls! NOT ONE person on this earth celebrated their birth. I do not think their birth mothers did, I think they regretted their birth knowing what lay in store for them... and I think they hurt for them deeply. I do not think they celebrated. So when I bring pictures of my girls to show someone, I DO notice when that ooohing and aaahhhing ISN"T there! And it hurts, and it makes me SO ANGRY! I want to scream at them. I am SO PROUD of and SO OVERJOYED to welcome these beautiful little girls into life as my daughters!
I want the WHOLE world to celebrate their life, because NO ONE EVER HAS! I think Heaven cried the day they were born. I think God was so excited, so happy to have such perfect little girls representing His greatest gifts and His glory... and not one person on earth shared in His joy. I think He cried. And then He saved them for me [my family]!
16-17The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
You know, even GOD could not and would not contain His joy in sharing His precious Son with others! He wanted us to know just how pleased and overjoyed He was at seeing His son! He couldn't wait to say "HE IS MINE! AIN'T HE SOMETHING!" Being created in Gods image, I admit I can not contain it either!
If any of you want advice on how to relate to someone adopting... just think about being pregnant. It is the same thing, the same feelings, the same expectations, hopes, and dreams. Our children are not lacking, or unwanted, or just a way to serve God when the world is looking on.... THEY ARE OUR PRIDE AND JOY, they are our DELIGHT! All of them, equally and individually! Just staring ooohhhing and aaahhhing, you can't go wrong! :)
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