And to see why, watch my video I made! (it's kinda dorky and poor quality, but thats ok, right? :)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
"A woman's world"
Read this, written from a dad who as of today became the father of this boy who had been living in an institution for 4 years, and who didn't want to adopt:
A Woman's World
I have said it before: the world of special needs adoption is a woman’s world. If you don’t believe me, try reading some adoption blogs. Take just one cautious step into this marshy bog of sentiment, and suddenly you’ll find yourself thigh-deep in a muck of chatter about breast pumps, toddler fashions and the contents of dirty diapers. There isn’t a man alive who wouldn’t rather hang himself to death with his prison sheets than read these womanish adoption blogs.
On the other hand, these children need families, and that usually means two parents. How do we men come on board? I only know how I came on board:My wife talked me into it. I carefully weighed the options, then firmly and decisively led my family down the road toward adoption.
To explain, I have to relate a bit about how I feel about women: I love women. In my opinion, there isn’t a single woman on earth who doesn’t have at least some God-given beauty-- although a few hide theirs most effectively. And I especially love my wife. I find her endlessly fascinating. Every good thing I have in my life, I have because of her. Everything that matters to me matters more because of her. I love life only because of my love for her and my love for my children. No other earthly thing signifies-- no accomplishment, no amount of wealth, no pleasure or diversion. I knew God before I was married, but I understood God’s father heart (a little) only after I became a husband and a father.
When my wife became interested in special needs adoption around last Christmas, I resisted. The pictures and the stories on the many blogs she followed didn’t move me in the same way they moved her. I’ve always given liberally to church and charity, but I was very reluctant to bring a stranger into our home, our only refuge from work and the world. When I’m home, which is little enough, I want to rest. And I already had bookkeeping, editing and business chores chewing away my home time, plus my home schooling duties. Besides all of that, we both knew that we were in no financial shape to undertake a hideously expensive international adoption.
Yet only a few weeks after all of this came up, I found myself agreeing to pursue Aaron’s adoption. I told Julia that I would “follow her heart.” I said that after I realized that every good thing we’ve ever done has come from following her heart, her good woman’s heart. I couldn’t let myself be the fool who stood in her way and prevented her from doing what I was sure the Lord was leading her to do.
If the path of our lives together was left to me, I would do nothing but work. I would work for twelve hours every day, six days a week, thinking about little but work all the while, and go home exhausted. I would come to view my time off as unproductive, wasted time, and I would begin to work half days on Sundays, too. I’m already a long way down that path. My work is tiring, but satisfying. I don’t have the energy for much else.
My wife is different. Her heart is more like God’s heart. She is more in tune with the Holy Spirit. She naturally cares about the things God cares about. She loves what God loves, and hates what God hates. Where I overlook people and their needs, she cares for them and frets over them. Where I assume that people are beyond help, she finds ways to help. Our family leads a much more fruitful life when we follow her heart than when we follow mine. We lead a more Godly life, a life more pleasing to God, when we follow her heart. And we experience more of the love that God has to offer when we follow her heart.
I picture it in this way (I may be borrowing this illustration, I don’t remember): imagine that all of God’s people are swimmers in a broad, swift stream. The stream is God’s will, and it flows toward the accomplishment of God’s purposes. People like me tend to stay close to the banks, where the water doesn’t move too fast. We hang on to the edge to keep the raging will of God from pulling us faster than we have the courage to go. Sometimes we even try to swim upstream, against God’s will. People like my wife, on the other hand, are always pushing away from the banks, out into the center of the stream. They want to be where the action is, to see God moving in the world and move with Him. We’re all going downstream to the same place, because God’s will cannot be denied. But if we want to experience more of God, we have to move out into the center of the stream.
That’s how I see this adoption: we’ve pushed out nearer to the center of the stream of God’s will. With God’s help I followed my wife’s heart, I took a step in faith, because I wanted to experience more of what God has to offer. I was curious to see what God would do. And God has not disappointed me: He has aroused compassion in the hearts of hundreds of people who have helped to bring Aaron home. Through them, He has raised all of the money that we needed. He has saved a precious little boy from being Lost forever. He has moved the heart of our skeptical judge.
And before any of that, he chose the perfect little boy for us. This was the thing that worried me the most before we got here: who was this little boy? We committed to adopt Aaron based on one smiling photograph and a short description that turned out to be about 75% right. All of our efforts to learn more about him before we got here came to nearly nothing. I even doubted that we’d be able to find him when we got here, because there seemed to be so little information available on him. When we finally found him, though, it took us only a few minutes to discover that God had not steered us wrong. On the second day we knew him, we were already making plans for his care, plotting his life with us as if he were one of our own. Now that we’ve been with him for several weeks, we smile fondly at him and admire his features, just as we do with our own sons. We take pride in his little eccentricities. We couldn’t have wanted any other child this much. God made the perfect choice for us.
Yes, our adoption has been hard, harder than it had to be. Maybe that makes it even better in the end. No matter what happens from here on, I think I shall always consider Aaron’s adoption the best good deed of our lives.
A Woman's World
I have said it before: the world of special needs adoption is a woman’s world. If you don’t believe me, try reading some adoption blogs. Take just one cautious step into this marshy bog of sentiment, and suddenly you’ll find yourself thigh-deep in a muck of chatter about breast pumps, toddler fashions and the contents of dirty diapers. There isn’t a man alive who wouldn’t rather hang himself to death with his prison sheets than read these womanish adoption blogs.
On the other hand, these children need families, and that usually means two parents. How do we men come on board? I only know how I came on board:
To explain, I have to relate a bit about how I feel about women: I love women. In my opinion, there isn’t a single woman on earth who doesn’t have at least some God-given beauty-- although a few hide theirs most effectively. And I especially love my wife. I find her endlessly fascinating. Every good thing I have in my life, I have because of her. Everything that matters to me matters more because of her. I love life only because of my love for her and my love for my children. No other earthly thing signifies-- no accomplishment, no amount of wealth, no pleasure or diversion. I knew God before I was married, but I understood God’s father heart (a little) only after I became a husband and a father.
When my wife became interested in special needs adoption around last Christmas, I resisted. The pictures and the stories on the many blogs she followed didn’t move me in the same way they moved her. I’ve always given liberally to church and charity, but I was very reluctant to bring a stranger into our home, our only refuge from work and the world. When I’m home, which is little enough, I want to rest. And I already had bookkeeping, editing and business chores chewing away my home time, plus my home schooling duties. Besides all of that, we both knew that we were in no financial shape to undertake a hideously expensive international adoption.
Yet only a few weeks after all of this came up, I found myself agreeing to pursue Aaron’s adoption. I told Julia that I would “follow her heart.” I said that after I realized that every good thing we’ve ever done has come from following her heart, her good woman’s heart. I couldn’t let myself be the fool who stood in her way and prevented her from doing what I was sure the Lord was leading her to do.
If the path of our lives together was left to me, I would do nothing but work. I would work for twelve hours every day, six days a week, thinking about little but work all the while, and go home exhausted. I would come to view my time off as unproductive, wasted time, and I would begin to work half days on Sundays, too. I’m already a long way down that path. My work is tiring, but satisfying. I don’t have the energy for much else.
My wife is different. Her heart is more like God’s heart. She is more in tune with the Holy Spirit. She naturally cares about the things God cares about. She loves what God loves, and hates what God hates. Where I overlook people and their needs, she cares for them and frets over them. Where I assume that people are beyond help, she finds ways to help. Our family leads a much more fruitful life when we follow her heart than when we follow mine. We lead a more Godly life, a life more pleasing to God, when we follow her heart. And we experience more of the love that God has to offer when we follow her heart.
I picture it in this way (I may be borrowing this illustration, I don’t remember): imagine that all of God’s people are swimmers in a broad, swift stream. The stream is God’s will, and it flows toward the accomplishment of God’s purposes. People like me tend to stay close to the banks, where the water doesn’t move too fast. We hang on to the edge to keep the raging will of God from pulling us faster than we have the courage to go. Sometimes we even try to swim upstream, against God’s will. People like my wife, on the other hand, are always pushing away from the banks, out into the center of the stream. They want to be where the action is, to see God moving in the world and move with Him. We’re all going downstream to the same place, because God’s will cannot be denied. But if we want to experience more of God, we have to move out into the center of the stream.
That’s how I see this adoption: we’ve pushed out nearer to the center of the stream of God’s will. With God’s help I followed my wife’s heart, I took a step in faith, because I wanted to experience more of what God has to offer. I was curious to see what God would do. And God has not disappointed me: He has aroused compassion in the hearts of hundreds of people who have helped to bring Aaron home. Through them, He has raised all of the money that we needed. He has saved a precious little boy from being Lost forever. He has moved the heart of our skeptical judge.
And before any of that, he chose the perfect little boy for us. This was the thing that worried me the most before we got here: who was this little boy? We committed to adopt Aaron based on one smiling photograph and a short description that turned out to be about 75% right. All of our efforts to learn more about him before we got here came to nearly nothing. I even doubted that we’d be able to find him when we got here, because there seemed to be so little information available on him. When we finally found him, though, it took us only a few minutes to discover that God had not steered us wrong. On the second day we knew him, we were already making plans for his care, plotting his life with us as if he were one of our own. Now that we’ve been with him for several weeks, we smile fondly at him and admire his features, just as we do with our own sons. We take pride in his little eccentricities. We couldn’t have wanted any other child this much. God made the perfect choice for us.
Yes, our adoption has been hard, harder than it had to be. Maybe that makes it even better in the end. No matter what happens from here on, I think I shall always consider Aaron’s adoption the best good deed of our lives.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Come to our ART SHOW!
WHEN: THIS SUNDAY, 10-5
WHERE: PANNIKEN, ENCINITAS ON THE 101
WHY: YOU CAN BUY AWESOME, ORIGIONAL ART BY LOCAL ARTISTS AND EACH PENNY GOES TO JACOB'S ADOPTION FUND!
Hillary and I spent the day getting ready for our special event! All the girls will be helping day of, though!
Will you say a prayer for us? Will you pray that the event is successful, and that God multiplies our efforts and that we can earn alot of money for Jake's fund? THANKS!
-Amy
WHERE: PANNIKEN, ENCINITAS ON THE 101
WHY: YOU CAN BUY AWESOME, ORIGIONAL ART BY LOCAL ARTISTS AND EACH PENNY GOES TO JACOB'S ADOPTION FUND!
Hillary and I spent the day getting ready for our special event! All the girls will be helping day of, though!
Will you say a prayer for us? Will you pray that the event is successful, and that God multiplies our efforts and that we can earn alot of money for Jake's fund? THANKS!
-Amy
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Did you know?
In countries such as Ukraine and Russia, about 15% of children who age-out of orphanages commit suicide before the age of 18.
60% of the girls become prostitutes, and 70% of the boys become criminals.
Every 15 seconds a child in Africa becomes an orphan due to AIDS.
Did you know that you can help change these statistics?
These statistics are taken courtesy of the Home for Good Foundation www.hfgf.org
November 7, 2010, is Orphan Sunday. This is a time for you and your church to promote orphan care and adoption. If you would like for your church to celebrate this event and encourage others to care for the "least of these," go to orphansunday.org to learn what tools and resources are available.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
These are some lucky kids
I think it takes a brave person to adopt "older children" (Can you really be considered older if you aren't even 11 yet?) This awesome family just got back from the Ukraine after adopting two "older" children from there. What an amazing opportunity for these kids, to actually have parents, to actually be able to learn about God. Watch this short video of their adoption, the first scene of their meeting just gets me :,)
You can follow this family with their new additions along with some other adopted kids on Smiles and Trials.
Now, I feel like I need to explain myself. You might be thinking, Amy, why do you care so much about adoption? You haven't adopted, and you're pregnant with one of your own.
Yes, I know, and I never used to ever think about adoption in my life. That was until my very first trip to Romania. I will not be able to put into words here what I experienced for two reasons; first because it's hard for anyone who hasn't been there and seen the orphanages, and seen the many children locked in up in those rooms to really understand a short paragraph about how horrible it was. And second, it's wimpy but it's hard for me to let my heart even go there again. It is much easier for me not to think about it.
There were so many babies there, and after being the only one holding them day after day, you start to feel ownership of them, like they really are your babies because I was the only one who ever did hold them with love, and maybe ever. These babies are beautiful, and they don't cry. They just lay, stiff, staring at you.
While holding these beautiful children, I would just make a frantic mental list of people who would be able to take one of these children in and save their lives, and my list was long. I thought of my elderly neighbor, and how she would adore holding and loving one of these babies, I thought of almost everyone I knew, and I actually knew a lot of people in America would could take on of these children in and save their little lives, in fact, I could only think of a few who couldn't. But, people don't really adopt children. People don't really want an overseas baby, especially one who might be stiff in their little bodies from lack of being held. It might effect their good lives or be a hassle.
So, each day I would lay my babies down, and I would walk away, until the day came that I laid my babies down forever. Any progress they had made with me would be forever erased with months of staring at white ceilings and cribs slats.
I would have taken one. I would, at 18, taken Rebekah and smuggled her out. I often dreamt about foiling that stupid guard at the entrance. I would bring her home and raised her on my own, or found a family for her who would love her and her tiny pixie nose, long curvy lashes and dimples cheeks. That sweet girls who practiced smiling with me, and stretching, and falling asleep in loving arms.
I can't really think about her too often, because no one wants to be around a crying person.
Since Romania, I have been to many orphanages around the world and met some of the most amazing children who would light up the life of any family who would take them in, if they were only given a shot, but none orphanage so bad as Romania. Kenya's orphanage has less food, less clothing and more disease and dirt, but the children seems so much healthy emotionally. Nothing was like Romania.
So, God had to lay some scars on my heart to have me care about adoption. I literally celebrate when I see an adoption story, because I know what these children are being saved from.
Ok, now I'll go wipe my tears and end this post! I hope I explained myself at least a little.
You can follow this family with their new additions along with some other adopted kids on Smiles and Trials.
Now, I feel like I need to explain myself. You might be thinking, Amy, why do you care so much about adoption? You haven't adopted, and you're pregnant with one of your own.
Yes, I know, and I never used to ever think about adoption in my life. That was until my very first trip to Romania. I will not be able to put into words here what I experienced for two reasons; first because it's hard for anyone who hasn't been there and seen the orphanages, and seen the many children locked in up in those rooms to really understand a short paragraph about how horrible it was. And second, it's wimpy but it's hard for me to let my heart even go there again. It is much easier for me not to think about it.
There were so many babies there, and after being the only one holding them day after day, you start to feel ownership of them, like they really are your babies because I was the only one who ever did hold them with love, and maybe ever. These babies are beautiful, and they don't cry. They just lay, stiff, staring at you.
While holding these beautiful children, I would just make a frantic mental list of people who would be able to take one of these children in and save their lives, and my list was long. I thought of my elderly neighbor, and how she would adore holding and loving one of these babies, I thought of almost everyone I knew, and I actually knew a lot of people in America would could take on of these children in and save their little lives, in fact, I could only think of a few who couldn't. But, people don't really adopt children. People don't really want an overseas baby, especially one who might be stiff in their little bodies from lack of being held. It might effect their good lives or be a hassle.
So, each day I would lay my babies down, and I would walk away, until the day came that I laid my babies down forever. Any progress they had made with me would be forever erased with months of staring at white ceilings and cribs slats.
I would have taken one. I would, at 18, taken Rebekah and smuggled her out. I often dreamt about foiling that stupid guard at the entrance. I would bring her home and raised her on my own, or found a family for her who would love her and her tiny pixie nose, long curvy lashes and dimples cheeks. That sweet girls who practiced smiling with me, and stretching, and falling asleep in loving arms.
I can't really think about her too often, because no one wants to be around a crying person.
Since Romania, I have been to many orphanages around the world and met some of the most amazing children who would light up the life of any family who would take them in, if they were only given a shot, but none orphanage so bad as Romania. Kenya's orphanage has less food, less clothing and more disease and dirt, but the children seems so much healthy emotionally. Nothing was like Romania.
So, God had to lay some scars on my heart to have me care about adoption. I literally celebrate when I see an adoption story, because I know what these children are being saved from.
Ok, now I'll go wipe my tears and end this post! I hope I explained myself at least a little.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Yummy lunch
I've really been trying to be healthy recently. I feel hungry more times in the day than I ever used to, and I sometimes find myself filling up on not so healthy snacks. So, last week, I wanted to be very proactive about making a lunch that is absolutly healthy.
So, we have quinoa, tomatoes, bell pepper, black beans, onions and peas all sauteed together. I have been reading all sorts of health benefits of quinoa, and let me tell you...it was delicious! And I felt great afterwards, no guilt and lots of energy!
So, if you're ever in a lunch pinch, try it our. It's surprisingly delicious!
So, we have quinoa, tomatoes, bell pepper, black beans, onions and peas all sauteed together. I have been reading all sorts of health benefits of quinoa, and let me tell you...it was delicious! And I felt great afterwards, no guilt and lots of energy!
So, if you're ever in a lunch pinch, try it our. It's surprisingly delicious!
Friday, July 30, 2010
5 months pregnant in Mexico
Two weekends ago we went to Las Gaviotas in Mexico with some friends. They were nice enough to take a picture of Andrew and I at our official "half way point" of 20 weeks! Enjoy. (And no, we didn't plan our outfits.)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
My inner monoglogue coming to life...(only more eloquently)...
So, as you know, I read some of the blogs of the people who are diving into adopting special needs children through Reeces Rainbow. I think I love these blogs becuase these people who decide to do this aren't super special, super spiritual, and are very real with their fears and emotions prior to meeting this child they have chosen to come into their home. One in particular adopted a young, beautiful girl with a heart problem from Serbia last year, who a few months ago passed away due to complications. On her blog yesterday, I feel like she said everything I am trying to tell myself on a regular basis, and majorly challanged me......to say the least............
Lorraine Patterson
http://www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/
Make a Difference Monday
Posted: 26 Jul 2010 12:23 AM PDT
“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” ~Mother Teresa
I was going to stop with that powerful quote, but there's so much more I want to say.Basically, I'm tired. I'm not tired of the things you might think...not tired of dishes, laundry, kids...those are all blessings, and I never tire of blessings. I'm tired of people sitting back thinking that theyr'e waiting for some magical moment to step in and make a difference in the life of just 1 child.Waiting to sponsor that child until they get a larger paycheck.Waiting for our "own" kids to grow up and move out and then we might consider helping someone else's children.Waiting for our house to get cleaned up before we think about a home study.Waiting for more bedrooms before we can possibly add another child into our home.Waiting...Waiting...Waiting...While we wait for our lives to be perfect before we consider helping another child, guess what?There's someone else, a helpless child, who is waiting...waiting...waiting...for us to get our act together and decide that RIGHT NOW is the time to make a difference. Right now is the time to step up to the plate and say YES. Right now is the time to trust God with our lives, our homes, our finances, instead of relying upon self.Right now is the time to realize that as we wait for the right time, a child dies of starvation. A child dies of neglect. A child dies of malnutrition. A child is ignored. A child is abused. A child wishes for a clean cup of drinking water. A child is sold into sex slavery. A child aches for a mom and a dad. A child yearns for just one person to tell her that she's special. A child wastes away in a crib in an orphanage, waiting for someone to rescue him. All of this while we wait at a fast food restaurant, getting angry when it takes longer than 3 minutes to get our food. While we wait for our pocketbook to grow larger, wishing our waists would grow thinner, and hoping our gym memberships will get us in shape so that we'll be in a better position to help others.When will you decide that RIGHT NOW is the time to make a difference?"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." ~author unknownOne life matters! There are so many ways to help, to make a difference, to help orphans and live out James 1:27 (to care for orphans and widows in their distress).
Feed 1 child. (through a child feeding sponsorship)
Pray for 1 child. (that he/she would find a home and be kept safe until God unites them)
Foster 1 child. (it's free...you actually get paid to do this)
Adopt 1 child. (yes, adopting 1 child really does make a difference)
If you're ready to commit to making a difference RIGHT NOW, go register to attend the Together for Adoption 2010 Conference to find out how YOU can make a difference in the life of 1 child. Or more. :-) There are SO many ways for you to make a difference. Come find out how. CLICK HERE to register.
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
~Mother Teresa "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty". ~Mother Teresa "There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." ~Mother Teresa "The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread." ~Mother Teresa "The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved." ~Mother Teresa
Lorraine Patterson
http://www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/
Make a Difference Monday
Posted: 26 Jul 2010 12:23 AM PDT
“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” ~Mother Teresa
I was going to stop with that powerful quote, but there's so much more I want to say.Basically, I'm tired. I'm not tired of the things you might think...not tired of dishes, laundry, kids...those are all blessings, and I never tire of blessings. I'm tired of people sitting back thinking that theyr'e waiting for some magical moment to step in and make a difference in the life of just 1 child.Waiting to sponsor that child until they get a larger paycheck.Waiting for our "own" kids to grow up and move out and then we might consider helping someone else's children.Waiting for our house to get cleaned up before we think about a home study.Waiting for more bedrooms before we can possibly add another child into our home.Waiting...Waiting...Waiting...While we wait for our lives to be perfect before we consider helping another child, guess what?There's someone else, a helpless child, who is waiting...waiting...waiting...for us to get our act together and decide that RIGHT NOW is the time to make a difference. Right now is the time to step up to the plate and say YES. Right now is the time to trust God with our lives, our homes, our finances, instead of relying upon self.Right now is the time to realize that as we wait for the right time, a child dies of starvation. A child dies of neglect. A child dies of malnutrition. A child is ignored. A child is abused. A child wishes for a clean cup of drinking water. A child is sold into sex slavery. A child aches for a mom and a dad. A child yearns for just one person to tell her that she's special. A child wastes away in a crib in an orphanage, waiting for someone to rescue him. All of this while we wait at a fast food restaurant, getting angry when it takes longer than 3 minutes to get our food. While we wait for our pocketbook to grow larger, wishing our waists would grow thinner, and hoping our gym memberships will get us in shape so that we'll be in a better position to help others.When will you decide that RIGHT NOW is the time to make a difference?"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." ~author unknownOne life matters! There are so many ways to help, to make a difference, to help orphans and live out James 1:27 (to care for orphans and widows in their distress).
Feed 1 child. (through a child feeding sponsorship)
Pray for 1 child. (that he/she would find a home and be kept safe until God unites them)
Foster 1 child. (it's free...you actually get paid to do this)
Adopt 1 child. (yes, adopting 1 child really does make a difference)
If you're ready to commit to making a difference RIGHT NOW, go register to attend the Together for Adoption 2010 Conference to find out how YOU can make a difference in the life of 1 child. Or more. :-) There are SO many ways for you to make a difference. Come find out how. CLICK HERE to register.
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
~Mother Teresa "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty". ~Mother Teresa "There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." ~Mother Teresa "The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread." ~Mother Teresa "The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved." ~Mother Teresa
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Cutest girl ever
Ok, this is a short post, with just a link to a blog I have been following of a family who went to the Ukraine to adopt a little 7 year old girl named Bianca with HIV. When they got there (a few weeks ago), they found out she was unadoptable! So sad! But, they were able to get another referral of a little girl who was 2, almost 3. At first, the husband said no way! Too young! But, once they met her....
The only reason I am sharing this is because she is the cutest little girl I have ever seen! Scroll and look at this precious little face. "So sweet she can cause a sugar tooth ache" says her new mommy.
http://www.letitbetome.blogspot.com/
The only reason I am sharing this is because she is the cutest little girl I have ever seen! Scroll and look at this precious little face. "So sweet she can cause a sugar tooth ache" says her new mommy.
http://www.letitbetome.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Garage Sailin'!
On Satuday morning I went garage sailing wiht a hardcore garage sailer, and one not so hardcore garage sailer, who usually doesn't rise before 9:30. I think the 7am wakeup call was pretty rough for her :)
Oh well, too bad for her, becuase I found a couple cute trinckets for our little bundle, who as of this very day, has been brewing for 5 whole months! I'll post pics one of these day, but I definetly am feeling like I am showing now.
SO...here is the first little treasure I found on my hunt:
Little leather moccasins, straight from Minnetonka! Yep, I have been there, yep, I had my own pair of Minnetonka moccasins when I was a kid, although mine were pink with rhinestones ;)
These little brown ones cost just a dollar, and are supposed to be good for little feet.
Next is this cute little devotional bedtime bible. It cost fifties cents, but the women was adamant that it was for free because I had found a dollar on the ground and given it to her. It's really cute and interactive.
And last but not least, this cute and new baby einsteins book that teaches letters and art history all in one, umm...yes PERFECT! Ok, I'm kind of a dork, but I love it. I was subject to long hours of art history books with my grandmother, for which I am now thankful. Hopefully this will be fun and easy :)
I also thought I found the deal of the century when I found a hiking backpack, but it didn't recieve Andrew's seal of approval, so it's going on Craigslist this weekend. OHHHH WELLL....
Happy Garage Sailing!
Oh well, too bad for her, becuase I found a couple cute trinckets for our little bundle, who as of this very day, has been brewing for 5 whole months! I'll post pics one of these day, but I definetly am feeling like I am showing now.
SO...here is the first little treasure I found on my hunt:
Little leather moccasins, straight from Minnetonka! Yep, I have been there, yep, I had my own pair of Minnetonka moccasins when I was a kid, although mine were pink with rhinestones ;)
These little brown ones cost just a dollar, and are supposed to be good for little feet.
I also thought I found the deal of the century when I found a hiking backpack, but it didn't recieve Andrew's seal of approval, so it's going on Craigslist this weekend. OHHHH WELLL....
Happy Garage Sailing!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
It's a boy!
...and a little thumb sucker! We had our big sonogram the other night, and it went really well. We saw our boy in action doing all the crazy things he likes to do in there. At one point he got the hiccups, which was so cute to see his little chest rise and fall. He pull his arm over his face and put his fingers in his mouth, which is this picture right here:
She said that it was a really healthy sign that he was doing this already. Everything checked out, he's as healthy as can be! He was on the smaller scale for everything but that's compared to 20 week babies, and we went in at 18 (my doctors mistake!) She guessed our due date is Nov. 30th, but we need to have it confirmed with the doctor.
So, now it's onto nursery and names. We are keeping the yet to be decided name under wraps until the little on makes his appearance, just to keep things nice :)
I was so blessed last night to have my girls come over to get stuff I had ready for their big garage sale this morning for their missions trip to Ecuador! AHHH! I can't believe how much stuff I was able to get rid of, and how great my house feels now! I hope they make alot of money so they can go bless some orphans, I am so proud of them!
Well, have a great day! We will!
She said that it was a really healthy sign that he was doing this already. Everything checked out, he's as healthy as can be! He was on the smaller scale for everything but that's compared to 20 week babies, and we went in at 18 (my doctors mistake!) She guessed our due date is Nov. 30th, but we need to have it confirmed with the doctor.
So, now it's onto nursery and names. We are keeping the yet to be decided name under wraps until the little on makes his appearance, just to keep things nice :)
I was so blessed last night to have my girls come over to get stuff I had ready for their big garage sale this morning for their missions trip to Ecuador! AHHH! I can't believe how much stuff I was able to get rid of, and how great my house feels now! I hope they make alot of money so they can go bless some orphans, I am so proud of them!
Well, have a great day! We will!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Love this!
Reece's Rainbow is so awesome and literally helping families to save these little lives! This is their 4 year anniversary video, so good. You might see a little one you recognize! :)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
There is a family in the Ukraine right now adopting a little boy named Joseph with Down syndrome. While there, there was a little girl in a pink skirt who loved them so much. They decided to try to adopt her too while there. She has an unrepaired cleft palate and HIV and the sweetest heart. While pursuing this last minute adoption, Mrs. Urban started becoming overwhelmed with her special needs and all it took to adopt her. Her husband wrote her this:
Lk 10:30-35
Jesus answered by telling a story. There was once a child living in an
orphanage near Kiev. On her way into this world she was infected with a deadly
disease from her mother. She left her, not caring wether her daughter lived or
died. Care takers took her to the orphanage where they watched her for 5 years.
Luckily, the pastor was on his way down the same road, but when he saw the
little girl, he angled across to the other side, and avoided her, reasoning one
must use their God-given wisdom in these situations.
Then a local Christian man, showed up at the orphanage; he also avoided the
hurting little girl saying to himself, someone will eventually care for her. I
have 3 children now and they are all I can handle. I just can't take on another
responsibility. I cannot afford to send 4 kids to college.
Then, a man who saw God's heart traveled down the road, on purpose, and came
to her orphanage to visit the beautiful young girl. When he saw the little
girl's condition, his heart went out to her with overwhelming compassion and
love.
He gave her medical attention, and special medicine to help her get better.
Then he lifted her into his arms and led her through the court system of her
country, all along helping her feel loved, wanted, special and valued.
Then one morning he took out money and a large stack of papers and gave them
to a judge, saying, Take good care of her for 10 days. I will be back and
take her to my home to live with me and my family for the rest of her life.
Please allow her to become my beautiful daughter. We will love her. We will care
for her. We will be her forever family.
Lk 10:30-35
Jesus answered by telling a story. There was once a child living in an
orphanage near Kiev. On her way into this world she was infected with a deadly
disease from her mother. She left her, not caring wether her daughter lived or
died. Care takers took her to the orphanage where they watched her for 5 years.
Luckily, the pastor was on his way down the same road, but when he saw the
little girl, he angled across to the other side, and avoided her, reasoning one
must use their God-given wisdom in these situations.
Then a local Christian man, showed up at the orphanage; he also avoided the
hurting little girl saying to himself, someone will eventually care for her. I
have 3 children now and they are all I can handle. I just can't take on another
responsibility. I cannot afford to send 4 kids to college.
Then, a man who saw God's heart traveled down the road, on purpose, and came
to her orphanage to visit the beautiful young girl. When he saw the little
girl's condition, his heart went out to her with overwhelming compassion and
love.
He gave her medical attention, and special medicine to help her get better.
Then he lifted her into his arms and led her through the court system of her
country, all along helping her feel loved, wanted, special and valued.
Then one morning he took out money and a large stack of papers and gave them
to a judge, saying, Take good care of her for 10 days. I will be back and
take her to my home to live with me and my family for the rest of her life.
Please allow her to become my beautiful daughter. We will love her. We will care
for her. We will be her forever family.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
4 month pregnant?
I guess I don't usually feel pregnant. Last night I hung out with 2 pregnant friends with their round bellies, and felt like mine is still needing to come out into the light!
Yesterday, Andrew took a picture of my four month belly just to show that there may just be a baby in there.
I feel like I am trying to look pregnant, haha! My day will come, I'm sure.
Yesterday, Andrew took a picture of my four month belly just to show that there may just be a baby in there.
I feel like I am trying to look pregnant, haha! My day will come, I'm sure.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Burdened...
I don't know if it's the pregnancy hormones, or what, but I have recently been finding myself overwhemingly burdened for little Jacob. I have been having dreams of trying to find him in Bulgaria, walking up in the mornings thinking about him, pleading with God to find him a family, then not being able to go back to sleep. It pains me to think of him lying alone in an awful crib all day.
Today I asked God to take the burden from me, but then retracted that prayer. Should I be less burdened? Should I continue my life happy and ignorant to the fact that this little one never even sees sunshine, or feels a loving embrace? Is that what I want? Selfishly, yes, sometimes, but I know it's not right. It's ok to be burdened, to want something better for someone I have never met. I know God care deeply for His children, that He is ANGRY when they are mistreated, and that those who reach out to help these children are greatly rewarded here on earth and in Heaven.
Here are two families and children who have recently given me hope (and actually more burden) for Jacob. The first is a family who recently adopted a little girl with almost the same situation as Jacob; Almost 5, kept in a crib all day every day, fed only bottles, 14lbs, and she was heavily medicated to keep her sleeping and silent at all times with a medication that was toxic. This family has had her home for about 6 weeks, and I can see the rapid change and growth in her:
In a matter of weeks, this little girl, so similar to Jacob in their inhumane treatment when from this:
To this:
I don't know if this little girl had ever smiled before, ever felt happiness before. Read about this amazing, and current transformations here: www.nogreaterjoymom.com
The other family adopted a little boy named Andrew from Bulgaria of all places who is blind, and kept in his crib his entire life for 5+ years. His adoptive parents even saw some abuse towards him while visiting. When they first got him, he was so weak, he couldn't even lift his head and ate from a bottle. He is now walking. Watch this video of their first night with him: http://blessedbyachild.blogspot.com/2010/06/watch-this-video-of-andrew-first-nite.html
So, yes, these stories bless me. They give me hope for Jacob and his potential. But they also frighten me to know that there is so much of a chance that this potential could be lost. That he will remain in that godawful crib for the rest of his, what will be, short life and never swing, smile, walk or be rocked to sleep.
So now what? I don't know. I really don't. Our art fundraiser got pushed back until August, the month before his 5th birthday. Please pray for him, donate, or suggest to me a great idea that could help him. Think about taking him into your home, or suggest it to some momma you know.
Today I asked God to take the burden from me, but then retracted that prayer. Should I be less burdened? Should I continue my life happy and ignorant to the fact that this little one never even sees sunshine, or feels a loving embrace? Is that what I want? Selfishly, yes, sometimes, but I know it's not right. It's ok to be burdened, to want something better for someone I have never met. I know God care deeply for His children, that He is ANGRY when they are mistreated, and that those who reach out to help these children are greatly rewarded here on earth and in Heaven.
Here are two families and children who have recently given me hope (and actually more burden) for Jacob. The first is a family who recently adopted a little girl with almost the same situation as Jacob; Almost 5, kept in a crib all day every day, fed only bottles, 14lbs, and she was heavily medicated to keep her sleeping and silent at all times with a medication that was toxic. This family has had her home for about 6 weeks, and I can see the rapid change and growth in her:
In a matter of weeks, this little girl, so similar to Jacob in their inhumane treatment when from this:
To this:
I don't know if this little girl had ever smiled before, ever felt happiness before. Read about this amazing, and current transformations here: www.nogreaterjoymom.com
The other family adopted a little boy named Andrew from Bulgaria of all places who is blind, and kept in his crib his entire life for 5+ years. His adoptive parents even saw some abuse towards him while visiting. When they first got him, he was so weak, he couldn't even lift his head and ate from a bottle. He is now walking. Watch this video of their first night with him: http://blessedbyachild.blogspot.com/2010/06/watch-this-video-of-andrew-first-nite.html
So, yes, these stories bless me. They give me hope for Jacob and his potential. But they also frighten me to know that there is so much of a chance that this potential could be lost. That he will remain in that godawful crib for the rest of his, what will be, short life and never swing, smile, walk or be rocked to sleep.
So now what? I don't know. I really don't. Our art fundraiser got pushed back until August, the month before his 5th birthday. Please pray for him, donate, or suggest to me a great idea that could help him. Think about taking him into your home, or suggest it to some momma you know.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The cutest cake!
How badly do I need to make this cake!?
I also love the dotted table cloth it is on :)
Perhaps I should make it for a sweet girl named Hilary who is returning from a missions trip to Fiji today! I am just so proud of that awesome girl!
The first day of bible study she proudly announced, "I don't believe really in the bible!" "That's alright," we said. "We are happy you are here and you can believe anything you want!"
Well, now look at this angel serving the Lord with her whole heart the mothers and children in need across the globe in Fiji! God is so good and changes hearts with his love and truth!
p.s. She LOVES owls, so on her first bible study back, I think this cake will be a great celebration! So proud of you Hil!
I also love the dotted table cloth it is on :)
Perhaps I should make it for a sweet girl named Hilary who is returning from a missions trip to Fiji today! I am just so proud of that awesome girl!
The first day of bible study she proudly announced, "I don't believe really in the bible!" "That's alright," we said. "We are happy you are here and you can believe anything you want!"
Well, now look at this angel serving the Lord with her whole heart the mothers and children in need across the globe in Fiji! God is so good and changes hearts with his love and truth!
(She the cute blond one holding the child.)
p.s. She LOVES owls, so on her first bible study back, I think this cake will be a great celebration! So proud of you Hil!
Monday, May 31, 2010
A poem about children with Ds
My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace
-Connor, waiting for his family
-Victoria, waiting for her family
-Trenton, waiting for his family too
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace
-Victoria, waiting for her family
-Trenton, waiting for his family too
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Updated medical info on Jacob :(
Oh my goodness, this description just makes me want to cry. He is being treated so unfairly, but you can see that he wants to be learning and active. This boy needs a mommy quick to rescue him. 14 pounds!?!?!? For an almost 5 year old, that is just pitiful, just wrong. Poor baby.
Oh my, he just needs a little love. A little stimulation. Maybe to be put in a walker, or jolly jumper to get his legs stronger. A family would change his life. Please spread the word of this boy.
Boy, DOB: September 10, 2005
Main diagnosis: Down syndrome
lagging behind in physical and mental development
Main diagnosis: Down syndrome
lagging behind in physical and mental development
He has already been transferred to a mental institution
Jacob is over 4 years old and weighs just 14 pounds. He is still very much a baby, even though he’s already been transferred to an institution. He lives in an environment with children that are completely cared for by staff and does not have opportunities outside of the institution.
His motor skills are significantly delayed. He can sit up unassisted, but does not crawl or walk. His report says that most of his time is spent lying in a bed. He shows interest in his environment and in toys and other objects. He recognizes his name and responds to it. His speech is significantly delayed but he is beginning to make sounds. He eats from a bottle and does attempt to hold the bottle by himself.
His motor skills are significantly delayed. He can sit up unassisted, but does not crawl or walk. His report says that most of his time is spent lying in a bed. He shows interest in his environment and in toys and other objects. He recognizes his name and responds to it. His speech is significantly delayed but he is beginning to make sounds. He eats from a bottle and does attempt to hold the bottle by himself.
SINGLE MOMS, OLDER PARENTS, & LARGE FAMILIES WELCOME, EASY TRAVEL
Oh my, he just needs a little love. A little stimulation. Maybe to be put in a walker, or jolly jumper to get his legs stronger. A family would change his life. Please spread the word of this boy.
Today, my husband tore up my to do list, and put me on bed rest. I am sick, and have been much longer than I ever have been. I have a cold, a frightful cough, and the flu :( To make matters worse, my doctor has canceled on me twice, this week and last week, so I have been have these nightmares the past two nights of sonograms with crying, sick babies, etc.
My cat lucy is so sweet. All she wants to do it cuddle. Piper on the other hand... all she wants to do it demand. Yesterday I had a sardine samwhich (seriously) for lunch, and she cried her eyes out the entire time. Haha, I gave her the juice.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Austin Blogging
We're in Austin, and we love it. The food, the people, the things to do, the open spaces. I'm not gonna lie, we are so happy being here.
"I've never been happier since I moved to Austin," said out super cute, shy waiter who was about 19, then drew us a map to his favorite local spot.
Ok, so first today we went to Ladybird park. It was nice. A bunch of joggers runnin around it. Lots of fish ready to be caught.
Families on bikes, couples with picnics. You get the idea.
SO then we were off to Clarksville, on the way, I saw this:
hmmm, looks like things are doing better than back in Cali.
"I've never been happier since I moved to Austin," said out super cute, shy waiter who was about 19, then drew us a map to his favorite local spot.
Ok, so first today we went to Ladybird park. It was nice. A bunch of joggers runnin around it. Lots of fish ready to be caught.
SO then we were off to Clarksville, on the way, I saw this:
The food here has been incredible. For lunch today we ate at Sago, some modern Mexican place. I'm telling ya, delish. Last night we has more mexican outside in a field with large shade trees strung up with twinkle lights. It was pretty idealic. Good amount of people out too, but never crowded. The weather is warm enough at night to eat outside in shorts and a shirt.
After lunch we went to a street called "South Congress" where we stopped at some cafe's, pet some rescue animals and poked around. It was awesome.
Here are some SoCo memories:
Mmm, my Texas Tea from this place:
It's called:
There are alot of activists in Austin, including for animals. They had the cutest dogs and puppies being rescued. This was Paris, she loved me and was going to be killed this morning, but these guys rescued her. Cute in a bandana!
There is an awesome used clothing store here with a pair of boots Andrew has his eye on. We might swing by tomorrow and pick 'em up. Texas boots, can't beat em.
This was a delicious smelling open air market. Pass the bbq sauce. You can kinda see me in this next shot.
we love austin
This guys was awesome!
Imagine when you're looking at this that you're smelling the best BBQ ever, and listening to live musica by the guy in orange shorts.
A belly shot, proving it's true
Oh my! Perfect!
Can't be Texas without some open spaces, right? A whole lot of land out here, it's wonderful.
Tonight we're getting some real Texas BBQ, seeing Mason Jennings play on 5th, and touring downtown. Tomorrow we're going swimming at the green belt, and maybe jumping off some big rocks while we're at it.
Hope you liked the pictures as much as I liked taking them!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My heart is SO happy!
This is totally not just for dads, because it spoke to my heart too!
Speaking of hearts, mine is just BURSTING RIGHT NOW!
SUCH GOOD NEWS!
Sweet, beautiful Cordelia was committed to today! Cordelia was first placed on my heart by my friend Kate who began fund-raising for her. She is SO beautiful and now doesn't have to live life without a family!
She is just so sweet, be still my heart!
Another reason my heart is bursting, is becuase GOD IS GOOD, and let me tell you why (preach it girl)
Ok, so my high school girls and I made the cutest little prayer cards for Jacob.
Ok, so these might be hard to read from here, but they say:
1. Pray that a family commits to him soon.
2. Pray for his growth and development in the institution.
3. That he is shown love by his caretakers
4. That he knows Gods presence
5. That our group can raise enough money for him.
We passed them out last week, and have been praying for him daily. Fast forward 3 days from Wednesday, to Saturday. Saturday, my friend Jessica and I had planned a garage sale to raise money for her missions trip to Fiji. That same week, she received in the mail MORE than enough money to fund her trip. Praise the Lord, right, well, He's not done. Remember, six lovely young high school girls have been praying daily for Jacob for a couple days now.
"Why don't we STILL have the garage sale, but donate all the money to Jacob??"says Jessica, the night before.
WOW! I think, until Saturday morning...
when we realize we really don't have that much stuff to sell. She has a couple bags, I have two bags, and our first customers leave rolling their eyes at the waste of time.
Bummer.
I decide to go upstairs to Jessica's mom's room. Hoarder? Um, perhaps.
We slowly start to go through the items in her large room. (Which is devine intervention in it's self, have you seen the show, "Hoarders"? These people and there stuff don't usually part without screaming and crying, which only happened once during this garage sale) I find my self taking armfulls of item down to the sale, over and over again.
Nice stuff.
25 pairs of new shoes. 25 pairs of new jeans. 15 new purses. I mean, there was about fifty trips of NICE stuff. Jessica is wheeling and dealing below. She gives a fair price and sticks to it--she won't be taken advantage of. We are making money, alot of it.
The stale muffins we were selling from the Panniken sell like HOT CAKES. Ever last hard croissant and corn muffin. The people were delighted.
At noon, Jessica's mom's room has NEVER looked better, you can actually WALK in her closet. We count the total......
$430 FOR JACOB! NO JOKE! Has a random, almost unplanned garage sale ever made that much in history? The story of that boy with loaves and fishes come to mind. So.... strange? You know what I mean. Thank you God.
Wait--
Debbie's friend comes over and says if we sell his dirt bike for $400, we can have 300 for Jacob. We sold it. $300 more dollars for Jake. Now God's just showing off, and we LOVE it! :)
HURRAY!!! HURRAY!!!
Please keep praying for him, especially that a family commits to him soon! Oh buddy....
Speaking of hearts, mine is just BURSTING RIGHT NOW!
SUCH GOOD NEWS!
Sweet, beautiful Cordelia was committed to today! Cordelia was first placed on my heart by my friend Kate who began fund-raising for her. She is SO beautiful and now doesn't have to live life without a family!
Another reason my heart is bursting, is becuase GOD IS GOOD, and let me tell you why (preach it girl)
Ok, so my high school girls and I made the cutest little prayer cards for Jacob.
Ok, so these might be hard to read from here, but they say:
1. Pray that a family commits to him soon.
2. Pray for his growth and development in the institution.
3. That he is shown love by his caretakers
4. That he knows Gods presence
5. That our group can raise enough money for him.
We passed them out last week, and have been praying for him daily. Fast forward 3 days from Wednesday, to Saturday. Saturday, my friend Jessica and I had planned a garage sale to raise money for her missions trip to Fiji. That same week, she received in the mail MORE than enough money to fund her trip. Praise the Lord, right, well, He's not done. Remember, six lovely young high school girls have been praying daily for Jacob for a couple days now.
"Why don't we STILL have the garage sale, but donate all the money to Jacob??"says Jessica, the night before.
WOW! I think, until Saturday morning...
when we realize we really don't have that much stuff to sell. She has a couple bags, I have two bags, and our first customers leave rolling their eyes at the waste of time.
Bummer.
I decide to go upstairs to Jessica's mom's room. Hoarder? Um, perhaps.
We slowly start to go through the items in her large room. (Which is devine intervention in it's self, have you seen the show, "Hoarders"? These people and there stuff don't usually part without screaming and crying, which only happened once during this garage sale) I find my self taking armfulls of item down to the sale, over and over again.
Nice stuff.
25 pairs of new shoes. 25 pairs of new jeans. 15 new purses. I mean, there was about fifty trips of NICE stuff. Jessica is wheeling and dealing below. She gives a fair price and sticks to it--she won't be taken advantage of. We are making money, alot of it.
The stale muffins we were selling from the Panniken sell like HOT CAKES. Ever last hard croissant and corn muffin. The people were delighted.
At noon, Jessica's mom's room has NEVER looked better, you can actually WALK in her closet. We count the total......
$430 FOR JACOB! NO JOKE! Has a random, almost unplanned garage sale ever made that much in history? The story of that boy with loaves and fishes come to mind. So.... strange? You know what I mean. Thank you God.
Wait--
Debbie's friend comes over and says if we sell his dirt bike for $400, we can have 300 for Jacob. We sold it. $300 more dollars for Jake. Now God's just showing off, and we LOVE it! :)
HURRAY!!! HURRAY!!!
Please keep praying for him, especially that a family commits to him soon! Oh buddy....
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