A life of love
Everyone should have a Great Pyrenees
Showing posts with label adoption fundraising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption fundraising. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Ordinary Hero!!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Update and funnies!
Hi all!
I am sitting here, waiting for my dress pants to finish drying in the dryer, still in a bathrobe, thank you very much! Sigh. It is so humid that things are really having a hard time drying. But, that means that I have a few minutes where my choices are either to clean something, or give an update! It is only 7:15AM and I am opting for updating!!! It seems like lately we have been so busy with so many good things, that I just haven't had a chance until I am too tired to put a coherent thought together!
Tonight is opening night for Phantom of the Opera at St. Norbert's College - it is going to be amazing and I am so looking forward to it - especially because my favorite guy has a part in it! Steve is playing one of the new owners of the theater, Andre, and has a challenging part. That means that we really haven't seen him much for the last two months, and while I encouraged (read in here, really really bugged) him to do it, it has been a long stretch in our busiest season. We are all missing each other and ready for regular life. But in the meantime, there is a great ten shows to come!!!! I am so proud of him, and know that he has worked so hard and will be fabulous!!! Tonight we have nine tickets for opening night, so the kids and I get to go!!!! I am so excited! And in about two weeks, we will have him home in the evenings again!!!
Alex and Zeri leave this weekend for a mission trip to Joplin, MO (where the devastating tornadoes were). I am so proud of them, grateful that they got sponsors so they can go and help. They are both really hard workers and I know will be a great benefit to the team and the community there. We have really emphasized service in our family and outreach, but this is an opportunity on a whole different level, and I am sure it will impact them significantly. I suspect that my young men will return to us somewhat matured and molded by this experience.
Then Faith and Solomon have Bible camp next week too! They have worked and saved their money and are ready to go. How it all fell on the same week, I am still surprised by! They are very excited and looking forward to it.
So, it will be me and four kids next week! The shock on our faces when we realized that was hilarious! It will be a great chance for us all to have some special time together, and we are looking forward to it, though I am sure it will be odd to say the least!
On the adoption front: the homestudy is completed and in hand. We have to send in our immigration paperwork - and a check of course - sigh. At this point it is an impossibility I believe for us to get a court date before court closure - August 15th. That means that hopefully we will get one in early October. That places us bringing our girls home around Christmas or so. It is always unpredictable and anything can happen, but that is sort of the timeline now. I am going to be swamped this weekend with grant applications and our annual reports on the five kids already here! Paperwork, paperwork! I am doing everything possible to get all the needed funds, though I heartily admit that having our tax return would take care of everything! However, like most adoptive parents, we are still waiting on that, with absolutely no idea when or if we will actually get it.
So, we are doing the only things we know how to do to provide - I was blessed to be able pick up some extra hours at work, and some temp hours so I am doing that. We made a plan as a family on how to handle this so we can get it all done. It isn't ideal, I would much rather be home, but it is working, and the kids are great. We are selling whatever we can, including my precious spinning wheel, in order to fund this. My plan is to pay off everything we can, stockpile whatever we can, just do whatever can be done! If anyone in Green Bay or Denmark or Kewaunee would like to host a rummage sale, we would love to do one - just living as rurally as we do, it doesn't make any sense to do it here. But we have lots and could even consider taking donations, I just need a place to do it. God is good, has met us along the road, though it hasn't often been easy, it has continued to move. He has a plan and a purpose and all is to be done in His timing.
We still have puzzle pieces available - I will do an update on that shortly!
Take care and God bless!!! Enjoy the rest of the summer! It is hot and humid here, but we will take it compared to what we know will come in the winter! Well, the dryer is done, and I am off to work! Love to all!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I am sitting here, waiting for my dress pants to finish drying in the dryer, still in a bathrobe, thank you very much! Sigh. It is so humid that things are really having a hard time drying. But, that means that I have a few minutes where my choices are either to clean something, or give an update! It is only 7:15AM and I am opting for updating!!! It seems like lately we have been so busy with so many good things, that I just haven't had a chance until I am too tired to put a coherent thought together!
Tonight is opening night for Phantom of the Opera at St. Norbert's College - it is going to be amazing and I am so looking forward to it - especially because my favorite guy has a part in it! Steve is playing one of the new owners of the theater, Andre, and has a challenging part. That means that we really haven't seen him much for the last two months, and while I encouraged (read in here, really really bugged) him to do it, it has been a long stretch in our busiest season. We are all missing each other and ready for regular life. But in the meantime, there is a great ten shows to come!!!! I am so proud of him, and know that he has worked so hard and will be fabulous!!! Tonight we have nine tickets for opening night, so the kids and I get to go!!!! I am so excited! And in about two weeks, we will have him home in the evenings again!!!
Alex and Zeri leave this weekend for a mission trip to Joplin, MO (where the devastating tornadoes were). I am so proud of them, grateful that they got sponsors so they can go and help. They are both really hard workers and I know will be a great benefit to the team and the community there. We have really emphasized service in our family and outreach, but this is an opportunity on a whole different level, and I am sure it will impact them significantly. I suspect that my young men will return to us somewhat matured and molded by this experience.
Then Faith and Solomon have Bible camp next week too! They have worked and saved their money and are ready to go. How it all fell on the same week, I am still surprised by! They are very excited and looking forward to it.
So, it will be me and four kids next week! The shock on our faces when we realized that was hilarious! It will be a great chance for us all to have some special time together, and we are looking forward to it, though I am sure it will be odd to say the least!
On the adoption front: the homestudy is completed and in hand. We have to send in our immigration paperwork - and a check of course - sigh. At this point it is an impossibility I believe for us to get a court date before court closure - August 15th. That means that hopefully we will get one in early October. That places us bringing our girls home around Christmas or so. It is always unpredictable and anything can happen, but that is sort of the timeline now. I am going to be swamped this weekend with grant applications and our annual reports on the five kids already here! Paperwork, paperwork! I am doing everything possible to get all the needed funds, though I heartily admit that having our tax return would take care of everything! However, like most adoptive parents, we are still waiting on that, with absolutely no idea when or if we will actually get it.
So, we are doing the only things we know how to do to provide - I was blessed to be able pick up some extra hours at work, and some temp hours so I am doing that. We made a plan as a family on how to handle this so we can get it all done. It isn't ideal, I would much rather be home, but it is working, and the kids are great. We are selling whatever we can, including my precious spinning wheel, in order to fund this. My plan is to pay off everything we can, stockpile whatever we can, just do whatever can be done! If anyone in Green Bay or Denmark or Kewaunee would like to host a rummage sale, we would love to do one - just living as rurally as we do, it doesn't make any sense to do it here. But we have lots and could even consider taking donations, I just need a place to do it. God is good, has met us along the road, though it hasn't often been easy, it has continued to move. He has a plan and a purpose and all is to be done in His timing.
We still have puzzle pieces available - I will do an update on that shortly!
Take care and God bless!!! Enjoy the rest of the summer! It is hot and humid here, but we will take it compared to what we know will come in the winter! Well, the dryer is done, and I am off to work! Love to all!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, June 3, 2011
Good eats, spring on the farm, adoption news!
Hi all!
Spring is finally here! Today is our first bout of rain in a few days after many previous days of being soaked. So, I can post something without feeling like I have to run off, though of course, I probably do!
We have been making lots of tortillas lately and experimenting a lot. We found a soft and chewy recipe that we have decided is the best, though we haven't quite worked out the quantity we need to make to feed everyone and still have some leftovers. That is a typical kind of thing we run into raising eight hungry kids - I love to have leftovers for fast snacks, future meals and to send with hubby to work. But, we have decided that there is very little that is better than fresh warm tortillas! The boys had gone charter fishing on Lake Michigan last fall, and we had frozen some smoked fish from that trip. We thawed it out and had tortillas with smoked fish - yum!!!! Nothing fancy, nice and simple, but great as everyone has been loving being outside and by the time we finish farm projects and chores, and gather the kids back in the house from the yard/trampoline/pastures/basketball hoop, a quick, easy meal is the best! If you look in previous posts, I linked to Chickens in the Road where Susan has the recipes we have been using. Like I said, we have decided that we like the soft and chewy ones best, but we have tried several of the offerings. It is fairly easy, and if the kids get involved in rolling them out and cooking them, it becomes a great family activity!
We are enjoying spring - and the reality that farm work - even on our small hobby farm, brings lots of work. Today we are hauling a few loads of hay - while I have helpers and a stretch of time to get it done. Amazingly, our horses and goats, and the sheep, like to eat. Huh, who'd a thunk it? Hee, hee! My garden is getting a slow start due to the weather, and the weeds have taken over, so I am going at it chunk at a time. I have lettuce in, raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb (that is cheating since it comes up on its own!), and even a few flowers. Today and tomorrow I am hoping to get carrots in and maybe trade some eggs for some tomato plants! (Hint, hint, Laurie at
But the other part of our weekend is that we are really going to push it on getting the bedroom remodeling done, at least as much as we can this weekend. We are coming down to the wire, almost done with the adoption appointments and then our social worker needs to come out and take a look at the new room, just to verify with her own eyes. We are doing it according to their recommendations, so I have no worries, but it is part of the protocol. Then our homestudy paperwork is DONE and we can apply to immigration!!!! We will have to go to Milwaukee to get fingerprinted by homeland security for that step. We need to have that clearance sent to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to the embassy there in time for court. We don't have a date yet of course, so we don't have any idea when we will be traveling for that process. Then we will be home for about two to three months before our return trip to bring the girls home. I have our dossier paperwork ready to go, just need the fees to send with that - so if you want to be part of our puzzle piece fundraiser (see previous posts) or to purchase candles, or to just chip in, please feel free to do so, or simply lend prayers! Our chip in button isn't showing all the progress, somehow, I haven't figured that out - as I cannot add in funds we have gotten/earned through other means to reflect how close we are getting. According to what I can see, we are about not quite halfway to our goal. Once we have the homestudy paperwork, we can apply for grants so that also may help. And it looks like we might be able to be part of Reece's Rainbow to help with bringing our girls home. And anyone local - we will shortly have Seroogy's Chocolates for sale!!!!!
We have been big on getting lots of complicated things out of the way so we will have less to focus on when the little ones get home. Two boys in drivers ed - means I likely will have drivers to help with some of the running. Crazy scheduling right now, but will be one less thing to have to do when we have toddlers again. Getting kids launched in internships, and part time jobs, all that. It is great, and will really simplify life in the near future. In the meantime, zaniness! Hee, hee! It is hard to believe that our two oldest are both sixteen! Time is short! Lots to pour into them! Getting new goat housing for our bucks up, new pasture fencing to be done yet this summer, all the usual farm stuff! But the more done now, the less we have to do later! I am so ready to hunker down with our little ones and our crew! So, we do lots now so we don't have tons to do when they are home! I remember how fast all that time goes when the kids are little (and big!) and I want to be sure to live in every minute with them.
And so, with that, off to move horses to the newer pasture (not quite secure so they can only be there when we can keep an eye on them), and try to repair the stupid washing machine, before I run boys to internship and start the hay runs! I love summer!!!! My pants keep getting bigger! Farm work is better than a gym membership!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, May 23, 2011
Progress continues!!! And so does spring!!!!!
Hi all!
Just got an update from our international agency, and we were told that other than a few small tweaks, our dossier is just about ready to go to Ethiopia this Friday - if I can get it all done by then! I will be working on that rapidly!!!!!
This is much sooner than we had been fearing, so we are hopeful again to see things actively moving forward!!! We are so anxious to get our girls home! Scared and thrilled and all of that! Totally thrilled overall! Anyway, if you know of anyone who would like Vine Candles, Seroogy chocolates or puzzle pieces (see puzzle piece post about that!) please let me know! And we have farm fresh eggs!!!! The dossier fee is $1000 and we have part of that set away, and we will sit down tonight with payroll and bills and see if we can squeeze the rest out. This came faster than we had thought - thankfully! What a great problem to have! We could have our dossier in Ethiopia before the end of MAY!!!!! Praising God!!!! Don't know what that might mean for a court date, that is very up in the air, but each step gets us closer!
And it is spring on the farm - baby animals - soccer - gardening - training horses, we generally have lots to keep us busy! The older boys are working at an internship at a auto mechanics/body shop. They will get three high school credits for the automotive portion by the time they are done! And they are loving it! A great experience for them overall! So, things are busy as always. I am trying to get lots of outside work done when the weather is good and lots of inside when it isn't. And when it is I set my timer so I do stints of inside work before I beat it to the outside!!!! And schooling outside!!!! Lots of science going on, in the real world work, but also it is just more fun to read and work outside - if the winds allow!
I will figure out how to get new photos off the camera and onto my blog! I can only find old ones stored on the computer right now!!! Grrrr.....
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Just got an update from our international agency, and we were told that other than a few small tweaks, our dossier is just about ready to go to Ethiopia this Friday - if I can get it all done by then! I will be working on that rapidly!!!!!
This is much sooner than we had been fearing, so we are hopeful again to see things actively moving forward!!! We are so anxious to get our girls home! Scared and thrilled and all of that! Totally thrilled overall! Anyway, if you know of anyone who would like Vine Candles, Seroogy chocolates or puzzle pieces (see puzzle piece post about that!) please let me know! And we have farm fresh eggs!!!! The dossier fee is $1000 and we have part of that set away, and we will sit down tonight with payroll and bills and see if we can squeeze the rest out. This came faster than we had thought - thankfully! What a great problem to have! We could have our dossier in Ethiopia before the end of MAY!!!!! Praising God!!!! Don't know what that might mean for a court date, that is very up in the air, but each step gets us closer!
And it is spring on the farm - baby animals - soccer - gardening - training horses, we generally have lots to keep us busy! The older boys are working at an internship at a auto mechanics/body shop. They will get three high school credits for the automotive portion by the time they are done! And they are loving it! A great experience for them overall! So, things are busy as always. I am trying to get lots of outside work done when the weather is good and lots of inside when it isn't. And when it is I set my timer so I do stints of inside work before I beat it to the outside!!!! And schooling outside!!!! Lots of science going on, in the real world work, but also it is just more fun to read and work outside - if the winds allow!
I will figure out how to get new photos off the camera and onto my blog! I can only find old ones stored on the computer right now!!! Grrrr.....
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, April 29, 2011
Be a part of the puzzle for two little girls!!!
With the rising costs of gas, and the delay in getting our tax refund, we are facing a shortfall of what is needed to complete our homestudy fees! I am working extra hours, but pay periods just don't come fast enough, plus there are eight kids and a small farm to run, so that is limited to keep our sanity and everyone intact!
So, if you were looking for a way to be involved, here goes:
I have a gorgeous farm puzzle, with children playing, that has 1000 pieces. For the purchase of one piece, we are asking a donation of $2, your name will be put on the back of the piece. The construction of this puzzle gets us to the next step! When the puzzle is completed, it will be all glued together and framed, with plexiglass on both sides, and hung in our little girls' bedroom when they get home! It can be turned over to show all the people and all the love required to get them home! It will be a forever remembrance for them of not only God's love and provision, but other people's love! I will get a photo tonight of the puzzle in the box, and the way we will lay it out. As pieces are claimed, we will begin to put it together.
There is a "chip in " button on the left side of the blog, and it directs you to PayPal. If you use that it will chart what is donated. I have not figured out how to mark what we have gotten directly (not through chip in) but I have $100 check to cash that isn't listed there. So, please go to Chip In or get in touch with me and I can help you help us! Please consider, literally every dollar counts!
Please, please help if you can, every small amount helps. I am trying to rest in God in this, as I had thought this last paycheck I got would cover it, but gas is eating up a lot of our funds. We need to get Steve to work everyday and he travels a lot - though thankfully he is home every night! Driving our big van (the only thing that will transport everyone) is costly, and the gas tank is literally eating it up! We have curtailed lots of things in order to conserve, but getting to church is a must, as well as doctors, etc, and grocery shopping!!!
I wish I could share a photo of our little girls on my blog, but just cannot until they are home.
Please consider being a part of the puzzle in any way that you can, and share the blog with anyone who may be interested!!!! I would love to see it go viral!
On an upside, we are beginning to see some sales of our diabetes log books, and that goes directly into the fund too!!!! We are keeping it really economical, as it is crucial for families dealing with this disease. Costs are high for all the medical care. We want to provide a good service, for minimal cost, and maybe have a little to add to our adoption fund. But I so look forward to getting feedback as more people are using these books! They helped our kids immensely!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
So, if you were looking for a way to be involved, here goes:
I have a gorgeous farm puzzle, with children playing, that has 1000 pieces. For the purchase of one piece, we are asking a donation of $2, your name will be put on the back of the piece. The construction of this puzzle gets us to the next step! When the puzzle is completed, it will be all glued together and framed, with plexiglass on both sides, and hung in our little girls' bedroom when they get home! It can be turned over to show all the people and all the love required to get them home! It will be a forever remembrance for them of not only God's love and provision, but other people's love! I will get a photo tonight of the puzzle in the box, and the way we will lay it out. As pieces are claimed, we will begin to put it together.
There is a "chip in " button on the left side of the blog, and it directs you to PayPal. If you use that it will chart what is donated. I have not figured out how to mark what we have gotten directly (not through chip in) but I have $100 check to cash that isn't listed there. So, please go to Chip In or get in touch with me and I can help you help us! Please consider, literally every dollar counts!
Please, please help if you can, every small amount helps. I am trying to rest in God in this, as I had thought this last paycheck I got would cover it, but gas is eating up a lot of our funds. We need to get Steve to work everyday and he travels a lot - though thankfully he is home every night! Driving our big van (the only thing that will transport everyone) is costly, and the gas tank is literally eating it up! We have curtailed lots of things in order to conserve, but getting to church is a must, as well as doctors, etc, and grocery shopping!!!
I wish I could share a photo of our little girls on my blog, but just cannot until they are home.
Please consider being a part of the puzzle in any way that you can, and share the blog with anyone who may be interested!!!! I would love to see it go viral!
On an upside, we are beginning to see some sales of our diabetes log books, and that goes directly into the fund too!!!! We are keeping it really economical, as it is crucial for families dealing with this disease. Costs are high for all the medical care. We want to provide a good service, for minimal cost, and maybe have a little to add to our adoption fund. But I so look forward to getting feedback as more people are using these books! They helped our kids immensely!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ordinary Hero!
People have asked for how they can help, and I really do appreciate it! We have several fundraising things going on currently! I really like the fundraisers where YOU get something too! I do appreciate straight donations, don't get me wrong, but I also like it this way!
Vine Candles! We have the most amazing soy candles and goat milk soap based lotions. There are sixteen candle scents and four lotion scents. We have been selling them at church, but will take the month of April off, at least at church. I still have quite a few left and can fill orders! If you are interested, get in touch and I will get you more information. They are $14 for one item, $25 for 2, and $37 for three - lotions and candles can be mixed and matched! Look for our table at Celebration Church again in May! Or I can get some to you now!
Seroogy Chocolates! We are just getting this going, but we will be able to offer the best chocolates around! I will have all the details for you shortly, feel free to order!
(Both of these companies are local companies, so your money stays at home!!! And we make a 50% profit on both!)
Ordinary Hero - we have begun this also. I don't know if anyone dearly loves meaningful t-shirts, but this company was created by an adoptive mom to help adoptive families! I get 40% of every purchase. Add my affiliate name at checkout. There is a button on the sidebar! Feel free to share!
We are also thinning down around the house. I have a nearly perfect green and tan (very current styles) graco stroller, and the matching infant carseat that locks onto the stroller. It is absolutely adorable, wonderful and I had been given it as we are adopting. Well, international adoption being what it is, our littlest girl will be too big for it by the time we are able to get her home. I would love to get it to someone who can use it right away this spring. Since we are heavily into fundraising for this adoption, I would like to sell it for something, to complete our friend's intention of benefiting our little girl. New I know they are expensive (but oh, so worth it for the quality). I would like to ask $50 if that seems reasonable. I can send photos as soon as my husband gets home to help me with the camera. Will deliver to Green Bay, Denmark, Kewaunee, or nearby areas as we go by! So, in case you are local and can use it, get in touch! I will be replacing it with a double stroller!
I also have a wonderful Medella breastpump (Pump N Style) that I had gotten last year before Sammy died, having planned to nurse him when he came home. Needless to say, I don't need this! A and K are beyond this stage. It is totally complete, in the box. I would love to get $75 to replace what I spent on it (I got it very lightly used). Again, it all goes right into the adoption fund!
Thanks everyone. I hope this helps some other folks see a variety of ways to fund an adoption! It takes creativity but there are lots of options!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Vine Candles! We have the most amazing soy candles and goat milk soap based lotions. There are sixteen candle scents and four lotion scents. We have been selling them at church, but will take the month of April off, at least at church. I still have quite a few left and can fill orders! If you are interested, get in touch and I will get you more information. They are $14 for one item, $25 for 2, and $37 for three - lotions and candles can be mixed and matched! Look for our table at Celebration Church again in May! Or I can get some to you now!
Seroogy Chocolates! We are just getting this going, but we will be able to offer the best chocolates around! I will have all the details for you shortly, feel free to order!
(Both of these companies are local companies, so your money stays at home!!! And we make a 50% profit on both!)
Ordinary Hero - we have begun this also. I don't know if anyone dearly loves meaningful t-shirts, but this company was created by an adoptive mom to help adoptive families! I get 40% of every purchase. Add my affiliate name at checkout. There is a button on the sidebar! Feel free to share!
We are also thinning down around the house. I have a nearly perfect green and tan (very current styles) graco stroller, and the matching infant carseat that locks onto the stroller. It is absolutely adorable, wonderful and I had been given it as we are adopting. Well, international adoption being what it is, our littlest girl will be too big for it by the time we are able to get her home. I would love to get it to someone who can use it right away this spring. Since we are heavily into fundraising for this adoption, I would like to sell it for something, to complete our friend's intention of benefiting our little girl. New I know they are expensive (but oh, so worth it for the quality). I would like to ask $50 if that seems reasonable. I can send photos as soon as my husband gets home to help me with the camera. Will deliver to Green Bay, Denmark, Kewaunee, or nearby areas as we go by! So, in case you are local and can use it, get in touch! I will be replacing it with a double stroller!
I also have a wonderful Medella breastpump (Pump N Style) that I had gotten last year before Sammy died, having planned to nurse him when he came home. Needless to say, I don't need this! A and K are beyond this stage. It is totally complete, in the box. I would love to get $75 to replace what I spent on it (I got it very lightly used). Again, it all goes right into the adoption fund!
Thanks everyone. I hope this helps some other folks see a variety of ways to fund an adoption! It takes creativity but there are lots of options!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Ever had a hard time getting going?
Today I am feeling just a little "slow". Not like I am ever a great morning person, but we are having another fundraiser today, and quite often I have no luck at all with these kinds of shows. I for years have refused to do them, just because I get such a low turnout. But, we are trying it again. I hope just at least a few people show up. That would be great. Maybe that is why I am avoiding getting going, dread.
But, on the other hand, I have a kitty sleeping on me and that is certainly encouraging me to not move too much. We took two of our young cats in to be spayed three days ago, and they are recovering well, nearly back to normal, but one is certainly resting a bit more. With barn cats, they multiply fast. And strays come and adopt you. And leave kittens also. So, we are taking our kitties in to get fixed two at a time. As paychecks allow. So far four of the barn kitties have been fixed this year (girls first), we have four that are already fixed, and the others will get done as soon as we can. The waiting list for Cats Anonymous is pretty long, and honestly, we can do it for about the same cost with our country vet. And I really like the whole thing of not asking for help. Pride, you know. We have the majority of the cats outside, but a few come in and out, and some were raised in the house as little ones so they are very very social. We had a fiasco last spring with some babies getting killed by a critter, and all the soft hearts in the house determined to protect any more that were born, so the kids and I brought the mamas and babies inside to protect them. So, they are all litter trained, and we found homes for the majority of the babies. But a few remain. We still hope to find other homes since they are all so sweet and make lovely, attentive housecats. But we sincerely try to limit how many house cats we have to two. The rest have a kitty tahj mahal on the front porch and in the barn, so they live quite well for barn cats. But, if you know anyone who wants a very snuggly cat - we have some lovely ones! There are a few favorites that will stay - like the stray with the leg that is permanently damaged (so she has basically three functioning legs), and the one that has totally adopted Steve as her owner. But, if they stay, well, they are awesome mousers, live the high life well fed out here, patrolling the barns, and loved on by everyone. When we have a bonfire, several of the cats will come and join us and snuggle (and try to scam some treats). They have a good life. We just are making sure that there aren't too many! And living in farming country, there are lots of barn cats, so if the kids really wanted another kitten at some point - there are so many being given away from other barns. And likely another pregnant stray mama will show up at some time. And leave babies, and maybe stay, like the last one. I have decided that my kids are the absolute champions at taming a cat that has never had much human contact. They slowly earn its trust. And then slowly over time build a sweet relationship with it. And then we get it fixed and vaccinated. Maybe that is another one of our contributions to life here! Hee, hee.
Well, now just writing has encouraged me to start my real daily activities!
I am slowly going through everything we own, everything that is hiding in the basement, a box at a time. Yesterday I had on a marathon of the show "Hoarders" (talk about motivation to anyone to get rid of stuff!) and the kids would bring me up a box/container at a time and I would go through it. Things were divided into throw away, donate, keep. If it was a keep, it had to have a place to go and a purpose! I got through six boxes, and of that, only two boxes of things were kept - mostly summer clothes for the kids and a few sentimental things, five garbage bags of things went out - I have a habit of keeping things until I can decide about them - got a lot of deciding things done yesterday, and three bags of donations went out to the van. The deal is that nothing can be left laying around. I do one box all the way, clean up after it, and then call for another one. I was so very proud of myself. Even with my love of books, some of them are going for donations! It was amazing to see how much I got done, and how quickly I could return my house to order after the sorting process. I don't think I can do that every day, but if I even did that every couple days, in no time at all, the entire basement would be sorted through and decluttered! Wow.
So, thanks for the encouragement of letting me talk to you! Could you please leave me a note if you follow my blog at all? I don't mind writing just to myself, as it is so therapeutic and sorts out my mind on issues, but it is also really encouraging to think that maybe it helps someone else. I haven't figured out how to put a counter on my blog, but I would like to know if people look at it. I hope it is helpful for someone, at the very least lets you know that life is honest, and real, and funny, and sometimes messy. But it is great! God loves us all!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
But, on the other hand, I have a kitty sleeping on me and that is certainly encouraging me to not move too much. We took two of our young cats in to be spayed three days ago, and they are recovering well, nearly back to normal, but one is certainly resting a bit more. With barn cats, they multiply fast. And strays come and adopt you. And leave kittens also. So, we are taking our kitties in to get fixed two at a time. As paychecks allow. So far four of the barn kitties have been fixed this year (girls first), we have four that are already fixed, and the others will get done as soon as we can. The waiting list for Cats Anonymous is pretty long, and honestly, we can do it for about the same cost with our country vet. And I really like the whole thing of not asking for help. Pride, you know. We have the majority of the cats outside, but a few come in and out, and some were raised in the house as little ones so they are very very social. We had a fiasco last spring with some babies getting killed by a critter, and all the soft hearts in the house determined to protect any more that were born, so the kids and I brought the mamas and babies inside to protect them. So, they are all litter trained, and we found homes for the majority of the babies. But a few remain. We still hope to find other homes since they are all so sweet and make lovely, attentive housecats. But we sincerely try to limit how many house cats we have to two. The rest have a kitty tahj mahal on the front porch and in the barn, so they live quite well for barn cats. But, if you know anyone who wants a very snuggly cat - we have some lovely ones! There are a few favorites that will stay - like the stray with the leg that is permanently damaged (so she has basically three functioning legs), and the one that has totally adopted Steve as her owner. But, if they stay, well, they are awesome mousers, live the high life well fed out here, patrolling the barns, and loved on by everyone. When we have a bonfire, several of the cats will come and join us and snuggle (and try to scam some treats). They have a good life. We just are making sure that there aren't too many! And living in farming country, there are lots of barn cats, so if the kids really wanted another kitten at some point - there are so many being given away from other barns. And likely another pregnant stray mama will show up at some time. And leave babies, and maybe stay, like the last one. I have decided that my kids are the absolute champions at taming a cat that has never had much human contact. They slowly earn its trust. And then slowly over time build a sweet relationship with it. And then we get it fixed and vaccinated. Maybe that is another one of our contributions to life here! Hee, hee.
Well, now just writing has encouraged me to start my real daily activities!
I am slowly going through everything we own, everything that is hiding in the basement, a box at a time. Yesterday I had on a marathon of the show "Hoarders" (talk about motivation to anyone to get rid of stuff!) and the kids would bring me up a box/container at a time and I would go through it. Things were divided into throw away, donate, keep. If it was a keep, it had to have a place to go and a purpose! I got through six boxes, and of that, only two boxes of things were kept - mostly summer clothes for the kids and a few sentimental things, five garbage bags of things went out - I have a habit of keeping things until I can decide about them - got a lot of deciding things done yesterday, and three bags of donations went out to the van. The deal is that nothing can be left laying around. I do one box all the way, clean up after it, and then call for another one. I was so very proud of myself. Even with my love of books, some of them are going for donations! It was amazing to see how much I got done, and how quickly I could return my house to order after the sorting process. I don't think I can do that every day, but if I even did that every couple days, in no time at all, the entire basement would be sorted through and decluttered! Wow.
So, thanks for the encouragement of letting me talk to you! Could you please leave me a note if you follow my blog at all? I don't mind writing just to myself, as it is so therapeutic and sorts out my mind on issues, but it is also really encouraging to think that maybe it helps someone else. I haven't figured out how to put a counter on my blog, but I would like to know if people look at it. I hope it is helpful for someone, at the very least lets you know that life is honest, and real, and funny, and sometimes messy. But it is great! God loves us all!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, March 11, 2011
Be Spontaneous! Fun adoption fundraiser tomorrow!!!!
Hi all!
I am lousy about keeping in touch, and life has been just crazy - wonderful but crazy!
To make a long story short, we are in process to adopt two little girls from Ethiopia (as you know if you are following my blog, but if you are getting caught up, here it is!). A is somewhere around three and has Down Syndrome, and her little sister K is somewhere around a year old. God has been very clear about this, sending us in yet again a direction we did not think we were going in. But, his ways are perfect and we are very happy. We are hoping for a court date yet this year, hopefully yet this summer so we can bring them home as soon as possible.
A friend of mine is having a jewelry party to fundraise for us - Premier Designs Jewelry - this Saturday at 3PM at her house 1417 Spence Street in Green Bay. I have catalogs and we want to close the show out by next Wednesday.
Please consider coming! I love fundraisers where YOU get something too!
Christy
Monday, January 10, 2011
Preparing the way.....
If anyone has read my blog very long, you know that this is our strangest adoption journey ever, and also sort of the most typical for many people. And full of strange surprises that are typical for OUR adoption journeys.
We have a completed homestudy. Done first now, waiting for a referral. Our profile has been shown several times - with great excitement by us - and no child. That is fine, I am glad that families have choices for their child!!! Very. Wish they chose us, but I know that God has a plan for each and every one of us - the birth families, the child and our entire family.
We don't have all the funds, but it is very hard to tell how much we might need. In fact, as of the moment, we don't have much set aside - difficulties with the furnace, gas lines, and what not have depleted our "cushion". However, tax return time is soon, and I have in my heart that I want some of that to be put away for an adoption.
But, as you might have realized, waiting is VERY difficult for me. To be at this point, just sitting still, waiting to move forward, seems fairly pointless to me.
I am decluttering, getting our excess out of the house, schooling the kids, organizing, and now even PAINTING in an effort to keep my sanity.
So, while I know that it is entirely possible that we MIGHT get all the funds we need for an adoption through our tax return, I also know that there are updates that we want to do on our home and land to make life a bit easier. The goats got a barn this last year, next year it would be amazing to have a better henhouse (more eggs through more of the year), and I would like horse stalls in one area. We aren't extravagant, we live simply.
We are considering whether we should go overseas - here, we are waiting to be chosen, one of many. There, there are children dying for families. Children who are malnourished and in need of loving families! Here we have things like Medicaid, social security, foster care (not the first choice, obviously), and other supports. There, not.
God has led us a wild ride, and I don't know where he is taking us. But, in my intense need for action, to feel like we are getting ready, doing something to be ready to go whenever we are called, we are starting something new.
The kids and I have been taking ceramics classes as part of our arts program - and a way to pass the long winter! So, what we would like to do, is offer items for purchase/order/donation, whatever you call it.
Several of the kids have been making these "initial bears". We can make them with ANY letter (English letter anyway!!), any color requested. If you would like to order one, special made for your order, please email me at mommyturtle@tm.net. We figured that costs us about $4 to make one. We would suggest a donation of $15 (if you don't feel that is appropriate, any donation is wonderful!). I can send you our address.
I have also made two items that just appealed to my fancy. The pig bank was very complex but lots of fun. It was just too neat a project. The costs for this one were about $10 or so, so a suggested donation of $20 would be helpful.
And an elephant to match the pig was just too cute. The cost for this one were about $8, so a suggested donation of about $16 seems reasonable?
I can make more like these, in a variety of colors if anyone is interested.
I will post more soon, including handmade slippers that I knit myself (8 for the kids for Christmas, so I have the pattern down pat now!!!!). Suggested donation of $20 given the cost for yarn and the amount of time it takes to make them. I can make to specifications and will take photos of the yarns I have available. I can make children's sizes, teenager sizes and adult sizes - if you let me know what size you need, I can get it to about that!
I have this thing about fundraising: I want YOU to get some benefit from it too. And maybe it will give you a reminder to pray for kids in need of families. We have been so very blessed through these last few years. So many people have just handed us funds to help towards some of the needs. We are so grateful for that. So very grateful! But that has been a hard thing to learn to accept.
We are hard working people. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps kind of people. Earn your own way and all of that. We value that. We know that everyone works hard for their funds. That is part of the reason I share our life - to show folks who helped what they have done for these kids - they have truly invested into their lives!!!
The kids also are very inspired to be part of this, and have helped with each and every thing that we have done to raise funds to adopt. And for them to be able to help too, well, that is priceless.
So, drop us a note, place an order, whatever. I know that it must mean also that I am asking you to trust us, that we will use the funds as we say we will. That is a level of trust that humbles me. And that is EXACTLY what we do with any funds that come in intended for adoption needs. And if for some reason God turns us away from adoption, I can promise that those funds will be handed to another family to help them to adopt a child in need.
Thanks for putting up with my "need to do something".
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
We have a completed homestudy. Done first now, waiting for a referral. Our profile has been shown several times - with great excitement by us - and no child. That is fine, I am glad that families have choices for their child!!! Very. Wish they chose us, but I know that God has a plan for each and every one of us - the birth families, the child and our entire family.
We don't have all the funds, but it is very hard to tell how much we might need. In fact, as of the moment, we don't have much set aside - difficulties with the furnace, gas lines, and what not have depleted our "cushion". However, tax return time is soon, and I have in my heart that I want some of that to be put away for an adoption.
But, as you might have realized, waiting is VERY difficult for me. To be at this point, just sitting still, waiting to move forward, seems fairly pointless to me.
I am decluttering, getting our excess out of the house, schooling the kids, organizing, and now even PAINTING in an effort to keep my sanity.
So, while I know that it is entirely possible that we MIGHT get all the funds we need for an adoption through our tax return, I also know that there are updates that we want to do on our home and land to make life a bit easier. The goats got a barn this last year, next year it would be amazing to have a better henhouse (more eggs through more of the year), and I would like horse stalls in one area. We aren't extravagant, we live simply.
We are considering whether we should go overseas - here, we are waiting to be chosen, one of many. There, there are children dying for families. Children who are malnourished and in need of loving families! Here we have things like Medicaid, social security, foster care (not the first choice, obviously), and other supports. There, not.
God has led us a wild ride, and I don't know where he is taking us. But, in my intense need for action, to feel like we are getting ready, doing something to be ready to go whenever we are called, we are starting something new.
The kids and I have been taking ceramics classes as part of our arts program - and a way to pass the long winter! So, what we would like to do, is offer items for purchase/order/donation, whatever you call it.
Several of the kids have been making these "initial bears". We can make them with ANY letter (English letter anyway!!), any color requested. If you would like to order one, special made for your order, please email me at mommyturtle@tm.net. We figured that costs us about $4 to make one. We would suggest a donation of $15 (if you don't feel that is appropriate, any donation is wonderful!). I can send you our address.
I have also made two items that just appealed to my fancy. The pig bank was very complex but lots of fun. It was just too neat a project. The costs for this one were about $10 or so, so a suggested donation of $20 would be helpful.
And an elephant to match the pig was just too cute. The cost for this one were about $8, so a suggested donation of about $16 seems reasonable?
I can make more like these, in a variety of colors if anyone is interested.
I will post more soon, including handmade slippers that I knit myself (8 for the kids for Christmas, so I have the pattern down pat now!!!!). Suggested donation of $20 given the cost for yarn and the amount of time it takes to make them. I can make to specifications and will take photos of the yarns I have available. I can make children's sizes, teenager sizes and adult sizes - if you let me know what size you need, I can get it to about that!
I have this thing about fundraising: I want YOU to get some benefit from it too. And maybe it will give you a reminder to pray for kids in need of families. We have been so very blessed through these last few years. So many people have just handed us funds to help towards some of the needs. We are so grateful for that. So very grateful! But that has been a hard thing to learn to accept.
We are hard working people. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps kind of people. Earn your own way and all of that. We value that. We know that everyone works hard for their funds. That is part of the reason I share our life - to show folks who helped what they have done for these kids - they have truly invested into their lives!!!
The kids also are very inspired to be part of this, and have helped with each and every thing that we have done to raise funds to adopt. And for them to be able to help too, well, that is priceless.
So, drop us a note, place an order, whatever. I know that it must mean also that I am asking you to trust us, that we will use the funds as we say we will. That is a level of trust that humbles me. And that is EXACTLY what we do with any funds that come in intended for adoption needs. And if for some reason God turns us away from adoption, I can promise that those funds will be handed to another family to help them to adopt a child in need.
Thanks for putting up with my "need to do something".
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Life keeps moving!!!!
I don't know if I have much to share. We are on the rollercoaster of the adoption world.
We are being presented to another family who is expecting a Down Syndrome little girl and is not able to parent her. I am trying so hard not to get too excited. We have been presented several times now, but if this comes together, the baby is expected late December/early January. The agency that contacted us was thrilled with us as a prospective family for this child, and we are able to agree to what the birth family would like - which is to meet us/talk to us prior to the birth, and to have an open adoption. I know that the agency is pleased, but what the birth family might think is unknown.
I am trying not to get too focused or think too much, but we so hope this might be our daughter. Okay, Steve, being a guy isn't totally focused on this - generally he waits to commit himself emotionally until things are a go. Probably a good thing, given the ups and downs and peaks and valleys. I am not so good at that.
I am the one who could not keep any pregnancy a secret or any exciting event. I try not to think too much about possibilities, but I am also the one who is "keeper of the schedule" such that it is. If we are traveling several states away, or I and/or Steve are going to be gone, things must be arranged. I am one of those people who likes to have things somewhat sorted out so I have a plan on how I might get it all managed.
So, we are trying to keep in mind that we are open at any time for a huge change in our lives. We have decided to directly finish all our fundraising/funds collecting as soon as possible, in order to be ready any time we are needed. Thankfully, once we turned it over to God, he has shown his hand. Our prayers have always been that he would make his will very clear. We prayed, responded to the call we got, agreed to be presented, and have asked God to show up if it is his will. Well, ladies from a bible study I have been part of had an envelope for me, with funds to seed our progress in an adoption! And they have let others know of the goal. And a lady I have never met responded yet again. I sent a total sum to our agency, that totaled what I had gotten in the envelope, added in a five dollar refund check, and in faith sent another $20. This is one of those weeks that it is a reach. But I sent it. And then the lady I have never met sent exactly what we needed to cover the extra. I am stepping out in faith again and sending that total amount plus some tomorrow. We are nickel and dime-ing it, but we are making forward progress. It is a tiny drop in the bucket of what we could need by the end of December, but it is forward progress. God has made his will very clear and direct. Literally day to day.
So, we are open to what might happen. If this one does not go through, we will have assembled funds and continue to assemble funds so we will have the amount in total as soon as possible, whenever God decides.
You will notice a button on the left sidebar that is labeled "want to help?". Any funds donated go directly to a special needs adoption. Not to budget, not to toys, not to clothing, directly to an adoption fund. If for some reason we are unable to adopt, all funds will be donated to a family who is in process to adopt.
On that note, we are seeing other families being called to adopt and are so blessed to be walking with them on this road. It is very daunting for most, not only to consider parenting children they have never met, but to look at the funding needed. Most families don't look at having that amount just hanging around. So, the reality is that somehow, this money must be located or earned or whatever. We are teaming up with families not only to lend our knowledge and experience, but to tangibly band together to help fund adoptions. My dream is that we could make a system where we could fund a homestudy for a family, and when their child is home and they get their adoption tax credit the next tax year, that they would then put the money back so another homestudy could be funded for another family. Once a homestudy is done, then the family can apply for grants and loans and what not. But sometimes getting the homestudy done can seem like the first big stumbling block. We shall see where this goes. Right now we are hoping to work with several families to help them get going on the financial and paperwork end. We shall see where God takes this!
I am also going to do a post shortly about adoptive parents and how we feel about our children and God's will. It is a bit complex and I don't have a simple answer, so I hope you check back so I can explain more fully! It has been on my mind a lot lately, and I hope I can put it in a way that makes sense.
There will be more fun posts, but thought I would let you in on the rollercoaster. Winter is coming and we have more that we need to get done, but I don't know if that ever changes! We still are hoping to get kittens to new homes (hint, hint), but things are settled down - or at least will be once our plays are done!
Kiley and I am in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and that opens this Thursday and runs through Sunday. We have seven performances and so are very tied up with that. Kiley makes an amazing Imogene and I cannot wait to hear what folks think about it. (I am just one of the telephone ladies, the same one I was last year, but am having fun with it, and I think doing better.)
Alex and Zeri both have smaller parts in A Christmas Carol, that runs the first two weekends of December. And Faith, Solomon and Tsion have parts in the church Christmas play.
(Hubby looks over and says "Good gracious, quite a long post." But I never seem to do these in short blurbs. Oh, well, I guess I ramble on!)
Goodnight!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
We are being presented to another family who is expecting a Down Syndrome little girl and is not able to parent her. I am trying so hard not to get too excited. We have been presented several times now, but if this comes together, the baby is expected late December/early January. The agency that contacted us was thrilled with us as a prospective family for this child, and we are able to agree to what the birth family would like - which is to meet us/talk to us prior to the birth, and to have an open adoption. I know that the agency is pleased, but what the birth family might think is unknown.
I am trying not to get too focused or think too much, but we so hope this might be our daughter. Okay, Steve, being a guy isn't totally focused on this - generally he waits to commit himself emotionally until things are a go. Probably a good thing, given the ups and downs and peaks and valleys. I am not so good at that.
I am the one who could not keep any pregnancy a secret or any exciting event. I try not to think too much about possibilities, but I am also the one who is "keeper of the schedule" such that it is. If we are traveling several states away, or I and/or Steve are going to be gone, things must be arranged. I am one of those people who likes to have things somewhat sorted out so I have a plan on how I might get it all managed.
So, we are trying to keep in mind that we are open at any time for a huge change in our lives. We have decided to directly finish all our fundraising/funds collecting as soon as possible, in order to be ready any time we are needed. Thankfully, once we turned it over to God, he has shown his hand. Our prayers have always been that he would make his will very clear. We prayed, responded to the call we got, agreed to be presented, and have asked God to show up if it is his will. Well, ladies from a bible study I have been part of had an envelope for me, with funds to seed our progress in an adoption! And they have let others know of the goal. And a lady I have never met responded yet again. I sent a total sum to our agency, that totaled what I had gotten in the envelope, added in a five dollar refund check, and in faith sent another $20. This is one of those weeks that it is a reach. But I sent it. And then the lady I have never met sent exactly what we needed to cover the extra. I am stepping out in faith again and sending that total amount plus some tomorrow. We are nickel and dime-ing it, but we are making forward progress. It is a tiny drop in the bucket of what we could need by the end of December, but it is forward progress. God has made his will very clear and direct. Literally day to day.
So, we are open to what might happen. If this one does not go through, we will have assembled funds and continue to assemble funds so we will have the amount in total as soon as possible, whenever God decides.
You will notice a button on the left sidebar that is labeled "want to help?". Any funds donated go directly to a special needs adoption. Not to budget, not to toys, not to clothing, directly to an adoption fund. If for some reason we are unable to adopt, all funds will be donated to a family who is in process to adopt.
On that note, we are seeing other families being called to adopt and are so blessed to be walking with them on this road. It is very daunting for most, not only to consider parenting children they have never met, but to look at the funding needed. Most families don't look at having that amount just hanging around. So, the reality is that somehow, this money must be located or earned or whatever. We are teaming up with families not only to lend our knowledge and experience, but to tangibly band together to help fund adoptions. My dream is that we could make a system where we could fund a homestudy for a family, and when their child is home and they get their adoption tax credit the next tax year, that they would then put the money back so another homestudy could be funded for another family. Once a homestudy is done, then the family can apply for grants and loans and what not. But sometimes getting the homestudy done can seem like the first big stumbling block. We shall see where this goes. Right now we are hoping to work with several families to help them get going on the financial and paperwork end. We shall see where God takes this!
I am also going to do a post shortly about adoptive parents and how we feel about our children and God's will. It is a bit complex and I don't have a simple answer, so I hope you check back so I can explain more fully! It has been on my mind a lot lately, and I hope I can put it in a way that makes sense.
There will be more fun posts, but thought I would let you in on the rollercoaster. Winter is coming and we have more that we need to get done, but I don't know if that ever changes! We still are hoping to get kittens to new homes (hint, hint), but things are settled down - or at least will be once our plays are done!
Kiley and I am in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and that opens this Thursday and runs through Sunday. We have seven performances and so are very tied up with that. Kiley makes an amazing Imogene and I cannot wait to hear what folks think about it. (I am just one of the telephone ladies, the same one I was last year, but am having fun with it, and I think doing better.)
Alex and Zeri both have smaller parts in A Christmas Carol, that runs the first two weekends of December. And Faith, Solomon and Tsion have parts in the church Christmas play.
(Hubby looks over and says "Good gracious, quite a long post." But I never seem to do these in short blurbs. Oh, well, I guess I ramble on!)
Goodnight!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Rainy, lovely fall day!!!!
Today has been one of those inside days on the farm. We actually haven't had too many of them, and after the off kilter way our week went, it was welcome.
Wednesday night, Steve's car died. Or rather the repairs needed are too costly for the age and mileage of the vehicle, at least for the amount of driving he does for work. The best option is likely a used, rebuilt engine to replace the one in there. Ugh. And he puts on about 1000 miles a week. Not a reliable option for the breadwinner in our family.
We worked really hard to stay calm, have faith and see what God allowed to pan out.
Easier said than done, obviously.
He was able to work from home for Thursday and Friday, which was a huge blessing as Friday was Ben's birthday. We ended up looking at used cars at a dealership - hooked up by an adoptive dad who works there to a salesman who is himself adopted! It is the same place we bought Steve's last car, which we definitely got our money's worth from. And we had very few problems, nothing beyond what you might expect given the amount of work the car did! So, it seemed reasonable to go back.
We hate the thought of a car payment, but we know that it will be for a very limited time, likely just until March. I would say that the only benefit we will see from the health care bill is the part about the adoption tax credit. But, to know that we will only make a couple payments and then pay off the car really makes the thought much easier to handle.
So, we now glance out in to our driveway and think that someone is here, until we realize that it is Steve's new car! A 2009 Nissan Versa. Nice little car, very low miles, great gas mileage, and new enough that we can rest easy knowing that he is not likely to have troubles getting to and from his job, which is very important to our family!
The kids are thrilled, love the "cool" car that Dad now drives. I just refuse to think about how much it cost! Ugh. But it is priceless for Steve to get to work!
So, yesterday, prior to picking up the "new" car, I took the kids to a ceramics shop. We have been meaning to go for ages, the kids want to learn how and then have another item to show for 4H at the county fair. But we have never gotten around to it, sadly. So, I decided to make an appointment, put it on the calendar and get us there this year. We need some new things to do during cold weather when we get cooped up a bit more.
Anyway, we make up a class ourselves, so I called and explained that we wanted to learn it from the ground up, so we really knew all about the process and how things are done. Not to mention that on freecycle last year we acquired ceramic molds (still am not sure how we can use those, but I intend to learn!) and some greenware for ceramics!
Well, we had a blast! The very nice lady there took us around, explained that we should select something simpler to start with, but she would help us find the right pieces as well as something we liked. She showed us the difference between greenware and bisque, and then helped us choose pieces that weren't too difficult for our experience. Then once all of us (eight kids and me) had picked a piece, she got out the tools and showed us how to clean the seams off, and get it well done. We really had fun. Now our items are being fired, and on Monday we get to go back and start the glazing processes. We haven't learned too much about that yet, I know that there are many, many options. Everyone is very excited to get that part going! Faith has told me about ten times that she is so excited for Monday!
Well, with the rain, we pulled out the greenware that we had gotten from freecycle and I and various of the kids throughout the day have worked on that. Our piano bench is still a bit dusty from our work, but will be all wiped down soon. We completed a complete nativity set, plus extra pieces - a bunch of sheep - the kids thought a full herd was appropriate. There was even an R2 D2, a couple cute mice, a couple smurfs (hee, hee!), a vase and a bunch of balls for Christmas ornaments. Now we have an entire box carefully boxed up to come with us on Monday, where it will get fired so we can do the glazing another time. The kids already have other items that they saw that they want to do, so it appears we have a new hobby going at our house!
It is nostalgic to me for several reasons. My grandmother did lots of ceramics when I was growing up and I have pieces throughout my house that she did for me over the years. She passed away more than a year ago, and I miss her. I bet she is just giggling at watching her granddaughter and her great-grandkids enjoying the same hobby she loved for so long. And I had done a little when I was in middle school (a billion years ago) and really loved. So, it means a bit more to me, maybe.
And to follow up on our last post, thank you everyone who ordered for our fundraiser! We raised $225 towards our fees at Bethany Christian Services for another adoption. I love the pendants so much, and friends have showed me some that they bought and they are so happy with them! That is such a great thing - a win for everyone all around.
With the colder weather (and sitting through more play practices) I am working on more knitting projects - some for Christmas if I can get them figured out, and finishing up the granny square afghan that I started when we were expecting our little guy last spring. I still cannot take down the crib we put up for him, and still have his photo in the crib in a really nice frame that says "family". Some days it seems surreal, and some days it just is something that has happened. I find myself wondering what he might be doing now had he lived. He would have been about seven months old now. I just cannot imagine.
And now it is just hard to wait to be needed again. But, I have decided to finish up the blanket, and see what God wants to do with it. If it will wrap around a baby of ours, or if it will wrap around some other baby. I am sure that God will make it clear.
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Listen to this!
Click Here
Click the link above! Who says that kids can't do a lot, or you need to wait until you are grown! I am amazed and humbled!
Me
Click the link above! Who says that kids can't do a lot, or you need to wait until you are grown! I am amazed and humbled!
Me
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Advantages to being sick...
An advantage to being sick - you have to stay home for at least part of the day. Whoa. In my current life, that is totally unheard of. Though I am sort of grateful that it waited until after my Bible study last night (amazing by the way - Fields of the Fatherless with a hands on bent!).
Other advantage, I cannot sleep because I am used to the alarm going off at five. Have I ever mentioned that I am a slow starter and hate mornings? Yep, terrible. This season is stretching me, and now I cannot sleep past 6AM. The advantage of that is that I can return emails and check out some blogs. What else can you do when the house is quiet and you really don't quite want to be active yet, and if you wake anyone up then things go full tilt the rest of the day? Yeah, just an excuse, but there are some amazing blogs out there!
Like this one: Motives.
Check it out. This may have to be another blog I add to my list to follow. Oh, my, another one. That is what I do when I cannot sleep. Sleep is overrated - that is what I keep telling myself.
And check out this post too!!! How we afforded adoption
Or this one: How we are paying for our adoption
Okay, now I had better go flip that load of laundry. And the natives are rousing so my time here is done! LOL!
Other advantage, I cannot sleep because I am used to the alarm going off at five. Have I ever mentioned that I am a slow starter and hate mornings? Yep, terrible. This season is stretching me, and now I cannot sleep past 6AM. The advantage of that is that I can return emails and check out some blogs. What else can you do when the house is quiet and you really don't quite want to be active yet, and if you wake anyone up then things go full tilt the rest of the day? Yeah, just an excuse, but there are some amazing blogs out there!
Like this one: Motives.
Check it out. This may have to be another blog I add to my list to follow. Oh, my, another one. That is what I do when I cannot sleep. Sleep is overrated - that is what I keep telling myself.
And check out this post too!!! How we afforded adoption
Or this one: How we are paying for our adoption
Okay, now I had better go flip that load of laundry. And the natives are rousing so my time here is done! LOL!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Now for the tears - happy tears!
What a night. It has been a long week as a dear friend traveled to bring home her sons from Ethiopia. The boys are friends of my adopted sons (they all lived together for four years prior to our adoption). It has been a long haul, but they arrived home with their family tonight!
I spent all night with dry eyes, unlike in Ethiopia where I cried all the time. Smiles, laughter, hugs ruled the night. The joy in my sons' faces, in their friends' faces, was just indescribable. And now I feel the tears starting. Even driving to our friends' home, I just couldn't make myself believe that it was really happening, that we would really see this happen. Even touching them, talking with them, I didn't cry (OK, maybe once, but I hid it fairly well - we all seemed to have this same issue). But now, well, now the tears are ready to come.
You know those times when you know that God is at work, but you just cannot see it or understand it? Yep, this journey has been one of those times, especially the last year and a half for our friends. Much heartache and sadness. And I am so proud of my friends for persevering when it would have been easier to give up. They are my heroes.
God has brought about amazing things. I know that this is now dredging up all that I tried to deal with after my trip to Ethiopia, as well as our impending adoption. There is so much to process. I don't think I will ever be done processing it. But now, now I can let it all down, cry for a while, grateful for what has finally transpired!
On another happy note, we got our appointment for fingerprinting for Immigration today! The way it works - you apply for the petition to adopt an orphan, and once your paperwork has all been processed, you are issued an appointment - and you show up at your time. There really isn't rescheduling or anything. We have to have that all cleared (fingerprinting done and approval from USCIS - Immigration) before we can go to court to adopt our children. Our appointment is in a week and a half!!!!! Usually you have to wait much longer!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!!!!!
Our other two papers are off to be authenticated by the state of WI, once they are back we have the entire dossier done and will send it by courier to the embassies in Washington DC (the US Embassy and the Ethiopian Embassy). From there it will go directly to our adoption agency and off to Ethiopia. This is all moving very rapidly! Unfortunately the only fly in the ointment is that this also means our deadline for paying fees is coming rapidly too! Good that we can do go to court sooner and get the kids to medical care sooner, but bad in that we had budgeted to have several more months to get all the fees paid! Oops! This is really moving rapidly - note to self - when you ask God to speed things along, look out! So, we are doing a fundraiser this weekend and next weekend (part of the proceeds go to Show Hope - an adoption grant organization), putting in all the hours our employers will pay us for, and whatever we can think of. Praying for God's provision, that He would keep up with the rapid timetable He seems to have us on! LOL!
I know that I just cannot get myself too excited yet, as we could get hung up at any point in the process, but it could be soon! You know how it is when your child is ill, and you just go in to check on them, to reassure yourself that they are OK? Yeah, well, they are still on the other side of the world. Ugh. I just want to know that they got the right medicine, that their conditions are being well managed, that they are well fed and healthy.
Seeing these two boys come home today has really brought home again the reality. Someday soon, that will be us, arriving home with the children. I cannot imagine yet. I know that someday soon I will, but I cannot quite see it yet.
Well, I have to put the last of the items for the fundraiser tomorrow in my bag and then finally get to bed. We have to be up very early tomorrow to get going and get things ready, so our usual time of leaving for church has been moved even earlier!
Love to you all, and what a wonderful, God blessed day this has been!
I spent all night with dry eyes, unlike in Ethiopia where I cried all the time. Smiles, laughter, hugs ruled the night. The joy in my sons' faces, in their friends' faces, was just indescribable. And now I feel the tears starting. Even driving to our friends' home, I just couldn't make myself believe that it was really happening, that we would really see this happen. Even touching them, talking with them, I didn't cry (OK, maybe once, but I hid it fairly well - we all seemed to have this same issue). But now, well, now the tears are ready to come.
You know those times when you know that God is at work, but you just cannot see it or understand it? Yep, this journey has been one of those times, especially the last year and a half for our friends. Much heartache and sadness. And I am so proud of my friends for persevering when it would have been easier to give up. They are my heroes.
God has brought about amazing things. I know that this is now dredging up all that I tried to deal with after my trip to Ethiopia, as well as our impending adoption. There is so much to process. I don't think I will ever be done processing it. But now, now I can let it all down, cry for a while, grateful for what has finally transpired!
On another happy note, we got our appointment for fingerprinting for Immigration today! The way it works - you apply for the petition to adopt an orphan, and once your paperwork has all been processed, you are issued an appointment - and you show up at your time. There really isn't rescheduling or anything. We have to have that all cleared (fingerprinting done and approval from USCIS - Immigration) before we can go to court to adopt our children. Our appointment is in a week and a half!!!!! Usually you have to wait much longer!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!!!!!
Our other two papers are off to be authenticated by the state of WI, once they are back we have the entire dossier done and will send it by courier to the embassies in Washington DC (the US Embassy and the Ethiopian Embassy). From there it will go directly to our adoption agency and off to Ethiopia. This is all moving very rapidly! Unfortunately the only fly in the ointment is that this also means our deadline for paying fees is coming rapidly too! Good that we can do go to court sooner and get the kids to medical care sooner, but bad in that we had budgeted to have several more months to get all the fees paid! Oops! This is really moving rapidly - note to self - when you ask God to speed things along, look out! So, we are doing a fundraiser this weekend and next weekend (part of the proceeds go to Show Hope - an adoption grant organization), putting in all the hours our employers will pay us for, and whatever we can think of. Praying for God's provision, that He would keep up with the rapid timetable He seems to have us on! LOL!
I know that I just cannot get myself too excited yet, as we could get hung up at any point in the process, but it could be soon! You know how it is when your child is ill, and you just go in to check on them, to reassure yourself that they are OK? Yeah, well, they are still on the other side of the world. Ugh. I just want to know that they got the right medicine, that their conditions are being well managed, that they are well fed and healthy.
Seeing these two boys come home today has really brought home again the reality. Someday soon, that will be us, arriving home with the children. I cannot imagine yet. I know that someday soon I will, but I cannot quite see it yet.
Well, I have to put the last of the items for the fundraiser tomorrow in my bag and then finally get to bed. We have to be up very early tomorrow to get going and get things ready, so our usual time of leaving for church has been moved even earlier!
Love to you all, and what a wonderful, God blessed day this has been!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Spring in Wisconsin
It has been a long week and a half with weather here - going from 40's, down to upper 20's and windy, to sleet, and even several inches of snow with nasty sideways wind, now up to 40's again, though gray and windy and generally yucky. Is winter over yet? To say that it has been disheartening would be an understatement. But, when it is sunny, oh, how we all glory in it!!!! Changes in mood, outlook, energy, it is just amazing how much the sunshine can revive us all. And as I was reminded by a retired priest the other day - "you cannot appreciate the sunshine without the cloudy days". Oh, how profound that can be in many ways!
I have so been debating about sharing some things with all of you (whoever you really are!). You all know that we are working to adopt two brothers from Ethiopia, and that A has a medical condition that really needs to be treated here - better and actually quite easily by us. Each day it isn't, he runs the risk of permanent damage to his body and life. All the unknown. I try to take a deep breath and not let fear take over. At this point, all I can do is rush the paperwork to the places it needs to go, and that is what I am doing. The other part of it is that we of course have huge fees to pay. There was a significant reduction in fees due to the ages of the boys, and the medical condition, but there is still a huge amount of money needed. To meet that need, we are taking every minute of extra work that we can (praise God for wonderful provision and that opportunity to work overtime/extra), using eBay and Amazon, cutting our spending as much as we can, and just really looking at every penny we can. Add to that the rush to get things completed to get A to medical care - the catch to that is that the funds are needed as things get completed. Ugh, deep breath. Shake off all the negatives and fears. Whew. OK.
I really struggled with sharing with anyone the need. Our last adoption was so blessed by our church family, by friends and family, and by people we had never met. It was a group endeavor as three families worked to bring home seven children and keep them connected. Well, it was very public and very intense - and hard. Asking people to give, to help us pay for it, was so painful and humbling.
I resolved that I didn't want to ask anyone for help. That I would work my fanny off, that we would all do whatever we had to, that we would do it ourselves. And we are making it, slowly. I don't know if we can make it before our deadlines. I hate to think that things could be held up because we don't have the money on hand.
So, I am going to share what was sent to us by our adoption agency (Christian World Adoptions - wonderful, wonderful so far!). Please do not do anything other than read it, unless God very clearly moves you. Or share it with someone that you feel needs to read it.
If you have friends or family who wish to contribute to your adoption fund, there are a couple of ways to do it. One way is to go to our website, www.cwa.org, and find the link to Christian World Foundation. There they can donate online. When they do so, please tell the donors to choose the general fund and make sure that your name is noted on the donation form. They will receive an automated receipt for the donation. The receipt will not show your name, as it must be received into the general fund of the Foundation. The second way to donate is by check. Please tell the donor to make the check out to Christian World Foundation, noting your name on the memo line so that we can credit it to your adoption. They will receive a donation receipt via US mail, again without your name.
Even though, by law, these funds are received as open donations, a request is made by our Asst. Executive Director to the Board of Directors for any monies marked for client donations. There has never been a time that the board has refused a request for these funds, so please assure your donors that these funds will be marked for your adoption expenses.
If, at the end of your adoption, there are funds remaining after your expenses have been paid, these funds will be marked as an overpayment and sent to you. Often times we will send the overpayment to the family right before they travel so that they can use the funds to help with their travel expenses.
I hope this explanation is clear but if you have any questions please call me.
CHRISTIAN WORLD ADOPTION
Patricia Mendock
Finance Manager
828-693-7007 ext 317
If someone felt so moved, the funds are tax deductible! I don't think we ever know anything about any contributions as far as who or how much, so feel free to let me know if you want. Last time, so many people donated, and I never really knew who did, so I had a hard time being able to thank everyone. I hope seeing Solly and Zeri growing and thriving is a visible thanks and blessing to them each and every time they see them! This is what folks did!
Also, if you could pray with us - we are considering adopting a third child - there are several special children who need homes and are unlikely to get them. As I review files, watch videos and look at pictures, I know that any choice I make says "no" to a particular child. It breaks my heart. Every child deserves a home. Each one of these kids. But I also know that there are some things that I can do, some I cannot, and some that would be difficult with our family constellation. There is a little girl with epilepsy that is so on my heart along with another, but this child is so close in age to one of our daughters - the one who would really struggle with that, that it just doesn't seem wise. But what a dumb reason to deny this. And I start over with the circular reasoning. How do you choose? There are so many unknowns! I just want to see them all safe and happy. How can you look at a face and say "no"? Some choices are very clear - given our life, our rural living, our animals, etc. Some children would be unsafe here in general, though it might not be as bad as portrayed, or we may be able to find a way to work with it, yes, I am sure we could find a way to work it out, and there goes the circular reasoning again. I am very clearly looking at faces and choosing children. This is just so intensely "wrong feeling"! I cannot choose. I truly believe that God has chosen, but there are so many kids, so much need! How can one be left behind?
So, anyway, please pray for this decision, for God to speak so very clearly. I would settle for a neon sign somewhere! I think I already know the answer, but it means saying no to another. And that just tears up my heart.
So, if you know anyone who would be interested in adopting a little girl with epilepsy (on medication) who is 10-11 years old, please let me know! Also, check out this link: http://www.cwa.org/1hope/home.htm (okay, dear hubby is gone getting his bloodwork done for the adoption and I cannot recall the code to get it embedded, so please copy that link into your browser). This child will be on this page shortly, and there are several children who we have looked at who are on this site. I would so love to know that this little girl has a loving home!
Thanks and please comment! I love it!
I have so been debating about sharing some things with all of you (whoever you really are!). You all know that we are working to adopt two brothers from Ethiopia, and that A has a medical condition that really needs to be treated here - better and actually quite easily by us. Each day it isn't, he runs the risk of permanent damage to his body and life. All the unknown. I try to take a deep breath and not let fear take over. At this point, all I can do is rush the paperwork to the places it needs to go, and that is what I am doing. The other part of it is that we of course have huge fees to pay. There was a significant reduction in fees due to the ages of the boys, and the medical condition, but there is still a huge amount of money needed. To meet that need, we are taking every minute of extra work that we can (praise God for wonderful provision and that opportunity to work overtime/extra), using eBay and Amazon, cutting our spending as much as we can, and just really looking at every penny we can. Add to that the rush to get things completed to get A to medical care - the catch to that is that the funds are needed as things get completed. Ugh, deep breath. Shake off all the negatives and fears. Whew. OK.
I really struggled with sharing with anyone the need. Our last adoption was so blessed by our church family, by friends and family, and by people we had never met. It was a group endeavor as three families worked to bring home seven children and keep them connected. Well, it was very public and very intense - and hard. Asking people to give, to help us pay for it, was so painful and humbling.
I resolved that I didn't want to ask anyone for help. That I would work my fanny off, that we would all do whatever we had to, that we would do it ourselves. And we are making it, slowly. I don't know if we can make it before our deadlines. I hate to think that things could be held up because we don't have the money on hand.
So, I am going to share what was sent to us by our adoption agency (Christian World Adoptions - wonderful, wonderful so far!). Please do not do anything other than read it, unless God very clearly moves you. Or share it with someone that you feel needs to read it.
If you have friends or family who wish to contribute to your adoption fund, there are a couple of ways to do it. One way is to go to our website, www.cwa.org, and find the link to Christian World Foundation. There they can donate online. When they do so, please tell the donors to choose the general fund and make sure that your name is noted on the donation form. They will receive an automated receipt for the donation. The receipt will not show your name, as it must be received into the general fund of the Foundation. The second way to donate is by check. Please tell the donor to make the check out to Christian World Foundation, noting your name on the memo line so that we can credit it to your adoption. They will receive a donation receipt via US mail, again without your name.
Even though, by law, these funds are received as open donations, a request is made by our Asst. Executive Director to the Board of Directors for any monies marked for client donations. There has never been a time that the board has refused a request for these funds, so please assure your donors that these funds will be marked for your adoption expenses.
If, at the end of your adoption, there are funds remaining after your expenses have been paid, these funds will be marked as an overpayment and sent to you. Often times we will send the overpayment to the family right before they travel so that they can use the funds to help with their travel expenses.
I hope this explanation is clear but if you have any questions please call me.
CHRISTIAN WORLD ADOPTION
Patricia Mendock
Finance Manager
828-693-7007 ext 317
If someone felt so moved, the funds are tax deductible! I don't think we ever know anything about any contributions as far as who or how much, so feel free to let me know if you want. Last time, so many people donated, and I never really knew who did, so I had a hard time being able to thank everyone. I hope seeing Solly and Zeri growing and thriving is a visible thanks and blessing to them each and every time they see them! This is what folks did!
Also, if you could pray with us - we are considering adopting a third child - there are several special children who need homes and are unlikely to get them. As I review files, watch videos and look at pictures, I know that any choice I make says "no" to a particular child. It breaks my heart. Every child deserves a home. Each one of these kids. But I also know that there are some things that I can do, some I cannot, and some that would be difficult with our family constellation. There is a little girl with epilepsy that is so on my heart along with another, but this child is so close in age to one of our daughters - the one who would really struggle with that, that it just doesn't seem wise. But what a dumb reason to deny this. And I start over with the circular reasoning. How do you choose? There are so many unknowns! I just want to see them all safe and happy. How can you look at a face and say "no"? Some choices are very clear - given our life, our rural living, our animals, etc. Some children would be unsafe here in general, though it might not be as bad as portrayed, or we may be able to find a way to work with it, yes, I am sure we could find a way to work it out, and there goes the circular reasoning again. I am very clearly looking at faces and choosing children. This is just so intensely "wrong feeling"! I cannot choose. I truly believe that God has chosen, but there are so many kids, so much need! How can one be left behind?
So, anyway, please pray for this decision, for God to speak so very clearly. I would settle for a neon sign somewhere! I think I already know the answer, but it means saying no to another. And that just tears up my heart.
So, if you know anyone who would be interested in adopting a little girl with epilepsy (on medication) who is 10-11 years old, please let me know! Also, check out this link: http://www.cwa.org/1hope/home.htm (okay, dear hubby is gone getting his bloodwork done for the adoption and I cannot recall the code to get it embedded, so please copy that link into your browser). This child will be on this page shortly, and there are several children who we have looked at who are on this site. I would so love to know that this little girl has a loving home!
Thanks and please comment! I love it!
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