Good News and Another Giveaway!

We got word today that we need to be in Serbia on Nov 30th. We are leaving on Nov 27th which is only 10 days away! We are so so excited but scared and nervous too. We'll be leaving our 4 small children with a nanny for about 2 weeks and then Jon can return home and I will follow a week later. We are also sadly about $1500 short at this point and are praying God shows off again and provides the needed funds for us. We are going to try another giveaway in hopes of raising a little more money. We are giving away a great set of educational books and a DVD. These are all brand new. The list includes:



Discovery: Pathways to Better Speech for Children with Down Syndrome
Starring: Ph.D., CCC-SLP; Professor Sue Buckley; Sally Shott; Siegrfied Pueschel Libby Kumin Director: Will Schermerhorn Format: DVD


Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives (Paperback)
~ Kathryn Lynard Soper (Edited by), Martha Sears (Foreword)


Adventures In The Mainstream: Coming Of Age With Down Syndrome (Paperback)
~ Greg Palmer (Author)


Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges (Paperback)
~ Dennis McGuire (Author), Brian Chicoine (Author)


Gross Motor Skills in Children With Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (Topics in Down Syndrome) (Paperback)
~ Patricia C. Winders (Author)


Fine Motor Skills for Children With Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents And Professionals (Topics in Down Syndrome) (Paperback)
~ Maryanne Bruni (Author)


Early Communication Skills for Children With Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (Paperback)
~ Libby Kumin (Author)

Each $10 donation will get your name entered 1 time. If you donate $25, you'll get 3 entries. Please use the chip-in button if interested. If you could also please say a prayer that we get what we need, we would greatly appreciate it.
Blessings,
Sarah

International Down Syndrome Coalition For Life

I'm borrowing this from my friend Shelley's blog, hope she doesn't mind. Those of you that know me really well, know that I'm 100% pro-life for ALL reasons. It breaks my heart to know that over 90% of women whose unborn baby has a pre-diagnosis of Down syndrome will abort them. There are over 200 families on waiting lists in the U.S. hoping to adopt a baby with Down syndrome. It's really sad when most health care providers actually recommend this. I'd give most anything for the chance to parent a newborn with Ds even though my plate is overflowing as it is. I just pray that women can be given accurate information before making such a final decision.

I can’t let Down syndrome awareness month come and go and not mention this organization. The International Down Syndrome Coalition For Life is an organization that promotes awareness, support and advocacy for ALL people with Ds….even those who are not yet born. None of the well recognized national Ds groups do this. These organizations start at birth…..refusing to take a stand for the most vulnerable members of the Ds community, the unborn.
In a country where 90% of children who are diagnosed with Ds pre-birth are aborted, it is important to have an organization that honors these members of the Ds community too….and advocates for their right to be born.
In a world where people are still told….today, in 2009….that the baby they just gave birth to is evil because he has an extra chromosome, that the child will destroy their lives and should be sent away and forgotten about…..we need more people to stand up and speak out like the IDSCFL is doing.
In a time when people would rather do nothing, because that’s more politically correct…..people with Down syndrome desperately need a voice that will not compromise, that will not be silent, that will take a stand even when the truth is hard to hear and say that ALL people with Ds have a right to life.

The Creed of Babies with Down syndrome

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

31 for 21

Ok, so I'm doing so good with blogging everyday am I? I did meet a sweet sweet little boy named Seth today as we were leaving Ian's therapy center. He is a cute cute cute blondie who happens to sport an extra 21st chromosome. I just couldn't help myself and had to say "hi" and introduce myself. Oh, he has the sweetest smile and most adorable little wave ever. I'm hoping his mom contacts me as I'd love to arrange a marriage of her son and Grace...heehee! Nothing new on the adoption front though and I'm going to have a very busy month and a half with my jewelry business. I just love my job :) Every time I go to work, I end up at a party! I also need to be careful what I say these days. Yesterday after the kids were done at the dentist, we were walking to our car. It was pretty chilly and Sam said "It's freaky cold!" Oops! Here's a sweet picture of Grace taken a few months ago. I can't wait to spring her from that crib and put a smile on her face!

correction

Some people were having problems with the button not working. Give it a try now. Thanks to everyone who is putting it on their blog and to anyone felt led to help us bring her home.
Blessings!

Button for Grace

Here is our sweet Grace. Please consider putting her button on your blog. Any donation is tax deductible but Prayers are Free. Please pray for our family! Grab the code below her button and post on your own blog or facebook. Please spread the word of adoption. The button will take you to our family sponsorship page on Reece's Rainbow. This is the adoption ministry where we found our Grace.
Blessings,
Sarah
p.s. Thanks Ali for making our button!


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