Big day for our family today. We finally got to finalize Iris' adoption. Her name is now legally changed to Iris Ofelia Maples from Ofelia Maria Maples. Of ocurse we've been calling her Iris but now it's official. The court appearance was only 10-15 minutes. The lighting wasn't good and I'm disappointed in the photos but at least we got a few. They don't normally allow cameras in the court room but they make exceptions for adoption cases. Here are a few pics of our princess Iris.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Adoption Day
News on Ian
Well, the last few days have been long without much progress. Thankfully his personality is returning and his energy. Problem is with eating and drinking still. Thin liquids gag him and make him vomit the pureed food he had swallowed. They turned his IV off today in hopes he'd be desperate to drink. Didn't happen and his IV is back on for the evening and night. As I type this though, he is slowly eating some pudding. He needs more liquids though and the thicker ones seem to go down better. If tomorrow goes better, we may get out saturday. I'll keep you posted. Here are a few pictures from the last couple days. The big black dog is Zach and I woke Ian up to meet him. As you can see from the pictures, Ian wasn't impressed. The dog is a newfoundland and was huge. Ian's IV infiltrated the other night and went 3-4 hours before the nurse noticed it as his legs are always under the covers. They are supposed to check it every hour though :( Ian had fun with the masks and gloves though as the nurse used a vein light to locate a new IV sight. She got it with only 1 try and Ian didn't even flinch. The other dog is Grace who is a whippet. She visited today and Ian loved her. She looked a lot like Fiona, the italian greyhound we had for awhile. The robot he is holding was something we made from FLOAM that my friend brought to Ian. He has a cheezy smile but he really had fun and likes it. He thought his emasis basin made a great hat. Thankfully the nurse had just washed it. The last photo was one I took today to show how skinny he has become. I can't wait to beef him back up a bit. He's scaring me but the doctors don't seem concerned. Ian's sleeping is greatly improved and doesn't have near as many coughing fits. He does snore more though which we'll have to watch as obstructive sleep apnea can be a side effect from this surgery. The video at the end was taken a couple nights ago. His first 5 nights were like this or worse. The fits actually got worse but I couldn't video that as I was busy helping him sit up and clear the mucous. Please pray we are out of here this weekend.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Matthew 25:35(from RR blog)
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." (Matthew 25:35)
This verse, spoken by Jesus, reminds us that not only are we helping the person who is looking right at us, but by helping that person, we are serving God. Jesus says that when we are doing something for those around us that serves them in their need, we are serving Him as well. When was the last time you looked at a homeless person requesting food and saw them as Jesus, just waiting to be served? Or that person who needed an extra dollar in the grocery line ahead of you in order to buy food for their family? What about the person who has nowhere to go for the holidays and is sitting home alone just praying someone will stop in to say hello? And of course, the child waiting for a home to call their own... Do you see Jesus in them?
He says that when "I" was hungry you gave "me" something to eat, and yet the people replied saying they never saw him. But it was Him that they served as they gave to the people around them. There are so many names for this...
"being Jesus with skin on"
"living by Faith"
"compassion ministries"
"Luke 4 ministries"
"community outreach"
But reality is... living your life and giving just a small piece away to someone in need around you... this is what Jesus is about. Serving and showing love.
Do you have a heart for people? Can you spare that extra cheeseburger as you pull on to the interstate and see someone hungry by the side of the road? Can you share that extra $5 and buy a toy for the local drive for families struggling? Do you dream of another little one to call you "Mom" or "Dad"?
Another way you can reach out this holiday season is by sponsoring a child on Reece's Rainbow by going to www.ReecesRainbow.org/angeltree2008.htm. Help one more child come closer to having a family this Christmas. Think of all those "Jesus" faces looking out from their need. Which will you help fulfill? Will you feed Him? Give Him water? Invite Him in?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Geneology of Jesus(from RR)
Did you know that the Bible lists out the genealogy of Jesus? Maybe you've noticed before and skipped those first 16 verses in the very beginning of the New Testament, Matthew chapter 1 verse 1? These lists are often cumbersome to read through and many of the names hold little significance to most of us, but it's not those names that bring this genealogy to mind. Of course they hold significance, but did you ever read verse 16 really closely?
Matthew 1:16 "and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."
Joseph was Mary's husband. The ADOPTIVE father of Jesus. The earthly father that raised Jesus as his own flesh even tho he wasn't a biological relative. The one that taught Jesus his trade- in carpentry- and raised up the Savior of the world.
Now, take another look at that verse, Matthew 1:16. And think of all those verses of genealogical fatherhood (16 verses) going back 14 generations showing the significance of Jesus' family. Significant enough to be the entryway into the New Testiment put together by God's hand. All based on the heritage of Jesus' adoptive father.
There is no question that adoption is the heart of God!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Ian Update Sunday Night
So it's Sunday night and Ian is resting. Sorry I haven't updated much but I'll give you a rundown of what's been going on now. I'm including a bunch of photos and a couple videos. The video of Ian where he is playful was taken the morning after surgery. He was playful but that was the ONLY time so far. He has a ton of phlem in his throat that he can't swallow cuz it hurts and it hurts to cough it up as well. We thought he was making progress as he was taking popsicles but he has thrown up everything since then. He had pureed carrots and peaches last night which turned out to come up as a fountain. He's back to stricly clear liquids and so he hasn't eaten in 4 days. He has an appetite and wants to eat but we can't let him and that's really hard to see. Lately though I've been his scratcher. His head has been very itchy and since he has casts on his arms, he can't scratch anything. It's also challenging as he can't tell me what itches. Needless to say, we'll be here awhile yet. We're trying to keep him busy though and yesterday we got to tour the helicoptor pad up on the roof. It was his first outing and was miserable but was good to get him out. There is a picture of me holding Ian and the other guy is the pilot. Then today one of the dance companies in town did a short rendition of their full Polar Express performance. It was great. I literally had to drag Ian to it though. Once there, he seemed to enjoy it a bit and got to see Santa. He got a silver bell from one of the reindeer too. My favorite part was the "tap" Polar Express performance that I captured on video too. The last clip is pretty much how he is all the time with the exception of the playful video. He's very gurgly. They are talking about putting his IV in his hand tomorrow and taking it out of his his foot so he can start walking. I don't want this as it means a poke plus there isn't much of his hand showing below his casts and it will be extra painful. Please keep praying for the pain and for complete closure of his palate.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
End of Day 1
Well, I"m going to try to get some rest. Ian wakes up crying about every hour so I haven't gotten any rest today. Overall, he's doing great although they're keeping him out of it for the first day or two. I had to give him 3 meds orally and he threw it all up with a bunch of blood. The pharmacist is making an IV mixture instead now. Here are a few pics from today.
Being silly before surgery.
Just out of surgery, poor baby.
Getting transferred to his bed where he'll be for about the next 10 days. Please pray for a quick and complete healing this time.
Meet Ian's ape friend JoJo. I put him to good use holding Ian's humidifier tube.
Ian update
Well, I barely got Ian's first post typed and Dr. Clay came out to talk to me. Ian's surgery was just over an hour and it went well. Dr. Clay was able to do what he needed to and he's happy with the outcome. Of course he was the last time too....Ian has casts on his arms including his thumbs this time as he got them off the last time. They are to prevent him from putting anything into his mouth. I can't even comprehend the amount of pain this little man is going to be in when he wakes up. I can guarantee I'll be crying right along with him.
Ian 12/4/08
Ian has been in surgery for 1 hour now. They are performing a pharyngeal flap. If successful, it will finally help him with his speech. It is basically the soft palate in his mouth. He will actually be in the hospital for 7-10 days though as he won't be able to eat for about 1 week. They are harvesting the tissue from the back of his through to create the "flap". Please please please pray it holds together. Most of you know his two hard palate repairs have failed and fallen apart. This is his best chance for speech and really his last chance as they are out of tissue to use for repairs. I'll be posting updates on here as well so check back if you'd like to follow his progress. Ian is a tough little dude but was so so sad when they took him back. I couldn't go back as their little monkey suits aren't large enough for me :( Immediate prayers are:
1. Dr. Clay is able to perform the surgery without problems
2. wake up from anesthesia ok
3. no vomitting happens(was a problem last 2 surgeries and the acid breaks down the stiches)
4. pain control
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
John 14:18
God's Word- the Bible- has many references to orphans and to adoption. One verse that stands out to me as a short and yet compelling statement about adoption is John 14:18. "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." In this verse God isn't actually speaking directly to people that have no parents (orphans) but rather to his disciples and telling them that He won't leave them without a comforter and one to follow, but he instead will return to them and will send the Great Comforter (the Holy Spirit) in his place when he goes to the Father.
In the context of the last supper when Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to the disciples, Jesus still speaks to the heart of those that don't have parents and those that are waiting and wondering what it is that God might have for their lives- feeling like they're without a leader, without a father, without a hope.
Jesus promised the disciples that He wouldn't leave them as orphans. Nor will he leave the millions of children around the world without any hope.
In verse 15 Jesus says "If you love me, you will obey what I command." He repeats himself in verse 22. Has he prepared you to be a voice for the children? Is he leading you to become that parent for some of his orphaned children? Or maybe he's leading you to help the orphans in another way...
"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." Will you follow the call to adopt? Will you allow yourself to be Jesus' hands and feet in providing for the life of a child?
Adoption and the Bible
Reece's Rainbow is going to be posting about what the Bible says about adoption throughout the month of December. I'm going to be copying the information to my blog. Here is the first snipit.
December's Emphasis on the Reece's Rainbow blog will be what the Word says about adoption. I hope you'll check back every OTHER day for a little nugget of Truth this holiday season as we highlight the Bible and God's heart for adoption.
"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you" John 14:18
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Reece's Rainbow
This is an amazing ministry!! It was started to find homes for children with Down syndrome. It has grown over the past couple years and there are many "other" angels also waiting for their forever families. See my sidebar for a slideshow of some of the many waiting children. Since we can't adopt right now, I can still advocate!! Now through Dec. 31st, you can click the button below and it will take you to a site where you can make donations to help a family be able to adopt one of these precious children. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to adopt one yourself. If we had enough money, we'd be bringing them all home :) Please open your hearts this Christmas season and consider making a donation in honor of someone instead of a gift. Any amount is appreciated but for $35 or more, you'll also get an ornament with the child's photo that you sponsored. God Bless!!
Grab This Button
Friday, September 5, 2008
Precious Sam
Here is a short blurb about Sam talking to me today:
Sam: Mommy, I like God and Jesus.
Me: Yes Sam, so do I.
Sam: I so proud for them making the whole world!
Me: Awww, me too Sam!
Sam really comes up with some great insight to things. This past weekend he asked his Grandma Maples "Grandma, what kind of shows did you watch on TV when you were small like me?"
Sam is also really taking off with drawing and writing. Tonight on his magna doodle, he wrote the entire alphabet in cap letters and then all the words to the ABC song. I would right the letter and word first and then he would copy it WITHOUT any help. It was awesome and I am so proud of him. I just love how kids learn things!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Blog Makeover
Ok everyone, we got new family photos taken so I felt I needed an awesome new blog look to show them off. I can't take credit for the makeover but I love it! I highly recommend Danielle and you can contact her through her link on the right side of this blog. At the bottom is her signature and will take you to her site. Well worth the price and she offers sales from time to time which I was able to take advantage of. I also have to brag a bit at how gorgeous my kids are. Their pictures turned out so great that I can't stop smiling when I look at them. Please leave me a comment and tell me what you think. We are heading to Missouri tomorrow to visit Jon's family. His brother and sister-in-law just had a baby girl and we can't wait to meet our new niece Harper Ann. Next week I'll be posting more pics from the summer and our trip to MO. Take care!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
PRAISE OUR GOD!!
Here is the most recent update on Miss Emma. I am in total awe at what our Lord has done for this precious little girl and her family. This message is from their blog:
And not only are we going home FIVE days post-op, but we are going home with NO PH MEDS (Viagra was originally made as a medication to help with pulmonary hypertension and they found that it has other... helpful... side effects for men... but the PH is why Emma would have gotten it)!!! She'll still be on O2 at night but that is because "we already have it set up with home services and it won't hurt so we'll keep going," according to the intensivise. I am in awe of God's work in this little one. She sat in my lap all morning and watched Cinderella then Elmo.
They took out her drain tube, her pacer wires, and she gets her last dose of IV pain killers at 2pm today. Capitol with Codiene (Tylenol w/ Codiene) to go home with and Lasix and Enalapril, that's all! I can't believe she spent more time in the hospital for her T&A (8 days) than her OHS (5 days) and that's after all the stuff they had us prepared for with up to 6 months in the hospital, multiple surgeries, pacemaker, trach, etc. etc... and of course, the high possibility that she wouldn't ever come home. God is good... all the time!!!!
This is a PRE-OP picture, before her heart surgery and I can't wait to see that joy and smile back over the next few days!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Update on Emma!
Please click on the Emma button on the left side of my blog. There are several updates on miss Emma there. I, yes Sarah, was up at 5:45am this morning to join in an online prayer group for Miss Emma. God has truely revealed himself today and has given Emma a fighting chance at a long happy, healthy life. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Emma
I have many photos and videos to add but am joing other moms from Reece's Rainbow in a "blog silence" in honor of Emma. Some of us are waking at 5:45am to have an online prayer group before Emma's sugery. I copied the following from another mom who explains the seriousness of this surgery. I'll try to update once I hear word.
Please pray for Emma. She will be having heart surgery Monday morning. The surgery needed to be done when she was very small, but because she was in an orphanage for the first 5 years of her life, the surgery was not able to be performed. This surgery is her only chance at survival because right now her little heart is giving out quickly. Please pray for her family that they will be comforted and that God will hold them close during this time (click on her picture on the left of my blog and it will direct you to their blog). Please also pray for the doctors, that they will be able to perform this delicate operation without any complications. Please pray that Emma will be healed and live a happy and long life with her loving family.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Please help an orphan!
A friend of mine is trying to raise money for a little girl with club foot AND Down syndrome. They've adopted 2 boys with Down syndrome in the past year and their Xander also had club feet. The girl's name is Raina and this is what Shelley has to say per her blog:
Anyone want a Blackberry Curve???????
I am giving away my Blackberry Curve. It is in excellent condition....I've had it less than 6 months and always carried it in it's case. It works with a T-Mobile SIM card(and I'm sure it can be unlocked for other carriers). When we changed cell phone providers, I decided to downgrade to something cheaper. I sold my husband's identical phone on ebay in less than 5 minutes for $170. I decided to give mine away instead. So, here's the deal:
On July 27th, I will pick my Xander up out of his bed, kiss his chubby little cheek.....and thank the Lord for putting him in my arms one year ago. To honor that moment one year ago, I am auctioning off my Blackberry Curve with every penny of the money raised to go into the grant fund for Raina, who is waiting in Bulgaria. Raina, like Xander, has Down Syndrome and clubbed feet. She is destined to live her life confined to a crib unless a family takes a leap of faith and adopts her into their family.
So, here's how this is going to work. There is a Chip In widget over on the side of my blog. A $5 donation made through that account will enter your name in the drawing. You can enter as many times as you want....each entry requires $5. The auction will end on July 27th and Xander will draw the winner himself. Every penny of the money in the chip-in account will go to Raina.....and someone will get my Blackberry Curve. You can keep it, resell it yourself....whatever you want to do with it. My intention is to get some money in this little girl's grant fund.
If you are reading this and you blog, PLEASE mention this on your blog. You can even put the widget on your blog too. You can get the code here. Some of you that read this get hundreds of readers a day on your blog. My prayer is to raise at least $500 for Raina's grant. That's going to take 100 entries. My husband thinks I'm crazy and I'm going to give my Blackberry away for like $20. Help me prove him wrong and raise some money for this little angel who's waiting on a mommy and daddy to call her own!!!!
Big Girl Iris!
Iris took her first steps tonight!!! She's growing so fast and took two steps 2 different times. Yeah Iris!
Kids are so funny!
We were on our way home tonight from getting groceries and we stopped at Taco Bell drive thru. On the way home, Sam and Ivy were in the back having a conversation that went something like this:
Sam: What would you like to drink? Coke, beer or water?
Ivy: I'd like lemonade!
Ivy rarely chooses from the options given to her. I also don't know where Sam picked up on the beer as neither of us really drink it and we rarely even have it in our house. Jon and I got the giggles.
Sam and Ivy took turns taking the order and when it was Ivy's turn, she put something(forgot what it was) up to her mouth so she actually sounded like she was talking through the drive thru speaker. I guess maybe we shouldn't go through drive thru's so much, lol.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Iris' Song
Sam made up a song about Iris and it's so precious that I had to get it on video. Of course it's a little different each time but he loves Iris so much. Sam is really into singing lately and knows a lot of nursery rhymes now too. I'm so proud of him! I hope this makes you smile!
Dentist!
Well, I took all 4 kids to the dentist today. The older 3 had cleanings and exams and Iris was just along for the ride. They all did great and we were all done within an hour. It would have been less except they were being pokey and the dentist was a bit behind. Funny how it costs more for them to get polished, flossed and fluorided than it does for Jon and I to have a complete cleaning and exam. YIKES! Thank goodness for dental reimbursement. I must admit that the Mayo Clinic does have some of the best medical benefits I've seen. With all these kids, we may never afford to be able to move. Oh yeah, no cavities either...YEAH! My kids actually beg us to brush their teeth. They get to play in the water that's why....grrr. Ian does have one cavity but it's in his front tooth and it's a tooth that had already been filled and the filling fell out almost immediately. So no new cavities and that on is scheduled to be re-filled towards the end of August. It's hot hot hot here today so we are inside for the remainder of the day. That's it for now!
Just Havin' Fun
We were just all goofing off and I got a glimpse of the kids trying to "pretend" they like each other. I love Ivy's look when Ian wouldn't let her hug him. I also caught Iris being her silly self. She was giving me the serious look while videoing but even she couldn't keep a straight face. Check out that bod of hers. She's really filled out in the 4 months that we've had her. I'm thinking she may be blessed with the same genetics I am. Poor girl!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
ABC Kids
Here are my kids practicing their ABC's. For some reason, Sam gets "t" and "y" reversed. Notice Ivy cannot hold still for a second. Also Ian pretty much knows his ABC's and if you listen close, you can make out one or two letters. I love how he says "Y". He'll get there with lots of speech therapy!!!
143,000,000 orphans
So many of our friends and family do not understand why we keep adopting children. First of all, we want a large family. Having just been to my family reunion, it was amazing to see everyone and one day, I want to be my grandma on her 90th birthday. Sitting there taking it all in and seeing what she has helped create. Not sure we will have 10 kids though, maybe 6! I plan to post orphan videos from time to time on my blog. We know we cannot save every child however with each child we do adopt, we are giving the world to that child. Unless you are in the adoption world, you probably aren't aware as to how big families can get through adoption. Over the past couple years, I've "met" through the internet, many families that have 10-20 kids. Now before our moms have a heart attack, this is not the road we plan to take however there will be one or two more. We are starting to do some fund raising for #5 and possibly our last child. We know we want one more for sure and with Jon's employee benefits, we need to do it before we leave Rochester. Once we leave, we know we probably won't be able to adopt again as we probably won't get the employee benefits again. In a perfect world, we'd like to wait awhile before adopting again but we want to move closer to family soon. Therefore, if we are to adopt again, we need to start in the next few months. We do not have a child or country picked out but will adopt a child with special needs again. I'm leaving you with my favorite quote and I'm sorry I don't know who said it. It may be from the Bible. "Once our eyes are open, we cannot pretend we don't see". Please watch the video, it's very powerful. I do not know anything about the organization sponsoring this video but I like it.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Our Sweet Babies
The kids were in a great mood today so I took the opportunity to take some great photos of them and some not so great photos of me, lol. Not sure why they feel the need to smush my cheeks when they hug me for a picture and not Jon. How do you like that big tumor on my chin? Since working at Sam's club, my face has broken out. I'm just filthy when I get home at the end of my shift. Anyway, this is my favorite montage so far. As frustrated as I get sometimes with the kids, they are truely our angels and we are so blessed and honored that God has trusted us with their lives.
Iris' First Haircut
I took the girls in for haircuts today. Iris desperately needed her first haircut and Ivy has been begging for a short style cut. Today was the day. Ivy went first and did amazing. She sat like a statue for the entire haircut and looks so cute in her short hair. Her Papa Jimmie Joe will really love it too as he has always liked short hair. The two pictures of Ivy are right after her haircut. Even though she looks upset, she's not. The sun was in her eyes so it was hard for her to smile. Iris on the other hand had a fit. She sat ok at first but by the end she had had enough. Then I made the stylist hold her for a photo and that was it. Iris was so mad and screamed so loud. Jodell is a friend of mine and Iris seems to fuss whenever she sees her. Iris still has "stranger danger" though and whines whenever anyone looks at her and talks to her. Pathetic little whine mostly.
New Sandbox and Bonfire
We decided to get the kids a new sandbox with a cover on it this summer. Last year, Ian got Giardia from our old sandbox as the neighborhood cats liked to use it for a litterbox. We ended up having to board up the sandbox part of our swingset so no one else would get this parasite that causes horrible diarrhea. They long their new crabby sandbox. We also had a bonfire at our house which the kids liked. We let Sam stay up until the fire died out which was like midnight. It was nice to have some alone time with Sam. We roasted some weenies too and just had a nice time. Sam really thought it was great too to have mom and dad to himself for a couple hours.
Mommy's Birdies
I brought home some ice cream from work the other day and you'd think we never feed our kids. I haven't laughed so hard in sooooo long. Even Iris sat there with her little mouth open waiting for a treat. It was funnier to be there. Then I actually got a few pictures of Iris smiling. She smiles all the time but as soon as I try to take her picture and she sees the red light, she quits smiling. I get so frustrated. I thought these were cute though.
Totally Busted!!
Jon and I couldn't figure which one of the kids kept messing with the computer. We now have proof that it was all 3!!! They aren't very good at destroying the evidence yet. Short but kinda funny!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Emma's Hope
Emma is the daughter of Meredith, one of my online friends. She has Down syndrome and has a very serious heart condition that at this time is inoperable. The family is seeking more opinions for Emma. Emma is 5 years old and was adopted from Ukraine a few months ago. She is adorable and has really come along way since coming home. The Cornish family have 4 children, 3 of whom have Down syndrome. Please say a prayer for little Emma that she be able to get her heart fixed and live a long happy healthy life. Click on her picture to the left to visit the Cornish family's blog!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Let's go fly a kite
Jon took the kids out to fly kites today and they had a blast. They actually all did very well it looks like. I was at work or getting ready to go to work, can't remember which. We have a walker for Iris when we are outside. Since our driveway is slanted, we have a "leash" attached to the bottom so she can't make it out to the road. She walks on her tippy toes in this walker and has ruined 2 pairs of robeez already....grrrrr.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day 2008
Mother's Day has for sure become my favorite holiday. I get treated like a queen and the kids "try" to be good. Jon and the kids made a great breakfast today and cleaned up all the mess. I got to sleep in and take a long nap. This year, we started a new tradition now that the kids are getting a bit older and are starting to understand what adoption means. We bought and angel statue in honor of their birthmoms. We planted a big geranium in front of the angel in honor of me, and each of the kids picked a flower to plant around the geranium in honor of each of their birthmoms. The sun was very bright today and it was very windy so we didn't get the best pictures but they are still cute. I am humbled today as I think of what the Lord has entrusted to me. He has given me 4 beautiful children to love and raise as if they were born to me. I feel very sad on Mother's Day and each of the kids' birthdays as I think and pray for their birthmoms. I can't even imagine how hard her decision was to give up a child in hopes of a better life for them. I truely wish they could see our kids and see how happy and loved they are. To Sam's birthmom Babitta, Iris' birthmom Manuela, and Ian and Ivy's birthmoms, whose names we do not know, I Love You from the bottom of my heart! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to everyone!
Love,
Sarah
Friday, May 2, 2008
Reece's Rainbow
"There are children all over the world in need of a family, love, and basic care. Many of these children have disabilities and are placed in mental institutions at the age of 4 or 5. In these places the children rarely live past the age of 10 and most die within the first year. Will you help to spread the word to raise funds and families for orphans with disabilities? Please visit Reece's Rainbow and see how your donation- however large or small- can help a child find a family. Look a little harder and you just might find the calling for one of them to be your own.
If finances aren't a way you can help, please look across their photos and say a prayer that each one will find their forever family soon. Reece's Rainbow is an International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry which also advocates for orphans with other disabilites across the globe. Please "grab this button" and post it with a message to your own readers as well. It starts with ONE, but then grows exponentially. You never know, your own post may be one that finds a family for one of these precious children."
Please click the "button" to the left to visit Reece's Rainbow
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sam is growing up!
Sam wrote his name today without help. I'm so proud of him and he's tickled to death with himself. He said he is going to write his name at preschool for his teachers today. I love this kid!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Look what I did!
I promised the kids that if they took morning naps that we could have lunch at the park and play all afternoon. It was a great day and we had a blast. Ivy is definately our monkey and climbs on EVERYTHING! Iris loved the swing and giggled a lot. Sam was a daredevil and really liked the slide pole. Ian just loved it all including the baby swing. I'm glad I remembered my camera. Enjoy my first attempt at a montage. Maybe next one will have some special effects.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Testing.....
Well, since blogs are the "in" thing, I thought I'd get with the times and give it a try. I'm certainly not computer savvy so I'll be learning as I go. I may be asking some of you for help. We have 4 beautiful children that we've adopted from all over the world. I will introduce them one by one in order that we adopted them. I'll tell each of their stories so you can get to know us and our kids. I've never really written their stories so it will be fun to relive their adoptions. God has truly blessed us with our family. We will sit back now and enjoy raising our kids. I realize people already think we are crazy for adopting 4 kids but I don't think we are done. I seriously thought Iris was going to complete our family but God has already been working on us for one more. Right now, I'm listening but waiting for Him to show us what He wants us to do. In order to adopt again, the child will have to have a large grant towards his/her adoption as we just don't have the finances. If it is God's will, He will make it all happen. Well, it's really late and I feel like I'm starting to ramble. Check back for more later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
