Ready for "Ross"...Stas that is!

If you think you are done....you're not!

2012-02-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hmmm...what do I mean by that?

When I read this scripture before, it meant only one this to me:

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible. to act." -Provers 24:12

It meant adopt...adopt....adopt.

I found this posted on another blog when we were adopting Stas. We came home with Stas and I felt I had no other choice but to go back to adopt another, or even two others. As we settled in, I realized that would be impossible, unless I had a couple of live-in help. The desire didn't leave me and it was painful. I had seen the plight of orphans with disabilites. I wanted more than ANYTHING to go get more.....heck I could even hire people and start an orphanage here....a humane family orphanage...something like that.

Life continued, it really was truly impossible. I prayed for God to take the desire from me if I wasn't able to adopt, but not take the passion for the children. I still ache with every face I see, but I know my calling is different now. Not to adopt, but to do everything else that I can for them.

Pray!

Fund-raise for the families that are adopting!

Advocate for the families that are adopting!

Donate myself!

Do all I can to make the lives of the orphans who won't be adopted better!

When we were in Ukraine, we met Valentyna. You have never met an all around more beautiful person. She loves God with everything in her. I have never seen anyone trust God like she does. He always provides "just what I need, nothing more." She has the biggest heart for the impoverished and abandoned of Ukraine. She is trying to meet the whole person...the spiritual part never is forgotten.

She started Chalice of Mercy and the miracle that take place through the work are indescribable. She is humble and knows where any credit goes. We are instruments in His hands. We are His.

Val is sending over a 20 foot container to Ukraine filled with items for the hospice they are supporting. Another 20 feet has been added to go to Kalinovka, the same "orphanage" in the region where Stas came from and where he would have gone in the very short future. Not so. He is home!

I wanted to share with you pictures of SOME of items that we were able to collect here in MN to sent to Chicago to board a container to go to Ukraine. Then we are going to videotape Valentyna translating our therapists instuctions on PT, OT, and speech. Explaining what they are doing and why. We will make a little instructional video. Low budget! But something.

We have to do what we can.

All of us.

If your eyes are open, you must act.

God knows we know.

He holds us responsible to act.

I want to do more....we will do what we can.

Look at these beautiful wheelchairs. This isn't even the therapy items that are going to Kalinovka. And all of the new mattresses for every person at Kalinovka! ALL of them that Chalice of Mercy is sending over.


Just needed to show you our former orphan!!! Love the joy!


Thank you Mike! You are awesome. Mike agreed to send our items in his trucks to Chicago.....thanks BJ Transport!

Please pray this all gets to them in March as hoped for. Please pray more good things come the way of the orphans....families are a nice touch.

I would if I could....

2012-01-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

I would adopt them all if I could. I can't. My heart literally aches for these children. The children who were abandoned in Eastern Europe at birth because they weren't "perfect." I know God doesn't make mistakes. They are all made in HIS image and they ARE PERFECT.

While I can't adopt them all...because I am only one person....I can do my part.

I know what I must do.

I can reach out to those who can adopt....

And I can work to improve the lives of those who are not adopted into a family.

I have an amazing opportunity.

We all do.

What part are you able to play?

The director of a mental institution (the very institution that Stas would have gone to by the time he was 6 years old) is a wonderful man. This "home" houses people with disabilities ages 5-35. (sigh) He has been there several years and is working to make a difference in a place that was not well cared for prior.

I was setting out to gather Physical Therapy equipment, just good thing for building strength, etc...for the people of this "home." I was looking looking for these items: good quality treadmill, therapy staircase, good quality stationary bike and more. I still need these things...but the list just grew.

This is good.

Amazingly, I have been given a list from the director of the needs they have. The items in blue are the ones that I am supposed to procure. But, everything on this list is needed.

How will this get to Ukraine?

Chalice of Mercy is the organization that is working to get these items. This is a 501c3, based here in the US, but is supporting the needs of the most vulnerable in Ukraine. Sisters Mission Outreach, based in Chicago, will be collecting the items and be responsible for the shipping. Any items collected in Chicago can go straight to them. Any items collected in the Twin Cities will come to me and I will have a truck going down to bring them. If you are able to send me anything thing here that can go through the mail, I will add it to my shipment.

When you look at the list below, do you know anyone that is connected to retail, hospitals, nursing homes, hardware stores, etc... Any therapists that may have extra equipment. I know my therapy place said they get things donated and they could give them to me. My church has a couple extra wheelchairs, etc....

Do you have friends in Chicago that have connections?

Please let me know or email me at dgthibault@comcast.net if you are able to help in any way.

THE LIST:

Massage tables (preferably with adjustable/tilt head) - 10

Variety of hand massagers

Air mattresses (preferable king size to be used to take bedridden children outside)- 4

Tarps (to cover the ground and protect the mattresses or equipment)

Inflateable pools - 3 pieces (the size 6.5 ft x 6.5 ft and 6.5 ft x 10 feet) for bathing children

Large Exercise balls (Yoga balls) - 5

Disks with cartoons, CD with sounds - birds, river, sea, etc.

feeding bottles - 100.

Diapers from 12kg to 24kg - 10000

Wheelchairs (up to 12 years) - 5

Other Wheelchairs - 10

Matresses for children with a waterproof cover from age 6 to 15 years - 50.,

Adults - 45 pcs.

Play pen (to take children outside) - 5.

Lifting machine for bedridden children - 2

Sterilizing lamp - 5.

blood pressure monitor - 3 (Automatic - 2)

Glucose monitor with 1000 strips

Anti bed sore pillows - 50.

Electronic scales for weighing bedridden children (weight 50 kg, height 1m70sm) - 2

Athletic shoes for boys:

sizes 12-4.5 (European size 30 to 37) - 40 pairs
sizes 5-11.5 (European size 38-45) - 65 pairs

sizes 10.5 to 11.5 (European sizes 44-45) - 2 pairs

Blankets:

Adult size (width 5+ feet) - 45

Baby - 30

Thermometers – 20

***We are also looking for ANY physical therapy equipment that would be useful to the children/adults of Kalinovka.

Remembering my Dad

2012-01-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

William G. Muller (a.k.a. "Dad")

On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by dad, William (Bill) G. Muller died at the age of 69. It was sudden and unexpected. He died in his sleep. He was in his favorite position. He was cuddled up to his pillow and his hands tucked and curled up under his chin. He looked comfortable and peaceful.

At my dad’s funeral, my two brothers, Bill and Matt, and my sister, Sue, and I offered these words of remembrance for those who were present. We each took a part, and made a pact not to cry. We would speak with volume and confidence, just as dad would want us to. Here is how it went:

*************************************************************************

(Matt—the funny guy):

Blessed are the poor in spirit - for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the meek - for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are the peacemakers- for they will be called children of God.”

If this sounds like the man whose death you are here to mourn—I think you are looking for the Larson funeral at Faith Lutheran just next door.

While poor in spirit, meek and peacemaker are not the best words to describe our father, there are numerous other words that come to mind:

Smart: Dad was smart. Dad graduated from St. Joes in 1965—the year my brother Bill was born—and went on to earn two graduate degrees over the next decade. Dad was a smart guy. He knew a lot about a lot – And what he didn’t know – he said with confidence and volume and moved on.

The smartest thing my dad ever did was to marry our mom, MaryAnn. She loved him so well with everything she had and everything she was.

(Bill):

Teacher: Dad taught grad school at three different universities – two in Iowa and one in Philly. Dad liked to teach. Dad liked to share his views…regardless of your willingness or interest in “learning” from him at that particular moment.

His children learned a great deal from him. From Dad we learned that most things can be accomplished if you confidently forge ahead - despite the risk of personal injury to himself or others. Failure -- if you live through it – is the most successful learning experience.

Dreamer: Dad lived in the moment – but he was a planner and a dreamer. To him, planning was living in the moment, and the plan – big or small – well thought out or not -- was everything. Dad didn’t often sweat the big things (like crashing a car on prom night) -- and too often sweat the little things (like slamming the refrigerator door) – and whether or not his plan or dream actually came to fruition didn’t really matter that much to him.

(Gretchen):
Humility: While humility wasn’t Dad’s strong suit – he did humble himself to God and was a generous servant. Whether he was making rosaries for the church or great plans for the parish – he was a good steward. Dad had a great sense of humor – especially about his mortality. Dad’s sense of humor – regardless of its level of appropriateness – was a great gift to all of us. We pray that God shares this sense of humor – at lease to some degree.

Dedicated: Underneath his brusque exterior -- Dad was kind at heart. He was dedicated to providing for his family and played his part in providing for mom, raising two wonderful daughters and two (pause) sons. (Best when said by one of his wonderful daughters :-)

(SUE):

So where is Dad now and what is he doing?

I hope dad is in heaven, with his grandchild, Michael and all his miscarried grandchildren; his sisters, Helen and Marion; his nephew, Robert; his parents, and our friend, Helen Miller. But, I think it is best to assume that my dad is in Purgatory now.

I imagine Purgatory to be like that of CS Lewis’ description. He describes our time in Purgatory to being like a man on a long journey who, at night, finally reaches the beautiful mansion illuminated on the hill. He can look inside the window and clearly see all of the sumptuous food displayed beautifully on an endless banquet table. But, he realizes he needs to clean up before he can go in. So there he waits, not yet ready to join the banquet.

With this description in mind – I can see Dad, ball cap on, a little rumpled and a bit grimy from the journey – with his nose pressed up against the window – mouth watering – waiting to go inside. I can also see the table – sauerbraten, spaetzle, pickled herring, liverwurst, and why not – icy cold beer.

(This, you see, is when Sue broke the pact…she couldn’t hold back the tears any longer—we each resigned to the tears) So we must all keep Dad in our prayers and ask God to reward his goodness and his love – and forgive him of his failings.

And Dad – by now you have realized that that there is nothing you can do but accept God’s endless mercy – soak up God’s love – and pray for us so that we will all be united in heaven for eternity.

(Matt returned):

“Blessed are those who mourn – for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – for they will be satisfied.

“Blessed are the clean of heart – for they will see God.”

***********************************************************************

I love you dad. While I never really got to say to you all the things that I wanted to say; And I never got to know if you knew what it is that I wanted to say to you….it no longer matters. Because you get it now. You have heard it. You have been shown it. You understand. I have such great peace with knowing you understand. It is freeing. I feel only love and I miss you now.

Thank you for all of the good that you have done for me and for each of us.

Again, I love you. Please pray for me as I too shall be praying for you.

Love, Gretchen (your “Gooch”)

What would we do without adoption?

2012-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

We know all 8 of our kids were chosen by God. Three of them we seemed to have a little more of a say in. We didn't know which kids we were getting with 5 of them....just merely that we were getting them.

What would we do without adoption? I can't imagine that life and would never want to. Each on of them bring such a joy to our lives. They reach deeper into our heart and teach us a new lesson on love.

We didn't adopt because we wanted more laundry, higher grocery bills, a larger van, a tad bit more noise around the house, or that we wanted to take up a whole pew in church.

Why did we adopt? God placed our children on our heart. Each one of them, in his time. It is funny. I remember before each one of them thinking my plate was too full. Viola! God spoke.

So many people tell us how lucky our three adopted kids are to have us....oh, on the contraire....it is us that are so, so, so blessed to have them. They are all gift. Look at them.

They are all gift!

Do you see gifts?

God knew just what He was doing when he spoke to us in our hearts.

Thank you God!!!

He's a big boy now!!!!

2012-01-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

Ricky lost his first tooth!!!!

Happy Old Year!

2011-12-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

Just want to share a few photos from our Happy Old Year before the new one rings in....in just over an hour.

We are enjoying some family time together in the great white north.

My beauty Jenny!

"What'd you say?" ---Lizzy's photo...cool huh?

Look who found the blueberries he got from his godmother!

Our house Christmas eve eve.

Maggie was sick for 7 days over Christmas.

And now we await the NEW YEAR! Bless us Lord. Help us above everything to love and serve You in this new year.

Micah Six Eight: GOD IS ON THE MOVE....

2011-12-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

Micah Six Eight: GOD IS ON THE MOVE....: HE'S MOVING PEOPLE. God is moving in hearts. THE BABES ARE MOVING UP!! Don't miss out. It is beyond fun to watch the little ones climbin...

Micah Six Eight: The Passed Over Babes

2011-11-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

PLEASE READ JULIA'S Blog here and then scroll to the bottom to go to her blog and be a part of this great giveaway.....either do it ofor the sweet little loves or for the hope of winning a neat prize!!!

The Passed Over Babes

On Saturday I opened up the Angel Tree and began to scroll through the faces.

Many of them new faces... first time Angel Tree children.

But many were way too familiar. And it saddened me. Faces of children who have sat for two or more years on the tree.

Artem Sergei Spencer

Children who will AGAIN be hanging ON a tree this year instead of sitting UNDER it. Children who have spent one more year of their lives isolated and alone. Most of them passed over because of bad pictures or because of sad expressions on their faces. How to get them noticed? How to get them from being passed over another year??

Jin Wu Arina Danila

What could I do?

I clicked on several of the links. Prayed over them - wondered. What could I do? I felt the Lord nudging but what could I do? I don't have money for a big Giveaway. I'm well aware I have done precious little for Spencer's grant account. Artem is still without a family. There are so many more. So many more.

Robyn Dimtry Mark

They all have Christmas Warriors so why shouldn't I just concentrate on my own???

What could I do??

Yet the faces of those who have hung for so long lay heavy on my heart. What could I do? God was nudging but what could I do?

Meredith Nikita Paul

Amazingly, God wasn't just nudging my heart. Another Mom's heart was also being nudged. He nudged her enough that she sent me an e-mail. On Saturday morning about the same time I was staring at faces on the Angel Tree she was writing me a letter. Her Angel Tree child has been wasting away on the Tree too. No family in sight. What could she do? She had some money set aside and offered it to me for a Giveaway. We could raise money AND AWARENESS for Spencer and for her little guy. And anyone else I chose.

I sat stunned and in awe. OUT OF ALL THE ANGEL TREE KIDS... Her Angel Tree child was ONE OF THE CHILDREN I HAD CLICKED ON. HER LITTLE GUY WAS ONE I HAD PRAYED OVER!

Sergei

Dear Lord. The Father of the Fatherless nudging hearts into action.

All the faces of the little ones whom I recognized on the tree from last year... and the year before. They flashed in front of me as I read her offer. THOSE were the babes I wanted to help. Those little ones. My Spencer, My Artem, Her Sergei and more.

Yegor

I know I can't do much but I can do something. I can give those kids another opportunity to be SEEN. Put their faces out. Remind you that they have been waiting FAR TOO LONG. The passed over babes on the past Angel Trees.

So here is the deal...

The kids above have all been on the Angel Tree since 2009.

All of them are close to or are already transferred.

We are doing a PASSED OVER BABES Giveaway...

WE HAVE 10 AMAZING PRIZES IN THIS GIVEAWAY!!

You give FIVE DOLLARS to TWO OR MORE kids below and leave me a comment - I will enter your name in our Giveaway - ONE ENTRY FOR EVERY CHILD!!

AND

AFTER YOU DONATE TO TWO OR MORE....

IF you BLOG about these kids..... you get another chance to win in our Giveaway.

AND/OR...

IF you FACEBOOK or TWITTER about these kids... you get another chance to win in our Giveaway.

Give FIRST, then share and share.....

Put their faces out there. Let people know these are the PASSED OVER BABES who have sat far too long on the Angel Tree. THEY NEED FAMILIES.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN???

1. A KINDLE TOUCH - (99.00 value)

2. FLIP ULTRA HD VIDEO CAMERA 8 GB 3RD GENERATION - Newest Model (150.00 value)

3. 100 DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE VINTAGE PEARL

Each and every piece is handcrafted from start to finish in the studio. They use sterling silver and freshwater pearls in their creations!!

4. A SIGNED COPY OF BIBLIOPLAN'S ANCIENT HISTORY BOOK (59.95 value)

by Rob and Julia Nalle

5. A set of 4 hand-carved wooden Christmas ornaments (50.00 value)

6. A 50 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

7. A 50 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

8. A 25 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

9. A 10 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card

10. A 10 Dollar YOUR CHOICE Gift card.

These YOUR CHOICE cards are to ANY store, restaurant, mall etc. that you desire. You tell us what you want and we will deliver!! Amazon, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Starbucks, Kohls, etc. etc.

Will you help the PASSED OVER BABES??

They have been on the Angel Tree since 2009.

I know that many of you have ALREADY donated to some of these kids... I'm asking you to donate again. Donate because all I am asking is for 5.00 for TWO OR MORE KIDS who have spent their lives being passed over. Please - don't pass them by again. NOTICE THEM. Their pictures may be bad. They may not be smiling. Their descriptions may scare you off. But they are PRECIOUS PRECIOUS BABES.

Let's NOT pass them over again this year!!

THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH!!

If you have trouble leaving comments in Internet Explorer - then switch to another server (Google Chrome works great) or FB me... JULIA NALLE

CLICK HERE to be a part of this great offering!!! Micah Six Eight: The Passed Over Babes: On Saturday I opened up the Angel Tree and began to scroll through the faces. Many of them new faces... first time Angel Tree children. ...

Funny question I was asked today :-)

2011-10-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

When I dropped Stas and Ricky off at school today, one of Stas' teachers asked if we have been cleaning at home. I laughed.

My friend comes to help me clean once a week and Stas is fascinated with all of it. The vacuum, the broom, the mop and the duster...

...oh, the duster. That is his favorite.

"Oh wait, it might be more fun to push this table over instead...again."

Do you have any idea how happy I was to get this lock on this broom closet.....PURE BLISS!! I have a few extra hours to my day now where I don't have to protect the walls, clean up brooms, dustpans, vacuum parts and protect peoples eyes and heads from flailing broom handles. The windows too. Yikes.

How do you suppose I get him to learn to pick up after himself now? I long to hear the teacher say, "have you been teaching Stas to pick up at home?" Only in my dreams. None of my kids seem to have learned that job, why should he?

Don't you clean you cabinets and oven with a broom?

:-) Love that boy!!!!

The things we'll do for orphans.

2011-10-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

There is a little boy in an Eastern European orphanage named Andriy who has no idea how hard people are working to bring him home to his mom, dad, brother and sisters.

This is the sweet boy:

There is a mom of 8 (that would be me) who was one day minding her own business when some other mom named Renee told her she needed to take a pie in the face for the above mentioned sweet boy. Renee said she was going to do so and so naturally this mom gave into peer pressure and said "sure.....happilly....for Andriy."

Here is Renee with a little whipped cream on here face following a pieing:

Soon this started floating around:

Gretchen the red-nose clown?

Oh, I see, it is a target.

So, $1,500 later......the preparations began.

We needed to wait for the right moment.

When everyone gets excited and says they want to be the one to smear the pie in my face, how am I to feel? How would you feel? Just curious. Dan was smart enough to say, "I have nothing to gain." Wise man.

Lizzy wanted to take pictures, that ruled her out. Bobby pretty much decided he was the man for the job, and I warned him he had a lot to lose if he did it too hard, too long, too high, too low, I told him what angle to throw it.....and my dear husband told me he had about enough of me calling the shots. Suddenly he wanted a piece of the action. Niiiiiice.

So, everyone gathered around, there was a countdown....5......4.....3.... and Ricky started screaming bloody murder.

We stopped. Couldn't comfort him (glad someone loves me!!!) and needed him to go watch the Wiggles to distract him.

5.......4......3.......2......1.......

Look at Dan holding my head....thank you, Dan!!!!

Have you ever seen such joy on two people's face?!?!?!

Charlie loves pumpkin!

Ricky was okay with pie on my face....intrigued actually.

What we do to bring orphan's home :-)

NEXT UP:

Catherine

Melissa

Go here to give

What was I thinking?

2011-10-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

Look what I have to look forward to.

Before I begin....let me tell you that I do enjoy baking and cooking. I just don't have time. I also don't like to waste money when I don't have to. So, remember that whole pie in the face thing? I couldn't see going out and buying a pie for $10 or anything like that. I found a crust in the fridge to bake, had some vanilla pudding, a can of pumpkin puree and whipped cream. PERFECT fixings for pie. Right?

Well, they mix up well to taste delicious, but I can't imagine how far it will go up my nose and across the floor. It turned to soup!!!!! Practically. Renee was kind enough to share with me to hold my nose because "you won't believe how far it will go up your nose." Thanks Renee from the bottom of my heart AND my soft palette, nasopharynx, esophagus and trachea.

Do I stand in the shower so as to help with the clean up? I suppose I just go outside. It's been rainy. Well, no harm, that should help with the clean up I guess.

Here you can see Lizzy taking the pleasure in following my lame directions for pie making. Amanda said that she took a mental note to never get this recipe from me. Wise decision Amanda. I did try to stick with the season though. Gotta give me some credit.

Aren't they the nastiest looking crusts you've ever seen. I think the dough was old. It tastes good. We ate the other soup, I mean pie.

I guess the PIEING will have to happen tonight. Oh boy....I can't wait.

What I really can't wait for is the next two up.....and then the next..... It's a good line-up.

Wish me luck...but most of all...keep DONATING to the Burlingham family (CLICK HERE) and keep giving yourself a chance to win an iPad2, Nook, Kindle and more. Better idea....keep donating to give Andriy a chance to get home to his family and FEEL the love.

Post from Renee!

2011-10-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Pie a la Renee

Want to know how much I love Andriy's mom?

Alot.

Need proof....

Here are the pics.

Say hello to my little friend....

Did I mention how much I hate getting pie in the face?

Yep, still as terrible as I remember it...

Steve said maybe if I opened my mouth as he pied me that would help....

It didn't.

Although the coconut creme that I did get a bite of was pretty good.

Pie a la Renee, done and done!

I keep telling myself one day I will look back on this and laugh...

But you know what I will be laughing about....

When she gets pied.

Gretchen Thibault.

Yes, I love her.

Yes, she totally does a lot for orphans.

Yes, she has donated MULTIPLE times to have me pied.

And all that stands between her and being pied is $845.

Holla!

So if you liked Pie a la Renee....

Imagine how much sweeter....

Pie a la Gretchen will be...

$845.

Make it happen!!!

Target Acquired!

If you would like to make Renee happy, and Andriy, and Amanda.....donate here:

http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorburlingham

LOOKS LIKE I'M DOOMED!!!

pictures...that's all.

2011-10-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

My senior!

Maggie

First day of school....

Playing with my new camera that I got from Renee's fundraiser to bring Paisley home :-) LOVE IT!!!!

No one was home and I wanted to play....teddy bear become my subject. He looked really funny propped up outside.

My beauty Lizzy love.

Isn't she gorgeous?

I love this picture.

and his curiosity here.

Therapy....

Check out Clare!

2011-09-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

I just learned about Clare.


This is Clare seeing a photo album of her new family...can you imagine when she sees them in person?

What a doll. Claire has Down syndrome and cleft lip/palate. Think of how this sweet little love will thrive when she is placed in her family. They are so eager to get there to get her and bring her home to her brothers and sisters.

Wanna know something cool? You could win an iPad2 if you donate to their Family Sponsorship page that is on their side bar on their BLOG. It is SO easy. Follow her directions and leave a post and she will enter your name the appropriate number of time...TADA! Done.

http://bringinghomeourchinesebutterfly.blogspot.com/2011/08/fundraiser-update.html

Go here and hurry...there are only a few weeks to take advantage of this great offer :-)

Good luck Fristoe Family!!!! Clare is precious!

Just ONE more 4 us!?: Does it Matter?

2011-09-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Can you please check out this family's blog and see the little boy, Andriy, that they are trying SO HARD to bring home. Can you help them out even just a little?

Just ONE more 4 us!?: Does it Matter?: I have heard from an adopting family they never had to "giveaway" anything to raise money for their adoption. That people just donated. So...

Ten Dollar Tuesday for the Taylor

2011-08-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking. It's time to turn up the tempo on the fundraising tricks for the Taylors.

First, its time to introduce the Taylor Team:

Meet Shawn and Christie

Oldest son, Jared

The Twins...that's TWO of them.....Joseph and Jackson.

Aren't they breathtakingly attractive?

But time is ticking!

It won't be too long before it's time for their trip...

time for tickets....

and time for travel....

That's terrific.....right?

Well, of course.

But, let me tell you the trouble.

Money...

Funds are trickling in at a tortoise's trot....(that is SLOW!!)

TREASURE is important and time is of the essence!

If only treasure grew on trees :(

They have tried
to tackle this trouble by turning to their trusty trooper-like friends.
They used Twitter and tons of other tricks.
They've tried tricky twists to their tumultuous fundraiser tactics.
Remember the time Christie tried tempting us into telling her the true name of her new tiny tot by posting the letters of his name?

Of course, truth be told, and the Taylors know this too, the true treasure is this tiny little tot named Jadon.

(Talk about CUTE!!)

At the age of two he's too young to know what a turn his life will soon take.

The Taylor's tale has had many twists and turns but the ending will all be terrific.

Let's turn up the heat!!!

It's your turn.
Let me tell you your task.

You might imagine, and you certainly CAN, the Taylors have tons to do to travel. Let's tell them to take time from this tumultuous task and tell them to start packing. There's other such tasks, like trying to decide what tacky gifts to get for their tot's caretakers and tending to the task of who will take care of the twins while they travel....and Jaden too! Heck it will probably take ten or so trips to Target to pack for THIS trip!

How 'bout WE take care of the rest.

Can you give $10 to the Taylors today?
That's all....
10 dollars!

Go HERE
Click on "donate" and type in "10" in the amount total line (or more is a real treat!!!)

We need 100 people to give 10 dollars!
CAN DO!

If we don't get tons of tens on Tuesday, we'll have to be working on Wednesday at the tiresome task to get Thirty dollars on Thursday, or work furiously fast for FIFTY on Friday...oh....that sounds TERRIBLE. Let's just try for tons of TENS on TUESDAY...please!
I'll be totally tongue tied if we don't!

This whole "10" thing....

It's not terribly time consuming or troublesome or tedious to help them get to their total. But it is tremendously appreciated. TRULY!

Just type in
"10"
right
HERE
on their family sponsor page.

What a treat to hear Christie Taylor say "Totally Awesome.....my trusty friends, and even some acquaintances tossed us over the top of the Taylor family grant total!!!"

Wouldn't that be TERRIFIC?????

TADA!
That's all you have to do.

TTFN...ta ta for today...I mean ta ta for now!

TANK YOU!!!

PS: Would you consider Tweeting this too?

My words will do no justice.....

2011-08-17T20:09:00.001-07:00

....I BEG you to read the words from this mother...PLEASE! She is talking about this precious girl who is 11 years old and weighs only 10 pounds!!!! Yes, 10 pounds.

http://theblessingofverity.com/2011/08/please-go-get-a-measuring-tape/

Can you do anything?

Nice article....

2011-08-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

I can't say that I am thrilled about having an article written about us. But, I can say that I am fine doing it if it draws attention to some of my passions: adoptions, special needs, Down syndrome, family, and organizations that I like. This article did it well I think:

http://presspubs.com/articles/2011/08/09/shoreview_press/news/doc4e417c58bc0aa966024837.txt

I suppose I can't put a post w/o a photo or two, so here are a few from the concert that she is referring to. We had a benefit for Healing Haiti and Reece's Rainbow. The money raised, almost 25K will be divided up between the two organizations. Actually, more will go to HH b/c of the number of their attendees. Shawn Mullins performed. He was wonderful. Again, another magical evening. The rain made us move inside, but oh well, you do what you need to do. The kids and Dan and I worked hard to have it outside, but it's just what you do, right?

Shawn Mullins

Rachel and Charlie Meyer, Becky and Alina Wangerin, and Me and Stas (with cake on his face!)

Cutie Pie Stas! Referred to every so kindly recently as the Stasinator!!!!!

Maggie raised $347 selling bowls that the girls made and some sweet little bottle cap magnets that a friend, Sophie W. donated....THANKS Sophie!

What we've been up to...in picture form

2011-07-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

We rented a 35 foot RV, pulled along a pop-up camper to
head out east to Philly for a Muller family reunion.

We stopped at my brothers.
The Stasinator struck.
Ouch. Expensive lamp!


Ricky texting and driving the RV...bad choice Ricky!

The boys awake.

The boys NOT awake...Joy!

Ricky chilling on mom's lap.

Ocean City, NJ

FREEDOM AT LAST!!!!!!

Down town Philly a bunch of first cousins.


That's a lot of chocolate...Hershey Park.

And how is it that I do not have any pictures of the reunion? They are on Charlie's camera, not my iphone. So, I better go find them.


Five for Fighting Concert.I have never seen Ricky so happy. I wish I could have bottled the excitement and joy he had. He knew every song and rocked all night.

Ricky, talking to Ter (Esther...our friend and old babysitter). He does this a lot.

Breakthrough!

2011-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, Stas started copying all of the signs I was teaching him. Mom. Dad. Water. Milk. More. Eat. Yes. No. Drink. He even copied every silly movement I made. Kiss your arm. Kiss your finger. Kiss your foot. Poke you chin. Poke you nose.

He copied them!

That is HUGE!

Today when I got him out of bed, I said, "Mama is here." And....

he signed "MOM"!!!!!!

All by himself :-) Isn't that sweet?

Every now and then he will sign drink or eat or more on his own. That was all.

Now, look how he is copying the game-playing that the girls are doing with Ricky and him.

And then,

for the FINALE

just as the clip ends, he SAYS....

Watch and find out.

Don't miss it!!!!

Did you hear it?

He SAID "mama."

All smiles here!

What a nutty boy!

2011-07-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, Ricky is an entertainer. Not only does he entertain us, but apparently himself as well. The camera on the computer was on and this is what we captured.

Excuse the mess...this was the day after we returned from a 10 day trip in an RV with 10 people.

Okay, weird the timing is off and it took a three minute video and turned it into 50 seconds....oh well, almost funnier. I think you get the point.

Do you think Ricky was excited???

2011-07-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just pictures update!

2011-06-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Stas turned 4!!!

Birthday present :-)

LOOK WHO I GOT TO SEE!!!!!

This was the hugest treat. They drove over an hour to come see me in Orlando! Thank you!

Love him!

Our little getaway on the boardwalk.

My 8th grade graduate....Jimmy.

Isn't she gorgeous.

Do you like that Josi? You are so sweet checking up on my little Stas!!!!!! I put a bunch of pictures up just for YOU!!!!!

Dan and I pray in the early morning together. This is what we see on the mantle...isn't that disturbing? Look at that creepy thing sneaking up on the angels! All the more things to pray about.

Precious Memories.....

2011-06-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

It was 11 years ago today that I laid eyes, in person, on my beautiful little love, Jennifer Paola. They brought her into our hotel room in Guatemala City and it was love at first sight! She was a spunky little extrovert. A little, 15 month old bitty girl with a little bowl cut! Precious.

Oh I love my girlie. She has a heart of gold and a nurturing side that is unbeatable.

Daddy putting her to sleep her very first night in our arms :)

Off to the Embassy....nervous!

Her Baptism....one of the most important days of her life!


Last years gotcha day....my sister made her a cake to celebrate...you REALLY outdid yourself...well, you really outdid ME for sure!

And exactly 1 year ago from yesterday....THIS is what took place....

Stas update

2011-05-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

I can't thank you all enough for your prayers. I must say, they must be working. Since Stas was out of the ER, I have not noticed ANY pain, he doesn't grab at his face...he doesn't seem at all bothered by it. He is only bothered by me messing with it. I have to keep it all lubed up with Bacitracin and wash it before...ick, I don't like that part.

Every day he is making progress...even from beginning to end of day. If I wasn't so tired I would show you a progression of pictures so you can see the healing. But even these pictures say alot. Two pictures from yesterday, two from today...

Thank YOU!!!!!!!

Poor, poor Stas!

2011-05-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

This morning

Last night

Poor Stas.....

It has been a crazy couple weeks. We are just trying to finish up with Ricky's tonsil/adenoidectomy recovery when we had another little complication.

Stas' guardian angels have to work tirelessly to keep him safe...no doubt.

Boiling water had just been poured in a cup when Stas decided to open the fridge and freezer...a favorite thing to do. When we went to tie the door closed he zipped over and pulled the mug down on to his face, neck, chest and arm. I wasn't home, got a phone call telling me he was on his way via paramedics to the Burn Center at Regions Hospital. Hysterically I traveled there to find my very sad boy who was needing all four extremities bound to keep him from trying to tear the pain off of his face.

After a while, the Fentanyl, Pat-a-Cake, and Itsy Bitsy Spider kicked in and we were good to go. We spent the night in the hospital, not knowing how he would handle it and because his eyes were swollen and they wanted to keep an eye on them.

He slept through the night. Praise God!

We will be seen in the Burn clinic in a week to change dressings. He has to keep Bacitracin on his face at all times heavily. He has dressings on his arm and chest.

It is amazing how quickly the skin is healing. He looks so much better now then he was 8 hours before now, 8 hours before that, etc....

And one other thing.....the person who was with him when the burn happened is WONDERFUL!!! I'm sure they feel awful and if ", etc.... Stas is always one step away from an accident. It seems like it is a matter of time...always. So, as they said in the burn center, "this is nothing, tell her we see it all the time and this is nothing compared to what we see." We LOVE YOU!!!

Thank you for your outpouring of prayers. You are all awesome people in our lives, and the life of Stas. I thank God for you. Keep praying.

Amen!
Gretchen

We made it....so far.

2011-05-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

We found the trick to let us get a blood pressure...

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectiomy.....check.

We knew this would have to get done some day....DONE. I can't think of any more procedures we have to do. They told me at the hospital that they are almost, finally, done with the remodeling. I thought to myself, exciting, but I hope I don't have to see it for a very long time :-)

A visit from big sister Lizzy.

Bananas...way to go Ricky.

He bit off more than he could chew....or at least swallow.


Playing with the new iPad2 that we won from Alexander's fundraiser!!!

Happy to be going home...can you tell.

I never saw him like this at the hospital. He was really pretty miserable. Our worst moment...I worked long and hard to get him to sleep. It was midnight and he finally went limp on my bed. The nurse came in within about 20 minutes and said she had to do vitals, turned the lights on, blood pressure, stethescope, temp......I was furious. He cried for about another 1 1/2 or more hours I think. Then restless all night. His poor brain just couldn't settle down. I gave her a somewhat charitable piece of my mind, really, I tried to be charitable. I'm not so sure I succeeded but I did up front, in the middle of his crying tell her that "IF" I get him to sleep again I refuse her to wake him up again for vitals. AMEN!

And by the way, Jodi, NO I was not driving taking the above video. Dan was.

I'm told the worse is yet to come??? He is napping now and I am happy. That's all I know for now.

See this happy boy?

2011-05-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

This is Ricky a couple of days ago...headset on...dancing to California Justice (Five for Fighting). At one point he comes close to the camera and you can hear him say "California Justice"....okay, use your imagination. We are starting to understand more and more of what he is saying. Between sign and better articulation it's been fun. Music is what seems to really be helping.

Well, he is happy here, isn't he?

I'm afraid in a few short days, he won't be quite so happy :-(

He will be having his tonsils and adenoids removed on Thursday. UGH!

I hate to think about it. Please pray for him.The one good thing we have going for us/him is that he can be hydrated and medicated through his g-tube. It is great to have that as a back-up. I remember agonizing over whether to get that thing....I love it and don't know how we will ever decide to get rid of it :-)

Ricky had labs done yesterday, one finger poke and THREE blood draws! He is NOT an easy poke. Thankfully the Wiggles resurrected him following each poke. The third poke had just enough blood to do his labs..."not one drop extra." (thank you JPII) Phew! I don't think I could have let them poke him again.

Here he is at the doctors for his pre-op. Isn't he just cute? He is such a ham. He is well known and loved at his pediatricians office. He usually performs for whoever is waiting.

THE WORLD IS HIS STAGE!

And we LOVE his productions.

Waiting...

2011-05-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

These two children have been waiting...waiting to be loved in the safety of a family.

Moira

Nastya

The Ferrone Family has been waiting....waiting to bring these precious girls home.

Can you help this family get to these girls...so neither one has to wait any longer than neccesary?

The Ferrones leave in 12 days to travel to Eastern Europe for these sweet girls...and they are still short of funds! Please help out if you can....http://wronginalltherightways-travcat.blogspot.com/

Catherine and Travis have been married for 17 years. They have four children, two by birth and two by adoption. Their oldest son is 16, their oldest daughter was adopted from Haiti at age 7. She is now 10. The second daughter is 7. Their youngest daughter is 3 1/2. She was adopted from the Republic of Georgia at 11 months. She has a very similar condition to little Nastya's Aperts Syndrome. They are so excited that God has led them to bring home two more angels! Please consider donating to Nastya and Moira! EVERY DOLLAR HELPS!!! Thank you!!!

This will take you to their donation page....http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorferrone

4/12/11—APPT IS MAY 17

Follow the Ferrone family's adoption journey on their blog at http://wronginalltherightways-travcat.blogspot.com/

Happy Easter! Photos, photos, photos!!!

2011-04-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Showing off his church outfit.

This is as good as it gets!!!

Stas looks like this is killing him!

Two of my favorite people.

Ready for bowling...at least that's what it looks like, I think.

What an eye Ricky!

LOVE!

Pucker up bunny!

My beauty....Jenny.

MUST taste it and tap it on the teeth first.

TJ told me this was just some deal he made with the toothfairy... I hope!?!

Bunny and his homies.

My nephew....remembering bunny from his younger years...

My niece....they go way back.

Ricky did NOT like the Easter bunny. Bobby took care of that!

Visited the cemetery today. Christina Katherine was buried here back in March 2000. I miscarried her at 16 weeks.
We have three little ones in heaven.

And this....well....this is what I woke up to.
Christ has Risen.....Alleluia!
My cinnamon rolls had no such luck.
They sat like little lumps in the bottom of the pan.
Usually they are spilling out the sides and I am trying to keep them in.
I guess dough gets old, aye?

Happy Easter. We are new. We start fresh.

Alleluia.

Our God is a loving, living God.

He is all merciful.

And all loving.

Alleluia!!!

Life with my boys...

2011-04-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't he a love?


Ricky loves life.


A picture we sent to dad ....whom he loves.....when he was out of town for work....

Does anyone see trouble here??????? AAAAHHHHH!

Yes, I'm still trying to figure out how to child proof for Stas! Who would have thought that childproofing meant getting rid of every piece of movable furniture. Even slightly movable.

Does anyone know this cartoon character? I don't know his name, saw him on TV. Cracks me up though....red hair and the same blue glasses. Not nearly as cute as my little red-head though.

Well, sort of a lame update, I know. But, I did it.

Oooh, Ricky is on his 4th (yes, you read that right!!!) round of strep. Was told it is time for those spongy adenoids to come out.....scary!!! I'm told they harbor the strep. This sounds dreadful.

Blessings to you and please pray for safety for Stas as he is a runner...and in to everything. Please pray for the families trying to bring their sweet children home from Eastern Europe.

iPad2 Giveaway and more!!!!

2011-03-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

Before you read anything else...go to this link below and ignore everything else that I say:

http://anextraleaf.blogspot.com/2011/03/ipad2-and-more-giveaway.html

The Burger family is working very hard to bring their Brian home. There is great fear that this precious soul,

will get sent away to an institution.

Hidden behind a locked gate forever. Never to even see a car drive by!

Life in an institution vs. Life in a family with loving momma and papa, 2 brothers and a sister?

The decision is easy.....he needs to be home...and FAST. Please do whatever you can to bring him home.

Tons of prizes.....even if you don't win the iPad2!

Entrance Details:

$10 = 1 entry

$25 = 3 entries

$50 = 8 entries

$100 = 20 entries

$150 = 35 entries

$300 = 80 entries

Go HERE to find the Chip in at the bottom of the posting....you wan the one that says iPad2 Giveaway!

Good Luck!

Blessings to you for your generosity!

YOU MUST READ THIS---PRAY!!!!!!!

2011-03-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Kirill's Story as told by his parents.....to go straight to their link: http://oureyesopened.blogspot.com/

Please feel free to share the following on your blogs. It is a summary of our adoption journey so far. Please help us spread the word. We are hoping somehow someone will be able to help us.

Two years ago Greg and I began praying for God to do whatever he wanted with our lives. We handed him a “blank check” so to speak, and told him to cash it. He opened our eyes to children with disabilities wasting away across the ocean in Eastern Europe. We joined God and started our adoption journey.

Our family is more than equipped to handle a child with special needs. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a member of the Board of Directors of Best Buddies of Alabama. I have volunteered for RISE and Eagles’ Wings. All of these organizations serve individuals with special needs. My husband I have close friends and family who have special needs and we are a big part of each other’s lives. Our wedding party included some of these special people. Our involvement with individuals with special needs led us to adopt a child with special needs; specifically, we chose Down Syndrome.

As we prayed over the faces of thousands of orphaned children with Down Syndrome, we ultimately chose a little boy named Sergey from Russia. Eight months later, as we neared the finish line of our adoption, one of Sergey’s family members in Russia stepped forward to adopt him. We were heartbroken for our loss, but God showed us that we were following him, and his ways are perfect. We knew we still wanted to adopt, so the way we saw it, two children would find homes because of our journey…Sergey went to his family and now we would choose another child to come into our family. We took great comfort in knowing that God could see this when we first committed to Sergey! We were honored to be a part of his plan.

Shortly after losing Sergey, we received a new referral with a grainy photo of a four-year-old blond-haired boy wearing pink glasses named Kirill. We were instantly in love with him. We had to re-file a lot of our paperwork because of the change in referrals and regions of Russia, but we were fast and we thought we were looking at three more months at the most until we would have Kirill home.

That was well over a year ago.

Since then so many things have happened. A tragic story of an adoptive mother sending her child back to his country alone on a plane with a note pinned to his shirt rocked our world…he was from Russia. Adoptions in Russia came to a screeching halt. Kirill’s region stopped processing adoptions for eight long months. The judge refused to accept any Amercian adoption cases until an official treaty was signed between the United States and Russia.

Even though we wouldn’t be able to finalize the adoption in court until the treaty was signed, we were allowed to go visit Kirill and sign our official petition to adopt him in August 2010. We fell more deeply in love with him. This was our son.

During that time, we found out that Kirill is the first child from his region EVER to be adopted with Down Syndrome. A birth mother keeping her child with Down Syndrome is unheard of in this area of the world. Adoptions of children with Down Syndrome just don’t happen there, these children are literally hidden away from society in orphanages and mental institutions. As our process continued, it became apparent that Kirill would be a pioneer. If our adoption was approved, it would pave the way for other children with special needs to be adopted from this region.

Then, a miracle happened around Christmas and the judge in this region suddenly changed her mind and began processing American adoptions again. We were elated. Could this be the light at the end of a very long tunnel? I was somewhat nervous about Kirill being the first child adopted with Down Syndrome from his region, but our agency was very confident that if we got a court date, our adoption would be approved. In seventeen years, they had never had a case rejected IF the family was issued a court date. We were told not to worry, so I didn’t. After meeting the judge’s requests for several supporting court documents, we were finally granted a court date-March 17, 2011. St. Patrick’s Day…I was thrilled. This would be our new favorite holiday! Our son was coming home!

Our other son, Clayton, who had just turned three when we started this adoption process, has prayed fervently for his brother. He is now almost five. When we told him Kirill was coming home, oh my…we had an excited big brother on our hands! At one point he even went to his room, dumped out his toy cars and divided them into two stacks…one for him and one for Kirill.

Last week, as we sat in the courtroom and suffered through five agonizing hours of difficult questioning, we were not prepared for anything but an approval of our case. Two doctors, two social workers, and the Minister of Children’s Services all made very strong statements on our behalf. They fought for us. Hard.

But when the ruling was read, the judge said, “Your application to adopt is rejected.” The basis given was that Kirill was “not socially adaptable” due to his “medical condition” and he was better off in an institution than in a home with a family. As the judge read her ruling, she stated several times that we were a good family, that we met all the criteria to adopt a child, but that she would not approve our adoption because Kirill has Down Syndrome. She told us that we could adopt another child, because legally our application had no problems according to Russian adoption law. She said she would approve our adoption for a “typical” child, but not this child. Why? The only reason? Because he has Down Syndrome. Even though we were approved by our home study and by the USCIS to adopt a child with special needs. It makes no sense whatsoever. Denying a child a family because he has Down Syndrome is a violation of human rights at its most basic level!

It was like a terrible dream. We were so unprepared for this outcome. As we left the courthouse in a mental fog, the doctors and social workers that had testified came to us and said, “If you appeal, we will fight for you. Appeal. Fight this decision.” Of course we were going to appeal…I could no more walk away from our biological son, Clayton, at this point. Kirill is just as much my son.

So here we are, asking God to move the mountain that is standing between Kirill and us as we appeal to the Supreme Court in Moscow. There are also three other families who are in various stages of adopting children with Down Syndrome from Kirill’s region; one of the families has a court hearing set for next week.

We are hoping that someone will hear our outcry and help us bring our son and these other waiting children home. His adoption will set the precedent for many other children in his region. There are 98 children in his orphanage with special needs alone. It is one of many orphanages in this region that houses children with special needs. This is about more than just one child, the lives of hundreds of children with special need are at stake. Please help us.

iPad2 Giveaway!!! I love Alexander!!!!

2011-03-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

So, when we went to get Stas we met this precious boy....Alexander.

If you have seen this video of him you know why we fell for him. He is so darn innocent and has been moved to a mental institution several months back. That is awful. Pure innocence in a horrific place such as that. Look at him:

http://ready4ross.blogspot.com/2010/07/alexander-hes-keepergo-get-him.html

Love, love, love him!

Even if you don't want an iPad....will you please just give something? If you want an iPad then I personally think you should give a whole lot!!!!! Make sure you leave a comment with how many chances you get.

Here is Christie's explanation and blog post:

iPad2 GIVEAWAY!!!!!

We are hosting our very own iPad giveaway. Shawn and I have talked this over, and prayed about it too. We have friends praying as well that God will bless this giveaway with an outpouring of funds. We must have our adoption costs covered quickly; unfortunately, time is not a luxury Alexander has. Alexander was still in a baby house/orphanage last year in July 2010--however, our son has been transferred to a MENTAL INSTITUTION and we need to get to him as soon as possible which means we need our fund to be full quickly also. Literally, every, single day he spends in the institution is robbing him of his achievements. He will regress quickly with little or no stimulation. Pictures of the institutions are not pretty. Some kids are tied to beds all day long, some are drugged to keep them quiet, some are left to their own devices and become nearly feral. His safety is at risk; his life depends on us rescuing him and GOD providing a way. While we do believe God will bless this journey, we also know we must be diligent in seeking what he has to offer us.

Sooo, here is what our package will offer:

iPad2 (choice of white or black)

16 GB with Wi-Fi

Your color choice of polyurethane sleep cover for the iPad2 (gray, blue, green, orange or pink)

Apple iPad2 Dock

THIS PACKAGE WILL NOT BE PURCHASED UNTIL AFTER THE GIVEAWAY CLOSES ON APRIL 17, 2010. WE WILL RUN THIS FUNDRAISER FOR ONE FULL MONTH. DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 21, 2011. THE iPad2 WILL BE SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO THE WINNER. APPROXIMATE SHIPPING TIMES (RIGHT NOW) ARE 4-5 WEEKS.

The person selected as the giveaway champion will receive an electronic receipt of the purchase and delivery information as soon as we have communication as to where to send the information.

Now, how do you get your chance at this package? First donate at least $10 to our Family Sponsorship Page (there is a donation link right here on my blog) just look for the Alexander for the Taylor Family Donations box with link to the right of this post you are reading right now.

If you do not have a paypal account you can mail a check to Reece's Rainbow with "Alexander for the Taylor Family" in the memo line and send it to:

Reece's Rainbow

P.O. Box 4024

Gaithersburg, MD 20885

Then you can come here to my blog and leave a comment, your name and entries will be tallied and added to our bucket to select the winners. This fundraiser will be live ONLINE and we will also be doing direct-face-to-face entries as well. What that means is this, my husband will be gathering entries through donations to Reece's Rainbow as well around town.

For $10 you will get 1 entry (and 1 chance for a freebie entry)

For $25 you will get 3 entries (up to 3 chances for freebie entries)

How do you earn a freebie chance?

Once you have made a monetary donation, PLEASE share this blogpost for another entry. If you donate enough for one entry, you can only earn one freebie entry by reposting. BUT if you earn 3 entries you can earn 3 freebies. Facebook it for another entry. Tweet it for another entry. Blog it for another entry. SHARE, SHARE, SHARE. Momma said it was good to share, right? Come back here and let me know that you shared it and we will add to your entries for this giveaway. If you donate money multiple times over the weeks this giveaway runs--you will get entries for that too. YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR NAME and, please, do not post just anonymously because I won't be able to find you if you are the winner.

So keep coming back to see how many entries are going in the bucket and watch the blessings unfold!!

Thank you!!!!!! You are BLESSING AJ and BLESSING our family too!!!!!

MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!

2011-03-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

You can read this post HERE or just read below......honestly it is probably better that you go to Renee's site to get the best effect!!! Below comes from my friends blog. She is bringing this beauty home....but she needs the money first! She is supposed to travel soon. Look at that face!!!! Oh my!!!

Nine more days.... $1,295 to go. Paisley has $2,245 in her FSP. God is bigger than that, right? If you've already donated, thank you. If you can't donate, please spread the word on your blog or facebook or twitter or carrier pigeon.... We need your help!!

PLEASE!!!

UPDATE... IF WE REACH ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS I AM PUTTING A PIE IN STEVE'S FACE.... WE MIGHT NOT REACH $2000 BUT DADGUMIT THERE WILL BE PIE!!!

Four pieces, four prizes. For every five dollar donation you make you get a chance to win! Leave a comment either on here or on the chip in when you donate to let me know which one of these fabulous pieces has stolen your heart. I asked, you answered and here are the pieces ya'll picked for this here giveaway...

First Up....

This Beautiful Charm Bracelet

Isn't it gorgeous? You could slip this on with a white t-shirt and blue jeans and the fabulous would just take over... I love it!

What's next, you say?

Crystal and pearl bracelet

All you have to add is the little black dress and Lawd have mercy on your husband. I bet you could hear a stiletto drop when you walk in the room! Cha Ching!

I know, I know, there's more...

Edwardian Button Ring. The pearls, the black, the flowers, the gold, and it's adjustable. Think water weight. Nuff said.

Finally, the Pièce de résistance or that fine looking cross necklace we all liked...

Can you feel it? It just got a whole lot fancier in here..

These four fabulous pieces will make you feel as fine as frog's hair and twice as jumpy. But in a good way. Now if that ain't enough to get ya'lls blood pumping and ya'lls checkbook smokin, how about this.

Okay, here's where it gets good... Ya'll ready?

If someone makes a 100 dollar donation there might be a little of this going on...

That's right, if someone makes a one hundred dollar donation, I, Renee Tam, will take a pie in the face and post it on my blog. Paisley, I love you. :)

DONE!

Now, ya'll all know if I'm going down I'm bringing the two amigos with me. So, here it goes:

If our total gets up to 250 dollars, Mama Grits, the Kim Houser, otherwise known as that other crazy Alabama woman, gets a pie in the face and yes, I will be posting that picture when it happens.

250 dollars people, let's wipe that smile off her face. I'm thinking she needs a little makeover.

DONE!

Oh no, I didn't forget about Menskat. Michelle Enskat, not really Miss Alabama 1992, the current reigning Miss Crazy Britches Alabama 2011. Well, let me give ya'll a hint about what we got in store for this blonde bombshell...

If our total reaches 500 dollars then Michelle Enskat will dye her hair pink. You just thought I was crazy, you ain't seen nothing yet.

DONE!

Good-bye Blonde, Hello Bombshell...a big pank colored Bombshell. I just love pink, don't ya'll?

Have ya'll had enough crazy yet? No, I didn't think so either.

See these three guys...

My husband, Steve. Hi Steve that sure is a cute baby
you're holding....

Wait, Grits is married?
What up Eli?
Otherwise known as Pa Grits...

Noah, that would be Menskat's better half. Noah, I feel for ya...

If our total reaches 2000 dollars these fine specimens of manliness have promised us to go out in public, make that to dinner, looking a whole lot more like this...

Steve "Pigtails for Paisley" Tam, Eli "Sugar Lips for Sveta" Houser, and Noah "Queen for a Cause" Enskat.

Now, because crazy loves company I am giving Grits and Menskat part of the proceeds from this Fundraising Gone WILD jewelry giveway. As ya'll all know Grits is adopting a precious little one and Menskat said she'd give her share back if we reach the 2000 mark but she has like 20 kids so there's no tellin with her...

So there you have it. Our Jewelry fundraiser gone wild. A five dollar donation gives you a chance at fabulous. Be sure to tell me which one you're hankering for when you donate.

We have until March 26th to raise 2000 dollars. Don't let Sugar Lips down. Do it for the kids, do it for the inner badonkadonk beauty that lies in each of our husbands.

The countdown starts NOW!!

Make it happen.

You still have today...

2011-03-02T04:36:00.000-08:00

...to get some YUMMY treats AND help bring Brian home!!

http://missyb-itsawonderfullife.blogspot.com/

I guess I messed up....the auction ends at midnight tonight. Hope I didn't mess anything up for anyone!

Hurry, hurry!! Go bid and read my yesterday's post to learn about this little sweetheart you are saving! Brian is just absolutely precious!

Thank you!!!

A Sweet Deal!!

2011-03-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

http://missyb-itsawonderfullife.blogspot.com/

Go to this site above, scroll down, look for the long list of yumminess and bid bid away on some treats to help bring Brian home.

As you eat each yummy cookie, or bon bon or whatever tickles you palette, you will remember that you helped bring this sweetheart home!

Today is the last day....QUICK! Some very kind people are pouring their love into each yummy treat that is made. Don't look at the going rate for a cookie! Don't look at the going rate for a pie! What is the price of a child? This little guy just turned 5! Yes 5!! Do you know what that means? It means any day he could be saying good-bye to the only home he knows and heading to an institution. Why? Because he has Down syndrome.

I look at my boys and want to curl up in horror when I picture either one of them in a place such as that. A mental institution for a little tiny boy. An innocent tiny boy. Doesn't that KILL you? It does me.

Look at my boys! Look what love does.

Go back up and look at Brian and see his potential and the financial burden that his family has to bring him home. It costs a lot! It is worth it but SOOOO difficult. Can you help ease the burden just a little (or heck--a lot if you want!!)?

Please pray.....please bid....and if you are on a diet....FINE...don't bid on the cookies, just give them a donation on their site. It is so easy to do. Look for anything on there that says you can donate on-line. Or send a check to Reece's Rainbow marked for the Burger Family Adoption Grant.

Fascinating!

2011-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

I find the human brain fascinating. We do what we have to in order to take care of ourselves and protect ourselves.

Since Stas has gotten home we have been enthralled by some different things that he does. What you see above is one of them. When something makes noise he has to "check it out." This is what it entails. First if he hears noise he goes running to it. If it is something within reach like the vaccuum, washer, dryer or the hairdryer or this nebulizer, he puts his chin on it, followed by his ear, then his teeth, top and bottom separately. It I have the blender going, or something else out of reach he will do the same thing to the cabinet or floor, wherever he can get the vibration.

Fascinating!

What do I think this is from?

One of two things....maybe both things.

When he came to us on his third birthday from a Ukrainian orphanage, his ears were so filled with fluid, and likely for a very long time it appeared. Perhaps he couldn't hear well and he did this to help "hear." Or, I think because he lived in a crib much of his life and was deprived of proper stimulation, he is trying to create as much "feedback" as he can from his world around him. (You would THINK that 9 other people in the house MIGHT be enough feedback at this point, huh :-) I was told that the chin and teeth are bony structures so they conduct vibration well and quickly.

Anyone else have a child that does that? I would like to hear from you.

And then there is this:

I'm open to suggestions here. I'm told he never learned to constructively play with things. Hmmmm. How do I teach him to constructively play with a piece of furniture.....or that furniture belongs upright. My father-in-law suggested putting all of the furniture upside down at the start of the day and maybe by the end it will actually all be in place. Worth a try!

Not sure how to discipline this at this age.

Feedback welcome!!!!!

PS: This is a very sweet little boy who I absolutely LOVE!!!!!!!!!!! He is just a tad bit destructive in all of his cuteness.

PPS: While I took the time to post this......this is what happened...

Getting the word out where we can

2011-02-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Reece's Rainbow gang

When you have a passion for something, you want to get the word out however you can. Today we were blessed to go to the high school that my older two children attend---Totino-Grace High School--- to do just that.

Toma and his dad, Rich (aka "Richy" to me :-) and big brother Shane (Isn't he handsome ...and very nice, too.) I think any kid that treats their younger siblings so sweetly is extra cute!! Toma and Stas were in the same orphanage :(

Leah and her Axel, who is such a doll! I could take him home in a heartbeat. Axel was born in Serbia and has been with his family now for only 2 MONTHS....I can't believe it. He has learned so much in such a short period of time.

Becky and Alina. What a beautiful girl and beautiful family. Alina spent her first years in another orphanage in Ukraine.

Each year the Respect Life group sponsors a Games 4 Life day where they raise awareness and some funds for an organization. This year is was RR.

While the 16 teams of 4 were settling in for lunch, I couldn't help but play this video....they loved it. This boy rapping with no front teeth about his little sis with DS....I mean really....too much.

It is difficult to sum up what RR is, what it does, what it means to be an orphan in Eastern Europe, etc.... It is hard to do it justice. Hopefully looking at each of these 4 children whose lives are forever changed is enough to do something within them. Each family spoke a little bit about their experience of adopting. Wish their was more time.

It looks like so far they raised a total of $300 towards the adoption of a child from the RR site. I don't know who they will choose yet. They will decide. The moderator of the group said it is so difficult to go on that site and choose one child, so they will have to try something creative I guess.

If you haven't been to Reece's Rainbow, please click HERE and go check it out. Follow families' journeys to their child. Let your heart be moved and support a child. I know one person right now who is having a "give-a-way" (Living in the Light) with some awesome items and another who is begging for money in a more unique way (Chasing Moonlight)...she is the witty one!

Thanks Rich, Shane, Toma, Becky, Alina, Alina's two brothers, Leah, Axel and all of the TG staff and students that made this happen.

My Valentines!

2011-02-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

They look a little bit like mug shots. This was what they did at Occupational Therapy for their mother for Valentines. Ricky is giving his cheesy smile, Stas is just wondering why he is doing what he is doing.

I love my Valentines. I asked St. Valentine, many times amidst my crazy, hectic day, to teach me how to love better. I ask God for that all the time. I thought I would ask this friend of God for some extra prayers....every little bit helps in the LOVE department.

Sorry I have been such a lousy blog poster. My sister and I are working on yet another component to our program--PUREly YOU. That means more time at the computer....but not blogging...rather Powerpointing and Keynoting. Hopefully, in the end, we are able to reach everyone's needs in getting the courage and know-how of talking to their kids about growing up...with the perspective of how it all fits into God's plan for our lives. That is the goal of the program. Check it out if you have nothing better to do.....www.PurelyYou.org

I forgot to post the good news...Alexander has a family!!!

2011-02-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

I posted on FB but forgot to do it here! My heart felt so darn good when I heard that news. I can't wait to meet his family via blog or facebook world. I will definitely be following that adoption as it unfolds! Please pray for them and hopefully they will have a lot of support fundraising to get him home quickly and out of that institution! Yuck! I hate thinking about that place. (sigh)

2011-02-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday! (A post from my friend Catherine today.....)

Birthdays are usually such an exciting time. Little Catherine will be four in 6 months! To me, four kind of marks the end of toddler-hood. There's so much to celebrate, how much you love them, how much they've grown and learned. Lots of cake with gooey icing and presents.

Four years old means a totally different thing in orphanages. When you turn four in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, you have a very different kind of day. You get visited by a doctor who prepares your paperwork so you can be transferred to an adult mental institution. You get to take your first car ride and your last car ride as they drive you to the institution. You are forced to leave everything that is familiar to you, everyone you know.

This is Masha. Masha is four, but she is the size of a 12-month-old baby - so tiny!!! Her sweet little eyes are crossed and her hair is shaved. She takes a lousy picture.
She is a week away from being transferred. Here is her information from Reecesrainbow.org

Girl, Born January 10, 2007

Photo dated Feb 2010. This beautiful muffin…..Masha struggles with many symptoms of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome).
From her medical records: Diagnosis: mother was an alcohol addict. This little one has so much potential.
Her strabismus (crossed eyes)have gotten worse, and at 3 she is still not walking. Masha needs a family to help her be all she can be!

Masha is not only what you see in her description, which sounds scary.
There is a family at her orphanage right now and this is what they said about Masha:

"Oh Masha is so, so precious and smart and friendly!! She is happy and curious and just a delight!!She kept playing peek a boo with us and waving and talking to us in her language but never the less she was talking. The speech therapist came in to work with the kids and soon it was Masha's turn. But here is where it gets very sad....the doctors were there to do medicals for the children being transferred to the adult mental institute sometime in the next week and Masha is one of them. Please someone come forward right now and be her family."

Regrettably, this orphanage is one of the poorer ones, with very little outside aid and very little hope. All of the children are tiny and undernourished. These children are immediately transferred at 4, and have little chance of survival where they are sent.

Might you be someone to help this little love? She is truly gorgeous. You can see by her face that their is so much potential....as another person said....just a rose ready to blossom.

Just life...

2011-01-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

My little musician. For the most part, we could watch him all day long.

He is just a little entertainer who likes to play the crowd.

We got a trampoline. Dan doesn't know yet:) I figured it was a good way for the boys to get some good indoor activity. This is Stas' idea of the trampoline. Hasn't figured out the jumping yet. Soon. He learns the physical stuff very quickly.

Ricky has the jumping down. I must say, I am happy that he so kindly gives Stas a turn. That is progress. Trust me!

I am working on a video to send to the director of the orphanage in which we adopted. It's pictures of all of the kids that I know that have adopted from that particular orphanage, RR and non-RR, put to music. It has been a putsy project as I am doing it in English and Russian. I will be very satisfied when it is finished :-) And burned on a DVD!!! And in the mail!! Gone!!

Speaking of "just life"...my oldest two kids went to the March for Life in Washington D.C.....I'm so glad they went. They were exhausted but they heard lots of great speakers and are certainly more enriched in their concern for the respect for human life.

Blessings to you all....sorry I am so bad at posting these days. Life is busy.

Keep a little girl named Sonia in your prayers. She has Down syndrome and lives in Haiti. She is an orphan and needs immediate heart surgery. Many hospitals are considering but none have committed. Probably an AV Canal defect. She needs your prayers.

What do you see?

2011-01-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

Oh, this video was hard to watch. The children in the orphanage are so beautiful! Every one of them. Withered limbs from lack of use....bones. Unable to reach out for touch...fearful. Grasping for touch...absorbing. They must dream...those who can. I can only hope that the others love the world they live in and they see Jesus' face in everyone....everything...in their innocence. That they feel loved, somehow. Some look so lost....empty. I don't think I can visit kids in an orphanage again. I don't think I could leave it without leaving a huge piece of myself behind. Once was hard enough.

I will post pictures soon of the little boys. My third child turns 14 tomorrow!!! Pray for Ricky---please! He has been really sick. You name it. Stomach bug, Respiratory bug, and strep. Miserable!!!!

Sonia and the Urgent Medical Visa Needs

2011-01-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

Sonia and the Urgent Medical Visa Needs

Have I told you lately....

2011-01-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

...that I LOVE him?

Concentration

Oh my, I love that little Stas! Yes, of course, I love all of my children. I was making a video yesterday for a fundraiser for a Ukrainian based organization called Chalice of Mercy. I was digging more deeply into our adoption pictures and videos archives to piece them into the song When love takes you in. Of course, the words to the song can make me cry pretty easily anyway, but putting my Stas and all of the faces left behind into the video....oh. That's tough.

But, in this process, what I got to see was how much he has changed in a 1/2 of a year.

Just this morning, as I was putting my shoes on, I signed "shoe" and he signed it back to me. Sometimes when you ask him to sign a word he gives you all of the ones he knows--okay--there are only a couple, but he just started and he's picking them up. He signs food/eat, more, shoes, wind (there's a necessary one! Snow or cold will have to be our next!), and good-night (he blows kisses). He is all of a sudden, looking me in the eyes, really locking eyes to see what I am teaching him when I sign something. That is just the beginning. But to think that he lived in a crib, likely heard nothing/little for a VERY long time prior to his pe tubes, so didn't know any language and then some people (not just any people---his family) brought him to a foreign land and spoke the same language that all the grown-ups in Charlie Brown's world spoke. That's a lot for a little boy.

Stasi wakes up happy and quiet. He sits in his crib with very little sounds. His whole body wriggles with glee when I retrieve him. He puckers for a kiss and smiles and bounces the whole way down the stairs. He breaks from my arms to get to the floor to see what he can disrupt. Really, his goal, to find something that makes noise....usually. He works his way to the kitchen where his immediate task is to see which cabinet I forgot to lock. Charges for it. I charge sometimes more quickly. If that musters up no rewards, he works his way to find out which other drawers or cabinets don't have duct tape. The silverware drawer is almost always available. Then he scans the 8 inch perimeter of the counters to see if anything of interest is in reach...aaaah. He is a busy boy. He does it all with joy. How do you get mad at that? Who needs all those casserole dishes anyway? I do worry about him pulling something hot off the counter or stove. Must always be on guard.

Have I told you lately how much I LOVE him? I can't get enough of him! Really! He is precious to us.

Ricky likes him a lot more and I think even loves him. He looks after him. This is sort of sad, but, Ricky probably has the most authority over Stas. Yes. When Dan really wants Stas to stop doing something, he has been known to sick Ricky on him. Ricky will approach him, saying "Dots, NO" and Stas backs off. This fear goes back to Ricky's lack of kindness (jealousy) for the first few months after him coming home. There is much less of that.

Stas is eating well with finger-feeding and when he rejects the finger food I usually mush it up, add applesauce and feed it to him with a spoon. He drinks Vanilla Instant Carnation Breakfast mixed in milk in a regular old Tupperware sippy-cup. He holds it himself, but I'm really not supposed to let him because I need to do this little maneuver to help him retract his tongue. He does retract it when i do it, but it's just easier when you are busy to hand it to him. He takes iron drops three times a day for a significant iron deficiency.

He's running all over the place, very little crawling anymore. He loves when he knows/thinks he is getting in the car or going outside. There is no stopping him. He loves school and therapies, but has been sick too darn many times :-(

He leaves his glasses on sometimes. I forget to put on them on sometimes.

He's playful and just plain old cute!!! Have I told you lately that I love him? Oh, I do. We all do!

Let's see if I can find some pictures after all this rambling.......

My little postmen.

This is what family is all about!

Our Stas-proof Christmas tree.....Do you know how easy that was to take down? My kids were NOT happy. I told them they will always remember this Christmas because of it!!!

I think I'll defer to Ricky for the gift opening...I think that is wise.

Ignore the mess behind Ricky....his Christmas sweater.

Family pictures are IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Charlie!

It was an UnderArmour Christmas for the big boys.

Pretty Lizzy

Yay, a sweater.......

Maggie!

Outta my way Dots!

My turn

"Grapes" in sign language.

Loves twinkling his fingers on this keyboard...and the piano

Slam dunk for Stas

You see the trouble here??

A friend needs some help...

2011-01-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

International adoption isn't really known to be easy. For some it is harder than others, for various reasons. The cost is a heavy burden for most families. Certainly God calls people to rescue His children, but not with ease. It is difficult to watch people work so hard to come up with funds. So often, people talk about how God provided. He led them and the funds were there just as they needed them, and not a minute earlier....miraculous perhaps. One can also see where fear sets in...

http://5cajuns.blogspot.com/2011/01/god-if-youre-listening.html

If you are able to help my blog friend who is going to get Paisley (formerly Valeria on RR) from Eastern Europe, won't you please?? Let her know you are praying for her also! Paisley is gorgeous isn't she. She needs her new family to get her as soon as possible. Please, if you can help, I urge you to do so. Go to: http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsortam
and you can add to her grant via paypal or you can write a check (note The Tam Family somewhere) and send it to:
Reece's Rainbow
P.O. Box 4024
Gaithersburg, MD
20885

Make the check out to "Reece's Rainbow". It is tax-deductible.

I can't thank you enough! Certainly God's reward is generous!

Merry Christmas and more!

2010-12-24T13:30:00.000-08:00


My kids are not happy about my choice of Christmas trees this year. I don't know why! Ricky thinks it is cool. He was a little protective of it.....This is a Stas proof tree. If he knocks it over...which he certainly will, no one gets hurt :-)

Posting a day early because tomorrow I will likely be busy. How about you?

I think Stas' Christmas thank you's may read something like this:

"Dear _________:

Thank you for the box of _________. I love the BOX!

Love-
Stas"

Isn't Christmas Great????

This is our Christmas card this year. Enjoy!

Have yourself a blessed Christmas. Say a prayer for all of the sweet orphans who won't be celebrating this Christmas. Please take a moment to ask if you are being called to parent one of these precious little loves....and boy are they lovable!!! Please spread the word about Reece's Rainbow so next year a number of these children will spend Christmas in a home with a family....father and mother, brothers and sisters, a squishy bed and soft blankets. A nativity set and a Christmas tree (no matter how small). Kisses and hugs. Wrapping paper and boxes. Some gifts to open...but none better than the love of a family.

May the love and innocence of the Christ Child fill your hearts and minds this Christmas. Welcome Him as you consider welcoming another precious child :-)

A trip to see Jodi....

2010-12-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

...her family and Santa!

My sister and I were needing to head to St. Michael, MN to visit their Catholic School. We were showing them our new program that we designed and would love to see it in the hands of every school in our Archdiocese, and across the country---www.PURElyYOU.org

Not only was I excited to present the program, but I was thrilled to be able to go to St. Michael because my best blog friend (bbf), Jodi, lives there. For those that don't know this, I met Jodi through Reece's Rainbow, as her darling Toma lived in the same orphanage as Stas and she had been to Ukraine several months prior to us.

My sister and I left early to be able to have enough time to visit..okay, at least some time. I called Jodi on the way to tell her that I was an hour or so out. Little did I know that she emailed my house in the meantime asking when I would be there. Well, my husband so kindly intercepted that email and replied unbeknownst to me...

After weaving through the neighborhoods in the dark, not at all able to read house numbers, I knew I was at the right house, when what to my wondering eyes should appear:

But Santa dear!

I was told I couldn't miss him. He was illuminated in their upper window.

My sister and I were greeted with a little princess, Summer, in her white gown....looked like a nice First Communion gown, actually! I realized I MUST be special. It was fun to greet all the people I have come to know through my blog world. My kids apparently listen to warnings about the internet because they were still convinced that Jodi could be some 60 year old sick man! They must not have all met her at the concert this past September at our house :-)

I was introduced to each of the kids which was such a treat. Meeting Artoma had an extra special meaning of course. He was a little cautious of me initially...who wouldn't be, right? Then, LOOK:


Okay, fine, I had to bribe them to play with me!

And to top it off!!!!!

I actually got a lot of those kisses...the camera just kept missing them!

IF anyone is looking for a great Christmas gift, small but tons of fun, try this game SPOT IT, it is such a good game. I played it with kids and we have been playing it tons since we got it too.

I hated saying goodbye! We needed to head over to the school, though, and couldn't be late.

Grabbed a picture of the family, minus 2:

After one last photo with my bbf:

Said goodbye to my Santa friend, but not his best side:

And off we went.

After our meeting I dropped my sister off and checked my email from my phone. Saw a message that read: "Oh good! I need my cupboards cleaned!! You should bring her over more often ;)"

Perplexed, I looked to what message proceeded her response and I found: "I am leaving my kiddos right now. Should be there in about an hour. Hope your house is clean because my sister has a cleanliness disorder. I should have told you about that sooner :) She might end up picking up toys and things like that and she also snoops through cupboards looking for clutter. Sorry. I can help you clean a bit when I get there. Hubby left behind to take care of kiddos, including Stasi who has stunk up the entire house. Yikes!!!

Gretchen <3"

Mr. SmartiePants struck again. He likes to make fun of my blog world.


Just for that...I picked a special photo of him!

My sister and I both wondered why, after my sister picked a couple pillows off the ground and threw them back on the couch, Jodi muttered "That's right, I was told about your cleaning thing." Hahaha Mr. Funny.

Let me see if I can find another flattering picture of my love:

I just have to wonder if Jodi was waiting for my sister to hop up and start peeking through the cabinets....that's weird.

Nice to see you Jodi!!!

PS: I tell my kids they shouldn't label anyone a "best friend" because it's very exclusive and hurts others feelings....so, likewise, I most certainly would never have just one BBF, right?! WARNIING: No blog friends were hurt in the making of this entry...I hope:-)

PPS: Stas is still feeling awful. Ricky just got over Mono so I thought that perhaps is what Stas was getting, but I don't think so. He probably has rotavirus or some stomach bug like it....a bad stomach thing. It pains me to see him in the little playpen I have set up for him. I need to keep him in it at times because of the terrible diarrhea and vomiting, and he doesn't watch tv or anything to take his mind off of his yuckiness....so he is spending time there because he doesn't know what to do with himself and he will spread it to a house of 10 :-( He actually likes it :-( He can just lay there. Every time I glance at him and see the look in his face I see orphans with no one there to care for them, clean up the vomit and soiled clothe in a timely manner. The stench is awful!!! Image a room full of that. I know many workers do their best...it's just no way to live. I see why kids die in the institution/orphanages....the dehydration is so easy if not tended to well, liquids and medication for vomiting and fever. Oh, my heart hurts for them. Stas isn't awake this morning yet, I can only hope here on day 3 he is turning a corner. Poor love.

Nothing....

2010-12-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

A post from Julia's blog...who saw so much more....

We live a harried life. Running here, there and everywhere. We work, take our kids to this activity, then that activity, rush to meetings, juggle schedules and cook, clean and work side-jobs in our spare time. We rarely have time to do Nothing.

We love doing Nothing. A day where we have no appointments, no meetings and no places where our children have to be. An evening where we can stay at home, curl up as a family with a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. An afternoon where we can take a walk or play in the yard. Nothing. Nothing so that we can do what we find pleasurable. Reading a book, building a puzzle, playing a game. Nothing has warm connotations, happy thoughts. Nothing is what we live for as a family.

For us, in America, Nothing means Everything.

For the Lost Boys and Girls, Nothing means NOTHING.

This is what NOTHING looks like for the Lost Boys at Aaron's former institute. This was Aaron's Nothing. A shed with Nothing in it but carpets and benches. Nothing.

On warm days, 20 plus boys will be led to this shed. 20 plus boys will go inside this shed. A bench will be placed across the door so that they will not be allowed to leave. Then, those 20 plus boys will do nothing. They will sit inside that shed. They will sit. They will rock. They will cry out. They will moan. They will stare at the walls. They will hit each other. They will hit themselves. They will sit. They will sit. They will wait. After hours of sitting they will get to leave for another shed, to eat. They will be forced to eat quickly so that they can be led back to this shed. To do Nothing. In the afternoon they will be led to their rooms. They will be made to lay down on their beds. For hours they will lay on those beds. Some will sleep to escape. Others will lay and do Nothing. Staring at the walls, ceiling - staring at Nothing. When it is time to get up, they will go back to their shed. Again, to do Nothing.

On rainy days, or cold days, they will stay in their buildings. They will not leave those buildings. They will not venture downstairs or get to visit the other boys in the other buildings or even in the other part of their building. No. They will stay in their section. They will sit in the sitting room. It is as empty as the shed. Benches and carpets. They will sit. They will sit and they will do Nothing. They will rock. They will moan. They will hit each other. They will hit themselves. They will sit. They will wait. They will stare at the four walls. They will do Nothing.

Once in a while, on weekends, they will get to hear music. The bigger boys will get to do jobs. Some jobs that are heart-breaking. The best behaved boys will get to kick a deflated ball sometimes. Sometimes a stick can be found for drawing in the dirt. Sometimes they will even let a child or two play in the sand pile that is often used as a toilet. Sometimes. On really rare days, when visitors come, they may even get out a hidden toy or two. Rarely. Most of the time, they do Nothing.

Nothing for the Lost Boys and Girls in Eastern Europe means Nothing.

Two worlds. Our Nothing. Their Nothing. Can we just sit by and do Nothing?

Doesn't he have a nice set of teeth?

2010-12-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Look at that picture at the top. This boy is ALL mouth. He has a great mouth and he's not afraid to use it. He kisses like mad. I LOVE that puckery boy.

I updated to a Christmas theme (before you Renee! :-) I wish they had "Happy Advent" backgrounds. I had to work just to find one that said "Christmas." Enjoy. I know I smile every time I see the picture of that cute little Stas walking. He is so happy!

Tomorrow I get to see Jodi...and her giant Santa friend. I can't wait to meet her kids in person too. And, of course to see Rich again. Her kids are going to hate me because she's been making them clean for my arrival.

While I'm up there I have a meeting at a church to show them a program that my sister and I made. Feel free to check it out. We have to make a few minor adjustments on our website, so please overlook that, but.......www.PURElyYOU.org

Happy Advent!
Gretchen

What is behind the passion?

2010-12-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Depraved Indifference

Sinking

2010-12-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

Please take the time to jump over to another blogging/adopting friend's blog. She has stated in such a visual way what it is that I feel every day. I know that not everyone is called to adopt, but I know a whole lot more people are called to adopt....than are jumping.

http://5cajuns.blogspot.com/2010/12/sinking.html

If you are able, PLEASE, pray, and take a leap in faith. Ask God to show you if you are being called. Renee, is this blog, talks about the 100 sweethearts....yes 100....that were added to www.ReecesRainbow.org in Region 23 in Russia just the other day. Those faces....I could take any one of them and be so, so very happy. I love them with everything in me, yet my life is one right now where I just can't go get another. God put the brakes on my burning desire. I have decided that my way of "rescuing" any more of these little loves right now is to help others see the multitudes that are sinking.... and to help others get their child into their "life boat".

Let me know if I can help you!

Real hope and change!!! Non-political :-)

2010-12-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

I would say there is real reason for HOPE here, wouldn't you?!

Isn't he just a ham. He's all smiles. I couldn't get him to stop grinning. I can almost always get Ricky to go to the bathroom if I offer him a grape or a piece of lettuce...weird, huh? Well the last few days he does "both" things on the toilet without any tangible rewards...except all sorts of hooting and hollering! And I do quite a bit of that!!!

He seems to be kicking the "mono". Doesn't he look like he is feeling just fine? I guess we discovered it a little late in the game.

And check out the CHANGES Stas has been making. He blows on a whistle which is key to speech progression. If you think about it, to make a "b" sound or an "m", you put your lips together and then exhale on command. Well, the whistle teaches him to exhale on command just like he will have to do with all of the verbal sounds.

And he is walking almost everywhere now!! All of a sudden!

Way to go Stas and Ricky....you boys rock!!

Looks like lover-boy has some explainin' to do!

2010-11-28T14:52:00.000-08:00


You see that shirt on Ricky?

I guess it is my own fault...leading him into such a life. By the way, I would never have let any of my other boys wear that shirt. It was just somehow okay for Ricky...until now.

I've been trying to figure out just what was wrong with Ricky. Feeling YUCKY for soooo long. The culprit ..."the kissing disease" .......................MONONUCLEOSIS!

Looks like Stas and I better watch out!!!! We might be next!

I love company, especially Uncle Matt!

2010-11-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

He has a way of making everything just a little more fun. Okay, a lot more fun. He is also Stas' godfather.

Ricky has been sick for a while and not eating. I think Uncle Matt had the knack for getting his appetite back :-)

And today I did just a little bit of shopping. I didn't have anything that I set out for. No doorbusters! I just woke up, everyone was sleeping and I decided it was a great time to sneak out while 13 other people at my house were sleeping. (And that was one meal, and one blown-out diaper which I didn't have to fix or clean up after--- ----YAY!)

This is what I got! I thought Ricky would run away from it....

I guess he had enough of it though!

Way to go Stasi!

2010-11-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

Fun, Oops, Ouch and Grrr!

2010-11-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Jenny donning Ricky for the outdoors to play! FUN!

She is my sweet little caretaker for little kids..she loves the boys!

Ready to go...except the boots.

Jenny getting Ricky's boots on.

Off they went to play.... meanwhile back in the kitchen...there was Stas....that's the oops part!

Do you see he seems to be bothered by something with his tongue? Poor boy.

He MAY have learned about putting his tongue on cold metal :-(

Ouch! One more reason to keep the refrigerator/freezer doors tied closed...not just so Ricky doesn't steal food from the refrigerator.

GRRRR.....from me.

On a good day...yesterday WAS one of them...this is what my laundry room looks like...

I heard sounds coming from the laundry room and just had a bad feeling.......the kind that says two boys have been naughty....

GRRRR!!!

More GRRRR!

Do you see any remorse in that look?

You know how they say the laundry is never done? Well I know that is true at my house! The problem is Ricky loves "folding" laundry and Stas loves throwing loud plastic things around. A bad mix in my laundry room!

Look what we saw today :-)

2010-11-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Don't your kids steal green beans from the refrigerator to watch TV?

I put it in a bowl so it seemed more like a snack.

Guess what Stasi saw this morning...

SNOW!!!

I wonder if he was ever able to look out the window in the orphanage...

Then I found him at the door...

And then at the window...

And then I looked outside...

Look what I saw out the window...

Beautiful swans. They have been hanging out the last few days. We were horrified to see one of our sons with a bow and arrow heading down to the lake a few days.....lesson learned!!!!! (I think...we certainly were LOUD and clear!)