We have some friends who adopted a little boy this year. They had a quick whirl-wind adoption and it was all kinda set in motion when Paul met Natalie at a doctors office one morning in July! Her and her husband have a beautiful way with words and so I am going to quite frankly plagerize her blog for a moment (I'm gonna tell her!).
This first post is some heart-wrenching statistics on adoption.
From www.hfgf.org: (pretty consistent with other research)...includes USA foster care system
~Every DAY 5,760 more children become orphans
~Every YEAR 2,102,400 more children become orphans (in Africa alone)
~143,000,0002 Orphans in the world today spend an average of 10 years in an orphanage or foster home
~Approximately 250,000 children are adopted annually, but…
~Every YEAR 14,050,000 children still grow up as orphans and AGE OUT of the system
~Every DAY 38,493 children AGE OUT
~Every 2.2 SECONDS, another orphan child AGES OUT with no family to belong to and no place to call home
~In Ukraine and Russia 10% -15% of children who age out of an orphanage commit suicide before age 18.
60% of the girls are lured into prostitution. 70% of the boys become hardened criminals. Many of these children accept job offers that ultimately result in their being sold as slaves. Millions of girls
are sex slaves today, simply because they were unfortunate enough to grow up as orphans.
Orphan Sunday
(read cautiously)
Today. One day each year that SOME churches and SOME Christians acknowledge the plight of orphans...orphans here in America, usually by circumstances their parents create, rarely death and abroad, often by death, un-education, and lack of resources. Weekly we talk about building funds and AV equipment and our potluck calendar and argue over who is on what committee and what committee should pass what by-law.... But we talk annually, once each year, if we are lucky, about "the least of these."
The question that has been floating in my head, especially of late, is "How I am any different than Tedi?" He was born in Africa in a small village on the Sudan border to a mother with five older children who had lost her husband to a preventable disease. I was born in Somerset, KY to parents, then married, and went home to lead a middle class life. The only difference....we born in different places. I did not deserve more than him....He did not deserve less. But here we were, worlds apart.
When we talk about the "least of these", we must first realize we, indeed, are the least of these. Just as orphans need a family, we need a Savior. What if Jesus had not stepped in for us and saved our lives.... What if? Usually it is difficult to digest the thought of children dying, both physical and emotional deaths, so we turn away, file it in the back of our mental junk drawer.... OR we only talk about it once per year.
As I have written before, I am in a constant state of knowing I can and should do more. Last week in church we sang "Hosana" and one line from the bridge goes... "Break my heart for what breaks yours..." My heart is broken and yet I feel paralyzed by my own inadequacies and inability to do more. I am daily challenging myself to do more.... I NEED to and I MUST.
SOOOO..... What am I doing? What can you do? First, I am mothering a child who WAS adopted. He is now my child. I am standing in the gap for him, defending him, mothering him to love others. Can you adopt.....because chances are if you have found my blog and have read this far, you have something stirring inside of you, aching in your stomach, moving you to step forward..... I am speaking and writing about adoption every time I can. Beth Moore, Russell Moore, David Platt, I am not. But I can do my part. Can you defend the least of these.... I need to do more, that is why I can challenge you. I only hope the small things that I have done and am trying to do are making small changes and examples for those around me.
I am blessed that the church we attended today focused on orphan care. They intend to move forward and pursue orphan care, here and abroad, as an important facet of their ministry. And I intend to be involved in this ministry. Will you start a ministry at your church? Will you get involved?
I can not change the WORLD, but we have changed the world for ONE. More importantly, this ONE has changed our world and our world perspective..... Will you cause change and be changed?
Okay more to come....
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Monday, November 8, 2010
Orphan Awareness
I think we hear the word orphan and it doesn't truly register.
It is said so often and even times callously.
Even by those who have a heart for the orphan. We hear it daily, we talk about it daily and we read about it daily.
In the beginning of the adoption process it was quite honestly often about us here in America. What age child would be best for the biological children?
What gender of child did Paul and I feel more drawn to?
How would the sleeping arrangements work out best?
How would we do with the language barrier?
Would we love this child as much as the biological children?
What about extended family and friends?
What if the child had significant medical problems?
Could we afford to put two more children through college?
THEN.....we opened an email to this:
So let's remember the orphan and let's remember what can be done with the grace of God when we "look after the orphans and widows" according to his scriptures.
It is said so often and even times callously.
Even by those who have a heart for the orphan. We hear it daily, we talk about it daily and we read about it daily.
In the beginning of the adoption process it was quite honestly often about us here in America. What age child would be best for the biological children?
What gender of child did Paul and I feel more drawn to?
How would the sleeping arrangements work out best?
How would we do with the language barrier?
Would we love this child as much as the biological children?
What about extended family and friends?
What if the child had significant medical problems?
Could we afford to put two more children through college?
THEN.....we opened an email to this:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, I think they underestimated!
This frail, sick, malnourished little package said it all!
It was not about us! It was not about college or bedroom quilts or what so and so thought about having an African in the family! It was not about who was oldest or who was going to be "twined". It was not about the cost of the adoption or which carseat to order....
It was about an ORPHAN, a little boy with no daddy. A little boy with a momma so sick and frail herself she could not even hold him. A little boy so hungry he would have died within days had the orphanage not taken him in immediately and fed him. A little boy with legs so weak he could not walk at 1 1/2 years old. A little boy so full of parasites that he was most likely in constant pain. A little boy so disconnected he would not even cry, only silent tears would roll down his little cheeks.
This was ORPHAN awareness.......
True awareness of what an orphan is and what is needed of us.
They need food....not designer clothing.
They need love....not a DisneyWorld vacation.
They need a home....not entrance to an ivy league school.
So you know the rest of our story. We took that sick frail little guy with no personality, no confidence, no charisma and with food and love and yes, even a Disney World vacation we gave that little ORPHAN all of those things and so much more! He lights up every room he enters, he has a twinkle in his eye and honestly always has a grin smeared across his face!
With God's love and mercy that ORPHAN in the above picture is now this:
So let's remember the orphan and let's remember what can be done with the grace of God when we "look after the orphans and widows" according to his scriptures.
Monday, May 3, 2010
1 year ago today!
One year ago today I boarded a plane in Rome bound for another foreign land....a land that was the birthplace and home of my two youngest sons.
One year ago today I saw Africa, for the first time in my life.
One year ago today I saw Ethiopia, the only home my sons had ever known.
One year ago today I saw the sign for KVI, my boys home for nine months of their little lives.
One year ago today I saw Africa, for the first time in my life.One year ago today I saw Ethiopia, the only home my sons had ever known.
One year ago today I saw the sign for KVI, my boys home for nine months of their little lives.
One year ago today I trembled as we entered the gate of the orphanage.
One year ago today I gave two little boys their first bath.
One year ago today I watched my little bitty boy drinking from a cup. A cup he shared with all the toddlers in the baby room.
One year ago today I was able to watch my little boy eat a meal.
One year ago today I watched a little boy who had lost so much sitting in his mamaw's lap.
One year ago today I watched our big boy sing and dance leading his orphanage friends.
One year ago today I was kissed by my 2nd son for the first time.
One year ago today I gave two little boys their first bath.
One year ago today I watched my little bitty boy drinking from a cup. A cup he shared with all the toddlers in the baby room.
One year ago today I was able to watch my little boy eat a meal.
One year ago today I watched a little boy who had lost so much sitting in his mamaw's lap.
One year ago today I watched our big boy sing and dance leading his orphanage friends.
One year ago today I was kissed by my 2nd son for the first time.
One year ago today I held two little boys that I had loved for 8 months but had only held in pictures.
One year ago today I stood on one continent with two children I had waited for, prayed for and imagined in my head for over a year.
One year ago today I watched my precious husband cry as he held our son for the first time.
One year ago today I was a mother of 5 and actually felt like it.
One year ago today I could not imagine that today my Camden would be so smart, so healthy, so American, so MINE!
One year ago today I turned around and there was my new "baby".
One year ago I ached for your to dive into my arms.
One year ago today I held you as you trembled and cried silent tears.
One year ago today I thought I would hurt you, I wanted to squeeze you so tightly and you seemed so fragile.
One year ago today I saw you as scared, frightened, sad, worried and unsure. I would never imagine that in 365 days you would be bright, bubbly, brave, funny, sassy, charismatic and so, so much more!
One year ago today we arrived in Ethiopia to change the lives of two little boys. Two little boys who had lost everything. Two little boys with no family, no food, no shelter, no toys.....Well guess what? They changed our lives instead. They changed the lives of a middle class family who has family, who has food, who has a home and toys...too many toys!!! They have changed the lives of neighbors, friends, church members, family, strangers....
One year ago today I stood on one continent with two children I had waited for, prayed for and imagined in my head for over a year.
One year ago today I watched my precious husband cry as he held our son for the first time.
One year ago today I saw the tenderness in the little boy that held on to his new daddy for dear life.
One year ago today I saw the maturity in a teeny tiny boy who asked "Is it my turn to go, my turn to go to America?"...really he knew what was happening?!?
One year ago today I was a mother of 5 and actually felt like it.
One year ago today I could verify that giving birth to a child and traveling down a gravel road and being handed a child is all the same.....love at FIRST sight.
One year ago today I examined every little piece of each boy...toenails, eyelashes, belly buttons and ears.....just like I did on my newborns.
One year ago today I realized that I waited for nine months from our referral until meeting my boys....funny that is how long I waited to meet the bio kids!!
One year ago today I could not imagine that today my Camden would be so smart, so healthy, so American, so MINE!
One year ago today I turned around and there was my new "baby".
One year ago I ached for your to dive into my arms.
One year ago today I held you as you trembled and cried silent tears.
One year ago today I thought I would hurt you, I wanted to squeeze you so tightly and you seemed so fragile.
One year ago today I saw you as scared, frightened, sad, worried and unsure. I would never imagine that in 365 days you would be bright, bubbly, brave, funny, sassy, charismatic and so, so much more!
One year ago today we arrived in Ethiopia to change the lives of two little boys. Two little boys who had lost everything. Two little boys with no family, no food, no shelter, no toys.....Well guess what? They changed our lives instead. They changed the lives of a middle class family who has family, who has food, who has a home and toys...too many toys!!! They have changed the lives of neighbors, friends, church members, family, strangers....Their precious spirits just draw people in. Their outgoing personalities strike up conversations.
Their crazy hair makes people stop. Their little bodies but big smarts amaze.
They were "known when they were in their mothers womb"...God knew they would be Americans, God knew they would be Maynards, God knew they would change the world even if just as an adoption story.
One year ago today I became your mommy!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Adoption-Where to Begin!?
Over the last year Paul and I have been contacted nearly monthly by families with questions about adoption. I love sharing our story with anyone who asks and can only hope that I can help another family start their journey to adoption!
I am not much help in the area prior to your decision to adopt. My husband and I knew we wanted to adopt from the time we were dating. So once you have come to the decision then maybe I can help! So here are my ideas below and if you have adopted and want to add to this please add to the comments!
The first question for most families is WHERE do we adopt from?? I believe God will most assuredly lead you in the right direction for your family. Some of us can do very little research and immediately be drawn to the right adoption path for our families. Others are very unsure of which path to take and need to do a little detective work!
Options include:
1.) Domestic infant adoption-There are many agencies that specialize in infant adoptions. This is for a family who wants to adopt a newborn (most likely will bring the child home from the hospital). These adoptions can be opened or closed. This is up to the birthparents and adoptive parents. Normally this process includes preparing a "scrapbook" of your family and the birthparents "choose" the family they want to raise their child. The cost is near the highest end of adoptions, normally around $30,000. The cost varies depending if the birthmother has insurance to cover the birth etc. The cost will also be higher for a caucasian child and less expensive for bi-racial, hispanic, or African children. (no comments..I know it is ridiculous)
2.)Domestic infant adoption (variable 2) There are families who just spread the word that they want to adopt. Someone who knows someone who knows someone can then agree for you to adopt the baby. This can be less expensive because many times you are only looking at lawyer fees. I know of several successful adoptions like this. There are usually adoption lawyers that sometimes know of children that need homes as well. This just takes the adoption agency out of the equation..lower costs and usually wait time. I have heard of families spending less than $5,000!
3.)A waiting child in from the US- There are only about 123,00 waiting children in the US. (that seems like alot but remember there are 5 million in Ethiopia which is equivalent to the size of Alaska). A waiting child is legally free to be adopted and usually a ward of the state. You also have to know of these 123,00 many are sibling sets and/or special needs. Special needs....this can range from wearing glasses and having asthma to cerebral palsy. A friend of mine is finishing up this process. She searched from February until September. She searched every state in the US. She was looking for a caucasian boy between the age of 4 & 7. She met her son in October and he came home to live with her in December, the adoption will not be final in a court until 6 months after placement. This process works a bit differently for every child and every family. She found that in the US they are a bit more picky. For instance some children need to be an only child, some needed to be a middle child, some could not leave the state they were in because other birth siblings were still there etc. I just give you this information so you know WHY it is a bit more difficult to find a child here in the US that will work for your family.
The cost for these adoptions are usually under $2,000 tops. You can get a free homestudy done through your state. If you get a private homestudy the cost is about $1500.00 The other fee would just be a lawyer fee for court. These children will get insurance and college scholarships and some will qualify for monthly stipends depending on the severity of their disibility.
4.)Foster to adopt-If going this route you first become an approved foster home. You would foster child who are most likely going to be available for adoption. The process of how a child is deteremined adoptable, the ages of children, the length of the process before it is legal is all dependent on the state laws. The cost of these adoptions can be relatively free from what I understand. I know many success stories however the families will tell you there is heartache for every happy ending!
5.)International adoption-There are many countries that are open to the US for adoption now. If you know you want to go international but have no pull to a specific country it is easiest to start crossing some off the list. Bethany Christian Services has a great information page that shows the basic details for each country.
A few of the criteria that you can "cross" a country of the list for:
-age of adoptive parents (ex. Prior to the quake I believe you had to be 35 to adopt from Haiti)
-length of marriage
-if you are single
-specific health conditions (ex. with my history of cancer I cannot adopt from China)
-number of children already in your home
-length of travel (we could not adopt from Russia due to the required travel of nearly a month in country, because we had the other 3 small children)
-Do both parents need to travel
-Cost
The cost for intercountry adoption is from $16,000-$30,000 depending on the country and travel. The time varies in each country from 6 months total to 3+ years.
I know someone who has adopted from each of these options. If you want I can always connect you to these families who would be happy to share their experiences with you!
I was once told the adoption journey is like a roller coaster. You consider riding, you think about riding, you might ride, you might not, you talk about and then you get in line! You might consider leaving the line as it gets closer but then once you are on the ride there is no turning back. You wait, you cry, you smile, you laugh, you love, you scream.....and then when you get off you want to do it all again!
I also want to share my church website that has some great information.
I am not much help in the area prior to your decision to adopt. My husband and I knew we wanted to adopt from the time we were dating. So once you have come to the decision then maybe I can help! So here are my ideas below and if you have adopted and want to add to this please add to the comments!
The first question for most families is WHERE do we adopt from?? I believe God will most assuredly lead you in the right direction for your family. Some of us can do very little research and immediately be drawn to the right adoption path for our families. Others are very unsure of which path to take and need to do a little detective work!
Options include:
1.) Domestic infant adoption-There are many agencies that specialize in infant adoptions. This is for a family who wants to adopt a newborn (most likely will bring the child home from the hospital). These adoptions can be opened or closed. This is up to the birthparents and adoptive parents. Normally this process includes preparing a "scrapbook" of your family and the birthparents "choose" the family they want to raise their child. The cost is near the highest end of adoptions, normally around $30,000. The cost varies depending if the birthmother has insurance to cover the birth etc. The cost will also be higher for a caucasian child and less expensive for bi-racial, hispanic, or African children. (no comments..I know it is ridiculous)
2.)Domestic infant adoption (variable 2) There are families who just spread the word that they want to adopt. Someone who knows someone who knows someone can then agree for you to adopt the baby. This can be less expensive because many times you are only looking at lawyer fees. I know of several successful adoptions like this. There are usually adoption lawyers that sometimes know of children that need homes as well. This just takes the adoption agency out of the equation..lower costs and usually wait time. I have heard of families spending less than $5,000!
3.)A waiting child in from the US- There are only about 123,00 waiting children in the US. (that seems like alot but remember there are 5 million in Ethiopia which is equivalent to the size of Alaska). A waiting child is legally free to be adopted and usually a ward of the state. You also have to know of these 123,00 many are sibling sets and/or special needs. Special needs....this can range from wearing glasses and having asthma to cerebral palsy. A friend of mine is finishing up this process. She searched from February until September. She searched every state in the US. She was looking for a caucasian boy between the age of 4 & 7. She met her son in October and he came home to live with her in December, the adoption will not be final in a court until 6 months after placement. This process works a bit differently for every child and every family. She found that in the US they are a bit more picky. For instance some children need to be an only child, some needed to be a middle child, some could not leave the state they were in because other birth siblings were still there etc. I just give you this information so you know WHY it is a bit more difficult to find a child here in the US that will work for your family.
The cost for these adoptions are usually under $2,000 tops. You can get a free homestudy done through your state. If you get a private homestudy the cost is about $1500.00 The other fee would just be a lawyer fee for court. These children will get insurance and college scholarships and some will qualify for monthly stipends depending on the severity of their disibility.
4.)Foster to adopt-If going this route you first become an approved foster home. You would foster child who are most likely going to be available for adoption. The process of how a child is deteremined adoptable, the ages of children, the length of the process before it is legal is all dependent on the state laws. The cost of these adoptions can be relatively free from what I understand. I know many success stories however the families will tell you there is heartache for every happy ending!
5.)International adoption-There are many countries that are open to the US for adoption now. If you know you want to go international but have no pull to a specific country it is easiest to start crossing some off the list. Bethany Christian Services has a great information page that shows the basic details for each country.
A few of the criteria that you can "cross" a country of the list for:
-age of adoptive parents (ex. Prior to the quake I believe you had to be 35 to adopt from Haiti)
-length of marriage
-if you are single
-specific health conditions (ex. with my history of cancer I cannot adopt from China)
-number of children already in your home
-length of travel (we could not adopt from Russia due to the required travel of nearly a month in country, because we had the other 3 small children)
-Do both parents need to travel
-Cost
The cost for intercountry adoption is from $16,000-$30,000 depending on the country and travel. The time varies in each country from 6 months total to 3+ years.
I know someone who has adopted from each of these options. If you want I can always connect you to these families who would be happy to share their experiences with you!
I was once told the adoption journey is like a roller coaster. You consider riding, you think about riding, you might ride, you might not, you talk about and then you get in line! You might consider leaving the line as it gets closer but then once you are on the ride there is no turning back. You wait, you cry, you smile, you laugh, you love, you scream.....and then when you get off you want to do it all again!
I also want to share my church website that has some great information.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
5 Million Minus 1 t-shirts!!!!
This is the priceless t-shirt design of our precious friends JT & Natalie. They are raising funds to bring "One of the 5 million" orphans waiting for a home in Ethiopia! They will make awesome parents of the little guy they have been matched to. I can't say much about him yet, but let's just him and Cam are sure to be best buds!!
I have ordered myself a shirt and one for Cam & Linc....I am not sure when I see them wearing this shirt I will even be able to hold back the tears....seriously we only saved 2 out of 5 MILLION! Anyway great design...love,love,love it!
I have ordered myself a shirt and one for Cam & Linc....I am not sure when I see them wearing this shirt I will even be able to hold back the tears....seriously we only saved 2 out of 5 MILLION! Anyway great design...love,love,love it!Thursday, January 21, 2010
Fun products to take a look at!
Check this blog to see some fun personalized name plaques with Bible verses....
AND % of the sales go to ministries in Uganda! Love, love, love these!
Next go over and check out these very cute t-shirts and necklaces that are a fundraiser for a family in Florida adopting a sweet little baby boy from Ethiopia.
I HAD to have this shirt because it has our adoption verse on it!! Great colors too!
Last but not least check out these precious handmade flag blankets from several countries. very unique!!
AND % of the sales go to ministries in Uganda! Love, love, love these!
Next go over and check out these very cute t-shirts and necklaces that are a fundraiser for a family in Florida adopting a sweet little baby boy from Ethiopia.
I HAD to have this shirt because it has our adoption verse on it!! Great colors too!
Last but not least check out these precious handmade flag blankets from several countries. very unique!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Ethiopian Ornaments....
I LOVE finding items with Africa especially Ethiopia on them....I also LOVE,LOVE personalized items.....but do you know what I love even more than those two ?!?!?
Helping a family bring home two little ones from Ethiopia!!!
Check out these precious ornaments that friends of ours are handpainting to raise money for their adoption! You can check out their blog here.
Helping a family bring home two little ones from Ethiopia!!!
Check out these precious ornaments that friends of ours are handpainting to raise money for their adoption! You can check out their blog here.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
10 months ago....
..... Susan (our adoption agent) emailed these pictures to us! I cannot even remember my feelings that day! I will say it is now weird to look at pictures of the boys "there"....because it feels like they have always been "here". I promise you if are considering adoption or are on the adoption road but still a bit unsure of how the feelings will work out..that God has that taken care of! I truly believe he puts a feeling in your heart for "your" child...just the same as when you give birth and look into their eyes and know they are yours.
I do specifically remember looking at Yishake in this picture and thinking he looks like Paul...short, big forehead and curly hair!!!LOL I also remember that sneaky little grin on his face and thinking "Oh yeah he is a Maynard!!".
I do specifically remember looking at Yishake in this picture and thinking he looks like Paul...short, big forehead and curly hair!!!LOL I also remember that sneaky little grin on his face and thinking "Oh yeah he is a Maynard!!".Wow..only 10 months ago!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
11 Days til Travel
Just in case you need a reminder of the cutie patooties waiting for this ole girl who is TERRIFIED of flying ......and HEARTBROKEN about leaving these 3 kids in here for 11 days......or BROKE from all these last minute expenses...here ya go!.jpg)
This is pic of the boys getting their "referral" of us. The first time they saw us in pictures...well not sure what they think of us but the lollies were a hit!
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This is pic of the boys getting their "referral" of us. The first time they saw us in pictures...well not sure what they think of us but the lollies were a hit!Friday, April 10, 2009
19 days til travel
Please pray for the boys today. They were given the TB skin test which could very likely come back positive (if they have had the vaccine or immunity toward TB it would test positive). If it comes back positive they will then be given an x-ray, which if it is positive they then are administered a sputnum test which takes 8 weeks to culture.
So lets pray for negative skin tests and if necessary quick x-rays and results!
We have 2 sick girls with strep so not much happening other than that!
Post-Court Day 13
Today we got our quotes for our airline tickets, we made sure our fingerprints were still current, called the doctor about shots etc.
We are using Susan Parr travel agency. The trip to Addis stops in Rome for re-fueling so we are choosing to stay there for 3 days and then finish the trip to Addis. We figured with 5 children under 8 years old we will not get the oppurtunity to visit Rome for a long, long while!
We attended our adoption agency monthly meeting and learned a bit more of the changes that are being made to the Ethiopian adoption program. We also learn that our boys need to be tested for TB to abide by new rules set forth by the CDC. We pray that this does not affect our travel.
The highlights of the day were talking to two more people who have spent time with my boys! An Ethiopian woman from Louisville just returned with 2 girls from Ethiopia. She said "Oh your Yesak's parents! He is very talkative and he runs from one end to the other and talks, talks, talks!" She said Yohannis is "mild". Our agency directors husband met Yesak and said he had fallen asleep in his lap while visiting at the orphanage. He said he calls the orphanage director Papa! Talking to those who have held my boys or played with my boys makes it seem SO REAL!!
We are using Susan Parr travel agency. The trip to Addis stops in Rome for re-fueling so we are choosing to stay there for 3 days and then finish the trip to Addis. We figured with 5 children under 8 years old we will not get the oppurtunity to visit Rome for a long, long while!
We attended our adoption agency monthly meeting and learned a bit more of the changes that are being made to the Ethiopian adoption program. We also learn that our boys need to be tested for TB to abide by new rules set forth by the CDC. We pray that this does not affect our travel.
The highlights of the day were talking to two more people who have spent time with my boys! An Ethiopian woman from Louisville just returned with 2 girls from Ethiopia. She said "Oh your Yesak's parents! He is very talkative and he runs from one end to the other and talks, talks, talks!" She said Yohannis is "mild". Our agency directors husband met Yesak and said he had fallen asleep in his lap while visiting at the orphanage. He said he calls the orphanage director Papa! Talking to those who have held my boys or played with my boys makes it seem SO REAL!!
Post-court Day 12
My goal was to get my passport today but after co-op, feeding the dogs and getting stuck behind a 13 minute train....I arrived at the post office at 3:59....I wait in the line until 4:15 (still 12 people in front of me) when I ask a worker and she says "No they leave at 4pm".....frustrated!!
Post-court Day 11
Today we attended our Sunday School class and church. My grandma came to church which was exciting. Afterward we ate lunch at went to Uncle Bubbys and played with the dogs and she spent a bit of time in his house. Next we went to the cemetery to mess with the flowers....
we accomplished absolutely nothing adoption related today!
we accomplished absolutely nothing adoption related today!
Post-court Day 10
Um well....bought some African hair care products....not sure if choosing by the best smell is the best method...but well, they will smell delicious!!
Oh and the girls helped me choose and they want to use it too! We were in the store so the conversation went a bit like this " I want to use this shampoo like Yesak...it smells yummy I want some mommy" so I reply with "Well girls this is shampoo for different hair girls..not for your hair" they reply " why mommy"...... I reply "it is for brown hair"......they reply "like grannys??"..I reply "no like your brothers"......they reply "oh its shampoo for brown people"...... subject changes..end of story!
I would love to have been someone on the next aisle listening to that!!
Also grabbed a car seat pad seat protector...still no seats.
Oh and the girls helped me choose and they want to use it too! We were in the store so the conversation went a bit like this " I want to use this shampoo like Yesak...it smells yummy I want some mommy" so I reply with "Well girls this is shampoo for different hair girls..not for your hair" they reply " why mommy"...... I reply "it is for brown hair"......they reply "like grannys??"..I reply "no like your brothers"......they reply "oh its shampoo for brown people"...... subject changes..end of story!
I would love to have been someone on the next aisle listening to that!!
Also grabbed a car seat pad seat protector...still no seats.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Post-court Day 9
Today was a long hard day as we buried Uncle Bubby. The service was sweet and we all held up great until the end when my girls lost it....it broke out hearts. After several days in the hospital and then funeral plans and funerals...this ole' girl is TIRED!!!
However we do have more infomation on the fun stuff...we have an embassy date!! We will leave the end of this month to pick up our precious boys!! So I feel like the countdown is on now!! Here are things I KNOW needs to be done:
1.) Send off for a passport (I know, I know...but I just decided to go...I think they have an express option!)
2.) Get shots (again, I know, I know....gotta get on this!)
3.) Research and buy 2 car seats.
4.) Buy Yesak a twin mattress (those bed rails do NOT look comfy!)
5.) Name my children !!hehe
6.) Get our donations together for the orphanage.
7.) Order airline tickets.
8.) Begin packing. (for us, the boys, the kids we are dipsersing here)
9.) Figure out the schedule for childcare for these 3 while we are gone.
10.) Shop for meds to take.
11.) Begin lifebooks (yeah right!)
12.) Prepare video camera and cameras.
13.) Learn at least some Ahmaric!
14.) Find a sling for Yohannis.
15.) Find some African haircare product.
16.) Find small dresser for the boys room.
17.) Find nightstand for the boys room.
18.) Meet with the agency for more paperwork fun!!
19.)..............I KNOW there are more things??
Okay so that is about 1 a day huh!?!??!
(Ps Hubby and I are both procrstinators so I am guessing most of this will happen the last week!LOL)
However we do have more infomation on the fun stuff...we have an embassy date!! We will leave the end of this month to pick up our precious boys!! So I feel like the countdown is on now!! Here are things I KNOW needs to be done:
1.) Send off for a passport (I know, I know...but I just decided to go...I think they have an express option!)
2.) Get shots (again, I know, I know....gotta get on this!)
3.) Research and buy 2 car seats.
4.) Buy Yesak a twin mattress (those bed rails do NOT look comfy!)
5.) Name my children !!hehe
6.) Get our donations together for the orphanage.
7.) Order airline tickets.
8.) Begin packing. (for us, the boys, the kids we are dipsersing here)
9.) Figure out the schedule for childcare for these 3 while we are gone.
10.) Shop for meds to take.
11.) Begin lifebooks (yeah right!)
12.) Prepare video camera and cameras.
13.) Learn at least some Ahmaric!
14.) Find a sling for Yohannis.
15.) Find some African haircare product.
16.) Find small dresser for the boys room.
17.) Find nightstand for the boys room.
18.) Meet with the agency for more paperwork fun!!
19.)..............I KNOW there are more things??
Okay so that is about 1 a day huh!?!??!
(Ps Hubby and I are both procrstinators so I am guessing most of this will happen the last week!LOL)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Post-court Day 3
Not much adoption related activities happening today, so I thought some pictures of our referral day back in September would be fun!
This first pic is of Annie's approval of the boys!! I believe it was love at first sight for her too!
Maybe I should have dressed them first, but the smiles say it all...
Madelyn plays photographer! Yes this is the first picture taken of me in glasses since 6th grade!!
Today several of us scrappers did run to the CK convention. We were dissapointed overall. Most of the supplies being sold were older style. We were expecting to find the newest of new supplies that we had not seen before...but it did save us quite the $$$!! This is one pack from Cosmo Cricket that I had hoped to pick up today for the boys! I bought several Cosmo sets already and this new one is precious! Oh well...not like I NEED it right now!!
The last bit of "pre-boys arrival" that was taken care of today was choosing paint colors for our living room and kitchen. We moved in to the house about 5 years ago and everything was flat paint which does not look so great after 5 years and three children! We wanted to have it painted and re-carpeted before the boys come home. It should be complete by the end of this week......yeah!
This first pic is of Annie's approval of the boys!! I believe it was love at first sight for her too!
Maybe I should have dressed them first, but the smiles say it all...
Madelyn plays photographer! Yes this is the first picture taken of me in glasses since 6th grade!!
Today several of us scrappers did run to the CK convention. We were dissapointed overall. Most of the supplies being sold were older style. We were expecting to find the newest of new supplies that we had not seen before...but it did save us quite the $$$!! This is one pack from Cosmo Cricket that I had hoped to pick up today for the boys! I bought several Cosmo sets already and this new one is precious! Oh well...not like I NEED it right now!!
The last bit of "pre-boys arrival" that was taken care of today was choosing paint colors for our living room and kitchen. We moved in to the house about 5 years ago and everything was flat paint which does not look so great after 5 years and three children! We wanted to have it painted and re-carpeted before the boys come home. It should be complete by the end of this week......yeah!
Post-court Day 2
Today was not a fun adoption day....my uncle is declining and the doctors called the family in. They think he will pass this weekend. I spent the entire day at the hospital. I told him he had two more great-nephews and that we would still consider Evan and Ivan for their names ( we aren't...).
It was a bummer to have such a sad day, when I wanted to dance on the tables! While at the same time it was nice to spend the time with him. The only adoption related thing that I accomplished was putting all of the pictures we have so far from other traveling families into a larger photo album as shown here.
It was a bummer to have such a sad day, when I wanted to dance on the tables! While at the same time it was nice to spend the time with him. The only adoption related thing that I accomplished was putting all of the pictures we have so far from other traveling families into a larger photo album as shown here.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Post-court Day 1
I failed miserably at blogging each day of December, but I am going to attempt to do better at this. My goal is to blog daily between now and travel. I know this time will pass quickly and it will end up a blur in months to come. I may follow Jana in printing this count down to my boys by printing the posts in blurb.
After I spoke with Susan I called Paul and told him and a few close friends. Next I grabbed the video camera and yelled for the kids to come sit on the couch. On the way down the stairs Madelyn says oh did we get our brothers!?? There went my big surprise!!! So then I ask the kids to send a message for their brothers on the video camera...which runs out of tape at that precise moment!! The kids were all yelling.."We Love You", "I want to hug you", " I am so glad we passed after court, court, court, court, court and more court....."(Carson of course!)....I just let them talk even though their was no tape!!!....it was too sweet!
This morning was so exciting and such a huge relief, that we debated calling a no-school day, but I just couldn't do it!! We went down and did the basics. Carson wrote in his journal about passing court and he drew precious little pictures of him and his brothers. Madelyn drew all 5 kids and her journal entry was "Yesak and Yohannis love me".
We then cleaned up and headed to Gattiland to celebrate our adoption as well as Pauls dads b-day and his nephews b-day. Then a headed out to a homeschool meeting...which was great because I was able to see so many friends wishing me congratulations on the adoption! I pulled out my pictures any chance I got to show my little guys off too! I am exhausted and I do believe I will sleep better tonight than last night!
After I spoke with Susan I called Paul and told him and a few close friends. Next I grabbed the video camera and yelled for the kids to come sit on the couch. On the way down the stairs Madelyn says oh did we get our brothers!?? There went my big surprise!!! So then I ask the kids to send a message for their brothers on the video camera...which runs out of tape at that precise moment!! The kids were all yelling.."We Love You", "I want to hug you", " I am so glad we passed after court, court, court, court, court and more court....."(Carson of course!)....I just let them talk even though their was no tape!!!....it was too sweet!
This morning was so exciting and such a huge relief, that we debated calling a no-school day, but I just couldn't do it!! We went down and did the basics. Carson wrote in his journal about passing court and he drew precious little pictures of him and his brothers. Madelyn drew all 5 kids and her journal entry was "Yesak and Yohannis love me".
We then cleaned up and headed to Gattiland to celebrate our adoption as well as Pauls dads b-day and his nephews b-day. Then a headed out to a homeschool meeting...which was great because I was able to see so many friends wishing me congratulations on the adoption! I pulled out my pictures any chance I got to show my little guys off too! I am exhausted and I do believe I will sleep better tonight than last night!
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