Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to be thankful for, but right now I am so thankful for the generosity that so many of you have shared with Matt and us as we journey back to China to bring our son home. The gifts, donations, words of encouragement, etc have meant more to us than you can imagine. I know many of you who have donated are struggling financially as well or also in the middle of financing an adoption. This is what it is all about...The adoption community pulling together to bring these children home.

I know I have posted before about Tracy at Junk Posse and the huge heart she has for orphans and getting them home. Tracy e-mailed me the other day to let me know she has just come out with a totally new design and just in time for the holidays. She has created a beautiful ladybug necklace to help support Chinese adoptions. Many of you know that ladybugs are known as a symbol of Good Luck in the Chinese community. It is said that a ladybug siting is sure to bring good luck.

Tracy has also graciously offered to donate 30% of her China proceeds to our family to help us bring our son home. And, if you mention my name when checking out you will get a pair of FREE earrings. Not only will you be getting beautiful jewelry made right here in the good ol' USA, but your purchase will also help us bring our son home. So, please hop over to Tracy's Etsy shop and look around and feel free to spread the word.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

Freedom is not Free

There is a price we pay for freedom
For it is not truly free
But rather paid for by the contributions of veterans
To buy our liberty

As their blood drains from their body and runs like a river through the grass
Over the years it's forgotten, war is placed in our past
I don't think we all realize the importance veterans play
as they voluntarily serve America each and every day

We should honor the veterans for they act like a shield
Protecting us from danger, keeping America healed.
So if you would take a second to commemorate
You will instantly see

We owe veterans our gratitude
For they are the reason we are free
~Ashley Persyn

Need a Good Laugh???

I love my kids and my husband dearly, but there are so many times when I feel like I am the only one around here that knows how to clean up or at least pick up after themselves. So, when I saw this video, I could not stop laughing at true this is for all moms.

ENJOY!!!

Successful Delivery

Drew got his package yesterday so Karen at New Day sent us several pictures of him opening it and checking it all out. I cannot believe how much older he looks in these pictures. It is so hard to imagine that he and Mylee are only 24 days apart (her being older). We cannot wait to get him home. Especially Gabe who asks daily if we can go get his brother. Enjoy the pictures!

Hallowen Here and There

Halloween weekend turned out to be quite busy for us. Friday night Blake had his first boy/girl party. He turned 13 earlier this month and really wanted to have a party for his birthday so we put it off so he could have a Halloween party. There were about 30 kids and they had a great time dancing, and hanging out. We even played a couple of games and had a costume contest.

Blake had his first dance. (Thanks to my sister, I have pictures!)

Saturday was busy with finishing up last minute costumes, spending time with my sister and niece, and hanging out with friends and neighbors. Unfortunately Matt had to work (can't turn down overtime), but the kids had a pretty good time despite the cold weather.

Blake, Gabe, Emma, Mylee, and Riley (my niece)

"Chinese Takeout"

It was so cold that these were the only pictures I got. Poor Emma's fingers were so cold and red we decided to go in to town to our local fire station for a party they were having for the younger kids. The kids enjoyed free hot dogs, popcorn, games and prizes and were happy to be warm.

While we were enjoying our Halloween so was our little man on the other side of the globe. New Day doesn't celebrate Halloween, but they did let the kids dress up and have fun carving pumpkins.

Bands of Love

I am constantly amazed at how supportive complete strangers have been to Matt and I trying to raise money to bring Drew home. I know that most of the people who follow my blog are also in the same boat as we are, struggling just to get by right now, and still finding room in our hearts and our home for just one more. A few months ago when we were fundraising to get our dossier to China, I was completely blown away at the amount of people who donated who were also trying to raise money to bring their child home.

So, it is now my turn to help out a fellow bloggy friend. You have to go check out these adorable headbands Desiree is making to help bring their daughter Rachel home from China. These are not only adorable, but they are so different from anything I have ever seen. These are a must have for any little girl. So, what are you waiting for, go check out Desiree's blog and her fundraising site "Bands of Love." I'll bet you can't just buy one!

Future Rockstar???

Once again it's time for our monthly update on Drew from New Day. These updates are so great because it really helps with the whole waiting process. Many times I have been asked if the process this time is easier as far as the wait, what to expect, paperwork, etc. My answer is usually yes. With Mylee being our first adoption we were pretty much treading unknown waters. I was constantly obsessing and worrying about everything surrrounding her adoption. I spent countless hours on the internet researching anything and everything concerning adoption, China, attachment, grants, etc. This time around things are so much more relaxed (notice I didn't say easier). I am not as obsessive because I know what to expect. I am alot more patient, and relaxed because I know that obsessing, worrying, and stressing out will not bring Drew home any sooner. I know that there will be more hurdles to jump, but we will get over them. I know all of this because I KNOW that we are traveling down a path that He laid out for us. And at the end of the day, that is all that matters.

Below you will find the update written by Drew's foster mom and a recent picture.

Dear Friends,

We hope this note finds you doing well, and that you enjoy reading this month's update.

Drew is 3 Years 7 Months Old.

Drew's foster mom wrote this update:

This month Drew has been great! He's grown fast. He's a beautiful boy and looks even cuter when he smiles. Once he had a day off preschool and decided to perform for me in our house. He turned and ran into the other room to prepare. A little while later, he ran back out saying “Hello, I’m Xiao Shenyang (Xiao Shenyang is a star who is really popular, sort of like Michael Jackson in the 1980s.).” Then he started to sing. I acted very interested and I even sang with him. Suddenly he said, “I’m home” just like Xiao Shenyang said during the Spring Festival Showcase which made him famous throughout our country. We sure had fun that day! Drew is a pleasure to care for!

If you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support.

Blessings,

New Day Staff