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!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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
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
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tis the Season Almost
I know, I know, it isn't even Halloween yet and I am thinking about Christmas. y, usually I am almost done with my Christmas shopping by now, but with the current status of our economy and the fact that Matt was out of work for a while, I am a bit behind schedule. Usually I start buying things when the kids go back to school because not only do I have Christmas to buy for, but with three kids' birthdays in the months of August, October, and December. A few years ago Matt and I decided we weren't going to buy for one another and that pact is going to hold true again this year because we are actually giving each other the best gift possible, another son to love.
Last year right after Christmas Matt and I decided to start a Christmas Club through our bank. We had never done one of these before. Every week a certain amount of money is taken straight from our account and put into our Christmas account. The good thing is that once the money is in the account, you cannot take it out until November. So, although I have put off my shopping, I am happy to say that I will be getting a large chunk of change in a couple of weeks that will more than likely start to dwindle on the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, I am one of those people. Up and out of the house by 4:00 a.m. and standing in line somewhere to get the bargain of the century. More on that later.
So, I was reading Stefanie's post and thought I should probably start coming up with some ideas or at least ask the kids what they want this year. Of course whenever the T.V. is on and a toy commercial comes on I can at least count on one of the kids to scream out "I want that!" Anyway, below are some of the things that are on the list of must haves this year. Hopefully Santa can come through on at least a few of these. If not, there are always the Grandparents :)
Last year right after Christmas Matt and I decided to start a Christmas Club through our bank. We had never done one of these before. Every week a certain amount of money is taken straight from our account and put into our Christmas account. The good thing is that once the money is in the account, you cannot take it out until November. So, although I have put off my shopping, I am happy to say that I will be getting a large chunk of change in a couple of weeks that will more than likely start to dwindle on the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, I am one of those people. Up and out of the house by 4:00 a.m. and standing in line somewhere to get the bargain of the century. More on that later.
So, I was reading Stefanie's post and thought I should probably start coming up with some ideas or at least ask the kids what they want this year. Of course whenever the T.V. is on and a toy commercial comes on I can at least count on one of the kids to scream out "I want that!" Anyway, below are some of the things that are on the list of must haves this year. Hopefully Santa can come through on at least a few of these. If not, there are always the Grandparents :)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wonderful Wednesday
We have been wanting to send a package to Drew for some time now, but with Matt recently being out of work, (he is still working)we put sending anything on hold. So, we really wanted to get something in the mail before the end of the month so I am sending this out today. Drew will be receiving two shirts, one pair of jean, one pair of glow in the dark jammies, two puzzles and some other little toys from the D*llar T*ee. We are also sending him the little white hard hat. There is a story behind the hat. One evening when we were skyping with Drew Matt put that hat and and Drew LOVED it. He literally tried to come through the computer screen to get it so we promised we would send it to him. Oh, and how could I forget the bag of candy and M&M's.
This was also included in Drew's package this month. As we were talking with Drew this past Sunday, Emma was drawing him a picture. She showed it to him but I had no idea she had written on it and included it in the box until I repacked it this evening. I especially love that she drew her eyes round and Drew's almond. She also made sure they had yellow shirts on because that is Drew's favorite color.
Here is what the letter says on the back of the picture:
Dear Drew,
Hope you are having fun in China. Hay Drew did it snow there? Drew are you ready to come live with us yet Drew! Drew I really, really, miss you. Did you like the picture on the back. Hey Drew can you draw and write a note back to me!
Love,
Emma
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DREW!
By the way, if you missed my previous post you may want to check it out.
This was also included in Drew's package this month. As we were talking with Drew this past Sunday, Emma was drawing him a picture. She showed it to him but I had no idea she had written on it and included it in the box until I repacked it this evening. I especially love that she drew her eyes round and Drew's almond. She also made sure they had yellow shirts on because that is Drew's favorite color.
Here is what the letter says on the back of the picture:
Dear Drew,
Hope you are having fun in China. Hay Drew did it snow there? Drew are you ready to come live with us yet Drew! Drew I really, really, miss you. Did you like the picture on the back. Hey Drew can you draw and write a note back to me!
Love,
Emma
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DREW!
By the way, if you missed my previous post you may want to check it out.
From Paintings To Pear Butter
Just wanted to share some pictures of our sweet Drew. These were on New Day's sight this morning and I was delighted to see my sweet boys little face. Is he cute or what? I still cannot believe how blessed we are that Drew is in such a wonderful place surrounded by wonderful people.
This first group of pictures is from a charity auction New Day hosted this past weekend. They auctioned the children's artwork and raised over 9,000 RMB!
I would love to get my hands on some of Drew's artwork.
This next group of pictures is from when the New Day kids went on a field trip to pick pearsand Chinese dates thank to a generous donation. Once they were finished they went back to the foster home and turned all those pears into pear butter.
This first group of pictures is from a charity auction New Day hosted this past weekend. They auctioned the children's artwork and raised over 9,000 RMB!
I would love to get my hands on some of Drew's artwork.
This next group of pictures is from when the New Day kids went on a field trip to pick pearsand Chinese dates thank to a generous donation. Once they were finished they went back to the foster home and turned all those pears into pear butter.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Power of a Few Words
First off I just wanted to update everyone on Matt's job situation. I know I have shared this with some of you privately, but now I am able to share with everyone. At the beginning of last week we were certain that Matt was going to be out of work by Friday, at best he would work the weekend and then that would be it. We were stressing so much about what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. We had already borrowed money from family to get us through the last couple of months and we DID NOT want to have to continue borrowing, but at the same time we were not coming up with many other options.
Let me back up just a bit. You know the saying "when it rains, it pours?" Well, in our case we are in the midst of a torrential downpour. A couple of weeks ago Matt left for work in the wee hours of the morning and about fifteen minutes later he called telling me that his car (which is pretty much a beater anyway) had just broken down and he needed to me to come pick him up so he could come home and get his truck. So, off I went to get him. I brought him back home, he got in his truck and left, and I crawled back in bed and was just about asleep when the phone rang again. Guess who? Yep, it was Matt calling to tell me to please come pick him up because his truck had just died and he could not get it started. I honestly thought he was kidding at first, but I quickly realized by the tone of his voice that he in fact was not. So, off again I went to get him. He ended up driving my van to work (thank God we had another vehicle especially since Sunday's are double time for him).
But once again, just when I start to doubt, He shows us his handy work. Matt called me Friday afternoon to let me know that not only was he going to be working the weekend, but that starting Monday he would be starting on a job that was going to last at least through the winter and by that time other jobs would be taking off as well. So, we are pretty certain that he will be working consistently for quite awhile. As for the car and truck. Well, we are pretty certain the car is going to car heaven and the truck needs to have the head gaskets replaced which cost $1000 to have our mechanic do. Matt thought he could replace them himself, but the further he gets the more difficult it is becoming and the more problems he in encountering. So, right now we are not sure what we are going to do as far as a second vehicle (which we absolutely need), but for a few more days we are borrowing his grandparents' van. I will keep you posted.
As I sat here today crunching numbers I was literally getting a headache trying to figure out how we are going to come up with the amount of money we still need to bring our son home as well as paying back family, and just paying our normal monthly bills. I watched as the numbers kept going up and up and up. I sat here thinking how in the world are we going to do this. I feel like we are already stretched so thin. I know this will not last forever, and in time we will get everything caught up and everyone paid off, but in the meantime, we are also trying to come up with several thousand dollars to save a child, our child. I know this is so hard for many of you to comprehend, heck, it is hard for me to comprehend it as well, but in my heart I know without a doubt that we are doing exactly what we are supposed to do.
After sitting her for about an hour I decided to check in on my fellow bloggers to see what is happening in their lives. I love following Amy's blog because she is such an inspiration to me and many others. She has a huge heart for God and for orphans. So, Amy's was the first one that I went to today in hopes that she would have some uplifting words for me. And boy oh boy did she. As I clicked play on the below video I literally got chills as I watched and read the words go across the screen. I don't know how to explain it, but I truly felt like God was speaking to me through that video. I could hear Him whispering "don't stress, don't worry, I will be there with you." Once again I have been reminded that no matter how much we worry, how much we stress, ultimately, He remains in control.
Obviously our goal these past few months has been to bring our son home. With every twist and turn there seems to be another door slamming in our face. We have been faced with so many road blocks over the course of this adoption and yet we still feel like not only is Drew our son, but that He is walking this walk with us. He is the one who planted the seed and He will be the one to ensure that it turns into a beautiful flower. He has been there when those hurdles have appeared and we continue to have faith that He will continue to be there as we knock them down one by one to bring our son home where he belongs.
So,
Let me back up just a bit. You know the saying "when it rains, it pours?" Well, in our case we are in the midst of a torrential downpour. A couple of weeks ago Matt left for work in the wee hours of the morning and about fifteen minutes later he called telling me that his car (which is pretty much a beater anyway) had just broken down and he needed to me to come pick him up so he could come home and get his truck. So, off I went to get him. I brought him back home, he got in his truck and left, and I crawled back in bed and was just about asleep when the phone rang again. Guess who? Yep, it was Matt calling to tell me to please come pick him up because his truck had just died and he could not get it started. I honestly thought he was kidding at first, but I quickly realized by the tone of his voice that he in fact was not. So, off again I went to get him. He ended up driving my van to work (thank God we had another vehicle especially since Sunday's are double time for him).
But once again, just when I start to doubt, He shows us his handy work. Matt called me Friday afternoon to let me know that not only was he going to be working the weekend, but that starting Monday he would be starting on a job that was going to last at least through the winter and by that time other jobs would be taking off as well. So, we are pretty certain that he will be working consistently for quite awhile. As for the car and truck. Well, we are pretty certain the car is going to car heaven and the truck needs to have the head gaskets replaced which cost $1000 to have our mechanic do. Matt thought he could replace them himself, but the further he gets the more difficult it is becoming and the more problems he in encountering. So, right now we are not sure what we are going to do as far as a second vehicle (which we absolutely need), but for a few more days we are borrowing his grandparents' van. I will keep you posted.
As I sat here today crunching numbers I was literally getting a headache trying to figure out how we are going to come up with the amount of money we still need to bring our son home as well as paying back family, and just paying our normal monthly bills. I watched as the numbers kept going up and up and up. I sat here thinking how in the world are we going to do this. I feel like we are already stretched so thin. I know this will not last forever, and in time we will get everything caught up and everyone paid off, but in the meantime, we are also trying to come up with several thousand dollars to save a child, our child. I know this is so hard for many of you to comprehend, heck, it is hard for me to comprehend it as well, but in my heart I know without a doubt that we are doing exactly what we are supposed to do.
After sitting her for about an hour I decided to check in on my fellow bloggers to see what is happening in their lives. I love following Amy's blog because she is such an inspiration to me and many others. She has a huge heart for God and for orphans. So, Amy's was the first one that I went to today in hopes that she would have some uplifting words for me. And boy oh boy did she. As I clicked play on the below video I literally got chills as I watched and read the words go across the screen. I don't know how to explain it, but I truly felt like God was speaking to me through that video. I could hear Him whispering "don't stress, don't worry, I will be there with you." Once again I have been reminded that no matter how much we worry, how much we stress, ultimately, He remains in control.
Obviously our goal these past few months has been to bring our son home. With every twist and turn there seems to be another door slamming in our face. We have been faced with so many road blocks over the course of this adoption and yet we still feel like not only is Drew our son, but that He is walking this walk with us. He is the one who planted the seed and He will be the one to ensure that it turns into a beautiful flower. He has been there when those hurdles have appeared and we continue to have faith that He will continue to be there as we knock them down one by one to bring our son home where he belongs.
So,
Monday, October 12, 2009
Operation Giggle
Operation Giggle was started by a God loving, orphan loving lady named Sherri. Sherri recently traveled to China with a friend who was getting her daughter. On that trip, Sherri's eyes and heart was opened to the needs of orphans. Although she and her husband are open to adoption, they do not feel that "right now" is the right time for them. So, she has come up with a way to minister to the orphans of China in a big way.
We here in America are so spoiled. Many children today don't even know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. To them, Christmas is not about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, it is about getting gifts. Although my kids have been educated on the "REAL" reason we celebrate Christmas, I will admit, they do look forward to the gifts they will receive on Christmas day. Already I am hearing "I want that, can I have that, and I am going to ask Santa for that for Christmas." As much as I love my kids, I am really becoming annoyed with the whole gimme, gimme, gimme. I know, I know, many of you will say we as parents have created this, and I will have to agree. But, things are going to change this year. I really want my kids to know the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it.
Which brings me to the reason for my post. Operation Giggle is a fabulous way to give gifts to orphans. Sherri stumbled onto New Day's blog and decided she wanted to help or to donate. After talking and working with the staff at New Day they came up with the idea to have gift drive for the kids at New Day. Her goal is to have each child from New Day "adopted" for Christmas. All you have to do is send a few gifts to Sherri for your "sponsored" child and she will take care of the rest. There are a total of 60 kids at New Day and so far she has found sponsors for all but 6 boys.
So, I am asking you this season to open your heart to "adopting" a child that may otherwise not have a Christmas. Imagine the smile that the child will have when they open your gifts, imagine hearing the laughter that will come from the excitement of opening gifts, imagine the pure and simple goodness that will come from knowing that you helped to create that smile, and that laughter.
So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Operation Giggle and "adopt" a child this season. All the details are on Sherri's blog so all you have to do is contact her and she will let you know what to do.
Oh, and if you decide to sponsor a child, let me know, I would love to thank you personally.
We here in America are so spoiled. Many children today don't even know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. To them, Christmas is not about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, it is about getting gifts. Although my kids have been educated on the "REAL" reason we celebrate Christmas, I will admit, they do look forward to the gifts they will receive on Christmas day. Already I am hearing "I want that, can I have that, and I am going to ask Santa for that for Christmas." As much as I love my kids, I am really becoming annoyed with the whole gimme, gimme, gimme. I know, I know, many of you will say we as parents have created this, and I will have to agree. But, things are going to change this year. I really want my kids to know the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it.
Which brings me to the reason for my post. Operation Giggle is a fabulous way to give gifts to orphans. Sherri stumbled onto New Day's blog and decided she wanted to help or to donate. After talking and working with the staff at New Day they came up with the idea to have gift drive for the kids at New Day. Her goal is to have each child from New Day "adopted" for Christmas. All you have to do is send a few gifts to Sherri for your "sponsored" child and she will take care of the rest. There are a total of 60 kids at New Day and so far she has found sponsors for all but 6 boys.
So, I am asking you this season to open your heart to "adopting" a child that may otherwise not have a Christmas. Imagine the smile that the child will have when they open your gifts, imagine hearing the laughter that will come from the excitement of opening gifts, imagine the pure and simple goodness that will come from knowing that you helped to create that smile, and that laughter.
So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Operation Giggle and "adopt" a child this season. All the details are on Sherri's blog so all you have to do is contact her and she will let you know what to do.
Oh, and if you decide to sponsor a child, let me know, I would love to thank you personally.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Drew's September Update
Last week we rceived our September update on Drew. I have been so busy with school, kids, and making halloween costumes for my kids as well as some for money that I am just now able to get this up here. We are so thankful that we are able to receive these updates, but at the same time I feel a bit guilty because I know there are tons of families who are only able to get minimal information on their children and in some cases, nothing at all. So, as exciting as it is to get these wonderful updates, I always feel a bit of sadness for those who don't.
Dear Friends,
We hope this note finds you doing well, and that you enjoy reading this month's update.
Drew is 3 Years 6 Months Old.
Drew’s foster mom wrote this update:
Drew has been doing well this month. He is a very smart boy. When he gets up in the morning, he usually asks me cheerfully, “What are we going to eat today?” I will often answer, “Egg noodle, Drew.” He’ll reply, “It’s my favorite!” Then he asks, “Am I going to school today? I like going to school because I can draw pictures and play with jigsaw puzzles and sing. I am a big boy now and will behave myself while I’m at school.” Every time I hold him in my arms, he always tells me, “I miss you.” This pleases me very much. After he says this, I always hold him up and tell him, “You are my good boy. I will get some candy for you tomorrow.” Drew is such a lovely boy!
If you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings,
New Day Staff
We hope this note finds you doing well, and that you enjoy reading this month's update.
Drew is 3 Years 6 Months Old.
Drew’s foster mom wrote this update:
Drew has been doing well this month. He is a very smart boy. When he gets up in the morning, he usually asks me cheerfully, “What are we going to eat today?” I will often answer, “Egg noodle, Drew.” He’ll reply, “It’s my favorite!” Then he asks, “Am I going to school today? I like going to school because I can draw pictures and play with jigsaw puzzles and sing. I am a big boy now and will behave myself while I’m at school.” Every time I hold him in my arms, he always tells me, “I miss you.” This pleases me very much. After he says this, I always hold him up and tell him, “You are my good boy. I will get some candy for you tomorrow.” Drew is such a lovely boy!
If you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings,
New Day Staff
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