Drew's March Update ~ The Last One

Because Drew is at New Day we are lucky and blessed to receive monthly updates on him. Below is the update is foster mom wrote for March along with a birthday picture.



Dear Friends,

We hope this note finds you doing well, and that you enjoy reading this month's update.
Drew is 4 Years Old.
Drew’s foster mom wrote this update:
Drew has been very healthy lately, and you can observe this by taking note of his chubby cheeks. You can also observe his mischievousness in his smiling eyes, and the cleverness revealed on his little mouth. He is doing well in school, and his teacher praises him often for his concentration in class.
One day, he saw his older sister coming back home. He ran in front of his sister and smiled, saying, “Sister, I missed you so much. Did you buy some wonderful things to eat?” She carried him in her arms and told him, “Yes, I bought a lot.” When they got inside, they took out the yogurt, snow rice crackers, candy, and egg rolls. Drew said, “Wow, sister, I love you. I am so happy to eat all this food you bought. Thank you. When I grow up, I will buy you wonderful foods.” His sister smiled.
He is such a sweet boy!
If you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings,
New Day Staff

As I was getting ready to post this, it dawned on my that this will more than likely be the last update I post from New Day. We are only days from getting our TA for Drew (I hope), and knowing we have to be in China before May 1 for Ming, we are hoping and praying to leave here on April 14. Our only hang up is Immigration (imagine that). We know that our officer has our paperwork and all she needs to do is approve it and send it on to the next step (which is what she told me she would do on Friday, but did not). So, please pray that she is able to get to it today, and overnight it to it's next destination. If she is able to do that, there is a really good chance we could have everything back in China by the end of the week.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Ours was pretty uneventful. We took the kids to Emma's school carnival on Friday (I will post pictures later), and on Saturday Emma and I had a girls day out, and Sunday Matt and I had a "date" day by going around and picking up last minute items for our trip. Oh, I did get the suitcases out last night and will probably start getting them ready to be filled. I am getting SO excited. I cannot wait to go back to China and share this experience with Matt and Blake this time.

Anyone have any ideas for the gift for the Officials in China??????

What a Wonderful Surprise

I am beyond excited this morning. Anneli who is an intern at New Day sent us this video she took of Drew on his birthday. This is priceless! We are SO blessed.



This is of Drew opening the gift we sent him.

Black & Wednesday ~ Birthday Boy

As much as I would like to take credit for this picture, I can't. Drew turned 4 on March 11, but these pictures were taken just yesterday. Rather than celebrate each child's birthday, New Day celebrates all the birthday at once.

Drew got his birthday package from us about a week ago, but they asked us if he could open it during the party which we didn't mind one bit.

Enjoy the pictures, I know we sure are. Although I did not take the below picture, I did enhance it for Black and White Wednesday.







This little dog dances around and sings "Who Let the Dogs Out."








Oh how I LOVE that face. I cannot wait to kiss those cheeks.

Drumroll Please....

Wow! I seriously cannot believe we were able to raise $5,328.25! That. Is. Amazing. I am completely blown away by that number.

Before I annouce the winners, I want to take just a minute to thank each and everyone of YOU who helped us reach $5,328.75. Each one of YOU are such a blessing to our family. Some of YOU are friends, some are family, and some of YOU are complete strangers. Whoever your are, YOU have not only made a difference in the lives of two boys, but you have made a difference to our whole family. Because of YOU, we will travel to China to bring home not one, but two boys who desperately need a home, a family, someone to kiss them good night and tell them "I love you." YOU did that. So, go on, pat your self on the back, you deserve it.

Thank you so much for bringing us one step closer to a family of 8 (I can't believer we are going to be a family of 8). Thank you to those who donated, those who spread the word, those who left comments, and those who prayed.

So, here is how this is going to work. There are a total of 37 prizes. I will draw 37 names, the first winner will get to pick the prize they want, then the second winner will pick what is left, and so on and so forth until all the names have been drawn. If I contact you to let you know you have won, I will also include an updated list of items that are still available. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have ANY questions.

1. Jean Mulvahill
2. William Hagerdon
3. Brian Girdwood
4. Samantha Rawson
5. Norma Wilson
6. Gerald Hammersley
7. Denise Corbari
8. Peggy Heller
9. Kathleen Denny
10. William Hagerdon
11. Mandie Metier
12. Valerie Almquist
13. Jennifer Welsh
14. Gwen Wride
15. Jean Mulvahill
16. Carla Lambert
17. Gerald Hammersley
18. Mandy Murphy
19. Melanie Mannos
20. Zara Griswold
21. Kristen Jackson
22. Gerald Hammersley
23. Lisa Lansford
24. Melanie Mannos
25. Kristin Tadlock
26. Samantha Rawson
27. M Womble
28. Brian Girdwood
29. Jean Muvahill
30. Elwood Gupton
31. Kristi Tolman
32. Susan Gerow
33. Kate Nowland
34. Amy Miller
35. Brandi Thomas
36. Kimberly Brunton
37. Christine Berringer

I have had several ask me if I will keep the Chip In button on my blog because they are waiting on their taxes to come back . Yes, I will be putting it back up there, but unfortunately I will not be able to give anything away this time. Although we raised a ton of money, our ultimate goal was to reach $9500.00 to cover expenses. So, the new chip in will reflect the amount we still need.

What A Surprise!

We were surprised yesterday with updated measurements, pictures, and more information about Jaxon. As soon as we received our LOA our agency sent over a letter we had written to Jaxon introducing our family to him and asking him some questions. Our agency told us not to expect much, so you can imagine all of our excitement and surprise when we got everything we asked for yesterday.

We told Jaxon about the family and he seems very excited. He said although he doesn’t know who they are yet, he is excited about having little brothers and sisters, and a family. Here are his responses to the family’s questions: he is currently going to second grade in junior middle school (translator: equivalent to 8th grade in the U.S.), he likes the subject of Language Arts, besides reading comic books he also likes playing basketball and listening to music, as well as reading books and playing video games. PE is his most favorite class. He would like to have pictures of his new family so he can get to know them more. We have attached a few pictures of Jaxon, they are taken inside the orphanage and his bedroom. I hope the family will enjoy the photos. Jaxon's current measurements are: height 175cm, weight 62.5kg, head circumference 80cm, chest circumference 81.5cm. (His measurements translate to about 5'7 and 137.5 pounds).

When Emma heard his interests, this was her response "Mom, we like everything the same, we have so much in common. Can I send him a picture that drew?" She is just the sweetest. She and I went out last night to get a photo album, and we also bought him a sketch pad, pencils, and some candy.

We are so excited about bringing home Drew and Jaxon, we cannot wait to have them in our family. Click here to for Drew's story, and here for Jaxon's.

Fundraiser Update: The fundraiser end tonight at midnight so if you haven't had a chance to check out all the amazing prizes go here. We are currently at 40%!!!! Anyone who donated today will get 2 extra entries!!!!!

Thankful Thursday ~ Laminin and Faith

I saw this on another blog yesterday and was completely blown away by it. I actually got chills as I was watching it. It is about nine minutes, but so worth it, you will NOT be disappointed.



Fundraiser Update: WOW! We are getting closer, dollar by dollar. We are now at 39%!

When I originally started the fundraiser it was solely to help us bring Drew home. Early on in our adoption process Matt was laid off, a substantial grant for Drew was withdrawn, and we continued to hit road block after road blog. Despite all of that and the fact that most people thought we were out of our minds, we continued to do whatever it took to bring our son home. Just before Christmas Matt went back to work (Praise God), and doors began to creep open however, we had a long way to go. Being laid off for a few months really put a strain on our finances leaving nothing left to put back for adoption expenses.

So shortly after Christmas I decided to put together an online fundraiser like no other. Unfortunately we didn't have the money to go out and buy an expensive camera, or laptop, so I had to get creative. It took me several weeks to make contact with people who were willing to donate something for us to give away. Originally the fundraiser was to last two weeks, but as soon as we heard about Jaxon, I had no choice but to extend it.

I had no idea that we would be fundraising to bring two boys home. I had no idea that we would be racing against a clock that continues to tick faster and faster, regardless of our situation. I had no idea that so many people would open their hearts to help us, support us, and pray for us. I certainly did not expect to have my heart or Matt's opened to adopt an older boy and I believe that is why God used Blake to show us that we need to set our fears aside and trust in Him.

"The One who calls you is faithful, and He will make it happen" I. Thes. 5:24

The other day as I was filling out yet another grant application one of the questions asked was "when do you expect to travel?" Without thinking I began typing what my response has been all along, "the first of April." Then I realized that no, we would not be traveling then, but more like the end of April. So as I deleted it and begin to fill in the correct answer I thought for a moment that if we weren't bringing Jaxon home, we would probably more than likely be meeting our Drew in just a few weeks. If we weren't bringing Jaxon home, we would only be a couple of thousand short instead of almost six thousand short. I stopped for a minute, sat back in the chair and realized that what we are doing is not about the money, or the fact that we will travel a little later than we had hoped. It's not about how we will feed, clothe and put six kids through school. It's not about the fears, the concerns, or even the challenges and unknowns that lay ahead of us. What this all boils down to is this, when He called, we answered.

It's no secret that when we began the process to adopt Mylee we had only enough to get us started (application fee and home study). As one door closed, another seemed to open and we were able to bring Mylee home completely on our own. I knew before I left China that I would be back, it was just a matter of convincing Matt. For those who don't know, when I first approached him about Drew he was adamant that we were done. "No more" he said. A few days later he came to me and said that he had been thinking, "if this is what God is telling you to do, if this is what you are supposed to do, then who am I to stand in your way." The next day I requested Drew's file. Of course I had to promise that this was it, we were done with Drew. So, you can imagine my surprise when he said yes to Jaxon.

My faith has been completely renewed because of adoption. Faith has been such a big part of our adoption process. Without it, there is no way we would have been able to climb every mountain, jump every hurdle, and bust through every wall. Without it there is no way we could have come this far, this close to parenting 6 kids (I still can't believe I am about to have 6 kids). Recently we were asked to write a statement of faith for a grant application. At first I was a little hesitant, I had never had to actually put down on paper what my faith meant, but as I sat in front of the computer, I was amazed at how quickly and easy it was to do.

Faith is something that I have always been around. Being raised Catholic I went to a Catholic school, took all of my sacraments (baptism, first communion and confirmation), and sat in Church every weekend. As a child I don't think I really got it, but now as an adult with children of my own, I get it and do my best to make sure my kids get it. But if I am being completely honest, it wasn't until we started the process to bring our daughter home from China that I really and truly began to understand my faith and knowing that it is my faith in God that made it possible to bring her home. Before Mylee I sat in Church, but didn't really listen to what was being said. I acted out all the motions simply out of habit, not really aware that I was doing it or why. I took and accepted the body and blood of Christ simply because that is what we are supposed to do.

Please don't misunderstand what I am trying to say. Mylee's adoption changed something in me that I didn't really even know needed to be changed. It was through the ups and downs of financing her adoption that I really started to understand fully what it meant to have faith. It was during that time that I really started paying attention to what was being said, that I didn't just make the sign of the cross out of habit but out of love. I no longer accept the body and blood of Christ because I am supposed to, but because I want to. I get it now, and it is that faith, love, and devotion for God that is getting us through the ups and downs of Drew's adoption.

God planted the seed of adoption in my heart many years ago, at that time I had no idea that is was Him. I just thought it was selfish on my part to want a Chinese daughter. It wasn't long into our adoption that I realized that He was the one who planted the seed, and He was the one who sat next to us on the roller coaster of emotions. He was the one who was there with us as we were faced with another hurdle to jump. He was the one who as a brick wall was placed in front of us, knocked it down with us.

So, it is with complete faith that we stepped out to adopt Drew and now Jaxon. It is complete faith in our God that we are doing exactly what He wants us to. Not only do we have faith in Him, but He must have faith in us as well for not only entrusting us with three biological children, but with three more children that he put on this earth especially for us and our family.

We have 43 days (actually less if you figure in travel) to not only come up with the rest of the money, but to get 6 months of paperwork done as well. Is it possible? Absolutely! Why? Because we have complete faith that we are doing the right thing and that God is going to be there every step of the way.

Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

Black and White Wednesday ~ My Kids

It's Wednesday and you all know what that means, Black and White Wednesday. For more on B&W Wednesday head on over to Lisa's blog for some amazing pictures. I had to go back through the archives for most of my pictures today because I wanted to share a little about each of my kids. Rather than start from oldest to youngest, I thought I would start with the youngest today.

DREW ~ Although we haven't met him yet, we know that he is going to fit in our family perfectly. Drew just turned 4 on March 11. As much as I prayed and hoped we would be together with him for his special day, I know without a doubt we will celebrate his next birthday as well as many, many more. Drew is a loving, caring boy, affectionate boy. He loves to help his foster mother around the house and is quick to announce he is a "big boy." He likes to make silly faces. Drew likes to sing, count, tell us his colors, he is a very smart little boy.
We cannot wait to bring him home and truly begin enjoying him. We realize the first few days, weeks, and even months may be difficult on Drew having been taken away from the only life he has ever known. He has a very strong bond with one of the New Day staff as well as Adahlynn. We know saying good bye is going to be difficult for him and all those who have grown to love him.

MYLEE ~ She is a dream come true. For as long as I can remember I have dreamed about having a Chinese daughter. Witht he love and support of Matt we were able to turn that dream into a reality on May 8, 2008 (Mother's Day). She is a beautiful, smart, spunky, silly, little girl. Mylee loves to color and play with her babies. She loves to sing and dance and has an incredible imagination. She is a fighter, and will let nothing get in her way. I cannot wait to see what great things she does in her life. She adores her big sister Emma and wants her to read her a book every night before going to bed. Most nights I can find them in the same bed together. Mylee's new thing to say is "When I get big like Emma..." Mylee is very proud to be Chinese and loves anything to do with China and it's culture. Many people have expressed that she is going to be the on who is most affected by bringing Drew home. I don't know why, but I am not worried at all. I see Mylee being very "protective" of Drew even though she is half his size. She is going to be a great big sister.

GABE ~ Oh how I love this guy. Gabe is 5, I mean 5 1/2. He no longer tolerates being told he is 5, and is very quick to correct you. He is probably our most affectionate child. He gives the best hugs. He is always the first in line for kisses and hugs before bed or if we are leaving. He loves to snuggle up right next to me on the couch. Gabe doesn't have much of a sense of humor, in fact, he is quite serious. Gabe's middle name is Philip after my dad (he passed away last May) and he likes to talk about his Grandpa. Gabe loves Blake and spends most days following him around. He has the funniest facial expressions, they crack me up. Gabe is probably the most excited about bringing Drew home. He asks all the time if it is time to get him yet. He desperately wants someone closer to his age to play with. Gabe is going to make an excellent big brother and I cannot wait to see Gabe and Drew playing together.

EMMA ~ When I was pregnant with Emma I secretly prayed over and over for a little girl. I had several ultrasounds during my pregnancy but not one revealed what I was having. I finally convinced myself that I was having another boy, in fact, we didn't really have a girl's name picked out. As soon as I heard the doctor say "it's a girl," I remember asking him to check again because I wanted to make absolute sure. Because we were certain we were having another boy, she didn't have name for about an hour after being born. We finally agreed on Emma Grace. Emma is a very special little girl. She is quite girly, but has no problems getting down and dirty with the boys. She's quite artistic and loves anything crafty. Emma loves spending time with me. Usually once a week we do something together, just the two of us. She can be very shy but once she opens up, look out. Emma loves to read and write books. I can't even begin to tell you how many books she has made through the years. Emma will make her first Communion this year and is very excited. She is a great role model for Mylee and will be for Drew as well.

When Emma learned that we were also adopting a 13 year old boy, she said "hey, that's not fair, I want a sister who is 8." We told her that Drew and Jaxon were probably going to be it for awhile. Her response "does that mean there are no more kids that need homes?" Oh how I love this girl.

BLAKE ~ Blake made me a mom. He is the one who paved the way for the rest of the kids. I was terrified when I had Blake. Matt was in the military and was actually deployed 3 days after I had him. I had never really been around babies before, but looking back, it amazes me how this natural insticnt just kicks in. I guess it helped that Blake was such a good baby. Blake and I have a pretty close relationship. If he has something he needs to talk about he usually comes to me. If I know he needs to talk about something, I am usually the once who can get it out of him. Blake loves football and is quite good at it. He is very smart and loves to learn. Blake is pretty mature for his age which is why we have let him be a big part of the process to adopt Jaxon. He has a great sense of humor which he obviously gets from me. Although Blake is only 13, he looks more like he is 15. He is taller than me (I believe he is 6 foot now). Blake is quite the social butterfly, always has been. If you ask him what he wants to be someday his response is a Lawyer and has been since he was in the first grade. Blake is a great kid, he sticks up for the underdog, he is outgoing and funny. He is very handsome.

Blake is the one who "pushed" Matt and I into moving forward with Jaxon's adoption. Honestly, adopting an older boy is something we said we would never do. However, God used Blake to prove us wrong. On the way home from the pasta dinner benefit Matt and Blake were talking about how much money we had raised. Matt told Blake that although we raised alot of money, we still needed quite a bit more, Blake's response was "that just means God has another plan, another way for us to get the money." How can you not be proud of you kids when they say things like that?

JAXON ~ I know this is what you have all been waiting for, a picture of our newest member. This is Jaxon we are told that he will be 14 on May 1, but we honestly believe he is older. Although we don't know much about him, what we do know, and the most important thing is that he needs and wants a family. He wants to be a Cartoonist some day and is quite artistic. Emma wants him to teach her to draw better. He goes to school and is said to be quite athletic, especially in basketball and track and has even won some awards. He seems to be quite shy (he is going to have to come out of his shell quickly to survive in this family). He likes to help out with the younger kids. He is quite a handsome young man and we cannot wait to travel to bring him home and make him a part of our family.

We know adding him to our family may be difficult. It is going to be scary for all of us. Although Jaxon has expressed that he wants a family, we realize that it is going to be most difficult on him. He will most likely grieve, shut down, and become quite withdrawn. However, Matt and I are 100% committed to making this work and to allowing Jaxon become a member of our family. Although adopting two children at once is not something we set out at doing, we are excited and committed to watching Drew and Jaxon thrive and grow with our family.

If adoption has taught us anything it is that you must have faith. It is our faith that has gotten us this far, and it is our faith that is going to be what brings us all together. Never in a million years did I think I would have 6 kids. However, Matt and I are firm believers that God only gives us what we can handle. And if He thinks we can handle 6 kids, then we can, and we will. One way or another, we WILL be a family of 8 very soon.

We officially received our LOA for Jaxon yesterday, which means China has officially granted us approval to bring both boys home. Now we have to get through our immigration. Basically we have less than 6 weeks to get done what has taken us about 6 months to do with Drew. We are confident we can make that deadline, there really isn't any other choice. Really our two biggest hurdles are immigration and money. I hate to say it, but yes, money is still an issue. We are now at 35% on our fundraiser which is great. I honestly never though we would get that far. We have been completely blow away by the amount of support we have received from the adoption community, friends, family, and complete strangers. It is because of all that support that we WILL without a doubt make this happen.

Just an update on the fundraiser. Friday at midnight is the last day so if you want to make sure to get your name is for some super prizes, head on over and make a donation. Any amount, nothing is too small. Every dollar brings us one step closer to our boys.