I have been completely amazed by the adoption community. When we began the process to bring Mylee home we had no money (well, we did have the application fee), and had NO idea how we were going to come up with the amount we were going to need. We were new to the whole adoption thing, we didn't really "know" anyone who had adopted, and to be quite honest, we were terrified of the unknowns.
Not long after getting the ball rolling, I began to research adoption online and started coming across these things called blogs. Honestly, I had never heard of these and really didn't want to start one. It was actually Matt who put our first blog together, I just snuck in, redesigned it and pretty much took it over. We waited 9 months from start to finish for Mylee, and I honesty think those were the longest 9 months of my life. I read all I could about what to expect, the different special needs, joined a couple of Yahoo Groups, and became completely engrossed in blogs of others waiting to bring their children home, those who had already brought their children home, and those who were in the process of going back to bring another child home. I remember thinking to myself, there was no way I was going to go through the roller coater of adoption again. I was certain I was going to be content with just bringing Mylee home.
But, the one thing that amazed me the most was how supportive and giving the online adoption community was. Once I became comfortable, I began leaving comments and even contacting others through their personal e-mails answers, suggestions, and any advice. I just could not believe how willing to help someone could be to a complete stranger.
Then, I watched as people began having giveaways to raise money for their adoptions. I could not believe the amount of money that was being donated within the online adoption community. There were a few giveaways that raised over $10,000! I was completely blown away.
With Mylee's adoption we did not have to ask for help. We were completely dependent on God and He definitely showed us that it could be done. With Drew and Jaxon's adoptions, things were a little tougher. I had already decided I was NOT going to ask for handouts as some have so kindly put it. But, after talking with a couple of other adoptive parents, I realized that I was going to have to set aside my pride and ask for help. So, as many of you know I put together an awesome fundraiser (it took me about 3 months to get it all together), with prizes donated from others who get the whole adoption process and why it is necessary. We were able to raise over $6000 from our blog giveaways and most of that money came from complete strangers, all over the world. We had donations coming in from Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Germany, and all over the US. It was absolutely amazing and so humbling to know that there are people out there who get it.
I am so thankful for all those who helped us bring our boys home whether it was monetarily, prayers, or words of encouragement. We are so thankful for every penny, every prayer, every word. We are blessed beyond words. The tables are turned now, it is our turn to give back.
I have decided to do blog makeovers and give 100% of the money I make to families who are working so hard to bring their children home. I am in the process of creating a new blog just for blog makeovers. But for now, if you are interested in a blog makeover just contact me at mmyag@comcast.net and I will get all the info to you.
Right now I am dividing the profits between 2 families that are desperately trying to bring their children home. Lori is mom to 2 boys and 2 beautiful girls from China. She and her husband are in the process of bringing home an older boy from the same orphanage as their oldest daughter. Lori is currently selling t-shirts from Show Hope to help raise money.
Connie is another amazing mom to almost 9 kids. She and her husband have opened their doors to 5 Chinese treasures. They just announced a couple of weeks ago that they are paper chasing for their 6th treasure, Kasisi Joy.
So, for every blog makeover I do, I will divide the funds equally between Lori and Connie. So, with fall upon us, how about a new look for your blog and help two more children be united with their forever families.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Black and White Wednesday ~ The Olden Days
I know I haven't posted much lately, but once I get my act in gear and a good schedule going I promise my updates will be more frequent. But for now, you will just have to settle for today's post.
I stayed up way too late last night trying to find the perfect picture for Black and White Wednesday, but after the conversation I overheard this morning between Gabe and Emma, I just had to share it.
Wednesday mornings are a little more laid back around here because the kids have a half an hour delay for school. It is actually kind of nice because we get to sleep just a bit longer than usual. Anyway, I usually let the kids watch The Disney Channel in the mornings while they are getting ready to leave. This morning I came downstairs and Blake had already taken over the T.V. and was watching something on the History Channel about outer space and space travel. They were going through different eras of space travel and talking about the different planets. So not my cup of tea, but Gabe and Emma weren't complaining so I just let them all watch it.
Once Gabe and Emma finished getting ready for school they went into the kitchen to eat breakfast. I was getting their backpacks ready for the day when I heard a conversation Emma was having with Gabe while they were eating and still watching the show on the T.V.
Emma: "Gabe, you know that is from a long, long, time ago, like the olden days?"
Gabe: "Yeah, I know." (because Gabe knows everything)
Emma: "No Gabe, I mean the really, really olden days, like from the 1900s, like 1980 or 1985, ancient times."
I had to really try hard not to laugh out loud. She was dead serious and I didn't want to embarrass her. But seriously, 1980, the olden days???? Ancient times??? Come on, I was only 6 then. I remember my dad (who was born in 1929) talking about the depression, the price of bread, and always hear him say "back in my day." Those were the olden days. Never, and I mean never did I think I would hear the 80's referred to as the olden days let alone ancient times.
So, I guess I really am getting old. I guess I never really though of 35 being old, but when my 8 year old daughter refers to the 80's as the olden days, well, I guess I better just break out the walker and call it a day. Seriously though, I remember my dad telling us (or us teasing him) about having to walk 10 miles in the snow, uphill just to get to school. I think it's about time Miss Emma gets a story like that. Olden days, I'll show her olden days.
I stayed up way too late last night trying to find the perfect picture for Black and White Wednesday, but after the conversation I overheard this morning between Gabe and Emma, I just had to share it.
Wednesday mornings are a little more laid back around here because the kids have a half an hour delay for school. It is actually kind of nice because we get to sleep just a bit longer than usual. Anyway, I usually let the kids watch The Disney Channel in the mornings while they are getting ready to leave. This morning I came downstairs and Blake had already taken over the T.V. and was watching something on the History Channel about outer space and space travel. They were going through different eras of space travel and talking about the different planets. So not my cup of tea, but Gabe and Emma weren't complaining so I just let them all watch it.
Once Gabe and Emma finished getting ready for school they went into the kitchen to eat breakfast. I was getting their backpacks ready for the day when I heard a conversation Emma was having with Gabe while they were eating and still watching the show on the T.V.
Emma: "Gabe, you know that is from a long, long, time ago, like the olden days?"
Gabe: "Yeah, I know." (because Gabe knows everything)
Emma: "No Gabe, I mean the really, really olden days, like from the 1900s, like 1980 or 1985, ancient times."
I had to really try hard not to laugh out loud. She was dead serious and I didn't want to embarrass her. But seriously, 1980, the olden days???? Ancient times??? Come on, I was only 6 then. I remember my dad (who was born in 1929) talking about the depression, the price of bread, and always hear him say "back in my day." Those were the olden days. Never, and I mean never did I think I would hear the 80's referred to as the olden days let alone ancient times.
So, I guess I really am getting old. I guess I never really though of 35 being old, but when my 8 year old daughter refers to the 80's as the olden days, well, I guess I better just break out the walker and call it a day. Seriously though, I remember my dad telling us (or us teasing him) about having to walk 10 miles in the snow, uphill just to get to school. I think it's about time Miss Emma gets a story like that. Olden days, I'll show her olden days.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The "Krew" Is At It Again...
Through the adoption community and bloggy world I have been able to make some lifelong, dear friends. I am SO thankful for each and everyone of them. Soon after we made the decision to bring not only Drew home, but Jaxon too, I began connecting with other parents who had adopted older kids. It is a small group (for now), but one that is extremely supportive, open, honest, and sincere. It is a group that is willing to open up and be completely honest about the ups and downs of adopting an older child. I have sent and received many e-mails from professionals. I have spend countless hours on the Internet researching about older child adoptions. I have joined several groups. But the one things that has helped me get through the ups and downs of adopting an older child has been the love, support, and friendship of those right here in bloggy world.
There is one person who has really touched me and who has really opened up. She has been there since the beginning and still continues to be there for me. Connie has become a really good friend and I cannot imagine having brought both boys home without her support and honesty. Our stories are similar in how we came to bringing home not one, but two precious kids from China. We both were a surprised when we were being called upon to bring home an older child. But we answered His call, and because of that, I not only added a son to my family, but a dear, dear, friend.
Connie is an amazing woman and mother and just today she posted on her blog some BIG news. Yep, you guessed it. Connie and her hubby are going back to China to bring home a beautiful baby girl. Beautiful does not even begin to describe this little girl. Although Connie is unable share any information about her, I have seen her (which is a story for another day about how God can be pretty amazing), so I know just how beautiful she is.
Adoption is expensive, plain and simple. I know that for us, if it weren't for us taking a huge leap of faith, we would not have Mylee, Drew, and Jaxon. But because we answered His call, and completely trusted in Him, our family is bigger but so much more blessed. Adoption is rarely something that is done just once in a family. There are very few families I have come across that have only adopted once. Once our eyes are opened, it is impossible not to do something. Well, Clayton and Connie's eyes have been opened, and they are taking action. They are answering His call once again to being home a precious baby girl who needs a family.
They can't do it alone. They need our help. They are once again taking a huge leap of faith knowing that this is exactly what He wants them to do. Clayton and Connie are having a giveaway on their blog for some pretty cool prizes, one of which is a HP Netbook! So, instead of going out to dinner this weekend, or heading to the mall to buy a pair of shoes you don't really need, take a minute to really think how much you could change the life of a child by just waling away. Right now their goal is $5000. That is alot of money. But, when you sit back and think about the bigger picture, that is a drop in the bucket. If 200 people donate just $25.00 (which is probably less than dinner out or a new pair of shoes), round one will be accomplished. Clayton and Connie will be one step closer to adding one more "K" to the "Krew." So, what are you waiting for? Pop on over to Connie's blog and help make a difference in the life of a child and in the lives of her family.
Oh, and while you're at it, head on over to Lori's bog and check out how you can help her bring her son home and get a really cool t-shirt in the process.
God is doing some AMAZING things right now in the adoption community. I am SO blessed and honored to be a part of it.
There is one person who has really touched me and who has really opened up. She has been there since the beginning and still continues to be there for me. Connie has become a really good friend and I cannot imagine having brought both boys home without her support and honesty. Our stories are similar in how we came to bringing home not one, but two precious kids from China. We both were a surprised when we were being called upon to bring home an older child. But we answered His call, and because of that, I not only added a son to my family, but a dear, dear, friend.
Connie is an amazing woman and mother and just today she posted on her blog some BIG news. Yep, you guessed it. Connie and her hubby are going back to China to bring home a beautiful baby girl. Beautiful does not even begin to describe this little girl. Although Connie is unable share any information about her, I have seen her (which is a story for another day about how God can be pretty amazing), so I know just how beautiful she is.
Adoption is expensive, plain and simple. I know that for us, if it weren't for us taking a huge leap of faith, we would not have Mylee, Drew, and Jaxon. But because we answered His call, and completely trusted in Him, our family is bigger but so much more blessed. Adoption is rarely something that is done just once in a family. There are very few families I have come across that have only adopted once. Once our eyes are opened, it is impossible not to do something. Well, Clayton and Connie's eyes have been opened, and they are taking action. They are answering His call once again to being home a precious baby girl who needs a family.
They can't do it alone. They need our help. They are once again taking a huge leap of faith knowing that this is exactly what He wants them to do. Clayton and Connie are having a giveaway on their blog for some pretty cool prizes, one of which is a HP Netbook! So, instead of going out to dinner this weekend, or heading to the mall to buy a pair of shoes you don't really need, take a minute to really think how much you could change the life of a child by just waling away. Right now their goal is $5000. That is alot of money. But, when you sit back and think about the bigger picture, that is a drop in the bucket. If 200 people donate just $25.00 (which is probably less than dinner out or a new pair of shoes), round one will be accomplished. Clayton and Connie will be one step closer to adding one more "K" to the "Krew." So, what are you waiting for? Pop on over to Connie's blog and help make a difference in the life of a child and in the lives of her family.
Oh, and while you're at it, head on over to Lori's bog and check out how you can help her bring her son home and get a really cool t-shirt in the process.
God is doing some AMAZING things right now in the adoption community. I am SO blessed and honored to be a part of it.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
WOW!
Okay, so during my Sunday evening blog catch up, I stumbled on this video of the most amazing little girl. You must take a few minutes and just listen to her voice. I don't think I have ever heard anything so beautiful.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I know I've said it before, but this is one of my most favorite times of the year. Why you ask? Well, today 4 of my six kiddos went back to school! Now, don't get me wrong, I love my kids to death and love spending time with them but, it was time. They definitely needed to get back into the structure and routine.
Today was the first day of school for all the kids but Mylee (she doesn't start until after Labor Day). After a summer of staying up way too late I was pleasantly surprised at how easy everyone got up this morning. I realize after a few days that eagerness will turn to dread, but for now I am going to enjoy it.
Blake was ready to get back into the swing of things. Going back to school for him also means football starts up. He started practice on Monday and will continue to have practice every day after school until the season is over.
Jaxon was also ready to go to school. He was getting pretty bored at home. He will have most of the same classes as Blake. The only difference is Jaxon will have an extra Art instead of Social Studies, he will have Tech Ed, and ESL (English as a second language). He will be in the same Math and Science class as Blake. Since math is pretty universal, we are not worried about it, plus Jaxon said he really likes Math. As for science, he is starting it on a trial basis. If after a couple of weeks he is not getting it, he will take something else instead. The first half of the year is basically going to be to get him used to everything and work on his English.
Emma is a 3rd grader this year and could not be more excited. Emma loves school and is a very good student. She was up and ready in record time this morning and even wanted me to straighten her hair (which is in itself amazing).
Gabe started Kindergarten this year. It is only half a day in the mornings, but I am really going to miss him. I wish I could say that he went kicking and screaming, but he didn't, he was ready. In fact, the first day of kindergarten the parents go with the kids just to get them comfortable. Gabe kept asking me "mommy, when are you going to leave." I had to explain to him several times that I was going to be with him all day today and that tomorrow he would be there by himself.
As for Mylee and Drew, they were not happy. Mylee went to bed screaming and crying because she wasn't going to school today. She will actually start next Thursday (same school as Emma and Gabe). She will only go there one afternoon a week for physical therapy. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, she will attend a Church pre-school. Drew is just not happy with the whole situation. I think because he went to pre-school in China, he wants to go to school here as well. Matt and I have decided to keep him home for a year and send him to pre-school next year. Even though he and Mylee are the same age, we are not going to put them in kindergarten together.
I am SO looking forward to this year for several reasons. One, most days (at least in the mornings), it will just be me, Drew, and the 8 month old little boy that I watch. This will be the first year in a long time that I haven't had a house full of daycare kids. Yeah, not making the extra money is a downer, but I am SO ready to be done with it. I will be starting back to classes in a couple of weeks. I am also looking forward to being able to run errands while the kids are at school. Up until now because of my daycare I have not been able to and have had to do everything in the evening.
Today was the first day of school for all the kids but Mylee (she doesn't start until after Labor Day). After a summer of staying up way too late I was pleasantly surprised at how easy everyone got up this morning. I realize after a few days that eagerness will turn to dread, but for now I am going to enjoy it.
Blake was ready to get back into the swing of things. Going back to school for him also means football starts up. He started practice on Monday and will continue to have practice every day after school until the season is over.
Jaxon was also ready to go to school. He was getting pretty bored at home. He will have most of the same classes as Blake. The only difference is Jaxon will have an extra Art instead of Social Studies, he will have Tech Ed, and ESL (English as a second language). He will be in the same Math and Science class as Blake. Since math is pretty universal, we are not worried about it, plus Jaxon said he really likes Math. As for science, he is starting it on a trial basis. If after a couple of weeks he is not getting it, he will take something else instead. The first half of the year is basically going to be to get him used to everything and work on his English.
Emma is a 3rd grader this year and could not be more excited. Emma loves school and is a very good student. She was up and ready in record time this morning and even wanted me to straighten her hair (which is in itself amazing).
Gabe started Kindergarten this year. It is only half a day in the mornings, but I am really going to miss him. I wish I could say that he went kicking and screaming, but he didn't, he was ready. In fact, the first day of kindergarten the parents go with the kids just to get them comfortable. Gabe kept asking me "mommy, when are you going to leave." I had to explain to him several times that I was going to be with him all day today and that tomorrow he would be there by himself.
As for Mylee and Drew, they were not happy. Mylee went to bed screaming and crying because she wasn't going to school today. She will actually start next Thursday (same school as Emma and Gabe). She will only go there one afternoon a week for physical therapy. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, she will attend a Church pre-school. Drew is just not happy with the whole situation. I think because he went to pre-school in China, he wants to go to school here as well. Matt and I have decided to keep him home for a year and send him to pre-school next year. Even though he and Mylee are the same age, we are not going to put them in kindergarten together.
I am SO looking forward to this year for several reasons. One, most days (at least in the mornings), it will just be me, Drew, and the 8 month old little boy that I watch. This will be the first year in a long time that I haven't had a house full of daycare kids. Yeah, not making the extra money is a downer, but I am SO ready to be done with it. I will be starting back to classes in a couple of weeks. I am also looking forward to being able to run errands while the kids are at school. Up until now because of my daycare I have not been able to and have had to do everything in the evening.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday ~ Gabe is 6
Gabe turns 6 today. I cannot believe he is not only 6, but is registering for school today and lost his first tooth on Tuesday. It is almost too much for this momma to handle in one week.
Gabe is my baby. He is a momma's boy through and through. He was two weeks early and weighed a whopping 7.5 lbs. He is SO tiny compared to Blake and Emma (who both weighed 9.5 lbs). Unlike Blake and Emma (who were also 2 weeks overdue), he was early due to complications I was having. My pregnancy with him was by far the scariest. For whatever reason (still don't know), my heart rate would start racing, I would start sweating, and black out. I remember one time Blake, Emma, and I were out of town at a mall and I had one of these episodes. I laid on a bench for over an hour before I was able to drive home. It was pretty scary. I was scared, and so were Blake and Emma. After that, I wasn't allowed to leave town again alone. I ended up being hooked up to a heart monitor, and had several other tests. Nothing showed up, so two weeks before my due date, I was induced.
I thought Gabe was going to be it for us. Because of the complications, we decided we were not going to have anymore kids. (Yeah, RIGHT)!
Anyway, Gabe is the most loving boy. Not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me he loves me. He will crawl up on the couch and snuggle with me.
For a 6 year old, Gabe is as serious as they get. It is actually quite funny because he is So serious All the time.
He loves to help Matt. If Matt is working in the garage, Gabe will be right there next to him with his tool belt around his waist and a pencil behind his ear (just like dad).
Gabe LOVES to fish and his patience is amazing. He will sit on the pier still as a mouse until he catches something.
Gabe says the funniest things. Last summer he saw a bee and could not wait to tell me that it was a queen bee. When I asked him how he knew it was a queen bee he said "because I could see her crown." (He was dead serious).
Recently he has been telling us he sleeps with his eyes open because he doesn't want to go to bed. When it is time for bed he will tell us "I don't need to get in his bed because I am sleeping right now. Some people can sleep with their eyes open and so can I." Again, he is dead serious.
Gabe is a great big brother. He and Drew have a "love, hate relationship." One minute they are the best of friends, getting along so well, and the next, they are screaming at each other and fighting like cats and dogs. But, if anyone else is a threat to Drew or Mylee, you better look out because Gabe is right there to defend them.
Gabe is the most persistent 6 year old. Actually, I am not even sure if persistent is the right word to use. The broken record method doesn't work on him, in fact, he actually uses it himself. If he gets something in his head, there is no getting it out. He will ask, and ask, and ask. There is no stopping him. You can't tell him anything until you are going to actually do it or you won't hear the end of it. Someday, this quality is going to be very beneficial to him.
Gabe is the sweetest, most loving, caring, little guy. He is an absolute joy. He comes down he stairs every morning and will sit on my lap for five or ten minutes before eating or getting dressed. He starts kindergarten next week (only half days) and as much as I am ready for the kids to go back to school, I am going to miss that little guy.
Happy Birthday Pumpkin, I cannot believe you are already 6!
Gabe is my baby. He is a momma's boy through and through. He was two weeks early and weighed a whopping 7.5 lbs. He is SO tiny compared to Blake and Emma (who both weighed 9.5 lbs). Unlike Blake and Emma (who were also 2 weeks overdue), he was early due to complications I was having. My pregnancy with him was by far the scariest. For whatever reason (still don't know), my heart rate would start racing, I would start sweating, and black out. I remember one time Blake, Emma, and I were out of town at a mall and I had one of these episodes. I laid on a bench for over an hour before I was able to drive home. It was pretty scary. I was scared, and so were Blake and Emma. After that, I wasn't allowed to leave town again alone. I ended up being hooked up to a heart monitor, and had several other tests. Nothing showed up, so two weeks before my due date, I was induced.
I thought Gabe was going to be it for us. Because of the complications, we decided we were not going to have anymore kids. (Yeah, RIGHT)!
Anyway, Gabe is the most loving boy. Not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me he loves me. He will crawl up on the couch and snuggle with me.
For a 6 year old, Gabe is as serious as they get. It is actually quite funny because he is So serious All the time.
He loves to help Matt. If Matt is working in the garage, Gabe will be right there next to him with his tool belt around his waist and a pencil behind his ear (just like dad).
Gabe LOVES to fish and his patience is amazing. He will sit on the pier still as a mouse until he catches something.
Gabe says the funniest things. Last summer he saw a bee and could not wait to tell me that it was a queen bee. When I asked him how he knew it was a queen bee he said "because I could see her crown." (He was dead serious).
Recently he has been telling us he sleeps with his eyes open because he doesn't want to go to bed. When it is time for bed he will tell us "I don't need to get in his bed because I am sleeping right now. Some people can sleep with their eyes open and so can I." Again, he is dead serious.
Gabe is a great big brother. He and Drew have a "love, hate relationship." One minute they are the best of friends, getting along so well, and the next, they are screaming at each other and fighting like cats and dogs. But, if anyone else is a threat to Drew or Mylee, you better look out because Gabe is right there to defend them.
Gabe is the most persistent 6 year old. Actually, I am not even sure if persistent is the right word to use. The broken record method doesn't work on him, in fact, he actually uses it himself. If he gets something in his head, there is no getting it out. He will ask, and ask, and ask. There is no stopping him. You can't tell him anything until you are going to actually do it or you won't hear the end of it. Someday, this quality is going to be very beneficial to him.
Gabe is the sweetest, most loving, caring, little guy. He is an absolute joy. He comes down he stairs every morning and will sit on my lap for five or ten minutes before eating or getting dressed. He starts kindergarten next week (only half days) and as much as I am ready for the kids to go back to school, I am going to miss that little guy.
Happy Birthday Pumpkin, I cannot believe you are already 6!
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