More fundraising sales coming!

We have a bunch of stuff that I will start sorting and posting on our FB auction page this week. Lots and lots of new stuff donated by our awesome family as well as a bunch more that I have found around the house. So if you have not gone and Liked our FB page, please do that now so you do not miss anything! Some of the stuff being added includes vintage Looney Toons drinking glasses, antique books, salt & pepper shakers, old instruments, more jewelry, collectibles, artwork, etc.

A new year's message to our little one

"It has been 2013 in your country for half a day already, though I know it doesn't seem any different to you. Your world consists of the same building, the same people, the same walls and foods. I wish I could tell you about what I hope this year entrails for you. New hope, a family that loves you dearly even though we haven't met. A new house, new foods, toys, rides on airplanes and cars. Hugs, kisses, tickles, and smiles. Pets, cousins, grandparents, and friends. Oh what a year we have planned for you, little one. So as your days tick by as they always do, I pray that God sends you love by way of someone much nearer than I. Until we get there, this 2013. Love, your Momma "

Christmas reflections

When I was a child, one of my favorite Christmas memories was waking up really early and sneaking out to see what Santa had left for us. Usually there were so many toys and gifts under the tree that the ring of patents extended several feet beyond the lowest branches. As I became a parent I fought the urge to do the same for my children, instead trying to place the emphasis on the reason we give more than the material gifts themselves. I think we have a lot more we could do to really get that message ingrained into our kids, but I think we have done ok.

 This year with trying to budget tighter, and save as much as possible for the adoption, it has been even more important. We did not buy much. I made quilts for the twins as I could not bring myself to buy them yet another toy to be left on the floor.  My son got a little money towards something he is saving up for. My eldest daughter got some art supplies that she had asked for. Our middle daughter got a giant dry erase market board that her dad built for her, and some duck tape. I am quite happy to report that they were all very happy with their gifts. Oh how I love my children. Between that and our wonderfully supportive family digging through their homes to find things for us to sell to help with our adoption, I don't think I have had a more wonderful Christmas. I hope yours was equally wonderful. God Bless!

Soooo close!

We are so close to being able to send in all of the commitment forms, but alas the HS agency is closed for the holidays (understandable). So we will have to wait until at least the 2nd of Jan before we can get everything sent in. We are sooooooo close but it feels like so far away! A week. A whole week! Maybe I can funnel all of this energy into getting the sculptures and medallions done.

One of two owl medallions that I am casting for my Etsy shop.

And the winner is...

And the winner of this lovely wall hanging is.. 

Laura Sokol!! Congrats!! 

Thank you everyone.  Now stay tuned to our FB for more auctions to start in Jan. :) LOTS of new (to the auction) items.

Almost Christmas

Today is the last day of school for the kids for the next nearly 2 weeks. They are pretty excited. Most of them just had movies or read in parties today. A last chance to give gifts to their friends and teaching staff. We stayed up baking chocolate chip cookies for the teachers, bus driver, and reading tutor, while watching some classic movies. I still have shopping to do tonight. With everything in a slightly different perspective this year, I have found it a bit difficult to get into the materialistic side of this holiday. My children and family have far more than they could possibly *need*. The kids have toys they hardly ever play with, books that sit on the shelves, clothes that seem to get washed repeatedly despite my not ever seeing them wear them, stuffed animals enough to stock a plush zoo. We have food, warmth, education, treatment for medical issues, freedom to worship Christ. Seriously what more do we need? This week I have slowly come around, but mostly we are just giving little things that will bring a smile to someone's face. Enough that they know we appreciate them. I also mailed out our family Christmas card for the first time in several years. If you get one, please be sure not to mention anything about it publicly online. We are still bound to privacy in that aspect.  As far as the adoption plans go, we are getting close to being able to commit on Reece's Rainbow. It probably won't be by Christmas but very very soon!! There is an extra stocking in the pile next to the Christmas tree this year anyway. What ever Santa leaves will just be delivered a little late. We are still hoping to travel this summer. I wish he was here now. I still pray for him daily. That he is healthy and that someone in the orphanage shows him love. For years I have felt like a piece was missing, and in some ways it is easier knowing where that piece is, but in other ways it is harder. He has no idea that we are coming for him. Has no idea what real living is like. I wish I could reach though my computer and touch his cheeks.

We finally got a bit of snow last night. Just enough to make everything beautiful. I hope it stays for a little while. The drab muddy brown was getting old, though I don't really mind the water troughs and dishes staying thawed outside! I love the snow, but not the ice. Even our coldest days, however, are no match for the -56f that is hitting parts of Russia right now. I cannot even fathom cold like that. At the single digits the insides of your nostrils freeze pretty fast. There, people are dying of exposure. :( How many of them are the homeless street orphans? Are they even counted among them? Will anyone even notice? It breaks my heart.

This along with the juvenile power trip going on with Russian law makers that is threatening to ban adoptions by US citizens. Please be praying for those families in process, as well as the innocent children who will suffer because of this legislation.


Deuteronomy 10:18
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.


PS. Don't forget about the give-away! Just a few more days to get entries!

Taggy blankets!

I did some sewing today and got some really cute taggy blankets done. I wish we had stuff this cute when our kids were little! Here are pictures of the ones I did today. If you are interested in purchasing one, they can be seen in this album on our FB page.  I will also take requests for colors/fabrics. I have a large stash of fabric. :) The 12x12 are $15 and the small 5x5 are $5.