Just some FABULOUS news to pass along!!! We had another contribution on Paypal for $200! God is good! We are so very grateful! That donation puts us our need below $2000 to send our dossier to Colombia! Yeah, God and THANK YOU, MY DEAR COUSIN!
What is really neat is that this is the guy (my cousin) who first planted the seed of adoption in my heart... and he didn't even know it. It was HIS story that touched mine. I remember sitting in my Uncle Jack's gas station and Uncle Jack (Cousin's father) was so very proud of his new grand-daughter. He was beaming with a smile from cheek to cheek. He was showing me and my grandparents pictures of how my cousin and his wife had went to Romania and adopted this special little girl. Oh, and was she ever the most beautiful thing... I thought that was so very special, and that has always stuck in my heart. I can still remember the day, Cousin J! Your father and mother were so very proud of you guys... and they loved that little girl!
Anyways, he's part of the reason that I'm so very drawn to adoption. My hope is that like his family left a mark on me as a little child that our story, too, will be just as impressionable and others will also be drawn to adopt or help others to adopt!
On another note:
Hopefully, this week we will sell our piano and that will put us $150 closer to that target goal. Some other things are in the works as for putting fundraisers together. Still generating ideas and would love it if you commented in the comment section on any that you don't see listed in the side bar.
The latest idea we've had is doing a silent auction. However, where would we do it? Who would contribute? We've had a few people that have offered to submit their things (such as Joann Cox, a well known artist in Mobile!). I thought about Ebay and setting a minimum, or doing it online. I just don't know... If you have any experience on this, please shoot me an email or use the comment section. Thanks!
12.30.2009
12.29.2009
Finally! An Appointment!
Yes! An appointment! Finally, after much delay (my fault with sending them TOO MUCH money), we have an appointment with USCIS in New Orleans! Woohoo! One of the last things we needed before getting just a few more things apostilled and our dossier is complete!
Our appointment is scheduled for Jan 13th! So lucky, because we were planning a "Get Out of Town Quick" trip to Tennessee for Jan 14-18th! God is good! What an exciting way to start our trip!
12.27.2009
Cousins
My "Bubba" and his family came and visited yesterday and left today. It was an adventure! The children are adorable... We met up with them in Mobile and the kids jumped on some kind of Bungee Jump exhibit... maybe I'll be able to download video from my phone... will check on that later this week.
They left today, and we got a few snaps of them all together for their Beamie. Just missing two cousins... Ainsley and Kaleb. Hopefully soon, we will have pics of all eight!
Hoping you had a fabulous time with friends and family... looking forward to the new year and all it has in store!
Christmas Fun!
The expression on Diego's face as they open up the family gift- "priceless!"
Christmas time was a day of celebration of Jesus' birthday! The kids seemed to anticipate it more and more as the day came...we started out with a game where the children had to find "Baby Jesus."
I hid the baby and Ben just happened to suggest where Tatiana should look, and low and behold... the game was over in less than two minutes!!! No fun!!!! But, she got the prize and we went on to open the presents... the day before the kids got the trapper keepers, that was so neat to see their reaction. Still truly grateful and excited...
Then, the next gift were nerf dart guns... thought Tatiana would like one, too, to play in the house with her brothers... and do you know what she said to me later? "Mami, why did you buy me a gun?" My reply, "Well, Tatiana, I thought you'd want to play with your brothers. What did you want- a princess?" Her reply, "Yeah..." Awe... struck out.
Each child got a box of clothes with a hat, few shirts and other miscellaneous. Then, we had a family gift with two books for each child, a connect four, pictureka game, and a few of the "cheap" wii games.
I think I got the best gift- a movie for Ben called "Nacho Libre!" We love that movie. It is HILARIOUS! Need a laugh, take a look!
After gifts, there was clean up and "Happy Birthday" cake! The kids also shared what they were grateful for. We are so blessed by the one who was the greatest gift giver of all, Jesus! We are thankful for the promises of eternal life because of Him...
12.24.2009
Thanks, Mrs. G!
A donation from a friend from Facebook came in the mail today! What a blessing! Adoption is part of the heart of God. These 145 million+ orphans are so important to Him...
What has happened that we don't care? (I know readers of this blog are most likely family, friends, or other adoptive parents, so I'm talking about in general, the world as a whole.).
Oh, and Mrs. G, God bless! And thanks so much!!! (A thank you/prayer card to come soon!)
What has happened that we don't care? (I know readers of this blog are most likely family, friends, or other adoptive parents, so I'm talking about in general, the world as a whole.).
Oh, and Mrs. G, God bless! And thanks so much!!! (A thank you/prayer card to come soon!)
You Rock, M!
Thanks for the donation, M! Thanks for helping us along this journey! We are so blessed and humbled at how God has connected us to others and how strong those connections have been that have encouraged us thru the difficult times. God bless you and yours!
(We are getting thank you/prayer photo cards that will be mailed out after Christmas. But couldn't wait to say thanks! You rock!)
(We are getting thank you/prayer photo cards that will be mailed out after Christmas. But couldn't wait to say thanks! You rock!)
Where's Baby Jesus?
Tomorrow, after breakfast, we plan to start the party with a game. I read somewhere, not sure where, but in Colombia, I think, there is a tradition where families hide the baby Jesus in the nativity scene until Christmas day. Well, Ben and I have hidden the Baby and tomorrow, the kids will have to find it before we open presents! Can't start the party without the Guest of Honor, right? =) The person who finds the Baby gets a special prize! We have agreed to incorporate this as one of our family traditions.
If you know more about this game played in Colombia, please email me. I would love to know more details. Thanks! Hopefully, we can get some video, tomorrow to share as well! (Can you tell I'm just a little excited? We had a "Jesus talk" earlier today and then tonight. It's so beautiful!)
If you know more about this game played in Colombia, please email me. I would love to know more details. Thanks! Hopefully, we can get some video, tomorrow to share as well! (Can you tell I'm just a little excited? We had a "Jesus talk" earlier today and then tonight. It's so beautiful!)
Christmas Eve Gift
This is our third Christmas to celebrate with the children, and we are excited. As the children get older, they are understanding more and more. They are so precious!!! When we are in the store, it is hilarious to see the response when people ask the kids if they are "ready for Santa to come?" and Diego chimes out LOUDLY "We don't celebrate Santa! We celebrate Jesus' birthday!" The person usually apologizes, but I think it's funny. I usually explain that we try to keep the focus on Christ and want to emphasize the importance of Him and what He's done for us. It usually leads into another conversation... and once, I was even asked if I was of a different religion. I thought that was interesting... I just told the guy no, but I wished I would have told him I was a "Christ follower," but I only went on to explain how the focus has changed in so many and things seem so commercialized and for us, Jesus is the reason!
ANYWAY- TONIGHT, we allowed the children to have one gift. We didn't get a lot for the kids, they have 3 presents and 1 family gift (some boxes have more than one thing in them). Well, one of the gifts that they each got the same thing- was a Trapper Keeper! We got each of them one, each a different color to avoid confusion. I found these for like $1.50 at Staples after the school started. These are like $8-9 now (In my day they were probably $3-5). So, I told Ben when I got them, we could save them for Christmas gifts and teach the kids to take notes in church! Now, initially, they may just be using it to occupy self, but hopefully, they will begin to notice how many times they hear Jesus' name or the word God or whatever....
So, what was their response? OMGoodness! They were so proud of their books! They were so cute! Inside them we bought them folders (the boys- spiderman and super heros, tatiana- a monkey), some looseleaf paper, pencil pouch, and notebook. They were so grateful! Andrew and Tatiana ran around in the house looking for pencils to put inside. Diego wanted to go get his workbook to put in it and begin doing it! How sweet!
Tomorrow is the BIG party for Jesus! They are very excited! Much more than last year... I think this is making it more fun! Hopefully, we will have pics tomorrow!
Merry Christmas, and God bless!
ANYWAY- TONIGHT, we allowed the children to have one gift. We didn't get a lot for the kids, they have 3 presents and 1 family gift (some boxes have more than one thing in them). Well, one of the gifts that they each got the same thing- was a Trapper Keeper! We got each of them one, each a different color to avoid confusion. I found these for like $1.50 at Staples after the school started. These are like $8-9 now (In my day they were probably $3-5). So, I told Ben when I got them, we could save them for Christmas gifts and teach the kids to take notes in church! Now, initially, they may just be using it to occupy self, but hopefully, they will begin to notice how many times they hear Jesus' name or the word God or whatever....
So, what was their response? OMGoodness! They were so proud of their books! They were so cute! Inside them we bought them folders (the boys- spiderman and super heros, tatiana- a monkey), some looseleaf paper, pencil pouch, and notebook. They were so grateful! Andrew and Tatiana ran around in the house looking for pencils to put inside. Diego wanted to go get his workbook to put in it and begin doing it! How sweet!
Tomorrow is the BIG party for Jesus! They are very excited! Much more than last year... I think this is making it more fun! Hopefully, we will have pics tomorrow!
Merry Christmas, and God bless!
12.20.2009
Blessings!
About two years ago, my cousin Kim and her children sent us a huge blessing in the mail! It was so exciting! We got like 4-5 HUGE boxes mailed ALL the way from Washington, D.C.! It was filled with SUPER nice clothes that our Cousin Emma and Cousin Noah had outgrown. What a huge blessing. Of course the girlie clothes were so adorable... BUT Tatiana was like a size 3-4 when she came home. So, while it was unfortunate she couldn't wear the clothes then, it is nice that she has had some clothes to grow in to! She has had a growth spurt all of a sudden! She is ALMOST 49 lbs, and very tall...(not sure the inches on that one!) Anyways, this seemed to happen last year to, that her uniform pants turned into high-waters after vacation. We went and bought her a few more pair yesterday. It's nice that they are growing...but kindof sad that my babies are getting bigger....
I wonder as we pack her clothes away, will "Sister" like these as much. "Will she be bigger/smaller? Will she even be able to wear them?" Then, my thoughts drift to... "I wonder what she's doing now..." and then, to, "God, YOU got YOUR eye on her... take care of her, Father."
Thanks, Kim and Cousin Em for the "cool threads!" Love the dresses and coats and all the other goodies! You have been a blessing! Enjoy the snow! And send us some pics!
Mami: "Tatiana, what's up with the goofy smile?"
Tatiana: "Mami, I want everybody to see I lost my second tooth!!"
Mami: "Good point, Tatiana! Smile big! Let me see your tongue! Cool!"
12.19.2009
Still Waiting...
for that "special" little paper with our APPOINTMENT date and time to get fingerprinted for the next "special" little paper from the USCIS that says we're approved to bring home a child from Colombia!
Come on, God... send it next week. Then, open the Heavens, and provide!
I've got a LOT of cool ideas for some really FUN fundraisers... but I just wished I would have started like TWO MONTHS ago doing them!!!
We are putting a talley on the sidebar of where we are in paying our next BIG fee. I know MOST of the people reading this are fellow PAPs, you are in the adoption process yourself. Please pray with us that this process moves along swiftly (so we can go ahead and just get on the list; we know we will have to wait up to a year or so before we get our referral), and God provides everything we need! We appreciate your comments of encouragement and support! We are excited about this new journey and the kids are SUPER-thrilled! Look forward to walking thru it with you as well... God bless!
Come on, God... send it next week. Then, open the Heavens, and provide!
I've got a LOT of cool ideas for some really FUN fundraisers... but I just wished I would have started like TWO MONTHS ago doing them!!!
We are putting a talley on the sidebar of where we are in paying our next BIG fee. I know MOST of the people reading this are fellow PAPs, you are in the adoption process yourself. Please pray with us that this process moves along swiftly (so we can go ahead and just get on the list; we know we will have to wait up to a year or so before we get our referral), and God provides everything we need! We appreciate your comments of encouragement and support! We are excited about this new journey and the kids are SUPER-thrilled! Look forward to walking thru it with you as well... God bless!
Chloe! Chloe! Mami, can we play with Chloe!
The bestest babysitter in the world... besides Beamie, of course! Today, she came over so Ben and I could fight the crowds to do a little grocery shopping and pick up some clothes for the kiddos. Tatiana has outgrown her uniform pants. I was hoping to find some on sale, but the cheapest was $12! It was nice to go to the store without a little person tagging along, but fighting the masses was no fun! Didn't get to use any coupons this trip, either!
Chloe let me take a few photos of her to practice. I hope to get a few sister shots by Monday for her mom. I think it's safe to post on here. I don't think she reads my blog. BUT, I love Ms. Bridget and her girls! Chloe is da bomb! She was in the youth group when I met Ben. She was so sweet, and had the most beautiful smile! Very open, real, and down to earth... gotta love my Chloe! And Ms. Bridget works for CIP at the hospital and is always filling in for others! She also is a foster mom. She's great! So, I want to be able to do something for her, and hopefully capture the two most beautiful girls in her life on film, and they can get that pic blown up and framed for their mami! I know it's something, I would like as a mom......so, if you know them... keep your lips sealed!
Chloe 12.2009
12.15.2009
USCIS- LETTER
Got a letter in the mail stating the USCIS had received our check for the "correct" fee, and to be looking for an appointment letter for the biometrics processing next.
It did not indicate a timeframe, but from the previous call to USCIS, I am guessing about a week or two. Then the appointment will be 1-3 weeks from the time we get the letter, the representative said. Will let you know.
It did not indicate a timeframe, but from the previous call to USCIS, I am guessing about a week or two. Then the appointment will be 1-3 weeks from the time we get the letter, the representative said. Will let you know.
12.14.2009
WC Christmas Play...a Star, a King, and a Shepherd
The children were excited...and did really good. There was a singing portion of the play and Andrew was one of the loudest voices! =) So, cute. Maybe video to come later.
Diego's First Year at Soccer
He gets easily sidetracked, especially when the parents of team members offer candy on the sidelines... why would anyone wanna go play when you can chew laffy taffy on the line? =)
They are currently on break until the mid of Jan/Feb when the season continues!
12.11.2009
Donate Using Paypal
Have you ever used PayPal? It's a great easy, safe, and secure way to pay for things OR donate! You must have a PayPal account to sign in. For every $100 donated, I will have to pay PayPal $3.20.
Just think if we had 350 people donate, $100, we'd have $3,500- the next agency fee to pay for the dossier to be sent and translated in Colombia! Once we send the dossier, we will begin the "Official Wait" and become "Paper Pregnant." We will be put on a list to "wait" with all the other prospective adoptive parents. We are requesting a healthy six year old daughter. According to ICBF, the wait is about a year now! So, the sooner we get on the list, the fewer people that will be in front of us-- which means the sooner we will be able to bring home our daughter and sister!
ANY gift you would like to sow will be celebrated. Small donations add up and I believe in that giving however much it may be, that God, the Father, honors that. And I believe He can multiply it in ways beyond our imagination...
You know, there's a Scripture in Malachi that says... (Wendi's version) "You just test me and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." God was referring to tithing here, but I believe when we sow into the Kingdom of God that we are blessed in return and so often in ways that we don't even have room enough for it!
Thanks for evening considering donating. And even, if you cannot financially donate, would you consider praying for us, praying for our daughter, her birth parents, foster parents, and all the other many children in the world that will go to bed tonight with no place to lay their head, no mom or dad to call their own... pray for them, please!
God bless! Have a great weekend!
Just think if we had 350 people donate, $100, we'd have $3,500- the next agency fee to pay for the dossier to be sent and translated in Colombia! Once we send the dossier, we will begin the "Official Wait" and become "Paper Pregnant." We will be put on a list to "wait" with all the other prospective adoptive parents. We are requesting a healthy six year old daughter. According to ICBF, the wait is about a year now! So, the sooner we get on the list, the fewer people that will be in front of us-- which means the sooner we will be able to bring home our daughter and sister!
ANY gift you would like to sow will be celebrated. Small donations add up and I believe in that giving however much it may be, that God, the Father, honors that. And I believe He can multiply it in ways beyond our imagination...
You know, there's a Scripture in Malachi that says... (Wendi's version) "You just test me and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." God was referring to tithing here, but I believe when we sow into the Kingdom of God that we are blessed in return and so often in ways that we don't even have room enough for it!
Thanks for evening considering donating. And even, if you cannot financially donate, would you consider praying for us, praying for our daughter, her birth parents, foster parents, and all the other many children in the world that will go to bed tonight with no place to lay their head, no mom or dad to call their own... pray for them, please!
God bless! Have a great weekend!
USCIS - Rejected!
We sent too much money. $10 too much. Got new check, re-sent app. Re-submitted like last week or the week before... Anyways, talked to a Rep from the USCIS and he said we should expect to get our appointment card by 2 weeks for the fingerprints. He said they usually schedule fingerprints 2-3 weeks out. Then we will have to wait another few weeks for "the paper," the I-797.
Ugh! I messed up and causing some delays. Well, it will give us time to do some more fundraising. We don't have the $3500, yet, anyhow. Not in so much of a hurry, just don't want things to expire.
Nothing more new with the adoption process for now. Have been brainstorming fundraising ideas, and got some more ideas from adoptive parent, Denise S.! Thanks, Denise. Will post more about that in the coming blog posts...for now, my break from cleaning is up...gotta get back to the mop. (Ben took the kids to dress rehearsel at the church so, I can take advantage of the quiet house...of course, I don't like the quiet, so I'm jammin' to some Sonic Flood!)
Have a great weekend! Enjoy! =)
Ugh! I messed up and causing some delays. Well, it will give us time to do some more fundraising. We don't have the $3500, yet, anyhow. Not in so much of a hurry, just don't want things to expire.
Nothing more new with the adoption process for now. Have been brainstorming fundraising ideas, and got some more ideas from adoptive parent, Denise S.! Thanks, Denise. Will post more about that in the coming blog posts...for now, my break from cleaning is up...gotta get back to the mop. (Ben took the kids to dress rehearsel at the church so, I can take advantage of the quiet house...of course, I don't like the quiet, so I'm jammin' to some Sonic Flood!)
Have a great weekend! Enjoy! =)
11.29.2009
Daddy
My Dad came to visit Friday and left this morning. He surprised me... This is the first visit to my home since we've been here in Mississippi. The kids had a blast. Andrew introduced them to the Wii! I think they've been convinced to invest in one for the grandkids at their place! It was a great time to visit them!
OS Concert
Sara Schultz Family and Orphan Soul
Orphan Soul Adoption Benefit ConcertNovember 28, 2009
Worship Center, Pascagoula, MS
Greg and Mandy Flurry, God-parents to the children, as well as Drummer and Lead Vocalist to Orphan Soul.
Wood Family and Orphan SoulWe were so blessed by tonight's concert! It rocked! They were awesome! There was a good turnout. I am sorry for the people that missed it. Oh, they were so good! We are so grateful for their willingness to play for us! Sara Schultz is the other adopting family that benefitted from the concert tonight. Well, it looks like once all the ticket money is collected (some people who helped me sell tickets didn't make it to the concert tonight) that we raised nearly $700! Thanks so much Orphan Soul!
11.25.2009
Adoption News!
We finally have our home study completed! We have several things apostilled. We are currently waiting on the official paper from the Immigration. First, we will have to be fingerprinted again. Waiting for that appointment. Hopefully, we'll get that by the end of the week or so. I'm not sure why I am rush-rush about this, except that I had a goal of getting this dossier off by the end of the year.
We have a few things that need to be revised and our birth certs from other states and marriage license needs apostilled and our letter to ICBF notarized. New fam and house pics for ICBF. We have the photo album for our daughter.
So, that's where we are...with the paper chase!
This weekend we are having our first big fundraiser. It is a concert benefit. We have sold almost 50 tickets, raising almost $500. Up until this point, we have paid for everything thru me working extra at the hospital. BUT saying that, I must also acknowledge Ben, too. Because if he didn't play such a vital role in this, I wouldn't be able to work as much. We sent out letters for our first adoption. Even though, that's not a bad idea, we didn't want to do that this time. We wanted to raise the funds thru working harder, saving more money, applying for grants, and doing creative fundraising. So, the concert is the BIG event for the end of the year. Please pray that it is a BIG success and we sale 50 more tickets... raising a total of $1000 for the adoption! We need $3500 to send the dossier off. We will have the dossier completed once the I-800A comes in... which they have estimated 5-6 weeks. (It's been gone for about a week now.) Anyways, pray!
Thanks!
We have a few things that need to be revised and our birth certs from other states and marriage license needs apostilled and our letter to ICBF notarized. New fam and house pics for ICBF. We have the photo album for our daughter.
So, that's where we are...with the paper chase!
This weekend we are having our first big fundraiser. It is a concert benefit. We have sold almost 50 tickets, raising almost $500. Up until this point, we have paid for everything thru me working extra at the hospital. BUT saying that, I must also acknowledge Ben, too. Because if he didn't play such a vital role in this, I wouldn't be able to work as much. We sent out letters for our first adoption. Even though, that's not a bad idea, we didn't want to do that this time. We wanted to raise the funds thru working harder, saving more money, applying for grants, and doing creative fundraising. So, the concert is the BIG event for the end of the year. Please pray that it is a BIG success and we sale 50 more tickets... raising a total of $1000 for the adoption! We need $3500 to send the dossier off. We will have the dossier completed once the I-800A comes in... which they have estimated 5-6 weeks. (It's been gone for about a week now.) Anyways, pray!
Thanks!
Shanda
(Ainsley, 7/04/09: I took her and her brother to the grave. She picked up a tiara that my Mother had left on Shanda's grave and put it on her head and said, "This is my Mama's." Of course, I just happened to have my camera! This was not re-produced or anything... This was...the moment captured!! I love these kids! Please pray for our family as we remember our loss...)
My sister ... argh... Why God? O, why? Will I ever know? Probably not... will it bother me forever? Probably. Is it something you "just get over?" Do I even need to respond to that? Grief SUCKS!
Yes, it's been three YEARS and it still SUCKS! I hate remembering that call, remembering even the good times stinks, because I am quickly reminded that I must go on without her; making new memories and she's not part of it. I hate it.
I hate the fact that I can't see her children and the hoop-la around all that. I hate it all. I hate it, and I don't care if certain someones read this! I hate being threatened or my family being intimidated because they try to voice concern for the children. Yes, I hate it! AND I can say that! AND it's okay! I will be a voice for them and I will cry out on their behalf. Yes, I will!
Grief sucks. It would have been so much easier had there been no children involved. To know that Kaleb and Ainsley mourn and hurt when thinking of their mom, hurts me. I am so sad for them. I wish I could hold them and hug them and make it all go away. It stinks. It stinks when you have no control and you can't make it better. Those questions arise again... "Why God?"
My sister- she was one of her own. She was the girl that stood alone; the girl you would find with a bag lunch and her Bible with a few other girls. She was the shy one with glasses. The girl who would try to hide behind others...the one who rooted for the underdog. The one who loved to be a blessing...who honestly, saw good in everything... I can hear her voice at times, "Wendi" and she would drag out the Wen--di. I can remember crying over past relationships and her hugging me and giving me advice. I can remember fantasizing about getting pregnant together and wanting to take sister pics together while we were pregnant. It never happened, of course, but at her funeral... this is how crazy thoughtful she was... I met people I had never known that came up to me and told me they had been praying for me because they knew we were going through our (first) adoption; yes, that was my sister- always thinking of others before herself. UGH!!! Why God????????
Why do we ask such crazy questions? Why do we try to understand God's ways? Why does it bother us so much when we know God is in control? It just seems like a life cut short...so short...she was 32.
It's weird. I want to forget that day...but then I hold onto it.... It was the day after my birthday, and I had just came back from lunch at work and got a call from my brother. I had thought about calling my sister when I had went to lunch, but got caught up with something and put it off. She ALWAYS called me for my birthday and I even made that comment out loud that she hadn't called me. I'm gonna have to call and remind her...hmph! And then, before I could...John Michael called... and it was reported that Chuck, her husband, found her in bed unresponsive and EMTs were currently at their home working on her. "Working on her" --what does that mean? I just imagined what I had seen in the ER...working on her...my poor sister.....why God? I was in shock instantly... it couldn't be. I wanted to wake up. It had to be a dream. It had to be an awful dream... reality set in as Ben drove me to Louisiana. She's dead...the second call came within 10 minutes of the first call.
God could have healed her. God could have! I prayed for him too! Why didn't he? I know all this is part of going thru different part of the stages of grief. I know that you can move past one stage and then even revert back....yes, I know, because I have.... I have struggled with anger and blaming and denial... and I'm still working thru it... Grief SUCKS and that's all there is to it.
"One day it will get easier." Will it? Hmph. It's hard to see that now. But I know that my God is King of the Universe and His ways are not my ways...and who am I that He should take counsel from me? Ha! Where would we all be if we were in control of the Universe? If I was God, I would have done things a whole lot different! My hope is in God, and that she is dancing in Heaven and that one day we will be reunited... that is my hope.
Now, enough whining. I love my sister and in honor of her, because she told people we would never be able to afford adoption (she was right) and to pray for us, and because siblings like to prove each other wrong, Ben and I have agreed to help others adopting... kindof like a "BOO-YA!" Ha-ha-ha-ha! in your face, kindof thing. We've given a financial donation to a family for the past two years. This year since we are in "the process" again, we are putting that toward our daughter's adoption. Shanda was right, really. We couldn't afford adoption expenses. God provided in ways beyond our imagination. There was even a specific family from Oregon that donated thousands... some of this family, we never even met! That was God! That family taught me a lot. We want to be able to do that same thing! Thanks, K's! You are part of our testimony, and We want to give back, and we will! Your family set a great example... so in honor of Shanda....because she said we couldn't...we will.
Sisters Forever! Shanda and Wendi
(This is Kaleb at G-Daddy's, my Dad's house, playing in the pool. Kaleb loves the pool. Kaleb is highly intelligent. I love him so much. I wish I didn't live so far away. I miss him so.)
(Just had to include one of the two princesses! I know Shanda would have loved to see them together. I know she would love to hear them giggle and play. Ainsley and Tatiana played so well together. Tatiana loved the idea of having another girl around. This pajama set is actually one of hers. When she is putting clothes away that she can't wear any more, they are always for either Ainsley or "her sister.")
11.23.2009
32 Things To Be Grateful For...
1. God
2. Family
3. Home
4. Job (more money would be nice)
5. Church
6. Friends
7. Cars
8. Cell phones
9. Zyrtec
10. Beverly's Brownies!
11. Unexpected blessings
12. Colombian cheer
13. Julie Eagleson
14. Scrapbooking
15. Cameras
16. My Bible
17. Sweet Tea
18. Music
19. Laughter
20. Pets
21. Snail Mail
22. TV
23. Dependable people
24. Computers
25. A/C
26. CHI
27. My mother and father
28. My grandparents
29. My brother and his fam
30. My nephew and niece
31. Memories of my sweet sister
32. Life (with the ups and downs)
2. Family
3. Home
4. Job (more money would be nice)
5. Church
6. Friends
7. Cars
8. Cell phones
9. Zyrtec
10. Beverly's Brownies!
11. Unexpected blessings
12. Colombian cheer
13. Julie Eagleson
14. Scrapbooking
15. Cameras
16. My Bible
17. Sweet Tea
18. Music
19. Laughter
20. Pets
21. Snail Mail
22. TV
23. Dependable people
24. Computers
25. A/C
26. CHI
27. My mother and father
28. My grandparents
29. My brother and his fam
30. My nephew and niece
31. Memories of my sweet sister
32. Life (with the ups and downs)
Photo Opps! I love my photo opps!
The past three weeks, I had the opportunity to photograph two mom-to-be's! It was fun, and the couples seemed totally comfortable. From each family and a few photog friends (Laura and Sara) I am learning so much!
Even though, I still have some difficulty with infertility issues, this may sound odd, but I didn't have any negative feelings about this at all. I really think pregnant people are so beautiful, and to be able to capture it on film is really cool. I think I have more issues with people that don't care about having kids and then get pregnant or who have done poor jobs with prior children and then have additional children... does that make sense?
11.15.2009
Fundraising Ideas?
HELP!!! I need $3000 to send our dossier off! It is actually $3500, but we've sold about 45 tickets, so I'm believing we will sale the other 5 before the concert and have at least $500 from that fundraiser. BUT, we still need $3000!
I need ideas! Help me generate some ideas, people!!!
T-shirts? I found a site that once I get the packet filled out and mailed that I will be allowed to put info on my blog and they will sell shirts and we get a certain amount for each shirt.
Once we actually get the completed homestudy, I can apply for grants. Really hoping for the Show Hope one and some others. But, I may not get that money until the adoption is completed or at the time of travel.
I need ideas! Help me generate some ideas, people!!!
T-shirts? I found a site that once I get the packet filled out and mailed that I will be allowed to put info on my blog and they will sell shirts and we get a certain amount for each shirt.
Once we actually get the completed homestudy, I can apply for grants. Really hoping for the Show Hope one and some others. But, I may not get that money until the adoption is completed or at the time of travel.
- Have thought about a raffle. (Thanks, Tammy R!)
- Have thought of a game night. (We did that for the Fleming family who was adopting from Liberia, and raised about $200.)
- Have thought of a babysitting nite, but the return would not be worth the headache, really ($100-200 for 20-30 kids for 4 hours...).
- Support letters (have any of you done those for second adoptions?)
- Dessert auction (but where would we auction the desserts?)
- Family photo shoot (Coach R. suggested this. But would people really pay ME for a photo shoot?)
- A puzzle fundraiser, but can't find a cool puzzle that I would actually hang up in her room.
Thou shalt not lie...
The kids are being pranksters more often... it was cute at first, but now the "just kidding" is not so funny. Hmm.... perfect time to remind them thou shalt not lie...
Just curious, what bible studies do you do with your children? We are really searching for something that the children connect with...any suggestions.
Just curious, what bible studies do you do with your children? We are really searching for something that the children connect with...any suggestions.
Mami, what is "skating?"
We went skating on November 14th. It was the first time the kids had been skating. Andrew asked, "Mami, what is skating?" It's funny how many things the children have yet experienced... So many firsts.... (The kids didn't stay on the skates long. They really enjoyed the wiggle boards.)
Also, we continue to have challenges with the school system. We told the teacher at the beginning of the year that Andrew has difficulty with comprehension. We are very proud of how far he has come, and he can read really well; however, ask him what he has read and it's not all connecting. BUT--that's NORMAL for a kiddo who has ONLY been immersed in the english language for about 2.5 yrs! NOW, my beef is we told the teacher that first week when "we had a conference." She waits til the end of the year to tell us that "I think I'm going to have to get in touch with the ESL teacher. Andrew is just not getting it." What? You wait til school is halfway over with to consult the ESL teacher??? What? You are not utilizing ESL services when we specifically asked? What!!? We stepped back to see what they would do and it wasn't until the past month that Andrew has brought home a couple low grades.
These teachers...do they think we are just making excuses for our kids? NO! These are legit concerns! ARgh!
11.14.2009
Blog Hiatus
Where is the time??? Where does it go, so quickly!? Today was my birthday and we went to a soccer party at a Skating Rink! The kids had a blast. I only have one pic borrowed from Paula, Hannah's mom right now. But in the posts to come, expect more pics. They all had a first-time great experience. And, I just loved hanging with all the moms!
Lots has happened and NOT happened on the adoption front. More details to come, hopefully tomorrow. I will tell you though, now, we DO have a completed, APPROVED home study in the mail en route to the State of MS for approval and then off to USCIS for approval! While we may not have the dossier sent off by December as we set for our goal, we still are hoping by first part of January. With God all things are possible!
So, if today is my birthday... then, we know tomorrow is... argh! I hate to say it...but my sister's death anniversary. It just plain sucks every time I think about it. Before death was ever a REAL reality to me, I always said, "I don't ever want to be like that," when referring to someone who remembers "dates" and are usually emotional. Ha! Losing a sibling is very significant. And it stinks in every way imaginable, especially when she's left children behind and we can't see them as often as we would if she were still here. So, when do you "just get over it?" Do you? Time heals some, but there will always be the memories to remind you what you don't have...
Ok, well, I don't have to become sad and mopey until tomorrow. So, if you don't mind I would rather wait to continue my thoughts tomorrow.
Lots has happened and NOT happened on the adoption front. More details to come, hopefully tomorrow. I will tell you though, now, we DO have a completed, APPROVED home study in the mail en route to the State of MS for approval and then off to USCIS for approval! While we may not have the dossier sent off by December as we set for our goal, we still are hoping by first part of January. With God all things are possible!
So, if today is my birthday... then, we know tomorrow is... argh! I hate to say it...but my sister's death anniversary. It just plain sucks every time I think about it. Before death was ever a REAL reality to me, I always said, "I don't ever want to be like that," when referring to someone who remembers "dates" and are usually emotional. Ha! Losing a sibling is very significant. And it stinks in every way imaginable, especially when she's left children behind and we can't see them as often as we would if she were still here. So, when do you "just get over it?" Do you? Time heals some, but there will always be the memories to remind you what you don't have...
Ok, well, I don't have to become sad and mopey until tomorrow. So, if you don't mind I would rather wait to continue my thoughts tomorrow.
10.30.2009
It's a CHalLeNGe!
Who will be the first to sell 50 tickets to the concert? What concert you say? Glad you asked... Orphan Soul has agreed to do a benefit concert to help raise money and raise awareness of the Orphan Crisis on November 28th at the Worship Center in Pascagoula! They are an awesome Christian band with a giving spirit.
They have agreed to let two families who are in the process of adopting (that's including us) to sell tickets and keep the proceeds of the tickets!!! We (the two families) were each given 120 tickets, the chance to earn $1200 for the adoption. Our goal is to sell out...but we want to challenge one another along the way to get these tickets sold!
Our first challenge is to see who can sell 50 tickets first! The Wood Family vs. The Shultz Family. I started selling this week. I sold only 3 tickets so far. Some people have enlisted and joined me in selling tickets. Thanks Kelly, Mandy Ricker, Paula, and Bridget and Tracy!
They have agreed to let two families who are in the process of adopting (that's including us) to sell tickets and keep the proceeds of the tickets!!! We (the two families) were each given 120 tickets, the chance to earn $1200 for the adoption. Our goal is to sell out...but we want to challenge one another along the way to get these tickets sold!
Our first challenge is to see who can sell 50 tickets first! The Wood Family vs. The Shultz Family. I started selling this week. I sold only 3 tickets so far. Some people have enlisted and joined me in selling tickets. Thanks Kelly, Mandy Ricker, Paula, and Bridget and Tracy!
10.29.2009
Whew! Flash Forward....Pics & More Pics
I just combined the two blogs. We will now begin posting everything here (about the adoption and our ongoing adventures through life).
First, I'd like to catch you up to speed on a few things recent in the Wood Home. I will use pics with captions. That's what everyone's really interested in, anyways, right? =) It may not be in chronological order, but here goes!
Here's our G-Mami praisin' in the streets in Grand Bay, AL. Mandy Flurry is the lead vocalist of Orphan Soul and god-mami of the children. Orphan Soul is performing a benefit concert to bring awareness to the orphan crisis and raise money for two families in the adoption process. We are one of those families along with Sara Schultz who is adopting Eli from Russia.
This is Danita our SW who did our home study update. Yes, we're approved! It's crazy what people have to go thru to adopt. We are currently waiting for the final copy of the home study to send off to the Immigration Department for approval.
Can't remember if I posted pics of Tatiana's birthday, but she had a Pump-It-Up Party. This is a pic of Hannah, her "best friend!" They are so cute! That is a piggy bank she has in her hands! A cool bday present!
This is Ben in a massage chair. Yup, that's right! Our friends, Kelly and Darren Calhoun have their own shop now and are set up to do massages and nutritional counseling. It is called Nutritional Rejuvenation on Chicot Street in Pascagoula. Check them out, if you're local!
Diego's first year of soccer! He's loving it! I love it. He has met a few friends. They are so cute!
Andrew also has met new friends and loves soccer. He is a super-fast runner! Look out, team!
My goofy chica quieres el futbol! She absolutely loves soccer. We all love it! It is so much fun and a great way to network with other parents and the kids to meet new friends!
I'm sure there's more to come later...I have more pics to download on the camera, and hopefully, I'll have news to tell about our current adoption. God bless!
We're Negative!
Posted on 10/13/09 on blog, "My Something Beautiful"
Negative on TB, Syph and HIV! Finally, we have the results!
So, what’s next? We are STILL waiting for the FBI Clearance, and the home study. The SW still hasn’t gotten a draft sent in to CHI yet. I am on pins and needles… Hopefully, both will be completed and here by end of this week! We received our 3rd reference letter, but will need to send it back b/c of the discrepancy of the date the letter was written and the date of the notary stamp. ARGH! So, for now, we wait.
Negative on TB, Syph and HIV! Finally, we have the results!
So, what’s next? We are STILL waiting for the FBI Clearance, and the home study. The SW still hasn’t gotten a draft sent in to CHI yet. I am on pins and needles… Hopefully, both will be completed and here by end of this week! We received our 3rd reference letter, but will need to send it back b/c of the discrepancy of the date the letter was written and the date of the notary stamp. ARGH! So, for now, we wait.
Update
Not a big update, but we have another reference letter! Yea! We are waiting on ONE more! We know that Ben does not have TB. We wait for our blood tests to come back as well as the FBI prints.
We faxed docs for our dossier and I didn’t realize how many errors I missed that were found. We got our Psych report back and they needed more info (which I assumed) and we will wait for that correction. The medical letters also needed to be re-done because of the date of the letter vs. the date of the notary’s signature. I received mine today. Ben just needs to pick his up. Hope to get the birth certs and marriage licenses apostilled next week or sent off. Hope to get a draft of the home study sent to CHI next week. Fingers crossed…
No more news at this point.
We faxed docs for our dossier and I didn’t realize how many errors I missed that were found. We got our Psych report back and they needed more info (which I assumed) and we will wait for that correction. The medical letters also needed to be re-done because of the date of the letter vs. the date of the notary’s signature. I received mine today. Ben just needs to pick his up. Hope to get the birth certs and marriage licenses apostilled next week or sent off. Hope to get a draft of the home study sent to CHI next week. Fingers crossed…
No more news at this point.
Health Department, Check!
Posted on 9/28/09 on blog "My Something Beautiful"
FINALLY! We made it to the health department! Ben had his TB test, as well as both of us got our HIV and Syph tests. We won’t have the complete results until 10/12, when we can then fax over the results to the Home Study Agency and then, wait for FBI Clearance. We hope that the FBI Clearance will come before 10/12!
I emailed Ashley today to proof our Intro Letter. Looked good to her. I will begin putting the things together that CHI needs to “proof” that we already have so we can get apostilled. I will call tomorrow to see when the Psych report will be completed to fax to them.
We are really finished, except for gathering the reference letters… We will sit and wait. We can’t do anything more without the home study. Once the homestudy gets here, we can send off for the Immigration approval. Ashley said it has been taking about 4-6 wks. I’m gonna hope more like 4 wks in our case. I would so rather get the dossier in before December when everything shuts down. I just would feel much better “waiting”. I’m not sure why I’m so anxious about completing this dossier before the end of the year… anywho…it seems the wait times are increasing…so, just would like to get my name somewhere on the list, ya know!
Until them, more laundry awaits… ttyl.
FINALLY! We made it to the health department! Ben had his TB test, as well as both of us got our HIV and Syph tests. We won’t have the complete results until 10/12, when we can then fax over the results to the Home Study Agency and then, wait for FBI Clearance. We hope that the FBI Clearance will come before 10/12!
I emailed Ashley today to proof our Intro Letter. Looked good to her. I will begin putting the things together that CHI needs to “proof” that we already have so we can get apostilled. I will call tomorrow to see when the Psych report will be completed to fax to them.
We are really finished, except for gathering the reference letters… We will sit and wait. We can’t do anything more without the home study. Once the homestudy gets here, we can send off for the Immigration approval. Ashley said it has been taking about 4-6 wks. I’m gonna hope more like 4 wks in our case. I would so rather get the dossier in before December when everything shuts down. I just would feel much better “waiting”. I’m not sure why I’m so anxious about completing this dossier before the end of the year… anywho…it seems the wait times are increasing…so, just would like to get my name somewhere on the list, ya know!
Until them, more laundry awaits… ttyl.
Fingerprints, Check!
Posted 9/24/09 on blog "My Something Beautiful"
Ben went and got printed! Yea! So, I will send them off to the FBI tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get them back sooner than later.
Next week, we’ll try to make it to the Health Dpt. to get the bloodwork and Ben’s TB test. Once that is complete, we turn it in, and the Home Study will be completed!
Hmm… then, we will have to save up some serious money and send in for the I-800. Can we get it sent and back before December?
Ben went and got printed! Yea! So, I will send them off to the FBI tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get them back sooner than later.
Next week, we’ll try to make it to the Health Dpt. to get the bloodwork and Ben’s TB test. Once that is complete, we turn it in, and the Home Study will be completed!
Hmm… then, we will have to save up some serious money and send in for the I-800. Can we get it sent and back before December?
A FUNraising Event!
Posted on 9/19/09 on blog, "My Something Beautiful"
A Piece of the Puzzle Goal-$250
Benefit Concert for our family and another PAP Goal-$1,000
Game Nights Goal-$500
Portrait Sessions- ?
Support Letters- ?
Crop ’til You Drop Party Goal-$100
Movie Night for Kids-Night of Babysitting for Adults Goal-$100
Sell T-shirts- ?
A “Don’t Come Event”- ?
Skratcher Cards- ?
Any other suggestions?
A Piece of the Puzzle Goal-$250
Benefit Concert for our family and another PAP Goal-$1,000
Game Nights Goal-$500
Portrait Sessions- ?
Support Letters- ?
Crop ’til You Drop Party Goal-$100
Movie Night for Kids-Night of Babysitting for Adults Goal-$100
Sell T-shirts- ?
A “Don’t Come Event”- ?
Skratcher Cards- ?
Any other suggestions?
Psychological Report
Posted on 9/19/09 on blog, "My Something Beautiful"
Thursday, we had an appointment with the local psychologist. It was so easy. The doc also works with some of our patients in the hospital I work at and is an adoptive parent. He did our initial psych report, so this will just be an update. Yes! We should have it in a few weeks!
Thursday, we had an appointment with the local psychologist. It was so easy. The doc also works with some of our patients in the hospital I work at and is an adoptive parent. He did our initial psych report, so this will just be an update. Yes! We should have it in a few weeks!
Because "WE" waited...
Posted 9/13/09 on blog, "My Something Beautiful"
Finally! We got our results on the parenting education! We both got 100’s on our last test! Woohoo! Something else to mark off the list!
Finally! We got our results on the parenting education! We both got 100’s on our last test! Woohoo! Something else to mark off the list!
Updates....
Posted on 9/11/09 on blog, "My Something Beautiful"
Whew! Sent a BIG check to the Home Study agency today. We still lack some things that they will need to have completed before we will get a draft of the study. They won’t just accept the medical letters from our doctors, but they want us to actually have blood tests and TB tests. Ben went to the doctor today and will get his letter on Monday or Tuesday for the dossier. But, now we have to go to the Health Dpt for the blood work. The only other thing we need is our FBI clearance.
What’s in store for next week? Call Health Dpt on Monday to determine what we need to do for blood work (AIDS, TB, and one other test). Get fingerprinted on Tuesday or Wednesday then send those off to the FBI immediately. Thursday, we have our appt. with the Psychologist.
The excitement is building! We have brought the other bed down from the attic and set up in Tatiana’s room. I know, we still have a long way off but it helps make it more real and reminds me that my daughter is somewhere right now in Colombia and she needs my prayers, our prayers!
On a sad note, yesterday we learned of an adoption that was closed. We had joined with a family in our church to stand in prayer with them as they sought to adopt “Janet” from Liberia. Unfortunately, the adoption agency said that the doors are closed at this time. It has has been almost two years since they have pursued her. If you think about it, even if you’ve never met someone, but have invested prayer into someone for so long, you can become attached. I’m attached and I’m not the one pursuing her for my own, and now I’m sad. I cannot imagine how the family feels. It makes my heart so sad. Someone from the adoption agency had Janet write a letter to the family and then even call their house and left a message on their phone. That’s what they have… they’ve seen her writing, and heard her voice and those sweet beautiful words… “I love you.” What’s even more sad, is that Janet is somewhere in Liberia hoping to come home, and will they tell her? Will they tell her the government has made it impossible? Or will she feel abandoned–again?? Please pray for Janet and the Fleming family.
Whew! Sent a BIG check to the Home Study agency today. We still lack some things that they will need to have completed before we will get a draft of the study. They won’t just accept the medical letters from our doctors, but they want us to actually have blood tests and TB tests. Ben went to the doctor today and will get his letter on Monday or Tuesday for the dossier. But, now we have to go to the Health Dpt for the blood work. The only other thing we need is our FBI clearance.
What’s in store for next week? Call Health Dpt on Monday to determine what we need to do for blood work (AIDS, TB, and one other test). Get fingerprinted on Tuesday or Wednesday then send those off to the FBI immediately. Thursday, we have our appt. with the Psychologist.
The excitement is building! We have brought the other bed down from the attic and set up in Tatiana’s room. I know, we still have a long way off but it helps make it more real and reminds me that my daughter is somewhere right now in Colombia and she needs my prayers, our prayers!
On a sad note, yesterday we learned of an adoption that was closed. We had joined with a family in our church to stand in prayer with them as they sought to adopt “Janet” from Liberia. Unfortunately, the adoption agency said that the doors are closed at this time. It has has been almost two years since they have pursued her. If you think about it, even if you’ve never met someone, but have invested prayer into someone for so long, you can become attached. I’m attached and I’m not the one pursuing her for my own, and now I’m sad. I cannot imagine how the family feels. It makes my heart so sad. Someone from the adoption agency had Janet write a letter to the family and then even call their house and left a message on their phone. That’s what they have… they’ve seen her writing, and heard her voice and those sweet beautiful words… “I love you.” What’s even more sad, is that Janet is somewhere in Liberia hoping to come home, and will they tell her? Will they tell her the government has made it impossible? Or will she feel abandoned–again?? Please pray for Janet and the Fleming family.
Our Home Study Update!
Posted on 9/08/09 on blog "My Something Beautiful"
Tonight, we met with Danita to update our Home Study! It was neat to touch base with her again as she hadn’t seen the children in over a year! She was also our SW for the first adoption, and she did our post-placements following the adoption. She is the sweetest woman who has a passion for placing children in forever families. She works at Acorn Adoptions assisting birthmothers and placing children in homes in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Hopefully, once we get the info from our background checks and Ben’s medical letter, we will be able to get a draft of the home study! Oh, yeah, we need our results from the Parent Education Modules. We finished last night. The prompt said it may be a week before we get any results. I was hoping that we’d have them today after talking with Shane and heard he and Carmen got theirs really quick!
Once the home study is complete, we will then send off for the Immigration paperwork! Yeah! Waahoo! It’s coming together!!! I know I’m repeating myself in posts, but it’s just so nice that it’s all coming together…
Still need ideas about a fundraiser. I had asked one of my real graphic artistic friends to help me design (or rather, design for me) a puzzle to do a puzzle fundraiser. I plan to apply for several grants once the homestudy is complete. It would be nice to have the first $3500 in the bank, though, so when the time comes to send the dossier, it can be out on it’s way to Colombia! So, pray with me that we get some creative juices following and God give us opportunity to make extra money and that we be wise with our money finding ways to save it and pay off current debt.
Thanks!
Tonight, we met with Danita to update our Home Study! It was neat to touch base with her again as she hadn’t seen the children in over a year! She was also our SW for the first adoption, and she did our post-placements following the adoption. She is the sweetest woman who has a passion for placing children in forever families. She works at Acorn Adoptions assisting birthmothers and placing children in homes in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Hopefully, once we get the info from our background checks and Ben’s medical letter, we will be able to get a draft of the home study! Oh, yeah, we need our results from the Parent Education Modules. We finished last night. The prompt said it may be a week before we get any results. I was hoping that we’d have them today after talking with Shane and heard he and Carmen got theirs really quick!
Once the home study is complete, we will then send off for the Immigration paperwork! Yeah! Waahoo! It’s coming together!!! I know I’m repeating myself in posts, but it’s just so nice that it’s all coming together…
Still need ideas about a fundraiser. I had asked one of my real graphic artistic friends to help me design (or rather, design for me) a puzzle to do a puzzle fundraiser. I plan to apply for several grants once the homestudy is complete. It would be nice to have the first $3500 in the bank, though, so when the time comes to send the dossier, it can be out on it’s way to Colombia! So, pray with me that we get some creative juices following and God give us opportunity to make extra money and that we be wise with our money finding ways to save it and pay off current debt.
Thanks!
10.24.2009
Chasing Papers...
Posted 9.07.09 from blog "My Something Beautiful"
I like the list in our Adoption Agency book that lists each document we need for our dossier. I can look at it and see how much more we have to gather. As I look at it tonight, multitasking, listening to the LAST module of the Heart of the Matters Parenting Seminars, I get excited! We have got a lot of our paperwork together and now wait for our home study! We have to have the home study before we can file for the I-800. At that point, we will get an appt for the FBI.
Tonight, I ordered photos to begin putting our picture pages together! I can’t wait to begin putting those together…another excuse to scrapbook! We also have got several of our documentation together to get notarized tomorrow! We meet with Danita, our SW, hopefully, tomorrow evening! We have our appt. with the psychologist next week. So, we are rolling!
This week, I need to find our Tax papers (we’re not so great with organization), and Ben needs to make a med appt, and we need to order certified copies of the children’s Citizenship Certificates. (I don’t want to give away their originals.) And then, we just wait for the recommendation letters, and the Home Study!!! After that, just a few more things to collect!
We hope to have our dossier turned in before December! My birthday is Nov. 14. That would be a great birthday present! Well, will keep you informed! Thanks for following along!
I like the list in our Adoption Agency book that lists each document we need for our dossier. I can look at it and see how much more we have to gather. As I look at it tonight, multitasking, listening to the LAST module of the Heart of the Matters Parenting Seminars, I get excited! We have got a lot of our paperwork together and now wait for our home study! We have to have the home study before we can file for the I-800. At that point, we will get an appt for the FBI.
Tonight, I ordered photos to begin putting our picture pages together! I can’t wait to begin putting those together…another excuse to scrapbook! We also have got several of our documentation together to get notarized tomorrow! We meet with Danita, our SW, hopefully, tomorrow evening! We have our appt. with the psychologist next week. So, we are rolling!
This week, I need to find our Tax papers (we’re not so great with organization), and Ben needs to make a med appt, and we need to order certified copies of the children’s Citizenship Certificates. (I don’t want to give away their originals.) And then, we just wait for the recommendation letters, and the Home Study!!! After that, just a few more things to collect!
We hope to have our dossier turned in before December! My birthday is Nov. 14. That would be a great birthday present! Well, will keep you informed! Thanks for following along!
Homestudy Fees
Posted on 8.27.09 from the blog "My Something Beautiful"
This time our homestudy will be more expensive because of the Hague Accreditation. We will pay $825 for the update which will be only ONE visit this time unlike the first one in which we had to have 3-4 visits. We will also have to pay a $300 Hague Liason fee. I was told this was because of all the extra requirements that Hague required versus those countries which aren’t Hague.
I was also told that with this new agency doing our homestudy that we would be required to pre-pay for the post-placement reports before we would be able to obtain the homestudy. Post-placements are $230 each. For the Colombia program, we need 4 post-placement reports. We didn’t have to pre-pay the previous agency. So, this was kindof a bummer.
I had hoped that as soon as we get an approved homestudy, we would begin applying for grants. After that, we would start to save and work toward the Immigration/FBI fees (which are over $800). Paying the post-placements initially would delay us in getting some of the other paperwork rolling. I took a shot and asked the agency if we could pay for half of the post-placement reports when the homestudy is complete, and then the final half after we file with UCIS. Surprisingly, I got an email today, stating THEY WOULD allow us to pay installments for the post-placements! Yea!!! God is good!
So, we have the total fee for the homestudy! The past few months, I have been able to work a few extra shifts that has allowed this. Now, we are beginning to save up for the next BIG step with UCIS. We are brainstorming different ways to raise some extra money to help accelerate the process of putting our dossier together! (I have a personal goal of completing the dossier before December!)
Please post your fun fundraising ideas! Thanks!
This time our homestudy will be more expensive because of the Hague Accreditation. We will pay $825 for the update which will be only ONE visit this time unlike the first one in which we had to have 3-4 visits. We will also have to pay a $300 Hague Liason fee. I was told this was because of all the extra requirements that Hague required versus those countries which aren’t Hague.
I was also told that with this new agency doing our homestudy that we would be required to pre-pay for the post-placement reports before we would be able to obtain the homestudy. Post-placements are $230 each. For the Colombia program, we need 4 post-placement reports. We didn’t have to pre-pay the previous agency. So, this was kindof a bummer.
I had hoped that as soon as we get an approved homestudy, we would begin applying for grants. After that, we would start to save and work toward the Immigration/FBI fees (which are over $800). Paying the post-placements initially would delay us in getting some of the other paperwork rolling. I took a shot and asked the agency if we could pay for half of the post-placement reports when the homestudy is complete, and then the final half after we file with UCIS. Surprisingly, I got an email today, stating THEY WOULD allow us to pay installments for the post-placements! Yea!!! God is good!
So, we have the total fee for the homestudy! The past few months, I have been able to work a few extra shifts that has allowed this. Now, we are beginning to save up for the next BIG step with UCIS. We are brainstorming different ways to raise some extra money to help accelerate the process of putting our dossier together! (I have a personal goal of completing the dossier before December!)
Please post your fun fundraising ideas! Thanks!
ZZZzz....
Posted on 8.27.09 from the blog "My Something Beautiful"
Because they waited… “Oh, bother!” as Pooh Bear would say! Well, I am disappointed to report that we didn’t get past the first video. In fact, Ben and I both fell asleep during the first video (and it was only a half hour!).
Hopefully, we can knock some of them out this weekend!
10 hours…wow, that seems like such a LONG time… ZZZzzzzzzz……
Because they waited… “Oh, bother!” as Pooh Bear would say! Well, I am disappointed to report that we didn’t get past the first video. In fact, Ben and I both fell asleep during the first video (and it was only a half hour!).
Hopefully, we can knock some of them out this weekend!
10 hours…wow, that seems like such a LONG time… ZZZzzzzzzz……
What happened to that Momentum?
Posted on 8.09.09 from blog "My Something Beautiful"
It’s funny. I guess it comes and goes in spurts. We got the DVD series to begin viewing for the Parent Education Monday of this past week. Just opened it. It didn’t look as exciting as I hoped. Called the SW, still no response. Will call her again next week. Have been super busy at work. Vegged the weekend and am still tired. Next weekend is Tatiana’s 6th birthday. Monday, the 17th, Ben leaves for Colombia for 4 days to take a Pastor of the FBC of Pascagoula to see ministry that Milton Hill is doing in Palmira. One exciting thing is that he and another adoptive family from Florida who will be there adopting their child in Cali, will get to hook up, hopefully! So, anyways…that’s where we are. Slow to no progress.
However, Tatiana continues to talk and pray openly about her sister. It is sweet. This daughter of mine…how she has been bathed in prayer…may God hold her tightly in His arms tonight and she know that she is loved…amen.
It’s funny. I guess it comes and goes in spurts. We got the DVD series to begin viewing for the Parent Education Monday of this past week. Just opened it. It didn’t look as exciting as I hoped. Called the SW, still no response. Will call her again next week. Have been super busy at work. Vegged the weekend and am still tired. Next weekend is Tatiana’s 6th birthday. Monday, the 17th, Ben leaves for Colombia for 4 days to take a Pastor of the FBC of Pascagoula to see ministry that Milton Hill is doing in Palmira. One exciting thing is that he and another adoptive family from Florida who will be there adopting their child in Cali, will get to hook up, hopefully! So, anyways…that’s where we are. Slow to no progress.
However, Tatiana continues to talk and pray openly about her sister. It is sweet. This daughter of mine…how she has been bathed in prayer…may God hold her tightly in His arms tonight and she know that she is loved…amen.
In the Mail...
Posted 7.28.09 from blog "My Something Beautiful"
Well, almost… I have our Adoption Agreement with check in a mailer ready to go to the Post Office tomorrow! Yippee!
The kids all went to have check-ups today, and Diego got shots so he can start school. The Home Study Update will require that the kids be signed off by their doctor that they are free from contagious and communicable diseases. Done!
I’ve called the SW to talk with her about details of what we need to have done for her before we meet with her (since we are really only gonna meet with her one time, this time), but got her VM. She hasn’t given me a call back yet. I will call her later this week, if I don’t hear from her first.
About to go check out what info we have already, that we would need only to get photocopied, notarized or apostilled… We got several birth certs and marriage license copies with our first adoption (not sure how many we have left).
Going to order the Parenting Videos this week so we can start on them. 10 hours of video…woohoo!
Got a coupon for Rosetta Stone Homeschooling to use toward the purchase of the computer program for the children. We are hoping to get a cheap computer so that they can use for learning games like starfall.com and other reading & math programs and the Spanish on RS. Of course, those things are on our wish list….for now.
Until the next time…
Well, almost… I have our Adoption Agreement with check in a mailer ready to go to the Post Office tomorrow! Yippee!
The kids all went to have check-ups today, and Diego got shots so he can start school. The Home Study Update will require that the kids be signed off by their doctor that they are free from contagious and communicable diseases. Done!
I’ve called the SW to talk with her about details of what we need to have done for her before we meet with her (since we are really only gonna meet with her one time, this time), but got her VM. She hasn’t given me a call back yet. I will call her later this week, if I don’t hear from her first.
About to go check out what info we have already, that we would need only to get photocopied, notarized or apostilled… We got several birth certs and marriage license copies with our first adoption (not sure how many we have left).
Going to order the Parenting Videos this week so we can start on them. 10 hours of video…woohoo!
Got a coupon for Rosetta Stone Homeschooling to use toward the purchase of the computer program for the children. We are hoping to get a cheap computer so that they can use for learning games like starfall.com and other reading & math programs and the Spanish on RS. Of course, those things are on our wish list….for now.
Until the next time…
Let the Paper Chase Begin!
Posted 7.25.09 from blog "My Something Beautiful"
This weekend, I will be filling out various forms for the initial paperwork. We intend on sending off our adoption agreement this coming week! We also have contacted the SW to begin a Home Study Update. We thought we were gonna get to save some money. However, it will cost us about $1,200 + $920 for post placement reports which must all be turned in before we get the final draft of the Home Study. Yikes! We would like to get our Home Study completed as soon as possible so that we can get a head start in applying for various grants to help offset the costs.
We also have an appointment with the Psychologist in September for an update. Working on getting our references, pulling out extra birth certs, marriage licenses, and more to begin compiling the dossier docs! Yea! I have set a personal goal of trying to complete the dossier by December. Please pray that it all comes together. Thanks!
This weekend, I will be filling out various forms for the initial paperwork. We intend on sending off our adoption agreement this coming week! We also have contacted the SW to begin a Home Study Update. We thought we were gonna get to save some money. However, it will cost us about $1,200 + $920 for post placement reports which must all be turned in before we get the final draft of the Home Study. Yikes! We would like to get our Home Study completed as soon as possible so that we can get a head start in applying for various grants to help offset the costs.
We also have an appointment with the Psychologist in September for an update. Working on getting our references, pulling out extra birth certs, marriage licenses, and more to begin compiling the dossier docs! Yea! I have set a personal goal of trying to complete the dossier by December. Please pray that it all comes together. Thanks!
"Let's Do It!"
Post dated 7.24.09 from blog "My Something Beautiful"
I had been waiting for a long time for that phrase… It was ’something beautiful!’ For some time, we have been talking about beginning the process for our second adoption. Tatiana has been praying earnestly for her sister in Colombia for some time. It is precious to hear each of the children pray for their future sibling. We think of her often and fantasize what life will be like when we can bring her home!
So, about 3 weeks ago, we got news that a bloggin’ sister that both Ben and I had met, got her referral to the same area in which we just visited working with the Hill Ministry! It is so neat as we’ve followed other families’ blogs to be able to rejoice with them as they prepare to meet their child(ren). Well, it was when I was sharing the news of her referral that Ben said abruptly, “Let’s do it!”
Woohoo! We’re doing it again! Adoption IS a beautiful experience. We are so excited! We turned our adoption application in at the CHI Reunion in St. Louis (July 11th). On July 13th, we received an email stating that we had been approved to continue the process thru Children’s Hope International.
Going in on this adoption, we feel a little more prepared in what to expect. We are okay with waiting, but for some reason, Ben thinks things will go fast (just as the approval, which takes approx. 2wks). We believe God is in control of it all and want to remain close to Him as we journey thru this adventure together with our children.
We have agreed when it is time to submit our dossier that we will request an older child (6 yrs old). She will be close to Diego’s age by the time we meet her. According to the current wait time projections, it will take about nine months after we turn in our dossier to get a referral. The wait times seem to be increasing across the board! By the time we get our dossier compiled, it may be longer. I hope not, but we will keep you posted!
Until the next time… don’t forget to stop and look for the “something beautifuls” in your day! God bless!
I had been waiting for a long time for that phrase… It was ’something beautiful!’ For some time, we have been talking about beginning the process for our second adoption. Tatiana has been praying earnestly for her sister in Colombia for some time. It is precious to hear each of the children pray for their future sibling. We think of her often and fantasize what life will be like when we can bring her home!
So, about 3 weeks ago, we got news that a bloggin’ sister that both Ben and I had met, got her referral to the same area in which we just visited working with the Hill Ministry! It is so neat as we’ve followed other families’ blogs to be able to rejoice with them as they prepare to meet their child(ren). Well, it was when I was sharing the news of her referral that Ben said abruptly, “Let’s do it!”
Woohoo! We’re doing it again! Adoption IS a beautiful experience. We are so excited! We turned our adoption application in at the CHI Reunion in St. Louis (July 11th). On July 13th, we received an email stating that we had been approved to continue the process thru Children’s Hope International.
Going in on this adoption, we feel a little more prepared in what to expect. We are okay with waiting, but for some reason, Ben thinks things will go fast (just as the approval, which takes approx. 2wks). We believe God is in control of it all and want to remain close to Him as we journey thru this adventure together with our children.
We have agreed when it is time to submit our dossier that we will request an older child (6 yrs old). She will be close to Diego’s age by the time we meet her. According to the current wait time projections, it will take about nine months after we turn in our dossier to get a referral. The wait times seem to be increasing across the board! By the time we get our dossier compiled, it may be longer. I hope not, but we will keep you posted!
Until the next time… don’t forget to stop and look for the “something beautifuls” in your day! God bless!
10.20.2009
Blog Neglect
So busy lately that I've neglected the blog...with work, church, soccer, birthday parties, bible study --that hasn't left much more time to do anything. I will try to catch up with posts and pics in the days to come...but for those who don't know we've also kept another blog for a few months...
I will be combining the blogs to this main blogspot. It may be just a few posts at a time, but those are soon to come as well.
What's on this other blog? Well.... we've decided it's time! TIME TO DO IT AGAIN!!! We are adopting again! This summer the trip to Cali, Colombia meant a lot to us. To serve the children, meant so much. Tatiana's heart beats for her sister... she daydreams of her playing together and so much more!
So, we are going full force ahead! We have already applied and are close to being "Paper Pregnant!" Look for the posts to come to that describe the process second time around!
Thanks in advance to those who have and still support us! We appreciate your positive, uplifting comments! The adoption network is one of its own! We are blessed by so many of you! Looking forward to journeying thru this again with you!
10.03.2009
"Is she mixed?"
Hmmm....how would YOU have responded?
(Honestly, I was a little flattered...awe, do you think she resembles me? Just a bit? LOL. People usually think Ben has similar features and I'm the adopted one. Ha!) Interestingly enough, Tatiana was singled out when the person asked. He specifically asked if "she" was mixed even when seeing us present with the boys... Well, I do hope as the children age they will reflect Ben and I more and more as we mirror to them the image of Christ.
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