tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89593441938225896162012-02-16T18:19:11.543-06:00"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” ~David PlattRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.comBlogger3471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-19348167841383664552012-01-31T11:15:00.000-06:002012-01-31T11:15:26.113-06:00

I've really already been taking an unofficial blogging break so I might as well make it official.  I just haven't felt like blogging much lately and I'm also kind of re-thinking what I want my blog to be as well as considering how I want to preserve our family's memories. I've kept up a blog for several years now but haven't managed to print off the hundreds of pictures we have saved on the

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-63177888631627173772012-01-02T08:00:00.000-06:002012-01-31T11:08:17.277-06:00

For Part 1 please click HERE. July We did our best not to be baked alive during the hottest summer on record. Our electric bill tripled and we had close to 100 days at over 100 degress (with many of them hitting 108 or 109!).  The boys peeled off as much clothing as possible and made sure that our squirt guns stayed in constant use. August I went to my first National Down Syndrome Congress

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-60110154069792717372012-01-01T15:04:00.001-06:002012-01-01T15:13:58.712-06:00

Most of the bloggers I read were organized enough to do this before 2012 started but of course I'm not one of those bloggers!  But, I love the idea of having a yearly review post and so I'm going to go ahead and post today.    All of you don't care, right?  :) January  In January we packed up in preparation to say goodbye to our sweet little home and make the long and arduous 1/2 mile trek to

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-53408877321276051912011-12-15T11:44:00.000-06:002011-12-15T11:44:23.426-06:00

That's definitely apparent considering my lack of posts this fall.  It's weird that I haven't been blogging since I truly do enjoy it and there has certainly been enough to blog about.  Oh well, guess it kind of ebbs and flows.  Thanks for staying with me! Here is a dose of incredible cuteness to hold you over until I post again. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-71547380562107569792011-11-16T19:51:00.000-06:002011-11-16T19:51:09.786-06:00

Bethany 23HADecember 2006Osteogenesis Imperfectamelx-23From volunteers who met her:  This radiant girl lives in a Russian orphanage. She suffers from OI, Group 3. She was bedridden for the most of her life; until she was almost 4 years old she could not sit and could not turn over. She had multiple bones broken by simply moving around in bed. Only one year ago volunteers found her in a cast from

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-18646675795372030462011-11-09T08:00:00.000-06:002011-11-09T08:00:11.569-06:00

This new song by Casting Crowns had me in tears when I first heard it.  So blessed by this today! You were broken, abandonedAnd crying all aloneWe were waiting and prayingAnd longing to bring you homeAnd then we saw your faceIn a moment you wereWrapped up in our heartsWe took a step of faithAnd now here we areWill you let me hold youIn my arms tonight?I have come so far to find youSo far to

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-75138483137899424212011-11-08T09:31:00.000-06:002011-11-08T09:31:54.290-06:00

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month came and went without me posting at all about it.  Oh well.  We're pretty aware of down syndrome around here anyway - and I think that those around us are now "aware" because we have made them aware!  I was working on the pages in my sidebar today, though, and decided to copy part of that here onto the main blog.  How Down Syndrome Affects Our Family We

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-60650015765112231902011-11-06T08:00:00.000-06:002011-11-07T22:41:34.472-06:00

Orphan Sunday 2011 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-42367844886364468432011-11-01T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-07T21:19:59.639-06:00

I was recently telling my friends on a yahoo group about Marla Cilley (aka "The Flylady") and her home management program which I just love. Thought I'd share the email here too in case others of you are in search of a solution to the CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)! :) The best organization book I've read that really fits with busy moms and crazy lives is Sink Reflections by Marla

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-30801236060556735212011-10-31T10:37:00.002-05:002011-10-31T10:37:55.106-05:00

Today my husband and I will be escorting two very terrifying Darth Vaders and two adorable ladybugs to our local church's "Hallelujah Party".  Pictures to follow! :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-46635335958233549102011-10-28T11:03:00.000-05:002011-10-28T11:03:31.883-05:00

One of the things that's been keeping us busy this fall (and therefore not writing many blog posts!) is Upward Basketball.  This is our first year to participate and we have become huge fans.  The program is so positive and so child-focused.  The coaches have been amazing.  There are several kids with special needs involved (including a little girl with down syndrome on Ace's team) and they are

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-50737265090601239782011-10-18T22:34:00.000-05:002011-10-18T22:34:52.319-05:00

A few weeks ago we met some good friends at the park.  We had a great time!  Here are some pictures: Kind of a hap-hazard family picture but we'll take what we can get. :) 

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-82791464151568985152011-10-05T09:20:00.002-05:002011-10-05T09:20:57.153-05:00

I've missed some important posts such as Munchkin's 1st Birthday so I am going to be back-posting to make sure they fall on the right dates (in case I want to search for them later). By the way, thank you to those of you who sent items for us to give to Moses.  I sent a package at the end of September and the Livesays have confirmed that they received it and will take the items to him.  Also,

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-15380746215201139692011-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:002011-10-12T09:10:22.353-05:00

Today marks 4 years that this amazing young man has been part of our family. Four years ago I met a very tiny, very scared little Liberian boy who I'm sure didn't know what had hit him. I have heard some describe international adoption as being a bit like an alien abduction.  These weird beings with strange clothing and funny-tasting food, who sound strange and smell strange too, show up one

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-2383485067253056372011-09-23T09:00:00.000-05:002011-10-07T20:55:09.222-05:00

Just a few more pics from Munchkin's birthday celebration (these were taken by my MIL).   Handsome Chief  Goofy Ace  Nothing like a Birthday Bottle from Grammy!  Sunshine and Uncle K have a sweet relationship. Paw-Paw models the birthday hat.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-18274498746152346502011-09-23T08:00:00.000-05:002011-10-07T20:40:54.735-05:00

I've waited a long time to celebrate this day with our child.  We have missed the 1st birthdays of all of our other kiddos - Cindrella, Chief and Sunshine because we found out about them afterwards and Ace because his adoption had so many delays.  I have always been sad that we missed that milestone with our kids so it was such a neat experience for me to finally be able to celebrate with

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-66037978959082572022011-09-21T20:48:00.000-05:002011-09-21T20:48:08.761-05:00

Just wanted to assure you that I'm still here!  Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately.  Everything is going well here, just not finding a lot of time to blog.  Lots of great moments going on with school, basketball for the boys, the girls' development, etc and I need to be sure I record it all!  So, hopefully I'll be posting here again soon.  In the meantime, Munchkin says "Hi!". :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-13357862898131098752011-09-10T12:41:00.001-05:002011-09-20T15:37:59.546-05:00

The Livesays posted on their blog that they will be having a special time of prayer for Moses, his health and his future on Sunday (tomorrow) at 7pm Central time.  Please join them.  It would be amazing for prayers to be sent up all over the world for this special little guy. I am still trying to collect items and monetary donations for him.  It looks like if we can raise $400 that I could

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-726841792516106852011-09-09T14:02:00.001-05:002011-09-20T15:40:41.285-05:00

This sweet little guy is Moses (snuggling with Paige Livesay).  He has an undiagnosed medical condition that looks a lot like cerebral palsy.  Sweet little Moses was left near the Livesay's home in Haiti.  They hope to eventually get him into an adoption program so that he can get the medical care he needs in the meantime they are trying to make him as comfortable as possible there in Haiti.  I

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-26951519534489885052011-09-03T21:37:00.000-05:002011-09-03T21:37:19.988-05:00

Credit HERE.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-10277443128189390182011-08-12T20:31:00.001-05:002011-08-12T20:31:25.438-05:00

On Wednesday we celebrated the finalization of Munchkin's adoption.  Now that she's officially ours I am planning to sit down and write Munchkin's story and all of the amazing things that God did to bring her to our family.  But for now, here are some pictures of her special day.  An attempt at a family picture before we left for court.  Of course Munchkin had to be the one not looking at the

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-23498351475754295522011-08-09T23:13:00.000-05:002011-08-09T23:13:51.895-05:00

I remember a speaker once talking about the importance of "finding your tribe".  Your "tribe" consists of people who see the world like you do and who you can kind of "do life" with.  I have found that my personal tribe  (people who are burdened with the plight of the orphan and who are motivated to make a difference in their own corner of the world) consists mostly of people I know online -

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-47628673311014184822011-07-22T22:14:00.000-05:002011-07-22T22:14:14.040-05:00

I'm on the computer that doesn't have pictures so there won't be one with this post but I didn't want today to pass without posting. Two years ago I arrived home with my precious Sunshine.  Words can't describe what a blessing this child has been to our family.  She fills us with so much joy!  Her bothers and sister adore her.  Her daddy is wrapped around her finger.  And she makes her Mama's

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-68921000355856740322011-07-21T21:58:00.000-05:002011-07-22T22:02:56.983-05:00

While the other two were in the house playing Star Wars, Chief was outside on the trampoline with Sunshine.  Sunshine's idea of "jumping" on the trampoline is to sit and have someone else jump and make her fly around.  Chief was so sweet to oblige.  Sunshine LOVES the trampoline! I love the way that Chief is smiling at Sunshine in this picture.  He is such a loving big brother. 

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-17825969600044854412011-07-21T21:55:00.000-05:002011-07-22T22:03:12.500-05:00

It cracked me up today to see Munchkin playing Star Wars with Ace!  She had an action figure and was waiving it around like she really knew what she was doing.   Ace, being the amazing brother that he is, was happy to let her play with him.  Such sweeties. 

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-12874107645903385032011-07-08T23:27:00.000-05:002011-07-08T23:27:54.589-05:00

I keep telling myself that I'll upload pictures and then I'll post.  Well, that hasn't happened yet so I guess I'd better just post! We are doing well.  The summer has been busy with lots of different things.  We're keeping things pretty low-key but trying to throw in some fun activities for the boys so that they won't get too bored. Ace and Chief are really taking off with their reading.  Ace

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-43813114632187063252011-06-28T21:22:00.000-05:002011-06-28T21:22:46.083-05:00

Please click HERE to read about Victoria who was just adopted from Eastern Europe and upon landing in the US had to go straight to the hospital because she was so malnourished and sick.  If you have even a few dollars, please consider giving to the chip-in below.  This money will go towards helping her adoptive family with meals and other needs while she's is in the hospital.  Also, there is

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-28872024845162972392011-06-24T21:48:00.000-05:002011-06-24T21:48:17.498-05:00

This is Precious and she is waiting in foster care in Texas.  I have posted about her before and I probably will again.  This little girl is so heavy on my heart and has been for a long time.  She's been waiting for a family for several years now and so far no one has come forward.  Isn't her family out there somewhere?  My heart breaks when I think about her growing up in foster care.  Yes, she

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-17816271482285230202011-06-22T21:44:00.001-05:002011-06-22T21:45:53.588-05:00

I love, love, love this song!  It's been a favorite since it came out and of course I saw the adoption theme in it. But, I didn't realize it had an official adoption theme until I saw the music video.  It's a beautiful video and I wanted to share it with you.  

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-73287814171622059342011-06-22T20:56:00.000-05:002011-06-22T20:56:46.297-05:00

Beautiful Carlene needs a family.  Her time is running out - she's already been transferred to an institution.  Please pray that her family will come forward and please give towards her adoption fund if you are able!  If the cost is taken care of she has a much better chance of finding a family! gypf -2HDate of Birth: December 2005Character: Positive Emotions , happy, social, content Carlene is

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-81182955024788758712011-06-17T16:01:00.001-05:002011-06-17T16:03:39.831-05:00

This article really has a good point.  If the Church already is unwilling to care for current orphans (there are more than 500,000 kids in foster care in the US!) then why should anyone think that we will care for the millions more that would be born if abortion is made illegal? And this article makes a similar point.  It says, "The Church must say yes to loving LIFE, not only to hating death.  

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-13607977606898439172011-06-12T08:00:00.002-05:002011-06-12T08:00:03.158-05:00

I picked up this little ballet skirt at a thrift store.  Sunshine wore it all afternoon.  She was so excited!  Only slightly see-through :) Such a cutie-pie.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-42402601775242329672011-06-11T12:05:00.000-05:002011-06-11T12:05:20.652-05:00

The boys are "spies", complete with suits found in our dress-up box. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-13218111274931669762011-06-09T11:10:00.001-05:002011-06-11T11:57:00.015-05:00

 Four years ago a beautiful baby girl was born in India.  Because of deeply ingrained cultural perspectives, lack of support and no understanding of her potential, that baby girls' parents grieved.  Then they did what was expected and relinquished her to an orphanage . . . never to return . . . forever to try to forget.  They never got to see her smile or hear her amazing laugh.  They didn't get

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-54339727009406962352011-06-07T19:19:00.000-05:002011-06-07T19:19:57.811-05:00

We have been blessed this year to have Sunshine enrolled in a program that provides respite workers for families who have children with significant special needs.  We were able to hire our own people and all three of the young ladies who work with us are just great!  It has been wonderful to have help around the house, extra hands when we go to therapy appointments, extra eyes to watch out for

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-90382448354156248612011-06-05T08:00:00.001-05:002011-06-05T16:31:14.201-05:00

Note: Sorry it's taken me so long to continue with these!  This one has been in my edit folder for a while and I never managed to finish it!  My beautiful little Sunshine.  We started singing "You Are My Sunshine" to her during our first days together and it's still her favorite song.  The nick-name fits her perfectly.  She is so full of light!  Her smile breaks through like a sunbeam and

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-10356138881989006402011-06-04T21:15:00.000-05:002011-06-04T21:15:32.256-05:00

After way too many days of having Sunshine run around with the crazy, hair-in-the-face look (and having her pull out any hair-bands or clips that I tried to put in it) we braved the hair salon for a proper haircut.  I asked for something that would fall naturally around her face so she wouldn't have to have hair accessories.  I think it turned out pretty cute!  Many thanks to Brenda the hair

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-19787125470383141712011-06-03T21:44:00.000-05:002011-06-03T21:44:48.498-05:00

Ok. Got this sitting thing down.  Look at me world!  I'm upright! Uh oh.  Feeling unsteady.   Yep, definitely making a crash landing here.  Much better.  Thanks for the support Daddy! Pretty as a picture.  I'll figure this independent sitting thing out eventually but for today thank God for boppy pillows!

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-13680122377698886452011-06-02T12:29:00.001-05:002011-06-02T12:30:01.368-05:00

Please be sure to take notice of not only the crazy hair but the artfully applied green marker on arms and face.  

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-11224678146699316192011-05-22T08:00:00.000-05:002011-05-22T08:00:00.723-05:00

Oh man, where to even begin talking about this kid?  Ace is 5 years old and finishing PK.  He is also reading and doing double-digit addition and subtraction!  Somewhere around November he started complaining that PK was boring "because we do the same thing over and over".  His teacher started one-on-one tutorials soon after and has put a lot of her own time into helping make school more

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-4879634221304749282011-05-21T10:41:00.001-05:002011-05-21T11:24:07.244-05:00

  So here is Chief.  He looks so big in this picture!  He is 7 and finishing the 1st grade.  He's done so well in school this year and is really starting to catch up.  He is on grade level now and won't have to do summer school (a first for him since he had so much catching up to do when he came home from Liberia). His reading skills are growing and he's turned out to be an excellent speller!  

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-86401657425130574282011-05-21T10:20:00.001-05:002011-05-21T11:11:55.946-05:00

Lately this blog has been very Munchkin-heavy.  That seems to happen with whichever child is the youngest sometimes.  Mainly it's because I'm trying to make note of the milestones and other special moments that are new with that child.  But, I don't mean to give the impression that one child is more important on the blog and I hope you also don't think that they are "more important" in real life.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-23158946005505194182011-05-19T12:45:00.000-05:002011-05-19T12:45:12.770-05:00

I love doing black hair and I've really missed it since Cinderella left to live with her new family.  Doing hair is a special memory I have of Cinderella (and something I think she enjoyed too) and I have looked forward to doing it with our new little African princess.  Munchkin's hair is still very thin on the sides but she's got lots on the top so I decided to do her first real hairstyle a few

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-71765674705199219302011-05-17T19:36:00.001-05:002011-05-17T19:36:21.508-05:00

I've been meaning to do this for a while but I'm changing our little one's blog nickname.  "Princess" is certainly an appropriate title for our baby girl but I refer to both of the girls as my princesses and decided that it might get confusing on the blog.  So, "Princess" will now be "Munchkin".  Considering how adorable and tiny she is, the name fits perfectly!

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-17775441550429258972011-05-12T09:53:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:43:26.730-05:00

 . . . but then I see pictures like this and everything becomes quite clear! :) This was supposed to be homework time with Chief.  Somehow it turned into "cuddle Mama time" with Chief working doggedly to finish his project with his sisters and brothers "helping".

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-60114701242803027492011-05-03T21:33:00.001-05:002011-05-19T12:38:43.771-05:00

Sorry I never posted that we were home again.  Munchkin was in the hospital for an additional 4 days.  She's doing great now and today her cardiologist said we don't have to come back for 6 months!  WooHoo! Here are a few pics of Munchkin enjoying being home!

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-7940124900195134402011-04-18T12:08:00.001-05:002011-05-19T12:39:00.532-05:00

 . . . in the hospital that is. :( They think that Munchkin has post-surgical inflammation but it may be pulmonary hypertension.  Please pray for her to heal up and be able to come home quickly!

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-86989791269034975692011-04-17T13:24:00.002-05:002011-05-19T12:40:05.092-05:00

As usual I am woefully behind with this blog.  I'm sorry I haven't updated you on Munchkin's surgery and homecoming. Short version - we are home and God is good! Longer version - we were discharged on Tuesday the 12th so it was a total of 6 days in the hospital.  Munchkin did really well and had no complications.  At 4 days out from surgery she was her happy self again - singing and playing

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-27221534608733133542011-04-07T10:33:00.004-05:002011-05-19T12:41:16.749-05:00

Update on Friday Evening . . . Good day today.  They took her off the vent about 10:30 and they also took out her catheter.  She spent the day waking up from sedation and got pretty active towards the middle of the afternoon. She was on clear fluids for a while and then had formula at about 5:30.  She took 4oz in only about 10 minutes! (before surgery it took her about 20 minutes to take 2-3oz

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-80749908699749462942011-03-14T07:00:00.001-05:002011-05-19T12:44:50.118-05:00

The three younger kids get more time together (and more photo opportunities!) because Chief is in school for a longer part of the day.  I thought they looked so sweet hanging out the other day and snapped this picture. Note: Munchkin's flower clip was a gift from Bonkland.  Isn't it cute?

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-31110541664821942842011-03-13T07:00:00.001-05:002011-05-19T12:42:20.111-05:00

My husband's grandmother makes a sweet little outfit for each of her great-granddaughters.  Munchkin's arrived yesterday and of course we had to have a photo shoot.  Doesn't she look like a little doll?  So precious. The little guy playing with her is pretty precious too. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-48221963297352448932011-03-12T17:13:00.001-06:002011-05-19T12:42:55.644-05:00

Munchkin heard from Josie that fan gazing is an excellent way to spend your time.  So she decided to try.  Hmmm.  Not sure what to think yet.  Oooh wow!  Josie was right!  This is fantastic!  Munchkin has requested to get to do this every day.  She kicks and coos and smiles.  Do you see the look on her face?  High-quality entertainment for a low price!  

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-25026997456412059892011-03-12T10:01:00.001-06:002011-05-19T12:43:35.313-05:00

I'm so behind on posting pictures.  Hopefully I'll get to do a few posts today and then post-date them so you're not swamped all at once (and so it looks like I actually post more than twice a month! LOL). Yesterday we tried to get a few shots of our Fantastic 4.  I'm well aware that it will be a long time before we can get a really great picture of all the kids together.  At the moment a "

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-37366631005431786122011-03-08T16:19:00.002-06:002011-03-08T16:19:52.681-06:00

"Whenever a major jetliner crashes anywhere in the world, it inevitably sets off a worldwide media frenzy covering every aspect of the tragedy . . . Imagine for a moment that you woke up this morning to the following headline: 'One Hundred Jetliners Crash, Killing 26,500.' Think of the pandemonium this would create across the world as heads of state, parliaments, and congresses convened to

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-27503682030637199202011-03-04T21:11:00.001-06:002011-05-19T12:46:51.196-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts.  Honestly, I'm not sure if I will be posting more consistently any time soon but I wanted to at least post this evening and let you know we're still here. Life is good and things are going well.  Munchkin has settled in really well and we are all totally in love with her.  She is doing great health-wise in spite of her heart defect and I think she's gained a bit of

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-65983084554819553062011-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:002011-02-14T07:00:24.019-06:00

I am so blessed to be married to my husband.  I have never had any doubt that he is the one that God chose for me and who is my perfect mate.  My husband often amazes me with his kindness, his patience and his determination.  But, there is one more thing that always touches my heart, no matter how many days, weeks, months and years I've had the opportunity to witness it. My husband as a Daddy.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-27856892250719103702011-02-13T07:00:00.001-06:002011-05-19T12:47:47.984-05:00

Well would you look at that?  I'm actually blogging two days in a row (and I even have a post scheduled for tomorrow!).  I hope you're impressed! The last few weeks have been crazy to say the least.  On Feb 2nd we moved into our new house.  On Feb 4th we welcomed Munchkin home.  Add that to all of the typical craziness that is our "normal" and there hasn't been much time to blog (or shower, or

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-26554920303907446842011-02-12T13:13:00.000-06:002011-02-12T13:13:01.597-06:00

I have been informed that I don't post enough pictures.  So, let's remedy that!  . . .  Don't I have the cutest kids?  No need to reply.  I already know the answer. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-43879798059166125982011-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:002011-02-08T07:00:11.856-06:00

One year ago today Sunshine entered the inpatient feeding program at the children's rehab hospital.  That was such a hard time for our family!  We hated being separated and Sunshine was so stressed because of all the things the therapy required.  But, we also learned a lot about her and were able to come to peace with the idea of having a feeding tube.  The feeding program was what we needed to

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-85612365487358280062011-02-04T20:55:00.001-06:002011-05-19T12:44:28.086-05:00

Introducing . . . . "Munchkin"

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-88089983389134467832011-01-29T12:02:00.001-06:002011-01-29T12:15:28.792-06:00

This week has been a whirlwind and has brought us an amazing surprise blessing.  A sweet baby girl with down syndrome will be joining our family on Friday.  We don't know how long she'll be with us but in the meantime she is one of the family and perhaps one day she really will be.  I need to apologize in advance that I can't really share a lot of details about Baby Girl and how she came to us

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-1467775975742010582011-01-25T11:41:00.002-06:002011-01-25T11:50:49.945-06:00

“More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-72245772818051061012011-01-24T19:29:00.000-06:002011-01-24T19:29:30.608-06:00

I don't remember how I found it but links from one blog led to another and I ended up at My Mind on Paper.  The blog is written by a black man who was adopted into a white family in the 1960's.  The blog is excellent.  I've been reading back through the archives and fully intend to finish them.  So many blogs written by adults who were adopted are not very accessible to adoptive parents.  A lot

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-48737326582778715622011-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:002011-01-19T07:00:02.934-06:00

Beautiful little Olga reminds me of our Sunshine when we first brought her home.  Are you her family?  She has a $12,000 grant!  That means that about half of her adoption fees are covered.  Olga is in Eastern Europe so this would be an international adoption for most of my readers.  Please pray for Olga this week and if God leads you, please contact Andrea Roberts about becoming Olga's family.  

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-84385725838781437802011-01-16T10:02:00.000-06:002011-01-16T10:02:13.120-06:00

Seriously, have you ever seen cuter kids?  Perhaps I'm just a bit biased but really, who could resist these three? And yes, that is Sunshine eating!  She still doesn't eat much but she was enthusiastic about this rice and chicken dish that I made.  She was feeding herself with her spoon too!  So proud of my Sunshine. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-36566138197171318262011-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:002011-01-12T07:00:13.415-06:00

Click HERE to see Chesuan's listing or to contact her agency, Heartsent Adoptions.  Chesuan is waiting in Asia so this would be an international adoption.  Chesuan is a sweet little girl looking for her forever family. She has been diagnosed with failure to thrive, polydactyly of the right hand and left foot, and developmental delay. The  birth mother was unable to provide financially and

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-40968961506928374532011-01-11T08:59:00.000-06:002011-01-11T08:59:48.997-06:00

We're moving.  Not very far - just about 3 miles away actually.  Same town, same schools for the kids, same job for my husband.  But, the house has a lot more space and an extra bedroom so that the kids can spread out a bit (and we'll have some extra room in case we're able to adopt Tiger too!).  Sounds great, right? Not to Chief and Ace. All they can see right now is that their home -

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-5577512379085352702011-01-10T10:28:00.000-06:002011-01-10T10:28:58.976-06:00

When I posted my list of must-reads for adoptive parents I included the the book "When a Stranger Calls You Mom" and the companion book "Coming to Grips with Attachment".  I have been reading "Coming to Grips with Attachment" over the last few weeks and found a "gem" that has really worked well for Chief.  The author explained that eliminating negative behavior doesn't automatically bring about

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-22810391024387915352011-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:002011-01-05T07:00:09.352-06:00

Click HERE to learn more about Juan and Victor or to inquire about becoming their family. Juan, who prefers to go by Moises, and his brother Victor are very close. In fact, they are TWINS! They are both very active and love to play together with their toys and with other children. They love to have attention and are always smiling and having a good time.  Both Moises and Victor have medical

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-63859994126702416602011-01-03T07:00:00.002-06:002011-01-03T07:00:04.795-06:00

Someone on one of my yahoo groups asked people to post the books that they feel were the most helpful to them in their adoption journey.  I sent a reply and then realized that some of you might be interested in reading them too.  There are probably many other books that could be added to this list (and please share your favorites in the comments!) but these were the ones that I found especially

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-23237557131704436482010-12-31T15:46:00.001-06:002010-12-31T16:59:33.184-06:00

UPDATE: Someone has donated enough for EVERY CHILD on the Angle Tree to meet their goal of $1000!  WooHoo!!!  Thank you God for providing for these sweet little ones!  To see their pictures or to learn more about adopting one of these special angels, click HERE. This is the last day to give towards Brigita's fund on the Angel Tree.  She is up to $710.  Is there someone out there who can give

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-80309031127263179542010-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:002010-12-30T07:00:06.176-06:00

A few days ago Sunshine finally, finally, FINALLY decided that maybe these glasses are actually helpful to her.  It's not like her vision is a -8 or anything!  She can barely see anything without her glasses but has been very resistent to wearing them for more than a few minutes at a time.  She's had them for almost a year now too.  But, for reasons that are her own (and that she sure isn't

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-55233678051121713042010-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:002010-12-29T07:00:06.165-06:00

Note: Sweet little Precious has been on my heart for more than a year now.  I want so much for her to have a family.  Please spread the word about her!  Yes, she has a lot of special needs but so does Sunshine and think of the joy she has been to our family.  God often gives a little something special to these little ones and the families who embrace them often find themselves blessed.  Click

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-19990067201326649832010-12-28T10:45:00.000-06:002010-12-28T10:45:05.483-06:00

I wanted to make sure I post a few of our Christmas morning pictures (even though I'm late) since this blog acts as a family album and journal.  This was the only tree picture we managed to take this year.  We usually take decorating pictures too but the camera was MIA.  Two excited boys on Christmas morning.   Sunshine really got into the present-opening part this year.  She didn't

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-52287753326619038612010-12-28T07:00:00.002-06:002010-12-28T11:13:11.549-06:00

This was so funny (and so true for Sunshine even though she does not have a diagnosis of autism).  It was found at Squidalicious.  I love the blog's slogan, "Autism: We're here, we're quirky, get used to it".  I think we need a button for Sunshine that says that. Anyway, back to the song.  I assume many of the special needs moms reading will identify! Let Me Stim, Let Me Stim, Let Me Stim (To

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-45551242199675499532010-12-27T12:46:00.000-06:002010-12-27T12:46:25.972-06:00

As of today, Brigita's Angel Tree balance is $685.  The goal was $1000 for her account and we're so close!  Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has given!  Please, if you haven't already (or if you have a little more to spare), take a moment to give even a few dollars towards Brigita's adoption fund.  Having a grant greatly raises her chances of finding a family.  There are so many families ready

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-18254100926899487852010-12-26T12:49:00.000-06:002010-12-27T12:49:53.367-06:00

We finally broke down and got another camera on Christmas Eve (couldn't miss the Christmas morning photos!).  So, expect more posts coming soon.  Thanks for bearing with me. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-83101546924389636362010-12-22T18:18:00.000-06:002010-12-22T18:18:26.607-06:00

I have lost my camera again.  I did this about a year ago too.  I can't figure out what's happening to them.  Perhaps the Sock Gremlin is taking them.   It's always hard for me to post without pictures.  Most of my post ideas spring off pictures anyway.  So, with no pictures I'm having trouble thinking of things to say. Definitely need to buy a new camera.  More soon, I promise. :)

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-58107920524937602192010-12-17T08:37:00.000-06:002010-12-17T08:37:13.498-06:00

One of the things that's common in people with developmental disabilities is their love for routine and "sameness".  Sunshine definitely has that love and we do our best to accommodate her as much as we can.  We have different songs that we sing to her for different transitions or repetitive things that we say at a given time.  For example, there is a brushing-hair song, a getting dressed song

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-6877754015610819292010-12-11T21:55:00.000-06:002010-12-11T21:55:17.204-06:00

Sorry I've been such a terrible blogger lately.  I have spent the last 10 days sick and just barely making it through the day.  It was two different things back to back.  For the first few days I was sick all by myself with illness #1 (fever, body aches and I-feel-so-yucky-it's-hard-to-walk-across-the-room).  Then Ace decided to join me with illness #1 because of course it's always more fun with

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-91370796395744437932010-12-08T07:00:00.001-06:002010-12-10T08:02:14.564-06:00

Click HERE to see Kolya's page at Reece's Rainbow.  Email Andrea for more information on adopting Kolya.  Note: Kolya is waiting in Eastern Europe so this would be an international adoption.  Kolya–region 15Boy, Born 2000   From his advocates and friends:  ” Kolya – very delicate and sensitive child who catches every touch, every word or a smile. He may long to sit next to a nice man and just

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-57536869776555492472010-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:002010-12-01T07:00:09.861-06:00

Click HERE to view these kids' listing on Children Awaiting Parents or to inquire about becoming their family. State: Georgia Kengie, born February of 2003, has a beautiful smile that she is rarely seen without. She enjoys coloring, drawing and writing in her journal. In 1st grade special education classes for those with developmental delays, completing her homework is very important to

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-67524542279904912192010-11-30T08:44:00.001-06:002010-11-30T08:48:08.687-06:00

I wasn't even familiar with Advent until recently when I started reading about it.  But, now that I've been browsing some blogs of others who do it I am totally hooked! I loved the idea of creating a month-long celebration of Jesus' story and also the way that advent teaches us to remember the anticipation that the Jews had while waiting for the Messiah and our anticipation as Christians as we

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-70760324969955329462010-11-29T23:27:00.000-06:002010-11-29T23:27:44.175-06:00

Today Ace had an appointment at the eye doctor.  While we were in the waiting room he spotted a woman wearing a traditional Muslim head covering.  He looked at her for a moment and then said "Mama, is that one of the wise men?"

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-41495688483926019002010-11-28T07:00:00.002-06:002010-11-28T07:00:05.488-06:00

I know I post this every year - and I plan to continue.  Please watch it and let it break your heart.  Pray about how you can get involved in caring for orphans.  For a list of ides on how to get started, click HERE.  Well I don't know if you remember me or not I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home I was the red-haired boy in an old green flannel shirt You may not have seen me – I

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-20526049682336404152010-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:002010-12-28T11:18:32.755-06:00

Click HERE to see Jayson's profile on Reece's Rainbow.  Click HERE to email Andrea Roberts for more information about Jayson. Jayson JaysonBoy, Born July 2009We are so excited to present the first of many beautiful children from our new program in Latin America!   Jayson is a sweet 13 month old boy.  He has dark hair and dark skin.  He is healthy and growing well.    

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-6686203426521607152010-11-23T07:00:00.000-06:002010-11-23T07:00:11.448-06:00

 Be afraid. Be very afraid! And yes, the shirt she is wearing says "Princess".  An apt outfit for a sword-wielding warrior don't you think?

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-27693622365677068862010-11-22T07:00:00.095-06:002010-12-28T11:13:57.195-06:00

When people start thinking about adoption they often wonder what type of adoption they should pursue.  Here is a little bit about each type of adoption: Infant Adoption - This is the adoption of a newborn infant (or occasionally one who is a few months old).  For many years this is the only type of adoption that people knew about.  Generally it involves an unplanned pregnancy and a woman (or

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-15832114887054186852010-11-21T07:00:00.000-06:002010-11-21T07:00:06.553-06:00

Click HERE for things that every person can do to get involved in the care of orphans. 

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-29582788186020550722010-11-20T07:00:00.000-06:002010-11-20T07:00:04.095-06:00

Some of you may remember that I come from a large family.  I'm the oldest of 7 kids and we're not exactly stair steps.  I'm 29 and my youngest brother is 10.  The other 5 kids are spread out in the middle of those age ranges.  Four of my siblings still live at home (about an 8 minute drive away from us) and we see them often.  I loved being part of a large family and one of the things I enjoyed

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-12798634929783690992010-11-19T17:19:00.000-06:002010-11-19T17:19:30.095-06:00

So I've gotten behind again.  I've hardly blogged at all this month except for the future-dated posts I did for National Adoption Month.   Oh well.  You love me anyway right? I'm going to go back through and insert a few posts (like more about the boys' birthdays) in order to have them for later.  This blog acts as kind of a family album for us too so I don't want to miss anything important.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-82526759430586993822010-11-17T07:00:00.001-06:002010-11-21T18:34:57.181-06:00

Click HERE to see Britanni and Erika's listing on Children Awaiting Parents or to inquire about becoming their family. State: Florida Britanni, born September of 1996, is a laid-back, mellow young lady. She prefers to observe others rather than to join in on the action. Britanni will converse but is rarely the one to initiate conversation. Her reserved nature is quite different than her

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-33031484968811120892010-11-14T07:00:00.001-06:002010-11-14T07:00:05.851-06:00

What Happens to All of the Waiting Children? Challenges Facing Orphans Worldwide . . .  As They Grow UpOrphans are 13 percent less likely to attend school than non-orphans. Only 10 percent of all the children orphaned because of AIDS have access to critical social services. Children — especially infants and young children — who live in orphanages, children’s villages, and other group

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-31409608186853803412010-11-13T12:42:00.001-06:002010-11-13T12:42:54.493-06:00

Have you heard this song yet?  It's by Andrew Peterson and it's on his CD called Counting Stars.  You can read the lyrics HERE.  Wow, it is so good!  I am sure a lot of couples can find parallels for their life together in this song and my husband and I are definitely no exception.  He was 19 and I was 20 when we got married.  We were very broke and very happy!  We put each other through school.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-87865058306577360662010-11-10T07:00:00.005-06:002010-11-21T18:13:28.795-06:00

ETA: Leesia has a family as of 11/21/2010!  God is Good!  Please join me in praying that Leesia is home with her family soon! Click HERE to see Leesia's page at Reece's Rainbow.  Email Andrea for more information on adopting Leesia.  Note: Leesia is waiting in Eastern Europe so this would be an international adoption.  Leesia (5)Leesia  (5)Girl, Born January 18, 2008I have $66 in my grant fund

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-65307388380756937882010-11-07T07:00:00.001-06:002010-11-07T07:00:03.092-06:00

Why Love Orphans? from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-58333781383852496252010-11-06T10:00:00.000-05:002010-11-21T19:40:38.729-06:00

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-44893061386642566862010-11-06T07:00:00.000-05:002010-11-07T08:34:02.629-06:00

Happy Birthday Chief!  We are so happy to have you in our family.  It is such a delight to see how sweet and kind you are to your brother and sister.  You are truly their hero.  We are honored to have you as our firstborn son!  You are a blessing from God and we know He has amazing plans for your future. Love, Mama and Daddy

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-56140242407474047002010-11-04T07:00:00.000-05:002010-11-04T07:00:03.129-05:00

I always seem to have a bunch of books going at once.  It's nice to have a variety and also I'm often wanting to learn about more than one topic at a time.  Here are a few of the books I'm reading now or plan to start reading soon:  Even though we don't have an official diagnosis of autism for Sunshine, she has enough of the characteristics that she needs to be related to like she's someone with

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959344193822589616.post-55211167706609690792010-11-03T07:00:00.004-05:002010-11-03T07:00:13.312-05:00

Click HERE to see Westly's listing on Children Awaiting Parents or to inquire about becoming Westly's family. Birth Date: August, 2000 State: Florida Westly is a gentle, sometimes shy boy. He enjoys sports and dancing. Westly also likes attending church and is open to other activities that are new to him. He tells us he likes all food “except salads and mayonnaise.” In 3rd grade special

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.com0