Our Family Story in Print

Since becoming a family who has adopted an older child, we have wanted to share our story.  Our first one was in our local newspaper not long after coming home.  God called us to this, and we want to be used by Him. We want to be an encouragement for other families, and potentially a resource for them.  

Through this we have been able to share our story not only on this blog, but in other sources.  We were recently featured in the CHEO Ohio Homeschool Companion for Sept/Oct. Our family was one of three interviewed for the current issue.  

The second was a blog of a friend of ours, Amy Mozombite.  I was able to answer some questions for her Adoption Mama section of her blog. Check out the rest of her blog as well.  She and her family are serving as missionaries in Bolivia.

There is another article in the works, and I will let you know when it appears.

Our new family photo thanks to LENS Photography.

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Happy Birthday Rae!

Last week was Rae's 7th birthday. Birthdays in our house are a celebration and usually last over more than one day. So, for a little girl who has never gotten to celebrate her birthday or really known what one is, it was a little overwhelming for her.  Getting "prizes" was fun, but she didn't quite understand. It was so fun to watch her open each of her presents and see how happy she was. 

It was a fun week.  Nana and Papa Jim came up to celebrate for a few days.  There was cake and "prizes".  Rae had a wonderful time, but she was sad when the party was over.  She is definitely looking forward to next year.

Fairy Birthday Party with her friends

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matt. 7:11

Beach Time - Favorite Friday

This was just one of my favorites from our beach trip. It was her first time to see the beach and touch the ocean - all in the safety of her dad's arms.

Nine months and a Vacation

It is hard to believe it has been 9 months since we became a party of five. I think I did miss the 8 month update, but we were on vacation - a much needed vacation.  The last couple of months have been busy. A couple of highlights of our trip to Myrtle Beach were:

• Rae's first time to the beach
• Loving eating seafood
• Having wonderful family time
• Having friends down for a weekend
• Pirates and Mermaids
• Riding the Caterpillar and a few others rides.
• Getting to go to Alabama to see Nana, Papa Jim and the puppies
  

Fun, fun, and more fun...

Before we went on vacation Rae had her eye surgery and her nose cauterized.  She did great, and her vision is almost back to normal.  Getting her eyes working together caused a little double vision, but it should hopefully clear up soon.  Her health has been good, and we have had no hospital visits other than finger sticks.  She has also not had any nosebleeds.  Her last neurology appointment went well too. 

I had ankle surgery after getting back from vacation, so that delayed the start of school.  I am still recovering from it.  So, the girls started after Labor Day, and it is going well.  Hannah is in 8th and is working on doing more independent studying. She happy to be back in art, band, and drama. She is also playing keyboard in the praise band on Sunday mornings until I get back to playing again.  She is also still playing in youth praise band.  Hannah is also excited for her new piano teacher, especially getting to play in more competitions and festivals.  Emily is in now in 6th grade.  She is working a little more independent as well.  This year like her sister she is playing on the Granville Middle School tennis team.  She is also in band, art, drama, and continuing her trumpet lessons.  Rae has started doing more school this year.  She will start tennis back up soon and is also in a drama/art class for little kids and loved the first class.  In school, we are working on learning her letter sounds, addition facts, and we do a lot of read alouds. 

Next week we will be celebrating Rae's 7th birthday.  We are planning a small party with a couple of friends from church and family.  She is very excited to get to dress up and wear her "kong-kong" shoes.

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Through My Eyes Book

This summer I was able to get a little reading done.  One of my favorites was the Tim Tebow's book Through My Eyes.  I always enjoyed watching him play football even though he played for Florida, and it has been great to see how God has used him with the national platform he has been given.

His book talks about his family, and how his mom almost lost him before he was born.  His parents were amazing influences on his life. It follows his early life in the Philippines till when he was drafted in the NFL.  He grew up as the youngest of 5 children of which were all homeschooled.  I loved hearing about this, since we homeschool our children.  I loved reading how his mom not only taught them school, but the importance of memorizing scripture.  Pam Tebow was truly the backbone of her family.

This is one of my favorite excerpts from the book Tim says about his legacy, "I see it more in terms of rewards in heaven than just leaving a legacy on earth, because if one is not careful, focusing on a legacy could easily become material or "thing" focused.  But a legacy a legacy that left remembered in this world and the next.  The legacy God intended each of us to leave has to do with the impact our lives have had on the lives of other whom He calls us to serve... Finish strong and you not just yourself, you help others"

I would highly recommend reading this book and having your children read it.  It shows you what one person sold out to God and letting God control your life, you can make an eternal difference in this world.

We are still here...

Yes, we are still here. After Rae's surgery, we went on vacation.  It was a much needed time away for the family.  We were able to have fun and recharge our batteries.

After we got home, it was time for my ankle surgery.  I hope to give some updates on the girls.  We are busy getting school ready to start next week. I will try to get some vacation pictures up soon. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.

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"Sunny" Needs a Family

This is my first time advocating for a child who is in need of a forever family, and she is special to our family. She was the bed mate of our daughter Rae, and maybe the sister of her friend that now lives in Akron. "Sunny" is a 12 year old girl with post op cleft lip/palate. She will need a lip revision, speech and possible bone graft. "Sunny" and Rae actually were given the same birth date.  Desiree and I would love it if a family close to us would choose to adopt her. 

Our family would love to have her, but we are not able to adopt her at this time.  With her being 12 years old, she is closer to being no longer available to be adopted.

 

 

 

She loves to dance and dress  up. She also helped Joshua and her foster sister Rae. She would save food for Joshua to make sure he had enough.

She is currently in 4th grade and would benefit from a loving family very much.

Feel free to share this please, lets find this precious girl a forever family. Her file is currently with Great Wall, but they are willing to transfer. If would like more information please let me know, and I can put you in touch with the right people.  Every child needs a family.