2 More Days!!!

Our show airs in 2 days!!! I've gotten lots of emails from people saying they've seen commercials, so it's really happening this time!! LOL I hope those of you who have Discovery Health will watch... I'm getting a little nervous. I hope they picked good things to air. I saw a longer clip on demand and there were a couple parts that I thought, "WHY did they pick THAT?!" LOL The kids are so excited to see it. They get to stay up late and we're going to pop popcorn :).

Here's the info again if you need it!

WHAT: Truth Be Told - I have a child with Special Needs
When: December 2, 2009 9PM/8PM central
Where: Discovery Health Channel

Special K Math

So the other night at dinner, we were sitting around talking and Kameron said, "You know mom, if you add Keeghan and Kellsey together you get Kennedy." Umm... what? LOL He said, "Well, Keeghan is 2 and Kellsey is 3 and Kennedy is 5... 2+3=5." HA! SO that spurred on a WHOLE conversation. Here's what we came up with.

Kassidy = 10
Kameron = 8
Kennedy = 5
Kellsey = 3
Keeghan = 2

Kennedy + Kellsey + Keeghan = Kassidy
Kameron + Keeghan = Kassidy
Kassidy - Keeghan = Kameron
Kennedy + Kellsey = Kameron
Kameron - Kellsey = Kennedy
Kellsey + Keeghan = Kennedy
Kameron - Kennedy = Kellsey
Kennedy - Keeghan = Kellsey
Kassidy - Kameron = Keeghan
Kennedy - Kellsey = Keeghan

Also, right now Kennedy is half the age of Kassidy... in May when Kennedy and Keeghan have their birthdays, Keeghan & Kellsey will be half the age of Kennedy...

And that's what we call Special K Math. Does your head hurt yet?!

Sleeping Beauty...

The 36 Rules of Life

A few friends posted this on facebook yesterday... some are SO true, like number 3 and number 21... some made me laugh, like number 6! LOL Number 10 made me laugh because well... I have a story to go with it. I'll have to share sometime! LOL Number 34 made me literally LOL and number 35 makes me wonder... is that TRUE? I DO think I'm a good driver. I know Frank thinks HE is a good driver... my mom thinks SHE is a good driver... do you all think YOU are good drivers?! Does EVERYONE think they're good drivers?! LOL Seriously? Because I have seen people on the road who most definitely are NOT good drivers! LOL Anyway, enjoy the list!

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2. Don’t worry about what people think, they don’t do it very often.

3. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.

4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never tried before.

6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.

8. A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.

10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.

13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.

1 4. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.

15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

16. A balanced diet is a muffin in each hand.

17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.

18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

19. Junk is something you’ve kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.

20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.

21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

24. Someone who thinks logically provides nice contrast to the real world.

25. It ain’t the jeans that make your butt look fat.

26. If you had to identify in one word the reason why the human race has not achieved it’s full potential, that word would be ‘meetings’.

27. There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental illness.’

28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

29. You should not confuse your career with your life.

30. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.

31. Never lick a steak knife.

32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

35. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that deep down inside we ALL believe we are good drivers.

36. Your friends love you anyway.

Sibling love...

Sometimes they DO get along! :)

Q&A #117

The reason for the 10 day wait is to allow any family members of the orphaned child to step forward during that time and say they want a chance to be his/ her parents. They put like a public notice in the local paper and see if anyone responds. I personally have never heard of this happening to the RR kids (a family member stepping forward that is).
Thanks Lyndi!

Does this mean that now that the 10 day wait is over, he can keep her in the apartment while he is getting all the other paperwork together. Or does she stay in the baby home until he is ready to take her home or good?
She is still in the baby home right now while he is getting the other paperwork together... he has a lot of standing in line and running around to do that Kellsey would HATE. Our facilitator will tell him when he can go get her. :)

Did you see/hear about todays Oprah? She had a special needs cheer leading team called the "Sparkles" Some High School girls started a squad for special needs children, many with downs syndrome. It was SO cute to watch. Miley Cyrus came and met them, and let them come to a concert.
Yes, I did hear about it... very cool! :)

I'm so sorry, what a drag. Glad Kennedy is seeming better. Believe me we have had so many of those scenarios... the kids missed EVERY Halloween activity this year because of having the dumb old H1N1. Haven't even gotten pictures of them in their costumes yet! Tell you what, you get pics of Kennedy in her pilgrim costume and I'll take some of my kids in their Halloween costumes and we'll meet back here ;-)
Sounds like a plan! I still need to take pictures!

How are Frank and Kellsey doing? Is she with Frank yet and are they going to be able to find a traditional Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow?
Kellsey is not with Frank yet, soon though. Frank did get to go to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with one of the other Reece's Rainbow families :). They had a great time!!

I'm in England....we don't do thanksgiving!
I think you're thanksgiving dinner is pretty much what we do for christmas here though - HUGE turkey dinner with all the trimmings - personally i love the red cabbage but I've no idea if you have that!!!
I can't wait for my christmas dinner now! But then my American uncle has told me that there is no big turkey dinner in America at christmas its more of a buffet snack day :( oh well I suppose you can't eat that much in one day more than once a year ;)
See, we do a big Christmas dinner too, just with ham instead of turkey... though I know a lot of people here do turkey and ham for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We don't have red cabbage for either though. :)

Why don`t they serve ravioli for Thanksgiving in Italy ??? LOL Renee surely you know that Thanksgiving is only celebrated in Canada and the U.S.
LOL Yes, I knew that... now trying to convince Kameron was a different story! And he just got done telling us the story of the first Thanksgiving and Plymouth Rock and how he made a book about it in class... he's a little stubborn though! LOL Remember when he was convinced that Canada didn't exist?! LOL

When i was a kid, i didn't like the holiday dinners. Guess what my mom used to make me...Raviolis!!!
Too funny. Guess my taste buds changed because i love it all now.
So he's NOT the only one! LOL Glad to know there's hope for him yet! LOL

I love these things because they make us STOP and interact! Have you seen the Frozen Grand Central one? I've done stunts like this before, it's so fun!
I haven't seen that one. I'll have to look for it! :)

This conversation reminded Roy of a Peanuts cartoon! LOL
LOL! I should have Kameron illustrate it!

QOTD #38

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

A Kennedy Conversation

The other night I was sitting here Christmas shopping online and watching a movie when Kennedy was very obviously trying to get my attention. She got it. LOL She was walking around with a little notebook and came over and shook my hand and asked,

K: "what's your name?"

M: "Mommy"

K: "I Kennedy. Niceta meet you! You big and strong?"

M: "Uh huh..."

K: "ya got muscles?" (showing me her muscles)

M: "Uh huh..."

K: "MOM!!!"

M: "What????"

K: "Muscles!!!"

M: "Oh, right." (I show her my muscles.)

K: "Ya wanna see Hello Kitty?"

M: "Sure."

K: (Showing me a blank page in her notebook) "See Hello Kitty? She's cute!"

M: "Yes, Kennedy, cute."

K: "MOOOOOOOOM!!!!! HEEEEELLLLLLLLLOOOOO"

M: "Yes?" (Trying not to laugh)

K: "You want french fries?"

M: "Sure."

K: (hands me invisible french fries) "Here ya go... eat em!"

M: (pretends to eat fries) "Yummy!"

K: "MOOOOMMMMMM!"

M: "Kennedy! You're driving me crazy!"

K: "I not crazy! I Kennedy!"

M: (OY!) "Kennedy, go play!"

K: "OK!" (runs into the other room...) "Hey Kassidy, niceta meet you!"

Kassidy: "Thanks a lot, mom!" LOL!!!!

Sound of Music - Central Station, Antwerp, Belgium

More than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. With just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! Those 4 fantastic minutes started the 23 of march 2009, 08:00 AM. It is a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program, where they are looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of "The Sound of Music".

Favorites?

So? Your fridge is full now of Thanksgiving leftovers... what is the first thing you go for today? What dish rocked your world yesterday? Are you a turkey fanatic, or do you go for the side dishes first? Do you cover everything in gravy, or just the mashed potatoes? Do you call it stuffing or dressing... and is it cornbread or oyster?!

My favorites were the deviled eggs, of course! My mom makes the best in the world! And the stuffing (cornbread), and the cranberries (real, not canned! LOL)! I'm actually not a big fan of the turkey. It's ok the first day, but then I'm over it. LOL

Then there's Kameron... He has been dreading Thanksgiving since July. He hates it ALL... the turkey, the stuffing, the potatoes, the cranberries, the gravy, the casseroles, EVERYTHING.... he hates it! "WORST day of the year," he says. How sad is that?! But yesterday it was grandma to the rescue... she surprised him and made him a special plate of ravioli just for him. He was a happy camper and declared this the best Thanksgiving EVER... and there was no gagging at the dinner table. Go Grandma! LOL Then we had a long discussion about why they DON'T serve ravioli for Thanksgiving in Italy. Hmmm... LOL (Please tell me YOU know why!!)

Kassidy and I attempted to make cookies afterwards from a recipe someone passed along to me, but... it just didn't end up working out like the picture! LOL We still had fun though... and the kids still ate them, I guess that's what counts, right?! :)

I hope you all had a great day and made lots of fun memories with your loved ones!

HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING

HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
~~Author Unknown.~~

Addressing a comment

I received an anonymous comment earlier, and I need to address it. Of course, I cannot take it up directly with the person because I don't know who they are. It was regarding my post about Lydia raising the money to adopt Darya earlier today. Here was the comment:

So you believe an older child isn't "WORTH" as much as a younger child?

Your words: "A huge charge for an 11 year old girl!"

Previously, I enjoyed your blog... Now? You make me sick.

I believe you misinterpreted what I was saying. Lydia is eleven years old. She lives HERE in Middle Tennessee, with her family. Lydia raised the money... $26,000 in 8 days to adopt Darya... who is a baby. The "huge charge" I was speaking of was the task set before Lydia to raise that money for Darya.

You can read more about Lydia (who is 11) here and on her blog here.

Just to be clear, OF COURSE the life of ANY child, no MATTER the age or ability is priceless and that is not the "charge" I was speaking of. Perhaps a poor choice of words on my part, and for that I apologize. I was just rejoicing in Lydia's Thanksgiving Miracle through God and the fact that her family will be bringing Darya home.

I hope this clears up any confusion.

Want to keep the Christ in CHRISTmas?

Liberty Counsel, a nationwide public interest civil liberties law firm, publishes a Naughty and Nice list which catalogs retailers that seek to profit from Christmas shoppers but exclude their stores and advertisements from references to Christmas. You can help save Christmas when you pledge to be a "Friend" to those entities that recognize Christmas and a "Foe" to Christmas censors.

To find out which retailers recognize Christmas and which are "Grinches," read the Liberty Counsel's Naughty & Nice List. You can also print this list and take it with you when you shop.

Happy Black Friday Shopping tomorrow! Are you going to brave the crowds?! I'll be warm and cozy in my bed dreaming of Thanksgiving leftovers. Then maybe I'll get up and shop online some! :) Hope you all had a nice day with your families!

She did it!

Remember The Darya Project? Lydia was trying to raise $20,000 in 8 days to bring Darya home from Eastern Europe. A huge charge for an 11 year old girl! But people stepped up from all over the world to help her... and she did it! She raised over $26,000 in 8 days! Amazing.

The paperwork will be started and Darya will be coming home to the Hollis Family. Exactly one year ago today we committed to Kellsey. Gives me chills.

Congratulations Darya! We can't wait to meet you some day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes 'n gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs.

I'm Thankful! A-Z

So, a lot of people have been doing thankful posts, 1 letter a day. By the time I caught up on my reader, there was no way I could fit in one letter a day and get them all in for November SO you get them all in one post!!! So here they are!

I'm Thankful for

Army - I am thankful for the Army and for all the opportunities it has provided for our family. It has brought us to Tennessee, and we love it here! It has provided us with job security, and a huge extended Military family!

Barksdale Elementary School - I am thankful for a school where my kids are getting a good education, making great friends, and I know they have a staff who cares about them and their future! They have invested a lot of time and love into our family over the last 5 years, and still have a couple more kids to get through! ;)

Community Group - Our community group has been meeting for less than a year but they are like a second family to us. We can always count on them for spiritual accountability, prayer, friendship, and lots and lots of fun times and good laughs!

Down Syndrome - I am thankful for the Down syndrome community, both here locally and online and the support that comes with that, and I am thankful for Kennedy and the whole new world she has brought into our lives... and for leading us to Kellsey!

Eskimo kisses - and butterfly kisses! These are my favorite things to do with Kennedy and Keeghan. Kennedy insists on butterfly kisses on both cheeks and Keeghan laughs and says, "Das (that's) funny!" I hope they will always love them!

Friends - I am so thankful for my friends, near and far, who are always there to make me laugh, listen if I need it, and sometimes even take my advice! haha

Grace Community Church - I am so thankful we have a place to go each week where our kids can learn about God while we grow stronger in our walk with Him. I can always count on being challenged and leaving refreshed to start my week.

Husband - I am so thankful for my husband. For working hard for our family, for staying in Ukraine to get Kellsey, and for everything else he does for us! We can't wait until he gets back home!!!

Insurance - I am SO thankful for our health insurance! I don't know how we would have survived the last 5 years without it.

Jesus - I am so thankful for Jesus Christ. For being my Savior. For forgiving me and showing me grace over and over. For being my best friend.

Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy, Keeghan & Kellsey!!! They color my world and decorate my life. I don't know what I would do without them!

Love notes - little notes that my kids leave for me around the house... and little notes I write for them to find, just letting them know that they rock. I hope they never stop.

Mother - I am so thankful for my mom. I love that she lives so close to us and that the kids are growing up with a close relationship with their grandma. I am thankful she is always there for me whether I need a mom, or just a friend to talk to.

Noise - Even though I say, "Be Quiet!" a lot, I am thankful for noise because it means my house is filled with happy children. I hope there is noise for many years to come... I'm sure there will be! :)

Omnipresence - I am thankful that God is everywhere at the same time... He is here with us, He is in Ukraine with Frank and Kellsey, He will be with Frank in Afghanistan when he deploys... He's with you, right now. Amazing.

Pastors - I am thankful for the pastoral staff at our church. They all have different strengths that make them an amazing team when they work together. They keep our church fresh and alive and hungry for God. They keep our children excited about learning God's Word. That's so important!

Questions - I am thankful for the questions my kids ask... sometimes over and over... even if I don't know the answers, because it means they're talking to me, and they THINK I know the answers, and we can spend time FINDING the answers. I hope they always ask me questions.

Reece's Rainbow - I am thankful for Reece's Rainbow... for connecting us with Kellsey and for helping kids with Down syndrome find their forever families every day!

Silent Nights - I am thankful for silent nights and peaceful sleep because it means that everyone is healthy and no one is having nightmares... and it means that mommy is well rested. :)

Teachers - I am thankful for the kids' teachers. They all have wonderful, Christian teachers this year who are not only shaping their minds, but their spirits. They invest in their students 100% in and out of school.

Ukraine - because that's where Kellsey was born. I'm also thankful for the judge there who finalized our adoption. :) And of course the United States and the freedoms that come with living here!

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital - They have been there for Kennedy whenever we've needed them and have some wonderful, caring doctors and nurses there! I am so thankful we live so close and that they are there when we need them!

Water - I admit it. I'm a water snob, but I'm so thankful for bottled water in abundance. I didn't realize HOW thankful I was until I went to Ukraine and I didn't have so many choices! ;)

X-tra hugs and kisses - They come in abundance in this household, and for that, I'll always be thankful!!!

You - I am thankful for YOU, my blog readers and commenters! You have given me lots of good laughs, support, prayers, advice, tips, friendship, and much more over the last couple years! I enjoy reading your comments more than you know!

ZZZZZ's :) - I know, that's a stretch, but I think it's almost time for bed! HA! And I'm definitely thankful for THAT!

Christmas Lights...

Look at the house on the right... I'm TOTALLY decorating this way this year! LOL

Thanksgiving Bummer...

Today was Kennedy's Thanksgiving Feast at school. I was so excited. This is one of my favorite days of the kids' Kindergarten year. They dress up like Pilgrims or Indians and all the parents donate something to the feast. It's so much fun and the kids look SO cute and it's a great photo op! I have tons of pictures from Kassidy and Kameron's Feasts when they were in Kindergarten.

Anyway, so I was excited about Kennedy's feast today... Keeghan and I were getting ready to head to Wal-Mart and then go to her school for the party when my phone rang and it was the school nurse... OH NO!

Kennedy was complaining about her stomach hurting and ended up throwing up in the cafeteria. *sigh* There has been a tummy bug going around other classes, so I figured that was probably it. Of course with Kennedy, I always worry about her blood sugar any time she is throwing up. I got there and her blood sugar was low, so we decided to have her drink something with sugar in it. She ate a little bit of mashed potatoes after that and seemed to perk up a bit. Before we left her blood sugar was back to normal and she was running all over, SO I'm hoping it was just a random blood sugar crash and NOT the stomach flu that all the other kids have had!! She is napping on the couch now.

Still though, in an hour Kennedy's class will be having their feast... and she's not there. No Pilgrim and Indian pictures... no eating pumpkin pie and slim jims (You know they served those at the first Thanksgiving, right?!)... no memories. I'm sad. I do have her costumes here so maybe I can dress Keeghan and Kennedy up later or something. But still. Stupid hypoglycemia! *sigh*

The Darya Project

The picture above is a picture of 2 very special girls who live here in Middle Tennessee. Hope Hollis is a beautiful little girl with Down syndrome. We haven't gotten the chance to meet her yet, but I'm sure our day is coming! Our families run in the same circles, here in the Nashville area, and beyond. Last year, Hope's family adopted a sweet little boy with Down syndrome named Charlie, and Hope and her siblings, Caleb, Natalie & Lydia welcomed him with open arms.

This year when the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree went public, Lydia, who is 11, (pictured above with Hope) fell in love with this beautiful little girl Darya.

And thus began, The Darya Project.

I first became aware of Lydia's love for Darya with an email from our local mom's group. Lydia was offering to babysit to raise money for Darya's Reece's Rainbow account. Unfortunately, we live a little too far away. Then I heard about car washes, and bake sales, and THEN I read about the pact... Lydia's mom Melanie told Lydia that if she could raise $20,000 by Thanksgiving, that THEY would bring Darya home to their family.

$20,000... by an 11 year old... in about 2 weeks. Seems impossible, right? But with God NOTHING is impossible and The Darya Project has taken off! As of last night Lydia has raised over $7,000 to bring her sister home. One more baby out of an orphanage. One more child who WON'T go to an institution when she turns 5 years old. IF she can raise the money.

She still has a long way to go, but YOU can help. And if you break it down like Lydia has, it's really not THAT hard to see it happening... If 200 people donated $100 each, she would meet her goal. Or even if 600 people donated $33 each, she would meet her goal. Even $5, $10 or $15 donations go so much further than you think!

A local news crew is ready to interview Lydia on Thanksgiving day ... let's help this 11 year old little girl meet her goal so that we can hear her say ...

Darya is coming home!

Go to their blog to read more about Lydia and her amazing plight to bring Darya home, and also find out how you can donate and spread the word. What better gift could these kids have this year than a new sister for Christmas? What better gift could Darya have? By next year she could be here in Middle TN, playing with Hope and Charlie and snuggling with Lydia, Caleb and Natalie.

Two days... thousands of dollars left to go. I believe. Do you?

What is Down syndrome?

So tonight at dinner, Kameron asked me, "What IS Down syndrome? I mean, I know it's something Kennedy HAS, but what IS it?" I asked him why he was asking and he said that a bunch of kids in his class were asking. They were asking questions about Kennedy.

When Kassidy was in Kindergarten, I was in her class A LOT. I was always in there taking pictures, helping out with parties and whatever else her teacher needed. Kennedy was just a baby at the time. I took the chance during October for Down syndrome awareness month and went to every Kindergarten class and read them a book about Down syndrome. It was very simple stuff, on their level. They loved it.

When Kameron started Kindergarten, Kennedy was going through chemo, and even though I kept saying I wanted to come in and read to all the classes, the year got away from me and I never did. Still though, whenever I was in his class or Kassidy's class, for parties or field trips or whatever, Kennedy was just... Kennedy. Kassidy's friends know her well and they adore her. I think she may know more 4th graders this year than she does Kindergartners! LOL

Fast forward to this year and here is Kennedy. Kameron sees her at recess and will go give her a hug before he runs off to play with his friends. He's such a great brother! His friends are maybe noticing now though that Kennedy is tiny... really tiny and maybe different than the other kids in her class, and so, like any curious 8 year old would, they are asking questions. Which leads to Kameron tonight asking me, "What IS Down syndrome?"

So now I'm left to wonder if I go into explaining extra copies of 21st chromosomes, which really, Kameron would probably totally understand if I showed him a karyotype and explained everything, but his friends would probably look at him and say, "uh huh" with glossed over eyes (lol). Or do I go into the Kindergarten explanation I used all those years ago for Kassidy's class, which might be a little young (and boring) for them, or do I need to come up with a whole new eight year old explanation of Down syndrome? Either way, I'm excited they're asking questions and that they WANT to understand Kennedy... What would YOU tell an 8 year old about Down syndrome?

(And it's a reminder to me that I need to get into the Kindergarten classes this year. It's all about education right?)

ONE person can make a difference...

This video is about life. Whatever that means to you. It was made for an 11 year old boy, Tyler Blaine Genneken, who died from Leukemia a couple weeks ago, but watching it, several things will pop out at you, and you may take something totally different away from this than I did. Something will stick with you that someone else may miss. It's very powerful, and it's challenging. No matter WHAT it is that you're doing, DO something to make a difference. What did YOU see?



To the Genneken Family, our prayers are with you. Cancer sucks.

Monday Moment for Down Syndrome - Student with Ds inducted into National Honor Society

Sarah Sherman received one of the country's highest honors for high school students - she was inducted into the National Honor Society. Unlike the other 140 kids to walk across the stage though, Sarah has Down syndrome. Read the article here. Congratulations, Sarah! We wish you all the best in your very bright future!

I've been tagged...

Now first, let me say, I have a whole long ole list of tags I need to catch up on. And I will! Soon. I think. But Ann tagged me on this one today and well, I'm sitting here, so here it is! I've actually never seen this one before!

This is the Theta Mom tag. A Theta Mom is a True Authentic mom. And I am now charged with writing about 5 things that make me a True Authentic Mom. Hmm... LOL OK my confessions of a mom...

1. There are nights, after the kids are in bed, when I finally sit down, and look around my messy cluttered living room, and I think... "Did I eat today?"

2. On any given day, you could probably find an old french fry or crushed goldfish cracker somewhere on the floor of my van.

3. I have our pediatrician on speed dial. You know, just in case. (This is totally normal... right?!)

4. Some days I say, "STOP WHINING" or "STOP FIGHTING" more times than I can count. Why do I bother? It never does any good! LOL

5. I get more hugs, more kisses, and more "I love yous" than I probably deserve. Thank the Lord! :)

I'm going to leave this tag open to whoever wants to do it! Confession is good for the soul... what makes YOU a real authentic mom?

Q&A #116

OK you big meany! You were missing only your children?? What about your Mom who was taking care of your children? You keep forgetting me! LOL (kind of)...
My house is v-e-r-r-r-y quiet and now I'm missing your children. I know! You can have them in the mornings and I'll take them at night - around 7:30 PM? It amazes me how easy it is to put them to bed! Glad you are home - I missed YOU!
Yes, I missed YOU too!!! :) I knew you were running crazy taking care of the kids :). You probably hardly even noticed I was gone... or was begging for me to come back! haha My house is VERRRRRY loud.... you can come visit ANY time! LOL

OH I thought she came home with you......when will she be here in the states?
Nope not yet... hopefully the first week of December.

Is there a reason Kellseys hair is so short? I know some institutes do it for sanitary reasons.
ALL the kids have short hair there... I think it is to keep down on lice, etc. I can't wait to grow it out! :) On that note, Frank told me that they cut it AGAIN! I wish they'd leave her alone! She's MINE now! *sniff*

So you're saying that Kennedy's a movie star now?! Wow! This is so exciting!!!!!!!!!
LOL not quite... but she makes an ADORABLE extra! :) I will get pics posted soon... the few that I actually have!

by the way were you the one that asked about the aussie freeze spray. if so did u find it, because our commissary has it
Yep that was me! I found some finally about bought like 6 cans and stashed it in case they run out out again. They must have just been out temporarily... to drive me nutso! LOL Thanks though! :)

I can't believe you titled a post 'They're BACK!!!' i nearly fell of my chair with excitment thinking it was Frank and Kellsey!!! and now sweets seems a real anti-climax haha!!
LOL Sorry!!! Didn't mean to over excite you! I get excited about little things, apparently! haha

Did you see the recipe for Kisses Candy Cane Swirl Cheesecake on the bag of candy?
I did! I'm not a huge cheesecake fan, but Frank would probably love it!

OMGoodness....Did you see this past week? I laughed, I cried, and it explained a whole lot! I LOVE GLEE!
I still haven't seen it, but I have it saved to watch. I've been too busy reading! LOL

also, does Frank by any chance have a brother my age? I gotta find a guy who gets ds, so that I can adopt one day (I only have four more years before I am eligible age wise so I gotta start saving my money!)
LOL His only brother is married, sorry!

Interesting that there's hardly any response to this post. It's interesting to see different points of view. Always good to have as much information as possible if you're contemplating doing this.
Yes, I thought it was interesting, too!

I would love to try and send her a card, too! Do you know the name of the dollar store in her area?
I don't know, that's a great idea though! Maybe Polly could chime in here or you could just stick a few $1 bills in? I think Dollar Trees are nation wide, but I'm not sure.

May I copy this post to my blog? I would love for as many people as possible to pray for Kristen and send her a card.
Absolutely! Thanks for spreading the word!!!

So, maybe Kellsey will be HOME when it airs? Are you able to send in a photo of all of you together for the producers to tag at the end of your segment? can't wait to see it!
I am hoping she WILL be home! We'll see! I think it'll be too late to send in a photo though.

Do you know if the show will be available on-line? I don't get that channel.
Unfortunately, I don't know. I am HOPING so. I hate it that so many people don't have this channel! I'll let you know as soon as I find out!

Where r u thinking of getting that dress up trunk from? Im looking for 1 and wanting to see if I can get a great deal.
Well, that particular one is from Lillian Vernon, but someone commented and said that it's made REALLY poorly, and left a link to an ebay store with much better made stuff... go back to that post and look for it. I have checked it out a little and may buy the girls a few things from there.

Very funny....is it the real hotline??? Thanks for sharing.
As far as I know, yes. :)

OK, people, I can't use phones (My cochlear implant isn't the best) and besides I'm in a different country, so I can't call the 800 number listed. Please someone tell me what's going on!
LOL OK if you don't press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish then it will ask you if you want to continue in pig latin (and he's speaking in pig latin) it's really cute... then it will say, "To hear a knock-knock joke, press 4!" and if you press it, it will really tell you knock-knock jokes and other fun stuff! Like I said, random silliness! hehe

gotta love it, can i please steal it
Of course! :o)

Curious, what was the reason for the 10 day wait? Has Frank seen Kellsey since Monday?
All just part of the process... some regions waive the 10 day wait, ours never does. I'm not exactly sure what the purpose is. Frank has seen Kellsey once for a few minutes since Monday, but then they abruptly made him leave because of a surprise inspection due to the quarantine. *sigh* Almost over!!!

So exciting! Yay for the ten days being waived! :-)
What I loved with my cousin's recent adoption was that they never had to wait for the Ukrainian passports: the kids just got the Israeli ones.
Not waived, just over :). I wish Kellsey could just get U.S. documents, it would make our lives so much easier! LOL

Thanks for posting this. I will definitely be sending something Kristen's way. I sent you an email: I don't know any other mom's whose kids have survived cancer (all the moms I was close to lost their kids, unfortunately)and have a couple of questions for you.
Hey Lori, I never got an email from you... maybe you haven't had time to send it yet, but I just wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in cyberspace so you didn't think I was ignoring you. :)

The Adoption Option...

Actress Nia Vardalos (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding) speaks out about her 10 year battle with infertility, about her experience with adoption and the foster care system, and what YOU can do to help.





Thank you Emily for posting these! (Aren't you all glad November is almost over!? haha)

One last fundraiser for Kellsey!

My friend Cheri contacted me several weeks ago to let me know that she and her friends were going to be holding a benefit dinner. They do this several times a year and donate to different causes. They get together, enjoy a great meal, and pick a cause to donate to. This time they chose Reece's Rainbow and chose our family to help bring Kellsey home!! We were very touched and honored! The coolest part is that the dinner was the day after Kellsey's birthday, and we were in country so she had lots of fun information to share!


On November 7th, they held the benefit dinner. They talked about Reece's Rainbow, of course, and showed Andrea's latest slideshow. They served food that looked AMAZING,

had a poker night,

and a silent auction...

by the end of the night, Cheri's little guy Reid was worn out!

You can go here to see more amazing pictures from this night and see what they did. This is such a great thing this group of friends does!! They raised over $2,000 for our family and brought us extremely close to our goal of a totally funded adoption! We feel so blessed and are so grateful to Cheri and her friends for helping us bring Kellsey home!!! Thank you Cheri for all you do to bring awareness to Reece's Rainbow ALL the kids who so badly need their forever families to find them!

Conversation with Keeghan...

Last night Keeghan came running in from the other room and said,

K: I hurt, mom

M: You hurt?

K: Yeah... on my head.

M: How did you get hurt, Keeghan?

K: On the table.

M: Keeghan, were you sitting on the table?

K: Yeah...

M: WELL, don't sit on the table and you won't get hurt!

K: Oh... alright.

Wonder how long it will be until I find him there again?! *sigh*

Random Friday Night Silliness!

Need a little smile? Just call the Nestle Crunch Hotline at 1-800-295-0051. When you are asked if you want to continue in English or Spanish, just wait quietly for about 10 seconds and you will smile. Promise! (if you comment on this after listening, don't give away the surprise...) keep going and press 4 it gets even better...

Go on and call... you know you want to! :)

Adoption Update

The waiting game... it's so fun, isn't it?! As of today, our 10 day wait is officially over! YAY!!! SO, what now? Frank is now on a paper chase! He will be getting Kellsey's birth certificate, passport & visa and they are also waiting on a tax code which prayerfully will come in QUICKLY as they can't leave the country without it. They need to go to the bank and draw out Kellsey's money which he will then donate to her baby home. We don't know how long these things will take... it just depends on how fast the U.S. Embassy gets it done... and well, it's a government office... enough said.

After he does all THAT he can go get Kellsey from the orphanage and walk her out those doors FOREVER! :) He will have to take her to get a medical clearance to be able to leave the country. When he has all the paperwork in hand and she is medically cleared, then we can arrange for them to fly home!! We're hoping 10 days from now? Maybe?

Just be in prayer that everything continues to go as smoothly as it has been!!! We can't WAIT to get them home!!!

PS. Frank's internet is down in the apartment. They're working on fixing it. Hopefully he'll be back SOON with more pics and stuff! :)

Truth Be Told - AIR DATE!!!

We finally have an air date for our show!!! The people from TLC called Eve last night and they PROMISE it will air this time!

WHAT: Truth Be Told - I have a child with Special Needs
When: December 2, 2009 9PM/8PM central
Where: Discovery Health Channel

PLEASE note the change of station! We're not sure why they moved it, but this is one of TLC's sister stations.

If I hear anymore info I will let you know, and yes, I will send out a reminder a couple days ahead of time. :)

Kristen's Story

This beautiful young woman is Kristen Kirton. Like Kennedy, Kristen has Down syndrome and when Kristen was a little girl she battled Leukemia. She remained in remission for several years and doctors remained optimistic. However, she ended up relapsing... a word we, in the cancer community, dread with every fiber of our being. Kristen fought again, and beat it again! Then, in September 2008 she relapsed again.

They try HARD to avoid bone marrow transplants in people with Down syndrome. For whatever reason, their bodies just don't seem to handle it well. Still, with the 3rd relapse, they tested Kristen's siblings and found that her brother Rick was a match, should she need it. Fortunately, in April 2009, Kristen was declared cancer free once again.

However, by November, Kristen's mom was asking for prayer again... the awful reality of relapse sharp on everyone's minds... and just like that, with no warning, it was back. She has hit her lifetime limit on many of the chemotherapy drugs they would use to get her into remission, so her doctors are scrambling to find the perfect regimen for her, and once she's in remission, she'll need MORE chemo to get her ready for transplant... which is going to be VERY hard on her already tired body. But Kristen will fight, with her family by her side. Of this I have no doubt.

Kristen Kirton is 23 years old. She has beat cancer 3 times and is battling it a 4th time. She has had BOTH Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia AND Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. She loves Hannah Montana, going to the dollar store, and getting mail.

Kristen's mom, Polly, put out a request for cards for Kristen. This is probably the easiest time of year for this! Many of you will be addressing Christmas cards soon, will you add the address below to your list? It will brighten the day of one very special young lady, and if you could send a few prayers her way, I know they would appreciate that, too! You can click on her button above to get to her blog.

Kristen Kirton
P.O. Box 87
Draper, Utah 84020-0087

We're praying for you, Kristen!

Mass We Pray

Umm... So... I saw this on Michael's blog, and I thought SURELY it's some kind of joke... right? Because really, no one would buy this... or make this... RIGHT?!

So my curiosity got the best of me and I went to the website listed on the video. Apparently they're taking pre-orders. Seriously. Seriously?!

I just have one request. If you buy one of these, can you PLEASE leave me a comment and tell me WHY. If you got here from googling this product and you are a maker or distributor of this product, please, feel free to explain this to me. Because it seems a little... sacrilegious? I can't even wrap my mind around this. LOL

Is this for real?! I feel like I'm being punk'd! LOL

TLC show

STILL no word on when (or if) our show is going to air on TLC. Eve, one of the other moms on the show, has been working hard trying to find out, but the TLC people simply have no answers for her, except to say that it IS going to air... eventually. Anyway, about a week ago she found a clip online, but we couldn't get it to play. Then today it finally worked. Unfortunately I can't get it to embed here, but I can link you to it. Watch the clip here. It drives me crazy that it says Kennedy "suffers" from Down syndrome. WE all know that's not true!! Anyway, enjoy, and hopefully someday there will be an actual air date where you can see it on TV! LOL

A Social Worker's View (Guest Post)

One of my best friends, Lindsay, from junior high and high school is a social worker, and of course has been following this foster care post very closely. It's been not only her job, but her heart, for the last several years. And so, here are some thoughts from her. I hope that any of you considering foster care are reading closely, taking this all in, and praying. There is a lot to be said for both sides of this. Foster parenting has to be one of the hardest, most rewarding, heartbreaking, beautiful jobs I've never experienced, and my hat goes off to all of you foster parents out there who open your homes and your hearts to these children. Again, my offer is open, if you would like to share your story here, just email me. My hope is that several new committed foster families will come out of this series of posts, if it is what God is calling them to do.

First and foremost, let me say that abuse is not the only reason kids are placed in the foster care system. Neither is it the most common! It is actually rare! The majority of kids who are placed in the system are there because of parental substance abuse! The kids are taken out, because Mom is cracked out and can't look after them properly. This can often lead to neglect...which can sometimes lead to abusive situations. There are many kids in the Foster care system who are victims of abuse, but this certainly shouldn't make them damaged or unwanted. These are the kids who need safe and loving homes the most!

Second, reunification is not an option for most kids! There are thousands of kids in the system who will never see their parents again! There are group homes across the country filled to capacity because there are not enough homes to take the kids in! Fostering children is an amazing opportunity to shine a light into a child's life that has seen nothing but darkness! Even if they return to a family member, the difference you make in their lives for that short time can change their life!

Thirdly, we have a "Group Home" system for the children who are uncontrollable and damaged, the technical term is Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED). This is where I worked for 4 years. And I actually found these kids to be the most affectionate and in need of love! I have seen more smiles, more laughter and gotten more hugs from these kids than I do with the "normal" kids I work with now! It is possible that you may get an SED child and the placement may fail...but that's why we have this system, to make sure that all kids get the help and safety they need!

The system has many flaws and it can be difficult...but the positives far outweigh the headaches! You have an opportunity to give hope and love to a child that has never had it before! Even if you only have the kid for a short time, the light that you can shine in their life is irreplaceable!

Working in the system was the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had! Yes, I grew big attachments to the kids I worked with. And because I was able to open myself up to them, I was able to help them, and make a difference in their lives. Six years later, I still think of them and pray for them all the time!

The best advice you can give anyone looking to Foster is to educate yourself, pray about it, and trust God!

Making a list...

checking it twice... I've decided I better start thinking about Christmas shopping for the kids. I usually have most of it done by now, and this year? I have bought 2 things. One game for Kass and/or Kam and one thing for Keeghan. Yeah, I'm slacking. Truth is, I'm not too sure what to get them, especially the older 2.

I asked Kassidy what she would like for Christmas and she said, without hesitation, "an iPhone!" Uhhh yeah. NOT happening! First of all, she has no one to call. Second of all, she already HAS an iPod Touch which pretty much does everything the iPhone does, except the phone part, which brings me back to my point of her having no one to call. And she's 10. No phone. Just stick me in the "mean parent" corner.

Seriously though, it's hard to know what to get her, she's in that weird place between toys and teenager stuff. Clothes are still boring to her (though she loves the store Justice but is not quite willing to spend HER money on their clothes, and well, I'm not willing to spend MY money there either! haha), and she mentioned some "Littlest Pet Shop" toy, but I can't remember the last time I've seen her play with her other ones... Kennedy plays with them more than she does. She doesn't really "play" anymore. She reads a lot, but we have TONS of books and she's always bringing new ones home from school, and she plays with her iPod a lot. SO what should I buy her?!

Kameron is hard too... he has so much "stuff". He doesn't want to get rid of anything, EVER. He plays with it ALL, but it ends up ALL over his room! LOL And everything he has has lots of "parts". Is this a boy thing?! LOL I'm thinking so. He is very into imaginative play. He will stay in his room for hours making up games and stories and lining up his toys. He's very artistic. He likes transformers, but he has a bunch and he usually resorts back to things he can play pretend with... like his tots. Any ideas for a creative kid who already has "stuff"? LOL

I'm thinking about getting Keeghan and Kellsey this.
They can play with it together and make loud beautiful music together. Anyone have this? Feedback?

I'm also getting Keeghan this.

Yo Gabba Gabba AND educational. What more could a 2 year old ask for?! LOL

And I'm thinking about getting Kennedy this.

She LOVES playing dress up. What better than being able to choose her princess?! It's good for her OT skills too :). AND I'm sure Miss Kellsey will get some use out of it as well! ;)

As for Kellsey, I'm not sure... I'm going to wait for her to come home, get over the toy shock that I'm SURE will ensue here lol and see what she picks as her favorites for right now. We know she likes to color, we know she likes to watch TV, and we know she likes bubbles... hopefully she'll show us quickly what her favorites are, but something tells me she's going to like the wrapping paper and boxes best of all! ;)

SO what's on your Christmas list for the kids this year? We're definitely NOT going overboard, but I'd love to find things that the older two will LOVE, you know? Some of you out there must have good ideas for an 8 and 10 year old! I'd love to hear if you have fabulous ideas for the younger ones too! My ideas are totally not set in stone! LOL

A Prayer/Pledge of Responsibility for Children

A Prayer/Pledge of Responsibility for Children
Adapted from Ina J. Hughes

We pray (accept responsibility) for children
who sneak popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.

And we pray (accept responsibility) for those
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who can’t bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who never “counted potatoes”,
who are born in places we wouldn’t be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.

We pray (accept responsibility) for children
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.

And we pray (accept responsibility) for those
who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents die,
who can’t find any bread to steal,
who don’t have have any rooms to clean up,
whose pictures aren’t on anybody’s dresser,
whose monsters are real.

We pray (accept responsibility) for children
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghosts stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed, and never rinse out the tub,
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
who don’t like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at
and whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray (accept responsibility) for those
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who have never seen a dentist,
who aren’t spoiled by anybody,
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
who live and move, but have no being.

We pray (accept responsibility) for children
who want to be carried
and for those who must,
for those we never give up on
and for those who don’t get a second chance.
For those we smother…
and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

(Stolen from Sarah's blog)

More on Foster Care (Guest Post)

When I posted the video about foster care last week, I received a kind email from one of my long time blog lurkers, Suzanne, who asked me to please share the WHOLE truth about foster care... that it's NOT all sunshine and roses. Being that we have never walked down the foster care path, I asked Suzanne if she would be willing to write a guest post for me. Know that she's not writing to discourage you from foster care, if this is where your heart lies, but simply to educate you and prepare you for what lies ahead. I never want to mislead you with things I post on my blog, so I am always grateful when people offer to guest post with experiences who have been there/done that! Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing!

Who takes the child by the hand takes the Mother by the heart

-Danish Proverb.


Recently Renee posted a video about the need for foster families. While I commend her for bringing light to this service, I shared my concerns about the, shall we say, “sweetness and light” of the video posted.

Foster care can be one of the most edifying acts an individual can enter into. However, it can also be extraordinarily difficult, frustrating and depressing.

Children of all ages are placed into foster care for, in most instances, one reason; abuse of some kind. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse are among the most common reasons children are placed in foster care.

If anyone reading this blog wants to investigate becoming a foster parent, you must understand that caring for these children is not like watching your neighbors children.

Older children in the foster system tend to be extremely angry. Sometimes they are hostile and violent. They have experienced abuse. They have been taken from their homes and, in some cases they have lingered in the system for years, going from home to home. They may not know how to express their emotions, and so they lash out at their caregivers.

Younger children may have known abuse their entire lives. They cannot understand the meaning of trust or love. Younger children may not want to be touched. They may never look you in the eye. Smiles can be something very rare.

While thousands of children within the foster system are “available” for adoption, when you enter into foster care you must understand this: the number one goal of the foster system is something called reunification. Reunification is when a child is placed either with an extended family member or with their parents again. That adorable and vulnerable child that stands at your door step will (most likely) not be yours. This is the hardest aspect of foster care. To not allow yourself to become so very attached to that child.

After a child is placed in your care you must deal with classes, court cases, interviews, medical checks, inspections, social workers and paperwork. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Now you are saying to yourself goodness, why should I even consider becoming a foster parent? It sounds so frightening!

The main reason to enter into the foster system is this: hope. A damaged, frightened child will come to your doorstep. Be it their first time or their fifth, they have no idea what to expect. But you can show them what trust means. You can show them that a hand...is just a hand. It is not a means of hurt. You can show them that your voice can bring about laughter, not fear. You can show them humanity.

It's 8:30...

and I'm going to bed! For the second night in a row! What is WRONG with me?! LOL I can't seem to stay awake!!! I have several posts I NEED to do! Pictures, and exciting things that are happening, and have happened, and information to share, but it's just not going to happen tonight. My eyes are closing and my brain is shutting down. The kids are all tucked in so I'm heading there too.

I have 75 emails in my inbox waiting for answers... if you're one of those, I suck. Sorry! I'll get to you soon! I hope tomorrow... right after I get the kids off to school and unpack my suitcase! LOL

Frank should be going to visit Kellsey again tomorrow so hopefully he'll have an update and more pictures on the adoption blog. He is staying busy with one of the other Reece's Rainbow families, and another one is joining him there tomorrow, so he'll have more people to hang out with! Thanks for keeping him in your prayers! :)

OK, really, I feel old and totally lame, but goodnight! :)

They're BACK!!!!

So the other day I walked up to Target to buy Kennedy some jeans and I was a little irritated to see they were all decorated for Christmas already. Come ON people, it wasn't even the middle of November yet! GRR

So anyway, Kennedy and I walk in and go to the toddler clothes and she of course goes straight to the dresses while I go to the jeans and she brings me over dress after dress, "OH mommy, THIS one! SO pretty!" to which I reply, "NO Kennedy, we're looking for JEANS... you know, PANTS?" Then she smacks her forehead, because clearly, I am the one who doesn't get what we're really supposed to be buying here! LOL And she says, "FINE!" And we finally agree on two pairs of jeans and two shirts.

Then it happens. We're walking down the aisle towards the register... and I see them. It's like a dream. Are they REALLY here? In front of me? In all their yummy goodness?! Hallelujah! Christmas is BACK! And you know what that means?! THESE!!! YES!!!! SO glad it's NOVEMBER!
And I only bought 6 bags...

Glee

Something light and fun for Sunday morning...

Do you watch Glee? No? You're missing out!!!! Seriously! Here is the cast singing the National Anthem. They rock. If you're not watching, start! It's awesome!

Lera's Family! :)

First, read this post on the Reece's Rainbow blog. It's about Lera and her family... and all the kids waiting for families. Really powerful!

Second, Meet Lera's Family! The Velander family has 4 children right now. They have one beautiful daughter with Down syndrome (sound familiar?! LOL). Molly, their daughter with Ds has a twin sister Maggie, who does not have Ds. I have no doubt they will BOTH have SO much fun with their new sister, Lera!

Turns out this family has been loving on Lera for quite awhile now! (That sounds familiar too!) SO glad they were able to commit to their new daughter in time before she went to the institution. I can't wait to follow their journey to Russia. I know a lot of you will be following along too!

Your parents are coming for you, Lera!!! And we are SO happy!

A day on the set...

Today Kennedy and several other kids with special needs from around the Middle Tennessee area spent the day on the set of the movie "A Pure Country Gift" which will come out in theaters Fall 2010.

Kennedy had a blast! The set was on Charlie Daniel's property which is just amazing! She met a lot of really cool people... including Dean Cain! She took an instant liking to him, and him to her! He spent a lot of time holding her, it was so cute! He is a REALLY great guy... so down to earth! During filming she sat on the lap of Dean's sister. At one point she told me she had to go to the bathroom right when they were going to start filming a scene. I asked her to PLEASE hold it for just a few minutes, then told Dean that her claim to fame would probably be peeing in his sister's lap! LOL He cracked up and said, "That would be awesome! I hope she does!" LOL Fortunately she was able to hold it!

George Strait was there but we didn't get to meet him, he escaped to his trailer as soon as his scene was over. There were so many other great people, and I think it's going to be an awesome movie! Kennedy and the other kids were part of the "benefit concert" for kids with special needs. I won't give away the whole plot of the movie, but it sounds like it's going to be a good family film!

We are going back tomorrow to film a different scene, something with horses. Kennedy will be really excited about that! The only thing I goofed up with today was that I forgot my camera! Can you believe that?! Some friends were there with their kids though so they got pictures for me. As soon as I get them I will pass them along! :) It's been an exciting day!

(If you haven't seen it yet, Frank did a post with new pictures of Kellsey on the adoption blog.)

Update on Lera!

I need to go to bed! I am worn out, but before I do, I wanted to say, LERA HAS A FAMILY!!! Praise God!!! Thank you to everyone out there who emailed asking about her, who donated financially to her and who spread the word! SO glad she will be going HOME instead of going to a horrid institution! When the family gets a blog set up I will link you over there so you can follow Lera's journey home... I'm sure you'll be hearing more about her from me! :)

Goodnight!

Did I really just DO that?!

I was sitting on the plane yesterday as we were getting ready to land in Nashville, when I was hit with this overwhelming feeling of, "Did the last 12 days really just happen?" Did I REALLY just travel to the other side of the world to meet my new daughter? Did I REALLY just stand before a judge and have her declare me a mother again? Did I REALLY have to order pizza without mayonnaise?! Wow. Crazy.

In some ways this trip went by so fast that it kind of felt like a dream. In other ways, I'm REALLY glad it did. I have learned a lot about myself. I AM a spoiled American. I don't adapt to other cultures well. I've always known I'm a little bit OCD, well, I'm starting to think maybe it's more than "a little". I will never be called a world traveler. I am happy to pack my passport away for...ever?

I didn't hate being in Ukraine, by any means. We found good shopping, good eating, and really breathtaking sites to see, which I will share with you all soon, but they say home is where the heart is, and my heart was here, missing my children.

I am SO very forever thankful that we found Kellsey and that God laid it on our hearts to add her to our family. I can't wait until she's here. I can't wait to see all FIVE of my children together in one place. I can't wait to give her a bath and make her smell good. I can't wait to tuck them all in at night and give them bedtime kisses. I know it won't always be easy, but nothing that's worth it ever is.

I am thankful that I was taken out of my comfort zone... again. It seems like whenever that happens, God has important life lessons waiting for me to learn. Whether I choose to learn them or not is another story. I hope I've picked up on the right ones.

So now I'm home, in awe of that fact that I was just in Ukraine feeling illiterate and homesick, and ready to move forward... with my family and with the next "thing". Whatever that may be. I have lots of ideas swimming around in my head... you all know I can't sit too still for too long! haha I'm praying right now about what that will be, and where God wants my free time spent (what little I have haha). For now I'm enjoying lots of hugs and kisses and reading stories to Keeghan and getting back in the routine of homework and ballet class and therapy and LIFE! There truly is no place like home! :)

Just a quick post....

To say I am home safe and sound :). Well I am at my mom's house for the night. All my flights went well and it was SO good to see the kids!!!! I just took a nice long shower and am going to head to bed soon and then tomorrow we will try to get back to normal around here until Frank comes home with Kellsey :). I have more to say but I'm typing from my phone so it will have to wait! Glad to be back in the Central Time Zone! :)

Q&A #115

More Q&As on the adoption blog.

just curious to know why you are changing her name? I don't have a clue about this so I am in no way judging or being condescending, i'm just wondering...won't that make it harder for her? I would think that's her only sense of identity left and something she understands.
Most families who adopt choose to change their child's name for one reason or another, so you could go from blog to blog and get different answers... a lot of which are VERY good and valid answers! But for us, Kellsey is young enough that she will catch onto her new name easily. We've seen this from experience with our friends who have gone before us... and really, we didn't want her to come to us years from now and ask why SHE is the only one without a K name... I mean, wouldn't you wonder, if you just met me? "Hi, I'm Renee, and these are my children: Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy, Keeghan and Victoria." Ummm what?! LOL You ran out of K names? You just don't LOVE her as much?! For every family it's a personal decision and like I said, they all have their reasons, this is ours... if she were older, we probably would have given her the choice, but this is our only chance and so, going off of the experience and ease of others, we decided this was the best decision for US... not to say it's the best for everyone. :)

I am curious about Frank's extended stay. Will he stay in a hotel or do they provide some kind of housing through the agency you are using? I am sure a hotel would be so expensive.
Hotels are EXTREMELY expensive here. We are currently staying in an apartment... which isn't exactly cheap! LOL We're paying $69 a night, but compared to a hotel here it's MUCH cheaper AND compared to another round trip ticket for Frank, it's still cheaper for him to stay the 10 extra days. Plus this way we have a full kitchen so we can cook sometimes and not have to eat every meal out, which saves money as well. We've been eating about 1 meal out a day... and if we get pizza we eat for about $6.00 which is really good! (Just gotta remember to ask for no mayo! haha)

so now that she is officially yours. When can Frank take her out of the baby home and back to the apartment?
WELL now we have the 10 day wait which should be over on the 20th. THEN Frank has a lot of running around to do. He has to get her birth certificate and passport and visa and he has to go to the bank here and pull out the money in HER account that the government has set up for her, which he will then donate to the orphanage... because that's just what we're expected to DO. It keeps relationships good between the US and here so they let families continue to adopt and we definitely want that! THEN when all of that is done, he can get her out of the baby home. THEN he has to take her to get her medical done... after that they should be ready to go. He isn't going to want to get her out while he has all the running around to do... it's a lot of waiting in line and it's boring and it's COLD and she'd HATE it. Not exactly the best chance to bond, you know?! So he will get her when Nadia and Oleg say that it's a good time. We don't want her unhappy! He will get to visit until then though! :)

Poor little peanut, I wonder why her face is broke out like that?!
I don't know! They are saying it's from Gummy bears?! Really?! I don't know about that...

Does the baby home take in "hand me downs" to cloth the kiddos?
I would assume so... I'm not sure where they get the clothes from...

So, have you decided. Are you going to let her hair grow out or keep in short? I just love her little bangs..
Absolutely let it grow out!!! But we'll probably keep the bangs! I can't WAIT for it to get long though!!!!!

Foster Care

At the beginning of our adoption process, we had someone ask us why we didn't just look into foster care. There are A LOT of children in the foster care system... waiting for families... some just on a short term basis. This isn't what God was calling US to do, but it could be what God is calling YOU to do. When I was in college I babysat for a family with 5 kids in foster care, and they were so fun! The kids were all so different and made the family such a unique mix. I loved going over there and spending time with them.

Here are some different stories about families who chose to become foster parents. If this is where God is leading you, check into it! I guarantee you will be blessed!

No Better Time Than Now from Tapestry on Vimeo.

Introducing...

Kellsey Jean Victoria Garcia
Daughter to Frank and Renee Garcia
Sister to Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy & Keeghan Garcia

Court went fine today. The judge asked us a lot of questions about why we want to adopt Kellsey and if there are good programs for her where we live. She asked what our hopes are for her future and why we chose her over a boy. She really asked Frank more questions than she did to me... maybe because I started crying! LOL We showed her our photo album and she said we look like a very happy family and she was very happy for Kellsey. Then the director of Kellsey's baby home gave a run down of her medical history again, the judge asked if we had any questions, if we were SURE we wanted to adopt her, (and of course we said yes) and then she said "Congratulations, she is your daughter!" and that was that!

We went to the Embassy to sign some papers so I can fly home tomorrow and we got to stop in and visit with Kellsey for a few minutes. She was very happy today. Her little cheeks are SO broken out. Hopefully we can get them cleared up! I'm glad I got to see her before I left! Please pray that all continues to go smoothly for Frank as he finishes up here! He'll be updating the adoption blog, which is now public! :)

Q&A #114

There is daylight savings time there. Most of Europe does it. Except it happened on October 26, resulting in a bit of mess up on the day I flew home. :D
Thank you Hevel! :) So we missed it... which is good! I have enough jet lag! HA!

Hey can whoever emailed me about setting up a mission trip here, email me again! I have info for you! Thanks!

I'm curious as to why they stick you in an office for visiting. Are there no 'play rooms'? Or, are you not allowed to see the other children?
I THINK there are only their bedrooms... but I'm not sure. They don't really seem to want us back there. We did get a quick glimpse of the other kids on Friday, but it was not a long one.

My nieces have the exact same outfit as Kellsey!
Aww I really liked this outfit on her!!! How fun!!

Happy Birthday to Kellsey!! I have a question.....when you get her back to the States, are you going to take her to a Doctor here and double check on her medical status?? I just know if it was me, I would want to know that she really is as healthy as they say, and that nothing was overlooked.
Absolutely! She will go to the International Adoption Clinic at Vanderbilt. There they will check her for things that kids frequently deal with when coming out of orphanages. She will see her regular pediatrician who will probably refer her to an ENT and Ophthalmologist to get her ears and eyes checked. She'll also check her thyroid and everything else. She'll also go to our Down syndrome clinic at Vanderbilt for a full overall assessment by all the doctors there, including the cardiologist. Also, since she just turned three she will have her neck x-rayed to check for atlantoaxial instability... although I may wait until January and have them to this up at Shriner's when I take Kennedy for her check up... if they're willing. We'll see. The baby home here did say that the kids are seen by specialists once a year, but we need to get her established with her doctors at home. We are so fortunate to live near such an excellent hospital with great resources!

I wondered....your blog went private to keep certain people in her country from happening upon it, isnt having her pictures on here the same as just writing on your normal blog about everything? wouldnt they recognize her on here anyways and put 2 and 2 together? its one thing to have her new name "Kellsey" to keep her more private but by adding her pic, then your kinda defeating the purpose arent you? (I swear Im not being sarcastic, I am curious! lol)
I haven't said, or posted, anything without permission (including pictures). I've been very careful to check into everything first before hitting publish on this blog. Basically, with the process going as smoothly as it has, there is nothing to hide. Thank goodness! After Tuesday the other blog can go public again... even though it's REALLY the same as this blog. It's just a precaution set up should we have needed it. :)

ADORABLE! Are the duds she's wearing provided by you guys? So cute! Nice shoes! Already stylish! Can't wait to meet Miss Kellsey!
Nope! She comes to us like that. We did buy her stuff today though for when Frank gets to take her out of there! :)

I am having trouble logging into your adoption blog. It is telling me that my password is incorrect. Not sure why...I am using the same one you emailed out before you all left.
Hmm were you getting in before? That's really strange. Email me and I will try to help you! CAmommy2KJ@aol.com

She is such a doll!! Is she tall? She looks tall to me.
She feels tall to me too, but... define "tall"? LOL I guess I'll know when we get home and I see her next to Keeghan. It's so hard to tell. I definitely think she outweighs him. She's heavy!! I need to find out how much she weighs now.

Has she talked to your kiddos yet?
NO! I wish she could! That would be so neat! Frank would have to have internet access to do that.

I have a silly question, you said that she is potty trained. So do you know what the phrase in her native language is that indicates she has to go?
Funny thing about that... they told us she is potty trained... everyone who's been here before us has told us to take that with a grain of salt. Sure enough, each time we have gone to visit her, she has been in a diaper. They DO sit her on a potty chair a few times a day. I don't call this potty trained... they might though. We'll see how this plays out.

Great video. Was Frank holding the camera & blowing at the same time? If so, he's quite coordinated!
YES! But our video camera is REALLY small! LOL

Just out of curiosity, are you already calling her Kellsey or are you using her given name so she isn't confused? At what point do you change it??
Right now we are kind of using both... we are calling her Vika when we need to get her attention... but when we go through our photo album and telling her who everyone is, we'll point to her and say "Kellsey" (like, literally HER, not a picture of her... does that make sense?). We're trying to slowly transition her without confusing her... too much. Our friends kids all caught on quickly to their new names, so I'm sure Kellsey will too. :)

I am just curious Renee, so do ALL the children where Kellsey is at have DS? Are there separate orphanages for children w/o it? Was a bit confused on that, I somehow got the impression that all these children have DS, yet find it so hard to believe that there are that many there that would warrant their own separate orphanage? Also, if they are doomed to go to Institutions at age 5 and left to die basically, I am surprised they are so well cared for in the baby home, it looks and sounds like Kellsey has been taught and treated like a normal 3 yr old, so they would do all of that and then if not adopted, turn them over to an institution and left to who knows what? Just heart breaking. You are opening up alot of eyes.
No... Kellsey is in with mostly typical children. Kellsey is one of the luckier children in that she WAS so well cared for...comparatively. Still her fate is the same as any other child here with special needs. At age 5 she would have gone to an institution. Typical children don't go to institutions. They stay in the orphanage until they age out at age 16... then they are put out onto the streets where the suicide rate is high. Girls many times go into prostitution and boys often join gangs. It's really sad. So many kids...

Is their mayo as good as Kraft's?
I wouldn't know! LOL I HATE mayo in any way, shape or form! Yuck! LOL

Mayo on pizza is yummy! At least my sons think so. But really, I do love some seafood pizza for myself, that usually comes with a tartar base.
Now the seafood one I could probably do!

I believe the legal drinking age in Ukraine is 18, like most of Europe (where they have one at all), but I never saw anyone ID'd in Ukraine (or in Hungary as a matter of fact).
I haven't seen them ID anyone here either... of course I haven't been watching too closely either.

If you get a chance, try some varenyky. While they do look like slugs, they are great. I especially love the potato/mushroom filled ones. They are just sooooo good!
Uhhh I don't know... Frank may be able to do that, I have to be able to identify my food! LOL I know, I'm probably missing out! LOL

Ketchup, mayo and the restroom usually cost money at McD's in that half of Europe. It sure makes wasting food less likely, and the homeless don't make a permanent camp out at the restrooms.
I haven't had to pay for a restroom yet, but I've seen them all over. That's an interesting idea too!

The Chernobyl museum is very interesting. I went there with my cousin's wife who made aliyah in 1989 at age 17, so she lived through the whole Chernobyl disaster in Lviv.
We never did make it there today, but we got a lot of great pictures of other sights around town!! Frank's going to try to go one day later this week.

Observations...

So, we spent our weekend sleeping in, laying around and being lazy bums. LOL In the afternoons we ventured out and explored the city. Here are some more "things" I've noticed from being here.

1. Since you can't drink the tap water, you have to order all your drinks without ice. Warm soda. Yum.

2. If you're ordering (bottled) water in a restaurant, you have to ask for it with "no gas" or it comes to you carbonated.

3. When ordering pizza, you have to ask for it with "no mayonnaise". Seriously. Gross.

4. Yesterday, we went to a coffee shop and I asked if they had hot chocolate. They said they did. Frank ordered a cappuccino. When they brought our drinks, I got a tiny little cup with literally hot chocolate sauce. We laughed and laughed. We did what any sane person would do, we dumped it into Frank's cappuccino and made a mocha.

5. McDonald's here tastes just like McDonald's at home... but you have to pay for ketchup. They actually may be onto something here. We throw away SO many packets of ketchup at home that we didn't ask for and don't want. Oh, and they call it "fry sauce" :).

6. I HATE the metro. Never been on a subway system in the US, so I'm pretty sure I'd hate it there too. Too many people. Too crowded. Too confusing. Not worth it. (Probably doesn't help that I can't read a sign to save me! haha) Totally stresses me out. We are walking now for the most part... I'm getting my exercise that way anyway!

7. LOVE the vendors here. And we can haggle with them on price even if they don't speak English. Facial expressions say a lot.

8. The deli cheese here is delicious! We're having fun buying different kinds of chocolate to try too! Pretty sure the store cashiers think we're crazy... but that's ok. I'm secure in my American craziness! haha (We literally bought 9 boxes of chocolate in one day... but in our defense, most of them were for gifts! LOL)

9. The women all wear high heeled boots here... and my tennis shoes make me stick out as an American, I'm sure. But my feet don't hurt!

10. You can buy alcohol ANYWHERE. Really. Even McDonald's. You can walk around outside with open containers and no one bats an eye. Walk into the mall with an open bottle of Vodka - no problem! Yet, I haven't seen anyone DRUNK. At least not where they're causing a scene. Craziness! And I THINK (Hevel, correct me if I'm wrong) the legal drinking age is 18... at least that is what it seems from some of the REALLY young kids I've seen out with beer.

OK that's all for today. We don't get to see Kellsey AGAIN today. :( They're having some sort of inspection at her baby home so we are going out to wander again. I need to find a suitcase to get my stuff home in. We only brought one with us and now Frank is staying so he needs one and I need one... and we'd like to go to the Chernobyl Museum. I'll post a Q&A later. Thanks for all the emails about Lera!!!!