Catching Butterflies

2007-12-24T21:52:00.000+01:00

I am moving to Catching Butterflies 2. This blog just got too full so I have moved to a new address. I hope you will move with me! It has been so great to get to know you!

http://catchingbutterfliestwo.blogspot.com/

2007-12-24T18:24:00.000+01:00

I got a new camera for Christmas and I took these pictures today. The kids are busy playing. Dinner is in the oven, so I put this short slide show together. Jessica isn't in the show because she has a bad cold, and was sleeping. I can safely say the bike was a very big hit with Sarah. Philip got a camera too. Nicole got some pretty cool books and craft stuff. Thomas got Lego. Jessica got a cat encyclopedia. Juergen got an iron and a great new book. For me the greatest gift is just watching the kids play. I'm going to drink a hot tea, put my tired feet up and just listen to the joy!

2007-12-24T09:24:00.001+01:00

HERE is the blog of one family getting their new daughter today. Sarah is getting her bike tonight. In Germany we open the gifts after Church (the traditional manger play). The kids will go to church with Papa, and I stay home to set things up at home. We never leave gifts under the tree early. I spent yesterday afternoon packing gifts. Nicole helped me. I plan to put up our artificial tree in the boys bedroom. I'll cover it with chocolate ornaments. I will put all the gifts under this tree. When they get home from church they may experience a few seconds of panic because there won't be any gifts under the living room tree. Then they will follow the red thread to the new tree. That's the plan. I'll post the photos later. I've got to shop for food. The stores close for two days. We are having Sauerbraten for dinner. Merry Christmas everyone. God bless you and keep you safe.

PS. They got her. Isn't she beautiful!!!

2007-12-23T00:58:00.000+01:00

I read this on another blog & I thought it was pretty good. Some of the best things in life are things you could not touch or explain like love. The photo is of Jessica our 16 year old Autistic daughter just after heart surgery (she was 3 months old). Jessica taught me to love.

DEAR PASTOR KENT ---
I AM EIGHT YEARS OLD --- MY TEACHER IN SCHOOL TOLD ME THAT THE UNIVERSE IS ALL THERE IS --- AND YET MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME THAT ON CHRISTMAS --- JESUS CAME FROM BEYOND THIS UNIVERSE --- TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR US --- THAT THE BABY JESUS WANTS TO BE OUR SAVIOR --- PAPA SAYS THAT IF THEY TEACH IT AT OAK HILLS --- YOU CAN BELIEVE IT --- SO PLEASE TELL ME THE TRUTH --- IS THERE A SAVIOR? ---
SIGNED --- VIRGINIA O’HANLON…
HERE’S MY RESPONSE --- (By Kent Carlson)
“DEAR VIRGINIA ---
YOUR TEACHER IS WRONG --- THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE IS NOT ALL THERE IS ---- YOUR TEACHER --- AND MANY LIKE HER --- HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE SKEPTICISM OF OUR SKEPTICAL AGE --- THEY ONLY BELIEVE WHAT THEY CAN SEE --- THEY THINK THAT NOTHING CAN BE --- WHICH IS NOT COMPREHENSIBLE BY THEIR LITTLE MINDS…
“BUT ALL MINDS --- VIRGINIA --- WHETHER THEY BE ADULTS’ OR CHILDREN’S --- ARE LITTLE”…
“IN THIS GREAT UNIVERSE OF OURS --- WE HUMANS --- IN SPITE OF MATTERING VERY MUCH TO GOD --- ARE LIKE LITTLE INSECTS TRYING TO PLUMB THE DEPTHS OF QUANTUM PHYSICS --- WHEN WE HAMMER ON THINGS ABOVE OUR HEADS --- WE ARE BOUND TO HIT OUR THUMBS”…
“YES VIRGINIA --- THERE IS A SAVIOR --- HE EXISTS AS SURELY AS LOVE --- AND GENEROSITY --- AND DEVOTION EXIST --- AND YOU KNOW THAT THEY ABOUND ---- AND GIVE YOUR LIFE ITS HIGHEST BEAUTY AND JOY --- IN FACT --- ALL THAT IS BEAUTIFUL IN THIS WORLD --- HAS ITS ORIGIN --- IN THE ONE WHOSE BEAUTY IS BEYOND OUR IMAGINATION”…
“ALAS --- HOW DREARY --- HOW HOPELESS THIS WORLD WOULD BE --- IF THERE WAS NO SAVIOR --- IF THAT WERE THE CASE --- THERE MAY AS WELL BE NO VIRGINIA --- THERE WOULD BE NO CHILDLIKE FAITH --- NO POETRY --- NO PAINTING --- NO MUSIC --- NO ROMANCE TO MAKE THIS EXISTENCE TOLERABLE”…
“NOT BELIEVE IN THE SAVIOR? --- YOU MAY AS WELL NOT BELIEVE IN LOVE”…
“YOU COULD GET YOUR PAPA TO HIRE SCIENTISTS TO EXPLAIN ALL THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE --- BUT THE MOST REAL THINGS IN LIFE --- ARE THOSE THINGS THAT NEITHER CHILDREN --- NOR ADULTS CAN SEE”…

2007-12-22T21:51:00.000+01:00

"Ten-year-old Kailee Wells presented to her bone marrow donor, a tearful Wang Lin, a picture frame inscribed with the words: "You are my hero. I will love you forever."

2007-12-21T20:32:00.000+01:00

What do you do when you are sad about the death of a child? CHI has decided to help another child in his memory. There is a very sweet child on CHI's waiting list named Travis (not his real name/just his list name). He has a blood disease called Alpha Thalassemia. He needs to have regular blood transfusions or he becomes anemic. The SWI can not afford the transfusions. You need to understand these orphanages are all operating on tight budgets with just so much for medical expenses. CHI is going to raise the money necessary for his medical treatments. I think this is a great idea. If you want to help then please contact CHI at stefani @ infowest.com (remove the spaces). You can also contact them if you want to adopt this very sweet and other wise healthy and normal boy. Isn't he the sweetest thing? He just turned two years old. He is a real great boy! He really needs a family!

2007-12-21T17:29:00.000+01:00

If you are a US citizen adopting from China you will need to go to Guangzhou, China. They have a site that has information about the process you will be going through there. I guess there are new forms beginning in 2008. If you are traveling soon you may want to take a look.

2007-12-21T10:44:00.000+01:00

Here is the blog of the wonderfully blessed family who will be adopting one of my favorite waiting kids! She is getting a great family!!!

2007-12-20T22:51:00.000+01:00

Here is a family getting their new daughter in China on Christmas. Some happy news :)

2007-12-20T22:36:00.000+01:00

Juergen isn't the best photographer, and the light was pretty poor but here are some photos from Sarah's kindergarten party. Her dress was almost too small. She has out grown everything. It's time to go shopping!

2007-12-20T17:54:00.000+01:00

They don't all find families. This is Yan Fu Ming. He was blind and spent his short life in a Chinese orphanage with out a family. He would have been 2 years old on Sunday, but today he took another journey. He died. How or why I do not know. What I do know is there were people searching for his family. He had a grant for his adoption. I'm sure many people were looking and praying for his family. In a way these people were his family. They were the ones who cared about his future. Today he has not died unnoticed.

This is the second verse from the Christmas song Away in the Manger...

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

2007-12-20T10:51:00.000+01:00

I'm sitting here on this cold December day, just a few short days before Christmas. I delivered my sweet Sarah to her kindergarten. She is very excited because the kindergarten Christmas party is tonight. Juergen will attend with her. I'm going to be on taxi duty (Thomas has drum lessons). I am living this Psycho life. I see my adopted children happy, growing, and thriving. They are not "perfect". Sarah has a mean temper, Thomas has an anger problem, Philip has learning problems. But they are all really growing...moving so far forward. Even Philip read to Juergen and I the other night. We were so worried about him, but he is finally starting to read. My heart hurts for all the others. All those children everywhere who have no parents to fight for them. They don't have Christmas trees, visits to Santa Clause, and too much candy. Most of them don't even know what it's like to own their own pair of shoes. If any one questions why I would want to adopt again...it's because I am so filled with grief when I think about all the "others". There is no shortage of waiting children, only too few families willing to step outside of their comfort zone and adopt them. Like I said, Juergen will attend Sarah's Christmas party. She will be dancing and singing. I hope he gets good photos. I'll post something for you. Thomas is a real natural on the drums. I use to play the drums too. He is good! My life would be missing so much without these kids. Maybe you need to consider what you're missing too!

2007-12-19T16:03:00.000+01:00

I found another waiting girl that looks allot like Sarah...only goofy! She is 5 years old and has had a corrected cleft lip and palate. She seems to be smart, healthy and very very cute! Boy, look at that hair! I think she is so beautiful...Juergen please...for Christmas?

PS. I e-mailed the agency about this girl. They will not work with us because we live in Germany. She needs to find a family in the USA. How sad for me because I really love that goofy smile. Please someone adopt this beautiful girl!!!

2007-12-19T11:33:00.000+01:00

Have you read about this story? Can an adopted child be returned? I'm shocked that these people were allowed to treat this child in this way! I hope a real loving family will truly adopt her...forever!

2007-12-19T10:46:00.000+01:00

I just walked Sarah to her kindergarten. There is a very heavy frost on everything. I know some of my readers just love the cold weather. You should come to Germany, it's freezing here! I personally hate the cold weather. Hate is a strong word, REALLY HATE is closer to the truth! Sarah wanted to take her time walking to school. She wanted to walk backwards and climb on every rock. I felt like the Grinch...hurry up Mama is cold! What am I doing living in this freezer! I should live in Thailand, at least in the winter time. I want to be walking next to the Indian ocean. Sarah is right, people should go slowly and walk on every rock!

2007-12-19T00:03:00.000+01:00

I'm posting the photo of this sweet waiting girl (Brighton on CHI's waiting list). Her file is being returned in January. She has had surgery for spina meningocele. She is living in foster care. They have a $5000 grant to help with her adoption. I hope her family finds her quickly! Her file reads,
"Active, moves, like to imitate, sing and dance. Outgoing. She can understand the meaning of foster grandma. She can put one her clothes with help of grandma. She can read others minds and win the favor of the adult". It is not clear if she is walking well, or if she has any of the other problems that could affect a child with this SN. They are trying to get more information. This is her second time on the waiting list. Contact CHI for more information.

2007-12-18T21:54:00.000+01:00

Waiting Chinese kids seem to be waiting even longer these days. I realize it's partly due to new rules China has set up like "you must be married at least 5 years", and "no singles can adopt". Juergen and I adopted our sons Philip and Thomas from Thailand. We went through the agency Adoption Advocates International in Washington State. AAI is a really wonderful, very personal agency. They have 6 kids on their China list that need families now(the files need to be returned to China very soon). A boy born in 2005 who has had surgery for both cleft lip and palate. He is now healthy. They have two older healthy girls (one who is 12, the other 10). China only allows a child to be adopted until age 13. The one 12 year old may never find a family if it's not now! They have a little girl born in June 2006 who has malformed hands and feet. She is really lovely. They have another little girl born in 2005 who has poor eye sight. They also have a very adorable little boy who is 3 years old and has clubbed feet (a correctable disorder). AAI does not photo list their kids, but they are a wonderful agency to work with. You can contact Ky for more information. Please especially advocate for the two older girls. Imagine never having a family...everyone deserves a family!

2007-12-18T17:33:00.000+01:00

Juergen will be so relieved, I mean happy to know this sweet heart just got her family! I have been begging him to consider adopting her ourselves. I guess that just proves God listens to Juergens prayers too! Isn't she beautiful...oh I wish it were us!

2007-12-18T11:36:00.000+01:00

I want to send a big congratulations to my blogger friend Mary on the birth of her daughter Phoebe Joy and the LOA of her new son Chang Yi Shan. They will be getting a TA in January and will go from a family of 4 to a family of 6 in 2 months! God's grace, strength and joy to all of you! Merry Christmas! I know your joy is full!!!

2007-12-18T11:14:00.000+01:00

Now that's a change! This morning Sarah was having such a good time cuddling with mama (me) that I had to beg her to get ready for school. We have to be in kindergarten by 9:30 or they close the door and you can not get in anymore. I promised her we could cuddle this afternoon. Now isn't that sweet! She loves me more then school!Just imagine...me!!!!

2007-12-17T23:55:00.000+01:00

Here is another before and after I had to show you. This is Ethan. We met him in Guangzhou in April. Then he could not hold his head up. He had trouble walking. Now look at him (Mom, look at Ethan). He is shoveling snow! Wow! Look HERE to read my post from last April.

2007-12-17T08:49:00.000+01:00

HERE is another waiting child. She is a beautiful girl with Hep B. She is with an agency that requires the child being adopted to be the youngest child in the home by 9 months (not such a great rule if the waiting child is older). This beautiful girl was born in April 1998. She is 9 years old. She is going to need "older" parents with grown kids I guess. I hope this post speaks to someones heart. This isn't China's policy, but it does make it harder to find a family for this girl.

2007-12-16T16:38:00.000+01:00

There is a 9 year old boy on a waiting list. His file needs to be returned soon. I think his file has made the rounds to 3 agency's and will probably not be sent to another agency. This sweet child will be considered unadoptable. He is healthy. His speech is delayed, and he is a little behind in his development. He turns 10 years old in January. I realize what goes into adopting an older child. He needs a special family...one that can accept his challenges. I'm sure he would thrive in a good family! There is a $10,000 grant to help cover his adoption expenses. If you live in the USA all his other adoption expenses would be covered by the tax credit the USA offers. If you wanted to change the world...here is your chance to really make a difference! He looks like a really sweet kid! I'm sure he would add a great deal of joy to a family. If it's not your family, then please pray a family comes forwards soon. As my good husband says, "every child deserves a family"!

2007-12-16T16:17:00.000+01:00

I had to show you this update photo. What a difference a month can make! Here is the blog. BTW, I'm posting this photo with out permission but I just was so trilled to see the growth. It warms my heart to see the blessings a good family can bring to a child!

2007-12-16T15:30:00.000+01:00

Here is another video called 4 Generations - The Water Buffalo Movie. I saw this on another blog. Again it shows the poverty in China. But China is not the only country in the world with needy people. Here is where for $50 or more you can buy livestock for a poor family (World vision). It could change a families whole life.

2007-12-16T15:07:00.000+01:00

HERE is a very interesting video about Chinese orphans. You may not think you have much to offer an orphan child. Maybe you just don't realize what real poverty looks like, and how much you could offer a child that has nothing!

2007-12-15T17:19:00.000+01:00

2007-12-14T23:09:00.000+01:00

We decided to put the tree up early because Juergen most likely will be spending Christmas week with his mom and dad (his mom is very sick). Sarah was really excited. I took this photo of her joy. Juergen says it looks like a dentist commercial, I say it looks like a very happy kid!

2007-12-13T15:11:00.000+01:00

2007-12-13T09:02:00.000+01:00

Update on Sawyer...His mom wrote...
"As most of you know he was diagnosed with Neurocutaneous Melanosis, now
symptomatic. Some children are living normal, well as normal as they can
with seizure activity, lives. However he has significant leptomenigial
involvement which doesn't produce the same positive statistics. We are
praying and hopeful that he will beat those stats and live a long and
fruitful life."

You can send a card to this family. I will e-mail the address to you if you e-mail me at amy_heymann @ yahoo. de (remove the spaces)
Remeber, this is a single mom...so please slip some money into that card too! Put your self in her shoes. She is a brave and wonderful women. I pray she is overwhelmed by a flood of compassion and support (both prayer support and real practical support). She isn't asking for anything but we should all send it anyway!

2007-12-11T11:05:00.000+01:00

Looking ahead to 2008. In August 2008 I hope to be taking Nicole (who will be turning 15 years old) to Mexico to build a house for a poor family. She has been raising the money to pay for her own flight and expenses. We also want to help pay for the building materials for this house. It's a very basic house and the materials cost $5000. So far only one wonderful soul has given money towards the building of this house. Nicole is a little discouraged, but I told her to pray. I'm writing you to ask if you could contribute a small amount towards this house. Even $5 or $10
would really make a difference. All the money will go towards building material...100%. Mother Teresa visited Tijuana once. She said she saw poverty there that was as bad as what she had seen in India. I use to live in San Diego, and take trips down there to help. People live in shacks made of whatever they can find. They have dirt floors that turn to mud when it rains. I want to teach my daughter how she can use the gifts God has given her to change the world. Nicole is a very gifted and compassionate person. It is a huge honor to be her mom. I thank you for any gift you give towards this project. You can donate money for the house through pay pal. The donation link is on the side bar of this page. Just click on ChipIn.

2007-12-10T10:54:00.001+01:00

2007-12-08T18:20:00.000+01:00

Sarah's Christmas shopping tip: bring a sword to help cut through the crowd!

2007-12-08T17:52:00.000+01:00

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I remember waiting for our TA(travel approval) last Christmas. This song made me cry.
For all you waiting families, this song is for you! The song is by 3rd Day.

2007-12-07T19:58:00.001+01:00

2007-12-07T19:22:00.000+01:00

Please pray. I met this sweet boy in Nanjing. I even advocated for him to find his family. His single mom has only had him for a few months. The moles that cover a great deal of his little body are also now deep with in his brain. They are causing him to have seizures. I read this prayer request on IAAP's web group.

"If you are a person who prays, please say one for Sawyer, Shelli, and
his siblings. He had a grand mal seizure last night that would not stop with meds and he was put into an drug-induced coma on a respirator.

This morning he was still sedated, but off the respirator. He is in Cincinatti Children's. If we hear anything, we'll try to update here.!"

He is a beautiful child with a really wonderful mom. Please pray for this family.

2007-12-06T17:49:00.000+01:00

Sarah got to meet Saint Nicolas this afternoon at the kindergarten. I don't have any pictures because parents weren't invited. Saint Nicolas gave her one of his old hats filled with lots of good stuff. She was a little afraid when I brought her to school. I had to talk her into staying. Boy was she jazzed when I went to pick her up! I hope the kindergarten took pictures, but I have these "after" shots. Oh what joy!!!

2007-12-06T11:30:00.000+01:00

Santa almost forgot to leave the cookies on the table this morning. It is Saint Nicholas Tag in Germany. The kids get cookies and candy, and a small little gift from Saint Nicholas . Sarah was very sleepy when Juergen brought her to the table to meet her new bear. She did like the cookies, but only eat one. the rest she will eat later. This afternoon Saint Nicholas comes to her kindergarten. Fun, fun, fun!!!

2007-12-05T22:47:00.000+01:00

I've been watching Adoption on the Hallmark channel online. The newest episode is very interesting, it's called second chances. It's about an amazing women who took in Russian orphans who have had disrupted adoptions. These kids have been through very awful situations in these institutions. This sort of adoption is not for cowards. I think this women has some pretty good clues on how to help post institutionalized kids. She speaks about structure, teaching them to work at natural things (gardens, cutting wood, raising animals) and ridding horses. I think I can apply some of what I see here to the lives of my own kids. Their experience was not so awful, but they were all in institutions (Philip, Thomas, and Sarah). They all need structure, respect, and hard work. Work is very important because everything is done for you in an orphanage. A great deal of pride and self worth is passed on when a person starts a task, and manages to finish that task. Like I said, this kind of adoption is not for most of us, but I found this very interesting.

2007-12-05T09:18:00.000+01:00

I just dropped Sarah off at the kindergarten. Her teacher told me that tomorrow afternoon Saint Nicholas will come to the kindergarten for a visit. We told Sarah and she got very afraid. I almost could not leave her. I had to stay for 10 mins. just to calm her down because she just seemed so afraid. She has no real concept of this whole Santa thing. Here in Germany December 6Th is Saint Nicholas day. The kids get cookies and small gifts in the morning. Santa does not come on Christmas, that is the Christ Child. I actually like the German tradition better then the American way. We also decorate the tree on Christmas eve. I will buy the tree next week, and leave it on the balcony until then. Every day until Christmas (beginning December 1) our kids get a small gift in their advent calender. Every morning it's a small bit of excitement.

2007-12-04T18:50:00.000+01:00

In the Christmas card I just posted of Sarah, I was trying to recreate a photo I took of Nicole when she was 4 years old. The dress is very special. It was made by my mom. The white satin was from my wedding dress. I love this photo of Nicole, but Sarah was so goofy...she would not sit still. Oh well,As Edna Mode said in the movie the Incredibles,"I never look back...it distracts from the now!" BTW, the dress almost didn't fit Nicole when she was 4, and it is way too big for Sarah.

2007-12-04T18:47:00.000+01:00

2007-12-04T12:56:00.000+01:00

I just saw this beautiful adoption video. I don't know the family but their daughter is very lovely! I know many people are just waiting to bring your kids home. It is so hard to want them home for Christmas. Oh, we wanted Sarah to be home for Christmas last year. It hurt that she wasn't with us. But she is with us now! She will be getting a bicycle for Christmas, and she can not wait! All I can say to those who wait and those who dream to adopt is hold fast to your dreams. It will be worth the wait. It will be wonderful!

2007-12-03T18:49:00.000+01:00

While I'm at it...How can a little two year old girl as beautiful as this still be waiting for a family after one month? Her SN has been corrected. Her development is normal! She should have been snatched off the waiting list in one day...no, one minute. I expected people to be fighting over her. People please take my word for it...this is a treasure! I am so amazed her family has not found her yet! If I could only get a waver from Juergen I would adopt her myself! She is on CHI's waiting list. It is easy to get the password. Just ask for it HERE. She has the cutest mouth, like a little bird.

2007-12-03T16:02:00.000+01:00

The girl in the light blue shirt is 11 years old and available for adoption through CHI. She is healthy and does well in school and is helpful with other children. Her only special need is her age. When she turns 13 she can no longer be adopted. Do you have the room in your heart and home for an older child? Her profile reads, "she is studying in Grade 4 in primary school, studies hard, respects teachers, is friendly to classmates, like to commonweal activity at school, got excellent grades for every lesson in exams, is gifted on drawing and well-liked by teachers and classmates." It also reads "She likes cleanness, is polite and obedient to the caretakers as well as care for younger sisters and brothers. She often shares the food distributed to her younger sisters and brothers in the SWI. She is outgoing and empathetic." Sounds like a real treasure! Did you know that if you are past the normal age limit to adopt from China, you can still get a waver to adopt an older child like this child?

2007-11-30T12:58:00.000+01:00

HERE is the information about a new book I'm definitely wanting for Christmas. It's called the faces of Layla and it is photos of the orphanage in Ethiopia Juergen and I love to raise money for. I believe a large amount of the money from this book will go to the Layla house. You can buy this book HERE.

Kim just wrote in a comment about this family adopting from Ethiopia. You can also read the really great blog called Owlheaven. They also adopted from Ethiopia. If fact I read about this book on their blog. And if you think you may want to adopt from Ethiopia, AAI is a wonderful agency to work with. We used them when we adopted Philip and Thomas. I just noticed AAI has a very cool new web page! Very cool!

2007-11-29T20:49:00.000+01:00

Here is my 2ND slide show. It's called your love makes me sing. I tried so hard to fit everyones photos in, but I just couldn't do it. I thought I had gotten all the photos in the show when I discovered my spam folder was full with over 20 extra pictures. OK, I now have a folder marked Slide show 3! I have spent far to much time in front of my computer, and away from my family this week. It's been a real joy to see all your beautiful children! I got some great e-mail this week. Thank you so much for the feed back. I got one letter today that really touched me. The women wrote...
"Thank you for putting this together (the first slide show). My husband has been rather reluctant, and I was watching
it just as he came in the door from work. Knowing that this wasn't random abstract adoption experiences, but real children with a real home for Christmas, struck a chord within him. God used you in a powerful way in our decision, and he was very moved by your work of art. Thank you for taking the time to do this, moreover, putting it out there to champion kids who need a home."

If we get just one more kid home it would be the greatest blessing! Nothing sells adoption like your beautiful, happy, wonderful children. I'll make number 3 (and maybe even number 4) in time for Valentine's day. If you sent me a photo and you didn't get into this show, you will be in the next one. Until then, I hope you enjoy this show.

2007-11-28T16:21:00.000+01:00

Sarah is my nutcracker. Isn't she sweet!

2007-11-28T10:11:00.000+01:00

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music. ~William Stafford

I found some music I love for my next slide show project. It's called "Your love makes me sing". It's not a Christmas song but I think it will make an extra special slide show. I want to start with the above quote, and at the end of the slide show write something like "help a child join in the choir...open your heart to adoption". If you want your child's photo in this slide show, then e-mail a jpg to me at my yahoo e-mail address, and put slide show in the subject line. One photo per child please. Also I would love kids from all over the world (domestic and international). Also, only adopted kids please. If you want your biological kids in the show, send me a photo with the biological kids with the adopted child. This is an adoption slide show...I'm sure you understand. Oh, I will need your child's first name. Thanks

You can e-mail us at our Yahoo address.
amy_heymann @ yahoo. de (remove the spaces)

01 Hallelujah(Your...

2007-11-27T17:58:00.000+01:00

Other thoughts from today...
First I got an e-mail from the organization Shaohannah’s Hope. They liked the video and I guess as long as I don't use the video for a commercial purpose it's ok that I use the music of Steven Curtis Chapman. It is BTW a very good Christmas CD. We love it! Sarah falls to sleep listening to this CD every night now.
I've gotten some great feedback from the slideshow. This never hurts a persons self worth! Thank you for the great feedback! I've also gotten extra photos. I am thinking I should make another slide show. I need to choose some new music (Christmas music). If you didn't send me a photo in time for the last slide show, go ahead and send me one now. Please just one photo per child. Send it in jpg format and try to send an everyday life kind of picture. A close up looks better on you tube. Please post it to my yahoo mail on the side bar. I just love seeing your beautiful kids.

2007-11-27T14:15:00.000+01:00

I don't think I really wrote much about Sarah's first play date last week. Sarah was pretty tired, and Philip and Thomas ended up playing with the little boy. She was suppose to go to his house this afternoon. I met his mom at the kindergarten. She looked stressed and afraid. She can not go home. Her husband beat her up. In fact, she was in the hospital last week. Now she is living in a women's home. My heart hurts for her. Please pray for her and her two beautiful children. Please pray for their protection. Her name starts with M, I don't even want to publish her name. I shake when I even think of such an awful thing. I'll be trying to help them but she also needs legal help and protection. I believe she has plans to move. Her children are beautiful and they deserve so much more!

2007-11-27T10:49:00.000+01:00

I lost my links. If you would like me to add your blog link to my new list of links then please leave me a comment. We will rebuild... BIGGER,BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER, ...will will rise up from these ashes like the mighty Phoenix!

2007-11-26T23:51:00.000+01:00

Well, I did it! I tried to change my blog templet and I backed up the HTML code. Somehow I managed to lose all my links and side bar information in the process. I'll try to recover the important stuff. Sorry!

2007-11-26T15:44:00.000+01:00

I have had two people e-mail me today and they both wrote they do not know how to post a you tube video to their blog. I figured if two people don't know how to do it, at least 20 others don't understand how to do it. I am living with a husband that has a PhD in computer science. With out him, I wouldn't know how to do it either. There are no dumb questions! Here is the blind leading the blind...

1. Watch the video. At the end of my video, or any other you-tube video you watch there will be a message that reads embed.

2. You want to copy and past this information(the embed information) to a new blog post. How do you copy and paste? Here is a website that tells you how to copy stuff. It's a cool trick. If you don't know how to copy stuff...you'll be so happy to learn.

3. Leave me a comment if you decide to post the video to your blog. It's good for my ego!

2007-11-26T09:55:00.000+01:00

I spent most of yesterday working on the adoption slide show, but I also made some time to do art work with the kids. We used glitter glue on plain coloring book pages. Once the glue is dry, I'll cut the pictures out and put them on colored paper for nice cards. The boys loved the glitter glue. Sometimes it's hard to get boys to sit down and do some arts and crafts. The glitter glue was a hit! Nicole did her own thing with paper plates (she is writing a book on paper plate crafts). Yesterday she made the cutest big mouth fish.

2007-11-25T23:50:00.000+01:00

I just finished my Christmas adoption video. I was surprised it only took one day to make, but I received such great photos from families everywhere. Feel free to add it to your own blog, and tell others about it. The simple message is our kids are our greatest treasure...open your heart to adoption. I want to thank Juergen for letting me spend so much time in front of my computer today. He is such a great dad and husband!

2007-11-24T10:01:00.001+01:00

I love the song by Steven Curtis Chapman-All I Really Want for Christmas. I would like to make a slide show of adopted kids using this song. I would post it to youtube. If I can get around 40-50 photos of adopted kids I would make this slide show. I want all sorts of kids pictures. Not just nice portraits, but action shots. In the park, pool, first day of school, Disneyland, eating, birthdays, holidays, sleeping. I only want one photo per child. I also want kids adopted from more then China. Domestic, and international. I would only put the child’s picture on the slide show, and maybe their first name. So if you have an adopted child and you want to be included in this youtube slide show, please send one photo (please just one photo) in jpg format to my yahoo address. Label the mail adoption slide show. Please add your child’s first name. I will post when the slide show is loaded to youtube. Thank you.

amy_heymann @ yahoo. de (remove the spaces)

2007-11-24T08:58:00.000+01:00

When I was a child I remember a Christmas my brother got a football helmet, shoulder pads, a Dallas Cowboys jersey, and a new football. All I got was a new night gown, house coat, and slippers. I was so jealous. Last night I was kissing the boys good night. I noticed Thomas had a page of the Lego catalog taped to the wall next to his bed. I asked him what he wanted for Christmas. He said he wanted the whole page of Lego. After all, you just know "so and so" is going to get the whole page of Lego for Christmas. I said I'm not spending that much money on you. It was like $300 worth of Lego. Even if I have the money, I think that is way too much to spend on each child. There are far too many children in this world going to sleep on dirt floors with empty stomachs for me to justify such a purchase. You could see the look of disappointment on his face. I know what's going to happen next. Thomas is going to try to convince Philip and even Sarah they want the other pieces of Lego on that page. In his own way he is trying to keep up with the "Jones". That has everything to do with self worth. Thomas was not adopted until he was 7 years old. He still thinks it's his cool stuff that makes him worth something. The other kids at school re enforce that idea. I want to give him Jesus, but that is one gift he doesn't want...at least not yet. I don't think he will truely understand his worth until he sees himself the way God sees him. He is worth everything.

2007-11-23T10:36:00.000+01:00

Philip had his MRI this morning. It will take awhile to take a close look at the 100+ photos, but it seemed to be clear of any obvious abnormalities. Juergens mom is dying from brain tumors so you can imagine how relieved I am his brain looks normal. Still, we are stuck with the question of what now? His memory is very poor. He has very serious learning problems. We are checking into the possibility of ADD-HD (Attention Deficit Disorder /Hyperactivity Disorder). If any of you know anything about this then please leave me a comment or e-mail me at my yahoo address located on the side bar. Thank you for your prayers. I did not sleep last night, I was so afraid of what they may find. I'm so grateful to God he doesn't have a brain tumor.

2007-11-22T14:52:00.000+01:00

I made turkey soup for Thanksgiving. The kids wanted noodles and Chinese cabbage instead of corn and potatoes. I also decided to save my pumpkin pie mix for Christmas. I'm fasting sugar until Christmas and I love pumpkin pie. I am also doing some early Christmas decorating. Juergen will probably be spending Christmas week with his parents. His mom, most of you know is very sick. I want to enjoy as much of the season with him early.
Please pray for Philip. We have been worried about his development. He really can not remember anything. He will have an MRI tomorrow. We hope they don't find anything, but on the other hand we don't. It is frustrating not having any cause or treatment for his very serious learning problems. I think if they found something that could be corrected, that would be a blessing. It's been kind of worrisome. He isn't just a slow learner; skills he had learned are being forgotten. He is losing ground. He also stops in mid sentence, like he forgot what he wanted to say. He does this all the time. We need some answers.

2007-11-22T10:40:00.000+01:00

Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in Germany. This is always so strange to me. I'm going to try to bake a pumpkin pie with my kids and cook turkey soup for lunch. I miss my family back home. I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to hug you all this year. I thank God I could also see all of Juergens family too this year. I thank God for all my friends both here and there. I thank God my mom traveled with us to China. I thank God Sarah loves me and owns me as her mama. I thank God for Philip, Thomas, Nicole and Jessica. Most of all I thank God for Juergen. He is the greatest gift God has ever given me apart from his own son Jesus. I thank God for his love! Have a Happy Thanksgiving America. I miss being there today most of all!

2007-11-21T21:16:00.001+01:00

Deadlines near for overseas holiday mail deliveries (hint, hint)!!!

Nov. 13: Parcel post to APO/FPO and AE ZIP codes beginning 090-098, 340 and 962-966.

Nov. 27: Space available mail to APO/FPO and AE ZIP codes beginning 090-098, 340 and 962-966.

Dec. 1: Parcel airlift mail to APO/FPO to ZIP code 093.

Dec. 4: Priority mail and first class mail to Africa, Central and South America; parcel airlift mail to APO/FPO ZIP codes 090-092, 094-098, 340 and 962-966; first-class and priority mail to APO/FPO ZIP code 093.

Dec. 11: Priority mail and first class mail to Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East; first-class and priority mail to APO/FPO ZIP codes 090-094, 094-098, 340 and 962-966.
Dec. 12: Express mail to Africa, Central and South America.

Dec. 17: Express mail to Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East.
Dec. 18: Express mail to Canada, APO/FPO ZIP codes 090-092, 094-098, 340 and 962-966.

Dec. 19: Global Express Guaranteed to Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East.
Dec, 20: Global Express Guaranteed to Canada.

2007-11-21T09:36:00.000+01:00

Last night I had another strange dream. I thought I would write it down for you. It might entertain you as you are preparing your mega Thanksgiving feasts. It was almost Halloween, and Microsoft Billionaire Bill Gates and his family decided to go trick or treating with our multicultural family. They sent a team of experts out to set everything up. The day before this event, a huge team of house cleaners arrived and cleaned my house (only a mom would dream such a thing). Then the day of the event, a chief came to cook the meal. I was certain they never eat anything prepared by someone who doesn't have the correct security screening! Finally people came to cloth my children in designer Halloween costumes. We of course were accompanied by special agents as we went trick or treating with the Gates family. None of the children were allowed to eat the candy we received. They did get a very generous bag of candy that had been through security. We had a lovely dinner together. Thomas showed off his Lego. Nicole showed off her art. Both received a full scholarship to the University of their Choice. A few weeks later the Gates family surprised us with an extreme home make over. While our house was being renovated, we were treated to a 5 star vacation in Hua Hin Thailand. You know it is winter because I am always dreaming of being in Thailand!

Sarah has her first play date with a little boy from the kindergarten. I had a really hard time waking her up this morning. She had a vaccination yesterday. I hope she is OK. I know the little boy has been counting on coming to our house. I wouldn’t want to disappoint him. Nicole’s best friend in kindergarten was also a boy. The photo was taken at Toys R Us. I took Philip and Sarah there after the doctor’s appointment. Sarah rode a bicycle. I told her she could get a bike for her next birthday. That’s in February. It doesn’t make any since to buy a bike now; it looks like it’s going to snow!

2007-11-20T22:16:00.000+01:00

I'm totally in love with a very lovely 2 year old on CHI's new waiting list. Juergen doesn't show any sign of bending, so I'm going to tell you all about her. Who knows, she maybe meant to be your daughter? She just turned two years old. Her SN was ToF, this is 4 different hear defects. Jessica was born with this heart defect. It is correctable. It has been corrected in this beautiful girl. She is now healthy and normal. I can hardly believe she is still waiting...if only Juergen would bend! Oh well, my loss could be your greatest gain!

2007-11-20T19:41:00.000+01:00

2007-11-20T08:22:00.000+01:00

Sarah had her first dentist appointment. I know...I'm very late getting her to the dentist! I knew she had a mouth full of cavities. She had 5 cavities. The dentist filled one yesterday, and will fill the others next week. Sorry, no pictures. Today I take her to the doctors for a blood draw. We need to monitor her Hep B every 6 months. I'm also bringing Philip with me. We have a pretty long list of appointments for all the kids in the next 3 months. It can seem overwhelming at times, all the special needs. Sometimes I feel like I'm a bad parent for not being ahead of the game. For example, Sarah should have gone to the dentist 3 months ago. Other times I just feel human. If these kids were in orphanages, most of these things would never get done...OK I'm late. I will work off my list in time to work off the next list! Better late then never! Last night I had a dream. In my dream one of my kid’s teachers criticized us for not making it to the parent teacher conference. They implied we should not have adopted so many children if we were not going to have the time to make it to all the “important” meetings. I looked this teacher straight in the eyes (remember this was a dream) and said, which one of my children should I return to an orphanage so I could have the time to make it to your all important meeting? The teacher looked dumbfounded! The bottom line is, we can not do it “perfect”. We need to cover all the truly important bases. A lot of things just have to fall by the wayside.

2007-11-19T18:00:00.000+01:00

We don't actually have Thanksgiving in Germany but I'm going to make Pumpkin pie with the kids, and also turkey soup. I'm not eating meat or sugar until Christmas, but I'm sure the kids will love this miniature Thanksgiving.
To make the perfect Turkey, place a washed turkey in a large plastic bag, and add a full bottle of brandy. Let this sit in the refrigerator for 3 days. Then bake the turkey in a Reynolds baking bag. The meat will fall off the bones.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 50 minutes

Ingredients
• 1 recipe Pastry for Single-Crust Pie (see below)
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 slightly beaten eggs
• 1 5-ounce can (2/3 cup) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk
Directions
1. Prepare and roll out Pastry for Single-Crust Pie. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the pastry. Trim to 1/2 inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry; crimp edge as desired.
2. For filling, in a mixing bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Add eggs. Beat lightly with a rotary beater or fork just until combined. Gradually stir in evaporated milk and milk; mix well.
3. Place the pastry-lined pie plate on the oven rack. Carefully pour filling into pastry shell.
4. To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of the pie with foil. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake about 25 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate within 2 hours; cover for longer storage. Makes 8 servings.
Pastry for Single-Crust Pie: Stir together 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender cut in 1/3 cup shortening until pieces are pea-size. Using 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of the bowl. Repeat moistening dough, using 1 tablespoon of the water at a time, until all the dough is moistened. Form dough into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edge into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare, bake, and cool pie as above. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
Test Kitchen Tip: You can use 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice for the spices in this pie.

2007-11-19T14:51:00.000+01:00

Do you remember this sweetheart? She is 5 years old with Hep B as a special need. She still needs a family. Her file will be returned in 2 weeks. There is a $3500 grant towards her adoption. If you are interested you can see more information HERE.
It says on her file update that her development is normal. Please do not be afraid of her "possible" delay. She is now living with a foster family and seems to be just fine developmentally. Kids that live in orphanages often have early delays. Most of these kids can overcome the delays in a family, or in her case a foster family!

2007-11-19T11:25:00.000+01:00

The Hallmark Channel has two new adoption stories posted online every week. It is always on the links on my sidebar if you lose the link. I just watched the story entitled Twice as much joy. The second part of this episode is a story about an older girl from China being adopted. I encourage you to take a look at the program. I also encourage you to open your heart to consider an older child adoption. We adopted Thomas when he was 7 years old. It was easier in many ways, and harder in others. But I am so glad we did it! It is heart breaking to see the hopeless eyes of these beautiful kids who see the babies come and go, and they have no hope of a family of their own! Madison Adoption Associates has a beautiful 6 year old girl with repaired Hydrocephalus on their waiting list. She is smart and healthy. If she was a baby she would be adopted right away, but she is almost 7 years old. There is another healthy older girl on CHI's list. Please take the time to watch the Hallmark story and maybe you will rethink older child adoption.

2007-11-16T20:58:00.000+01:00

This is how you can help the women in China who lost her husband.

Bethany is accepting
contributions to support the family until December 31, 2007. Checks
can be made payable to Bethany Christian Services and please
indicate the Sheldon family on the memo line. Checks can be sent to
Bethany's Donor Records at 901 Eastern Ave NE, PO Box 294 Grand
Rapids Michigan 49501. Bethany Christian Services will give all
donations to the family for their "Hope for Hannah" fund."

2007-11-16T15:23:00.000+01:00

This was posted on the Bethany forum this moring by one of Sandi's
> travel mates.
>
> I just thought I would let you all know that Sandi & Hannah were
> present for the swearing in ceremony this afternoon. They will be
> leaving tomorrow morning as the adoption is FINAL!!!!
>
> Sandi and her family (and her China travel family) are extremely
> grateful for all you have done on her behalf during this stressful
> and difficult time. Your actions and God's abundant grace have
moved
> mountains for Sandi and her family half way around the world. We
are
> giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for His FAITHFULNESS and His
> love! Sandi thanks you from the bottom of her heart. Please do not
> forget her and Hannah in the coming weeks and months, as they will
> need our continued love and support!
>
> Thanks again for everything!
>
> Eva, Patrick, and the China travel family

2007-11-16T11:24:00.000+01:00

Here are 5 photos taken by Thomas. If you want to add your childs photos to our Friday Fun Foto link we would love to see them! Have a good weekend!

2007-11-16T09:53:00.000+01:00

HERE is a news story about the family who lost the father in China. The father, Dennis Sheldon died in China this week from diabetic shock. The father was the primary petitioner of the US visa, so when he died the visa to the USA also died. The mother is getting help processing new visa paper work. Unfortunately the USA has needed to get very strict about the visa process. They have rules in place to protect the trafficking of children. I am sure they will figure out a way to expedite the process, but they will not break their rules. This is a lesson for all of you waiting to travel. Make sure both your names are on the important paper work. Also, if you have any medical condition, be sure to bring your medication with you when you travel. They treat diabetes differently in China(with different ways of measuring stuff). I don't know if that made any difference in this case, but be prepared to take care of yourself. If you have any medical issues, please check with your doctor before you travel! Over 1000 people called the Congressman on behalf of this family. People on the adoption web groups are raising money and reaching out to this family in very practical ways. This is very wonderful to see. People that adopt are part of a very loving community. If you would like to help this family, I think you could send money to the agency for the Sheldon family. They were with Bethany adoption services. Maybe you can contact the agency to see if they have a fund set up?

2007-11-15T22:14:00.000+01:00

Philip & Thomas got fired from their first job. I gave them the responsibility of picking Sarah up from kindergarten. Yesterday I got called into the directors office for a talk. I guess the wild boys would arrive at the kindergarten, run through the school, announce to poor Sarah lets go, and just race each other home. Poor Sarah was left racing behind them, leaving half her stuff at school. Any way, the director told me the boys could not pick Sarah up anymore. It made me feel sick! I think the boys were just so caught up in racing each other, they forgot why they were sent in the first place. We hope they will be given another chance by the director in a few weeks. We want them to learn something...like how to be responsible. I know they can do this...they just made a mistake.

2007-11-15T21:26:00.000+01:00

More prayer needed. The women in China who lost her husband (he died from a diabetic coma) is having allot of trouble getting home. The adoption is legal and final but the Americans will not give the child a visa to come home. It seems the husband was the petitioner of the visa, and he was the only one who could activate the visa. Now they want her to apply for a new visa, and that generally requires a new home study and takes about 2-3 months. The mom can come home, but the baby can not get into the USA. Congressmen have been contacted. Over 1000 people have called to complain. It's a nightmare...please keep praying!

Up date: I read this on a yahoo group about this case...

This is the statement from Mike Rogers office here in Michigan:

"Thank you for the calls and Support for Sandi & Hannah.
Congressman Mike Rogers is currently working on the case and is
actively speaking to the USCIS to streamline the process regarding
the I171. An adoption officer with USCIS is reviewing the case and
will get back to the Congressman ASAP. Hopefully we will hear good
news soon! USCIS is who we are waiting for! The Congressman has
talked to Sandi. Everyone is doing what they can to help Sandi &
Hannah."

2007-11-15T09:44:00.000+01:00

I learn a great deal from my children. This morning Sarah was very sweet. She came from the other side of the room and cuddled in my lap. Then Juergen and the boys went to work and school. Sarah demanded to go to school NOW!!! I said wait, I had some stuff I needed to take care of first. My sweet Sarah turned very sour. She began to cry and shout. I don't know how you are, but I try never to give into this demanding tone. I quietly gathered my things and left the room. Sarah shouted orders at me for another 2 minutes before she fell asleep on the sofa. I took care of my business, and got dressed. Then I woke her up and took her to school. As I was walking home I thought about this. How am I with God? Do I demand what I want NOW!!! Can I get to the point of making my requests known to him without shouting orders like an overly demanding 4 year old? It really is all about trust.

2007-11-14T11:40:00.000+01:00

Wouldn't you like to be the one who puts a smile on this 3 year old girls face? She has Hep B and is waiting on CHI's new waiting list. There are 20 beautiful boys and girls on this list go take a look...maybe you will find your next child!

Up Date: This cute girl already got her family! Isn't that great!!!

2007-11-14T09:16:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by Beverly to tell you 8 things about me.
...So, here are the rules of the 8 Random Things tag game:
1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. Let's start with Juergen. I met him when I was 28 years old. I was on a summer mission’s trip. I was a University pastor at San Diego State University and we were assisting a sister ministry in Munchen, Germany. Only one week before I left for this trip, I had gone on a date with a very important single Dr. in San Diego. The man talked only about himself, and I thought it was very boring. I was so amazed to met Juergen. I could not believe a person so right for me even exsisted in this world. Juergen and I have been married for 17 years and I have never been bored with him.

2. I still think I want to adopt again. I know that's crazy. I also know now is not the time. Maybe in 2009 and an older child. I would like Sarah to have a sister or brother her own age to grow up with. Juergen has not said yes to this crazy idea. I think it gives him peace that I said not now. Maybe he thinks I'll forget the idea...and maybe I think the idea will grow on him? Stay tune to see who wins this debate.

3. Juergens mom is very sick. She has 3 brain tumors. It looks like she will die. I spend a great deal of my day praying for her. I know I should accept this, but I am still praying for a miracle. I feel like God has called me to pray. He didn't give me any assurance it will prevent her death, in fact she may die. I feel His Holy Sprit saying that God will bless my prayers anyway. I just need to be obedient with my part. God always wants our obedience. I really love my mother in law. This is a very sad time for me.

4. I read the real estate section of the newspaper every Saturday morning. We own our house, but I'm always hunting for a big charming old farm house. I want high ceilings and wood floors and a fire place. My house is nice, but it isn't my favorite style. I love old stuff. This is a very bad habit, and I know I should just stop looking! There is something to be said for being happy with what you have. I want an old house and one more child...crazy!

5. I love coffee but I drink tee. Actually, I drink one cup of coffee every morning and tee the rest of the day. I think it's healthier that way. I'm not that healthy, but I'm making baby steps in that direction. I'm 46 years old and I've got to take care of myself. I've got to live to raise my daughter Sarah (she is only 4 years old).

6. I could watch Pride and Prejudice 5 times straight and never get bored. I have this movie in 3 different versions. I've read all of Jane Austen’s novels more then a few times. I could not really tell you why I just love her point of view. I guess it's because her characters really have noble principles they live by. They are basically good and correct people. They don't find satisfying their own desires a higher priority then doing the right thing. I love the loyalty I see in Elizabeth. She was willing to turn down wealth because she was loyal to her sister. I just love that!

7. I love to plant the plants in the spring time, but I hate the work of taking care of them all summer long. I need to be careful that I don't treat my kids the same way. It is so exciting to adopt them...but they are allot of work to take care of. I have a list of dentist appointments, and Doctor Appointments to set up for the kids. I've got high matinence kids. I really need to get to the laundry etc...

8. I didn't go to my prom. I did not have a date, and I didn't want to go with just anyone. I'm sort of glad I didn't just go with "anyone". My best friend in high school did just go with a guy that asked her. It ended up being a nightmare long date. I think good things don't always happen in the normal path most people take. It seems "everyone" goes to the prom, but I didn't. I took a different road and I did different stuff. I think everyone has to find their own path and sometimes that means you dance on the streets in Paris, and not in the school gym. At the time it seemed like a loss…but today it is such a minor thing.

I'm not going to tag 8 people for this, but if you want to do it then please leave me a comment & I will go read your post.

2007-11-13T17:22:00.000+01:00

Sarah was fighting with her brother Philip today. They fight allot lately. They are oil and water. Anyway, I went into Philips room to break them up. I told Sarah she could come in the kitchen and work with me. She grabbed my arm and said "My Mama"! I think it was the very first time she has said my named in that overly possessive tone of hers. It felt kind of good! She helped me with the dishes. She just loves to work. I paid her too. I gave her a box of peanuts. She was pretty proud of her peanuts!

2007-11-13T15:43:00.000+01:00

Praise God! Sarah's twin has a family!!! No, not us. I just read it on the agency’s yahoo group. She is such a beautiful girl. I am so happy she will have her own family!!!

2007-11-13T12:44:00.000+01:00

Oh look at the time!!! I was shopping, and I bought Jessica some warm winter shoes. I looked at the shoe box and remembered I need to send my shoebox gifts out soon! If fact I've got 3 days to pack them. This is an annual thing we do with our kids. It may seem very small, but for thousands of kids around the world this is all they will get for Christmas. For them it is a very big deal! Please get busy and pack a few shoe boxes full of gifts for a child in need. If you can not pack a box, then please write a check to help pay for the shipping. And remember to do a good job...don't pack junk! Give like it was going to your own child...who knows, maybe it is!

In Germany look HERE.

2007-11-13T11:37:00.000+01:00

I don't know if you have been following the adoption of Sera, a few posts down. They had their passports and visas stolen in a pack they carried to a local park. It looks like everything is getting worked out. I read one tip I thought was worth passing on. Besides never carrying those important papers around, and locking everything up in the hotel safe...make copies of your passports and visas and e-mail them to yourself in an attachment. This way if you do lose them, you can get the copies anywhere and anytime! Sera is having attachment problems. Pray for her new mom! I think the paper work nightmare is taken care of!

2007-11-13T10:55:00.000+01:00

I just read this prayer request on a yahoo group. I know the writer of this prayer request; Jodi wouldn't mind me posting it here. Please pray for this family! This is a heart breaking situation. Please pray!

...I wanted to share a HUGE prayer request right now for a friend of
mine who is in China adopting her first and only daughter. Her name
is Sandi and her daughter is Hannah. Hannah is also a SN baby and
I'm not sure at the moment what her SN is, however. Sandi emailed me
a couple of days ago to pray for her husband, Dennis, as he had not
been feeling well because he is diabetic and his blood sugars have
been VERY high. We just got word this morning that he died from a
diabetic coma yesterday while there in Guangzhou. As you can
imagine, Sandi needs every prayer imaginable right now. Her mother
and brother are trying to get emergency visas to fly to China to
bring her home. We're also praying that their adoption of Hannah
will continue as planned and that China will not interfere.

2007-11-11T16:38:00.000+01:00

Winkflash has another photo contest. This time it's the funniest face contest. The winner gets 2000 free prints. I am going to take some shots of my family and see what I can come up with. How about you?

2007-11-11T00:01:00.000+01:00

Juergen is visiting his mom this weekend. Sarah fell asleep in my arms tonight. Life is so full of contrasts. We have the sadness of maybe losing Juergen's mom soon, and the joy of having Sarah. My kids give me so much hope. Sure they give me gray hair too...but I'm so blessed. She is so beautiful to watch when she sleeps. I still can not believe how far we have come together. I’m so grateful for the gift of being her mom.

2007-11-10T00:08:00.000+01:00

HERE is the link to a family that got their daughter today. She has a serious cleft lip and pallet. The local folks have already approached the family and said if front of the child how ugly she is. Imagine, to the poor girls face! I can not wait to see how she looks in a few short months when that lip is repaired. It is hard in China. There are so many people, and life is just so hard for anyone who is not "perfect". Health care is very costly. It can really break a family. I think the Chinese are not mean, life is just very hard there. It is unbearable for the "disabled". She would have no future in China. Today she has a family that loves her, and will provide for her needs. She will be "normal" and she will be really loved and valued.

2007-11-09T21:24:00.000+01:00

Sarah the super star!

2007-11-08T20:49:00.000+01:00

St Martins fire

2007-11-08T09:48:00.000+01:00

I would love to report to you that Sarah is 100% adjusted, but that just wouldn't be true. There is about 2% of her that just has a very hard time dealing with change. Maybe that's just her age (she is 4 years old) or maybe it's just our control freak Sarah. She really, REALLY likes to know what to expect. If you change her routine, she has a fit! This morning she was sleeping deeply (and she needs her sleep). Juergen normally wakes her up to say good bye before work. He tried to wake her, but she was sleeping deeply. When she woke up, she screamed bloody murder! I called Juergen on the phone (I think I interrupted his meeting), so Sarah could say goodbye to him. I thought that would help. It only caused her to move from fear to anger. She continued to scream and say she hated me and didn't want me! It's like she was blaming me for Juergen's unannounced departure. I stayed calm, but I also said I would not take her to school until she calmed down. Sarah is very stubborn. She dressed herself and grabbed her own shoes. I'm sure she would have tried to walk to school all by herself but I had locked the front door. So slowly she gave up her anger. Slowly she backed off her ledge and came to me and said sorry. After that long drama, I had to hurry to take her to school. They close the door at 9:30am. She is fine, and again poor mama needs some headache medicine. I think she trys to hurts me when she is hurt. She wants to reject me first...because she is afraid she is going to be rejected. We have come a very long way, but we are still not totally adjusted. These things take time. I know she loves me. She is just too use to the women in her life going away. It will take time for her to trust that I'm not going anywhere!

2007-11-08T07:33:00.000+01:00

This is on the CCAA website
there is no longer a need for family size waivers for SN cases.

"The number of children in family under the age of 18 years does
not reach 5, and the youngest one should have reached the age of 1
year.
Adoption of special needs children will be exempt from the limitation".

What does this mean? It means in China, large families with 5 or more children at home are able to apply for special needs kids without seeking a family size wavier! That means if Juergen agrees to adopt again (a Juergen waiver is very hard to recieve...and most likely will not be granted) we could adopt a special needs child from China.

2007-11-07T11:01:00.000+01:00

I just read this post on a yahoo group. Maybe it will be something for some of you?

If you are a fundraiser and need a grant, this is a good place to
start! A newer organization, The Asian Bridge, is a matching grant.
One of the founders, Geoff, is a super nice guy and would like people
to apply for thier grants! So take a look, you never know if this is
the grant that will bring your child home.

http://www.theasianbridge.org/

2007-11-07T10:25:00.000+01:00

Sarah slept 3 hours yesterday afternoon. After that she felt much better. She went to school this morning. She was in a "I can do it myself" kind of mood. She dressed herself. She carried her own bag. She hung her coat up, and put her own house shoes on. She wasn't mean about it, just independent. Tomorrow night she gets to attend her firs St Martins day fire. The kids all make these beautiful lanterns and march and sing songs. Then there is a big bonfire. Hopefully she will be well for this big celebration. Here is the history of St Martins day. This is a very big deal in the South of Germany.

2007-11-06T23:12:00.000+01:00

Here is a beautiful New York Times adoption story.

2007-11-06T14:41:00.000+01:00

Sarah didn't seem herself this morning. I took her to kindergarten because she really wanted to go. The teacher called me to pick Sarah up early. She looked like she might be getting sick. She did not eat much lunch. After lunch I said "maybe we should take a nap?" Wrong answer! Sarah began to cry for her Papa. She stood at the door and cried like she did when we first came home from China. I've learned that her little dramas usually don't last long when she has no audience. I said I was going to my room to take a nap. She followed me and continued to cry for her Papa. I invited her to lay down with me. She said no nap. I said OK, we will just cuddle. With in 3 minutes Sarah was asleep. I'm sure she is sick and will probably sleep for hours. I know she does not hate me...I just said the N word (nap).

2007-11-05T22:24:00.000+01:00

I have been reading a little more about adoption in Haiti. It is one of the least expensive countries in the world to adopt from. The need is very great. In Haiti, one in every ten children does not live to see their 4th birthday. The process looks pretty easy. Singles are allowed to adopt. You only need to be 30 years old. Haiti is only 2 hours away from Miami so the flight isn't too bad. You don't need to stay in the country long (only a few days). And best of all are the kids. They are beautiful children! Just look at this sweet 2 year old born on Sept 19Th (my dads birthday). Man she is so sweet!!! I could just eat her up! Look at that smile!!! Oh, if only I could get Juergen to say yes, just one more time! Here is her information.

2007-11-05T18:51:00.000+01:00

What do you do about lying? Philip has been making it a habit of lying to us lately. It's almost like he can not give us an honest answer about anything. I'm starting to get angry. He told me a whopper this after noon. Trust is kind of important to me. The bottom line is I do not trust him. He is Pinocchio right now. I'm ready to come down hard on him because I want to put a stop to this NOW!!! What do you do when one of your kids starts to get into a habit of lying?
I found this article but I could use some help here.

2007-11-05T08:03:00.001+01:00

2007-11-04T21:25:00.000+01:00

I've never seen something like this before. It is a new born baby girl in the USA listed on Rainbow Kids available now for adoption.
It says this...
Healthy AA baby girl born 11/4/07 at 11:05am by C-section in Bradenton Florida. Mom is a single mother of two girls under the age of 4 and is unable to parent a third child. She has received prenatal care throughout the pregnancy and denies any drug or alcohol use. Father is known and will sign the consents for the adoption. Per Florida law mom can not sign the consents until 48 hours after the birth or upon the written discharge from the hospital. Birth weight 6LBS 4Oz. Birth Length 19 inches long Apgars 8/9 Total adoption fees are $23,000.00 which includes birth mother living expense, counseling and legal fees up to termination of parental rights, (Finalization is seperate) additional fees: $240.00 application fee $350.00 Home study review fee $1,500.00 ICPC fee for out of state parents $1,200.00 Finalization legal fees Paid directly to the attorney at finalization Placement will be Tuesday 11/6/07
So I guess if you are ready to adopt today Here is a baby girl who needs a parent now! Like I said, I've never seen anything like this. I've only done 3 SN International adoptions, but maybe one of my readers knows someone who would like to adopt a new born American baby.

2007-11-04T14:37:00.000+01:00

Here is Sarah in her new AWANA vest. AWANA is a Christian children’s program that places allot of importance on memorizing the Bible. Sarah's verse was "I am wonderfully made" Psalm 139:14. She could quote her verse, but you really can not understand her. I'm just proud she is part of the group. In time the words will come!

2007-11-04T00:02:00.000+01:00

This evening Juergen and I had to fight with our lazy boys to get them to sort a pile of socks and put away a small pile of their cloths. Later Nicole and I watched an intense documentary about a boy living in the Mountains of Bolivia. He went to school during the day (a great privilege) and worked all afternoon and evening in a silver mine. It was very hard dangerous work. He would chew coca leaves to numb the pain. He dreamed about a better life for himself, his brother, mother and sister. He expressed his desire to be a teacher, but then said it was only a dream. He had no father. Without a father he had to work, there was little chance of ever escaping this poverty.
I cannot believe the privileges and opportunities our children have. It makes me want to adopt again. It is not about my life...but their lives. They live such hard lives with so little opportunity because they do not have a father or mother that provides them a chance. Please adopt! It is true you can not change the whole world, but you can change the world for one! It is the orphans that are exploited. They are the child solders, child laborers, child prostitutes. They suffer from malnutrition, they are uneducated or under educated. The experience both physical poverty and emotional poverty (for it is emotional poverty not to belong to a family). If you have opportunity to offer...and they desperately need opportunity perhaps it is Gods will that you would give at least one child a chance at a better life!