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!

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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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."

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

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!

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?

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.

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."