Catching Butterflies Two

I moved!

2009-03-30T10:55:00.005+02:00

My new blog is HERE.

http://catchingbutterflies-3.blogspot.com/

I hope you will move with me. Remember...if nothing changed there would be no butterflies!

I might need to move my blog

2009-03-30T09:33:00.002+02:00

Blogger is going to start charging for photo storage (20 to 500 dollars per year). I guess you can store up to 10GB for free, but after that they charge you. I hear that some airlines want to charge for the toilets too!!! I like to put lots of photos on my blogs. I'm also cheep! I think for me the answer is to create a new blog with a new e-mail address. If it works I will be moving my blog soon. I am letting you know now. I hope you will keep following me!

A crisis of need

2009-03-29T17:09:00.007+02:00

By 2010, the total orphan population in 34 African, Asian, and Latin American countries with severe HIV/AIDS epidemics is projected to reach 44 million—with two-thirds orphaned as a result of parental deaths caused by AIDS. This will create a child-care crisis never before seen in any war, famine, or other tragedy. Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, and South Africa are expected to have the highest proportion of children orphaned—about one-third or more—while Ethiopia and Nigeria have the largest number of orphans under age 15. There are now over 5 million children in Ethiopia that have been orphaned because of AIDS, poverty, or other sicknesses like TB and Malaria. They need your good thoughts and prayers...but more then that they need a family. We do not live in normal times. We live in an hour of great need. Our response needs to be great for the need is so great.

A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

I heart photo week 12 Pouting

2009-03-29T14:19:00.015+02:00

KIDS ENTRY: this photo was taken in Thailand. This is my autistic daughter Jessica riding in a tuk tuk taxi. This was taken on her 15th birthday. I have some great photos from that day! Jessica can pout with her whole body but she can also smile good too. She can not talk but her laugh is the sweetest sound I know!

She has stolen my heart!

2009-03-28T15:54:00.002+01:00

I won!!! I won!!!

2009-03-28T15:10:00.003+01:00

My photo of Nicole actually made it on the list of ten best photos of this week on the I heart photo blog! It was number 10. OK, I did not win, but I'm so excited to be picked to be on the top ten. I'm no professional...I just point and shoot. I'm totally excited to make the list! HERE is the list of winners. I'm number 10!!!

why God?

2009-03-27T16:33:00.001+01:00

Sometimes I'd like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid God might ask me the question. ~Anonymous

My favorite black & white photo

2009-03-27T12:46:00.002+01:00

A beautiful adoption video

2009-03-26T10:47:00.001+01:00

2009-03-24T18:54:00.001+01:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

When Love Is Not Enough: A Guide to Parenting with Reactive Attachment Disorder-RAD

2009-03-24T18:00:00.005+01:00

I just read on a yahoo group about a camp for adopted kids and families that need some help in the area of attachment. They still have openings for 7 families in Florida at the end of March. They hold camps all over the country and I've read they are good. They even have one in Oregon in Oct. I would love to go to that. Anyway, I bought a book called When Love Is Not Enough: A Guide to Parenting with Reactive Attachment Disorder-RAD. I probably can not make it to a camp, but I can always read. I still do not feel as bonded to Thomas (adopted at age 7) as I would like. It is getting better slowly. I'm taking him to Paris with me in May. I hope that trip helps us grow closer. Attachment is a process. Some kids need more time then others. It isn't always easy to trust someone, especially when you had to fight alone for years. I have read these camps are very helpful, and I hope some of you can go.

Love Without Boundaries Needs a Courier(s) to Beijing

2009-03-23T13:02:00.002+01:00

We are looking for someone who might be able to pack along 6 cans of
powdered Goat's Milk, weighing approximately 1 pound each. They are for a
little boy in our Foster Care program, who is unable to drink regular milk
products due to thalessemia. The cans could be left at the front desk of your
hotel for our nutrition director in Beijing to
pick up.

We also need a courier to bring beneprotein cans.

It does take a few days to order the powder and beneprotein and I would have
the shipment sent directly to your home. Please email me off-list at jjbmag
@optonline.net (remove spaces). Thank you so much!

Margaret Guthrie Boudreau
Cleft Bottle and Formula Coordinator
Love Without Boundaries Foundation
http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/contact_us.cfm

Because Children still die from HIV

2009-03-23T12:41:00.003+01:00

World AIDS Orphan Day is May 7th. The AHOPE Store has developed a t-shirt to commemorate this day and the community of supporters that are growing year after year. Please join us in raising awareness. It’s simple. Order our newest t-shirt from the AHOPE Store for a $10 donation.

just click on the A hope sign for more information or go to http://www.ahopestore.org/

I heart faces week 11 no flash

2009-03-23T08:15:00.008+01:00

ADULTS ENTRY:

This first photo is of Nicole on the coast of Holland. We were going to take a walk on the beach just after the rain.

KIDS ENTRY: I took this Photo of Thomas in the swimming pool in Thailand. The light was perfect and so was his smile!

She needs a family

2009-03-21T14:57:00.006+01:00

This little girl can be found on Rainbow Kids. She had a left face hemangioma (post-surgery). Hemagioma is a tumor that is there at birth. A good plastic surgeon and a good family would transform her world. She is living with a foster family and is said to be a very thoughtful and helpful child. She is healthy and would be gorgeous with a little cosmetic surgery. What a blessing you could be if you could adopt her!!! Her life might be very hard in China. The post below is about the miracle of surgery!

According to her growth report on March 6th, 2009, “She is in kindergarten now and become more active and outgoing. She, like all girls of her age, loves all kinds of doll and enjoy playing games with her younger brother of her foster family. She is a well-behaved girl and loves to help her foster mother to do household stuff. Also she knows to share her favorite dish to younger brother and her family members. She is a just a lovely girl.”

This is a great story

2009-03-21T11:19:00.003+01:00

This is a story about the hundreds of children from across the southeast travel to Georgia for surgery. Noah Nails was one of the first cases of the day. Noah was adopted from China. He was a LWB baby. HERE is the link. It is amazing what our kids can receive in the way of medical services other children can not even dream of. Noah’s whole life has been saved by adoption.

waiting 11 year old girl

2009-03-20T17:53:00.003+01:00

I read this on Rainbow Kids. There was no picture but she sounds like a very special girl. She is listed with Children's Home Society. She is healthy just older. Cutie Patootie is the words used to describe Sarah on her referral. I would take her...but you know I would take them all!

This cutie-patootie is a healthy 11-year-old looking for a family. She is doing well in school and is the "study representative" for her grade. She gets along well with her classmates. She likes to draw and dance and in her free time she likes to read. The staff describe her as having "her own thoughts and is good at thinking." She is curious, polite and best of all kind-hearted. She is tall for her age. She entered the orphanage at seven. There is more information available.

22 million Children in China spend their whole childhood alone.

2009-03-20T17:29:00.004+01:00

a great loss to the children

2009-03-20T15:08:00.002+01:00

Mrs. Haregewoin Teferra has died. She was the subject of the book "There is no me with out you". She took hundreds of AIDS orphans into her home. She died suddenly in her home. This women will receive many crowns for the love she has given to so many kids who had no hope. She said that what she was doing was not normal...but we do not live in a normal time. Ethiopia has been hit by a wave of need. She is responding the only way anyone should respond when hit by a disaster.

The sad reality is too few people recognize the over whelming need orphans have today. We need more and more people responding to the need.

You can read more about her HERE.

Waiting boy

2009-03-20T07:50:00.008+01:00

This little boy is not even 1 years old. He waits in China with a heart issue that can be corrected by American doctors. I saw him on Rainbow kids. Rainbow kids has over 500 waiting children. If you ever wondered if you could adopt...like is there really a need, just look at rainbow kids. You will see that children do wait. They wait for families willing to do more then just think about adoption. I found Philip on Rainbow Kids. I saw his face and I could hardly believe a boy as good looking as Philip could be my son. Boys wait longer then girls. In fact 80% of all people who adopt will adopt a girl. Believe me, I love my sweet and sour Chinese girl, but boys need families too. AAI has two of the most beautiful boys waiting. They are healthy boys...just boys. Maybe your Chinese daughter does not need a sister...maybe she needs a baby brother? Think about it.

This is a video of Thomas' first two years home. He was adopted when he was 7 years old. There are many photos of Philip too. My boys were both adopted from Thailand. China also has beautiful boys. The cute little boy in the above photo is on the shared list. He is a prince...a 100% healthy and smart prince. If only I had a PA from my husband!!! What a blessing he will bring to any family! If you are paper ready you could be the parents of this adorable 5 year old.

GWC HOPE TRIP

2009-03-19T21:04:00.003+01:00

Click on the picture to see it larger

You can help send an orphan to camp and change their life. GW is holding a camp for kids ages 8-13. Not only will the kids have great fun, it will be a chance for potential families to learn more about these kids. Could you help? You can donate $50 to sponsor a child HERE.

EXTREME EMERGENCY: Need family by April 20th 2009

2009-03-18T18:40:00.002+01:00

EXTREME EMERGENCY: Need family by April 20th 2009. Healthy 13 ¾ year old girl.
China, NO ADOPTION FEESAre you a Family that could adopt quickly?
Do you already have a Dossier in China? or are you already adopting another
child soon from China in March or April? Or do you have an I-600 for two
children? or an I-800? Were you approved for more than one child?

We were just notified of HJ!
HJ, Girl, 13 ¾ years old. She will turn 14 in April 2009 and will no longer be
available for international adoption. We do not know her future if she is not
adopted. Some 14 year olds without families are left without resources,
homeless and unemployed.
All fees have been donated except travel, homestudy and immigration. No
application fees, no pre-approval fees, no adoption fees. Please contact us for
her information without obligation.FamilyFinders@...

HJ is extroverted and has a lovely smile and face. She has had elbow surgery on
one arm and has recovered well. She likes to sing, dance and play sports . She
is a good runner and came in third place in a long distance competition. She was
formerly a member of the dance team.

She is active and gets along well with kids at the orphanage and school. She is
kind hearted and helps the teachers with the younger or sick children. She is a
sensible girl and well-liked by both children and adults. She keeps her clothes
and room very clean and tidy. She is a good student. Her final examinations
results last year were all excellent or good with high marks in Math and
Chinese.
Please let your friends know about this girl. WACAP( www.wacap.org) is a
non-profit adoption agency. Contact FamilyFinders at 1-800-732-1887. We
will do everything possible to do this adoption quickly.

Money for adoption

2009-03-18T15:19:00.001+01:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

http://www.helpusadopt.org/

Hep B in China and in the USA

2009-03-17T17:23:00.004+01:00

As you know, Sarah has Hep B. If she had grown up in China she may not have the good future she now has. It is not a hard SN to deal with. Everyone around her has had the vaccinations (3 shots). We are all immune to Hep B. We are careful to test Sarah’s liver values once a year. If her body starts to fight the virus, she will receive medication. It's not hard.

super girl

2009-03-17T15:34:00.002+01:00

too many still wait

2009-03-16T22:02:00.003+01:00

I was just emailing with Ky at AAI about their waiting Chinese SN kids. The list needs to be returned soon. Only 2 out of the 20 kids have found families. There are a few healthy kids on the list with the SN of being male! Beautiful, beautiful boys! One little girl is just 4 years old. Her SN sounds awful, but it has been corrected. She is now healthy and as cute as a button! There are a few deaf kids, and kids with limb differences. These are really cute kids and they all need families. AAI keeps their prices very low. If you qualify for the US tax credit, you'll only need to pay a few thousand dollars for a SN adoption. Time is running out for these sweet kids. Contact Ky if you want to take a look at them.

ky@adoptionadvocates.org

Make a Ladybug Note at WishAFriend.com

I heart faces...green

2009-03-16T09:28:00.006+01:00

Green is the color of this weeks I heart faces blog contest. I had this picture of Sarah taking swimming lessons. She has swimming tonight and it's her favorite thing! Green is my favorite color.

and here is Nicole in her green sweater in the green woods!

I wish you all the good luck of the Irish!!!

Visas

2009-03-13T14:34:00.002+01:00

If you are going to adopt from a Hague country like China then you will need an
I800A visa. If you want to do a SN process, get the visa first. Most SN kids are on a central waiting list. If you have all your papers together first, including the visa then you will be free to apply for a child on a waiting list. It can take months to get this visa. If you are adopting from a non Hague country like Ethiopia then wait to get your I600A visa. If you plan to adopt a healthy non SN child, you should also wait. Your process is going to take years (3-5 years) and a visa is only good for 18 months.

I've been told an American living abroad can not get an I800A visa, and this is the why I can not adopt from China (oh, and Juergen not saying yes yet would also be a reason, and not having the money). I heard from another agency that they would now work with us because Americans living abroad are now being granted I800A visas. I down loaded the application. I'm going to take a good look at it. If I could come up with the money and an OK from my wonderful husband maybe it could be done. I guess the best thing for me to do is just try to get the visa. I think we have to be with an agency before we can apply for the visa, and have a home study. Does anyone know if you have to be with an agency before you can apply for a visa? I'm so funny! Can you tell I want to adopt a sister for Sarah?

America's Top Ten Adoption-Friendly Workplaces for 2008

2009-03-13T09:48:00.002+01:00

HERE is the list of America's Top Ten Adoption-Friendly Workplaces for 2008. On the list is SAP America. This is my husbands company, but they don't get the same benifits in Germany. In fact, we get zero benifits...this makes me kind of mad!!!

US Tax credit

2009-03-13T09:29:00.002+01:00

(sadly we get no tax break in Germany)

A TAX BREAK FOR ADOPTING PARENTS
There Is A Tax Credit For Qualified Adoption Expenses

There is a tax credit available for individuals who pay or incur qualified adoption expenses during the taxable year. The maximum credit allowed is $11,650. There is also a tax credit of $11,650 for the adoption of a special needs child, regardless of actual expenses. There are limitations based on the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer. The credit is not available in a step-parent adoption where an individual is adopting his/her spouse's child. However, if a person is adopting the child of a domestic partner, in a second-parent adoption, the tax credit may be available.

The maximum tax credit of $11,650 is available if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income does not exceed $174,730. If the adjusted gross income exceeds $174,730, the maximum credit available declines. If your adjusted gross income is greater than $214,730, you are not eligible for the tax credit.

You can't get a double benefit. You can't get a tax credit if you received funds for expenses from some Federal, State or local program.

The tax credit is not available in a step-adoption situation where the taxpayer is adopting the child of his/her spouse.

If you are adopting a child who is not a citizen or resident of the United States, the tax credit is not available unless the adoption becomes final.

The tax credit is not available for expenses incurred in violation of State or Federal law, or in carrying out a surrogate parenting relationship.

There are other limitations. To find out if you qualify for the tax credit, you should discuss your particular situation in detail with your attorney, accountant, or tax advisor.

Money From Your Employer for Adoption Expenses May be Excluded from Your Gross Income
How does the exclusion benefit us?

If your employer were to give you a bonus or subsidy for some expense you incurred, ordinarily, this would be a part of your gross income and you would probably pay tax on it. However, a bonus or subsidy for a qualifying adoption related expense may be excluded from your gross income. The result is a tax free benefit from your employer.

Are there any limits on the exclusion?

Yes. There is a $11,650 limit. The employer must have a separate written plan to provide adoption assistance to its employees. There are other technical limitations you should discuss with your tax preparer.

Can we take a tax credit and use the exclusion also?

Yes, this is possible if you have enough qualifying adoption expenses. You cannot claim a credit and an exclusion for the same expense however.

How do I find out if my employer offers a bonus or subsidy for adoption expenses?

Ask your employer. Several employers offer such a benefit. However, sometimes employees are not aware of the benefit and therefore are not able to take advantage of it.

When can I take the exclusion?

If your employer pays for qualifying adoption expenses in a year before the adoption becomes final, or in the year the adoption does become final, take the exclusion in the year the adoption becomes final. If the payment from your employer is made in a year after the adoption becomes final, take the exclusion in the year of the payment.

Will the exclusion apply to all adoptions?

As with the tax credit, there are some limitations. To find out if you qualify for the exclusion, you should discuss your particular situation with your attorney, accountant or tax advisor.

How Can I get More Information On This Tax Credit?
As was suggested above, you should discuss your particular situation with your attorney, accountant, or tax advisor.

HERE is a free IRS publication on this subject: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html

Zack

2009-03-12T14:22:00.003+01:00

Here is part of what is written about Zack...

Congenital Heart Disease- Post surgery

Description of Zack
Happy, affectionate, attentive, somewhat shy, sweet, personable, well adjusted, self-confident, athletic, coordinated, not easily intimidated by strangers. Zack is very into sports and is very good at them.
Not easily intimidated by adults or strangers, but would get timid and shy at times during the interview. When answering a question, he would think before he would answer, he spoke softly and would smile shyly and look away. He was very affectionate with the orphanage staff, his peers, and also with MAA staff. He is extremely well adjusted and extremely loved and well cared for.
Zack states that he loves to play basketball, soccer, table tennis, and other games. He loves Hide and Seek. He states he is an excellent athlete and loves to play both team sports as well as individual ones. He is very athletic and well coordinated. He was also an excellent dancer.
Loves school. Favorite subject is gym
Loves to play games and loves being with his classmates. Has many friends in the group. In asking to describe his perfect family, he stated he would live in a nice house and have brothers and sisters. He also states that he loves animals- especially dogs.

Zack is just one of the many camp ox kids still waiting for their forever family. So many of you have adopted a girl from China, maybe you should go back and get a son? He sounds like a really great kid!!! I adopted Thomas when he was 7 years old. Boys need moms and especially dads! You can find out more about the camp ox kids HERE.

7 from heaven

2009-03-12T09:44:00.005+01:00

Oh my goodness! I was looking at the US Foster care adoption list. There are 7 of the most beautiful children (that is right 7) that need a home. 7 brothers and sisters in Texas. The boys are ages 10, 8, 5, and 4 and the girls are ages 7, 1, and 2. How could anyone lose such beautiful children? How sad! They are all very healthy and well behaved lovely children. I would say they need a miracle family, but they are a heavenly group! HERE is the contact information.

The profile reads...
They are loving, well-mannered, well-behaved, and divine little angels who strongly want to be adopted. This group are helpful towards each other. They have an awesome bond and are happiest when they are all together. They encourage one another and depend on each other for support. It has been stated that the children are remarkably emotionally healthy, stable and secure. The family who adopts them will truly receive seven gifts from heaven.

I would gather children

2009-03-12T08:54:00.005+01:00

Some would gather money along their path of life.
Some would gather roses and
the rest from earthly strite.
But I would gather children from among the thorns of sin.
I would seek some little curl or an awkward toothless grin.
For money cannot enter in the land of endless days.
And roses that are gathered soon will wilt along the way.
But oh, the laughing children as I cross that sunset sea
And the gates swing wide to heaven, I can bring them in with me.
- author unknown

black hair

2009-03-11T16:51:00.002+01:00

My adoptive kids are all from Asia. Their hair is straight. Philip has straight thick hair, and Thomas and Sarah have straight fine hair. The trend in adoption seems to be moving away from Asia and towards Africa. This week I've been looking at American foster child adoption. There are kids from all races available for adoption in the USA, but most are black. I had 4 black roommates once. They had to spend allot of time taking extra special care of their hair. I thought I would look into black hair care...just in case I adopt a black child. HERE are some helpful videos of doing cornrows. I guess there is a long history to these braids. It can take hours to braid a childs hair. Once the braids are in, they can stay in for one to two weeks. It's a real art! If you are looking at adopting an African child (boys are also wearing braids now) then this might be valuable information.

LOA and amazing Bethel

2009-03-10T18:34:00.003+01:00

My blog friend Heather just got her LOA for her new daughter Calliandra. Calliandra is blind and lives in the most amazing children's home in China. HERE is a link to a great video about the home. If you want to smile take a look at this great place! If you have $5 or $10 you can help chip in for Heathers orphan donation (it's gone up in price by $2000). Please take a minute to do that. I realize times are hard but you are not going to miss $5 , and it's going to a very great cause!

Will you answer THE CALL

2009-03-10T15:46:00.003+01:00

There is a great need for adoptive and foster parents. This video is about the need in Arkansas but the need is everywhere. Will you answer the call? BTW, Jerrica the sweet girl in the last post is in Arkansas foster care.

so lovely

2009-03-10T11:53:00.003+01:00

I found this beautiful little one year old on the US Foster care list. She is healthy and free for adoption. All you need is a home study. She is too young for us...but I sure tried to talk myself into the wisdom of such a match!!! Anyway, this is what her profile reads...

Jerrica is a sweet and happy little girl. She has lots of energy and is very active. Jerrica likes to be played with and likes lots of love and affection. Jerrica has no development delays and is age appropriate. She likes playing with her toys and getting to go play outside at the park. Jerrica likes drinking juice and milk from her Sippy cup. She is a happy and health toddler and has fun playing with her foster sister! Jerrica needs a family that will provide her with all the love and nourishment to promote healthy growth. Jerrica will be adopted separately and has never been with her older siblings. She has been with her foster family since birth and is very bonded with the family. Jerrica has adjusted well in the home and appears to be doing well. She needs a family that will keep her safe and is willing to meet all her needs in the home.

So look HERE for more information. US domestic adoption is very low costing. If you have a home study ready then maybe you could adopt this adorable girl!!!

I heart faces

2009-03-09T17:11:00.006+01:00

I am in the I heart faces photo contest. This week we are showing a creative crop. This picture is Sarah as a clown.

Matty and Eli both got families today

2009-03-09T10:20:00.005+01:00

I'm still waiting for the first pictures of Matty and her Mom Julie but her blog is HERE. Eli got his family today. HERE is that blog. I have adopted 3 times. Each time we dreamed of the day we would meet our new child. Each time we hoped it would go well. Philip cried, and so did Sarah. Thomas didn't want to stay in the orphanage one hour...and when he left he did not want to look back. I can tell you from experience Philip and Sarah are now more bonded to our family then Thomas. Tears are hard, but they are also good. If a child grieves the loss of caregivers it means they knew love. It is easier for these kids to attach themselves again (it took Sarah a year to attach herself to me). I feel so sad for these two families that are getting their children today. I know they will experience a few difficult days of adjustment (the hard days may last months).But I am also very happy for them! It is a beautiful thing to witness the birth of a family. Aren't blogs so great? How great to be allowed the chance to witness such a beautiful moment!

UP date...here is Matty! She is a cute monkey!!!

The life some kids live

2009-03-06T19:10:00.002+01:00

I do not know this organization, but the video is very good.

Waiting girl

2009-03-06T14:00:00.006+01:00

I saw a little girl from Asia (I think she is from China) on Rainbow kids. She is almost 2 years old with Imperforate anus and her right hand has an extra digit. My son Thomas had Imperforate anus. This is a very easy SN to deal with. The kids have to have a colostomy for about 3 years, then they have an operation to remove the diseased part of the intestines. Usually they are 100% fine following the surgery. Thomas had some symptoms of an irritable bowl for a few years. We stopped giving him cows milk, and feed him good bacteria and now he is totally healed. An extra digit can of course also be removed. Anyway, I thought I would encourage someone to consider this beautiful waiting girl. Her SN sounds really scary, but it's 100% correctable and a very small deal! Just look at our beautiful son Thomas...trust me it is a very small deal! HERE is her contact information. Her name on Rainbow kids is Zona.

older waiting girl

2009-03-06T00:05:00.003+01:00

There is an older waiting girl on the OX camp list named Maranda. I think she needs braces so maybe you did not notice her. She needs a family soon before she ages out of the system. I think she would be extra special for any family that has hearing impaired kids because she is fluent in sign language. Here is part of what I read about her...

"I would describe Miranda as a VERY special girl!!!! She is very intelligent, intuitive, sweet, personable, well adjusted, compassionate, caring, loving and eager to learn and help others. She is fluent in sign language and serves as the interpreter for the deaf children. She states that she wants to be a teacher of Sign language in the future."

Do you know anyone who maybe opened to an healthy older girl? She lives in a foster home that has 6 kids. She is said to be very social, and good with younger and older children. She loves basket ball and is a very good student. She really wants to be adopted. She would love to move to America. You do not need to be paper ready to adopt her. Contact MADISON ADOPTION ASSOCIATES for more information.

Traveling to get Elijah

2009-03-05T17:50:00.002+01:00

A blog to follow! HERE.

I love Chinese food!

2009-03-04T19:24:00.000+01:00

she loves Nicole

2009-03-03T17:34:00.002+01:00

Right now Sarah loves Nicole best. It's so cute. She just asked me if the boy's needed to go to youth group? I said no, it's not Friday. Then I asked her why? Did she want to play with Nicole? She always plays playmoble with Nicole on Fridays when the boys are gone. She loves her big sister! Sarah has been with us two years and is still learning to bond with each of us. We are a big family, and these things take time. She ignored Nicole for a whole year. Then she warmed to Nicole. now she loves Nicole. It is a process.

praying for Abby

2009-03-03T09:41:00.002+01:00

This is Abby. She is undergoing Chemo. Her immune system (ANC) is ZERO. She is in pain, and the cancer is aggressive so she needs the chemo, but the chemo weakens her. These are very hard weeks for Abby and her family. Please pray for the life of this beautiful little pirate.

there are 2 beautiful Hep B+ girls on rainbowkids

2009-03-02T23:02:00.003+01:00

Rainbow kids

HERE are my posts on Hep B...

getting ready to travel

2009-03-02T21:40:00.003+01:00

HERE is my friend Julie's blog. She is traveling to pick up Matty. Follow her trip and be sure to pray for her.

I heart faces

2009-03-02T17:22:00.003+01:00

I am joining I heart faces photo contest. This weeks theme is messy. Here are Thomas and Philip both eating watermelon.

Sarah's ABC's

2009-03-02T16:20:00.004+01:00

Sarah is about ready to learn her ABC's so I thought I would make her her own special book. I am going through the alphabet using pictures of Sarah. I thought it was a pretty cute idea, so I'm sharing the idea with you. Maybe someone could pick up this idea and make specialized books for an adoption fundraiser? I am going to use about 3 pictures per letter. I have a pre made digital scrapbook page as the background. It is a pretty simple thing to put together. If you’re good at scrap booking I’m sure you could make a real business out of this! My scrap book skills are pretty limited! I totally hope someone picks this up and runs with it. I will have the final thing printed as a photo book for Sarah. I hope it helps her learn her ABC’s. My final copy will be in English and German.

A whole new world

2009-03-01T11:30:00.004+01:00

This is Sarah in Nanjing. Look at her feet. She had some kind of fungus on her feet. It took a year to clear that up. Two years ago we were waiting for our TA. We received our LOA on March 5, 2007. It makes me kind of sad to see these pictures of her waiting. On the one hand she has a beautiful smile on her face, but it was not a good home. I am not showing you the photos of her crying. I have those photos. Photos of her crying, photos of her tied to her bed. Orphans need families.

Team Heymann

2009-02-27T14:56:00.001+01:00

sad news

2009-02-25T08:40:00.002+01:00

I just read the last post on praying for Lydia. Lydia lost her battle with leukemia last night. Please continue to hold her parents and family up in prayer. I can not even think of how difficult it must be to have to bear the loss of their beautiful 5 year old girl. They need your prayers now.

could Chinese adoption be possible for Americans living abroad?

2009-02-24T20:34:00.002+01:00

I just read this today...
http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/frequently_asked_questions-_overseas_residents.html
It makes me think I need to talk to a lawyer. Now is not the time, but the idea of Sarah having a Chinese sister still lives.

smile pinki

2009-02-24T20:15:00.002+01:00

WACAP PROMISE KIDS

2009-02-23T21:11:00.002+01:00

I read this on a Yahoo group and thought I would spread the news. I have read WACAP is a great agency to work with. If money is a problem, please contact WACAP. Maybe they could help!

There are 2 little boys with WACAP that don't have
families. One is born in 2003 and has a repaired cleft lip. The
other boy is born in 2004 and he is wearing a red baseball hat.
He has the face of a little "angel".
Adoption fees are paid by a
donor... and they have
other "angels" who are Promise Children too. When they are Promise
Children it means the adoption fees are paid by a donor.

her special need is you

2009-02-23T16:09:00.004+01:00

I saw this beautiful 11 year old on the camp ox web site. She is on the "shared" Chinese list. Her SN is age...she is 11 years old. She is a beautiful healthy girl but will "age out" in just over a year. She needs a family now or she will never have a family. I wish I could adopt from China...but I can't. Maybe you can?

working on her hand strength

2009-02-22T15:07:00.002+01:00

I bought Sarah a book that has over 200 exercises for pre writing. She is doing a good job holding her pencil. She has to draw straight lines, and color in the lines. I think when she gets through this book she will be ready to begin writing her ABC's. Sarah just turned 6 years old, but I still think of her as a 4 1/2 to 5 years old developmentally. She will spend one extra year in kindergarten. We are doing catch up on the pre school. I'm pretty sure she will do well in school once she begins. She is a smart girl. Her language is delayed and her hand strength is weak. We are seeing good progress in all areas.

Grandpa draws ...and so do I

2009-02-21T23:20:00.000+01:00

I just started another blog to post the art of my dad and Nicole. It is called Grandpa draws and so do I. Enjoy!

2009-02-21T18:43:00.002+01:00

"What if I told you that right now someone was choosing if you were going to live or die?" she asked. "What if I told you that this choice wasn't based on what you could or couldn't do, what you had done in the past, or what you would do in the future?"

there are so many children waiting to be adopted because of this

2009-02-20T18:40:00.001+01:00

please be praying for Lydia

2009-02-19T15:19:00.002+01:00

Please be praying for Lydia, she seems to be living her final days. She was adopted from China but has a rare leukemia. Please say a prayer for her parents and family. Who could stand the loss of their dear 5 year old girl? This is so sad...what a great grief to bear.

Chinese disrupted adoption

2009-02-19T11:20:00.003+01:00

HERE is a 8 year old girl from China now living in the USA. She has attachment issues, and will also need some dental work because of a repaired cleft. Her family feels they can never make this work, and have placed her up for adoption. She was born in 2000 and needs to be the youngest in the family. She is doing just fine in school but still hoards food.

Juergen had this on his phone...I don't know where this is?

2009-02-17T14:36:00.002+01:00

Sarah is still sick. She is on antibiotics. I'm not sure if she will be able to go to school this week. The kids have vacation next week. It's really cold outside, and everything is covered with snow. Juergen constantly says "I want my global warming back"! We really have had a cold winter!

Sarah is sick

2009-02-16T21:14:00.002+01:00

Sarah is sick...still. Juergen just took her to the after hours Doctor. She is covered with what looks like a scarlet fever rash. Thank God for antibiotics!

Symptoms of Scarlet Fever HERE

make me laugh give away

2009-02-15T13:10:00.003+01:00

I want to teach my 2 adoptive sons some clean jokes. If you have any jokes for 10 year old boys (please keep it clean) then share them with me. I found some really cute egg covers. They look just like flowers. They are just the thing to make your Easter table look great. So let me hear your jokes. The best joke (as judged by Philip and Thomas) gets the 6 egg covers.

good news

2009-02-14T22:41:00.001+01:00

LWB has won the Smart Cookie Award through Cookie magazine....including the generous grand prize of $35,000 to be used to help heal children in our medical program.

Thank you if you took the time to vote!

These bugs are for you...

2009-02-14T14:27:00.003+01:00

My on line friend Heather is waiting for the final OK from China so she can go pick up her Little Miss. I am betting you get news this week. And just to help that happen...these bugs are for you!

make sure and pray for the camp Ox kids

2009-02-13T22:26:00.002+01:00

http://maaoxcamp.blogspot.com/

They have a new 12 year old who is going to age out. Her name is Hope and she is beautiful.

family needed now!!!

2009-02-12T22:26:00.002+01:00

Emergency Adoption-Aging out, a healthy boy, China, Exceptions
granted -No adoption fees contact WACAP

Contact Lynne Mason at
FamilyFinders@.... .. or 1-800-732-1887.

We are grateful to everyone for successfully helping us find families
for 16 older children from China in the last few months. Your
response was overwhelming and your help was deeply appreciated.

We have one more child to find a family for from this group! Three
different families wanted him but realized they couldn't get the
paperwork done in time. We need parents that can finish the adoption
quickly by this August- maybe a family that has a homestudy or
dossier or immigration already started or completed. Our staff has
met with this boy in China and would be happy to talk with you about
him.

He is 13 and from China and must have a completed adoption in 6
months. He is in danger of turning 14 and "aging out." This means he
may have no support or resources and have to live on his own in
China - if he is not adopted before he turns 14.

ZH is a popular, quiet boy with a great smile. He is healthy and
developmentally on target. He loves baseball and ping pong and wants
to be a professional athlete. He plays in the band and is very
helpful. He told us he just wants a family to love him and he is
ready to move to the US. Adoption fees for this child are waived. He
will no longer be eligible for international adoption after August
2009.Please ask for his video, information and photos of him.

GOOD NEWS EXCEPTIONS GRANTED! Married couples may ask for exceptions
to the adoption requirements for him. So if you don't fit all the
guidelines perfectly you may still be able to adopt him. We have
successfully gotten many exceptions for families for this group of
children. Parents will fill out a pre-application form and pay a $50
fee. We will send you his file. Then we can submit your information
to ask for an exception to adopt him. You do NOT have to pay the $500
pre-approval fee to find out from the CCAA if your exceptions will be
granted.

FINANCES: All his adoption fees have been donated. There are no
application fees, no adoption fees and no post placement fees. This
is a savings of over $14000. You may be eligible for over $10,000 in
Adoption tax credit. Parents will be responsible for paying for their
homestudy, immigration, visas and travel fees.

so, what do you think?

2009-02-12T18:22:00.002+01:00

So what do you think about this case? I think if the lady wanted to be like Angela Joli, she should have adopt. I also know that no honest social worker would give her a passing grade on a home study. If they screen adoptive parents to make sure they can care for children, maybe they should also screen people that do invetro? Why did a doctor allow this women to do invetro? I find this very unethical! I also think the kids would be so much better off if they were given up for adoption. It seems the mom cares more about what she wants, and does not consider realistically what they need. I generally am not in favorer of the state taking children away from their parents. I do think this maybe a good case for this kind of action! I would not enourage people to give this women money. I’m sure that would just enourage others to try the same foolish thing!!!

This might be for some of you...

2009-02-12T14:33:00.000+01:00

Dear Families:

I just want to inform you that CCAA recently passed the policy to allow
families switching agencies using their original dossiers logged in at
CCAA. Families who decide to switch agencies need to ask for a letter
from their original agency stating that the agency agrees to release
the dossier to the new agency. Families who do not qualify under the
new rule effective of May 1st 2007 and whose dossiers were logged in
before May 1st of 2007 will be able to switch agencies and proceed with
the adoption of special needs children.

this child needs a home now

2009-02-12T13:21:00.004+01:00

I just got this mail. My son Philip had VSD and ASD. These are holes in the upper chamber and lower chamber of the heart. She needs a family very fast. If you are ready to adopt an Ethiopian princess please contact CHI ASAP! ASD and VSD are correctable conditions. I'm sorry but I don't know anything about the tricuspid atresia...I will research it.

We need your help! We have a two year old girl in our CHI Ethiopia
program who needs immediate placement. She has a significant heart
condition that needs surgical repair. Cardiac surgery is not
available in Ethiopia for her. She needs to be adopted as quickly as
possible.

This sweet little girl (Jessica)has tricuspid atresia with ASD and VSD.
Those wanting more information about this sweet Ethiopian
toddler with the heart condition can call the CHI WA office at
36-380-5370 or email at:

jessica. deveau@chiadopt. org (remove spaces)

Up date: I looked at tricuspid atresia. It seems like something that can be helped but not totally repaired. This is a heart condition that will require monitoring the whole life. I think this child will die if she does not get help. With help she can live a full life, but there will probably be a few restrictions. If you want to adopt this child you should first talk to a heart doctor to see what those restrictions could be. Go into this with your eyes wide open. I have two heart babies (my oldest daughter Jessica, and Philip). Generally heart issues are scary when you deal with the surgery, but day to day it's just a non issue. Heart kids are generally just kids. You need to give them antibiotics before doing any dental stuff. Philip is getting braces next week. Before the braces, 3 teeth have to be pulled on Monday. So Philip will take antibiotics for his heart. Every year he goes to the heart doctor just to check if everything is ok. I think this is generally how you would treat this little girl. But there are more risks of complications with her condition. So you would need to accept this too. She may not be able to do sports, there are risks of blood clots and infection. The bottom line is with out a family willing to take risks she will die. I hope that someone steps forward willing to give her a chance for a future.

Sarah is still sick

2009-02-11T09:10:00.003+01:00

She cried because she wants to go to school. I feel like crying too because she is such a pain when she is board!!! I hope she is feeling better tomorrow, more for me then her! She is such a drama queen!!! I know, I know...your children all have the best temperament. I'm so happy for you. I love Sarah dearly, but she has always had the disposition of a mule. Her temper has served her well!

2009-02-10T12:19:00.001+01:00

sick girls

2009-02-10T09:29:00.002+01:00

The weather is stormy. Jessica, Nicole and Sarah are all home and sick. Sarah has a fever and headache. I just gave her something. Hopefully she can sleep. There seems to be a flu epidemic. I've heard from Thomas half his class is missing. I'm surprised they can find the teachers to keep the schools open. I’m not feeling great myself, but so far I'm not too bad. We were suppose to get snow, but instead we are getting a cold rain and strong wind. I can imagine the fear people use to live with (and some still do) when an epidemic of small poxes hit. I think of the brave parents who rushed to China to get their children before everything shut down because of SARS. May God keep us all safe and healthy. God bring peace and rest to my 3 beautiful girls.

In 1918, while World War I raged, 675,000 Americans died of the flu; estimates of the worldwide death toll now range from 50 million to 100 million.

2 more Camp Ox kids

2009-02-09T16:23:00.003+01:00

This is 4 year old Shayne who had Cleft lip and palate, post surgery.

This is 7 year old Zack who had Congenital heart disease, post-surgery; left wrist bone fracture; well-healed. Both boys are now healthy.

http://maaoxcamp.blogspot.com/

On the camp Ox list

2009-02-09T14:19:00.006+01:00

This is Martina, she is 12 years old and already had heart surgery. Isn't she beautiful! The sad reality is, she will "age out" in another year. That means if she doesn't find a family now, she will never have a family.

http://maaoxcamp.blogspot.com/

This is 7 year old Lorie, she has a cleft lip and palate (repaired) and Hep B.

and one of my personal favorites Lucas who is a healthy 4 year old boy.

Camp Ox

2009-02-09T13:50:00.005+01:00

Camp Ox is a camp for special needs kids in China. These kids are considered "hard to place". Many of them are older. Many have already had their needs corrected. You can now follow the camp Ox blog and get to know some of these kids better. Perhaps it will take some of the fear away about adopting an older child. I live in Germany, and I'm no longer allowed to adopt from China because of the Hague. I have adopted an older child (Thomas from Thailand). I'm not going to pretend it was all that easy. He is ADHD and we had some trouble with him until he was diagnosed and treated. Last year he was getting D's and even F's on his report card. We were taking him to counseling. It was hard. Now that his ADHD is being treated he has totally turned things around. He brought home a report card with B's and C's even one A in English. He still struggles a little with self worth. It was hard to wait for 7 years wondering why all the beautiful babies got parents, and he got left with none. It's so hard for a kid not to think there must be something ´wrong with me or I would have been chosen. They almost give up hope. Camp Ox may be the last hope some of these beautiful kids have to find a family. Please follow the blog, and pray for these kids.

http://www.maaoxcamp.blogspot.com/

keep praying for Abby

2009-02-09T10:34:00.000+01:00

They did it again!!!

2009-02-09T09:08:00.002+01:00

Everytime I change something on my blog blogger dumps my blogger friends! I have a master list. I hope I got you back on my blog friends, but I know I missed some of you. If you are not on my blog friends links please just send me a comment...I will fix it again!!!

happy birthday my wild and beautiful butterfly

2009-02-07T00:48:00.003+01:00

making cupcakes for her class

2009-02-05T20:08:00.001+01:00

Hosts of Hope

2009-02-05T17:31:00.003+01:00

Katerina

DOB: January 28, 1995
Katerina is a healthy girl who will be participating in the summer 2009 Hosts of Hope program.

If you are interested in hosting this child or if you would like general information about the Hosts of Hope program, please call Larissa Koedyker, Hosts of Hope program coordinator, at 616.667.0921.

Host families needed for children from Ukraine and Russia!

Give hope to an older, orphaned child by becoming a host parent. Families are currently needed for our June 2009 Ukraine program and July 2009 Russia program. Through the Hosts of Hope program, families can not only provide a family atmosphere during the child's 10-day stay, but also help to increase awareness of the need for adoptive families for older children. Many of the children in host programs end up being adopted by their host family or friends of the host family. It's such a cool way to find out if adoption could be right for you.

what a sweet girl

2009-02-05T17:08:00.003+01:00

This sweet little 7yoa grew up working on a farm with her mother, who is no longer able to care and provide for her. She never knew her father. She is a happy, healthy little girl, very friendly and easy going, but has never known a ''real home''. If you think you may be the family for Kara...Please contact jeanne@hospcotchadotpions.org
This country has a very economical program an simple dossier !

I saw this girl on rainbow kids. I don't know anything about the agency or country. I think she is beautiful and her story needs to end well. Could you be the one who could write the next chapter of her life?

A Million Children Waiting

2009-02-04T21:58:00.002+01:00

A Million Children Waiting
In part one of this two-part series, we learn about the tragedy of Ethiopean children who have lost their parents to disease--and their prospects for adoption.

By Melissa Fay Greene

help bring hope to orphans with aids

2009-02-04T21:09:00.006+01:00

Amelezeud Gashaw

1992-2005

She was also an excellent student, earning top grades despite her frequent absences from school due to illness. She learned to speak fluent English as well as her native Amharic despite a hearing loss due to complications from AIDS.

AHOPE for Children is honoring Amelezeud with the next memorial bracelet. We respectfully ask that you join us in honoring this incredible child by wearing her bracelet. They can be purchased for a donation of $15.00 at http://www.ahopestore.org/. Proceeds benefit the children of AHOPE – Ethiopia.

In the words of Amelezeud...

“After I graduate, I want to be a professor of mathematics. In our country there are not many women pilots, so I may want to be a pilot. I want to learn quickly and I want to grow up. In the future, I want to live in my family’s house. I want to build my older brother a villa and to plant flowers on the gate to make it beautiful. I want to help children without families, like me. I am going to tell them that I like them, and help them the way Mimi and Bibi help me. More than anything, I like to read history books. This makes my life happy”.
Greene, Melissa Fay. There is No Me Without You

Wanted...

2009-02-04T19:57:00.003+01:00

I want the best recipe for...

Chili Beans
Tomato Soup
Buttermilk pancakes
Spaghetti Carbonara
Homemade pizza
Black bean soup
cornbread
tuna melts
Split Pea Soup
Goulash
Potato soup
Baked beans

You can send your recipe to Hungry for Love Cookbook blog. I don't care if it's something you found on the internet, or in a book I only care that you have tried it out and that it is homemade and good!

Waiting in America

2009-02-04T16:34:00.001+01:00

Here is a sweet 10 year old girl in Washington State that wants a church going family. She has some learning delays but seems to be doing pretty good. Would you have a home for her or one of the 150,000 other kids waiting in America?

I lost some links...

2009-02-04T15:00:00.002+01:00

For some reason blogger didn't save my blog friends links. I had a master list with some of them. I know I'm missing others. If you are missing from my blog links, or would like to add your blog to my links please just add a comment. I'm missing all my Ethiopian blog links. Don't you hate it when these things happen. It is not the end of the world, but a bit of a pain!

in 3 days...

2009-02-04T08:51:00.004+01:00

In just 3 days Sarah will turn 6 years old. She goes to bed each night happy knowing it isn't so long now until the big day. This morning we wrote a note to her kindergarten teacher saying we would bring cupcakes to school on Friday. She is excited!!!
The house is quite. Everyone is off to school and work. I sit here at my desk thinking about the gift I have in this sweet and sour Chinese girl. Her birth mother is probably also thinking about her. I never forget that adoption is about loss as well as gain. I wish I could tell this women what a beautiful child she has blessed the world with. God bless her, bless her whole family in China. Please give them the peace that Sarah is doing great. God thank you for giving us this beautiful child. I love her so much!

there are so many beautiful children waiting in Africa

2009-02-03T21:47:00.002+01:00

They never said it would be easy

2009-02-03T16:59:00.003+01:00

At the beginning of the year Juergen and I took a close look at where our money was going. it soon became clear to us the kids actually cost allot to raise. Coming up with the thousands of dollars to adopt 3 kids was nothing compared to keeping these kids in shoes and cloths, paying for their lessons (drum lessons, swimming lessons, guitar lessons, and marshal arts). The older they get the more they cost. And our food bill is outrageous! So I decided I have got to do something about that outrageous food bill. I am trying to cut that bill in half. How do I do it? For one thing, I am shopping only 2 times a week. I use to shop almost daily. And if we had it, they would eat it. They did not want left overs. We wasted too much food. Now I put on the limits. For example the kids only drink water. Today as a treat I bought one small bottle of soda each. But only one bottle. If we had soda, they would only drink soda. That isn't healthy, and it's expensive. I am trying to cook less meat, and I am also cooking whole foods (no instant stuff). Rice, beans, soups, and potatoes and vegetables. The kids are not 100% pleased with my plan. I guess they will get use to it in time. Thomas especially hates vegetables. He lived in an orphanage until he was 7 years old. He only ate rice and chicken. Often people would visit the children’s home and he would get candy. I'm not sure he even saw a vegetable until he was adopted. He use to sit in his chair and cry because his very mean and cruel mother (me) would not give him his desert until he first ate his salad. He still does not like most vegetables but he will at least eat them without tears. I could use your good family recipes. The low cost, healthy, everyday kind of food. You can post those recipes on my food blog Hungry for love cookbook. I'm a little proud of myself because I actually managed to spend 50% less on food in January. If I keep this up maybe I will have the money to bring one more child home. Even if we never adopt again, we will be a healthier family.

waiting kids

2009-02-02T23:56:00.003+01:00

This is from the camp Ox blog...
Lucas (M)
3/20/2004
(4 years)
This child’s pediatric examination found no obvious abnormalities.
Development on par with same age healthy peers.
Attending Institute’s kindergarten

These kids are available HERE.

trying to bring order to my crazy world

2009-02-02T14:54:00.004+01:00

I have 5 kids and organization is not what you would call my strength. My oldest sister got all the organizational genes! I also have a very small house. It was fine when we moved in. Back then we only had 3 kids. Now we have 5 kids and they even grew...taking up so much more space. Imagine! I just bought colored boxes for the kids to toss their stuff into as they come into the house. Each child has their own box. So far it is working out well. What organizational tips do you have? Send me a comment and I will post it on my blog. I'll even send chocolate for the idea I like best. You can not pass up German chocolate...I know you!

Happy Groundhogs day!

2009-02-02T13:29:00.004+01:00

Phil says .... 6 more weeks of winter. Oh Phil, say it isn't so!!!

Waiting for hope

2009-01-31T23:02:00.003+01:00

These are just two of the many children around the world waiting for a family. I saw these two on Rainbow kids. I actually found Philip on the rainbow kids photo list almost 9 years ago. Sometimes one photo is all it takes to get you to move heaven and earth. You see their face, and you make a choice to do all that it takes to make sure this one will have hope. Adoption does not just happen. You need to exercise a great deal of effort to adopt. But when you see the face of a waiting child( a child you have decided to parent) you do not rest easy until they are home.

Great TV Ad

2009-01-31T00:03:00.002+01:00

I often wondered what choice Obamas mom would have made if abortion was legal in 1961? Be sure and contact your congress person and senator to vote no when the freedom of choice act comes up for a vote. The Freedom of choice Act will eliminate all common sense laws that regulate abortion (stuff like a 48 hour cooling off period, counseling, and parental consent). It will also mandate federal funding for abortion. Think of all the potential we lose each year (1.3 million abortions in the US every year). We need to stop this craziness. We do not need more abortion, we need more value of life. We need to help single moms, and promote adoption.

Homemade egg rolls

2009-01-26T20:02:00.004+01:00

We made egg rolls or the Chinese New Years. All the kids helped me cook and chop the filling. You can find the recipe on our Hungry for Love cookbook blog. If you have a simple family dish you would like to share, leave me a comment on Hungry or love.

Gung Hay Fat Choy

2009-01-26T08:47:00.003+01:00

Happy Chinese New Years! We have no local Chinese friends. No other adopted families to celebrate this special event with. That kind of makes me sad. Germany does not allow Chinese adoption. Sarah has Asian brothers from Thailand, but no Chinese friends. We did make chicken wings for dinner yesterday. Today I'm making egg rolls. Sarah loves China. She talks about China as if it was her birth mother.
So many of you will be traveling to China in this New Year. This is your year! I'm so happy to view your joy from afar! Happy, Happy New Year! Gods health, healing, provision, courage and help to you!