Another year gone by....

Many of you may remember  my post about Pat's birthday.. Oh the smiles as he realized this really WAS all about him. NO CHILD should have to wait ten years to know that he has people who love him and who care that he lives on the earth. Friends today is Susy's sixth birthday. My heart is breaking.  Oh that she would know the love of a family.  

I've been through this process with four children in the past couple of years.  There is a LOT that goes into the decision, and it isn't all about money.  But to get real, international adoption is expensive, and a good grant can really help a family to step out and commit.

Can we help Susy today?  To break this down to the ridiculous, if each of my Facebook friends could just donate just $1.50 we would DOUBLE her adoption grant. Would most Americans miss that $1.50???  Can you show her RR grant some love today and wish Susy a Happy Birthday? http://reecesrainbow.org/83748/susy  

Thank you on her behalf.

Book review: Luther and Katherina

Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion

You may have read about the Reformation Day Festival that our family went to a couple of weeks ago.  This is something we enjoy every year.   After doing some research on Katharina (Luther's wife) for our Reformation Day project last year, she is definitely a lady of interest.  The woman behind the man.... but she was a strong woman with lots of ideas and projects of her own!  I jumped at the chance to review this book.

This historical fiction workgives us a look at how things might have been as Luther and his Katie became a couple, but who actually knows?  The portrayal in this book isn't how I personally imagined it happening, but I enjoyed an alternate view and it was a very good read.  Do note: along with this time period of history comes a certain amount of violence and subject matter that isn't child friendly.  I wouldn't recommend this in any way as a book for children or youth as some of the theme matter is pretty disturbing.  It is intended as a book for grown ups.

 ** I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

November Birthdays!

Birthdays happen pretty often with my big family. But November is the biggest month for us with SIX! Two daughters, a son (Isaac) two grandsons and myself all celebrate November as the month of our birth.

 Our family celebrations are simple, but often noisy events!

 

Yeah, um those are the candles in my cupcake....

teenager!

 

 

 

Guess who else has a birthday in November????

Oh Sweet Susy!  She will be six years old in just a few days.  It grieves me to know that she doesn't have a family to celebrate with her.  Will you pray for her family to find her?  Will you show her Reece's Rainbow account a little love to help contribute to a grant towards her adoption?  No, it isn't all about the money, but sometimes the funds are one of the biggest obstacles that hold a family back.   Wish Susy a happy birthday HERE!    Contributions to her account are tax deductible.  Thank you on her behalf!

f o u N d - an adoption story

      

This is the student project made by a friend who is a communications major.  My four children from China were invited to be a part of this new video which was released today, on Orphan Sunday. 

Look for Pat on the swing, Abigail using American Sign Language, Isaac playing basketball, and Jen going from her wheelchair to a walker.  So happy that they are four less orphans in the world today.

Its My Birthday!

Yup. Today is my 54th birthday. When my adult kids were home last weekend Rachael made cupcakes (for the SIX of us celebrating birthdays in our family this month) and Hannah had way too much fun making sure I got every candle I was entitled to put into my cupcake. I thought we might set the house on fire before we got the thing blown out!(smile)

I'm not in the habit of soliciting birthday gifts but this year I am making an exception. Will you consider giving me a birthday gift of TEN CENTS per year and putting it in Susy's fund? It would totally make my day to see her grant climbing. Oh, and it is tax deductible for you too! Here is her donate page: http://reecesrainbow.org/83748/susy
The Angel Tree warriors aren't given names of who donates, so I won't be able to thank you personally for my gift (unless you let me know you did it!) So in advance, “thank you friends!”

Orphan Sunday is nearly here!

Orphan Sunday is coming on Sunday, November 8, 2015. This is probably the best explanation I've seen yet as to why Orphan Sunday exists and why it is important.  The video is just a little over a minute long.  Give a listen!

Good News for Patrick!

Pat  saw the dentist shortly after he came home. He was given a prescription for some antibacterial mouth wash,  and we were told to talk to the pediatrician about a possible blood disorder if the bleeding from his gums didn't settle down by the time he finished the prescription.

Thus started many, many, many tests and visits to the pediatrician and to Children's Hospital.  Today we got the results at last!

While he does have a mild clotting disorder it is not expected to need any treatment nor cause him any issues in his future aside from being a nuisance.  There were many scary things it COULD have been, and we are grateful for such good news!