Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Patrick has been home one year!


Can you believe it?  It has been an entire year since Pat joined our family!  In that time he has lost this baby face, shot up several inches and gained at least fifteen pounds!  Yes, he pretty much ATE through the first year.  He has grown in may other ways as well, and I believe is beginning to "get" this thing called family.







Happy Family Day, Pat!  So happy you are a Lanz!

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Handmade Wooden Chinese Minority Dolls - Fundraiser!



When I was still Susy's advocate - back when she was in the Angel Tree program last year, we did a fundraiser for her with these dolls.  It was super popular, and I've had requests to run this one again.  So, back by popular demand!








You may claim the specific one you'd like by commenting on the individual photos in the album found HERE on Facebook

Thanks for taking a peek!


Thursday, March 24, 2016

Two Years Ago....


Two years ago today I met this quiet, gentle young man for the first time. I have discovered that he is smart, meticulous, kind, and witty. He is a good big brother and an awesome uncle. There were so many unknowns for both of us, but I'm thankful that we took the leap of faith and became family. Adopting him is one of the best things that ever happened to me. 

Adoption day 3-25-2014
Sightseeing in Nanning, China
Shamian Island, Guangzhou, China
Preparing the US citizenship documents
Arriving at the Cincinnati airport
Homecoming party at the airport
The Little Princesses were sooooo happy to have us home!
Easter 2014, home just  a couple of weeks
Red Thread photo, home a few months


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

We are DTC!


 Wonderful news today!  Our dossier has been sent to China!  For those not familiar with the adoption steps, this is one of the biggies.  It means that the documents that we have spent literally months on here in the States finally have all of the authentications and approvals that they need, and have been sent by our agency to China for processing.  So thankful to have reached this milestone!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

f o u N d - an adoption story - top 5!

Last fall my four children from China, along with several other adopted children from our area were in a short promotional video released in November during National Adoption Month.  Last week the video went on to the Christian Worldview Film Festival in Texas and placed in the top five!  Well done, Carrie!


Tuesday, March 15, 2016

When God answers prayer in an astounding way!



To recap in case you missed the last drama filled week; in the midst of having to travel to our state capital twice to redo document authentications, our van quite unexpectedly and with no warning met the end of its useful life.  With the additions to our family these past few years we must have a large vehicle.  It has to seat at least eight people and have the cargo space to hold two wheelchairs and a walker.  Since we won’t really know “Susy’s” exact needs until she is home, it is possible that we might require a van that has the capacity to add an accessibility ramp to it in the near future.  With us currently fundraising to pay for the adoption,  we obviously have very meager funds available to purchase a replacement van.

Today we received a most extraordinary gift.  It is an answer to prayer, above and beyond anything we would have dared to dream.  It is a shining illustration of God’s love for our children, how HE has the details of the adoptions totally under control, and how He is faithful to provide when we step out in faith.  This is our replacement van!

 Disclaimer: Our adorable little grandson on the left doesn't live with us.
It was gifted to us by someone we have yet to even meet, on the condition that God receive all the glory for it, and that they remain anonymous.  Please rejoice with us! We are both humbled and in awe that our prayers were answered in such a lavish way!  This van should last us for many years to come, and provide the dependable transportation we need, especially with our children who have mobility needs. 

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Jen is Ten!


She positively quivered with excitement for the entire month before it happened.  And we can hardly believe it, but Jennifer turned ten this week! 


Oh the joy captured in this video!



One of her gifts was a penguin that swims in the bathtub.  She was super tickled at him taking off across the table!


 And of course she HAD to have a doll - what ten year old girl doesn't?  And this one is extra special because it is a lovely Asian baby doll.


Jennifer had the hardest time of all the kids adjusting to life outside the institution.  We have had the great privilege of having an up close view of the transformation in her.  She has become such a joyful and sweet addition to our family.  Happy birthday, sweet girl!