The reality of adoption...

This video was forwarded to me by a good friend and I just watched it...I can't breathe. My heart literally hurts for Maire and all of these "lost girls". I just want her home so badly. I am so blessed that God chose US to be Maire's parents. Adoption is a wonderful thing, created by God. But my joy of bringing Maire home comes at unbearable cost to another mom. My heart breaks for Maire's biological mother. What her mother must have gone through making this decision. I pray God watches over her and provides her with comfort in her decision. I will take care of her daughter. I promise with all of my heart and soul. And my sweet girl who is soon to be uprooted from the only life she's known, given to strangers who look different, talk differently, dragged to a country where everything is foreign. I can only pray that God prepares her heart for this transition. I pray that she knows my soul and finds comfort in us as her parents. Our children are our world and I cannot wait to share that unconditional love with her.

We are still taking donations for Maire's orphanage--if you can spare anything, please let us know. There are still girls left there--without parents. No future...please help them if you can. Thank you...

Parents Journey to China, Meet Adopted Children

Another Monday...

Today I miss my Maire. Actually, I always "miss" her, but today hurts more than usual. I guess the reality of July 1 coming and going without travel approval is creeping up on me. Plus it is Monday and I have to work today...I love my job, but I have to be there so early!! I am not a early bird :) Oh well, considering it is the ONLY day I work this week, I think I can manage it. Plus, spending the day with 17 kiddos (ages 3 to 10) won't allow me anytime to miss my girl!

Went to Gymboree's semi annual sale and stocked up on hats for her! Yes, hats (see picture labeled "bald"). Bugs birthday is July 7 and he will be 5! I cannot believe he is going to kindergarten soon. Crazy stuff for a mom! Got a few goodies for him, but not sure what his "big" gift will be. Someone suggested a trampoline (with the safety net)...I'd like to know other's thoughts on this. I know they are fun and encourage exercise, but are they dangerous?! Is that a myth? Leave a comment if you have advice!

Off to school!! (the characters say "Child of God"...my entire family are His!)

More fundraising!

As we get closer and closer to our travel date (at least we think we are getting closer!), we continue to focus our efforts on fundraising! We have received tremendous financial support from friends and family over the last months. In particular, an amazing donation that really helped ease the stress of Maire's orphanage donation! Thank you my "anonymous" friend!!

I am working on another garage sell with lots of goodies being donated by friends & family. But I am also trying my hand at sewing! I have always loved the idea of sewing and even received a sewing machine for Christmas! I had lots of GRAND ideas...new outfits for Maire. Shorts for the boys--maybe even some Halloween costumes. but I'll have to work up to those things!

I came up with this fundraiser idea one night while putting Bear's tooth in a Ziploc baggie. "I need a bag that is just for his teeth. Put it under his pillow & the tooth fairy exchanges it for a bit o' money!" (yes, I'm one of the parents that perpetuates the lies...) It turned out so cute, that I made lots of more, and passed them out to friends. Then someone says "You should sell these as a fundraiser for Maire on your website!" So here they are!!

Maire Z Doats Bags can fit coins, teeth, lock of hair, 8 crayons, lip gloss & lots of other small items for your little one. Use it as their own "handbag" or for precious keepsakes. With your choice of materials...either Girls Rock (black/pink), Sassafras (brown/aqua), Chickadee (yellow/blue), Cowboy Up (red/black cow spots) there should be one your little one will love! *I am currently looking for more boy material and will post options soon.

The small bag is $5.00 and shipping adds $2.00, but I will gladly combine shipping if you order more than one bag. I make the bags when your order them, so give me a couple of days notice. If you have a need for one right away, just let me know and I will do my best to get it to you when you need it! All of the proceeds from the bags go to my sweet Maire Bear's journey home. I hope to continue to sell them after her arrival and donate the proceeds to other adoptive families. Please spread the word!! Help me bring Maire home!

Choose from the following styles:

Girls Rock
Chickadee
Sassafras
Cowboy Up

Fabric Choice

Girls Rock Sassafras Chickadee Cowboy Up

Giving advice, comfort and protection...

*footnote* I wrote this Father's Day 2009. I went back to re read it yesterday and can honestly say nothing has changed except my love for these men--it has only grown. I hate to "cheat" and repost an old tribute, but it sums up perfectly how I feel about the men in my life...my children's life. I cannot wait for Maire to meet these men! I cannot wait for her to experience the love and joy my boys have because of our dads! Thank you Dad, Pop, Andy. Thank you.*

Today we celebrate our fathers. If you know my father, you know what an amazing man he is. I can always depend on him for anything. He is the hardest worker I know and instilled in me the drive to succeed, but always do the right thing. He loves my children without limits. He is the one that I base most of my decisions on! Would Dad think this a good idea? Would Dad be proud or disappointed? What will Dad say? Does that mean I always do the right thing...I think not! But, none the less, my Father is a great example to live life by. And for him, I will be eternally grateful. I love you Dad.

Andy's Father--I absolutely enjoy Andy's father to no end. He is the funniest, most down to earth man I know. I am so lucky to have fabulous in laws! I mean that with my whole heart. Pop (the boys call him Pop, so know we all call him Pop!) can truly take lemons and make them lemonade. My boys are constantly entertained when Pop is around..wrestling matches, tickle torture, combat hide-n-seek (this is my favorite!). Pop is honest and good. I am always smiling when he is around! I tease Andy sometimes by calling him "Rich"-- I see so many of Pop's mannerism in Andy and they only increase as time goes on. For the most part though--don't tell Rich I said this--I love seeing the "Pop" side of my husband! I love you Pop!

For my husband, my children's father. I am a better person because of you. Not just a lame lyric from a sappy love song...but the absolute truth. When I place the weight of the world on my shoulders, you remind me to lightened up. When I let the children walk all over me, you remind me to toughen up! To think 13 years ago, when I fell completely head over heels in love with you, that I would still feel that way today. I do.

True, you hate bathing the children and will do most anything to get out it! But I can always count on the dishes being done and the lawn mowed. The trash miraculously appears on the curb every Wednesday morning. The dogs are always fed and walked, without a discouraging word from you. (except maybe that "My" dog is stubborn).

But the most wonderful thing about you is your ability to walk through this world and never conform to someone you're not. I wish I was that strong. I have spent 10 years trying to find who I really am. And you have always known me better than I know myself. You bring humor into my life everyday. I still get butterflies when I see you in a pair of jeans and a faded foo fighters t shirt (mine, by the way!). Your slightly crooked smile, your amazing brown eyes. I would be so bored with out you, my dear.

Too funny!

Hi all,
I am sooo very tired tonight, so I'm cheating! I'm sending you to someone else's blog! This is the funniest thing I've read in weeks!! Hilarious!

Top 10 Reasons why having a toddler is like being at a frat party!

We are so close to bringing Maire home. Only a few more donations needed! Can you help?!? Chip In on the right! Thanks!

Angie

Home

What is Home--the place where a person, family, or household lives. Is home the same as house? Are they interchangeable? I spent the last 10 days in the same house I've lived for 2 years. I slept in the same bed I have for 2 years. I parked in the same garage, cooked in the same kitchen, vacuumed the same floor (ok, maybe I didn't vacuum) that I always have. But I was not home, because they were not home. My sweet boys were hundreds of miles away, and my girl...across the sea. I drove 2 hours to our airport today to pick up the boys and bring them home. And I will sleep soundly for the first time in 10 days. But I am still not content...having the boys under this roof has settled my soul for today. Yet, one bed sits empty, undisturbed, just waiting for her to be home. Then, maybe then, our sweet yellow house on Arrow Street will be home, finally. Or perhaps home is simply where all 5 of us are together, finally.

Family Fun Day Success!

Hi all! Just a quick update for those reading. The family fun day yesterday was a great success. We made about 1/2 of our goal of $1000. Considering the weather was NOT cooperative, I am thrilled that we had such a great turnout!! We had so much fun, despite the rain!

We also received a HUGE contribution towards Maire's orphanage donation earlier in the week. An amazing gift that we could have never dreamed possible! My final projections have us only a few donations away from our final goal!

I cannot wait to tell Maire the story of how God loved her from the minute she was conceived. God knew her exact path. He knew the people who would be most instrumental in getting her home. He knew from the beginning...

We will forever be grateful for their contribution---for everyone's contributions-- to help bring Maire home! As my friend said to me..."This experience only strengthens my faith in God!"

I miss all of my kids!!

Tonight I am sad...I miss all of my kids! My 2 boys are having a blast in Maine, and my sweet Maire waits for me across the sea. Remind me of this post in 2 months time when I am pulling out my hair because I have 2 wild and crazy boys barreling through my house and my terrified baby girl (who speaks no English) watches the chaos with hesitation and fear as the barking corgis race frantically trying to catch the 2 running boys...could be interesting! As for right now...I cannot wait for the circus to begin!

More Pictures!

We received an update on our Sweet Maire! She is 22 lbs, 33 inches tall and her foot is five inches! How cute?!? We cannot wait to kiss this baby girl!! She is waiting for us in Loudi Hunan Province-foster care. Her date of birth is 12/23/07. She was found abandoned at a hotel on June 22, 2008. We knew from the minute we saw her sweet face, she was meant to be ours. It was like we had met before! We have had so many "signs" from God over the last month, I have no doubt this is the right path!


We cannot wait to bring Maire home to meet her big brothers! They already adore her! Jude Bug fell asleep with her picture under his pillow a few nights ago...how sweet! Pray for a quick Travel Approval!

We will be having a big fundraiser for Maire on Saturday in Mom & Dad's back yard! Backyard Beach Party 11:00-1:00--slip n slide, face painting, treasure hunting, hot dogs, chips and cookies! Donations at the door. Please come out and help us raise the orphanage donation to bring Maire home!

Something NOT adoption related!

Imagine that! I was just reading through a friends latest blog entry (Bushel and a Peck) and I was truly laughing out loud. She has been smacked in the face with the reality of 2 children and their MESSES!

I rejoiced at the thought of having an entire week sans kiddos to clean and organize my home. Bear and Bug are vacationing in Maine with Nana & Pop. What better time to "donate" some unused toys. Sort through clothes that don't fit. Really clean--maybe even the windows **gasp**. Yet on day 2 of their absence, I sit on my comfy black rocker surfing the net...with 2 loads of clean laundry staring at me. And an unimaginable stack looming behind the laundry room door--I try to avoid that room at all costs.
While growing up, my mother kept our house immaculate. She was a stay at home mom, and I remember she was always vacuuming or unloading the dishwasher--hand mopping the floors (Thank GOD for Swiffer, right?!?) Poor woman...never had time to blog! I have yet to look as cool as she did in her kerchief tied around her hair...believe me, I've tried.


So yes, our houses may be messy (I bet your neighbors' is too) and our laundry might stage a revolution at any minute--but this blogging community keeps me sane. You guys are the ones who jump online, write your heart onto a computer screen, then publish it for the world to see. And every time we hit "publish now" remember this. Blogging may take away from precious cleaning time--but we are creating a lifetime of memories for our children to read over and over again. Our blogs will be cherished by our children far after we leave this place. Our entries will one day make our children laugh and cry, but hopefully, they will also let our children see a side to "Mom" they didn't know existed. So blog away girlfriends...the dishes will get done when they are accompanied by an odor!

SWAGGER WAGON

It's not about my needs...duh!?!

Hi all,

So I had a few events happen this evening that reminded me of how selfish I have been over the last few days. "My needs" have consumed me. "I need" orphanage donation money, "I need" to travel before school starts in the fall, "I need" answers to the hundreds of questions I have a day about Maire, "I need" to buy clothes for her..."I need". "I need" ice cream.

What I really need is to lighten up and let go!

I was reminded tonight that not every child who needs love is an orphan. Lots of kids have a parent (s), but they still need someone in their life who cares...being a parent doesn't always mean you're good at it. How sobering a thought?

I have been spending some time (sporadic and unannounced time) with a young lady entering her teens--she shows up on my door step needing something..one night it was a ride home, one night is was a drink, tonight, I offered her dinner with us when came knocking-she quickly accepted. 2 hours later, she was back needing a ride home. The strange thing is, I don't know this child. The first time she showed up at my door, it was late and she needed a ride home. She was walking when she got scared (it was after 9:00pm) and our house was the only one on the street with a light on. She lives about 2 miles from us. Don't misunderstand, I have no idea what this child's home life is like...she may have amazing parents. But driving home tonight, I was thinking "I hope I'm not being taken advantage of." Then I thought..."Why?" So what, maybe she is taking advantage of me. She is not harming my family in anyway. As a matter of fact, she is helping me remind my children that God wants us to be a blessing to others. This child was brought into my life for a reason. I thought she needed something from me. But maybe I needed something from her.

It isn't about me...this adoption was NEVER supposed to be about me. It is about a child who needs a home...a child who needs to be loved her entire life...a child who is free from the cold floors of a concrete orphanage. That child is Maire. And God has given me the job of meeting HER needs. God is allowing me to love her.

So...now to the 'raffle'. It is no longer a raffle. If you want a chance to win one of the "coast to coast" items, simply let me know by commenting on this post. In your comment--here comes the kicker--you have to tell me what you have done to be a blessing to someone else OR how someone else has blessed you. If you do that, then you are entered! If you want to "chip in" and donate to our cause, even better! If you don't, you are still in the running!

God knows what I need to bring Maire home. God is truly the one who provides the funds. He has advocates and angels walking this earth. A God who can breathe stars can find the funds to bring home this child.

Written from my heart and with very little forethought!
Angie

Oops!

Did you know that is against Paypal regulations to use their services for a raffle! I obviously didn't and they let me know. Wasn't that nice of them to let me know I was breaking the rules!? I am embarrassed...of course, but I'm a little bummed. Not sure how this "coast to coast" thing is going to work now! Any suggestions out there? The devil may very well have thrown us this roadblock, but he doesn't have any idea what a mother will do for her children. Step back non believers...and watch how God and I work!

Humbly yours,
Angie

Coast to Coast Raffle

Hi folks! If you stopped by to enter our Coast to Coast Raffle, welcome! We are in the process of bringing our daughter Maire home from China. We have about one month to raise $5000 (Yikes, I know!) But I know we can do it. With the help of friends, family & God, Maire will soon be home.

About the raffle, we have 10 items to give away (see items here). On June 20, we will raffle off the items using www.random.org. Here is how it works. Donate $25 and you will get one raffle ticket. Donate $50 (or more) and you will get 3 raffle tickets. Within 24 hours, I will send you your raffle ticket numbers via email. What if I don't have a paypal account, you ask? No problem, send me an email at angelawells1@live.com and let me know how many tickets you want, then mail me a check!

On June 20, we will raffle off item number 10 first, then work our way down to item number 1. If your ticket number is selected, you will be contacted about the item you won and we will send it to you...our cost. Then that ticket will be left out of the following drawings. However, if you contributed $50 or more, you will still have 2 more chances to win something else!

Wish everyone could win, but we only have 10 items! But this isn't just about winning, every dime in that is donated account goes to bringing Maire home. We cannot thank you enough for participating in our raffle. Email us with any questions and good luck!

Sincerely,

Angie & Andy