Three of Our Ridiculously Cute Daughters at Their Dance Recital

I think my favorite picture is the one of Sophi doing Jesi's make-up:)

-Jer

 Sophi and her best friend, Claire:

Sophi Eats at the Bar

Sophi is an independent kid who wants to do what the other kids do.  Sometimes she wants to eat at the bar in the kitchen.  The fact that she can't reach her feet that high is no impediment!

Jeremy

Happy New Year

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!  One of my resolutions is to blog more regularly in 2015, so here's a start:)

Over the years, Christi and I have formally or informally divided many of the household chores.  She does most of the cooking, I do most of the yard work.  She takes the kids to doctors appointments, I take them to the dentist and orthodontist.  And so on.  All of these are quite flexible.  For some reason (i.e. Christi is far more artistically and creatively talented than I am) she has taken on the job of helping the kids with their science projects.  I've never fought for the opportunity to take over this responsibility.  It can be a very time-consuming endeavor.

But somehow this year I ended up helping Parker with his.  About two thirds of the way through a thought struck me.  Every kid, every year has received an A on their science project.  If Parker gets anything less, Christi will never let me hear the end of it.  I began to lose sleep at nights.  I would have sudden panic attacks without warning.  Occasionally I found myself sobbing for no apparent reason.  OK, perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit, but I really did want Parker to get a good grade on this.

Never fear!  Parker is a brilliant student.  In spite of my assistance, he got an A and all is right in the world.  Thanks for pulling me through on this, Parker:)

Jer

PS.  He built an electromagnet and determined that increasing the number of times the wire is coiled around the nail has a greater impact on the strength of the magnet than increasing the number of batteries that power it.  Sadly, I did not take a picture of the final poster:(

Google

A few days ago, Christi was going through the internet history on our computer.  She came across this gem of a progression showing what had been searched for on google (in order):

earrings

earrings that cost about 20$

christmas earrings that cost about 20$

christmas earrings that cost about 20$ from ross

earrings for girl teachers

earrings for girl teachers not weird ones

neckleses

Any doubt that it was Jessica who was doing the googling was quickly erased by the 25 pages of American Girl doll stuff that immediately followed in the history.

-Dad

First Kiss

Today at school, the TA in Sophi's class observed an interaction between Sophi and a boy named Eli.  Apparently Eli said, "Sophi, you are so beautiful!"  Sophi responded by smiling and then leaning over and kissing him on the cheek.  She then turned to her TA and exclaimed, "I want to sit in Eli's row!"  You go girl!

-Jeremy

Girls' weekend

These three friends have been my safe place for the last 15 years.  We have laughed and cried and talked and traveled and strengthened each other in ways that I couldn't have lived without.  We have survived numberless trials together and learned so much along the way.  Between the four of us, we are raising 24 amazing children and four sweet husbands!  These girls know pretty much everything about me and still love me perfectly.  In every up and down, they are there.

Oh how I love my dear best friends!!!

Oh the comfort,the inexpressible
Comfort of feeling safe with friends
Having neither to weigh
Thoughts, nor measure words,
But to pour them all out

Just as they are
Chaff and grain together
Knowing that a faithful hand
Will take and sift them,
Keeping what is worth keeping
and then with a breath of kindness
Blow the rest away

He hears our prayers

 The family hoping to adopt Haden has received pre-approval from China-- which means that I can finally share that 

HADEN HAS A FAMILY!

The Miller's seem like a wonderful family who will bless Haden tremendously, as I know he will bless them.  They wanted me to convey how much they have appreciated the love and support felt here and at the fundraising page.  They have experienced a lot of hardship and negativity during the last few weeks as they have sought to become Haden's family and have therefore been even more grateful for the positive comments, prayers, and financial support.   (:  You can continue to help support them financially HERE.  Let's lighten their burden as much as we can.  As a community of people, we can do a lot if we each give a little.   I want to personally thank our friends and family and followers that have helped change Haden's life.  You should know that the fundraiser page was very instrumental in the Millers going forward with Haden's adoption.  YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who wants to see a picture of Haden's beautiful new family????  

Haden update and three more angels!

First off, my apologies!  I've had several people email me wanting to know the status of Haden.  I'm so sorry I'm just now sharing.  Life has been incredibly busy-- but even more than that, I've been waiting to find out more information before I posted and it's been a little tricky…

I told you that we had friends who wanted to adopt Haden but finances were standing in the way.  I also told you there was another family interested.  Both of these families are already in the process of adopting girls from China and both have been doing all they can to save and raise money for those adoptions.  Well, the first family I spoke of (the ones we are friends with) are not going forward with Haden's adoption.  They have spent a LOT of time in prayer and don't feel like they have the answer to move forward.  The other family went to their agency three weeks ago asking to adopt Haden.  This particular agency is very careful/wary about letting families adopt two at once.  Unfortunately, they are also very SLOW.  We keep thinking that this family is going to get their final answer and then the agency comes back with more questions and no answers.  Last week the family was given a final set of essay questions to fill out.  Those will be turned in today and they should have a final answer very soon.  Time is running out and they need to be proceeding NOW if they are to make it work, so please pray that this agency can answer in a more timely manner than they have been recently.  If this family is turned down, Haden does still have one last hope.  There is another family who recently returned from adopting in China who would also love to bring him home!  I have been in touch with them and they are just waiting to see if the other family gets a "yes."    There would have to be some pretty good size miracles happen in order for them to pull it off time-wise, but we know that our Father in Heaven is a God of miracles.  So we continue to pray that somehow, one of these families will be bringing Haden home.

Int he meantime, I have extended Haden's fundraiser until Christmas.  I did this at the request of the family who is trying to adopt him so that if they get the go-ahead, they can inform their friends and family and be able to direct them to the site.  I want to tell you how extremely grateful this family has been to know that there are funds to help them make this whole thing possible.  They have worked hard to raise money for their current adoption.  They have baked up a storm, sewn quilts, etc… all to help bring their daughter home.  Because of the generous donations so many people have made and the fact that the orphanage has waived their fee for Haden, finances will not stop them from being Haden's family.  What a beautiful thing!  And if their agency does turn them down, the money in Haden's fund will bless the other family who wants to try.  So once again, THANK YOU for your generosity.  And I promise to keep you posted as soon as I know anything more!!

It's December, which means we're going to go back to blogging more about our family (it's our way of keeping a journal) and less about adoption advocacy.  But since I missed so many days in November, I'm going to close this post with three more beautiful kiddos.  (:  As always, if you want more info, please let me know!  There are so many children who desperately want families!!!!!!!!!      

Meet Joseph:

Oh man, this kid has my heart!  He is perfect.   There are some photos where he looks so much like Xander it's just crazy!  Please, someone see him!


Meet Andy:

Andy has KT Syndrome-- which is what Xander was initially diagnosed with.  Their legs and feet look similar.  PEOPLE!  KT Syndrome does not make him less deserving of a family!  It's a need that will most likely NOT take a lot of extra time and he is worth it!!!!

Meet Yi:

Like Cali, Yi has spina bifida.  This is what her orphanage had to say about her:  

Yi is a very shy and bashful little girl. She is affectionate towards those she knows well, and Yi is very well behaved. She loves to watch people, cars, and animals in the neighborhood outside of the orphanage. Because of Xuan Yi’s spina bifida, her lower limbs are paralyzed. Yi can say simple sentences and words. She is a fast learning! Yi loves to play with others, and is extremely clever and well behaved. We hope this smart and beautiful little Yi finds her home!

Pulls It Off Well

Parker decided he was tired of the same old school pictures.  Awkward smiles.  Forgettable faces.  Etc.  He went with this:

Love that kid!

-Jer

Mr. Basketball

So this is not an adoption post.  But I just had to give a quick rundown of Taylor's first high school games today.  Taylor is a freshman.  After basketball tryouts, he was assigned to the JV team.  Yesterday at practice, coach told him he would also suit up and get some playing time on the varsity team.

Tonight was their first game.  Taylor played almost the entire first three quarters of the JV game.  He scored 10 points, pulled down a bunch of rebounds and played stellar defense.  They were up by a lot in the fourth quarter, so Taylor left the game and went into the locker room with the varsity team as they prepared for their game.

He played just a little over a quarter in the varsity game.  He scored 6 points, but what was really fantastic was that he had a team-high 10 rebounds.  His coach pointed out that leading the team in rebounds with such relatively little playing time showed great effort.  

Way to go, son!  I'm so happy for you!  You scored 5 times more points tonight than I did my entire freshman season:)

-Dad

Luke 2

Ok, so we've gone this whole day without any additional donations for Haden and I just KNOW there is someone out there who is wanting to change that!  (:  Click HERE to make it so Nov 19 is another promising day for Haden.

I have had THREE very interested families contact me about sweet little Luke!  That is about the most exciting thing ever!!  I am hoping that if one of them goes ahead with his adoption (it sounds promising!) that they will let me post their family picture here with a link to follow their journey because I know you all just love him!   (:  Having families email me about these kids makes me even more determined to keep advocating!  I'm thinking that after November we will have to keep it a regular part of our blog somehow.  If just one child finds a family from us taking time to share then of course it is so important share share share!  

One of the biggest questions that prospective adoptive parents ask is, "How will adopting affect the kids I already have?"  It's an important question that has to be heavily considered.  Of course we are obligated to take into consideration those children already under our care.    I remember well how nervous I was for Jessica when we decided to adopt Graci.  Jessica was "the princess" of our family.  We worried about her needing to share her room, her things, and most importantly, our attention.  

Well, tonight I randomly came across this video we took during Conner's baptism.  I usually don't separate in my head our biological children vs our adopted children.  They are just all our kids.  But when I watched this, I was immediately struck by the beauty of our sweet, blonde haired, blue-eyed beauty surrounded by four raven haired, almond-eyed sisters who she loves with all of her heart.  I thought of how different Jessica's life would be without adoption.  For her, these amazing sisters have changed her life in the best possible ways.  Yes, there have been sacrifices.  Yes, there has been arguing and jealousy and all of the normal sibling stuff.  But her life has been enhanced exponentially by having these beautiful sisters in her life.  Today I am so grateful for what my incredible Chinese daughters have done for my darling biological daughter.

I LOVE ADOPTION.

If you choose not to watch the whole video, watch the very end.  You will hear sweet Elli chime in with her own "I will!"  The Spirit warmed our hearts as we listened to her express in her own way what we know her Spirit wants to communicate.  We love that sweet Elli of ours.

And now to advocate for another sweet orphan who needs a home.  Since we're having luck with Luke, let me introduce you to another "Luke."  And let me tell you, get ready to fall in love:

Click HERE to see his precious video (password is luke1).  There are several more videos available if you are interested!

Sweet Luke was born with club feet.  You guys!!!  There is surgery for this!  He can have his feet fixed in America and can have a totally normal, wonderful life!    When I watch his video my heart literally hurts to see him walking on those feet, but his smile is so contagious that I can't help but smile!  I just know that there is a wonderful family and a bright future for him.  Did you hear him call out, "Mama" at the end?!!  Oh my heart!!!  I plead with you to consider if he is calling out to YOU!

Luke was found at the age of three and it was said that he was very sad and had a hard time adjusting but that he eventually grew accustomed to orphanage life.  Ugh.  This is what a very recent (November) update had to say about him:

He has been pretty healthy and doesn’t get sick easily. He can’t walk yet. He is shorter than other kids and his speech is not quite clearly. His mental development is normal and he is very smart. He can’t stand without holding. He can walk by holding something. His fine motor skill is very good. He can write some letters and numbers. He can play toys and blocks well. He can have daily communication with people during daily life. He can sing some children songs and he can read some English words. He understands instruction and can follow them well. Sometimes he is kind of stubborn. So you need to keep him calm by comforting him first. He likes to play cars, blocks. He likes to watch cartoon and play games with other children. He is not potty trained yet so he still wears diaper. He sleeps well and shares a bed with another boy. He is a sweet boy and likes to chat with caregivers. He plays well with other children and wants to share all the time. He is outgoing and likes to laugh and talk.

Let's find "Luke 2" his family!

--Christianne

Sweet Alia

So remember that aching to get in bed that I talked about?  Yeah, that ended up being strep.  Which I only tell you to explain my absence on the blog for a few days.  It was pretty miserable…

HADEN HAS $5,000 TOWARD HIS ADOPTION!  I am doing a happy dance here!  We are halfway to our goal and still have five solid days left.  I think this can really happen!!!  If you've meant to donate but just haven't gotten around to it, now is a good time.  (:  Any amount will help!  And to give you a little added incentive, I am posting a link to Haden's sweet video.  Doesn't he just seem like a stellar young man?  Parker watched it and talked about how well he thought Haden would fit in at school in America.  The two interested families have not committed yet and I know that this fundraiser can boost those chances.  (:  Time is running out.  Let's get Haden a family!!!

Translation of Haden's video:

"Hi, my name is ZYL and I am in 6th grade.  I like sports very much.   I play basketball every day after school.  During weekend I like to ride my bike to places far from city.  Sometimes I ride for 1-2 hours.  I like to study too.  My favorite subject is math as I feel it is a very interesting subject.  I like to read and I read a big book recently about Chinese history.  I think it's an amazing book.  My dream is to become an astronaut so I can solve the mystery which we don't know yet.  I really want to have a family-- to have Dad and Mom.  I know they can give me their love and care.  And I can do so much with them too- we can go for walk after dinner, ride bike, play sport.  I will love to be around them all the time.  I pray I have a loving family soon."

To see Haden's video, click HERE.  Password is haden

To donate, click HERE.

Again, so grateful to ALL who have donated and shared!!!!!!!!

Now, on to another sweet girl that has captured my heart.  Oh my, isn't she precious?!!!

 

Here is what I know about Alia:

When our staff first visited the Yuxi orphanage in Yunnan province, one precious little girl stood out from all of the other children.  Perhaps it was the way she hung her head, as if in shame.  Quiet, and shy, there also appeared to be a deep sadness held within her spirit.  

Heartsent Adoption's orphanage partnership with Yuxi is brand new for the agency and for all of the children at this orphanage, as well.  Previously, the children in the Yuxi orphanage were in foster care homes and smaller centers in the area. Alia has recently turned 6 years old. She has glaucoma of her left eye, which has progressed to the point that it will surely need to be removed. She is embarrassed about the appearance of her eye, and in constant pain due to the increased pressure within her eye.

Alia is known to be gentle, and loves to sing and dance. Alia needs a family who will help her receive the medical care she so badly needs, and will help her blossom! With proper care and preventative measures, we hope her remaining eye will be healthy. Alia is a sweet and loving little girl, who wants a family of her own.  

It breaks my heart that she is embarrassed of her eye and even more that she is enduring constant pain.  I know that someone has talked about the possibility of raising money to provide surgery in China-- but others have suggested she wait to find a family here in America so that her health care could be the best possible!  Getting her matched with a family could change this girl's life in miraculous ways.

Is she calling out to you?  (:

--Christianne

Haden update and precious Luke

I am sniffling and sneezing and aching and wanting my bed, but I figured that this post was more important than my beauty rest.  (:  First of all, I am blown away by the tremendous response we've had so far to Haden's fundraiser.  We have received close to $3,000 in donations in about 30 hours!  It is such a beautiful thing to watch.  I am so grateful for every single dollar that has been donated and for every person who has shared the fundraiser.  Thank you all so much!  Please continue to share and donate as you feel led!  (:

Just click HERE.

As I peruse the sweet children waiting to be adopted, my heart is definitely pricked by some more than others.  Sweet little Luke has recently done this to me!  Doesn't he remind you of someone?

Luke at his orphanage

Sophi at her orphanage

Practically twins at that age-- in fact, his birthday is just one day apart from hers! (She's three years older.)  I have to tell a cute little story about Luke.  Sophi calls her little "shoulders" her "nubbies."  This is because of Tisha Unarmed-- Sophi's favorite youtube sensation and personal friend (Tisha has skyped with Sophi and was ever so sweet with her.)  When Sophi saw this picture of Luke without his shirt on, she looked very confused and exclaimed, "Oh!  Is that what boy nubbies look like?"  Ha!  She then said, "I like my girl nubbies better."  I was glad for that last statement because I thought she might be jealous that he had the starts of arms-- a fact that I'm sure will be an asset to him.  (:

So tonight I'm going to leave you with little Luke's profile.  Surely there is someone out there that needs a "Sophi" in their life!  (Sophi calls any kid without arms a "Sophi.")  He even has a leg discrepancy like her.  What a little rock star!

Luke, born in September 2012, is now an absolutely adorable 2-year-old! Despite his physical limitations, he is creative and persistent. It is amazing what Luke has been able to accomplish; can you imagine what he could do with the support of his forever family?

On an early September day in 2012, police received a report that there was a male baby left on the back road to a local temple. After an unsuccessful search for his birth parents, Luke was taken to the orphanage. His initial physical notes say he was 1 day old and was missing his upper limbs and had a club foot. Even at such a young age, it was also noted that he was in good spirits.

Luke has spent his first 2 years in an orphanage.  Under their watchful care, he has developed well physically and intellectually. At three months, he could roll over, track objects with his eyes and make babbling sounds. At 5 months, he could control his head well, laugh loudly, and loved to look around. At 8 months old, he could crawl, knew his name, and could understand facial expressions. Luke is an active, restless little guy who loves to be cuddled and has a great little smile!

The official diagnosis for Luke is missing forearms, shortening of the left lower limb, left little toe deformity and spina bifida occulta. In a September 2014 update, his caregivers say Luke can sit without support, crawl, and stand with support. He loves colorful, sound-making toys. He uses his arm and foot to hold a bottle. He also uses his neck and shoulder to hold an object. Luke can use his feet to play with a toy and pinch his food. He can even use his forearm to wipe his own tears. But you know, he really should have a mama and baba to do that for him!

If you want to learn more about little Luke, leave a comment or send me a private message at christi405@yahoo.com.  

How to Help Haden!

Ok, so this is the deal.  I've spent to last few days mulling over what to do.  I have received a few messages and comments from people who want to help Haden get a family.  I've been talking to our friends who would like to adopt Haden but are unable to because of finances.  With their permission, I have set up an online fundraiser.  Woo hoo!!!!  I know that we can do this with the Lord's help!  

Please consider donating to this very worthy cause.  I will be personally responsible for the funds and you can be sure that 100% of your donation will go directly toward the adoption fees.  ANY amount will be appreciated.   If you can't contribute, consider sharing.  If you can contribute, consider sharing.  (:  I know that the key here will be to share the fundraiser with as many people as possible.

Click HERE to go to the fundraiser site.

I love you all for your kind hearts!

--Christianne

Someone PLEASE see this boy!

Tonight I wanted to share the profile of a very special young man named "Haden."  

Haden is 13 years old and will "age out" this January.  In China, there is a strict law that a child cannot be adopted once they turn 14.  In some places, the kids can still have hope for a future, in other places, aging out basically condemns them to a very hard life.  Watching kids age out is one of the hardest things for adoption advocates to do.  I am pointing out his age first thing because I want people to realize that if Haden is going to get a family, that family needs to come forward NOW.  As in, yesterday!  (:  It can be done, but it will take an extraordinary amount of effort to complete his adoption by January 17.  Haden wants to be adopted and his orphanage wants it for him.  They have offered to waive his "orphanage fee" and have asked that we let people know that there are not many older kids there and that Haden won't have many friends to be with if he ends up staying in the orphanage.  UGH.  Breaks my heart.  Here is the information I have on him:

Wonderful Haden is 13 years old and listed as having torticollis.  According to his orphanage, Haden’s orphanage adoption fee has been waived!

This sweet boy is described as a very bright and kind child who likes to play basketball, draw, and read comic books.

Haden is said to be very social and have many friends. When he grows up, he stated that wants to be a pilot and see the world.

 The children in the orphanage did a talent show and Haden did a fantastic hip hop dance in front   of everyone!  He seems to have a fun personality.  His teacher says that he is a great student.

There is a family who recently adopted a girl from Haden's orphanage.  Her name is Lily, and she wanted to advocate for Haden.  Her family set up a video conference on Skype where she "interviewed" him.  This is what Lily's mom says:

Lily thinks he is a nice boy. He has not been in the orphanage very long, maybe 2-3 years. He came after his biological father passed away. His mother had left their family soon after he was born. I first “seen” him while watching a video of Lily’s going away party that the orphanage had for her. I picked him out specifically and asked about him because he had such a pleasant demeanor. He just seems like a really good kid. Here is what Lily says about him: “He is really smart. Every test is 99% or 100%. He is run really fast. Every race he is #1. He is nice.” If you would like more specific information, you are welcome to ask her and she will help you out as much as she can. She would really like him to have a family. When I asked her if he would be good for someone’s family, she thought a moment and then said, “I think maybe our family!” I say that to tell you that’s how highly he comes recommended!

“When we agreed to help advocate for a couple boys from Lily’s former orphanage we decided to try taking a video of them from a FaceTime call. Of course we would have all preferred to do it in person, but FaceTime is free and tickets are NOT! So… you will have to try to look past the quality of the video and see the heart of this boy. Below is the video of “Haden”. 

Ok, so did you watch the video?  Is he not the sweetest young man?  Do you want to know what's just so agonizing?  There is a family (an amazing, absolutely wonderful, INCREDIBLE family) who is already in the process of adopting from China.  They would love to bring Haden home too, but their issue is MONEY.  Ahhhh.  The one thing I just despise about adoption!   It is devastating to me that there is a family that is so great and so willing and that there is all kinds of money floating around out there in this world, and yet because it's not floating in their direction, this young man may have to remain an orphan for the rest of his life.  Lily's new family has offered to pay $500 toward his adoption.  Wow!!!  His orphanage fee has been waived.  And this family will already be in country, so their in-country expenses won't increase a lot.  You know, if just 500 people gave $20, or 100 people gave $100 or 20 people gave $500, this young man might have a family.  It just KILLS me. So maybe I'm needing to do a fundraiser?  Thoughts????

--Christianne