Heartache...

These last few weeks have been crazy busy getting ready for the holidays...we always have out of town guests and enjoy lots of cheer.  However, the last month has also included the loss of a precious little boy named Henry who was adopted last year from the Ukraine...and currently includes a gravely ill little guy named Ethan who steals my heart with his smile...he also happens to be adopted (domestically).  

All too often children with special needs are left in foster care or orphanages because of the fear of what the disability may involve and what medical issues may come up.   We are so fortunate that Ian is generally very healthy...I don't EVER take that for granted.  I won't lie - I am very anxious about Yasmine's health.  The initial report looks to be that she is quite healthy...but I have also been told those reports can't always be relied upon.   With all of the heartache I have been witnessing others going through due to devastating challenges...it would be easy enough to just walk away from the adoption and avoid the potential pain...however - that will never happen because I know that Yasmine needs us - and we need her...no matter whether she is healthy or not.  I pray she is, but also know that we will face anything we need to for her.   

There are so many children like Yasmine that need families...whether you are able to adopt, donate, pray, or share their stories - I beg you tell others about the plight of these children.  They deserve to have a mom and dad hug them and care for them when they are sick.   I also ask you to pray deeply about the idea of adoption...a year ago it was just a - "would like to do that"...not thinking it would ever be possible.  Now - having received a lot of guidance, we know that this is our what our journey is intended to be.  

Please continue to pray for my friends who have lost their children and are facing the holidays without them and for my friends with sick little ones....I still believe in miracles!

http://wecanmakeadifferencetoone.blohttp://wecanmakeadifferencetoone.blogspot.com/2012/12/bringing-home-yasmine.htmlgspot.com/


Our Giveaway is still going on but you MUST POST! if you share or donate!!


THANKS!!
Cathie

It is never easy ....

As a parent, it is NEVER easy to hand your child over to be put under for surgery.   As a member of an extended DS family that has lost far too many little ones recently (some post-surgery), the task is made all that harder.

This morning, Ian had his ear tubes checked and some dental rehab...I hope this is the only rehab I ever have to deal with with my kids.   He had a number of issues and he was unwilling to let the dentist deal with them while awake.   I am happy to report that all went well...it took about 3.5 hours.   He is such a trooper and only complained for a bit post-op.

Not knowing Yasmine's health history in great detail, and not knowing if what we know is reliable, I am anxious to get her home and have her examined by a doctor here in the U.S.   As most children with Down syndrome are prone to a number of medical issues, I will feel much better when that exam is over.   I just pray all is well with her and surgery, no matter how minor, can be avoided.


http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

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As you may have noticed, I will be "reminding" you on a regular basis of our Give-Away on this blog.   It is so important for us to get to her as quickly as possible and while the paper chase may hold things up along the way - I pray money is never the roadblock.  PLEASE don't forget to comment on the blog so you will be in the give-away.  We so appreciate any donation, no matter how small.  We are also very appreciate of your prayers.

Thank you and God bless...
Cathie

Humility...

A friend recently asked how to respond when people make comments such as....'it's really irresponsible and rude to ask people for money to adopt. If you can't pay for it all upfront then you shouldn't be adopting.'   This statement would be fine if the child was a piece of merchandise...but, alas, the child is NOT.  I fully agree that I would not go out and seek donations so I could by a new car, because that helps no one other than myself.  The adoption of an orphan helps save a life - not to mention be a potential inspiration for others to adopt.  

As an adopting parent of an orphan - I can tell you that this is most certainly a lesson in humility for me.   I am NOT comfortable with asking for donations.   Albeit, I never ever think twice about donating to other adoption funds.   

The adoption of a child from an overseas orphanage is not a "purchase" that you save up for...it is a "calling" to save a child.   If it were only a matter of money I think that many people would adopt...however, it is not the money that is needed but the strong desire to help and raise a hopeless child.  These children do not have time for every family that hears that calling to save.  With costs exceeding $20,000 and up to $40,000 at times, who can just pull that out of their wallet on a whim??  

In the Bible, God calls us to help the orphans...being that not everyone has the ability or calling to actually adopt an orphan, it is through advocating for these children, praying for the adopting families and donating to adoption funds that EVERYONE who wants to can do something to help the orphans.  

Thank you to everyone that is doing something for the lesser children of this world...

Don't forget - we have a GiveAWAY going on right now!!  See prior post!

http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

God bless!

Cathie

Lots of Thanks...and Giving!

This year Thanksgiving has taken on a new meaning for me.   I have always given thanks for everything God has given me, but this year I am also so thankful to Him for opening my eyes to those who do not have everything.  This encompasses a large part of the population..the homeless guys I see within a mile of my home, the people out East who suffered through hurricane Sandy, those who do not have the best of health, and of course - the orphans.

It is so easy to be "blind" to those less fortunate...but I ask everyone who reads this to try to make a conscience effort to pray to God to help you open your eyes and look to those that may be in need.   It could be as simple as donating that old bedspread or comforter to a local shelter or giving food to the local food pantry.  For those that are ill...reach out and let them know you are thinking of them and praying for their health.  If possible, offer to help with holiday stuff.

As the holidays approach and the kids are making lists of their wants...I think what would Yasmine's list look like:
1.  A family
2.  A cozy bed
3.  A "home" to call her own
4.  Medical care - if needed

I am SO HAPPY to say that Yasmine's list will be fulfilled sometime this next year and her list will look a lot different next year:)  However, there are hundreds of others like her that will have the same list again next year.  Whether you find yourself called to adopt into your family or to help the orphans in some way (advocating, donating, etc), please do what you can.  www.reecesrainbow.org.

Finally - thanks again to those who have made a donation on behalf of Yasmine...we really appreciate it.

http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you.

Cathie

To my precious little one....

While we have never met, or seen more than one picture of you, I have fallen hard for you.

I so look forward to the day we meet and you can finally know that we are welcoming you into our family.  You may be little, but I pray you are able to understand and find it comforting that God has helped us find each other.

Until that day - that cannot come soon enough - we keep you in our thoughts and prayers at all times.

Love to you my little one....

Mommy

 http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson 

Yippee!!

We found out that the country Yasmine lives in has put a "hold" on her for us.  This is very exciting for us.  It seems to be making what seems like a bit of a dream more of a reality.  Without this hold, another agency could have placed her for adoption without us even knowing.  Sorry to keep showing the same picture but this is the only one we have!!

It seems to me that everyone who is adopting knows what they are doing; whereas, I feel like we are flying by the seat of our pants!   I need to focus on raising some of the money we will need for our journey to bring our daughter home.  I would LOVE and appreciate ideas...

We have been considering names and everyone seems to have some ideas or inputs and so far few of them are coming together...we still have some time but I would love to have her name.  Some of you may wonder - why does she need a name?  Doesn't she have one?  The name Yasmine is an alias...and we do not plan to keep her birth name as her first name.

In other news....we are all healthy, Jim is working crazy hours it seems all day every day, the kids teachers look like they are going to strike, Gabi was selected to be in the talent show at school, the dog is just as wild as ever and Dot just keeps on swimming....

Praying you all have a wonderful weekend.

Cathie

P.S.  Someday I hope to have a "Button" link but for now here is a link:
http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

So....what is happening??

Sorry again for the delay - my life really isn't all that interesting on a daily basis, yet at the same time I am too busy to always write.  It is kinda weird.

Currently we are close to our home study being complete.  Jim and I are taking the necessary educational courses (on-line) that we are required to take.  So far, the courses have given us some great ideas and things to think about.  Otherwise, we are waiting for the government to provide info on our background checks/fingerprints.   I have heard this can take quite awhile.  We did this back in September, so hopefully it is almost done.

In addition, I have been trying to figure out something or somethings that I could make and maybe sell to raise money for the adoption.  The cost of an international adoption is so high because the process involves a lot of documents and filings, the use of multiple agencies, flights and fees.   I know that it will be so worth it, but it worries me.  I know we are not the only ones in this situation, but we have taken the first step....following the call to adopt.  I truly believe that God never would have led us down this path unless he was going to see that we could make it to the end...our precious little girl.

Speaking of her...we are trying to find a name we can all agree on for her.  So far, we have not been very successful.  For those that are asking why are we changing her name...Yasmine is just an alias to protect her true identity.  We plan to incorporate her birth name as a middle name, but we think we are going to give her a new first name.  I have asked others that have gone down this path if it is difficult for the kids to adapt or if they have a lost sense of identity and in all cases it has been "no".

Please continue to pray for our family as we continue down this path.

THANK YOU to those that have prayed and/or donated to our adoption fund.  We appreciate everything!

Cathie
http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

Where did the week go?

I can't believe I have been bad for an entire week about blogging...oh - who am I kidding?!  I will be happy if I can keep this semi-up-to-date.

This week we had the local Buddy Walk.  It is an event to raise awareness and money for the local Down syndrome organizations.  It is always a lot of fun...however, this year God decided to add a little of his own fun in the form of a tornado warning!!   Fortunately, the storm was not that bad, but those who know me know I did not see much of it due to my hiding in the building.

We had our visit from our social worker for our home study on Saturday.  She is the sweetest person and we really enjoyed meeting her in person.   I also made a journey with Ian to downtown Chicago to get some special stamps on our documents (apostille), only to find out that one of them needs something before they will stamp it.  I am proud of myself for not throwing a hissy fit and for staying optimistic.  From stories I have heard about the adoption process this is like a pebble in my shoe.  

I have been so excited watching the kiddos on Reece's Rainbow be moved to the My Family Found Me page.  It is overwhelming how many families are opening their hearts and homes.

Before the last few months, I really wanted to help the cause of the orphans in Eastern Europe and never knew if we would be able to adopt.  So, you ask, what types of things did I do or can you do?

1.  Pray for the little ones to find their families, pray for the families that are on their journey to adopt or may be seeking to be able to adopt.

2.  Donate to the funds of the little ones or the families that are adopting.  The costs of international adoptions are very high and involve a lot of work.  Many families more families would be open to adopting if there was more financial support.  All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are Tax-Deductible!!  So it helps you too.
Here is our link - http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

3.  Participate or coordinate fundraisers for those adopting.

Basically - there are lots of ways to help!!

We had a bump in our donations this week - I don't know from whom...but whomever you are - THANK YOU!!!!

Cathie

Just a thought...

While I love this time of year, it seems that my system does not handle the change very well and all I want to do is sleep.  Unfortunately, I don't have time for this semi-hibernation.  So....I must push myself to go about prepare for our home study visit.  She is coming Saturday!  I am so worried that the house is going to look like a disaster zone as she arrives.

Speaking of our home study - after answering a ton of questions thus far - it is a wonder my 3 kids have survived!!  When we started our family way back when...we thought we were prepared...but we NEVER addressed some of the questions she has asked us.   The questions are really good ones that make you contemplate life with the child now and in the future.  I personally think the questions should be given to all couples contemplating actions that may result in children. If you are not ready to answer all of these questions - you should not be having kids!  I think I will make a list of the questions to give to my kids in the future when they have a serious significant other...better yet - what a great conversation starter if they are over for dinner..LOL!!

P.S.  I am not trying to make light of the home study process at all - it is invaluable and important to ensuring that our decision and those in our situation is made with all care.

I can tell this is going to be a long wait....

It is amazing to me that last week I saw her picture for the first time and now I can't stop thinking about her.  I wonder what her days are like...I pray she is well taken care of.   I really wish she could know that we are coming to bring her home...especially as winter approaches and she will long to snuggle tight with someone and will have no one.   On the positive side of things - each day that passes is one day closer to the day we will meet.

I try to picture what she is going to think of our family....we are a bit of a crazy bunch.   I really, really hope she loves music, dancing and singing...or she may find it unbearable here at our home.   Gabi and Ian LOVE to dance around and I think that Gabi sings more than she talks:)  She is blessed with the voice of an angel so that is just fine with us!   She also will need to like playing with electronics.  All too often it seems they are an additional part of the boys...she will likely think that they are actually connected to the devices at first!

We set about preparing for our homestudy visit and have a great deal of anticipation about the coming months....((HUGS)) to you little one so far away...may we meet very soon! Your Mom


Cathie

http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

Being comfortable is overrated!

As the upcoming addition to our family becomes more of a reality..I think about the fact things were finally just starting to get comfortable.  Not easy mind you, but comfortable.  The routines get crazy sometimes, but they are our "normal."  However, the more comfortable I find things, the more my mind wonders to those that are less fortunate.   Which ultimately makes me feel more UNcomfortable.   I am excited in knowing that my life will be "uncomfortable" so that our little girl can finally be with her family that will love her to the end of the earth and back.

I know that adoption is not for everyone; however, I pray that most people search deep and push themselves to be a little uncomfortable in some way so that others in this world that are suffering can be made a bit more comfortable.  

Cathie

http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

What a difference a few years makes!

Had you told me five years ago that I would soon have four children and half of them would be blessed with an extra chromosome I would have told you - "you are making that up!"   Well....fast-forward and this is exactly where I am.  And I could NOT be happier!!!

We currently have the "perfect" family....so why change it you might ask??  My response...being that it is so wonderful why not SHARE it with a little one that has known nothing but an orphanage all of her life.   But for the grace of God that could have been Ian had he been born on that side of the world...I can't imagine.  In addition - Ian has taught our family so many things, that we would love the opportunity to be taught even more by this little one!  What can a four-year old teach??  Perseverance, kindness, humor, slowing down and taking each day for what it is, etc...the list is endless!  

Throughout the past couple of years I have made various FB posts asking people to help children on Reece's Rainbow.   I have also prayed that God let us know how Jim and I can help these children.  I have longed to bring one of these babes home, but know that it is a huge commitment that cannot be taken lightly.   Well...as our feelings got stronger the homilies at church got more specific.  I feel like in the past 3 months the  readings have included every reference to God calling us to help orphans.

The title of this Blog is like the story of the starfish...while there are MANY orphans out there and we cannot possibly help them all...we CAN make a difference to ONE!!!   In addition, I would love to be the source of inspiration to others who are contemplating this journey...I know I have MANY friends who have inspired me:)  Thank you from the bottom of my heart all of you!!

We are so excited!!

With October as Down syndrome awareness month, it seems like the perfect time to share with everyone that we are adopting an adorable little girl!   http://reecesrainbow.org/47636/sponsorthomson

The next few months we will be fundraising to bring her home from the orphanage and asking for lots of prayers!   Stay tuned!!!

Forget Fall...this morning...WINTER!

This morning when I looked out there was frost every where!   That is great news for allergy sufferers like myself and kids.  

Looking forward to a great week of XC meets and a visit with Jim's family for his mom's birthday!!  While we love our home here in Illinois, Michigan will always be "home" to us.   Especially in the fall..the trees and rolling hills are always so beautiful and are in sharp contrast to this glacial plain we live in....This is an important (and maybe sole) fact I learned in my required science credit at UofM - Glaciers 101.  Clearly, my  parents got their value for that class:)  In all seriousness...I loved UofM and recommend it to anyone looking for a great education.

Please pray I survive the week...I have had to ground X from ALL electronics for an entire week!   This will be more painful for me than for him I am sure of that.   We caught him playing a game on the ipad at 2 am on a school night....he needs a twelve step program.

If you are looking for some humor..look no further than the little guy who has decided to try his hand at knock, knock jokes...except for the fact he only knows to say "knock, knock" and "who is there?" the laughs are never ending - LOL!

Fall is in the air!

Waiting for the bus with Ian the geese were honking and flying to and fro...it is clear they have NO clue which way they are supposed to be going.   Ian found them to be quite amusing.

Just signed us up for the Buddy Walk in a couple of weeks...what is the Buddy Walk??  GREAT question.  It is a fundraiser for the Down syndrome association in the Chicagoland area.  This year the special guest is Rachel Coleman of Signing Times.   We saw her in person last year and the while Ian was completely freaked out - the kids, in general, loved it!  The walk is held at beautiful Cantigny in Winfield, IL and usually has the most gorgeous fall weather.  We would LOVE for you to join us or if you can't join us to support our team - T21 Rockstars!

Praying everyone has a wonderful first weekend of fall!   Relax and watch some football...GO BLUE!!

Have to start somewhere...

So...I have decided to start a blog (for about the third time-LOL!).   I keep asking myself - why?? why blog??  The truth is I don't know why...but I also don't know WHY NOT!   So that brings us back to this post.   

We are your average family of 5 from the Midwest with some above average blessings.  We have a beautiful daughter that seems to have not yet found anything she can't do...such a problem to have.   She runs like the wind, sings like a bird, and can draw like no body's business.  Our middle child is a boy of creativity..his mind is always whirling about how to do things.   He cracks us up with his sense of humor and makes us smile at his compassion.   The baby of the family is a hoot!  He was blessed with an extra chromosome that he rocks!   I love that he takes life by the horns everyday and lives it to the fullest!

Welcome to what I hope will be fun ride!