The Shelton Family

Beauty from Horrible Ashes...

2012-01-12T16:44:00.002-06:00

Wow. It has been two years since the earthquake - January 12, 2010. When I heard about it from my friend June Jones, I comforted myself by thinking that it happened at the time of day that our kids were likely outside. Patrice later told us they were inside at the time. I am taken aback by how emotional I am on the anniversary. I guess it brings it all back.

• The quake struck on January 12, 2010 at 4:53 p.m.

• The 7.0 magnitude quake's epicenter hit just 10 miles west of ...Port-au-Prince and its 2 million inhabitants.

• One out of every 10 people in Port-au-Prince died (and amazingly none of the children at P and P's orphanage were even injured)

• It was the strongest earthquake in that region since 1770.

• 3 million people in need of emergency aid after major earthquake.

• The major quake sent 33 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.2 to 5.9.

• 316,000 people died.

• Since the earthquake, 500,000 people have been infected and 7,000 killed by cholera which was traced back to a UN team from Nepal that came to help.

20 years ago today...

2011-12-21T15:16:00.000-06:00

Happy anniversary, Sweetie! Thanks for a wonderful 20 years!

One year ago today...

2011-11-15T18:23:00.004-06:00

On November 15 of last year, we lost our little Junie.The woman who hit her with her mini-van did a slow drive-by after but she didn't have the courtesy to stop.

June was full of spunk and personality and we miss her. I miss my snuggler!

Fall Colors in St. Paul

2011-10-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

Just a few shots of the fall colors around St. Paul, MN:

A challenge faced by American parents adopting internationally

2011-09-02T00:02:00.002-05:00

As far as challenges go, this one has been the most fun!

(From my "cartoon" blog White Noise.)

Sad fact: It's easier to abort than to adopt

2011-08-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

Everyone who knows us understands our passion for adopting. Whether they know all the details of the process or not, they realize it isn't easy. The funny thing is, we never hear outcries in the media over the length of time it takes to adopt. But try to ask a woman to wait an insignificantly short period of time before getting an abortion and all hell breaks loose.

Our friend Larry Truitt recently commented on this phenomenon on his blog:

When State laws are proposed requiring medical professionals to attempt to obtain various personal information from women upon receiving an abortion it is considered degrading. That information would include: the reason the woman sought the abortion, including the specific medical, social, and economic factors influencing the decision as well as whether the woman was using any form of birth control when she got pregnant and if so what type. This is viewed as degrading?

Advocates of abortion feel these questions are not necessary and the government does not need to know why each woman chose abortion. Women should have the right to choose, and their decision should not be questioned. While it is not required that the woman disclose this information to proceed with the abortion, they believe that asking these questions is an invasion of one's privacy.

If you want to adopt a baby in the United States, you must submit to a home study. Each adoption agencies sets their own guidelines used to conduct home studies. They must follow the general regulations of their State, but they have the freedom to develop their own application packet, policies, and procedures within those regulations. Prospective parents attend one or several group orientation sessions or a series of training classes before they complete an application.

The home study itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together, usually at the social worker's office. At least one meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they also will be interviewed by the social worker.

On average the home study process takes three to six months to complete, but it can take longer through public agencies. The home study process includes: Personal and family background-including upbringing, siblings, key events, and what was learned from them, marriage and family relationships. What is your motivation to adopt the child and your expectations for the child? How will you bring the child into the family unit? What type of family environment will the child be subjected to? What is the physical and health of the applicants, their education, employment and finances, their health insurance and child care plans? References and criminal background clearances along with the social worker’s recommendation are needed before you are considered for an adoption of a child. Some individuals do not consider this a hardship, degrading or an invasion of privacy. It is easier to qualify to take the life of a child then to give a child a home, security, and the benefits of a family.

The cost to get a subsidized abortion is a few hundred dollars. The cost to adopt? Anywhere from a few thousand dollars into the tens of thousands.

I am deeply saddened whenever I am reminded of how our culture celebrates death. Nothing seems to drive that home more than the fact that a woman choosing to murder her unborn child can have it done within 48 hours, while a woman choosing to adopt a child is left waiting years to see it through.

A Typical "Non-Only Child" Family in China?

2011-07-30T23:04:00.001-05:00

What better way to make China's one-child policy more appealing than to show how unpleasant life is for the "typical" multi-child family?

Rather bleak pictures. Here's the accompanying article from China Daily:

Fifty one year-old Sun Yuanhua and his wife and kids pose for a picture in Woyang county, Bozhou, East China's Anhui province, July 27, 2011. Sun's wife is 32 and intelligently challenged. Their five kids are aged from 5 to 11. As a result, Sun isn't able to work outside the village and leave them behind.

Sun is the only bread winner of the family. He makes money from salvaging and selling rubbish (or discarded material) and selling things planted on the family's 3 mu (half an acre) of land.

Three of them receive government minimum living subsidy. The annual total income for the family of seven is no more than 5,000 yuan ($776).

The family's property consists of two shabby brick houses, a room full of rubbish and a tricycle Sun uses to collect rubbish. All five kids sleep on the rubbish, do their reading on desks made of planks and wear salvaged clothes.

"I feel most sorry for my kids," Sun said, "I was too traditional back then, believing more kids means prosperity for the family, and the more kids there were, the better life would be. I'm 51 now, and can hardly do any work a few years later. The kids will still be at school by then, and life will be harder."

According to Sun Wei, an official of the village, village officials went to Sun's house to advocate the family-planning policy when he was married in 1999, but Sun managed to have five kids in seven years by "fighting guerrilla war", a joking Chinese term used to express the fact that a couple hide from family-planning inspections and give birth to two or more children.

The message is quite clear: "This is what will happen if you have more than one child!"

Happy Gotcha Day, Olivia!

2011-07-13T07:14:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been two years since we first met that scared, crying little baby. We love you, Olivia!

Homemade Soccer Board Game

2011-06-09T08:13:00.001-05:00

This week we did a little woodworking project for homeschool. A scrap board was used for the base, and we made a quick trip to Home Depot for the edging. Finishing nails were used for the "players," along with an old, wooden checker for the "ball."

I was inspired after seeing this:

Coin Soccer from ZBalge on Vimeo.

Touching note from Philippe

2011-05-25T17:49:00.000-05:00

We've been stressing the importance of taking responsibility and owning up to one's mistakes. Philippe gave us this note this afternoon:

Storm Clouds

2011-05-10T21:20:00.001-05:00

Dawn took the following picture from our front steps. There were a couple of severe storms to our southwest and northwest. Thankfully the hail and tornadoes missed us!

Olivia Riding Her Bike

2011-04-10T18:56:00.000-05:00

Dancing in the Kitchen

2011-04-09T12:15:00.002-05:00

In a house with three kids, spontaneous dance recitals are a common thing...

Remembering Granny

2011-03-15T23:03:00.000-05:00

(My grandmother, known affectionately to all of us as Granny, passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 90. Her funeral was today. I wrote this in her memory.)

I have so many fond memories of Granny that it's hard to know where to begin. When we lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas, I always looked forward to those long car trips to Papaw and Granny's house in Picayune. As soon as we climbed out of the car we were greeted with huge smiles and even bigger hugs. And, walking through the door, we could always tell there was something good cooking.

Yes, it is impossible to remember Granny without thinking of food. My personal favorite was her biscuits, but her butter beans were a close second. From the wonderful aromas that always seemed to hang in the air to the familiar clang of cast iron skillets, her house was the epitome of Southern hospitality.

The cousins were usually there as well, which meant we kids would be getting little sleep. One of my fondest memories was staying up late watching Papaw's silent home movies. Who needed popcorn? Granny always made enough fried okra to feed an army.

But more than what she did, I will remember who she was. Granny was a calm, gentle, tenderhearted lady with a subtle smile who was always quick with a witty remark. She took life in stride, and never seemed to let anything get her down. Through good times and bad, I will always remember that resilience. Most of all, she passed those qualities on to my mother, and for that I am eternally grateful.

It is never easy to lose someone you love, but with every heartache comes a reminder of the hope that lies ahead. We know that right now she is no longer suffering. Every hardship she has had to endure in this mortal realm has given way to eternal peace and happiness in the presence of God.

That, my friends, is the hope all of us share as believers in Christ. Those of us left behind can't even begin to ponder the joys that await us beyond the grave, but we do know that it will be well worth the wait. And if you think being greeted by adoring grandparents at the end of a road trip is exciting, just imagine what Granny must be feeling, finishing her 90-year journey through life to be welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior!

Christian aid worker held in Haitian prison without charge since October

2011-03-06T17:49:00.000-06:00

When reading this, keep in mind that this is the government we had been working with for over two years when we were trying to get our kids home. From The Awl:

"I am amazed that I could spend four months in prison with no charge and the embassy does nothing," said Danny Pye. "It's just weird." But so far, Pye is lucky. He's only had malaria, several bouts of gastroenteritis and some kind of fungal infection—but not cholera. Many of the other 20-odd men that share his small room have not been as lucky.

Pye, an American, has been in prison in Jacmel since Oct. 13, 2010. He has not been charged with any crime. The only people who seem to know this are a few friends in Haiti, the country's Ministry of Justice, newly elected Haitian senator (and former Jacmel mayor) Edo Zenny, the judge that refuses to sign his release, the NGOs with which he's been affiliated, his wife, Leann, the 22 Haitian children whose only home is the orphanage that he and his wife built—and the U.S. Embassy.

Read the full story here.

On Parenting...

2011-02-23T07:29:00.000-06:00

(via)

One Year Ago Today...

2011-02-04T08:19:00.000-06:00

Philippe came home!

Happy Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T17:08:00.002-06:00

According to Philippe's art project, the groundhog saw his shadow.

I guess that means six more weeks of winter.

In case you missed it...

2011-01-13T11:10:00.001-06:00

Here is our interview with WCCO TV that aired last night.

One Year Ago Today...

2011-01-12T18:31:00.004-06:00

In some ways it feels like forever, and in others it seems like a second, but it was one year ago today that our lives changed forever. We are so grateful that our big kids survived the earthquake and were able to come home. I am feeling strange today, though. I can't describe it, but the best words are how my friend Beth described it when we met Olivia: joy and sadness colliding. So grateful our kids are home, but so sad that their homeland is still in such ruins. So sad that so many people are living on the streets, that so many kids don't have a mom and dad to tuck them in at night. We have friends on their way to Haiti right now to meet their daughter, and I am excited for them. We pray for more to adopt. We pray for Haiti. For change. Improvements. For people to know the hope and peace that faith in Christ can bring. For those of us with so much to remember and appreciate what we have.

The kids would like to share some things about that day. When the quake hit, they didn't even know what was happening. They didn't know the word earthquake in English or Creole until after it happened. They didn't know why the ground was shaking. Patricia was really scared and was crying. Philippe says he doesn't remember how he felt. They were inside and then ran downstairs to help get the babies out of the building. They only ate two times a day after the earthquake and didn't have much water. Philippe said he knows that they had water at the orphanage, but that other people didn't have water. Philippe said that some of the kids were crying and saying that they wished they were in America.

Patricia says that she would like to go back to Haiti and help people there some day, and she also would like to see God bless Haiti. Her prayer is that more people would help Haiti. If you know of any groups traveling to Haiti or another country that would benefit, please let us know and we can send you shoes to take along. It isn't much, but we are happy that we can give back in this way, and we appreciate all the shoe donations enabling us to do this. Please look for the Flip Flop Fleet on Facebook, and help spread the word about our family ministry.

Merry Christmas from ALL of us!

2010-12-24T23:10:00.002-06:00

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."
- Galatians 4:4-5

19 Years Ago Today...

2010-12-21T22:32:00.000-06:00

I love you, Sweetie! Happy anniversary!

Have a fun and festive Christmas...

2010-12-09T17:04:00.000-06:00

...from Dawn and Lee plus three!

You've come a long way, baby

2010-12-04T22:35:00.000-06:00

Olivia's first bubble bath...

Olivia's second bubble bath, two months later...

I knew this parenting thing would pay off...

2010-11-30T16:57:00.000-06:00

Don't People Realize Clowns Are Scary?

2010-11-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

I was going through some phonics flash cards with Olivia. She was having a blast, and kept asking for more...until I came across this one...

She took it, looked at it for a moment, handed it back to me, and said, "All done."

So, why couldn't the manufacturer of these cards include something that was actually kid-friendly, like a cloud or a clock? The only explanation I can think of is that this was someone's idea of a sick joke.

The girls take the stage for the first time

2010-11-20T22:34:00.000-06:00

Patrice and Olivia made their debut tonight at our school's variety show. Olivia was having so much fun she didn't want to leave the stage.

November 15, 2010: A Bitter-Sweet Day

2010-11-19T09:31:00.000-06:00

On Monday of this week we had a used Rainbow Play System installed in the backyard for the kids. Our dog, June, had a blast running around and playing with us. You can see her in the background.

Sadly, this is the last picture ever taken of her. About 15 minutes after this was taken, she pushed open the garage door, which hadn't latched properly, and ran into the street where she was struck by a car.

We took her to the vet, but had to put her down a couple hours later. Not exactly the fun and exciting afternoon we had imagined.

We'll miss our June.

Daddy's Little Slugger

2010-11-18T18:10:00.000-06:00

One of the highlights of the summer was seeing the kids playing baseball for the first time...

Batter up!

Strike one!

Strike two!

Strike three!

Yes, I'm Aware My Kids Don't Look Like Me

2010-11-04T22:25:00.000-05:00

I was at Macy's with Olivia when a salesperson there commented on how cute she was. Noting the obvious difference in appearance, he asked, "Does she look like her mother?" I smiled and said, "I have no idea."

What Is It with Kids and Shoes?

2010-10-31T10:04:00.001-05:00

The Deadly Effects of China's One-Child Policy

2010-10-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

Contrary to what China's central government would have us believe, the country's one-child policy still leads to forced abortions and forced sterilizations.

Welcome to government-sponsored "family planning."

Typhoon in China

2010-09-27T10:05:00.002-05:00

Click here for the latest story.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T07:21:00.002-05:00

Remembering 9/11

2010-09-11T22:18:00.004-05:00

I hate this anniversary. It is hard to see the pictures again, but I feel we must see them so we can keep our promise that we will never forget. It is so hard to re-live the devastation, loss of life and the pain that we all felt, which was nothing in comparison to those directly affected. Below are Lee's thoughts written just days after it all happened. He is so clear-headed and introspective here, at a time while I was still in a dazed fog. It is lengthy, but worth the time to read through.

(Lee wrote this a week after 9/11/2001)

As our nation's leaders decide how to respond to the recent terrorist attacks, the American people are trying to come to terms with the tremendous loss of life and the unsettling sense of insecurity that inevitably follows such tragedies. Many are struggling with questions left unanswered and are wondering where they can turn for comfort in their time of grief. Many are also beginning to understand that there is more to this than meets the eye.

The term "holy war" has been bandied about by politicians and members of the media to describe the suicidal resolve of the radical Muslim terrorists responsible for these atrocities. Little do they realize how descriptive that term really is.

There are forces of good and evil at war in a spiritual world we can neither see nor touch. From Scripture we learn that these forces, however intangible they may seem, directly affect our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12). The invisible battle that is raging is just as real as any we see here on earth.

The Muslim extremists who despise our country are right about one thing. There is a "Great Satan" at work in the world, but it is not America. He is the Devil, an evil spirit, a fallen angel. The Bible tells us that he "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). He is the supreme commander of countless demon hordes whose primary objective is to thwart God's plan for mankind.

We Christians know the forces of evil will ultimately fail. Though we may appear to lose a battle every now and then, we have read the end of the Book and rest in the fact that our heavenly Commander in Chief has already won the war. Anything Satan has to throw at us cannot take that away, no matter how devastating the situation may seem at the time.

Although this struggle between good and evil cannot be seen in the physical realm, the effects of this spiritual warfare can. Evil drives people to do bad things. It attacks without warning, and it can become terrifyingly evident during traumatic events like the ones witnessed on September 11.

Despite the feelings of hate, frustration, and despair we have all experienced as a result of these terrorist attacks, there is a blessed hope to be found. We who have been given the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ know that we are eternally safe and secure from the evil that plagues the world. Although we cannot escape the physical and emotional pain that comes from living in a fallen, sinful world, that eternal flame of hope will never be extinguished, and the reward promised by our Heavenly Father will far outweigh any suffering we may endure here on earth.

Over 450 years ago, the great Reformer Martin Luther penned one of the most magnificent hymns of all time, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." I can hardly sing it without tears in my eyes, and that was especially true this past Sunday, only days after first seeing the death and destruction in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

The hymn's message is one of hope and encouragement in the midst of life's trials for those who have Christ as their Lord and Savior:

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim -
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs -
No thanks to them - abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him Who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is for ever.

The Psalmist also reminds us of this protection in times of adversity. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging" (Ps. 46:1-3). Truly, if God is for us, who can possibly stand against us?

As Christians, we should have the desire to bring others into the shelter of our Mighty Fortress. We should be praying for healing and comfort in this time of crisis. We should also be reaching out in love and doing what we can to meet the needs of those who are suffering.

It is our prayer that throughout all of this others may find the eternal hope we have in Christ. With that hope, we can stand firm and confront evil knowing who the ultimate victor is. We can have the confidence to say to those who strike out against us, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Gen. 50:20). Let us not lose hope, and let us trust that God can and will bring about good from evil.

"Cheese!"

2010-08-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

Our two iPods die on us, so I order the new iPod Nano, which comes with a built-in video camera. If only I could find a willing subject to test it out on...

"No!"

2010-08-22T08:52:00.002-05:00

Olivia's favorite new word since turning two has been "no." She likes to say it a lot, even though it gets her into trouble.

But she does listen. A typical conversation goes like this: "Olivia, eat your food."

"No!"

"Olivia, you need to eat your food."

"No!"

"Olivia, don't say, 'No.'"

"Yes!"

She's such a stinker sometimes.

Chinese Adoption Documentary

2010-08-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

Wo Ai Ni Mommy is a documentary from filmmaker Stephanie Wang-Breal. It is scheduled to air on PBS on August 31. Here's the trailer...

You can read more about the film here.

Happy Birthday, Philippe!

2010-07-20T08:30:00.003-05:00

I am a day late and a dollar short but I was hoping to have pictures posted...BUT...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHILIPPE! He turned 9 yesterday and we will get some pics on here soon!

One Year Ago Today...

2010-07-13T23:07:00.003-05:00

Happy Gotcha Day, Olivia!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Olivia!

2010-07-11T10:23:00.001-05:00

We love you!

An Actual Post!

2010-07-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

Well, ok - I am just linking to my niece's blog - but it is so lovely there is no way I could have blogged anything that would match it or even come close. Click here. Thanks, Jenny, for posting such a rich representation of our day and our family. We are so blessed to have you in the clan. xox

Our Baby's Baby

2010-06-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Olivia, who has never liked playing with dolls or stuffed animals, really took a liking to one particular doll. This afternoon she was holding it and walking around the house, and at one point went into the kitchen and came back empty handed.

"Where's your baby?" I asked.

O raised her hands and shook her head. "I-uh-know," she replied.

A few minutes later I walked to the other side of the counter and saw this...

One year ago today!!

2010-05-21T16:16:00.003-05:00

We got our referral for sweet Olivia Xiudi!

Another Attack in China

2010-05-19T11:04:00.001-05:00

I think that this is the fourth attack similar to this in China. So sad...what is going on??

It Has Pigtails!

2010-04-27T11:56:00.004-05:00

When my niece, Ava, first saw Olivia's referral picture, she was visibly disappointed. Jenny said, "What's wrong, Ava?" and Ava said, "I thought it would have pigtails"

Well, now it has pigtails! What do you think, Ava?

Heartbreaking Info from China

2010-04-20T11:27:00.002-05:00

Published on ShanghaiDaily. com (http://www.shanghai daily.com/)
http://www.shanghai daily.com/ sp/article/ 2010/201004/ 20100416/ article_434385. htm

Old folks held to force relatives' sterilizations
Created: 2010-4-16 1:42:44
Author:Li Xinran

HUNDREDS of people in a southern China city, mostly senior citizens, have been confined in dozens of government-owned offices and kept from leaving until their sons or daughters who have violated the nation's family planning policy agreed to accept sterilization.

Those elderly people were taken from home by family planning staff in Puning City of Guangdong Province to be "concentrated for class," a local newspaper quoted a Puning family planning official as saying.

By Sunday, 1,377 people in Puning had been taken to the offices, the Nanfang Rural News reported yesterday.

At one of Puning's townships, nearly 100 people, including babies, were forced to crowd into a 200-square-meter room watched by three unidentified men, the newspaper said.

Without space to lie down, some had to stand or squat. They breathed filthy air in the damp room and had to huddle in the cold because of a shortage of quilts, said the newspaper.

They were taken to the room because their sons or daughters, working out of town, bore too many children.

Local officials called those migrants home for sterilization, threatening to take their families away if they refused.

Some migrants tried to play for time because of their uncompleted effort for a son, but most came back immediately for the surgery so that their families could be released.

Puning, a city of 2.2 million people, was often criticized by Guangdong family planners for performing poorly on population control.

Local officials said that they had no choice but to take harsh measures, while the city's family planning bureau chief blamed local people's traditional idea for more children, especially boys.
---.

Some Light Reading

2010-04-19T10:35:00.001-05:00

Olivia occasionally likes to kick back and relax in the morning with some light reading...

The Flip Flop Fleet Makes the News!

2010-04-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

Everything Philippe and Patricia have gone through inspired our friend's daughter to make the Flip Flop Fleet the focus of her project for school. The following is a report that ran on Twin Cities Live, a local news program:

Happy 10th Birthday, Patricia!

2010-03-09T22:20:00.003-06:00

Patricia posing with her cake

Perfection

2010-03-05T13:00:00.003-06:00

the cousins

Life is Good!

2010-02-24T22:50:00.006-06:00

There have been tough times, of course, (any parent can say that isn't true?) but overall we are very amazed with all that the kids have learned and adapted to. We are pleased with the progress they have made and are glad that Patricia feels comfortable enough to share some of her experiences in Haiti. The kids get along amazingly and it is a blessing to see them all enjoy each other so much. More great pictures and videos to come along shortly!

After such a long wait for parenthood, we have to say...

Philippe's Homecoming!

2010-02-05T09:38:00.002-06:00

This was broadcast last night on KSTP TV.

Cameras from WCCO and KARE were also there, but those videos are not yet available online.

It's a Boy!

2010-02-04T12:03:00.003-06:00

Dawn is with Philippe right now in Miami and will be flying back tonight (Delta #2330, arriving at 8:40 pm).

It's so nice to see that smile again!

Patricia Comes Home!

2010-01-30T06:02:00.005-06:00

I was at the airport on Thursday to greet all my girls! Cameras from KSTP, WCCO, and KARE 11 were there to share the moment.

And there has been some encouraging good news about Philippe. We received a call from a reporter at the Washington Post who said that 120 more orphans from Haiti had been granted clearance to leave the country. She didn't know if Philippe was among them, but we're waiting for that call.

Haiti Adoption a "Battle of Endurance"

2010-01-28T05:01:00.005-06:00

There is an excellent article in the Desert News about Utah families adopting from Haiti, and it explains the problems adoptive parents face. What's interesting is how their experiences mirror ours.

All the legal gymnastics required by parents seeking to adopt. The lack of oversight in the adoption process and the corrupt judges who make parent take unnecessary trips to Haiti just to demonstrate that they care for the kids they're adopting. The dire conditions of those kids held hostage by the Haitian government after some were allowed to leave on humanitarian parole. The article covers pretty much everything we've had to deal with.

Read the full article here.

Dawn and the girls are flying home today at 6:19 on NW from Orlando if you are in MN and want to welcome Patricia.

Still in the News

2010-01-27T10:13:00.004-06:00

We're glad the local news stations are continuing to focus on our ongoing story. There's this follow-up report from WCCO and this one from KSTP:

Haiti Status Update

2010-01-26T07:20:00.005-06:00

Email update from FHG:

Orphans Blocked From Departing Haiti

Undefined Haitian exit procedures halts departure of humanitarian paroled orphans

It should be noted that UNICEF is behind all of this, which, infuriating enough as it is, comes as no surprise. They are effectively holding these kids, and our son, hostage and in doing so are preventing new orphans from getting the care they need.

Please keep praying.

VIDEO: Reunited with Patricia!

2010-01-25T21:17:00.003-06:00

This is the story aired on KSTP TV...

Please continue to pray that Philippe will join us soon!

One Down, One to Go!

2010-01-24T07:49:00.003-06:00

It turns out Patricia was on the first flight!

We're still waiting for Philippe's paperwork to be processed. We've been told he may not be here until Monday. I'm sure he's scared and confused. Please keep him in your prayers.

Fox News Posting Updates on Arriving Orphans

2010-01-23T18:49:00.002-06:00

You can follow along here.

Our kids weren't on the plane that landed in Orlando today. We've been told they may not be here until Monday. Please keep them (and us) in your prayers.

Homecoming update

2010-01-23T11:09:00.003-06:00

For those not aware of the details, Dawn and Olivia flew into Miami yesterday. Dawn's sister, Janie, met her there. We expected the kids to be flown to Miami sometime last night.

We were later informed that the kids would be broken into two groups, with one group of 82 flying in last night and one group of 25 flying in today. The only explanation offered was that not all the visas had been processed.

We then were told that the first group wouldn't make it to the U.S. until today, and that Philippe and Patricia would be in the second group. No word as to when they would fly in.

This is the latest update from FHG:

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) All paperwork has been completed for 82 children from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage and they have clearance to travel to the United States. These 82 children are scheduled to depart Port-au-Prince airport on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at around 11:00 a.m. on an aircraft bound for Florida. Those children with Colorado adoptive parents in this first group, will continue on to Colorado, accompanied by a medical team from the Colorado Children's Hospital. Orphanage staff and representatives of the U.S. ministry, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG) will continue to work with U.S. Embassy officials for humanitarian parole and travel clearance for the remaining eligible children. FHG hopes that these children will receive their clearance sometime on Saturday, January 23, 2010, with a departure date and time still to be determined.Once their visas are processed the kids are supposed to fly into Orlando. We still don't know when that will be exactly, but Dawn is now on her way to Orlando to wait.

We hope to know more once the first group arrives.

Last Interview Before Leaving for Miami

2010-01-23T10:10:00.002-06:00

This interview was conducted a few days ago, but only aired yesterday on WCCO TV.

Over $4,500 raised!

2010-01-22T22:30:00.004-06:00

Tonight's benefit dinner to help our orphanage in Haiti raised over $4,500!

And since all the food was kindly donated by Famous Dave's, 100% of the proceeds will go to For His Glory Adoption Outreach. Thank you for your generosity. We love you all!

update

2010-01-21T12:37:00.002-06:00

hearing conflicting reports. CNN was on the bus to go to the embassy. CNN twitter says the traffic was bad and kids got really hot and started throwing up so they went back. others say they are there at the embassy. no travel plans yet.

Haiti Adoption Update

2010-01-20T08:07:00.006-06:00

Please pray for our children fervently today.

Orphans Intend to Depart Haiti
Orphans begin procedures to depart Haiti at U.S. Embassy (Port-au-Prince, Haiti)

Yet Another TV Interview

2010-01-20T07:50:00.002-06:00

This time with KARE11 TV.

Our Orphanage on National News

2010-01-17T15:14:00.002-06:00

The creche where Philippe and Patricia are staying, Maison des Enfants de Dieu, was just featured on FoxNews.com:

Another TV Interview

2010-01-17T13:42:00.003-06:00

KSTP TV came by again after we notified them of the dire situation at our orphanage. It aired at 10:00 pm last night.

You can see the first two interviews here.

This Made Us Smile

2010-01-16T18:13:00.002-06:00

Note the increase in traffic to our blog in the last few days...

Thanks for caring and sharing. We love you all!

A Desperate Plea from Our Orphanage in Haiti

2010-01-16T12:19:00.001-06:00

We just received this harrowing update from our orphanage:

URGENT CALL FOR PRAYER

formula for babies
medicines
IV fluids (one child is currently on an IV)
charcoal to cook
diesel
cash to buy supplies if they find them. They are running out of cash and there are no banks open to get cash, so it needs to be delivered by someone already on the ground or by helicopter.

Please remember them, us, our kids, and other adoptive families in your prayers. If you'd like to donate, please visit FHG's web site here.

Our TV Interviews!

2010-01-15T23:08:00.006-06:00

Two of the local news stations expressed interest in our adoption story. Dawn was interviewed first by KSTP TV. It aired at 5:00 pm today.

Both of us were later interviewed by WCCO TV. It aired at 10:00 pm.

Please pray with us that our kids may come home soon!

Update on Haiti and Our Kids

2010-01-13T21:43:00.007-06:00

Lee and I have had so many emails, phone calls and messages that you are all praying for our family and for Haiti and we appreciate that so much. We are just absolutely SICK about the devastation. It is always terrible to witness a catastrophe, but how different it is when you have traveled there, developed a love for a place and the people, and have CHILDREN there!

We have had confirmed information that the kids are ok (praise you, Lord!) -- there are some bumps and bruises but that is all. The kids slept outside last night as there were 28 aftershocks averaging 5.0, which are large earthquakes on their own. I don't know if they are still sleeping outside. We know there is some structural damage to the orphanage as a wall fell on one of the nannies. We don't know yet the extent of her injuries or the extent of the damage to the orphanage itself. Also, Papi Pierre, pictured with us here in February 2008, sustained an injury to his eye but we don't know how bad that is yet either. Kiki, an employee of the orphanage (he processes the paperwork) and Pierre's brother, has not been located. Please pray for his safety.

We have learned that a French couple in Haiti to bring home their child was killed at their hotel while they were having dinner. Their child was not with them yet and now is an orphan once again.

So many need prayer, I don't even know where to start. One thing I will add is that we are praying for a miracle that maybe somehow the governments can work together to expedite the kids who are matched with families OUT of Haiti. There are many more orphans now who will need the beds at the orphanages. Let these kids come home! From the president of the board of directors at our orphanage:

I know many of you would like some adoption news. All Haitian adoptions will be impacted by this disaster. I have received news that the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) and the U.S. State Department are discussing possible solutions. Please be in prayer about this.

I fear if we do not get some sort of aid from the government, it could be YEARS before they come home.

If you have not been in our shoes, perhaps you can't understand the deep love we have for these kids - that we had in our hearts even before we met them. They love us just as much, and we are so blessed. What a joy to hear "Mama" and "Papa" from their lips, with their cute little accents. What we love is how they call us different names at different times... if they are TELLING us they are doing something or trying to get our attention to show of f jumping in the pool or the like, it's "MOM!", "DAD!" and if they want something it's "Daddy?" and Mama and Papa for "regular" conversation :) We love them so much our hearts ache. And we already felt so much for this country before this happened that this is very hard to take this in. We can't believe how much our kids have survived in their young lives. The orphanage expects to have trouble getting meds for the kids with medical needs; they are concerned about drinking water and are concerned about the looming possibility of disease.

Typhoid could be an issue and they want to get meds for that in case. Also, many times, the biological parents come back to the orphanage for food so suppl ies could be thin. If you feel led to donate to our kids' orphanage or read more about it, click HERE. You will receive a tax donation receipt.

James 1:27 - Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 - Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 - though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Six Months Together

2010-01-13T10:12:00.012-06:00

Six months ago today, we met our beautiful Olivia. Our friend, Beth, another China adoptive mom, said it best - "ultimate joy and sadness colliding". I was so looking forward to doing a really fun, celebratory post for the 13th, but these months later, I feel the same way - "ultimate joy and sadness colliding". We are so grateful, beyond words, to have this lovely child in our home and in our arms, but we are sick to our stomachs over the devastation in Haiti. We have word that our kids are ok, but there are concerns of looting and the need for fresh water among other things. Please pray for Patricia, Philippe, their orphanage and those in their homeland. We will post more about Haiti later, but for now I am going to turn my focus to little Olivia.

Olivia is a feisty, fun, smart little girl. She loves music and any toys that make music! She has grown so much! She had two teeth when we brought her home and now she has 12. She has gained 6 lbs. and grown nearly two inches!

Olivia in July, in China

Olivia this week, doing one of her favorite activities. In fact, she cries when we take the toothbrush away from her!

Another of Olivia's favorite things to do!

Our home is finally full of noise (besides the dogs barking!) and full of joy. We can't wait for her brother and sister to come home from Haiti. When she sees their pictures she says, "P! P!"
Thank you, Jesus for answering our prayers by bringing us a child and for bringing us THIS child. She was prayed for by name nearly three years before she was born. For more pictures of the day we met Miss O, click HERE.

A Look at the Devastation in Haiti

2010-01-12T21:44:00.005-06:00

This is the presidential palace in Haiti before the quake...

And after...

For some updated pictures, click here. (WARNING: some of the images are disturbing.)

7.0 Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-12T17:54:00.004-06:00

You may have seen on the news that Haiti was just hit by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake. We're watching the news and awaiting updates.

Please keep Philippe and Patricia in your prayers.

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!

2009-12-25T12:28:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas from Olivia!

2009-12-25T00:06:00.001-06:00

Thankful Thursday!

2009-12-17T21:30:00.005-06:00

Hip, Hip - (you say, Hurraaaay!) Hip, Hip - Hurraaaay! Mama is STILL cancer-free. Our Miracle Mama is living up to her nickname!! Thank you, Lord, for this gift! What a fun Christmas we will have with Olivia and my Miracle Mama!

We are also very grateful to Sherri, who is in Haiti for her court appointment. She sent us this picture and note: "She (Patricia) REALLY wanted to make sure that I told you she loves and misses you so much. Even as we were getting ready to drive away she was in the window asking me to tell you :-)"
This of course brought tears of joy and sadness. It is bittersweet to be having another Christmas without them, but let me tell you, when these kids are home, what a celebration that will be!!! Love to get new pictures!!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T12:46:00.003-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thankful Thursday!

2009-12-10T01:02:00.009-06:00

Two Years Ago Today...

2009-12-07T21:01:00.003-06:00

I saw this face for the first time. I would have NEVER imagined that she would not be home yet, nor that we would not have any idea at all when she would be home. Adoption is hard. It downright stinks sometimes. But for those adopting from Haiti, you know that it is different than other countries...it is indescribable. I heard one woman, who was adopting from Ethiopia, state that she was very eager for her kids to come home because they had been at their orphanage for almost six months (her kids were coming home within a month of her saying that). I know that any amount of time in an orphanage is too long, and I know that any wait for any child or any adoptive parent is too long, but there are kids who have been in institutions for years. Some perhaps have spent their entire lives there. Patricia has been at her orphanage since March 2006 and Philippe has been there since March 2008. Too long. They have been matched with us since January 2008 (Patricia) and March 2008 (Philippe). It is crazy to me that the entire time Philippe has been there he has been matched. Lord have mercy on all the children MATCHED with families and still languishing in orphanages and even more, bless the children waiting for a match.

Lord, we plead with you to move the paperwork mountains for all the kids who are waiting for their mommies and daddies to tuck them in. It is hard to even pray to ask to bring these kids home because it feels like the prayers fall on deaf ears. But we ask anyway. Even though it feels impossible. Even though we sound like broken records. Even though our faith is small. Even though...

Kissing Cousins

2009-12-01T21:25:00.005-06:00

Olivia just LOVES her cousin, Isaac. When she sees him she practically leaps out of my arms to get down to hug and kiss him. We are so happy that they have a special friendship and can grow up together! Here they are at church.

Please pray...

2009-11-17T00:52:00.008-06:00

...for my friend and co-worker, Shawn. She is having surgery early Tuesday morning to remove a large brain tumor. Click here for her CaringBridge site. Please join us in praying for Shawn's surgery to go PERFECTLY, AMAZINGLY well and for a speedy recovery. Thanks!

UPDATE
From Shawn's CaringBridge page:
Shawn is out of surgery, and doing quite well. They were able to get the whole tumor out, and as of right now, thinks only her speech may be affected, and that she would be able to get that back. She has spoken a little bit already, and is able to get out about half the words, which is a very good sign. Additionally, her speech has improved since already over the 10 minutes that she has been awake. She is a little weak on her right side, but the doctor seemed very positive and not at all concerned. So, overall a very positive prognosis. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers (clearly they are working!) and we will keep you updated.

Another update: Shawn's tumor is cancerous. Stage 3. She has already started chemo and radiation. See above for the CaringBridge link.

Four Months Together!

2009-11-13T22:26:00.000-06:00

We love you so much, Olivia!

Miss O Walking on Her Own!

2009-11-11T20:45:00.000-06:00

From the Mouths of Babes

2009-11-06T13:37:00.004-06:00

Dawn and I have joked that when Olivia babbles it sounds a lot like she's speaking Chinese. Well, I just read an article at Times Online suggesting that might actually be the case:

We didn't meet Olivia until she was one, which means she had already been learning for about a year and nine months. She's a bright kid, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if she really is speaking Chinese!

Halloween

2009-11-05T00:12:00.002-06:00

On the journey to Olivia, I put a post-it note on my monitor with a quote by Jean de la Bruyere - "Out of difficulties grow miracles" (it's still there - we need a few more miracles). Never did I imagine that a flower this beautiful would grow out of that long, difficult wait.We went trick or treating with (who else!?) my great-nieces and great-nephew and of course Jenny. Another friend joined us later. Jenny's kids are all from Wizard of Oz (poor Minnesotan kids have to wear coats over their dresses!) We have Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch and Toto. We decided that Olivia was a poppy from the poppy field so that she fit the theme :)
What a fun night! Jenny brought homemade wild rice soup, we sipped apple cider, we all ate too much candy and the kids fell asleep all over the house while Jenny and I talked and the Daddies watched football. Just look at that face! I get and give a thousand kisses a day and I LOVE my little blossoming flower!

Haiti Trip #2

2009-11-01T21:47:00.018-06:00

In case you missed it, we, along with several other families, had to go to Haiti on short notice to appear in court, in order for our adoptions to proceed. We were told we would meet with a judge, but if he was in the room, we didn't know it. We all signed blank pages in a notebook...a smidge unnerving! Thankfully, folks were discussing how many times they signed while we all waited and it turns out that both spouses were to sign TWICE per child that you are adopting. Two families, us included, discovered that we had not signed enough times and we went back in. We are so glad that this was discovered while we were still in Haiti. Can you imagine if we hadn't caught that?

Regarding our case, we are not going to share it all on the blog. If you want to know more, please email us privately and we will be happy to discuss it with you, but for the purposes of this open blog, we are simply asking for prayer over our kids and their adoption cases. We were told that they were likely about six months from coming home, but with some recent developments, their homecoming date is unsure.

Here are our photos:

Arriving in Haiti

A school girl, in uniform, walking home

Philippe swimming with Mama - by the last day he was going underwater and was much more gutsy

Three of us - Patricia learned how to swim on our last trip and she did great again, even wanting to take off her water wings...we let her but she had to stay by the edge in the shallow end!

Love it! This is one of our favorite things - watching our kids sleep. Can't wait until they do this at HOME

Our babes...We had a rough start, with lots of attitude and them pretty much flat out ignoring us. Even though we know they understand a lot of English, we asked a translator to sit down with us for a moment, just to make SURE they understood. We asked him to please explain to the kids that we know it is hard to have us come for such a short time and then have to leave. We know it must be confusing. That we want to take them home right now, but we have to wait for the paperwork. That we have only TWO days together and that we can make it a great two days, or it can be miserable. We expect them to look at us and answer us when we speak to them. We want to have fun with them. That we want to have a wonderful visit, but they need to help make that happen.

I guess this worked, because they were totally different after that!

I was asking one of the older girls about how to do Patricia's hair, and then before I knew it, I was actually DOING her hair. Here it is in transition...

Self-portrait by Philippe - eating a gummy worm

Another self-portrait :)

Philippe took some (many!) pictures of his gift from us...

Philippe pushing Patricia out of the bed! Just like last time!

Our dear ones...once again, check out that hair...those twists were done by me! Not too bad for a "blanc" lady! I need to get better, but when I finished, Patricia said, "Thanks Mama!"

Overall we had a great visit with the kids, those representing us and other adoptive parents. We left a bit downtrodden over our adoption process, and a few other things that happened, but the Lord blessed us with safe travels and good health. Last time we ended up in the ER upon returning home!

Please, PLEASE lift up our kids, their orphanage and the staff, and all the kids waiting to go HOME. We need to pray for paperwork to MOVE as it is such a WASTE to have children who are matched with families sit in institutions. Blessings to all the waiting families and thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Olivia (Almost) Walking on Her Own!

2009-10-22T16:56:00.001-05:00

We hope she doesn't fully learn how to walk until we're back from Haiti!

Three Months Together!

2009-10-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

Our Log In Date (LID) was 3-13-06. As the time dragged on to meet our daughter, I began to dread the 13th of the month. Marking that date was just a constant reminder of how long it was taking. Ironically, the day that we met our Olivia was July 13th, so now the 13th is a very happy marker for our family. It has been three months since we were united as a family of three. We still wait to be a family of five.

Here are pictures of our first meeting and pictures from September and October.

The first moment Olivia is handed to me - like my friend Beth said, "Those first few moments of ultimate joy and sadness colliding". That is exactly how I felt. We were so happy and she was so sad. Our tears of joy quickly ceased as we shifted our focus on comforting her.
Back on the bus

Who ARE you?

We recently received these photos from someone seated behind us - they bring tears to my eyes! Our poor baby. So confused. So tired. So shell-shocked. The girls had a six hour drive to get to us that day already and then to be handed to complete strangers who look different and sound different. It was so jarring.

Proud Papa. And finally she sleeps.
Back at the hotel, peering over the mattress (her crib was right next to my side of the bed). Such sad eyes. She didn't cry unless we picked her up. She just stared. At us. At the toys in front of her.

The very next morning she is like a different child and never seems to go back to that sad baby. She slept for hours and hours and it must have been what she needed. I find it so interesting how her eyes changed from day one to day two. From fearful to peaceful. Click here, here, here or here for more posts, or search back for even more, if you need to get caught up!
------------------------
Here we are in September. I just love this picture of Olivia with my Dad!

She likes playing with these rain boots that are too big for her so I couldn't resist adding the hat!

At her Aunt Sharla's wedding

She LOVES the computer.

She also loves Nutella...

Just before her first bite of Wild Rice Soup (she IS a Minnesotan, after all!)

And it's a hit! She devoured it!

At the dealership the day we bought the van. What a good baby...it took so much longer than we planned. Thankfully they had a play area!

I believe that this is the first of many looks saying, "Oh, MOM!"

At music class

Just a happy baby!
Such a good sleeper! We feel so lucky!

First pickle...not a fan.

This was after successfully pulling herself up on the couch. You can just see the look of accomplishment and pride, can't you?

Hanging out at the Mall of America

Music class again

She just loves it

And first snow. She isn't too sure what to think at first...(we aren't sure either! It is so early! But it was a pretty snowfall...)

But then she makes up her mind!

Olivia is a beautiful baby and we feel so blessed that she is our daughter. She is something else! For being a mere 15 months old, she seems to know exactly what she wants and when (no, she doesn't always get it!) She is tenacious, resilient and oh-so-feisty, but she is well matched. Bring it on, Olivia! hee hee! She loves music and taps her hands in her lap, claps and bops her head whenever she hears any music. She is walking with help (down to one hand now!) and says many words. She says, "Mama", "Dada", "dogga", "all-da" (all done), "guh ger" (good girl), tee tew (thank you), ett (eat), "dow" (down), "hi", and has said some other words along the way. She has grown a couple of inches and gained a fair amount since we got home and she just moved up a shoe size (stay little! stay little!) We love Olivia!! Thank you, Jesus, for this baby and for our many blessings!

There Are No Orphans of God

2009-10-08T07:11:00.000-05:00

Olivia's Dedication Weekend

2009-10-06T23:44:00.019-05:00

On September 13th (yeah, I'm behind on blogging!) Olivia was dedicated to the Lord at our church, Bethlehem Baptist, in downtown Minneapolis. My sister, Janie, flew from San Diego for the dedication and we had a great visit. It also marked the two month anniversary of the date that we met Olivia.

Here is Janie and Olivia.My dad, my sister and I kept the visit a surprise from my mom (she is the BEST person to surprise!) Here she is, seeing my sister for the first time. I wish I had a video, too, as she screamed four times. It was hilarious!

Here are my folks (looking quite fab, I must say!) at our church

We were so surprised and pleased to have our head pastor, John Piper, do the dedication. Other pastors often do them, so we felt honored that it worked out this way!

Olivia and I wore our Chinese outfits

Even though I took this picture of Pastor John and Lee's Aunt Lynn (visiting from Mississippi and a fan of Piper's books), it didn't occur to me to get one of him with Olivia! **sigh** oh well.
Me with my girls! :) (Olivia and her cousins)

Here is a sampling of who was there...once again I missed some great pictures. We had Lee's sister Christy and her family, my two sisters, my parents, Lee's mom and his Aunt Lynn, our dear friend Bev, and Matt and Jenny and the kids.
Lee's sister, Christy, was in town from Phoenix for his other sister's wedding, but we reaped the benefits, too!

"Sooooo big"

Whenever a Shelton child comes home, we will plant a tree in their honor. Here is my bro-in-law, Greg, helping out

and Lee

and my dad

And it's planted! We planted an appropriately named tree: The Rose Tree of China, also known as Flowering Almond or Double-Flowering Plum

Here is a sweet picture of Olivia saying goodbye to her Aunt Janie, who she got to know quite well on the long weekend. We affectionately call this "forehead hugs" or "forehead lovin'".

Haiti Adoption Update

2009-09-30T22:17:00.006-05:00

Will post more when we know a bit more but for now we are just asking for prayer for "OPPeration Shelton Family" (O for Olivia and PP = Patricia and Philippe :) -- I just made that up! haha!). We have hit a few bumps in the road on the journey to our big kids, but we WILL NOT GIVE UP. We love our kids sooooo much.

Here are some verses my sister Janie emailed me today:

'I will direct your steps.' Prov. 3:5-6

'I have not given you a spirit of fear' 2 Tim 1:7

'I will supply all your needs' Phil.4:19

'I will never leave you or forsake you' Heb 13:5

'Cast all your cares on Me' I Pet. 5:7

For children to be languishing in orphanages when they are matched with families while other children are literally dying while waiting to get IN to orphanages, is just plain RIDICULOUS. The Haitian adoption process is more difficult than any other country that we know of (we are on the Board of Directors for the LYDIA Fund, so we talk to MANY adopting families, on top of the blogs and articles that we read, etc, etc). Please pray for the evil of that country to be bound. Pray that the hearts of officials processing our paperwork will soften. That laws will change for the better. Please pray that paperwork moves across desks and that children can come home to their families! We know people who are going on three years of waiting. Three years of a child's life is so very significant! Three MONTHS is significant. These kids all NEED TO COME HOME.

Well, It's Official!

2009-09-26T22:08:00.005-05:00

We're parents! Because we bought a MINIVAN today! With more repairs looming around the corner for our little Ford Focus and with Philippe and Patricia coming home...someday...we decided it was time for a trade and upgrade. It is a 2009 Volkswagen Routan, with only 9,000 miles. Isn't it just BEAU-TEE-FUL?We love it!

Every Child Deserves a Home

2009-09-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

Terrific Tuesday!

2009-09-22T20:45:00.011-05:00

We just learned that my dear Miracle Mama is STILL CANCER FREE!! What amazing news!

Here is my mom in April of 2008, after she nearly passed away

(keep in mind that I took this picture because of how good she looked at the time!!)Here is my Mom (with my Dad) last week:
Amen! Praise the Lord! Love my MAMA!!!!!!!!

And it is my Dad's 83rd birthday today! We had them over for dinner, and he and Olivia had some sweet time together. He is one of the only people she goes to without a fuss - and she stays on his lap longer than anyone else's! We signed him up for his own Facebook account so that is pretty fun! :)

Dad making a goofy face!

Blowing out his candle

Olivia was wiped out!What a TERRIFIC TUESDAY!

Nearly Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T19:08:00.004-05:00

This is of Olivia with her cousin, Isaac. They are total buddies! In this picture she is giving him a kiss...she has since learned to kiss with her mouth shut :) This is from the end of July and I kept meaning to post it but never got to it! I would rather spend time with little Miss O than blog. Also, I have to apologize to all the bloggers whose blogs I haven't read in so long! I will try to catch up here and there.

9/11 - We Will Never Forget!

2009-09-11T08:04:00.004-05:00

For more from us on 9/11 click HERE, HERE, or HERE.

We will never forget!

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-03T23:16:00.007-05:00

Well, it is almost Friday, but I am still eeking by here...and I am oh-so thankful, so I am trying to rush to make Thankul Thursday! We have so many pictures of this little peanut, it is crazy. We have some really fun activities that we need to blog about too, and will try to get to those soon!Last night Olivia kept saying "HI!" and so I said, "can you say, 'Hi Mama?' " and she said it! That warmed my heart as I'm sure you can understand! We are still pinching ourselves and pretty much daily just look at her and say, "Is she really here?" She is a feisty chick, lemme tell you, but she is loads of fun and has us laughing all the time. We are thoroughly enjoying her and enjoying parenthood. More pics to come soon!