So here's my update...along with whatever random thoughts I have!
*On the family front, my sweet baby girl turned 2! Two! And is suddenly not so sweet anymore. Ha! Ok, she can still be sweet and also quite hilarious, but she's definitely going through that frustrated/frustrating stage. Overall though, two is fun - she is loving pretend play - being a mommy to her baby dolls, etc. I am....I mean, she is....also having a lot of fun with her new dollhouse! Here's a picture from her birthday....oh the anticipation of the birthday cupcake!
*Adoption News! I am THRILLED to let you know that as of today, we are officially DONE with paperwork!!!!! Our dossier (and most of the contents of our savings account) are on their way to our adoption agency, and in 1-3 weeks it will be headed to Ethiopia! So excited for this step.....each step bringing us closer to our precious son(s). We are also delighted to share how faithful God has been in providing for our needs. The check we had to send today was pretty massive, and we had enough to cover it, plus a little more. Of course we are still saving like crazy and fundraising since we still need close to half of our funds to come in. We are praising the Lord for providing for our needs, and thanking our friends and family who have contributed!
*Orphan Sunday - we had the opportunity to help put a service together at our church and speak about our adoption journey. It was truly a blessing to be able to hear the stories of others in our church family. God puts families together in some pretty amazing ways! We can't wait for the day when we can share updates to our story.
*Fundraising - so yeah, we still have a large chunk of change to raise. A friend of mine from college is a consultant for Tastefully Simple, and she volunteered to do a fundraiser for us! Not only that, but she sent me a box with lots of yummy samples!!!!! If you haven't tried Tastefully Simple, they have some great mixes that help you to prepare foods with just a few ingredients - great for those nights when you don't know what to cook, or for snacks for unexpected company! My favorite products are the Beer Bread, Bacon Bacon seasoning, and definitely the Oh My Chai! Yum!!!! This fundraiser is online, so if you would like to participate, click here, then "Shop Our Products", then "Host/Event Search", then you will need to fill in my name and state (PA). If you want to order but don't know my name, you can figure it out pretty easily by looking around the site, but if you are having trouble, message me and I will get it to you - I just don't want to blatantly put it out there on the WWW, know what I mean? The fundraiser is ending November 30 and you will receive your orders in plenty of time for Christmas - they make GREAT gifts!
*Thirty-One Gifts - you might remember that I started selling Thirty-One Gifts to help save money for the adoption. I have to say, after about two months in, I am LOVING it!!!! Our purses, totes, wallets, and other things to help you stay organized also make great gifts! Orders made by December 12 will arrive in time for Christmas. Of course I have to mention, if anyone is interested in a catalog/online party - a quick & easy way to earn FREE products - let me know! Or, if you'd like to receive my email newsletter to stay up-to-date on our amazing specials, just give me your email address!
*Shop With A Purpose - Along with our fundraising efforts, we'd like to support the fundraising efforts of our other adopting friends. I have started a Pinterest board featuring many of the fundraisers I have been made aware of - there's a little bit of everything there, so if you are looking for some unique gifts that will also help to form a forever family, check it out!
*From Here Onward - Just to let you know, I do plan on being a more regular presence once again on this blog. Hopefully I'll even have some creative crafty ideas again at some point! Thanks for sticking with me through the craziness of life!
So glad you are back, Angie! I've been watching for new posts! Now that all of the paperwork is complete, how much longer until you get to expand your family??
ReplyDeleteLove this update and really love all the adoption paperwork is done.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your paperwork is done! That's where we are right now, in the paperwork stage! It's very encouraging to see you all turned your Dossier in. Very excited to continue following your journey ;o) Blessings
ReplyDeleteOH, I'm glad for you about your paperwork! Years ago my family looked into adopting but it didn't pan out. I have a very small idea the amount of work that has been involved with all of this. Your family is still in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMaureen
P.S. I'm gld you are back!!!