Nuggets For Neal - Stocking Stuffer Reminder

IF YOU WISH TO BUY AN ORNAMENT (NOT PICTURED IN THIS POST), PLEASE EMAIL ME AT VIVIANE 8 AT YAHOO DOT COM.

Just a reminder that my fundraiser for little Neal is still going on.  Thanks to all who have so generously contributed.  As you can see, his grant has grown to $700 and will hopefully reach $1000 by year's end. 

With the holidays fast approaching, here are some cute stocking stuffers for the little girls in your life.  All proceeds from this sale will go directly to the Neal Grant Fund at Hopscotch Adoptions (see fundraising thermometer on the right).  There will be several payment options which I will email to you after I receive your order.

Ponytail Holders Set 1: Red & Blue Crayons - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 2: Orange & Green Crayons - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 3: Yellow & Purple Crayons - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 4: Red Hands - $3.00

Ponytail Holders Set 5: Blue Hands - $3.00

Ponytail Holders Set 6: Green & Orange Hands - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 7: Blue & Yellow Hands - $3.00 SOLD

The infinity scarves measure anywhere from 12 to 15 inches.  They are made from 100% cotton, except for the flower embellishment.

Infinity Scarf 1: Purple & Orange- $12.00

Infinity Scarf 2: Purple & Hot Pink - $12.00 SOLD

Infinity Scarf 3: White & Hot Pink- $12.00 SOLD

Infinity Scarf 4: Purple, Orange & Hot Pink- $12.00

Infinity Scarf 5: Purple, Orange & White- $12.00

These aprons were made by my mom for little crafters, cooks and bakers.  Some tie in the back behind the neck, others are one-pieces that you just slip over your head.  They should fit little girls who wear sizes 2T-4T.  Emilia is petite, currently in 3T-4T, around 30 pounds and 34 inches and they fit her perfectly over a t-shirt.

Apron 1: Orange, Pink & Brown Dots - $12.00 SOLD

Apron 2: Blue & Brown Dots- $12.00 SOLD

Apron 3: Flowers & Birds - $12.00

Apron 4: Green & Brown Stripes- $12.00

If you would like to buy any of these items and help a wonderful little boy find his family, please email me at viviane8 at yahoo dot com.  Thanks so much for your support.

For more information about Neal, please email waitingchild@hopscotchadoptions.org.

IAC 262 Results

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 262 which was held on October 23, 2013:

1) French dossier from November 2009 referred a male child aged 4 years and 3 months

2) Dutch dossier from February 2010 referred a female child aged 3 years and 5 months

3) Dutch dossier from March 2010 referred a female child aged 2 years and 3 months

4) US dossier from April 2010 referred a female child aged 1 year and 11 months

5) Italian dossier from May 2010 referred a male child aged 3 years and 10 months

6) Spanish dossier from May 2010 referred a male child aged 3 years and 5 months with features in health status

7) Dutch dossier from June 2010 referred a male child aged 5 years and 3 months

8) Italian dossier from July 2010 referred a male child aged 6 years and 4 months

9) German dossier from March 2011 referred a female child aged 3 years and 5 months with features in health status

10) Dutch dossier from October 2012 referred a male child aged 2 years and 9 months with features in health status

11) German dossier from January 2013 referred a female child aged 2 years and 1 months with features in health status

12) Italian dossier from January 2013 referred a brother and sister aged 10 years and 2 months & 8 years and 8 months

13) Italian dossier from February 2013 referred a male child aged 8 years and 3 months with features in health status

14) US dossier from May 2013 referred two female children aged 9 years and 9 months & 9 years and 5 months

15) Italian dossier from May 2013 referred a female child aged 10 years and 11 months

A Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend our family had the privilege of spending some time in WV with four other families who adopted beautiful children from Armenia.  It was an utterly enjoyable experience with good friends, yummy food, and many fun activities.  We hope to do it again soon.

These photos tell the story, but I am protecting the privacy of the other children by not posting any of the great close-ups of them here.

Dads kicking back with their children

My kids loved the pool
and both are so confident in the water now

Time to color

I adore that Emilia still wants this closeness

Puppies at snack time?

Everyone loved the parachute play

Watching deer from our cabin's deck

Blessed with hand-me-downs,
she turned into a super model

These princesses were crazy about Craig

Midnight at the cabin

The horse menagerie

Communal baths and potty times
were not unusual

Driving through the big Christmas light display

Tipping The Scales

Today would have been my dad's 62nd birthday.  He died in 2006.  Typically, this is a day of remembrance for my family, especially for my mom who still feels his loss very acutely.

But this year, my dad's birthday is associated with a different milestone. Today, Rex is tipping the scales.  Today Rex has been in our family longer than he was in state care in Armenia.  I know today isn't going to be different from any other Monday we've had this school year.  Rex isn't suddenly going to overcome his challenges because of a special date on the calendar.  There isn't a magic switch flipping today that will erase his experiences of the first two and a half years of his life.  But, the date does mean something to me.  Rex's life is with us and we have filled it with love, joy, adventures, learning opportunities, trust, safety, family - as opposed to what he had before we adopted him.  Our efforts are bearing fruit in Rex's heart and mind and he is so very changed from the child we brought home in July 2011, changed even from the boy he was a year ago.  Time does play a part in that process and today we mark it by acknowledging that the scales have tipped.  Rex was an orphan for too long, but has now been a son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend for longer.

Even though they never met, I am pretty sure that my dad, who wasn't always easy to live with, but whom I miss nonetheless, is very proud of his first and only grandson.

Nuggets For Neal - Stocking Stuffers For The Girls

With the holidays fast approaching, here are some cute stocking stuffers for the little girls in your life.  All proceeds from this sale will go directly to the Neal Grant Fund at Hopscotch Adoptions (see fundraising thermometer on the right).  There will be several payment options which I will email to you after I receive your order.

Ponytail Holders Set 1: Red & Blue Crayons - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 2: Orange & Green Crayons - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 3: Yellow & Purple Crayons - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 4: Red Hands - $3.00

Ponytail Holders Set 5: Blue Hands - $3.00

Ponytail Holders Set 6: Green & Orange Hands - $3.00 SOLD

Ponytail Holders Set 7: Blue & Yellow Hands - $3.00 SOLD

The infinity scarves measure anywhere from 12 to 15 inches.  They are made from 100% cotton, except for the flower embellishment.

Infinity Scarf 1: Purple & Orange- $12.00

Infinity Scarf 2: Purple & Hot Pink - $12.00 SOLD

Infinity Scarf 3: White & Hot Pink- $12.00 SOLD

Infinity Scarf 4: Purple, Orange & Hot Pink- $12.00

Infinity Scarf 5: Purple, Orange & White- $12.00 SOLD

These aprons were made by my mom for little crafters, cooks and bakers.  Some tie in the back behind the neck, others are one-pieces that you just slip over your head.  They should fit little girls who wear sizes 2T-4T.  Emilia is petite, currently in 3T-4T, around 30 pounds and 34 inches and they fit her perfectly over a t-shirt.

Apron 1: Orange, Pink & Brown Dots - $12.00 SOLD

Apron 2: Blue & Brown Dots- $12.00 SOLD

Apron 3: Flowers & Birds - $12.00

Apron 4: Green & Brown Stripes- $12.00

If you would like to buy any of these items and help a wonderful little boy find his family, please email me at viviane8 at yahoo dot com.  Thanks so much for your support.

For more information about Neal, please email waitingchild@hopscotchadoptions.org.

IAC 261 Results

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 261 which was held on October 9, 2013:

1) Cyprus dossier from May 2009 referred a male child aged 2 years and 8 months

2) Danish dossier from March 2010 referred a male child aged 2 years

3) US dossier from June 2010 referred a female child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status

4) US dossier from October 2010 referred a male child aged 2 years and 6 months with features in health status and a family history

5) Italian dossier from December 2010 referred a female child aged 2 years and 5 months with features in health status

6) Dutch dossier from May 2011 referred a female child aged 2 years and 5 months with features in health status

7) Italian dossier from June 2011 referred a male child aged 7 years and 9 months

8) US dossier from July 2011 referred a female child aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status

9) US dossier from December 2011 referred a male child aged 2 years and 1 month with features in health status

10) US dossier from March 2012 referred a female child aged 8 years and 9 months

11) Italian dossier from May 2012 referred a female child aged 8 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history

12) US dossier from July 2012 referred a female child aged 1 year and 7 months with features in health status

13) Italian dossier from February 2013 referred a male child aged 7 years and 4 months with a family history

14) US dossier from March 2013 referred a female child aged 1 year and 11 months with features in health status

15) Italian dossier from April 2013 referred a male child aged 9 years and 4 months

16) US dossier from September 2013 referred a waiting child (#613) with a profile on the MOJ site

17) Canadian dossier from September 2013 referred a waiting child (#2185) with a profile on the MOJ site

18) US dossier from October 2013 referred two waiting children (#1406 & #2679) with profiles on the MOJ site

Weekend Review

It's been a busy weekend for us, but also very productive.

Yesterday, there was a big fundraiser at Rex's preschool, a holiday bazaar with 28 vendors.  Since I was the main organizer of the event, I was there from before 8:00 am until after 4:00 pm.  Fortunately, I had lots of help from other parents and the preschool staff.  Once we totaled our earnings at the end of the day, we had raised over $1220  for the kids' classroom.  I can't wait to decide how to spend the funds and see the children get new equipment, materials, and experiences.

Today was a day to catch up at home: laundry, dishes, cleaning, paperwork, and re-organizing the basement as we need to put up two walls now to keep Rex contained in the play area and away from the storage and furnace/water heater.

In the afternoon I baked a batch of cookies for our local firemen.  It's part of a November Giving Back initiative that Craig and his team at work are doing this month.  So much fun to be a part of it.  Craig and Rex are heading to the firehouse in a few minutes to drop off these Oatmeal Ginger Chewies:

Tomorrow will be a rough day as Rex will be going under anesthesia for several hours for extensive medical testing.  We have to be at the hospital at 6:30 and probably won't leave there until about 1:00 pm.  I  know I will not rest easy until my little boy has woken up from the anesthesia and is his energetic self again.  If you would keep Rex in your thoughts during this time tomorrow, we'd appreciate it so much.

I'll leave you with our favorite weekend memory, some minutes of sweet sibling love in front of the TV:

Together Forever Day 2013

Two years ago today, I traveled across Bulgaria, from the capital city of Sofia to the Black Sea coast, to pick up our little girl from the only place she'd ever known, the orphanage in Dobrich.  The child I scooped into my arms forever that day was not well: significantly malnourished, severely anemic, scared, confused, and socially and emotionally starved.

Since then Emilia has found trust and love in a family that adores her.  She has become confident, adventurous, loving, and full of joy.  And yes, she has found her tongue and with that her voice (we'll kick you to the curb yet, apraxia), opening a steadily widening window into her mind.

Since that snowy November day, Emilia has found her bright smile and happiness.  In those early weeks with her, we couldn't distinguish Emilia's cry from her laughter because it all sounded the same.  Today, her giggles peal through our home every single day and tears are far and few between.

And Emilia has found her spark, her will to live, her zest for life.  She has gone from frightened, resigned and withdrawn to a cheerfully determined, spunky preschooler who won't be slowed down by her tiny size or her developmental delays.

Happy Together Forever Day, my sweet and wonderful daughter.  You are the sunshine in our universe and we couldn't imagine life without you.  Keep following your own yellow brick road and I know you will bless and be blessed along the way.

November 12, 2010

Three years ago today we met Rex for the first time.  That day, possibly above all others I have lived, is etched into my memory with such clarity and emotional force that I cry every single time I think about it.  As long as my mind doesn't fail me, I will remember those first precious hours with Rex.

Here's a little video taken in the afternoon of our first day together.  It's when we first saw Rex's wide smile and heard his infectious laugh, both of which today are such anchors in our life when we brave the often rough and stormy waters of being his parents.

My amazing boy, I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever.

Nuggets For Neal - Are You Ready For Some Football?

Do you want to see a live NFL game and help a special little boy find his family?  Here's your chance!

Craig is offering his 2 season tickets for the Colts vs. Titans game on December 1, 2013 at 1:00 pm ET for auction.  The seats are in Section 615, Row 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.  You will be watching the game from the 25 yard line.

Photo taken from Craig's actual seats

How it works:

1) The auction will run for seven days from when this post goes up until Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 8:00 am ET.

2) I will contact the highest bidder on 11/13/2013 with the final total cost for the tickets.  I will ask the winner to send a check in that amount to Hopscotch Adoption's Neal Grant Fund within seven days by 11/20/13.  This will be a tax-deductible donation to Hopscotch.

3) If the highest bidder fails to pay in the allotted amount of time, the tickets will be offered to the second highest bidder.

4) Once I get word from Hopscotch that the donation has been received, I will either snail mail your tickets or send them electronically through Ticket Master Exchange.  Your choice, provided you leave me enough time to use USPS.

5) All money raised will be added directly to Neal's Grant Fund.  This money will be available to a family who registers with him for adoption in his hometown or, should he not be adopted, be used for his care and education as an adult.

Bidding:

Bidding for the tickets starts at $70.  That's 50% off their list price.  To place a bid, please email me at viviane 8 at yahoo dot com and provide your name and mailing address.  I will update this post periodically to reflect the current highest bid and also email bidders with this information.

Thanks for being a part of this little boy's story.  And go Colts!

Learning Her Colors

Here's Emilia showing off some of the colors she knows.  In addition to the ones in this video, she can also identify pink and white.

We are so proud of her.

Orphan Sunday 2013

ORPHANS:

BELOVED SON & DAUGHTER:

Not everyone is willing, able or called to adopt.  But everyone can make a difference in an orphan's life:

http://hopscotchadoptions.wordpress.com/2013/10/29/wanted-a-family-of-my-own

The little boy in this story is "Neal."  He lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe that I know very well. Please consider giving to the Neal Grant Fund (see thermometer on the right) through Hopscotch Adoptions.  Your donation will be tax deductible.  All money raised is available to help offset the cost of adoption to the family who registers to adopt Neal in his hometown.  If Neal is not adopted, the money will wait for him to assist with his care and education as an adult.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at viviane 8 at yahoo dot com.

Stay tuned for more information and fundraisers for Neal.

Halloween 2013

Thursday had high winds and lots of rain in our neck of the woods, so our township postponed trick or treating until tonight.  We only stopped by a few houses, but then spent some time with our neighborhood friends, handing out candy together.  We easily had over 100 kids come through which is always lots of fun. 

I didn't snap many pictures, so here are the best ones.

Our precious pumpkin

A fairy princess with her daddy

Funny fairy with a hat she conned off a teenage boy

Loopy pumpkin listening to music
and constantly falling over while dancing

The kids still didn't understand the concept of Halloween, but that's perfectly fine.  They both had fun doing their thing.  Emilia was able to say hi and thank you while collecting her candy, so who knows, maybe next year she will actually blurt out trick or treat.  

Happy belated Halloween!