More Reece's Rainbow Cuties

I have been thinking a lot about all the kiddos that we will be leaving behind once we bring Liza home with us in a few weeks. I really wish we could adopt more than one! Before we left I signed up to be a Christmas Warrior, just like last year and was assigned Evan. By the way, the little one I prayed for last year, Claire, has a family committed to her now! Yay! Praying I can say the same for Evan soon.

Isn't he CUTE?!

Here's the info RR has on him: 

Boy, Born June 5, 2008

Evan recently transferred to this baby house. He was born with a heart defect, but was blessed to already have surgery and is doing great now! He is so young, and all three of these little boys could be adopted together!
From one of our adoptive families who visited with him in May 2010: " Evan would give us a big smile when we would touch his hand. He loved for us to just hold him and would cry if we put him down. He sits by himself and is trying to crawl. He can scoot to get to where he wants to go" .

He has $1090 in his fund right now, and I would love to see that go up during this Angel Tree season. I know how a grant can help these kids find a family I've seen in happen over and over. There ARE families out there who would love to parent these children and only need the funds to make this desire a reality. Even if you can't adopt you can know that you're gift would help to place a child in a family. Then you are living out James 1:27 and making Psalm 68:6 a reality, and I don't know about you, but I am in awe that God would allow us to be a part of doing that kind of work. He is a good God!

Then there's Tori.

Some friends of mine really love her and desire to see her saved from the life she's living now. And YES, I say saved because if you knew what it was really like for her you would understand that her being adopted would be saving her life. Go and read what Stephanie has to say about her and about life in an institution. Then join in the fundraiser that she is running to raise money for Tori's grant. She is giving away an Ipod to one lucky person who donates. But, the biggest reward here would be knowing that you helped to place Tori in a family.

There's also Miss Alina:

How cute is she?! Poor sweet baby. She needs a Mama who will adore her. I know there has to be someone out there who has been looking for Alina, just like she's been waiting for her Mama and Papa to come. She only has $370 in her grant. Please help Alina to be placed in a family.

And of course I could not leave out my buddy Maxim.

I really need someone to adopt him who I can go and visit cause I just love this little guy! But, even if you live on the West coast and you love Maxim too, please take a chance on him. He deserves it! Besides, I am NOT afraid to get on a plane or drive across the country to see him, and you of course ;o)

Filed Under: Things That Make Me Cry

This story about a bunch of cheerleaders in Iowa made me cry tonight. Darn cheerleaders! Don't they know I'm trying to uphold my tough reputation in front of my 10 and 13 year old boys? It's kinda hard to do when your watching videos like this one. Going to check it out? ;o)

Not Really So Different

Yes, I know I said I was going to actually DO the 31 for 21 Challenge this year. I was going to REALLY post every day for 31 days. Yeah, that didn't really happen. I am a quiet person by nature and sometimes I just don't have much to say, that and sometimes I have a crappy Internet connection. ;o)

But, I do still want to raise awareness for those with DS and their families so I am just going to pick up where I'm at and go with it.

Tonight I watched this video on Renee's blog and just cried. I really LOVE to see adults with DS living wonderful, happy lives and want everyone else to see it too. I firmly believe that we really are "more alike than different".

Repost: Dale T.

*I originally posted this last year on October 17th. Wanting to remind myself of some of the people who influenced me in this decision to adopt Liza, I figured I'd repost some of them for 31 for 21*

Dale T. was a friend of my Godfamily. They all went to church together and he loved my Godsisters, especially Kelly and Cheryl. I remember the first Sunday that I met Dale, I was going to church with them for the first time and I guess Cheryl and I were both around 11 or 12. She told me on the way there that he would come over to us, probably give her a hug, and would want to know who I was. She told me that he was different and that he was actually alot older than us but not to be afraid of him he was really a sweet guy. I didn't have any clue what she was talking about and had to wonder about this guy. It turned out that Dale was a friendly guy, who loved his church family and the Lord, and who also happened to have been born with Down Syndrome.

I don't remember much about him, but I do remember that I liked him. It was kind of hard not to. You just can't not like someone who knows instinctively how to make you feel welcome. He was a part of the youth group in his early 30's and of course I knew then it was because he was more on our level, but I didn't realize how great that was for a Southern Baptist church in Georgia in the late 80's early 90's. In fact, I guess it's pretty impressive that his parents raised him at home at all. In the day and age he was born it was still common for babies like him to be sent away. How sad! We may have never gotten the chance to know Dale? He broadened our horizons, helped us to be more accepting of people who were different than us. I know he took away misconceptions that we may have developed if we had never had the chance to know him.

I, for one, am thankful that I was blessed to know Dale T.

Study This?!

That's what I am almost ready to say to our HS agency, but I will refrain. Today I got an email, telling me that besides the few pieces of paperwork they don't have from us yet, they need TWO more non-relative references and ONE more relative reference. This is AFTER I asked them, when the psychologist thing first came up, if we could perhaps just supply them with a few more references. They declined THEN, but NOW, when we have already paid the money to the psychologist and thought we could move forward QUICKLY, they want more references. On top of that they told me in the beginning that our references from our foster care homestudy would work for a few of what they originally required.

Rick says that it's probably a good sign and we do have friends who ready and more than willing to be references for us. That's not the problem, the problem is them changing their minds on us so many times. Do they not understand that there is a little girl in this equation and her life is the one that really matters? And right now she's living that life in an orphanage as an ORPHAN!

I am so angry I could spit nails and am trying not to let my anger get the best of me. There's a big part of me that wants to give them the finger and say, "HEY! Study this why dontcha?!" But, I won't because then I'll probably have to pay Dr. Psychologist more money and we still won't get a homestudy. I can guaranty you when we finally have that Study in our hands I will probably cry tears of joy that will rival the ones I'll cry the day we actually meet Liza face to face. Just gotta remember that's the point of all this, this homestudy is what gets me to that face to face meeting with my girl.

Christmas Angel Ornaments

It's almost time for the Reece's Rainbow Christmas Angel Tree project again. You can't see the kids or sponsor them but you can get a button that you can add to your blog to raise awareness for them.

You can find the ornaments here. There are five to choose from. I would suggest checking out the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree page while you're at it. There is a lot of good info there about why they do what they do. The most important reason to do any of this, of course, is so that a child can find a home.

Robert's Story

If you've ever thought that a person with Down syndrome doesn't have anything to contribute to this World I'd encourage you to read Robert's story. I think he'll prove you wrong.

I am fully expecting God to use Liza in some way. Even if it's just her presence that impresses on someone else to adopt a special needs child. I KNOW that He wants to do good things through her life and I believe that we will see it. I am SO looking forward to that day!

Things I Ponder: 10-3-09

• What do kids really think when their 5' 109lb mother tells them that Spinach will make them "big and strong"?

I love spinach. I always have ever since I was a little girl. I think my mom thought I was strange. What kid actually likes spinach? My kids, they do not really share my love for Popeye's favorite veggie. I'm always telling them that it's good and it's good for them... blah, blah, blah. Yeah, they don't seem to believe me.

Psychologist Update

We did meet with Dr. Psychologist today and I think it went well. It's always hard and a little nerve-wracking to have to talk about personal issues with someone and then when you feel like something so important is hanging in the balance... Whew!

It was a looooong day. We started at a little before 10 am and we left his office at 2pm. Talked a lot about family dynamics and our own personal histories. We still aren't sure what the original "issue" was, but we feel like we might have an idea.

So, that's about the extent of that. I do feel like it went well. That he will write his report and the ball will be in the HS agency's court, so to speak. I just hope they like what he has to say. One thing I do know is spending four hours talking to a psychologist will WEAR you out! I am tired....

Down Syndrome Awareness Month - 2009

It's Down syndrome awareness month and I am going to buckle down and try to blog once a day this entire month. I tried this last year, and am not linking right now cause it's late and I'm lazy. Ha!

Since it is late and I didn't want to miss the very first day I'm going to cheat and post another picture. This is Claire and she is the little one I have promised to pray for from now until after the Christmas holidays. Praying for her family to find her. Is it you? Reeces Rainbow :)

I'm Going To Work!

YAY!

Honestly, My dream and hope is to eventually be able to stay home with my kids (hopefully there will be small ones again) and just be there for my family. But, right now I need to work and I haven't been working for about four weeks. That can cause some stress! I haven't mentioned it because I didn't want to be a complainer. Remember?

The real reason it makes me so excited is that yesterday during worship I felt the Lord say to me that the weeping had endured for the night, but the morning had finally come.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

The night before I had been crying out to him and asking why he did not seem to hear or care. This was His way of telling me that He has heard and He does care.

My Daddy does love me!

So, today I get to go back to work as a Substitute in the classroom at Noah's school, which is something I've been praying for for the past three years. I think that's just the beginning and it made me give a shout of joy this morning.

Can't wait to see what comes next :)

Dale Tucker

Dale Tucker was a friend of my Godfamily. They all went to church together and he loved my Godsisters, especially Kelly and Cheryl. I remember the first Sunday that I met Dale, I was going to church with them for the first time and I guess Cheryl and I were both around 11 or 12. She told me on the way there that he would come over to us, probably give her a hug, and would want to know who I was. She told me that he was different and that he was actually alot older than us but not to be afraid of him he was really a sweet guy. I didn't have any clue what she was talking about and had to wonder about this guy. It turned out that Dale was a friendly guy, who loved his church family and the Lord, and who also happened to have been born with Down Syndrome.

I don't remember much about him, but I do remember that I liked him. It was kind of hard not to. You just can't not like someone who knows instinctively how to make you feel welcome. He was a part of the youth group at in his early 30's and of course I knew then it was because he was more on our level, but I didn't realize how great that was for a Southern Baptist church in Georgia in the late 80's early 90's. In fact, I guess it's pretty impressive that his parents raised him at home at all. In the day and age he was born it was still common for babies like him to be sent away. How sad! We may have never gotten the chance to know Dale? He broadened our horizons, helped us to be more accepting of people who were different than us. I know he took away misconceptions that we may have developed if we had never had the chance to know him.

I, for one, am thankful that I was blessed to know Dale Tucker.

Tag, I'm it!

Tami tagged me the other day and I was so excited because I have wanted to be tagged for this post. Of course, ever since then my mind has been blank. That's the way it goes in my world.

But, I am going to just get it out here. My kids will tell you, I'm a little different. I like me that way, though.
So, here goes.



1. I was technically a single mom for about 8 years. I stood by a man who was in and out of jail and treated me like crap. It wasn't until I realized that I didn't want my kids to grow up to be like him that I finally left. One of the smartest moves I've ever made.

2.I have always loved to sing and there are so many songs that are truly like a soundtrack to my life. I actually had a chance to join a local country band at 18 and declined because I wanted to move back home to Georgia. What might've been....? Nah, I think about what might not have been and that's enough to know I made the right choice. And, I'm still young, right? Maybe my big break is right around the corner....um, yeah-break my leg maybe :)

3.As E was saying the other day, I frequently burst into song. All it takes is one word. Any word, really. And there I go. My kids think it's a sure sign that I'm nuts............ "I'm a nut. In a hut. Stole an apple off the tree. So what?!" And there I go.......

4.As a little girl I used to say I wanted to have LOTS of kids, bio and adopted. My family told me that would change as I grew up. I guess some things never do change :) I also used to keep every one of my baby dolls in my bed at night. I didn't want any of them to feel left out. Yes, even my mother thought I was strange!

5.I am terrified of camel crickets* and used to call them "demon bugs". I swear they try to attack me every time they see me and a couple have even crawled up my pants legs! EWWWW!! (see pic below)Oh yeah, and chased me screaming out of my own bathroom. TWICE!

6.I was a foster child in the state of Florida about 30 years ago. I always wonder who my foster parents were and how they may have shaped my life and I just don't realize it. My brother and I were eventually returned home to our mom.

7.I have been to Jamaica twice, but don't think I could go back for a vacation. I went both times on missions trips and loved the island and the people. If I go back it would have to be to be among the real people of Jamaica, not in a resort. It just wouldn't be the same.

Now to tag back:

1.Faith
2.Lauren
3.Melissa
4.Wendy
5.Minnie
6.Whitney
7.Melissa B-Love her, but she's private for now :)
*I found this pic online, but the ones I find in my house look just like this. Maybe bigger.....especially when they're trying to jump on my face, they look much bigger....just sayin'.

What Will YOU Call Them?

Dear Little Baby Snake,

Just because you are only about 4 inches long does not mean that it's ok for you to crawl across my foot. Sheesh, I can STILL feel your cold, weird flesh.....eeehwyeh..... on my poor toes. They along with the rest of me are traumatized and now the yard will be taken over completely by weeds! I know I should've been wearing real shoes to work in the garden but I'm too lazy to put them on once I decide I need to get outside. Plus, I like to be barefoot. Can't you respect that?

I'm just sayin', next time you see me out there please turn and wriggle the other way, and I'll try not to scream. Then my boys won't come runnin' outta the house like Rambo trying to take down a warlord. And the few flowers I have left will live to come back next year.

Thanks mucho,
Melissa
AKA Barefoot Weed Puller and Expert Screamer and Hyperventilatorer

High School Can Be.....

...a lot of things. For some it was tough, for others it was some of the best years of their lives. I was really amazed tonight to find a story about a bunch of high school seniors that brought tears to my eyes and made my heart sing.

You have to read their story. I can't help but think of what a different perspective these kids have when it comes to people's differences or challenges. Actually, I think that is the difference, they didn't see her "differences". They saw past them to the unique friend that she' been to them all.

Coveting More Prayers

My dear hubby just found out yesterday that he has Rheumatoid Arthritis. He is trying really hard to be strong, but it is very obvious to me that it is really bothering him A LOT. I know he is worried about what it will do to his body and how he will be able to continue to care for his family. I am just trying to stay positive and hope that with treatment he will be able to enjoy doing all the things he's become used to doing.

If you want to pray for us we would so appreciate it right now. I believe that God can even work this for good in the end and am holding on to that. Besides that, He could also choose to heal him totally. We really just need peace, I know that Rick is stressed and I hate to think of him being anxious over this issue.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and my anxiety issues-I truly did feel a huge difference and I know that prayer can open doors and move mountains.

600x4 = One Crazy Kid

This kid was honored last night for receiving perfect scores on ALL four of his SOL's (AKA Standards of Learning tests). We're super proud of him and had plans to take his picture up in front at the school board meeting, but wouldn't ya know it? My camera battery was dead!







These pics are more true to the Noah we live with every day, so it's all good in the end. I forced him to put on clean jeans and a polo, but if he'd had his way he'd have gone in font of everyone last night in a pair of dirty shorts and a t-shirt. What can I say, he marches to his very own drummer.

What is the DEAL?

Yesterday I alluded to having had a bad day, but I still wasn't sure at the time what caused it so I left it alone. Plus, I don't like to be a complainer and lately I feel like that's all I've been doing. Uggh, makes me wanna slap myself!

Well, I still don't feel like myself and I've decided if I complain just enough to ask you all to pray that's ok. Right? I have been having some anxiety problems and maybe a little depression thrown in too. Sunday was really bad because I was dealing with behaviors from "The Girls" all weekend it felt like. To be honest, on Sunday and most of Monday I was really blaming them for how I was feeling. Which, of course, just made it worse because I have this guilt complex too. I've started to think that maybe it's not so much them but just something I'm going through. I've even thought maybe it is some kind of spiritual attack. There has been a passion burning in my heart to start an orphan/adoption ministry in our church and just when I get to the place to really begin to get the ball rolling this happens. Also, we felt that this was God's Will for the girls to be here with us and now this issue is making me doubt that.

So, if anyone is reading this please pray for me and "the Girls" and our family as a whole. All the changes have been tough on every one and I know there have been times when the boys, Austin especially, have been very frustrated with things that "the Girls" have done that effect them in a negative way. Temper tantrums and little girl attitudes are really hard to take when you're used to nothing but frogs and snails and puppy dogs' tails. That Sugar and spice stuff? Who wrote that? Or maybe I'm just seeing nothing but spice right now and the sugar will come later. Yeah, that's probably it.

Carissa

Carissa is a woman my age that I went to high school in Virginia with. She's one of the only people from that high school that I actually don't mind running into. Don't know if I mentioned it before, but the high school I moved to in 11th grade was awful, I hated it and felt most of the kids there were hateful. But, that's another post for another time. Today is Carissa's day.

If I'm being honest, I have to say I don't really remember Carissa much from school. But, she remembered me. I remember her from W*l-m*rt. I was working there about 3 years after high school and one evening Carissa came in with her mom to shop. She made her way over to me and reminded me that we went to school together. Then she asked me tons of questions about myself. When she found out that I had two children she wanted to know all about them as well. I had a great time that evening chatting with Carissa while I was working. I had forgotten how sweet and genuinely caring she was. She didn't ask me all those questions because she was nosy and she wanted to run off and gossip about me to all her girlfriends, she asked because she really cared. She hung out with me because she enjoyed my company, and I enjoyed hers. It got to where I hoped that Carissa and her mom would come to the store on evenings that I worked. I loved listening to her talk and her laugh makes me smile now just to think about it.

I haven't seen Carissa in a while now. I stopped working at W*l-M*rt years ago, and since we moved we rarely even go to that town anymore. I know, however, that if I were to run into Carissa tomorrow she would call me by my name and she would say hello to my boys as if she's watched them grow up through these years. She may just be one of the best friends I've ever been blessed to have in my life.

Oh, did I forget to mention? Carissa was born with Down Syndrome.