Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May all my readers have a wonderful Christmas and may you not forget the true meaning of CHRISTmas.

Reece's Rainbow on Sevenly

We thank you for considering purchasing a shirt or hoodie from Sevenly.  For sharing the need for families for these precious children.  For believing that a life is worthy to be lived by our daughter who was born to another woman, in a country across the world. Until the day she becomes ours.  And then her plain-old life can go on as it was always meant to.

Loved.  Wanted.  Cherished.  Worthy.  Filled.  Overflowing.  And ours.  And hers.

Giveback Giveaway

We still have our Giveback giveaway going on.  We are currently waiting on a list of donors to do the drawing for the halfway giveback.  As soon as I get them, I will announce the winner.

We still are in need of funds to help us be fully funded for the first trip.  We got tickets this week and they where almost twice as much as originally budgeted, and we tried for the cheapest we could get. We need our FSP (the Reece's Rainbow button on the left) to ready $8,439.88. We had to also reapply for our visas due to change in travel dates, so this was an unexpected expense.

Now, because of this new development and because we are currently in the middle of the giveaway, I am leaving the Kindle in the giveaway (originally was only going to keep it in the giveaway if we reach a goal of $6,060, which we did not).  However due to the size of the amount needed I am leaving the second prize in this giveaway. We must reach our goal by 4 Jan 2012 since this will enable us to transfer the money to the appropriate account so we can use it for our trip.

So, here is the run down of the giveaway.

THE FIRST PLACE PRIZE

You choose: 

Keurig package (includes Kuerig, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) or $250 donation to Reece's Rainbow or 

Signing Time Complete Series 1 (vol 1-13), Shine CD, 6 board books

 THE SECOND PLACE PRIZE: 

Kindle Fire (It can have Wi-Fi, Full Color 7" Multi-Touch Display. (retail value $199)

Here is how you make a donation:
 

$5 donation = 1 entry
 $10 donation = 3 entries
$25 donation = 8 entries

$50 donation = 17 entries
$75 donation = 37 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

You can also get one (1) entry by sharing (max of one per day).  This can be done through Facebook or email. Feel free to tag our Facebook page in your post. You MUST leave a comment here on where you left the share other wise you entry may not be counted (if you include your email in the comment, I will not post it, but dont worry it will be counted).  You can include me on an email.



HOW TO MAKE A DONATION:
Make a tax deductible donation to Reece's Rainbow FSP (the button on the left)

Ending the Giveback Giveaway

This giveaway will end on 4 January or when FSP reads $8,000 (which ever comes first). Once the goal has been met , I will post on this blog and facebook that a 24 hour notice has been given for people who would like to enter, then a winner will be selected via random.org

Winners will have 42 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen.

Innkeeper

Halfway Giveback

We have reached our halfway giveback.  That means we have raised $2,500.  That means, we will be choosing a name (through random.com) as soon as I get a list from Reece's Rainbow. I will only get amounts and names.  If you wish to not be included due to wanting to remain anonymous, please contact RR. Someone from RR will contact you if you won, although I will post first name and last name initial. The midway winner will choose an RR family/child (does not have to be a committed child) to receive $100 donation. So, stay tune...I will post soon and thank you to all who helps us get this far.

We have travel dates

Finally received travel dates and as much as we wanted to travel this month, it will not happen.  So, we will travel next month.  It does give us time to get our court documents together which would help move the process along.  (sorry for such a short post, but wanted to up date everyone on the great news)

Still waiting

Well, it looks like we are still waiting.  Still not word on the official travel time.  But wanted to up date everyone that we have done everything we could do at this point and now we wait for country to give us a date.

 

Cyber Monday

It is Cyber Monday..there are some major deals out there.  Well, if you are going to take advantage of those deals, could you please use this link when shopping on Amazon. 

http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=livinaccortoh-20

It cost nothing extra for you to use.  It does give us a small percentage of your purchase.  No matter how big or small, those percentages add up.  Ever penny means we are closer to bring out little one home.  Thank you for using this link and for supporting us.

Happy Turkey Day

Over this past year I have come to the conclusion, stuff is only that..stuff.  And you are not taking that stuff with you when you die.  More is not always best.  It is better to having a few things that you use instead of having alot of things you dont use.  So, remember on this day of thanksgiving, it is not about what you can get tomorrow on sale...but thankful for what you have today.

 

By next week

By the end of next week, our paperwork should be in country/region.  Which means the next week, we should receive a referral.  This means we will be traveling next month. Hopefully by next week we can start working on our visas.

Just wanted to give a small update to let my readers know things are moving.

Thankful for God's Goodness

Just another step

We have now been added to the child referral list of country.  Our agency says they hope to see us traveling next month.  Can this not get anymore real?  Well, I know it will get way more real next month. 

So, now it has come to crunch time. We need our FSP to reach a minimum of $5,000.  We had hoped not to use this money until the second trip but circumstance have caused us to need this money sooner.  So, if you are looking for an end of the year tax deduction, please consider a donation to our Reece's Rainbow grant. And if you are doing Christmas shopping, please consider one of our fundraisers (links located on the left side of blog) or even using our Amazon link, it helps us and has no additional cost to you.  Thank you :)

What a mom wants for Thanksgiving

First leg

Our documents are on their first leg of the trip to country.  It was a major amount of sweat and tears but they are finally done and on their way to the agency. 

We are finished

Well, with the first part of the dossier.  We got all the paperwork done this past week and then headed to the capital to get everything apostilled. It seemed like it took forever..but it was a huge relief knowing it was done.  So, on Monday, it will make its way to our agency, via FedEx, and then hopefully on it way to country.

Your Thanksgiving Inventor

And yet we still wait...

Well, we got a finalized home study...and that was it.  Not good since the country requires more then that from the home study agency. So, we still wait.  The plus for the week, we sent off our USCIS paperwork.  We pray this will move fast. We hope to have the supporting paperwork this week from the agency so we can get it to the placing agency super fast. This is just getting frustrating because we had hoped to have this done a month ago.

Need some simple Christmas gifts?

Are you looking for a Christmas gift? I nice stocking stuffer? Here is a great opportunity to get a gift for one and help give a little girl a forever family.

These are handmade pieces by Rebekah Blocher Designs. There is a wonderful lady by the name of Rebekah Blocher who has hand-made each necklace. Thank you Rebekah!! These are one of a kind pieces. And each necklace has a Bible verse reference on the back, as stated in each photo. With each purchase 50% of each sale benefits our adoption fund. Thank you so much for your support!! (second picture is the reverse side of one piece to show as an example) **Price set by the designer**

PURCHASE HERE AT MAMA'S BUG A BOO

 

 

 

Orphan Sunday

“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt, “Radical”

Did you hear?

We have a completed home study.  We are so moving now.  Monday will be filled with getting things certified and apostolled.  How great is this?  Well, let me tell you, it is FANTASTIC!! We should have everything in the agency's hands by Thursday. 

Changes

Well, read over the home study and sadly there are changes that need to be made.  We need to be more specific on the special needs we are willing to except.  Then once the changes are made they will be looked over by our placing agency and then back to our home study agency.  Sadly, all this is on hold until Tuesday since our social worker is gone for a family emergency.  Seriously, I am so done with this stage.  I hope to have an update by the end of the week....like a finalized home study.

We have a draft

We received our home study draft today.  We will have a few changes on the special needs but all looks good.  This 'should' not take to long.  We are looking at having a finalized home study by the end of next week.  Finally coming to the end of this

Giveback Giveaway with a bonus

So, lets go over this....there is ONE big fantastic prize. Winner chooses from three choices (Keurig package, Signing Time package, or Reece's Rainbow donation).  And to add on to that...there will be a second place prize (Kindle Fire). But the only way to get this second place prize is to if our FSP shows $6,600 by 20 Nov (Tuesday).

Also, dont forget, once we have raised $2,500 we will have a midway giveback.  A winner will be able to choose a child on Reece's Rainbow to receive a donation of $100.

The fantastic prize

You choose: 

Keurig package (includes Kuerig, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) or $250 donation to Reece's Rainbow or 

Signing Time Complete Series 1 (vol 1-13), Shine CD, 6 board books

 Second prize: 

Kindle Fire (It can have Wi-Fi, Full Color 7" Multi-Touch Display. (retail value $199)).

Here is how you make a donation:
 

$5 donation = 1 entry
 $10 donation = 3 entries
$25 donation = 8 entries

$50 donation = 17 entries
$75 donation = 37 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

You can also get one (1) entry by sharing (max of one per day).  This can be done through Facebook or email. Feel free to tag our Facebook page in your post. You MUST leave a comment here on where you left the share other wise you entry may not be counted (if you include your email in the comment, I will not post it, but dont worry it will be counted).  You can include me on an email.


  
So, here is how you can donate.
 


You can donated to our Reece's Rainbow FSP (these donation are tax deductible). We will use this money for our second trip, which we will need over $15,000.

Ending the Giveback Giveaway

This giveaway will end on when we have reached our goal.  Once the goal has been met , I will post on this blog and facebook that a 24 hour notice has been given for people who would like to enter, then a winner will be selected via random.org. Remember, the Reece's Rainbow amount MUST read $6,600 for the Kindle Fire to be added to the giveaway, and this must be reached by 20 November 2012. 

We added a midway giveback, once we have reached $2,500 we will have midway winner who will be selected via random.org.  They will then have 42 hours to choose a child/family on Reece's Rainbow to have the $100 donation given. Thank you so much for making a donation and good luck.

(All of those who have donated up to this point still have all their entries.  Even if you won something.  So, if you donated $10..you have three chances to win the main prize :)

Need to get this giveway moving...

Ok...this giveaway has gone on long enough.  We need to not only get it moving but get it over.  We are expecting to have our dossier on its way to country by the end of the month and that means our FSP needs to be closer to fully funded (min $15,000).  So, here is what I am going to do....if our FSP shows $6,600 by 20 Nov (Tuesday) we will add a second prize.  This is not a choice for first prize...this is a second prize.  This means 2 (TWO) prizes will be given out but ONLY if our FSP reads $6,600.

I am sure you all would like to know what that prize it...well, here ya go...

This is a Kindle Fire and would be perfect for a stocking stuffer this Christmas. It can have Wi-Fi, Full Color 7" Multi-Touch Display. (retail value $199).

So, lest us start sharing...and together we can help bring this little girl home.  Remember, the Reece's Rainbow amount MUST read $6,600 for this prize to be added to the giveaway, and this must be reached by 20 November 2012. 

ShowHope

Still going

It is have crazy around here.  We have worked hard to get this home study done.  More road bumps then we anticipated. And because of all that, I was putting all my focus on finishing that.  Now that we are in the home stretch, I am back to bring this to the front.

Once we have raised $2,500 we will have a midway giveback.  A winner will be able to choose a child on Reece's Rainbow to receive a donation of $100.

The fantastic prize

You choose: 
Keurig package 
(includes Kuerig, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) 

or 

$250 donation to Reece's Rainbow:

 

or

Signing Time

Complete Series 1 (vol 1-13), Shine CD, 6 board books

  Here is how you make a donation:
 

$5 donation = 1 entry
 $10 donation = 3 entries
$25 donation = 8 entries

$50 donation = 17 entries
$75 donation = 37 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

Now, you can also get one (1) entry by sharing (max of ten entries).  This can be done through Facebook or email. Feel free to tag our Facebook page in your post. You MUST leave a comment here on where you left the share other wise you entry may not be counted (if you include your email in the comment, I will not post it, but dont worry it will be counted).  You can include me on an email.


  
So, here is how you can donate.
 

You can donate to our Chipin (NOT tax deductible). 
We can access those funds now.
 
OR

  You can donated to our Reece's Rainbow FSP (these donation are tax deductible). We will use this money for our second trip, which we will need over $15,000.

Ending the Giveback Giveaway

This giveaway will end on when we have reached our goal.  Once the goal has been met , I will post on this blog and facebook that a 24 hour notice has been given for people who would like to enter, then a winner will be selected via random.org.

We added a midway giveback, once we have reached $2,500 we will have midway winner who will be selected via random.org.  They will then have 42 hours to choose a child/family on Reece's Rainbow to have the $100 donation given. Thank you so much for making a donation and good luck.

(All of those who have donated up to this point still have all their entries.  Even if you won something.  So, if you donated $10..you have three chances to win the main prize :)

Just a little closer

Ok...all paperwork has officially been turned in.  We are now in the draft stage.  Currently our home study is being reviews by our placing agency.  Hopefully this will not take to long.  The hope is that this will be done in 2 weeks..before the end of the month.  Pray it all works fast.  We have all other paperwork ready to be sent off for our dossier but the stuff from our agency.  So, the moment we get all this, we will be able to have it in the mail with in 42 hours. 

CALLING ALL VOTERS!!!

Ok...well, you dont need to be a registered voter...just have a Facebook page.

Here is what I need all my readers to do.  I need you to go here  http://www.cultivatewines.com/cause/49260/  and vote.  It take only 5 seconds to do.  It is super simple but it will save lives. This is a chance for 10 children to have their grant grow by $5,000.  That is HUGE when it comes to adoption.  It is sad that the one thing that stops most families from adopting a special needs child is financial.  You can see the children who will receive the grants here  http://reecesrainbow.org/cultivatewines 

ROCK THE VOTE!! and GIVE the chance for 10 children to have a forever family.

We did it...well you did it

We hit our goal.  We made it to 15 e-certificates on our Coupaide fundraiser.  I want to say thank you to all 15 of you.  I hope you enjoy you great deal..it really was a great deal.  This will cover our finalization fee and we are thrilled that that is one less fee we have to worry about.  Thank you again for all the support.

Just 5 more

We set a goal of 15 e-certificates...we are now only 5 away from that goal.  Have you checked this out?

This is a great deal..especially for you. You only need to spend $20 BUT you get $50. You read that right. That is a 60% savings on any Restaurant.com restaurant.  That sound like an amazing deal.  What makes this an amazing deal is that half of the price ($10) will go towards our adoption.  Now, the reason we set this goal is our finalization fee with our agency is $150...that means once 15 people have purchased this great deal, we have our finalization fee covered.

Please share this link and get the word out.

The auction has ended

I want to say thank you to everyone who participated and also shared.  We made a little over $700 which will be the rest of our dossier submission fee (our fundraisers with CFA and FroJos covered the other part).   That is one less fee we need to worry about.

If you did participate in the auction...please head over to Mama's Bug A Boo Facebook page and check the notes.  I have everyones total there and instructions on how to pay for your items.

Just a little...

Just a little more to go.  We have 4 more papers to get filled out, and we are done.  We have finished all visits...I think we have finished all the education (will find out from our placing agency if that is the case).  We will work on getting all forms notarized next week..and then on to certified..and then on to the pricey apostille.  I personally think anyone who needs to get documents done for a adoption should not be charged anything.  There are enough fees out there that have to be paid..this is one that does not...just my $.02.  We will keep everyone up to date..but things are moving.

One down...

And one more to go.  Both one on ones done with the social worker.  Now all we have left is the home visit...which will be this week.  So, if all goes well, we should have all this done and working on the finalization in the next few weeks. Finally, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Will check back in on Friday night.

Giveback giveaway is still going

While we have eliminated the smaller prizes...we still have the main prize up for grabs.  But we need to meet the goal before a drawing can be done.  We have raised $910 but we have $4,090 to go. Will you consider a donation?

Once we have raised $2,500 we will have a midway giveback.  A winner will be able to choose a child on Reece's Rainbow to receive a donation of $100.

The fantastic prize

You choose: 
Keurig package 
(includes Kuerig, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) 

or 

$250 donation to Reece's Rainbow:

 

or

Signing Time

Complete Series 1 (vol 1-13), Shine CD, 6 board books

  Here is how you make a donation:
 

$5 donation = 1 entry
 $10 donation = 3 entries
$25 donation = 8 entries

$50 donation = 17 entries
$75 donation = 37 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

Now, you can also get one (1) entry by sharing (max of ten entries).  This can be done through Facebook or email. Feel free to tag our Facebook page in your post. You MUST leave a comment here on where you left the share other wise you entry may not be counted (if you include your email in the comment, I will not post it, but dont worry it will be counted).  You can include me on an email.


  
So, here is how you can donate.
 

You can donate to our Chipin (NOT tax deductible). 
We can access those funds now.
 
OR

  You can donated to our Reece's Rainbow FSP (these donation are tax deductible). We will use this money for our second trip, which we will need over $15,000.

Ending the Giveback Giveaway

This giveaway will end on when we have reached the goal of $5,000.  Once the goal has been met , I will post on this blog and facebook that a 24 hour notice has been given for people who would like to enter, then a winner will be selected via random.org.

We added a midway giveback, once we have reached $2,500 we will have midway winner who will be selected via random.org.  They will then have 42 hours to choose a child/family on Reece's Rainbow to have the $100 donation given. Thank you so much for making a donation and good luck.

(All of those who have donated up to this point still have all their entries.  Even if you won something.  So, if you donated $10..you have three chances to win the main prize :)

Let the bidding begin

There is a great auction filled with handmade goods (and a few extras). I have bows all over and cloth diapers and wet bags and well, ALOT.  So, go check it out.  Do some Christmas shopping.  Then please share.

https://www.facebook.com/mamasbugaboo

 

Small wish

We, well I, love to run. I dont always have time to do it with little people, they kinda take priority. But I have been looking at this for the past year. Now, if we are adding to our family, this sure would be nice :) Just a wish that maybe Santa will bring one to our door this year.

All of me

No updates

No update this far.  We are still working on the home study.  Trying to coordinate Army schedule and social worker scheduled is not the easiest task.  But all paperwork has been collected and filled out.  I have form and everything. Now we just need the last two visits. It will happen, just not as fast as I anticipated.  So, please keep my nerves in your prayers.

Yummy goodness

 I thought I would share a yummy receipt on this Monday.  Hope you enjoy.
  
Indian Black Bean Soup

1 cup sliced leeks
1/3 cup oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 pounds canned black beans
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Sauté the leeks in the oil in a large saucepan until golden. Add the garlic and half the beans with their liquid. Mash up the beans with a fork. Add the rest of the beans, with their liquid but do not mash. Stir in the water, salt and pepper, and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

Cleaning house

In an effort to get things out of the house to not only help raise money but to also declutter (which is never a bad thing) I will be holding an auction of all my hair pieces (bows, headbands, and hats), and other handmade goods.  This will start on the 16th and will run until the 31st of Sept.  Please will you consider checking it out.  So, if you get bored and want to see what is going to up for bidding on (more will be added over this week) go to the Mama's Bug A Boo facebook page.

Here is a recap of the Giveback Giveaway

I just wanted to go over the giveaway again with the up dated prizes and donation/entry amounts.

There will be a mid-way gift giveback.  When we reach $2,500 we will pick a winner to choose one child on Reece's Rainbow to donated $100.  The winner can choose any family or child.

Here is a list of the prizes....

First gift

You choose: 
Kuerig package 
(includes Kuerig, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) 

or 

$250 donation to Reece's Rainbow:

 

or

Signing Time

Complete Series 1 (vol 1-13), Shine CD, 6 board books

***********************************************

And because no giveaway is good with just one thing....

2nd Gift
Lithograph, costume (6x6), includes gift box

3rd Gift
$25 Gift certificates for Amazon.com

4th Gift
$20 gift certificate for blurb.com

5th Gift
Eye glass case and change purse from Thailand

To donate items to this giveaway, please email me.

 Here is how you make a donation:
 

$5 donation = 1 entry
 $10 donation = 3 entries
$25 donation = 8 entries

$50 donation = 17 entries
$75 donation = 37 entries

$100 donation = 50 entries

Now, you can also get one (1) entry by sharing (max of ten entries).  This can be done through Facebook or email. Feel free to tag our Facebook page in your post. You MUST leave a comment here on where you left the share other wise you entry may not be counted (if you include your email in the comment, I will not post it, but dont worry it will be counted).  You can include me on an email.


 So, here is how you can donate.
 

You can donate to our Chipin (NOT tax deductible). 
We can access those funds now.
 
OR

  You can donated to our Reece's Rainbow FSP (these donation are tax deductible). We will use this money for our second trip, which we will need over $15,000.

Ending the Giveback Giveaway

This giveaway will end on Wednesday 12 September (11:59pm EST) pending a goal of at least $5,000 has been met!  If we have not reached our goal on this date, we will select a winner for all the prizes except the main prize (Kuerig package/Signing Time package/RR donation). Once the goal has been met , I will post on this blog and facebook that a 24 hour notice has been given for people who would like to enter, then a winner will be selected via random.org.

We added a midway giveback, once we have reached $2,500 we will have midway winner who will be selected via random.org.  They will then have 42 hours to choose a child/family on Reece's Rainbow to have the $100 donation given. Thank you so much for making a donation and good luck.