Completely Organized Chaos

Tattooed

2011-01-08T19:27:00.012-05:00

Our minds, our memories are marked, tattooed with permanent images of the experiences we face every day. Tattoos are marks that can be permanent or hard to remove. Sometimes, bad stuff happens that leaves a mark we struggle to remove. It’s so embedded that no matter how much you wipe it away the image is still there. Then there are the new marks we want to make….goals and achievements that are painful in the process, making you question if you can suffer through the needles and pricks to experience the beautiful picture or symbol that’s in the making.

So what do you do? For me, and many others we get tattoos. Here's why: Number 1: We are willing to suffer a little pain to get what we want. Number 2: We are willing to commit to a decision that can have permanent consequences; and Number 3: We wear our permanent marks outwardly.

Think about the invisible tattoos in your life. You know….those marks I mention above. The tattoos I’m talking about are your experiences and actions that mark your life and influence your future. The question is….which tattoos do you want to remove and which ones do you want to add? In either case, you will suffer a little discomfort or pain.

Life is like that, each moment/experience/or mark cost you…..in good and bad ways.

So, judge me if you must, stare when you see my marks, question me as to why I would do such a thing....... and then sit back and think about the invisible marks you keep hidden inside yourself and then we'll see if you have the right to judge.

$ + Christmas = PRESENTS not LOVE

2010-11-19T23:03:00.006-05:00

Today on the way to school I was talking to the kids.. telling them that Christmas is a little over a month away. They are getting so excited!! Last year on Christmas eve we stayed up late and "tracked" Santa on the Internet. We could see what Country he was in, the cities he was delivering to... SO exciting tracking his journey. The kids are excited to do it again this year, we've decided to clean off a shelf we have in our family room and set the lap top there, that way we can track him right down to the neighbors house!! THEN, the conversation goes like this.... Thomas says "does Santa deliver everywhere??" And I said "yes of course" Thomas says "even to Africa" and I said "yup, even to Africa" And then Fasika says "NO he doesn't" I thought oh shit I knew exactly where she was going with this. I am so not prepared to have this discussion, and in the school parking lot no less. Fasika was almost 4 years old when we brought her home. She remembers everything, and she remembers having nothing, no clothes, no food, no toys. She said "Santa NEVER came to Africa, he didn't bring presents, he didn't bring food, he didn't bring money, he didn't bring nothing. I guess he thought all of us Africas were naughty" So on the 4 minute ride to school, I managed to get them excited about Christmas and at the same time make Fasika feel ashamed of her Country and it's people. Great, huh?! I tried the whole "different Countries celebrate different ways, some give presents and some give love.... blah blah blah" Fasika says "kids want presents NOT love" And she's right.. duhh! At 6 what kid wants to pass up a new Wii, or DSI or baby doll, or any of those material things for love????

The conversation ends with Fasika saying "I guess I AM lucky" And what she means is "lucky" that we brought her here so she doesn't miss out on anymore presents. For the last two years since we've been home with Fasika, there have been countless times she has overheard people say "she is so lucky you adopted her." Annoying and ignorant. If anyone is lucky, it's US. But back to the Christmas in America vs. Christmas in Africa thing.... Any ideas?? The last thing I want to do is make Fasika to feel "lucky" that she is here because there will be Christmas presents under the tree, loaded stockings hanging from the mantel and food on the table.... any suggestions????

2010-11-19T22:44:00.005-05:00

THE LITTLE BROTHER POEM
By Autumn

nit wit

dip stick
ding bat, germs
sticky boogers
nasty colds,
he smells like worms
eats his toes
picks his nose
and sits on "todes"

Although her poem is cute, very cute... and some of it (well most of it) is very true... that's my baby boy! He is a bit of a nit wit & a ding bat at times, he's got germs no doubt, boogers.. of course, he very seldom smells like worms, I've seen him "eat his toes." But there is one thing he would never do... he'd never sit on a "tode"

He is a very typical little boy. He's rough, he's loud, he's dirty, he likes video games, wrestling, watching football, playing sports. Did I mention that he doesn't eat meat???? Hasn't for 3 months now, you can ask him if he likes meat and he will say "yea, I like meat, it's yummy, but I LOVE animals" Isn't he sweet?!? All this from a little boy who just a few months ago would eat cheesburgers and hot dogs, tuna fish, steak... you name it. So in addition to all of those things his big sister listed, I need to add

sweet and kind
the biggest heart you'll ever find
no chicken, no beef, no fish
get this boy a vegetarian dish!!

Love ya buddy!

D = E - R

2010-11-06T11:14:00.008-04:00

Disappointment = Expectations - Reality ??

EXPECTATION: a belief about the future. Anticipation: anticipation with confidence of fulfillment. The feeling that something is about to happen.

OR my definition... EXPECTATION = DISAPPOINTMENT

Disappointment-- this occurs when you are let down or left with unfulfilled expectations. It can be as simple as being stood up for a date, or as serious as being deserted by a friend in the darkest hour of need. I think it's safe to say that in many cases when you have a certain expectation you instantly set yourself up for disappointment. We all have expectations... 100's a day in fact. We expect our alarm will go off at the right time, we expect the car to start, we expect our kids to get up and go to school, we expect our take-out orders to be hot and made to order (except at the South Barre, McDonald's... just plan on expecting the wrong order, every time!), we expect our Friends to call and be there when we need them, we expect our paychecks on payday. Most of our time is spent expecting, expecting something. Our moods, our feelings, our lives are molded by the outcome of each and every expectation, positive or negative.

Usually, I don't sweat what I can't control. I can pretty much shake anything off... But I have also learned not to place my expectations on people, events, or occasions that I can not trust or count on. Therefore avoiding many certain disappointments from unfulfilled expectations. I have been told this method isn't ideal, but then again until you have walked in my shoes, do not judge. When we have expectations, and we hit the wall of reality, we become disappointed.

It's been a while.....

2010-11-05T23:59:00.003-04:00

Months actually, 7 of them. 28+ weeks. 2 seasons have passed, all 3 kids have celebrated their birthdays, a total of 5 teeth lost, a new car, Fasika's 2nd gotcha day, first day of 1st and 3rd grades, and much, much, much more... none of which I can elaborate on at the moment.

It's almost impossible to "blog" when I can't write about my thoughts.... Or when I have to monitor what I say and/or how I say it... Or when something so powerful takes over and consumes your life and I can't discuss it. So for now, I will remain vague... and I'll blog about the things I can.... and someday when everything is said and done, I can be real, and say it how it is...

2010-04-18T21:43:00.006-04:00

"She got me from Africa, my brother from Wal-mart, and my sister came out of her belly"

That's what I overheard Fasika telling her friends mom at dance class the other day. Keep in mind we only go to dance class once a week, and the people we see there are acquaintances only. Obviously Fasika is adopted, but the whole Wal-mart thing needed a little explaining. One day, shortly after we brought Fasika home, Thomas asked me "if Autumn came out of your belly and Fasika came from Africa, then where did you get me?" being the smart ass I am, I said. "I picked you up at Wal-mart, $5.00 on the clearance rack, and omg you were sooo cute!!" So for the longest time, Thomas really thought I "bought" him there. We joke about it all the time, but apparently Fasika didn't realize we were kidding and at times I think Thomas thinks we really got him there too. LOL, poor lil guy! Autumn even picks on him about it too. We'll be at Wal-mart and Autumn will say "MOM, isn't that the shelf you picked Thomas off???" LOL, we all laugh and joke about it! So... I'm sure most, if not all of the mom's at dance class think we are a little crazy!! Haha, if they only knew!!!

What to do???

2010-04-16T21:15:00.007-04:00

So, next week is school vacation and my kids are so excited, especially Thomas. Thomas hates school, mostly because he doesn't like his teacher. I'm thinking she'd make a better drill Sergeant rather than a kindergarten teacher!! ANYWAY... my dilemma is this: now that I work, what do I do with my 3 children??? I usually spend school vacations at home with a house full of kids... now what???
As of right now, here's the schedule for next week:

Monday: Kids with Kellie (one of my bf's)
Tuesday: Kids with John (my sisters bf)
Wednesday: any volunteers
Thursday: Kids with Brock's mom
Friday: Kids with Brock's mom

It seems like a mess to me.... but I guess it will work.

Looking ahead, summer vacation is only 7 weeks away. There is NO way I'm going to be able to juggle this schedule for the entire summer. Luckily, Onward, the after- school program is offering care from July 6th to August 6th. They have lot's of activities planned and a field trip scheduled for every Friday. The kids will have a blast and I wont have to worry about them. They will be in great hands. With the after school program running for only 4 weeks this summer, it leaves 4 weeks that I need to find care for. I could always bring them to work with me, OMG could you imagine?? Or worst case scenario.... I have to take the rest of the summer off!!!! Ahhh, sun & kids & the pool & the beach!!!

2010-04-15T20:37:00.013-04:00

I love this necklace and I really want it!! After I came across it, I really started to think about it's meaning.... and what it means to me. My journey, like all journeys, has a beginning. Although I'm not sure exactly where mine started or where it will end. Everyday there are new places to explore, new people to meet, new ways of looking at the world. There are always ups & downs and bumps along the way. Bright, sunny days and dark, miserable rainy days... all a part of the journey. The possibilities spread themselves out before me everyday. I always find myself looking forward..... forward to the "prize" or to the end of the day, or to Friday, or to summer, or vacation... I'm always wishing time would fly, always looking ahead. Is it bad that I've even wished away entire months??? Once it's gone, it's gone-- there's just no going back, all you can do is sit there and think about the time that has past and what you wished you had done with it. It's always nice to have something to look forward to, but at the same time it's easy to forget to appreciate the process and all of the possibilities along the way.

Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months pass by without notice or a care, and for every moment that passes by, I am always too busy looking forward to and anticipating the next, that I never take the time to appreciate and enjoy what's right there in front of me.

It's not the destination I'm going to be looking forward to anymore, instead, I'm going to make the best of the journey. I'm going to dance with my kids in the rain, and stare the shit days straight in the face. I'm not going to wish away the bad days, or any days for that matter. Instead I'm going to take every day as it comes and with my eyes wide open, I'll appreciate it for what it is and take away as much as I can.

TWO years ago today.....

2010-04-11T21:48:00.006-04:00

2 years ago today my good friend Maureen left for Ethiopia to meet her son Biniyam. Maureen and I met through a WHFC group and became instant friends. We knew Biniyam and Fasika were at the same orphanage and probably knew each other. It was comforting for both of us. Together we anxiously awaited the "travel to Ethiopia" email. When she got it, and I did not, I was heart broken.... I had prayed we'd travel together to pick up our children. For the next weeks that followed we talked every night and into the early hours of the morning, packing and unpacking our bags. Maureen offered to bring a package to Fasika and promised to tell her that she had a mommy & a daddy and a brother and a sister waiting for her. I couldn't wait to put together a package for her, I spent many nights at the mall looking for the perfect things to pack! We send her an outfit, slippers, crayons and a coloring book, bubbles, a photo album of our family and a bunny with a voice recorder that we put a special message on for her, along with a few other things. I was so thankful to Maureen for delivering it to her! By the time Maureen and Biniyam got home the following week, group #62 was announced, and we were in it!!!!!

Biniyam and Fasika!

And two years ago TOMORROW!!........ "4/12/08 What an amazing surprise this a.m.!!! Today at about 9 a.m. I got a call from an unknown number. After quickly debating weather or not to answer I picked up. I was shocked to hear Maureen (a friend who is in Ethiopia now) on the other end. At a rate of $8.00 a minute I surely wasn't expecting to hear from her while she was gone. Anyway, she says "Valerie, I have someone here who wants to say hello to you" Instant tears of course, I knew it was Fasika-- I could barely speak!! I heard her chatting with the nannies and laughing. Maureen kept saying "VALERIE, talk to her!!" Finally after a minute or two I was able to get my composure and tell her that i love her and that we'd be there soon to get her. It was amazing to hear her little voice and listen to her giggle-- I couldn't have asked for a better start to this sunny day!! "

I'm so lucky to have an amazing friend like Maureen and for Fasika to have her sweet little friend, Biniyam!! We are hoping to spend lots of time together this summer!!!

2010-03-18T13:49:00.012-04:00

First of all I would like to thank everyone for "checking-in" and for all the sweet emails-- I have been absent on my blog lately, it's just been kind of hard to find much positive to blog about these days

Lots of changes have been happening around here. The biggest is my job. For the last 11 years I have provided childcare, and loved every second of it. I often giggled to myself as I sat and played with a group of 3 year old's, almost felt guilty for collecting a paycheck at the end of every week..... being paid to play, who would have thought ?!?

Me & MeadowSo for the first time in my life- I have a JOB, I actually have to WORK for my paycheck.

I now have major responsibilities, NOT that providing childcare wasn't full of responsibilities, those types of things just came natural to me and never felt like WORK

Before this JOB my day would consist of: Dr. Seuss, play-doh, kissing boo boo's, Dora, Mr. Potato head, Lego's, finger paint, pull-ups, gold fish, and occasional time-outs. And now I sit hear and look at general ledgers, spread sheets, purchase/receive orders, sales journals, point-of-sales system, and the list goes on and on and ON.....

Luckily for me, this is our family business, and so it comes with many perks.... I come and go as I please, I now get to drop my kids off at school and pick them up, take-out for lunch, and shop at Staples for office supplies, which I often do... just because :)

I do miss playing with my daycare kids, very, very much. I miss playing outside, making grilled cheese and being rewarded with all their smiles and hugs. I miss all the kiddo's and their families-- they all have become such a huge part of me and my everyday life. Everyone one of them have a special place in my heart and I will forever cherish my time with them

On the upside of things, I still get a chance to practice my babysitting skills..... at this this new JOB and working with Brock and the guys here at the shop, I still have some degree of babysitting.... I know you might find it hard to believe, but there isn't much of a difference between my group of 3 year olds and this group of guys :)

and now, back to WORK....

Pulling the weeds.....

2010-02-18T17:26:00.014-05:00

We all go through situations in our life when we really need our friends & family. Luckily, for the most part we've surrounded ourselves by true and loyal friends. Not that I needed a tragic event to happen in my life to make me realize how much I love and depend on my family and friends, but it's always times like this that snap you back to reality and make you appreciate the people who you sometimes take for granted. Makes you realize what's important and what's not. Makes you realize who's worth your time, and who's not....

After Derrick died, all of the support that has been offered to me by my community, old friends, good friends, true friends, new friends, bloggy friends and my family has been overwhelming and I feel so lucky to have so many amazing people around me. Through all of this I have also learned that it's time for a little weeding. It's time to weed out the people that I don't really need in my life, the ones who turn their backs when times get tough and the ones who kick me when I'm down. By doing this it leaves me with more time, energy, and love to share with the people who really deserve it and have shown me the same. All I need are the people who've touched my heart, those who care for me as I care for them, those I can be myself around, act crazy, loud and make stupid choices and always been forgiven, those I instantly remember in ten years because they are in my heart and not just my mind.... those who have had the ability to change me, even if they haven't. YOU will all be etched in my memories forever. The WEEDS have been pulled and dumped.... Sometimes you don't know you have weeds that need to be pulled.... but the sooner you figure it out the better off you'll be.

Back to fundraising......

2010-02-16T12:19:00.006-05:00

Back to fundraising.... it's time to refocus my energy on something other than baby Derrick...

These past few weeks have been hard to say the least, full of ups and downs. It's crazy that during such a tragic time in my life that the rest of the world just keeps turning... and it leaves me no choice but to push on...

I've decided to focus my energy back to fundraising and hope to reschedule our trip sometime in the next few months. I guess this leaves me a little extra time to fundraise more for Fasika's village....

I've decided to create another frame... our mini frame was so popular and we sold out so quickly. This cute chunky frame is painted black, very lightly distressed and finished with a super gloss finish. It hangs with black and white ribbon. It's an adorable addition to your nursery or any room in your home. Also makes a great shelf sitter! The quote "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person" By Paul Shane Spear, is written around the design. This custom design was created by Jim Goodell, it features a childs handprint sketched over the earth. The shape of Africa with a red heart over Ethiopia. This frame measures 7" x 7" with a photo opening of 3 1/8" x 3 1/8"

Rest In Peace baby Derrick

2010-02-14T21:39:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since my last post, and we should be in Africa as I type. But due to the unexpected death of one of my daycare babies, we have chosen to postpone our trip. Baby Derrick went down for a nap, and never woke up. We are grieving his loss and needed to take this time to heal. Please keep baby Derrick's mom & family in your thoughts and prayers. He will be very sadly missed and we'll forever remember his sweet little face.
Rest in Peace little Snugglesaurous....

Take a picture with your pet.....

2010-01-17T22:40:00.006-05:00

As an animal lover there was no doubt my kids were going to grow up surrounded by animals. When I was a kid we always had animals.. dogs, cats and bunnies of course. I always asked my parents if we could get more pets-- and they always said "no". They even got angry when I'd come home with a new bunny, which I did many, many times, risking punishment!! Luckily for me the punishment was never sever enough to stop me from doing it again. We had a finished back porch that I even transformed into the bunny's room, complete with litter box and faux grass-- ya know, the indoor/outdoor kind!! I can remember my dad saying to me... "when you grow up and have your OWN house you can have as many pets as you want" well, here I am, all grown up and with my OWN house and am completely IN CHARGE when it comes to getting pets!! =)

For Autumn's first birthday, we got her a black lab and named her Zoey.And when Thomas was 4 he got his baby, a basset hound, he named Beef. Well then came Fasika, and here she sits without a pet, yup... poor Fasika is pet-less. Even though our household includes 2 dogs, 4 cats, 3 bunnies and about 15 mice-- she still doesn't have her "OWN" pet. My mom kindly offered to share her dog with Fasika, and that worked for a little bit, but now she continues to question "how come Autumn has a dog, and how come TJ has a dog, but I don't??" I tried to explain that we have lots of animals already, and I tried to give her ALL 4 cats and a bunny to call her own-- she shot it down "cats and bunnies aren't fun like doggies" she says... SO.... what to do?? Relax mom, we are NOT getting a new puppy-- we will delay as long as possible... just look how lonely she looks as she holds her puppy-less hands out.... So sad!

2010-01-15T20:46:00.003-05:00

29 Days before we leave for Africa--

We are so Lucky to be working closely with our Adoption Agency, Wide Horizons For Children. They have been amazing from day we signed with them. I'm so glad we choose them, as there are many great agencies out there. Not only have they have always gone above and beyond for us, they are now playing a HUGE part in helping us plan our trip back to our daughter's birth country. They have offered us a room at their guest house, they have notified Fasika's family that we are coming!! They have arranged transportation and a translator. Mulat who is employed by WHFC will be picking us up at the airport late Saturday night. We feel so spoiled-- they are so amazing.

I can't even express what a relief this is for us-- I was overwhelmed with all the planning and making the proper arrangements. Our main goal is to visit Fasika's family and deliver our donations to the village of Aleta Wondo-- now, thanks to WHFC we will be able to do this with ease and enjoy our visit and take everything amazing Ethiopia has to offer.

So far our week looks like:
Saturday: arrive Addis 7:30 pm
Sunday: spend the day at the orphanage
Monday: Tour Addis
Tuesday: Leave for Aleta Wondo at 4 a.m., arrive 7 a.m. & spend the day with Fasika's family.
Wednesday: Spend the day in Aleta Wondo, say goodbye to Fasika's family, leave late Wednesday night.
Thursday: Spend the day at the orphanage
Friday: coffee ceremony and say our goodbyes. Flight out at 10:30 p.m.

Did I mention that we are going to be in Ethiopia the same week that Group #89 is there picking up their children!? I can't believe it's been 21 months since I traveled in group #62 to pick up Fasika. 21 months... just doesn't seem possible.

29 days and counting......

2010-01-12T22:06:00.009-05:00

Me and Michellyn..... To my bff,

Well, where do I start!? Over the past 4 years we've shared an amazing friendship and some crazy times!! We started out "working" together that one crazy summer-- kids (lots of kids!!), a pot of mashed potato, 1/2 baked chicken--down the driveway to my parents basement (damn state). Sun-tan lotion, lazy days in the pool, golf cart rides, water balloon fights, the roofers next door (a camera with zoom!), myspace, mid-day naps, dirt roads & mud puddles, beep beep at P.T., texting and pregnancy!!!

We spend countless hours on the phone talking about absolutely nothing, accomplishing absolutely nothing. We share similar parenting tactics-- threats, potty talk words, and the "sleep where you crash" rule. You always give the best daycare advice, even though I'm sure I taught you everything you know!! But shhh, dont' tell anyone-- haha

Michellyn, I cherish the friendship we share, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. I wouldn't want to be going back to Africa without you!! I can't wait to share the laughs, the tears, and everything we will experience together. Who would have thought, 4 years ago as we sat on my couch googling adoption agencies that we'd now be planning a trip back to Africa to reconnect with my daughters birth family?!!? I can't wait until it's your turn and we are celebrating the ups and downs of your adoption and I can support you as you have supported me every step of the way. You're the best!

And.... only you would bring me a Valentine's Day cupcake all the way from Milton, and only I would eat that very same cupcake you left in the WRONG mailbox an entire week later!!

Our Laughs-- [limitless] Our Memories-- [countless] Our Friendship [endless]

Love ya!!

Help me and Get a FREE Treasure Africa decal!!

2010-01-05T21:54:00.008-05:00

TREASURE AFRICA DECAL..... FREE!!!

OK... So here's the deal!! I'm desperate and I need some ideas on wording for a fundraising party that we are having before we leave for Africa! We are planning a "donation" party, inviting all our friends and family to pitch in and help!! I have a list of items we are asking for, and of course monetary donations (to benefit the village) are always welcome!! I want to make cute little invites asking for help.

Obviously the invite will have the general info; date, time and place, but I need to add an impactual statement that will make my friends and family WANT to give, to WANT to help. Anyone who has checked out my ETSY shop knows we feature the quote "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person" by Paul Shane Spear. I would like to incorporate that into the invite, but just don't know how....

I've never been one to ask for help, I'd rather bust my ass and get it done myself, but this is a task that is much bigger than I can handle on my own. I know my family and friends will give generously, but I want them to feel compelled help.....

TREASURE AFRICA DECAL: Black vinyl decal, in the shape of Africa. Inspirational words cover the decal in white and the word "treasure" in red. Can be easily applied on any surface, such as car windows, walls, mirrors, wood, metal, etc.

Easy application:Remove protective covering, apply to clean surface. Measures:6 1/4" by 5 1/4"

Help me out!! Give me your suggestions and post my ETSY link on your Blog, and I will send you a TREASURE Africa decal FREE!!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/vyz123

Thanks in advance!!

Going BACK to ETHIOPIA!

2010-01-02T21:59:00.004-05:00

It's official, we are going back to Africa!! Truth is, we booked the tickets a month ago but we finally just got everything else in order and have now started the countdown!

So here are the details...
1. We, as in, me, Autumn, Fasika and my bff Michellyn are going. Brock and Thomas are staying home-- Thomas decided he didn't want to get the immunizations and he's just not into going right now. The poor little guy is afraid of crocodiles... hmmm.
2. We are leaving 13 Feb 201o.... 6 weeks from today, oh my.
3. We are staying at the Horizon House which is run by Wide Horizons for Children (our amazing agency) we will be volunteering at the orphanage. We will also be travelling down south to Fasika's village of Aleta Wondo and spending a few days there with her family and working on a couple humanitarian aid projects.
4. Passports are here.
5. Immunizations are done.
6. Prescriptions are filled.
7. Looking for any suggestions as to what we could bring for donations for the village and the children....?!?!?

Fasika is so excited and can barley stand herself right now. She started packing a month ago, she's packed something for all her brothers and sisters, her mom, her aunt and all the kiddo's she remembers from the orphanage... she's such a sweetie.

42 days...and counting....

New items!

2010-01-02T21:54:00.007-05:00

With the new year comes new ideas and new items for my etsy shop!! I've been trying to come up with some new products to fundraise for Fasika village of Aleta Wondo. We leave in 6 weeks and are desperately trying to raise money for her village! Check out these blocks! They are made of wood, painted, lightly distressed, stained and decoupaged! There are 3 different sets available! BLESSED, FAMILY and ADOPTION!

Visit my ETSY shop!! Lots of new items available!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/vyz123

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T21:10:00.006-05:00

Christmas Eve...Still hasn't come yet... Passing the time with his bff Baby (grampa) is responsible for this! Notice Fasika is still trying to be "ghetto" and has rubbed off on her cousin Frankie!! This is the 2nd annual "be proud of what your Baby gave you, yo!"

Another cRaZy Christmas is over..... Apparently Santa thought we were all exceptional all year long-- I'm thinking he might have been watching the wrong family!!! For the past few weeks I've been threatening the kids with "Santa's watching" and "Do you really think that behavior/language is going to land you on the nice list??" Apparently the kids know Santa is a bit of a softy and is extremely flexible when it comes to them breaking the rules.

Is it bad that I sit here tonight..... thankful that Christmas is over?? Let me break it down for you...

Top 5 reasons I'm glad Christmas is over:

1. I can't afford another trip to the mall-- Seriously I'm sure GMAC is also happy Christmas is over-- they are patiently awaiting my car payment!! I have come to conclude that I can't afford Christmas AND my bills! Thank God Christmas only comes once a year!!!

2. I'm ready to put my house back in order. Ready to take the tree down and all of the clutter that decorating brings.

3. FOOD. I'm so full that I want to start my new year's diet NOW! (haha, that urge will be gone by morning, I'm sure!!)

4. The "Santa is watching" threats just aren't working anymore. I can now "ground" them from all of their new gifts-- hahaha!!

5. No more Christmas music at Walmart-- did anyone else notice that Walmart started playing Christmas music right after Halloween this year?!?!? Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but seriously it was sooo early.

After all of the excitement and all of the presents the kids are finally sleeping!! Right before Thomas fell asleep, he said "mommy, how many day's till Christmas??" That same question I happily answered several times a day for the past 25+ days.... I answered, "365 sweetie!! Just enough time for mommy to catch up on bills and pay off Christmas 2009!!!

A little bit of Crazyness......

2009-12-17T21:03:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure whose idea this was, but I got stuck taking the pictures!! My 3 kiddo's plus my sisters 2, always = TROUBLE! My nieces, Chesnee and Francesca are a couple of crazy little girls! Chesnee is the cutest little DEVIL you'll ever meet!! Francesca is just a sweetie (& and little sour too!!) Anyway, when you get the whole crew together they are sure to melt your heart (OR drive you crazy.... right Meme??)

Soo, here they are

CUTE....
Like O.M.G!!!!
VAMPIRES... (yea, vampires.... idk)

Silly (normal for kids this age...)Hott (Hott?? yes I said Hottt. At this age, you might ask?? That was deff Chesnee's idea!!)
I'm not sure what happened to the "typical" photo shoot poses, such as say cheese, silly faces, mean faces. Oh how times have changed....

My excuse....

2009-12-09T16:58:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I don't have an excuse...

So here was the conversation last night right around dinner time:

Thomas: Mommy, what's that smell??

Me: That's dinner....

Thomas: Dad's home??

Me: Nope, not yetttt...

Thomas: Well, what's that smell?

Me: Dinnerrrr

Thomas: But where's dad??

Me: On his wayyyy

Thomas: but....?

(with a confused look on his face...)

And then the sad reality hits-- When daddy usually walks in, SO does the smell of dinner-- yup, that's when you know you get take-out wayyy too much..... oh and one last hint-- when you call the local restaurant (Behind the Scenes, soooo yummy!!) and they say... "You guys want the usual??"

Sad, so sad!! So tonight (just right now), I've decided that I'm going to get better at planning dinners around here-- Not only is take-out expensive, it's just NOT healthy. And it's not like I don't go to the grocery store every week and spend way too much money, and I really do LOVE to cook, so this should be an easy task!

Ok, that's my plan-- as I sit here (waiting for Chinese to arrive! yum!) I'm already thinking about next weeks dinner menu, and it does NOT include McDonald's, China Town, Behind the Scenes, Friendly's or Applebees!! =)

Ok, got to go-- daddy's home, and SO is dinner!!

WARNING: It's Contagious and I HOPE you get it!!

2009-12-07T21:35:00.005-05:00

Soo over the weekend I had a special request on my ETSY website for 5 of my Hands for Africa Pendants, it's by far my largest quantity of necklaces in a single order-- so I was curious and asked the buyer if she had a handful of friends/family in the adoption process, and she said....

"Actually no. My friends and I decided last year to give money to a charity instead of gifts for Christmas. I am giving a donation to Doctors Without Borders as their present this year, saw your pendent and thought it would be nice to give them so when they wore it they would think of the donation."

http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

I just packaged up the necklaces, added a few of my favorite decals and sent it on it's way-- I feel so honored to be a part of this!! It gives me even more determination to fundraise and put all the money to good use. Sometimes I sit here and I think of how much needs to be done, it's so overwhelming, it almost seems like a task that is impossible achieve. Then I come across people like this, like Debbie and I realize that every little bit helps-- and if we all pitch in WE can make a difference, to a child, to a family, to an entire village. It's contagious, one person gives and touches the heart of another and it continues on and on and on.... soo, the next time I sit here and think to myself... "can I truly make an impact?" I will be at peace and know I can because I am inspired by people like Debbie and maybe, just maybe, someone will be inspired by me and someone by them and on and on and on... I can only hope.

"Is it dead yet, mommy??"

2009-11-29T21:32:00.006-05:00

Sooo that was the question of the day on Thanksgiving-- Maybe because I made the mistake of letting the kids help me prepare the turkey.... cut open the package, uncover the hairless bird, dump the bloody mess from the wrapping, pull out the neck and other nasty insides-- they left the kitchen in complete disgust and wandered off with too many questions. I hear their discussions from the kitchen, Thomas says "I'm gonna ask dad if he'll get us McDonalds, I am not eating a dead bird."

Finally, when the buzzer rang and the turkey came out of the oven, Fasika comes running out and says "is it dead yet mommy??" LOL, I laughed and said of course, it's all cooked! Autumn says "well, is it a he or a she turkey? I bet the boy ones are nasty." I thanked Autumn for her input and changed the subject quickly-- Fasika continues to watch as I scoop the stuffing out and says "mommy, I'll eat some of that turkey, but I am NOT eating it's guts!" At dinner it was decided that the turkey was indeed a girl, because it tasted just too good to be a boy! Thomas was too busy claiming his olives to be concerned about the turkey!

You DO love your mommy!

Soo much to be thankful for....

Another happy turkey day!

LOVE that smile!

2009-11-25T14:16:00.003-05:00

It doesn't take much to get a smile out of that pretty face!! Give this girl a pile of leaves and you'll be lucky if she makes it in for dinner! I've always been amazed at how content she is with the simplest things-- No bells and whistles needed for this sweet girl! For now, we've got leaves, and soon we'll have SNOW, and then, her personal favorite-- MUDD! Got to love Vermont!!

Fort Hood, Texas

2009-11-06T12:52:00.003-05:00

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of those killed and wounded in the tragic shooting at Fort Hood. Please show your support and lower flags to half staff from now until Veteran's Day, on November 11th.

Hands for Africa Pendant

2009-10-28T09:57:00.004-04:00

Hands for Africa Pendant BACK IN STOCK! Finally! They are soooo much work!! Check out my etsy shop!! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7194025

All about AUTUMN

2009-10-26T15:44:00.010-04:00

Autumn LOVES her little brother

LOVES to Laugh

LOVES animals

LOVES her sister & her mommy

Autumn is a great little artist-- she LOVES to draw, scrapbook, and do anything creative! She loves to write stories and write in her journal-- her last story she wrote was about "wore" AKA, war, and how the fighting and killing makes her sad. She is such a little thinker and sometimes worries about things that an 8 year old shouldn't even be thinking about. She is super sweet and wants everyone to be happy. She's an animal lover and says someday she'll have one of everything! She loves to laugh, sing, dance, and listen to music. Autumn LOVES school and her friends and even got an award for student of the week! She's practically an Angel!!! (haha with the occasional tantrum of course!)

I can't believe how fast she's growing up- I love every second of it, everyday she makes me more proud to be her mommy.

One for you and One for Me.....

2009-10-26T14:45:00.003-04:00

THIS is what happens when Mommy is busy doing something else and her son says "Mommy, can me and Fasika ..........blah......blah.......(and the rest is a blurrrr). And of course, being preoccupied doing WHO knows what..... I say "Sure sweetie!"

Luckily for me, they checked the nutritional facts before digging in!!

What more could a mom ask for????

1 Week until school

2009-08-23T22:29:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's that time already-- Is summer really almost over?? My kids are excited to go back to school, although I don't think they realize that they will be away from Mommy for 7 hours a day. I've always stayed home with them and loved our time together. Autumn, who will be 8 next month has struggled with separation anxiety the past two years and even begs me to home school her.... LOL, and I do mean LOL. There is NO way I could be disciplined enough to home school my kids, not to mention I really think they need the social interaction of their peers and a teacher, which I am NOT!

This will be Thomas and Fasika's first year of full-time school. Fasika is soo independent I am not at all worried about her. Thomas on the other hand is a TOTAL mommy's boy and I am afraid he will have a difficult time with this transition. He's even worried about missing his puppy, Beef! They are truly best buddies and have been since Beef joined our family more than a year ago!! Thomas and Fasika will be in the same class with the same teacher. I was unsure if I should place them together or separate them. I talked to them about it and their pre-school teacher and we all decided that they would do best together. Thomas and Fasika are buddies and really have a blast playing with each other. They are very protective of each other, sometimes too protective! Just the other day Fasika was playing on the floor with one of her friends when her friend ripped her favorite baby doll right out of her hands.... Fasika said "Tommy John, Kaylee took my toy" Thomas walked over and demanded Kaylee to "GIVE IT BACK" or he would have to take it from her. Kaylee obeyed, Fasika said "thanks handsome boy" Thomas looked back as he walked away and said "Now be nice to my Sista!" LOL, it was sooo cute.

AND did I forget to mention that the thought of getting 3 kids, PLUS my husband ready for school/work and out the door on time terrifies me!! I don't want mornings to be chaos, I don't want any yelling, I don't want any fighting. I want to send them off for the day happy and smiling and prepared. I do not want to send my kids to school unprepared. I'm afraid I will forget to pack sneakers on gym day, or books on library day, or a special toy on show & tell day, 3 snacks, 3 lunches, 3 water bottles, HOMEWORK ......oh and the list goes on. Organization is KEY, but when "Completely Organized Chaos" describes my family/life I am afraid that we are in for some rocky mornings!!

Bitter sweet

2009-08-05T22:35:00.000-04:00

I had to go birthday shopping for miss Fasika tonight-- I can't believe she's going to be 5 on Saturday, seriously I'm in shock. She seemed so little 15 months ago when we brought her home. She was even wearing size 2T clothing- she was just a little peanut- My little baby is going to be 5!! Well, it seems like she has just grown up overnight. She has come so far in the short 15 months we've been home. She now speaks perfect English (and has for more than 8 months), she has grown 6 1/2 inches and has gained 5 lbs, rides a bike, loves to go on sleep-overs, and is completely independent. Is it because I missed the 1st 3 1/2 years of her life that it feels like she's grown up so fast?

I sometimes think what it would have been like to hold her as an infant, to see her first smile, to watch her take her first steps, and have all those memories that I cherish so much with my bio kids. It comforts me to know that her mom was able to have those special memories with her. I sometimes feel guilty when I hear the sounds of Fasika's laughter, kiss her boo boo's, feel her soft skin, or hear her call me "mommy." I know her mom's heart is aching for her and would give anything to hold her again.

As her birthday is only 3 days away. I know her family is especially thinking of her during this time. As I plan Fasika's birthday party, a celebration that celebrates the miracle of life-- I know on this day, the day her mom who labored for hours and held her for the first time, the day her dad cried tears of joy to hold his baby daughter. Her mom told us that it was in the evening when Fasika was born, shortly after dinner. She said Fasika was a "big healthy baby" and that she gets her amazing out-going personality from her dad. She was so proud to tell us this story.

As I promised her mom, Fasika will ALWAYS know that she has a family in Africa who loves and misses her dearly. I have decided that we will pull out our video from our birth-family meeting and listen to her mom tell us the story about the day Fasika was born. I hope Fasika feels the love and happiness her mother felt during that time. It doesn't feel like it's enough, even though it's all I have. Why does my JOY have to be her GRIEF????

So.... Tonight, as I sit here, ready to wrap Fasika's birthday presents, I am torn. Torn between my joy of sharing my daughters 5th birthday with her and the sadness that her mom will not see the happiness and joy on her daughters face.

I came across this poem online and loved it:

My Child's Birthday

It's my child's birthday He just went dashing by His eyes are sparkling with the excitement meant only for today. Presents, kisses, hugs, cake, ice cream.

It all seems so natural. It's a day of looking back and looking forward.

It's my child's birthday But there is something different happening inside me.

This should be a day of complete joy A day for Thanksgiving But in the midst of all this excitement I pause, because my thoughts are about someone else for a time.

It's my child's birthday I have no memories of his life growing inside me and fighting to be released. Another someone was there Another someone suffered for my joy.

It's my child's birthday But someone, somewhere, is feeling emptiness inside.

I'm sure she is wondering Who he looks like If he is big or small. Wondering if he laughs much. It's my child's birthday And in the midst of this blessed day that was given to me I have a prayer. Oh God, that I may never forget that someone suffered so much to give life to my child. That someone loved my child so very much that she gave him the right to live.

May I never forget for a moment and especially now, today, to offer a prayer of thanks for that someone and that you, dear God, will always be there for that someone to help her through the hurts she will have when she stops to think that today is "my child's birthday."

Let me tell you about how an orphan changed my life....

2009-07-29T14:19:00.001-04:00

Help me in Defending the cause of the Orphan.... From Tom Davis' blog: http://tomdavis.typepad.com/

In your own words and experiences express your POSITIVE and FULL OF LOVE adoption story, here's your chance to help defend the orphan:

1. Write a "positive protest post" on your blog that references the movie, Orphan.2. Focus on your orphan care or adoption story that is positive, redeeming, and full of love.3. Link your post here via a trackback or comment.4. Send out an e-mail, Facebook message, or tweet to get others to do the same on their blogs.

If you don't have a blog, post your store on the Christian Alliance for Orphans Site.

Just finish this sentence: "Warner Bros. new horror movie Orphan proclaims that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own. Let me tell you about how an orphan changed my life..."

MY POSITIVE PROTEST!!
I am the mom to 3 amazing children. All 3 a blessing. All 3 make my heart melt. All 3 make me laugh and give me my highest highs. All 3 make me cry and give me my lowest lows. All 3 require my sweet kisses on their boo boos. All 3 crave my attention. All 3 are the reason I get up and work my ass off everyday. All 3 call me MOMMY and I couldn't live one day without anyone of them.

Did I mention one of 3 was adopted??? Ummm, NO. In our eyes it doesn't matter how our child came to be a part of our family, whether it was through the amazing miracle of birth or through our amazing journey of adoption. Both journeys have their own ups and downs, neither one more significant than the other-- just different paths that led me to being a mommy of 3.

I THANK GOD for the option to grow my family through adoption, without it, my once "orphan" daughter wouldn't be one of the (3) biggest miracles in my life. Oh, and there is NOTHING about her that is "HARD" to love. Quite the opposite actually!! She is simply amazing, simply sweet, simply naughty, simply beautiful, simply MY DAUGHTER (adopted or NOT)

Obviously anyone who would think that a once "orphan" child would be hard to love, has not been touched by a child who is now thriving in a loving family. A family who wished, prayed, and longed for a child to call their own. A family whose life is much richer because of an "orphan." A family whose dreams have come true because of an "orphan." A family who is a FAMILY because they were blessed to be parents of an "orphan"

Orphan = simply a BLESSING

Almost out of Stock!

2009-07-19T22:12:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite items from our shop is almost permanently out of stock. This cute little frame is painted black, lightly distressed and finished with a super gloss finish. It hangs with black and white ribbon. It's an adorable addition to your nursery or any room in your home. The quote "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person" By Paul Shane Spear, is written around the design. This custom design was created by Jim Goodell, it features a child's hand print sketched over the earth. The shape of Africa with a red heart over Ethiopia.

Thanks to everyone who has purchased this item and supported our daughters village of Aleta Wondo! Only 5 left..... Visit our shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7194025

2009-07-09T23:44:00.001-04:00

I just ordered these adorable cards and can't wait to get them in the mail. They are made with love to make a difference! Kids helping kids!

VISIT THEIR ETSY SHOP!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6463429

10 cards created with art work by Oskar and 9 friends. The etsy price is $12.50 as it is USD this takes into the currency rate as they are being sold in Canada for more. The theme Selam (Peace) was the inspiration for all of these cards. Each card has the name of the artist on the front and a description of the Oskar for Ethiopia Project on the back. The cards come with 5 yellow and 5 green envelopes and are tied with a red ribbon. These are the colours of the Ethiopia Flag! 100% of the profits go to put children in Ethiopia in school. It is Oskars wish and his goal is to send at least as many kids to school as he has in his class, 25.

A special gift.....

2009-07-07T22:02:00.000-04:00

The night before we left for Africa to bring home our sweet little girl my sister gave me a special little gift. A gift that would have more meaning to me and my daughter than I even realized. In the small little gift bag were two matching necklaces one small and one large, both in the shape of circles, light pink with polka dots. The larger one with the letter "V" for Valerie and the smaller one with the letter "F" for Fasika. I, of course put my necklace on right away and put Fasikas in my suit case to bring with us the next day.

After 26 hours of travel we arrive in Ethiopia, anxious to meet our little girl for the first time. Our driver picked us up at the airport, drove us to the guest house, unloaded our bags and then walked us to the orphanage where our daughter was. When we arrived all of the children were eating lunch. I spotted Fasika right away..... she was wearing the pink sweat suit, slippers, necklace and bracelet's I had sent for her months before. I couldn't wait to touch her, I wanted to run over to her and squeeze her as hard as I could..... but I didn't =) We spent about 3o minutes at the orphanage before Fasika was packed up and ready to leave and head to the guest house with us, where we'd be spending the week. When we got back to our room i pulled out her necklace and put it around her neck. right away she noticed it was the same as mine, just smaller and with a different letter. From that second on, we were bonded. She was officially MINE and I was officially HER'S. We'd go back to the orphanage to visit with the other children over the course of the week and she'd show everyone that we were the same and we were TOGETHER and that I was HER mom and she was MY daughter.

We've been home for a year now. I have put Faskia's necklace away in our special treasure chest full of little treasures until she is old enough to take care of it. I wear my necklace often and she always says "mommy your Africa MY MOMMY necklace" It's soo cute!! Our necklaces will always represent togetherness for us

So, in the works for my etsy web site, i am creating a mother/daughter pendant in hopes that it will bring the same special bond for another mother & daughter as it did for me and Fasika. Also makes a great gift for best friend, cousins, or sisters!!

Check it out!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7194025

2009-07-04T12:23:00.000-04:00

Independence Day 2009

Happy Birthday to me..... I'm a little firecracker!!

2009-07-02T22:39:00.000-04:00

So this is what 30 looks like.....
But, shhhh! I'm still telling everyone I'm 26!! =)

Our Africa Pig

2009-06-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

Ok... so here it is-- "Our Africa Pig"

The Goal: Fill the pig & go to Africa!

The Rules: It's pretty simple really... At the end of EVERYDAY any change; quarters, dimes & nickles and any $1.00 (occasionally 5's & 10's) bills get dropped in the Africa pig. Sometimes that even means raiding daddy's pockets, car and wallet!!

Everyone is pitching in!! Thomas even donated his birthday money & all of the kiddo's have emptied their own piggy banks into the Africa pig!!

I have NO idea how much money is in the pig as of now-- I have to talk myself out dumping it and counting it daily. It's getting pretty heavy and we still have a long way to go!!!!

Here is your fair warning, if you enter our house you might be mobbed by my kids (or myself) to empty your pockets into our PIG-- here it is sitting right by the door!!!

Thanks in advance!! =)

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T21:31:00.000-04:00

My dad, my hero!

The top 10 reasons my dad is the best!!

10. No need to have proper parts for any job-- my dad can "rig" anything!!

9. He ALWAYS has a job to tinker on

8. My dad is a super hero-- as a kid I used to think he was even strong enough to pick up our house!!

7. He always knew the best trick-or-treating houses to hit

6. He made the best bologna sandwiches with mustard smiley faces

5. Makes the best burnt hot dogs

4. A major 'softy' .... you can talk him in to ANYTHING!

3. My dad is super supportive. Even if he hasn’t always agreed with me and the things I’ve wanted to do, he has always been there for me and helped me accomplish my goals.

2. My dad is a proud man. He showed me the importance of being true to myself no matter what. There is no shame in knowing what you want and standing up for yourself. No matter how big or small my differences with others, he’s always assured me of the importance of staying true to me and being proud of myself for the person I am.

And the #1 reason MY dad is the world's best dad.....

He taught me to appreciate all the small things in life, the importance of family & friends, the value of a dollar (even tho my mom would disagree!! LOL), and he has the biggest HEART of anyone I have ever met. He is truly my hero and I'm proud to be his daughter.

*He is the best "BABY" (grampa) in the whole world and we couldn't imagine a day without him!! He's always a good sport-- whether he's getting his make-up done or his nails painted by one of his SIX granddaughters (I WONT post the pics =) or if he's crusin' in his hot rod with his ONLY grandson-- he's the proudest grampa around!!

Love ya Dad, Happy Father's Day!

Artificial twinning... trouble X 2!

2009-06-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

Artificial twinning is an expression used to describe unrelated children in a family whose birth dates are less than 9 months apart. These can be a combination of biological and adopted siblings, adopted only, step or foster siblings. In our case our biological son and our adopted daughter are only 6 weeks apart in age.

I am often stumped when I get asked about my children from strangers. I always say I have a 7 year old and two 4 year olds. Of course they always say "TWINS?" I'm not really sure how to answer.... I usually say "umm, I guess you could say so" that usually leaves them completely confused and gets me out of explaining the WHOLE story.

There are some agencies and families who oppose artificial twinning, claiming it disrupts birth order-- but for us, it was perfect for our family. Both our son and our daughter have adjusted well and are just like any other brother and sister. They are in the same pre-shcool class and love having the comfort of each other when needed. They, of course are the best of friends and the worst of enemy's-- they are.......brother & sister! Don't mess with one, unless you want TROUBLE x 2!

We TREASURE Africa

2009-06-05T21:22:00.000-04:00

Finally....Fasika got her wish-- her "own" Africa for her bedroom! Fasika is infatuated (like her mommy) with anything to do with Africa- So today she and I applied a wall decal that her daddy designed to sell at our etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7194025. We decided to hang it over her cedar chest. She was excited to display some of her other Africa "treasures" around it too! She loves it and it's a perfect addition to her sweet little bedroom!!

Hands for Africa Pendant!

2009-05-27T21:44:00.000-04:00

This custom pendant features a unique design created by Jim Goodell. The design consists a child's hand print drawn over the earth, with the cutout of Africa in the center and a heart over Ethiopia.

The pendant is created by using a 1 1/2 inch wooden circle. The design is printed on high quality arlon vinyl then decoupaged onto the circle. Finally topped with a thick layer of resin for the tough, glassy like finish. The necklace is complete with various ribbon. This necklace makes for a great gift for anyone passionate about Africa. Also makes a great gift for Families who are in the adoption process or who have completed an adoption from Africa.

You will cherish this little treasure of your child's birth land. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Humanitarian aid work in our daughter's village of Aleta Wondo.

You can view and order it here at my etsy web site: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7194025

2009-05-19T00:44:00.000-04:00

Our adoption journey has been amazing from the day we started and we continue to be blessed everyday with its reward. Images of the poverty, famine and war stricken country have forever been imprinted in our hearts and minds. It was a life-changing trip with many tears, but I wouldn’t have missed one single moment of it.

It's been almost a year since we have been home with Fasika! She is amazing as always, loves school, loves her brother & sister, clothes, shoes, music, food and bugs!! We are planning a trip back to Africa this November. We returning on a humanitarian aid mission and to reconnect with Fasika's birth family. We have opened a shop on Etsy.com where we are selling a few fundraising items. 100% of the proceeds of all sales will go directly to Fasika's birth village of Aleta Wondo. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7194025

Our custom design, created by Jim Goodell, features a child's hand print over the earth with a cutout of Africa in the center and a heart over Ethiopia. The quote "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person" by Paul Shane Spear is written around the outside. We have t-shirts, car decals and more! Please check it out!!

Our Time-line

2009-05-18T20:38:00.000-04:00

JUST the beginning of our amazing adoption journey.....

10/11/07 Registered with Wide Horizons for Children in Waltham, MA

10/23/07 Received application A

10/24/07 Completed and mailed application A, and a check for Part I

11/6/07 physical appointment for me and Brock

11/7/07 Requested info packet on a 'waiting child' -- Fasika, it was love at first sight =)

11/7/07 Montpelier police dept. 1st set of finger-prints

11/08/07 First home study & mail VT clearances

11/10/07 decided on Ethiopia

11/17/07 passport and family photos taken

11/18/07 Kids physical paperwork finished

11/19/07 2nd Home study- individual interviews

11/20/07 mailed completed application B and a check for filing fees

11/22/07 mailed Immigration paperwork to CIS and a check for filing fees

11/27/07 received approval from CIS and fingerprint appointment

11/27/07 received profile for Fasika (2 years old) She's beautiful!

12/3/07 Mailed check for part II and Home study

12/5/07 Dossier paperwork notarized

12/6/07 sent Dossier paperwork to be certified by Secretary of State in VT

12/7/07 Dossier is complete and waiting to be sent1

12/12/07 CIS biometrics appointment in St. Albans

12/19/07 3rd and final home study visit

12/28/07 Approved and finalized home study documents

1/1/08 Currently waiting for VT clearances to come in

1/16/08 After 10 weeks (72 long-ass days) of waiting we find out VT has lost our documents, but has managed to cash our checks--

1/17/08 Amazingly VT (after a call to the Secretary of States office ) finds our document and approves us immediately. I loooooove the state of VT Public Safety Department

1/18/08 sent dossier to WHFC in Waltham, MA to be forwarded to the Ethiopian Government.1/20/08 official dossier receipt confirmation from Waltham office.

1/23/08 Home study sent to CIS in St. Albans (yet another VT agency to deal with)

1/29/08 Notice of Favorable Determination (Immigration approval, CIS)

1/29/08 FINALLY officially requested a match with Fasika! We'll know by Friday if Fasika is going to be our daughter ** Meeting cancelled, rescheduled for Monday, 3 other families have requested to be considered.

2/4/08 Matching meeting RESCHEDULED yet again, due to an illness at the orphanage. Wednesday the 6th is the new scheduled date for the meeting-- we'll see.

2/4/08 We have a daughter!! Fasika Teferra Parrott. The matching meeting was held by surprise this afternoon. We were shocked when our social worker called us with the news. I had to have her repeat it several times just to be sure I was hearing her right We are in love!

2/5/08 Officially accepted the referral of Fasika!!! 3 months, 3 weeks & 3 days after we signed with agency!

2/5/08 Mailed acceptance paperwork & paid last and final payment to WHFC

2/7/08 Just got this email update:

Brock and Valerie:
Hi there. I spoke w/Debbie Mansfield today who is in Ethiopia. She wanted me to pass along this update....

Debbie and Emily Greising (who is in Ethiopia as well) have nicknamed Fasika "chatty cathy". She likes to talk and talk!
She is described as being "the show" at Horizon House. Quite the entertainer.
he is the happiest kiddo and just laughs all day long.
They love sweet little Fasika and say that she is just an amazing kiddo.
Best-
Erica L. Pelaccia, MSW

Ethiopia Program Coordinator

2/8/08 Applied for passports at Barre Town office

2/12/08 Officially waiting a travel date!!!!!

2/13/08 Referral paperwork accepted by WHFC

2/13/08 Filled out and mailed immunization paperwork

2/13/08 got a call from Amanda at WHFC with a medical update on Fasika. All is well!

2/20/08 Registered with Susan Parr Travel, ready to make flight arrangements.

2/21/08 2 new pics of Fasika

2/21/08 First set of immunizations! Thanks Kellie!!

2/22/08 Fasika finds out there is a family in the US who loves her!! Today Fasika got our package. We sent her a photo album of our family with pictures of our house, her room, brother and sister, cousins and aunt and grandparents, and all of our pets. Autumn drew a couple pictures for her too. We also sent her a baby doll, crayons and a coloring book, bubbles, stickers and a little teddy bear :)

2/26/08 Our passports came in the mail today!!

2/27/08 Our last immunization appointment!! Thank GOD!

2/27/08 Just got 27, yep 27 new photos of Fasika!!!!! OMG, she is amazing!!! I can't wait to bring her home!! : )

3/5/08 3 weeks waiting for our travel call

3/11/08 New UPDATE!!! Valerie-............ I also wanted to pass along an update that Erica wrote about Fasika...."She is hilarious! She has a personality that fills up an entire room.Wow. her laughter and happiness is contagious. You can't help but to be happy just by being around her. She pretty much runs HH. She talks nonstop and laughs non stop. she is a one woman show. "Enjoy and have a great day!!

Emily Greising, MSW

Ethiopia Program Coordinator

3/13/08 Another UPDATE!!!! We are so spoiled =)
Hello,
I just came back from Addis and I spoke to Sister Tirhas, the nurse at the older child home about Fasika, really casually to get some anecdotal notes for you.
¨ Fasika: Loves to play. Known for her laughter. Is "boyfriend/girlfriend" with ****, because the two of them played a lot together and T**** gets jealous when she plays with other kids. I believe the family of the other child is open to communicating with you and having the kids meet up if possible if you are.
Maria
Mariamawit Sileshi

Ethiopia Program Coordinator

3/14/08 Adoption training

3/17/08 New pictures of Fasika-- She's so adorable =)

3/18/08 We have been waiting 5 months and 1 week to bring our daughter home from Ethiopia/ officially 5 weeks waiting for travel.

3/25/08 6 weeks waiting for our travel call--

3/31/08 2 new pics of Fasika

4/1/08 7 weeks, still waiting

4/1/08 Travel Group 61 announced today, we are NOT in it... GRRRRR, NOT happy.

4/5/08 Trans racial Adoption meeting

4/6/08 Sent a package to Maureen for Fasika

4/8/08 8 weeks of waiting for travel.

4/8/08 Ethiopian Govt. implements new regulations for CIS (Citizenship and Immigration services). Our homestudy needs to be resubmitted to CIS, forwarded on to NVC (National Visa Center) and finally sent to the Ethiopian Govt. This new regulation will set us back at least 2 weeks.

4/9/08 Overnighted, thanks to Tracie, our re-cable request to Waltham office to be forwarded to CIS, ASAP

4/10/08 Our I-171 was re-submitted to CIS in St. Albans

4/11/08 Group 61 leaves for Ethiopia - Maureen is headed to pick up her son Biniyam =) and to deliver a package to Fasika

4/12/08 What an amazing surprise this a.m.!!! Today at about 9 a.m. I got a call from an unknown number. After quickly debating weather or not to answer I picked up. I was shocked to hear Maureen (a friend who is in Ethiopia now) on the other end. At a rate of $8.00 a minute I surely wasn't expecting to hear from her while she was gone. Anyway, she says "Valerie, I have someone here who wants to say hello to you" Instant tears of course, I knew it was Fasika-- I could barely speak!! I heard her chatting with the nannies and laughing. Maureen kept saying "VALERIE, talk to her!!" Finally after a minute or two I was able to get my composure and tell her that i love her and that we'd be there soon to get her. It was amazing to hear her little voice and listen to her giggle-- I couldn't have asked for a better start to this sunny day!!

4/14/08 TRAVEL TO ETHIOPIA EMAIL!!! We leave May 2nd!!

4/14/08 Booked our flight to Ethiopia. We leave from Burlington stop in Washington DC, stop in Italy (!!!!!), then finally to Ethiopia!!!

4/14/08 Booked our room at the Horizon House in Ethiopia

4/21/08 10 days and we meet our little girl!!!!!

4/23/08 Travel meeting!!!We will be leaving to pick up Fasika on Friday, May 2nd and returning on Saturday May 10th!! We will be traveling with 9 other families from the U.S. who will also be picking up their adoptive children. While we are in Ethiopia we will be spending much of our time at the orphanage with the children. We also have the opportunity to travel South to Fasika's birth village to meet her birth mom and brothers and sister. -- I'm sure it will be an emotional visit we wont ever forget. Autumn and Thomas are very excited to meet their new little sister and can't wait to bring her to Santa's Village!!We would like to thank everyone who has helped us in any way through this amazing time in our lives! Also, thanks to everyone who has donated items for us to bring to the orphanage, this was a HUGE help and we are very grateful!

Ok so that's how it ALL started..... here we are a year later and it keeps getting better and better.....