"When you did it not..."

Yes, I am WAY behind on my blogging. But, here I am! The dawning of a new era - I'm trying to make a new commitment to keep inquiring minds in the know! I am so blessed and I want to shout it from the rooftops! Okay, since my last post, I have new daughter! Okay, quick recap...I adopted my Max from Russia in 2011. I was planning on adopting from Russia again, but Putin banned all international adoption with the USA. I spent about 9 months grieving and waiting, hoping that I would be able to get the precious little boy and girl that I had met there. But, it wasn't to be. So, after viewing several profiles and thinking "there is no way I can choose," I decided that I was to simply "be still." It was then that it became clear. A friend of mine had introduced me to the profile of a precious little boy. She thought that God was leading her to adopt him, but he led their family in a different direction. It wasn't until I was "still" that I realized that God was leading him to me! I contacted the proper people who promptly told me "oh, you don't want him - he's not as smart as the others." Well, that confirmed it - he is to be a STICKLEY! IQ has never even crossed my mind as a criteria when it comes to adoption! So, after some extreme violence, blood shed, and foul language... okay, not really... it was more like unsuccessful negotiations, change of agencies, and begging God to lead me in the right direction, I committed to 4 year old Moses (aka Maddox on Reece's Rainbow). They basically told me that it would take about 4 years to complete his adoption. That's okay, 8 year old boys deserve families, too. Then I got the BIG question... "we need someone paper ready who can adopt this little girl FAST - she ages out in 5 months." FIVE MONTHS! Adoptions take 12-18 months! FIVE MONTHS! A TEENAGER???!!!! F I V E M O N T H E S !!! I read her medical file and all I really read was a bunch of words because the message that I kept hearing was "when you did it not to the least of these...". So, after a race against the clock, I traveled to China and signed adoption papers THREE DAYS before my Ava Monet Stickley aged out! And guess what... just before I left I got a call that Moses' paperwork was ready! TWO?! TWO adoptions in a year?! "When you did it not to the least of these...." Then, while in China, we visited Ava's orphanage. She introduced us to her nannies and some of her friends. They brought me two little boys, one of whom walked up and took my hand. He looked deep in my eyes and we both burst into tears. It was a magical/spiritual moment that words can't begin to describe. I knew, right then, that he was my son. Annie looked at me and said "Mom, we have to come back for him!" Then, while still looking deep in my eyes, he said the unthinkable..."Mumma?" And all I could think was "when you did it not to the least of these...." So, that is how Amos' adoption began. THREE ADOPTIONS IN ONE YEAR?!!! I will post more later about the red tape part of things. The important thing is that I am blessed beyond belief!

Behind The Eight (e-hem)...Make That, Behind the Christmas Ball!

So, I was trying to do a new blogpost at least every Saturday. I was off to a good start, and then....life is just interesting! A process that usually takes 90-120 days during adoption was expedited because of Ava's (Jada's) deadline. Well, expedited it was to take 30 days. Nope - God answered in a BIG way! 8 DAYS!!!! Did you hear that? E I G H T DAYS!!!! That threw me into a paperwork shuffle like you wouldn't believe! Compiling my dossier and getting all of the necessary seals and approvals. Then as I pulled into my driveway from the courthouse with my paperwork, I noticed three scarecrows, five pumpkins, two hay bails, and lots of pots of dead mums to great me! I realized that I hadn't even had a chance to take down my fall decorations. Which means, I also haven't had a chance to begin to decorate for Christmas! AS I was in the snow and ice taking down the fall decorations, I have to admit that I had thoughts of simply stringing lights around them and hanging mistletoe over their heads. So, now I wait in this ice to go to Annapolis for one final step of authentication. Planning on leaving in just a couple of hours. Also, tomorrow night is the end of the Auction For Ava (Jada)! If you haven't visited the Facebook page, please do so. Many items without bids. Also, the puzzle fundraiser is still going, albeit slowly. Please consider helping! Behind the 8 ball and behind the Christmas ball. Buried in paperwork and buried in ice. Yep, it's beginning to look a lot like adoption!

LESSONS FROM A CORNUCOPIA!

Cornucopia! Can't think of it without thinking of 1) thankfulness, and 2) fruit! So, how big is your cornucopia? Is it bigger than your complaint department? What kind of fruit is being produced from your life? What are you thankful for? What is in your cornucopia? I am so thankful for this life that God has chosen for me to walk. I have a gorgeous 22 year old daughter who amazes me with her strength, and has given me the most precious grandson! I have a sensitive 14 year old daughter who WOW's me with her creativity, and challenges me just by the way she walks out her faith. And I have the cutest little blonde haired blue eyed son who was born on the other side of the world, but was brought into our lives in a way that only God could orchestrate! Now, we are blessed to be adding Ava (Jada) to our family! Thank you to all who have donated to our puzzle fundraiser! This week's winner is Cheryl B-Ann! CONGRATULATIONS!!! She won a jigsaw puzzle, but generously donated the puzzle and shipping back to the fundraiser! THANK YOU!!! For every $10 donated to her fsp or directly to paypal (tinalynn3@gmail.com), you can have a name added to the back of a puzzle piece. Every week until all pieces are sold, I will do a drawing from the puzzle pieces bought and the winner will receive a jigsaw puzzle! Or, make a donation in memory or on behalf of someone, and I will e-mail you a picture of the puzzle piece with the name on it so that you can print it out. We, also, have an online auction happening! YAY!!! Just go to https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasAuctionForAva?ref=hl to see what's available and maybe do some Christmas shopping. While participating in fundraisers and donating to causes, you are not only expanding your cornucopia, you are storing up treasures in Heaven! As we enter Thanksgiving week, please examine the size and contents of our cornucopia - since they will have eternal results!

Here we go again! YAY!!! I have been ready to adopt again for quite some time, but God had not opened the doors for that to happen - not until now! I was sent a video about a little girl who is turning 14 in February. Annie and I watched the video and Annie said "that is my sister...". So, why not?! Right? At the piont in which she turns 14, she would be moved to an institution and would no longer adoptable. Can you imagine? Think about it... it's your 14th birthday, a day that others celebrate with cake, ice-cream, friends, games/activiites, but not for you...it's the day when you get moved to a place you've never been, left with people you've never met, and you are told that this is where you'll be until you die...that you will never have a mom or dad?! I can't bear the thought! These are words that I am praying that my precious Jada (whom I'm plannin on naming Ava Monet) will never hear! The race is on! Homestudy update is complete and I am applying for USCIS approval on Monday! Please pray that they expedite the process! It typically takes 90 days to get approval...I need approval in 30! After I send in the USCIS application, I will contact senators and local reps. to put them on stand-by, in case I need their help with USCIS. And, I'll be working on my dossier. As you can see, this doesn't leave much time for fundraising. But, I need to fundraise. So, I have 2 fundraisers that I will be doing very soon! I am excited about them! They are fun family projects that I think others will greatly enjoy! So, that is it! I'm looking forward to you meeting my girl!

Wed., Oct. 27th - WOW, What a year!

Well, it was exactly a year ago that I met my son! Mighty Max is so amazing! I love him so much, and I love how my Annie is so wonderful with him! They have a great relationship! Max has been overstimulated today - big halloween party and parade of costumes at his school, trip to Walmart, and birthday dinner for my mom! He smiled when he got home and saw his bed. I had the same reaction when I saw mine! Overall, we are all doing well! I am hoping that things will continue and I will be able to commit to adopting another little boy early next year!

I will try to do a better job updating this blog. I have found it difficult to maintain the e-mail connections for work that I need to, keep fb updated, and update this blog. Now that we are all healthy and settled into the new school year, I will try much harder to post here. THANK YOU to eveyone who have followed on here and have supported my family!!! May God richly bless you in return!!!

July 26, 2011

Holy cow! Just when I thought everything was better, I caught pneumonia - AGAIN! I have spent the summer resting as much as possible and using what energy I have with my kiddos! We went to the beach for week - Max LOVED it!!! Pix are posted on fb. Since we've been home, Max had his vision exam and he needs glasses. We go tomorrow to pick them out. I'm looking forward to it - it'll be fun. Today he had his orthopedic eval. and the Dr. said that braces won't help him. He said to just buy shoes witha good arch support. It has been four months since we got home with Max. In just four short months, it is hard to rememeber life without him. And Annie is such a wonderful big sister - a true role model for her little brother!

Sun., May 29th - Dedication Sunday!

Max was dedicated in church today! HOORAY! Annie went forward with us since she is a member of the church and such an active part in his life. Max immediately took a dive for Pastor Ron - he absolutely loves him! Ron tried to handle Max, a mic, his Bible, his glasses,... it was kinda commical. I was able to relieve P.Ron for a little while, but Max wanted to go back to him. Next thing - Max reached up and planted a big wet one right on Ron! It was really sweet. Pastor even said, "if you hanen't gotten to meet Max or haven't had one of his kisses...". This was followed by a wonderful service. It was great!

The afternoon just kinda flew by - lunch, dishes, laundry, nap,... then got Annie back to church for youth group. Now, time for bed. Bunches to do tomorrow!

Sat., May 28th - La Cucaracha!

Happy Birthday to my friend, Robin!!! Other friends hosted a birthday party for her - a Mexican theme. I was excited - I can actually cook Mexican! But, then I looked in my pantry. Uh, oh. Missing many needed ingredients. I told Annie that if I couldn't find enough ingredients to throw the cassarole together, then I'd just make green beans. "But Mom, green beens aren't mexican." Before I could stop them, the words "I'll sing La Cucaracha while they cook" came out of my mouth. She laughed so hard I thought I was going to have to administer resue breathing! The neighbors were saved from the dogs barking and the shreek of my horrible voice, and I was able to throw together a dish that was sufficient at best! I have some stocking up to do in my pantry.

Anyway, the party was so much fun! I always enjoy getting together with these friends! Max was a bit fussy until he discovered that he could open and close the kitchen cabinets. Then, he was entertained for an hour! Another wonderful and blessed day! Tomorrow is going to be a great day, too. Max is getting dedicated at church! God is great!

Friday, May 27th - Congratulations Class of 2011, but Excuse Me Please

Tonight was graduation. Whew, it's over. It all was going really well until I misnamed one of our board members and completely forgot to read an introduction given to me by my boss. Ugh! I try so hard and fall far short. Just thought I'd let everbody know, because come Tuesday morning I could be standing in the unemployment line with the graduates. I can here me now as I make my way passed them in line ... "congratulations, but excuse me." I'm kidding. I have a great boss who extends a lot of grace and gives people room to be human.

Annie and Max were both at graduation and did great! They are great kids and I am so blessed!

Thurs., May 26th - I'm Seeing Double!

As a school counselor, it is my responsibility to figure out who wins as valedictorian and salutatorian. Well, after much praying, panicing, trying to figure out where I went wrong - I didn't! We have two salutatiorians! Whew! And this wasn't the most stressful part of my day...I was able to miss two tornados!!! Annie wanted to come straight home after school rather than stay for athletic conditioning. I encouraged her to stay since I had a lot to do to get ready for graduation. We had nothing at the school, but everything looked terrible as we drove home. There were leaves all over the road, hail the size of baseballs, wind was whipping,... I told Annie, "it looks like a tornado went through here. Well, I was half right - TWO tornados had gone through our area. People's houses were damaged, our next door neighbor had a couple thousand dollar damage to each of their vehicles from the hail! Had we not stayed for conditioning, we would probably have been right in the middle of the danger. THANK YOU, JESUS!!! Max, in all of his childhood innocense, sang "la la la" all the way home - not a care in the world and had no idea the danger we had just missed. Annie, my little scientist, on the other hand was totally fascinated by the size of the hail and the whole tornado process. Me, well, I'm making an eye appointment - two salutatorians and two tornados, I THINK I'M SEEING DOUBLE! lol

Wed., May 25th - A Russian with a Southern Accent

Typical day at work - busy and a little more stressful than usual since graduation is this week. But, then I got to spend the evening with my kiddos. Annie is just precious and Max is sweet. I'm so blessed! My oldest daughter called. I put Max on the bed and answered the phone, "hello." Max immediately picked up the remote, held it to his ear and said "haaa." I have a Russian with a southern accent! How does that happen?! lol It was a good night. A busy day tomorrow...

Tues., May 24th - You're pulling my leg...

Wow - it has been two months! I was quite spoiled in Russia by the high speed wireless internet. Now that I'm home, I only have dial-up. So, I have updates, however, they haven't make it into the computer. Rather than bore you with two months worth of daily updates (like any of us have time to read that much!), I'll simply do one update and then keep everybody current from here forward.

First, I want to explain the delays. I became very sick when we got home from Russia. I ended up fighting pneumonia for over a month, and then bronchitis and a horrible cough for over a week. Four antibiotics and a heavy duty cough syrup later, I am finally able to maintain a normal schedule. Up until now, I have worked and take care of the kids - that's it! I am now surrounded by laundry and dust, but it was worth it to invest what little energy I had into my kids. God has a way of allowing us to be slowed down, especially during the times when we think we should be going the fastest. Anyway, that is the biggest reason for the delay in updates.

Now to the imoportant stuff - Annie, Max, and I got home on Satuday, March 19th. Max was not much more than a manaquin at that point. He didn't eat, didn't drink, didn't go to the bathroom (probably for the previous two reasons), didn't babble, ... I could go on and on. I think he was only ever sponge bathed because he was absolutely terrified of the bathtub, which is now one of his favorite places to be. He acted as if he had never seen his feet before and he was hypersensitive to them being touched. He also didn't know that he had hair. At one point he accidentally pulled is own hair until it hurt - the look on his face was priceless!

Keep in mind, we took this little boy from everything he had ever known. His life basically consisted of the same restrictions that we put on our kids when they are sick, but without the nurturing. He spent his days in the orphanage, usually in three layers of blanket sleepers, on a soft diet of porridge and a strict schedule. His living conditions, as well as his diet, were both very bland.

Then these two strange people came along and we suddenly threw him into a world of "firsts". We put him in street clothes (a rarity in the orphanage), put him in a snow suit and coat, hat, boots, mittens (none of which he had ever had on), strapped him in a carseat, strapped that carseat in a car, took off at 55mph, strapped the carseat in a train, went to a strange apartment, was traumatized by a bath, and then put in a strange bed.

Now, well, let's see... he tries to dress himself, laughes, loves his bath, loves music and playing on the piano, laughes, tries to talk (is doing really well with mumma, hair, bye-bye, and mocking sounds), cruises around furniture and is trying to get up the courage to let go, laughes, oh, and did I mention that he laughes? lol He is such a happy baby and fits so well into our family. He sleeps in the car, enjoys music, and gets really excited when we go to church! I am so blessed!!!

Medically, Max is doing well, too. He was quite malnourished when we got home. He has gained about 8lbs, has completed his OT and Speech evals (still waiting on physical therapy and eye appointment), had perfect bloodwork, and the hole in heart grew closed. God is the healer of broken hearts in all ways!!!

So, as you can tell, life is just one blessing after another! Not just with Max, but Annie is fantastic, too. She is so special - I don't deserve her! Easter Sunday, Annie spent most of the day hopping around on one foot. I asked "what are you doing goofball?" Here's how the conversation went:
Annie: Practicing.
Mum: Forrr???
Annie: Well, you know how we were talking yesterday about donating our hair to Locks for Love...well, I was thinking. There have to be kids out there that don't have any legs and if I donate one of my legs and use a prosthesis then another kid could have my leg and use a prosthesis and that would be one less kid in a wheelchair.

Oh, her heart! Traveling to the other side of the world to what once was the most feared place on earth and bringing home a baby isn't enough - she wants to donate her limbs! She is such a testimony of faith and love, and I am daily challenged to live up to the maturity of her heart! I am so blessed!

Well, this is it in the nutshell. Feel free to ask questions. I have been blessed to be able to share our testimony with several different church groups. This is always good for me - it reminds me of who is in control, where we've come from, and how blessed we truly are. I am the luckiest mum in the world!

Wed., March 16th - GOTCHA DAY!!!

Today had to be the best gotcha day anybody has ever had! It was really hard saying good-bye to the youthgroup at the university. We then went to the orphanage where I got my boy! I gave them the outfit, which fit perfectly - and it is BLUE! We said a sad good-bye to the director. She is such a wonderful lady! From there, we went to the train station. Max did fantastic in the car! He cooed and talked to Annie. Once we got to the station we grabbed lunch. I couldn't get Max to eat or drink anything, but Annie and I had our fill! With wonderful help from SWAF, we hopped out train and came to Moscow. Again, Max did great on the train! Annie is a WONDERFUL big sister! We met Ilya once we had stopped and he helped us with out luggage, took us to the apartment and even ran an errand to the convenience store so that we had water. He was wonderful! We are now snuggled in. I tried to get Max to eat and he simply rolled over and went to sleep. lol This was all just too easy! All of my concerns were completely unnecessary. I am truly blessed!!! Now it's time to challenge my Annie to a couple games of Rummy before bed!

Tues., March 15th - "My bags are packed and ready to go, standing here..."

Max now has a passport - HOORAY! It was a rather easy trip to and from the documents building, yet still with city traffic, took about 3 hours. We got back tot he hotel and packed. It was rather sad. St. Pete is struggling with the recovery from communism, as well as having lost the status of "Capital" of Russia. They struggle for their identity, which seems to be an indication of the same issues that the people struggle with individually. There is so much work to be done here. I feel truly honored that I was able to be here for this time and I to, struggle with seeing how this all fits into the big picture. I have made some wonderful friends here! I have learned some great ideas to take back to America. And, I get to bring home a son! I am so beyond blessed! At the risk of sound ungrateful, I a really sad about leaving. This town and these people will always hold a special place in my heart! So, tomorrow I pick up Max from the orphanage and we hop a train to Moscow! Tomorrow starts a whole new life for us and a whole new chapter of our adventure. I can't wait to see my little boy - and he will be wearing blue~!!!

IPAD and MORE GIVEAWAY!!!

For those of you who don't know, Annie feels that God wants her to raise the money for the adoption. I haven't agreed to this because it is such a large amount. Some friends have joined together and are hosting a "thank you" giveaway for donations. PLEASE HELP ANNIE HELP MAX! Donations are tax deductible, too! Also, please help spread the word by passing this to everybody you know! THANK YOU!!!

Mon., March 15th - What color are your M&Ms?

Got to see my boy today - HOORAY!!! He was so content and sweet today - not at all restless. He and Annie played and played. For about the first hour, he was content to just sit with me. He'd get down an play a minute, but then would crawl back up on Mumma's lap. He would interact, but it was like he just wanted Mummma to hold him. So, of course, I did (and threw in a kiss or two - or a hundred!lol). Toward the last half of the visit, Annie and Max built towers and knocked them down - over and over. He laughed each time. I love that laugh! After our visit, Annie wanted to go to the Oken. She found a couple traditional Russian toys that she wanted to get, and I got chocolate. Okay - Russia is so archaic they not only don't have blue M&Ms, they don't even have orange ones! Just red, yellow, green and brown - looked like a dirty stoplight! lol I also got a big ugly watch, that I happen to like. Anyway, tonight was the "big event" - Annie and I led the youthgroup devotional time. It was wonderful! These are a great group of kids. We focused on our adoption that was accomplished at the cross. Then, a great time of fellowship in my room until 3AM! Love the energy of these kids! Well, tomorrow is our last day in St. Pete. I can't believe it! I pick up Max's passport. I am so sad to leave - I pray that God allows us to return someday!

Sun., March 13th - Word of the day: PULL!

Today has been an emotional day! We went to church at ICA for our last time. We worshipped with a great group of people! I so wish we had about a year here! Sofie was sick so we didn't get to see her or Marina. That was also disappointing since I've grown to really love this family! After church, Annie and I walked around that part of the city for awhile. Annie then she announced that she wanted to go to the Teaspoon. I can't say that we've experienced a variety of food this trip, but I can say that we have had great food! Annie and I had a great discussion over lunch - it completely tapped into all of her creative juices and boy was she off and running! This lifted our spirits a bit. We then went to a little boutique where nobody spoke any English. Forgetting that Russia doesn't have the fire exit laws as we have in America, I stood there pushing on the door. Figuring that we must have use the other exit, I turned to leave just as a clerk walked up and PULLED the door open. It was at that moment that I had encountered the second sign I wish I had been able to read - PULL! lol After a quick trip to the 5 for some groceries, we went back to the hotel. Once the youthgroup got back, we played a card game called spoons. It was fun - a little violent, but fun. Lots of great discussions were happening! Tomorrow I get to see my boy! Then, Annie and I are supposed to speak at the youthgroup meeting in the evening. How exciting to get to form relationships with these kids and their leaders! We are so blessed!!!

Sat., March 12th - This just keeps getting better and better!

Well, we did something very practical this morning - we cleaned! After that we went out to eat - back to the Teaspoon! We no longer have to order - they see us and automatically place the order! lol We then went shopping, and actually bought stuff this time. I bought Annie a traditional Russian stuffed animal that talks and Max a stuffed teddy bear that talks. Of course, we have no idea what they say...! lol But, the big purchase of the day was a baby sweater for Max. It's BLUE! Not pink, BLUE! Three of the last four times I've seen Max, he's been wearing a baby girl outfit. After a very successful shopping trip, we returned to the hotel. Not long after we arrived, an entire youthgroup got here. They are from Texas and are here for a week long mission trip with Orphan Outreach! How awesome! Noticing that we speak English, they asked why we were here. Well, once they found out, they asked if we would give our testimony at a Bible study on Monday night. I have figured out that I have no idea what to expect on this trip - I'm just along for the ride. I'll just walk through whatever doors God opens. This just keeps getting better and better! On a sad note, tomorrow will be the last day that we will see our dear friends at International Christian Assembly. I just can't believe that this trip has gone SO QUICKLY! I'm sad to leave - I really wish I had about a year here. But, I'm excited about what God has for our family's future!

IPAD and more GIVEAWAY!

For those of you who don't know, Annie feels that God wants her to raise the money for the adoption. I haven't agreed to this because it is such a large amount. Some friends have joined together and are hosting a "thank you" giveaway for donations. PLEASE HELP ANNIE HELP MAX! Donations are tax deductible, too! Also, please help spread the word by passing this to everybody you know! THANK YOU!!!

Fri., March 11th - Well, when I as young, I had to walk 25 blocks, in the snow, carrying a plate of cookies...

What a day! It started by getting to see my boy! He was so happy, as usual. He and Annie played and played. I enjoyed watching them so much! We had a long time with him today - almost the full 2 hours. Then I did get some bad news - the lectures couldn't be rescheduled - there was just no time in the university schedule. We are going to take a different approach - meeting Sunday after church. :-) After that, we stopped by an outlet mall and I found Annie the cutest Russian hat on clearance for only $6! It is perfect for this Russian weather and will be great for sled riding at home. Then I decided to be adventurous. When we got off of the bus, we walked the opposite direction from what we usually walk. I saw some letters on a store and told Annie I wanted to see what it was - it was a baby/toy store! Boy did we have fun in there! I was able to get Max diapers, wipes, snacks, toothbrush, etc. By the time we left, we were laughing so hard that I thought they were going to kick us out. We came back and baked peanut butter cookies for game night at the pastor's house tonight. After some rather creative planning, we got the address and directions to the Machino flat. Well, the bus driver said that he would tell us when to get out and he did. But, he dropped us off too early. We ended up walking 25 blocks, in the snow, carrying a plate of peanut butter cookies. Once we finally got to the flat, after all that walking, we opted for the elevator instead of steps. That was a good decision - until it got stuck! Renee stuck her head out and yelled "we're on the fourth floor." I replied "we might be a little late - we're stuck in the elevator." I don't know what she did, but the electric came back on and we made it in no time. We had a GREAT evening! We had tacos/nachos for dinner, met some great people, and played Sequence. At the end of the night, Pastor John drove us to the metro and we were home in two stops! Ahhh - settled in after a great day. Annie can now say to her kids "You think you have it bad - when I was a kid I had to walk 25 blocks, in the snow, carrying a plate of cookies, in zero degree weather...." lol