Unintentional

This blog hiatus was completely unintentional.

But a little necessary.

Last Tuesday my parents came into town for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving in itself was very quiet; Matt and I usually host Thanksgiving for both sides of our family. And this year there was just 5 of us. It was small, quiet and very different to what we were used too. But different seems to be the norm for things in Texas so we went with it!

After an early dinner, we headed downtown to the Uptown Houston Christmas lighting. It was a crisp afternoon; the air just a little bit of a brr to it and was a resemblance of Ohio.

We didn't stay long though, because Gabe was feeling a little under the weather.

For the rest of the weekend we perused at a few different malls, ate Thanksgiving leftovers and watched Gabe play with his Nonny and Papo.

While Nonny and Papo kept Gabe busy, I could have blogged but I didn't. Obviously. The last time my parents were here I hid behind the computer so that Gabe could have more time with just his grandparents. But this time, I just wanted to soak it all up.

Moving 1300 miles away from home changes things; like wanting to take in every possible moment of Gabe playing with his Nonny and Papo.

My mom and dad left Sunday. You know, the day 4.3 million people traveled through Houston International Airport. Haha!

And then Sunday I came down with the mother of all migraines.... Matt took off Monday, Gabe and I managed through yesterday and today, well we had too much to do to let a little headache slow us down!

And today is the last day of Adoption Awareness Month and I have yet to finish a post or two about my feelings on adoption. Stay tuned!

In everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

The letter T

Today, Tuesday, is brought to you by the letter T!

Gabe is learning his ABC's and I can't tell you the utter cuteness in the air when Gabe repeats after Matt all the letters of the alphabet.

To coincide with T and Tuesday, we bring you Gabe's tent. For his birthday Gabe received gift cards from his Uncle Matt and Uncle Bucko and their families to Toy R Us and this past Saturday we finally took Gabe shopping! He bought a super cute little chair and a tent with a tunnel.

And Gabe loves it! He loves to crawl through the tunnel and sit in the tent, he loves when his Daddy crawls through the tunnel or he and I read books together in the tent. And the stinker that is Gabe takes to hiding in it when he hears that it's nap time! Smart little stinker!

Number two of Tuesday's trip on letter T is Thankfulness!

Our auction went fantastic. We feel so blessed by all the wonderful bids and the wonderful donations. In listing the auction items we were able to thank some of the contributors when we provided the links to their items.

But there were many other items that were made or donated by people that didn't have a store front to link too, so now is our time to thank you.

Denise, Sondra, Megan, Nicole, Carol, Patti, Lisa, Kathy and Jessie... without your generosity this auction would not have been nearly as successful. Thank you doesn't seem enough when you're helping us bring our little love home but as inadequate as it seems, it comes from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you.

And those are our T's for Tuesday!

My Little Drummer Boy

It's hard to always have to explain why Gabe's in therapy, why he doesn't walk when he looks like such a normal kid typically developing child.

But here's the deal as perfect as Gabe looks, he's not. Well according to us, our family and God's plan Gabriel is perfect but to the medical world and nosy people at the store, he's different.

Different is good but a lot of people don't get different. Last week I went out to lunch with a mom who gets different. She understands it. And embraces it. Celebrating things like the first time in a high chair even though you're a toddler or using sitting in a prone position are not lost on her.

I love being able to celebrate milestones with Gabriel. And not just the usual milestones; rolling, sitting, walking, climbing... but ALL of the milestones!

And today, we celebrated the drumming. And not just drumming, but drumming with both hands.

To the world it may not be much but too us, it is a cause for celebration!

With his wicked drumming skills, his fabulous ability at shaking his golden locks... I'm definitely thinking Gabe is a rock star in the making!

Thumbs Down

So I really wanted to do something fun this past weekend! Something new, different but mostly fun for us as a family. There was a children's festival in The Woodlands but after investigating it, it seemed a little too old for Gabe. Matt's boss mentioned the Pow-wow Festival and knowing Gabe's love for music, drums and dancing we thought it'd be perfect. The website said it opened at 9 but activities started at 10.

Shortly after 10 we arrived at the festival and boy were we surprised!

It was a a flea market! There were a few tables with really nice, quality wood items scattered between a whole lot of tables filled with junk. Yes, I said it. I am a huge proponent of garage sales but this flea market was ridiculous. Junk. Junk. Junk. Please, people, I do not want your junk.

We were very disappointed thinking the whole pow-wow festival was a flea market but then we overheard a gentleman comment about going back to the tepee's. So we followed him. Only for a short bit and then found our way to the Pow-wow festival.

But it was much less a festival than a handful of tepee's and a small arena for Native American type contests. Much to our chagrin the activities didn't start at 10 like the flier said, but 12:30 and there was no way we were going to hang out at the flea market for 2 more hours. I may have been tempted to buy some one's junk [smile].

So besides a really fresh fountain Pepsi Matt and I shared, this festival was a complete thumbs-down. Although we did get a couple of cute pictures of Matt and Gabe with the tepee's.

So the Pow-wow Festival was a bit of a failure, but we did get Olive Garden for lunch, which was definitely a win!

Pray Down the Number

147 Million Orphans is an organization founded by two adoptive mother's that wanted to make a difference in the lives of orphans and helping those that are called to adopt.

On October 30 Gwen announced their campaign to Pray Down the Number at 147 pm that launched November 1st. Each day and every day, they are encouraging people to pray for orphans at 1:47pm. Gwen explains beautifully on her blog the reasons behind this but the main point is to pray for the orphan, for the fatherless each and every day at 147.

The orphan crisis is not going away and it is up to us to do something about it. So would you join them? Us? And pray for the orphans; pray that they find a family, have someone to love them and someone to give them hope.

Anyone and everyone can do this. Together, we can pray down the number.

Not only did 147 Million Orphans launch their pray down the number initiative this month, they started an affiliate program with their 147 Million Orphan apparel and merchandise. We, of course, signed right up. And now for everything you buy from 147 Million Orphans we get 30% commission.

Their affiliate program is slightly different than the Ordinary Hero affiliate program (and yes, we are still fundraising through them as well) wherein at OH you choose our name from a drop down box when check out but from 147 Million Orphans you must click on their site from the badge on our blog. A special little code is embedded in that link and that is how we'll get credit from purchases.

They have some awesome magazine bracelet and necklaces, really cute t-shirts and Katie Davis' new book... all of which would make great Christmas presents!

Thank you, Gwen and Suzanne for helping adoptive families raise money to bring their children home and thank you for helping pray down the number!

Be Prepared

It's true. I didn't believe Gabe could get any cuter. So prepare yourself before you proceed to see 100% complete cuteness overload!

Last Thursday we picked up Gabriel's glasses from the eye glass place here in Houston. He is doing much better than anticipated and only takes his glasses off about 10 times a day. He's especially good at taking them off and then hiding them in the bathroom or behind the couch. Sigh. But when Gabe does want to keep them on, he wears them for hours at a time. Proof to me that they're helping him to see better and the times that he takes them off he's just being, well a typical two year old.

So without further ado, the cuteness that is Gabriel in his glasses:

Cute, eh? And it is next to impossible to get Gabe to sit and look at the camera these days. He likes to say "cheese" and then dodge the camera [smile].

2 Months Waiting

Today marks 2 months of being on the AGCI wait list.

Two months of waiting. Two months of wondering how fast the wait list will go. And imagining the feel of a new little one in our arms. Longing for a child we don't even know has been welcomed into this world yet. Praying for our children, their birth parents and their health and safety.

It's amazing how quickly two months can go when your busy with the everyday tasks of life. But it's utterly amazing in a not-so-fantastic-way how your heart interprets each day as being separated from the one you love.

Adoption is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

On another adoption note; we've totaled most of the auction, have all of the winners and are just waiting on a few confirmations from the winners before all the prizes will be mailed out. The auction was a smashing success and we are so grateful and humbled by the support of our family, friends and even strangers that are willing to help us bring our little one (or ones) home.

Thanks Friends!

Bidding is now closed! If you won an item, expect an email from us tomorrow morning on what to do to receive your winnings!

From the bottoms of our hearts, thank you.

More to come soon... like how I feel about Gabe's glasses, Thanksgiving in Texas and how I feel about the fact that I'm getting annoyed that we're still waiting for a phone call that's 2 weeks late :/

But really, truly, thank you for your donations, bids and helping us bring our little love(s) home.

~Just a heads up, but to protect the privacy of our wonderful bidders I deleted all comments with email addresses. After an online auction that I participated in was over, the blogger had a lot of people (me included) bombarded with spam emails after her auction was over. The next online auction I participated in, they deleted the comments when the auction was over and avoided a spam problem!

Get Your Bid On!

Dave Thomas (founder of Wendy's and huge proponent of adoption said this: "My big stand is this: Every child deserves a home and love. Period."

Matt and I agree with Dave Thomas' big stand. We believe that every child, no matter their history, heritage or latitudinal place of birth deserve a home. Love. And a family. For us the biggest special need a child can have is to not know the love of a family.

Today is your last day to bid on the fabulous items that have been donated to our auction. By bidding on these items you help us make our dream come true; another child to love and one less orphan to not know the love of a family.

Thank you. And happy bidding!

(use the links to the left and don't forget to leave your name and email address)

2 Days Left

I have lots of thoughts in my head these days; thoughts like how can we as a church and then just was as compassionate people can make a difference in the lives of orphans. Thoughts about being almost two months in on our wait time; I think I'm going to write a book like What to Expect When Your Expecting.. except in the adoption point of view. I think the world needs a book like that. Other thoughts have more to do with life as we know it right now; like missing Ohio during the holidays, struggling to find secondary insurance for Gabe before his PT/OT visits run out, how to convince Gabe to drink from a cup, where did all this laundry come from... you know, just every day thoughts of being a mom!

On a different note, there are two days left in our adoption auction! Take a minute, check out the different things to bid on and bid! Lots of items have multiple bids with different people trying to win them. Use the links on the side bar or scroll down really far to find what you're looking for! Don't forget to leave your name and email address with your bid.

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' - Matthew 25:40

Orphan Sunday

Join me (in spirit) to participate in Orphan Sunday by 'attending' the Orphan Sunday web cast LIVE from Kansas City!

About the live web cast:

"Join David Platt, Jedd Medefind, the Desperation Band’s Jon Egan, members of the IHOP team and Christian leaders from around the globe via LIVE from Kansas City! This one-hour webcast event will unite believers worldwide in GUIDED PRAYER for the fatherless and WORSHIP led by IHOP’s Jon Thurlow and Jon Egan. LIVE from Kansas City will be webcast live on this webpage on Orphan Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 6 PM Central Time."

Answer the Cry - Faces of Hope from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Click here to register

If you're here for our adoption auction, please scroll down or use the links on the side bar. We appreciate your support!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, November 6 is Orphan Sunday. The day over 24 countries gather together in body and spirit to help advocate for the orphan.

If you don't live in an area where there is an Orphan Sunday event going on, register at the Orphan Sunday website and join in on the web cast Live from Kansas City. And if you live near Elyria Ohio Church of the Open Door is broadcasting the Live Event there with other programming planned (I think!).

Isaiah 1:17 "Defend the cause of the fatherless.."

If you're here for our adoption auction, please scroll down or use the links on the side bar. Thank you so much for your support! Happy bidding!

One Day. One Voice. One Purpose.

Orphan Sunday is 3 days away.

How can you help?

PRAY

GIVE

GO

ADOPT

FOSTER

If you're here for our adoption auction, please scroll down or use the links on the side bar. Thank you so much for your support! Good luck bidding!

November 2.

~~If you're here for the auction, scroll down to the next post or use the links to the right. Happy bidding and thank you for your support!~~

Today is Matt's birthday! He's now as close to 30 as he can get without actually being 30 [smile].

(mushiness alert)Happy birthday to the one the Lord has blessed me with. The one who makes me laugh until my sides hurt and holds me close until my tears stop, the one who makes me feel beautiful no matter how ratty my sweat pants are and the one who picks me up when life knocks me down.

And after celebrating 7 years of birthdays together, he still makes me melt.

Especially when I watch him with Gabe; playing with Gabe, teaching Gabe, loving Gabe... that is definitely melt worthy.

Our Journey Adoption Auction

First we want to welcome you all to our adoption auction! We are super excited by the wonderful donations we received and our so grateful to the wonderful people and companies that donated!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

How Our Journey Adoption Auction works:

1. Look at all the items that are up for auction.

2. If you see an item you like, BID on it!! To bid, please leave a comment (click the comment box below the item description) with your name, email address and your bid amount.

3. Check back often on the item you bid on and if your bid is no longer winning, bid again! We just ask that the bids increase by a minimum of $1.00 increments.

4. The auction will close November 10, 2011 at 8:00 pm CST. After the auction closes I will notify the winners through their email and request payment. For customized items, I will request that information as well.

5. After payment is received, the item will be mailed to you!

Seems easy enough, right? And the best part of the auction... each and every dollar earned goes directly to our adoption fund to bring our newest little one(s) home.

Our auction was actually supposed to be held in October, but life became too hectic and we pushed it back a month. It wasn't until after we pushed it back that we realized it would be taking place during Adoption Awareness month. It seems truly fitting to have our adoption auction during Adoption Awareness month.

I love Adoption Awareness month. Eh, let me rephrase that. I love that there are people passionate about adopting and orphan care that have found a way to raise awareness worldwide. Because in order to provide love and care for the estimated 163 million orphans in the world, people need to know how to help in the first place.

So thank you for visiting our site, thank you for bidding at our auction and thank you for helping us bring our baby (babies) home. Because a home, and a family to love them, is truly what every child needs.

Again, we thank you.

In you, the orphan finds mercy. - Hosea 14:3

Ethiopia in My Heart Necklace

Africa Ethiopia Necklace - "Ethiopia in my Heart" from Junk Posse

Description: The Sterling Heart is stamped with "Ethiopia" and it measure just about 1 inch. Tracy added a Sterling wrapped Freshwater pearl & paired them with a nice Sterling Silver Snake chain that is 18" inches long. This beautiful piece of jewelry retails for $79.00.

Thank you Tracy at Junk Posse for your donation.

Minimum Bid: $25.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Graham Gardens Gift Basket

Gift basket of body products from Graham Gardens:

Description: 1 large, Fresh Butter Bar, 1 bar of Botany Bay Eucalyptus shea butter soap, 1 Peppermint Candy Premium Lip Balm in a small gift basket. Valued at $30.50.

Thank you Graham Gardens for you donation!

Minimum Bid: $12.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Custom T-shirt

Custom "place" t-shirt by Pitter Patter Art

This is the shirt Laura made for Gabriel

Description: Adult or child's high quality t-shirt made to your specifications of what ever country/state you prefer. Laura has over 300 fabrics to choose from and 100's of shirts to browse through to give you ideas. Each shirt is a unique piece of art and wonderfully made to wear over and over. Retail Value: $35.00

Thank you Laura from Pitter Patter Art for your donation!

Minimum Bid: $14.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Handmade Quilt

Beautiful Handmade Quilt:

Description: Whimsical colorful lap quilt measuring 45 by 55 inches. . The fabric is Modern Workshop from Moda described as "containing prints in both floral and geometric motifs that make use of a fresh, 21st century color" This quilt is perfect for taking on picnics, keeping you warm at sporting events or to have on your lap while reading.

Minimum Bid: $25.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle E-reader

Description: (from Amazon)

-The all-new Kindle - Lighter, smaller, faster

-30% ligher, less than 6 ounces

-18 % smaller body, same 6"screen size

-Most advanced E Ink display, reads like paper

-Built in Wi-Fi - Get Books in 60 seconds

-Massive book selection, over 800,000 titles are $9.99 or less

- New - Borrow Kindle books from your public library

Minimum Bid: $40.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

3 Piece Jewelry Set

3 Piece jewelry set from Just a Little Glitz:

Description: Double strand necklace with black and silver links, black beads and silver butterfly shaped connectors. Accompanied with a matching bracelet and earrings.

Thank you Just a Little Glitz for your donation!

Minimum Bid: $12.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Personalized Holiday Shirt

Personalized for you Holiday Shirt:

Description: Quality holiday t-shirt made just for your little one. With a wide variety of designs to choose from you can pick a Thanksgiving or Christmas shirt. The shirts can be customized with your choice in fabrics, letters or whatever is applicable on the t-shirt. All appliques are fused on and stitched around the perimeter. Some fraying up to the stitch line is expected and only adds to the charm of this cute little outfit. Shirts retail at $18.00

Amy has supplied all of Gabe's "G" t-shirts!

Thank you Amy at Head Over Heals for your donation.

Minimum Bid: $8.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Personalized Baby Blanket

Personalized baby blanket from BabyBeulah:

Description: Double-sided minky blanket measuring 27 X 34 inches personalized with one name or initials. You pick colors for blanket and thread! With over 30 colors to choose from, your blanket will truly be one of a kind! These blankets are so soft and the perfect baby shower or welcome home baby gifts! Gabe absolutely loves his! These blankets sell for $37.00 in Terressa's store.

Thank you Terressa at Baby Beulah Boutique for your donation!

Minimum Bid: $20.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Flat Iron Cover

Flat iron cover by Raechel Myers:

(click on picture to increase size)

Description: Using beautiful outer fabrics and Insul-Bright, Raechel makes a flat iron cover that is not only heat safe and great for travel but super cute as well!

Thank you Raechel from Ragamuffin Baby for your donation!

Minimum Bid: 10:00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Raggedy Ann Doll and Book

Handmade Raggedy Ann doll and Raggedy Ann hardcover book:

Description: Hardcover copy of "How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart" (value $13.95)

Handmade 15 inch Raggedy Ann Doll with handmade removable clothing. (value $30)The doll is handmade, with a handmade dress and apron. The yarn hair is custom made for the doll (not a sewn in wig). The face is embroidered by hand, as well as the "i love you" heart on Raggedy Ann's chest.

Minimum Bid: $20.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

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Coach Handbag #2

Black Coach Handbag:

Description: Brand new with tags, black Coach signature fabric handbag with leather accents. Two 22" straps, 1 leather pocket on each end, 6" zipper in front and 1 zippered and 2 smaller open pockets on the inside. Purse specs: 12" tall, 15" wide at top and 17" wide at bottom, and 5" deep. Retail value: $210.00

Minimum Bid: $30.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Wine Basket

Hand Woven Wine Basket:

Description: Hand-woven wine basket in natural. There are violet teal accent strips. Basket measures: Base length: 10 inches

Top length: 12 inches
Height (with handle)14 inches
Height (without handle) 8.5 inches
Width: 6 inches

Not interested in wine? The divider in this basket would be perfect for separating mail or bills, a bin for your inside steps or a planter for your table.

Minimum Bid: $10.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.

Fendi Wallet

Black Fendi Wallet:

Description: New with box, black Fendi wallet. Flip clasp, zippered coin pocket, money slot and credit card slots. Retails over $200.00pp

Minimum Bid: $20.00

To Bid: leave a comment with your name, email address and the amount of your bid. Remember, bids should increase by $1.00 increments.