Saturday, November 19, 2011
Repost pt3: How to Commemorate an Epic Event
*Disclaimer* Reading this particular post with small children on your lap, or impressionable 12 year olds hanging over your shoulder would not be a good idea.
When you do something in your life that is of Epic proportions, you need to find a way to commemorate it.
Saturday July 7th I arrived in downtown Duluth, MN to meet these crazy women I was going to be spending the next week with. Only I didn't know they were crazy, but I had a hunch.
I hadn't slept well the night before, nor had I eaten anything that day because I was just too excited and nervous. I pulled into the hotel parking lot and Tink came out to greet me with a huge hug. I got to drool over her BEAUTIFUL bike (she'd glued swarovski crstyals all over it and it's stunning!) We sat down on the varanda as a group to figure out what to do next. First stop, FOOD! They'd gotten in earlier in the afternoon but had waited for me. What I didn't know is the plans they'd been trying to make!
We sit down in a sandwich shop, exchanging some small stories, trying to get the feel of who each other really is, when Tink says to me, "So...uummm...last night we were trying to figure out how we could commemorate our trip. We wanted it to be something big, but..umm...well Bev mentioned how about we all get a tatoo? I told them I doubted you'd go for it, but since I really don't know you, I have no idea."
"A tattoo? I've been wanting one for a long time! Where do I sign up."
"Well...ummm...actually....we have an appointment at 8:00 tonight (it was now about 5:00) with a guy named Jeffie. Really, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. We think we're going to all get the same thing, but we want to go look at the guy's work."
And so it was decided. Keep in mind that I'm a tatoo virgin. There isn't a drop of ink on my body, but the other girls each have one or two...or 5.
Meet Jeffie. He is an artist at Dominic's Dowtown in Duluth. Doesn't he look just like a tattoo artist? The funny thing is, his name is really JESSIE but Scharlett misunderstood on the phone. And so, as would soon become a habit for us, we renamed him.
Jeffie was very patient with us. We told him the purpose of this trip...a freeing experience, and one to bond with our fellow biker sisters. An expression of independence and a celebration of life. We wanted it simple (aka not expensive!) and we all wanted the same thing. Jeffie disappeared into his studio to draw something up. About 15 minutes later he came back with a couple different designs which we tweaked a bit, each of us adding a small item to make it our own, yet the same as the others.
First there was much discussion about WHERE we would put our new artwork
And naturally we had to sign our life away!
Then more discussion about who was going to be first. Tink volunteered, and I was allowed to go watch and take pictures, which was a lot like watching Miami Ink on T.V. except different. My pictures didn't turn out the greatest, because my camera didn't like the lighting. Also Tink was trying very hard to put on a good face for me since I was still a virgin, and it's just possible my nerves were showing a little bit.
While she was getting done, this man was in the next chair. His name is Mike, and he's having a guardian angel put on his back. I don't know his whole story, but this angel holds great meaning for him, and he has survived tragedy. His spirit was very sad, and I hope getting this tattoo is a step to healing for him. From an artistic side, the shading and detail in this tat is fantastic!
Next up was Bev. She couldn't get hers in the same spot as the rest of us, because she already has one there. Bev's daughter Pam died shortly after giving birth from an embolism several years ago. On her chest, Pam had a tat of an angel blowing stardust. Bev's tattoo is very similar, only the face resembles Pam, and inside the stardust are the letters to spell out PAM.
I was next. I was very nervous by this point, but Jeffie handled me well. ;-) First he applied the stencil.
And then the work began! OUCH! I don't know how in the world that Mike guy could stand to get his whole back done, or for that matter anyone else who I know with large tats!
Getting right up close and personal!
Scharlett was next. She made the mistake of not wearing the right shirt so she had to take it off in order to get her tattoo. Poor Scharlett.
And, the picture you've all been waiting for....the finished product! Notice the slight swelling. I am such a wimp. LOL
Some of you know I've been trying to design a tattoo about my kids for some time. After looking through the books in the shop, and talking with Jeffie I've finally gotten it figured out! I know where I'll be going to get it done.
Coming soon, "Split Rock Sisters"
When you do something in your life that is of Epic proportions, you need to find a way to commemorate it.
Saturday July 7th I arrived in downtown Duluth, MN to meet these crazy women I was going to be spending the next week with. Only I didn't know they were crazy, but I had a hunch.
I hadn't slept well the night before, nor had I eaten anything that day because I was just too excited and nervous. I pulled into the hotel parking lot and Tink came out to greet me with a huge hug. I got to drool over her BEAUTIFUL bike (she'd glued swarovski crstyals all over it and it's stunning!) We sat down on the varanda as a group to figure out what to do next. First stop, FOOD! They'd gotten in earlier in the afternoon but had waited for me. What I didn't know is the plans they'd been trying to make!
We sit down in a sandwich shop, exchanging some small stories, trying to get the feel of who each other really is, when Tink says to me, "So...uummm...last night we were trying to figure out how we could commemorate our trip. We wanted it to be something big, but..umm...well Bev mentioned how about we all get a tatoo? I told them I doubted you'd go for it, but since I really don't know you, I have no idea."
"A tattoo? I've been wanting one for a long time! Where do I sign up."
"Well...ummm...actually....we have an appointment at 8:00 tonight (it was now about 5:00) with a guy named Jeffie. Really, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. We think we're going to all get the same thing, but we want to go look at the guy's work."
And so it was decided. Keep in mind that I'm a tatoo virgin. There isn't a drop of ink on my body, but the other girls each have one or two...or 5.
Meet Jeffie. He is an artist at Dominic's Dowtown in Duluth. Doesn't he look just like a tattoo artist? The funny thing is, his name is really JESSIE but Scharlett misunderstood on the phone. And so, as would soon become a habit for us, we renamed him.
Jeffie was very patient with us. We told him the purpose of this trip...a freeing experience, and one to bond with our fellow biker sisters. An expression of independence and a celebration of life. We wanted it simple (aka not expensive!) and we all wanted the same thing. Jeffie disappeared into his studio to draw something up. About 15 minutes later he came back with a couple different designs which we tweaked a bit, each of us adding a small item to make it our own, yet the same as the others.
First there was much discussion about WHERE we would put our new artwork
And naturally we had to sign our life away!
Then more discussion about who was going to be first. Tink volunteered, and I was allowed to go watch and take pictures, which was a lot like watching Miami Ink on T.V. except different. My pictures didn't turn out the greatest, because my camera didn't like the lighting. Also Tink was trying very hard to put on a good face for me since I was still a virgin, and it's just possible my nerves were showing a little bit.
While she was getting done, this man was in the next chair. His name is Mike, and he's having a guardian angel put on his back. I don't know his whole story, but this angel holds great meaning for him, and he has survived tragedy. His spirit was very sad, and I hope getting this tattoo is a step to healing for him. From an artistic side, the shading and detail in this tat is fantastic!
Next up was Bev. She couldn't get hers in the same spot as the rest of us, because she already has one there. Bev's daughter Pam died shortly after giving birth from an embolism several years ago. On her chest, Pam had a tat of an angel blowing stardust. Bev's tattoo is very similar, only the face resembles Pam, and inside the stardust are the letters to spell out PAM.
I was next. I was very nervous by this point, but Jeffie handled me well. ;-) First he applied the stencil.
And then the work began! OUCH! I don't know how in the world that Mike guy could stand to get his whole back done, or for that matter anyone else who I know with large tats!
Getting right up close and personal!
Scharlett was next. She made the mistake of not wearing the right shirt so she had to take it off in order to get her tattoo. Poor Scharlett.
And, the picture you've all been waiting for....the finished product! Notice the slight swelling. I am such a wimp. LOL
Some of you know I've been trying to design a tattoo about my kids for some time. After looking through the books in the shop, and talking with Jeffie I've finally gotten it figured out! I know where I'll be going to get it done.
Coming soon, "Split Rock Sisters"
Friday, November 18, 2011
Repost Pt2: Where do I start
This is part 2 in a series repost. This was originally posted in 2008.
.......................................
I have no idea where to start blogging about my trip. Seriously, I have about a month's worth of blog fodder!
I have to say that while I have enjoyed many friendships over the years, and gone on some amazing trips, this one takes the cake! First of all, never in all my life have I laughed so hard, so many consecutive moments, over the course of so many days. I'm talking "hold yourself so you don't wet your pants and oh my god I can't breathe!" type of laughter! I suppose most of it was "you had to be there" kind of stuff, but I will do my best to get you there too!
And of course, there are the friendships made. There were four of us on this trip, all from different walks of life. Let me introduce them to you.
First there is Tink from New Jersey. Tink is a Type A personality with ADD, which makes for an interesting combination, let me tell ya! Anyway, this started out as really being her ride, and the rest of us were kind of tagging along. She just turned 50 and this was her "Epic Journey". Not only a celebration of her birthday, but of her life. Her sister died at 50, and Tink has been very moved by the fact that it could have been her. It was also a celebration of HER, and she made the trip because she COULD. (see my reasons for the trip and you'll know what I'm talking about.) I met up with the group in Duluth, MN which is Tink's birthplace. Much of our time there was spent visiting old memories with her, and was a lot of fun. More on that later.
There is Scarlett, only I have trouble calling her that and kept saying Charlett by mistake. Eventually I forgot her real name and she became Scharlett to me. LOL Scharlett and Tink are good friends, and together formed the NJ chapter of Sisters In Spirit. Naturally she was the first one who Tink asked to come along on the journey. Scharlett is a Type A personality but is very polite about it! No, really...it took me awhile to figure this out! I think it was the day we were sitting in our hotel room, and she had a stack of envelopes in front of her. Each envelope had the name and address of each hotel they stayed at along the way. (remember they'd been on the road for a week before I joined them!) I kind of teased her, saying, "What, are you sending thank you notes to each one?" (cuz remember, she's very polite.) She said, "No, each one has a map and and the hotel information." aaahhh...see, Type A organization! Compare this to the scrap of paper that was floating around in one of my saddle bags, where I'd scribbled my hotel info just in case I needed it.
And now meet Bev. aka Foxy. She is from a little town in central Wisconsin. Last year she purchased her dream TRIKE, and was anxious to step out of her comfort zone and make a long trip all alone. ("alone" meaning without her husband.) She has only had her trike for about a year, so I have no doubt she learned a lot of skills on this trip!
Here's a picture of the other 3 ladies, the day I met them.
Bev, Scharlett, and Tink
.......................................
I have no idea where to start blogging about my trip. Seriously, I have about a month's worth of blog fodder!
I have to say that while I have enjoyed many friendships over the years, and gone on some amazing trips, this one takes the cake! First of all, never in all my life have I laughed so hard, so many consecutive moments, over the course of so many days. I'm talking "hold yourself so you don't wet your pants and oh my god I can't breathe!" type of laughter! I suppose most of it was "you had to be there" kind of stuff, but I will do my best to get you there too!
And of course, there are the friendships made. There were four of us on this trip, all from different walks of life. Let me introduce them to you.
First there is Tink from New Jersey. Tink is a Type A personality with ADD, which makes for an interesting combination, let me tell ya! Anyway, this started out as really being her ride, and the rest of us were kind of tagging along. She just turned 50 and this was her "Epic Journey". Not only a celebration of her birthday, but of her life. Her sister died at 50, and Tink has been very moved by the fact that it could have been her. It was also a celebration of HER, and she made the trip because she COULD. (see my reasons for the trip and you'll know what I'm talking about.) I met up with the group in Duluth, MN which is Tink's birthplace. Much of our time there was spent visiting old memories with her, and was a lot of fun. More on that later.
There is Scarlett, only I have trouble calling her that and kept saying Charlett by mistake. Eventually I forgot her real name and she became Scharlett to me. LOL Scharlett and Tink are good friends, and together formed the NJ chapter of Sisters In Spirit. Naturally she was the first one who Tink asked to come along on the journey. Scharlett is a Type A personality but is very polite about it! No, really...it took me awhile to figure this out! I think it was the day we were sitting in our hotel room, and she had a stack of envelopes in front of her. Each envelope had the name and address of each hotel they stayed at along the way. (remember they'd been on the road for a week before I joined them!) I kind of teased her, saying, "What, are you sending thank you notes to each one?" (cuz remember, she's very polite.) She said, "No, each one has a map and and the hotel information." aaahhh...see, Type A organization! Compare this to the scrap of paper that was floating around in one of my saddle bags, where I'd scribbled my hotel info just in case I needed it.
And now meet Bev. aka Foxy. She is from a little town in central Wisconsin. Last year she purchased her dream TRIKE, and was anxious to step out of her comfort zone and make a long trip all alone. ("alone" meaning without her husband.) She has only had her trike for about a year, so I have no doubt she learned a lot of skills on this trip!
Here's a picture of the other 3 ladies, the day I met them.
Bev, Scharlett, and Tink
Repost: Epic Journey
My blog has been seriously neglected this week because I'm mostly blogging over on our adoption blog. So I've decided to repost a series I did a few years ago about my Epic Journey. It was a very fun motorcycle trip. Little did I know how much it would change me, or the confidence it would give me to do more in my life. I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoyed riding it.
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One Last Post Before I go! SEE YA!
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One Last Post Before I go! SEE YA!
By the way, this picture was difficult to take by MYSELF!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
If you didn't see it
If you didn't see it on my other blog, Axel is having problems with his neck, and his surgeon thinks it's possible the hardware that was installed has come loose. He needs to have a CT scan done ASAP, but he needs anesthesia to do it. We will be trying to do it this week before he goes. His doctor called tonight to check on him. His neck is now sensitive to the touch. It LOOKS fine. There is no sign of infection or anything unusual around his scar, but he is clearly very sore. And, his neck feels hot to me. I think we'll be trying to get that CT scan done on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Cooking with Axel
A few weeks ago we got Axel a play kitchen. He LOVES this thing, and at least once a day sets all the contents out on the dining room table, then sets his bears on the chairs where they have a feast. Axel usually manages to get Angela involved too, but on this particular day "Cooking with Axel" turned into "Signing Time staring Axel".
A few translations:
"Agah" = Angela
"Mom...Dean...Papa" is what Dean is called quite often. LOL
A few translations:
"Agah" = Angela
"Mom...Dean...Papa" is what Dean is called quite often. LOL
Friday, November 11, 2011
Cards for Any Moment
During one of our trips to Philadelphia for an Axel check up, we ran into problems at the Philly airport. One particular employee was incredibly helpful to us, and when it was time to part ways he gave me his business card. On the back he wrote his personal email address and asked me to please contact him; he wanted to hear our story. It turned out he'd done a few mission trips related to orphan care and was touched by Axel's story. I would have loved to hand him one of these:
A couple weeks ago as I was pulling into our clinic parking lot, a woman in another car tried to pull in at the same time, but my car was kinda in her way. If course, she would have noticed this if she hadn't been texting. She ended up parking next to me. I didn't say anything, but I would have liked to leave one of these on her windshield:
I want to put one of these on the refrigerator for myself AND the kids!
And something fun to put in the kids lunchbox for school:
Created by my good friends Tammy and her mom Ann, Cards For Any Moment has made giving a quick little message really fun! They have something for every occasion. Imagine having coffee with another mommy friend who is really having a tough day. You could leave something behind in her silverware drawer for her to find later!
There are so many times in life when Cards For Any Moment would come in handy! The size of a business card and just $0.29 each, you can carry several in your wallet or purse. Don't see something you'd like to have on hand? Cards for Any Moment can create one for you. From now until November 30th they're running a promo of 10% your purchase if you enter the promo code BTS011. If you "like" them on Facebook, you receive 5 free cards with your first order. And, it just so happens from now until the end of the year, Cards For Any Moment will donate a percentage of their proceeds to help a certain little boy come home! Don't forget to visit their blog for tips and ideas!
A couple weeks ago as I was pulling into our clinic parking lot, a woman in another car tried to pull in at the same time, but my car was kinda in her way. If course, she would have noticed this if she hadn't been texting. She ended up parking next to me. I didn't say anything, but I would have liked to leave one of these on her windshield:
I want to put one of these on the refrigerator for myself AND the kids!
And something fun to put in the kids lunchbox for school:
There are so many times in life when Cards For Any Moment would come in handy! The size of a business card and just $0.29 each, you can carry several in your wallet or purse. Don't see something you'd like to have on hand? Cards for Any Moment can create one for you. From now until November 30th they're running a promo of 10% your purchase if you enter the promo code BTS011. If you "like" them on Facebook, you receive 5 free cards with your first order. And, it just so happens from now until the end of the year, Cards For Any Moment will donate a percentage of their proceeds to help a certain little boy come home! Don't forget to visit their blog for tips and ideas!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
LOOK LOOK LOOK!!!!
Today another Serbian Prince has met his mommy and daddy for the very first time!!! Oh I am just beside myself with excitement!!!!! Please go give them some bloggy love!!!!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
11 months
In a few weeks Axel will be watching videos with people speaking Serbian in the background. They'll be videos of me with his new brother. I wonder what thoughts will go through his mind?
The things he says now crack us up. Well, let me clarify a bit: About 90% of Axel's communication is in ASL, but his list of spoken words is slowly increasing. Since the beginning of September when Axel started school in the full-immersion ASL program his ability to express himself has exploded. While he still needs reminders to use more than single signs, when he gets those reminders he's pretty quick to give you more information. He now says Mooooooom a thousand times a day (post coming. LOL) and calls Angela "Agah" while he signs it. Here are some examples of recent things he's said/signed. Words in italics are signed only, words with red italics are signed and spoken together:
While sitting at the breakfast table:
"Agah hearing aids." (reminding her to put her hearing aids on.)
"Mom! Soon bus comes."
"Mom! Signing Time t.v. please."
"Papa! Tie shoes please."
"Mom! Tyler home!"
"Mom! Need bathroom. Poop."
"Agah. Watch." (demonstrates a sign that she has done incorrectly)
"Papa! Many many green chips. No red chips. Signing Time Me! Happy! Papa Happy!"
I'm sure you noticed the length of that last statement! Axel is working very hard to have good behavior at school so he can earn his beloved Signing Time, and that was the first day it "clicked" with him. He was just a LITTLE excited!
The things he says now crack us up. Well, let me clarify a bit: About 90% of Axel's communication is in ASL, but his list of spoken words is slowly increasing. Since the beginning of September when Axel started school in the full-immersion ASL program his ability to express himself has exploded. While he still needs reminders to use more than single signs, when he gets those reminders he's pretty quick to give you more information. He now says Mooooooom a thousand times a day (post coming. LOL) and calls Angela "Agah" while he signs it. Here are some examples of recent things he's said/signed. Words in italics are signed only, words with red italics are signed and spoken together:
While sitting at the breakfast table:
"Agah hearing aids." (reminding her to put her hearing aids on.)
"Mom! Soon bus comes."
"Mom! Signing Time t.v. please."
"Papa! Tie shoes please."
"Mom! Tyler home!"
"Mom! Need bathroom. Poop."
"Agah. Watch." (demonstrates a sign that she has done incorrectly)
"Papa! Many many green chips. No red chips. Signing Time Me! Happy! Papa Happy!"
I'm sure you noticed the length of that last statement! Axel is working very hard to have good behavior at school so he can earn his beloved Signing Time, and that was the first day it "clicked" with him. He was just a LITTLE excited!
Product Review: Bounce Dryer Bar
A few weeks ago I became the lucky owner of a brand new washer/dryer set. I was SO excited to get them that the last four days before they arrived I didn’t touch any laundry. LOL
The day after my new machines came another surprise came in the mail. A Bounce Dryer Bar in Outdoor Fresh scent.
I’d never heard of the Bounce Dryer Bar before, so looked carefully at the package to figure out what to do with it. The bounce dryer bar is designed stick inside your dryer to give you fabric softener up to three months without having to do anything. No dryer sheets to remember to put in the machine or throw away. Oh me of little memory, this was right up my alley! Just "stick it and forget it!"
I'm one who always wants to know more, so I went looking for information. Did you know that dryer bar technology has been in use for years? They are used in places like hotel laundries where large volumes of laundry are done on a daily basis. I had no idea!
The only thing that concerned me was sticking this thing inside my brand new dryer. The bar is designed to show a replacement indicator after approximately three months. At that time you replace only the bar, while the holder stays in place. When the holder does finally fall off I wonder what kind of sticky residue will be stuck on my new dryer?
I love the smell of different fabric softeners! Unfortunately I have a bad memory associated with a particular smell so when I do buy softening products I can usually be found in the store sniffing the various boxes to make sure they’re pleasant for me. This bar in Outdoor Fresh scent is one I like!
Installing the bar is easy. Just peel off the paper backing and stick bar inside the dryer. Make sure you put it on the drum. (not the back wall, fins or door)
After about three months of use a replacement indicator will appear. Of course if you have a family of 10 you're doing laundry for, your bar will not last as long as mine will doing laundry for four. LOL I have been using mine for about four weeks and still have about 3/4 of the bar left. Replacement bars are easy to find in the store!
When it's time to replace your bar, simply press the tab at the end of the holder, slide the old bar out and snap the new bar in. Your new bar will come with a holder. Although you may not need to replace the holder at that time, keep in on hand it case you do.
Our clothes smell absolutely wonderful when they come out of the dryer! Axel loves to help me fold laundry (crazy kid loves chores!) and sniffs every piece of clothing he takes out of the dryer. In fact, my entire laundry room, which is like a dark dungeon in our basement, smells fresher using the Bounce Dryer Bar.
Some things to consider when using the Bounce Dryer Bar:
- Not all clothing is a good match with fabric softener!
- Kids clothing that is flame retardant (such as infant sleepwear) should not be treated with fabric softener as it affects the flame resistant capabilities. You must remove the Bounce Dryer Bar from the holder when drying these items.
- If you have someone in your house with skin sensitivities and their laundry can't have softener, you can remove the bar from the holder when drying their clothing.
- If you don't like the scent of the bar you've installed, you can change it out for another scent. If you decide you don't like the bar at all, remove it and the holder will fall of on it's own in a few months.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
November
November is Adoption Awareness Month and this past sunday was Orphan Sunday. I think you all know how I feel about adoption. ALL orphans need homes, no matter where in the world that home may be, but for obvious reasons those with special needs have a place of honor in my heart.
I think many of you also know how I feel about the corruption surrounding international adoption. Adoptive families are paying ransom to get their children home. This morning I received an email from someone who directed me to the website of a U.S. based non-profit organization claiming to do Serbian adoptions. The woman asked how much they charge, and she was told $25,000 - $30,000. And...that she could adopt a healthy toddler there. There are ransoms for orphans, and then there are RANSOMS!
This makes me so angry. Absolutely furious, really.
Let me give you a little education about Serbian adoptions. Keep in mind that while some things are the same as they were a year ago, other things have changed. I seem to get a lot of flack from people saying things like "When I did my adoption 5 years ago" or whatever. That was YOUR adoption, and is not necessarily what happens now.
1) Serbia has somewhere around 50 children currently registered for international adoption. (they told me approximately 40 back in May and there have been children added recently, in addition to some coming home.)
2) Every single child on the list is considered to have "special needs". Anything from CP, DS, Autism Spectrum disorders, etc.
3) Serbian adoptions are FREE. The Serbian government charges NOTHING for an adoption. If you CHOOSE to use a facilitator you will pay for that service. That service should NOT be tens of thousands of dollars! It shouldn't be more than somewhere around 3000 euros and that INCLUDES your logging, in-country travel, translation fees, new documents (birth certificate for child, passport) and the visa.
4) If your facilitator is a Serbian state employee, it is against Serbian law for them to take money for adoption related services. It is considered a conflict of interest.
5) Did I mention there are no healthy children allowed to be adopted out of Serbia? There are nearly 500 Serbian families waiting to adopt healthy children. Every Serbian orphan (healthy or not) is offered to Serbian families first, and must be rejected by 3 or more families before they are able to be registered for international adoption. While you are welcome to submit a dossier for a healthy Serbian child, it does not mean such a child exists on the registry.
6) There is a PROCESS for Serbian adoptions. The first step is to contact the Serbian ministry directly, introduce yourself and explain the type of child you are looking to adopt. From there the Ministry will answer your questions after you have provided them with the appropriate information. They will not release to you information about the children on the registry until you have been given pre-approval to adopt. If you would like the contact information for the Serbian ministry please contact me privately ( my email button is at the top left sidebar) and I will give it to you. I just don't want to post it and have them upset with me because their email box is full of junk!
7) You cannot go to Serbia and request to choose a child while you are there. The private information of Serbian orphans is not given out. You are matched with a child before you travel. Yes, you will have choices based on the criteria you have provided. It could be there is only one child, or there could be 10. It just depends upon your family. For example, we requested a child in a certain age range and listed the type of special needs we feel capable of handling. We were then given a list of children who meet that criteria. Even with that, in most cases you will know more about that child before traveling than you would a child you were going to Ukraine to adopt.
The Serbian adoption process is quick and smooth. The Ministry is a pleasure to deal with and most of the time quick to respond to questions. Do keep in mind though that this particular office wears many hats and adoption services is just one of their many roles.
I think many of you also know how I feel about the corruption surrounding international adoption. Adoptive families are paying ransom to get their children home. This morning I received an email from someone who directed me to the website of a U.S. based non-profit organization claiming to do Serbian adoptions. The woman asked how much they charge, and she was told $25,000 - $30,000. And...that she could adopt a healthy toddler there. There are ransoms for orphans, and then there are RANSOMS!
This makes me so angry. Absolutely furious, really.
Let me give you a little education about Serbian adoptions. Keep in mind that while some things are the same as they were a year ago, other things have changed. I seem to get a lot of flack from people saying things like "When I did my adoption 5 years ago" or whatever. That was YOUR adoption, and is not necessarily what happens now.
1) Serbia has somewhere around 50 children currently registered for international adoption. (they told me approximately 40 back in May and there have been children added recently, in addition to some coming home.)
2) Every single child on the list is considered to have "special needs". Anything from CP, DS, Autism Spectrum disorders, etc.
3) Serbian adoptions are FREE. The Serbian government charges NOTHING for an adoption. If you CHOOSE to use a facilitator you will pay for that service. That service should NOT be tens of thousands of dollars! It shouldn't be more than somewhere around 3000 euros and that INCLUDES your logging, in-country travel, translation fees, new documents (birth certificate for child, passport) and the visa.
4) If your facilitator is a Serbian state employee, it is against Serbian law for them to take money for adoption related services. It is considered a conflict of interest.
5) Did I mention there are no healthy children allowed to be adopted out of Serbia? There are nearly 500 Serbian families waiting to adopt healthy children. Every Serbian orphan (healthy or not) is offered to Serbian families first, and must be rejected by 3 or more families before they are able to be registered for international adoption. While you are welcome to submit a dossier for a healthy Serbian child, it does not mean such a child exists on the registry.
6) There is a PROCESS for Serbian adoptions. The first step is to contact the Serbian ministry directly, introduce yourself and explain the type of child you are looking to adopt. From there the Ministry will answer your questions after you have provided them with the appropriate information. They will not release to you information about the children on the registry until you have been given pre-approval to adopt. If you would like the contact information for the Serbian ministry please contact me privately ( my email button is at the top left sidebar) and I will give it to you. I just don't want to post it and have them upset with me because their email box is full of junk!
7) You cannot go to Serbia and request to choose a child while you are there. The private information of Serbian orphans is not given out. You are matched with a child before you travel. Yes, you will have choices based on the criteria you have provided. It could be there is only one child, or there could be 10. It just depends upon your family. For example, we requested a child in a certain age range and listed the type of special needs we feel capable of handling. We were then given a list of children who meet that criteria. Even with that, in most cases you will know more about that child before traveling than you would a child you were going to Ukraine to adopt.
The Serbian adoption process is quick and smooth. The Ministry is a pleasure to deal with and most of the time quick to respond to questions. Do keep in mind though that this particular office wears many hats and adoption services is just one of their many roles.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Nikon D3100 CAMERA GIVEAWAY!!!!
If you didn't go to my adoption blog yet, then this will be news for you, but next week I'll get my travel date to bring L home. I will very likely be traveling two weeks from now! Yes, that fast! We have just two weeks to come up with the last of the money we need. $2,000. We only need to raise $2000!!!!!
Here's what we're giving a way:
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Kit
Here's what we're giving a way:
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Kit
Included in this package:
14.2 Megapixel D3100 Digital SLR Camera
2 Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilize Lenses
System Case
4GB SD Memory Card
Nikon School Guide to Digital SLR photography
2 Nikon School DVD's
Here's the rules: Click on the "Donate" button below to enter. Each $20 contribution gives you one entry into the cyber hat. (so $40 is two entries, etc.) Leave a comment here with a link to your blog post about the giveaway and/or tag me in a Facebook post and you will get one additional entry. You have until midnight November 15th to enter. On November 16th the winner will be chosen using Random.org.
That is just TEN DAYS to raise the last of the money we need to get L home!
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Are you ready?
I need to take you on a quick detour to one of my other blogs, so if you wouldn't mind hoping over there for just a minute, I think you'll enjoy the post.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Just a couple more days
The push to get Little P. home is almost to an end, but my friends there are still thousands of miles to go. The Chipin closes in just couple of days and we're still $2100 from our goal.
Do you remember the post I did a couple days ago, about eyes? Well, take a look at these eyes.
These eyes belong to a boy who has no idea his world is about to change. He will see things he can't even dream about yet. He has never seen a Mama or Tata (the Serbian world for "daddy") and doesn't know they are trying to get to him. They are ready to cross an ocean for him. I cannot wait to see his eyes light up as he receives his first hug from HIS parents. As he his tucked into bed at night by HIS mama and tata, with kisses and love, in a bed to call his own, with pajamas that belong to him. Those eyes up there.....you're going to be a part of changing the world for those eyes.
Do you remember the post I did a couple days ago, about eyes? Well, take a look at these eyes.
These eyes belong to a boy who has no idea his world is about to change. He will see things he can't even dream about yet. He has never seen a Mama or Tata (the Serbian world for "daddy") and doesn't know they are trying to get to him. They are ready to cross an ocean for him. I cannot wait to see his eyes light up as he receives his first hug from HIS parents. As he his tucked into bed at night by HIS mama and tata, with kisses and love, in a bed to call his own, with pajamas that belong to him. Those eyes up there.....you're going to be a part of changing the world for those eyes.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Clarity
Thank you everyone for praying for us. Dean and I were able to find clarity tonight, and feel confident we're moving in the right direction. There are still a few decisions to be made but they are for another day.
I don't get it
Just when we think God has given us clarity, making it clear which direction we're supposed to go, along comes yet another decision. The waters are muddy again and we're confused. When are we having faith and when are we making foolish decisions. We know enough to know that what sometimes seems "foolish" to others is exactly when we're on the right path.
We have less than 24 hours to make a HUGE decision. Huge. Bigger than us huge. We're begging God to make it crystal clear to us.
We have less than 24 hours to make a HUGE decision. Huge. Bigger than us huge. We're begging God to make it crystal clear to us.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The pleading eyes
One....
two....
ten....
20....30......
Thirty sets of eyes. All of them staring at me from my computer screen.
All of them eyes of children I have touched, held, loved on, promised them I would do all I could.
Whispered into ears my promise: I would scream from the mountain tops for them. I would not forget them. I would not walk away and pretend they didn't exist. I would not leave the problem for someone else.
They are my problem now.
My heart.
God put them there. God gave me a gift called compassion. It is a difficult gift to carry, because it makes the heart hurt. God gave me the pain. It makes life complicated. It means that my thoughts are never with me, instead they are always on the other side of the world, in a crib, with a child who cries a silent cry.
Eyes....begging...pleading....The silent screams "Hold me. Love me. Take me. Please don't put me down. Please no...please please....please." Pleading as I turn my back on them. I walk out of the room....the empty room....empty save all the other cribs full of more children....more eyes.....many more eyes follow me out of the room.
Lists. Descriptions. Choices. None is less worthy than another.
This is bigger than me. This is for God. Only God can do it. Which eyes God?
I don't know which eyes.
two....
ten....
20....30......
Thirty sets of eyes. All of them staring at me from my computer screen.
All of them eyes of children I have touched, held, loved on, promised them I would do all I could.
Whispered into ears my promise: I would scream from the mountain tops for them. I would not forget them. I would not walk away and pretend they didn't exist. I would not leave the problem for someone else.
They are my problem now.
My heart.
God put them there. God gave me a gift called compassion. It is a difficult gift to carry, because it makes the heart hurt. God gave me the pain. It makes life complicated. It means that my thoughts are never with me, instead they are always on the other side of the world, in a crib, with a child who cries a silent cry.
Eyes....begging...pleading....The silent screams "Hold me. Love me. Take me. Please don't put me down. Please no...please please....please." Pleading as I turn my back on them. I walk out of the room....the empty room....empty save all the other cribs full of more children....more eyes.....many more eyes follow me out of the room.
Lists. Descriptions. Choices. None is less worthy than another.
This is bigger than me. This is for God. Only God can do it. Which eyes God?
I don't know which eyes.
It's too late now
A few weeks ago I shared this video of Angela from when she was about 10 years old.
This was just five years ago. Angela seems so little, and really she is. ( in the video she's just a little smaller than Axel is now) But there is something else I noticed. Angela's speech is exactly the same as it was then. Nothing has changed. We've done private speech therapy off and on over the past few years, and since I'm at the therapy center twice a week with Axel now I might was well see if I can get Angela in too. I also want to try, once again. to work on her fine motor skills and her inability to write.
So last week I took Angela for a speech assessment. I really like the speech therapist, and she asked me what my goals were. My number one goal is to see if we can improve Angela's intelligibility a little so those who are unfamiliar with her can understand her. Angela does have a mix of problems; a combination of having Down syndrome and a moderate bilateral hearing loss. Some of her speech errors are common among people who have DS, and some are related to hear hearing loss, and some are a combination of the two.
The speech therapist was impressed with Angela's vocabulary. Not only does she have a lot to say, but when someone has a difficult time understanding her she will often change her word choice to a word she knows she pronounces with more clarity. She did this during the assessment. She has also been known to employ mime techniques. LOL
With the assessment completely, the therapist told me what I had feared. That by this age Angela's speech patterns are quite ingrained, and we're not likely to see much difference. Also, insurance will only cover a certain number of sessions and if, after that time, there is no progress they will discontinue coverage for the service. We will most certainly give it a shot, but I'm also a realist. Yes, I believe in miracles, but I don't always plan for them. (not necessarily they right way to look at things, but that's how I'm approaching this one.)
This was really difficult for me to hear. That the speech Angela has now is the speech Angela will always have. She is difficult to understand. I can understand nearly everything she says but still there are times when I have to say, "I'm sorry honey, I don't understand." Sometimes she's telling me something that is clearly very important to her, so I fake it, and pretend that I understand.
A tough pill for me to swallow this week. The first time I've been told that Angela has hit a limit, and that I have evidence in this video to back it up.
This was just five years ago. Angela seems so little, and really she is. ( in the video she's just a little smaller than Axel is now) But there is something else I noticed. Angela's speech is exactly the same as it was then. Nothing has changed. We've done private speech therapy off and on over the past few years, and since I'm at the therapy center twice a week with Axel now I might was well see if I can get Angela in too. I also want to try, once again. to work on her fine motor skills and her inability to write.
So last week I took Angela for a speech assessment. I really like the speech therapist, and she asked me what my goals were. My number one goal is to see if we can improve Angela's intelligibility a little so those who are unfamiliar with her can understand her. Angela does have a mix of problems; a combination of having Down syndrome and a moderate bilateral hearing loss. Some of her speech errors are common among people who have DS, and some are related to hear hearing loss, and some are a combination of the two.
The speech therapist was impressed with Angela's vocabulary. Not only does she have a lot to say, but when someone has a difficult time understanding her she will often change her word choice to a word she knows she pronounces with more clarity. She did this during the assessment. She has also been known to employ mime techniques. LOL
With the assessment completely, the therapist told me what I had feared. That by this age Angela's speech patterns are quite ingrained, and we're not likely to see much difference. Also, insurance will only cover a certain number of sessions and if, after that time, there is no progress they will discontinue coverage for the service. We will most certainly give it a shot, but I'm also a realist. Yes, I believe in miracles, but I don't always plan for them. (not necessarily they right way to look at things, but that's how I'm approaching this one.)
This was really difficult for me to hear. That the speech Angela has now is the speech Angela will always have. She is difficult to understand. I can understand nearly everything she says but still there are times when I have to say, "I'm sorry honey, I don't understand." Sometimes she's telling me something that is clearly very important to her, so I fake it, and pretend that I understand.
A tough pill for me to swallow this week. The first time I've been told that Angela has hit a limit, and that I have evidence in this video to back it up.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
If you read nothing else today...
If you only have time to read ONE more thing today, make it this article. It's about my and Angela's good friend Katie Brinkman. She brought a tear of pride to my eyes this morning.
CRUNCH TIME!
There are only a few days left. Oh my gosh! Do you realize how close little P. is to coming home? How soon before you could be seeing his WHOLE face and not this blurred out version?
The family's dossier is on it's way to Serbia to be translated and should be submitted to the Serbian ministry sometime around the end of next week. In about four weeks his parents should be ON A PLANE and headed to the other side of the world to bring him home. FOUR WEEKS!!!!
Do you see the numbers on the chipin? They're still $2100 short. That's their plane tickets folks. Lets rally and get them there!
The family's dossier is on it's way to Serbia to be translated and should be submitted to the Serbian ministry sometime around the end of next week. In about four weeks his parents should be ON A PLANE and headed to the other side of the world to bring him home. FOUR WEEKS!!!!
Do you see the numbers on the chipin? They're still $2100 short. That's their plane tickets folks. Lets rally and get them there!
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