Helping Others

I've written about this before. I feel the need to write about it again.
Helping others and Charity work.
This is a subject that really never leaves my thoughts. I can't seem to stop thinking of starving children in Africa, children in orphanages all over the world, and poverty in general. Its a huge need. I know that I can't fix all the world's problems. I feel the need to try and make a difference though. I feel like if I put it out there enough with my words then others will see it and try to help. I want my children to see it and not forget it. I want to live my life realizing that there are things that I can do without so I can give. I don't want to leave this world leaving behind alot of wealth. It would be a nice thought for my children. I want them to learn to work for their money. I want them to also remember to give.
Sunday, I got to see Nickleback again. Their songs pepper certain adoption blogs, including mine. If Everyone Cared and Faraway speak inadvertently about the lives and thoughts of adoptive parents. After visiting developing or 3rd world countries, its hard to not remember that other people need basic things so badly. I read a post on another blog that sparked my interest in this subject. Here is the link.
http://justinmasterson.blogspot.com/2007/08/for-my-100th-post-id-like-to-offer-you.html
After reading it, I want to put drops in the bucket. I can't solve huge problems alone. I can, however, remind my friends and family that they should add their drops of water. It doesn't matter what bucket it goes into. Pick a cause and stand for it. Quiet your mind and listen to what God is saying to you. Find an obsession and try to get others to help. I don't care if its the Girl Scouts. Be an organ donor. Convince your family to donate their organs. Donate cord blood if you have a baby. Give blood. There are a million things a person can do that will have an impact on someone.
Open your eyes to the world around you. Make a difference.

Here are Some New Pics :o)

Ananya was feeling a little better, and she played for a little bit today.
Here they are last week. So cute together.

Anthony fell asleep at the table like this. He stayed up all night. He finally dozed off at 2:45pm.

I'm Still Here!

Not that anyone comes to visit to know about me, but I'm here. Poor Ananya is fighting a horrible virus this week. We've had 3 days of fever >102. No other symptoms which freaks me out. Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours. I hate that my baby is so sick. She has been fussy, but actually handling it well. She is a trooper.
We have an appointment in Winston-Salem on Tuesday for a pre-op visit with the orthopedist.
It has been hotter than crap around here. I'll have to drag the kids outside and take pictures soon. I just wish the temperature would stay below 95. We haven't had any rain all summer. The grass has been mowed 2 times. Its that dry here.
Well, I better get back to work. I'll try to post some new pictures soon.

Blogger Quiz

Here you go Pam...
1. How many blogs are listed under your favorites list that you check EVERY day? I think about 30. Then there are the days I go exploring, I have been lost in Guatemalan adopts before.
2. How many times a day do you "go to the bathroom" and end up checking blogs? Not too much, as Anthony hogs the computer all day and Patrick is on at night. I'm usually on 9:00-11:00am
3. Do your kids recognize the other kids from the blogs that follow?? I don't think so, but my husband does.
4. Do you keep track of how often people update their blogs and get upset when they don't keep to the schedule?? :o) I hate when people don't update their blogs, which reminds me I need to update HEHE
5. Favorite time of day to check blogs? Are you on a blog checking schedule?? I usually check in the morning but will pop back if I get the chance.
6. Who's blog is your favorite? Actually Angel's (The Voice of Adventure) I love Zoe and KK.
7. How many of the blogs that you follow are people that you have never met in person? Almost all but 3. We met Grace and Anila in India and Joy lives down the road.
Ok...now some "getting to know your online friends whom you've never actually met questions"
8 How long have you been married? 6 years
9 Fav. food? Depends on the day. When I'm dieting, strangely enough green olives are my fav
10Fav. TV show? All the CSIs, Bones, Nip/Tuck, Biggest Loser, and Crossing Jordan
11 Anything that you forbid your kids to watch on TV? Not really. Anthony has actually started to watch CSI.
12. How long was your adoption journey from beginning to end? 2 1/2 years since we first started looking for an agency.
13. How did you decide on the country you adopted from? India and Guatemala were the only countries that didn't exclude us because of my age at the time (I was 24). I love Indian culture.
14. What did you imagine your family to be like as a little girl? I figured I would have 4 kids, 2 adopted, 2 bio. 2 boys 2 girls. I always wanted to be there all the time. I have always wanted to get old and have LOTS of grandbabies (still got a while). It seems to be going pretty well.
15. Favorite Momma down time activity? Definitely a book. Sometimes, just coming to work.
16. Do you have more online friends than "in person" friends? Depends on the day and how many times I get asked the dumb adoption questions.
17. Tell us the cartoon character that you are most like: Mandy, from the Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy (my sarcasm seeps out ALOT)
18. What toothpaste do you use? which ever one has bright shiny things to attract my attention when I'm running low. :o)
19. Stupiest adoption comment/question that you've recieved? "Does she talk?" why don't you ask her? "She's going to be in high school before you get her" not helpful while I was waiting.
20. Fav. non-adoption website? Biblical Womanhood. Krystal was raised the exact opposite of me. I don't always agree with her opinion but its interesting to read. Her husband actually "courted" her. Like as in old fashioned "courting". Interestingggggg. (Sorry, I'm a blog stalker all the way. Who cares about news. :o)).

Please Visit This Site!!!

All you Indian Mommas (I know there are alot of you) and Korean Mommas too,

You have to visit this site. It tells the adoption story of a family that adopted a 6 year old from Guatemala.
http://www.thevoiceofadventure.blogspot.com/

Also check out this site. Its a Liberian adoption and she is travelling in 12 days to get her son.
http://bringingisaachome.blogspot.com/

You'll love these blogs. Even if you only read a few posts. And scroll dow alittle on the first to hear about Angel's upcoming mission trips.

Amanda (I'm the worst Blog Stalker)

The Things She Can Get Into! :o)

I've been slack in taking new pictures. I'm cleaning house. So far I've rid myself of 35 trashbags of things going to the trash and to charity. I've only done 4 rooms in my house!! Ananya keeps finding new things to get into. Not that I'm complaining. I find things to leave around for her. I didn't even realize that there was popcorn in that Spongebob lunchbox. Miss Ananya opened the lunchbox herself and found the popcorn. She is also waving at the camera. She is starting to understand so much that we say to her. Yesterday, she was pushing her swing in the living room. When I asked if she wanted in it, she squealed and nodded her head. I took that as a yes. She is having trouble sleeping lately. When I go to comfort her, she will snuggle up on my shoulder. She is showing more affection towards us. She likes to hug her stuffed bunny give it kisses. We are so happy about the progress that she is making.

We are preparing to finalize the adoption, hopefully this month or early next month. Life is kind of crazy in our house. We are starting homeschooling in 3 weeks. I'm excited, Anthony is excited. Patrick looked through the textbooks and seemed impressed. The My Fathers World ciriculum is exactly what I was looking for. It is very broad. We are both going to learn a little bit about alot of things.

This last picture is for Pap-Paw. Once again she has food all over her face. Spaghetti-O's and chocolate pudding. I just loved the way she propped her arm up on the highchair. I love this girl so much.

Pictures Old and New

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I finally created a slide show of our last 18 months. It has been a crazy journey. It has been well worth it.

Visit to Great-Gram and Pap-paw

We made it back from PA without any problems. Ananya did pretty good on the trip. She didn't sleep on Tuesday. I mean really. She finally went to bed at about 4 a.m. Of course, we were planning our zoo trip for Wednesday. We made it work and had a good trip. We had fun and saw all the cool animals. Anthony got to go fishing. We visited some family. Well here are the pictures. I'll hopefully have something more meaningful to say, but for today, I have some things to do.

Anthony at Mini golf with the polar bear.

This is Ananya with her great-Grammy.This would be my dad carrying the stroller up the escalator. Why are we carrying the stroller, why not use the elevator?Well this is why. No Power! We had to walk up the escalator. It was really steep.

This is our great navigator.Ananya enjoying the sights in her stroller.My two babies. Ananya is clapping her hands. Her new favorite activity.My dad with the kids.Ananya sitting like a big girl. Notice her huge shoes. She is wearing her braces.

Anthony got a stuffed bat. I got Ananya a hat at the gift shop. She doesn't like wearing hats.

This is the trip out. Still no power.

The beautiful city of Pittsburg.

Anthony enjoying the ride.

We had a great trip and can't wait to go back. I'll include a slide show of the animals later.

And The Days Go By

The days go by. Anthony gets older. Ananya gets older. My babies are growing. While its fun to watch, I hate to see these days have gone. Ananya got her braces this week. She is tolerating them well. She still does new things each day. No speech, but she is clapping her hands. She smiles so much. Its hard to remember the early days when we first got home and she won't let me put her down.

We are going to PA to spend some time with my Dad and Grammy. We'll be back on Thursday. If I find and internet connection (AKA a Starbucks), I will post some. If not I'll update everyone later. We plan on visiting the Pittsburg Zoo. I'll be a great trip. Bye everyone. See you soon.

Lazy Days :o)

Thankfully, we are just cruising through summer and relaxing. These pictures pretty much illustrate our days. Ananya still gets therapy twice a week. She is doing well. Her AFO's aren't ready yet I guess as I haven't gotten a call. Me and the kids are getting ready to go to PA the week after next. We are visiting my Dad and Grandma. We may go to the Pittsburg zoo or something while we are up there. That will be fun.

Ananya is still moving right along. Her medicine seems to be working and loosening her up well. She has started clapping her hands. That is really huge for us. She likes swimming.

This day last year we just got a new picture of Ananya. Our papers had been in India for a little over a month. Only 2 weeks and we got NOC issued. Its crazy that all this happened a year ago. It feels like Ananya has been with us forever. I love her so much. She is doing so well. So here are a few pictures. I have been alittle slack and haven't been taking many pictures.I wanted to send a few hellos. Mom I hope your bronchitis is getting better. Gram, I hope you feel better and have a good week with Aunt Glenda. See you soon. And BIG CONGRATULATIONS to my Dad. He got his Lifetime membership at Weight Watchers. I'm eating cookie dough as I type this. I'll try to be better about posting pictures.

Progress!!

Today was an interesting day. Me and Naany have spent the last 2 days in the house alone. Daddy had a meeting out of town and brother is at the beach for the week with Grandma and Grandpap. By this morning, I was getting stir crazy. I didn't really feel like going anywhere though. So of course, I started baking. I made blueberry muffins first. Somewhere along the way I decided that a chocolate cake would be good. So I made a cake with homemade icing. Egg whites and simple syrup. It was pretty good, but by the time I finished baking it I really didn't want to eat it. I dyed the icing pink. How much fun is plain white icing?

Today, Ananya kept following me around the house today. To most people, thats no big deal. To know Ananya, you know that its a great impovement. Pretty awesome. I turned around for a minute and found a deck of cards scattered everywhere in the living room. Later, while I was baking the cake and making the icing, Ananya decided it would be fun to play in the dog's water dish. I couldn't do anything but laugh at her. Notice in the 2nd picture how wet her dress is. P.S. After this we promptly cleaned her hands and arms with Purrell

Four months ago, we met a little girl who is so strong. She is determined and has a mind of her own. When we met her though, she didn't know how to play. She didn't play with toys. She didn't crawl around or move much. In the last few days, she has started venturing out of the living room. She can get into the kitchen. She was actually PLAYING in the dog's water. She has learned how to play, how to chew, how to suck. She is doing awesome. I can't wait to see what is in store for us. Well its almost bedtime. We have to go drink our milk.

Making a Difference

Hi All!

I'm on a new kick. Those of you who know me aren't surprised by this. Once I start something new I think that everyone should do it.

I want to make a difference in the world. MY ADOPTION DOES NOT COUNT. I know we made a difference in Ananya's life. She has made a huge difference in our lives though. I want to make a BIG difference. I want to help alot of people. At the present moment, the Matra Sneha orphanage is my mission. I'm trying to figure out how to link a paypal account to my blog to accept donations. Until then, the charity is Orphancare through Dillon International, our adoption agency. https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=528 This link goes directly to the page to donate.

OK. Now I'll back up and tell everyone what got me started. The other day we received a simple flyer from Dillon about needs that the orphanage in India has. Specific needs are 2 radiant warmers for preemies, pediatric stethoscopes, CD players, bouncy chairs or walkers, and indoor play equipment. The needs listed on the flyer are less than $2000. I wish that I had the money laying around to just send it. I, unfortunately, don't. I know there are alot of people out there who wouldn't think a thing of donating $5 or $10. That money could add up quickly. To see the orphange and the children out on the street in Kolkata is incredible. My family's eyes have been opened. Patrick and I can just think back to our trip and realize that a lunch at McDonalds is a waste. There are people who need things more. I hope within a few years to be able to just write a check when the need is presented. Right now, I'm going to try and bring awareness to as many people as possible. I'm going to try and think of some local things I can do to raise money. I feel the need to spread the word. I hope that I can make alittle difference. I just feel like presenting the opportunity to many of you will just bring awareness.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10, New International Version

Days Fly By

I must say that I'm horrible at keeping my blog updated. I read other blogs and they are updated every few days if not every day. Here it has been 2 weeks and I'm just now updating. Oh well. Here I am. We have been busy and I can't really name too many of the things we have been doing. We went to my mom's for a cookout on Saturday for Ananya to meet more family. I found out that the family is growing. My cousin is having a baby early next year. My aunt and uncle got to see Ananya. It was a bitter sweet reunion as they lost their son in 2005. They need prayers. It is still tough on them. But it was nice to see them hold my daughter. BTW, that is Anthony's friend in the background. He isn't a member of the family.

Ananya is doing wonderfully. She has started crawling on a regular basis. She is able to crawl on the hardwood floor. She has been in the floor and in the grass as well. She reaches for us more when we are feeding her. She is an absolute joy. She is so stubborn. If she doesn't get what she wants, she will throw a fit. We are learning to handle it more now. This is my mom.

I'm thankful everyday for God's blessing to be able to raise my daughter. I can not imagine the pain her birthmother endured for me to be able to do this. I wish that she could know that her daughter is safe. That she has a family. And she is thriving. She brings joy to us everyday.

In other news, we have decided to home-school Anthony. We will start in the fall. We are going to use My Father's World ciriculum. I think Anthony will do well. I already have our first field trip planned. We are going to Biltmore Estate in September. I think that it will be fun. Anthony has also started a list of the things he wants to try. So far we are going to try karate, soccer, gymnastics, soccer, and today's newest, tennis lessons. I think that 1 or 2 a semester will be ok. I also want to try swimming lessons. I have a fish. He has already been swimming twice at Grandmas and the pool just opened. So anyways, next year will be even busier than this year. This was his painting submitted for the Fine Arts competition last month. Budding Artist.

Now alittle about Mommy. I decided somewhere along the way since we got home that I love my life but wasn't necessarily happy with myself. So of course, I decided to change myself. This isn't an easy task, by the way. My biggest change is God's role in my life. I'm sad to say that up to this point, God hasn't played the biggest role in my life. I have started searching out His Word. I'm trying to figure out how to become involved in a church. ***I work EVERY saturday night because I only have to work 2 days for full time pay and benefits.*** The church that I want to go to has a service a 10:00am. Preaching doesn't start until 11:00am. I think that sometimes it goes on for a while. I just don't think that it would be good to just stay up on Sundays. I'm not my best and brightest if I don't sleep. I have to investigate more, but I think they may have a Wednesday service. That of course solves the problem. If anyone has any other solutions, let me know. I have started trying to improve my health by changing my diet and exercising. I'm not doing it so much for myself. I know that I'll feel better though. I just feel like I need to provide a good example to the people around me. My family, my friends and my patients. We are on a financial makeover too. I won't go into detail, but hopefully this will allow us to give a whole lot more to others. The trip to India was so eye opening for me especially. I want to go back. I want to do mission work in the country I love so much. I want to visit beautiful India again many times. These children are in my thoughts daily. I will do everything that I can to help them for my life now. They are so precious. ( Sorry, I've removed the picture).

Well I'm going to run. I have to get some sleep and start over again tomorrow. Before I go, I'm going proclaim my faith.

Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is the only Begotten Son of God. I'm not perfect and never can be. I will sin. But I am saved through the Grace of the One True Living God. He sent His Son to Die for me so that I may be saved.

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish therace and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me -- thetask of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. -- Acts 20:24 NIV

Wonderful Days

My life is full of wonderful days. I have a handsome son, and gorgeous daughter, and a great husband. I have great parents and wonderful friends. Over the last couple of days, I've done alittle crying because of this.

My daughter blows kisses to me because she is looking at me. She reaches for me when I'm vaccuming her rug. She reached up for me.

All of this sounds like normal behavior for a 2 year old. Well, its not that easy when you adopt a child who is 2. Sometimes they don't know to do these things. It takes time to learn. Learn that Mommy loves you unconditionally. That Daddy loves you. That seeing you smile will melt someones heart.

In the morning, I get snuggles. Ananya is just waking up (because I turned the light on) and when I hold her she cuddles next to me. Hugs at any other time aren't as easy to come by. My baby doesn't really know how to hug. She has learned though that Mommy, Daddy, and even brother will give her an unlimited supply of kisses when she wants them.

She laughs when I say "I love you". I yearn for the day when she will say "I love you Mommy". It will come with time. But that day will melt my heart all over again.

Some days I know my strength and energy will have to come from God because I'm tired. Other days, I praise God for blessing me with such wonderful children. I have a son who is in awe of his sister as much as Patrick and I are. Who is patient and friendly with everyone that he meets. I have a daughter who fights everyday to learn new things. Who amazes everyone regularly with the new things she learns.

For Mothers Day I was just greatful for my children. Without them I wouldn't celebrate. It wasn't about me but them. They are the greatest wonder. I can only hope and pray that God will bless me with more children. To be their mother, it is and will be the greatest thing I can ever accomplish.

Updates

First, sorry that I haven't updated in so long. We have been busy and I'm adjusting to working again and have been very tired.

We started therapy last week. Speech on Mondays and PT and OT on Wednesdays. Lots of work to do. Ananya has decided that she hates speech therapy. The first week she tolerated about 15 minutes before she started crying and we trudged through another 15 minutes before moving to play type therapy. This week, Kerry (our speech therapist) walked in and Ananya started crying. She won't let me put her down so we didn't have the best session. PT and OT aren't that bad. They do more of what we do with her already. Stretching and strengthening. Poor baby needs baby yoga. We should start to see results soon.

I must say that this doll is doing wonderful. She is making great progress before therapy can start to do its job. Last week she finally started drinking out of a sippy cup. She is sucking very well now. She drank half of a sippy cup yesterday before we resorted to drinking without the lid. She has decided to be loud again and is vocalizing alot. All of her normal sounds. We are trying to give her new ones to imitate now. She is sitting up straighter. She is sitting longer on her bottom too.

The all time greatest though is that she moved. She bounces up and down when she sits on her knees. Well last Saturday, she decided to bounce around the rug. I mean really around. She went 3 or 4 feet BOUNCING!!! It was the funniest thing. She looked like a little bunny.

Yesterday we all went strawberry picking with some friends. Ananya loves to be outside. She would only eat the strawberries that I gave her bites of. Maybe next year she will be with the other kids chowing down as she picks.

I can not say enough about how much this girl is a blessing to our family. It feels like she has been here forever. I've been surfing other blogs and this morning I was in tears. I was watching a slide show by a mom who is waiting to bring her baby home. The family went on a visit (a Guatemala adoption). I can remember the pain of the wait so vividly. I would not trade one tear though. The waiting was definitely more than worth the reward. It honestly made me strong in my faith. I know that God is in control and all of the things she can't do are coming. I have to be patient. I try to keep looking for all the little things she does new each day. She is so happy now. She smiles so much. She makes us smile.

MY KIDS ROCK!!!!

On a personal note. I'm dieting with some other bloggers. These women are such a great support. We are all on a mission to make PERMANENT changes in our life to model a healthy life for our children. Anyone interested in joining us, the site is www.nomorejunkytrunk.blogspot.com. I have been doing well and lost a few pounds in almost 2 weeks. I've been trying to exercise at least 3 times a week as well.

I'm going to go to sleep now. We have our 2nd postplacement visit on Thursday.

I can't believe that we have been a family of 4 for 11 weeks now. Its just great.

Pictures From the Weekend :oD

I had a mini photo session this weekend. I got a couple of pictures with Anthony but mostly Ananya. We'll try again maybe tomorrow for Anthony's pictures.

I didn't even realize at the time that I caught her making a bubble.

This is Ananya's newest talent. She blows kisses.


My handsome boy in his outfit from India.

As you can tell, he is such a great big brother.

I just love this outfit. I have more in other sizes and colors.

This is her Easter dress. We are alittle late getting pictures taken, but my favorite studio in town closed.



They look like they are having deep thoughts.
We are doing well. All of Ananya's therapies start in the morning. She should be worn out. It will be nice to see what she can accomplish with therapists instructing us how to push her.
I just wanted to share some pictures of how big the kids are getting.