For Picture update...I made it easy...go to facebook! I have a few pics there and more to come...internet is a little tricky here so I only upload once...that way I can have them all in one place...:)
You can link to my facebook page by using the address:
butterfly.touches@yahoo.com
Talk to you all soon!
Jenny
Friday, November 5, 2010
spotty internet...catch up soon!
Well, to catch up…I did post some pictures and such on face book, but here is the “rest of the story”…
The flight from Michigan to Philly was good…I was very sad about leaving the kids…It was good I just did a drop and run…that made it easier on everybody. Once I got to Philadelphia, all was well…I had talked to the kids a couple of times and they were great…really didn’t have a whole lot of time to talk to me! We decided to call this first night our “honeymoon night”. We stayed at the Embassy Suites. It was fantastic! We had a light snack and moved on to dinner. While we ate, we watched the ducks…it was a “show” in itself! We decided to head to bed early because it would be the last night in a “real” bed…feather down pillows and all…
We didn’t leave til later on Saturday, but decided to go ahead to the airport…highly advisable for any international flight…especially carrying what all we were carrying…left plenty of time for searching! We went to the USO and hung out for a while…ended up laughing and cutting up with everybody there…they were fantastic. This was the first USO I actually have been in…Joey has been in several, but said this USO was the BEST! They treated us to everything under the sun…then told us to pack more for the flight…it would be a long one! Two big thumbs up for them…
Next, the flight from Philly to Frankfurt was pretty uneventful. I tried to sleep, but decided it was better just to stay awake…that dozing on and off was highly overrated! Now, the flight from Frankfurt to Kiev…totally different story! Joey and I were separated; however, it was just by the aisle. A tiny girl sat beside me…and she talked like Anna…constantly! In fact, she was talking and I was trying to listen, but alas, I dozed off. When I woke up, she said “Hey! Did you have a good nap?” and continued talking a mile a minute! She ended up being our “savior” in Kiev. Once we landed, we pretty much was told…ok, time to get off…and that’s it…so we followed the cattle herd. Everything was pretty self explanatory…until it was time to get into the passport line…there was so many lines to choose from and so many people getting in all the lines! So, my new friend started talking to a guard in Russian, said ok…then grabbed my arm and sternly said “COME!”. So, we did…and it was a great thing! She said the guard told her to go to the “Ukraine Citizen” line and they would work us through…well, I love it…the passport stamper guy looked at my passport, stamped it and that was that. Nothing said, nothing questioned…it was so time for his break! Joey came behind me…and I waited and waited…still no Joey…it was probably only a 30 second delay, but it felt like forever…Joey said the stamper guy was talking to his buddy…probably telling jokes about these silly Americans! All is well, we made it through…all of our luggage made it through…Fantastic for a first International flight! We got all of our things, said goodbye to our friend and off we go…We started toward the door looking for something like VanDyck, Reece’s Rainbow…anything to cue us into this is the guy that’s gonna drive us. Sure enough…there was Alexander and Nico…Alexander had our name…at that point I could’ve kissed him! I was so glad he was there…Nico was very straight to the point…this is what we do now…I thought he looked like Michael Douglas! He is such a cutie! Alexander let me be the tourist…he was so much fun…He let me take his and Joey’s picture at the airport…and then told me go take the picture of the McDonald’s sign in Ukrainian…gotta love it! The other family came along and off we go! Driving in the Ukraine is something everyone should experience…once! Everybody drives 1000km/hr…signal lights are highly overrated and “lanes” are a suggestion. However, during all of this…Alexander pulled over on a “questionable” bridge, told Joey to go ahead and take a picture…of the most wonderful sight…the Freedom Monument…then, told me to GET OUT…then told me again…actually, what he was telling me to do was get out and stand beside Joey so he could take a picture of the two of us…it was fantastic…his car stopped in the middle of the road…Joey and I cuddled together on the wobbly bridge, and Alexander taking a picture…ah…these are the moments! Our apartment in Kiev was fantastic…I have lots of pictures that go into detail if anyone going wants to see them! Water pressure was great! We were walking distance from the underground mall and the greatest restaurant! We ate there just about every meal. Locals said it was the Ukrainian fast food…whatever it was…it was always a great meal. After the first dinner there, we saw a music video being made…A beautiful girl in a red dress with a black wrap…we stayed and watched it for a while…then decided it was late enough to go back and go to bed. The SDA appointment lasted only a few minutes…everyone was very nice and very informative…if they started talking about our paperwork, they were always very good in explaining what was going on. I appreciated that. We did have a problem, but it was fixed really quick. I was thinking it might not be fixed for a couple of days, when if fact, it was fixed in a couple of hours. Everybody in Kiev dresses the same…black coats, sprayed on jeans, spike heeled boots, and perfect hair…so we all know, I stuck out like a sore thumb! Everyone knew without a doubt we were American. It was funny, we had people to stop us on the sidewalk…you speak English…are you American…we would get this sigh like “it sure is nice to be able to speak English again”…one guy stopped Joey…come to find out he was in the 82nd and is on 100% disability…living here in Kiev teaching English! Only my husband could find another paratrooper 1000’s of miles from home! Another group of kids came over…she started speaking broken Russian…we stopped her and told her we speak English…they all flocked over…come to find out they were Peace Corp volunteers! We had a great time talking to them. That is how we also found another RR family…if you are wearing a hoodie…especially a Nascar hoodie… in Kiev…you have to be American! We walked over and introduced ourselves, and yes, he was American! This was pretty much our time in Kiev…it was now time to pick up our referrals and get to our region. The line was so long once we got back to the SDA…so many rumors floating about…I guess it always happens…but…we received our referrals…and off we go!
The train ride was icky…it was hot, tight, and loud…10 hrs of that was definitely enough! When we “landed” in our region…it looked like something out of an old spy movie…the trained stopped, Nico said let’s go…and off we go! There was a brick walkway between the tracks…that is were we stood til this wonderful figure started towards…Yes, it was Father Andrew! We were for sure because he was wearing his collar! Joey noticed that right off…He approached and said Let’s Go…that is about the extent of the language…so, off we go! He has a Renault Elf…Nice “trunk” space…loaded all of our stuff plus, all of us…comfortably…which is something we haven’t had.
Our “apartment” at the church is wonderful…Father is great…he tries so hard to talk to us…Maria cooks for us…she is fantastic too…Halya is great...mainly, because she answers our calls and translates for us…which is a hoot in itself! The church is very neat…the pictures (paintings of all sorts), the “All Seeing Eye”…even if you can’t understand everything…you know God is with you. Outside there is the “world’s largest rosary” it would make kids interested in praying the rosary! More about the outside later…on with the kids!
The day we arrived…we got here around 0630...made it to the church with enough time to change clothes and eat breakfast. Then off we go…we had to go to the Children’s Administration, then to see the girls! We had about 10 minutes each with them! It was enough to verify…yes, these were the girls…yes, we understand they have uniqueness to them, yes, we want to adopt them! I don’t know how anyone could come in and say…nah…we decided not to get this kid…one look into their eyes…you know they need you and you need them! Our girls are perfect in their own ways…more about them soon….right now…I am headed off to bed…Mass in the morning…then off to see the girls!
Good night…
The flight from Michigan to Philly was good…I was very sad about leaving the kids…It was good I just did a drop and run…that made it easier on everybody. Once I got to Philadelphia, all was well…I had talked to the kids a couple of times and they were great…really didn’t have a whole lot of time to talk to me! We decided to call this first night our “honeymoon night”. We stayed at the Embassy Suites. It was fantastic! We had a light snack and moved on to dinner. While we ate, we watched the ducks…it was a “show” in itself! We decided to head to bed early because it would be the last night in a “real” bed…feather down pillows and all…
We didn’t leave til later on Saturday, but decided to go ahead to the airport…highly advisable for any international flight…especially carrying what all we were carrying…left plenty of time for searching! We went to the USO and hung out for a while…ended up laughing and cutting up with everybody there…they were fantastic. This was the first USO I actually have been in…Joey has been in several, but said this USO was the BEST! They treated us to everything under the sun…then told us to pack more for the flight…it would be a long one! Two big thumbs up for them…
Next, the flight from Philly to Frankfurt was pretty uneventful. I tried to sleep, but decided it was better just to stay awake…that dozing on and off was highly overrated! Now, the flight from Frankfurt to Kiev…totally different story! Joey and I were separated; however, it was just by the aisle. A tiny girl sat beside me…and she talked like Anna…constantly! In fact, she was talking and I was trying to listen, but alas, I dozed off. When I woke up, she said “Hey! Did you have a good nap?” and continued talking a mile a minute! She ended up being our “savior” in Kiev. Once we landed, we pretty much was told…ok, time to get off…and that’s it…so we followed the cattle herd. Everything was pretty self explanatory…until it was time to get into the passport line…there was so many lines to choose from and so many people getting in all the lines! So, my new friend started talking to a guard in Russian, said ok…then grabbed my arm and sternly said “COME!”. So, we did…and it was a great thing! She said the guard told her to go to the “Ukraine Citizen” line and they would work us through…well, I love it…the passport stamper guy looked at my passport, stamped it and that was that. Nothing said, nothing questioned…it was so time for his break! Joey came behind me…and I waited and waited…still no Joey…it was probably only a 30 second delay, but it felt like forever…Joey said the stamper guy was talking to his buddy…probably telling jokes about these silly Americans! All is well, we made it through…all of our luggage made it through…Fantastic for a first International flight! We got all of our things, said goodbye to our friend and off we go…We started toward the door looking for something like VanDyck, Reece’s Rainbow…anything to cue us into this is the guy that’s gonna drive us. Sure enough…there was Alexander and Nico…Alexander had our name…at that point I could’ve kissed him! I was so glad he was there…Nico was very straight to the point…this is what we do now…I thought he looked like Michael Douglas! He is such a cutie! Alexander let me be the tourist…he was so much fun…He let me take his and Joey’s picture at the airport…and then told me go take the picture of the McDonald’s sign in Ukrainian…gotta love it! The other family came along and off we go! Driving in the Ukraine is something everyone should experience…once! Everybody drives 1000km/hr…signal lights are highly overrated and “lanes” are a suggestion. However, during all of this…Alexander pulled over on a “questionable” bridge, told Joey to go ahead and take a picture…of the most wonderful sight…the Freedom Monument…then, told me to GET OUT…then told me again…actually, what he was telling me to do was get out and stand beside Joey so he could take a picture of the two of us…it was fantastic…his car stopped in the middle of the road…Joey and I cuddled together on the wobbly bridge, and Alexander taking a picture…ah…these are the moments! Our apartment in Kiev was fantastic…I have lots of pictures that go into detail if anyone going wants to see them! Water pressure was great! We were walking distance from the underground mall and the greatest restaurant! We ate there just about every meal. Locals said it was the Ukrainian fast food…whatever it was…it was always a great meal. After the first dinner there, we saw a music video being made…A beautiful girl in a red dress with a black wrap…we stayed and watched it for a while…then decided it was late enough to go back and go to bed. The SDA appointment lasted only a few minutes…everyone was very nice and very informative…if they started talking about our paperwork, they were always very good in explaining what was going on. I appreciated that. We did have a problem, but it was fixed really quick. I was thinking it might not be fixed for a couple of days, when if fact, it was fixed in a couple of hours. Everybody in Kiev dresses the same…black coats, sprayed on jeans, spike heeled boots, and perfect hair…so we all know, I stuck out like a sore thumb! Everyone knew without a doubt we were American. It was funny, we had people to stop us on the sidewalk…you speak English…are you American…we would get this sigh like “it sure is nice to be able to speak English again”…one guy stopped Joey…come to find out he was in the 82nd and is on 100% disability…living here in Kiev teaching English! Only my husband could find another paratrooper 1000’s of miles from home! Another group of kids came over…she started speaking broken Russian…we stopped her and told her we speak English…they all flocked over…come to find out they were Peace Corp volunteers! We had a great time talking to them. That is how we also found another RR family…if you are wearing a hoodie…especially a Nascar hoodie… in Kiev…you have to be American! We walked over and introduced ourselves, and yes, he was American! This was pretty much our time in Kiev…it was now time to pick up our referrals and get to our region. The line was so long once we got back to the SDA…so many rumors floating about…I guess it always happens…but…we received our referrals…and off we go!
The train ride was icky…it was hot, tight, and loud…10 hrs of that was definitely enough! When we “landed” in our region…it looked like something out of an old spy movie…the trained stopped, Nico said let’s go…and off we go! There was a brick walkway between the tracks…that is were we stood til this wonderful figure started towards…Yes, it was Father Andrew! We were for sure because he was wearing his collar! Joey noticed that right off…He approached and said Let’s Go…that is about the extent of the language…so, off we go! He has a Renault Elf…Nice “trunk” space…loaded all of our stuff plus, all of us…comfortably…which is something we haven’t had.
Our “apartment” at the church is wonderful…Father is great…he tries so hard to talk to us…Maria cooks for us…she is fantastic too…Halya is great...mainly, because she answers our calls and translates for us…which is a hoot in itself! The church is very neat…the pictures (paintings of all sorts), the “All Seeing Eye”…even if you can’t understand everything…you know God is with you. Outside there is the “world’s largest rosary” it would make kids interested in praying the rosary! More about the outside later…on with the kids!
The day we arrived…we got here around 0630...made it to the church with enough time to change clothes and eat breakfast. Then off we go…we had to go to the Children’s Administration, then to see the girls! We had about 10 minutes each with them! It was enough to verify…yes, these were the girls…yes, we understand they have uniqueness to them, yes, we want to adopt them! I don’t know how anyone could come in and say…nah…we decided not to get this kid…one look into their eyes…you know they need you and you need them! Our girls are perfect in their own ways…more about them soon….right now…I am headed off to bed…Mass in the morning…then off to see the girls!
Good night…
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday before...
Ok...so now I am eating Tums by the handful...but I am seeing things come together...flights from here to there to yonder have all been scheduled...rides from here to the first airport taken care of...motel to pick hubby up and a place to leave the vehicle taken care of...Gotcha Outfits washed/dried and packed...court outfit in carryon...and a pocket book I can gray tape to my body...I have packed everything, but I think I am going to redo in the morning to see if I can't get rid of some things...I have a ton of donations, but I am wondering...is it better just to give them a little something once we see what they need.
This will be short tonight...I am going to bed early and pray the Rosary...I need the calmness of my prayers...
Praying for the calm...for all of us...
Good night...
This will be short tonight...I am going to bed early and pray the Rosary...I need the calmness of my prayers...
Praying for the calm...for all of us...
Good night...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday before...
I just want you all to know...there is NO other feeling like this in the world! You know..I thought the same thing when I was pregnant...no other feeling like it...I honestly believe it's one of those feelings unless you have experienced it...NO you don't know what I am talking about!
This week...starting last night...I have had this uncontrollable anxiety. I am so nervous/scared/etc about leaving my 3 fantastic kids here...alone...I know they will be with Grandma/Grandpa...but not with Momma and Daddy! I have not left them alone...forever! I was almost getting ok with leaving them while hubby and I went out to dinner, but not a movie...When I was in massage school, I had to leave them on the weekends...I stressed so bad over that...thinking am I a worthless Mother because I am leaving them with different people to care for them while I am at school? I am feeling the same thing now...am I a terrible Mother because I am leaving them to get two more kids! However, my daughter put it straight...MOM, you need to get over it and quit stressing! We will be fine! Now, hurry up and bring my sisters home! So with that...I am going to try to destress...
I have packed and repacked 8 times now...I am pretty sure I am forgetting a ton, but I am packing a ton...so I should be ok. So, with that...I am going to go gather paperwork and pack it...everything else is packed. I can enjoy my kids! I am so ready for Friday to be here. If I can get started, I think I will be ok.
Pray for patience and clarity...so I will be able to see the end of the road...and the treasures that await.
This week...starting last night...I have had this uncontrollable anxiety. I am so nervous/scared/etc about leaving my 3 fantastic kids here...alone...I know they will be with Grandma/Grandpa...but not with Momma and Daddy! I have not left them alone...forever! I was almost getting ok with leaving them while hubby and I went out to dinner, but not a movie...When I was in massage school, I had to leave them on the weekends...I stressed so bad over that...thinking am I a worthless Mother because I am leaving them with different people to care for them while I am at school? I am feeling the same thing now...am I a terrible Mother because I am leaving them to get two more kids! However, my daughter put it straight...MOM, you need to get over it and quit stressing! We will be fine! Now, hurry up and bring my sisters home! So with that...I am going to try to destress...
I have packed and repacked 8 times now...I am pretty sure I am forgetting a ton, but I am packing a ton...so I should be ok. So, with that...I am going to go gather paperwork and pack it...everything else is packed. I can enjoy my kids! I am so ready for Friday to be here. If I can get started, I think I will be ok.
Pray for patience and clarity...so I will be able to see the end of the road...and the treasures that await.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Update on us
Good Sunday Morning! Well, it has been a while since my last post...so, to fill you in...
We have been so busy with paperwork and trying to get everything together for our upcoming "trip". However, during this process...the day before my birthday...my uncle died. This was very heartbreaking to my entire family. Little did I know what was to come...After thinking long and hard, I decided not to go for the memorial service. I felt horrible for not going!
My birthday was there and gone...without notice...hubby still gone...but life goes on...Then, October rolls around...All is well in the world or so one would think! 10-10-10....My grandpa died...that took my heart all the way out...and a lot of my soul...during this time I had a LOT to focus on...I saw how my Mom reacted...my Uncle...and...my Granny. I know, now, I have to change several things in my life. My Dad is gone...so that is part of my past...but I see how my Granny reacted...and how "lost" she seemed. I saw how my aunt was reacting...it was like reliving her husbands service...but somehow, she was fantastic...my aunt talked to me about how I was living my life. How many friends/girlfriends, clubs, groups...what were the things I am involved with/in? She advised...before it's too late...branch out...get involved...take care of myself...or I will not be able to take care of others...This hit me like a ton of brink! So...as with all advise...I tucked it in the back of my mind for further use...
After my Papa's funeral, we headed home...This was Thursday...we were on our way home...around lunchtime we get a phone call...YEAH!!! Our SDA date is NOV 1!!! I can not believe it...20 minutes later...we get another call...my MIL has had a stroke...FIL is very upset understandably! Then, I find out my precious Anne Marie went to be with Jesus...even though she wasn't mine...she had a special place in my heart! So, we finally get home and sleep for a few hours, then head to the hospital...Remarkably she is doing great! She does have some issues, but with therapy...all will be well...we leave the hospital...go to eat...immediately after lunch...I get OMG sick! Sick all night...get up Saturday morning...SICK! Had some other things going on...hubby says...that's it...we are going to ER...they can't get an iv started, so they stick my foot...22g butterfly in the foot! I get shipped to another hospital...ICU team couldn't get an iv started, still running fluids through my foot...Sunday they finally get a team from "specials" to start an iv in my upper arm using an ultra sound to get the vein! Upped my fluids and I started feeling better...I get out Monday morning...MIL also discharged...the whole next week I sleep pretty much all the time...which brings us to today...Today, I am packing...I am just biting the bullet and getting it done! That way I can spend quality time with my kids! I am going to make this a great week for them. I have to get things together for them to make it easier when we are gone...I am so excited about our trip and bringing our girls home! Our adventure starts Friday...the first time I have left my kids for any length of time...Pray for me and them! More later...
We have been so busy with paperwork and trying to get everything together for our upcoming "trip". However, during this process...the day before my birthday...my uncle died. This was very heartbreaking to my entire family. Little did I know what was to come...After thinking long and hard, I decided not to go for the memorial service. I felt horrible for not going!
My birthday was there and gone...without notice...hubby still gone...but life goes on...Then, October rolls around...All is well in the world or so one would think! 10-10-10....My grandpa died...that took my heart all the way out...and a lot of my soul...during this time I had a LOT to focus on...I saw how my Mom reacted...my Uncle...and...my Granny. I know, now, I have to change several things in my life. My Dad is gone...so that is part of my past...but I see how my Granny reacted...and how "lost" she seemed. I saw how my aunt was reacting...it was like reliving her husbands service...but somehow, she was fantastic...my aunt talked to me about how I was living my life. How many friends/girlfriends, clubs, groups...what were the things I am involved with/in? She advised...before it's too late...branch out...get involved...take care of myself...or I will not be able to take care of others...This hit me like a ton of brink! So...as with all advise...I tucked it in the back of my mind for further use...
After my Papa's funeral, we headed home...This was Thursday...we were on our way home...around lunchtime we get a phone call...YEAH!!! Our SDA date is NOV 1!!! I can not believe it...20 minutes later...we get another call...my MIL has had a stroke...FIL is very upset understandably! Then, I find out my precious Anne Marie went to be with Jesus...even though she wasn't mine...she had a special place in my heart! So, we finally get home and sleep for a few hours, then head to the hospital...Remarkably she is doing great! She does have some issues, but with therapy...all will be well...we leave the hospital...go to eat...immediately after lunch...I get OMG sick! Sick all night...get up Saturday morning...SICK! Had some other things going on...hubby says...that's it...we are going to ER...they can't get an iv started, so they stick my foot...22g butterfly in the foot! I get shipped to another hospital...ICU team couldn't get an iv started, still running fluids through my foot...Sunday they finally get a team from "specials" to start an iv in my upper arm using an ultra sound to get the vein! Upped my fluids and I started feeling better...I get out Monday morning...MIL also discharged...the whole next week I sleep pretty much all the time...which brings us to today...Today, I am packing...I am just biting the bullet and getting it done! That way I can spend quality time with my kids! I am going to make this a great week for them. I have to get things together for them to make it easier when we are gone...I am so excited about our trip and bringing our girls home! Our adventure starts Friday...the first time I have left my kids for any length of time...Pray for me and them! More later...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
My Montage 9/18/10 at OneTrueMedia.com
Thank you Lizzie...you gave me the encouragement to do my own...for our girls...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Juliet
Well, as I sit here tonight...I was pretty much down because of dossier not there, it's gonna be at least another week before submission...WHAT IF SDA closes early...I just decided to shut it all down and go to bed! I have had what my heart could take. So, of course, "something" made me get "Letters to Juliet" tonight...to watch...It was such a fantastic movie in so many ways...but the whole time...of all things...I was thinking of Anne Marie. So many times I think of her...but especially tonight. In the movie, Sophie gets overlooked, interrupted, looked through, and basically ignored by, well, everyone...with the exception of Claire...Sophie tries so hard to be heard, but it seems the only one listening is Claire...Anne Marie is calling but no one hears her...there are so many praying for her and speaking of her, but no one has heard her voice. I hear it every night in my dreams...if only...WHAT IF...if so she would be Sophie Juliet...and everyone would hear her...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Update on our "process"
Well, after a whole LOT of stuff and redo's of the redo's...on a VERY significant day...9/11...our dossier is complete! First thing Monday morning...my birthday...we will mail our dossier to Eastern Europe...This is very big! So hopefully, we will be submitted by the 23rd of September...which would be awesome! They only submit on Thursdays...so it is important to get this in as quick as we can because they will close for 2 weeks for dossier submission...but I am trying hard to understand...everything happens for a reason...so...I am praying for the dates, but know it is in His time...
For upcoming events, we are doing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser...I am super excited about that, because we still need a good bit more money just to make sure we have enough...
Along with the dinner we will be having a silent auction...we already have some pretty neat stuff...so keep watching...I am also cleaning out and selling stuff on craigslist...every penny counts...don't forget you can make a tax deductible donation to our girls...go to: www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorvandyck.html
Thank you all for your prayers and support...we could have never done this without you...
In His time...Jenny
For upcoming events, we are doing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser...I am super excited about that, because we still need a good bit more money just to make sure we have enough...
Along with the dinner we will be having a silent auction...we already have some pretty neat stuff...so keep watching...I am also cleaning out and selling stuff on craigslist...every penny counts...don't forget you can make a tax deductible donation to our girls...go to: www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorvandyck.html
Thank you all for your prayers and support...we could have never done this without you...
In His time...Jenny
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Almost done
Hello all,
This is the very excited father of almost 5, Joe...I am home for a little bit and we are almost done with the dossier and ready to send it to the Eastern Europe. We ran into a little snag this past week, besides learning that the GOV'T was ready to send Anastasia to the institution, even though we have committed to her, this totally destroyed us, but we recovered and had to redo our physicals so we went to the MD who initially did our physicals last fall and she refused to redo them since she has changed her mind about us adopting, who the hell is she...we pay her to practice medicine, not for her freaking opinion...both of these on the same day...well we found another MD who is a total angel who did our physicals the very next day, even though we have never even met her...so our faith in humanity is renewed now if the will keep our oldest angel until we get there...be safe...
Joe
This is the very excited father of almost 5, Joe...I am home for a little bit and we are almost done with the dossier and ready to send it to the Eastern Europe. We ran into a little snag this past week, besides learning that the GOV'T was ready to send Anastasia to the institution, even though we have committed to her, this totally destroyed us, but we recovered and had to redo our physicals so we went to the MD who initially did our physicals last fall and she refused to redo them since she has changed her mind about us adopting, who the hell is she...we pay her to practice medicine, not for her freaking opinion...both of these on the same day...well we found another MD who is a total angel who did our physicals the very next day, even though we have never even met her...so our faith in humanity is renewed now if the will keep our oldest angel until we get there...be safe...
Joe
Monday, July 19, 2010
$10 for 10
Thanks to a wonderful lady...who came up with this idea...
As you know we are in the process of adopting…in fact, we are nearing the end of our journey. However, we still have a way to go…so we need to ask this of you…
Some of you have asked why this adoption will cost so much. Well this is the breakdown of our adoption cost. This can be quit depressing for me to think about.
Adoption Breakdown
$2000 home study
$1000 USCIS; fingerprinting
$5000 flights
$8600 facilitator fees
$1700 first trip lodging
$1100 second trip lodging
$450 first trip food and other supplies
$250 second trip food and other supplies
$600 passport
$550 medical and visa
$2000 transportation in country
$1000 orphanage donation/dossier preparation costs
If you are adopting another child, which we are, expect $4k-$5k in additional fees.
That's it. That's all it takes. Wow! typing it out and reading this can really stress a person out. But it's okay I refuse to let this consume me. I know God will work this out. My trust is in Him.
Therefore, we have come up with a challenge (another family helped us with this):
A challenge $10 for 10
It almost seems as though I have a theme going with the number ten. I am sending a challenge from me to you. The quickest I heard some one raise enough money for an international adoption is just a few short weeks and actually I think it was less, and she was 11. So before I began here is my perspective on ten dollars.
$10 what it means to most of us.
* couple of coffees from a fancy cafe
* one movie ticket maybe a super small kids size drink to go with it.
* A large pizza
* 4 gallons of gas
* 6 pack of beer
* 2 movies at blockbuster
* The gamble we take on the local lottery
and on and on.......
Here is what $10 dollars is to our Baby Beauties (I think these serve to be numbered)
#1 It's being called a daughter/son, sister/brother, grandchild, and niece/nephew.
#2 They will be loved and cherished
#3 They will wake up to hope everyday
#4 they will know they have value
#5 They will feel the sunshine on there face and sand between there toes.
#6 They will eat when they are hungry
#7 They will feel the comfort of laying on a bed at night and know they can get out when they wake up.
#8 They will have a mommy and daddy to call their own.
I could go on and on but I have one last thing.
They will know they are perfectly made and that they are children of God.
So I am asking if you would consider donating $10 for 10 weeks because what’s it to us anyway? Would you be willing to give up a few small things to save a life? Please leave a comment with your email or email me at jennylovescandles@yahoo.com if you are willing to take the 10 for 10 challenge. There will be several ways for you to make payments and you will get two photos for your fridge to remind you of our Baby Beauties. I will be making a blessings quilt for the babies beds, one square will have your name on it. We want to remember all who gave to save them. Thank you so much and as always prayers are always welcome and needed.
In Christ
Joe and Jenny
As you know we are in the process of adopting…in fact, we are nearing the end of our journey. However, we still have a way to go…so we need to ask this of you…
Some of you have asked why this adoption will cost so much. Well this is the breakdown of our adoption cost. This can be quit depressing for me to think about.
Adoption Breakdown
$2000 home study
$1000 USCIS; fingerprinting
$5000 flights
$8600 facilitator fees
$1700 first trip lodging
$1100 second trip lodging
$450 first trip food and other supplies
$250 second trip food and other supplies
$600 passport
$550 medical and visa
$2000 transportation in country
$1000 orphanage donation/dossier preparation costs
If you are adopting another child, which we are, expect $4k-$5k in additional fees.
That's it. That's all it takes. Wow! typing it out and reading this can really stress a person out. But it's okay I refuse to let this consume me. I know God will work this out. My trust is in Him.
Therefore, we have come up with a challenge (another family helped us with this):
A challenge $10 for 10
It almost seems as though I have a theme going with the number ten. I am sending a challenge from me to you. The quickest I heard some one raise enough money for an international adoption is just a few short weeks and actually I think it was less, and she was 11. So before I began here is my perspective on ten dollars.
$10 what it means to most of us.
* couple of coffees from a fancy cafe
* one movie ticket maybe a super small kids size drink to go with it.
* A large pizza
* 4 gallons of gas
* 6 pack of beer
* 2 movies at blockbuster
* The gamble we take on the local lottery
and on and on.......
Here is what $10 dollars is to our Baby Beauties (I think these serve to be numbered)
#1 It's being called a daughter/son, sister/brother, grandchild, and niece/nephew.
#2 They will be loved and cherished
#3 They will wake up to hope everyday
#4 they will know they have value
#5 They will feel the sunshine on there face and sand between there toes.
#6 They will eat when they are hungry
#7 They will feel the comfort of laying on a bed at night and know they can get out when they wake up.
#8 They will have a mommy and daddy to call their own.
I could go on and on but I have one last thing.
They will know they are perfectly made and that they are children of God.
So I am asking if you would consider donating $10 for 10 weeks because what’s it to us anyway? Would you be willing to give up a few small things to save a life? Please leave a comment with your email or email me at jennylovescandles@yahoo.com if you are willing to take the 10 for 10 challenge. There will be several ways for you to make payments and you will get two photos for your fridge to remind you of our Baby Beauties. I will be making a blessings quilt for the babies beds, one square will have your name on it. We want to remember all who gave to save them. Thank you so much and as always prayers are always welcome and needed.
In Christ
Joe and Jenny
Monday, July 5, 2010
days 11 and 12 in EE
Can you believe these are pics of my little stinkers...hehehehe...I am so excited to get them! I can not wait to hold them!
I am so very thankful for these pictures...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Baskets for Babies Fundraiser
We are in the final stages of our adoption process. Wow! What an experience this has been! I am so thankful for everything...the pictures and information everyone has sent...it has made the wait bearable...
So now...I have baskets for babies...
You can have a chance to win the "basket" of your choice...every $5 donation gets you an entry in the chance to win! Every $10...gets 2 chances...Every $20...gets 5 chances! You choose which one you would like...or chose all 3!
1st Basket:
This is a basket of "IT WORKS" products! You will get the Ultimate applicator (4 applications), Body Gel (to use between wraps), and a bottle of "Fat Fighter with Carb inhibitors). This gift is worth approximately $50 worth of product.
2nd:
Now, we have a wonderful basket of Mary Kay Products! Besides the samples...there is a 3 in 1 cleanser (Timewise), Essential eye set with eye cream, makeup remover, and eyelash curler, Tribute Perfume, Signature eyeliner, and Medium Coverage foundation...Wow, what a set! This also has a value of approximately $50!
Last...for now...
Last is a Creative Memories PicFolio Max Album...This is brand new in the wrapper...I did take it out to take a picture of it...It is brown in color...Price on package is $44...
So, now for the donation options...You can donate directly to me, you can donate to the Reece's Rainbow link...www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorvandyck.html
or you can donate to our Chip In...
If you have any questions, please ask! If you donate directly to Reece's Rainbow...let me know...It takes a bit for the donation to show up.
I will announce the winners July 16th! Hopefully, first thing in the morning! So, tell all your friends...relatives...enemies...strangers...people walking down the street...well, you get the idea! We need you all to help bring our babies home...
Thank you so very much!
So now...I have baskets for babies...
You can have a chance to win the "basket" of your choice...every $5 donation gets you an entry in the chance to win! Every $10...gets 2 chances...Every $20...gets 5 chances! You choose which one you would like...or chose all 3!
1st Basket:
This is a basket of "IT WORKS" products! You will get the Ultimate applicator (4 applications), Body Gel (to use between wraps), and a bottle of "Fat Fighter with Carb inhibitors). This gift is worth approximately $50 worth of product.
2nd:
Now, we have a wonderful basket of Mary Kay Products! Besides the samples...there is a 3 in 1 cleanser (Timewise), Essential eye set with eye cream, makeup remover, and eyelash curler, Tribute Perfume, Signature eyeliner, and Medium Coverage foundation...Wow, what a set! This also has a value of approximately $50!
Last...for now...
Last is a Creative Memories PicFolio Max Album...This is brand new in the wrapper...I did take it out to take a picture of it...It is brown in color...Price on package is $44...
So, now for the donation options...You can donate directly to me, you can donate to the Reece's Rainbow link...www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorvandyck.html
or you can donate to our Chip In...
If you have any questions, please ask! If you donate directly to Reece's Rainbow...let me know...It takes a bit for the donation to show up.
I will announce the winners July 16th! Hopefully, first thing in the morning! So, tell all your friends...relatives...enemies...strangers...people walking down the street...well, you get the idea! We need you all to help bring our babies home...
Thank you so very much!
Friday, June 11, 2010
My heart aches...
As I am sitting here, without my husband...I am missing the girls we have never even met. We have just about all our paperwork complete, fingerprints done, clothes purchased for the kids...varying sizes of course...about a week from now, we are painting their room and getting their beds ready...our kids are so excited! Our youngest son is ready to move rooms and leave the "baby" beds in the little girls room. We have a couple fundraisers, and my husband is working his behind off!
I am also working on collecting items to take with us to the orphanage. ThorLo (socks) donated several socks to go to the kids...I am really excited about those! I am hoping to take a bag full of donations, so the kids will actually have some new things and they are also able to "keep" some of the things given to them. I want to be able to take enough blankets for every child in both the groups the girls are in. I am also hoping to take some smaller things for all the kids...I am so very excited!
If anyone wants to donate, please contact me! I would love to be able to take something from you as well...
Peace to you as you sleep tonight...
I am also working on collecting items to take with us to the orphanage. ThorLo (socks) donated several socks to go to the kids...I am really excited about those! I am hoping to take a bag full of donations, so the kids will actually have some new things and they are also able to "keep" some of the things given to them. I want to be able to take enough blankets for every child in both the groups the girls are in. I am also hoping to take some smaller things for all the kids...I am so very excited!
If anyone wants to donate, please contact me! I would love to be able to take something from you as well...
Peace to you as you sleep tonight...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Our Girls
Lately, I have been thinking of our girls. I have been thinking about their skin, their smell, what their favorite things are...just everything. As I was sitting and thinking...and smiling...our middle child came in and said "your thinking about them again aren't you?" I said yes...he said...I have something import to talk to you about...coming from a 6 year old...one is never sure where this will lead. He said...Mom, you are doing all this thinking about clothes and toys and such, but who is going to be their God Parents. When will they be baptized? How will Stacey know what's going on. Well, I hadn't even thought of that yet. I am so concerned about getting them here...I totally forgot about their religious information. I told him, I would check everything out...and we would have to figure it out! So, now that is on my mind...there is so much to think about...rooms to set up...clothes to buy...and lots of love to give!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Getting excited...and nervous...
Hi all...We are waiting on USCIS approval now...tying loose ends so all our paperwork is absolutely ready when it comes in. I wish our fundraisers would have done a little better...I wouldn't be quite so nervous...all in good time...this is God's way of making sure I have patience for all 5 kids! Please pray for the folks buying our house...that everything goes well for them. They were hoping to purchase in the next 30-60 days...When that happens...there will be little to no stress, or at least about the money. I bought new sippy cups today...you know it's funny how just the little things make it seem real. My girl asked me today what I wanted for Christmas...then before I could answer she says...you want all 5 of us under the tree don't you? Of course, I do! Which got me to thinking...I need to make stockings! I sorted through some clothes someone gave to us...there were several tops that looked brand new...so I thought I would take them with us. I am so ready...I think I am going to make assorted sized slippers for the kids in the girls groupa...I am also going to take puffy paint so they can write their names on the bottom of the slippers to make them nonskid...I am trying to get things little bits at a time, so it doesn't cave in on us all at once...I mean...I found toothpaste for a $1 for the big tube...I picked up 2 packed one...don't know why...we have plenty of time...but this makes it feel so real now...
Fingers crossed...house sells...paperwork back in timely fashion...family at least accepts...
God is on our side...He would not have led us this far without a plan...
Til next time...
Fingers crossed...house sells...paperwork back in timely fashion...family at least accepts...
God is on our side...He would not have led us this far without a plan...
Til next time...
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Good Sunday morning to you all...
Good morning, all! Well, not much to talk about now...I have just about everything complete for Dossier...I am soooo excited to have that behind me. The kids have been sorting through clothes and making things for the girls...that way they will have lots of stuff to show them they have lots of love...that's what the kids say anyway. We have been learning sign language...everybody likes the Hey, what's up? They will go around dancing that one! This week, I did pretty good at the office...massages, spray tans, and ear candling. I also did several body wraps...That has been a great fundraiser this week. So this week, I have got to come up with a different fundraiser...something no one has done here...because our fundraising efforts have been awlful here. I will keep you posted as to what happens next. We also found out...the house should hopefully sell in the next 30-60 days...if so, no money issues for adoption. If not, tons of issues. Oh well, praying hard for my girls...they are worth all this worry and stress...I can not imagine what they go through every day. When they finally come home...It is going to be fantastic for all of us! I love them so much...and haven't even met them!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Thoughts...
So many thoughts keep running through my mind...first of all is...Have we lost our minds...but then I look in the faces of our children...and listen to what they are saying as they play...When MY sisters come home...YOU are in so much trouble! hehehe...sometimes, it's the reality of it all that helps you to understand..YOU are in charge of your life. In our adoption journey, so far the majority of feedback we have received has been very negative. A few family members are excited about it, but the majority...especially the ones that could make a difference financially...are verbally negative about the whole "adoption phase" I am going through. Well, as I put my friend on the plane to Iraq this morning...and I realized how unknown everything is...I refuse to let my "friends and family" ruin our experience. God would not have brought us this far to abandon our 2 little girls...So...now on to the fundraisers, grant application, prayer, and a ton of luck...These girls need our family and that is all there is to it!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Busy month
Well, wow! This has been a terribly busy month! Joey has to travel for work...so he is in and out and weird times...and no notary works on the weekend...So we have been trying to get as much of the paperwork completed as we can. Well, in the process...we had to resend some info because we have decided to adopt two! We are working on completing paperwork and hoping tax refund comes soon...then we will be a little more comfortable with the funds. We also have found out a very close friend of ours will be heading to Iraq next week...so please keep him in your prayers. He has been a great help with our three kiddos...but now we can focus on getting everybody's room ready! Lots of excitement around our house! We will be doing a few fundraisers this month...I am not expecting much...tons of unemployment and everybody needing money...but I know my girls need a Momma and Daddy...so we will do whatever it takes!
Anyway...on and on we go...I wish I could wrap my arms around my girls and tell them we love them and Momma will always be there for them...they will never, ever be alone again!
Until next time!
Anyway...on and on we go...I wish I could wrap my arms around my girls and tell them we love them and Momma will always be there for them...they will never, ever be alone again!
Until next time!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Today...March 4, 2010
Well, it has been a bit...so just an update. Our process is well on it's way! We are in process of updating our homestudy...that should be ready by the first of the week...I think...we are drowning in paperwork...and trying to get as much done as we can this week since hubby is home. We have to get as much notarized as possible. We are so excited! The kids are too...they are picking up goodies here and there to give to Stacey. I am so glad they are as excited as we are...
I will update again...very soon!
Jenny
I will update again...very soon!
Jenny
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Feb 16, 2010
Good Tuesday morning! It is snowing and we are doing schoolwork and business work. We have a Fat Tuesday party tonight at church...I am making up some "business" cards with all of our adoption information on it! I am also going to talk to Father to see if I can give a "talk" about Reeces Rainbow...really need to get a bit more info before I do that, but I at least want to get put on the schedule...I am busy today asking for places to do auction and concert...it should be so much fun! We are excited; but I am now very nervous...last night I had a dream...we walked into the room where Stacey was and from out of no where...a boy jumps into my husbands arms...younger than Stacey...and he told me we are just going to go ahead and take both of them! Wow! So just in case...I am trying to raise enough money for...well, how ever many...I am glad we have a bigger home! I am really starting to think we are just starting on our "family" journey.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Today, we are just taking it easy...this week has been so overwhelming! We went to church this morning and now we are just relaxing...I am attempting to make business cards with our adoption information on it. That way when anyone inquires we will have all the information in one spot. I am also trying to decide when/where/and what to do when my sis comes down to do the fundraiser...I am a little over my head with that too! I have been approached to become a sign language instructor...that would help raise some money, but you have to put money out in the process...I have already filled out the I600A...well, the parts I could figure out...so it's ready to process. I also have a list of paperwork that needs to be collected this week.
Fat Tuesday is this Tuesday...and of course, Ash Wednesday...after...so I am determined to keep our mission focused and moving! Thursday is Stacey's birthday...last one she will have to spend by herself.
Well, off to start supper...have an awesome week...
Fat Tuesday is this Tuesday...and of course, Ash Wednesday...after...so I am determined to keep our mission focused and moving! Thursday is Stacey's birthday...last one she will have to spend by herself.
Well, off to start supper...have an awesome week...
Friday, February 12, 2010
Feb 12, 2010
Wow! Today, we got to see first hand someone becoming a citizen of the United States...what a wonderful day we had! I am so proud of our friend!
Today, I also realized I feel so overwhelmed! It is unbelievable! I want to be able to wrap my arms around our baby girl! All I can think of now is...how to make the money before the next step is ready! We do have our family page set up...so to make donations you can go to:
www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorvandyck.html
We have also got a coffee page started too...this is fantastic coffee by the way...
www.justlovecoffee.com/vandyckfamily
My sister is also coming and doing a fundraiser concert...She is awesome! She will be doing classical, hymns, broadway, and anything else we come up with...we are going to be visiting the Assisted Living and she will perform there also! They are really looking forward to that!
Keep us in you prayers...we'll keep ya posted!
Thank you all!
Today, I also realized I feel so overwhelmed! It is unbelievable! I want to be able to wrap my arms around our baby girl! All I can think of now is...how to make the money before the next step is ready! We do have our family page set up...so to make donations you can go to:
www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorvandyck.html
We have also got a coffee page started too...this is fantastic coffee by the way...
www.justlovecoffee.com/vandyckfamily
My sister is also coming and doing a fundraiser concert...She is awesome! She will be doing classical, hymns, broadway, and anything else we come up with...we are going to be visiting the Assisted Living and she will perform there also! They are really looking forward to that!
Keep us in you prayers...we'll keep ya posted!
Thank you all!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Matched!!!
Well, we have made it through the homestudy process...that was fantastic! We had a really nice caseworker that made us feel at ease. She walked us through the entire process without any problems. Our domestic homestudy was complete December 1, 2009. We began searching and inquiring on children of different areas in the US, sibling groups, individuals, and eventually...just inquiring on everybody...no one really wanted us because we already had 3 birth children. So I finally stumbled on the sight for Reece's Rainbow. I looked through and low and behold...there she was..our new daughter. We are so excited! We are a little nervous about the expense; however, if it is God's will...we will have our daughter soon...
Keep up...ask questions...but most of all...keep us in your prayers.
Keep up...ask questions...but most of all...keep us in your prayers.
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