A week in our truck for Levi...

Updating paperwork is no fun..but...but it's finally done :D
It was a VERY long week of running around..From San Diego, to San Marcos, to Temecula and Riverside and then lastly up to Los Angles to have it all apostilled and sent on it's way. I can't believe I actually was able to get it all done :D We lived in our truck last week..well, not really, but that's how it seemed. My kids were wonderful. They were all so helpful to me, and all without complaint. We had lots of time to chat. We talked about having Levi home and how they all are feeling about it. I love listening to them talk about their hearts for him. For this little boy that they already see as their brother. This little boy who we've seemed to know about for so long, but really don't know at all. We've prayed for him daily~he really is already a part of our family. I love that they want him home. That he holds a special place in their hearts. It warms my heart to know theirs is welcoming and waiting for him too.
So we had the same people who've been working with us on this adoption help us out yet again, all of them with willing hearts. Even our local police lieutenant remembered us since we've had so many local police clearance checks :) Thankfully, due to the urging of the Holy Spirit we had our physicals done back in August. So thankful we listened..physicals aren't something that you can get at the drop of a hat. Last time we had to wait a little over a month for an appointment. Whew! Soooo, sooo thankful those were done! Everything else asked for was pretty easy to get..just needed a lot of driving, funds and big thank yous to those who worked with us.

Walking through the streets of L.A.

Many of the buildings up here are just beautiful..this is the entrance to our elevators

Going up!

Waiting patiently for our Apostilled paper work looking out over the streets of L.A.

Our golden tickets to Levi ♥

My kids appeasing me while killing time before heading back home (a 2 hour trip turned 4 due to traffic)

And back to our truck..our home away from home this week :)

So this is how the funds for a dossier break down... and how it all adds up so quickly. All that was asked for us to update were 4 items. Typically in a dossier you have about 50 to 60 items. It gets costly! This is the break down for just our local clearance letters:

• Clearance letters $17. for each (34. total)
• Paying a traveling notary to meet us at the station $30.00
• Paying for the two letters to be notarized by the lieutenant $20.00
• Paying the Riverside county clerks office to certify that our notary who notarized his signature is an authentic notary in the county of Riverside $30.00
• Paying to have each document apostilled $20.00 per letter ($40. total)
• Oh lets not forget the walk in fee that we have to pay for walking in our documents instead of sending them..$6. each ($12. total)

So for just our two clearance letters it cost us $166.00. I know that doesn't sound to bad, right? But that doesn't include the trip to our Tax lady to have our financial statement done, that traveling notary to meet us there, the cost of notarizing it...or to get my husbands updated employment letter and the cost of  that notary (mind you all these are in different areas) or the cost of having these notary's authenticated, the apostilles and the gas..OH THE GAS!!! In all, including our physicals done back in August this small update cost us a little of 600. dollars. For 4, only 4 items to update.
God is indeed good. His promises are true. And what I've learned is that being obedient isn't always easy, usually isn't convenient, and surely is going to test you. God has been our provider. I can honestly say..I have no idea how this adoption has been paid. All I know is that when we've needed the funds, God has provided. He's used friends, fundraisers, & has helped us clear out our home by encouraging us to sell off of items not needed. Why? Because theirs this little love who needs a family and were it. :D 

Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)

(♥ U Levi)

My fresh point of view...



Eli..5 months old in my belly :D

In 6 days my little Eli will be 5. FIVE!  Before Eli I was a mom to 4 other beauties, but I can honestly say that though they changed my life and my views of life my typical blessings didn't prepare me at all for what having Eli in my life was going to do. Eli wasn't diagnosed in utero, but the moment I saw his beautiful face all scrunched up with his little tongue sticking out and his eyes blinking up at me I knew..I knew without a doubt and he was just breathtaking. I instantly felt a force of wanting to protect rise up in me like I hadn't ever had before. I knew the moment I saw his beautiful face that my life was never going to be the same. I knew that the way I mothered from here on out was going to take on a different role.
Before Eli, I had never heard of Buddy Walks..I had never known that families with children with special needs had to church hop in order to find a church welcoming & willing to accommodate one of God's special children. I never knew that adults could be so callous, so cold and so hurtful. I never knew that over 90% of mothers chose to NOT have their blessing because of them having DS. Before Eli I didn't know so many children were locked away due to shame in them having DS. I just didn't know.
What I learned by having my awesome little guy:

• That Down Syndrome isn't scary
• That Down Syndrome doesn't by any means mean he can't do anything
• That Down Syndrome means trying harder, smiling though it, and being proud of the accomplishment done to the best their ability
• That Down Syndrome means purity in a rare form that is so wonderful to behold
• It doesn't mean not ever having a bad day
• It doesn't mean mean life will be easy
• It does mean you learn to fight in a way you never thought you'd have too
• It does mean your PROUD to fight in a way you never thought you'd have too
• It means being able to rejoice in the many milestones that we tend to miss in our typical children because we don't have to teach them how to reach so many of them
• It means walking tall with your child's hand held in yours as on lookers stare
• It means learning how to hold your tongue, hold your fury when you just want to really put someone in their place
• BUT...but most of all it means lOVE. It's a love that runs a different path then it does for your typical children. Not a stronger love, not a love that means you love them more...but a different love.

Eli has taught me, my husband & our children this different love. God's used him to open each of our eyes to see a different world then you do without someone who needs you to see if differently. The impact of Eli having DS in our lives has only been a blessing and we wouldn't change him, his having DS or the hardships that go with it because the JOYs that he brings to us far out way it all.

My fresh point of view :)

I can't believe how much my life has changed in the last 5 years...& I can't wait to celebrate all the many more years ahead :D



(♥ U Levi)

Todays update on Levi ♥

Cause life still happens while climbing this hill, but keep climbing we do :)

From Giorgi
Robin, have passed to agency FOX documents and I assume they will come back mid
next week.

Translation: our adoption is moving forward :D

Till next time, Lysh ♥
(♥ U Levi)

Remember Josiah??

Josiah before being transfered about a month ago

He's sitting in an institution now & every day that passes is leaving it's mark on him. I'm so thankful God has risen up a family for him...but they need help to be able to go rescue their son quickly. If your able...please take a second of you time to read about them and if God so leads, be a financial aid to them for him. Thanks, :)    

http://anangelsransom.blogspot.com/?spref=fb (his families blog)


(♥ U Levi)

As one we can..The Chirch family and Kaylee



http://reecesrainbow.blogspot.com/search/label/As%20One%20We%20Can

The Chirch families little Kaylee ♥

This week I'd like you to meet the Chirch family. Their in the process of adopting a beautiful little lady named Kaylee. Alyssa and Derek have three children. Samantha whose 16, Cade, 14 and Logan, 10. Derek works for a Christian school as an Administrator and Athletic Director and Alyssa is a Case Manager for a company advocating for people with special needs. Both Derek and Alyssa had God preparing them for their hearts to be opened to adoption even before they met. This is their first adoption, but are already prepared to have their hearts ready to receive the other children God will grow their family with through more adoptions. Their excited to have Kaylee home and are in the process of waiting for a travel date. They've fund raised tons! They still have some more fundraisers going on now and right now they also have a matching grant that goes till Oct. 27. You can read all about them, follow their journey to Kaylee and read more about the ways you can help them financially by going to their blog: http://kayleeshope.blogspot.com/
To read about their matching grant & how to help by donating to it go here: http://kayleeshope.blogspot.com/2011/09/help-us-with-our-matching-grant.html
Or if you'd like you can make a tax deductible donation right to their family sponsor page.
http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorchirch

Either way,every bit of help is always greatly appreciated! :)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2
Thank You Lord for giving us people in our lives to help us share the load ♥

*You'll find this post posted on the Reeces Rainbow blog tomorrow..Remember to share it on your fb page or you blog :)
Till next time, Lysh :D
(♥ U Levi)

Brushing Up :)

So I got out our 'Learn Georgian' again :) 

& quit honestly, it's making me feel a bit like this, lol :D I've loved learning Russian, but Georgian is a toughy for sure!

LEVI UPDATE!!

Through most of this adoption, this is how we've felt...

But then we got some good news :)

The Wright's, who adopted Levi's foster sister last year just turned in their year update report on her. It needs to be translated over the week-end. The officials told Giorgi (our in country attorney) that once they have the update from him then they will make an official referral of Nika to us. Then we can proceed and Giorgi thinks we will have our court by November!!! As in next month we'll be able to travel for our little Levi!! He could be home before this years end!!! How AWESOME IS THAT! Thank you Lord, thank you Lord!!!  What a really, really, REALLY great Christmas gift he'd be :D 

Lord, Thank You...Really, thank You.

Nikoloz Levi...we ♥ you tons

Buddy Walk 2011

Our Reece's Rainbow Table..See Isaac's home pic in the corner by Ayla? ♥

It was a really long day. By about 10:30 both boys were ready for a good nap (-.-) Me too.

Isaac just wanted to sleep in Papa's arms

But soon they perked up & we did crafts :)

We got to make race cars :D

Naomi made a little shelf. Isn't she so cute ♥

Isaac was (is) loving his car

Eli liked the Tucan and was so gentle with it

Did I tell you we won a Esay contest and the prize was an Ipad? So cool!! 

Isaac likes taking pictures. It's a good pass time when he's board.

Isaac picture :)

Isaac again..

and again...

and again...

and one more shot of the mugs :)

and yep, you guessed it...It's Isaac :)

Grandpa came to show his support :) 

Waiting to start our walk

a rare family moment..all of us in the picture!! :)

and off we go

Zeke was hungry to he ate his chips while we walked

Eli couldn't finish the walk so Papa was his legs

Our little man just done and wanting to go home

Naomi made sure to collect all the goodies being offered :)

One last stop before packing up till next year..the boys lOVED the porcupine

Isaac kept trying to get as close as he was allowed to :)

This years Buddy Walk was held at San Jancinto Collage. Not my favorite spot :(  Normally it's in a park where there's tree's, nice green grass, a fun play ground and other people around who aren't there participating in the BW. But not this year. This year we were in the parking lot of the collage and so doing our 'walk' was around the parking lot..like in the parking lot. No nice green grass, shade from the big trees or fun play ground (but we did have bouncy houses and such). Just big hot parking lot concrete. The other bummer part was that there was no one else there but those who came to participate in the BW to be able to see us walking or see our gathering..so I don't really feel like we rose awhole lot of new awareness for Down Syndrome acceptance. Bummer.
But on the up side~Our Reece's Rainbow booth was a real crowd drawer! I got to share with so many people about RR, what it is, what it does and share some of the faces of the precious children who are still waiting for their families to find them. The thing that most people were awed by was the before and after shots of some of the children. It was such a joy to be able to share how our children just blossom once they have the support and love of a family. Amazing how we can tend to forget how important family is. How we sometimes start to become to comfortable and maybe start to take for granted that each other is there. Looking at the pictures of all the children is a good reminder of how blessed we are to have each other and a good reminder that no matter where the Buddy Walk is, it's important to spread the word for them, after all...we're their Voice of Hope.
So till next year, and till next time..that's all for now, Lysh
(♥ u Levi)

TODAY AND ALWAYS..WE'LL CELEBRATE THE WONDERMENT OF YOU ♥

Love these two like there's no tomorrow!

My Extra something boys..

Our Eli ♥

 "I can't change that I have Down syndrome, but one thing I would change is how people think of me. I'd tell them: Judge me as a whole person, not just the person you see. Treat me with respect, and accept me for who I am. Most important, just be my friend. After all, I would do the same for you."
~Chris Burke

Our Isaac

HAPPY DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH!!! :D
 "I have heard it said before that God has bestowed a "special look" upon His most beloved children. A look so distinct that upon first glance one would know how special this person was to Him. And, that He has entrusted these earthly angels to only a few select families. Special parents. Special families. When I think of the families I know, I believe this to be true. "

I must say...I fully believe it too, lol :D

Thank you Lord for making me aware in such an awesome way ♥

I can't wait for the day when we'll have 3 extra something boys to celebrate :D

(♥ u Levi)

Till next time, Lysh