For the Birds

Keeping little ones out of trouble over the weekend is always a challenge. I am not the best at planning activities, but we have something fun today.

We are recycling wedding reception decorations. Cranberries and marbles in mason jars made cute candle holders. They have been sitting around for a month. Time to do something new.

Little hands can string berries. I'm sure the birds will be pleased. 

Who says this is only for Christmas? Check out this intense concentration. 

I'm using needles and thread from my gram's sewing box. Wonder how old this spool of thread could be!

Don't forget about my birthday wish...the matching grant is about 50% matched! Go here and give a little: 

http://www.theshepherdscrook.org/#!2601-Zebadiah/c1zg4/i4qdgz01128

Birthday wish...

My birthday snuck up on me! Actually, don't tell anyone, but my recent anniversary got forgotten in the middle of our house of sick horrors. I guess both of these make me old.

So what do I want for my birthday? I'm so glad you asked!!

Five years ago I made a deal with my husband...I told him I wouldn't need another birthday present ever, if he would agree to adopt Theo. He did. We did. And I'm so glad! It is probably the best good thing we will ever do in our lives.

But, it did open this can of worms. We will never be the same after the experience. The kids we left behind are never far from our thoughts. Many of them will never have the chance to experience the love and care of a family. Some have a chance, though. The odds are long, but a chance.

Baby Dmitry

I started advocating for Dmitry in 2011. His head was shockingly large, even at eight months old. He needed out quickly. He needed medical care right away. Road block after road block was thrown up...missed opportunities and shady excuses. By 2013 I was sure that he had died.



About a year ago a dear friend asked me to help her find an adoptive home for this amazing boy. She sent me this photo. It was Dmitry!! Amazingly, he was still alive...and happy. He talked and laughed.

Dmitry is alive!

I used my contacts to try to get this boy some immediate medical attention. Between red tape, egos, and a war, this proved to be impossible. The only chance was to find a family to adopt him. 

Long and winding story short...for my birthday, I would like to show some love to the family that is now working like crazy to bring him home. And I would like to invite you to join me. Really. I'm giving for my birthday, not just asking. 

I know that a lot of you are struggling...we all are, and yet, we find ways to do things that are important to us. Seriously, send me a dollar bill and it will go to this boy. A five spot, even better. You could make an online donation and read a little bit about the family HERE. 

This adoption is moving fast and the family needs a few funds to move forward. There is an $850 matching grant set up for them. If we can raise this much by February 7th. You could be part of the best good thing to happen to Dmitry!

This is my birthday wish. Thank you!

Week three...and counting...

We are in the thick of it. Our third week of sickness.

I'm convinced it started before Christmas...with countless parties and junk food. We were all feeling strong and healthy, then the holiday party scene started. Cookies, candies, orchestra parties, parties for this class and that class. Sugar out the wazoo! The kids get all sugared up then dumped at home for three weeks.

We fought valiantly...limiting sweets, diffusing oils, sinus rinsing, hand washing, you name it. A teenager went down first...formally diagnosed with influenza A. The poor kid had just started a tough semester with several honors classes. He missed a whole week and I was sure this would result in failing grades.

Poor Ralph got it the worst. He was fine one day and feverish the next. He's better now, but still looks run down. The house is wrecked, as I am still super tired. Ralph's glasses are lost. Theo and Max held out the longest...and now they are beginning to show signs of illness. Things are just looking very impossible right now.

I can't wait to feel better...I have much to share. And I can't wait to see these two kids smiling and healthy again!