As many of you have already seen, God has answered one of our prayers this week. We are matched with a birth mother expecting a baby boy to arrive mid March. God is sooo good and we are so thankful for this wonderful blessing. We are still guarding our hearts as this isn't complete until all the papers are signed after the baby is born, but we know God has a plan and He has orchestrated this just as He wants. Clayton is very excited and cried happy tears when we told him.
Just so everyone knows, we can't give a lot of details but when we have some that we can share we will be sure to let everyone know. What we can tell you is that we will be making a trip to Florida for this placement and will be required to stay there for a couple weeks. We are still working on raising some funding to help offset these costs. Below is a list of the things that we are going to be doing:
1. Thirty One Gifts Fundraiser. Sunday, February 9th - we will be hosting a Thirty One Gifts fundraiser at our house (219 Whittier Drive) from 2-4. We will be receiving a portion of the proceeds from your purchases and will receive $25 for each person who books at party with Amy. If you can't attend and would like to make a purchase visit our page on Amy's site Mandy and Matt's Thirty One Party
2. Scentsy Catalog Fundraiser - This is a catalog only party, no actual in person party will be held. Manda has offered us 20% of the proceeds for each purchase and we are super thankful to her. If you would like to make a purchase please visit Manda's page and select our party. Mandy and Matt's Scentsy Fundraiser
3. Valentines Parent's Night Out. We will be watching kids with our fellow adopting parents, Brad and Raven McCrady. Cost is $25 per kid and $15 for each additional sibling. We will be taking kids from 5-10 on February 14th. We will supply dinner, a movie and a valentines craft. Space is limited so be sure to RSVP for your spot today by calling Mandy at 270-570-4122. This is the Owensboro area only.
4. One Hundred Good Wishes Fundraiser Click on this link and it will take you to a location where you can post a good wish and make a donation to our adoption fund.
5. Just Love Coffee - Visit this link that will allow you to purchase coffee and help our family at the same time.
6. If you can not make it to any of the above fundraisers, you can still make a donation to our family a couple of different ways. Easiest way is to visit our Group Fundraising Page at AdoptTogether - Lawson Adoption Journey. they accept, check and online payments. You can also send a check to us made out to All Blessings International, Inc. Both offer a tax deduction, please see your tax specialist for details.
The past 2 years have been a test to our patience and our strength in God but we know that His plan is always bigger than ours and we are thankful for this wait as we want God's will to be done, not ours. We look forward to being able to share details with everyone as we can and appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We love everyone and can't wait to share our little blessing with you.
Love,
Matt, Mandy & Clayton
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
God, Grants & Giveaways
Every time I begin to think we are going in the wrong direction, God seems to show us He is in control. Two weeks ago we received a $1000 grant from an organization call Salvation International. It was super exciting as we are starting to get back into fundraising mode, to try to get to our last $12,000. Well surprisingly on Saturday, I received another email from Salvation International letting us know that we had been chosen to receive an additional $1000. So in total they were giving us $2000. I was floored. As soon as I want to say, I quit or maybe we need to think about a different path, God seems to speak up and say, NO I have a plan for you, don't give up!
We are super excited and can't wait for God to bring our child into our home. We are beinning to work on some new fundraisers to help us reach our $12,000 goal. Here is what is in the works!
Give-a-Ways - We are going to be giving away some items over the next couple of months for people who donate to our AdoptTogether page. Donations made to this page are tax deductible (please contact your tax consultant for details). Our first give-a-way is a $15 Starbucks gift card. We will give it away once we have reached $200 in donations on this site. The second give away is a Nook E-Reader (see description below) . It will be given away when the donations received on our AdoptTogether page reach $600. Each person that donates will be entered to win. Also any person that donates an item for us to give away will also be entered to win. We will have another give away at $1000. We are still working on that item.
You can make your donation by visiting our page at: https://www.adopttogether.org/lawsonadoptionjourney
Nook description: 6" touch screen, fast page turns with a touch, look-up words, bookmark and share reading with friends,download wirelessly with Wi-Fi, Ink Pearl 16-level grayscale display for the clearest just-like paper reading-even in bright sun,multiple text sizes and styles, extra long battery life.
Thirty-One Fundraiser - Amy Bellamy has agreed to do an adoption fundraiser for us. They have some awesome new things in their spring catalog. We will have an open house party on February 9th at our home, but will also be taking orders via their website. I will have the link soon.
Valentines Parents Night Out - This will be a joint fundraiser between our family and another adopting family we know. The plan is to allow parents a night out without the kids. It will be $25 a child with siblings getting a discount. We will be open from 4-9. The menu is still in the works but we will have valentine themed art project available, a movie and fun games for all ages. We are taking reservations as we only have a limited number of spots.
There will be more to come as far as fundraisers but we are going to hit the ground running and praying for God's will not mine! He has a path for our family, we just have to keep our eyes on Him, keep the faith and know He will bring us through it!
We are super excited and can't wait for God to bring our child into our home. We are beinning to work on some new fundraisers to help us reach our $12,000 goal. Here is what is in the works!
Give-a-Ways - We are going to be giving away some items over the next couple of months for people who donate to our AdoptTogether page. Donations made to this page are tax deductible (please contact your tax consultant for details). Our first give-a-way is a $15 Starbucks gift card. We will give it away once we have reached $200 in donations on this site. The second give away is a Nook E-Reader (see description below) . It will be given away when the donations received on our AdoptTogether page reach $600. Each person that donates will be entered to win. Also any person that donates an item for us to give away will also be entered to win. We will have another give away at $1000. We are still working on that item.You can make your donation by visiting our page at: https://www.adopttogether.org/lawsonadoptionjourney
Nook description: 6" touch screen, fast page turns with a touch, look-up words, bookmark and share reading with friends,download wirelessly with Wi-Fi, Ink Pearl 16-level grayscale display for the clearest just-like paper reading-even in bright sun,multiple text sizes and styles, extra long battery life.
Thirty-One Fundraiser - Amy Bellamy has agreed to do an adoption fundraiser for us. They have some awesome new things in their spring catalog. We will have an open house party on February 9th at our home, but will also be taking orders via their website. I will have the link soon.
Valentines Parents Night Out - This will be a joint fundraiser between our family and another adopting family we know. The plan is to allow parents a night out without the kids. It will be $25 a child with siblings getting a discount. We will be open from 4-9. The menu is still in the works but we will have valentine themed art project available, a movie and fun games for all ages. We are taking reservations as we only have a limited number of spots.
There will be more to come as far as fundraisers but we are going to hit the ground running and praying for God's will not mine! He has a path for our family, we just have to keep our eyes on Him, keep the faith and know He will bring us through it!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Faith worketh Patience
James 1:3-6 KJV says this:
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
We know that God has a plan for our family in all things. We trust in Him and lean on Him and know He will give us what we need, when we need it. Just praying for patience and faith this week. A group from a church we have attended before has a song that is call He Answers Prayers that says: Don't be discouraged. There is no need to worry, in His perfect time, your going to find He Answered your prayers. That is how I feel today. There is no need to worry because He is going to answer in His time. He has a plan and will make a way, he will keep His word. He works a perfect work.
Today I am feeling:
Blessed, hopeful, happy, patient, strengthened, at peace!
God is great!
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
We know that God has a plan for our family in all things. We trust in Him and lean on Him and know He will give us what we need, when we need it. Just praying for patience and faith this week. A group from a church we have attended before has a song that is call He Answers Prayers that says: Don't be discouraged. There is no need to worry, in His perfect time, your going to find He Answered your prayers. That is how I feel today. There is no need to worry because He is going to answer in His time. He has a plan and will make a way, he will keep His word. He works a perfect work.
Today I am feeling:
Blessed, hopeful, happy, patient, strengthened, at peace!
God is great!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
2014 is going to be a Good one!
It's a new year and we have renewed hope that 2014 is going to be a good year for the Lawson family. This adoption process has been long and difficult but we know that it will be worth it when a child is finally placed in our arms. We decided 2 years ago this month that we were going to start looking into adoption again. It took us 5 months to complete our paperwork, so our actual wait didn't start until May, but in our hearts its been 2 years since we began this process. It has felt long some days, but others we knew that God had a plan for our family.
If our little family crosses your heart or mind please say a little prayer for us. God has a plan for us and we know that in His time (not ours) he will bring a child into our home. He has the perfect child for our family and when the time is right, he will reveal his plan to us. We are hopeful that in the coming weeks and months we will have good news to share, but in the mean time, we are starting to do some fundraising as we still have around $11,000 to raise. We know it is possible and we know God will help us!
100 Good Wishes. We have started a new fundraiser called 100 Good Wishes. 100 Good Wishes was inspired by the Northern Chinese tradition called Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes" quilt - a tradition which engages others in the celebration of a new life. I have seen quilts made by my family before where people do different blocks to represent a family or person. That is kind of how this works. You donate any amount you desire and you leave a Wish for our new child and/or our family. This is just another way you can help us raise the fees needed to bring our child into our home!
100 Good Wishes Fundraising Site
You can also help us reach our goal by making a tax deductible donation at Adopt Together. Visit our page at https://www.adopttogether.org/lawsonadoptionjourney/ . This organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with adopting families. They accept online and mail donations and all the money is put toward our adoption. You will receive a receipt with your donation and will be able to use that donation toward your charitable contributions on your taxes (please be sure to contact your tax consultant.) You can also make this donation anonymously if you so wish. Any donation big or small will help us reach our goal!
We are thankful for everyone who has donated their money, their time or said a prayer on our family’s behalf. You will never know how grateful we are to each of you.
Looking forward to a REALLY GOOD year!
If our little family crosses your heart or mind please say a little prayer for us. God has a plan for us and we know that in His time (not ours) he will bring a child into our home. He has the perfect child for our family and when the time is right, he will reveal his plan to us. We are hopeful that in the coming weeks and months we will have good news to share, but in the mean time, we are starting to do some fundraising as we still have around $11,000 to raise. We know it is possible and we know God will help us!
100 Good Wishes. We have started a new fundraiser called 100 Good Wishes. 100 Good Wishes was inspired by the Northern Chinese tradition called Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes" quilt - a tradition which engages others in the celebration of a new life. I have seen quilts made by my family before where people do different blocks to represent a family or person. That is kind of how this works. You donate any amount you desire and you leave a Wish for our new child and/or our family. This is just another way you can help us raise the fees needed to bring our child into our home!
100 Good Wishes Fundraising Site
You can also help us reach our goal by making a tax deductible donation at Adopt Together. Visit our page at https://www.adopttogether.org/lawsonadoptionjourney/ . This organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with adopting families. They accept online and mail donations and all the money is put toward our adoption. You will receive a receipt with your donation and will be able to use that donation toward your charitable contributions on your taxes (please be sure to contact your tax consultant.) You can also make this donation anonymously if you so wish. Any donation big or small will help us reach our goal!
We are thankful for everyone who has donated their money, their time or said a prayer on our family’s behalf. You will never know how grateful we are to each of you.
Looking forward to a REALLY GOOD year!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Christmas TV Specials Calendar
I wanted to share something that I have been working on for a few weeks. With the holidays coming up, if you are like me you love to watch all the holiday specials. Well I have created a calendar (ical) for your smartphones and other devices that give you a good list of shows for each day leading up to Christmas. Click on the link below and it will open up the iCal. I have also put a listing of the shows below. Feel free to share with your friends and family. I will update this as any new shows are added.
2013 Christmas TV Specials iCal version
2013 Christmas TV Specials - A downloadable list of all shows.
2013 Christmas TV Specials iCal version
2013 Christmas TV Specials - A downloadable list of all shows.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
$500 Grant received
It's always exciting to share good news, and we received some over the weekend from one of the grant organizations, Families Outreach. They gave us a $500 grant toward our adoption. This is a great blessing and we know it's just one step closer to bringing a child into our home.
Every little step gets us closer. It's going to happen we are just holding on for God's plan and for Him to show us His path. Don't forget to check out our ongoing fundraisers with Just Love Coffee and Adopt Together.
Hope you all have a great week.
Every little step gets us closer. It's going to happen we are just holding on for God's plan and for Him to show us His path. Don't forget to check out our ongoing fundraisers with Just Love Coffee and Adopt Together.
Hope you all have a great week.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Great Day...Full of Success
We had our Pancake breakfast at Applebee's today and it was a success. We are so blessed to have the family and friends that we have in our life. It was great seeing everyone and even though I didn't have a lot of time to mingle with you all it looked as though everyone had a great time.
I am so proud that our not so little boy was ready to help anyway he could. He seated people, he got people drinks, he asked if anyone needed anything. He helped out with anything he could. He is such a big kid and can't wait to be able to bring home a little one. We are hoping it won't be too long, but That is all in the good Lord's hands. Clayton created some awesome paintings to auction off at the event and they all went to great homes. He also had some smaller paintings that he sold and was really excited. Thanks to everyone who purchased one of his paintings. He has already said he will do more if anyone wants one, :) ! He is super excited and really enjoyed serving everyone today.
I didn't get a lot of pictures as we were pretty busy, but here are a few of those I took. Hope everyone had a great time and got a lot to eat.
I am so proud that our not so little boy was ready to help anyway he could. He seated people, he got people drinks, he asked if anyone needed anything. He helped out with anything he could. He is such a big kid and can't wait to be able to bring home a little one. We are hoping it won't be too long, but That is all in the good Lord's hands. Clayton created some awesome paintings to auction off at the event and they all went to great homes. He also had some smaller paintings that he sold and was really excited. Thanks to everyone who purchased one of his paintings. He has already said he will do more if anyone wants one, :) ! He is super excited and really enjoyed serving everyone today. I didn't get a lot of pictures as we were pretty busy, but here are a few of those I took. Hope everyone had a great time and got a lot to eat.
Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser
August 17, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Happy
I am happy! No we don't have a placement, but I am happy. Yesterday was full of good things. I got to celebrate 14 years of marriage with my wonderful husband. These have been the best 14 years of my life. God put us together and I know he is leading our lives.
I am happy that I have a precious son who I love SOOO much and is growing up so well. He started 2nd grade yesterday and loved it. He wants to be an artist when he grows up. He's pretty good!
I am happy that God has put us on the path to adoption once again and that I know he is going to lead it. He is going to bring us another child to love and care for.
I am happy. God has blessed us greatly in our life and I know He isn't done. I have a house, a car, food to eat, air to breathe, I have all I need. What more could I ask for.
I am just happy today.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Have you had your cup of coffee today?
We are always on the look out for unique, low cost fundraisers for the adoption. We know we have a ton of coffee drinkers out there and found this new fundraiser that we think could be a nice option, with a good amount of proceeds for our adoption. It is through an company called Just Love Coffee! Thanks for taking a look!
Visit our link below to see what they have to offer:
https://justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/lawsonadoptionjourney/
In order for the purchases to go toward our family, you must visit the link above.
What we will profit from the purchase of their products:
13oz. Coffees (non-small lot): $5 (average price for bag is $12.95)
8oz. Coffee (non-small lot): $3.50 (average prices for bag is $10)
Tastes of Africa (4) 8oz. Sampler: $7
Tour of The World (4) 8oz. Sampler: $7
Coffee Cupper's (11) 8oz. Sampler: $19
Jamaica Blue Mountain (small lot): 4oz. ($3) 13oz. ($9)
Special Blend–I Love Mom: $5
Special Blend–Pinky Beans (Available in October only): $0
T-Shirts: $5
Sale T-Shirts: $3
Sale Hoodie: $4
Beanie: $3
Hat: $3
Stoneware Mug: $2
16oz. Steel Tumbler: $2
Aeropress: $5
Aeropress Microfilters: $.25
Coffee Scoop: $1
Chemex Brewer: $3
Chemex Filters: $0
LaMarzocco Espresso Machine: $0
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Crazy Month
Do you ever wonder what other people would see if they saw you in a particular moment? Would they think you are crazy, happy, sad, disturbed maybe. Well we have thought that this month. We have felt a bit of each of those this past month and it has been a crazy but its been good.
We signed on with Christian Adoption Consultants exactly a month ago and we have already seen a stream of situations come to us for our review and prayer. Only 2 situations have had circumstances that fit with our family, one chose to go another way and one chose to parent her child. We had prayed that God would lead her to her perfect family and he did in both situations. Many of the other situations had mothers with drug addictions or the fees for the agencies were too high. This past month has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. You see the email come in that says, Re: new situation. Then you open it and start to read and realize that you don't feel comfortable with the situation or it doesn't fit your family. Or like the ones we were shown to, you try not to get your hopes up and try to keep the faith that God's will would be done. So we ride the coaster! You keep riding it know that at some point it will come to an end and it will have all been worth it.
We wonder some days, if our situation is going to come soon. Will we have a new addition soon? We have thought, God is just teasing us with all of these situations. But we know that He is giving us these glimpses for a reason. He isn't teasing us but he is showing us that there is hope. We have seen 4 this week. One we are still deciding on whether to be shown. We are prayerful that the answer will come in God's time. This is a scary process and it takes a lot of faith to believe that it will work out. We have had our moments of weakness and lack of faith, but we know that God has a plan.
So there isn't much to tell you at this point. Not much news. But there is always hope that tomorrow, or the next day or the next week or month will provide Good news. It's coming. We don't know when, but it is. God is good!
If we cross your heart, please say a prayer for our little family!
Love as always,
Mandy and Matt
We signed on with Christian Adoption Consultants exactly a month ago and we have already seen a stream of situations come to us for our review and prayer. Only 2 situations have had circumstances that fit with our family, one chose to go another way and one chose to parent her child. We had prayed that God would lead her to her perfect family and he did in both situations. Many of the other situations had mothers with drug addictions or the fees for the agencies were too high. This past month has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. You see the email come in that says, Re: new situation. Then you open it and start to read and realize that you don't feel comfortable with the situation or it doesn't fit your family. Or like the ones we were shown to, you try not to get your hopes up and try to keep the faith that God's will would be done. So we ride the coaster! You keep riding it know that at some point it will come to an end and it will have all been worth it.
We wonder some days, if our situation is going to come soon. Will we have a new addition soon? We have thought, God is just teasing us with all of these situations. But we know that He is giving us these glimpses for a reason. He isn't teasing us but he is showing us that there is hope. We have seen 4 this week. One we are still deciding on whether to be shown. We are prayerful that the answer will come in God's time. This is a scary process and it takes a lot of faith to believe that it will work out. We have had our moments of weakness and lack of faith, but we know that God has a plan.
So there isn't much to tell you at this point. Not much news. But there is always hope that tomorrow, or the next day or the next week or month will provide Good news. It's coming. We don't know when, but it is. God is good!
If we cross your heart, please say a prayer for our little family!
Love as always,
Mandy and Matt
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
It's time to try something NEW...
It's time to try something New for our adoption. We have been waiting for over a year and we want to do everything within our power to make this happen. We are depending on God that he will lead us down the right path but we know that we have to listen and go where He wants. So we have signed on and are officially clients of Christian Adoption Consultants. We are excited about this venture and look forward to working with Karalee and this agency.
You may notice as you read this post there are some new links to the right. We have added a few Amazon links and search boxes. These are going to allow us to make money that will go toward our adoption when you follow the link and purchase through that link. The percentage of the purchase will vary, but as we have said every penny counts.
You will also see that we have added a Donate button at the top. This organization is a 501(c)(3) non profit that is accepting donations on our behalf and accepts online credit card payments (both named and anonymous) and is helping us get closer to our goal of raising the $30,000 it is going to take to bring a new child into our home.
We get a lot of questions about why does it cost so much? Where does all that money go? Well let me try to explain it. Adoption fees fund a variety of professional services and enable an adoption to progress safely and legally. Here are a few of those services:
We are going to have more information on a Pancake Breakfast to be held in Louisville soon. We are just starting to work on it and hope to have a location and date soon. We will be sure to let you know when anything new happens. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We know that God has a plan for our family and in His time it will be revealed to us.
God Bless,
The Lawsons
You may notice as you read this post there are some new links to the right. We have added a few Amazon links and search boxes. These are going to allow us to make money that will go toward our adoption when you follow the link and purchase through that link. The percentage of the purchase will vary, but as we have said every penny counts.
You will also see that we have added a Donate button at the top. This organization is a 501(c)(3) non profit that is accepting donations on our behalf and accepts online credit card payments (both named and anonymous) and is helping us get closer to our goal of raising the $30,000 it is going to take to bring a new child into our home.
We get a lot of questions about why does it cost so much? Where does all that money go? Well let me try to explain it. Adoption fees fund a variety of professional services and enable an adoption to progress safely and legally. Here are a few of those services:
- Reviewing application to adopt
- Homestudy & Yearly Homestudy Updates
- Locating children available for adoption
- Locating prospective birth parents
- Professional counseling, education, and training for birth and adoptive families
- Pre- and post-placement visits to the adoptive home by an adoption social worker
- Paperwork processing
- Birth Mother expenses
- Travel Expenses
- Consultant fees
We are going to have more information on a Pancake Breakfast to be held in Louisville soon. We are just starting to work on it and hope to have a location and date soon. We will be sure to let you know when anything new happens. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We know that God has a plan for our family and in His time it will be revealed to us.
God Bless,
The Lawsons
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Trying a different path
It's now been a year that we have been waiting to bring a second child into our family. We have had our ups and downs, but we have held on to God's faith. The past couple of weeks have been great with the teaching and gospel that God has provided. He seems to provide exactly what we need when we need it. One of my favorite verses in the bible reads: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.
God is going to bring us a child.
I titled this post, Trying a different path, because we have decided to begin working with a Christian Adoption Consultants. Our only delay is that we must raise the $1950 fee due with their application to begin. This organization works with agencies all over the country and will help us through all aspects of the adoption. Here are some of the reasons they say families should use a consultant:
Here are some of the Benefits for using Christian Adoption Consultants:
Your prayers, thoughts, suggestions for fundraisers, donations or just being there for us are all greatly appreciated. We can not do this alone and we need the prayers of those we love.
More later,
Mandy
God is going to bring us a child.
I titled this post, Trying a different path, because we have decided to begin working with a Christian Adoption Consultants. Our only delay is that we must raise the $1950 fee due with their application to begin. This organization works with agencies all over the country and will help us through all aspects of the adoption. Here are some of the reasons they say families should use a consultant:
Here are some of the Benefits for using Christian Adoption Consultants:
- Shorter wait time - Our adoptions typically take less than 6-10 months! (This sounds good to us.)
- Referrals to Multiple agencies in adoption friendly states.
- Financial advice - Knowing the resources you have available to you as an adoptive couple will help you make sound, wise financial decisions and save you time and money.
- Education and guidance for your adoption - Our individual consultations and step by step reference manual will guide you from your first questions about adoption until your adoption is finalized.
- Higher level of protection and security from adoption fraud - Let the experts advise you on the warning signs and help you find the right agency and adoption situation for your family.
Your prayers, thoughts, suggestions for fundraisers, donations or just being there for us are all greatly appreciated. We can not do this alone and we need the prayers of those we love.
More later,
Mandy
Friday, May 3, 2013
Bearing it all with Patience
Patient is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint. I can say that I truly believe that definition is correct but I am not always patient. As We move closer to the one year mark we are dealing with the wait in our own ways, some more patient than others. The hardest part of this is to watch Clayton want something so bad and not know the best way to explain to a seven year old why we are still waiting. I know His plan is perfect and He wants us to bear it all with patience. I read today 1 Corinthians 13. It was perfect for how I was feeling. Here is part of what I read (click the link to read the entire chapter):
Checks should be payable to ―Lifesong for Orphans. In the memo, note ―family account number" and "family name" (Lawson#3554) to assure it goes to the correct account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744. Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
o To pay online go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate. Select ―Give to an Adoptive Family.‖ Complete the online form and fill in ―Family Account Number‖ and ―Family Name‖ fields. Note PayPal charges an administrative fee (2.9% + $.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.
o NOTE: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.
o "Individual donations $250 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $250, will gladly be sent upon request. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
We are depending on God's love to provide for us exactly what we need. Not what we want and when we want it but what God wants for us. That is all that will work. We are still in the waiting process and trust in God and His plan. We have given our profile to an attorney in Louisville with the hopes of her being able to match us with a birth mother.
We have redone our profile to match Matt's job change. Yep you heard right, he recently took a new job!! He is now a Commercial Vehicle Inspector with the KY State Police - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division. He has been in training a lot lately but we are glad for the change as he is now home at night. We are excited for this change!
Another recent development is that We have been approved by Lifesong for Orphans to utilize their adoption account for tax deductible donations. Any donation made to them will assist our adoption and will also be tax deductible. To make a donation to our Lifesong for Orphans account, please follow the directions below:
As we continue through this process your help is greatly appreciated. What we need most is your thoughts and prayers for God's will to be done.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Photo Book
Click here to view this photo book larger
Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Our latest Update
It's been a few weeks since we posted any information on the adoption. We have been presented a couple of times, but have unfortunately not been chosen. As we grow closer to the year mark of making the decision to adopt, we have begun looking at our options. We are praying that our child comes in God's time but as any waiting parent, we want to increase our visiblity with potential placements and are now looking at different avenues. By looking at different options we will increase our chances of getting a placement sooner. We are still depending on God and know that he will provide exactly what we need.
With that being said, we are again looking at ways to raise more money to cover our fees. We are hoping to raise another $5000 in the next few months. Just like before we need your ideas and help in making this goal possible.
Sales and Auctions. We are looking at doing some yard sales and an online auction. If you have items you would be willing to donate please let us know. We are looking for any items. If you have good gently used items that would be good for an online auction let me know.
Donations. We have recently registered with a new non-profit organizaiton that is taking donations for our adoption and you can go online and make the donation. Visit Adopt Together and take a look at our page. For any donation made you will receive a tax receipt for next year.
Pizza Cards. We still have Dominos pizza cards. $10 will get you a peel off buy one ge one card. This is good at any Dominos.
Easter Baskets. I am tossing around the idea of making filled Easter baskets for a variety of prices depending on the size. Still just an idea, but looking for any suggestions you may have.
Do you have an idea to share? We are looking at all of our options. Send me an email if you have any suggestions.
We appreciate all the help that eveyrone has given over the past year. Whether we borrowed your house for a yard sale, donated items for it or you offered your services at our events, we thank you. If you gave a donation at any point, thanks so much! All of your help has and will make this adoption possible.
With that being said, we are again looking at ways to raise more money to cover our fees. We are hoping to raise another $5000 in the next few months. Just like before we need your ideas and help in making this goal possible.
Sales and Auctions. We are looking at doing some yard sales and an online auction. If you have items you would be willing to donate please let us know. We are looking for any items. If you have good gently used items that would be good for an online auction let me know.
Donations. We have recently registered with a new non-profit organizaiton that is taking donations for our adoption and you can go online and make the donation. Visit Adopt Together and take a look at our page. For any donation made you will receive a tax receipt for next year.
Pizza Cards. We still have Dominos pizza cards. $10 will get you a peel off buy one ge one card. This is good at any Dominos.
Easter Baskets. I am tossing around the idea of making filled Easter baskets for a variety of prices depending on the size. Still just an idea, but looking for any suggestions you may have.
Do you have an idea to share? We are looking at all of our options. Send me an email if you have any suggestions.
We appreciate all the help that eveyrone has given over the past year. Whether we borrowed your house for a yard sale, donated items for it or you offered your services at our events, we thank you. If you gave a donation at any point, thanks so much! All of your help has and will make this adoption possible.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Celebrating 7 Years!
One of the best days in the adoption process is the day you receive your referral. Every adoptive parent waits for that day, they dream of that day and in most cases it is pretty perfect. My little family waits for that day when we receive our match and learn that Baby L is on the way. We know that we must depend on God and have faith in his timing. When the time is right and the right situation arrives, it will be exactly what God intends. We know from experience that it takes alot of patience and prayer to get through the waiting process of adoption. We know where the patience comes from and are praying for God's timing and patience with our adoption. The Bible tells us that:
"...Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience and experience hope..."
Romans 5:3-4
"But hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Romans 8:24-25
You may say why all the talk about referrals and matches. Well, ths weeks marks a couple of great days for our family. The first was Clayton's birthday on Tuesday and the second was Clayton's referral day! It was 7 years today that Matt and I first saw his sweet little face. During his adoption process I kept a blog similar to this one. Here is what I wrote 7 years ago today...
Well Tammy from the agency called me this morning about 10:30. She said that she had some of our documents that I needed to get redone, AGAIN. I was a little frustrated. She said she really needed to get these so that she could get it out in the mail today. So I said ok. I took an early lunch, which I always hate, and went and had Marsha redo her part and pick up Selene's letter she had mailed to us. Once I had those in hand, I went to the agency.
Well when I got there she said, "so did you get it?" I said yeah it came in the mail, well what I thought and what Tammy thought were two different things. She went on to tell me that everythong looked great and that she had heard that we had received our Immigration approval and that we should get it in the mail tommorrow. I was so happy... Well she then went on to tell me that Lydia needed to talk to me and that she was trying to reach her by phone. I was trying to figure out what Lydia needed from me. So I waited around for a bit. She finally called. She said that she would be by in about 15 mintues. (SORRY TO RAMBLE) Well Tammy insisted that I talk to her, so I got on the phone. She proceeded to tell me congrats on the 171-H approval and then tell me that she had something else for me. At that point I thought what else could there be. She said, " We have a referral for you" I about fell in the floor. What? I told them. Tammy had just pulled up his pics on the computer. I couldn't believe it.
There was my little boy. He was only two days old and is the most p
recious
little thing I have ever seen. He was 5 lbs 13 oz. He was 17.4 inches long and
was only 2 days old. Born on January 22, 2006. I was in total and utter shock.
It was the most amazing feeling that I had ever had. I had to go pick up a
letter from Matt's work so I took the pics over to him and showed him. When I
pulled in the parking lot I called him and told him he needed to come outside, I
had something to show him. He wasn't sure what was going on so I met him as he
walked out and I turned the pic over and he said what is this, I told him this
is your baby. He was like WHAT??? Are you kidding? He was like me, in total
shock. It was so unexpected. But so worth it
I look forward to the day that I can have this same type of memory for Baby L. It will come in God's time and we will be sure to keep everyone updated with the latest information. Praying for our
"...Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience and experience hope..."
Romans 5:3-4
"But hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Romans 8:24-25
You may say why all the talk about referrals and matches. Well, ths weeks marks a couple of great days for our family. The first was Clayton's birthday on Tuesday and the second was Clayton's referral day! It was 7 years today that Matt and I first saw his sweet little face. During his adoption process I kept a blog similar to this one. Here is what I wrote 7 years ago today...
Well Tammy from the agency called me this morning about 10:30. She said that she had some of our documents that I needed to get redone, AGAIN. I was a little frustrated. She said she really needed to get these so that she could get it out in the mail today. So I said ok. I took an early lunch, which I always hate, and went and had Marsha redo her part and pick up Selene's letter she had mailed to us. Once I had those in hand, I went to the agency.
Well when I got there she said, "so did you get it?" I said yeah it came in the mail, well what I thought and what Tammy thought were two different things. She went on to tell me that everythong looked great and that she had heard that we had received our Immigration approval and that we should get it in the mail tommorrow. I was so happy... Well she then went on to tell me that Lydia needed to talk to me and that she was trying to reach her by phone. I was trying to figure out what Lydia needed from me. So I waited around for a bit. She finally called. She said that she would be by in about 15 mintues. (SORRY TO RAMBLE) Well Tammy insisted that I talk to her, so I got on the phone. She proceeded to tell me congrats on the 171-H approval and then tell me that she had something else for me. At that point I thought what else could there be. She said, " We have a referral for you" I about fell in the floor. What? I told them. Tammy had just pulled up his pics on the computer. I couldn't believe it.
There was my little boy. He was only two days old and is the most p
recious
little thing I have ever seen. He was 5 lbs 13 oz. He was 17.4 inches long and
was only 2 days old. Born on January 22, 2006. I was in total and utter shock.
It was the most amazing feeling that I had ever had. I had to go pick up a
letter from Matt's work so I took the pics over to him and showed him. When I
pulled in the parking lot I called him and told him he needed to come outside, I
had something to show him. He wasn't sure what was going on so I met him as he
walked out and I turned the pic over and he said what is this, I told him this
is your baby. He was like WHAT??? Are you kidding? He was like me, in total
shock. It was so unexpected. But so worth itI look forward to the day that I can have this same type of memory for Baby L. It will come in God's time and we will be sure to keep everyone updated with the latest information. Praying for our
Monday, January 21, 2013
In God we trust
Our country was founded on the desire to have freedom of religion. Our fore father's believed and trusted in a God who could do all things. Why is it that so many years later we don't Trust in God? The one who died on the cross for our sins. He gave up all for you and me, but we can't give up simple things for him. I say all of this because I realized that I had not given all my trust to him regarding Baby #2. I know he can do all but I don't allow him.
We had some great services at church yesterday and they have renewed my Faith and trust in the Lord. We have so many that we want to see saved and so many things we want to see done that there is no place to stop. We can't continue to shoulder all the worries of our adoption on our own. We know that we need prayers and we know that these prayers will be answered in God's timing. We ask everyone who prays to remember us and that God's will be done in our adoption.
We are still working on some fundraiser ideas and will be doing another yard sale in the spring. We have about $5000 more to raise and could use any help or ideas you all may have. We have applied through a new donation organization that will be able to take donations through the internet and they will be tax deductible. I will post more info as I get it.
Psalm 56:9-11 KJV
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
We had some great services at church yesterday and they have renewed my Faith and trust in the Lord. We have so many that we want to see saved and so many things we want to see done that there is no place to stop. We can't continue to shoulder all the worries of our adoption on our own. We know that we need prayers and we know that these prayers will be answered in God's timing. We ask everyone who prays to remember us and that God's will be done in our adoption.
We are still working on some fundraiser ideas and will be doing another yard sale in the spring. We have about $5000 more to raise and could use any help or ideas you all may have. We have applied through a new donation organization that will be able to take donations through the internet and they will be tax deductible. I will post more info as I get it.
Psalm 56:9-11 KJV
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Great Things in 2013
We all try to make resolutions at the beginning of each year. This year I'm not making resolutions, instead I am turning all my worries over to a higher power. It's almost been a year since we decided to start the adoption process and we are still holding on, Matt more patiently than me most days. We are depending on Gods timing and know if we depend on him our child will come into our family right on time.
Since it has been so long since my last post I wanted to let everyone know how things have been going.
The chili supper went very well. Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed a bowl of chili and some great entertainment by my good friend, Brad McCrady. Thanks to our parents and all of our friends for all the help to make this event a success. We raised over $1400 and are that much closer to our goal.
The holidays came and went like a flash of light. They were great and we are so blessed. Clayton got all he wanted and more. We spent two great weeks off work and school. It was great family time and I look forward to more this year and to hopefully have an extra person in our family.
On the adoption front not a lot to talk about. We have had a couple of situations come up but we were not chosen or it was out of our budget. Yes we have an adoption budget. Some cases are more expensive than others, so we are waiting patiently for our child. We ask for your prayers if we cross your mind.
We are looking for new fundraising ideas. We need to raise between $4000 & $8000. We are still waiting on one more grant that will not consider our application until We are matched. So we are going to start planning some new fundraisers, but we are looking for any ideas. So if you have an idea let us know. We still have Dominos buy one get one free cards for$10, if you are interested in purchasing one email us and we will get one to you.
So no resolutions this year, only faith in God's timing and trust in his path. Our child is in His hands and I am so thankful for that. Great things to come in 2013!
Since it has been so long since my last post I wanted to let everyone know how things have been going.
The chili supper went very well. Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed a bowl of chili and some great entertainment by my good friend, Brad McCrady. Thanks to our parents and all of our friends for all the help to make this event a success. We raised over $1400 and are that much closer to our goal.
On the adoption front not a lot to talk about. We have had a couple of situations come up but we were not chosen or it was out of our budget. Yes we have an adoption budget. Some cases are more expensive than others, so we are waiting patiently for our child. We ask for your prayers if we cross your mind.
We are looking for new fundraising ideas. We need to raise between $4000 & $8000. We are still waiting on one more grant that will not consider our application until We are matched. So we are going to start planning some new fundraisers, but we are looking for any ideas. So if you have an idea let us know. We still have Dominos buy one get one free cards for$10, if you are interested in purchasing one email us and we will get one to you.
So no resolutions this year, only faith in God's timing and trust in his path. Our child is in His hands and I am so thankful for that. Great things to come in 2013!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Auction Listing
Let's get ready for an auction!!!! We are so excited about tomorrows event and can't wait to see everyone. Even if you can't be with us in person, you will have an opportunity to bid on our many auction baskets. We will be taking bids via cell phone tomorrow. We have posted the auction listing for tomorrow's chili supper below. We hope that everyone will take a look and during the event tomorrow, call in their bid! We have a few rules for bidding just to keep it fair for you and easier for us.
Good Luck and Happy Bidding!
Here are the rules for bidding by phone.
1. Bids will be taken only between 5:30 and 7:30 PM CST.
2. If you win an item and are not present, you will be contacted on Monday.
3. We will not be shipping items, so if you win you must be able to pick up an item or make arrangements to pick up.
If you have trouble viewing the listing, please click the link below.
Chili Supper Silent Auction Listing
Good Luck and Happy Bidding!
Here are the rules for bidding by phone.
1. Bids will be taken only between 5:30 and 7:30 PM CST.
2. If you win an item and are not present, you will be contacted on Monday.
3. We will not be shipping items, so if you win you must be able to pick up an item or make arrangements to pick up.
If you have trouble viewing the listing, please click the link below.
Chili Supper Silent Auction Listing
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
4 days and counting
All the planning and organizing is just about complete. In 4 more days we will have our biggest fundraiser so far. We thank everyone who has helped us or donated an item or their time. You will never know what it means to us. This event is going to be lots of fun and will help us reach our goal in raising enough money to make Matt and I parents again and making Clayton a big brother!
Chili Supper Silent Auction
When: October 27
Time: 5pm-8pm
Where: Presidents Place
2400 Friendship Drive
Adults $10
Kids 3-10 - $5
0-3 Free
We are serving Chili and Hot Dogs with dessert and a drink.
In conjunction with the Chili supper we will be holding a Silent Auction. We are going to try something a little different with our auction. We will have call in numbers so anyone will have the opportunity to bid on their favorite item. We will be posting the listing later this week so that everyone has an opportunity to review. We have something for everyone including an Awesome Electronics Basket and an Extraordinary Hunting Basket.
We also have some stuff for kids. We will have a whole table dedicated to the little ones. Coloring pages, games and a little craft project, your little ones will be entertained while mom and dad have a good time.
And don't forget ELVIS will be in the building. Brad McCrady, Elvis Style Entertainment, will be in attendance to provide some rockin muscial entertainment. Mandy will be singing a couple of her favorites as well!
Its not to late to get tickets or reserve a seat. We are asking everyone who is interested in attending to contact us so that we can reserve you a seat. We want to make sure that everyone that wants to come has a seat. So let us know soon. We hope to see your there!
Chili Supper Silent Auction
When: October 27
Time: 5pm-8pm
Where: Presidents Place
2400 Friendship Drive
Adults $10
Kids 3-10 - $5
0-3 Free
We are serving Chili and Hot Dogs with dessert and a drink.
In conjunction with the Chili supper we will be holding a Silent Auction. We are going to try something a little different with our auction. We will have call in numbers so anyone will have the opportunity to bid on their favorite item. We will be posting the listing later this week so that everyone has an opportunity to review. We have something for everyone including an Awesome Electronics Basket and an Extraordinary Hunting Basket.
We also have some stuff for kids. We will have a whole table dedicated to the little ones. Coloring pages, games and a little craft project, your little ones will be entertained while mom and dad have a good time.
And don't forget ELVIS will be in the building. Brad McCrady, Elvis Style Entertainment, will be in attendance to provide some rockin muscial entertainment. Mandy will be singing a couple of her favorites as well!
Its not to late to get tickets or reserve a seat. We are asking everyone who is interested in attending to contact us so that we can reserve you a seat. We want to make sure that everyone that wants to come has a seat. So let us know soon. We hope to see your there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)