Etiquette 101

Earlier this summer a local book store was going out of business.  I picked up this place mat along with some crayons that go with it to help Anya "set the table."

Pictures from our etiquette class.....

She had a great time...and by the way....her mom thinks she passed!!!!  This little girl is a blessing everyday.

AN ABSOLUTE GIFT.

WORTH SO MUCH.

THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING ANYA TO US.

Makin' Mud Pies

On the 4th of July, we decided to make some mud pies.  Anya seemed to have the perfect recipe.

First, you dig down deep in the bucket and 

get one scoop full of potting soil.

Then you carefully place your mud in your mixing bowl.

Next, you sprinkle a little bit of sand into the mixture.  

This will give your pie a nice gritty texture.

Oh, Hi Mom.  Can't smile too long....I'm busy in the kitchen.

The Chef and her two eager assistants.

And if you prefer a really strong gritty texture, you sprinkle more sand into your mixing bowl.

You can never have too much sand, so don't worry if you think you are adding too much.

Meanwhile, Ellis Anne prefers to stay away from all the chaos in the kitchen.

Smart Girl!!!!

You can't tell, but she is doing a little bit of counting in this picture.

This is one of Ellis Anne's favorite thing to do right now.

Well, I am not sure what happened to the finished product, but let me assure

you we did have a mud pie or two.......

Watch Out Paula Deen!

Mabel

I don't do enough advocating for the children of Reece's Rainbow, yet my heart aches for so many of them.  There are always those that begin to tug at your heart for one reason or another and Mabel is one of those.  Mabel is 7 years old and has been waiting too long.  She is a precious little girl who I can tell would look absolutely adorable with her hair grown out and a big bow.  Sadly she is not walking yet and it not receiving ANY therapy.  I just know it would only take this little girl months in a loving home to start walking and to do who knows what else.  

Will you all please join me in spreading the word about Mabel?  She has almost 2,000 in her grant fund.  She deserves a family of her own.

Mabel

Girl, born May 2005
Diagnosis:  Down syndrome

Mabel is a very shy, calm natured little girl.  Right now, she does not appear to be walking at all.  In the pictures, she had been brought in from another groupa and was in an unfamiliar place, so she was a little nervous in a new environment.  Sadly, in the orphanage at this time, she is unable to get any therapy.  Imagine her potential and what she could do if she was getting physical, occupational and speech therapy!  Mabel truly needs someone to adopt her soon, and help her become all that God has intended for her to be!

Poor, sad little Mabel — she’s been chewing on her sleeves and hands for self-soothing.   She’s such a tiny little bird — please help her find a family so she can reach her full potential!  She has the most beautiful eyes, let’s help put the shine back in them!

MABEL can stand for “Mothers Always Bring Extra Love,” and if ever a child needed extra love, it is this precious girl.  She has no one to love on her- so she’s chewing on her hands and sleeves. Her little hands look raw. What a horrible way to have to comfort yourself- to just be a darling baby and no one love on you because you happen to have an extra chromosome.  She’s tiny, no bigger than a 3 year old. Her cheeks are raw, from her having her wet hands against them, and the cool air of winter hitting them.  Somewhere, this child has a mom that will bring “extra love” for this precious child of God with an “extra chromosome”. Mama? Do you see me?

Additional pictures available.   Interested families should be homestudy approved (or close to it) prior to commitment.  Large families welcome, older parents welcome, married couples only.   Travel required.