Saving Celine....

One of my blogging friends and fellow Down syndrome mommy, Patti, has been given a $5,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor to help save this precious child who has been waiting

seven.  long.  years.

go here to check it out.

you can even win an awesome camera.

I wasn't EXPECTED, I was C H O S E N

Today marks the one year gotcha day anniversary for our little Anya.  A little girl who was rejected at birth only because she was born with Down Syndrome. 

For You formed my inward parts; You covered my in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul know very well.

Perfect in the eyes of God.

R E J E C T E D

by her birth parents

by her society

She was place in an orphanage at the age of 4 weeks.

This was her home for the first 4 1/2 years of her life.

She never left the building except for the times she was put in a hospital for pneumonia.



This was her bed.

She was facing transfer to an adult mental institution.

She was considered "at risk"

But then God moved.

But then God moved on the heart of a mom whose life was changed just 2 years earlier when her youngest daughter was born with Down Syndrome.

And then God moved on the the heart of a dad....

An ordinary family.

Who heard God calling.....

YES.  I am calling you.

YES. I will equip you.

Yes. I will give you strength.

YES.

we said yes.

Gotcha Day

September 22, 2011

CHOSEN not rejected.

ADOPTION CHANGES LIVES.

THANK YOU ANYA FOR CHANGING OUR LIVES.  FOR TEACHING US SO MUCH ABOUT LIFE AND WHAT REALLY MATTERS.  WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

LOVE,

MOM, DAD, MARY CLAIRE, AVERY AND ELLIS ANNE

One Year Ago Today.......

One year ago today Reed and I left our little town of almost 5,000 people to travel across the ocean for the second time to a little girl who had been rejected at birth only because she was born with Down Syndrome.

It's been an amazing year, (BUSY) but AMAZING!!!

more to come on Gotcha Day one year ago!!!

First Day of School = Success!

WOW...it's a little hard or tricky to get four kids fed, dressed and to school all at the same time!  We are on a new schedule this year and I won't bore you with all of the specifics, because quite frankly, at this point I am just learning all of the specifics myself and couldn't possibly relay them to someone else :)

So here they are.

The Lynch kiddos on their first day of school.

OOOPS!  Just kidding.  This is not Anya on her first day.

Clothes laid out the night before.

Ellis Anne getting in a little of her favorite Barney before she goes.

Ellis Anne, a little sad, that she has to go to school.  

BUT, she did great.  I am so proud of my little girl who feels most

comfortable at home in her familiar surrounding.  School is good for her though, and we attended

summer school so that she would be prepared for this day!

Avery, my kindergardener, and Anya.  

The BIG kids.  Avery and Mary Claire.  

Mary Claire is in 3rd grade this year and changed to a different building.

It's always sad to see them enter kindergarten.  He was ready though.

Avery and his teacher, Mrs. Lites, showing him his cubby.

Ellis Anne rejoicing that she survived her first day!!!!!!!!!

Celebrating a job well done for everyone.

Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Stephanie

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.