Carrington's Courage

School of Gardening

2012-02-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

Ok so I will admit there is something I really like about Texas: the weather is not as cold as other places I have lived or visited. Today it was a gorgeous 76* outside so we had a family day at home in our yard. School plans took on a surprise twist. Instead of learning more about telling time and learning our new coin of the week, we went outside and began the steps to getting ready for a garden. My main helpers were Ethan and Reagan but even Evelyn and Carrington got involved for a little bit while Owen and Hudson were gone in a flash out to the swing set and yard which left all gardening up to us. Daddy had already bought the bag of soil, and I pulled out the seed packets and recycled plant containers from plants we had bought last year. This year we hope to have a unique item in our garden: a couple veggies from Ukraine ~~with seeds I brought home from our mission trip in November~~ blown over the seas and oceans right to my back porch. I will let you all know how those turn out. We have decided we are going to collect seeds from things we eat from now on so I have been saving medicine bottles to keep the seeds in.

Gardening is not new to our family but to some members of our family it is. Granted, Carrington does not really stress over which veggies are planted but we still sat her up in her Bumbo seat to participate. The one who really had eyes as big as saucers and excitement for the whole world was Reagan. This was all new to her but she was all about what she needed to do in order to make sure her seeds made it in her little containers. Our school lesson for the day was all about what God gives us to live and how we need to take care of things. We talked about what seeds need to grow, what they are going grow into, and how we take care of the seeds. This is one of my favorite parts about home schooling: being able to change the lesson of the day to fit the unexpected blessing of beautiful weather. How often can you take school outside and have learning be hands on?! It was also a time we could talk about math concepts such as the different sizes of seeds. Now granted the kids did not stop and say "gee this is a great math lesson" but they did learn! There was no set time limit on how long we were to spend on a certain topic nor was there any agenda to make sure we taught to some test. This was pure and simple learning.

Carrington thinks she may plant peas.

Smells good.

My two junior gardeners. Their great-grandma and grandpa would be so proud.

Now Carrington sees something else she needs to plant.

Ahhh yes! Corn is always yummy!

Reagan took on the role of teacher for Evelyn as she planted her pumpkin seeds.

Evelyn is in deep concentration as she picks up her seeds (that would be working on fine motor skills thank you very much).

Evelyn is planting the remainder of her seed that she had decided would taste quite yummy. Yes, Evie ate the seeds she was supposed to plant.

Now if we all can say a little prayer that our garden grows this year and is free of the varmits that dined on all the fruits of our labor last year. We really love veggies and this is one way we can have fresh and organic veggies without the high prices. Not to mention the fact that the children will see their science, math, and Bible lessons grow right before their little eyes.

God's Gift of Courage

2012-02-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

To watch this young person is to watch God's might hand showing the world the answer to their question of "why would you adopt a child with special needs?".

New Colors for Live Simply Tshirts

2012-02-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to share with you all, thanks to popular demand, that we are able to offer the Live Simply Tshirts in these 5 new colors. The tshirts we are selling to not only raise funds for our boys but to also bring a simply yet profound message to the world are $10 each plus $2 shipping. The tshirts will spread the message of:

LIVE SIMPLY SO THAT OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE

You can pay for the tshirts via the chip in button to the right. Be sure to leave your color choice and size in the message or you can email me that info at burmanshelly@yahoo.com. We are going to extend the sale of these awesome shirts up until the day I leave which in March 2nd.

Sangria

Navy Blue

Candy Pink

Charcoal

Dill green

In the original colors of red, blue, and white we have the following sizes available:
WHITE; RED: BLUE:
Medium-3 Small-5 Small-1
Large-7 Large-3
XL-3
2XL-3

New Friends

2012-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

One of the moms in our Ds partnership started a group for our kiddos with Ds that are a bit older to be able to socialize with one another. Carrington met some new friends even though she was not technically old enough for the group. I enjoyed watching the children mingle and eat bagels at Boopa's Bagels here in Fort Worth. The owner of Boopa's Bagels is Holly and she is such an advocate for children with Ds. She gave the children a tour of the bagel kitchen where all the yummy bagels are made. So many of the children there were interested in Carrington and kept coming up to her and wanting to talk to her. This young man named Ben was so super sweet to Carrington and he just wanted to hold her so up on the couch he sat and waited for me to bring her to him.

Even though my little ones are not ready for this group right now it really gives me great comfort to know that, one day when they are ready, my children will have chance to have social gatherings and make friends just like any other child. Perhaps this means even more to me given that my children came from a society in which they were both highly disliked and neglected; never given the opportunity to make friends let alone socialize. Right now the song entitled "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong is playing in my mind as I think about the chances my children will now have and all of the friends Carrington is making already! Thank you Sheila for starting this little group.

This handsome young man is Ben. He was so sweet to Carrington and ever so gentle when holding her. I think this is Carrington's first boy admirer.

Anna Spicer was there with her 2 sisters who have Ds but she spent a lot of time doting on Carrington.

Miss Vera Spicer (who is now an official teenager) came over to visit with Carrington

Coming Soon

2012-02-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

Coming very soon Carrington's Courage will have a new look as well as a new title. It has become so hard to try and maintain 3 separate blogs so we have decided to redesign Carrington's blog to be our family blog since she is a part of our family and we cannot imagine separating. I would like to say that I came up with a really cool layout but you all know me WAAAYYYY too well so I will just confess now it is a sweet young lady by the name of Sarah B. who will be bringing Carrington's Courage into the next and newest stage. Stay tuned....

Oh and did we forget to mention.....

TODAY WE GOT OUR REFERRAL TO GO SEE CARRINGTON'S BIG BROTHERS!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!

I will leave on March 2nd to head to the boys' country to lay eyes and hands upon our boys. This trip I am blessed to be meeting up with Jenny Brown who will be meeting her children as well. Now all I need is for the snow to melt and the sun to shine while I am there:)

We Are Called

2012-02-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

Rescued: The Heart of Adoption and Caring for Orphans - Trailer from Rescued The Movie on Vimeo.

A Red Straw

2012-02-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

Carrington has a new toy:

THIS RED STRAW

She sees my diet Coke drink from Sonic and this is what happens.

She gets a smug look of satisfaction on her face for getting HER red straw and I am left searching for something to drink my much needed soda with.

She licks it. Grips it like it is worth a million dollars. She raspberries on it so as noone else would dare want to take it back and drink out of it.

Then she uses it to conduct her orchestra which usually consists of her family members getting whatever she wants.

Oh how I love this sweet angel! I love her so much I asked Sonic to give me a stash of red straws to keep around just for her. Now that is a mother's love!!

Time Is Almost Up

2012-02-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

Friends,
The 3rd auction from Hidden Treasures is about to come to a close for the Archer family. This family is adopting 3 boys from where Carrington's 2 brothers are. This is an amazing family with hearts as big as this state. Go on over there and see some of the beautiful treasures there are for you to bid on.

Her Baby Doll

2012-02-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

When God blessed me with the most amazing of all blessings that of becoming a mommy, something inside me just took over. There were the times I consciencely thought about what I needed to teach my children and then there were the times that teaching happened without my planning or preparing. Loving, nurturing, and touching my children just came naturally from the moment I knew I was pregnant. Then there were the times I had to plan or think "ok so I need to teach Ethan his manners" or "I want Madelaine to know how to tie her shoes". Hugs and kisses just seem to happen without any planning (much to my 5 year olds dismay) no matter where we are or what we are doing. It has been that way since the day my children were born. For Carrington (as well as our other little ones who were adopted) that was not the case. Even before Carrington was born, from what we have been told of her birth mom, she never experienced the natural feelings of love nor the incredible effects of a nurturing individual. If you look at many children today who never experienced that they go through unnecessary pain and struggles. We know that Carrington has a bit of an uphill journey laid out before her but we want her to have love and encouragement to not only strengthen who she is but also for her to share with others. This is an instance in which we have to make a bit more of a conscience effort to help her. How I mean this is not that we have to think "gee we need to give Carrington a kiss" or "have I hugged her the required amount of times today?', instead it is more of helping her to overcome the hurt and pain that was inflicted upon her with the absence of such love.

Each day that poor little girl is showered by millions of hugs and kisses and that is just by me. Can you imagine how many she must get when you start adding in Daddy and 6 other siblings?! Well, I want to begin to show Carrington how to give that love as well. Yes, she is still so very young in terms of her development but this is not something that you teach for a chapter than move on to next subject so it will take time.

Carrington is now the proud mommy of her very first baby doll. Last night we gave Carrington one of those little cloth like baby dolls to play with. She is just now discovering toys and really beginning to play with them so we wanted to be sure to give her a dolly so she can learn how to play. I hugged the dolly and rocked her back and forth to show Carrington how to love her dolly. Then I put her dolly next to her in bed and was just talking to her about her dolly. I have found that Carrington is paying more and more attention to my voice and facial expressions so I was sure to show her lots of smiles. Carrington looked at the dolly and looked back at me. I know that inside her little body is a mind that is just ready to be immersed in learning and growing. We are seeing signs that the damage the doctors feared from her severe lack of malnutrition may not have been permanent so we have been encouraged to just keep teaching her with lots of love and repetition. Only God knows what my Princess will be able to do as she grows but I truly believe with all of my heart and mind that God will equip me to teach her not only with material things but with the knowledge to do so. Each of my children learns in a different way (which makes home schooling so much more fun) and Carrington is no exception. I am loving the fact that I get to learn as my children learn! If someone asks me what is the best part of being a mom I like to say "learning and discovering who my children are each and every day"!!

Carrington just wrapped her arm around her dolly while trying to figure out who just entered her castle(a.k.a crib)

"Is this my new little brother?"

It looks like she is giving her dolly kisses. I think she has how to do that quite well since our whole family kisses her like a billion times a day.

One Year Ago...

2012-01-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

12 months

On this day, in the year 2011, my life as a mommy changed. I met my youngest daughter. I did not give birth to her but my heart grew and then the moment she was placed in my arms a flood of emotions came over me. This precious little life, created by God, entrusted to me and Brian. A life needing love, protection, guidance, and acceptance. Then what is so different? She waited almost 4 long, agonizing, solitary years. When sickness overtook her she suffered alone. At night she was not tucked in. Kisses and sweet songs were never sung.

God knew.

He knew.

He knew Carrington needed a mommy and that was to be me!

Carrington came home looking like a scared and emaciated child. We did not know how she held on for so long other than to say God had a purpose for her. She had not eaten for so long that she could not keep any amount of nutrition in her so her body went into starvation mode. Comfort to her was not something she could handle. Touch was actually painful for her. Eye contact was so rare. Smiles, when they rarely came, were through severely rotted teeth. No one took the time or interest to make sure she received proper nutrition and love.

Then you take a look at today. One year later from the day we met her. 10 months later from the day she landed on U.S. soil only to be taken to a hospital so she could receive all the medical attention her little body needed. Now Carrington is a vivacious, entertaining, smiling, laughing, loving child with more than enough arms to hold her and love on her. She not only has gained weight, sitting in at a healthy 26lbs. 8.5oz but she is learning to eat while sitting at the table with her family. I did not do this. God did this. He knew what she needed and provided for her just as He promised.

My sweet angel has done more for me than I have ever or could ever do for her! Through Carrington I have seen and felt more connected to God. He was always and will always be here for me but it wasn't until Carrington that I acknowledged that. Carrington has inspired me to help so many little children who wait and wait for their mommy and daddy to come rescue them and take them home. She has grown my heart ten fold, or as my son would say 6499. I have been given an opportunity to mother this amazing child of God. Thank you Jesus for trusting me, believing in me to raise such a beautiful and sweet little girl!

Mommy loves you Carrington Ann Burman!!

Priceless Pictures

2012-01-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

This past December our family was gifted with a photo shoot of all of us by our friends the Landeros family. It is hard enough to get 7 children looking at the camera much less my little ones who always seem to be not focused on the camera. Now this is for your average run of the mill photographer, but my friends really took their time and listened to what each of my children are like plus they let me pick a location that was meaningful to us. Carlos snapped away while Heather would work on getting the attention of the children then they went home and worked hard and gave us our final product last night at our spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Oh my I think I must have looked at these pictures at least a hundred times since then. The pictures truly capture my children and their personalities. This is truly a special gift for our family.

Madelaine Grace-14
She is so grown up and beautiful!

Owen Reece-7
My serious one.

Hudson Quinn-7
Is that smile contagious or what?!

Evelyn Rose-7
Just look at her beautiful smile!

Reagan Faith-6
She is simply beautiful!

Ethan Cole-5
I love, love those cheeks!

Carrington Ann-4
Pretty Princess

Burman Boys
(they look less than thrilled but still are so handsome)

Burman Girls
Oh my so much beauty!

Burman Bunch-2011
(prior to our boys)

I Love Them

2012-01-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

My hope is that my children will always be there for each other. That is how we raise them to be. Siblings are the most special of friends. No one of them is more special than the other, more favored, or more loved. Each of my children is unique but the one thing that brings them together in unity is the fact that they are each other's siblings.

I love just how much Ethan and Reagan both love and spoil Carrington. Today Ethan asked me if Carrington knows how to talk like him and I told him not yet. His response was " well I will teach her because I am her big brother!" He also went on to say how he will teach her how to eat snacks, play baseball and football, and how to go potty on the toilet so she can wear underwear like him (yeah now won't that be an interesting one). Ethan and Carrington are only 10 months apart but because she came home the size and ability of a baby Ethan calls her his baby. For me, the bonding between Ethan and Carrington has been very special. I know he will always take care of her, look out for her, and of course teach her. That is what big brothers are supposed to do!

Ethan says he loves me and will protect me from all the dinosaurs.
That makes me happy!

We sure are silly aren't we Ethan?!

Reagan and Carrington also share a very special bond: they literally grew up together (at least for the first 3 years of Carrington's life). They lived in the same orphanage until Reagan was transferred. We adopted both girls at the same time. From the moment Reagan and Carrington reunited (after we broke them out of the orphanage and institution) Reagan has been a little mom to Carrington. She always alerts us to any noise Carrington makes (not that we don't hear her) and she always wants to know if it is time for Carrington to eat or sleep. Reagan is so sweet and loving to Carrington which in and of itself is amazing considering Reagan never had any example of the love of a family while in the orphanage. Brian and I truly believe that once Reagan was transferred to the institution is when she blossomed. I believe it was there that she learned how to nurture to the best she could. I know in my heart of hearts that one day Reagan and Carrington will be inseparable.

God could not have planned any better the route to the creation of our family! He knew who would join us and when. My children complete me; the me God intended me to be!

Oh Reagan you sure are a fun sister. You give me lots to laugh about!

I love you Reagan!

Love of Two Sisters

2012-01-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

10 years separate them.

Carrington rolled herself into Madelaine's room to see what was going on

Born with different genes.

Madelaine was just talking with Carrington while showing her what she was doing.

Vastly different beginnings.

Carrington smiles whenever Big Sis talks to her

Now that is a look.

But what these two have in common is that they are...

SISTERS!

When a mommy walks by her teenagers room half expecting to find her listening to music instead of working and half hoping she is going to eagerly jump up and say "how can I help you mom?" I, instead, saw a sight that melts any mother's heart: Her oldest daughter spending time doing what she likes to do and doing it with her littlest sister.

Quite often Brian and I are asked "how does Madelaine feel about having siblings with special needs?" or "do you think it is fair for Madelaine to have to feel like she has to take care of her siblings all of the time?" and even "Are you expecting Madelaine to take care of her siblings after you are gone?" I know these are legitimate questions because they are things people are thinking. But if you would indulge me a minute I would like to share not only my perspective on this as a Mom but also as a child of God. Madelaine is and has been my whole world since the day I knew I was carrying her. She is my first born, my oldest daughter, and my hero. I always share with her that while she is our world the world is not about her and there are so many people out there and each one of us has a purpose. Madelaine has a heart of gold for children with special needs. She is neither scared nor intimidated by those who may look, act, or think differently than her. This has not come from having siblings with special needs because Madelaine has not always had her siblings. This is instead a gift God has given unto her. From an early age Madelaine was a thinker and an encourager. Life is no different for Madelaine since her siblings arrived. She still is expected to do her chores, study hard, and be respectful. What has changed is now Madelaine has 5 siblings who give her a chance to share all that she is with them, who are always ready and willing to give her a hug, and more than happy to accompany her to her room to 'hang out' with her.

I love watching the love my oldest daughter has for ALL of her siblings. She knows their needs better than sometimes her Daddy and I do. If there is an issue chances are Madelaine is right there trying to solve it. Yes, Madelaine often has to wait until nap time or later at night to get some help with a subject she is studying but that's okay because then it is just her and I and we can focus on that. She often times is called upon to chase down a runner or maybe don hazardous materials gear as she must change a diaper that even the Haz Mat team would refuse. But she also is looked up to for all she does. Madelaine is the genius who can turn on the Wii (mommy still has no clue how to) or the best sandwich maker this side of the Rocky Mountains, and for the love she shares. We have discussed which room Carrington will go to once we feel it is okay for her to leave our room and Madelaine spoke up with "my room"! Carrington is going to be Madelaine's shadow I think. Where Big Sis goes so too will be a miniature version known as the Princess. Life for Madelaine is one we hope holds so many opportunities for Madelaine to share with others her love for her siblings. While her love and devotion to her siblings may be hard for many to comprehend I do believe that my girls are going to always be there for each other in ways only God could have so intricately laid out.

Brian heard about such a love on the radio the other day. This story is about 2 brothers and the bond between them. Get your kleenex ready!

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7208128

What a Change!

2012-01-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

From a hurting, scared, and nearly dying child...

March 15, 2011 leaving Ukraine
a very sick girl.

March 20, 2011 in U.S.A. @
Cook Children's Hospital

to this amazing, beautiful, healthy

PRINCESS!!

Look at the effects of L-O-V-E!!!!!!

I love just how big our Princess has gotten!

Tonight it was date night for Brian and I. Our caregiver Sarah was taking care of the children while Brian and I went out to spend some quality time together. Okay so I know you all are just aching to find out what does a couple like Brian and I do for our date night so I will reveal to you the secret behind our romance:

we eat dinner with a coupon after we have spent 2 hours asking for businesses to donate to our silent auction for the boys' spaghetti dinner.

Oh I am sorry are you unable to read that?! What I said was we sit on a park bench while feeding the ducks and watching our grass grow. HaHa! seriously we did go for dinner and even talked about a couple of big people things. I even had Brian sit next to me on the bench seat as I held his hand. I am sure we looked like we were honeymooners and at our ripe ~~old~~ young age. When we came home Sarah had everyone all ready for bed and even some in bed so that was nice. Then I went into the living room and saw my beautiful princess. She looked like she had grown since we were gone and I am pretty sure we were not gone all that long. My goodness she has thighs! Oh what a precious sight for these eyes!

I happened to be working on a power point presentation (ok so honestly I am not doing the power point myself as I don't even really know what it is but rather a friend is helping me so all I have to do is gather pictures) and had come across the pictures of Carrington when her legs were smaller that her arms today. Every little inch of her body God created and even though I was not with her for the first 3 1/2 years of her life I still get to watch her grow. She amazes us daily and not just with the milestones she is achieving but just her overall appearance and personality. Carrington is our little princess and this mommy sure loves every inch of her!

Giggle Good Time

2012-01-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Just a few little somethings to make you smile!

One of the greatest of joys I receive from being Carrington's mommy is to watch and listen as she giggles. There does not always seem to be a specific reason she giggles other than she wants to. Isn't that just beyond words? Carrington can giggle because she WANTS to. I think about how long she went without even wanting to make a noise for fear of retaliation from the workers and now, NOW, she makes more than enough noise. Even as I type this post late at night Carrington is over in her crib just laughing, making silly noises, and scooting all around. I think she is trying to out do Daddy's snoring:) Oh and when she giggles just look at her cheeks! She has such beautiful high cheeks. When we brought her home the only thing we saw for cheeks was skin that was stretched over cheek bones. Now today we see rosy round cheeks on the roundest of faces. This is better than cable television any day! God has put a song in her heart and as the children's song, This Little Light of Mine, says: "this little light of mine I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." Carrington is the most beautiful and brightest of lights and it is her light that has led our family down a path full of God's blessings! The path may be bumpy, it may be steep, and it may even be full of pot holes but we have the light of God shining on it so how can we not follow it?!

The End!

2011-12-31T21:35:00.000-08:00

What can a mommy say when a year comes to a close? I cannot believe there are words to accurately describe the joy I feel from my children. This year saw some pretty amazing things and it also saw some things that never should have been. Our adoption journey to Ukraine this year, while full of Satan's attempts to thwart the plan of God, was not without purpose and meaning. The purpose was to bring our Carrington Ann home to her family so that she could blossom and be a beacon of light for so many orphans still waiting to find their forever family. Carrington's situation has motivated thousands of people across the world to pray for the orphans and so many families to be moved to adopt some of those orphans.

Carrington has been home 9 1/2 months now and although she does not yet comprehend the gift she has bestowed upon us as our daughter and sister she has blossomed and fit right in as a most treasured Princess. We love to hear her laughter at night as she ~~plays~~ sleeps in her crib, our hearts are filled with joy when we all see her start to play with toys and seek certain ones out, lots of kisses and hugs are passed around when Carrington even enters a room, and most of all prayers of thankfulness go up to God for choosing our family to be the blessed ones to bring Carrington home. We also thank all of the people who prayed for Carrington this past year; for her health and recovery while in the hospital, for any issues with her feeding to be quickly resolved, and for her overall happiness. It has been those prayers that have been a beacon of light that shines the love of God upon her. Thank you for loving our Princess and for sharing your hearts with us.

Right now I should be asleep but I cannot because I am thinking of all my Carrington has done this year and of how she has truly brought me closer to God. Isn't it amazing how a little child who was deemed not worthy by her own society has actually touched as many lives as she has? As her Mommy I of course identify myself in that manner but you see I do not need to find my identity in her or anyone else because God has already given me the identity of Shelly-Wife, mommy, friend, and granddaughter. It is through Carrington that God has been able to show me His purpose for calling me to the orphan crisis much as He did when He called us to adoption with our sweet angel Mason.

To look back on this past year with Carrington I read her blog from beginning to end in addition to looking at all the picture we took while over in Ukraine. So much of that seems a blur because we feel as if she has been here her whole life. Quite often I break into tears of joy watching as Carrington accomplishes a task that seemed so far off just a few months ago. I know this sweet angel will continue to break down the doors of the tasks before her and I just cannot believe I get to be her mommy and watch every single moment. Carrington's given name was Anastasia. We did not choose to keep that name but a very sweet young girl did point out to us that her birth name in Russian means "resurrected one". I know our God had a plan for Carrington before she was knitted in the womb and it warms my heart that God chose her to make such an impact on so many lives that that in turn would cause a ripple effect to be felt around the world. Thank you my sweet Carrington for the love you have shown me, for trying so very hard to accomplish each task even when it was so hard, for the sweet and pure joy you bring to my life, for holding on so long and enduring so much until we could bring you home, and for blessing each and every single moment on my life. You are my Princess and I love bringing this year to a close with you as my daughter!

The last days of the year were absolutely beautiful so we spent them playing outside and just having fun together as a family. I think we logged more hours outside this past weekend than we did all summer due to the extreme heat. Carrington is beginning to take interest in her surrounding more and more so it is a must to fully develop that interest. What a fun way to end our year as a family!

Pretty Last Day of December 2011-Playing in the Leaves

Do you see this huge pile of leaves? Guess what that means?!

My big brother Ethan was helping Mommy rake the yard so we could jump in the pile of leaves.

Oh My!! All these leaves. I wonder if I am going to have to rake these when I get bigger? (Mommy says YES)

Even Madelaine is not too big to get in on the fun. Although may I add she went inside to clean off all of the leaves of her clothes and hair right after Mommy took this picture.

Ethan kept yelling something that went like this "CANNONBALL" every time he jumped in the pile.

Reagan was buried almost as high as me.

My other big brother, Owen, (hey wait they are all my big brothers) was not thinking this whole jumping in the leaf pile thing was so much of a fun idea.

Here we all are playing in the great big pile of leaves.

Mommy even came and jumped in with us.

Owen and I are getting buried in the leaves.

Ok so these leaves are all over me now.

Last Trip to the FW Zoo for 2011

Tasting a banana at the zoo and liking it for the first time.

My big brother Ethan was showing me how the lion roars.

We all stopped for a snack as we sit in front of the tigers habitat watching them play.

My First New Year's Eve Party

We had a bunch of good snacks for our New Year's Party. This was my first New Year's Party and I think I like the food and company:)

Daddy decided I should end my first year home with a taste of an Oreo cookie. Well little did he know that "taste" just wasn't going to cut it for this Princess and I took a HUGE bite out of it.

Mmmmmm where has this been my whole life?!

I am thinking my big sister Evelyn might like her cookie. what do you think?

Sharing the Blessings

2011-12-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

Our world has certainly expanded with the addition of our children with special needs. We are now involved in so many different communities and have met some amazing families and people we are proud to call our friends. Through our Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County I have met so many wonderful ladies and been blessed to watch their beautiful children blossom. Through my friend Heather L. I have become aware of an organization called the ARC of NETC and recently I was able to write an article about my journey to motherhood. At first the article was over 3 pages typewritten in size 11 font, single spaced etc but it could only be one page in length. Oh boy how was I going to do this and still share my story? Hmmm ok well I finally narrowed down the main point I hoped to share with readers and then went from there. It also helped that I could link both the boys' and Carrington's blog so then readers could see more of our story. If you all have never heard of or at least checked into whether or not you even have an association such as ARC of NETC I strongly encourage you to do so. The following is the link to the article I wrote on page 10. I hope you all enjoy.
http://arcnetc.org/uploads/January_2012_-_Arc_NETC_News.pdf

Christmas Joy

2011-12-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well what can we say but that we had a wonderful Christmas this year!! Brian had to work both days so Santa came on Christmas Eve while we were at church because I know Santa would not want this mommy to have to try and keep 7 children from opening up gifts that were sitting right in front of them all day until daddy got home. What made this Christmas so special for us? Watching all 7 of our children open their gifts with much excitement! Carrington did pretty good at the present opening as did pretty much all of the other children.

I cannot believe that this was Carrington's first Christmas! See I look at it this way: yes we did not adopt her until she was nearly 4 years old but I did not miss out on her "first" because everything she does is a first-as our daughter, as a cherished and loved child, and as a sister to the most amazing and wonderful siblings.

We took so many pictures but this camera seems to take the worst pictures and is so slow I miss a lot but I think you can tell from the ones we do have that the evening was a success and 7 children went to bed with more than just themselves in their beds. I remember that was the fun of Christmas was taking all of your new treasures to bed with the promise that we could play with our toys as long as we wanted and get up and play with them again as early as we wanted so long as we did NOT wake up anyone else. I told Ethan and Reagan that and they smiled as they pushed all of their toys into their beds. Carrington really did not have any issues with what toys to take with her other than her trusty Violet puppy dog that Miss Jill gave her while she was in the hospital back in March. I hope to make the next post all about videos but we shall see if I can do that, I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Showing off their new pjs

Smiling with my handsome boy

Reagan received puppets for Christmas from our friends the Lewis family. What a great way to teach her imaginative play as well as work on vocabulary!

This is our living room on 7 children with presents unwrapped. Don't worry we are a big recycling family and actually filled our 97 gal recycle can with items in addition to 4 50 gal totes. And only 1 small bag of trash items.

Santa brought Carrington this activity table which we are holding off putting on the legs just yet and Evie came over to play with her.

The Princess was given such cute pjs from one of her favorite care givers Sarah!

This was Carrington's first Christmas Eve church service and if you look Reagan sitting in front in the red dress and Ethan top left corner in blue sweater went to sit with our pastor for the story.

Carrington wants to open presents and she would like to do it NOW!!

She would rip a piece of paper off and throw it behind her.

Reagan really caught on quick to the whole order of events and she just brimmed with excitement while helping Carrington open her gifts.

I just had to sneak in a quick picture with my Princess. After all this is our first Christmas with her.

She sure took to her activity table.

I absolutely love this picture! Carrington scooted over to the presents and it looks as if she is reading the name tags to see which presents are hers.

My little present!

Look at the pure joy on Reagan's face as she gets ready to open her gifts. She kept asking if Jesus was coming to the party. (we had just gone to church and had been sharing with her that it was Jesus' birthday).

Owen is feeling better after his surgery enough to play a bit with his new toy from Santa.

Evelyn received head phones from Santa and just look at her concentration. She was like this for several minutes. I do believe we may have cracked open the door into her world.

Hudson was most methodical about opening his gifts.

Ethan could not believe the 2 wheeled scooter he received for Christmas.

Madelaine loved getting the first four seasons of the Psych t.v. show. Her daddy and I were introduced to it by our friends the Karols while we were in Ukraine and now she is the newest one to love the show.

A Must See

2011-12-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight Carrington is going to be a part of a news story that ABC Nightly News with Diane Sawyer has put together regarding orphans in Ukraine. We were contacted some time ago about Carrington and her story and asked if ABC could share this as part of an in depth story they were working on. The news followed one family on their journey to adopt their little one and have an important message to share with the world. Please watch and most importantly share the news of this story with any and everyone you know. The more the message is spread the faster we can find families for all the children. Carrington has deeply changed our lives: our perspective on what's important, our priorities both with our time and money, and deepened our faith in God and His mighty plan. Brian and I are not to be applauded or commended for adopting our children with special needs but instead we are to be seen as ones who finally chose to follow the path God has called us to. He never said the journey would be easy or "fun" every single moment but He knows the fulfillment being a parent can be and has called us to be the parent of ALL our children. We vowed as a family to not let Carrington's story, her battle, her years of abuse go without a purpose and that purpose we believe is to spread the word of the children who so desperately long for and need a family to love them and let them grow into wonderful creations of our God. Stay tuned and set your VCRs (ok so I still have one and yes I still use it) to ABC Nightly News with Diane Sawyer tonight, December 26, 2011 and be prepared to have your mind and heart called to action:)

Come Join Me!

2011-12-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone this is Princess Carrington inviting you to join our family for spaghetti dinner to help bring home my brothers Teagan and Kelten. My mom says we just were given a Christmas miracle from God and that means a lot for my brothers. She says it is going to be a surprise for you all but as soon as she lets me in on it I will be sure to share it with you all. So, with this Christmas miracle we now are focusing a lot of thought and prayers on the spaghetti dinner fundraiser and silent auction. All of the information is also posted on my brothers' blog at www.atorchforteagan.blogspot.com but I still want to talk about it since these two handsome hanks will soon be home playing with me and of course protecting me as all big brothers should. Without further adieu here is the information you will need to know:

I cannot wait for you all to come and eat with us and play with me! Please feel free to invite any one you would like because my whole family loves meeting new people! Have a super day!

Love,
Princess Carrington

Carrington's First Christmas

2011-12-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BURMANS!

(9 people in picture means great picture!)

Featuring Carrington

2011-12-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago I was approached to write an article about the condition of Carrington and what the lack of nutrition did to her. Carrington is diagnosed with Down syndrome but that is not the reason she came home weighing under 11 pounds and measuring the size of a 6 month old. No, the plain and simple truth is Carrington was robbed of the nutrition her mind and body needed to grow and develop. In America we have so many programs in place to help ensure that babies and children receive the necessary nutrition they need in order to grow. That is not the case for orphans in Eastern Europe. Quite often these little ones, and even big ones, are lucky to even receive one meal for the day and it certainly is not based upon any major food group. This is having a devastating effect on the children who live in orphanages and mental institutions. One of the effects of malnutrition on Carrington, other than her stunted growth, is that her brain had shrunk. Once again this is not because of Down syndrome but rather the purposeful nutritional neglect on the part of her caregivers. I am not saying that all caregivers are neglectful but Carrington's were as was the director of her orphanage.

Quite often when families who have adopted orphans with special needs come home we encounter many feeding and nutritional issues. Carrington had a gbutton placed in her as well as underwent a fundiplication to help resolve her extreme reflux. We turn to each other for advice and support as to how we can best help our children. Our natural response is to want to feed our little ones as much as possible as soon as we break them out of the prison that has robbed them of the very basic of needs:food. While the intention to feed our children is honest and sincere it can actually end up causing great harm and even death. This is known as "refeeding syndrome".

Refeeding syndrome is a syndrome consisting of metabolic disturbances that occur as a result of reinstitution of nutrition to patients who are starved or severely malnourished.

Carrington's doctors took extreme caution when it came to giving her the nutrition her body had been deprived of for so long. These doctors as well as other organizations are working hard to try and not only eradicate malnutrition in children but educate and offer support to those families whose children have been affected by this. One such organization is Adoption Nutrition. This organization is nutrition and feeding resource for adoptive and foster families. They are partnered with the SPOON Foundation and Joint Council International Children's Services.

The mission of SPOON Foundation is to improve the nutrition of orphaned, fostered, and adopted children so they can grow and thrive.

This month they have chosen to highlight Carrington's story in their nutrition profile. This was very special to us as we have learned a great deal of information through their organization which has helped us with Carrington's recovery. Right now our family is in process with some very special friends we have met via our adoption journey of our boys to try and help not only resolve the nutrition crisis of the children but also to educate those who may not truly understand just how much these precious children need proper nutrition. I hope to have more on that in the next weeks and months to come but meanwhile please go take a look at their website and if you know of anyone who struggles with nutritional issues with their child please pass on the link to them.

Loving Nature

2011-12-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

You never quite know what to expect with the weather here in Texas. This summer we endured months of 100*+ temperatures and virtually no rain. I lost only one tree due to the drought thanks to my wonderful son doing his part to help hydrate the vegetation (in other words my son found it fun to use nature for his toileting needs). I do give him credit though as it saved my trees and saved on toilet paper:) Hey, this mom has to laugh when it comes to raising Ethan. Anyways, I digressed here. So, this one day it was a bit chilly out but I desperately needed to work on trimming back my flower bed and so this was the time. Princess did not want to go to sleep so she came outside with Mommy while Daddy and Ethan played catch with the baseball. I sat her down in a pile of leaves and just let her have fun. Now if you were to rewind to when Madelaine was a baby (insert first time mom at this point) I would have carefully laid down a blanket, made sure there were no bugs or anything that might touch her that was not sanitary, and never would have ever let Madelaine put anything near her mouth. Ok fast forward to present, add in being Ethan's mom for 5 years now in addition to having added 5 children with special needs and very little time and you have this:

Carrington doing an inspection of this item known as a leaf. In our house we say she is advanced and I like to think she is studying the decomposition of leaves in our yard thus giving our yard optimum natural organic nutrients.

Once again I see advancement here with her finger isolation as she takes note of not only the lack of chlorophyll within the leaf but also the shape.

For one moment our little genious was interrupted to call out a few commands to her Daddy and big brother as they worked on Ethan catching the ball with his glove rather than his face.

Now here you will note Carrington is attempting to investigate if whether or not she adds a bit of saliva if the leaves will once again hydrate themselves and resume the natural process of hydration.

Her intensity to study a bit of nature leads me to believe she will pay attention to her environment.

And now for her conclusion:

This will conclude Carrington's assessment on the importance of the proper decomposition of organic matter.

What's This?

2011-12-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

Even the princess has bad hair days!

Kisses

2011-12-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

This is what being Carrington's Mommy is all about: getting kisses from a sweet little girl who has brightened my world more than I could have ever imagined or hoped for. I love you Carrington Ann Burman!

I wanted to tell Carrington good night since I had been away for a few hours. I walked into my room and saw a sweet little girl smile up at me so of course I melted like butter and went over to give her a kiss.

We gave each other kisses for over 10 minutes. I just love her laughter and smile each time I kiss her. She is actually playing a game and coming back for more kisses. She knows what she wants and that is kisses from her Mommy.

December to Remember

2011-12-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

Carrington's first Christmas holiday has been busy with social engagements and all the happenings of the season. First there was the tree trimming which is huge in our house. We had to go pick the perfect tree for her first Christmas and with 7 children in and out of the van at many locations that was a massive undertaking but we found, we put in the back of daddy's truck, and we decorated. Carrington even has her very first ornament to put on the tree which is just the beginning of her collection. Then once the tree was up and the Christmas music playing we began heading to all the fun events this season has to offer. One of our favorite events in our Down syndrome Partnership's annual Christmas party. This was our second year to attend and once again we were just having the time of our lives as were the children. One of the highlights was telling Santa what they would like for Christmas. Guess what is so special about this Santa? He is actually a young man who shares the extra 21st chromosome. He was so patient and kind with the children. Carrington even had a thing or two to tell Santa. She is catching on to things around here:)

We have also had the chance to bake goodies for Daddy's work friends and visit all the wonderful nurses and doctors at Cook Children's Hospital. When everyone saw how big Carrington was they could not get over it! Remember, these are the same awesome individuals who first laid eyes on Carrington and so carefully brought her back to health so this was big for them.

One day we had fun with Carrington, Madelaine, and Ethan just taking a few Christmas pictures in front of a beautiful tree at Cook Children's. I totally did not plan to do so but the moment presented itself and so with phone in hand I snapped away.

And soon I will have to reveal some fantastic portraits we had done of our whole family. Some amazing friends we have met through our Ds Partnership so graciously offered to take our family pictures for us. Now this is not an easy undertaking with a large family and one with the number of children we have so this was an exceptionally generous offer. While I spent forever getting the children ready the pictures themselves went wonderfully. I cannot wait to see them and share them with you!

Plus we will have updates on how things are going to bring Carrington's big brothers home. This little girl is the luckiest little girl because she will have 5 older brothers to protect and love on her.

I think Carrington is going to love decorating and looking at Christmas trees just like her Mommy.

Isn't she just beautiful?! My little present underneath my tree.

Her hair is growing and we can get 2 tiny ponytails in now.

"O' Holy Night........" and she will belt out the Christmas tunes along with her Mommy.

Ethan is a total ham!

Oh my how my heart took a leap when I realized just what a beautiful young lady Madelaine is!

Carrington has such an amazing big sister to look up to! I am blessed to know that she has Madelaine as a role model!

Just look at the love these sisters have for each other. This makes my heart overflow with joy!

Mommy and Carrington are searching for the perfect tree.

I think the natives are getting restless at all the stops to find that perfect tree.

Here you have the Burman perfect tree before decorations.

I just had to put on the hat Ethan wore at his very first Christmas because this is Carrington's first Christmas.

This is the view Carrington had: Daddy and Ethan tightening the tree stand.

Our first picture of the 2011 Christmas season as a family of 9 (soon to be changing to 11)

Carrington was sharing her list with Santa and giving him some pretty specific instructions. Look at the intensity on her face.

Reagan's eyes show the pure joy she finds in most everything she encounters.

Ethan was not at all shy about giving his wish list.

Evelyn sat on Santa's lap until she saw someones unattended plate of food sitting at the table close by.

Santa knew sign and was signing to Hudson.

Owen is really not all that impressed but at least he is not upset.

Even Madelaine is not too old to sit on Santa's lap.

Slogan Contest

2011-12-12T14:59:00.001-08:00

I was thinking just how can I give all of you friends of Carrington's something to do since I am sure you are just hoping for something. Well, my friends I am here for you. Ok so actually it was my husband's idea:) We are edging closer and closer to traveling for the first trip to Carrington's brothers and are going to hold a spaghetti dinner in hopes of raising the next part of our adoption. As I sit here (because once again my wonderful husband is helping by taking care of the children) I am creating a flyer to announce the dinner. Even more specific I am designing business cards (which are free) and need a slogan to put on them. The business card will act like the ticket for the person to get into the dinner. So here is the title of our dinner:

Oodles of Noodles for Teagan and Kelten

So who can come up with a short but catchy slogan to go with this? Now hold off on dinner, forget any housework, and most of all let the children stay up all night as we have to figure this out:) Just kidding. I look forward to all your ideas! The winning slogan will get to have their picture and a message in the boys' adoption album!

Carrington's Cuteness

2011-12-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

I cannot help that I am so in love with Carrington and how she just brightens my every day! Don't tell anyone but I do believe she may actually be getting spoiled. Gee, now who in the world would spoil such a beautiful little princess?! Each day I see more and more personality pouring out of this little girl. When she wants something all she has to do is sqawk and someone comes to her "rescue". I am so excited to share that Carrington is now reaching for people when they put their hands out to her. She does not full on put her arms out in front of her but rather she lifts them both up at her side like she is an airplane. The first person she went to was mommy and daddy was right in there too. Well, 'tis the season for candy canes and I totally love them so of course Princess is obligated as my daughter to continue the love of candy canes. She sure caught on to that one quickly.

She was calling out and reaching for my candy cane.
I give in and her tongue came out. She reminds me of a little lizard the way that tongue can come way out there to get what she wants.

Just look at how she curls her tongue around the candy cane. I am thinking once she really starts taking in food by mouth we won't have any issues.

Then there is her high list of siblings who love to hold her and play with her. Hudson likes to sign baby when he sees her, Evelyn likes to play with her toys, and Owen-well he likes to taste test her legs so we don't really let him down around her too much. Today it was big brother Hudson's turn to take care of his baby sister. Please note the expressions on each of their faces during my "hold on I have to get a picture of this" moment.
Hudson is grins and Carrington is contemplating if this is a good thing or not.

Now she is questioning my sanity as her parent for why I must take a picture of everything and Hudson thinks this big brother business is not all it's cracked up to be.

Now Hudson is really ready for this to be over and Carrington is not really thinking this is cool.

P.S. Coming soon: more cute videos as soon as I can manage a few minutes to upload them:)

Did You Remember?

2011-12-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

How many of you remembered that December 7th was an important date in the history of the United States? Let me give you a hint..."December 7th, a day which will live in infamy." This was said by our President of the United States the morning that Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese 70 years ago. Over 1,177 men still lie entombed in the U.S.S. Arizona, having lost their lives all too early and for no provocation at all other than to have been a member of our armed forces. Why am I sharing this with you on Carrington's blog when she was not, nor was her mommy (just wanted to clear this up) alive at that time? Well because it reminds me of the situation my Carrington was in and that a sweet little girl named Kolina is in. We have been introduced to a beautiful little girl who is about to turn 9 years old and has been sentenced to an early death should she not have a mommy and daddy to come rescue her. Kolina has Down syndrome and is barely hanging on in the very same orphanage as Kelten and Teagan. I have chosen to parallel her situation with that of an event in our history because to me both are senseless acts that have happened. So many lives were lost that day at Pearl Harbor just as there are many lives being lost in orphanages all over Eastern Europe not because they have asked for it but because of who they are-their race, heritage, culture or whatever someone wants to say. Innocent lives. Yet on that day, 70 years ago there were many courageous individuals who rose to the call and went out to challenge that what was wrong. I have seen many families rise up against the enemy's desire to see these precious children lose their lives before they have ever felt loved. Families have endured heartaches, financial strains, and physical exhaustion to take on the enemy. It is a battle that must be won and it will take all of us uniting together to stand up against the enemy. 70 years ago the young men and woman had to pick themselves up from the jaws of the enemy and rise together to combat this injustice. It was a formidable task yet we did not back down. Friends, adoption is a formidable blessing despite some battles we must face. Little ones like my Carrington and sweet Kolina have become the victims of the enemy's desire to squelch God's love but we must not allow that. Kolina needs to be rescued just as so many soldiers needed rescued from certain death that December morning 7 decades ago. Please look at this sweet angel.

You can read a bit more about Kolina here and you can donate to her growing grant fund so that her family does not have to hit the financial card that the enemy likes to thrust out onto the path of family. Please spread the word far and wide. Wouldn't it be great if a Texas family who lived close to us could be her forever family? Then she and Teagan and Kelten could continue to grow up together. Well I am off to see if I can find that family so I will close and let you ponder about how God uses events in our lives to help us grow more like Him.

Refocused

2011-12-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

First of all thank you to every single one of you who left a positive comment about the beauty of adoption and following God's plan. I admit that I was not feeling very forgiving when I wrote the previous post. I think I had just had my fill of comments and my cup floodeth over with irritation but all of you helped me to realize that individuals such as the ones leaving those comments are actually the ones who are hurting and the old saying of misery loves company must be their motto. With that being realized I thank you all and will continue to praise God for bringing all of my beautiful children to me! Carrington has blessed our lives with the truest of beauty and that is her very life. God is the creator of all and He never makes a mistake or a flawed work of art. Instead each of His creations are a masterpiece created with a special purpose and design. I guess you could say I am the proud momma of 8 unique works or art by the great Master Himself. Talk about being the richest person on Earth!

Attn: Jules Smith and others(this is not pretty)

2011-12-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you readers out there who have lifted us up in prayer, helped us raise money, given our family encouragement, checked in to see how things are going or how you can help:THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEART!! and now the same group of you may want to stop reading this post because I have had it with some people and will no longer sit and read the stupidity of this world when it comes to my children. For those of you who are loving, kind, and supportive would you leave a comment and I will post each and every one so that we all can be reminded of just how many warriors God has called upon to fight in His army? It is because of individuals such as yourselves that my sweet Carrington was covered in prayer during her recovery from years of individuals with no morals or hearts. It is because you have chosen to follow God in taking care of the orphans, whether through adoption yourself or just supporting those who do, that so many precious angels are living the life God has intended for them with the love and support of family.

Now to all the cowards who read my blog and to you JULES SMITH (if that is even your real name) where in the name of God's creation did you think you had the right to tell me my children are ugly and not worth saving? You have down right gone down the wrong road and will one day face the consequences of your words. Don't you EVER attack one of my children!! My children are wonderfully and fearfully made in the eyes of my Lord. Jules, you think that just because we hit obstacles that I am going to quit on my children? I sure hope to God you are not a parent because I would feel very sorry for your child. Life is not easy, it is not fair, and it certainly does not go the way we want all of the time. NO, instead it is as God has planned it. Only I am certain that God did not plan for idiots such as yourselves. I am glad we have been chosen to follow this path of God's because He obviously sees something in our family He does not see in YOU! God does not call just anyone to do His work. He has called many a wonderful families to go forth and follow His command. That is why in the Bible (if you don't have one I would be happy to send all of you anonymous cowards one but wait you are hiding like a coward behind your ugly words and lack of understanding) it says to take care of the widows and orphans. And for those of you who feel you need to constantly tell my husband and I about all of the thousands of children in foster care right here in the United States you can just save your breath as we have been foster parents for some time now. You should feel ashamed that you pick on innocent children but again I guess you have no conscience upon which shame can fall. Yes, I am done with your stupidity, your ugliness, and your misspelled words. If you are going to leave me a comment then at least make it an intelligent one where the words are spelled correctly and correct grammar is used. And you had better reserve your uneducated, incorrectly spelled, slang related, stupid comments away from my children and those children who are continuing to bless those of us who have been chosen into God's kingdom. One thing I can rest in is that I won't have to see your face on God's side of Heaven as I am sure you couldn't find your way there if you tried because you only have blinders of hatred leading your way whereas I, and so many others, have the beautiful love of Jesus Christ leading us to His Father. For as much time as you spend spewing non intellectual words there are multitudes of songs going out for all of the precious lives that are being saved each and every day.

Now Who Could This Be?

2011-12-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Any guess who is the director and producer of this movie? Please take note of the whimsical view of my living room. I am only grateful that the person, who shall remain anonymous, did not film the laundry I had not yet put away:) While this person chooses not to disclose her royal, beautiful face on film I do believe the raspberry blowing sound effects give her away. Now one last side note, I did NOT give her the phone to film this. She figured this out all on her own. It really makes me sad in that my little, anonymous Princess can figure out how to use the video on my phone and I had to have a tutorial by my 14 year old!

Peek-A-Boo

2011-12-03T19:41:00.001-08:00

Guess who has discovered the game of peek-a-b00? Princess Carrington! To watch Carrington each day is like opening up a gift you never knew you deserved. Carrington has brought so much joy and contentment to our lives. Brian and I constantly comment to each other "can you even believe this is our same daughter from just a mere 9 months ago?"

Just as a parent who gives birth to their child must spend time learning what their child's specific needs are and stresses are we too have had to learn those about Carrington. In the beginning Carrington fussed so much and would pull her hair literally out of her head and we could not figure out why. I would cry at night because I should know what was wrong with my little girl. After all, I am her mommy. But that is not the truth. God gives us our children all in different ways and with different needs. The only one who knows all from the beginning is God Himself. We never could take Carrington out very long because she would start to fuss so bad and then either pull her hair out or dig at her thumbs until she reached the bone. Now we know what to look for when she shows signs of stress and we can avoid them. That has not only been great for Carrington but also for me as far as the bonding between my youngest daughter and myself. Today I had Carrington out for most of the day doing all sorts of things and I knew just what she needed and when and guess what? She had an incredible day! I can even tell you that for the first time since she has been home she slept in the car during some of the errands. She also is getting to experience a gift she has never known and that is freedom. Carrington roams all over the house and where people are she has to be. I cannot believe she can do all she is doing and not a single one of us minds it one little bit:)

Carrington loves the phone and she rolled and wriggled her way into her big sister's room where she spied sister's phone.
"Ah ha! Score one for the Princess! I have sister's phone and I am not afraid to use it!"

It has taken time to get to know our Princess and in many ways we still are getting to know her but the most amazing part of it all is that I feel the connection to my little girl growing stronger every day and I am eating it all up. We can see that Carrington is developing a personality as well as stronger muscles. Her intelligence amazes us each day and we like to say "she's advanced!" She knows how to work her daddy and how to make her mommy's heart melt. One of Carrington's favorite times is when she is on our bed and we play with her. That is what we did this night and it was our entertainment for the evening. God sure is the best producer and director of all entertainment ! Oh how I love this little girl!

Auction #2 Begins 12-1-11

2011-11-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

Wow can you believe Hidden Treasures is about to bless another family just as they blessed ours?! You will recall that so many of you who read this blog and many, many others recently bid on some absolutely amazing items that were donated in order to help us raise funds to help bring home our boys. Well that is what this auction will do as well. I would love to introduce you to an amazing lady whom I am so blessed to say is a new and dear friend to me: Stephanie Carpenter. I met Stephanie through a friend and instantly I felt such a sincere and honest heart in her. Stephanie and her family are working so hard to bring a precious little angel, Lina (Mary on RR) home from the very orphanage where our Teagan and Kelten are and where sweet Katie Musser WAS!!! God is really calling this family to the adoption world as He just brought them home from a recent adoption much like ourselves.

Amy is heading up this auction and has detailed out just how exactly the auction will work as well as posted about the incredible items that have been donated. Just click on over to Hidden Treasures to take a peek at everything that is up for bidding starting tomorrow. Thank you for helping us help another family bring one more precious child into loving arms!

p.s. Please post about this auction on any and every form of media you have.

Coffee Seeker

2011-11-29T18:44:00.001-08:00

This morning Carrington and I were at Cook Children's for a checkup with her orthopedist and had some extra time before the actual appointment so we headed up to Carrington's first home in America: 5th Floor North at Cook Children's Hospital. We wanted to surprise her friends at just how big she has grown. You see, every single nurse, doctor, and care giver on that floor gave their very best to Carrington and helped her grow into this beautiful angel we now have blessing our family. As I walked through the doors the nurses recognized me but actually thought I had adopted another baby until I turned Carrington around and then each of their faces burst with smiles. Not one person could believe just how big Carrington was. They were commenting on her cheeks and even her legs. One of her first nurses was Amber and as soon as Amber saw Carrington she came over and held her. These are the people who first laid on eyes on Carrington when she weighed a mere 11 pounds and now they are seeing a 26 pound bundle of love. It was fun to catch up with all of the nurses and even to have a moment with Miss Carol who was Carrington's special care giver. Miss Carol and Carrington shared a very special bond during Carrington's 5 week stay. I will forever be grateful to the staff for their diligence in treating Carrington's medical issues but also for the way they showered my Princess with total love and acceptance. That alone is the most priceless gift this Mommy received for my angel.

Soon it was time to say good bye and head over to our appointment, insert here a quick trip to the Starbucks so conveniently located right in the hospital, and sign in to meet with our doctor. Well, I was holding my coffee in one hand while Carrington was in the sling carrier. I have been carrying her in that as much as possible to help her bond with me more and I am so very happy to say that in the past few days she has begun to actually snuggle in to my chest and lay there for a few moments at a time. Anyways , Carrington kept turning her head and sticking her tongue out as if she was going to get a taste of Mommy's carmel brule latte. So I would switch hands behind her back. Well she would look where the drink used to be and then turn around and look at the other hand. She is just way too smart! Finally I finished the drink and put it in the trash and boy oh boy did she give me a look of a disgruntled little girl who wanted that coffee. I tried to catch it on my phone so here are just a few glimpses of a girl on a mission to get a sip of Mommy's coffee.

She has such a determined look in her eyes as she stares at my coffee.

I just switched hands and she is on to my tactics.

This is the look I got when I put the empty cup in the trash. She looks as if she is saying "snap I missed that opportunity again! Guess that means no coffee for me!"

High Emotions

2011-11-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

I know this is Carrington's blog but today I am feeling a bit sad about her little brother Mason. It was 3 years ago today our Mason went home to play with Jesus. I have been told it will get easier with time; the pain that is, but I am still aching inside. When I look back I can see God's mighty hand working in the events which brought Mason to us and reasons why He called him back home. Mason ultimately led us to our 5 children in Ukraine! There are days when I look at Carrington and I see just how much she looks like her little brother: dark hair, beautiful long eyelashes, and darker complexion. With how early Mason was born he and Carrington would be about the same size and probably be the best of friends. When Carrington was at the worst moment in her frail health I felt a peace come over me as we were being attended to by all the doctors and nurses at Cook Children's but on the flight home all that went through my mind and heart was the day I held Mason as he slowly left this life and went on to his eternal life. My heart was never angry towards God but I sure wondered why? Today as I looked at Carrington making herself social at church I could see her brother's spirit in her. Mason had a way of making my heart smile when I did not want to just as Carrington does for me. We celebrated each little milestone Mason accomplished while at the hospital and we still do today for Carrington. Today Carrington made a little friend at church named Jeremy. Her first church friend. I am not sure Daddy will be so thrilled to hear his princess is talking to the boys :)

Mason's short little life touched so many people in so many different ways as does his big sister Carrington. He changed my heart. We set up a literacy foundation at the hospital in honor of Mason's incredible life so that other babies who are in the NICU can have stories read to them by their mommies and daddies just as we did for Mason each night. Carrington's story went around the world, touched hearts, and changed minds. All that she endured in that orphanage was not in vain. Pretty powerful for two very small little ones right?! It is because of my two youngest children that I cannot rest nor pass the torch on the plight of these precious children who do not get to experience the most amazing medicine that money cannot buy: the LOVE of a family. We were blessed to pour our love onto Mason for just 3 weeks but it was that love that showed anyone who doubted that Mason would even live the day out how powerful it is. Love once again showed the world how mighty it can be when Carrington was struggling to live. That famous song which states "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" sure does sum it all up. It may not always give us what we want ( I wanted Mason to live) but it does glorify God's master plan. Mason was not meant to live with us here on Earth forever but instead was meant to touch our hearts forever with the fingerprints of God.

Thankful Day Indeed

2011-11-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

How did your Thanksgiving Day start off? Did it involve hustle and bustle to get that turkey ready? Well, I have been quite emotional lately after our trip to Ukraine and been praying that God will bring peace to my heart. Today He did! My Thanksgiving Day, number 40 for me, started off in the most bestest (in the words of my 5 year old) way! My husband was not on patrol today so I rolled over and just snuggled with him as we listened to our sweet Carrington sing us her little song. I could hear my other children in their room playing so life was good. Brian and I were talking about how Carrington was just entertaining herself and I commented "that's because she had to" at which time God gave my husband the perfect words to say "and now she entertains us". Isn't God good? Of course when you have 7 children (only 6 need my help getting ready in the morning) you have your usual routine to do no matter what day of the year it is so Brian and I decided to divide and conquer: I take the kids on and he tackles the turkey. I think once again God was there for me in that this is the first Thanksgiving without my grandma, the one who I called every single Thanksgiving pretending to not know how to cook my turkey and some other dish, so to take on the turkey would prove to be just more than I could handle at this moment. As I am changing one of the triplets I hear a conversation going on with Brian and our Ethan about what else: the TURKEY. The conversation went like this:

ETHAN: Dad today is gift giving day (translation=Thanksgiving Day)

DAD: Thanksgiving Day Ethan

ETHAN: Oh yeah, right. What are you doing Dad?

DAD: Getting the turkey ready to cook.

ETHAN: Where are the feathers?

DAD: They took them off so we could eat it.

ETHAN: Good because I don't eat feathers. What's that Dad?

DAD: The neck of the turkey

ETHAN: Oh well I don't want to eat that. Is that the turkey's tushie Dad?

DAD: Yes.

ETHAN: Well the turkey can't go poopie out of it anymore now.

(this is where mom is laughing so hard in the other room)

DAD: No he can't E.

ETHAN: How long till I can eat that turkey Dad?

DAD: About 4 hours.

ETHAN: Geesh that is too long Dad. What else do you have for me to eat?

I am just sitting here listening to my family as they watch the parade for our annual tradition. This is both Reagan and Carrington's first Thanksgiving with our family and although they do not understand the significance I sure do. I know each year we all say what we are thankful for and for me each year it is the same: MY FAMILY. How could life be any better for me when I have my family? This time each year for the past 3 years now I say that next year will be the best because we will have our whole family together and each year it is true. I am loving and enjoying each day that I have my family around me-chaos and all because that is the gift God has given me. What amazes me is that Carrington has given me so much more to be thankful for than I had ever considered. All of my children are my reason for being thankful but Carrington has given me a different perspective. Perhaps it is all that she went through and how she was never appreciated for who she was and now we are celebrating each and every little thing she does and is. I don't know how to explain it really because I don't want it to seem as though I do not appreciate all of my children. I feel as if Carrington has been God's way of sending me onto a

new path. I stop and think back to how just a mere 8 months ago news was given to me that Carrington did not even have 24 hours of life left within her and now today she packs more into a 24 hour day than I can even try. Thankful. Yes, thankful to each and every medical professional who so lovingly took care of her, to all who helped raise the money for her adoption, to my husband for enduring a long and emotionally difficult journey to bring her home, to my children who were without their mommy for so long, and to God for believing in me to have been given this wonderful blessing to be Carrington's mommy as well as Madelaine's, Ethan's, Reagan's, Owen's, Hudson's, Evelyn's, and Mason's.

Next year my heart will be thankful that my two newest sons will be gathered around our table in some fashion or another. Carrington sure will have plenty of brothers to look after her ! We are a truly blessed family!

How can I not be thankful when I have these precious children?!
Where's is my plate of food Mommy?
Carrington sat up to the table with the rest of us for her first time ever!
What is this you are giving me Madelaine?
Hmmm..... I think I may need to sample some more. What do you have on that plate?

Oh Yes! I do believe I like these sweet potatoes.

The Winner Is...

2011-11-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

Bill S. of Fort Worth, Texas

Wow!! What an amazing giveaway this truly was! Brian and I are in awe of the generosity of each and every one of you. Thanks to you all we have raised almost another $2,000 towards bringing our boys home. We also want to thank the reader who so generously donated this amazing piece of technology. Without this donation we would not be this much closer. I am learning more and more each day that this iPad thing is quite a tool (but then again I am STILL waiting for card catalog to come back) LOL!!!

The Forgotten Ones

2011-11-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

How can one put a value on a life when we ourselves have been created by God Himself? For me personally I love life and the life I have been given. My blessing has been that I was given life and in that life I have been able to make choices that have led me down paths of various natures. Some of the paths have been rocky, some smooth, quite a few have been exhilarating, and some have just been indescribable. Becoming a mom just a mere 14 years ago set me on a path that I would not trade for the life of me because it has been that path that has given me the life I so love. God has blessed me with a family who fills my life with joy, happiness, and most of all LOVE!

This is not the case for so many children who are dwelling in orphanages in Eastern Europe and whom have special needs. Sure we have seen the news stories, articles in magazines and even heard stories from others but yet heads turn away. This is not something people want to fathom. It is easier to turn off the news, put down the article, or walk away from hearing a story. Children languishing in these orphanages do not have a choice. They cannot walk away from the abuse, neglect, and lack of love they face each day. Each child, regardless of physical or mental differences, was created by the very God we pray to for safety, health, and change of circumstances. Not one single child has ever asked to be left at the baby house when they were born only to live alone. For the past week my heart has been with just a fraction of these precious angels whose only need is for love. L-O-V-E. Not a pony, or the newest video game or brand name clothing. In fact, these little ones were just waiting for a dry diaper, any diaper. All of their dignity stripped away. Hair shaved so there was little maintenance. Layed in cribs with a pacifier stuck in their mouths to discourage any desire for food. Even medicated to ensure as little resistance as possible. Yes, I am talking about children with special needs who live in Eastern Europe. This was not a story for any news channel. This is what I encountered for 5 days this week. It is something I encountered last year for 5 weeks and once again this year for another 8 weeks.

God allowed doors to be opened so I could touch the hands of a precious little boy who simply needs a surgery that would forever change his life. A surgery my daughter has had and now blossoms with opportunities before her. One little girl was not even recognizable as a girl because her head was shaved much like my Carrington was. As I brushed my hand ever so gently on her cheek a very weak smile came across her face as her eyes just seemed to plead for someone to relieve her of this sentence. A smell. A smell of filth and neglect is so hard to share with you because it is not something we can really know or relate to here in our comfortable lives. This room was filled with 9 children who looked as if they were waiting for death to rescue them. When does one consider death a rescue? Not a single child had a smile on their face because they knew Mommy and Daddy would be in to tend to them. Each time Carrington wakes up she has a gaggle of people just waiting to dote on her as she is changed into fresh diapers and ever so pretty clothes during which time she is showered with more kisses than I can count. I listen as she makes her own version of a symphony from her bed late at night. There was not a sound to be heard from 9 children. It was more eery than walking alone through the dark in a strange part of town. These angels are living in a constant darkness that has etched its way not only into my mind and heart but my soul as well. Oh my the suffering I saw this week! It was nothing new to me since I have seen this times before through my adoption of my 5 children so why am I impacted so? Because these are precious children that is why! One little boy, who is of a culture that is despised by those who are to care for him, sat in a walker tied to a radiator with no sign of life in his eyes. I watched from afar as he simply sat slumped over in this walker all alone and not even aware we were there. Carrington spent most of her life slumped over in a high chair, overlooked and forgotten simply because of her heritage and the extra chromosome God chose to bless her with. So much of my Princess' life was spent in pain and loneliness until one day God called us to bring her home. This little boy has such a beautiful little soul inside of him I know this. Slowly I bent down to let him know I was there but not to alarm him. After a couple of minutes I moved my hand to his handsome face to gently stroke his cheek. It was not too long before I noticed his eyes lined by the darkest of dark eyelashes, that would make any momma's heart melt, meet mine with such a hollowness to them that the tears sprang forth like a river bursting forth with spring thaw. Trying to raise his head was such a task yet he did and I reached forth to kiss him just as I do my sweet Carrington. He had to know even just for a moment that he was loved and that he has value, especially to his Creator. Would a Mommy or Daddy come to rescue him with open arms? I honestly cannot tell you yes because his country enacted a new law which prohibits the adoption of children with certain special needs before the age of 5. Would anyone notice if I scooped him up in my arms and took him home with me? NO! Ok so maybe the people at passport control but not because they cared for him but merely because I do not have paperwork for him saying I am willing to do whatever it takes, sacrifice whatever I need to, and devote all I am to loving him. That day was such an excruciatingly painful day because I did not walk out of those doors with his precious life in my hands. But in a way I did. I did because I will share his story and the story of all the other children who languish day after day not aware of just how miraculously and wonderfully they were created. I have walked away with a piece of a sweet little boy forever emblazoned in my heart.
Doors need to be opened. Hearts need to be awakened. Actions need to be taken. God so commanded us to take care of His children. He did not segregate which children are to be taken care of. He simply said CHILDREN. Our family, like so many many other families, have been called to open our doors, awaken our hearts, and take action by God our Father. It has taken me some time to open my heart to what God has called me to and I can only wish I had paid attention sooner but that cannot be altered so, I move forward with the knowledge that God will equip me with what is needed to answer His call. He never promised me this would be a journey without heartache or barriers. Both of which I have encountered. Heartache for children like my Carrington who approach the doorstep of death because of the very ones taking care of them or because of the lack of a very simple medical intervention. Heartache for those who do not understand the calling God has given my husband and I. Barriers have reared their ugly head at every turn. People who are not following through on their job to complete paperwork needed for our children's adoption and those who have shown their lack of faith in God with the treatment of those who try to love these precious ones. Financial barriers loom over every adoption. Yet, when I stop and look back on these heartaches and barriers I see the hand of God simply command them away. That day I walked out of those doors I was on my knees asking God to help them, to help me help these children to realize their true indescribable value. I know He will answer my prayers. God will bring people into my path that also share a heart for children abandoned not only by their family but also by their society because they were deemed not of any value. How can I spend another day not impacted by the lives I saw in that tiny room so void of emotion, life, and love? The answer is I will not. I will, each and every day, knock on any and every door I encounter to share the stories, ask for help, and push forward for the eradication of an orphan crisis. I will pledge my life to finding families for children who are waiting for families to brush off all the neglect and find the true treasure lying under years of heartache and abuse. As we move forward with the adoption of Teagan and Kelten I am learning more and more to trust that God will equip us with the money we need to move the financial barrier of our 3rd international adoption in less than 2 years. I will seek the people God has planned to help us move through this process with support and love. And I will do what God has asked of me as a Mommy that to many may seem worthless or too exhausting for the undertaking. After all, I am one of God's magnificent creations and I see these children who have been touched by the fingerprints of God.

God's Miracle For Katie

2011-11-20T04:30:00.001-08:00

Last night before I put my jet lagged self to bed I witnessed another miracle at the hand of God: little Katie Musser Made it to America safely with her new Mommy(click on Mommy to read about her) and Daddy. You will remember Katie is a sweet angel who is 9 years old and weighs a mere 11 pounds. When I look at her beautiful brown eyes I not only see my Carrington but I see the love of a family who adores her. Katie will be spending an extensive amount of time in Children's Hospital of Philidelphia getting all the care and nutrition she needs to grow so what I would like to do is shower sweet Katie and her family with love and support during this time. Wouldn't it be great if Katie received love messages from all over the world? I am awaiting the room number Katie is staying in and then once Susanna has a minute to let me know I will share it with you all. Friends, Katie and Carrington are just two examples of precious children whom God has created and blessed us all with. Please go read about her journey and share this miracle with everyone you know. I have also set up a meal train at www.mealtrain.com listed under the Musser family if you would like to bless the family with a meal. If you do not live close to the Mussers you can still send gift cards for the family to pick up a meal at a restaurant close to them. I know the meals will be a tremendous blessing for them as Susanna will be staying right beside Katie in her room and meal preparation is just one less thing that will distract the family from helping their Katie bird heal and grow.

My Brothers Are Waiting

2011-11-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

My Mommy told me that we are getting closer to bringing my brothers home. Paperwork is being done and my parents are thinking of creative ways to include them in all the holidays we have coming up. A friend of my mommy's went to see her son over where my brothers are and said that they play together and that Teagan looks just like me. We can be twins! There are only a few more days left in the ultra cool brand new 32 GB iPad2 giveaway. Please help spread the word so we can bring my brothers home! To enter all you have to do is click on the chip-in and for every $10 you donate that will give you one entry into the drawing and if you spread the word like on your blog etc that will give you another entry. I am so excited to show my brothers who is the Princess of this house and I will even allow them to play with some of my toys. :)

My Big Sister

2011-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

LOOK AT WHAT MY BIG SISTER CAN DO!!!

SHE CAN RIDE A BIKE!!!!!

YEA, REAGAN!!

When my big sister and I came home she could not even move her legs or bend them. Reagan has spina bifida and bilateral club feet. For her first five and a half years she never was allowed to do anything but since Mommy and Daddy brought her home that has changed. We are a very busy household so Reagan likes to do everything our brother Ethan does and that means keeping very active plus she also works with Miss Vicki and that helps so much!! We were given this very nice Amtryke tricycle by someone who was so kind. It is going to allow all of us to learn how to ride a bike. I am so proud of my big sister!! I hope she teaches me to ride the bike when I get big enough or maybe we could hook a little wagon up to the back of her bike and she can pull me!! Oh Daddy I have a project for your Princess!!

Bouncing Princess

2011-11-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

When we first came home with Carrington the doctors thought she may have had broken or dislocated hips due to the way her legs stuck out at a 90* angle. During her hospital stay the doctors x-rayed her and came to the decision her hips were not dislocated or broken but actually had such shallow sockets due to no weight ever have been put on them. The orthopedic surgeon thought she was going to need surgery to snip a muscle or something because it was far too tight. Well, thanks to our most amazing physical therapist, Miss Vicki, Carrington went in for a preop and the doctors could not believe what they saw: Carrington was not going to need surgery. Miss Vicki had been working with Carrington and that muscle and showed us what she wanted us to do and that had released that tightness. Just to be sure the doctor asked us to come back in a few months later to make sure things were still looking good. They are!! Just look at this video and watch her right leg. The foot at first stays with just the toes touching but the more she bounces the more it goes down. Our friend Amber gave us this bouncy seat thing and it has done wonders for getting Carrington to do more with that leg. I was in the other room when I heard a strange noise and saw that Carrington was just a bouncing away to the music so of course I had to film it. She did not know I was there for a while but as you see in the video she soon sees me and just gives me a look. Oh my how far she has come!! From just a mere 7 1/2 months ago where she could only lay there to a little girl who scoots all over the house, now actively seeks out our small dog by rolling or scooting to him (much to Skippy's displeasure), and today actually got into crawling position with rocking. I really think this princess is going to be crawling by Christmas. Way to go my sweet angel!!

What If?...

2011-11-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever just stopped and thought "WHAT IF?..." Or are some of us always saying "WHAT IF?..." In my life I have often thought "WHAT IF?..." more times than I needed to and not because God has done things to me. I have thought "WHAT IF?..." because I chose to follow my own lead so I could be in control, know what was going to happen, be prepared at all times. My choices and actions have not always been positive (let me preface this by saying no I am not a criminal just in case the USCIS is reading my blog) and then there are times I wonder about the grass being greener on the other side. I have always believed in God but my actions did not always show it. Quite often I was looking for meaning and validation in my world yet I never found it. Instead I often found myself more lonely and more confused. I would listen to the world about who I should be, what I should do, where I should live etc.. Now I truly do believe God allows us to make our own choices and that He does not bring harm to us. He let me make the choices I thought were the ones I needed to. I am sure it hurt Him when I did not choose His way. I can see that now; not then. So many times I wondered why certain things were or were not happening in my life. I wondered "what if I had accepted my Grandparent's gift to stay with them and go to college? What if I had tried harder to go to that college I always wanted to go? What if I had not moved to such and such place? What if I had only dated so and so and not so and so? What if I had not taken that job? What if I had not gone to breakfast instead of going straight to the hospital?" WHAT IF?... Those two little words have caused more sleepless nights than I care to imagine. I cannot change the past. Every time I made a choice God knew. He knew and He still kept His course for me.

I am 40 years old and it has just been in the past 3 years that I have truly begun to surrender to what God wants for my life and not what I have scheduled in my day planner. To surrender has not been easy for this person who has let fear control how she lives. I still have a long way to go. Yes it is simple. It's just hard!

What if I had not said yes about moving here to Texas? Well then I would not have...

Met my amazing husband who blessed me with a most vivacious son and...

I would not be watching my daughter celebrate her 14th birthday with her best friend of 14 years who flew out as a surprise for Madelaine's birthday.

What if I had not listened to that feeling that I needed to call and pray for a sweet little boy we heard was born way too early and needed prayer?...

Then I never would have become Mason Quaid Burman's mommy.

What if I had given up after Mason passed away and told God no way when He gently guided my heart to orphans with special needs? What if I had told Him that there was no way I could come up with $32, 000 to bring children with special needs into my home and heart?...
Then I would never watch as the triplets enjoy the simplest of all life's pleasures: playing in a swimming pool on a hot summer day. I would not have the privilege of seeing 3 very broken children grow, learn, and love.

What if I had told God "are you kidding me? You cannot possibly expect me to go back there and go through all that again when I just came home with 3 very needy children! We have no money."

Then I would not be looking at my two youngest daughters sitting pretty in pink with their big sister (now that is hard to explain when the oldest sister is not the biggest in size :) ). I would not have watched as my youngest daughter literally was saved just hours from death and now has captured the heart of thousands of people she has never even met nor would I be watching as my other daughter stands on her feet thanks to the most skilled and caring doctors at Scottish Rite Hospital.

What if I kept my focus on how much I could save if I only went for this career and if I didn't become Mom to 8 children?

Then I would not have been able to tell you tonight just how I am the most blessed Mommy in all the Earth and that I have found my true and complete JOY!!

What if I listened to those who told me I needed to stop adopting and take care of the children I already have? What if I had not agreed with my husband that we would leave our hearts and homes open to adoption according to God's will and not our own?

Then I would have missed out on the call that would bring two more precious boys into my life to be called my sons.

Don't miss out on God's call. Don't wonder "what if?..." Just sit in awe of God's plan and say YES!! It is simple. It's just hard. But oh my the blessings that come forth from God are so overwhelming it does not matter what the world thinks. It does not matter if you have your whole network of people standing behind you and cheering you on because God is the only one we need to stand with. That does not mean you don't want your network of people to be happy and encouraging because that is our nature. It just means that God's calling is not always comfortable to us or others but it is His plan and He knows the end result. God never wonders "WHAT IF?..."

G Button Covers

2011-11-04T13:23:00.001-07:00

Carrington had a gbutton put in when she came home from Ukraine in order to help her get the food and nutrition she so desperately needed. The big problem there is that her stomach juices always leaked onto her clothing and would literally eat a hole through the material. Also, when her shirt would ride up it was not always pretty so see but the covers have become quite the topic of many a discussions (I also throw in our adoption story). Stomach juice is basically hyrdochloric acid and would also irritate her skin so bad but since we have been using the covers the problem has totally disappeared. I just throw them in a lingerie bag you can get at the dollar store and they are ready to use again. One thing I also do is soak them in a dish of vinegar and water to help eliminate the smell of the stomach juice.

We are selling the gbutton covers as a fundraiser to help bring home Carrington's big brothers, Teagan and Kelten. Each button cover is $2 and the shipping costs are very minimal (like the price of a letter). The designs we have shown here are just a few of the ones we have. Please feel free to leave a comment here or you can email me at burmanshelly@yahoo.com. Thank you!

A Great Finish

2011-11-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month has concluded and with that I would like you all to spend just 5 minutes of your time to be forever impacted in a positive and uplifting light. Please watch this video and see and hear from just a few of God's children on the very simple life lesson: we are all God's children!

Mason 's Story

2011-10-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

I didn't even realize as I was typing the post entitled Rough Days that I was sharing about Mason and probably had not even shared who our little Mason is. I apologize and appreciate you all asking. Mason is our youngest son and instead of snuggling in my arms he is busy playing in the greatest of all playgrounds-HEAVEN! His story started on October 27, 2008 when he was born to his birth mom at only 27 weeks gestation and weighing only 1lb and 07oz. We would learn of this precious little life via our home school group's emails. One Friday after noon we called to see how we could pray for this little guy whose birth mom was not of the mind to be able to care for him and who had terminated her rights as his mother. In less than 72 hours, in no other way except God's way, we were selected out of thousand calls to become this little man's parents. At this time we were told Mason had a very rare and deadly disease known as acinetobactor and more than likely would not live the next few hours. We began a 3 week journey to love on this very very little and sick baby. At this time he had no name and we chose Mason Quaid Burman. Little Mason rallied and his health started on the road to healing. He would know when his momma would come visit. Each day I would journey to the hospital 3 times in between my full time job and foster parenting. Soon doctors were taking him off of all the medicines he was on, began giving him donor breast milk, and we started talking about beginning to wean him slowly off of the jet ventilator that was helping him breathe. I could spend a lifetime writing about all of the emotions and intensity of love that was growing within my heart during this time. I never focused on the fact that Mason was not of my womb. How could I? He would take his two little hands to wrap around my one finger each night as I would read stories to him. I had his room totally decorated and all the nurses and staff in the NICU would come by to see the latest card or decoration we would put up. IT was getting close to Christmas which is my absolutely favorite time of the year so I picked out a little tree for his room, found all of the decorations, and was picking out his Christmas music. I could not wait for my boy to hear the huge collection of Christmas music his mommy had just waiting to be played. I stopped by for my visit on Thanksgiving to give some loving to my boy and to tell him Mommy was going to tell Santa all the fun things he would like for his very first Christmas. Later that night I was one of the crazy people who was out doing Christmas shopping for her family when I got the call that Mason took a turn for the worse and now had two more illnesses the doctors did not think he could beat. That weekend would be a time of stress and heartache for our family. But it seemed Mason was going to prove everyone wrong and would get better. That Sunday morning Brian and I went to breakfast before going to visit our son and when we walked around the corner to Mason's hospital room everything went into hyperslow mode as I looked at a whole group of grim faced doctors standing outside of Mason's room. I would be taken to another room and asked to make a decision no parent should ever have to make: when would we make the decision to remove Mason from life support. I can honestly share with you that there has been nothing else in my whole life that cut into my very heart and soul like that moment on that Sunday morning. Choose if my son is to live? Why God? Why would You want me to be Mason's mommy and then take him back so soon? I can tell you I was never angry at God. I just could NOT understand His plan or purpose. Mason was hooked up to so many machines and medicines going into his little body. The closest I ever got to holding our little man was when the nurses would let me change his little tushie! I did everything to learn how to take care of a baby who weighed less than a box of cereal. I never missed a visit. I always ALWAYS scrubbed in like we were shown so as not to bring any disease into him. WHY!! I am his mommy and I can't take care of this disease which is robbing my son of his life. The nurses and doctors allowed me to hold my son for the first time ever. That was a feat that took over 5 nurses and 15 minutes just to lay him in his mommy's arms. I had just finished making a quilt for his isolette that was denim and red and would go in his and his big brother Ethan's room. So they laid him in my arms and I held Mason for a glorious 20 minutes before we laid him back in his bed. There were a stream of people coming in to offer support and comfort but I cannot say that I recall anyone because my mind and heart was begging God to please not take my son. At one point that day I asked a nurse to get me a pacifier so my son could know what it was to suck on one. DOn't know why that was important but it was. Not too long after all that it was obvious Mason could not continue to battle this illness and his little body was getting tired. I leaned over to Mason and whispered in his ear it was okay and that he didn't have to fight anymore. He could go on to Heaven and I would see him there one day. We told the nurses and doctors that we did not want our son to go to Heaven on a machine and we wanted to remove the ventilator. I sat down to prepare my arms to hold my son for the very last time. Mason had never know the touch of human skin as he had always been touched by latex gloves. It was at that moment I removed my shirt as they placed Mason in my arms. I had to know my son was in no pain and was reassured that he was not. The nurse removed Mason's ventilator and I watched as my son took his two and only two breaths. Then I scooped him up and promptly put him to my chest so he would feel his Mommy without any gloves or gowns between us. I was told I would only have about 10 minutes before he would pass but God had other plans. Yes, I was crying as my heart was being torn to pieces. I looked up at Brian and said "our son will never know Christmas music." All of a sudden out of the dark the lyrics to Silent Night were heard and the first words we heard were "sleep in Heavenly peace." Mason's nurse had gone to the computer and found Christmas music to play. I am a terrible singer but that night I sang my heart out to our son. The doctor came in at about the 10 minute mark to pronounce Mason as gone but he wasn't and would not be for another 2 hours and 10 minutes. My son laid on my chest, rocked in the chair, and listened to his mommy sing to him for 2 hours longer than the doctors thought he would. Finally I felt what can only be described as a butterfly fluttering on my chest and I drew Mason away and I knew. I knew my son went on to Heaven. I would give my son his first bath and dress him in the outfit I had picked our for him to come home in. My son was so handsome! Yes, I watched all day as his color changed to gray and his brain activity was slowing but I never gave up nor ran away even when I felt like the pain was going to kill me. Mason's service was led by so many of my husband's fellow sheriff deputies and he would ride home in one of his daddy's patrol cars. What an amazing memory I will have of that day.

It has been three years since Mason was born and I still wonder what he would be like at this age. We know for sure he was going to have significant medical needs but we didn't care. WE knew the hospital bill would be sky high but that's why we have insurance. We knew we would love Mason and we DO with all of our very souls. I did not understand the purpose of Mason entering our lives only to leave so soon but now I do. It was all part of God's plan. His plan to set us on a course that has brought 5 more beautiful children with special needs into our family and soon hopefully 2 more. God has a purpose for our family and my son Mason played the most important role in God's plan. How amazing and wonderful is that?! So when Carrington was so very sick, her color was changing to gray as we flew across that ocean, as she laid so silent and limp in my arms I prayed that her brother would just be with her and tell her to hold on because Mommy and Daddy were going to take care of her. I listened as the doctors told me just how severe Carrington's health was and all I could see, hear, feel, and remember was that day when our Mason left us. Today Carrington is a true living miracle of our God! When I look at her I see her brother. I know Mason loves his big sister and I truly believe Mason is Carrington's little angel that God sent to take care of her. So when I am asked why? Why are we adopting again? Why are we asking for donations to bring home 2 more children with special needs? I respond with a very simple answer: because we told God that we accept His calling to open our hearts and homes to orphans with special needs. How that happens is up to God and God alone. Not me or Brian but GOD! So many many days I just look up to Heaven and tell God I just want my Mason back and then I feel a little tug on my heart and I know my son just gave his mommy a hug. Thank you Lord for believing in me enough to bless me with each and every one of my children for I know they are Yours and You have entrusted them to me while here on Earth.

Pumpkins and My Pumpkins

2011-10-28T19:53:00.001-07:00

Carrington wants you all to know that she had so much fun going to her very first pumpkin patch with all of her brothers and sisters. While the bigger kids were running and looking at all the pumpkins she just sat and looked out at the sea of orange all around her. It took our group about half an hour to decide which pumpkin was the perfect one. They all thought they were going to take one home to which I told them ONE!! Evelyn liked the bumpy ones, Owen liked throwing the heavy ones and talking to them, Hudson just laughed at all of them, Ethan was thinking he was king of the pumpkins, and Reagan just kept saying "look at all the orange pumpkins MOM!!" I would say it was a great day for the Burman Bunch! Ethan said there sure were a lot of pumpkins in this bunch and I looked at all of my children and smiled!

Our littlest pumpkin at her very first pumpkin patch.

Carrington was singing to her little pumpkin.

"hmmmm, so I am supposed to eat one of these on Thanksgiving?!!" (look at my angel in her first pair of jeans)

" Oh so you are talking pie huh?! Ok I think I could eat one of those then!"

A whole wheelbarrow full of Burman boys. This time next year we will need a bigger wheelbarrow!

All of my precious girls!

Ethan thought he could carry our pumpkin: all 15 lbs worth.

Hudson was giggling the whole time in his little pumpkin patch. He reminds me of Charlie Brown waiting for the Great Pumpkin.

Just the look on his face spells mischief. Oooh I could just eat up his cheeks! Ethan is my almost pumpkin baby with his birthday being the 30th of October.

Two of my October babies Madelaine and Ethan steal a hug by the great pumpkins. Ethan adores his big sister!

Evelyn loved feeling the pumpkins. Her smile is so amazing!

Owen got right out of the van and set right to work deciding which pumpkin he was going to pick.

Oh My! Doesn't Hudson and Ethan look like twins!

Reagan could not believe there were so many orange pumpkins!

Rough days

2011-10-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

I think some people may read blogs of those adopting children and think that all is just perfect and then there are those who adopt that don't want to scare anyone out of adopting these beautiful children. Quite often I find that on my own blog I tend to be one who wants to share all the joy of adoption and just plain parenting, but there are days that are tough, not tough because I have 7 children but tough just because. Today was one of those rough days because this day marks what should be my youngest son's 3 rd birthday. It was tough because my spirits were down and my mommy heart was hurting . This sort of kept me from being totally there for our other children. Even though Mason was not born from my belly he was and will always be my son. Today was a day that things seemed to be out of order. I wonder if my heart will ever stop aching for my son?!

Adoption is not always easy and in some ways is harder because you don't always have all the answers as to why your child is experiencing the things they are. But wait, do we even have all the answers to the issues or needs of our bio children? I have forever been changed due to the gift of adoption and I have forever been impacted by what I saw, heard, felt, and left behind in our adoptions. I want to fix what my children went through, erase all the bad things that happened, make up for the hugs and kisses they missed, know when they are hurting and why. But the truth is I do not think I will be able to do that and that is hard for this mommy. I can't take back what happened and didn't happen for them. UGHHH!!! Why? I want to. Yesterday a very dear friend pointed out to me that I am trying to do this on my own. I am trying to do God's work on my own. I need to let Him heal my children and accept that He chose me to be their mommy. Guilt really consumes me that I have not reached my children enough or at least I think enough. When it comes down to it I LOVE my children and that is what God wants me to do. I know a great many other moms who struggle with the same thing and it is important I think for future mom-to-bes to know that those times may come up and it is ok if they do. God covers me with His grace. I don't have to be perfect. WOW!! I just have to be mommy to 7 fabulous children. Perhaps that is the reason God has chosen me to journey down the road of adoption and to pledge my devotion to Project TLC. TO show love to children who have never been blessed with it. God has equipped me with every task and situation He has put me in. When I have rough days like today I have friends who are there to lift me up like taking me out for a yummy bite to eat just to let me know they care or friends who call and say they are thinking of me. Just because I have a large family does not mean I don't have time it just means my time is spent differently. My conclusion today: it is ok to have rough days and still love your children. God has shown me this and for that I am so grateful! I love you Madelaine, Owen, Hudson, Ethan, Reagan, Evelyn, Mason, Carrington, Teagan, and Kelten!

Let's Bless Katie!

2011-10-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

Just 2 short months ago my heart was forever touched by a sweet little girl in a faraway country that was in need of her family's love and a whole lot of prayer! For those of you who have not met sweet Katie I would like to introduce her and her Mommy to you.

Katie is a sweet little bird who is 9 years old and weighs only 11 pounds! Yes, that is 11 pounds. She is only about 30 inches long and wears clothing that would fit an 18 month old. Her health is extremely frail and all prayers are needed for her to stay strong enough for her mommy to bring her home. Katie should hopefully be coming home within the next 3 weeks and will follow in Carrington's steps and go immediately to the children's hospital. She is going to be blessed with having a nurse accompany her mom on the trip to bring Katie bird home. You can read more about the Musser's journey to bring their sweet little bird home here.

I would like us to all do our best to bless the Musser family in any way we can. The Mussers live in Pennsylvania and I would like to set up for the family to be blessed with meals, volunteers, and any items that the family may need. Who is ready to help me bless this wonderful family?! Here are just a few ways we can bless the Musser family:

Sign up to bring a meal to them. You can sign up here And if you do not live close to the family a gift card to a restaurant would be wonderful.
Volunteer to sit with Katie at the hospital once she is out of Pediatric ICU. I will be setting up a volunteer list for people to sign up once we know her status.
Little Katie would be very blessed if anyone would like to gift her with blanket sleepers, some long-sleeve onesies, and some big waterproof but absorbent bibs size 18-24months.
Send gift cards to such places as Wal-Mart, Weis Markets, Darrenkamp’s, Ferguson Hassle
Donate through a chip-in I will set up once the family comes home.
Diapers probably size 2 or 3

KATIE UPDATE: IF YOU SIGN UP FOR A MEAL BETWEEN THE DATES OF THE NOV. 11TH-20TH PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR THE ADDRESS OF THE FAMILY.

If you have any questions or suggestions please email me at burmanshelly@yahoo.com I would like to close this post with a prayer:

Lord Jesus, You have given us your promise that you will always take care of us. Lord we come to you now asking for Your hand to watch over Katie and her family as they continue this journey to bring her home. Please let Katie's story be a light unto all of our hearts showing us all just how valuable the life of one of Your children is. Katie is touched by Your fingerprint God and we know You will equip not only the Musser family but all of those involved in her care.

Apple 32GB iPad2 Giveaway

2011-10-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

In life it is a most wonderful blessing when something happens for no other reason than the love for another person. We received an email from someone who reads our blog and this person told us that she had a friend who wanted very much to see Teagan come home so he was donating a brand new 32GB iPad2 for us to have a giveaway. Take a look here.

I had to have Brian come over and read it to be sure I was not just going through the disillusionment of another adoption. How? Why? Oh my! I just needed to catch my breath and realize that I had prayed to God for some help. And He answered. This generosity we have seen with this adoption, first from Susanna and Merideth's auction for Teagan, and now with this giveaway! It is hard to believe I must admit. Anytime a family who is going through an adoption receives any gift it sure does humble you. I have always worked for what I have or needed but God has shown me through our adoptions that I don't need to be in control. He will equip us and we just need to let Him do it His way. Brian and I would like to thank the generous individual who has a heart for orphans and is helping us with this most incredible item.

Please share this giveaway anywhere you can. Christmas is just around the corner and this would make a wonderful gift for someone or may just make you very happy to receive it for yourself.

Impossible?!

2011-10-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

In Carrington's country all they saw was something they deemed impossible. I say something because Carrington was not viewed as a person but rather a burden, a task not worth the undertaking. You can see in her eyes the sadness of a child never knowing that she was and is worth the life of God's own Son. This is what her world thought of her...

Broken. Not worth fixing.

No value. No reason for effort.

Impossible (she will amount to anything).

This is WHO God knew and WHO we see...

We see the frailty in our daughter (for the first time ever)....

We see what love can do.

(check out these ultra yummy legs sticking through her crib during naptime)

We see a little girl who has so much personality within her.

We see a brother who loves and will protect her.

We see a princess who has brought so much sparkle to our lives.

(sorry its blurry but she and daddy were dancing)

When we look at Carrington (and our other children) we do not see

impossible...

We see

"I'm Possible"

Possibility is not for us to determine. That is God's domain. We are simply given the blessing of the fruits of His glory. God has carefully knitted each child with His purpose set in mind. He did not and does not make mistakes. We are the ones who make mistakes. We mistake the miracles in our lives as our own rather than God's. We determine the value of people and the worth of our time and efforts. We decide if we have the resources to undertake a task set before us. We want to control the very world around us.

That is where we are wrong. God created ALL people with worth and value (sometimes it is harder to see) and has given us the blessing of using it for His glory. God promised us that He will equip the called and that He will never leave nor forsake us. God created our whole universe and it is He alone who will determine when He will come again to bring those of us who believe in Him home.

5 of my 8 children were seen as something that was not worth resources or time. 5 of my 8 children were treated as something less than desirable. 5 of my 8 children were created with a little something extra. 8 of my 8 children are loved by God and Brian and I. 8 of my 8 children are provided for, educated, disciplined, and treasured. Our children are not an inconvenience that we must endure. Our 7 children do keep us wonderfully busy and blessed. 7 of our 8 children teach us daily lessons (patience being one of them). But most of all 8 of our 8 children have taught us where we can find pure JOY and that is within Jesus not our world.

Now we are preparing our hearts and home for more possibilities.

Teagan says "I'm Possible"...

to love, to learn, to grow, to experience life, to share, and to be loved!

This little guy has waited 12 years to hear "I'm Possible" and with God's provision he soon will know just how truly POSSIBLE he is to our family.

Kelten Drake

Her Toe-Simple Joy

2011-10-23T18:24:00.001-07:00

See this little toe poking out from a little someone's pjs? Well who would have guessed that little toe could and would bring about entertainment for the whole family.

Carrington would raise her leg, look at her toe peeking out and then just laugh.

So when Carrington would laugh so hard her whole family was right there laughing with her.

This is just one little thing that we love about our sweet Carrington. She has the most contagious laugh and her eyes just light up. When people have doubts or fears about raising a child with Down syndrome they just need to look at life through Carrington and all that will be replaced with SIMPLE JOY!

Through Her Eyes-Day 19

2011-10-19T18:26:00.001-07:00

The world may focus on the shape of a person's eyes or even the color. Songs have been written about eyes. Eyes was listed as the top answer on Family Feud for what someone first notices about another person. Through my daughter's eyes I would love to see life for she has the purest of looks. Her eyes tell a story. She does not needs words. If the whole world could just look at life through her eyes then I believe the world would be vastly improved for the better.

HER EYES TELL ME......

I want my daddy!

I see the doggy over there and want to go see him.

I am safe in my daddy's arms (oh and you can't be mad at me that it is almost 11:00p.m. and I am still awake can you? I mean just look at my shirt-it says it all)

I am going to pick out which ribs I want to eat tonight off of this menu.

My big sister Reagan is so special to me!

I am not feeling so good.

I have thoughts and feeling just like everyone.

I challenge everyone to just take time to look in the eyes of a child. Do not look at the color or the shape but just look and see what those beautiful eyes are telling you. If I only knew how to put a song to this post I would put "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. My hope for my children is that they never loose the look they have through their beautiful eyes!

Raining and Down syndrome??

2011-10-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight out of nowhere it started to rain. If anyone has followed the news we have been in a deep drought here in Texas and it has caused so many problems. We can't make it rain. Man cannot come up with a magic solution to take away the effects of a drought. Trees (including my very favorite red maple) are dying. Flower beds and vegetable gardens have all withered up and look as if not a single soul cares for them. Now I know you all know me by now, I am pretty transparent, so you know this has meaning. As I smell that sweet smell of rain coming through my windows I also am smelling the sweetness of being a mommy to 7 wonderful children and one sweet angel boy watching me from above.

Our life is a lot like the weather here. At one point, our family was living quite comfortably with a new home, a new minivan, pedicures for me, and fun for us all. Did we work hard for this? You bet we did. My garden was in full bloom, so I thought. Then our life moved in a new direction and that is when our journey to adoption started. I had left my teaching position and came home to work with other children and to home school my own 2 children. Money was tight (drought like conditions) but we made it. Soon things got a bit better (the rain came). Our blessings would continue with the unexpected adoption of our son Mason (the rainbow) but then Mason passed and the weeds would seem to be choking off the very life that was found in my garden and love felt so far off (the drought). Our loving memory of Mason led us to adopt our first 3 children from Ukraine and soon we would be returning for two precious little girls. Many see our life as a drought through financial lenses and through lenses that I can only see as the unknown. We love our life. Are we in a drought? NO WAY! In fact, we see that we are living in the most beautiful of all lush gardens. There are opportunities for new things to grow and for true beauty to be seen, smelled, and touched. A garden only God Himself can make flourish. We are only the gardeners God has chosen to tend to His precious creations. Yes, weeds do pop up and yes little varmints get in and try to destroy what God has so wonderfully made. There are days that I just can't find the right tool to take care of the issue that has choked off some of the beauty. Days sometimes find me digging and digging yet never producing a thing of beauty, or so it seems. Then there are days like now when the rain pours down and erases all of the cracks in the soil, replenishes the moisture that has been so desperately needed, and washes away all of the dirt that has clouded over the beauty. And after it is all said and done, this amateur gardener can sit back and see the Master Gardener's true work of beauty created especially for me.

My garden may not look like that one found in Better Homes and Gardens and may not have a plethora of people flocking to replicate it but that makes my garden all the more unique and special. It is special because it is the one God has created for me and called me to tend to. I know that I have a lot to learn when it comes to tending this garden and learning about all that will flourish within its borders but that is okay. I do not have to have all the answers nor all the solutions. My garden has a wonderful group of admirers who share their tips and their time to help each living creation blossom into the truest of beauty. I know that when my garden seems to be wilting and not producing it is not because the Master has not done what He should or that I have somehow messed with it but rather it is simply a time in which I must reevaluate what all is entering my garden and how I can best take what has been given unto me and nurture it with my love and devotion. I love not knowing when my garden is full or when things will reach their full maturity. When I try to force something to grow and produce it when I seem to fail to notice that perhaps that is that creations beauty: a unique and magnificent one of a kind. It may not look like, grow as big as, or even produce like the neighbor's garden but nevertheless my garden is a rare and true one of a kind. I would not trade my garden and all the work that must go into it in order to bring the beauty forth for all the prize winning gardens in all of the Earth! My heart if filled with total contentment as an amateur gardener who is simply trying to apprentice the greatest of all Master Gardeners-my God! With a special love and appreciation to each of the unique and wonderful creations in my garden-my steady drought proof husband Brian and all eight of the most beautiful children-Madelaine, Owen, Hudson, Evelyn, Reagan, Ethan, Carrington, and Mason. I am watching with great joy to see what the newest addition to our family will need from this gardener.

My message to you this evening is to share with someone you know who has been blessed with a very unique garden (Down syndrome and other special needs) just how much you love to watch the beauty that comes from their garden. Don't point out the weeds, we know they are there. Simply point out the beauty of God's creation and who knows you too may be blessed with God's calling for a special garden of your own.

Pure and Total Tears-Day 15

2011-10-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here this evening in a puddle of tears thanking God and just praising Him right now. As you all know I have spoken of Project T.L.C. many times as it holds the heart of our family. Our ultimate goal with Project T.L.C. is to have a center where children with special needs may come to learn and receive much needed therapy that they otherwise will never receive and with this center being available parents would be encouraged to parent their child rather than place them in the orphanages. Well, thanks to a friend, I had the privilege of seeing such a place in this video.

Please sit with a box of tissues as you watch a miracle. This my friends....this is an answer to prayer. Oh my words will never be able to describe to you what my heart is feeling this very moment. For those of you who have been overseas to adopt and seen what life is like for these children you can relate to what a miracle this is and for those of you who have not been overseas to adopt I know you can relate because of joy and love you have for children. Please watch this video and pass to every person you know. God answers prayers!!

Hope Haven Ukraine, Opening Day! from Dale Walden on Vimeo.

You can read more about this incredible miracle at : http://hopehavenschool.com/

Look at My Brother!

2011-10-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't my new brother handsome?! My mommy says Teagan and I look like twins so now she will have a set of twins and triplets! I think Mommy is going to be buuuuusssssyyyy! That's okay because all we have to do is smile or giggle and it will melt her heart like butter on a hot Texas day. Mommy and Daddy picked out Teagan's middle name as Chance because they say he deserves a chance to be the boy God intended him to be and for a chance to be loved. Mom and Dad are going to love him alright and so will his 3 brothers and us 4 sisters. Thank you for helping raise the money through Teagan's auction so he can come home.

The 14th Day

2011-10-14T18:45:00.001-07:00

This is simple but it is our way of reaching even more people about the wonders and blessings of Down syndrome:

http://www.wfaa.com/home/related/Texas-family-adopts-5-special-needs-children-131874533.html

Carrington's Imprint

2011-10-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how one little child, discarded by her society, can turn around and bring people from all over the world together! When we first began our journey to bring Carrington home all we had were stories and pictures from our friend Stephanie as to what she looked like and how she was doing. Stephanie told me how her heart would break each time she would go to visit her son and see Carrington left alone all day with no attention or love. That all changed the day Brian and I landed in her country and came to see her. You see, the care givers could not understand why we would want her. They kept offering us another child who was blond hair, blue eyed and told us "you want this one she is beautiful." We told them "NO" we want her (Carrington) because she is the daughter God picked out for us. While our return home to the United States would not be the welcome party we hoped for because of rushing straight to the hospital, it would be the biggest of blessings. The staff at the hospital told us our sweet little girl had only hours left before her body gave out. God knew. He knew this little girl would save the world of orphans.

From a malnourished and frightened little baby girl (who really was almost 4yrs old).....

My dear friend Sarah started a blog for Carrington and soon this blog would be reaching people all over the world. Messages reached us offering love, encouragement, support and resources. There were several families who would go on to decide, after reading her story, that they too were going to adopt an orphan with special needs. How can a mom explain the feeling of watching her child struggle to live yet at the same time blessing so many with her will and her story?!

To this beautiful ray of sunshine who has brought our family a bountiful of blessings.

As we now enter our adoption journey to bring Teagan home, who is in very similar condition as Carrington was, we know that miracles and events are yet to unfold. Some of these we may not see right now and some we will, but the most important thing is to know that lives of orphans with special needs can find their forever families. Finances, paperwork, worries of how Teagan is doing, all can be overwhelming but we will NOT allow that to stop our family from bringing Teagan home. Once again we are finding love and support from so many we know and then from even more people we have never met in person but have maybe through emails or blogs. No matter where or whom our blessings come from we know they are Heaven sent.

Our sweet angel no longer must struggle to live but just enjoy the love of her family. I see all over that people's minds, beliefs, and attitudes are changing towards individuals with Down syndrome and our family will continue to be blessed to be yet a small part in helping save the world of a orphan with special needs. October is a great month to not only celebrate the cool weather of fall and all of the harvest of fruits and vegetables but it is a spectacular month to celebrate those who have been blessed with an extra 21st chromosome.

My Big Brother Teagan's Auction

2011-10-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to tell you that the auction that Miss Susanna and Miss Meredith are coordinating for my big brother Teagan only has a few more days left. Please go look at all of the really neat items that very nice people have donated and please bid. We are really looking forward to bringing Teagan home so he can have a chance to grow up in our very fun and loving home.

Day 12

2011-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

1. Ds Fact: Celiac's disease is more common in individuals with Down syndrome as well as Eastern Europeans. So with my Hudson being from Eastern Europe and having Down syndrome, that increased his chances for having celiacs. The treatment for this is a gluten free diet.

2. Look at Oksana's grant!

shn6 -13
Oksana M.

Date of Birth: January 29, 2006
Gender: Female
Eyes: Gray
Hair: brown
Nature: Calm

Oksana is a beautiful carrot top with blue eyes! She is HEALTHY, with no heart condition. She does have hard astigmatism in both eyes, so she will need to wear corrective glasses. But she is active and happy, described as affectionate and playful. Won't you give Oksana a family of her own?

FULL MEDICAL INFO AVAILABLE!

Day 11-Why I love Ds

2011-10-11T20:18:00.001-07:00

These are my reasons for loving Down syndrome:

MY CHILDREN!

...AND BECAUSE MY CHILDREN ARE LOVED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Day 10 -Guest Post

2011-10-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am turning over the keyboard to Carrington's big sister, Madelaine, to give you a perspective from the sister of children with Down syndrome.

Hey everybody, it's me! Having siblings with Down syndrome isn't that much different from having "normal" siblings. It's hard to describe what it's like because in my opinion and experience, to really understand what it's like you need to experience life with them and all of their quirks. They've definitely changed my life in the way of my career goals. Because of all of the things I have seen my siblings do, I want to help other children with special needs be able to do all of those things and more. I also want to have or adopt a child with Down syndrome. Preferably a girl because girls are just so much more fun to shop for. At least to me they are because I am a sucker for ruffles and quite frankly, I don't think a little boy would enjoy wearing a ruffled shirt :)

With four siblings who have Down syndrome I have learned that words aren't the only way of talking. My siblings communicate with us in so many ways, with sign language, their eyes, and the far less preferable way, crying and screaming. The occasional raspberry (courtesy of Carrington) gets our attention as well :)

I would definitely say the hardest part about having siblings with Down syndrome is all of the doctor appointments and hospital visits. Always running all over the place trying to get to each appointment on time... it gets stressful sometimes. But the love and trust my siblings have for me, that is the best part of any and all days that I spend with them.

Day 9

2011-10-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

1. Ds Fact-There are certain physical characteristics of Down syndrome that an individual may or may not possess. Some of those characteristics are a deep single crease across the palm of their hand, upward slant to their eyes, thicker neck, low muscle tone, shorter and thicker thumb, wider gap between big toe and next to big toe toe, and even thinner hair.

Wyatt 26HA

gpr3-26HA
Boy, born February 2009
Eyes: Gray
Hair: blond
Nature: Quiet

Update Sept 2011: Our little Wyatt is not doing well. He is described as a recumbent patient. He has hydrocephalus and can hardly move his hands.

Day 8

2011-10-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

Before I begin my nightly blog about the 31 For 21 Challenge I just wanted to remind you all to go look at http://treasuresinhiddenplaces.blogspot.com/ and bid on some of the wonderful items that are up for auction to help bring Teagan home. The auction only goes on for a few more days so hurry up and take a look. Don't forget that if you post about the auction and let me know I will enter your name for a $25 Target gift card.

Has it been over one week already? The interesting thing so far for me has been the reflecting I have done as I look over info and see children still waiting for a family. I know we can't change a whole society over night but I sure do believe we can change; and I do believe we all want change towards love and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome. Tonight we had our daughter Reagan's first ever birthday party, no she did not turn one year old-she turned 6 years old. But for me it was a moment in which I watched all of my children just be themselves, eat from everyone's plates, and find every single water puddle in our yard and play in it until there was no water left (that would be Owen). All of my children were having fun laughing, eating, playing with friends, and just being free. That is my wish for all the orphans still waiting to know what it is to run in a backyard, swing on a swing, and get spoiled by their older cousins. I love how my nieces and nephews just love all over my children, play with them, argue over who holds who etc.. My nieces and nephews would go to bat for their cousins and that warms my heart so much. I know if they ever need anyone that all my nieces and nephews would be right there. That my friends is the change I have longed to see in our world and it starts with the youth of today!

1. Ds Fact- Ds is the most common chromosomal condition. Approximately 1 in 691 babies are born with Ds each year.

2. Hopeful Heather

Heather

Girl, born September 2001

This tiny girl is ten years old! So petite!

Heather doesn't have any other health complications listed at all.

3. Carrington Fact - Carrington has gained so much weight that the dr had to put in an even bigger gbutton. This is her 3rd size.

4. Spreading the love about a child with Ds

http://www.seeingtheupsideofdown.blogspot.com/

4. Spreading the word about Ds

Day 7

2011-10-07T19:42:00.001-07:00

1. Ds Fact- Heart defects are common in children with Ds. The most common are atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventrical septal defect (VSD). Often these will close on their own over time but sometimes surgery is needed to correct it.

2.Terrific little Tommy

Tommy #11-11

DOB: 1999
Diagnosis: Down syndrome

No, the date of birth is not a typo, this little boy will be TWELVE years old this month.

Tommy looks like a healthy little 2 year old boy with chubby cheeks and chunky legs.

The reality is that he is TWELVE years old and weighs just 26 pounds. Tommy is in an orphanage where the children receive only the most basic care and very little stimulation or opportunity to grow and develop. Tommy can sit up and pull to a stand. He can walk with assistance and move around in a baby walker (yes, he's small enough to fit in a baby walker).

He makes sounds and pronounces syllables such as "da-da", "ba-ba", etc. He eats from a spoon, but has not been taught to feed himself.

Many additional photos and videos of Tommy are available. In the videos, Tommy is a happy little boy who responds very well to positive praise and attention. He's following simple verbal instructions and making an effort to interact with the adults in the video. He can scoot himself around in the walker and responds to his name.

He's a tiny package of potential who's waited 12 long years for a family to help him blossom into the child that he was meant to be!

It is of crucial importance that any family considering the adoption of an older child from the mental institution setting be well prepared for what to expect with regards to how the neglect and lack of adequate medical care and nourishment has affected this child. These children are truly living on borrowed time.

Day 6

2011-10-06T19:51:00.001-07:00

It was a hard day for our sweet Carrington :( Her gbutton came out this morning and after spending a long time in the ER it was determined that the hole in her stomach was too small so the wonderful doctors that we just love took her in to do a procedure where they look at her stomach from the inside out in order to try and put the gbutton in. The good news is they were able to do it no problem and the Princess has grown so much she needed a bigger size gbutton. Never thought I would be doing a happy dance about a bigger gbutton. I am telling you this princess sure teaches me so many new things each day. Yes, I am exhausted and want to throw one of those toddler temper tantrums just because but I have really been asking God to help me NOT to do that and He did. So tonight I am changing my blog a bit for the 31 For 21 Challenge to my lessons learned from my children with Down syndrome.

Lesson 1: There is nothing so hard in life that you can't at least give it a try.

Let the Auction Begin...

2011-10-05T19:29:00.001-07:00

Wow!!!Am I so excited by this first auction designed to bring home precious children from an orphanage in a south central European country. There are two moms who created this and whom have graciously given me the blessing of joining this magnificent journey.

Hidden Treasures will begin its first ever auction to raise funds for adoption on October 7th and it will run until October 14th. Please go visit http://treasuresinhiddenplaces.blogspot.com/ to see all of the amazing items people have so generously donated. If you look to the left of the blog you will see how the auction will work. And for those of you with FB and any other means of electronic communication, if you would please post about this auction you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Target. All you have to do is leave me a comment here that you posted about our auction and I will put your name down. Now if you post about it in more than one spot you will get more than one chance to win but you do have to tell me who you are and where you posted so I will know how to get a hold of you. Thank you for all your help to Light A Torch For Teagan.

Day 5

2011-10-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

1/6th of the Way There

Today I can say I am 1/6th of the way to my goal of bringing light and love to our wonderful world of Down syndrome. While I was at Scottish Rite Hospital today for Reagan's recasting I looked up and saw a group of new employees getting their tour of the hospital. When all of a sudden I caught the eye of a lovely young woman.....who has Down syndrome. That's right! This young lady with the blessing of a third 21st chromosome, who just not too long ago never would have had this chance, was in the middle of orientation for her job!! Ahhh I could not help but stare...Stare because I was picturing my children standing there in her shoes, listening as they learned about their duties. Yes, a tear came to my eyes and a smile to my heart. My life as a mom of soon to be 5 children with Down syndrome is not hard, I am not a special person, and my hands are not full the way most people see. My life is hard for the Lord, I am special in God's eyes and in my children's eyes, and my hands are only full of the blessings of ALL my children.

1. Ds Fact- Over 90% of pregnancies that may involve a child with Down syndrome are terminated. The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network is trying to change those statistics by educating families about the positive outcome of making an adoption plan. Families interested in adopting should contact the NDSAN through our web site atwww.ndsan.org. Consider adoption!!!

2. Handsome Heath

Heath

Boy, Born April 8, 2001 Heath is a sweet little boy who desperately needs a family.

Heath is a nine year old boy with Down Syndrome. He is tiny in stature. His feet hardly reach the edge of his shared wheelchair. Because of his age, he has already been transferred from the stimulating environment of his baby house to a dull and underfunded mental institute for boys ages 6-18. He is no longer the youngest boy in his group, but he is certainly among the smallest.

Heath is not a recent transfer. He has lived in the stifling boredom of institution life for a long time. He has lost the vivacity of life at the baby houses. In his three years at the institute, he has been given nothing of his own. He has not seen a book or a toy. He has never been gathered into anyone's loving arms. He is a very lonely little fellow in desperate need of love and comfort.

We have few other details on Heath. He has been seen in a wheelchair, so he may not be able to walk. We don’t know if or how well he talks, or any other details on his medical condition. We do know that he is a cute, chubby-cheeked, dirty and neglected lonely little lost boy who needs a mother more than almost anyone else in the world.

If you would like to learn more about Heath from a family who met him at his present institute, please follow these links:

http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/10/recalled-to-life.html

http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/10/brady-and-heath.html

I AM ELIGIBLE FOR AN OLDER CHILD GRANT

3. Carrington can officially say she has her older brother wrapped around her fingers.

4. Blog with faith in a child with Ds

www.hopefulheartadoption.blogspot.com

Day 4 and a surprise

2011-10-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Day 4 was a tough day for me. Tough because I am so torn about the task at hand of where to help first. There are so many places God has placed on my heart and I just want to fix it all for the kids. I hear daily how I "can't save all the children" and I really do not want to hear that anymore because that is negative. I can save the children if I follow Jesus. Am I going to save them by myself? No. There are hundreds of moms and dads I have met who are trying to save the lives of children all over the world. And the most awesome part is that everyone does it a little bit different! Some people move to a new place as missionaries to the children, some work tirelessly to bring aid to children, and some open their homes to children. Our family has been blessed to open our home and hearts to children with special needs. But it is through our adoption experiences that I have become aware of so many other groups out there who are working to help children. Today I am going to name just a few organizations I am learning about that do just that. So without further adieu:

http://www.hiskidstoo.org/

http://www.theleastofthese.org/

http://www.eliproject.org/

1. Ds Fact- Some people ask if there is a cure for Ds. No and there probably will never be a cure because Ds is not a disease but simply an addition of a chromosome on the 21st pair of chromosomes.

2. Wishful for her family

Whitney

Girl, born July 2010

Look at the deep, dark eyes on this little beauty!

Whitney has Down syndrome, ventricular septal defect, patent foramen ovale, pulmonary artery hypertension. She had surgery on April 15, 2011 for pulmonary artery contracture. It was successful and she is doing fine. She is a happy baby and very much loved by her caregivers. She can sit with support, she grabs toys, watches toys, reacts to the speech addressed to her.

$0.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Day 3

2011-10-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

1. Ds Fact-Individuals with Ds can go on to higher education, hold their own jobs, live on their own, and even get married.

2. Beautiful Baby Blessed with Ds

Boy, born January 2011

Love listing these new little ones! This little sweetheart also has anemia and "protein-energy malnutrition". He would greatly benefit from a loving family and a good nutrition!

Turner also has an umbilical hernia (very common in children with Down syndrome).

Surprises at Hidden Treasures

2011-10-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

There is something big happening!! Something so big and so wonderful!! God truly does shine His glory on those who answer His call. I am seeing it right before my eyes not only with our family but with other families and those yet to know they are going to be "one of those families". Take a peek:

http://treasuresinhiddenplaces.blogspot.com/

Day 2

2011-10-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

DAY 2 OF Ds CHALLENGE

Ok I have made it to the second day of this challenge but when I was thinking about it today I questioned why I would think it should be a challenge. Instead, I would like to think of this blogging 31 days for 21 as a testimony to how having children with Ds has changed my life. So as I promised I will share the following things with you:

1. Ds Fact: While most people assume Ds is just Ds there are actually three types of Ds: Trisomy 21 (most common), mosaic Ds (where the extra chromosome only shows up in some, not every, cells, and translocation (where the extra chromosome places itself on another pair).

2. A beauty of a girl just waiting for her mommy to let her hair grow so she can wear pretty hair bows.

Tania

Tania is a beautiful 8-year-old girl with Down syndrome.

She is said to be independant and active, and she especially loves to swing. She is shy with other children, and seeks attention from adults, cuddling up when hugs and affection are available.

31 For 21 Challenge

2011-10-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

DAY 1

October: 10th month of the year

4 of my 8 children have birthdays this month

signifies fall is here

Christmas items start hitting the stores (WOOOHOOO)

my favorite time of year

and.........

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

This will be my first year to participate in the 31 For 21 Challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to bring awareness to and educate people of the wonders of Down syndrome. So what we are doing is posting every day during the month. I think that what I am going to do aside from showing you just how much Princess Carrington has grown and continues to capture our hearts, I am going to do 4 things each day:

Share one fact about Down syndrome
Share one beautiful orphan who is waiting for their forever family
Share one thing about Carrington
Share one blog which shares the blessing of a child with Ds

So, since today is DAY 1 here I go........

1. Down syndrome is not a disease but rather the presence of an extra chromosome located on your 21st pair of chromosomes. (You have 23 pairs)

2. Meet Maxim

Maxim

Boy, Born September 15, 2004

Maxim is a precious little boy who has already been sent away to the institution. He needs a family immediately!! He is 6 years old, with blonde hair and blue yes. He struggles with strabismus in both eyes and a significant tongue thrust, but surgery/glasses and OT will help with that! Please give Maxim the chance to grow up in a loving family, so he can realize his full potential!! We have already had a family adopt from this institution, so Maxim still has an opportunity to be saved and to live the life he so richly deserves!

From one of our adoptive families who visited with him in October 2010: I don't know if I can openly share how the whole encounter went so I will just say that we were able to go and while we were there I was able to see Maxim. To hold him and love on him. To laugh as he passed gas and laughed about it. That was one of the best parts of the visit, how he thought "tooting" (is it called that when boys do it?) was just the funniest thing – just like any other 6 year old little boy would. He was so sweet and so alert and attentive to those who had come to visit with him. Here's a little rundown of his abilities that I witnessed first hand:

He can pull up to stand and walk with assistance.
He knows his name and responds to it.
He has a sweet nature, personality, and sense of humor
He copies hand motions (I believe he could learn to sign)
He can crawl
He likes cars! They said he crawls through the window to look out when the car comes to their building.

In the one pic above where you see his hands, he kept touching his thumbs together and so I put his pointers together to make a heart and after that he kept trying to do it himself. His worker was a really sweet lady who obviously believes that people with DS are capable. She hopes to see change in her country someday. That really touched my heart to know that he is being cared for by someone who believes that he can be something if given a chance. AND HE CAN!

Maxim's Mom and Dad? Where are you? I've seen him. I've held him and kissed his sweet face. He is waiting patiently for you to come for him. I KNOW, I just KNOW, that he will be the biggest blessing to his family. Please hear the call – for Maxim.

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3. Carrington has gained a total of 12 lbs and 12 oz in the 6 1/2 months she has been home.

4. www.angeleyesadoption.blogspot.com

Well here is just the beginning of my 31 day challenge for the blessed chromosomally enhanced. Not too bad for my first ever post in this challenge if I may say so myself and, well, since I am the one posting I will say so :) Why am I posting in this 31 day challenges? Aside from the obvious fact that Ds is near and dear to our hearts, I am posting because there is a world waiting to be enlightened to all of the amazing blessings that come from an individual with Down syndrome. Not all days are picture perfect but then again that all depends on what your picture looks like. My picture is my children LIVING, not lying along in a bed with no one who loves them or feeds them, or educates them. My picture resembles that of maybe a 2 year old who may have gotten a hold of mom's diet Coke (not mine mind you bc I have taught all my kids that if we are all to have a good day then we leave Mommy's soda alone :) ). It is a picture that some cannot see for its true beauty. It is one that you often see people scratching their heads and tilting them all the while trying to make sense of this strange picture set before their eyes. My picture is unique and not for everyone. My picture was picked out just for me by someone so very special and who has very special plans for me. My picture is entitled; PURE JOY! My picture is my 7 children who keep me busy and blessed as well as my little angel boy whom I know is just loving sitting and playing with his Great Grandma who recently joined him in the greatest of all playgrounds-Heaven, and my picture is supported and encouraged by the love of my life-my wonderful husband. So my challenge to you tonight is to take a look at your picture and then marvel at how uniquely God created it just for you.

Teagan's Binkie Buddies

2011-09-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Binkie Buddies

Stuffed fun to hold your child's pacifier.

Washable/hang dry

Pacifier for ages 0-3

Fun and colorful animals

$8 +s/h

Payments may be made via the chip-in button located on the right side of the blog.

We are so excited to also bring to you all these wonderful, Mother's friend, and cute Binkie Buddies. These are little stuffed animals in which a pacifier was sewn to the mouth of the animal so as to help hold the pacifier up to an infant's mouth. So many times we are searching for a lost pacifier but that is no more thanks to the great thinking of our friend Rachel. In addition to now being easy to spot these Binkie Buddies also give baby something to hold on to while they are drifting off to sleep or just chilling as the day floats by. Each Binkie Buddy is able to be tossed in your washing machine just as it is and then ready to be hung dry. Be sure to order more than one so as not to upset your little one while the other is in the wash.

All proceeds will go towards bringing our Teagan home and then will continue to help bring other precious orphans with special needs to their forever families. Thank you for your support.

Please specify if this is for a boy or girl and which animal you would like. If a certain animal is no longer available we will notify you right away. We will send as a gift if you want a little message to accompany it.

Wonderful Surprises Coming Soon

2011-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

We are very busy creating some special items to sell so as to raise the money for Teagan's adoption. During the next several days we will be posting items such as weighted lap blankets, g-button covers, tag blankets, binkie buddies, and decorated burp cloths. I can't wait to share these items with you so keep checking back to see just how cute these items are. Please pass on the word to everyone you know to come take a look. Thank you so much for your support and prayers.