Reece's Rainbow

The Day I Became a Mother :: A Mother's Day Special

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Today is Mother's Day in the US and so we've had a few very special blog posts from some of our Reece's Rainbow mothers! There is a button too if you'd like!

Summer Spitz, Reece's Rainbow Mother of Isabelle and Gavin

I remember the day I met them like it was yesterday. A day anticipated with an excitement that words could never accurately describe. A day that I thought my heart could surely jump right out of my chest. I see it all so clearly. Waiting ever so impatiently for an orphanage employee to enter a room with my child!! Waiting to finally be the Mother of the child I had dreamt about and Loved dearly from afar.

The entrance and the first glimpse of my child are forever etched in my heart. It was a moment that could only be shared with GOD!! Instantly I was a Mom!! In a small room in a foreign country I was the very Blessed Mother of a child I had just met. A Precious Treasure that had not yet ever felt the love of their very own Mother. We didn’t need a court decree; we didn’t need anything to tell us that we were always meant to be together. That day GOD had planned all along!!! The day I became a Mother, The day Isabelle became a Daughter and the day Gavin became a Son!!!! Thank You GOD for that DAY!!!!

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

Summer's daughter, Isabelle, is this month's featured child on the Reece's Rainbow 2012 Orphan No More Calendar!

CLICK HERE to get this free calendar to print or to post on your blog!

Summer would like to share a little girl who is one of our Waiting Children.

She would love for her to have a Mother next Mother's Day!

Please meet Mabel!

Mabel

Girl, born May 2005
Diagnosis: Down syndrome

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

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

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

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

$1028.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday to all of our Mother's!
Be sure to check back for our other Mother's Day Special posts!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Crazy! :: A Mother's Day Special

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

This Sunday is Mother's Day in the US and so we're having a few special blog posts from some of our Reece's Rainbow mothers! There is a button too if you'd like!

Kelly Dirkes, Reece's Rainbow Mother of Charlotte

Glad to be Crazy

When we started our journey to Charlotte, there were people in our lives that questioned our decision to adopt a child with special needs as our first child. A few of those vocal critics flat out asked if we were crazy—and I’m sure a few more were just too polite to ask!
A year later, Charlotte is the greatest gift that I have ever been given. Being her mama is not always easy, but the job is so very rewarding. I have learned to celebrate the potential that each day brings. I have learned to dance and sing and play with just a bit more abandon. I have learned to focus on the things and people that really matter. I have even learned to appreciate a certain furry red monster…

I’m glad I decided to be “crazy”!

Kelly would like to share a little girl who is one of our Waiting Children.

She would love for her to have a Mother next Mother's Day!

Please meet Kacey 15H!

This is Kelly's account of her meeting of Kacey when they were adopting Charlotte:

Kacey initially observed us from the safety of the child size chairs across the room. She was clearly skeptical of these new people watching her lesson. She watched carefully as Charlotte eagerly climbed up into my lap and snuggled in for some hugs from Mama before participating in her lesson. Her curiosity seemed to overrule her initial fear, and she shyly sidled up next to me. She extended her scarred arms and hands and looked up into my face, waiting to see what my reaction would be. When I smiled and traced her scars with my fingers, she relaxed. She put her hand on my leg and questioned, “Mama?”

I don’t think I could ever forget the look on her face when my answer was “nyet”.

Kacey 15H

1hz0v-15
Girl, born November, 2008
Sociable nature
Kacey has Apert Syndrome.
Such a blessing to have a new photo, isn’t she gorgeous?
From an adoptive family who met her in August 2011: She is very active despite her limitations with feet and hands- she kept up with the whole bunch. Very determined, a bit shy.
From an adoptive family who met her in November 2011: Every day she’d walk up to me and say, “Mama?” It broke my heart to tell her no. She’s due for another surgery soon (presumably on her skull). Her hands and feet look really good; she showed me all her scars.
More pictures available. Single moms welcome. This is a great region to adopt from, with little in country travel. We have had many successful adoptions here, with a fabulous agency partner!

$1906.61 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday to all of our Mother's!
Be sure to check back for our other Mother's Day Special posts!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:22:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Our Reece's Rainbow families have so many different ways for you to help them to bring their children home! Our advocacy efforts don't end when a family commits to adopt a child. You can continue to help these families to bring their little ones home!

Please be sure to check out each giveaway or sale item below! Many of the giveaways show the highest priced giveaway item but they have many other lovely things being given away.

Check back every Friday for more of our family fundraisers and thank you for all you do to support the children and families of Reece's Rainbow!

Please also grab our Friday Family Fundraiser blog button to share our families' giveaways on your blogs!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Be a page in Lyla's Book!

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They also have a t-shirt fundraiser here

2 Puzzlez Fundraiser!

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Pampered Chef Fundraiser

AdoptionBug T-Shirt Fundraiser

3 Tastefully Simple Fundraiser!

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4 Tshirt Fundraiser!

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There is also a jewelry fundraiser here and a decor fundraiser here

5 T-shirt Fundraiser!

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6 Faithfully Created Fundraiser!

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Mother's Day Pendant Fundraiser
Facebook Auction

7 Puzzle Fundraiser!

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Thirty-One Fundraiser

Just Love COFFEE Fundraiser

8 Two Times the Love Giveaway!

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Handmade Doll Auction

9 Wiehl of Faith FUNDRAISER!

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10 Puzzle Fundraiser

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11 Rosary Fundraiser

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They also have an Avon, Rada, Thirty-One, and Celebrating home fundraiser going on.

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

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Thirty-One Fundraiser
Handmade Knapsack Fundraiser

13 Bracelets Fundraiser

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a
Mary Kay fundraiser

14 DS Bag FUNDRAISER

15 Pampered Chef Fundraiser

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When prompted to give a host name put "Maas" and then choose Rebecca Maas

16 Serial Adopter Fundraiser!

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View their other current fundraisers HERE

17 Spaghetti Dinner...with a Twist!

The Morse family also has a giveaway here and a craft sale here

18 Be a piece of Jaxon's PUZZLE

Click on the image to find out more
They also have a Celebrating Home fundraiser here

19 Kindle Giveaway

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Adoption Bug T-Shirt Fundraiser
CoupAide Fundraiser
Just Love Coffee Fundraiser

20 Kindle & More Giveaway

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Facebook Auction

21 Just Love Coffee

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22 Card Fundraiser!

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MyMemories Fundraiser

23 Puzzle Fundraiser!

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The Reed family also has a decal fundraiser here, a handmade earrings fundraiser here, and a cookbook fundraiser here

24 Stuff the Envelope Fundraiser!

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25 MyMemories Fundraiser!

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One Step Ahead Fundraiser

26 Fondue Fundraiser!

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(When propted to "Join a Party", select Deanna Cook Sader)

They also have a scentsy fundraiser going on here

27 T-shirt Fundraiser!

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28 Great Big Giveaway!

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There is also a special Mother's Day Giveaway within the giveaway going on until Mother's Day!

29 Puzzle Fundraiser!

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30 Digital Scrap Fundraiser!

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31 Bracelet Fundraiser!

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Avon Fundraiser
Barefoot Books Fundraiser
AdoptionBug Fundraiser

You can also help some of our Waiting Children.

The following fundraisers are being held for the following children who still need a family!

Balloons for Keegan

Please grab our Friday Family Fundraiser blog button and
thank you for all you do to help our families and children!

Grab This!
Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Pure Perspective :: A Mother's Day Special

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:51:00 +0000

This Sunday is Mother's Day in the US and so we're having a few special blog posts from some of our Reece's Rainbow mothers! There is a button too if you'd like!

Jenny Monier, Reece's Rainbow Mother of Dima

Life with my new son, Dima, is more than I ever expected. My life is so full of love, laughter, triumphs, challenges, and a better understanding on my Heavenly Father's love for me. Dima has taught not only me, but everyone he meets just how important it is to love someone regardless of their age, background, or disability. I have also learned that having a child with Down Syndrome is not scary, it is not something to be pitied, rather, it is a chance to see life from a different perspective. A very pure perspective. With Dima life is black and white with very little shades of gray. He keeps me honest. Having a son like Dima also gives me pause to celebrate the little things in life: learning how to pedal a bike, jump into a swimming pool, learning how to pump legs to make the swing go higher, etc... I will never again take life for granted and I will forever be grateful for the lessons Dima is teaching myself and my family.

Jenny would like to share a little girl who is one of our Waiting Children.

She would love for her to have a Mother next Mother's Day!

Please meet Yasmine (18)!

Yasmine

Girl, Born June 19, 2004

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!

Yasmine is walking sunshine! What a glorious smile and a personality to match! Yasmine was born with CP. She has congenital hydrocephaly as well. Her feet/ankles are turned in, but she is able to pull to a stand and tries so hard to get around! Surgery and therapy can make a world of difference for this darling little girl.

She is already 6 and facing the institution soon. She is blessed to still be at the baby house.

Let's find a family for her FAST!!!
PLEASE HELP! TRANSFER IMMINENT!!

More photos available, please inquire.

$182.61 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday to all of our Mother's!
Be sure to check back for our other Mother's Day Special posts!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Each Step :: A Mother's Day Special

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

This Sunday is Mother's Day in the US and so we're having a few special blog posts from some of our Reece's Rainbow mothers! There is a button too if you'd like!

Nancy Smith, Reece's Rainbow Mother of Vanya

I feel so incredibly blessed to be Vanya's mother, to wake up each morning to his sweet little smile. He has been with us for almost 10 months and he has taught me so much about myself as a mother and about the strength of the human spirit. I think one of the best things about being the mother of a child with special needs is learning to celebrate and treasure the small victories, to see how each step along the way means so much. To think that there are other children like Vanya who will not have the chance to live a life outside an institution is heartbreaking.

Nancy would like to share a little girl who is one of our Waiting Children.

She would love for her to have a Mother next Mother's Day!

Please meet Mandy (41)!

Mandy

Girl, Born February 1, 2010
We are so happy to have some updated pictures of Mandy! She was born with multiple skeletal anomalies, including fused/webbed hands.
From her medical records:

syndactyly of hands and feet
steeple tower head
psychological and motor delay
patent foramen ovale
secondary defect of interatrial septum
Her current weight is 9 kg 800 g; height is 77 cm.
The girl is smiling, laughing. She reaches for toys. She walks in baby-jumper.    Doctors consider that surgery may help to separate her fingers on the hands. They give a positive prognosis regarding her mental development. More photos are available.
This region typically waives the 10 day waiting period for children with special needs.   Please consider one (or more!) of these beautiful angels from orphanage 41.

$327.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday to all of our Mother's!
Be sure to check back for our other Mother's Day Special posts!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

A Mother... Mother's Day Special

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:47:00 +0000

This Sunday is Mother's Day in the US and so we're having a few special blog posts from some of our Reece's Rainbow mothers! There is a button too if you'd like!

Sarah Basile, two time Reece's Rainbow Mother of Zoya 3 and Mila 1

When I was about 8 years old my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I told her I wanted to be a mommy. She then rephrased the question asking, “What type of job would you like to have…you know a job you get paid for?” And baffled, I said back to her, “You don’t get paid to be a mom?!?” Looking back at that conversation makes me laugh especially now that I know being a mama is the hardest job in the world! What I would now tell my then 8–year-old self is “You might not get paid in dollars, but you will surely be paid in blessings!” I’ve been a mama for just over two years now. In those two years I have been stretched in ways I never thought possible. Most of all, being a mama has taught me to love without reservation. My daughters have set an example of how to love regardless of imperfections. The reason I know this to be true is because they love me, imperfections and all. If we could measure wealth in blessings I’d be the richest woman in the world!

Sarah would like to share a little girl who is one of our Waiting Children.

She would love for her to have a Mother next Mother's Day!

Please meet Dorothy!

Dorothy

Girl, born May 2011
What a sweet little dolly! Sorry for the bad photo! Little Dorothy has Down syndrome, and a heart condition (a full A-V defect). She’ll need to see a cardiologist as soon as she is home.
She’s at the perfect age to be adopted and receive early intervention services!
Dorothy is in a wonderful orphanage where we have had many successful adoptions. She can be adopted with other children there as well. Please inquire!

$1131.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday to all of our Mother's!
Be sure to check back for our other Mother's Day Special posts!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:21:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Be a page in Lyla's Book!

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They also have a t-shirt fundraiser here

2 Mother's Day GIVEAWAY!

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3 Pampered Chef Fundraiser!

For Spencer and the Jim Family

4 Tshirt Fundraiser!

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There is also a jewelry fundraiser here and a decor fundraiser here

5 Drink Coffee? Help Bring Sara Home!

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6 Faithfully Created Fundraiser!

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They also have a beautiful Mother's Day Pendant fundraiser going on here with 50% of proceeds benefitting their adoption.

7 Josie's Auction!

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They also have a t-shirt fundraiser here

8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

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They also have a scentsy fundraiser going on here

9 Wiehl of Faith FUNDRAISER!

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10 Miche Bag Giveaway

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Please also check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

11 Rosary Fundraiser

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They also have an Avon, Rada, Thirty-One, and Celebrating home fundraiser going on.

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

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Click HERE to view the other fundraisers that the Willis family has going on, including a new Nap Bag/Quiet Activity fundraiser

13 Bracelets Fundraiser

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a
Mary Kay fundraiser

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER

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Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

The Morriss family is also having a Curriculum and Book Sale to help raise money for their adoption, HERE

15 Kindle Fire Giveaway

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16 Serial Adopter Fundraiser!

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View their other current fundraisers HERE

17 Spaghetti Dinner...with a Twist!

The Morse family also has a giveaway here and a craft sale here

18 Be a piece of Jaxon's PUZZLE

Click on the image to find out more
They also have a Celebrating Home fundraiser here

19 Pampered Chef Fundraiser

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They also have a puzzle fundraiser going on here

20 Kindle & More Giveaway

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21 Just Love Coffee

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22 thirty-one Fundraiser!

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Benefitting the Goodman family

23 Puzzle Fundraiser!

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The Reed family also has a decal fundraiser here, a handmade earrings fundraiser here, and a cookbook fundraiser here

24 Stuff the Envelope Fundraiser!

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25 MyMemories Fundraiser!

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26 Fondue Fundraiser!

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(When propted to "Join a Party", select Deanna Cook Sader)

They also have a scentsy fundraiser going on here

27 Origami Fundraiser!

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28 Great Big Giveaway!

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Please grab our Friday Family Fundraiser blog button and
thank you for all you do to help our families and children!

Grab This!
Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can also help some of our Waiting Children.

The following fundraisers are being held for the following children who still need a family!

Balloons for Keegan

Fundraiser for Shaun

Declan Drawing

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

A Lonely Road :: Guest post

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:51:00 +0000

(Original post on Covenant Builder's Blog. Thank you Guest Blogger, Julia Nalle)

These are some families who have decided that there is room at their table for more. They are families who have ALL ADOPTED BEFORE... Yet they are going back. All of these families have been called back RIGHT AFTER COMING HOME! EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAS ADOPTED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. That means that though they can easily care for their treasures once they get home - they are not in a position to freely write checks to cover the adoption expenses.

THEY NEED OUR HELP.... THESE KIDS NEED OUT NOW... NOT WHEN THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE.

I'll be honest - When a family chooses to adopt a SECOND or THIRD time - the support they receive from those in their immediate world often drops off the map. They are very often left completely alone to walk the adoption trail a second time. THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.

Please please please - Follow the links.... Go support these families. Many of them are walking a very lonely road.

If everyone reading this blog would help ONE FAMILY OR MORE think of how blessed they would be this weekend??? THEY WOULD FEEL SUPPORTED AND LOVED... THEY WOULD BE REMINDED THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE... THEIR BURDENS WOULD BE EASED AS THEY GET READY TO CROSS THE OCEAN!!

PLEASE - CONSIDER HELPING ONE OR TWO OR MORE OF THE FAMILIES.... ALL OF THESE FAMILIES HAVE CROSSED THE OCEAN AT LEAST ONCE... SOME OF THEM ARE GETTING MULTIPLE KIDS... THEY NEED US!!

This is about supporting these families. This is about saying thank you to those who are choosing to cross the ocean again instead of sitting back and saying that they did their duty now let someone else go! This is about taking a stand beside each family and letting them know they are not alone. This is about making the lonely road not quite so lonely for a whole bunch of people!

-----------------------------------------------

The Rogers family just barely got their bags unpacked from bringing home TWO RR treasures before they raised their hands to go back again... THEY ARE THE FAMILY GETTING BERNADETTE AND MASON!! How can we not support them?? We screamed LOUDLY for someone to cross the ocean and they RAISED THEIR HANDS HIGH! Please drop some funds in their bucket to help them!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - They have so much left to raise!! Plus, I am so excited to think that these two precious treasures are going to be living in MY STATE!!

See this precious little girl??? This is Mayah and her Mama and Papa set out to get her last year but the laws changed and when they crossed the ocean they could only bring her sister home. But now the laws have changed again and even though they JUST CAME HOME they are going right back to get her!! We can't stand by and let the Hogelands do this on their own!!! SUPPORT THEM IN THEIR ENDEAVOR TO BRING HOME MAYAH!!

And my Dear Spencer... the Jim family adopting him just came home from adopting Vika but they heeded the call to go back so back they will go!! I will be forever grateful to them for adopting our sweet Spencer!! Don't Spencer and Vika look like they belong together??? WE YELLED AND YELLED FOR SPENCER TO FIND A FAMILY... NOW LET'S FINISH THE JOB!!

RENEE and ALAN are adopting Maxwell...after just coming back from adopting Emma!! If they can figure out how... they may try to bring home more than just Maxwell so PLEASE GO HELP THEM OUT!! It is because of their yelling that a whole host of kids have families (Bernadette, Alexis, Sam, Duncan etc) so let's support their journey back across that ocean!!

Mark and Kristen Westbrook are adopting two very precious treasures. Aren't they absolutely adorable?? They recently adopted two other treasures.... THAT'S FOUR BABES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS!!!

The Mickschl Family is adopting 16 year old Jonathan. THIS IS PURE AND SIMPLE - A RESCUE... This boy would be ON THE STREETS in a matter of months if this family wasn't going to get him. They are snatching him out of the fire and WE NEED TO HELP THEM!! They adopted TWO OTHER CHILDREN... in two separate adoptions... THIS MAKES THREE ADOPTIONS in less than 2 years!!

The Spitz family adopting Lyla. THEY ARE STILL NOT FULLY FUNDED!! They too are on their THIRD adoption in less than two years. PLEASE PLEASE - LET'S FINISH WHAT WE STARTED FOR LYLA.

The Brown family - They are adopting FOUR babes - three of them are in Plevin!! They recently brought back a number of precious treasures and so they really need our help!! They are hoping to travel SOON so please fill up their bucket!!

The Archer family - They are adopting three babes out of Plevin. Tom has been there this week meeting the boys and they are in really sad condition!!! PLEASE PRAY AND PLEASE HELP TO GET THESE BOYS OUT. The Archers brought home two other children last year from that same country.

The Hills Family considers themselves serial adopters and I would definitely agree!! They are adopting Abbie and Piper after having just adopted so many others I can't keep track!! They are getting ready to go meet their girls for the first trip and definitely could use some help!!

Linda Duncan adopting Kolina - She is doing a back to back adoption - will be bringing Molly home first and then will go back and get Kolina.

The DUVALS are going to be doing a back to back adoption process too... They are bringing Judah home first and then will go back and get Alexis.... As you can imagine.... that is going to be a bit tough on the budget!! WE YELLED LOUDLY FOR ALEXIS TO FIND A FAMILY.... SHE HAS... NOW LET'S SUPPORT THAT FAMILY!!!

The Boroughs family is near and dear to my heart. Their hearts are totally turned toward the orphan. They have already adopted THREE RR babes and they are now going back to get another treasure. I can't share her picture on here but SHE IS PRECIOUS!! Please help them!!!

The Saders brought home sweet Melanie less than a year ago and are headed back across the ocean to get Charity. Oh to see Charity out of that crib and in the arms of her Mama will be sweet to see indeed!!

See the little boy on the far left... THAT IS KOLE... He isn't home yet but his two brothers are... The little on the far right is GABE... Last year we YELLED AND YELLED FOR GABE and the House family raised their hands and chose Gabe and then chose Levi.... but they are NOT DONE. They are going back for Kole. PLEASE HELP THEM!!

THOSE ARE THE FAMILIES....

Will you help one?? Two?? Donate to a number of them?? Please?

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:14:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Tshirts for Lyla!

Click Image

2 Mother's Day GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

3 Pampered Chef Fundraiser!

For Spencer and the Jim Family

4 Tshirt Fundraiser!

Click Image

There is also a jewelry fundraiser here and a decor fundraiser here

5 Drink Coffee? Help Bring Sara Home!

Click Image

6 Faithfully Created Fundraiser!

Click Image

They also have a beautiful Mother's Day Pendant fundraiser going on here with 50% of proceeds benefitting their adoption.

7 Josie's Auction!

Click image

8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

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9 Wiehl of Faith FUNDRAISER!

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10 Miche Bag Giveaway

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Please also check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

11 Two times the Love Giveaway

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Help bring Cullen and Katrin home!

The Pickett family also has a Thirty One fundraiser going on HERE

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

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Click HERE to view the other fundraisers that the Willis family has going on, including a new Nap Bag/Quiet Activity fundraiser

13 Bracelets to bring home the Grove Girls!

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER!

Click Image

Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

The Morriss family is also having a Curriculum and Book Sale to help raise money for their adoption, HERE

15 Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Click Image

16 Serial Adopter Fundraiser!

Click Image

View their other current fundraisers HERE

17 Spaghetti Dinner...with a Twist!

The Morse family also has a giveaway here and a craft sale here

18 Be a piece of Jaxon's PUZZLE

Click on the image to find out more
They also have a Celebrating Home fundraiser here

19 A Chance for Chandler Giveaway!

The Marble family also has a Thirty One Fundraiser going on HERE and a Scentsy Fundraiser HERE

20 Casting Stones Fundraiser & Giveaway!

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21 Gold Canyon Candles Fundraiser!

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser HERE

Click on the image to find out more

22 thirty-one Fundraiser!

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Benefitting the Goodman family

23 Puzzle Fundraiser!

Click image

The Reed family also has a decal fundraiser here, a handmade earrings fundraiser here, and a cookbook fundraiser here

24 Rada Fundraiser!

Click Image
They also have a Celebrating Home fundraiser here

Please grab our Friday Family Fundraiser blog button and
thank you for all you do to help our families and children!

Grab This!
Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Happy Birthday, Reece!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Ten years ago, a baby was born. He was just a tiny little baby, but his very life would change the course of hundreds of orphans' lives throughout the world. Children yet to be born themselves would have their lives changed all because of this little boy's birth.

Happy Birthday to Reece's Rainbow's, Reece Roberts!

And then there was Reece :) April 26, 2002

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

I Am Ironman :: Please VOTE!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:18:00 +0000

Our warriors and families are the hardest working people I've ever had the blessing to know. One of our warriors is training for Ironman St. George on May 5th! I'm certain anyone training to be an Ironman is not me :) . Please meet Brady, and please read the following post from his One Step Closer to Home blog with information how you can VOTE to help raise awareness for Reece's Rainbow!

Meet Brady Murray

Brady has been happily married for 10 years and is the proud father of 3 children. His second child, Nash, was born with Down syndrome. Brady has been very active in the Down syndrome community since welcoming Nash into their home and feels Nash is among the biggest blessings of his life. Being able to race for orphans with Down syndrome is a dream come true. He enjoys competing in a variety of triathlon's from Olympic distance to full Ironman distance. Brady's race schedule for 2012 is Oceanside 70.3, Ironman St. George, Boise 70.3, and Emmet's Most Excellent Triathlon.

Here is the post describing the video and how you can vote to raise awareness for Reece's Rainbow! Please visit his site and continue to follow along!

KONA INSPIRED VIDEO IS DONE!
I mentioned in my last post that we had some exciting news to be announced this week. First, a little background.

As you may already know, I am training for Ironman St. George on May 5th (only 16 more days!!!). My purpose in doing so is to raise awareness and funding for orphans with Down syndrome, and in particular Maggie.

About a month ago I received an email from Ironman announcing a competition they put together called Kona Inspired. They have given anyone the opportunity to submit a 90 second video into this competition telling their story of how Ironman has helped them believe that "Anything is Possible". Winners will be given the opportunity to race in the Ironman World Championship in Kona in October and most importantly, they will get to tell their story on NBC's nationally televised broadcast of the Ironman World Championship!

When I first learned about this opportunity I knew that this truly could be an opportunity to tell the world about these children and most importantly, create the awareness that is needed to truly make a difference for them!!

So Nash and I made a video! Before I show it to you, I want to explain how this competition works and HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOO! Between now and May 31st, all videos can be viewed. Based on total VIEWS and total VOTES, 15 will be chosen to compete against each other in the finals in June. The top 2 will go to Kona! So, back to how you can help. You're view and vote can be counted once each day. However, it is perfectly OK to vote more than once a day if you view the video from a different computer, laptop or phone and then vote from that device. We have plenty of days left between now and May 31st! You're vote is much appreciated, each and every day :) !!

I'll keep you posted on how things are going. Here's the link to our video. Enjoy!!!

RACING FOR ORPHANS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

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Friday Family Fundraisers

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:23:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Tshirts for Lyla!

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2 Mother's Day GIVEAWAY!

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3 Pampered Chef Fundraiser!

For Spencer and the Jim Family

4 Tshirt Fundraiser!

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There is also a jewelry fundraiser here and a decor fundraiser here

5 Bringing Sara Home Giveaway!

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Just Love, coffee fundraiser here

6 Matching Grant for the Jenks!

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There is also an auction going on here, a fundraiser with handmade crosses and plaques here and a beautiful Mother's Day Pendant fundraiser going on here with 50% of proceeds benefitting their adoption.

7 Josie's Auction!

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8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

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9 Wiehl of Faith FUNDRAISER!

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10 Help Bring Vinnie Home Giveaway with a twist!

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Please also check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

11 Two times the Love Giveaway

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Help bring Cullen and Katrin home!

The Pickett family also has a Thirty One fundraiser going on HERE

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

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Click HERE to view the other fundraisers that the Willis family has going on, including a new Nap Bag/Quiet Activity fundraiser

13 Bracelets to bring home the Grove Girls!

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser
Auction for Utah locals here

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER!

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Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

The Morriss family is also having a Curriculum and Book Sale to help raise money for their adoption, HERE

15 Hairbows for Nellie and Katelyn!

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16 Serial Adopter Fundraiser!

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View their other current fundraisers HERE

17 Spaghetti Dinner...with a Twist!

The Morse family also has a giveaway here, change drive here, and a craft sale here

18 Be a piece of Jaxon's PUZZLE

Click on the image to find out more

19 A Chance for Chandler Giveaway!

The Marble family also has a Thirty One Fundraiser going on HERE and a Scentsy Fundraiser HERE

20 Casting Stones Fundraiser & Giveaway!

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21 Gold Canyon Candles Fundraiser!

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser HERE

Click on the image to find out more

22 thirty-one Fundraiser!

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Benefitting the Goodman family

23 Puzzle Fundraiser!

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The Reed family also has a decal fundraiser here, a handmade earrings fundraiser here, and a cookbook fundraiser here

Please grab our Friday Family Fundraiser blog button and
thank you for all you do to help our families and children!

Grab This!
Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Owen's Angels :: Darren

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:38:00 +0000

This Week's Owen's Angel!

Our correspondent, Owen Roberts, will be sharing his choice for our Angel of the Week.

Please meet Owen's Angel of the Week: (refresh to see new photo)

Meet Darren!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

Darren's smile will steal your heart!

If you would like more information on Kade or any of the other children, please contact us!

Please help Darren find his forever family by sharing him on facebook, twitter, your blogs and any social media you use! Thank you so much!

He can be found here: http://reecesrainbow.org/439/darren405

Darren

BOY, born September 2007

UPDATE! Darren has been visited by a group of therapists, and they have such wonderful progress news about him! " Our team has gotten to know this happy little guy over the past several years. When we saw him in April 2010 we were able to work with him during a presentation at the orphanage in front of doctors, staff, and caregivers. We watched then as Darren attempted to take his first assisted steps using a walker we brought with us on the trip. He was very weak, and tired very quickly, but those beginning steps happened with the assistance of our physical therapists.
This year when we returned in October, our first view of Darren was him in his walker, moving about his room! It made our hearts so full to see the change in him over the months since we had seen him last! He can pull himself up to standing position when he is holding on to something. He is currently very vocal, but is not using words. He plays with sounds, smiles, and laughs and has a very expressive face! He enjoys engaging in play while laying in the floor, fun toys, and we worked on reaching and pointing to things he liked while in a seated position. Our occupational therapists say that Darren has good visual tracking skills and has full movement of both arms. He was able to hold toys and objects and was beginning to drop things into buckets during play. Darren’s smile definitely stole our hearts, and we are praying that his family finds him soon! We would love to share more about this lovable little guy!"
From his medical records: Multiple congenital defects of development, CNS, eyes, locomotory apparatus, congenital bilateral clubfoot, strabismus
Darren is significantly delayed cognitively and physically. He is typically a content child. he is able to stand, but only with help. Physical therapy and surgery can do wonders for him. He is facing transfer this year, and will remain bedridden for life if he is not adopted.
MANY MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE
Due to the significant needs of this child, we would request that any family considering him be home study approved and/or have experience caring for children with severe medical and physical special needs.

$106.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Please grab our Child of the Week Button (above) for your blog. Each week this button will change to show the current week's child (you only need to add the button once to your blog). The children that will be featured will be ones with $0 or very low adoption grant funds. By hosting our Child of the Week button we are hoping to not only raise awareness for that particular child but also to hopefully raise the amount in their fund. These funds have proven to help families who would otherwise be qualified and able to adopt them, except for the cost of an international adoption, feel able to commit to bringing home and giving the precious gift of a family to these angels.

Thank you for all you do to support and help Reece's Rainbow!

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers! (Be sure to grab the Button too!)

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:38:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Giftcard GIVEAWAY!

Help the Cooper family bring Michelle home!

2 Nabi GIVEAWAY!

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3 Pampered Chef Fundraiser!

For Spencer and the Jim Family

4 Help Bring Sydney and Lucien Home! Faithfully Created!

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The Jenks family also has a Silpada fundraiser going on HERE

5 MaryKay Auction!

The Middleton family also has a Celebrating Home fundraiser here

6 Drink Coffee? Help Bring Sara Home!

https://justlovecoffee.com/sarakeller/

They also have another giveaway HERE

7 32gb iPad3 GIVEAWAY!

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Help bring Liliana Home!

8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

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9 Balloon FUNDRAISER!

10 Help Bring Vinnie Home Giveaway with a twist!

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Please also check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

11 Two times the Love Giveaway

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Help bring Cullen and Katrin home!

The Pickett family also has a Thirty One fundraiser going on HERE

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

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Click HERE to view the other fundraisers that the Willis family has going on, including a new Nap Bag/Quiet Activity fundraiser

13 Bracelets to bring home the Grove Girls!

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER!

Click Image

Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

The Morriss family is also having a Curriculum and Book Sale to help raise money for their adoption, HERE

15 Hairbows for Nellie and Katelyn!

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16 Serial Adopter Fundraiser!

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View their other current fundraisers HERE

17 Spaghetti Dinner...with a Twist!

The Morse family also has a giveaway here, change drive here, a partylite fundraiser here, and a craft sale here

18 Be a piece of Jaxon's PUZZLE

Click on the image to find out more

19 A Chance for Chandler Giveaway!

The Marble family also has a Thirty One Fundraiser going on HERE and a Scentsy Fundraiser HERE

20 Silpada Fundraiser!

21 Gold Canyon Candles Fundraiser!

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser HERE

Click on the image to find out more

22 Jewelry, t-shirts, and more Fundraiser!

Helping to bring home Marquerite home

23 Jewelry Fundraiser!

To help bring home LuLu

24 OrphanLove Fundraiser!

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Please grab our Friday Family Fundraiser blog button and
thank you for all you do to help our families and children!

Grab This!
Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:18:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Kreative Kandi Apples GIVEAWAY!

Click Image to See ALL the AMAZING Apples!

Be sure to visit this giveaway, there is much more to it than just a giveaway!
Also discounts on Easter orders!

2 Nabi GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

3 Pampered Chef Fundraiser!

For Spencer and the Jim Family

4 Help Bring Sydney and Lucien Home! Faithfully Created!

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The Jenks family also has a Silpada fundraiser going on HERE

5 Thirty One Fundraiser!

For the month of April if you spend $31 you get to pick a purse for 1/2 off!!

Make sure to click Shana Pardue as your host when checking out!

6 Drink Coffee? Help Bring Sara Home!

https://justlovecoffee.com/sarakeller/

They also have another giveaway HERE

7 32gb iPad3 GIVEAWAY!

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Help bring Liliana Home!

8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

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9 iPad AUCTION!

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Lots of other items!

10 Help Bring Vinnie Home Giveaway with a twist!

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Please also check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

11 Two times the Love Giveaway

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Help bring Cullen and Katrin home!

The Pickett family also has a Thirty One fundraiser going on HERE

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

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Click HERE to find out how to order your matryoshka doll (Russian nesting dolls) wall hanging!

13 Bracelets to bring home the Grove Girls!

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER!

Click Image

Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

The Morriss family is also having a Curriculum and Book Sale to help raise money for their adoption, HERE

15 Hairbows for Nellie and Katelyn!

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16 Serial Adopter Fundraiser!

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Proceeds benefit the adoption of Alyssa and Piper

17 Prayer Shawl GIVEAWAY!

18 Be a piece of Jaxon's PUZZLE

Click on the image to find out more

19 A Chance for Chandler Giveaway!

The Marble family also has a Thirty One Fundraiser going on HERE.

25% of all proceeds go toward Chandler's adoption.

20 Silpada Fundraiser!

21 Gold Canyon Candles Fundraiser!

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser HERE

Click on the image to find out more

22 Jewelry, t-shirts, and more Fundraiser!

Helping to bring home Marquerite home

23 Jewelry Fundraiser!

To help bring home LuLu

24 OrphanLove Fundraiser!

Click Image

25 Spaghetti Dinner...with a Twist!

The Morse family also has a change drive here, and a partylite fundraiser here

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

As One We Can :: Carlene's Family

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Steve and Katrina have been married for 18 years. They have 3 boys, and one adopted princess, Nevaeh whose 3. They thought their family was complete until Katrina was advocating for adoption during the month of November. She stumbled upon a blog that was talking about Reece’s Rainbow families and she started to follow one of those families and by December had fallen in love with Carlene. When they found out Carlene had a family committed to her they started looking for another child feeling sure of the call they had heard to adopt again. When they noticed Carlene back on the 'Waiting Children's List' they knew this was their little girl! Carlene will be their first child with DS and they are already getting involved with support groups and such so they are sure to be completely ready to be able to met any of their daughters needs.

**Please note that Carlene has already been moved to an institution so they are working very hard to get to her home as soon as possible.

Katrina is running some great fundraisers right now and also is selling home school curriculum to help bring in more funds. You can read more about the fund raising and book sale and continue to follow their journey to Carlene on their Family Blog. You can also make donations by visiting their Family Sponsor Page. They would appreciate your prayers for their daughter and any support your able to give.

Cutie Pie Carlene

Carlene's waiting family

Grab This!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

World Autism Day :: Interview with Colleen Swindoll - Thompson

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:25:00 +0000

The 2nd of April is World Autism Day and in honour of that, we have been so blessed to have been given an interview with Colleen Swindoll Thompson, the third of four children of Chuck and Cynthia Swindoll.

As many already know who Chuck Swindoll of Insight for Living is, I will direct anyone looking to learn more about him to the Insight for Living website. I would also encourage you to read Pastor Chuck's blog.

Colleen's insight on parenting a child with special needs can be found on the Insight for Living Special Needs Blog and I would encourage any parent or family member of a child with special needs to bookmark it and visit the blog often!

CLICK HERE for more ways to connect with Insight for Living.

For ways to specifically follow the Special Needs Ministry of Insight for Living:

I am so pleased to introduce you to Colleen Thompson. Colleen’s love for Jesus Christ began as a child; she is Chuck and Cynthia Swindoll’s third of four children. Colleen is a graduate of Trinity University with a major degree in Communication and two minors, Education and Psychology. Colleen began her graduate work at Dallas Theological Seminary but her plans changed with the birth of her third child Jonathan, who is diagnosed with multiple disabilities. Currently, Jonathan’s diagnosis includes: autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, global anxiety and post traumatic stress disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional defiance disorder, separation anxiety, and social/self confusion from years of bullying experiences.

In 2007, Colleen accepted the position of Director of Special Needs/Disability support at Insight for Living. Currently, Insight offers a special needs topical page, blog page, additional resources and suggestions for supports and services, books and advocacy direction, and a face book page that has taken off. She is also involved in speaking and teaching which focuses on the truths of God’s word and it’s application to every day life. Friends, family, and those who hear Colleen’s messages say she is refreshingly honest, deeply sincere, graciously understanding, tenderly empathetic, and steadfast in her intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Colleen and her husband Toban are a blended family; Colleen’s children, Ashley (18), Austin (17) and Jonathan (14) and Toban’s children Cody (21), and Riley (18) enjoy time together along with their three dogs: Desoto, Sherman, and Honey. Personally, Colleen enjoys reading, gardening, and just being with her family.

When I asked Colleen if she'd mind being interviewed for World Autism Day, she didn't hesitate to say yes! She is articulate and gracious and real. I am so thrilled for you to get to know her so without further ado...

RR: What was it like growing up with your dad being on the radio and pastoring such a big church?

Colleen Thompson: Dad was always the same at home or at church or anywhere. I’ve learned from other pastor’s kids how rare my growing up was….I was never told to be or do or act a certain way because “dad was a pastor”. In fact, I am deeply saddened when I see or hear of parents in ministry positions forcing their children to fit some mold. I am profoundly proud of how the Lord has used my folks; and very thankful they remain unimpressed by social status. Words like ‘big’, ‘famous’, ‘popular’ and other words people use to define themselves were never stated in my home. One of the best characteristics of Jonathan is the total lack of societies ‘success’ strata. My family desires to honor the Lord and follow His direction which is eternal; social media is temporal and candidly, unimpressive. (If I may be so honest.)

RR: How did you meet your husband?

Colleen Thompson: This is always a very funny deal. Following my divorce, I never planned to date or marry ever again. However, my children felt I needed a partner in life; thus chose to put my name on one of the dating web sites. I can’t believe I’m telling you this. I made a bet with my daughter that no one would respond to a 40 plus year old woman who was NEVER going to date or marry and had a special needs child. Well, I lost the bet. Toban patiently endured my ‘never, ever, ever, never-ever going to marry or date again’ words; was consistent, loved me into trusting him, and we shared experiences of his own children-one having childhood epilepsy and another being born with half a heart. We married April 4, 2009; our children continually laugh at our humor and love for each other. (They think we are so weird…which we relish).

RR: Can you tell me about your children?

Colleen Thompson: How long do you have? = ) They are incredibly different and I love being their mom. Ashley is my oldest-20 on November 1st. Austin is 18 in May, and Jon is 15 in July.

Ashley is very strong willed which, as we have talked about, is a fantastic gift when aligned with Christ but a tremendous challenge when focused on self. She has the “Swindoll” gift of art, writing, and intellect; yet is very tenderhearted and loving without condition. Ashley has a way with animals and is studying to be an exotic veterinarian.

Austin, my second child, is very fun-loving and has a great sense of humor. He’s incredibly social, also gifted intellectually, and is most like my father…extremely intuitive and spiritually sensitive. Austin seems to understand others easily and remains very involved at the church. He has several leadership positions there, and also enjoys acting and serving. He just won 2nd place in a cancer support half marathon and plans to run for other charities as well.

Jonathan is…there is no way to describe Jon. He is tender hearted, incredibly determined and enduring, candid, without pretense, socially unimpressed, and also wounded by this world’s treatment and view of differences. Of the three children, I find Jonathan to be the most sensitive-spiritually aware in ways I cannot explain. My children has their own journey’s; one which includes deep, heart breaking pain; forgiveness, struggles with God’s sovereignty, challenges and worries siblings face with a special needs brother; and have cultivated a resiliency I highly respect. I believe wise counselors are needed when the heart’s in need of healing so we have all committed to the process which has included/includes therapist’s and spiritual guidance.

RR: How old was your son when he was diagnosed with autism?

Colleen Thompson: Jonathan was diagnosed with Autism and intellectual disability (previously called mental retardation) in December, 2000. Only 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism at the time; I knew nothing about the diagnosis nor did I know anyone else familiar with it. It was a very lonely, difficult time.

RR: When did you first notice that something might need investigating?

Colleen Thompson: When Jon was born, something wasn’t ‘typical’. He cried and cried and cried…he threw up everything, didn’t sleep more than an hour at a time, and was never settled. I thought Jon’s first two years caused his delay’s; in his first two years he had countless ear infections, three sets of ear tubes, asthma and allergies, digestive disorders, immune deficient, 5 RSV illnesses and many diagnosis of pneumonia. He had his tonsils and adenoids removed at age two which, we all thought would solve his delay’s. How does one learn to talk and walk when they feel horrible all the time and cannot hear???? It’s what I thought at the time. But, when he continued to be severely delayed (age 3 he was developmentally about 15 months along and weighed 18 pounds); others suggested we check into some neurological and terminal issues.

RR: How did you first learn his diagnosis and what was your reaction?

Colleen Thompson: Jon was evaluated by a pediatric psychologist at age three who diagnosed his autism and I.D. I remember many feelings…relief, confusion, loneliness, like the bottom of life as I thought it would be just disappeared. I hurt for Jon because his life would now always be hard and misunderstood; which has been part of God’s shaping my own faith to this day. I reacted to it like I do with anything I don’t understand in life…I spent countless hours researching, learning, studying, watching him, reading, and seeking help. Today we are so familiar with words like sensory sensitive, auditory processing disorders, GFCF diets, and various therapists; but 14 years ago…very little was studied. Because Ps. 139 is true-every person is made uniquely, I committed to learning about Jon (and my other children) so I could become the kind of mother they needed. Many mistakes happened (and still do) along the way; but my resolve is to honor the Lord with what He allows in my life.

I will say, Jon’s autism diagnosis was simple compared to his regression and additional challenges we encountered when he was 8.

RR: How has his diagnosis changed your family?

Colleen Thompson: It has changed everything about our lives. Autism was relatively insignificant until Jon regressed at age 8. His regression happened so suddenly…in about 3 weeks, he regressed by 50% and more in every area of functioning. I had to take him out of school, and begin the testing processes all over…terminal, neurological, physical, emotional, intellectual….it all started over. That is when my faith took a huge nose dive. I had followed all the rules, prayed and prayed, done the diets, therapies, home and school supports…and he began to quickly ‘slip away’. Testing revealed the diagnosis of: severe Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, OCD, ODD, global anxiety, and possible seizure disorders. Then, two years ago, he was diagnosed with severe PTSD, separation anxiety, and irreversible brain trauma.

RR: How has it affected your family's day to day life?

Colleen Thompson: How is that answered…we live as scripture says…James-without knowing what tomorrow will hold; Paul talking about yearning for heaven but committed to knowing Christ while on earth, as Matthew 5 talks about the beatitudes….to be blessed with weakness and hardships; I Peter’s words in chapter one on the fiery ordeals that shape us (if we allow it to); and have a perspective that very few seem to have. Not much in this life is-in and of itself-satisfying…but we have learned to laugh a whole lot, forgive often, give space when needed, say I’m sorry, relish in the ‘easy’ moments, fight fair, and be filled with mercy and grace because we are in such need of it. I have to also say it has greatly illuminated the level of judgment and rejection that continues to exist in the church today.

I’ve learned that 98% of families with a disabled loved one encounter most harm from “Christians”. This doesn’t mean it’s everyone, but we have a long way to go in learning about tenderness, acceptance, grace, and mercy. It has also caused me to be so close to Jesus; when I think something Jon’s endured is beyond Christ’s understanding, I read His words about the pain and injustice He endured and simply cry over it all. Tears are okay in our home; candid and honest soul work is openly talked about. I don’t force my kids to “like” life or put on some fake smiley face…Christ didn’t, He doesn’t tell us to do that today, and the lack of authenticity only complicates life. Practically, life is different every day because Jon’s challenges change every day…he is affected by sleep, the weather, sound, movement, anxiety, change….we take it moment by moment sometimes. Of us all, he is the strongest as his body doesn’t cooperate with this life yet he keeps moving through each moment the best he can. It’s pretty simple, very humbling. He is a living picture of how God must love us, care for us, and desire us to fall into His arms for help and strength.

RR: Being a family that was already involved in ministry, how has having a child with special needs changed your ministry focus?

Colleen Thompson: Jon’s life has changed everything about my perspective on life and thus, what it means to honor the Lord and obey His call every day. I have come to learn all of life’s crisis…deaths, divorces, cancer, ill health, emotional and mental disorders, losses, grief’s, and why’s are revealing points, not really the things to overcome. Yes, we want good health, few losses, strong marriages, mental and physical stamina….but pain is the conduit ….the channel which reveals the truest condition of our soul’s. That is what God is about…shaping our soul’s, not how comfortable or happy we want to be. Ministry is an overflow of God’s work in one’s soul…sometimes only revealed to God and then when chosen, God uses one’s life to offer hope and comfort that He provides. I’ve always had a very soft heart and awareness of spiritual things; Jon’s needs have provided me a irreplaceable view of His love for us.

Jon can’t understand this life in many ways because his mind and body aren’t equipped for it; yet isn’t that exactly what God tells us when the fall occurred. Because of our broken nature-sinful and disabled-it isn’t possible for a person to understand God’s ways, His thoughts, His timelessness, anything really. Like Jon, not understanding or being able to grasp things in life is constantly hard….so it is as a human being-thinking we know or have a right to get this life together is a false hope or belief. As a result, the Lord is my everything and I long for others to know this kind of freedom, grace, mercy, and truth. To be at ease with their failures, to be tender and compassionate; and truly believe God is at work THROUGH me, not because of me.

RR: How has this changed your understanding of the Bible and God?

Colleen Thompson: I think what I’ve said earlier defines this. I had a knowledge of God, but many false hopes and beliefs about Christianity. Faith was a “doing” thing….follow the rules or steps and BINGO, life is simple. What rubbish. Never is that part of theology; great theology brings such light and hope to this temporary place called earth.

RR: What advice would you give to parents just learning a similar diagnosis? What resources have been the most help for your family?

Colleen Thompson: advice…hhhmmmm, a lot of advice I guess comes through what I write on the Insight for Living blog posts. Accept you will cry often, loss will always hurt, you will be confused and lonely at times, misunderstood and judged; but nothing at all will exceed what Jesus endured on earth so earnestly and purposely dive into truth…God’s words, His promises, His commands, His grace, His truths…it’s the ONLY firm ground one will have. I would suggest getting connected to social places like what we have through Insight’s facebook page…to learn and listen; to ask questions and advocate for the one you love.

I would advise seeking a wise counselor…there is too much hurt to take on alone; men need different support so a man needs good, faithful, wise men to connect with. Finally, know that you will never surprise God with your thoughts and feelings. Keep expressing them to Him…in doubt, say I’m in doubt, angry…tell Him you are angry; afraid or depressed or tempted or whatever….tell God and ask Him to meet you where you are…to bring you one little hope or promise or something that helps you know He is with you. Sometimes it happens, other times He seems quiet….faith is what we believe when we cannot see as well as when we can. Finally, allow the Lord full control of your soul. Admit what comes up…selfishness, pride, impatience, whatever…the pain is to humble one’s soul and allow Christ to be established on the throne…nothing of self, everything of Him. That IS the purpose in every part of life.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to Colleen for sharing with us on World Autism Day!

Also in honour of World Autism Day, I'd like to share our Waiting Children who have been diagnosed with autism. What better day than today to advocate for them?

Justine

Girl, Born June 11, 2001

Justine is a pretty girl with dark hair and eyes. She is fully mobile and active. Her face bears features of FAS, but this is not documented and is only a cautionary disclosure.

From her medical records: congenital microcephaly, autism

As with all children living in these difficult conditions, this child's cognitive development has regressed significantly since he/she was younger. 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 all have TREMENDOUS potential for improvement, and deserve to have a life outside these four walls.

These children are truly living on borrowed time, and families should be home study approved before an official commitment can be made for this child.

$100.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Denver #67-1

DOB: 2006
Diagnosis: childhood Autism
Denver is physically healthy, with no medical concerns. He has been diagnosed with childhood Autism. We do not have a lot of information on his current skill level.
He is listed as having delays in every aspect of his development. He participates in therapy and has a 1:1 caregiver that spends time with him each day. He is very attached to this caregiver
and has a good relationship with her.
Additional photos and a video are available of Denver.

Roger

This dear boy is listed as having "childhood autism" — if it is truly autism or autistic behaviors due to orphanage life and his other special needs, we really don't know.
He is said to have encephalopathy (unspecified disease of the brain), Childhood autism, and moderate mental delays.
He also has vision problems: Convergent concomitant strabismus (crossing eyes) and hypermetropia (far-sighted); and is said to be anemic.
More photos available.

$22.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

The following do not have an official diagnosis of autism but have been suspected of it. They do still need families, however, so I'm including them!

Sasha

Caesar

Cullen

Brody

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:36:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Kreative Kandi Apples GIVEAWAY!

Click Image to See ALL the AMAZING Apples!

Be sure to visit this giveaway, there is much more to it than just a giveaway!
Also discounts on Easter orders!

2 Mountain Resort GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Help Bring Home Alyssa and Piper!

3 Almost There Fundraiser! Includes a Matching Grant!

Click Image

Choice of any colour for the mixer but LOTS of other gifts!

4 Help Bring Sydney and Lucien Home! Faithfully Created!

Click Image

5 MaryKay Fundraiser!

Benefiting Charity and the Sader family.

6 Drink Coffee? Help Bring Sara Home!

https://justlovecoffee.com/sarakeller/

They also have a giveaway with a new prize added every three days, you can check that out HERE

7 32gb iPad3 GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Help bring Liliana Home!

8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

Click Image

9 iPad AUCTION!

Click Image
Lots of other items!

10 Help Bring Vinnie Home Giveaway with a twist!

Click Image

Please also check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

11 iPad3, Canon Rebel DSLR Camera, or a $500 Amazon gift card GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Help Bring Albina Home!

12 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

Click Image

Click HERE to find out how to order your matryoshka doll (Russian nesting dolls) wall hanging!

13 Bracelets to bring home the Grove Girls!

Order your Bracelet HERE

They also have a Mary Kay fundraiser

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER!

Click Image

Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

The Morriss family is also having a Curriculum and Book Sale to help raise money for their adoption, HERE

15 Hairbows for Nellie and Katelyn!

Click Image

16 Bring Home Khariton!

17 Prayer Shawl GIVEAWAY!

18 Change Drive to bring Natasha home!

The Morse family also has a Partylite Candle fundraiser going on HERE

Thirty One Fundraiser!

For the month of April if you spend $31 you get to pick a purse for 1/2 off!!
Make sure to click Shana Pardue as your host when checking out!
Proceeds go toward the Pardue's adoption of Alexander!

Kindle Giveaway Matching Grant!

Help bring Sam and Duncan home!

Nabi GiveawayBringing home Kiki and Debbie

Fundraiser forChandler

25% of all sales will go toward Chandler's adoption.
Spend $31 and get 1/2 off of a purse.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Owen's Angel :: Kade #16-2

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:12:00 +0000

This Week's Owen's Angel!

Our correspondent, Owen Roberts, will be sharing his choice for our Angel of the Week.

Please meet Owen's Angel of the Week: (refresh to see new photo)

Meet Kade!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

Kade is living in a mental institution but attends school in the local village, and is doing very well!

If you would like more information on Kade or any of the other children, please contact us!

Please help Kade find his forever family by sharing him on facebook, twitter, your blogs and any social media you use! Thank you so much!

DOB: 2002
Diagnosis: Down syndrome, asthma

He can be found here: http://reecesrainbow.org/26514/kade

Kade #16-2

Kade is currently living in a mental institution but is doing very well. He is attending school in the local village. His gross and fine motor skills are well developed. He colors inside the lines, feeds and dresses himself and is toilet trained. His expressive and receptive language is developed. He answers to his name, follows directions and repeats the names of objects. He participates in games and seeks out contact with other children. He enjoys playing with stuffed animals, musical toys and mechanical toys. His play is appropriate. He is impulsive and will get upset if he doesn’t get his way. However, he is not aggressive toward himself nor toward other people. He has a short attention span and will often give up easily when an activity is too hard and ask to do something else instead. Kade is described as calm, inquisitive, headstrong, sensitive and communicative.

$100.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Thank you for all you do to support and help Reece's Rainbow!

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Meet the Families :: The Unroe Family

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:06:00 +0000

I want to introduce you to the Unroe family. They are adopting from Eastern Europe! You can follow their adoption journey on their blog!

I've asked some questions to help you get to know Brent and Amanda Unroe.

Tell me about yourself and your family. My husband and I already have 13 children (one bio and 12 via foster care adoption). Julianne is 5 and has Down Syndrome. She joined our family when she was 2 1/2 years old. :) We are a homeschooling family who loves the Lord and feels blessed to be a part of His plan.

What can you tell me about the children you are adopting?
We are adopting 5 children who all have Down Syndrome. Keith, Paula, Anjelina, Nicholas, and Ahnja.

Tell me why you decided to adopt a child with special needs? Most of our children have special needs. Julianne is our youngest daughter and she has DS. The fact that children with DS are so misunderstood and undervalued by society makes me sick. We can't wait to bring more of God's blessings into our family and watch them learn that they are the wonderful and glorious creations of a God who made them in His image.

What would be your advice to anyone wanting to adopt? Be ready for the biggest blessing of your life. You will learn more about the love that God has for you, as His adopted child, than you ever imagined. The joys of parenting will far outweigh the trials. The devil will try you along the way and throw up obstacles, but he can't win so keep plowing through to the blessings.

Brent already went on trip #1, hoping for trip #2 ASAP. Please keep their family in your prayers. If you can help in any way, thank you! You can grab their button to put on your blog!

Grab This!

For other ways to help the children from Reece's Rainbow, please read the Ways You Can Help page on the Reece's Rainbow site! Are you adopting? If you'd like to be featured on the 'Meet the Families' segment, please CLICK HERE. We'd love to feature your family!

If you have a blog, we'd love for you to put our Meet the Families Button on it!

Grab This!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Friday Family Fundraisers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:28:00 +0000

You can help!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Be sure to click the images to be taken to their Giveaways and Fundraisers!

1 Drink Coffee? Help Bring Sara Home!

Click Image to Shop for Coffee!

They also have a giveaway with a new prize added every three days, you can check that out HERE

2 hp DreamScreen 100 GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Please check out their t-shirt fundraiser HERE and their coffee fundraiser HERE

3 Be a piece of the puzzle! Bring Abigail and Emilie's Home!

Click Image

Click HERE to find out how to order your matryoshka doll (Russian nesting dolls) wall hanging!

4 Help Bring Sydney and Lucien Home! Faithfully Created!

Click Image

5 MaryKay Fundraiser!

Click Image

The hosts entire commission on all sales will be donated to the Grove family!

6 Hairbows for Nellie and Katelyn!

Click Image

7 32gb iPad3 GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Help bring Liliana Home!

8 Adoption awareness SHOPPING BAGS!

Click Image

9 iPad3 GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Help bring Lily Home

10 Help Bring Home FIVE for the Unroe Family! Bulgarian Giveaway!

Click Image to Enter Both Giveaways

11 iPad3, Canon Rebel DSLR Camera, or a $500 Amazon gift card GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

Help Bring Albina Home!

12 Mulligan Stew GIVEAWAY!

Click Image

A Common Stew for an Uncommonly Good Cause

13 Almost There Fundraiser! Includes a Matching Grant!

Click Image

Choice of any colour for the mixer but LOTS of other gifts!

14 Digital Software FUNDRAISER!

Click Image

Get your own copy of this brilliant software and start Creating Memories! Be sure to see all the ways you can use this, as well as, other ways to help Bring Carlene Home!

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

21 Truths About Down Syndrome :: WDSD 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:03:00 +0000

Today is World Down Syndrome Day 2012!

21 March 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and for the first time in 2012 this day will be officially observed by the United Nations. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. But there is still so much more we can do.

Reece's Rainbow is working to do more by doing our part to share the TRUTH about Down Syndrome! So, for today, here are 21 beautiful families of children with Down syndrome and their TRUTH about Down syndrome!

We'd love to hear from YOU! Please add your TRUTH about Down syndrome in the comments below and share our WDSD 2012 '21 Truths About Down Syndrome'!

Grab This!

1 I never dreamed the valuable lessons my daughter with DS would teach ME about *True Love*!!!!	2 Gavin does each new thing he learns with absolute PERFECTION!	3 They are everything wonderful that doctors DON'T tell you, and *they are everything that is* *right* in a wrong world.
4 I'll never have to go back to the day before you.	5 She may be nonverbal but Julianne communicates better than anyone I've ever known!	6 They're very much individuals, each with different abilities and interests. *They're our sons and daughters.*
7 My dreams for Elisha's future are no different than my dreams for her brothers. Down syndrome hasn't changed that!	8 Chloe is **breathtakingly beautiful inside and out!** She is pure peace	9 We truly love our children with Down syndrome, just as we love our other children. They are amazing, and beautiful!
10 Aiden is just like typical kids in so many ways!	11 I see my world in a whole new way and NEVER want to go back to the way that life was before Sophina Jane Merry!	12 Stas is a teacher of our souls!
13 Down syndrome is nothing to fear. It's MORE TO LOVE!!	14 It will *breathe new life* into everything you do. Everything is that much sweeter!	15 They do not stay "babies" or little kids forever. Just like everyone else, *they GROW and change*.
16 Children with Down Syndrome are *very good readers*, even before they start kindergarten.	17 The old adage 'they are always happy' is not true, as this attempt at getting a cute photo has proven!	18 Joshua is *well loved by all, and has made us all better people*!
19 They are the *epitome of work ethic. They have to work 2-3 times harder to do some things. But they DO them!*	20 After Kellan was born, the best thing I was told was, "this changes nothing, *he is still your baby*"!	21 We do the same things as other families, and then some!

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

The LAST DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Today is the last day of the First Annual 21 Days of Hope Voice of Hope Campaign. We have a matching donor who will donate $21 for each of 24 $21 donations! If each of our friends donated just $21, we would have enough to fund Reece's Rainbow for all of 2012 and more! Will you consider helping us meet our goal?

In going on 6 years, Reece's Rainbow has found families for more than 650 children with Down syndrome and other special needs. We are solely funded by individual donations. Our Voice of Hope fund has been what has paid for our website and the paypal fees for the family donations over these past years and all of our promotional activities. As we are so rapidly growing, our needs for funding have also grown! Thank you for all of you who have so dearly supported us through the years! As the photos below show, your efforts have not been in vain! FAR FROM IT! We are so thankful and proud to share what you and we have helped do together!

As this is drawing near to closing I wanted to share some of our kids who are at home, who were given a life outside of the walls of the orphanages and institutions and are now thriving because they were given love and a family! Children who are now loved members of their families, children who very well might not be where they are today were it not for Reece's Rainbow and our advocating efforts and the efforts and support of our many families and friends.

You can go have a look HERE to see these (below) and many more of the families who found their children through RR and are already home!

*before photos inset

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

As One We Can :: The Cole Family

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:59:00 +0000

Dan and Beth have been married for 13 years and have four boys. Beth has always had a heart for people with special needs and it was while she was in school studying to be a Special Ed. teacher that she and Dan met. They've been blessed with 4 boys and were ready for God to bless them with a little girl when Beth came upon RR. Of course it was no coincidence! She felt God tugging on her heart and so began to pray for God to make His will clear to both her and her husband. And here they are today raising funds, not for one, but two precious girls to add to their family. They've been doing a lot of fund raising and are now planning on submitting their paper work which will mean a travel date soon. They still need to raise funds to be able to bring these loves home and are in the process right now of another great fund raiser celebrating World Down Syndrome Day that not only benefits their daughters being able to come home, but a child of your choice listed on RR who still is in need of a forever family. You can read more about it and be apart of it by visiting their family blog, or you can go right to their Family Sponsor Page to leave a tax deductible gift. Remember that any amount is a helpful amount.

Philip. 4:19
"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ
Jesus."

Please share about the Cole family on fb, twitter, your blogs! Thank you for all of your help in spreading the word!

Sweet Nellie ~♥~

Precious Katelyn ~♥~

The Cole family ready for their daughters to come home

Grab This!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

BRILLIANT World Down Syndrome Day Video!

noreply@blogger.com (Lu, Poppies Blooming) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Enjoy this brilliant video put together by our friends at the InternationalDown Syndrome Coalition for Life.

You can share on facebook, twitter, via email!

Reece's Rainbow

The Day I Became a Mother :: A Mother's Day Special

Crazy! :: A Mother's Day Special

Friday Family Fundraisers

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Pure Perspective :: A Mother's Day Special

Each Step :: A Mother's Day Special

A Mother... Mother's Day Special

Friday Family Fundraisers

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

A Lonely Road :: Guest post

Friday Family Fundraisers!

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Happy Birthday, Reece!

I Am Ironman :: Please VOTE!

Friday Family Fundraisers

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Owen's Angels :: Darren

Friday Family Fundraisers! (Be sure to grab the Button too!)

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Friday Family Fundraisers!

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

As One We Can :: Carlene's Family

World Autism Day :: Interview with Colleen Swindoll - Thompson

Friday Family Fundraisers

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

Owen's Angel :: Kade #16-2

Meet the Families :: The Unroe Family

Friday Family Fundraisers!

You can help!

FridayFamilyFundraisers

Please scroll down to visit our families fundraisers!

21 Truths About Down Syndrome :: WDSD 2012

The LAST DAY!

As One We Can :: The Cole Family

BRILLIANT World Down Syndrome Day Video!

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers

Friday
Family
Fundraisers