tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13914356873199747542024-03-14T05:21:11.506-07:00Wiehl Family AdoptionJoin us as we work through the adoption process then travel to China to bring home our Lillian.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-44116229120238373882013-02-24T08:40:00.001-08:002013-02-24T14:46:37.910-08:00Ben's Party and a Lily Update!Lily has almost been home a month and I cannot believe how well things are going. Before we went to China, we read books, watched videos, talked with friends and social workers about what to expect during our first few weeks home. We were told that at first we might not love her like we love our other kids, that it would feel like we are babysitting, that she might reject us at first and a whole lot of not so warm and fuzzy. All of that is normal. Very normal and very expected. We were prepared to work hard to get through these issues and expected that someday things would get easier for all of us.<br />
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I almost feel guilty saying this because I know not everyone experiences this, but as it turns out, we fell in love with her immediately. We LOVE this child so much. You know that love you feel when you give birth? That is how we both feel about Lily. There is no faking it. We don't feel like her babysitters, it does not feel like she doesn't belong or that she is "new." She's ours. There is no question about it.<br />
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Of course, I cannot speak for her feelings. She has experienced great loss and her world has been turned upside down. I know we have not seen the real Lily Shu Xing (as she refers to herself). I do not claim that she loves us as much as we love her, and that is okay. She has only known us a month. We snuggle and play and tickle and giggle. She comes to us for comfort, looks to us for approval, and really seems to enjoy our company and the company of her siblings. She loves to sing a little song she made up "Mama, Baba, Lily Shu Xing, Benjamin, Madelyn, Nicholas, Kayla"<br />
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I'm terrible about taking photos but I promise to make an effort to use
my camera more often. We did remember to take some photos of Ben's
party yesterday at a local park.<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-1364762966711674282013-02-03T02:46:00.004-08:002013-02-03T02:46:39.977-08:00HOME!!!She's HOME! She's HERE!!! After a year of waiting and missing her, she is HERE! Praise God!<br />
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While we were in country, I wrote about our experiences and progress on a shutterfly share site. China blocks blogger and facebook, but not shutterfly, so this was a great option for us just in case we had internet troubles.<br />
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If you would like to read about it, the link is in the post below.<br />
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We've been home for less than 48 hours now and so far things are going well. The kids have been wonderful, though I can tell we will experience some growing pains as everyone adjusts to their new roles and gets used to having a new sister.<br />
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Lily (aka Shu Xing) is doing very well. She's having some crying episodes at night, which is to be expected, but she's happy during the day and really enjoying her new siblings- especially Ben.<br />
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We really thought that due to the closeness in age, that Ben would have a hard time sharing his mama and his toys with her. We've found that of all the kids, he is the one who seems to get along with her the best. I think that has something to do with the fact that he just wants to play and he doesn't let the language barrier stress him out. He talks to her and she talks to him and they just play and have fun. Nicholas and Maddie are always thinking about the fact that she doesn't yet speak English, so they hesitate to talk to her and feel awkward when they don't understand what she is saying. <br />
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However, even with all of that, they are really happy to have their new sister and are doing very well considering the changes of the past two and a half weeks. I know they missed us very much while we were away.<br />
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Mike is going back to work tomorrow and we really need to get back into the swing of things with school. I think we can do it, even if it ends up taking all day long to complete the work we need to do. If we weren't already behind, I would put it off for another week, but we really need to catch up. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-76718815438387547402013-01-18T11:18:00.000-08:002013-01-18T11:18:12.745-08:00We are here in Shanhai!We arrived on Thursday night around 8:30 pm China time and have been enjoying this wonderful city! Since blogger is sometimes unavailable in China, I'm posting updates and photos on our Shutterfly Share page- http://wiehladoption.shutterfly.com/<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-81470867091576611002013-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:002013-01-04T19:21:29.725-08:00American Girl Doll and Bed for SaleWe are so close to having what we need for our adoption but we don't yet have everything we need, so I'm selling this <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/cecilemariegracedoll.jsp" target="_blank">American Girl Cecile Doll with accessories and also the Half Canopy Bed</a> that goes with her. Both items can be seen on the American Girl Doll website and both items are brand new, still in the boxes from American Girl. <br />
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Current selling prices on ebay are $90 for the doll with accessories and about $70 for the bed. I'd be so happy to get that much (not including shipping), but I am also open to offers. Please contact me at kathywiehl @ gmail.com if you'd like to purchase either of these things. I will need payment no later than 1/11 so that I can ship the following morning. <br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-76075267126748092042012-12-31T07:36:00.002-08:002012-12-31T07:39:54.422-08:0021 days! <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We will meet our daughter in 21 days. As long as it has taken us to get to this point, I feel like we are on a high speed train to China right now. Prior to Christmas, it seemed so far away, but now it seems like the entire process just flew by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Because she is not a baby and can probably speak quite well, we are going to try to learn some Mandarin Chinese as well as encourage her to continue to speak Chinese. The plan is for her to become bilingual and for the rest of the family to continue practicing Chinese for many years to come. One thing I plan on doing to encourage this is to play Mandarin videos for the children to watch often. Obviously with no native Chinese speaker in the house, this is going to be the best option for daily exposure to her native language and as the other children pick up some phrases and practice what they have learned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hopefully in China we will find dvds that can be played here in the US but for the time being, I am creating a playlist of Chinese Children's Shows on Youtube. We can just connect the laptop to the tv using the HDMI cord and watch on a bigger screen. Just in case any of my friends in the adoption community would like to see the playlist, I am linking it here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtBYSiGj3cDUExp7dS9HO246tyBP7YVJm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many of the videos are Chow Hu, a really cute children's show. If you'd like to search for these on your own, the Chinese characters are below. Just copy and past it into the youtube search box and you'll find lots of videos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 巧虎</span><br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-51787033246075220212012-12-27T04:54:00.003-08:002012-12-27T05:09:21.284-08:00Lily, here we come!<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have TA! Also known as Travel Approval! This means that there is only one thing left to do and that is to go get Lily and bring her home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our consulate appointment is scheduled for January 29th, which means we will meet her on January 21. 24 days from now, my sweet girl will be in my arms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It has been a long journey for us, filled with crazy delays and scary roadblocks. At times, I thought we'd never make it. It almost seems like a miracle that we were able to push through some of the insanity that happened during our process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While we worked our tails off raising money, chasing papers, begging- yes begging God to move mountains, Lily grew. Look at how much she has grown in the year we've loved her from afar.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from her original file Sept 2011</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Update from Agency January 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLaZJelbDR0xwr4UZMVkIKD8W0Nhwm4UJ6W-eiIKMhxvkl3T50T22Waaxh33kq_b87Km2yfCqwpw6DJ0hUNf6sp799CsCsmF89hgG7SNJdA5sJ2BC_Hff9b6KU9WcE2DU-Op4i6cRKa4/s1600/526264_374677152590802_100001455602124_973605_607985038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLaZJelbDR0xwr4UZMVkIKD8W0Nhwm4UJ6W-eiIKMhxvkl3T50T22Waaxh33kq_b87Km2yfCqwpw6DJ0hUNf6sp799CsCsmF89hgG7SNJdA5sJ2BC_Hff9b6KU9WcE2DU-Op4i6cRKa4/s1600/526264_374677152590802_100001455602124_973605_607985038_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken in June 2012 by another adoptive mom.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7DST53-Ajm5b6QR_ZZreBi_fl-3NCK4edEfWwDBRE_D7dwVelNUXlTvDkyEgolOwAayc7eSg-jk53SaYaui0ZAdjPYCZYBbf6WKjWPw6UYtSRdUInLK0TLPmX7KNVKpprBWpYX7bdGQ/s1600/067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7DST53-Ajm5b6QR_ZZreBi_fl-3NCK4edEfWwDBRE_D7dwVelNUXlTvDkyEgolOwAayc7eSg-jk53SaYaui0ZAdjPYCZYBbf6WKjWPw6UYtSRdUInLK0TLPmX7KNVKpprBWpYX7bdGQ/s1600/067.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken in July by another adoptive mom friend.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wy_QwDz2B4-y9fFMyCpQxc73W3mwEYIk-VrFyVvP1YRhGBoKfqIAhOywUi-NbcvHWpELSWpl63YZK0Wwu6XWRWex2FnS8Ejv4BkW-fZvIadCoe-_ZUv2Kd_dlCXis-lyFFtveeGwi2E/s1600/384323_10151075405145566_1863300164_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wy_QwDz2B4-y9fFMyCpQxc73W3mwEYIk-VrFyVvP1YRhGBoKfqIAhOywUi-NbcvHWpELSWpl63YZK0Wwu6XWRWex2FnS8Ejv4BkW-fZvIadCoe-_ZUv2Kd_dlCXis-lyFFtveeGwi2E/s1600/384323_10151075405145566_1863300164_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official update from China in October</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It saddens me to think of all we missed during her first 4 years and I wonder who, if anyone, celebrated the first time she rolled over as a baby, or the first time she crawled, talked, walked. I wonder about her birth family and wish I knew their story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I pray that we'll be the parents she needs us to be. We will try very hard to make up for what she has missed these past four years. Please pray for the Lord to give us what we need and for us to find the correct resources to help us along the way. We know it may be challenging at times, but we also know it will be worth it. </span><br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-39104410717039555792012-12-19T07:39:00.002-08:002012-12-19T07:40:37.124-08:00American Girl Doll Winner!Thank you all for entering our last giveaway! We are so thankful for all of you and wish we could give everyone a doll! I put everyone's name on a spreadsheet and used Random.org to choose the number of the winner.<br />
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The winner is......<br />
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Karen Johnson!!<br />
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Thank you Karen! I will be mailing your Marie Grace doll today and you should have it on Saturday at the latest!<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-44382200386506488892012-12-18T18:37:00.003-08:002012-12-18T18:37:43.113-08:00Road Trips, Visas, and Wishes for SnowOn the adoption front- we are now waiting on the very last step, Travel Approval (aka TA). After this arrives at our agency in WA, we will finally be able to begin making travel arrangements! I'm really hoping to be in China or on our way to China for my birthday on January 10th.<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Meanwhile, Christmas is keeping is nice and distracted. A few days ago I
drove the kids from our home in Birmingham, AL to my mother's house in
Monroe ville, PA. There are many reasons for this trip. The most
important is that we get to spend some time with our oldest daughter
Kayla before we bring Lily home and before she starts school in January.
I am SO proud of her right now. She's working hard at her new job and
is looking forward to starting school. Despite a challenging few years,
she is all grown up and working towards independence. Of course she
still needs her Mama. Mike will be joining us here tomorrow in Kayla's
car, which will be left here for her to use to get to school and work. </span><br />
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The kids and I stayed in a hotel on the way to PA, which of course
was an adventure. We stayed in Louisville, KY and had the best Chinese
food ever. Normally I would not order in, but because of the time of day
and location we really had no choice. I'm thankful for that because
those dumplings were amazing. I swear I want to drive back through
Louisville on my way home just for those. Thankfully, I think we'll find
even better Chinese dumplings in China. Check out my fortune cookie. I admit I'm a little challenged when it comes to housekeeping, so this was kind of funny.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4pXGWeyfguBHQGzPEYGuGJN8iX5W8ftf45ooW-usKEIJKaHROGSF0TE5CESZG5z7tb5xsR7eD1Cl25SdkWmIPIlZSwc6IJJMXclM2jmKgRwsZt6mOx9XtyKbK9qfArY2kox68R7ckXU/s1600/FB_IMG_13554549021876948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4pXGWeyfguBHQGzPEYGuGJN8iX5W8ftf45ooW-usKEIJKaHROGSF0TE5CESZG5z7tb5xsR7eD1Cl25SdkWmIPIlZSwc6IJJMXclM2jmKgRwsZt6mOx9XtyKbK9qfArY2kox68R7ckXU/s1600/FB_IMG_13554549021876948.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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We got to PA,
settled in, went to bed and spent the next day enjoying each other.<br />
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We visited Kayla's workplace, which is a really cool store that sells things for $5 or less. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3slujTNJYDG-YTal3JWvupxSJ6GanrkXxPwDyWwl77jT72CwJ0BsUQZbJ0PvhI6A7gPqxBe_BKGvhOuhQFwYT7sVm1u9oSj-XHHldd65F6vtiixyKuOspng8X2N6Ilvn_3-XcjsdFdzY/s1600/2012-12-16_12-50-17_39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3slujTNJYDG-YTal3JWvupxSJ6GanrkXxPwDyWwl77jT72CwJ0BsUQZbJ0PvhI6A7gPqxBe_BKGvhOuhQFwYT7sVm1u9oSj-XHHldd65F6vtiixyKuOspng8X2N6Ilvn_3-XcjsdFdzY/s1600/2012-12-16_12-50-17_39.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
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After that, we took her to her favorite yarn store here in Pittsburgh, Natural Stitches.<br />
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Then we went back to my mom's house to open presents. The kids were thrilled!<br />
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This was Kayla's gift to me. She's knows me quite well!<br />
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And after presents, we hopped in the car and went to Overly's Country Christmas. <br />
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Last night, Kayla and I went out on a little date to the mall, and today we just hung around the house, but then our Chinese visas came!<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-50750137589556550522012-12-11T06:56:00.000-08:002012-12-12T05:01:04.227-08:00American Girl Doll Giveaway<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One last giveaway before we travel! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are still at least $2500
short right now and we expect to leave within the next 4-5 weeks. We
have not gotten our final travel bill yet, so that is just an estimate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are the winner, rest assured this WILL be shipped on December 19th via<b> Priority Mail</b>, so you will have this no later than 12/22 if you are within the continental US. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, here are the details of the giveaway-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One winner will receive your choice of either the <b>Mary Grace or Cecile American Girl Doll, along with the book and accessory package</b>. The total retail value of this package is $124. These dolls are brand new, never opened and ready to be shipped to the winner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From the American Girl Website-</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marie Grace and Cecile, 1853</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Follow the unforgettable journey of Marie-Grace Gardner and Cécile Rey
as they form an unlikely bond in their hometown of New Orleans. When
sickness spreads through the city, these newfound friends learn to count
on each other as they use courage and compassion to help those in need.</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcuBCoCRHdt0vyD-S7e2nJqLlbYmpnWe92o3FEp2MjF7ds9V-4WlsxIEJRhrQAzLLiBbu7T8-lNtvO35C9L9oIk7R61euNOnxRVWde6eJUunFLNEvj3K2MgkKqXrMNOGsDklv7WuUCNA/s1600/G1472_main_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcuBCoCRHdt0vyD-S7e2nJqLlbYmpnWe92o3FEp2MjF7ds9V-4WlsxIEJRhrQAzLLiBbu7T8-lNtvO35C9L9oIk7R61euNOnxRVWde6eJUunFLNEvj3K2MgkKqXrMNOGsDklv7WuUCNA/s1600/G1472_main_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cecile</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbbGk644S8qGH96F2BeR3cSAtKM_CytPeRJlU_0tUHgpMFc9HVbczIzF2AV0WrJqwIxR7PvDVJ7ZkVphNABhEExqz5TKhWMuCDC8mThNe8umJRE7vVPQf9flYVtDciMU93q6MIMZcbaM/s1600/G1479_main_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbbGk644S8qGH96F2BeR3cSAtKM_CytPeRJlU_0tUHgpMFc9HVbczIzF2AV0WrJqwIxR7PvDVJ7ZkVphNABhEExqz5TKhWMuCDC8mThNe8umJRE7vVPQf9flYVtDciMU93q6MIMZcbaM/s1600/G1479_main_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marie Grace</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To enter-</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$10 for 1 entry</span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$15 for 3 entries</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$20 for 5 entries</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Donations should be sent to kathywiehl@ gmail.com</span></b><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="REHRCLM3DSXQ4" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Share on Facebook for an additional entry, but please comment here so I know that you shared. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you make your donation, please tell me your choice of doll as well as your shipping address. I want to mail this to the winner right away after the name is drawn. I will be happy to ship this internationally, but if you are outside the US, you will not have this in time for Christmas. </span><br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-6098823553907006852012-12-03T10:47:00.001-08:002012-12-03T10:47:30.157-08:00Book SaleI have had a lot of books donated to me to sell for our adoption. I'm posting the link here in case anyone is interested. We are asking 80% off the original prices. You may pay us directly or deposit the funds into our FSP.<br />
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Math-<br />
The Math Tutor's Handbook by Frank Schaffer Publications, original price 9.95, asking 1.99<br />
Wipe Away Subtraction by Bob Schaffer Pub. original 3.95, asking .79<br />
Basic First Math by Bob Schaffer Pub, original price 4.95, asking .99<br />
Wipe Away Addition by Bob Schaffer pub. orig. 3.95, asking .79<br />
Homework Helper Addition grade 1 by Bob Schaffer orginal price 2.49, asking .50<br />
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Science-<br />
Beyond The Science Fair by Teacher Created Materials (TCM), original 11.95, asking 2.39<br />
Bridge To Home science grade k-1, bob schaffer , original price 6.95, asking 1.39 <br />
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Social Studies-<br />
Bridge to Home Social Studies K-1 by Bob Schaffer pub- original price 6.95 asking 1.39<br />
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Multi Subject-<br />
Theme for a Day, grades 1-2 by TCM- original 14.95, asking 2.99<br />
Thanksgiving Thematic Unit by Teacher Created Materials, original price 9.95 asking 1.99 <br />
Opening The Classroom Window, a calendar of multicultural activities PreK-K, original price 21.99, asking 4.40<br />
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Reading-<br />
The Tutors Handbook for Reading, grade 2 by Bob Schaffer pub, original price 9.95 asking 1.99 <br />
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Grammar-<br />
BAsic First Grammar by Bob Schaffer Publications, original 4.95, asking .99<br />
Basic First Grammar by Bob Schaffer, original 4.95, asking .99<br />
Grammar Made Simple, grade 1, bob schaffer pub, original price 10.95 asking 2.19<br />
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Literature-<br />
A Guide for Using The Cricket in Times Square, TCM, original price 7.95, asking 1.59<br />
A Guide for Using Miss Nelson Is Missing, TCM, original price 7.95, asking 1.59<br />
A Guide for Using The Secret Garden, TCM, asking 1.59<br />
A Guide for Using The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor, asking 1.59<br />
A Guide for Using The Egypt Game , TCM, asking 1.59 <br />
Bridge To Home Story Time, k-1, Bob Schaffer, original price 6.95, asking 1.39<br />
A Guide for Using My Side of the mountain, TCM, original price 7.95, asking 1.39<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-51749700884900498642012-12-02T07:23:00.001-08:002012-12-02T07:23:32.822-08:00Thank you<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have tried to think of a way to express our gratitude for all the help we have received through this process and I just can't come up with the words. A blog post is nowhere near enough, but it is all I can do for today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recently someone anonymously gave us some things to sell to help with our adoption funding. If that person is reading this- I want you to know that we are honored and will do our very best to use this gift wisely. If I knew who you are, I'd be harassing you to try to find a way to repay you. Since I can't do that, we'll just do our best to pay it forward and live by your example. Thank you so much. I really just don't know how to handle this kind of generosity without getting all weird. You probably know that and wanted to avoid my weirdness and that is why you chose to give the way you did, lol. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course, we have not forgotten the other very generous donations we have received during this process. You all have had to put up with my weirdness. Thank God you still love me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So many people have stepped up to help in large and small ways. I cannot come up with the words to thank you all. It is just overwhelming. I wish I could do something big for each person who has helped us and it is so humbling to know that we really cannot repay any of you adequately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is honestly too much. This is something I have struggled with during this entire process. I want to repay favors and gifts and I want to repay more than what we have been given and this time I just cannot do that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just hope that each person who has given to us or bought from us knows that we love you so much and will be thankful forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope that we are able to honor each of your gifts for the rest of our lives. We plan to always give to others in need of a family, shelter, food, clean water and education. </span><br />
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-41390743595391797062012-11-28T05:06:00.000-08:002012-11-29T05:24:23.203-08:006 weeks til Lily Day?<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am so happy to say that things seem to be moving along at a more normal pace! Of course, if you have been following our journey you know that nothing has really gone according to averages for us, so I hesitate to put too much weight on average timelines for China adoptions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Other people who were on the same timeline as us a few months ago are now in China or have returned from China with their children, but I do trust God and know that every little delay or trial has been for a purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am expecting that we'll receive travel approval in about 4 weeks, then our agency will allow us to travel 2 weeks later. Of course, in 4 weeks when our TA comes, we'll be between Christmas and New Years holidays. I am not sure how that will affect our ability to coordinate travel with the US consulate in China, the travel agency, our agency, etc. It could be more like 3 weeks from TA to travel, but the important thing is that we are moving forward!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And just because she is so adorable, here is another photo from our update last month. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiNH2917NQ73fu2FfK0vPVII4JJFak5g6e-skvxJk3Ol0YtMSOk5JEQu2K3nNZ5Zg0My5Te7zpKD5IuUvQygZ2okli34cW-RU7-JaoZHoyHVPeH5LjhbJ5OIs8MGHOuITLI6kFkeu6hI/s1600/3.JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiNH2917NQ73fu2FfK0vPVII4JJFak5g6e-skvxJk3Ol0YtMSOk5JEQu2K3nNZ5Zg0My5Te7zpKD5IuUvQygZ2okli34cW-RU7-JaoZHoyHVPeH5LjhbJ5OIs8MGHOuITLI6kFkeu6hI/s1600/3.JPG.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-23476927450548978902012-11-17T09:38:00.000-08:002012-11-17T17:15:21.496-08:00Happy News!!!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our I800 was finally approved!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are not or have not adopted, you have no idea what I am talking about and that is okay. What it really means is that we are down to our last few steps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The details are really boring but it involves delivering approval letters to/from the US Embassy and the Chinese adoption officials in China.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The average time to obtain travel approval from this point is around 6 weeks. Our agency says we can travel around 2 weeks later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course, anything can happen. Some people wait much longer for travel approval, while others receive it much quicker than average.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While we wait for TA (travel approval), we'll get through Thanksgiving and Christmas, drive to PA and back to visit my mom, Kayla and my niece and to deliver Kayla's car to her. We'll need to do all of the standard prepping for bringing home a newly adopted 4 year old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My head is spinning a little. We have so much to do!!!</span><br />
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<iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="90" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jufoma-20&o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=amazonhomepage&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="728"></iframe>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-4155136854702450142012-11-14T05:54:00.001-08:002012-11-16T04:49:32.621-08:00Calling All Prayer Warriors<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We need you all to pray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The easy way to explain the current situation is that there is a computer glitch that is holding up our paperwork and we are now delayed by more than a month. Again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Remember back in June when our agency told me at the last minute that they were not allowed to send our paperwork to China because they were suspended and we had to scramble to find a quick $5,000 and rush to change agencies?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let's just say this "roadblock" thing is getting old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know God has a plan. I do know this. I just don't know what it is and that is the part I am struggling with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I suspect that part of His plan through this is to teach me to quit trying to control things and to relax and let Him handle it. I am learning. I promise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maybe something is going on with Lily that makes it better for her family to come in January instead of November, or maybe something will happen here that will require us to be here. Maybe the money just won't come fast enough for us to go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't know the reason, but I do trust that there IS a reason. There always is a reason and every time we experience a roadblock or a delay, we realize later that the timing was perfectly planned by God. I can't tell you how many times I have thanked God for His perfect timing even through the delays.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maybe we'll never look back at this particular challenge and clearly see why it had to be this way, but I do trust that there is a reason for this for someone, somewhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In any case, please pray. If not for paperwork, for my patience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="90" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jufoma-20&o=1&p=20&l=ur1&category=holiday12&banner=035KE542PHQZBMSDG882&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="120"></iframe></span>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-71198012797505254702012-11-05T05:24:00.002-08:002012-11-11T06:42:36.942-08:00The Last Bit of Fundraising<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just checked our numbers and it looks like we only need about $7500 more to have this adoption fully funded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think I can do this but I need your help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We need to sell LOTS of things to get there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thankfully, I have lots to offer! Really, anytime you buy anything other than groceries you can make a choice to make those purchases in a way to help us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here is a quick rundown on ways to help that do not involve just giving your money away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Buy everything on Amazon! I do mean everything! Cereal, peanut butter,underwear, batteries, area rugs, toys, cleaning supplies.... you name it. They have it. Every purchase grows our adoption fund and you will save yourself a trip to the store. Use this banner to shop-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="60" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jufoma-20&o=1&p=42&l=ur1&category=homegarden&banner=1MF7R00PZZ7VAG1BZD02&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="234"></iframe></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Buy<a href="http://designedforhope.com/" target="_blank"> Jewelry from us</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Let us bake your <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/212435095556990/" target="_blank">Thanksgiving pies</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Order <a href="http://wiehloffaith.blogspot.com/2012/10/letters-from-santa-fundraiser.html" target="_blank">Santa Letters!</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course if you hate Amazon, think my jewelry is ugly, and do not like pie or fruit butter, and have plans the day of our photo shoots, then I guess you could make a small donation. If you'd like to throw a dollar in the pot to bring Lily home, here is the link to make a tax deductible donation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=wiehl" target="_blank"> http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=wiehl</a></span><br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-9624144728782740072012-10-31T12:22:00.001-07:002012-10-31T12:23:00.080-07:00Update!We got an update from our agency a few days ago. I requested this update back in August, so we were more than ready to see these new photos of our beautiful girl. She seems to be doing well, so I am thankful for that. As far as our progress goes, we are still stalled on some paperwork but that should be approved within a few days so we can move onto the next step. \<br />
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In the meantime, we'll be sending her a care package that includes a photo album filled with photos of us and her new home, a letter to her and also a few small gifts. <br />
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Emotionally, I'm getting a little tired of worrying about money. So much of our time is spent trying to come up with new ideas for fundraising. I am willing to do almost anything that pays, so if anyone has ideas for ways to earn money I am all ears.<br />
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My friend Angela and I are working on a Thanksgiving fundraiser together. She is also adopting a little girl from China and we are on the same timeline and both still need to raise a few thousand dollars. We are selling apple butter, pumpkin butter, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie and sweet potato pie. Please <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/212435095556990/" target="_blank">check it out here</a> and let us know if you'd like to buy something. <br />
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Also, I'm asking people to please shop through Amazon so that we can earn a percentage of the sale. The link is below and also on the sidebar of the blog.<br />
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I'm still making jewelry and hoping to do well at an upcoming show.<br />
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Please pray for us to somehow find a way to earn the money we need to get to China.We are not asking for donations. We are very much willing to work hard to earn this money but time is running out and I am just at a loss right now and getting worried. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bMcs85FS8RirMJskMxR2dH2T8EwmmUgpVwMkEl63twBsPU__zvcTQt8dUoaM7-9UdBseNl4LejFx83ndSg5d2g9aQn8XWuDV8Lnx31F3sK8skhSvrvm8Ufz529w8o8AogqyL3nI6HMs/s1600/384323_10151075405145566_1863300164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bMcs85FS8RirMJskMxR2dH2T8EwmmUgpVwMkEl63twBsPU__zvcTQt8dUoaM7-9UdBseNl4LejFx83ndSg5d2g9aQn8XWuDV8Lnx31F3sK8skhSvrvm8Ufz529w8o8AogqyL3nI6HMs/s320/384323_10151075405145566_1863300164_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-63397259957393328702012-10-28T07:49:00.000-07:002012-10-31T08:11:52.126-07:00Letters From Santa Fundraiser<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since Christmas is just around the corner, we'll be doing several holiday themed fundraisers. I have seen other fundraising families use this idea, so I thought we'd try it as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vfrjptVNdM3kJvpkYpUM3Cq37dNjL1-yNeesPM5vySTtAfHdMT_PUpav65pGVzvwcUvyvF1u69OvRnsOJ69Ox2DCbgr2lZ6bGlHsX3VYnDjJV7FYtcUYAGyrPxHTHsbJVtseq00argg/s1600/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vfrjptVNdM3kJvpkYpUM3Cq37dNjL1-yNeesPM5vySTtAfHdMT_PUpav65pGVzvwcUvyvF1u69OvRnsOJ69Ox2DCbgr2lZ6bGlHsX3VYnDjJV7FYtcUYAGyrPxHTHsbJVtseq00argg/s1600/santa.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Letters from Santa!</b><br /><br />For $5/letter, your child will receive their
own personal, handwritten letter from Santa. Your letter will arrive
at your home on Christmas-themed paper and contain an individualized
message to your child. To order, donate $5/letter to the paypal button
on my blog. Once you have donated, send me an email (kathywiehl dot gmail dot com)with your children's names, ages, and address, as well as
specific information about what each one wants for Christmas, likes and
dislikes, or any other relevant information. Santa will hand write a
beautiful letter to be delivered in early December. We'll take orders until December 10. All letters will be mailed after Thanksgiving, but before December 15. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It is a great way
to stretch out a few weeks of extra good behavior, but also lots of fun!
No two letters will be the same. Letters can be mailed to any
address, anywhere in the world and do not have to be local. </span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-63322034818813330052012-10-27T06:22:00.000-07:002012-10-27T06:32:31.432-07:00Designed For Hope<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are new to this blog, you may not know that my mom and I work very hard to make jewelry to sell to fund my adoption. When you buy jewelry from us at our website, all of your purchase goes to fund our adoption . If you click through one of our fundraising families' blogs, they will get a commission as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we near the end of the process, we are getting a little desperate for funding. Please consider making a purchase to help us. Your item will come in a gift box, ready to be used a a Christmas gift or as a treat for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can see the link above or click on <a href="http://www.designedforhope.com./">www.designedforhope.com.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are participating in the Christmas Frenzy on another adoptive mama's blog. Please take a look at what other families are selling this Christmas. Wouldn't it be awesome to buy ALL of your Christmas gifts from fundraising families? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mycupoverfloweth.blogspot.com/2012/10/christmas-frenzy.html" target="_blank"> http://mycupoverfloweth.blogspot.com/2012/10/christmas-frenzy.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The collage below shows a sampling of our work.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPDRNLBpGVSjiexIFYRt9Dmh4FA0zrCcPWUo2b8Lg9N4mYf8BeVd2dnWBCfXchYUkvYF43p6Hi2fyxe-1uQAedzOZWo983fje06DpZkqARftyrl6n7iuLa_dyhGJpn5dHlY5tR9nFtDY/s1600/2012-08-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPDRNLBpGVSjiexIFYRt9Dmh4FA0zrCcPWUo2b8Lg9N4mYf8BeVd2dnWBCfXchYUkvYF43p6Hi2fyxe-1uQAedzOZWo983fje06DpZkqARftyrl6n7iuLa_dyhGJpn5dHlY5tR9nFtDY/s400/2012-08-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-50339945762087475392012-10-27T06:14:00.001-07:002012-10-31T08:12:49.205-07:00Shopping<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are a mom, you know that your time is valuable and limited, especially the daytime hours when the kids are awake and needing attention, instruction and quality time. I don't know about you, but running errands and shopping is not my idea of quality time. I prefer to buy as much as I can online and with Amazon Prime, it just makes sense to buy everything online. I buy grocery items, pencils, paper, books, socks, pants, craft supplies and other household items on Amazon.com after the kids go to bed or early in the morning to save time and allow myself to focus on more important things. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you agree with me and shop regularly on Amazon, please consider using our link to make your purchases. I'll earn a small commission and we will use that commission to grow our adoption fund.</span></span><br />
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<iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="60" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jufoma-20&o=1&p=13&l=ur1&category=grocery&banner=0YYKD4EARRDKDREAQR82&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="468"></iframe>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-3266703850971929412012-10-16T07:05:00.002-07:002012-10-16T07:05:28.461-07:00Putting on my big girl panties<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been a grump a few weeks now. This is why- </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My oldest daughter has moved out. I miss her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have this awful paperwork delay which means we may not actually get to travel in December as we'd been hoping all along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If we do travel in December, we need to come up with at least $3,000 more than we had expected due to the high travel costs that month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We don't even have what we need for normal travel costs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I asked for an update on Lily back in August and we still do not have it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">People have basically stopped buying jewelry. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, guess what? As of today, the pity party is OVER. It's time to put on my big girl panties and<strike> make this happen,</strike> let God handle these problems. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No, we do not have the money we need to travel in December even if God does give us the opportunity, but I also believe that through hard work and prayer, that can be remedied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even though this is not working out according to my timeline, God is in control. How can I be sad when I know His timing is perfect and right? I have been foolish in thinking I can control this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kayla is an adult and on her own. She will make it and I am proud of her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As for the jewelry sales- I'll just keep making it. If people don't buy, then at least I have a nice collection for myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The update on Lily? It will come and when it does it will be at the perfect time. I am remembering Mother's Day of this year when I woke up to a photo and video with Lily in the background. Someone had seen her photo on our blog, then noticed that she was also in some photos that another family had taken while at the orphanage. </span></div>
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-60608584236111582252012-10-10T10:00:00.000-07:002012-10-10T10:00:03.415-07:00Please prayWe are working through a paperwork delay that could potentially set us back yet another 2-3 weeks. If this had not happened, we were looking at a likely travel date sometime in December. Now, since China is closed for the 2nd half of January, we may be traveling as late as February. This is upsetting to me. We need to get this child home. She needs to come home. Please pray with me that our paperwork issue will be resolved ASAP. <br />
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My heart is just about broken right now. We have been waiting so long and we thought we were in the home stretch but it seems we are not. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-48684043063278419042012-10-10T05:21:00.000-07:002012-10-10T05:21:56.541-07:00LIfe ChangesYesterday, I put my oldest daughter on a plane to Pittsburgh, PA where she will live with my mother, get a job and begin her higher education. She's always wanted to go back to Pittsburgh. She spent the first 5 years of her life there, then spent summers and every other holiday there until she was about 13 years old. I am so proud of her for making such a big move and thankful that my mom is there to give her a place to live and some help getting on her feet, but I miss her so much! Please say a prayer for her, that she'll be able to push herself to get out and meet some new friends, enroll in classes and get a job. <br />
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Meanwhile, we are stalled again while waiting for our social worker to do an update for our homestudy showing that Kayla no longer lives here. This must be done before we can move onto the next step, so please pray with me that this update will happen quickly and that it satisfies everyone who needs to be satisfied.<br />
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And, of course, we are still waiting for an update about Lily. I asked for this update in August and have not been able to find out anything more about her. Her file is over a year old, and I sent a list of questions regarding her likes/dislikes, size, medical history, etc. <br />
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Now that we have LOA, we can send her a care package but I'd really like to have that update before we send anything to her. I want to make sure what we send will be appropriate.<br />
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As much as I dislike waiting and as much as I'm a control freak who wants everything to happen yesterday, I am learning to let go and let God handle it all. I have no choice but to hand it all over to Him.<br />
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It's funny because I have learned over and over again that His timing is always the best. Always. No matter what. Yet, every time something doesn't happen fast enough, I get all frustrated and bent out of shape. When will I learn? <br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-31005833610287318972012-09-25T05:14:00.005-07:002012-09-25T05:14:56.143-07:00Lots of Big News!My first bit of big news is that yesterday we received our Letter Seeking Confirmation, aka LSC or LOA! This is China's official approval to adopt Lily! She is ours! We can now move on to the final steps of completing the adoption process.<br />
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For those of you who have not adopted from China, this is a big deal!<br />
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We can probably still travel this year, but it will be most likely the end of December and that is only if the remaining steps happen quickly enough.<br />
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My second bit of news is that we have moved the jewelry sale to a real website and also changed the name to something a bit more professional. My goal is to continue selling to raise the rest of the funds we need for this adoption but also to help other families adopt by offering a percentage of our sales through a fundraising program. <br />
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The new online store is called <a href="http://www.designedforhope.com/" target="_blank">Designed For Hope</a> and you can visit by clicking the name. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-81657245934790868722012-09-23T09:23:00.002-07:002012-09-23T09:23:18.389-07:00<a href="http://ww7.aitsafe.com/go.htm?go=www.designedforhope.com&afid=17360&tm=10&im=1" target="_top"><img alt="" border="0" height="" src="http://designedforhope.com/images/dfh_468x60_banner.jpg" width="" /></a>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391435687319974754.post-38269473334820591372012-09-12T06:08:00.000-07:002012-09-12T06:08:25.972-07:00Update on the Update<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We heard from our agency yesterday and found out that China has requested one document to be resent. This is good! It means they are looking at our dossier! The document they requested was just proof of payment of the dossier processing fee that was wired to China before our dossier was sent and our agency has already sent that along. Hopefully this means our LOA will arrive soon. I doubt it will be this week but maybe next week? I guess I need to update the timeline again :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our agency also tells us that the orphanage to our request for an update on Lily. To make a long story short- our questions need to be routed through another agency so it will be a few weeks before we hear anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While this is not the news we were hoping for this week, we are encouraged to know that someone is looking at our case and that now our update will be processed through the proper channels so we can expect to hear something soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are also encouraged every time we take the time to remind ourselves that God is at work here. He has a plan. He might not have the same plan that I have, but He has a plan and He has gotten us this far. He will not let us down. Yes, we get frustrated and forget this at times but when we remember that God knows what he is doing, it helps us relax a bit and enjoy this crazy ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Speaking of enjoying the ride, it is to be enjoyed. Yes, it is hard but it's not THAT hard. It is no harder than living in an orphanage, I'm sure. Yes, there is paperwork but so what? We are adults. We can handle some late night paperwork sessions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Money? God will provide. For us that means we have had some very generous donations, plus a new-found love for jewelry making and customers to buy that jewelry. For some, that means the 401K money is really not going to be used for retirement and for others that means a whole lotta yard sales, ebay sales, giveaways and relying on help from strangers and friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What we have gained through this process is so much more than the hard work and the frustration that we have endured. We have learned to trust God. There is NOTHING like looking to HIM and just giving it all to HIM and then watching HIS plan unfold before your eyes. It feels like a miracle, but to God it is not a miracle. It is just His way of doing things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want to go on and on about the other gifts we have been given through this process, but my time on the computer is over. I have three kids waiting on me to start our day so I will end here and write more later :) </span><br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710220156332983338noreply@blogger.com0