Happy Birthday BABY!

Today is the celebration of a lot of firsts!
The first day of 2012
Our new sons first birthday
The first time I have not been with my child on their birthday.
The first time I am crying out to you guys and begging for your prayers and help!

 

Remember yesterday when I told you that immigration originally said that it would be 45 days for approval. Well, they have changed.  Let me rewind a couple of weeks.  I received a call from our agency letting us know that the Chinese Consulate was starting to deny dossiers if they had any documents that had notaries of 6 months old or older.  So we went through our documents and realized that our Birth certificates and our Marriage License had expiered the week before.  So we reordered.  Then we noticed that our medical exams were gonna expire soon as well.  So we started getting anxious about sending them in.  Since we were only so close to that 45 day mark we opted to wait and see if our immigration approval letter one come in and we could send it all together.  On day 53 we still had heard or received anything. 
E took off on Tuesday headed to Montgomery to have our information State Certified.  He should have known it was gonna be a bad day when he hadn't even gotten out of Tuscaloosa when he came to a stop light only to have his phone slide off the console and fall into his glass of water.  :( Then when he made it to Montgomery he realized that there were documents that still need to be county certified before they could be state certified.  One of those documents was the medical exams that we were getting close to expiring.  So he turned around and headed back towards Tuscaloosa.  On his way home he stopped at a Publix to pick up a few items for the house.  He threw them in the back of his car and headed back towards the house so he thought.  As soon as he turned a curve the items fell over and hit something in the back of car and broke.  Did I mention it was also his birthday?!
The next day E woke up and started the process all over again. First to our notaries office to have one more document notarized.  Then to the County Courthouse to have it County Certified.  Next, to Jefferson County to have 2 documents that were notarized in Jeffereson county County Certified.  Then back to Montgomery.  He had no problems this time (hee hee) and after he received all of the certifications he found a FedEx/Kinkos and "started making copies" (Does anyone else remember the copy man on SNL).  After all copies were done he overnighted it to AGCI.  I wonder if E did a little dance when he sent that package off.  Just kidding, all of us know E is not the dancing type.
While E was gone I had a talk with T from AGCI.  She really felt like I should give immigragtion a call and check up on the status of my I800A.  Well folks there is just no way to sugar coat this.  It was not good news.  I was informed that my case had not even received an Officer and it was going to be more like 90 days instead of 45 days and then she said it could be longer.  So if you haven't done the math that would put us at the beginning of February being able to submit all of our paperwork to China.  That was a punch in the gut.  Everyday we don't have that letter adds a day (or longer) til we can go bring our baby home. 
So this is were I beg for your prayers.  O to cry out to the Heavenly father and beg Him for His mighty hand to push that paperwork through. For protection of our sweet son and his body.  God has already given me peace and reassurance so now I just have to fight and pray him home.
While we are praying him home and finding every way we can to get him home sooner than later I am going ot keep myself busy.  I have a list of things to do around the house, 4 beautiful children who need me to love, nurture and teach them, a relationship with my husband that needs to be invested in and grown, time to pray to a loving, sovereign Father so that I can grow in my relationship with Him.  We will also be fundraising.  See the list below of some of the things that we will be doing.  If you would like to help out or have an idea then let me know.

• A raffle from a friend who does photography and is also adopting please go check it out at here
• Print created by a local artist (pictures to come) of a sketch of 5 eggs in a nest with the verse from Psalm 84:3
• In May we will have another Boston Butt Sale
• We are having a 147 million orphan button put on the blog so that you can click on that button and have it take you to our virtual 147 store to purchase gear.

And So....

I am catching everyone up on all things adoption so if you didn't see the last two post go here and here. 


I went back into the kitchen.  I sent out a few emails and with in minutes our information had been received and was being prepared to go to the Chinese government asking for permission to adopt this child.  We made the deadline with time to spare. 

(Our sons referral picture)

Over the next few days there was much paper work to do and calls to be made with our placing agency and our homestudy agency.  It was going to be 2-3 weeks before we would receive pre-approval.  During this time we were also putting the final touches on our Homestudy to file for our I-800A.  I will attempt to explain,  China allows you to receive a referral before your homestudy is approved and before a Dossier has been submitted.  A family can accept a “special focus” child while their dossier is being worked on, these are kids that are harder to place like older kids and children with medical needs.  Once the home study is done, which takes 2-3 months, families can select either a special focus child, or children that have been on the databank 2 months or more, but are not necessarily special focus.  Once their dossier is logged in, they can take brand new referrals, special focus children, or a child that has been up two months or more.
We received our pre-approval on Nov.3 the same day we filed our I800A immigration paperwork.  At that time we were told that it would take 45 days for approval.  So during that time we were able to contact someone in China to get an update on our little boy.  We used ladybugs and love and were floored when 6 days later on Novemberr the 14th we received 19 photos, 2 videos, and the answer to all of our questions plus some information that we hadn't asked for. 

(Second week of November)

I called Ethan talking very fast and almost crying especially when our information said that the orphanage was sending  him for his next heart surgery.  I was not prepared for that.  We knew he was going to need more surgeries but we thought that they would wait till we brought him home.  I have to admit I was torn about it.  I replied to our contact and asked if we could have some more information about the time frame of the surgery and if we could contact the orphange after the surgery to check on him.  On the 21st. we found out that he had left on the 16th for the hospital and the orphanage would call our contact when he returned. 
It was a long December not knowing what was happening with our son.  On December 19th we were informed that our son was on his way back to the orphanage.  Such relief, such Thanksgiving,  we were so excited to here that he had made it through surgery and was on his way back.  We ordered a care package to be sent to him and a birthday cake for his birthday (his birthday is January 2).
So now we wait.  I will post again on the first for his Birthday since his birthday is January 2nd we will celebrate it on the 1st since China is 12 hours ahead of us.  See you then.

Not your typical day at the Farm! (part 2)

If you didn't read my last post I am bringing you guys up to speed on our lives particularly on the adoption front.  So if you need to catch up go here.

We returned to the car and started home and I started a great debate in my head.  Maybe I should check my phone one more time for a confirmation email from IAC or maybe I am being ridiculous and I should just go about my life and let it be.  You and I both know I checked my email.  There it was.  One of the doctors had gotten back with us and let us know that they were reviewing the file but because of the heart condition they had forwarded it to a cardiologist. As I informed E of the email, I knew it was possible that it could be tomorrow before we would know anything. There just was no way it could all get done. An immediate peace washed over me and I knew I would and could wait.
Upon arrival back home we started the evening routine. Time easily slipped by with all of the busy that takes place in our home. Before I knew it children were in their beds and E and I had sat down for the evening. My phone rang and to my surprise one of the doctors from the clinic was on the other end. The next few minutes were intense and the spiritual warfare had begun. Basically, this little guy’s heart condition could have a lot of variables. Best case scenario, he was not gonna be a track star. Worst case, his heart would get to tired and wear down. The next step would be a heart transplant. We were also told 25% of children on the transplant list do not receive a heart. I don’t know what really to say. I could barely hear over the what if’s going through my mind. Then, just like that the conversation was finished.  Some last nuts and bolts about the process, a question about which way we were leaning and then she left me with her cell number in case we needed her help.
During this call Leila woke up and seemed very frustrated calling out for me and E and I can honestly say I felt the same way.  In my heart I was calling out to my Heavenly Father for help and comfort.  Ethan and I were overwhelmed.  We got Leila settled down and then prayed to God for this child and then for our part in the child's life.  E and I have a very yin/yang type of relationship.  E was on one road and I on another.  To some this can seem confusing and frustrating all on it’s on but over the years we have learned how to navigate better (not perfect just better and with more respect).  Approaching a problem this way has allowed us to see problems that we might not have seen on our own.  There were many unanswered questions with this little guy, there was stress of our selfish ideas clashing with the faith we were being asked to have. 
You see in the beginning we signed our names to a medical condition form.  We discussed, prayed , researched the different medical conditions that we were open to in a referral.  We knew God wanted us to be able to protect our children, all of our children, including our 5th child.  We also knew we have limitations and want to be fair to all of our children, this means we were trusting God for his will to be done in our lives and asking him to help not abandon a child for selfish comfort reasons.  We confidently and peacefully drew the line at adding any extra lifting and hopefully being able to live independently when in adulthood.  We had said okay God we are willing to be given something hard and now we are faced with the reality of it. We had to step in faith, again and trust this was the will of our good and sovereign God.  We retired for the evening our hearts heavy with the knowledge of a little boy half way across the world, one who needed a mom and dad to love him.
My first thoughts when I woke up was of that sweet little guy I had seen yesterday.  Already part of my heart was in China with him.  I spent some quiet time in God's word and in prayer this morning.  I felt different this morning, there was such peace in my heart.  I had an ease in my step.  The confidence that I was taken care of and provided for.  It was all still hard, that had not changed, but I knew that my hesitations were not biblical.  My God had never questioned my health when He adopted me nor did He debate my faith as He sent His Son to die for my sins. I knew where I stood and now I waited with baited breath for E to weigh in.  
E woke up with indecision.  When E is making decisions he is quieter than usual and he was almost mute.  He spent the morning reading his Bible, and seeking wise counsel. Then it happened.  His phone started ringing, emails started flying, boss needed reports, and costumers needed things ASAP.  His work world was totally pulling him away from thoughts of China.  I can honestly say it was one of the busiest days he has had in the past six months.  He couldn't stop work to eat, or talk and the time was ticking by.  I entered his office to grab some things and asked him to find a stopping point so we could talk.  I smiled to myself as I left his office.  I could almost see the evil of this world swirling around his head trying to disrupt this decision.  Confirmation! I knew this was my child.  Thirty minutes later, I returned to E's office.  He is overwhelmed and I ask him, "What do you want me to do?"
As he swivels in his chair I am so thankful.  I can see it on his shoulders.   He is a man of great character he takes his job of leader of our household seriously.  That day he was wearing it on his broad shoulders.  "Send it all in."  , was all he replied.  Thank you God for this man's heart!

Not just a normal day at the farm.

October 11, Field trip to Old Baker Farm.  The kids kids had been looking forward to this trip all month.  It is kinda a confirmation that fall is here. They had counted it down on the family calender letting all within in the block know how much longer till this field trip.  Old Baker Farm is a real working farm.  There is so much to see, animals to look at and pet, corn mazes to walk through, cotton to pick, tractors to ride and of course your souvenier pumpkin. 
So we awoke that day to some clouds but nothing to cancel a trip over.  We rushed through a bit of school (and when I mean a bit, I mean more like, "Kids straighten up your desk!"), got ready, packed bags and started an early lunch.  Old Baker Farm is about an hour and a half away from here and because of our designated field trip time slot (this trip was taken with our homeschool group) and Ethan's conference calls we had a very tight schedule.  You and I both know that when you have a very specific schedule that is when you get a curve ball and that is just what happened.
As I was chewing up a large bite of my PB&J and the phone rang. 

"Hello"

"Hey, Kara it's T at All God's Children"

"Hey, how are you?"

              *****(I will spare you the small talk about paperwork and other adoption process)*****

"Hey Kara I don't know if you are ready to talk about this

but I wanted to talk to you about a referral"

My heart pumping and adrenalin going I stammer, "Uh, sure"

"Great, now I need to ask you to guard your heart with this one.

There is a lot of variablity in this condition and I want you to be

prepared for that when you look at the referral."

"Okay, sure we will"

"Alright, well, it is a little boy, 9 months with a heart condition.

He has had surgery but you will need to send this to an Internation Pediatrician

and have them take a look at it. I'm sending you the file now"

During this conversation I walk into E's office. Now if you know E you know that he does not like for you to come in to his office while he is on the phone ESPECIALLY when he is on a business call.  He immediatly spunn around in his chair and gave me the glare.  The one that says, "I'm trying to work here!" I didn't care and start writing down on his white board, AGCI. Referral. Boy. 9 month. Heart condition?
He picked up his cell phone and started texting.  I then received a text message while on the phone with T.  (This was one of those times that I am thankful for smartphones.)

Text from E:

"Lock him and send to IAC"

Text from Me:

"Locked forwarding you file"

I spent a few more minutes on the phone discussing this referrral and the plan of action that would need to take place.  I knew immediately it was gonna be hard.  Time was against, China allows you to "lock" a child for 72 hours.  In that time you decide if you are gonna accept the referral.  It sounds simple but it really isn't. Not only are you trying to decide and pray for the referral but there is other paperwork that has to be filled out, translated into Chinese, sent to China and have an International Adoption Pediatrician look at the file and get their consult. I should tell you now that T had also locked the child at midnight my time before she called that morning because she was afraid he wouldn't be on the databank (fyi: China has a databank that orphanages' use to post their adoptable children)  So I had already lost 8 hours.
I got off of the phone with T turned around and faced four perfect little ones staring back at me.  "Who was that Mommy." Elaina was the first to ask.  She is so aware of what is going on and bold about knowing.  Korinna stared back at me and I knew she knew.  She has a sense about her that just knows when something is afoot.  It is only then that Josiah notices the girls and then he quickly wants to be in the "know", whatever it might be.  "Just an adoption call. They needed some information that I had to ask Daddy about." I had not lied but not exactly told the whole truth.  I knew it was to early to say anything it is best to guard there hearts.  Adoption is warfare and this was a time in which I could sheild them from getting their hearts broken if things did not work out.  I quickly changed the subject.

"Okay let's load up and go to the farm."

As the kids finished I opened the document I had just been sent.  My stomach dropped as I looked into his sweet face and asked God, "Can this be my son?"
The ride was gray and drizzley.  I hovered over my phone trying to google everything in his medical file while veggie tales played in the background in an attempt to cover the grown up conversation in the front seat. I finally conceded that I could figure nothing out about this little guy.  The medical jargon was beyond my education and my life experience even if I may have more medical conditions in my house than most. We sent the file to the IAC (International Adoption Clinic) for a consult and waited.
Old Baker Farm was gray and cold and the kids loved it. Goats, chickens, turkeys,  fun, fun, fun.  The owners and staff really take the time to explain life on a real working farm.  In fact, Ethan and I enjoyed it just as much as the kids.  The added bonus, is it allowed us to relax and focus on other things while we waited for the IAC.

Leila with her suvenior pumpkin

 Elaina found the perfect one

 Haybale maze that ended up being a contest of great jumping skill.

Trying to conquer the great corn maze.

Picking Cotton



Back in the car and a quick stop at Hamburger Heaven for some grub.  (Remember we ate an early lunch). The only thing that was said about the earlier referral was a quick question about if we had received any emails.  It didn't look good.  There wasn't a confirmation email from the IAC and we knew the time was just ticking by.  I went on and prepared myself for the loss of this referral.  The loss of a child, my child.  There was just no way all of the paperwork can get in on time. 

We finished off our trip with yummy milkshakes and headed home.

To Be Continued......

So What's it like?

Many of you have been asking me about homeschooling the three oldest so I thought I might stop and let you guys in on the good , the bad and the funny. 

The Good.

This year we have been able to join a local Co-op group.  This group meets on Fridays were they have a variety of classes that are taught for different age groups.  It is so wonderful to be with a group of families that I can share my struggles with and know that they have been through it, are going through it or will go through what I am going through.  There is such a great since of community, love and support.  So wonderful to have the sweet spirit for the mom/dads (yes we do have a few homeschooling dads) and the kids.  Just a little sample: Korinna's classes include quilting, playdough economics (a personal fav of mine), flat stanley and fitness.  Just to let you know, she sits out on fitness.  We did it one day and well let's just say I did not enjoy seeing her snack return.    Elaina's classes include, Character First, Intro to Chess, History Around the World, and Crafts.  Josiah's classes are: Bugs, Science Experiements, Aesop Fables (Totally glad about this one.  I had this in my lesson plan but dropped it when I realized they were doing it. SCORE), and Karate.  Korinna's class is all girls and Josiah's is mostly boys.  We have also been blessed with some divinely inspired placement.  Let me explain.  One of the mom's was a physical therapist before she started homeschooling and one of the mom's has a myraid of degrees that focus with special education, behavioral disorders and children who need physical adaptions and of course one mom is a wonderful friend of mine from church who has a background in Special Education and has extensive relationship with Korinna.  These three women have been working with me and learning Korinna.  The point to all of that is so that Korinna and I will be able to take a break from one another at Co-op.  I am so proud of Korinna how hard she tries to give to these women who are trying to give her some independece from me. I am so thankful and appreciative of this opportunity.  All of the kids and mom look forward to going everyweek.  It is just such a blessing.  I have met some great folks and pray that we can continue to build these friendships.

Besides Co-op, we have adjusted fairly easily.  Josiah has jumped right in.  He enjoys reading new material and LOVES HISTORY.  He even listens in on the girls and then asks about it all day.  One day he took one senctence in a lesson about Ann Boleyn and wanted to research it to death.  He now has a wonderful knowledge about English history in the 1500's, English Reformation, and Henry the VIII. 
Elaina is still blazing through her work though having to stop more and think.
Korinna and I have made a few adjustments and feel that we are getting more done but there is still more to figure out how to do.

The Bad:

Korinna has hit us with a bad attitude.  The first day of school she cried and whined for 4 hours.  After extensive questioning we discovered.  She did not want to go to school.  She was sad that summer was over. We have also had her just stop working which is not good.  I think she as come to a point in her life were she is trying to find anything that she can control.  We have struggled with her.  This is a very hard part of having a child who is trapped in a body that she can't make work the way she wants. 
Elaina is more distracted by Josiah than Josiah is distracted by her.  I tried to seperate them but that put them in two different places in the dining room and Korinna and I in the living room.  We will be changing that SOON.
Josiah needs to move more than the girls do.  This I knew but tried to push the limits which resulted in a bad day for Josiah and myself.  I had to adjust. 

The Funny:

The funny has been the newest adjustment in Blankenship Academy and that is mostly due to this little boy.

He is so funny. 
I find myself laughing out loud or either leaving the room so I won't fall out laughing. I decided to share a few of his fabulous moments here. One reason is so that I won't forget them and two they are high-larious.

Several weeks ago Elaina had a loose tooth and she would not let anybody pull it.  So, you know what we were left with.  I tooth that could just about do a 360 in her mouth.  It was gross.  She would talk and it would wiggle.  Don't even let me describe what would happen if she started giggling and opened that mouth with that dangling piece of bone. YUCK!
Anyway, we were knee deep in school one morning and making great time.  It had come to the time in the day when we go to the living room to do history and science. Josiah yells back over his shoulder at Elaina, "C'mon crazy tooth."  I couldn't hold it in.  BAHAHAHA!!  What timing, what delivery! That one just jumped up and slapped you in the face.  What is even funnier is that, NO ONE, I mean NO ONE had called her that, or mentioned that tooth.  Elaina has a tendency to be very sensitive when it comes to stuff like that so E and I just let it be but Josiah is merciless.   

One morning as we are trying to get started with school when I discover that Josiah is missing. "Josiah come to your desk let's get started."
Josiah enters with a swagger in his step and a twang in his voice. He does this in his attempt to make his maleness known in a house full of girls. "Mom, I have good news and bad news." I pause and hold my breath.  I can tell he is about to deliver something that could change the whole day's pace.  "What Buddy?"
"The good news is I found my plane.  The bad news is I don't wanna do my school work?"
I loved it.  It brought an immediate grin to my face and warmth in my heart.  Though we still had to do school work.

One day Korinna had a therapy appointment in Birmingham.  It was going to be a long day so Nana came down to help out with the Josiah and Elaina. As I was getting ready to leave I gave them the run down.  They were going to go to church with E and we would not be back by then so it was important that everyone knew what was expected of them.
I gave Elaina her instructions for getting ready for church with ease, eye contact and her finishing it all off with a "Yes Ma'am."
I turn to Josiah. "Josiah you can not wear that shirt you have to change your shirt, brush your teeth and your hair. Okay?" The whole time he is staring down at a toy in his hands so I question him, "Jos, What did I say?"
He takes a deep breath, looks at me and leans against the door frame.  "You said to change my shirt, brush my teeth. And, if you are here, I will ask you to brush my hair?"  Out of the corner of my eye I saw my MIL cover her mouth, turning around and walking away with a slight motion in her shoulders as if she was laughing.  I look at Josiah and notice he noticed her too.  He tilted his head to the side and grinned his cutest grin. 

With the recent weather change her in Tuscaloosa, I had to run up in the attic and switch out some clothes.  While I was doing this Josiah was standing at the bottom of the steps gazing up into the attic.  They are not allowed up there.  It is just to dirty, cramped and unsafe.  He yells up the steps, "Mom, what are you doing?"
At this point I am searching as quickly as possible trying to find the right clothes I had stored up there for Leila. I grunt out, "I'm looking for something." Josiah returns rather quickly, "Mom, Is the attic your Batcave?"

I tell you the boy is funny. During some of the most intense moments he can deliver the perfect dose of comedy.  So there it is the good, the bad and the funny.  That sums up life at Blankenship Academy.  We get a lot of work done, some days more than others but we are always learning, always loving and always laughing.

Adoption update:
We are finished with our homestudy.  It now will go to immigration for approval. This can take 30 to 60 days. We are told it is running more like 45.  I am praying for 30 but will be prepared for 50.  I don't even want to think of  60 days.  The rest of our paperwork needed for our Dossier is done.  We are now just waiting.  We are having a Boston Butt sale to raise funds for our adoption.  If you live in the Tuscaloosa or Birmingham area I hope you will consider ordering your Boston Butt.  They are 30 dollars and pick up will be October 29 at 2210 University Blvd.  from 9-12.  You can email Me please put Boston Butt in the subject line. Keep praying for our baby all the way across the world, keep praying for our family as we start preparing our hearts for another child and keep praying for God's hand to guide our paperwork.   



What happened to my summer?

I know, I know, I am not keeping up.  I want to I write  an entry everyday but when night falls I can't bring myself to the computer to write.  Forgive me.  I wish I could sit down and right all of the funny things and stories that have been going on but that might take too much time away from the family which means I will miss those funny stories and memoriable moments.

We spent July fourth with our sweet friends the Hocutt's we have been watching the fourth of July fireworks with them for at least 8 years. 

I spent a crazy amount of time doing adoption paperwork after the kids went to bed. I wish I had a picture of this packet I dropped off.  I have to admit I was nieve in thinking that I could do it quickly.  Just to give you some idea there were fingerprints to do, lifestories from both of us (these were very detailed), birth certificates, marriage certificates, letters to write, online classes to take (a total of 8), forms to sign, things to decide, medical reviews, background checks in three states to apply for, contracts to sign, passports to apply for, pictures to send off and then we had many of these documents notorized. Finally these have been completed.

  Of course we had no lull in life. We had to turn around and start focusing on Rise Graduation.  It was Josiah's turn to walk down that aisle and stand and honor him as he graduates.  Have I mentioned how awesome that place is.  If I haven't it is. I made these super cool little gifts for his classmates.  On the bag they said, "Owl Miss You".

I'm sorry but that is the cutiest thing I've done in a long time.  I LOVE IT!!!
Then there was the big night.  Here is that funny boy showing everybody were he is headed for Kindergarten.

They do a several skits and Josiah's was precious if you don't mind me bragging.  His song was "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul and Mary.  He was the ground crew and he lead the "airplane" in and unrolled the red carpet. Precious I tell you, Precious! I have tried to upload the video twice but to no avail. Drats!

Of course to make things interesting we let Elaina partake in a Summer Camp. Not the kind with bugs and tents but the kind with music and dancing.  Little E took part in a muscial camp.  This was put on by the Community Musical School based out of the Music School on the University Campus. (Another great program) The musical was Beauty and the Beast and I have never seen such wonderful milk maids. 

(she was also a knife in the "Be Our Guest" scene)

I know what you are thinking, "What about the other 2 kiddos?"  Well they are the only ones who really got a relaxing summer.  Korinna and I spent a lot of time playing, running errands, watching TV and letting Leila entertain us. Here is just a few of summer nonsense and mayhem.

Daddy Daughter Date

Attempting to play Memory

We really did have a great summer.  I just have to remind myself to stop and sit in the floor with the kids and listen to their stories and have a conversation with them.  I love learning their personalities and finding out more about them.  I want to remember these times.  I don't want to be so caught up in the busy life part that I forget how to live in the everyday mundane part. 

I hope to share with you again soon.  Until then I hope you go sit in the floor with your kids or if you don't have kids then please encourage a mom or dad to go sit in the floor with their kids.

Jam packed July

You know most people start off their July with a BANG but here in the Blankenship household we are blessed to celebrated for a whole new reason.  This will be a multiple post type thing because like the title said we had a "Jam Packed July". The 3rd of July is this awesome girls birthday.  Rin turned 9 this year (if you could bear with me and just pretend I had her when I was 12 so I won't feel so old. I would appreciate it)

She wanted a candy buffett and of course I made it happen.  We ended up will a little something like this.

super cute yarn wreath (I actually made this for summer but I had Rin's bday in mind when I made it)

 The goodnes of Candy

For those of you who know I have been going to Hobby Lobby in Birmingham with MK about every 3 weeks since the Tuscaloosa one was destroyed.  This cake stand I scored for next to nothing.  It was originally red with black something on it.  Nothing a white can of spray paint can't handle.  I made the trim from ribbon, double-sided tape and paper. 

I found beautiful lunch bags in the same colors Rin was using for her party @ Wal-mart. (Yes I took 3 out of four kids with me and all I can say is that I live to tell the tale.) I used scrapbook stickers to personalize them and then let her guests fill up their bags with candy to take home. 

Yummy Goodness!

These girls are my girls, there mommas are my support group.  I am so thankful that we have been able to share this season of live with each other.  I am so thankful for these girls and that they love Rin not matter what.  In fact the tall one probably has better coping skills with Rin's condition than most of the Sunday School Teachers. 

But I digress

I get so excited in celebrating this little girls birthday.  What a joy I have having her as my child.  What joy she brings to my life.  I would not be the same women, mom, daughter and wife if it is wasn't for her life.  I pray that God continues to use her and draws her close to His heart.  I pray for health and healing from the symptoms of Rett Syndrome.  I pray that she will continue to change the world like she has changed me.  All while bringing the glory to our heavenly Father.