This morning, the girls and I did the drawing for the necklace giveaways! Here are the videos from the drawings!!
Congratulations Cami Santee and Sharon Stephenson on winning the two necklaces. Thanks everyone from the bottom of my heart for your entry in the giveaway. We love you all so much! I’ll be in touch ladies and get your necklaces to you very soon!
We are getting so very close to travel, although not as close as I would like. It looks like we won’t travel until August or so. UGH! I want to go now. But, what do you do? I could go camp out on their doorstep until they issue my travel approval, but not sure that they would appreciate me doing that. So, for now, I patiently wait…and fundraise. :)
T-Shirt Clearance I still have some t-shirts left and are selling them at a reduced price to try and move what I have and raise that last bit of money. All shirts at $15.00 and that includes shipping if you need me to ship it to you. You can email me at amyrhood5@gmail.com to arrange payment and let me know what size you need. I am limited on men’s sizes, but have most of the women’s sizes available in both colors.
Necklace Giveaway Tracy Hanson, with Junk Posse has graciously donated a beautiful necklace for a giveaway. Thank you Tracy for being a part of bringing our little guy home. And, for the sake of variety, I purchased one to add to the giveaway. You DO NOT have to make a donation to be entered in the drawing. But, if you would like to donate, the entries are $5 per entry and can be made by clicking on the donate button on the right side of this blog.
We are so very close to bringing our little guy home and believe me, we cannot wait. You guys rock! I love you all and cannot wait until I am blogging away from China. Soon, Lord, please let it be very soon.
I am thrilled to say we are close to meeting our fundraising goal. We are about $1000-1200 dollars from having our adoption account where we need it to be for when we travel.
Believe it or not, after all we have already paid out (about $12,000 so far) we still have about about $15,000 left to go. Just typing that amount makes me shudder. We are called to adopt. We are no rich by any means, but we serve a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. And He has provided and will continue to do so. We are down to the last few weeks before we travel (hopefully) and we are oh so close. I had a yard sale this past weekend and raised $1005.00 – excuse me while I sing a little bit of the Doxology!! :) Can you believe that? God sent just the right people to make that happen. It was the hottest that I have ever been in my life, but it was SO worth it.
Here is what I have left in me to get this last little bit raised.
Necklace giveaway…you do NOT have to donate to enter, but it would be greatly appreciated. I received the necklaces in the mail today and they made me cry. They are so beautiful. Thank you Tracy for your beautiful work. You are truly a blessing.
T-shirt Clearance Sale – As you know we sold t-shirts and we have a few left. We would love for you to have one of these really cool t-shirts. They are the Save One or Serve One shirts. We believe that as believers, we should all play a role in caring for the orphans. These t-shirts raise awareness of the orphan crisis in this world. It’s overwhelming if you think about the 147,000 orphans in the world, but we can all make a difference in the life of ONE orphan.
Sewing – I am still working hard to complete the orders that I have. If I still have not got your dress to you, I will very soon. It’s on the top of my priority list AGAIN!! I’ll be contacting you very soon. I love sewing for people and hope that I can continue to do so after we travel and get Isaiah home. I plan on doing it in my spare time. :)
Thank you for walking this journey with us. It’s not an easy one, but the rewards in the end make everything worth while. Just look at that face… see what I mean?
Hang on Isaiah, you Mommy and Daddy are coming very soon. We love you very much and can’t wait to get you home where you belong.
Necklace GIVEAWAY!!!!!
Yes, you read that right, GIVEAWAY!!!!!
Tracy Hanson of Junk Posse has made these beautiful necklaces and I am giving each one of them away!!!
Here's how it goes.
This is a true giveaway, meaning you do not have to donate to be entered in the giveaway. You can post a link on your blog or facebook or if you'd like to donate to our Isaiah's adoption fund that would be awesome! Either way we'd like to say thanks for your sweet support and add your name to the giveaway as follows:
If your donation is:
$5 we will put your name in 1 time for the giveaway.
$10 we will put your name in 3 times for the giveaway.
$20 we will put your name in 7 times for the giveaway.
$40 we will put your name in 15 times for the giveaway.
Just click on the "DONATE" button to the right. Every little bit helps. Alyza Kate and Jadyn will be drawing the name out of a basket and you will be notified on the 30th. If you live away, I will ship it to you!! This is just our way of saying thank you for supporting us and for your help. If you don't want to donate and just want to enter, leave a comment or email me and I will put your name in the hat!!
Time is quickly drawing near for us and we still have a little ways to go. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement and for your support to help us bring Isaiah Yang home.
I sent a care package a few months ago by way of the post office. It contained all the typical goodies: a shirt, a photo album of the family, a toy, some snacks, a stuffed puppy and a couple of disposable cameras. I also included a translated letter to his foster family. I pray that it got there.
I wanted to send another package and this time I sent it by way of Red Thread China. Ann, a sweet Chinese lady, took very good care of my package. I chose the pajama package and she took me a couple of the pictures of the actual package. Here’s a picture for your enjoyment. It’s okay if you laugh, the Shrek pajamas made me laugh out loud. That is so unlike anything in the world that I would EVER pick out. I’m not much on character clothing. :) But if it’s your thing, you’re gonna love these!!
The best part about using Ann is that she calls and requests an update from your child’s orphanage as well as pictures. She said the had not heard anything back from them but had hopes that she would soon. A couple of weeks later, this is what I got in my email.
Dear Amy :
Below is yang heng hong`s measurements :
height :90cm
weight :13kg
head :48cm
chest :52cm
feet :13cm
Have a wonderful day,love,Ann
He is about Alyza Kate’s size. I have to say I was very disappointed that I didn’t get any pictures. A few minutes later, I check my email again and saw a separate email from Ann. It’s title was “pictures”. I opened the email and began to tear up. Our little guy is growing so very much. This had made my day. It also happened to be my birthday. Happy Birthday to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better present. Enjoy the updated pictures of sweet boy…
Thanks friends for checking in on us. We couldn’t be more excited about out little guy coming home.
Hey friends!
We've gotten word that we should be traveling to China to bring Isaiah home by the end of July...only two months away. Jadyn asks no less that 10 times a day if we can go get Isaiah. Obviously, there's a lot of excitement in our home.
As you know, we sold tee shirts in the winter to help save this orphan. We want to say thank you to all who donated to the cause by purchasing a tee. You have no idea how much that means to us. I love seeing them around church or town. I always think, wow, that's a great t-shirt.
This is our third adoption in three years. We didn't actively try to raise funds for the first two & we were amazed at how God provided. We were once again reminded that God always supplies the resources to accomplish what He calls us to do.
As we knew He would, God is also providing the resources to bring Isaiah home. One way He's providing is through those of you who bought Serve One or Save One Tee's or dresses that Amy has made. So, we can't say thank you enough.
If you didn't get one, but would like to have one now that summer is here, we're making it easy for you. We're having a clearance sale. You can now buy one Tee for $20.00 or two for $30.00. If you want one, just see Amy or contact me or her on our Facebook page & let us know. You can also see the dresses she makes on her Facebook if you're interested.
Here is a rundown of what shirts we have left:
Gray Save One shirts - 4 larges (sold out of all other sizes)
Blue Serve One shirts - 2 smalls, 8 larges, 3 XL and 1 XXL
Silver Ladies Save One - 1 small, 10 larges, 10 XL
Black Ladies Serve One - 4 smalls, 8 mediums, 10 larges, 11 XL
Black Long Sleeved - 1 XXL and 1 medium (These are $15.00)
We've got some funds left to raise before we head to China in July. We would LOVE to sell out of these shirts. If you would like a shirt, please let one of us know. And now, you can see what you have to choose from. Shipping is included in the price if you don't live here!!
Thanks for helping us bring the little man home.
Here is just a quick update of where we are in our adoption. As you know, we received our LSC from the CCAA in China. We quickly signed it and overnighted it back to our agency so that they could get it back on it's way to China.
We are also required to submit another form to USCIS which is called an I800. We submitted the I800A along with a completed homestudy and some other documents and were approved to adopt Isaiah. Now we have to submit an I800, which is a 10 page application, along with a complete copy of Isaiah's referral packet and a couple of letters from our agency saying that this information is true and correct and that we have completed our Hague training. So, in other words, we have submitted another form to get an approval of our approval. Make sense? No, it don't to me either.
But, that's the hoop of the week that must be jumped through. So, we are jumping away. We submitted that form last week and it is taking about a month for this approval. Next step is then our Travel Approval which will be issued through the CCAA in China.
Please pray that this happens quickly and that the person who has received this very important piece of our paperwork will work efficiently and smoothly.
I'll keep you updated and let you know when we get this piece of exciting news.
Thanks for checking on us and for praying.
This is a reprint from a post that I did on May 13, 2007. It was Mother's Day and we celebrated it in Chongqing China.
2 Mothers, 1 Gift - May 13, 2007
OK, I'm laying in the bed feeling guilty because I didn't make more of an effort to get some pictures posted, I did try - really I did, but I was just SO exhausted. After I got Jadyn to sleep, caught a few winks and woke up with you on my mind. This is the best that I can do until she is wide awake tomorrow. This was a risk, snapping pictures of a sleeping baby, what was I thinking?
Let me just answer those questions rolling around in your mind. Yes, we think she is absolutely beautiful. She is truly a treasure and "Bao" means treasure in Chinese. We were deeply saddened by the conditions of the orphanage. This is one of the better facilities in China, but still it is an orphanage. And we were reminded of this with our visit. We were somewhat shocked back to reality. There were times all four of us were sobbing. The boys hearts were truly broken to know that she spent the first year of her life here. They will come away from this trip forever changed. And that was our goal.
She is still pretty somber, although, we are seeing a little personality. She has begun to play with her toys a little, self feed from our hands (love those Gerber puffs) and seems to be letting her guard down. No smiles on camera yet. Maybe tomorrow. She has on her "gifted" pajamas because what a gift she is. She is truly beautiful. What a day it was, life changing at the very least. We will forever be connected to a family in this part of China. The family that gave us the gift of our daughter. Whether I can look out the hotel window and not realize that they are just over the hill, or they are somewhere many miles from here in the countryside, I will truly be forever connected to the woman who carried, gave birth to, and loved my child enough to give her a chance. When I look deep into her eyes, I can't help but think of her Mother on this Mother's day. The joy, elation and excitement of one Mother is paralleled by the pain and sadness of another Mother. One that I will never know. But, on this day, there is a Mother who prayed for another Mother and praised the Father above for the connection that the two of us will forever have. The connection sleeping soundly just a few feet from me. Our daughter Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood. Truly a treasure.
And yes, in case you are wondering, that is MY bed she is sleeping in. I just didn't have the heart to put her in that port-o-crib. Not quite soft enough in my book. Pat's sleeping well in the other bed. ;)
Happy Mother's Day!
Just got a call from Karen, our social worker with Heartsent! She just received our LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation). This is the piece of paper that we check the box that says YES we want this child, then we sign it and send it back to the CCAA!
We have some immigration paperwork to complete and send in. PRAY that it is processed QUICKLY! She said that it was talking about a month. Next step is the TA (travel approval) which is taking about 3 weeks or so after that! So, reality is, we could be looking at...
wait for it...
JULY!!!!!
I need to get that little man home! Thanks for praying friends.
Just in case you are interested. I have a few more fabric combinations that will make some super cute dresses.
Here is the first one. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this fabric. It's called art gallery fabric.
Got enough fabric for one dress.
Here is the next set. It's the cupcake fabric, but with a vanilla background. Believe me, the green polka dots make this the cutest dress EVER!
And finally, this is another great set. It's perfect for all you purply lavender people. It is BEAUTIFUL fabric and will make a beautiful dress.
So, there you have it. Some more choices for these super cute dresses. I am sewing quite a bit, as I have time. I LOVE making these dresses. The prices are as follows:
Dress $30.00
Any embellishment - add $5.00 (ribbons, ric rac, applique etc.)
Monogram or name - $6.00
I am working on getting this information to a separate blog. Thanks for your interest and if you would like to order a dress, just let me know.
Dear Mother,
Four years ago today, April 13, 2006, you delivered into this world a beautiful baby girl. For this, I will be forever grateful to you. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for what you have done. You gave life to my child. Because we live on two sides of the world, I began thinking of you and praying for you yesterday. Perhaps you were already feeling the sting of this day passing and you not knowing anything about your daughter. Are you wondering what she looks like? She is beautiful. Are you wondering how big she is? She is a little peanut. Are you wondering what her personality is like? She is full of life, quirky in some ways, but full of joy and energy.
How many times I have wished that I knew the full details of your story. Not just for my own heart, but for Jadyn's. Did you hide and watch for someone to pick up that sweet bundle at the gate of the orphanage? Or, was it just too much to even do yourself? We will probably never know the circumstances of how and why, but I have to believe in my heart that you love her and wanted the best for her. You see, I believe that before the very foundations of the world were placed into being, our child had a destiny. Her destiny was to be conceived, carried and delivered by you and received, nurtured and raised by me. If there was only a way for me to offer peace to your heart today. Your sweet girl is beautiful, healthy, happy and loved. Oh, how she is loved.
Today, I will cry tears of joy and thanksgiving. I have so happy to be her Mommy and so thankful that God saw fit to bring her into our lives. But I will also cry tears of sadness for you. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you, but today of all days, you are especially close to my heart. What we share as Mothers, is a bond that can never be broken. I know that the God I serve can bring you peace and comfort and I pray often that He will grant you this peace. I have such a tender spot for you and today, I will think of you often.
The joy that this child has brought into our lives is unspeakable. When I look into those beautiful almond shaped eyes, many times I think of you. I pray today that as this day comes and goes that you will be comforted. That God will provide you with a sense of peace and comfort that can only come from Him. That He will help you to know that your daughter is happy, full of life, and dearly loved by so very many people. Thank you, dear woman, for the gift that we share. That gift, our daughter, is the very beat of this Mother's heart. What an joy to be given the opportunity to parent your child. For this, you will always hold a special place in my heart. But today, especially today, I am humbled by your sacrifice. Thank you for your gift of life.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! Your Mommy loves you dearly...
Here are some fabric choices that I have. I have a few more in stock and will get them on here as soon as I can. Until then, here is a start.
If you were wanting the dress from the last post, it's GONE...
...but, never fear, there is more where that come from. I am going to try to get these posted to another blog and move this information so you can order straight from there. I am also trying to get fabric swatches posted also. Stay tuned!
In an effort to continue to raise money for our adoption, I have fired up my sewing machine once again. I will be making some dresses as I have time and will be listing them on both facebook on my blog. they will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you like it and want it, just let me know. We can work out the payment later. I can mail it if you live away from here too!
So, without delay, here's the first dress that is complete and available for purchase. It is a pillowcase style dress that is made out of to die for fabric. It is a size 2T, but Jadyn can easily wear it and she wears a 3T. Because of the way it's made, it very adjustable. It ties on one shoulder and the tie is made from the coordinating fabric. In other words, it don't slip through and untie as easy as ribbon does. Its a great little dress.
Price $35.00
Email me at amyrhood5@gmail.com or leave me a comment. Spread the word and check back often for new dresses to be listed. Thanks friends!
St. Patrick's Day happened to be our lucky day!!
I received an email today saying that on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, our dossier headed out the door bound for the CCAA in China. Now we are waiting on our LOA (letter of acceptance) and we are praying that it comes very soon. But, needless to say, everything is out of our hands (like they were really in our hands to begin with). We have nothing to do at this point but...
WAIT
We are waiting, but not without anything to do. The girls are keeping us busy so we're not bored by any stretch of the imagination. And, of course, we are still raising funds! Don't forget, we still have t-shirts available and would be glad to send one your way if you would like. I don't have a huge amount left, so the sooner the better. They are going fast!
Here is a brand new, updated list of the silent auctions that will be available tonight. Don't forget to come to Jim N Nicks to eat tonight. Be sure and drop your receipt in the basket provided! A portion of the food sales goes to help bring Isaiah home.
March 8, 2010
Jim N Nicks on Sam Ridley
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
1. Scensty Warmer and Scent - given by Keeley Ward
2. Pottery Place Gift Certificate - given by PP at the Avenue
3. Handmade Baron Style Wooden Ink Pen made by Todd Graff
4. Oil Change given by Bennett's Automotive
5. Unique Necklace/Earrings set donated by Betty Jane Castle
6. Handmade women's crocheted sweater - made and donated by Reba Mitchell
7. Toots Gift Certificates $20 - donated by Toot's in Smyrna
8. 3 month membership to Curves in Murfreesboro - donated by Casey Overstreet
9. Handmade ABC's Children's Wallhanging - Made and given by Melanie Edwards
10. Jett's Pizza Gift Certificate $25 - donated by Jett's Pizza
11. Eagle Picture - donated by Lifeway Stores
12. Stephen Joseph Girls Backpack with monogram - given by Betty Jane Castle
13. 4 tickets to Predators game for March 18, 2010 - donated by Alan and Gina Kimble
14. 147 Million Orphans Set - Bag, Hoodie, Hat and Necklace - from Gwen Oatsvall and 147MO
15. Handmade Jewelry - Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings - made and donated by Monica Jackson
16. Haircut - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
17. Crocheted Child's sweater - made and given by Reba Mitchell
18. Foil Highlight - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
19. Project Hopeful Shirt - XS - given by Gwen Oatsvall and 147 Million Orphans
20. Oil Change - given by Bennett's Automotive
21. 147 Million Orphans Set - Bag, Hoodie, Hat and Necklace from Gwen Oatsvall and 147MO
22. Handmade Cocktail Apron - made and given by Dana Parker
23. Kameleon Necklace - given by Betty Jane Castle and Patsy Nunley
24. Stephen Joseph Boys Back Pack and monogram - given by Betty Jane Castle
25. Handmade Baron Style Acryllic Pen - made and donated by Todd Graff
26. 147 Million Orphan Project Hopeful Shirt XL - given by Gwen Oatsvall and 147 MO
27. All Over Hair Color - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
28. Vintage Jewel Set - Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings - given by Dana Parker
29. Jett's Pizza Gift Certificate - $25 donated by Jett's Pizza
30. Oil Change and Front End Alignment donated by Bennett's Automotive
31. Handmade Reversible Apron - made and given by Dana Parker
32. Scarf - Cream color with crocheted edges donated by Betty Jane Castle
33. Crocheted Baby Blanket - made and donated by Kathy Shinkle
34. Coffee Basket/Biscotti
35.
36. Watercolor Painting by Dann Zehr
37. Subway Art made and given by Vanessa Dolberry
38. Tuareg Necklace/Earrings made in West Africa and given by Schroeder Family
39. Portrait Session and 11 X 14 wrapped canvas - donated by Alison Bynum
40. Kate Spade purse - Rhyne small group donation
41. Uppercase Living - Vinyl Wall Art - donated by Suzanne Curry
42. Framed Print - donated by Kristen Aune
43. Haircut/Wax dontated by Mistie Morgan
44. 2LoveOrphan Shirt - donated by Tracy Jones
45. Hair Products Basket - donated by Tammy Comer
46. Gift Certificate Studio 262 (Cut, style and wax)- donated by Kim Barry
47. O'Charley's Gift Card $25
48. Steamboy Mop donated by Chad and Dawn White
49. Brake Job (excluding 4 X 4's) donated by McClain's Automotive
50. Adopt plaque - donated by Tracy Jones/Jennifer Phillips
51. Gaither DVD (Church in the Wildwood) donated by Lifeway
52. Veggie Tales DVD donated by Lifeway
53. CD's (Selah and David Phelps) donated by Lifeway
54. Beijo Classic Purse-Charcoal donated by Rhonda Allen
55. Southern Living Plate Hanger donated by Andie Mueller
56. Southern Living Set of 2 cookbooks donated by Kelly Stewart
57. IKEA Ekorre hanging children's swing donated by Andie Mueller
58. LaBelle Phoenix Salon Basket (incl $158 spa services, candles, bathsalts, hair prod)
59. Pedicure - Sarah's Place donated by Kayla Short
60. Haircut - Sarah's Place donated by Maryann Watson
61. Cleansing Facial - Sarah's Place donated by Vanessa Haley
62. Intro Piano or Voice Lesson donated by Mark Thomas
63. Gift Certificate for Introductory Voice or Piano Lesson donated by Mark Thomas
64. Homemade Strawberry Cake gift certificate by Joy Conklin
65. Intro Piano or Voice Lesson donated by Mark Thomas
66. Southern Living Set of 2 Cookbooks donated by Kelly Stewart
67. Town Centre Pool/Fitness Facility Pass for Family donated by Mike and Hailey Moss
68. Strand of Pearls donated by Dick and Leslie Overby
69. Jade Chopstick Set donated by Dick and Leslie Overby
If you want to check our the starting bid on the items and the bid increment, you can view the spreadsheet by clicking HERE! Click on SILENT AUCTION ITEMS at the bottom of the page.
In case you haven't heard, we are adopting again! We are excited about this adoption and we are having to work very hard to make it happen. A humbling experience, to say the least.
My wonderful friend, Roseanne, has graciously offered to paint/personalize step stools as a fundraiser for our adoption. She painted two murals for the girls in their room and has become a very dear friend. Just wait to you see what she has to offer.
I know a lot of you think Pat & I are out of our minds. Adopting one orphan is one thing, but adopting three international orphans at our age? What in the world are we thinking? Well, we're simply thinking we want to be obedient to what God has called us to do.
God has gripped our heart for the 147 million orphans in the world. In James 1:27, He specifically told us, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." We're so thankful to be a part of a church that takes God's Word very seriously. We have a large and growing number of people who are taking care of the world's orphans by adopting & many more who are taking care of orphans through sponsorship or by helping bring one home.
Amy & I didn't really do any kind of organized fund raising for Jadyn or Alyza Kate, but bringing Isaiah home so soon after Aly Kate is going to require that we try to raise a little cash. So, we've developed two different ways you can help.
First, buy some Java. We've set up an account with Just Love Coffee. You can go to our JLC webpage and order a bag (or ten). Believe me, this coffee ain't no joke. It's some of the best coffee I've tasted and you know that I'm a coffee snob. For every bag you buy we receive $5.00 . So, let's drink some coffee people. Why not buy yourself a couple of bags & also a friend a bag. They really do make a great gifts. To purchase go to www.justlovecoffee.com/hoodfamily
Second, buy a T-Shirt for everyone in the family. I know you want to be stylish, so we've designed a few Tee's to help us bring Isaiah home. I really feel called to start a ministry that advocates for orphans called One Orphan. The title was born out of the statement, "I can't help them all, but I can help one." It is our prayer that once we have the funds that we need to bring Isaiah home, we can continue to support their orphanages, help families who are adopting, and sponsor unadoptable orphans worldwide. We desire for this ministry to help change the lives of many orphans in our world.
There are 147 million orphans in this world. That's a little overwhelming. I can't help them all, but I can help one. I can't save them all, but I can save one. I can't serve them all, but I can serve one. I can't sponsor them all, but I can sponsor one. You get the point.
So, we've designed a few shirts to help us save this ONE from a life with no parents & no name. You can be very fashionable as you sport a Save One or Serve One Tee or both. We have them in men's & women's. The long sleeve are the common Anvil Tee. The short sleeve are Next Level. They're much softer than the Anvil. The women's combo burnout is one of the hottest shirt's on the market.
We'll have these shirts next week. You can pre-order (please pre-order) by emailing me at amyrhood5@gmail.com. We need to sell about 250 shirts. So, you can also help us by getting the word out. Viral marketing is the best. So, help us bring our little man home.
The men's short sleeve Save One is charcoal.
The men's short sleeve Serve One is stonewashed denim.
The women's short sleeve Save One is silver. (S-XL only)
The women's short sleeve Serve One in black.
The ladies long sleeve combo burnout tee is dark chocolate & white. (S - XL only)
The long sleeve Anvil is black.
Sizes are S - 2XL
Prices are $25.00 for the short sleeve Next Level & the long sleeve Anvil for both men and women. The women's long sleeve combo burnout is $30.00
Remember, you can pre-order by emailing me at amyrhood5@gmail.com If you live away and would like to order, we will be glad to ship your shirt(s) to you. Shipping will be $5.00 extra on your total order.
