$20,000 raised at Dax Locke movie premiere

$20,000 raised at Dax Locke movie premiere

Check it out...........it was a wonderful night and it has a picture of Savannah and I while Matthew West signed the book that he wrote.

Life lost too young.........

Today I heard of a student of mine at the age of 14 lost his life due to complications after having surgery. It is so hard and sad to say good bye but even more so for a student you loved and watch grow. Here at Schramm Educational Center, it happens more often than any of us want to live through but this time....this student...was and always will be very special to me. I fell in love with him when I began working with him down in Manito 9 years ago. He was ornery. He was sometime hard to confined in one area but he was so happy. He became as my own child. We are not suppose to have favorites but he was given that by the corners of my heart. He taught me how to accept others that are different....different in a way that is not threatening or hurting of others. He taught me how to see past so much. He taught me how special a soul can be that is hidden in a body that was not developed as we call typical or "normal". That soul is free now. That soul is being held in the arms of Jesus...that soul will forever be connect to my soul in which it taught so much. Please pray for his family and for all those who were touched by his very very short and beautiful life!!

Family...

Being I was raised and am raising my children in the Catholic religion, the Holy Family is my example of a family. They were not of the same blood Joseph and Jesus but Joseph loved him as his own. Jesus was not conceive, as two my sons were, not in a traditional manner but God had a plan for Jesus as He has for my sons. I wonder if Mary would of said no to the angel where we would be right now. I mean how hard was it for her to be pregnant without being married and then marrying a man who was not the biological father of her soon to be child. Even today, people get so messed up on this complete idea even though our Heavenly Father showed through his son that Family means love........pure love. Love of Him from a young lady who said yes to his calling....Love of a man who said yes to Him to be the father of the Child of God but not child of his blood. I wonder how many of us would step up to the plate when being called. How many of us would make life unconfortable for the calling of God? I know many of my friends and family don't understand my pull to something harder and unpredictable. I know some of my family and friends feel that I am neglecting the children I have to think of adopting another. But I wonder if any of them have thought of the pull from God. I know many don't believe me when I say that. I know many of them feel I use God to do what I want. I have to admit I have and that is why it took me traveling with my son to China to find out Mei Mei was not suppose to be our daughter. God had a plan for her and she is now living with her forever family. But because of that awful experience I did find our wonderful daughter Savannah and by only God's ability she resided at the same orphanage that Mei Mei was in foster care with. Did I choose that.......NO but I knew she was my daughter and if you have met her and got to know her....you would see what I mean. Would I recommend adoption for everyone....of course not but if you have felt that pull please.......PLEASE look into it. The pull is from God. Their are children who need families and one or two or maybe even 8 are your children? Only God knows and only your family will know if you respond to the pull from God in your heart.

Asking for more prayers..........

I want to ask all those who stumble on my blog to pray for a very special little girl who was born with difficulties that a parent could not handle. A special girl who needs the help of nursing care and love of a family but is living in a nursing home. Please pray with me tonight or today which ever it is for you right now that this precious little angel finds her mommy and daddy and she come home very soon.........wouldn't it be nice that she could be home by Christmas. Wouldn't it be nice that she can share with her family what it felt to wake up with brothers or sisters to open presents that were hers. Wouldn't it be nice that she could enjoy the smell of Christmas breakfast, and dinner. Wouldn't it be nice that she could be dressed up beautiful as she is so she can attend church to hear about Jesus and his wonderful mother Mary. Please pray that this child who actually resides in IL but is without a family in a nursing home can find her forever family........please pray with me...please pray for this very special deserving little girl whose only wish is........to have a family. Please!

Funny things kids say...

I was hanging on the front door the scene of the Nativity. Sierra looked up at the Wise Men and said are they the German Shepherds. I looked at her and could not help but laugh and told her no sweetie they are the Three Kings..The Three Wise Men. She then pointed at the Shepherd with the sheep and said so is he the German Shepherd. I giggled and said yes he is the Shepherd. A German Shepherd is a kind of dog. She looked at me and we both just cracked up laughing. She is such a special giggly girl and I wonder........what would my life be like without her.

I know adoption to many can be questionable. Many people feel it takes the time away from the family that is already established but they are not aware that that child belongs in that family. Oh God knows but us as humans cannot understand the power and largeness of God. We think just in our box and forget God has truly asked each of us to step out in faith with Him to bring light to His World. I will admit I want to save every child and I will admit that I am willing to bite off bigger than I can chew but I have to admit of anything that is one area I truly love about myself. That I will run to the let down, the forgotten, the sadden, and what the world sees as unlovable and love them with all I have....especially with children. Those of you who have not been touched by adoption......who question it......who is against it......who feels it is more than they can give.........look at each child who is adopted and see who they are and if you can.....even for a little bit......think if they were left behind. Better yet.....think if it was you abandoned physically, emotionally and spiritually and no one wanted you........Thank God for your parents.......thank God for your life.......and thank God for what you have been given because believe me.....it could be you...it truly could!!!

The Heart of Christmas...

for me is God which begin with family...so thankful for my beautiful daughters!!

Finally Halloween pictures.....Savannah's first!!

Tears.........but hope with your help!!!!!!

Well, what I was praying for on my earlier post did not end as I had hoped. I do know that God has plans and that I have to trust in him.

In the meantime I need to reach to each of you!! Please please help me with this!! Please take this link http://reecesrainbow.org/5655/olga-e-15 for Olga (the precious little girl at the top of this post) and put it where you are at on the web........Facebook, Yahoo Groups, under your signature, in letters to family and friends. Olga deserves a home. Her diagnosis and information can scare anyone but as an Occupational Therapy Assistant for 12 years I can promise you that she has so much to give any family!! I have worked so many children very similiar to Olga and they are truly Christ in my life. Don't look at the limitations but the abilities she has. She smiles so beautiful to others. She responds to those who have come in contact with her. Oh she will need physical assistance through out her life but to be honest.........no matter the age a child will forever need their parents.....it might be to change a tire, change the oil, to ask their opinion of a life decision, help with purchases, and many many more. Olga.....she will need your help physically but she will be giving you way more than you will be giving her. Trust me.........I know!! As far as when she grows up, as a mom but more as a professional, there are many places she can live with her peers as your other children would do but with assistance. I actually recommend it because if something happens to you as her parents if she is not already has a seperate life then it will be even more painful for her. There is already 7200.00 raised for her adoption and a wonderful woman name Kenlyn has raised for her application fee to apply to adopt her through her agency. I am willing to do fundraising and helping with any type of fundraising that you or who ever would be wanting to do to bring her home. So if you are not her family, please pass this information on to others because God does have a plan for her but He needs us to help Him bring her to her Forever Family!!!

The love of family..

Today for our family will be a difficult but hopefully faithful day. It is a day that I am putting in my God's hands to guide everything I am to be who He needs me to be. It is a day that I pray my family as well as myself have an open heart, and open mind, open ears, tongues to express themselves with love so we can all understand and be open to all of our fears, hopes, dreams, love and faith.

I have realize that the most important thing to me after God is my children and husband. I realize that as being a young mother I have never regret that part of my life. I know that I would not trade what I gave up to be something different. I know I would not want to replace those years now with days of partying and freedom. I know that I actually would love to fill my world with children and grandchildren and I believe I would choose that over the "freedom" as people relate to it. You see in been given the honor of being a young mother God put into my heart the love of giving to children. I have met many people in my life that actually took the opposite road and had ill feelings against children because of one of their own coming in a not so good time of their life. That love I have for children has given me so much hope, peace, faith and love in my life. Not that it was one way but I have learn to give it back and feel so honored to be blessed in that way. I think we all have been given graces and yes I might have run with mine and gone "over board" but I think God sees me different. See the reasons and pull that I have is not odd or different or being difficult. I wish I could see God and truly understand what He is thinking or wanting for me. I do know that I have come to know God and to know that even if others don't understand what He is calling for each of us individual He does and He wants us to go out on a huge limb in faith. To be honest...........my question to all........if you have never done that...Gone on a huge limb of faith with God maybe it is time.....maybe you can see what you have been missing by living in a "safety" zone.......maybe you can feel what it does when you know and believe the power of the Grace of God. So please don't judge me......please know that this yearning is not me being unfilled but God not being done with me and what He has called me here for.

Please pray with me:

Praying.........

We are asking everyone who comes to our blog tonight, tomorrow or whenever you come that you say a little prayer for our family. We are needing a huge miracle and need all the prayers we can receive. I know God listens and answers but I know he loves it when we come together for each other to ask for his mercy. Thank you so much and know we have already said a prayer for you as I am typing this. God Bless!!!

I need your help!!!

PLease help me find this precious little girl a home. She is 4 years old and lives in Russia. She has Cerebral Palsy but she wants a mommy and daddy. If she does not find a forever family by the end of Dec then she will be sent to an institution to be left to die. Please go to http://reecesrainbow.org/5655/olga-e-15 to find out more about her. Please please please!! There is already a grant to help with her adoption. Please please consider her for your little daughter!!!

Clothing for Huiyang SWI

We are taking this Christmas to teach our girls about paying it forward. As you can read from the below post we are sending gloves over to Wuhan SWI, Savannah's orphanage so the children can play in the snow with warm hands.

Now I am also wanting to send a care package over to Sierra's orphanage Huiyang SWI. We are wanting to send gently used children's clothing. I would say size 0-3 months to 8 in girls and boys. We are accepting anything your children have grown out of or never used. There is two special girls there that will never be adopted due to situations with parents and the other little girl due to her medical issues. I am wanting to send a special care package to them. I will be buying new clothes for them and I will contact the orphanage staff for their sizes so we are sure to get the right price. I think a small or medium size toy would be wonderful too. If you want to join me please contact me at little helper28@yahoo.com

Please know I do care about the children here in the States but I have met these children and many of them will not ever have parents or families they will call their own. Please know we all have our calling and I feel my calling is to provide for the loss and unforgotten children where both my daughters lived.

God Bless and thank you for all your love and support!!

Lisa

We need your help!!

I had a wonderful talk with my fantastic, sweet and caring daughter Savannah. She is beginning to understand and communicate in English so much better. She was so excited to tell me how much fun she had playing in the snow at Wuhan, CWI (her orphanage) BUT she said we did not have those things you wear on your heads......I said in question...Mittens? She said yes...she was telling me how much she love making balls out of snow and throwing them at her friends and this was done bear handed. I told her we should buy all the kids at Wuhan mittens and she looked at me with a scared look "But mommy that would cost too much....lots of kids!" I told her I would include all my friends and family. That is why I am reaching out to each of you. We are collecting new and gently used mittens and gloves. We are looking for infant to adult sizes since the children vary in age. Please contact me at littlehelper28@yahoo.com if you want to donate. We can pick them up or have you mail them to us. Just give us a call.....please help us give 600 children a rare find in China.......warm hands in the winter so they can enjoy the snow and outdoors.

God Bless!!

Lisa

First day of the rest of my life...

I love that saying........being the first day of the rest of my life. Truly each morning is just that....another chance to get it right with God. Another chance to tell my husband that I love him. Another chance to connect with my children and remind them how life is so glorious because they are apart of it. I just wish..........things in life and decisions in life would not be so hard. I guess within that hardship is also my connection with God. If it was so easy I probably would not have the faith and hope I have in God. I truly know whatever is eating at me today........he will take care of it......if I would pray and completely let go. I am at a dilemma in my life and thinking God is tapping at my shoulder. Then I wonder if it is God or the fact I just want to run from problems. But I look back and I feel a pull because this pull has been tapping on my shoulders for a while. I guess fear.........which is the opposite of faith and hope.......is powerful. I mean sometimes comfort even in the pain is more acceptable to taking a huge risks. I am so glad to be able to take a step back and pray about it this weekend. To allow God is guide my steps...

Favorites........

Growing up I watched many times favoritism in family, school, neighborhood kids, and many aspects of my life. It still to this day gets under my skin. My kids will say I have favorites......but I truly don't.........truly! I purposely make sure each of my children feel special. I will not say I am perfect but I will not praise up one with out recognizing all of them. I think it is and will always be of my pet peeves to watch people totally ignore or bluntly be rude to someone because they don't "fit" the model of that particular person's view point of being good, like able, or fun. I think we need to attempt to see the good in others. Oh yes, I have people I struggle with and usually it relates back to this or due to behaviors or actions that are hurtful or painful to others.......which relates to favoritism. I think we all enjoy some people easier than others but it is no reason to snub, be short with, or be little someone else. I will admit.......I need to work on some of this myself.......because I am a person who sees it going on and I will return the behavior. Yep.....see not perfect......just wish life is fair......oh yeah...it is not...but to the flip side.......I will forever make sure that I am aware of myself and attempt to make those in my life feel special and not to make others feels less than..........yes......I will forever work on that.

Songs that mean so much and why..

This song has a couple special reasons why it touches my heart....it reminds me of the times my cousin and his wife would come over and we just hung out and had a great time together. The other is the words and how strongly they resemble my life and where I am at now.....pretty powerful.

This song reminds me of those family members that I had to say "See you later"...way too early...this is dedicated to my bestest.......Regina, Caye, Pat, Uncle Sam, Bill, my Dad (and my friend), Judy, and the many more who have touched my life for the better and helped me be who I am today.....

This is for my students.........my wonderful special gifts from God who have each taught me the importance of life and how fast it can be taken away........the ones who can make me smile on those awful days.......the ones who smile could light up the darkest parts of this life....the ones who are called "special" by our society because it is true.........the special ones God has given each us to be reminded of what it meant to be his miracle!!

This song has taught me so much of God's love....even though it appears that evil has won......God has shown his true strength and possibility even when it looks so impossible!! This song is a true song for those who are adopting, those who are facing divorce, those who are at a time in life that they have to tell a love one "I will see you later" even though it seems way too soon.......for those who are struggling with addictions, those who have pain that can appear bigger than any power........because the truth is all these trials in this life....could be blessings in disguise.

This is what I consider "My song" that got me through school, adoption, and any dream I have had in the last 15 years. This song was given to me by my son Brandon when I was in school and I was struggling. I would study 12 hours just for one test. I needed those A's to make me feel I was doing something right. Through God's grace, much prayer and this song plus a few others........God and I made it through college.........and through the adoptions that brought much happiness but many times I questioned......because I knew........How You ever going to know.........if I never chase the dream...........I know now I was not made to be in a box or a sheltered home.........God made me a person to get into the fire.....rely on him..........and answer whatever call he is calling me to even though it might looks scary because when I look over and see him at my side.....I can do anything!!! So why the next song I love so much:

I'd rather be a fool...........then miss the chance of feeling, seeing and knowing God's Graces within the fire.

Norte Dame

Brandon visited Norte Dame this last weekend. It was amazing experience for him. He is beginning to search out colleges to attend to study for his PhD. I was very excited to receive an post card from him stating how his visit went and attempting to figure out God's will for him. He said the campus was beautiful. He was able to attend a football game and meet with the professor that he was interested in studying with. He also stated how wonderful their marching band was. I am just amazed to think back in January 1985 and finding out that I was pregnant with Brandon. I remember feeling very scared and thinking.....can I really give this child a life that would turn out to be much. I was still living at home with my parents. I was dating his bio dad at the time and we had a not so good relationship. Oh we had some happy times but I have to admit they were few and very far between. I knew I wanted to have a baby....no doubt but I wanted to be a good parent that can give everything to my child. It is funny........I had no clue what faith was........I had no clue what hope truly was.......and in the last 26 years...my little miracle who became this wonderful man and myself have shown each other what it means to live in the faith and hope of God. I don't give myself credit for any of it that has come out of our lives....because I know........that if it was not for God then none of the impossibles would of come possible without him. I look at all five of my children and are reminded that each of them are my miricles and gifts that I forever will cherish and be completely thankful for.....and I am so happy that I said yes to my son even though society look at our situation strangely because God........knew that he had a plan....as he always does.

Crazy....but love

Sorry once again it has been way too long since the last time I have updated. Things are crazy as always in our home but I think this is what I know and love........lots of noise and lots of fun and lots of love!!

The girls began school in the same grade but two different classrooms. It is amazing how wonderful and fantastic Savannah is doing. I have to say I have one amazing young lady on my hands. She has learned so much of the English language. She does have times understanding but it is becoming very far and few times that happens. She is having her orthodontist appointment on Wednesday. We went to the surgeon and recommend to see the orthodontist to see if with braces her front gum line will be able to be brought back and put into place ready for the bone graft surgery that will be in her future. We have decided to check out our options near by and then decide on what to do.........stay with Shriners or remove the girls and provide their needs and surgeries close by. We are not sure.

Sierra has been doing well too. She loves school and just loves and adores her sister. They are always together. I attempt to get them to do seperate things once in a while and they don't want to. My fears and thoughts did not come true but Sierra's hopes and wishes have. They love to ride bikes together and put on nail polish. They love to watch movies together. They love to play on the trampoline together and to swing together. They even love to help each other get their chores done. I have to admit.........I wish I had that type of relationship with a sister when I was younger but I think as a mom.........God has given me the better gift by being able to watch my daughters do it.

Now back to my burning heart.......I know I have said I was done adopting but I have to admit.............I wish I could have more children. I just love being a mom and love bringing more children into our family but there is one problem.......my husband is not in agreement with me. I seen a picture and profile of a little girl today that I would love to bring home. She is just adorable!! And then there is Kui whose picture I have down our blog page. They are allowing two children adoptions at the same time now through China....those two kids.........I would love to be their mommy!! I know many think I am crazy............I guess crazy for hearing God's call and knowing that my passion is children.......I can tell if you work with children or if you have the love for children then if you visited the orphanages as I have and have adopted you too would feel the pull to add to your family. I mean..........yep Mike and I need to have our time but........that time is for heaven........while we are healthy and happy........why not give that to another person. It is God's calling for us all. I have to respect Mike's feelings but I will admit that if is God's plan that he changes Mike's heart but if it is not God's plan then I know my calling is to work with God's abandoned children and to help other adopt. I am thinking of having another garage sale to help a friend who is bringing their daughter home. I need to find a place who will house it for us but at least I could be helping her child........even though my heart is for Kui and that special little girl.

Like I said........I'd rather be crazy for God's call..........then be in a box thinking of only in a box while God's call for me is hidden and not used...........

It has been too long..

I am so sorry for not updating our blog sooner. Life has become very busy when school started again. We have had many first and yes we do have pictures but until I can get those posted I would like to update what has been happening.

Savannah lost her first tooth since she has been home. She was very excited about getting something special under her pillow in the morning. She started school and so far loves it!! Her teacher says she is doing great and catching on quick. She is amazing and I believed she could do that. She had her first visit to the dentist and was a little nervous but was a trooper. Then we finally got professional pictures done of the girls together. They also got their school pictures taken so I am excited about seeing those. I will post a couple of the professional pictures also.

Sierra is also doing very well in school. She has learned to ride her bike without training wheels and is having so much fun riding around the neighborhood. She is growing up too fast and just so beautiful.

Billy has begun his SENIOR year in high school. I am so amazed that my "baby" son is a senior!! The plan is to graduate midterm and begin ICC in the spring..........oh wow........that is just too wild for me. He is very interested in attending Western University here in IL but has check out and will be checking out more colleges up in Minnesota by Brandon. He works so much at Kroger's. They have praised him up and down on his ability to do a great job and to get it done. He has moved up quickly to know be apart of grocery. It was also said that he can go full time when he gets done with high school in December and while he is attending ICC. I just hope he can juggle all that but that would be a me.........worry wart!!

Well, Mike and I are attempting to get so much stuff done around the house...finish the basement, getting thing organized out in the garage, painting, and just the many little items. Mike and I are looking into building on next year. We both really miss having a billiards room and so we are going to add that to the back of the house. The kids love playing with their dad and so we want to bring that option back home. We will be adding a family room area to it also and finally getting our fireplace. We have two builders in mind and we will check out each of their prices and go from there. We both don't want to move again and so this is our option. We hope to have our adoption loans paid off by next year so we can go forward with out dream and goal of the addition.

I promise to get pictures up soon that I have........too many again....sorry! Thanks again friends for taking the time to read our blog. I will attempt to add post more often. I love using this avenue to express myself and to show how wonderful my children are. I guess many say that is bragging but if I am I am bragging about God and what he has given us. He is so amazing and we just are in awe of his ability to take something so painful and turn it into his glowing light.

Oh I forgot to mention........I ran into one of the children we had in our home last year from foster care. That child is being adopted and appears very happy. God is so good to find that child a wonderful family. The amazing thing is that family I have gotten to know through my work. The world is small and I thank God for letting me know that he is taking care of those things that he brought in my life for a moment and not for a life time. Hope......only truly comes from our God!!

Hui Kui

I want to introduce you to a sweet little boy who resides at Huiyang, SWI. That is the orphanage that Sierra resided at. He is only three years old and is needing a mommy and daddy or a single mommy. He is so sweet. I have more pictures of him if you are interested. You can also contact Dick at www.bringhopetochildren.org to submit for his file. I would love to adopt him but Mike and I are done. We know he would make someone a wonderful son so please pray and pray so more if you might be his parent(s) or you know someone who might be also. Please pass his information along!! Blessings!

Corey and Anne's Wedding day....

It was a day filled with beauty, tears, and wonder of the years that Corey and Anne began on August 6th...