Custom Birth Print Back Up for Grabs!

Hello friends!  I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Saturday!  (At least it is here in Nashville, TN!)

I wanted to let all of you know that the beautiful Custom Birth Print from our Give Hope Adoption Auction is back up for grabs!

Check out the original post here.  This item would make a great gift for a new mommy or for your own little one.  The winner will get to choose their color scheme.  If you are interested, please leave a comment with your name and e-mail address and starting bid.  I will end the bidding for this item TOMORROW night at 8:00, so hapy bidding!

So check it out! Happy Saturday!

It's a Boy!!!

Many of you already know this, but in case you don't, we are planning to adopt a boy. On our paperwork we requested an infant boy, so our parameters are 0-12 months.

How did we decide on a boy, you ask? Well, growing up, I always wished that I had a big brother. I am the oldest of 5. Also, more people adopting from Ethiopia seem to want girls (specifically, baby girls), so we are hopeful that this might help speed things up as well. Christopher's sister has 2 boys. We love our nephews! Boys are what we know! So, that's how we came to the decision!

What's Goin' On?

Many of you have asked where we are in the adoption process right now. Well, we are currently working on our homestudy.  Since our adoption agency, All God's Children International, is based out of Oregon, we had to choose a local agency to do our home study.  We chose Bethany Christian Services and are so happy with them as well!

Here is a list of the paperwork items that must be included in our homestudy (just to give you an idea of what we're working on!).  I put *'s next to the things that are finished!

Formal Application *
Changes in Familly Status *
Statement of Intent (Guardianship Arrangements)
Adoption Release and Consent *
International Adoption Statement *
Affidavit of Health Insurance Coverage
Copies of Birth Certificates
Copy of Marriage Certificate
Medical Exam Letter and Form
Family History Data *
Self-Study (Autobiographies) *
Discipline Policy *
Training Requirement and Schedule *
Reading Requirements
Financial Statement/Monthly Income and Expenses/Most Recent 1040 Tax Form
Notice of Private Practices *
Criminal Record Inquiry
Background Check
Expectations Consultation
Psychological Reports
International Adoption Fee Schedule and Agreement *
Applicant Waiver for Background Checks *
Waiver of Unforeseen Fees *
Duty of Disclosure *
Permission/Consent Form *
Medical Needs Questionnaire *
Passport Information *

Whew!  That's quite a list, isn't it?  Many of the items on the list are just a single piece of paper.  The doctor's appointments, fingerprinting, psycological evaluation, and reading requirements are things that take a bit longer.  We're working on those!  Our goal is to have everything finished on our part and have started our homestudy interviews (they conduct 3) by the end of April.

So that's what's been going on with us in the adoption world lately!

Auction Total!!!

I know many of you have been waiting on pins and needles for the total money raised during our Give Hope Adoption Auction.  I apologize for the delay.  I was on Spring Break, first here...

My hubby and I chaperoned 100 8th graders where I teach on a trip to Williamsburg, VA.

Then here...

After de-boarding the bus from Williamsburg we hit the road to Santa Rosa Beach, FL .  I must give a shout-out to the hubby for driving through the night (yes, at one point he was so tired that we had to stop at a rest stop and sleep in the car for 2 hours-that was a little scary.  But we made it!) so that we could enjoy a full day at the beach on Monday!

So without further aideau...
(Drumroll please....)

$2,627

Yes!  You read that correctly!  We officially raised $2,627 through our Give Hope Adoption Auction!  Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who donated items, bid on items, and gave our auction a shout-out on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you bid on an item, but were sadly outbid by someone else, there are still other ways you can support us:

1. Donate.  Donate what you were going to pay for the item that you did not win.  Donate what you would have paid for a dinner and movie out but didn't due to the fact you were glued to your computer during the final moments, making sure you weren't outbid.  Donate because we are longing for a baby over 7,000 miles away! 

2. Follow our journey by reading our blog. 

3.  AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Pray.  Pray for us during this journey.

Thank you again!  I was blown away by the genorosity of all of you out there!  We are hard at work on paperwork right now, but I will post more on that later!

Auction is OVER

It is Friday, March 12, 2011 at 9:00 pm central time...

Which means our Give Hope Adoption Auction is officially OVER!

For those of you who donated items, THANK YOU!

For those of you who gave our auction a shout out on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter, THANK YOU!

For those of you who have been praying for us, THANK YOU!

For those of you who did not bid, but donated money, THANK YOU!

And for those of you who bid on our items, THANK YOU!

This weekend, I will be e-mailing the highest bidders directions: how to pay for your item, information we need for customizing your item, learning you mailing address so we can send you your item, etc.  So hang tight! While you're waiting be sure to check out all of our awesome sponsors' sites!  All these people rock! 

If you bid on an item, but were sadly outbid by someone else, there are still other ways you can support us:

1. Donate.  Donate what you were going to pay for the item that you did not win.  Donate what you would have paid for a dinner and movie out but didn't due to the fact you were glued to your computer during the final moments, making sure you weren't outbid.  Donate because we are longing for a baby over 7,000 miles away! 

2. Commit to donating an item for a future auction by e-mailing: jenwayman@gmail.com

3. Follow our journey by reading our blog. 

4.  AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Pray.  Pray for us during this journey.

We will announce the final total raised after we receive payment from all of our highest bidders.  Again, thank you so very much for making our first fundraiser a success!

3 1/2 Hours Left!

THREE HOURS UNTIL OUR AUCTION CLOSES!

(at 9 pm central time)

Click HERE to see the main auction page

We've still got a few items that haven't been bid on yet.

6 or 12 Hours of Babysitting

Original Painting #1

Original Painting #2

Original Painting #3

Batik Love Africa Tee

White Africa Tee

A much longer thank you to come, but right now let me just say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have bid.  We appreciate your kindness and genorosity so very much!

Only 24 More Hours!

(If you are looking for our main auction page, click HERE)

The Give Hope Adoption Auction ends tomorrow, March 12, 2011, at 9 pm central time!  That's 24 hours away!

Just a couple of reminders:
*The auction does end at 9:00 pm central time.  If your bid posts at 9:01 pm or later, you will not be the winning bidder (Gotta keep it fair folks.  After all, I am a teacher)
*Many of the items have now gone on SALE, so check them out again!

*If you haven't checked out all of our fabulous items yet, take a look!

*If you have already bid, check to see if you are still the highest bidder!

And if you are looking for a deal, the following items have not been bid on yet.  See any great gift ideas? 

Assortment of Floral Wall Decals

12 Hours of Babysitting

Handmade Baby Burp Cloths
Original Painting #1
Original Painting #2
Original Painting #3
Pink Heart for Africa Onesie
Pink Heart Gown
Custom Minky Blanket
Batik Love Africa Tee
Gift Certificate to Shimai Pottery and Gifts
Iris Letterpress Print
Hand Embelished Pear Applique Tee
Roaring Red Dinosaur Tote
White Africa Tee
Hen Original Watercolor
Beautiful Rust Colored Frame

Thanks for looking!  Now GO BACK to our main auction page and see all of our other incredible items by clicking here.

Items Still Up for Grabs!

(If you are looking for our main auction page, click HERE)

The Give Hope Adoption Auction ends this Saturday at 9:00 pm (central time).  That's just 3 days away!

*If you haven't checked out all of our fabulous items, take a look!

*If you have already bid, check to see if you are still the highest bidder!

And if you are looking for a deal, the following items have not been bid on yet.  See any great gift ideas? 

Assortment of Floral Wall Decals

12 Hours of Babysitting
Handmade Baby Burp Cloths
Original Painting #1
Original Painting #2
Original Painting #3
Pink Heart for Africa Onesie
Pink Heart Gown
Custom Minky Blanket
Batik Love Africa Tee
Gift Certificate to Shimai Pottery and Gifts
Iris Letterpress Print
Hand Embelished Pear Applique Tee
Roaring Red Dinosaur Tote
White Africa Tee
Hen Original Watercolor
Beautiful Rust Colored Frame

Thanks for looking!  Now GO BACK to our main auction page and see all of our other incredible items by clicking here.

Give Hope Adoption Auction

Welcome to our Give Hope Adoption Auction!

1. Take a look at the items that are up for auction (Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 9:00 am through Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 9:00 pm, central time). HINT: If you click on the picture of the item, it should get larger, so you can see it better!

2. BID! To bid, leave a comment with your name, e-mail address, and your bid amount IN THE COMMENT BOX.  (If for some reason it will not let you leave a comment, send me an e-mail at jenwayman@gmail.com with your name, e-mail address, and your bid and I will place it for you)

3. Keep checking on your favorite items in case someone outbid you! At a minimum, please increase bids by $1.00 increments. Remember, auction closes Saturday, March 12, 20011 at 9:00 pm, central time.

4. If you win, jump for joy! Then sit back down and wait, because I will send you an e-mail officially letting you know that you were the highest bidder and requesting payment for your item (through our secure paypal button). If the item is custom made, I will also be asking you about your preferences for colors, fabrics, sizes, etc. After I receive the payment, the item will be shipped to your doorstep.

That's all! Easy peasy, right?! And you wanna know the best part? EVERY PENNY YOU DONATE GOES STRAIGHT INTO OUR ADOPTION FUND! Thank you for your help in bringing our little one home!

And now, without further adieu (drumroll please), here are the auction items! Click on each item to see its bid page. Happy bidding!

Art:
Letterpress "You Are My Sunshine" poster by inkpetals
Letterpress "Skidamarink" poster by inkpetals
"I Love You to the Moon and Back" eyechart art by ecceprints
ABC Love Print by jenniferramos
Custom Birth Print by trendypeas
I Heart My State print by qadesign
Peony Print on Dictionary Paper by PRRINT
Mini Custom Heart Sampler by MiniatureRhino
Deconstruction Print by Andrew Holder
Letterpress La Vie en Rose Poster by sycamorestreetpress
Letterpress Bonjour French Bulldog Poster by sycamorestreetpress
Iris Letterpress Print by hijirik
Tiny Flock (Set of 3) by ashleymayfield
Flamingo Original Watercolor by eastwitching
Hen Original Watercolor by eastwitching
Calf Fine Art Print by eastwitching
Birdsnest Fine Art Print by groundwork
Orginal Painting #1 by Dallas Owen
Original Painting #2 by Dallas Owen
Original Painting #3 by Dallas Owen
Choice of 5x7 Print by CinnamonInk
Choice of 7x9 Print by CinnamonInk

Housewares:
Doily Coasters by uncommon
Custom Wedding Cake Plate by raedunn
Little Bird Coffee Cuff by littlebirdcreations
$25 Gift Certificate to Shimai Pottery and Gifts by Shimai
$25 Gift Certificate to Shimai Pottery and Gifts by Shimai
Mini Chalkboards by 2 of my students
Beautiful Rust Colored Frame by Suzy Q Frames
Handmade Lampshade by Clementine and Olive
Assortment of Floral Wall Decals

Stationary:
Buy Local Calendar by claudiagpearson
Thank You Stamp by Primele
Get Organized Gift Set by aQuickStudy

Jewelry:
Silver Heart Love Bracelet by JunkPosse
Antique Silver Sparrow Necklace by sweetsimple
Ollie Twist Necklace by 31bits
Magazine Necklace by 147 Million Orphans
$50 Gift Card to Stella & Dot Boutique by isabellaandmaxrooms

Baby:
Birdie Organic Onesie (you pick the size)by adoptafrica
Pink Heart for Africa Onesie (size 12m)by cococouture
Heart Baby Gown (size 3m) by shopdolkapots
Personalized Minky Dot Blanket (in your color of choice) by BabyBeulah
White Africa Tee by teesfromtheheart
Onesie or T-shirt of Your Choice by dreadpiratedesign
Handmade Baby Burp Cloths by Alice Morgan
Handmade Baby Burp Cloths by Alice Morgan
Baby Flower Headband from Harper and Eden
Girls Kimono-Style Outfit

Clothing
for Women:
Custom Places Tee by pitterpatterart
Women's Heart for Africa Tee by Urban Hen
Towel Apron (Blueberry Pie) by mrs.
Towel Apron (Mint Ice Cream Style) by mrs.
Towel Apron (Orange Sherbet Style) by mrs.
Towel Apron (Jolly Rancer Style) by mrs.
Towel Apron (Apricot Cookie Style) by mrs
Custom Flower Headband  Earwarmer by LindsayLouCreations
Hand Embelished Pear Applique Tee by WonderFluffShop
Floral Summer Scarf by Fringe and Lace
Vera Bradley Lindsay with Cell Phone Case

for Men:
Choice of Handmade Bowtie by Otis James

for Either:
T-shirt of Choice by Ordinary Hero
T-shirt of Choice by goseeklove

for Girls:
Floral and Ivy Peasant Dress by MyMoniMyMom
TUTU Gift Certificate by 2000 Tutus

for Boys:
Roaring Red Dinosaur Baseball Tee by happyfamily
Roaring Red Dinosaur Tote Bag by happyfamily

for Either:
Batik Love Africa Tee by thesmilingheart
Your Choice of a Pair of Shoes by Tickled Toes

Misc.
Pair of Tennessee Titans Tickets
12 Hours of Babysitting by Mallory Perry

I'm So Excited!

"I'm so excited! and I just can't hide it!"

For all of you Saved By the Bell fans out there, take a minute to watch this!  It brings back the good ole' days!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cxdx1-13cw

Now that I've got you singing along, I'll tell you what I'm singing about!

It is ALMOST time for our Give Hope Adoption Auction!  If you missed the post with the details, you can read it again here.  Just a reminder that the auction starts THIS Saturday at 9:00 AM (central time) and will end on Saturday, March 12th at 9:00 PM.  The donations have been steadily rolling in.  We have about 60 items now!  WOW! Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who have contributed so far!  I love all of the items we are auctioning off.  In fact, my main criteria for asking for donations was that I must LOVE what they make!  We have something for everyone: clothing, art, jewelry, baby items, stationary and MORE!

I wanted to give you a sneak peak of some of the items we will be auctioning off, but I had the hardest time choosing, so to be fair, let's go through our ABC's...

We have towel Aprons!

We have a handmade Bow Tie!

We have a CUSTOM wedding Cake plate!

We have a Dinosaur Tee!

We have an Eyechart art print!

 We have a French Bulldog print!

And I could go on and on through the alphabet!  Stop back by Saturday morning to see more great items!  There are MANY more amazing items! Pick up something for a gift for a friend or for yourself (you know you deserve it!). 

BONUS QUESTION to see who all of the real Saved By the Bell fans are out there: What was the name of Jessie, Kelly, and Lisa's singing group in the video I posted?  NO CHEATING!  Leave your guess in the comments section.  Winner gets BRAGGING RIGHTS!  : )

Our First Fundraiser!

I'm excited to announce that our first fundraiser is currently in the works! We're calling it the Give Hope Adoption Auction.

(A big thank-you to my amazingly talented sister-in-law, Andrea, who designed our wonderful logo!  Look for these soon on a t-shirt near you!)

So far, I have had about 30 items donated from some of my favorite etsy shop owners and bloggers. A big thank-you to those of you who have donated so far! If any of you crafty people would like to donate any items, feel free to email me at jenwayman@gmail.com. Here are some items we have so far: handmade tshirts, pottery, handmade children and baby clothing, art prints, jewelry, and other household items.

The auction will be held here, online on our blog from Saturday, March 5 at 9:00 am to Saturday, March 12 at 9:00 pm (central time). I will be collecting items from now until then. You will be able to bid on the items by commenting on any item(s) you like. Thank you so much for your support and enouragement!

Officially Approved (Finally!)

Woo hoo! Our official application has FINALLY been approved by our agency All God's Children International. We had a few delays (long story that I will spare you), but I'm happy to announce we're moving ahead!

Erin, the adoption coordinator for AGCI, called this afternoon to give us the good news. In 2 days we will receive a packet of information with an overview of the process and contracts to sign and return. Then we will be set to move ahead with the home study process!

This is Christopher and me jumping for joy since we've officially started the process! Ask me again how I feel later and I will probably feel differently, but this is me right now!!!

Why Ethiopia?

Today I'm going to answer the question of why we decided to adopt from Ethiopia.

Well, I touched on that a little in the first post. We were drawn to Etiopia; I can't explain exactly why except that God completely had his hand in the process. We were inspired by other families.I saw signs everywhere that I was on the right track! Our eyes were opened to some staggering statistics, which I will let speak for themselves:

• According to UNICEF, there are approximately 6 million orphans in Ethiopia, a country the size of Texas.
• The average life expectancy is 55.
• About 36% of adults are literate.
• 38% of children under five are underweight.
• The average annual income is about $160 US dollars.
• 1 in 10 children die before their 5th birthday.
• 44% of the population of Ethiopia is under 15 years old.
• 60% of children in Ethiopia are stunted because of malnutrition.
• Ethiopia's median age is 17.8 years.
• Between 60-150 million kids live on the street.
• 1.5 million people are infected with AIDS (6th highest in the world).
• 720,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS.
• Half the children in Ethiopia will never attend school.
• 88% of children will never attend secondary school.
• Ethiopia’s doctor to children ratio is 1 to 24,000.
• 82% of the population live on less than $1 a day.

WOW!  I don't know about you, but these facts are deeply saddening to me.  I would think about this at night when I went to sleep.  I just couldn't ignore it!

I wanted to leave you-my 10 followers : ) with this video.  Watch it!  It can articulate the question "Why Ethiopia? so much better than I can!

A Heavy Conversation That Took Place at Waffle House (and our BIG annoucement!)

Christopher and I have some exciting news to announce...
We will be adopting our first child from Ethiopia!

 

                           

In July of 2010 after the staggering statistic of the number of orphans in the world (over 147 MILLION!) was made known to me, I could not get this overwhelming number out of my mind. I came across this inspiring story at www.weloveourlucy.blogspot.com and could not get the issue of orphans off my mind (watch her beautiful "Gotcha Day" video and you won't be able to either!). I spoke with Christopher about it, both of us figuring that this would be something that we might pursue down the road after we had "children of our own."                                                                                                    
                                                                          
In the meantime, God gave me numerous signs to let me know I was on the right track. One sign came through the Minnovich family. One of their sons (who they brought home to their family from Ethiopia) is involved in Student Council at the school where I teach. I have had the privilege of getting to know him and have e-mailed his wonderful mother Tracey. Read their story at http://www.ourunveiledfaces.blogspot.com/.

Another sign came through my high school friend Katie. She and her husband Brent actually made me first think, "If adoption is that important to me, why not adopt first?" They are also adopting from Ethiopia. You can check out their story at http://www.journeytothreeormore.blogspot.com/.

Well, after not being able to get the idea out of my mind, I told Christopher that I was very serious and no longer thinking "down the road", but for our first child! This heavy conversation actually took place at Waffle House! I just knew he'd say I was crazy, but to my surprise he said, "I knew you were serious about it." (I don't know what gave it away. Maybe it was the HOURS I spent on the computer researching and blog stalking!).  He went on to tell me that he wanted the same things for our future family.

                                                                    

I kept praying for Christopher to be ready. And on December 29th, he said he wanted to fill out the pre-application! So we're on our way! I couldn't think of any way that I would have rather rung in the new year!
                                           
Whew! If you're still reading, thank you! I tried to sum up a 5 month journey in one post! In my next post, I will answer the question, "Why Ethiopia?"