A Day for Elden: Change for a Change

I recently received an email that just makes me want to cry.  See this darling little boy?

This is Elden.  Isn't he just precious?  Look at those eyes and that happy smile.  

Imagine my shock when this wonderful woman (S) in the email told me that NO ONE had ever inquired about him?  It broke her heart and it just breaks mine.  

I have no more money to give and I have nothing to offer up as a give away item.  All I ask is that you circulate his photo.  Maybe, by word of mouth, we can find Elden a forever family.

This is what his Reece's Rainbow page says:

Birth Date: February 2007
Gender: Male
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark
Character: calm

From a missionary who visited with him recently:  Elden is very lively, joyful and playful boy. He loves games and jokes. He is the favourite of kids and personnel at the orphanage. Elden is a special kid. Before he was weak but due to attention of caregivers and lessons he made a great progress.   He become strong and now quickly learns everything new. He as well starts walking.

http://reecesrainbow.org/elden-14g

Notice that he is 4.5 years-old.  Now I know that many of you already know this but for those of you who are new here (Welcome!), children in these orphanages are shipped off to institutions around their 5th birthday.  Instead of presents and songs and cake, they spend their days tied to a crib and drugged.  No child deserves a life like that.  All children are worthy.  Elden is worthy.  So please spread the word and let's find this boy his forever family!

Elden!

Here is my plan: tomorrow is August 1st and for the next month, any and all loose change that I come upon (thank you Andrew for your loathing of the coins) will go into a jar.  This change will go into Elden's grant when the month of August is over.  Change for a change!

That's right, I am challenging you to save your change to make a change in an orphan's life.

*I would like to thank S for bringing my attention to Elden.

**I would like to thank Jane at Flight Platform Living for sharing with me her Jars of Change
***Small amounts do add up, spreading the word does bring change.  Tabitha's fund was $10 less than one month ago.  Tonight as I write this, it has grown to #320.60!  I want to shout THANK YOU!!!!

Silent Sunday: Facial Expressions

"Oh I just love my Uncle Matt"
Ellie at 3 months

"Oh I just love Baby Signing Time"
Ellie 22 months

Thank You: Tabitha's Fund

Andrew and I would like to thank everyone who has been and who recently became a follower of The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear.  Additionally, many thanks to everyone who spread the word about our Give Away.

As of midnight, The Chronicles of EBB had 92 followers and this morning I donated $92.00 to Tabitha's grant.

Tabitha

Now, if I could just find this little angel a forever family.   If you would like to donate to her fund, follow this link.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.  You all know how much I wish I could adopt this little girl.  Thank you.

A Hidden Blessing

I am frequently reminded that angels come in many forms and they visit when you least expect it.  God must have known I needed a little help today for He sent one in a way I least expected it.

Don't I look all sweet and innocent. . . like a little angel?

The Ellie Bear is a lively toddler with definite attitude and definite likes and dislikes.  The problem is that her likes and dislikes change on a minute-to-minute basis.  We head off to the mall and I am armed with 4 different kinds of foods, two clothing changes, a chew, a lovie, and a straw sippy cup of water.  We I had big plans of hanging out in the mall's indoor playscape and then lunch.  Ellie had other ideas.

I'm going to be a little stinker.

There we were in the food court after a very very short stint of playing.  The Bear was refusing all food (there was throwing involved) that I brought with me a long with the food I purchased at Chick-Fil-A for myself.

Here comes trouble!

A kind, older gentleman sitting next to me in the zoo food court must have seen my distress.

I am sure it was quite obvious--my hair was most likely frizzy and standing on end like I shoved my finger into an electric socket and I am positive I was sporting some nasty under-arm sweat stains (gross, I know but it is 104 degrees here people).

The Chunky Chicken was looking like this:

Feed Me! 

The older gentleman says to me: "Chick-Fil-A gave me an extra box of tater tots by accident.  Would you like them because I cannot eat all of this?"  I graciously accepted and helped Ellie sign "thank you". We are working on manners.  Correction, I am attempting to teach manners, but Ellie isn't quite there yet.

Low and behold, the ever so picky and sassy McSpitsALot likes tater tots!!!  My angel Knight in shining Chick-Fil-A armor!!!!!

Just in case you want to check out The Bear's tonsils.

The gentleman proceeds to ask about Ellie and tells me that I have been very blessed.  He says that there will be challenges, but it is all worth it and that yes, all children have challenges.

I look at him and ask who he knows with Down syndrome.  I am expecting a sibling, a child, a grandchild, a niece, or a nephew.  He proceeds to tell me that he was in the military and during his travels he met many families who had children with Ds.  He tells me stories of war and the places he was stationed.  He tells me that all parents want to protect their children.  That they want what is best for them, but that it is important to not hold our children back.  That we need to have high expectations.  I am now thinking of him as the Wise Older Man who has graciously served our Nation.

At this point, it was evident my spunky Bear needed a nap.  She never truly smiled or waved at him like she does with so many people.  She was in true cranky pants tired toddler form.  Yet, when I thanked the gentleman for sharing his stories, his wisdom, and his tater tots, he said "no thank you for letting me chat with you and your daughter."

Forget Me Not Fridays: Give Aways!

Ellie

This is my daughter Ellie.  She is a beautiful, spunky little girl who loves to get into mischief.  She also has Down syndrome.  Had she been born in E.E., the doctors would have tried their hardest to convince us that she is better of in an orphanage.  That she belongs there because she is not worthy.  Eventually, come age of 4 or 5, she she would be sent to live in an institution where she would live out her days tied to a crib and possibly drugged.  All children are worthy of life whether they have 46 or 47 chromosomes.  The children featured in today's post are living our their lives in orphanages or institutions.  They have forever families who love them so and they are actively fundraising to bring them home. . . to rescue them.   

Above is Terri Lynn.  Sweet little angel was recently transferred to an institution.  The photo on the left is Terri Lynn in the orphanage.  On the right, the little lovie appears drugged and bruised.  On the right, the photo was taken just 3 weeks after being in the institution.

Let's help these precious children.

Shannon

All Life Is Precious necklace from Ollie Faith Designs

Help the Shpak Family raise funds to bring home Shannon!  They are currently give away an "All Life Is Precious" necklace until August 15th.  Their blog has the details.

Paisley

Here is little miss Paisley.  The Tam family is holding a huge Give Away including an iPad2, a Nikon SLR camera, jewelry, and gift cards.  Please read the details on their blog.

Phoebe

Sample: You will get to choose your doll

This is little Phoebe + sister for the Smith Family.  They are currently conducting an American Girl Give Away here.

Olga

I know that many of you might remember Olga from the original Pure Love Give Away back in February.   The Abell family is still actively working to bring her home.  They are featuring hand-crafted items for their current Give Away.  Details are on their blog.

Liam

This is Liam for the Lucus Family.  Follow their journey here.

Albina

This is Albina.  They too are actively fundraising.  Follow their journey here.

Donna/Autumn

This is Donna (Autumn).  Here family is actively collecting funds through their adoption store and with a puzzle fundraising.  This blog is beautifully written by future sister Ashley.  She is 19 yo and writes beautifully.  Read here.

These little girls are Shawna and Lindsay for the Eubanks family.  This family lives near me!  Read all about their journey here.

Julianna

Follow the Moreno Family's journey here as they work hard to bring little Julianna home.



I know that money is tight. Believe me, I know.  Consider collecting your loose change or giving up that morning latte.  Every little bit counts.  It adds up.  Just think if all of my followers gave up their lattes for a week!  Even if you cannot give, there are other ways to help--repost my blog so that more people can learn about the plight of these orphans, become a prayer warrior through Reece's Rainbow, and pray.




Orphans who need homes:

Sasha

ALREADY TRANSFERRED!!!!!

Tabitha

The Daughter of my Heart!

Ilya

Francine

Finally, Orphans No More.   Updates on families.

Lucy (Melanie) with the Sader Family.

Joshua (Cliff) with the Warner Family.  Thank you to all who donated and prayed for this family this past week.  They are coming home!!!!  All of them :)

Victoria & Francesca with the Ferrone Family.

Carrington

Kirill with the Davis Family.

Yes, We Do Smoke

Why yes, we do smoke.  Well, mostly Andrew smokes.  We smoke for just about any occasion.

Ellie doesn't smoke. . . yet.

Such as this. . .

Oh goodness, that is not me as I already have my man!  That is Michelle's lovely hand with the gorgeous bling.  Whoot whoot!  Congratulations to Rico and Michelle!

Rico & Michelle

Smoking brings people together.

"Teddy" Graham "Cracker" and Ellie Bellie Bear

Oh yes, that is our kitchen.  We made it ourselves.

This is Ana.  She has cool Betsy Johnson earrings.

After all, when you smoke this much brisket and this many ribs, you have to share!

Do you see the amount of meat on those ribs?!?!?!  The key is to buy UNCUT ribs.  Look at that sea of brisket.  Yum!

What?  You didn't think I was talking about cigarettes did you?  This is Texas and I am a health care provider!  Of course, all that red meat should be eaten in moderation or you will clog your arteries.

This is why you should own a pet--they lower your blood pressure.
This is also Michelle.  She is the Sophie-Puppy-Whisperer.

Besides, I need to live forever so that I can be there for Ellie Bear.

That is why it is important to throw in a little fruit and some dessert. You can never go wrong with chocolate.  It is an antioxidant.

As for the cupcakes. . . .

Well, let's see here.  Shall I shove the whole thing in my mouth?

Yes! Yes, I should!

Mmmmm.  This is so good.  What do you mean I am making a mess?

No no Sophie dog.  This is mine!  All Mine.  See?  All gone.

What do you mean by "you need a bath"? 

I do not anticipate us giving up smoking any time soon.  If you are ever in the Austin area, let us know.