Halloween and Thanksgiving~

I have been wanting to update for some time now, but I really felt like I needed to keep miss Katelyn at the top of my blog while I was fundraising for her. Great news! We exceeded our goal of $1000. So far the angel tree has brought in donations totaling $1188 and there is still a bit more trickling in.

So 2 major holidays have passed since I updated last and another one is just days away. Halloween was fun. When you wait until the day before halloween to buy a costume, you get Winnie the Pooh. I stood in Wal-Mart and had a conversation with myself that went something like this: "Carol, you are not buying you kid a Winnie the Pooh costume." "Why did you wait until the last minute to buy a costume anyway?" "Because I am a professional procrastinator, what else would you expect from me?" I scanned the costumes again and reluctantly decided that Winnie was better than a lady bug LOL. I have to say though, Quinton made quite a cute little Pooh bear, even if the hat made it look like Winnie was eating his head. The pictures are not great the they are definitely indicative of Quinton's opinion of the Pooh costume too. Note to self: DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE HALLOWEEN TO BUY YOUR KIDS HALLOWEEN COSTUME!

We did venture out to go trick or treating, but every time we went to a house, we were invited in, so we only made it to about 4 houses before it was time to go home.

I talked Brian into Brian and I were very excited to take Quinton to the local pumpkin farm. It turns out that Quinton was a little too young to enjoy the experience and it was freezing, but we got some cute pictures including one with him sitting on a pumpkin :)

This slide was always my favorite part of the pumpkin farm. I don't think Quinton agrees LOL ;)

Thanksgiving was awesome because what better to be thankful for than little Quinton himself? Last year we officially started our adoption the day after Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe that a year later, he is here with us-safe and loved like crazy. Last year Quinton was an ornament on our Christmas tree. This year we don't need any presents under the tree because we have the greatest gift of all-our little Q-ball :) Back to Thanksgiving. I had the privilege of meeting another Reece's Rainbow family that lives in the area and of course the food and time with family was priceless. I made Quinton a shirt that says my first turkey day, but he didn't care for the pictures (again). He did however LOVE pureed Thanksgiving food. I have never seen him so excited to eat from a spoon! That in itself is a major accomplishment.

 This is the leave me alone and let me go play with my toys look LOL

And because I can't leave you with a picture where my little guy is not smiling, here is a picture taken by my wonderful photographer, Alisa of Pumpkins and Pearls photography!

So, that is 2 holidays down and one to go. Christmas is just 2 days away and I can't wait to celebrate with my sweet baby boy. We hope you all have an incredible Christmas!

Winners, Winners, Winners!

There were 21 bidders in Katelyn's auction. Each person who bid was assigned a number and entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card to Target. The winner was chosen using random.org

Leah-1
Sharon-2
Katy A-3
Melissa-4
Joyce S-5
Debbie-6
Megan-7
Stephanie-8
Andrea-9
Rebecca-10
Lisa-11
Alicia-12
Laurie-13
Christina-14
Elizabeth-15
Carol-16
Beth-17
Michelle-18
Sydney-19
Kihm_mary-20
Katy B-21

The winner was #21 Katy Bastow! I will post the picture from random.org when I get home.

On to the winners of auction items:

DS awareness bracelet-Katy A($25)
Birdhouse-Joyce S ($23)
tutu-Debbie ($20)
Romper-Stephanie ($22)
Rose clip-Joyce ($7)
blue headband-Joyce ($8)
leg warmers-Lisa ($10)
elephant bows ($10)
bibs-Sharon($20)
Baby carrier-Rebecca ($22)
owl hat-Laurie ($15)
Reesee Tree-Rebecca ($15)
corn hole-Laurie ($90)
keychain-Christina ($6)
Necklace-Michelle ($5)
photo Christmas tree-Michelle ($25)
Mother Goose book-Katy B ($8)
scarf-Sharon ($50)

That is a grand total of $368 which means that we have met miss Katelyn's goal!!! Thank you to everyone who participated, prayed, and shared!

To pay for the items you won, please use the donation box at the top right hand side of my blog. Email me at millerdec804 at yahoo dot com (or I will email you if I have your email address) with a mailing address so I can ship out your prizes. Some prizes will be shipped directly from the donator and I can put you in touch with them. I am sure I have forgotten something, so if you have any questions, either email me or leave them in the comment box here. Thanks again. You guys are awesome!!!

Online Auction to Benefit Katelyn-How it works

Our goal as Christmas warriors is to raise the grant of our Reece's Rainbow Christmas angel by $1000. I can hardly believe it, but Katelyn's grant is at $667 plus another $110 that has not been added yet. That means we are only need to raise $223 with this auction. Please take a look at it and place a bid if you see something you like. Every bidder, whether you win or not will be entered for a chance to win a $20 gift card to Target :)

Here's how it works:

• Every item is listed as a separate post so that you can place your bid by typing it into the comment box
• Make sure you either leave me your name and email so that I can contact you if you win :)
• Winning bidders can pay for their items by making a donation to Katelyn's grant. The link to her account is in the top right-hand side of my blog. It is a box that says Katelyn's Adoption Grant
• Make sure to check out the older posts as there are several items up for bid that will not all show up on one page.
• Auction ends Monday 12/19 at 10 pm EST!

Raising Katelyn's grant will greatly improve her chances of having a forever family step forward to adopt her, as financial constraints are the number one reason that children are not adoption. She looks so frightened in this picture, but beneath that look of fright is a beautiful little girl who would be a priceless addition to someone's family. Please keep Katelyn in your prayers and thank you for helping make a difference in her precious little life!

Down Syndrome Awareness Bracelet

This bracelet was made and donated by my mom. It is adorned with blue and yellow beads in honor of all of our special kiddos with down syndrome and her first grandchild Quinton.

starting bid: $5

hand painted decorative birdhouse

This birdhouse was hand painted and donated by my aunt :)

Custom Sewn Tutu in your choice of color :)

Erika has donated a beautiful custom tutu for girls size NB to 6T and you get to choose the color. Choose from shocking pink, lavender, white, dark purple, light blue, black, very it yellow, it pink, mint, and orange. 

Retail Value: $25-$50 depending on the size

This Item is custom so needs to be made from measurements! :) 

Starting bid: $15

Hot pink romper with flower brooch

Hot pink Romper With Silk flower brooch and headband! NB-4t....... NB can be strapless or have a lace strap. 6-1yr can be strapless or have a lace strap. Larger sizes strapless or ribbon strap! retail $28.99 (other stores selling similar less valued item sell them for way more) Generously donated by Erika! Check out her etsy store at www.http://izzysgma.etsy.com 

Retail Value: $28.99
Starting bid: $15

Vintage Inspired Rose Silk Flower with feather hair clip

This vintage inspired rose silk flower with feather hair clip (on alligator clip, medium in size) would be so cute for a little girl :) It was generously donated by Erika as well as several other items in this auction!

Retail Value: $15
Starting bid: $5

Cinderella inspired Silk flower headband

How cute! This headband will fit a baby girl age NB-6 months.

Retail Value: $12
Starting bid: $4

2 pair of Argyle Leg Warmers (12 inches long)

Aren't these cute? They were donated by Erika. Check out her Etsy shop at


www.etsy.com/shop/izzysgma

Retail Value: $8/pair
Starting bid: $5

pink elephant hair clips

These adorable hair clips are also donated by Andrea Greene. Thank you Andrea!

starting bid: $4

set of 5 baby bibs with animal appliques

This is another beautiful donation by Andrea Greene. Aren't they cute?

Starting bid: $10

handmade ring sling baby carrier

I am so excited about this one! Andrea Kellie Greene has a fantastic etsy shop (which I will post as soon as I get the link) full of adorable baby items and she has graciously offered to donated a ring sling baby carrier in the winners choice of fabric!

retail value: $30


starting bid: $20

adorable child's owl hat

This hat was generously donated by Handiwork for Lily. Isn't it adorable? The winner of this item contacts Sarah for details on how to get yours. Hats can be made in an infant or child's size of your choice. Note-this item is made to order and will not be guaranteed to be delivered by Christmas, but it is beautiful and work the wait!

Starting bid $7

Reesee Cup Christmas tree

This yummy Christmas tree is made of Reesee cups and would make a fantastic centerpiece on your table.

Value-$25 (takes 4 bags of Reecee Cups!)
starting bid-$10

Set of cornhole boards (local only-Charlotte, NC or surrounding area)

These cornhole boards are made by my brother and include a set of 6 beanbags. Winner can choose a sports logo to have added if they would like. Sorry-due to shipping costs, this item is only available to locals in Charlotte and the surrounding area.

Value $125

Starting bid $50

custom photo keychain

The winner of this item sends me a digital image of their choice to insert into the keychain. Keychain pictures can be made in color or black and white. They make great stocking stuffers!

Value-$8
Starting bid-$5

custom photo nceklace

Winner of this item sends me a digital image of their choice to be inserted into this bottle cap necklace. I can make the photos color or black and white. They make fantastic stocking stuffers!

Value-$12

Starting bid-$5

Sparkling Christmas tree with photos

This Christmas tree is absolutely beautiful! It is sparkly and silver and holds 7 dual sided photos. The winner may choose to send me images of pictures they would like inserted in the frames, or just receive it as is and insert your own photos. I have re-sizing software that I can use to shrink photos that would normally not fit in the 2.25 inch frames. I have on that I am filling with pictures of the Reece's Rainbow babies that I am praying for. I can't wait to pull it out next year and see how many of them have found families.

Value: $20 w/o pictures
Starting bid: $15

hand sewn mother goose nursery rhyme book

My grandmother made this beautiful nursery rhyme book. It is perfect for babies and toddlers-colorful and soft.

Starting bid: $5

Handwoven purple scarf

The picture of this scarf does not do it justice. It is handwoven chenille and rayon, soft, and warm, with multiple shades of purple. I would love to keep this one for myself. This scarf retails at $40

Starting bid: $10

Introducing...Katelyn

About this time last year, we were blessed to find our son, Quinton. Fast forward one year and he is home safe and sound with a mommy and daddy who love him like crazy. While we could not be happier with our new addition, when we left Ukraine, we left a piece of our hearts. My heart aches daily for the orphans we had to leave behind. I made a promise to myself that I would continue to raise awareness for these orphans and to help find families for them. So here goes...

Katelyn is a 5 year old sweetie with down syndrome. She did not celebrate her birthday this year with presents, cake, and ice cream. When she turned 5 she got a one way ticket to an adult mental institution where she will remain until she dies. I know that this could not be God's plan for this little girl, though. If we find her a family, we can change her fate. People tell Brian and I that we are angels for rescuing Quinton, but the truth is that he has given us far more than we could ever give him. He has given me an unspeakable joy and has filled a void in my life that I was not sure would ever go away. I just know that tiny miss Katelyn could do the same for another family.

Are you Katelyn's family? Would you be willing to fund raise and advocate for her? This year, we are Katelyn's Christmas warriors for the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree. Our goal is to raise $1000 for her to help offset the cost of her future forever family. All donations made are tax deductible. The money is held in an account until a family who steps forward to commit to her are ready to travel to go get her. In order to reach our goal, I will be hosting a few fundraisers in the coming weeks. If you would like to donate her account, for every $35 you donate, you will receive a beautiful ornament with Katelyn's picture on it and a custom photo necklace or keychain made by me. Just email me at millerdec804 at yahoo dot com letting me know you donated. Send me a digital image of the picture you would like in your gift and whether you would like a necklace or keychain. Please also send me your mailing address so that I can send it to you. Donations can be made by using the box in the top right hand side of the blog labeled Katelyn's Adoption Grant.  Look for future posts with fundraising details to come soon. Thank you for your help and support, from the bottom of my heart.


These are some samples of the photo jewelry that I am giving as thank you gifts for donating to Katelyn's grant. These make great stocking stuffers and gifts for family members for Christmas. Yours can be made with any picture you would like. These pictures were taken on my iphone. They are much more colorful and clear than they appear in the pictures. Recommended donation is $8 for keychains and $12 for necklaces.

This is Cora Lynne. She is facing imminent institutionalization if she does not get adopted soon. I would love to see a smile on her sweet face.

This is baby Keegan. He is the only Reece's Rainbow baby left at the orphanage that Quinton live at. In 2011, 7 children with Down Syndrome were rescued from this orphanage. I would love to see Keegan out of there and with a family too!

This is tiny sweet Katelyn. She has already been transferred to an institution. This is the little girl who will benefit from your tax deductible donations. Please consider donating so that a family will step forward for her! Or even better, perhaps you would like to adopt her. Bring her home so that I can love on her too!

And last but not least, this is my sweet baby Quinton. From Ukraine to Concord, NC in 2011. 

I pray everyday for Katelyn's picture to show up on the my family found me page...will you join me in prayer, please?

News From the Cardiologist

When we first committed to adopt Quinton, we knew that he had a heart condition called an open oval window. After having him checked by his pediatrician, he was referred to the pediatric cardiologist. Both the pediatrician and the cardiologist said that Quinton's heart murmur was very faint and thought to be very "innocent" and something he would likely outgrow. Quinton had an EKG done and even after the results of that came back, the cardiologist still believed that his heart was healthy. There were no signs of hypertension or arrhythmia. He sent us into the next room to have an ultrasound done to confirm that the murmur was indeed innocent. Quinton was a champ through the entire 20 minute ultrasound (his daddy might just tell you otherwise though-Quinton may have peed on his leg LOL). We went back to the office so that the dr. could review the ultrasound pics. When he came back in, he had a diagram in his hand and I knew that the murmur was not so innocent. Surprisingly, Quinton does have what is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). The hole in his heart is about 4mm and will most likely require surgery. The ultrasounds showed that one side of Quinton's heart is enlarged. There is too much blood flow due to the hole, so one side is having to work much harder than the other. The good news is that the defect is in a good place and the surgeon will likely be able to repair it through a procedure called a heart catheterization. Instead of having to cut his chest open as they would in open heart surgery, they will go up through an artery in his leg and follow it up to his heart and repair the hole that way. This is a one day surgery and if all goes well, will only require a one night stay in the hospital. We will go back to the cardiologist in January of 2013. At this time the hole is not affecting his oxygen or energy, so the doctor would like to give the hole every chance to close on its own. So, for now we are in the clear and will revisit surgery when Quinton is closer to 3 years old. This is definitely not the news we were hoping for, but we are very thankful that open heart surgery is not in the future for our little guy.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS:
While I hopefully have your attention, our family is going to be fundraising for another sweet orphan who is listed on Reece's Rainbow  (the same organization that helped us find Quinton). Her name is Katelyn. She is 5 years old and has down syndrome. Unfortunately, she has already been transferred to an adult mental institution. Her time is running out. At these institutions, an unthinkable amount of people die within a year because they are left in their cribs, oftentimes with no one to feed them or change their diapers. They lay all day-head banging and repeatedly hitting themselves. Katelyn lays there alone without a mommy and daddy and it breaks my heart. She is so tiny and so sweet. I just know that if we raise enough money, an adoptive family will step forward to be hers. The Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree lasts from November 1st to December 31st. During this time we will be working diligently to raise Katelyn's grant by $1000. This is where you come in. Maybe you are not in a position to adopt, but you can still help. I would like to host a satellite bake sale during the month of November. Would you be willing to host a bake sale in your area and donate the proceeds to Katelyn's grant? It is super easy. Just talk to your network of friends and host a bake sale at your work, church, girl/boy scout troop etc. and deposit what you make into Katelyn's fund. As a small incentive,  I will offer 10 free entries to my advent giveaway coming in December (also benefiting Katelyn). I will also send you a batch of homemade goodies and if you donate at least $35 you will receive a beautiful ornament with Katelyn's picture on it. I know that I have some very dedicated readers who have just as much of a love for Quinton as we do, so would you please consider helping me raise money for Katelyn so that she can find a family and bless the socks off of another family as Quinton has blessed us? If so, please  email me at millerdec804 at yahoo dot com or comment below. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Playing before seeing the doctor. 

I will leave you with a few pictures of Quinton at the cardiologist. You can see what he thought about being hooked up to all of those wires ;)