Five

I posted this exactly one year ago and thought TODAY is as good a day as any to REPOST it! :)

Four Five Years!

For the past four five years I've been a Mrs. rather than a Miss.

For the past four five years I've been the faithful companion to my Mr.

For the past four five years I've had a best friend, a protector, a provider, a help meet, a love, a man of God. And since the birth of my daughter, he's extended many of those traits to her as well. He's Little Poppet's daddy and that perhaps is the most amazing of his titles.

I've cooked meals and washed his clothes and tidied the house and taken care of him and Little Poppet.

I've listened to him discuss science and politics and music.

I've laughed until my sides hurt and cried until the tears stopped flowing.

Today is just a little reminder of all that it means to be married. It is an accomplishment but not a finish line. One day when one of us hands the other back into the arms of the Father, it will still not be a finish, just an 'I'll wait for you to join me'.

That doesn't mean that we never row or are always thrilled with each other. We love each other even when we don't like each other. We will always be Mr. and Mrs. but sometimes happily ever after is harder to see.

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labour under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9:9)




But every part of Mr. has helped me to be the Mrs. that I am and I do the same for him. The man I fell in love with is still a part of him but he's grown and changed into a man I love and admire all the more. Though I will forever be the young woman he fell in love with, I hope I will be someone that is ever changing enough to stay interesting for him but the same enough to give him confidence that I'm always here for him and with him.

"Love is patient, Love is Kind and is not jealous; Love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
I Corinthians 13: 4-7

I want my husband to know I need him. I want him to know how wonderful I think he is and how much I appreciate all he does for the Little Poppet and me. I want him to know that when he needs it, I forgive him. We all live under grace. The same measure I use with others will be used with me, as the Bible says, and I know I need a fairly big measure!

"But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything."
Ephesians 5: 24

"An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life."
Proverbs 31: 10-12


"Be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behaviour of their wives."
I Peter 3: 1b

Some days this is easier than others. I admit. But I want to keep these things close to my heart and thoughts for those days. Days when I'm frustrated because the house is very untidy and my husband is making it worse. So I plead with him to help me tidy up and his response is, 'it's not that I won't help you tidy, it's just that it's done!'

The days it is easy are the days when he sends me an email telling me work is depressing and he misses me and can't wait to see me. Or when he phones me to ask if I'd like a take away for dinner. Or when he's singing songs with Little Poppet and she's giggling and dancing and imitating Daddy making monkey sounds.

It's these days that I'm proud of the day when I wore this dress and though a day may come when it doesn't fit or moths steal its glory, I will always be my Mr.'s Mrs.!

Be devoted to one another... (Romans 12.10)

Happy 5th Anniversary, the Mr! (<--Click that to visit HIS brand new blog!)

The Christmas Angel Give-Away

This is actually NOT the blogoversary give-away, which I shall be announcing soon.

But you won't want to miss out on this one!

With Christmas just around the corner, and the Reece's Rainbow Christmas Angel Tree in full swing, I want  everyone to put one of the Christmas Baubles on their blogs and to visit the Christmas Angel Tree!

So, the first thing you need to do is grab a bauble and put it on your blog!



Then, you need to click to answer the question below to find out what the prize is and how to enter!

Do You Have a Christmas Bauble on Your Blog?

('yes' or 'no')

And that is it!

Though there is only one winner of this give-away, the real winners will be the Waiting Angels with your help!

*if you don't have a blog, you can still win, just CONTACT ME and I will tell you how you can enter via email!

You're Invited Friday...

Little Poppet and I are over here again today...

Grab This!

Click to Visit The Reece's Rainbow Blog

Please go have a look!

Bikes, Theology &... My Husband's Heart

Back in the days when I was making the Reece's Rainbow FREE Calendar and the Angel Tree Baubles, the Mr. mentioned that he'd like to start a blog. We had decided we'd be Christmas Warriors for two lovely children, Serge and Grace, and he thought he'd like the Christmas Warrior button on his own blog, not just an extra one on mine. He thought rather than be a Guest Blogger on his wife's blog, he should have his own blog.

Of course, I rolled my eyes agreed he had so much he could share on his own blog and since I am so far behind on work I'd love the extra blog to design I would love to design it for him! That was in October I think. So, I designed a logo for him. I used a simple background and made a grab button for him. Then I started to make a menu (but as of yet, the menu is still unfinished).

And there it sat. Ignored. It even had its own domain name but unloved and neglected it sat.

Then, as I was working on some things for Reece's Rainbow I needed a place to try them out and since my other practice blog was busy being made into someone else's blog I used the Mr.'s. At last it was getting some attention. At last it was being used for something important. Ah but only for a brief time.

Then, it sat there again. The minutes turned into hours and the days into weeks.

Then, as I fell further behind on work (thank you MIL for bringing your brother and his dog into our house!) I completely forgot about it. Well, not completely. The Mr. would ask every now and again how things were going and he kept mentioning he needed to finish up that post he was wanting to post. hint.

Well, would you believe, the blog that sat there unattended since the last week in October only took 12 minutes to finish up? I suppose I officially qualify as useless lol!

Anyway, the Mr. has some wonderful things to share and though he won't have time to update as often as I do (if you can really use the word 'often' in the sentence with 'my blog updates'), I would love it if you would go see his blog and maybe even grab the button to put on your own blog.

I can't promise it won't end up a bunch of posts about bikes or theology one day but for now, it is really just a few Reece's Rainbow things and his heart. So, be kind!

Introducing, the Mr.

Christmas Shopping?

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Voice of Hope at Thanksgiving

Dear Parents and Down Syndrome Advocates, Let us give thanks for the opportunity to share our own bountiful blessings with an orphaned child. Let us not forget those children with Down syndrome around the world who don't have a family of their own. Keep in your hearts those who are hidden away in orphanages and mental institutions out of shame and ignorance.  Pray for those who are left behind, the hundreds who die alone and never know the loving arms of a family here on Earth. ***PLEASE SHARE this message with others you know *** Let us celebrate for those who now have a VOICE OF HOPE and the CHANCE FOR A FAMILY! Your gifts of sponsorship for the waiting orphans of the Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry SAVE LIVES REJOICE for those who have found their "forever family"! Home in 2006  (2)Home in 2007  (18) Home in 2008  (36) Home in 2009   (96) Coming home in 2010  (74+ and counting!) *** MONEY is the only thing that stands between each of our waiting children and the loving families who are hoping to adopt them *** Donate for the adoption of a child with Down syndrome through our Christmas Angel Tree Project and throughout the year.  Watch your gift, no matter how small, change the course of an orphan's life! "A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.   God sets the lonely in families."  (Psalms 68:5-6)

Meet the Velander Family

I want to introduce you to the Velander family. They are adopting from Eastern Europe! You can follow their adoption journey on their blog!




I've asked some questions to help you get to know them!

Please, meet the Velander Family!

The Velander Family

Tell me about yourself and your family.

Mike and I have been married for 7 years. I work as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit and Mike works at a Pepsi distributer. We have four children. Austin in 14, Gavin is 6, and we have twins girls Maggie and Molly that are 3. We live in a small town in central Minnesota. Mike grew up in the Minneapolis area and I lived there for 12 years, We decided to move to a smaller town to enjoy a slower pace.

What can you tell me about the little girl you are adopting?
She's a sweet, sweet beautiful 4 year old girl whom is in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. She was due to be sent to the institution but the orphanage agreed to hold her until we can get to her--whoo! hoo!!

Tell me why you decided to adopt a child with special needs?
It all started with the birth of our daughter, Molly whom was born with Down Syndrome. I didn't know how much joy she would bring to our lives and all I can say is that we wanted more. More of the love and joy and what better way than with an orphan!! Through the internet and on line support groups, we found Reece's Rainbow. We didn't even know that something like this even existed. Looking through the RR site, we found our Princess and realized that she was ours.

What would be your advice to anyone wanting to adopt? Be patient. When you "know" it's time, you will "know" and embrace it for all it's worth. We have just begun our journey and we know that there may be bumps in the road but we must ALWAYS "keep our eyes on the prize!!"

Taking this leap of faith has not only been rewarding but requires a lot of time, patience and money. With your love, prayers, and support, we will be able to bring our Princess home where she will get all she deserves--a mommy, daddy, two brothers, two sisters, and two doggies. Love you, Princess!

I hope you noticed their button on the sidebar of my blog and will add them to your blog, as well! Please keep the Velander family in your prayers and if you can help in any way, thank you!
Click on 'Grab This' to add their button to your blog!

To Select a Bauble For Your Blog
CLICK HERE
Don't forget to visit the Angel Tree and if you have a blog, will you put a bauble on it? There are 5 to choose from! And don't forget to get your FREE 2010 'Redemption' Calendar!



Grab This ButtonYou can choose to print yourself, post to your blog or you can order one professionally printed for only the actual cost of printing and posting if you are unable to print it! The cost of the printed calendar is literally just the actual cost and is not a donation towards Reece's Rainbow. To make a donation, please visit Reece's Rainbow.

For other ways to help the children from Reece's Rainbow, please read the How You Can Help page on the RR site! If you are looking for a gift idea for someone, your donation can be your gift !

Are you adopting? If you'd like to be featured on the 'Meet the Families' segment of The Poppies' Blog please CLICK HERE. I'd love to feature your family!

Be sure to keep up with the Reece's Rainbow Blog!



Grab This!

Click to share this family on twitter!

Yes. Yes I Did, Actually

I admit it. I have fallen off the face of the planet.

I am quite far behind on work and as a result, my blog has been neglected. My give-away is still going to happen, as soon as I can!

Please accept my apologies...

More of the Same (Queen)

Ok, here is the full one from this year.

Today's The Day!

I thought in honour of my blog's anniversary I would let you see the Queen's speech from yesterday. I have a give-away to announce tomorrow, just working out the logistics of it.

So, the top video is the Queen's speech on 18 November 2009. Below that I've included another video from 2008 as it is the BBC's news broadcast of it but I thought those of you outside of the UK may find it fun to see all the tradition we still follow here in England.

Enjoy these and check back tomorrow for my anniversary give-away!

God save the Queen...

Not My Husband Monday

   Well, my Not Me Monday post is going to be a little bit different... and yes, I realise there is also a Not My Kid Monday and in one fashion I could do the Not My Kid Monday, but no, mine is a Not My Husband Monday because well, the Mr. never fails to embarass surprise me.

Because in the grand scheme of things our husbands are our protectors and providers (yes, I know in some homes the roles are reversed and that is completely fine, in ours they aren't reversed but perhaps one day...). They look after us, the house, the money and well, apparently the entire neighbourhood.

But it certainly was Not My Husband that, after the loud party our neighbour's kids over the road from us had whilst their parent's were away, decided a day later their back garden gate should be shut so his ladders, which were very visible, would not be nicked. No, and it certainly was Not My Husband that was quizzed by another neighbour the next day thinking the Mr. had been breaking into the other neighbour's said gate.

While we're on the subject, it was Not My Husband that accidentally let it slip to our wonderful neighbours that they had in fact hosted said party whilst they were away. He would never intentionally let it slip because he would never interfere with their relationship with their children. No, not intentionally. Sigh...

And well, this is an entire post in itself, but it certainly was Not My Husband that recently had to go under cover of darkness to put two basins and their pedastals in a skip around the corner from his Mum's house. No, I can't think of any reason good enough to justify this. Do you hear that the Mr.? There really is no reason good enough.

It it most definitely Not My Husband that decided to try some new nappies that were £1 less than the one and only brand that doesn't leak when she only just thinks about having a wee. No, £1 is certainly not a good enough reason to buy some nappies that are so thin the entire pack of 22 fits in a box of tissue. No, I'm sure that pound saved will be a pound saved, not a reason that we will be doing loads more washing and costing us more due to leaks.

And wow, I wasn't sure I'd have much for this post but alas, it is Not My Husband that can be so stingy (yes, I know we need to budget ourselves but erm... did you read that last item?) that he knows the entire inventory of the Pound Shop alphabetically. It also was Not My Husband, again not being stingy, deciding to do a DIY hair cut and not being willing to wait for me to do it tried some old clippers he's had banging around for years. No, and those same said clippers did not break whilst he was clipping near the back of his head. Again, those same clippers breaking did not leave a near bald patch in his hair.

And, no it was Not My Husband that nearly cried about his hair and wore a hat the rest of the night so I wouldn't see it. Have I mentioned his hair looks so nice slightly longer than the usual men's hair cut? He doesn't always agree, hence home hair cut... The next morning it also was Not My Husband who decided to have the barber cut it ALL that length. Let's just say it 'did not make him look 20 years older' or like a local gang member.

Finally, it was Not My Husband who in an urgent situation on a day he didn't think he needed to drive to work (we don't pay London's congestion charge if we don't have a need) seeing his colleague and good friend's bike unlocked decide to borrow his bike in order to get somewhere and back quickly. No, and because he was a little anxious to tell him he'd erm NOT borrowed his really nice, new, expensive (more expensive than any bike he's ever owned himself) bike, decided he wouldn't mention it. Yes, that was a good plan if only it was Not My Husband that then forgot to take HIS OWN bike lock, which he used when using this much coveted and lusted after bike, off the colleague and friend's bike.

Isn't marriage grand? :)

Just so you know, the friend understood and even offered him the use of it if ever in need again. How nice is that? And no, it is Not My Husband phoning me every day since to see if I have anything urgent I need him to get...


Don't forget to visit Reece's Rainbow's Angel Tree. This year give the gift of a FAMILY to a child who's never known the love of a family. There is no shortage of families ready to adopt, just a shortage of funds.

If You Were Thinking of a Holiday in Russia...

Maybe this will help inspire you...

Kirill

Boy, Born May 1, 2006

 

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!

 

Kirill is a very special little boy.  He is being given one chance to find a family.  Placing him can mean the full referrals of many other children with Down syndrome waiting in this far western region of Russia (close to the border with Europe).

Kirill is 3 1/2  years old....his mother was very young when he was born, and she simply was not able to care for him.   The truth is that there is no place for him in this society...she wasn't really given a choice but to give him up.   Kirill is HEALTHY, with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.  He is a very tender and affectionate little boy. 

  

Progress report at 2 years:   He recognizes his caretakers and reacts to them calling his name.  He crawls and walks with assistance and eats from a spoon.  He is doing very very well considering his environment, and will really benefit from early intervention services here with his new family!

  

At 3 1/2, he is walking and climbing everywhere like a very typical little boy! 

 

And look how cute he is in this new photo, with his glasses, he is like a little Reece!  What a blessing, that his orphanage was able to provide him with glasses!  Someone PLEASE save Kirill!

№ 8c2c
Brothers and sisters no
Date of Birth: May 2006
Gender: Male
Eyes: Gray
Hair: brown
Character: Kind, gentle, at 2 years of walks with support.

 

Contact  Andrea for more information

 

Counting Down

Friday the 13th

If ever there was a reason to go visit The Reece's Rainbow Blog, THIS POST is it!





Grab This!

You're Invited Friday...

What do Cookie Monster and Reece's Rainbow have in common?

Well, go find out!

Click to Visit The Reece's Rainbow Blog

Please go have a look!

Side Show Blog

Well, I still don't have the time to do what I've been getting ready to do but just in case you are here and thinking it feels a bit like a circus please know it will be changing.

Yes, I know all the bling can be a bit much and all the flashing lights and spinning things tend to make you a bit dizzy...

So, just know that I am hopeful to have it all finished in time for my blogoversary. Even better if it is in time for the one coming in a few days lol.

Not long now!

I Missed It!

I can't believe I missed it! I was going to have a bloggy give-away for the 100,000 hit on my blog and I thought that would be roughly around the same time I had my blogoversary (blog lingo for anniversary. I feel so 20th century). I just looked at my counter and it is at 103,...

I Missed It!

Ok, I need to think of another reason to have a give-away now! Well, won't take long to think... our Christmas Warrior children need some love (in the form of donations-um and well a family too!) so I'll have a give-away that includes them.

Any suggestions on what the prize should be? (I do have a couple of ideas but let me know what you'd LIKE to see as a give-away)

Is $1 an okay amount for a minimum donation to count as an entry?

Okay, check back for the official announcement this weekend!

I can't believe I missed this!

Please Tell Everyone You Can!

Here are some more photos of Lera, the little girl I mentioned in the previous post. She desperately needs your help! Can you forward her information to everyone in your email list? Can you post this on your blogs? I know some people may obviously NOT be able to adopt but please send to them anyway, they may have friends or family who could!

Here is what Andrea from Reece's Rainbow wrote: She has very little time, hoping someone commits for her this week! The director WILL hold her with a completed application and contract.

The urgency of her situation requires a family who is well within the qualifications to adopt from Russia, and who is financially prepared to move forward immediately. Families with previous Down syndrome experience are preferred. The $5000 grant is available to families for airfare and final agency fees once you have a final court date.

The qualifications again for adopting from St. Petersburg, Russia are:

• 2 trips
• Both parents for first trip, about one week
• Both parents travel for 2nd trip, approximately 14 days (One parent may leave after the court proceedings are finalized, after about 5 days.)
• Total program and travel fees under $25k
• Fee includes a $1000 orphanage donation
• Only one child can be adopted at a time
• Married couples and single mothers may apply

Please keep praying for a family to step forward to adopt Lera and save her from being institutionalised.

CLICK HERE to read about her on Reece's Rainbow 

On a Serious Note

Lera - Born: August 7, 2005

Lera is a gorgeous little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 4 years old. She is quite high functioning, and doing very well. She has flat feet and a systolic heart murmur, but no major heart conditions. She is able to walk and climb, she eats by herself, dances, and understands and follows directions. She has also been transferred to the regular class, so she is living and learning with her typical peers.

Lera lives in Russia and if a family does not commit to her within the next few DAYS, her time will be up. She will be sent to a mental institution where she will then be unadoptable. The rest of her life she will never know the love of a family and the conditions she will exist in are not something any child should be faced with.

All it will take to stop her being put into an institution that doesn't allow adoptions is a commitment. If you were ever considering adopting a little one please don't put it off, commit to Lera now.


The life you save may seem outwardly to be hers, but I can guarantee you that she will save yours, as well!

There's a grant of $5,000 available to the family that adopts her.

Here are the specifications for Russia:

Single Women Can Adopt!
* 2 trips
* Both parents for first trip, about one week
* Both parents travel for 2nd trip, approximately 14 days
(One parent may leave after the court proceedings are finalized, after about 5 days.)
* Total program and travel fees under $25k
* Fee includes a $1000 orphanage donation
* Only one child can be adopted at a time
* Married couples and single mothers may apply

CLICK HERE to read about her on Reece's Rainbow

Cast Party

”What a magic carpet ride it’s been! Time flies when you’re having flán! Happy 40th one and all!”

- Emilio Delgado, “Luis”

“There have been many changes on Sesame Street over the past 40 years except for one—the Muppets™ still crack me up! Some things never change!”

- Sonia Manzano, “Maria”

“Even on day one of Sesame Street, 40 years ago, I felt I was becoming a part of something very special.  However, I never could have imagined how truly important the show would become to so many people around the world.  Including me.”

- Carroll Spinney, “Big Bird” And “Oscar The Grouch”

“How bad can a job be when you get to act like a three year old all day, laugh, sing, create dozens of characters, and feel part of a large, wildly creative (sometimes dysfunctional) family?!!”

- Fran Brill, “Prairie Dawn” And “Zoe”

“Sesame Street is my family away from family. Not only the people that work, there but all the monsters, horses, cows, chickens, penguins and twiddle bugs too.  How cool is that?!!!  I love what I do and I love all the people that help me do what I love.”

- Jerry Nelson, “Count Von Count,” “Herry Monster,” “Fat Blue” and “Sherlock Hemlock”

“When Jim Henson hired me, he asked “if I wanted to be part of his Sesame Street family?”  Since that day I’ve been part of the most colorful, funny, loving and amazing family. I LOVE IT!”

- Carmen Osbahr, “Rosita”

“Sesame Street lives and breathes in me from the time I was a baby.  I sang wildly along with Susan and Bob (Someday Little Children, I still know every word). I listened intently to the voice of Kermit trying to be calm and practical in the absurdist of absurd situations.  And I learned about love, grief, compassion and camaraderie while watching our friends process the loss of the beloved Mr. Hooper.  Becoming a teenager and being a cast member on the show gave me a much needed sense of home.  Now, as a grown woman, with children (teenagers ouch) of my own, my childlike pride and wonderment of the incredible creation, brought to fruition in 1969, that I am still a part of, continues to bring forward the words in me which have never ever ceased throughout my life...Thank you Sesame Street.”

- Alison Bartlett, “Gina”

“Sesame Street has been my home for the past 11 years, and it’s always a place that I have felt safe to take risks, be absolutely ridiculous, and above all, have the time of my life. I can honestly say that it has been the most rewarding and soul-fulfilling job that I have ever had. As an Asian American actor, it has been an amazing honor to be a thread in the multi-cultural fabric that makes up Sesame Street, and it is something that I hold dear to my heart.  It has been an honor to be a part of the legacy that Sesame Street has built. And I also have a great recipe for a birdseed milkshake.”

- Alan Muraoka, “Alan”

”Being “Bob” the music teacher on Sesame Street for 40 years has been a unique opportunity to work with outstanding and creative people, all dedicated to helping young children achieve their maximum potential in life.  Joan Ganz Cooney created the best and largest educational experiment in the world.  It is tremendously gratifying to know that millions of children worldwide have benefited from her ideas and her imagination.  Einstein once said that “Imagination encircles the world”.  Joan’s imagination has done just that, and I feel privileged and honored to have been a small part of her dream.”

- Bob Mcgrath, “Bob”

“Sesame Street is the epitome of children’s television. It has continued to maintain the successful structure that was established in the beginning. Through it’s amazing research department, teaching has been made fun. This, the heart and humor works for children and adults alike, that’s why I’m very honored to be a part of it.”

- Kevin Clash, “Elmo,” “Hoots The Owl,” Co-Executive Producer, Creative Director And Muppet Captain

“Wow, who knew? When I left teaching to hang out with an 8ft yellow bird, my parents

began to pray for me and the show—40 years later, it worked! Sesame Street show changed my life and children’s television.”

- Dr. Loretta Long, “Susan”

This concludes my blog's tribute to Sesame Street Day but not Sesame Street's commitment to bringing education to children through the medium of television and imagination.

It is my sincere hope that you enjoyed the stroll down memory lane with the characters of Sesame Street. Here is one last clip of Cookie Monster, simply because Little Poppet loves him and he's her favourite... 

Happy Birthday to the Street! Could you maybe start pronouncing your 'Z' as Zed like we do? Not too much to ask is it? :)

Google Doodles Wishes Sesame Street a Happy 40th!

Well, I use Google enough lol... here are some of their tribute doodles for Sesame Street's 40th Birthday!

 

 

 

 

The Last Letter of the Alphabet - Z for Zoe!

"Don’t Joke Me!" Zoe

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

All Dirty and Dusty and Dingy

"Go Away!" Oscar

Another Bonus! Just in case you never realised what colour he was under all the dirt!

Happy Birthday to Sesame Street!

What is Love?

"Hello everybodeeeeeeeee! It is I, Grover." Grover

 

Bonus Episode

(Makes me tired lol)

Happy Birthday, Sesame Street!

What, Are You a Professional?

"How can I make music counting??" Telly Monster

Happy Birthday, Sesame Street!