Ellie Update

Haven't posted more than a few random things about either Ellie or Josh as a of late and I want to make sure I capture the things they were doing when they were __ (fill in whatever the age).

Ellie's speech is beginning to improve ... a little. Not enough for me to be excited about. I sent an email request to the local college's speech program but have not heard back. I need to follow up with a phone call. We get insurance again on December 1 and at that time we are going to schedule a hearing consult to rule that out. Clear as a bell the other night she stood up in her crib and yelled across the hall, "MOMMY". That was a new thing. She is calling me mommy and Kevin daddy and she says it very frequently now. Tonight, while we were celebrating Kevin's birthday (early), we tried to teach her the Happy Birthday song and she was able to say "Happy" and "Daddy". Birthday was just mushy, but she tried. She says things very randomly, and as her mom I know what she's saying but no one else would. She doesn't really seem to want to call Josh "Bubba" but instead tries to say "Joshua" with pretty good successs. I've been trying to work on "up" "down" and "open" quite a bit lately and while I know what she's trying t communicate, it's not coming through well. She has learned and uses the word "OP!!" frequently, meaning "Stop!". It's been quite an interesting experience and I can't wait to get the results from a hearing test. Then we can move forward in attempting to get a referral to the speech therapist. I know it's early, but I say the earlier the better. There is no sense in her being any further behind just because of her age.

She continues to test her bounds on a daily basis and has gotten really good at ignoring us when she wants to and doing what she wants. She is certainly a strong willed little girl. What served her well during her time in the orphanage is not serving her well now. She can take a room apart in seconds just by picking up and dropping. She's taken to dropping things quite loudly or throwing them now -- doesn't matter what it is. I'm finding she has to be physically removed from a situation a lot because she just won't leave if you say no. She has a predication to screaming at the top of her lungs as if were were killing her when we try to put clothes on her. What's up with that???? You never know if it's going to be a fight or just fun and giggles when you put her clothes on. Same with the carseat. She HATES being put in it -- and not for the reason you might think. She wants to get in the front seat and play with all the buttons and "drive". I've tried explaining early on in the process that we are leaving, where we are going and that she is going to need to get in her car seat and she will not be able to drive this time. Still no good. So, if you see us out and it sounds like we are killing her we are not; we are simply strapping her into her carseat.

She continues to love the cats and dog and will go to the door with me and "call" them by making kissy noises and saying, "Cat". If she thinks they want to go out, she comes to get me so I will let them out.

She loves to watch "Dora", "Barney", "Elmo" and her Bible series DVDs. She loves to dance along with anyone who is playing music or singing.

After thinking we might be ready to take on some potty action, we have decided it isn't time for her yet. She is very interested in pushing the music buttons on the seat and taking it apart and running through the house with it, but not ready yet for potty action.

She was doing very well with her night time and nap time rituals until lately. We had broken the routine of someone sitting in the room with her and she was sleeping through the night with no wake-ups. I'm not sure if her cold/allergy-like symptoms are the cause but she has started waking up screaming a few times in the middle of the night again -- much like night terrors, honestly. After a period of time, she'll settle down and take her bottle and go back to sleep. Today at nap time, she only slept for 30 minutes before waking up screaming. All very odd and hopefully will pass quickly. She loves her "Mona Monkey" (a build a bear creation) that sleeps in the bed with her. We kiss Mona every night and have Mona rub Ellie's face for a little while. It's funny that she never wants Mona outside of the crib.

She continues to astound us in the gross motor skills department. She loves to color (herself, the furniture, paper) and write. She has begun to play with the Little People sets we have for her. She climbs constantly -- up on chairs, onto tables, into any nook or cranny she can find. She is going to certainly be a gymnast!! She also loves to help clean-up anything (good thing, considering ...). Today she helped me unload the dishwasher, stood on a chair to help me "wash" the dishes (we made a bigger mess than we washed dishes, but a girl has to learn sometime!!), and helped me pick up her Little People toys when she accidentally dumped them all on the floor.

We've started making a big deal out of praying at dinner to teach her. She will close her eyes for just a wee bit. Usually she has them opened and is eating before we are done, but as soon as someone says "Amen", she starts to clap. It's sweet! She's fascinated with watching the process at this point.

She is still fascinated with "shoos" (shoes) of all kinds. Her (multiple) pairs of shoes are kept in a drawer low enough for her to reach and she has begun to enjoy looking through them, picking out a pair and wanting me to put them on. Of course, it doesn't matter if they match what she is wearing (or even each other for that matter), she just likes them on her feet.

She has definitely hit a recent growth spurt in her height as the 6 and 9 month sleepers that were fitting her just a few weeks ago will no longer fit her length. She is finally comfortably in 12 month clothes and I suspect she will hit 18 months pretty soon. I think she might eventually end up pretty much on target for her age.

That's pretty much it for Ellie's update -- we'll call it her 20 month update as she will be 20 months in about a week and a half. Look forward to a Joshua update in the next little bit as he will soon be celebrating his 12 year old birthday!!

Let's Say Thanks

One of the fun things I enjoy doing every year is to send a thank you card through Xerox's "Let's Say Thanks" holiday promotion. You visit their site, choose a postcard you like, enter your first name and city and a message and they will print the postcard and send it to a serviceman or woman.

Last year, I remember sending a "Muscle Car" post card. This year, I sent this one because I thought I'd get a kick out of it if I were to get it! It was drawn by 10 year-old Brianna in Jacksonville, NC. I think I enjoy looking at the pictures the kids drew more than anything.

Go there, pick your own, send your appreciation -- it takes only SECONDS and imagine the thrill these folks get from getting these cards. Send one from each person in your house. Kindness ---> pass it on.

FREE PHOTO CHRISTMAS CARDS

I think I've emailed a lot of you about this deal, but I just got my FREE (yes, absolutely free) Christmas cards delivered by FedEx today and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!

Click this link and you will go to a website called Freebies 4 Mom. You'll see the link to click. You can download software and design your own photo Christmas cards (4x8) and use the promo code: freebies4mom-1109 when you check out and you will get 50 cards, envelopes and shipping for free. I ordered mine Tuesday, November 17 and got them TODAY (two days, people -- really???). They are cute, cute too. I think I like them more because they are free.

The deal ONLY RUNS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30 (it has changed several times between November 21 and November 30, so go ahead and get it in as soon as possible) so GET ON THE BALL and get yours done. We chose to forego a holiday dress theme this year and just went with pictures I liked of the two of them. I was able to squeeze 5 pix on without it looking too gaudy. (My back is hurting now or I'd go downstairs and scan one for you to see). I figure if people what to see holiday pictures of them -- check the blog. *smile*

An added bonus: if you are new to SeeHear.com (a Fuji company), you'll get 100 free prints when you sign up so you can use those for another order. Double bonus!!

I'll warn you that sometimes the site is really busy and you might not get it to load. Just wait a bit and try back later.

Thankful: November 17, 18 and 19th!!

Ok, so I've not felt very thankful the last few days because I've felt so funky. Just when I get my energy back and I'm ready to tear the house down -- wait, Ellie's already done that, I meant: put the house back together -- I am felled with a staggering loss of energy, headache and often a coughing spell. My back is also hurting terribly. SO... there, I'm a whiner and I'm allowed to because I don't feel well.

BUT.... even in my really stinky bad mood, I've tried to think about things that I am thankful for that I might miss because they just aren't "big enough" -- the little things that I occasionally stop and say, "Thank you God for ...." So, here's just a short list of things I am thankful for and that will comprise my Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday thankful post.

• Heat and air -- after having been in K'stan, this is such a blessing and we just don't appreciate it enough. Try to remember that when you complain about the bill -- it could be worse, you could not have it at all.
• Electricity - along with the heat and air, I am SO glad that electricity was invented to power all the things that make our lives more convenient. Yes, I'm spoiled and I'm certainly sure of it, but I am thankful for electricity.
• The staff and volunteers at my church - I am usually remiss about thanking the folks that make our church run as well as it does. I know that the amount and level of commitment each of these people put forth is incredible and they are either a) overlooked or b) criticized. I want them, and their spouses, to know how very, very much I appreciate all they d0. Clap, clap, clap!!!
• Ice - I like my drinks to have ice. Again, in K'stan, there was no ice to be found (well, other than at the Metro) and I was beside myself. It was hot and I wanted some ice.
• The sun and the moon -- I love pretty much everything God created, but I am fascinated by the sun and all its functions and the moon and its function. I'm happy they are there. I am currently re-reading the Left Behind Series and there will come a day, foretold in Revelation, when the moon will turn to blood, followed by a time when the moon and the sun loose 1/3 of their power. I can't imagine what those days will be like.
• Flannel sheets - I love, love, love flannel sheets -- even in the summer (unless it's really hot). There is nothing more comfy than flannel sheets.
• Cameras - Imagine life without cameras???? All my memories are caught with a camera. I am able to flip by through some of the most precious moments of my life and see them in details that I might have missed during the actual event.
• Clean water - We are so fortunate to live in a country where the vast majority of our tap water is drinkable. So many others are no so fortunate.
• Books and bookstores - I love the smell of walking into a bookstore. I hope heaven has a bookstore. *smile* I have piles of books sitting everywhere that I want to read. I try to read a wee bit each day, capturing time in sparse snatches whenever I can. I am so appreciative of books that I cannot read a book with the dustcover on it, cannot bend pages and don't want anyone to write in a book in my presence (other than workbooks or my Bible and then it's ok).

So, there is a spattering of things I am thankful for. I'll try to continue hitting the highlights as the month goes on, but from here on out it gets crazy with Josh spending the night at his friend's tomorrow night for his friend's birthday; followed by Josh's birthday on Saturday, a basketball game; taking his friends out to eat and bringing them home for intense movie and game time and spending the night; Kevin's birthday on Sunday; catch up on work; create a football memory book for the team and get it ordered; kids being out of school after Tuesday, clean the house really well for Thanksgiving and begin thinking about the menu for Thanksgiving for 10 -- small compared to the last family Thankgiving which was 18!!; and hopefully, heading out on Black Friday with "the girls" to scout out any deals. And then.... duh, duh, duh -- decorating for Christmas. Anyone tired but me?? *smile*

Take time to be thankful -- even if you are in a funky mood.

Josh-isms

My friend Susan said I had to post this so I could remember it in years to come (she knows the memory malady I suffer from) and rub it in to Josh's wife and kids.

So, here goes: tonight we were on our way to take Josh's friend Braiden home. He and Ellie were in the back seat just minding their business. Josh was doing homework in the front and I was (surprise) talking on the phone to my mom.

Out of the blue, Josh yells to Ellie to, "STOP IT, ELLIE" and jerks around in his seat. I put the phone down and ask what she was doing to him and he replies .... "She is breathing too loud." UGH. She's congested, PUH LEASE!!! Now, my mom was on the phone and heard the reaming I gave him (and promptly told me I should talk nicer to him *smile*). Braiden even commented, "What do you want her to do?" Josh said, "STOP". Braiden's reponse was classic, "Breathing??"

Alas. He has lost computer time for an undetermined amount of time for his continued hateful attitude toward others. . I hear it will only get worse. We need to have some serious conversations about the fruits of the spirit. Of course, I will have to pluck the plank out of my eye so I can see the thorn in his. Lord, either prop me up with 2x4s or forgive me if I just give up now.

$135 away from Pie!!

STOKED!!! Just when I was telling Kevin tonight that we probably wouldn't make our $500 goal for the kids and that we'd need to start earlier next year, I should have known to put more faith in God. I just checked John's blog where he is keeping the tallies on the Christmas Challenge for the kids in Central Asia and my "pie" total is up to $265. I have $100 from various others that I have collected that is ready to donate the first part of next week (I'm waiting until the last minute to get in all the funds from others who are giving it to me over the weekend), so.... I'm SERIOUSLY thinking that there are going to be some PIES FLYING at Thanksgiving.

John has extended the deadline because he wanted folks to be able to get their pies in the face at Thanksgiving -- well, that works well for me because my sweet nieces will be here and I know that they would LOVE to help Josh with the pie in the face project -- especially since their family was one of the contributors !!!

Stay tuned Constant Readers: there will be photos.

I cannot express my gratitude to all who have given. Many I know, others I don't. You know, God knows, and the [hopefully 100] children will know and that is really all that matters. Blessings and to God be the glory!! Oh, and today's total indicates 1026 children have been funded for Christmas this year. People -- that's serious. Thank God when you pray!!!

If you want to see a video of Jengish, the first person to get a pie in the face, there is a really fun video here. Jengish lives in Kyrgyzstan and the video is TRUE Kygyzstan; it took me right back. The "pie" is actually a tort. I'm not sure they have pies there. They do have some really fancy cakes, however. Sugar is not the staple there that it is here. Probably not a bad thing. Anyway, I'm thinking if I have a video it won't be quite so fancy, but his did set the bar high.

Thankful: November 17

Always a day behind, I'm now posting yesterday's thankful post.

I am thankful that I have a husband to take care of me when I am sick. I started feeling yucky on Friday and it has continued to progress until yesterday I was so sick that I literally could not get out of the bed. I think, it's probably pneumonia again. I get it every so often. Fever, headache, cough, congestion in my chest, extreme fatigue -- the works. Fortunately, my doctor is a high school friend and Kevin called and got some sample meds for me. He met her hubby last night and picked them up for me. I'd like to say I'm 100% better today, but not so much. In fact, I see a nap in my very near future.

But, I am so thankful that Kevin took it upon himself to call his office (even with a new job) and say that his wife was too sick and he couldn't leave and asked if he could review files and write reports from home so that I could sleep and someone would be able to watch Ellie. He also took care of giving me medicine and cooking food for all of us so that I could stay in the bed the whole day. I honestly don't know what I would have done without him yesterday.

He is such a good husband.

Thankful: November 16

I am thankful that I was blessed to be able to spend almost thirteen years with my good friend, Duke, the cat.

Today, we had to put him to sleep.

It has only been two weeks since we had to euthanize our dear dog Sunshine, so this was adding insult to injury.

Duke had been roaming a lot lately and staying out for several days before we'd see him. This had been going on for about six months. Finally, this time, he'd been gone longer than usual and on Friday evening, Kevin found him hidden up in his shop/storage barn. He wasn't locked in, just hiding. When we picked him up, he was nothing but skin over bones. It was obviously he had lost a lot of weight. Not wanting an emergency charge, we decided to wait through the weekend before taking him to the vet. Kevin and I both prepared ourselves that this might be the end for sweet Duke. We gave him treats throughout the weekend and loved on him a lot. I noticed that his tail "wasn't working" and that he was getting in and out of the litterbox a lot -- never a good sign for a cat.

Our dear friend, David, the vet, told me that I could spend a lot of money on tests, but that a weight loss this significant (he was down to FIVE POUNDS) and a tail that was paralyzed were not things that were going to 1) be fixable or 2) be easily fixable or not be a high maintenance activity. I would have done it for him -- those who know me know I would -- but the vet said it was just Duke's time.

He gave him a sedative and I was able to hold his sweet, small body in my arms, feeling his heart beat and hearing him sigh as he drifted off to sweet rest. As I did, I thought that this must be a wonderful way to go and that when it's my time, I would certainly want to be held as I drifted off. I certainly feel that I will be held by the King of Kings and my Heavenly Father when it's my time to go and he will feel my heart beat and hear my sighs and I leave this world and go to the next. It was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.

We buried Duke under the evergreen tree where he loved to lay and watch the birds and squirrels. As was tradition with all the animals that leave us, we took a snip of hair and whiskers and put them in a baggy to keep. When I come across them on occasion, I am able to fondly remember the sweet animals that each little tuft came from. Some may think this is weird, but honestly, it's a sweet comfort to me.

Duke was such a good cat through the years. He truly was Kevin's cat and loved Kevin more than any of us. He was a serious hunter cat, bringing us home mice, moles, birds and other wildlife on a regular basis. He was a lovey, lovey cat too and loved to sit on your lap and "make biscuits" with his paws.

I remember when I was just a month or two pregnant, back in March 1997, I found both Duke and Dutchess in a drainage ditch on a rainy day on my way to work. It took me forever to get them out of the ditch, and having no where to take them, I took them to work with me that day. Everyone at work had a blast playing with them -- they were just small black furballs. We tried to find their home, but no one (surprise!!) claimed them, so they, along with Punch and Judi, became ours.

The passage of so many of our friends this year, along with so many other things, has made 2009 a year I'm ready to leave behind. However, I wouldn't trade the years I've had with all of these sweet, sweet friends, for the pain I feel when I have to let them go.

Thank you, Duke, for being such a dear friend!

Duke Latham

January 1997 - November 16, 2009

a dear friend

Photos to follow as soon as I can get them scanned in. I've been quite sick the last several days and I just don't quite feel like it right now.

Thankful: November 15

I am thankful that Joshua's football team had such a successful year, that no one got seriously injured this year and that he had coaches that are good influences and positive role models.

This weekend their team played in a bowl game: the Ralph Spangler Bowl and came in first place. Josh had a sack in this game -- way to go, Josh. I'd be remiss, however, to not mention the block in the back call too. *sigh* Their team won 40-15. Here is the photo of the entire team after winning.




It was a good year and I'm especially thankful for all the friends we've made on this team. Stay tuned next year for what one of the Coaches are calling the "Revenge Tour 2010" where our boys make one last attempt to garner another Super Bowl ring.

Caleb, Ellie, Josh, Mickey and Scott celebrating with the trophy after the game.

I thought this was sweet -- Ellie was trying to "clean up".

And a few of Ellie at the ball field:

She doesn't care of her skirt is crooked, she just toddles along!

I liked this picture of her at the bleachers.

I'd like to say we don't see this often, but, alas, we do -- she's high maintenance when she doesn't get her way -- which, according to her, is apparently a lot.

These were of her on the next day before we left. She was in a much better mood on Sunday. Might have been due to snacks ... Girl LOVES her some snacks.

Thankful: November 14

I am thankful that my children will get Christmas presents this year. Do you have children? Will they get a present? I was just over at John's blog (the one who is raising the money for the kids in Central Asia to get Christmas). I want you to read this and see if it strikes you like it did me:

... you see when this next week is over, and the challenge is done... we need to sit down and decide... who is NOT getting anything for Christmas this year.....

Sweet, sweet blog readers and Facebook readers of mine have come through with $140 so far, which will fund 28 kids. Mine and Kevin's goal is to raise enough funds to cover 100 kids. The challenge is OVER on November 23 -- next Monday -- ONE WEEK LEFT. John's team wants to fund 2000 kids for Christmas. So far, with all the challenges, there are 665 kids funded. I certainly wouldn't want to have to make the decision about who does not get Christmas.

These are the conditions found in Kyrgyzstan (click on the photo below to see the larger version). This is not a staged photo. It is real. Kids scrounge here for food. Can you spare $5 to give them hope? Thank you SO MUCH for those who already have given!! This is not about me, about Kevin, Ellie or Josh. This is truly not about PIE (although it's a way to make it a bit more fun). This is about children who need hope who need to know that someone loves and cares about them. This is about sharing the love of Jesus.

Feel free to email me if you'd like more information: mblatham@charter.net.

Thankful: November 13

I am thankful for the men and women who serve in our military and who have in the past.

I know I missed Veteran's Day with this post, but I can be thankful any day for these men and women who sacrifice so much in their lives protecting our country and our freedom. My dad was in the Army. My birthfather was in the Army and served several tours in Vietnam. Both my brothers-in-law are in the military: one in the Army (retired) and one in the Air Force (currently serving a year overseas). My sister-in-law is in the Air Force (her husband is the one currently overseas). My nephew is currently in the Navy. The military is not something foreign to me. I've seen the effects that serving in the military can have on lives.

We should all be very, very, very thankful to each of these people who are willing to risk their lives so that we can be in a country that is free. We should all pray that it remains that way.

Thankful: November 12

I am thankful for John Wright and his family: his wife Julie and his daughters Becca and Emma. He is a Canadian missionary to Kyrgyzstan who I think is probably the closest thing to a "true" Christian I've ever met. His heart must be exactly like Jesus' heart because he has given his life to help the less fortunate in Kyrgyzstan. He spends several months a year in the country and then comes back home and raises funds to help them and to return in a few more months. And while he's home, he's not just hanging out at the pizza parlor, he's finding ways to continue helping those still there.

This is John last year at Christmas -- taking a pie in the face for the kids after raising money for Christmas.

I could go on for days and days about all the good things he does, but just hop over to his blog and read some of them. I'm going to be honest here: I have his blog bookmarked, but I don't read it as regularly as he posts. Some days I'm just not emotionally ABLE to read the things he writes. Does that make sense? It's hard to know about needs and ignore them, isn't it? It's hard to read about children eating and living in dumps. It's hard to read about five year old homeless children. It's hard to read about the elderly who have no running water or heat. It's hard to read and see photos of babies in a "hospital" where there are no mattresses or beds. It's all just hard. That's the reason I am thankful that there is a John Wright who is not afraid to face these things head on.

This is John's blog header -- a photo of a little one at the dump. HOW OLD IS THIS CHILD??? Living at a dump? My heart breaks.

For those of you who have adopted from Kyrgyzstan, the recent entry on John's blog tells of children in an orphanage who have made some stellar crafts and that Sugarplum Fairies is now selling on Ebay in order to raise funds to send back to this orphanage. All the details are in this post. If you are interested in seeing any of the items for sale in this event, click here. The Ebay auction has about four days left. I have bid on a couple of items that I'd like to have for Ellie -- OUTBID me and let's see if we can help those kiddos out some more. Check out these photos of the items these children have made. The workmanship is just beautiful. Scroll down for a photo of some of the children.

AND... I'm also thankful to all of you that I know have given or contact me to say you are giving to help fund Christmas for the kids in Kyrgyzstan: Amanda, Dee'Anna, Betsy and Ella, Lynette, Stephanie, Mike and Maggie, and Becky. I suspect there are others and I hope I'm not forgetting anyone. THANK YOU for every kid that will have a Christmas because of you!! We are still working toward our goal of sponsoring 100 kids. There have been 544 kids sponsored so far. Praise God!!

Thankful: November 11

Apparently I wasn't thankful yesterday. I was too busy having my own two-year-old style hissy fit about how much there is for mamas to do and how very little certain "young people" in the house are willing to help.

Alas, that was yesterday and today I'm back at laundry, so.... today (for yesterday's post), I will CHOOSE (it has to be a choice because I won't do it by instinct) to be THANKFUL that I have children who make messes, a husband who has to work late (because he has a job) and dishes that are a mess (I have food) and laundry piled up to the ceiling (we have clothes to wear and a ceiling for it to pile up to). I will choose to be thankful for tufts of dog and cat hair to vacuum because I have pets to love and I will CHOOSE to be thankful for a little one who makes messes because it means she is healthy and developing normally. I will choose to be thankful for the tween who demands that I "fix him something to eat" and "get me a drink" and "take me to church now" even when I haven't had time to even take a shower because he is still at home and still wants his mama to do things for him.

Thankfulness - it's a choice. Lord help me to remember to be thankful instead of hateful.

Asian GIft Ideas from Etsy and Friends

While I was over at Etsy looking at justplainbecky's cool site, I found some other cute Asian gift ideas -- just in time for Christmas. Thought I'd share a few in case anyone is interested.

There is this 3 piece Kokeshi Dolls Magnet Set for $6.

This vintage inspired China doll fabric apron at $23.75 is really cute!

This sweet China Doll shirt for $20.00

Lilly, part of "The Rice Babies" collection is $15.00. This seller also has customized Asian stickers that are so cute -- 5/$2.00

The Love Glass shop sells these beautiful pieces of glass to hang. She has several Japanese pieces including this one called Keiko. A deal at $12.99 if I do say so.

Princess placemat with customizable face -- ADORABLE and $11.00. This same seller has stationery, wall prints and other customizable items. Cute!!

Beautiful Asian girl watercolor artwork, $15

AND, last but probably two of my favorites is not from Etsy, but from my high school friend, Terri, who makes all kinds of cute things, including this children's apron, crayon bag, tote bag and toddler tote. Visit her blog for more details on how to order. I've ordered lots of her things for Ellie and as gifts. They are great.

And from my friend, Andrea, who makes custom t-shirts, bibs, cups, etc. She does all of Ellie's custom shirts and can do ANYTHING you can come up with.

Help support these "artists" during the Holidays!!

Looking for an Asian Baby Doll for Christmas??

For those of you who have sweet little Asian baby girls (or even boys!!) and are looking for a cute Asian doll for a Christmas present, check out "justplainbecky" over at Etsy who has made these adorable Asian dolls. She will customize for you as well. These are only $20 so a GREAT deal. She is also adopting and using this as a fundraiser for her adoption. And, lest I forget, she also makes Caucasian and African American babies too!!

She also has some other cute things so check it out!!

Thankful: November 10

Today is my neice, Danielle's, birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!!! Isn't she beautiful?? I can't believe she's already 16. Where did the time go from when Kevin was carrying her on his shoulders through Washington, DC when she was just three??

Onward ...

I am thankful for Kelly Stone who taught me how to save money on my groceries by using coupons. It has been such a blessing to us and others. Because of what she has taught me and shared with me, I've been able to share with others and help them both save money for their families AND to have food in their homes. Is there anything more rewarding than helping others? I don't think so.

And a few updates:

As you all know, Kevin has a new job. While we are very, very thankful for it, I know the days are long for him as he leaves home at 6:15 and returns home between 6-7 pm. He's spending 3 hours a day driving to and from work. It is also eating into the time he gets to spend with Josh and Ellie and I know that is really bothering him. Continue to hold him up in prayer that God will allow him to find a job a bit closer to home -- in His time and within the realms of His plan.

And, I will admit that by the time he gets home I am flat out exhausted and ready to go to bed. Today alone from 3:30 - 4:30, Ellie poured out an entire salt container, knocked over a can of coke, took all the magnets off the refrigerator, took lots of things out of the cabinets, wanted to go outside and play and threw her dominoes at the cat and all over the living room. Each time I finished cleaning up one of her "projects", she had another complete and ready for me to work on for her. In the midst of that, I made dinner and tried to pick up downstairs and do laundry. Now it's 8 p.m. and I've got to sit down and get to work on paperwork and prepare my day for tomorrow. Whew -- how do single parents do this??

An update on the CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE to put a pie in my face. I've had $30 donated online and have several people who have told me they will make a donation in person. I need 94 more people who will be willing to help sponsor a child's Christmas. $5 is all it takes. If you need to write me about it or ask questions, email me at mblatham@charter.net. This is something that is really, really important to us. Of course, we have not made our donation yet either, so that will help with our total. I really want to be able to support 100 kids. You can't imagine the difference that will make in their lives. These children are ORPHANS and 100% goes to them. Can you help? Click here to go to John Wright's online site to donate.

Ellie has gotten really dramatic lately and will throw her hands over her mouth, make an "O" with her mouth and go, "OOOOhhhh". It's hilarious. I want to catch her and get a photo of it.

Josh recently had a project on Egypt and had to make Egyptian pottery and a pyramid from sugar cubes. Here are the final results. He indicates his pottery is the kind they used in the mummification process to hold the spices and herbs (which is represented by the white flour). At least he is creative!!

Thankful: November 9

I am thankful for Ella.

Her mom Betsy called me tonight to tell me that she was reading my blog when Ella (who is four AND A HALF -- the half is very important) came over and was asking who it was on the blog, what it was about and so on.

Betsy explained to her that these children lived in orphanages like she used to before she came to live with her mommy and daddy (Ella is from Korea). She told her that we were raising money for the children to get Christmas presents. Betsy asked Ella if she would like to help.

Apparently Ella got VERY excited and ran off to get money. She returned with a dollar and some coins and told Betsy she had some money. The funny part: she had gotten it from Betsy's purse!!

Now ... is that not the perfect example of why Jesus loves the children and tells us to have the heart of a child in order to get into heaven? They are so giving, loving and caring -- so sweet and innocent.

Ella and her mom are funding Christmas for a child in Central Asia. Somewhere a child who struggles to forget their memories will soon have some good memories to replace those hard/bad ones -- because of the sweet kindness of Ella and her mom.

I am thankful for friends like them and for those who have a heart for the plight of orphans. I am also very thankful for the first person who made a donation in our name (I really want pie!!) to help an orphan. You know who you are -- thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The Great Coconut Creme Pie Christmas Challenge

Last night at dinner I had a piece of coconut creme pie with meringue that stood at least 6" tall. It was DELICIOUS.

Now, I want to allow my kids to throw a coconut creme pie in my face, but I need your help. Yes, I have certainly lost my mind, but read on and you'll understand.

While I was waiting to bring Ellie home, I became aware of an organization that did something called McChristmas and helped bring Christmas to orphans. I wasn't able to pull that off last year, but this year our family is determined to do something to help out the orphans in Kyrgyzstan have a Christmas they won't soon forget.

Close your eyes for a minute (after you read this of course) and focus on a life where, as a child, you live in an institution with no mom or dad to hold you when you are sick, to comfort you when you get hurt. Imagine not having anything that is really yours. Imagine not understanding the concept of Christmas and not getting anything for Christmas. I'm willing to bet it will be hard to put yourself there. It would have been for me too if I had never visited Kyrgyzstan and seen first hand the poverty there -- the needs. When it becomes a choice of feeding a child or giving them a Christmas present, you can imagine what gets dropped.

Kevin and I vowed that we would continue to help the children left behind in that country and this is our opportunity.

FOR $5 YOU CAN GIVE A CHILD IN CENTRAL ASIA CHRISTMAS.

Five Dollars.

Yes, you read that right.

TO GIVE: Click here.

This was taken last year of the kids getting their presents.

Last year, one family alone raised $1000. This year twenty families have pledged to try to raise $500 each which will provide Christmas for two thousand children. YOU can help be a part of something REALLY BIG for $5. I know times are hard and things are tight. They certainly are at our house, but we have made the choice to give to these children and to give up something that doesn't mean anything compared to these children's Christmas. It might be 5 days of $1 sodas at McDonalds for me. I don't know what yours might be.

Last year John Wright reports that "we were able to not only bring two orphanages to a day out including Circus, treats, and a McDonald's style restaurant, but another 300 kids not able to leave the orphanages were treated to a concert, gifts and treats... the price per child came in at only $5..." This sounds like not a very big deal to us, I know, but to these children it was HUGE. To read about the events last year, click here and here. You WILL be moved.

This is a photo of one of the children who went on last year's outing. This picture moves me at some level I can't explain. I just find it really hard to look at. I think it's the longing in the eyes.

I can assure you that every dime you give will go straight to a child -- 100%, no "administrative fees" or what not, just volunteers helping kids know they are loved. And, after all, isn't that what Christmas is REALLY about?

When we reach our goal, I get PIE -- I cannot wait!! We will post photos and share the details. Help this become a reality. Click here to donate by Paypal. Be sure to put my name: Maria Latham in the "please throw a pie at" box. We want to make sure I get my pie. Consider it my birthday cake!! :-) You can also give directly to us and we will make one donation after we have collected it all. We have until November 23 to collect all our donations.

Tomorrow, will you consider skipping the Starbucks or the fast food lunch or a car wash and donate that money so kids in Ellie's home country can experience Christmas? Were it not for a very few days' time in her adoption processing, she would STILL be there. There are many, many children whose parents are still waiting to bring them home. We continue to pray for them as well. Let's do more than just pray -- let's show them love.

Ellie says:

Will you please help my friends in Kyrgyzstan have Christmas?

It would mean a lot to me!

We thank you so much for considering a gift!

Gotcha Photos -- And More

My mom made me promise to post ALL of these pictures of me through the years -- not that I really want to because some of them are, um, interesting, but here you go. Get ready for some BIG hair toward the end!! Some of them are not the best quality because they are older. I really should edit them one day. Key word: one day.

This was that duck my grandpa got me that mama took the quacker out of.

This was my first birthday home, but my second birthday

Me and my daddy

Me and my mama -- love the plaid pants on her and the striped shirt on me!!

Eating a sucker in the sink -- does it get better??

It appears I was a bit of a messy eater.

Check out my SHOES and my PURSE -- Ellie would have loved me!!

Oooh, white gloves!!

My senior picture

I really thought I was some "STUFF" in this picture.

Prom -- can you say BIG HAIR -- well, don't say it too quickly because you are certainly going to want to say it when you see the next picture.

*sigh* SOMEONE should have said something -- I'm just saying.

Thankful: November 8

I am thankful for the ability to see.

I think one of the most wonderful functions of the human body is the eyes. As a "photographer" (I say that tongue in cheek), there are so many times I'll see something wonderful that I want to capture in a photograph. I take the photograph and then when it's one the screen or printed, it just doesn't seem to capture the full range of beauty that my eyes were able to transmit to my brain. Maybe it's the transference from three dimension to two dimension, but, regardless, it just usually doesn't seem to measure up.

I cannot imagine what life would be like without my vision and I am so thankful for it.