Cody

Every year on their birthdays I post something about one of my kids. Today my son Cody turns 25. I can't believe it! Was it only 25 years ago that you were due on the 19th but decided not to show up? That I just knew I was going to have a girl and didn't buy one boy thing? That on Christmas Eve 1985 in a nice little snow storm you decided to show up without your dad here? That the nurses forgot to give me my epidural and I had you "ah natural?" And then out comes this precious little boy!! And I sent your poor grandma on the hunt for something to bring you home in that wasn't pink. In many ways it seems like a life time ago but in other ways it seems like yesterday. On Christmas Day I brought home the most precious gift...you.
Cody we are so proud of the man you have become. Now you have a beautiful wife, a new son and a baby on the way and you have embraced them and love them with the amazing passion you have always had. We love them too!
Your true blue. One of the good guys which are hard to find. You say what you mean and mean what you say, just like your dad.
My prayer for you and your new life is that you will always put Christ first. Everything else will follow. God is your heart so if you truly listen to it you will never go wrong.
So Happy 25th Birthday to my Cody Bayer. I love you more than you will ever know!

Birth order and Bella

I just received information that a family who wants to adopt Bella and has all the requirements was told no by their agency. Why? Because their agency will not allow them to adopt out of birth order! I have always been outspoken about this issue. And though I see the concerns of adopting out of birth order I feel that should be the choice of the family not the agency. It is a heart thing. The family knows if this would be an issue or not.
And sorry if I step on toes but I think the birth order is issue is insignificant compared to what Bella and others children like her will face if they are not adopted.
The good news is this family is not taking this laying down! They are fighting it as they should. If they could transfer paperwork to the agency working with Bella they would but they would lose money and time.
Let me say again I understand the concern of the agency. And I am not blowing off the fact that some children would feel "displaced or replaced." But that should be discussed among the family. The family also needs to do their homework.They know what their children at home can and can't handle. If our family adopted again we would know what child could handle what and discuss it as we always have with them.
Please continue to pray for Bella and the family.

Bella

I am praying that someone who reads my blog will be Bellas forevers family. And if you don't mind please let your friends, family, church, work know about Bella.
The agencey needs a family who already has their paperwork in China for another child and almost ready to travel to complete her adoption. So please everyone spread the work and lets help Bella find her forever family.
Bella is 13 and lives with a foster family in China. She is pretty, smart and loves to play sports. She would be an amazing daughter. She needs to be adopted by February. Sadly in China once you turn 14 you can not be adopted...ever. So many older children all over the world are pushed out into streets with no money, no skills,  no place to call home. This isn't right. They are the ones who become victims of sex traffickers, gangs, prostitution and drugs. Everyday my friends this happens.
The other night my husband said he wishes we had a home big enough for all of them. And though my heart feels the same way I know that will not happen. But we will never say never...ever.
So I ask you first to pray for all orphans. And pray for Bella. Pray that someone will know this precious one should be their daughter. And pray for those who are on the streets who were not adopted. They have no voice in this world so we need to be their voice.
I have more information on Bella. If you meet the qualifications needed please email me.

Need a gift idea for Christmas?????

The Hug Away Foundation

Give the Gift that Makes a Difference

This Christmas consider giving a gift that truly makes a difference. Your financial gift to the Hug Away Foundation will:

§  Bring a child home to their forever family.

§  $20 will feed a family for one month.

§   $30 a month will sponsor a child and provide them with food, an education, a opportunity to attend Sunday school and have minor medical needs met.

Consider becoming a partner with Hug Away. Your monthly donation will make a difference in the lives of families and children.

 Honor a family, friend, teacher, or co-worker with a financial gift in their name.  We will send them a card so they will know a donation was made in their honor.

This year give hope.

For more information visit our website at: www.hugaway.org or email us at: hugawayfoundation@cox.net

Why I Blog?????

People have often asked my why do I blog. Why do I put myself out there like that. I have journaled for years. And when I have read back over my journals I can see where I have been and where my journey in life has taken me so far. I can see where I have grown and where work still needs to be done. I can see who I once was, who I am now and who I hope to be. I have and will continue to learn from not only my journals but what others have chose to share. If anyone can learn anything from my mistakes, my ups and my downs most importantly my walk with God then putting myself "out" there is worth it.
I read a quote from another blogger and she said "A blog is a ride; it's an invitation to come take a journey with me." That pretty much sums it up. You can choose to ride along or not.
Everyone has a story. Everyone. I love to talk but I also love to listen and learn from other peoples experiences. After all there is no greater education than ones life experience. Most people that read my blog email me directly instead of posting a comment because they share things with me they don't want others to read. But I do love it when someone takes the time to let me know that what I have blogged helped them, made them cry or laugh or they could relate to it.
I do choose what I blog about. If it involves my husband or children I always ask them first. Even my 6 year old. After all what I want to share is part of their story too. Same rules apply for my facebook. And believe it or not I don't share all of my hurts or all of my joys. But those that I do share hopefully someone will learn from it, have a laugh, or know they are not the only one. And that is why I blog.