tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40891206992223546642024-03-13T04:46:36.534-07:00Bringing Henry HomeCome along for the ride of a lifetime as we welcome our newest additions!Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-47238630156191043122014-07-26T15:00:00.001-07:002014-07-26T15:00:05.721-07:00Vacation 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On our way!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KyBMsCqkYwI/U9QkwPvvQ1I/AAAAAAAABEk/R7AspLZwGv4/s640/blogger-image--313706417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KyBMsCqkYwI/U9QkwPvvQ1I/AAAAAAAABEk/R7AspLZwGv4/s640/blogger-image--313706417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The gang's all here (well except for our two big boys who had to stay home to work and Henry who has a better gig)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0j-7RJaL8w/U9Qkx1GbIAI/AAAAAAAABEs/LFk2d80rGk8/s640/blogger-image-1983863307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0j-7RJaL8w/U9Qkx1GbIAI/AAAAAAAABEs/LFk2d80rGk8/s640/blogger-image-1983863307.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Time for hours of sun and fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LYsWAwQHfFg/U9Qkzu3VZ-I/AAAAAAAABE0/PTIMcXU2L9M/s640/blogger-image--649595846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LYsWAwQHfFg/U9Qkzu3VZ-I/AAAAAAAABE0/PTIMcXU2L9M/s640/blogger-image--649595846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c7IRjOLgiGE/U9QkszpAWRI/AAAAAAAABEU/x-lEgKLkm7Q/s640/blogger-image--2074364827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c7IRjOLgiGE/U9QkszpAWRI/AAAAAAAABEU/x-lEgKLkm7Q/s640/blogger-image--2074364827.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cNU9m0JuKok/U9QkrG0BGXI/AAAAAAAABEM/BtjQpPtuKII/s640/blogger-image-1141470911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cNU9m0JuKok/U9QkrG0BGXI/AAAAAAAABEM/BtjQpPtuKII/s640/blogger-image-1141470911.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nRemJG0pYY/U9Qk27rPQCI/AAAAAAAABFE/u0RLZepClew/s640/blogger-image-1845408868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nRemJG0pYY/U9Qk27rPQCI/AAAAAAAABFE/u0RLZepClew/s640/blogger-image-1845408868.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7VsdJ219qg/U9Qk1A0WIuI/AAAAAAAABE8/udCpdJ4SHmU/s640/blogger-image--1914877560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7VsdJ219qg/U9Qk1A0WIuI/AAAAAAAABE8/udCpdJ4SHmU/s640/blogger-image--1914877560.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A FAMILY vacation...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xpgGC8W4yRI/U9QkpKObWQI/AAAAAAAABEE/MwPKre2Kv-o/s640/blogger-image-1622007380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xpgGC8W4yRI/U9QkpKObWQI/AAAAAAAABEE/MwPKre2Kv-o/s640/blogger-image-1622007380.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where babies get so so tired...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nCqQAcGtuZo/U9QkuTJGdEI/AAAAAAAABEc/6nMzEFnAndU/s640/blogger-image-1718321244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nCqQAcGtuZo/U9QkuTJGdEI/AAAAAAAABEc/6nMzEFnAndU/s640/blogger-image-1718321244.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And Mommy holds them while the sun goes down...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7oG2PGy4dvU/U9Qk4eWPR4I/AAAAAAAABFM/XYH4LE2B3Nc/s640/blogger-image--379002290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7oG2PGy4dvU/U9Qk4eWPR4I/AAAAAAAABFM/XYH4LE2B3Nc/s640/blogger-image--379002290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have a blessed summer!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-63419829455622810472014-05-02T15:43:00.001-07:002014-05-02T15:43:48.923-07:00Happy 2nd Birthday Yana!!IShe came home on December 13, 2013<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c8QaJC7XfaM/U2QfcGUuztI/AAAAAAAABC0/8EXHx5k-pAc/s640/blogger-image--1243786633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c8QaJC7XfaM/U2QfcGUuztI/AAAAAAAABC0/8EXHx5k-pAc/s640/blogger-image--1243786633.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>She was a 3 pound 32 week preemie at birth. When we met her she was17 pounds and 29 inches. Not speaking a word. She was "delayed".</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6t9XknLZm_o/U2QfaAZkL5I/AAAAAAAABCs/SPrIKgTYZ1o/s640/blogger-image-1786809541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6t9XknLZm_o/U2QfaAZkL5I/AAAAAAAABCs/SPrIKgTYZ1o/s640/blogger-image-1786809541.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>She called me "mama" on Dec. 15.</div><div>Called Paul "papa" a few days later.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h85JEawTkAQ/U2QfoUzFKBI/AAAAAAAABDM/63wHhNFxSKM/s640/blogger-image-879380647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h85JEawTkAQ/U2QfoUzFKBI/AAAAAAAABDM/63wHhNFxSKM/s640/blogger-image-879380647.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now, almost 5 months later, She weighs 22 pounds and is 32 inches tall. From 9 month size clothes to 18 month size.</div><div><br></div><div>She is a champion climber.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4aT4bVv2QAA/U2Qfmc0gWPI/AAAAAAAABDE/03v-wIhGX68/s640/blogger-image--1879061789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4aT4bVv2QAA/U2Qfmc0gWPI/AAAAAAAABDE/03v-wIhGX68/s640/blogger-image--1879061789.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An enthusiastic eater.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zs4XRgVofXU/U2QfYNn5vXI/AAAAAAAABCk/rkbfigYCrTA/s640/blogger-image--1097094093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zs4XRgVofXU/U2QfYNn5vXI/AAAAAAAABCk/rkbfigYCrTA/s640/blogger-image--1097094093.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She can say almost 20 words including "apple" "Ella" "me" "mine" and "bowl" and several signs including "more".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She is living large as the youngest of my 9 here on earth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TmC7AldTPy8/U2QfWC387dI/AAAAAAAABCc/-IQDl7MP4bQ/s640/blogger-image-1303948819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TmC7AldTPy8/U2QfWC387dI/AAAAAAAABCc/-IQDl7MP4bQ/s640/blogger-image-1303948819.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy Birthday my Yana Faustina...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wishing you many many many more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nu435_iNJE/U2QfkcChKjI/AAAAAAAABC8/Dau11TywnDY/s640/blogger-image--1161542609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nu435_iNJE/U2QfkcChKjI/AAAAAAAABC8/Dau11TywnDY/s640/blogger-image--1161542609.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-66329892321118711282014-04-18T08:22:00.001-07:002014-04-18T08:22:21.146-07:00Good Friday.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Two years ago.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Xx0ZQzZpIs/U1FDK3iKKYI/AAAAAAAABCM/EYEZx1AHvAU/s640/blogger-image-770077912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Xx0ZQzZpIs/U1FDK3iKKYI/AAAAAAAABCM/EYEZx1AHvAU/s640/blogger-image-770077912.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Every year.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N5j6xPJVDoY/U1FDH3tKUZI/AAAAAAAABB8/u7wXJUMPbDk/s640/blogger-image-1033169104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N5j6xPJVDoY/U1FDH3tKUZI/AAAAAAAABB8/u7wXJUMPbDk/s640/blogger-image-1033169104.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Reflecting on this truth:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TY9Qp_zRIKM/U1FDJeYjYZI/AAAAAAAABCE/wUkF0bIK8hg/s640/blogger-image-1683258923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TY9Qp_zRIKM/U1FDJeYjYZI/AAAAAAAABCE/wUkF0bIK8hg/s640/blogger-image-1683258923.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Logging off until Easter.</div><div><br></div><div>Blessed Triduum.</div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-68586853313939127922014-03-29T11:43:00.001-07:002014-03-29T11:43:44.653-07:00Sometimes you just can't turn away...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He is in an Eastern European country with a well-established adoption program that requires 2 short trips by only one parent (single women can adopt from here also)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/70652/samson-438">http://reecesrainbow.org/70652/samson-438</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He reminds me of Henry <3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fEZ558TqxiY/UzcUXYfJzaI/AAAAAAAABBo/eqBVw_OQQlY/s640/blogger-image--1568471163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fEZ558TqxiY/UzcUXYfJzaI/AAAAAAAABBo/eqBVw_OQQlY/s640/blogger-image--1568471163.jpg"></a></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-12673452359920818952014-03-02T18:25:00.001-08:002014-03-02T18:25:41.215-08:007 Posts in 7 Days... Day 7!I had so many amazing events and deep thoughts to share on this last post of Day 7....<div><br></div><div>About how so many people came together to fully fund my friend Amy's adoption of her precious son with ds from China...</div><div><br></div><div>About how Lent starts Wednesday and how I am choosing to spend these 40 Days in the "classroom of silence" seeking His Will in my daily life caring for and loving my family...</div><div><br></div><div>But it's time to snuggle on the couch and watch "Wreck It Ralph" with the kiddies...</div><div><br></div><div>So I will leave you with the extreme cuteness of what happens when you get adopted into a family with "creative" older brothers and sisters...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XDEJtAQEVAM/UxPoI-YZAtI/AAAAAAAABBM/yloaWhqqvHM/s640/blogger-image--1933257975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XDEJtAQEVAM/UxPoI-YZAtI/AAAAAAAABBM/yloaWhqqvHM/s640/blogger-image--1933257975.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2IjSGUKVuxw/UxPoHceHcxI/AAAAAAAABBI/L7j9KMxBsLo/s640/blogger-image-674573358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2IjSGUKVuxw/UxPoHceHcxI/AAAAAAAABBI/L7j9KMxBsLo/s640/blogger-image-674573358.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You have lots of fun every single day!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for sharing every day with us this last week!</div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-44513277812483966272014-03-01T10:55:00.001-08:002014-03-01T12:24:26.048-08:007 Posts in 7 Days... Day 6!<div><br></div>We met our goal for Amy and her boy in mere hours!!<div><br></div><div>So I owe you guys <3</div><div><br></div><div>Victoria Catherine is 11 years old...</div><div><br></div><div>She is on the left and my 9yo Ella is on the right...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eUPSx4shXZE/UxJB9ULeezI/AAAAAAAABA4/MJ8e0Gcfxsg/s640/blogger-image-1176393173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eUPSx4shXZE/UxJB9ULeezI/AAAAAAAABA4/MJ8e0Gcfxsg/s640/blogger-image-1176393173.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>They have become fast friends.</div><div><br></div><div>She prefers to be called "Vika" (pronounced "VEE-ka")</div><div><br></div><div>She likes playing with her little brother and sister from Ukraine...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxI_OFH50Z8/UxJB7lfu6mI/AAAAAAAABAw/MFNVC30Iui8/s640/blogger-image--746917058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxI_OFH50Z8/UxJB7lfu6mI/AAAAAAAABAw/MFNVC30Iui8/s640/blogger-image--746917058.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--vroSq94mWM/UxJA8InyVwI/AAAAAAAABAE/FXqyTGOAlHs/s640/blogger-image--1330741905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--vroSq94mWM/UxJA8InyVwI/AAAAAAAABAE/FXqyTGOAlHs/s640/blogger-image--1330741905.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>She loves the rest of her siblings as much as chocolate :-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VPHogk7d2So/UxJB3wjPNII/AAAAAAAABAg/UK82Sq7LJv4/s640/blogger-image-943205832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VPHogk7d2So/UxJB3wjPNII/AAAAAAAABAg/UK82Sq7LJv4/s640/blogger-image-943205832.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>She is going to school and is learning TONS of English...and making many friends...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S7dow4cRCUQ/UxJB2O_573I/AAAAAAAABAU/hqtwX4tboE8/s640/blogger-image-1473675121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S7dow4cRCUQ/UxJB2O_573I/AAAAAAAABAU/hqtwX4tboE8/s640/blogger-image-1473675121.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We are SO happy to have Vika here in our family!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yuuFeUba_jY/UxJB5jQIN0I/AAAAAAAABAo/QFF0h21xLug/s640/blogger-image-1090165902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yuuFeUba_jY/UxJB5jQIN0I/AAAAAAAABAo/QFF0h21xLug/s640/blogger-image-1090165902.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Thank you for helping Amy bring her son home from China into her family!!</div><div><br></div><div>One more time:</div><div><br></div><div>http://reecesrainbow.org/73447/sponsorboroughs-3</div><div><br></div><div>Have a fun and refreshing Saturday and see you tomorrow for Post #7!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDVnrpqmbf8/UxJA-c0DWHI/AAAAAAAABAM/YSnWhC_Q5gk/s640/blogger-image--1348199163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDVnrpqmbf8/UxJA-c0DWHI/AAAAAAAABAM/YSnWhC_Q5gk/s640/blogger-image--1348199163.jpg"></a></div></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-25959852925903003372014-03-01T08:28:00.001-08:002014-03-01T08:37:32.644-08:007 Posts in 7 Days... Day 5 on Day 6... And a favor!So mea culpa...I missed yesterday...<div><br></div><div>I was traveling clear across Chicagoland to do a real estate closing for a dear friend and it took a loooong time...</div><div><br></div><div>But then I was lucky enough to get to have dinner with my dear sister...</div><div><br></div><div>And it was sooooo late when I got home...</div><div><br></div><div>So I owe you all a post about Victoria...</div><div><br></div><div>But first my Saturday FB and Bloggy friends need to do me a little favor...</div><div><br></div><div>My friend Amy, a momma of many including many adopted children with special needs, lives near Philly and on chilly Sunday in October 2012 came to CHOP to sit with Henry while I went to Church and to get a decent meal...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQQJZPo8aiE/UxIKx7GhrDI/AAAAAAAAA_0/N2KuST1tXNY/s640/blogger-image-1688809105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQQJZPo8aiE/UxIKx7GhrDI/AAAAAAAAA_0/N2KuST1tXNY/s640/blogger-image-1688809105.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I will be forever grateful to this sister of my heart...</div><div><br></div><div>Her heart is SO big that even after just comparing the adoption of their daughter with Down syndrome from Bulgaria, they stepped up to be the host family last summer for a little guy from China with Down syndrome...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8BJe9ACqfHs/UxIKwR7R-6I/AAAAAAAAA_s/pe31Kd2Ti_c/s640/blogger-image-679774121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8BJe9ACqfHs/UxIKwR7R-6I/AAAAAAAAA_s/pe31Kd2Ti_c/s640/blogger-image-679774121.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And he stole their hearts.</div><div><br></div><div>So now they need to raise the money to bring him home...</div><div><br></div><div>You can go to my dear friend Julia's blog HERE:</div><div><br></div><div>http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-big-giveaway.html?m=1</div><div><br></div><div>to read more and donate (tax deductible!) and share and enter to win some awesome prizes!</div><div><br></div><div>Or just go HERE to donate directly to their Reece's Rainbow adoption fund:</div><div><br></div><div>http://reecesrainbow.org/73447/sponsorboroughs-3</div><div><br></div><div>They are SOOOOOO close to $5,000...</div><div><br></div><div>When they reach $6,000 I will show you my lovely daughter Victoria...</div><div><br></div><div>So share away and I hope to be back soon :-) Thank you so much!!</div><div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-17640851802302838402014-02-27T07:13:00.001-08:002014-02-27T07:13:37.225-08:007 Post in 7 Days.... Day 4Leo Maximus.<div><br></div><div>Probably our biggest "surprise" of this adoption.</div><div><br></div><div>We had the benefit of "meeting" (over the internet) two families who had adopted from Leo's baby house and had seen/met our little guy.</div><div><br></div><div>We were told he was VERY anxious, nervous, sensitive, often crying, and did NOT like strangers...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ddrQrjbQF08/Uw9WGKvKQjI/AAAAAAAAA_A/NksJruGmXEI/s640/blogger-image-364780598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ddrQrjbQF08/Uw9WGKvKQjI/AAAAAAAAA_A/NksJruGmXEI/s640/blogger-image-364780598.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>In fact I have a short video from another boy's dad a few months before we met him where the dad (who had been visiting his son every day and saw Leo every day also because they were in the same groupa) tries to say "hello" to Leo and Leo would have NONE of it...</div><div><br></div><div>Well we have had some sensitive boys in this house so we were ready...</div><div><br></div><div>And then Leo met his Daddy...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ow2_2WOmntw/Uw9WHgMiavI/AAAAAAAAA_I/vQo3-obYe2E/s640/blogger-image--55428357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ow2_2WOmntw/Uw9WHgMiavI/AAAAAAAAA_I/vQo3-obYe2E/s640/blogger-image--55428357.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EjmJY_3oBjQ/Uw9V6j4Nn9I/AAAAAAAAA-A/93wb6XIF8PQ/s640/blogger-image-1041268305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EjmJY_3oBjQ/Uw9V6j4Nn9I/AAAAAAAAA-A/93wb6XIF8PQ/s640/blogger-image-1041268305.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was immediate.</div><div><br></div><div>When Daddy had to go back home while we had to wait for our court decree, Leo kept asking for him and we kept saying "papa home and we go on airplane and he will get us with car"</div><div><br></div><div>Leo repeated this (in Russian) at least 10 times a day before we left....</div><div><br></div><div>In between being introduced to fries (which he loves with major ketchup)...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWZDyPY2qtw/Uw9WE0gMLpI/AAAAAAAAA-4/gq_RbBHG7AA/s640/blogger-image-627307861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWZDyPY2qtw/Uw9WE0gMLpI/AAAAAAAAA-4/gq_RbBHG7AA/s640/blogger-image-627307861.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Leo eats well, sleeps well, speaks well...</div><div><br></div><div>But most important,</div><div><br></div><div>He LOVES well.</div><div><br></div><div>He LOVES his papa, then me, then his brothers and sisters...</div><div><br></div><div>He LOVES talking to his grandparents on the phone or looking at pictures with them...</div><div><br></div><div>He LOVES reading books and tries to repeat all the words after (or during!) you read them to him...</div><div><br></div><div>He truly has a smile on his face about 98% of the time...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XMH_8YPv19Y/Uw9V9ofiyJI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Uy1PtbUS25g/s640/blogger-image--1072781248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XMH_8YPv19Y/Uw9V9ofiyJI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Uy1PtbUS25g/s640/blogger-image--1072781248.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uNrMRLp7yHs/Uw9WB2KVYCI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Q7R1Kk4P_a4/s640/blogger-image--680424221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uNrMRLp7yHs/Uw9WB2KVYCI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Q7R1Kk4P_a4/s640/blogger-image--680424221.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VkBdIy7_kdQ/Uw9V_CO5lGI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/hQLXybRmP0E/s640/blogger-image-1509566064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VkBdIy7_kdQ/Uw9V_CO5lGI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/hQLXybRmP0E/s640/blogger-image-1509566064.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ebtKXYpWFro/Uw9V8EUrxkI/AAAAAAAAA-I/9wpRTwyOC_I/s640/blogger-image--1239991943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ebtKXYpWFro/Uw9V8EUrxkI/AAAAAAAAA-I/9wpRTwyOC_I/s640/blogger-image--1239991943.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Leo has a little surgery coming up this summer to fix up his cleft lip repair and then will have another surgery about age 10...</div><div><br></div><div>But a lip is an easy fix... </div><div><br></div><div>We are so blessed that his heart is healing in our family and that it shows on his face every single day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KL-Exig5h3I/Uw9WARu9AvI/AAAAAAAAA-g/XFLqCaqZsj0/s640/blogger-image-314591430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KL-Exig5h3I/Uw9WARu9AvI/AAAAAAAAA-g/XFLqCaqZsj0/s640/blogger-image-314591430.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXghM9dBiMs/Uw9WDVHeoyI/AAAAAAAAA-w/kvFMhI2Ohoc/s640/blogger-image--211083434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXghM9dBiMs/Uw9WDVHeoyI/AAAAAAAAA-w/kvFMhI2Ohoc/s640/blogger-image--211083434.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-88468798938859851452014-02-26T06:58:00.001-08:002014-02-26T06:58:02.435-08:007 Posts in 7 Days... Day 3.Yana.<div><br></div><div>Our youngest child is Yana Faustina, she will be 2 in May.</div><div><br></div><div>Although she THINKS she is about 12 :-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v4Y4MQMJcxI/Uw4A58v8V8I/AAAAAAAAA9E/SD3eo_u1mFk/s640/blogger-image--1132406805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v4Y4MQMJcxI/Uw4A58v8V8I/AAAAAAAAA9E/SD3eo_u1mFk/s640/blogger-image--1132406805.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>You might be tempted to think, "Well she was only in an orphanage for such a short time, everything will be just fine!"</div><div><br></div><div>Well....</div><div><br></div><div>Yana was a preemie and spent several months in the hospital before she went directly to the orphanage where she spent her whole life...</div><div><br></div><div>She did not speak at all when we met her (she now says "mama" "papa" and "Teh-Tuh" for Tessa)</div><div><br></div><div>She has night terrors and sleepwalks several times a week.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday's nap time (like most of them) included her screaming and thrashing when I began to rock her in the chair of the bedroom, her squirming off my lap to go lay on her bed, then 20 seconds later she sits up and looks at me...</div><div><br></div><div>I say "you can come rock with mama" and she smiles and jumps out and runs to me and holds her arms up for me and I pick her up and she buries her face in my neck and hugs me with all her might...</div><div><br></div><div>We rock for 20 blissful seconds...</div><div><br></div><div>Then the screaming and thrashing and trying to get down begins again...</div><div><br></div><div>Because for 20 months she was never held or rocked to sleep...</div><div><br></div><div>So she wants it... She craves it...</div><div><br></div><div>But she is not used to it and sometimes cannot deal with it.</div><div><br></div><div>But she has a persistent mama. </div><div><br></div><div>I let her down again.</div><div><br></div><div>She comes back AGAIN.</div><div><br></div><div>Then when the thrashing and screaming begins again I stand up and bounce her and sing a version of the lullaby I sang to all my fussy babies... But this time it has a few Russian phrases thrown in... And in about 5 minutes her whole body relaxes... I slow the bounce and end the song and snuggle her in bed and leave, counting this nap time as another small moment of healing...</div><div><br></div><div>Which we add onto this one...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5HZqUY4dF00/Uw4A8wasEcI/AAAAAAAAA9U/YLOmau-2tP8/s640/blogger-image-810250649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5HZqUY4dF00/Uw4A8wasEcI/AAAAAAAAA9U/YLOmau-2tP8/s640/blogger-image-810250649.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And this one...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kc_mPf4uySM/Uw4A7Qax-4I/AAAAAAAAA9M/szKLciM0eDs/s640/blogger-image--1109227316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kc_mPf4uySM/Uw4A7Qax-4I/AAAAAAAAA9M/szKLciM0eDs/s640/blogger-image--1109227316.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And this one.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NdzkfQUzTwI/Uw4A4afOcvI/AAAAAAAAA88/Q2ivxw_7R8E/s640/blogger-image--16430838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NdzkfQUzTwI/Uw4A4afOcvI/AAAAAAAAA88/Q2ivxw_7R8E/s640/blogger-image--16430838.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And patiently wait for the day when all OUR moments will drown out THOSE moments.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9oVMtkeDjqI/Uw4A-GlbU0I/AAAAAAAAA9c/jZcCSVM0k1g/s640/blogger-image-309479458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9oVMtkeDjqI/Uw4A-GlbU0I/AAAAAAAAA9c/jZcCSVM0k1g/s640/blogger-image-309479458.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-40258252155841878432014-02-25T07:50:00.001-08:002014-02-25T07:50:31.850-08:007 Posts, 7 Days.... Day 2Reminders.<div><br></div><div>I was ready to jump in with the update on our family, especially our newest additions, when my eyes caught on this on the whiteboard in my kitchen...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vtyaDE-N1uQ/Uwy7q8CxBoI/AAAAAAAAA8M/o0CfBNddT3c/s640/blogger-image-753799957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vtyaDE-N1uQ/Uwy7q8CxBoI/AAAAAAAAA8M/o0CfBNddT3c/s640/blogger-image-753799957.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My 9yo Ella drew this soon after Henry died, it is Henry in heaven and her visiting him on a cloud and saying "in heaven i can do whatever I want" ... I used to post our daily menu and other scheduling notes and little encouraging phrases there, but now this has been there for over a year... I can't remove it.</div><div><br></div><div>I also can't remove this from my mudroom...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4gXqOaJStc0/Uwy7pdyw7fI/AAAAAAAAA8E/NFQZm67XuSM/s640/blogger-image--485097275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4gXqOaJStc0/Uwy7pdyw7fI/AAAAAAAAA8E/NFQZm67XuSM/s640/blogger-image--485097275.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>That was my favorite jacket for Henry that made him look like a little polar bear.</div><div><br></div><div>This is above my desk area.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jIOd36soIV8/Uwy7uQxBRGI/AAAAAAAAA8c/2i0FJFi8w1M/s640/blogger-image--1584049427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jIOd36soIV8/Uwy7uQxBRGI/AAAAAAAAA8c/2i0FJFi8w1M/s640/blogger-image--1584049427.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is pinned on my cork board.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hu5V1qOij9A/Uwy7xs-_UFI/AAAAAAAAA8s/DrgmDgAFQ4w/s640/blogger-image-1105148872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hu5V1qOij9A/Uwy7xs-_UFI/AAAAAAAAA8s/DrgmDgAFQ4w/s640/blogger-image-1105148872.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And this is in my living room...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lsysvk8oxOE/Uwy7sfJURWI/AAAAAAAAA8U/TSlAwm_2iUQ/s640/blogger-image--1793604308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lsysvk8oxOE/Uwy7sfJURWI/AAAAAAAAA8U/TSlAwm_2iUQ/s640/blogger-image--1793604308.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This statue of a sorrowful Mary holding... Or frankly almost SHIELDING...baby Jesus spoke to me when I saw it at Our Lady of the Universe Shrine in Orlando, Florida last June on a trip to visit a dear group of fellow adoptive Momma's...</div><div><br></div><div>It seems to me that this statue captures the moment right after Mary heard Simeon tell her that her baby boy would someday die for us... And she clutches him close, realizing that she could not, indeed should not, change that... </div><div><br></div><div>I feel that Our Lady understands my loss and shares her compassion and just a bit of her strength with me...</div><div><br></div><div>So thank you for letting me share these reminders of Henry... Tomorrow we move on... One day at a time... Just as God calls us to....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jIxYrrQqoRo/Uwy7wIamCdI/AAAAAAAAA8k/oOXElSzXXgc/s640/blogger-image--895903884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jIxYrrQqoRo/Uwy7wIamCdI/AAAAAAAAA8k/oOXElSzXXgc/s640/blogger-image--895903884.jpg"></a></div></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-42511122770639727792014-02-24T08:23:00.001-08:002014-02-24T08:23:45.554-08:007 posts, 7 days.... Day 1So Jen over at www.conversiondiary.com has inspired me to give you guys 7 in 7...<div><br></div><div>This will be a challenge because, as you can imagine, we have been extremely busy with our newest three...</div><div><br></div><div>At the moment we are at the dentist waiting for my 9yo...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5TrdX4cyIlE/UwtyD74fxxI/AAAAAAAAA70/-kar0Hh4IaE/s640/blogger-image--1355767562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5TrdX4cyIlE/UwtyD74fxxI/AAAAAAAAA70/-kar0Hh4IaE/s640/blogger-image--1355767562.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So I have about 37 seconds to finish this first post on my phone :-)</div><div><br></div><div>This week I will give you updates on all three, how our family is adjusting, the medical issues we are dealing with, etc.</div><div><br></div><div>And, of course, this would not be "Bringing Henry Home" without some major orphan advocacy...</div><div><br></div><div>Please go here and SEE Nathaniel...</div><div><br></div><div>http://reecesrainbow.org/73458/nathaniel-3</div><div><br></div><div>This precious child SHOULD have been adopted almost 3 years ago when he was a bit over age one...</div><div><br></div><div>But evil intervened and I remember messaging with his devastated momma while Henry was in the hospital...</div><div><br></div><div>She was told he was dying and would NOT be available for international adoption just weeks before leaving to bring him home to medical treatment he desperately needed...</div><div><br></div><div>Just weeks ago we found out Nathaniel is alive and now cleared for adoption and in even more desperate need of a shunt to treat his hydrocephalus... He is likely often in pain due to the pressure in his skull... </div><div><br></div><div>Because his condition is so advanced they do not have the capability to do this surgery in his (and Henry's and my newest three's) country...</div><div><br></div><div>PLEASE he needs a family so soon, his region often transfers from the baby house to the institution at age 4!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Nathaniel needs to be rescued as soon as possible! Please email me at Dobspc@aol.com if you feel the call and want further information!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4KUyvh5I3iQ/UwtyB4WXb6I/AAAAAAAAA7s/H2hjhfx0mbg/s640/blogger-image-683017682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4KUyvh5I3iQ/UwtyB4WXb6I/AAAAAAAAA7s/H2hjhfx0mbg/s640/blogger-image-683017682.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-77201840994167729312014-01-22T11:13:00.001-08:002014-01-22T11:13:18.060-08:00This Present Moment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where we are...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CTKlmc1Hz94/UuAYTLUEeLI/AAAAAAAAA7c/COooegoDaYk/s640/blogger-image-1621783861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CTKlmc1Hz94/UuAYTLUEeLI/AAAAAAAAA7c/COooegoDaYk/s640/blogger-image-1621783861.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today. Right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cZs__0HDPbg/Ut_w7JweBaI/AAAAAAAAA7E/mbh-8io104g/s640/blogger-image-1541327664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cZs__0HDPbg/Ut_w7JweBaI/AAAAAAAAA7E/mbh-8io104g/s640/blogger-image-1541327664.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IgtJPC6bWRI/Ut_w8r3UI6I/AAAAAAAAA7M/mGe1f50GED4/s640/blogger-image--1724592474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IgtJPC6bWRI/Ut_w8r3UI6I/AAAAAAAAA7M/mGe1f50GED4/s640/blogger-image--1724592474.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doing His Will one bath at a time...</div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-74862226898666938152013-12-29T11:00:00.001-08:002013-12-29T11:00:45.777-08:00Sunday Afternoon Bonding<div>16 days home and first nap time on the couch! </div><div><br></div>Blessed Feast of the Holy Family!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n5SM5Su_UXo/UsBxWz4U-hI/AAAAAAAAA6w/i51Wr16YuzM/s640/blogger-image-297640016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n5SM5Su_UXo/UsBxWz4U-hI/AAAAAAAAA6w/i51Wr16YuzM/s640/blogger-image-297640016.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-74578669810542896282013-12-06T07:38:00.001-08:002013-12-06T07:39:57.506-08:00Reunited!!A guest post from a dear friend helping me to bring our newest children home!<div><br></div><div>Go read and enjoy the pictures of three siblings playing together in the same room for the first time ever...</div><div><br></div><div>With mama watching over...</div><div><br></div><div>Have a blessed weekend! I know I will!!</div><div><br></div><div>http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2013/12/fatherless-friday.html</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OaES1epgpy4/UqHvd_ueqlI/AAAAAAAAA6g/BsvLs2QNrHE/s640/blogger-image--1777610395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OaES1epgpy4/UqHvd_ueqlI/AAAAAAAAA6g/BsvLs2QNrHE/s640/blogger-image--1777610395.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-1918792952303909782013-11-28T02:02:00.001-08:002013-11-28T02:02:20.555-08:00Triple Thanks.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessed<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Thanksgiving to everyone back home in the USA!</span></div></div><div><br></div><div>Today I give thanks for 3 blessings...</div><div><br></div><div>First, for EVERYONE, the family, extended family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and "never-met-except-on-the-internet" friends who:</div><div><br></div><div>bid on items in our Auction,</div><div>purchased chances on our iPad/Kindle giveaway</div><div>came and partied with us in June<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">bought a ticket for a basket</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Donated items to our Auntion/raffle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">donated money to our FSP</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brought over meals for our family</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Donated towards Henry's funeral expenses</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sent me coffee in the mail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Prayed for me</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sent me hugs and love on FB or the blog</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What a community of LOVE grew up around my sweet boy! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thanks is not enough to say for all the support over these last almost-three years starting from our commitment to adopt Henry (Spring 2011) until today, when he has been in heaven for one year and I wait in Eastern Europe to bring our newest children home. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But gratitude is all I have and I give it with all my heart and will remember each and every one of you in prayer today.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Second, I am beyond thankful for my wonderful husband and every single member of our joy-filled family! I hope I can be the wife and mother they all deserve in the coming year and that we can love and laugh together for many years to come!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YKNHwT3mG-A/UpcUoPxBHZI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ghW5MiHIEBs/s640/blogger-image-2044153292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YKNHwT3mG-A/UpcUoPxBHZI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ghW5MiHIEBs/s640/blogger-image-2044153292.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YKNHwT3mG-A/UpcUoPxBHZI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ghW5MiHIEBs/s640/blogger-image-2044153292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9wHbXNqp6Y/UpcUpNQXzdI/AAAAAAAAA6I/6ttnVSE-7vs/s640/blogger-image-1486551948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9wHbXNqp6Y/UpcUpNQXzdI/AAAAAAAAA6I/6ttnVSE-7vs/s640/blogger-image-1486551948.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CsanhS2Uqjo/UpcUqulLODI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/T-3Mhofhe1E/s640/blogger-image--625682236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CsanhS2Uqjo/UpcUqulLODI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/T-3Mhofhe1E/s640/blogger-image--625682236.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And Third, I am thankful for every minute God graced me to spend with Henry Augustin Dobrovits.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I would do it all again...the fundraising, the travel, the hospitalizations, the thousands in co-pays, the lack of sleep, the separations at CHOP...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The being with him while he went to be with Jesus.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am thankful I got to be his mama.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">PS Blogger on my iPad will not let me load a video here...please go see my boy on FB!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bvS7wbQjbDs/UpcUm0D8GOI/AAAAAAAAA54/bjE3SOrpHO4/s640/blogger-image-875590856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bvS7wbQjbDs/UpcUm0D8GOI/AAAAAAAAA54/bjE3SOrpHO4/s640/blogger-image-875590856.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-40618852616765705122013-11-22T11:09:00.001-08:002013-11-22T11:09:33.004-08:00We passed Court!<div id="ygrp-mlmsg" style="position: relative;"><div id="ygrp-msg" style="z-index: 1;"><div id="ygrp-text"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had to wait over an hour and a half past the stated time to begin the hearing...the judge was very fast and no-nonsense...she asked why we wanted to adopt (Paul told her the 30 second version of what should have been a 20 minute conversation!), she asked if we had enough money to raise 9 children (we affirmed yes), she asked if our six at home were biological or adopted (I said bio, that got me a few raised eyebrows), then she asked if we get a check from the US government for each child we have (emphatic NO!)....<br><br>We were so proud of our 11 year old...the judge asked her to stand up and give her name and age and asked if she wanted to be adopted by us and she said YES and then the judge asked if anyone pressured or coerced her to consent to the adoption and she looked at little taken aback and emphatically said NO!<br><br>Then the judge read Every. Single. Document. into the record. Then she asked the State Prosecutor if she had any concerns and she said no. Then asked all the workers (7!) present from both orphanages if they objected and they all said no <br><br>So we were then declared parents of all three!<br><br>Victoria Catherine, age 11 (momma, papa, Vika selfie taken on court bench!)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DMdZhxI8oes/Uo-r34VP2cI/AAAAAAAAA5g/4SRo1X3zvJQ/s640/blogger-image--299236266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DMdZhxI8oes/Uo-r34VP2cI/AAAAAAAAA5g/4SRo1X3zvJQ/s640/blogger-image--299236266.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Leo Maximus (age 3) and Yana Faustina (18 months) - my almost 9 yo at home did the creative editing on this pic -- and I could not agree more!</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0V3GEahHcA/Uo-r1S8GKDI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/siqE58-fZAg/s640/blogger-image--1216623047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0V3GEahHcA/Uo-r1S8GKDI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/siqE58-fZAg/s640/blogger-image--1216623047.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am a Momma of 10.... Because Henry counts :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In fact, the reason these three previous children who are siblings (but had never even met before we came) have the love of a family and a future is directly attributable to our little Saint in heaven!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Paul is heading back to our children at home right now and I hope to bring our "third batch" (HT to Luke!) to the US in mid-December! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am in a place that one year ago would have been unthinkable....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But as a wise woman said below...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thinking is overrated...loving is what endures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V4UGYWh_Npc/Uo-r6cRxwwI/AAAAAAAAA5o/27ta-IU0J1U/s640/blogger-image--1390520442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V4UGYWh_Npc/Uo-r6cRxwwI/AAAAAAAAA5o/27ta-IU0J1U/s640/blogger-image--1390520442.jpg"></a></div></div><p></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><br></p></div><div style="height: 0px;"><br><table cellspacing="4px" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><tbody><tr><td style="font-weight: bold; padding: 7px 5px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(234, 234, 234);"><br></td><td style="padding: 7px 5px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(234, 234, 234);"><br></td><td style="padding: 7px 5px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(234, 234, 234);"><br></td><td style="padding: 7px 5px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(234, 234, 234);"><br></td><td style="padding: 7px 5px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(234, 234, 234);"><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div style="height: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">__,_._,___</span></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-51846469141955956692013-11-14T04:54:00.001-08:002013-11-14T04:54:10.727-08:00The Least of These<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">We all know that children with major special needs (like my Henry had) need OUT of orphanages...</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">but what about "cognitively typical/minor sn" kiddos?? </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Well today my heart was broken for THESE children...</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">We had to stay inside for our visit bc it was raining..my daughter and I were given one half of a playroom, the other 10 children in her groupa got the other half (pinned in by chairs)...</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">10 TWO YEAR OLDS in a 15x15 space, 2 nannies more interested in talking to each other, loud music, 2 play trucks, one musical toy and about 10 stuffed animals no 2 year old cares about...</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">A little boy named "Charlie" on Reece's Rainbow (and available for adoption with his younger sister who has a heart condition) especially was hanging over the chairs staring at us, he even climbed over twice to try to join us and was sternly reprimanded...</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Can you imagine the mind-numbing boredom for smart inquisitive little minds???? </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">No duplos, no blocks, no matchbox cars to line up or drive over a road of blocks, no books to be read, no warm lap to snuggle on...</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Maybe your family cannot do major medical needs, but please search your heart to see if you could be just the family for a toddler like Charlie (and his sister)....</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font face="Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 12px;">http://reecesrainbow.org/64317/charlie-and-lola</span></font></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font face="Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br></span></font></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font face="Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TtWh-ySbuYE/UoTH8BhsVTI/AAAAAAAAA5I/0DvnJLfOeAI/s640/blogger-image--1097911593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TtWh-ySbuYE/UoTH8BhsVTI/AAAAAAAAA5I/0DvnJLfOeAI/s640/blogger-image--1097911593.jpg"></a></font></div><font face="Helvetica"><br></font><p></p>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-42248124053036062912013-11-09T04:19:00.001-08:002013-11-09T04:19:34.424-08:00Good Morning!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tHtjbschVUY/Un4oVBxScXI/AAAAAAAAA44/AhK_Plf3mF8/s640/blogger-image--1972958295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tHtjbschVUY/Un4oVBxScXI/AAAAAAAAA44/AhK_Plf3mF8/s640/blogger-image--1972958295.jpg"></a></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-8646871727257229222013-11-07T08:57:00.001-08:002013-11-07T08:57:54.136-08:00From a very good friend...Stay tuned...<div><br></div><div>There is more excitement coming!!!</div><div><br></div><div>http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2013/11/im-going-back.html?spref=fb&m=1</div><div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-45664631457559858562013-10-31T23:32:00.001-07:002013-10-31T23:32:40.107-07:00All Saints DayToday we celebrate all who are in heaven...<div><br></div><div>Which means my own little Henry...</div><div><br></div><div>One year ago today Henry had life-saving surgery...</div><div><br></div><div>He was gone by the end of the month of November...</div><div><br></div><div>This month would have been unbearable...</div><div><br></div><div>Except now November will be more about redemption than desolation...</div><div><br></div><div>More about looking forward than regretfully looking backwards...</div><div><br></div><div>The tears will still fall and those of sadness will be mixed with those of joy...</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you my dear St. Henry...</div><div><br></div><div>For watching over our whole family...</div><div><br></div><div>For teaching us that love is not limited by time or distance or disability...</div><div><br></div><div>That there is always more room in our hearts and at our table.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CSlFZjGgVAA/UnNLBb7F2SI/AAAAAAAAA4o/zYJ1as0eM_8/s640/blogger-image-621595821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CSlFZjGgVAA/UnNLBb7F2SI/AAAAAAAAA4o/zYJ1as0eM_8/s640/blogger-image-621595821.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hu8Eizt4Wt8/UnNK-xweweI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/iaAImpT_NBU/s640/blogger-image--44929492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hu8Eizt4Wt8/UnNK-xweweI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/iaAImpT_NBU/s640/blogger-image--44929492.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IktvZnjmApQ/UnNLABmUhAI/AAAAAAAAA4g/_YfKVh0rkLg/s640/blogger-image-43275179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IktvZnjmApQ/UnNLABmUhAI/AAAAAAAAA4g/_YfKVh0rkLg/s640/blogger-image-43275179.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-63196021613859852242013-10-30T09:18:00.001-07:002013-10-30T09:19:37.880-07:00Just a bit longer...Thanks so much for waiting...<div><br></div><div>We will have such wonderful news to share very soon!!</div><div><br></div><div>Keep praying for us and our children both at home and overseas...</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a0mch2Gef4U/UnExPx9vpeI/AAAAAAAAA4I/XscRglWXcr4/s640/blogger-image--780436858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a0mch2Gef4U/UnExPx9vpeI/AAAAAAAAA4I/XscRglWXcr4/s640/blogger-image--780436858.jpg"></a></div></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-8749000113612630452013-09-26T08:42:00.001-07:002013-09-26T08:42:27.980-07:00A Match.... A Date.... A Gift...Good news comes in Three's!<div><br></div><div>FIRST - </div><div><br></div><div>We met our matching grant! Your generous donations over last last 2 weeks turned our matching donors $2500 into double that... $5000! We still need about $3000 more to cover the massive travel costs to get all 3 children from their region to the Capitol (a 15 hour train ride or a 2 hour ride on a tiny plane, not sure which option scares me more!) then stay in Capitol for visa processing and medical/TB testing and then ultimately fly home. Our family sponsorship fund is still up and running to the right!</div><div><br></div><div>SECOND -</div><div><br></div><div>We have a date to go to the capital city of our children's country and ask for their referral!</div><div>Paul and I are both traveling initially and he will leave after our Court date and will hopefully be home by Thanksgiving, while I will stay for the mandatory 10 day wait for the decree to become final and should be able to bring the children home by Christmas!</div><div><br></div><div>THIRD -</div><div><br></div><div>We were blessed to receive new pictures of our 2 youngest children which we cannot share publicly just yet...</div><div><br></div><div>But here is a little something to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. <3</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B4eXPMuH8Zc/UkRV4cstR2I/AAAAAAAAA3s/wVRJMf_BtpY/s640/blogger-image--1157445790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B4eXPMuH8Zc/UkRV4cstR2I/AAAAAAAAA3s/wVRJMf_BtpY/s640/blogger-image--1157445790.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-47834185682727096342013-09-24T07:41:00.001-07:002013-09-24T07:41:17.445-07:00Today would have been...Henry's 3rd Birthday.<div><br></div><div>Mommy loves you buddy.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lCJfaIPPfmw/UkGki3ipi7I/AAAAAAAAA3c/9NZISHOenvg/s640/blogger-image-505486547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lCJfaIPPfmw/UkGki3ipi7I/AAAAAAAAA3c/9NZISHOenvg/s640/blogger-image-505486547.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-6906590710986076222013-09-19T08:19:00.000-07:002013-09-19T08:19:15.253-07:00Simplified Symphony!!!So a few people mentioned they wanted to donate on our last BIG PUSH to fundraise....<br />
<br />
but they found all the giveaways and options a big confusing...<br />
<br />
you know what?<br />
<br />
Me too. And I even had my coffee :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCYsJjQNQS0/UjsUEq7lteI/AAAAAAAAA3A/iblj31fV0Vc/s1600/coffee+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCYsJjQNQS0/UjsUEq7lteI/AAAAAAAAA3A/iblj31fV0Vc/s200/coffee+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So I am going to make this simple....<br />
<br />
GO HERE:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/57151/sponsordobrovits-2">http://reecesrainbow.org/57151/sponsordobrovits-2</a><br />
<br />
and donate $10 or more to our TAX DEDUCTIBLE adoption fund.....<br />
<br />
and you will automatically be entered to WIN ALL THE PRIZES listed at <a href="http://www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/">www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com </a>(including a 2nd gen iPad and Otterbox donated in honor of my Henry! AND a $500 Visa Gift Card AND a Canon Power Shot Digital Camera AND and iPad Mini AND your choice of a Kindle Fire/Nintendo 3DS AND a whole bunch more gift cards, gorgeous art prints, etc.<br />
<br />
If you can SHARE on your blog or FB just leave a comment below and I will make sure you get an entry (everyone who has shared up until now HAS been entered also)!!!!<br />
<br />
Simple, right!<br />
<br />
We have had $770 since the Symphony began on Friday and we need $1,730 more to meet our matching grant of $2500!!!<br />
<br />
We hope to have a travel date to receive our childrens' referral very soon and bring them home before Christmas!!<br />
<br />
We could not do this without all of you!!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LN6vtm62Q28/UjsVt8yuSEI/AAAAAAAAA3M/tBb1Eoep_44/s1600/558115_325370567589649_922617846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LN6vtm62Q28/UjsVt8yuSEI/AAAAAAAAA3M/tBb1Eoep_44/s320/558115_325370567589649_922617846_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089120699222354664.post-9038222255996038722013-09-13T10:03:00.001-07:002013-09-13T10:03:13.468-07:00Please join us at the Symphony!!First, please go to:<div><br></div><div>www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com</div><div><br></div><div>The amazing Julia has put together an amazing fundraising giveaway for us...</div><div><br></div><div>And a few other families...</div><div><br></div><div>And a few precious boys...</div><div><br></div><div>And I am in tears that the grand prize,</div><div>an iPad, was donated in honor of Henry!!!</div><div><br></div><div>PLEASE this Friday ---</div><div><br></div><div>Pick a boy...</div><div><br></div><div>Pick a family...</div><div><br></div><div>Share Julia's post...</div><div><br></div><div>And enjoy the beautiful music of the celestial conductor as played by wonderful people LIKE YOU who are helping there be fewer orphans and more perfect melodies in this world!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UfquUESJz1k/UjNFT_VR8_I/AAAAAAAAA2w/8ZbkOjuuGrc/s640/blogger-image--1705159671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UfquUESJz1k/UjNFT_VR8_I/AAAAAAAAA2w/8ZbkOjuuGrc/s640/blogger-image--1705159671.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Carla Dobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13774997165220926432noreply@blogger.com1