2 Families. 2 little boys. 2gether we can do this!

I couldn't make this story up if I tried.

Over 5 years ago Maria Falvo and I met at a homeschool get-together. We talked briefly and saw each other maybe a couple more times that year. 

We never kept in touch, Facebook wasn't the big thing yet;)

Two years ago while I was living in TN we found each other online. Maria was in the process of adopting Benji and Tayia. I then moved back to FL and we began the process
 to adopt Gabe and Levi. 

After committing to my boys we found out that her Taiya and my Gabe were actually
 in the same crib together. 

We also learned that Levi took Benji's place in his group after Benji went home with the Falvo's. 
How crazy is that!

While in Ukraine Maria and her husband saw a little boy that caught their eye. 

He was Benji's best buddy. 

He was sweet and kind, and wanted nothing more than to have a mommy and daddy.

Long story short, the Falvo's are returning to adopt Phillip! 

We also met an adorable, blue eyed little boy while we were adopting last year. 

He was in Levi's group.

 

 Kole.  We fell in love at first sight.   

By God's amazing grace and goodness, we are going back to rescue our sweet boy! 

Two families.

Adopted 2 children each, from the same orphanage.

 

Two families

Neighbors 

we live only minutes from each other

Returning for our sons buddies

Who will soon be BROTHERS

I couldn't make this stuff up! We did.not.plan.this. Only God

Our two families are now only awaiting our travel date to adopt Kole and Phillip, which we expect to have within 4 weeks!


God has been so amazing in writing every chapter of our stories. He has provided every single step of the way. Many of you have already been a part of that provision, and we are incredibly thankful.


With only $3,000 dollars each that we have to raise, we are confidant that God will once again provide.


Maria and I together decided to do one last big fundraiser and we are so excited! 
Many of you have donated some amazing items!!!


If you would like to be a part of reuniting 2 little boys and bringing them HOME to be sons and brothers, here is your opportunity:)

This whole month of June we will have an online auction. Both of our blogs will have the exact same items and the chip-in will go directly to the same account to be split between both families. 
Our hope and prayer is to raise the remaining $6,000 we both need to travel and rescue our boys. 

Here is how it will work:


*For every $10 donation you will get your name entered once.


*Entries can be made the whole month of June.


*The last day to enter will be June 30, 2012.


*We will draw names on July 1st and contact you so that you may pick your prize. 
1st name gets first choice, 2nd name drawn gets to choose from the remaining, and so on.


We have so many great items for many of you to enjoy!


Of course the more entries you make, the higher chance you get to have the gift of your choice.


We will keep drawing names until the last gift is claimed. 

*This just in! Someone has generously offered to give $1,300 

IF we can get 30 people to each get FIVE of their friends in the next 5 days to enter. 

For each of you that gets 5 friends to enter, we will give YOU FIVE entries for yourself!

The deal gets even sweeter.....

All local (Hernando County, FL) people who take the challenge and sign 10 of their friends up will get half a dozen cake pops made by "Little Big Cakes" 

 

hand delivered to you! 

How sweet is that! 

 

So spread the word on FB, at your office, church, etc. Get 5 or 10 friends each to commit and let us know by leaving a comment with the list of names.

Once we hit 30 taking the challenge, we will automatically receive $1,300!!!!!!

Challenge starts NOW! 

(Deadline is Monday, June 11th) 

Are you ready for this?!?! Here is the list of all the great prizes you can win!

iPad 2

  

Donated by Jana Knox $400 Value 

Kindle Fire

Donated by Gretchen Thibault $200 Value

Adult large navy 147 Million T-Shirt

Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $20 Value

 Ladies small pink 147 Million T- Shirt

Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $20 Value

Child's green 147 Million T-Shirt

 Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $20 Value

147 Million Burlap Bag Zippered 11" across pretty pink interior.

 Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $30 Value

~ Raggedy Quilt
~ Measures 34" x 39"
~ three patterns - lavender w/ small white polka dots; green w/ white paisley; green background w/ blue, lavender & yellow flowers.
~ Back and front layers are made from 100% cotton. Middle layer is soft and cuddly 100% cotton flannel.
~ I've pre-washed it in Dreft detergent to begin the ragging & softening process. Each time it's washed it will get more cuddly soft.
~ This particular quilt would sell for $57.00. 

Hand Made and Donated by Debbie Gableman 

This necklace is made out of recycled magazines! It was made in Uganda where the average yearly income is $300 and parents have to pay for their children to attend school. A single mom made this necklace so that her children can attend school.

Donated by Tisha Alexander value $30

Seinna Richie  Lacey Shopper large handbag $89 Value
Donated by Maria Falvo

 

 Handmade Bracelets

Donated by Sarah at 

 www.forhisgloryhandiwork.blogspot.com

 

 Custom owl hat Donated by Sarah

The winner of the owl hat can choose the size and color they would like, and I will make it and get it out to them. More info on the owl hats here  http://handiworkforelijah.blogspot.com/2011/11/owl-hats-custom-orders.html

 

 Choice of designer look wallets

Donated by Gaby Broderick

Coach Change Purse. 

Comes with bag and box $78 Value

Donated by Emily Nolan

 

Knot Dress $35 Value

Donated by  http://www.etsy.com/shop/kandykissesboutique?view_type=gallery

 

 Lori Harris has donated either a custom boys outfit or a custom girls dress. Winner will chose. $35 Value

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/99028889/boys-custom-outfit-t-shirt-and-shorts?ref=cat_gallery_6

 

Hand Made and Donated by Becky Hilfer. Proceeds help the poor in Guatemala.

Created using Rosaline Swarovski Pearls, Rose Swarovski Cubes, Silver Plated Swarovski Rondelles, Silver Plated tube, Beads, Spacers and clasp.
$24.95 Value

https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Connection-of-Hope/285019914857014








 

 

 $50 Amazon Gift Card 

Donated by Gaby Broderick

 

Custom cloth doll you choose features $29 Value

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72451857/custom-cloth-doll-you-choose-features?ref=cat_gallery_12

Donated by Becky Wangerin 

Who is going back for a little girl!

 

Coach Wrislet 

Comes with bag and coach box $48 Value

Donated by Emily Nolan 

Pampered Chef Leak proof glass container 1.5cup

Donated by Maria Falvo 

 

$25 Gift Certificate to use online at

 http://www.toobusymoms.com/

Donated by Jennifer Griffith & Tiffany Grumbley

(2 available)






 
 
Handmade Dress and Matching Bow $30 Value
Donated by Jessica Chinni  







iTunes Gift Card $15 Value
Donated by Jessica Chinni






 
 
 
 
Set of 10 handmade Cards Assorted
Donated by Mel DeLlanos



 
Thirty-One Retro Metro Bag $55 Value
Donated by Rachel Golden 


 
Scentsy Warmer & 3 Scents $50 Value
Donated by Bianca Olivier 

 
Hand made Pie Plate

To donate simply click on the ChipIn! button below. 

For every $10 we will enter your name once.

After you enter in your amount and log in to Paypal, please leave your email address in the "note to seller" section so we can contact you for your prize

Your transaction will show up as "Lindy House Photography"

He keeps us laughing

Curly blond hair. Amazing blue eyes. Little comedian. Story Teller. Could live on Nana's bread with butter and cinnamon. Little brother. Video gamer. Math lover. Ninja fighter.

My Zane man.

You turn 5 today and boy are you excited!

You are my baby. You don't like when I tell you that. You are a BIG boy you tell me.
You are very excited that your new brother, Kole, is younger than you (by a month) because then I will call him my baby.

You came into this world as our first home birth.


*No, I am not an anti-doctor, hippie, tree huger kind of woman. We had our first two children at a labor center and since it went so well we decided why not just have everyone come to us! No tree hugging was involved in the birth of my child.

It was a great experience for all of us. Your brother and sister got to cut the cord.


Sissy was the first to get you dressed which was so cool for me because I was the first to dress my little sister when she was born at home.
*Yes, the crazy hippie gene runs in the family;)


Your brother put on your little hat


You were also our first screamer! You would scream all.the.time. Happy, sad, mad. You screamed.

One Year Old




You finally started talking and baby - whoops -I mean, boy do you have a lot to say!

2 Years Old



I keep a journal of all the silly things you do and say. The entries are getting more frequent everyday. Here are just a few:

August 2009
Zane changed his baby's diaper with a tissue and then rocked him while singing "Hush Little Baby". His baby?
A little green tractor.

June 2010
While playing outside in the dirt Zane was aggravated at all the bugs. He came and said to me, I know! The bugs can be my friends! I will say, Hi bugs! and then they can come into the house with me and have chicken nuggets!"

August 2011
Zane - Mom! You are really good at that! You would probably be good at Mario because you do those dishes so good.

October 2011
In the waiting room at a Dr. appointment.

Zane: Mommy, if you go to the car and get me the laptop then I will give you fifty thousand dollars.

And where are you getting that $50,000???

DUH, from doing my chores.

October 2011
Yes, that would be my son sitting in church laughing outloud during the singing of the solo, "Beauty for Ashes". He of course finds it hilarious that she is singing, "Booty for Ashes"

October 2011
Zane - "You know why I don't want to die? Because I don't know the directions home when I'm ready to come flying back"



3 Years Old

Aunt Kara makes you the best cakes





Little Big Planet Cake last year


4 Years Old





Whenever I turn the camera on you, this is what I get



You don't hold back.

It's all Zane for the world to see!

And this world is blessed to have you in it.

Happy Birthday baby boy. Oh how I love you!

A Dream Coming True

Dream: a cherished hope; ambition; aspiration




We met Kole 7 months ago on our trip to adopt Gabe and Levi. It was on one of our visits while we were out walking with Levi that Genesis saw a group of children that looked to be from Levi's room. We made our way over to them, not knowing if that was ok or not.

The workers didn't mind at all so we started to interact with the kids, blowing bubbles, taking pictures and video.


There was one boy in particular that caught my eye and stole my heart.

Kole.

There he sat looking lonely but hopeful. Genesis sat beside him and he instantly reached for her hand, content to sit and hold it tight. He wasn't aggressive at all but very calm and quite. Nothing brought a smile to his face more than when he could just be next to you.


I remember when a couple of my friends went to this same orphanage and told me how they had seen a sweet boy with down syndrome in their boys group. They said that unfortunately he wasn't able to be adopted because his parents hadn't signed over the papers to release him.
When I saw Kole I instantly knew this must be the boy they talked about and I thought how sad it was that he would never have the opportunity to be loved in a family.

Genesis and I loved on Kole every chance we could. Guy never did get to meet him as he was caring for Gabe off in the distance.


Fast forward to us coming home. Without going into details, it was found out that Kole was actually available for adoption. His paperwork had been mixed up with another child's.

This was wonderful news and now that I know this I should be advocating for him. I just knew that once someone saw his sweet face he would be snatched right up!
But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was torn between knowing that finding him a family would be the right thing to do and wanting us to be that family.

Everyday I dreamed of him. I could picture him fitting in perfectly with our crazy bunch.

Several weeks ago I was sharing with a good friend how much I would love to adopt Kole, but I knew that it wasn't an option for us. Or so I thought;)

I started to think if maybe it was possible. Could there actually be a way?

I talked to Guy seriously about the possibilities.
I then learned that there were inquiries being made about him from other families.
This was it, if he is meant to be ours, now is the time to make it happen.
After consulting with other wise families and friends I knew that we could definitely do this.

Guy gave me the green light to proceed and we are on our way to beginning the process of making Kole ours!

This is not something that I sought out. I honestly did not see us returning to UA anytime soon! But man are we EXCITED!!!!

And for those of you thinking, another BOY?!? Well, again, if it wasn't for the fact that we met Kole and fell in love with this particular child, this wouldn't be happening right now.
No worries though, I'm sure Genesis' dream of having a sister will happen one day as well.

So what now? Fundraising, paperwork, phone calls, organizing the house, babysitters, etc. I will post about all that and more soon!

Seriously, don't you just love this sweet face???