Life in the Luhman House

I'm not addicted to Coupons....

2011-04-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Okay we have all seen or heard about the extreme couponers - I promise I am not becoming one of the them but I'm getting a bit addicted to the challenge of it! The other day my sister and I did our monthly grocery shopping and I had over $70 in savings (via coupons) by the time I was done - this paid for those extras like a new pair of shoes for my daughter; new Rubbermaid containers for my baking supplies and a new pair of shoes for my niece!

http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

http://coupons.com/

http://www.redplum.com/

http://www.smartsource.com

http://www.couponnetwork.com

Bella Grants

2011-04-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

The phone calls have been made and the grants awarded. Congrats to those receiving funds!

Bella Adoption Foundation

2011-02-23T19:00:00.001-08:00

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind to say the least. As a result, it is with a very heavy heart that I have decided that I will not continue with the Bella Foundation. Over the last 2+ years I have (mostly as a 1-man show) tried to do fundraisers to raise funds to give to those working through the adoption process. I have done what I can with the limited resources I have and personal ability. I have raised what I can and at this point in time I want nothing more to give ALL funds that there to those who can use it. After consulting with those who have helped along the way, a deadline of March 15th has been set for grant application. Please send your applications to Bella ASAP so we can distribute funds and I can put this to rest. The link on the right side works but please note - as a result of not continuing the foundation please disregarding any fees associated with the application as this was set in place to help the next generation of grants and because there will not be a "next," there are no need for fees.

Please help communicate this to those who may benefit from these funds.

Bellaadoptionfoundation.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays

2010-11-28T17:27:00.001-08:00

Picture Joy Christmas

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Happy Holidays

2010-11-28T17:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

We would like to wish everyone a very happy holidays season. 2010 was full of blessings for our family. We hope that we are as fortunate in 2011.

No News

2010-11-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted last and that is because there really is nothing new to report. We are looking at getting papers ready - again - but trying to get some answers of where we exactly are in the process before we dive back in.

Big Event Tomorrow!!!

2010-09-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday is the big Chosen One Run and Family Fun day in Zumbrota - It should be lots of fun!

Hope to see you there :)

It's Coming Fast

2010-08-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

The Chosen One Run - Family Fun Day is almost here. Please spread the word to everyone you know to stop by on Saturday September 11th for some afternoon activities and our evening fun run/walk.

Family Fun begins at 3pm

Run/Walk Registration Begins at 5pm

Run/Walk begins at 6pm

Food and Drink available for purchase

T-Shirts for sale the day of the event

BellaAdoptionFoundation.Blogspot.Com has all the details!!!

Chosen One Run

2010-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual Chosen One Run is fast approaching. Will you attend???

Check out the Bella Blog for all the details

Another Direction

2010-05-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

To pass my time - as if I have any extra - I've become one of those penny pinching mom's always looking for the best deal or a coupon to use on my next (yea right) shopping spree. I figure we can all save a few dollars here and there hence the post today.

Here are a few of my favorite sites to check out when looking for deals.

http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/

http://coupons.com/

http://www.coupontrunk.com/

What are your favorites? Leave a comment and share the savings!!!

Just found another one: CouponSuzy.com

Mother's Day

2010-05-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's and mom's-to-be...

Baby Victoria has arrived

2010-04-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Victoria was born 3/28 at 2:25am and is precious. Mom and Baby are home and doing well.

Victoria is a wonderful baby and hopes to one day be the best little/big sister she can be when we are able to continue with our adoption :)

For the next year (at least 9 months) we will focus on our family at hand and pray for the children looking/needing a loving family with the hopes that a year from now we will be able to announce the arrival of our 2nd child through adoption. In the mean time, Peru will be keeping our information and hopefully all we will have to do is update our dossier rather than completely redo it. A few forms to redo but nothing compared to the whole bundle.

Bummer day...

2010-03-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

So today is not exactly starting out so well. I just received word that are adoption is officially on hold and we need to wait a year before pursuing anything further to establish our family here at home. I guess it is nice to know where we stand but I'm still pretty heartbroken at the moment....

Bake Sale

2010-03-25T08:36:00.001-07:00

Don't forget - if you don't have anything to donate for the treasure sale coming up in April you can always donate baked goods as well. Items need to be dropped off to either the Zumbrota Fire Hall or Autumn Moon the evening before the sale (Friday April 16th). Please have items pre-packaged and ready to sell - we will take care of putting a price on the items.
All donations are greatly appreciated!

? please let us know BellaAdopt@gmail.com

Bella Treasure Sale

2010-03-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

Bella Adoption Foundation is holding its very first Treasure Sale

Saturday April 17th!!!

We are currently accepting donations for the sale - this is a great local alternative to Salvation Army and Goodwill with the proceeds going toward grants for MN families working through the adoption process. For more information please see the Bella Blog at http://bellaadoptionfoundation.blogspot.com/ or email us at BellaAdopt@gmail.com

Donations can be dropped off at Autumn Moon in Zumbrota during regular business hours.

Nothing new to report

2010-03-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

I know many have asked where we are at now and what is happening with the adoption. Right now I feel we are kinda in limbo. Our papers are approved and from what I understand we are in the Peru pool which means we could get a referral tomorrow or 12 months from now. The next 6 weeks will be plenty busy for us so if we do not hear anything until May that would be just fine by us. We will keep you all posted as news arrives and we ask for you to just continue to pray that we will someday be able to provide a loving home to a child in need.

Another Congrats in order...

2010-02-05T07:50:00.001-08:00

Another congrats going out to my cousin and her husband and just received word that they may have a potential birth mom and baby come June - keep the prayers coming for all those looking to be parents and for those needing good homes - dreams do come true :)

Congratulations!!!

2010-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

A dear friend of mine through our adoption support group officially became a mom on 1-19-2010 via a Russian adoption many years in the works.

Congrats Mary!!!

Approved!

2010-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

I just received word today that our dossier has been approved by SNA (social services in Peru)! This means that they have approved our request to adopt 1-2 children under the age of 3 from Peru. This does NOT mean we have a referral or a time frame for a referral only that a new ball is moving. This is a good thing and one more check mark for the journey. In light of everything we are hoping to know one way or the other if a referral will be soon or possibly postponed for 1 year - we are hoping to know something in the next few weeks - none the less good news today and time will tell the rest.

Seriously - a whale???

2010-01-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

480 - 500 days = the gestation time of a whale.

488 days = length of time we have been pursuing our adoption

Result - I'm a whale... that's kinda funny :)

Please do not let us get to be elephants... ~640 days

New Year = Cleaning...

2009-12-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

So another year is fast approaching and our lives as we know it will hopefully soon changes in multiple ways. I guess it is time to do some cleaning and get the house all child proofed and prepared. So what to do with all the stuff we no longer need/want??? I have a solution for ourselves and others ready to get out with the old and in with the new.

Bella Adoption Foundation http://bellaadoptionfoundation.blogspot.com/ is currently accepting donations for its spring 2010 garage sale. All items donated will be sold with proceeds benefiting the foundation. (please note that proceeds do NOT benefit our personal adoption but rather the foundation). Drop off items at Autumn Moon in Zumbrota http://autumnmoononline.com/ and remember to pick-up your donation card when you do so to claim your donation on your taxes.

Please also pass on the word to friends and family that there are other options to donate their goods to rather than the typical SAs and GWs... knowing the funds will be given to Minnesota families looking to provide a child with a stable and loving home.

Tentative date for the sale is end of March 2010 - more to come as the details are ironed out.

Sibling Group in Need

2009-12-22T14:29:00.001-08:00

I just received an email from our adoption agency asking for assistance placing a sibling group of 5 children. They are completely healthy and ready to adopt.

Twin girls age 5

3 boys ages 11, 9, and 7

If you or someone you know may be interested in adopting this family please contact Pat Baldwin at Villa Hope Adoption Agency: patbaldwin@villahope.org

Help make a Christmas miracle happen by sharing this info with those around you and see if we can get these children placed into a loving home...

Oversee Papers

2009-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Our papers are on their way to Peru as of yesterday!!!!!! This is exciting because the next time we hear from Peru we should have an answer to whether or not we are suitable to adopt from their country. However the wait is not easy and it could easily take 2 months before hearing anything and with the holiday season fast approaching we might as well plan on 3... We are in good spirits nonetheless thanks to all of our supporters out there- you all really do keep us going some days so THANK YOU!

p.s. Peru is the pink country in South America just west of Brazil - the map is kinda small...

Thanksgiving Thanks...

2009-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and there are so much we are thankful for each and everyday of our lives including our health, family, financial stability (if you can call it that) and support of so many wonderful friends/family around us. We would like to extend a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of our followers, friends, family, and supporters; without you our journey could have been a lot bumpier but you were always there to cheer us up when we needed it, lend a shoulder to cry on, share a joke to make us smile and just keep us looking forward. THANK YOU!!!!

p.s. the papers are in Chicago at the Consulate - hoping they move on soon...

Uggh

2009-11-20T09:15:00.001-08:00

I knew I should have hand carried my papers to the state - now they are MIA and need to be to Peru in a week and still need to stop in Chicago - can you say FREAKING OUT!!!!

Flying papers...

2009-11-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well - they are off. Our needed papers have started their journey. First stop - MN Secretary of State for certification, then off to the Peruvian Consulate in Chicago, then to Alabama and finally off to Lima Peru - expected arrival date (for the papers) end of next week.

2 down...

2009-11-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

2 pieces of paperwork are done and ready to go just need the final approval on one more and then the mailing around the state, country and world begins again - for the last time!!!! (okay for this round anyway)

More info needed!

2009-11-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

We got word today from Peru regarding our dossier -- yea!!! We need to send down 3 pieces of information to add to the dossier. This is not uncommon and was very expected. The good news is that our papers have been seen by SNA (this is the social agency that takes care of adoptions) and we are a step closer. So even though it may sounds like a set-back it really isn't and we continue to move forward!!! We just need to get everything returned in 15 days - NO PRESSURE...

Update...

2009-11-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a month since my last blog - wow - and unfortunately I have nothing new to report. Papers are still there and just doing their thing. Maybe some news in January...

To all of you who feel like giving up

2009-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

~~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jeOguqNIAo

Another You.Tube video and it is not adoption inspired but the message still applies. This is a life message for anyone and everyone. I know we all feel this way sometimes but this man should be our inspiration to remember that life is worth the fight for every cause we believe in, every dream we wish for, every goal we have set before ourselves to accomplish.

Enjoy and happy fall :)

Kris

Timeline Change

2009-10-06T12:52:00.001-07:00

For all of you praying for a happy Christmas story of a family being united by adoption, I hate to disappoint but we will not be that family this year :(

Our timeline has changed due to day-to-day life of living an adoption story. There is no one particular reason why we have extended our timeline - it is just the way it works. We are hoping that we may be able to travel in the spring - so maybe an Easter story.....

on a scary note - Christmas is only 80 days away...

October 2009

2009-10-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

Today begins another month of 2009 and I just wanted to take a minute to reflect on what has been an interesting year for us. I feel so blessed to have the family and friend support we have had through our adoption journey and everyday life. Our adoption support group has been a wonderful addition this year to coping with the roller coaster of adoption and I would highly recommend that anyone pursuing an adoption should get themselves hooked up with a network of other people who have lived or are living the journey. I am thankful for the work we have, the spare time we rarely find but cherish, and every single day that we get to live and laugh together as a couple and hopefully soon as a family...

Translating the language...

2009-09-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Our papers arrived safely to Peru and are in the hands of the translators and getting legalized in the country. This process could take up to 3 weeks but we are hoping that we hear something back in the next week or maybe week and a half... So the process continues and we are just waiting the best we can for some sign of hope or an answer to guide our next step. I have yet to do any real preparation to our house for a child because there are so many variables:

What age will they be?

How big will they be?

Boy or Girl?

Right now only questions and no answers...

Run Success

2009-09-12T20:18:00.001-07:00

Words can not express the emotions I felt tonight see people come from what seemed like nowhere to join us to celebration adoption. Joining families together and celebrating together, running together and bonding together - I am so very proud to be part of this community and hope this was just the beginning...

GONE BABY GONE!!!

2009-09-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

The papers are out of the office and will be flying soon to Peru - estimated arrival - MONDAY!!!

More waiting - that is really all we do from this point on.....

Papers getting ready

2009-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

So our dossier has made it through the Consulate - just a fine tooth comb from the agency in Alabama and then off to Peru!!!!

Sharing your story

2009-09-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Bella Adoption Foundation is looking for adoption stories to share at their upcoming Chosen One Run to be held on September 12, 2009. If you or someone you know may be interested in sharing their adoption story/journey please let Bella know ASAP via email to BellaAdopt@gmail.com.

See the foundation blog for full details.
http://bellaadoptionfoundation.blogspot.com/

Shout out for Smile Network

2009-09-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Rockin' Roll
Ride to Change a Child's Life

(Smile Network International)

Saturday September 5th

9:30-11:00am Registration, Breakfast, Rock Legends Art Show

MPLS Warehouse District/North Loop * 211 North First Street

Bikers depart promptly at 11:00am!

*Road Show*

Have cycle...will travel! Pick your pleasures...

The Narrows: Live Music

Canterbury: Mini Poker Tourneys

MN Horse & Hunt Club: Clay Pigeon Shooting

Sports Wheels: Motorhead Tour

*Headliner*

Meet at Midway Stadium 4:30pm

Parade Entrance into MN State Fair

Wrap Party

Grandstand Concert: Styx, REO, .38 Special (concert and VIP seating not included in $35 entry fee)

Raffle: VIP Trip to New York, including 2 first class airline tickets and behind the scenes tour of the Orange County Choppers. Meet the starts of American Choppers!

For complete information and registration: http://www.smilenetwork.org/ or call 612-377-1800

Bikers $35 / Riders $30 / Raffle Tickets $10

Congratulations!!!!

2009-08-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Dirks family on your safe arrival home with your new little boy - he is absolutely beautiful. It is a blessing to see a family come together and we are very excited for you!!!!

http://thedirksfamily.blogspot.com/

Up early...

2009-08-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

I was up at 6am making copies and writing more letters this morning. We are going to send a heavy FedEx package to the Consulate in Chicago this morning - hoping the turn-around time is quick and then it is off to Peru!!! (for the papers anyway)

MN Papers Arrived

2009-08-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

The remaining MN papers arrived this morning - YEA!!! So next we will back them up and send to Chicago to the Peruvian Consulate. Almost there...

uuuuuugh

2009-08-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

So - half of the papers returned from the State with the certification but the other half were returned because the notaries did not have the statement:

State of _________; City/County of __________

Sworn and subscribed to me on this _________ day of _______ 2009.

So Fed Ex back to the state today...

Garage Sale

2009-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

I dear friend from my adoption support group is having a garage sale / plant sale / bake sale on Saturday, August 29th to help raise money for her pending adoption. The sale will be taking place in Rochester, MN at 813 15th St. NW - near Assisi Heights. Treasures of all sorts to be found so if you are in the area or looking for a good sale please stop by and support this hopeful mother-to-be :)

GOT IT!!

2009-08-05T12:11:00.001-07:00

The parenting assessment arrived yesterday! I emailed a copy to the our agency today and they need to review and so more waiting...

Waiting for mail...

2009-08-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting our parenting assessment in the mail. I was given a promise that it would be mailed yesterday afternoon so it better be here on Wednesday!!! This is the last piece of paperwork we are waiting for and it is slightly overdo :(

Orphans Deserve Better

2009-07-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

The new Warner Bros. release "Orphan" has caused a stir in the adoption community and rightfully so - please note the following link and site to help these children rather than damage their reputation as Hollywood felt they had the liberty of doing...

http://orphansdeservebetter.org/

Orphans Deserve Better is a grassroots initiative to counter the movie Orphan. Join us in taking the side of those who cannot speak for themselves.

However far-fetched some stories are, they can still subtly shape our values and perceptions. So when a major motion picture leaves a lingering impression that orphans are damaged goods and that adoption can tear apart your life, those who know the deeper truth must speak up.
People deserve to know better. They must be told of the great needs orphans face. They should also see the joy found in loving them…and practical steps we can take to do so.

“Defend the cause of the fatherless,” urges the prophet Isaiah. We invite you to join in doing just that:

1) Send a message to Warner Brothers urging them to contribute a portion of proceeds from the movie to help orphans.

2) Share your stories of how loving an orphan can lift a child’s life and those who choose to love them.

3) Consider ways you can act to help orphans today.

A llama...

2009-07-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today I am officially a llama. You see the gestational period for a llama is 330 days - or 11 months. This just happens to be the mile marker we are at today - July 20, 2009 - 330 days or 11 months into our adoption journey. Paperwork still in hand and I'm worried because the next animal I can find is an rhino = 487 days and then we move to elephants...

So close...

2009-07-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Dustin did his medical on Thursday last week. He gets his TB test read tomorrow (he calls it a typhoid test) and then the medical paperwork just needs to be notarized and mailed back to us. Our psychological report will be mailed to us on 7/27. Once I have the psych report I will email to Alabama and then they send our approved official home study and then everything gets sent to the state of Minnesota for legalization. When that returns (2 days) we will send to Chicago to the consulate and they sign-off and then it all gets sent to Alabama and then Peru. I'm still shooting for Thanksgiving pending we don't have any delays or mistakes...

The feeling of the day: Impatient!!!

Inspirations

2009-07-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

For all of those who cannot understand why we have chosen to do an international adoption at this time in our lives may need to watch this You.Tube video. Granted we are not adopting from Ethiopia but the sentiment is the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duyL9UjLrdM

I'm just the type of person to sit back and let someone else help - I want to save the world...

p.s. of course I cried - for those who know me and know I tear up at the sight of any adoption story or support for adoption.

Is this week the week???

2009-07-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

Is this going to be the week that the paperwork is finished - one can only hope but my money is on next week. Either way we are so close that it hurts a little bit. I am excited that we have our first runner signed up for the Chosen One Run in September!!! If you need more info I can certainly send it or just click on the link at the top of the page to get to the Bella Adoption Foundation blog.

Frustrated today

2009-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

For no real apparent reason I'm frustrated today. Nothing has happened that has directly affected my mood - I'm just having one of those days I guess. We have been working on our adoption for 10 months, 2 weeks and 4 days now (but who's counting?) which is totally normal and average thus far - but a person just cannot help it to wish our family to be whole...

One Medical DONE

2009-07-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yea - one more thing done. I called to schedule my medical exam today and they had an opening so I've been there and back already and my paperwork is done!!! Dustin doesn't have his appointment until 7/16 so it will be 2 more weeks before we are ready to start sending papers everywhere - but we are one step closer.

Bring on the medicals!

2009-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

The psychological testing is officially done! The report should be in our hands next week. This means the only remaining item is the general medical exams. The quest today is to get them schedule ASAP and from there all will packaged and sent around the country and then around (okay no "around") the world!

Article about Support Group.

2009-06-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Post-Bulletin article printed this past weekend. http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/?a=404706&z=31

This adoption support group has been a God-send for me as we work through our adoption.

New favorite book

2009-06-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

I finally have found a book that I think I like - adoption related.

Hope-So Too by Jodi Hill

Simply stated:

"Hope-so's favorite story was the one about her name, how she was adopted, and into this family she came. Hope-so listed tightly with her ears and her heart, how her parents had wanted a family to start..."

This will be a regular at Autumn Moon if you know anyone adopting or has completed the process that you need a gift for...

Frosty Anyone? (ice cream)

2009-06-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Reminder - This Saturday and Sunday Wendy's will donate $0.50 from each frosty product to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Thank You

2009-06-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Beak Design Studio http://www.beakds.com/index.html for creating our logo both for the Bella Adoption Foundation and for the Chosen One Run! You have exceeded all my expectations and more!!!

Beak Design Studio specializes in adoption profiles, posters, illustrations and photo retouching. This is one talented cookie and I'm so happy that she has offered her services to Bella Adoption Foundation!

Psychological Exams DONE!!

2009-06-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

We had our big psychological exams today. We had to fill out/do 4 different forms of paper work and talk through our answers. Result - No red flags and we are a conundrum. Apparently our personalities are very similar and our answers were very similar and this was puzzling but after we explained how we made it work it all made sense. The examples that made it come together...

Question: When you order a pizza who gets to decide what kind and style you get?

Answer: you split the pizza half and half; one time we order the crust I like the next time the crust he likes and sometimes we agree. At home we make separate tortilla pizzas then we each can choose the amount of sauce on the pizza.

Response: that makes sense; we find ways to make things work for both of us without giving up everything.

After thought: Dustin and I had to discuss this further over breakfast (fast breakfast) and we laughed and realized that with other people we can be very stubborn and set in our ways but with each other we give and take to meet each others needs and find a balance. I'm not sure if this is the result of how our relationship began and has evolved to what it is now or if we just truly are sole mates; I like to think it is both :)

Bella Adoption Foundation

2009-06-09T15:03:00.001-07:00

I have the blog address for the Bella Adoption Foundation

http://bellaadoptionfoundation.blogspot.com/

Forms are Ready!!!

2009-06-09T11:25:00.001-07:00

The participation registration form as well as sponsorship forms for the Chosen One Run are now available online via the Autumn Moon Homepage at http://autumnmoononline.com/

We are still in need of event sponsors if you or your business would like to give to the event.

Runners/Walkers: download, print, and return your form before August 29th to guarantee your t-shirt for the event.

??????

2009-06-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

I cannot think of the word or even the description to explain how I feel today.

Humbled, frustrated, angry, rejuvenated, worried, scared, enthusiastic...

There is no one good word that describes it all but yet I feel them all at once today. Plans for the run are progressing; paperwork for the adoption is still moving forward (with bumps); and work is work. I am blessed for what I have, yet long for something more. I worry about tomorrow but try and live in today. I want to save the world but need to remember those close to home. I have enough yet not enough.

Have you ever just had a day when you don't know whether to scream or laugh? Smile or cry?

Picture is Edvard Munch's: The Scream

Congressmen Listen

2009-06-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

Yes - Of course I emailed him and Senator Klobuchar and I got a response from both (but hers was a generic thanks for writing with nothing specific to my email).

June 4, 2009
Dear Mrs. Luhman:

Thank you for contacting me to share your support for adoption tax credits. I appreciate learning of your views.

You may be interested to know that I am a cosponsor of the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009 (H.R. 213), which would prevent provisions expanding the adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs from expiring. H.R. 213 currently is being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee, and I will urge my colleagues to allow it to move through the legislative process. Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to do so again regarding any issue of importance to you.

Sincerely,

JOHN KLINE
Member of Congress

Motivation to run...

2009-06-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

If running/walking 3.1 miles would help someone become a parent through adoption would you run/walk?

If it sounds like the answer is to simple that is because it is. You have the ability to be part of giving a child a permanent home by participating in the Run for Adoption taking place on September 12.

We are currently working on the fliers and registration form. If you would like the form emailed to you upon it's completion please email bellaadopt@gmail.com

We are still looking for event sponsors if you or someone you know may be interested. Again email bellaadopt@gmail.com and I'll send you the sponsor letter and form.

Adoption Tax Credit

2009-06-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

The federal adoption tax credit has made adoptions much more affordable. We are hoping it will still be around when we complete our adoption so we can take advantage of it. The tax credit is set to expire in December 2010 unless Congress votes to continue it.
The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213, would keep the adoption tax credit from being repealed, and may make the tax relief measure permanent.
It only takes a few minutes to email or call your senators and congressmen — it’s important for them to hear from families impacted by the tax credit.

Write your Representative: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Write your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

http://adopttaiwan.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/federal-adoption-tax-credit/

Sunset Run for Adoption

2009-05-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

The stage has been set and we are on our way with our inaugural 5k fun run.

This event is a 5K/3K fun Run/Walk

When: Saturday September 12

Registration begins at 5pm

Event begins at 6pm

Where: Start/End and Zumbrota Fire Hall

Right now we are looking for sponsors and volunteers.
**If you are interested in being a sponsor for the event please contact me via email at luhman.kris@gmail.com or by calling Autumn Moon at 507-732-7400. Sponsors giving $50 or more will be allowed to set up a vending area at the event to promote your business or sell your product (you retain all profits). If you are unable to give $50 but would like to contribute toward our drawings please also contact me at the above locations.

**If you are interested in volunteering for the event please also contact me via email at luhman.kris@gmail.com or by calling Autumn Moon at 507-732-7400.

If you are interested in participating in the event please check back on June 6th - details will be posted at this time.

Thank you to our volunteers thus far: Maggie, Mindy, Julie, Sherry, Hiromi, Lisa, Candace, Amanda, Brady, Chad, Andrea, Ron & Jan.

Spread the word: This post can be emailed by clicking on the envelop just below the post.

Scrapbook Service

2009-05-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally set up to offer a scrapbook service for all of you that have the stuff - just not the time - to get your scrapbooks done!

If you have all the supplies and just need it put together than I can help. Rate: $5 per page + $10 service fee. So a 10 page book would cost $60. The service fee covers the little extra items such as die cut mat. Additional supplies would also be an additional cost and would be discussed PRIOR to starting the project.

If you do NOT have the supplies I can still complete your book. The cost then would be $10 per page (average online cost per page ranges from $13.50 to $25 per single-page layout). The added cost covers all materials needed to create the page. The $10 service fee would also still apply.Books will be completed on a first come first serve basis with average length of completion being 2 weeks. Books can be the size of your choice; 12x12, 8x8 or other size.

Journaling: Customers have 1 of 2 options when it comes to journaling (this can be decided when we discuss the options)
1) have information on pictures (or attached) so I can add the information to the book
2) I can leave space on the page for you to add your comments after completion.

Questions/Comments/Requests can be emailed to me at luhman.kris@gmail.com

Thursday Meeting

2009-05-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Don't forget - Thursday 6:30pm - Autumn Moon, Zumbrota. Meeting for those willing to be part of the 5K planning and implementation committee. If you have experience with planning or participating in a 5k+ and have suggestions/input you are MORE than welcome - even if you don't want to necessarily be part of the event on August 1st.

Questions/comments please email me. luhman.kris@gmail.com

Kinkade Print

2009-05-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

For Sale: Thomas Kinkade Print 20" x 40"
Appraised Value $720

http://rmn.craigslist.org/art/1187013456.html

Renewed Sense of Hope

2009-05-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Today has been a glorious day. I won the Power Ball! Okay no I didn't, but I feel like I did. I did not come into a large sum of money either (although that would have been icing on the cake). So what makes today so glorious? Besides all the daily events/happenings that I am blessed to have, I feel a renewed sense of hope that everything is going to work out and this adoption will happen. WHY? Because I have the best support team anyone could ever ask for. I continue to get support for the Fun Run I would love to put together this August - which is wonderful, and my Smile Network angles whom you may remember from last fall (Kim, Alita, and Gina) are simply wonderful people and I was blessed to have an hour of their time today. These 3 people are so inspirational and will support us in anyway they can with this adoption and I just love them for it! I left Smile feeling so confident that we will make it and someday we will have our happy little family I've always dreamed of.

2 good days back-to-back; I'm on a roll and extremely grateful!

1 more hurdle - OVER!

2009-05-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

The FBI reports arrived today.

This weeks task then is to get the psychological exams scheduled. From there we have to complete our medicals and then start sending off papers to get legalized. One step closer today :)

ALSO - I met with 2 wonderful women tonight from the Rochester Area Adoption Support group. The group generally meets once a month, but these 2 were so great that they took time out of their busy lives to meet with me today. It was so nice to 1. Talk to someone who understands the path and 2. realize that it is okay to ask for help when/if we need it because that is why we have the good people and resources around us.

I still struggle, and always will, to ask for help. I guess I just see myself too much as the care giver and not the receiver and it is hard to reverse roles. I am always looking to help someone else before myself. I don't ask (or expect) to be repaid because I feel so fortunate to have what I do have. I am so fortunate for all who have assisted thus far with everything including the garage sale last fall, the upcoming run/walk in August and everything in between.

Volunteer's Needed

2009-05-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Okay - My crazy ideas are catching up with me again and now I really do need some help. I am looking for volunteer's to help plan, coordinate and pull off a 3k/5k Fun Walk/Run. Tentative date of the run will be August 1st in Zumbrota. It will be a sunset run so registration would start around 5pm the runners would start around 6p and the walkers around 6:30pm. After a full out BBQ for participants and families. No running experience required to volunteer as there are many aspects of the planning and pulling off of the event. I'm hoping this will be the first of many years of the event and proceeds helping families trying to adopt but find themselves grid-locked due to costs. I have always wanted to help the greater good so if I can get through my own adoption I hope I can in turn help another family get through it. I know, I know - what am I thinking???

Volunteers from surrounding towns are more than welcome as I am always looking to meet new people. If you are interested please contact me via my email luhman.kris@gmail.com

I would like to have a meeting to discuss the possibilities on Thursday May 28th - 6:30pm at Autumn Moon in Zumbrota. If you would like to participate but are unable to attend the meeting please email me to let me know.

Not sure if you have what we need? This is just a quick list of the many items that need to be tackled.
*Plan the course
*Advertising and getting the word out
*Food & Drink
*Door Prizes ? Silent Action items
*Manning the event

Please pass this message on via email by hitting the letter under the post. I need all the help I can get if this is going to be a success.

Father's Day Cookies

2009-05-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Okay - I've had a number of people ask if we are going to do the sugar cookie thing for Father's Day since they may have missed out on it Mother's day or because they ate all their cookies and want more. I'm not committing to it - YET.

What I need in order to say I will do this is some volunteers who are willing to give up some of their time to help decorate. For Mother's Day Dustin and I decorated everything ourselves - starting on Wednesday and finishing on Friday. What I would like to do for Father's Day is have all day Friday (June 19) to have a decorating party. For those who may need the cookies on Friday I will decorate yours on Thursday but everyone else I would ask that you plan for a Saturday pick-up. I was satisfied with the way the Mother's Day cookies turned out but I worry about how fresh the cookies are the longer they sit around and I definitely do not want hard cookies floating around. Ideally I'm looking for at least 4 people (the more we get the quicker it will go). It will be an all day event on Friday and no decorating skills are really needed. If I can teach Dustin I can teach anyone. Again this would be volunteering your time and the only reward you will get is some recognition for your efforts, broken cookies, and a huge sense of accomplishment.

If you would like to volunteer to help on Friday June 19th please email me luhman.kris@gmail.com

NO ORDERS at this time!!!

p.s. Father's Day is Sunday June 21

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

I want to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day.

To my own mom, although I may not say it everyday you are more than a mom, you are my friend and I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

To the soon-to-be moms, how blessed you are today as you celebrate your first mother's day. Although you may not hold your child in your arms today you certainly do hold them in your heart.

To the hope-to-be-someday moms, I know how you feel on a day like today. Many do not know what to say or if to say anything at all. You may feel that you do not deserve the recognition and that it is not your turn to celebrate yet - but hopefully someday.

To those you have experienced loss, my heart goes out to you. Today may be a painful reminder of what should have been. I have no great words of advice. The only thing I can say is that you are not alone.

Tiny Footprints on a Mother's Heart

When a baby arrives, be it for a day, a month, a year or more,

or perhaps only a sweet flickering moment-

the fragile spark of a tender soul

the secret swell of a new pregnancy

the goldfish flutter known to only you-

you are unmistakeningly changed...

the tiny footprints left behind on your heart

bespeak your name as Mother.

~La Belle Dame

Sugar Nightmares...

2009-05-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

I dreamed of decorating cookies last night! I think all the cookies I've decorated in the last 36 hours are now haunting me.

In total I baked 400+ cookies and Dustin and I spent over 20 hours decorating them. I was baking an emergency batch at 8:30pm last night because half of my tulips broke on Wednesday night. I'll be very happy to delivery the final order Sunday morning and my kitchen will go back to "normal."

p.s. it's funny how small your kitchen feels with millions of cookies and dozens of frosting bowls scattered around :)

Let the decorating begin

2009-05-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

The cookies are baked and the planning for decorating is going but today and tomorrow are going to be very busy. Thank you again for those who have supported us through this process, you have no idea how much it means and keeps us motivated on the tough days.

Still waiting...

2009-04-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Where are we this week? We have sent off our fingerprints to the FBI for what I hope is our final background study, this would be set number 3 for Dustin and 4 for me (I had to redo a previous set). These take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to get back and I'm thinking they will have to be redone because they were not the best prints we have gotten...

After I get the okay the prints are good then I will get our psychological and medical appointments scheduled. We want these to be the last 2 things we do because of the time sensitivity of both documents. The psychological reports are good for 8 months but the medicals only 3 so we have to have all the other ducks in a row before we get these 2 items out of the way because they get a bit costly.

So I won't make the my May 1st deadline but June 1st looks realistic. The biggest thing now is to just sit and wait. Waiting allows me way too much time to sit and worry about everything that could go wrong and pulling the whole thing together. I did get the one wall in the baby's room primed so we just have to paint the base coat now, this is the only thing I feel I really do have control over :)

Adoption Jewelry

2009-04-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have to pass on the message from the Infertile Blonde regarding her newest bracelet.
http://aninfertileblonde.blogspot.com/2009/04/springs-hottest-fashion-accessory.html

As Seen on TV

2009-04-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

Okay - I know this is a very odd blog but I have to. Girls I have something for you! You know the Smooth Away hair removal things you have seen on TV (picture on the left), so we are at Target tonight and I see it at the check-out. My impulsive buyer took over (which by the way I have kept at bay for 12 months now!!!) and for $10 I had to get it. Dustin laughed at me because as soon as we got in the car I took it out, put it together and tried it and OMG - it works! I kept say "no way" because I couldn't believe it. Now I don't know how long it is going to last and it doesn't get your legs baby smooth - but you can't see the hair and that is what matters right - especially with short season in full swing (hopefully). So my recommendation for the week - SMOOTH AWAY. Seriously - I'm impressed.

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 21st: So it does work but the results are not as long lasting as shaving - but I still like it.

THANK YOU

2009-04-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

Thank you for the emails regarding finding a licensed psychologist. I really do appreciate the thoughts, support and encouragement so many of you continue to send off blog. The days when you feel down and out it really does help to know someone out there reads about you because they truly care. I have a couple of leads now and again appreciate your help and ongoing support :)

Help anyone?!?

2009-04-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

I need some help. Dustin and I need to have a psychological evaluation done for the adoption and it needs to be done with a licensed psychologist. I didn't originally think this was going to be that hard to do but I keep running into snags and I'm hoping someone out there can point me in the right direction. I have a very strict format/report that needs to be followed and I have a sample I can give but I just cannot find a licensed psychologist that is taking new cases and/or has the experience/willingness to complete this. ANYONE HELP????

If you have a lead could you please email me luhman.kris@gmail.com
Please do NOT post names of agencies on the blog - I would rather receive these in my inbox.

THANKS.

Correction on Approval

2009-04-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thank You for the comment Mar's Mom which prompted me to look a bit closer at the approval letter. Dustin's name is in fact on it so we have BOTH been approved by immigration. So now what??? We have psychological appointments, medical appointments and name affidavits from the FBI to obtain and we are nearly set!

I'm Approved

2009-04-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

YEA - I (kris) got papers back from immigration Thursday that I have been approved to adopt. Dustin hasn't got his yet - I'm hoping they just got separated in the mail and they will show up early next week.

So many papers

2009-04-01T13:49:00.001-07:00

So today I'm sorting through everything needed for the dossier to see where we stand. I feel so disorderly-organized (if that is possible). I think I have Thursday all mapped out with stops at the court house in Rochester and the Red Wing for certified documents. Copies to be made, notarizes to get, appointments to go to - but you know - it is all so so worth it and I just cannot imagine doing it any other way at this point.

Finger Prints

2009-03-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

More finger prints yesterday. These are federal prints so hopefully the last set we have to do. Otherwise we are just recollecting papers, working on our photo book and making appointments for medical and psychological exams - all part of the process. The next week or 2 is going to be very busy trying to put everything together so if I seem lost - I am :)

Picture Book

2009-03-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

This week's project is our picture book for the dossier. We have to send down pictures of ourselves, or families and other important aspects of our lives so those reviewing the dossier can get a sense of our lives here at home. I'm realizing that many of the pictures of Dustin and I together are very formal so I'm asking if anyone by chance has something a little less formal (normal clothes) could I make a copy of it for the book. I'd like to have the book done by April 7th.

Thanks.

I'm a violet

2009-03-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay I didn't feel like getting anything else done so...

I'm a violet - what are you???

http://www.thisgardenisillegal.com/flower-quiz

Word of the Week

2009-03-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

This week's word is Dossier (pronounced DAH-see-ay)

The bundle of paperwork to be sent to Peru. This is what we continue to work on. Regathering some info because many pieces of paper are time sensitive and waiting for immigration clearance - but we have to do our fingerprints before that will happen. That's it right now, know things are pretty slow right now so imagine how we feel...

Miss me?

2009-03-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I know it has been a whole week but really there is just not much to report these days. We were able to get our finger prints rescheduled to the 27th so that is really all we have planned that is exciting coming up. Otherwise we just kinda go through each day waiting and knowing that things are going to be a while. I'll keep you posted if something changes but for now expect us to be pretty routine and boring.

Congrats!!!

2009-03-04T08:42:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Amanda, Brady and J -
You'll have to check out their blog to see why...

http://thelohmanns.blogspot.com/

Identical Girls!!!

2009-02-27T08:08:00.001-08:00

For those following Sherry and Johann - Identical Girls. See the pictures at http://johannandsherry.wordpress.com/

Yeah for Sherry and Johann

2009-02-25T15:06:00.001-08:00

Sherry and Johann are in Utah and tomorrow is their big day. Dustin and I are wishing them a wonderful and exciting day tomorrow and hope you all do the same too. Sherry said not to expect a post to early in the day but hopefully we will all get some great news late in the day tomorrow into tomorrow night.

CONGRATS GUYS!!!!

Sorry for the confusion

2009-02-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry for all the confusion with making the blog private for a short time. I needed to remove some items of sensitivity.

Time Line Change

2009-02-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

I had a long conversation with my case manager in Alabama this morning. Due to paperwork delays to this point - which is all part of the process - we are really looking at a Fall date for our child. So no spring additions to the family. We still expect another 60 days from immigration then will need to get physicals and many other documents that are time sensitive. So if you have been holding your breath for an announcement you should probably start breathing again and know it will be many many months before any adoption progress really happens at this stage in the game.

UPDATE

2009-02-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

We received letters in the mail yesterday from USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) regarding our papers submitted to Homeland Security. We will be going up to the Cities next week to do our biometrics (fingerprints) to complete another step in their process. Yes we have done fingerprints before - 3 sets actually - but we need another one for the FBI.

It's progress!!!

Plugging Away

2009-02-17T10:54:00.001-08:00

So this week we are working on the dossier. I have all the emails with attachments - so many pages - and lots to do again. Repeat medical examines, get psych examines, tons of notarization... another days work in adoption process.

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

2009-02-06T13:24:00.001-08:00

I need some help!!! I going through children's books to find good ones to have when our little bundle of Peru comes homes. The problem I am finding is that they are either really old or corny or just not good. There are tons with Korean and China adoption or strange animals but I just want something basic to read (so they can read it) and make sense. Some start out okay but then say something that just drives me nuts like

Horace: "I lost my first family..."

Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies: "my new papa..."

Not bad: Families are Different

Thankfully Amanda gave us one good one - but I want more than one. Last week I was in "write your own" mode which I may have to do and at least these days is easy to do (Stories by Everyone by Scrapbooks Ect. see our store site: http://autumnmoononline.com/Services.html)

There are more out there and I'm hoping someone, somewhere will have the answer I seek - ANYONE???????

Check Cleared!!!

2009-02-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well - the check cleared the bank so that means they at least received our papers at the USDHS! That's good to know. Now we start the 60 day clock - which is how long they can take to review everything. Keep your fingers crossed.

Where are we???

2009-02-01T09:57:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update to let you know where we are at. All our papers are in the hands of the "United States Department of Homeland Security." Our papers could be there for 60 days. It just depends on how busy they are and if they like what they see. All we can do right now is sit and wait for approval - at least we hope we get approved.

Pre-Made Scrapbook Pages

2009-01-27T12:59:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful donation by a local scrapbooker to Autumn Moon of pre-made scrapbook pages. These pages are $2 a piece. Some really cute pages here and I think for a very wonderful cause!!!

More Mail

2009-01-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Well - I got another packet of mail off this morning. Immigration information directed to the "United States Department of Homeland Security" seems kind of odd and really official! Another check too - so again we have exhausted our financial resources - AGAIN. Really hoping and counting on our grant to come through soon.