New picture of Sophia!!

Look at this beautiful little girl!  They got a new photo of her.  Oh how she has changed in a year!  I know the holidays are hard on all of our wallets.  If you could spare even a small amount it all adds up to a lot.  I hope she will be home with her family next Christmas.  May the new year be prosperous and joyous for you and your family. 

My new year's resolution is to become (or at least try) to be a better blogger. Thanks for bearing with me. :D

Christmas

Merry Christmas to all may the joy of the season stay with you all year!

 I want to thank everyone who has donated towards the funds to bring my little one home.  I am posting new pieces in my etsy store. www.etsy.com/shop/blond2435  I also am selling items artwork (by real artists, not me lol) .  I purchased these pictures while on a cruise and decided they would be a great fundraiser to bring $ in for Sophia.  I am blond2435 on Ebay.  Let me know if you are interested and aren't able to find me on Ebay.  I have a limited edition piece from the 1988 winter olympics.  It is an ice skater with USA and the olympic rings logo.  Thank you all for your love, support and prayer!

2-day Fundraiser!

My friend Natalie has thoughtfully started a 2-day fundraiser for Sophia and Me. Please if you can help me spread the word. it is today and tomorrow.

In the spirit of Christmas, I have opened a 2 day fundraiser for today and tomorrow on my site for Sophia. Get the word out and use the link below. 25% of all orders. Friday and Saturday
https://scentswithnatalie.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=18620904

Today was a beautiful day

In doors and out.  I was at an open house and boutique.  Dani my new facebook friend and EV her daughter cam by to visit me.  They even bought a headband bow I made.  EV looked so cute, she wasn't so sure of me LOL (our first meeting).

I sold a couple of  bows and a couple Gift in a Jars.  I gave out a lot of cards too!

Freaking out!

A little (lot) freaked out. I got the paperwork from the home study agency today. Not only do I need the $2000 for the home study (which I knew about) but now I need to come up with an additional $1200 for the post reports all within 30 days from Dec. 7th! That means I am $2200 short! :( (is there a crying face emoticon?

Etsy fundraiser resutls!

Sophia's grant will be getting updated thanks to those of you who purchased items from Sarah's Treasure Box.  There were 30 purchases!  Woo Hoo. 

Merry Christmas

Fundraiser

Today is the day www.etsy.com/shop/sarahstreasurebox is holding a fundraiser for Sophia C.'s grant.  $5 of every purchase (except special order).  Great Christmas prices at stocking stuffer prices!  Be sure to mention Megan Meier/Sophia C. so the dontaion gets to her grant!

12-7-10 through 12-8-10 Fundraiser!

Good news...my fundraiser is starting early! Please go to www.etsy.com/shop/sarahstreasurebox. I also ask if you would re-post! When you order be sure to mention my name so Sophia C. gets the donation. Starting now through 11:59pm tomorrow 12-8-10! cute stuff great for the special someone's in your life

ONE DAY Fundraiser with Sarahs Treasure Box

FIRST OF ALL I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT I AM YELLING ON PUPROSE.  THE REASON I AM YELLING IS I'M VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A ONE DAY SALE AT http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahstreasurebox  SOPHIA'S GRANT WILL RECIEVE $5 OF EVERYPURCHASE (special orders NOT included).  CHRISTMAS DELIVERY SHOULD BE POSSIBLE.  PLEASE TAKE A LOOK HER STUFF IS TOO CUTE AND VERY REASONABLE FOR THAT UNIQUE GIFT FOR THOSE SPECIAL SOMEONES.  jUST USE THE LINK ABOVE!

SALE IS THIS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 ALL DAY AT http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahstreasurebox   BE SURE TO LEAVE A NOTE TO THE OWNER SARAH THAT IT IS FOR MEGAN MEIER/SOPHIA C. SO THAT THE DONATION GOES TO HER GRANT.  ALSO WITH PAYPAL BE SURE YOU GET A CONFIRMATION THAT THE PURCHASE WENT THROUGH. WITH THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON I WOULDN'T WANT YOU MISS THIS SPECIAL GIFT DUE TO A COMPUTER OOPS.  ANY QUESTIONS MESSAGE ME AT BLOND2435@YAHOO.COM. 

ALSO PLEASE PASS ON THE INFORMATION TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND CO-WORKERS.

THERE IS ALSO A GREAT CHANCE DRAWING "RAFFLE" GOING ON AT http://www.sweetellagrace.blogspot.com/  FOR A ONE OF A KIND REECE'S RAINBOW QUILLOW.  PROCEEDS ARE GOING FOR THE ADOPTION OF SOPHIA.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

RR Quillow chance drawing

My friend Denise is holding a chance drawing for a RR quillow (a lap blnket that converts into a pillow) The winner will be drawn on Dec. 12th.  The winner will be able to choose the colors for the quillow.  The quillow contains the RR logo with the sweet faces of RR.  She is helping with the fundraising for Sophia C.  Go to her blog for a chance to win this warm and cuddly quillow.  It is only $5 for a chance to win!  sweetellagrace.blogspot.com

Breathe breathe breathe

Ok I sent in my intial funds and am now filling out paperwork!  I looked and it appears I only need about $900 more dollars for the homestudy part!!  That actually seems possible.  Then there is the rest of the money, but I'm going to take it step by step.  Thank you all for your continued support!  Merry Christmas.

Mini update

I sent to initial funds to RR this morning. I will besending the money to the adoption agency tomorrow and then hopefully the homestudy money early this week.  God willing.  I have faith that he will provide a way. 
God Bless those who have contributed and prayed for Sophia and me.

HELP needed

 I NEED everyone's help, I just found out there is someone else interested in Sophia and I need to act right now. I am still short the necessary funds to proceed with my homestudy. I need $2000 to make it happen. Thank you to those who have helped. Please if you can help and donate to help me brinng Sophia home!  You can use my chip-in button on the sidebar if you are moved to donate.  God Bless you all and Sophia too.

Handmade Quilt Give Away

This quilt is One of a kind; hand stitched by an 80 years young sweet lady "Mema."  She only uses a machine to sew the edges so it can be machine washed, the rest is all by hand!!  It measures 6'11" by 5'9" and it is beautiful as you can see.

You can see the detail in this picture of the corner.

So how can you get entered to win?
Just make a donation of $5 or more!  Click on the chip-in button above or email me (bringsophiahome@yahoo.com) for my address.  Random.org will be used to draw the winner on January 15, 2011.

This may seem far away but I want to give everyone enough time to get through the holidays!

Please feel free to pass this along to friends and family.  Every dollar is a dollar closer to bringing Sophia home!!

Happy Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for all my old and new friends who have and are supporting me through this journey!
God Bless!





Fundraising update! Woo Hoo

I am happy to report that in a relatively short period of time I have raised $1900 towards my goal of committing to Sophia and starting my home study. What this translates into is I need about $2000 more to reach that goal. Then a new goal will start for the future steps but as the saying goes “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Thanks to all who have supported me and continue to do so.

So I was thinking if all my FB friends who were able and willing to donate $5 (basically your morning breakfast for one day) I will have raised over $3300. Every penny counts. I was shocked both in the amount and that I could do the math (those who know me know math and I aren’t friends LOL). If you are willing and able to assist me in my journey to bring Sophia home and give her a home full of love, support, and opportunity, you can go to my blog where I have a Chip-in (no PayPal account needed) or you can contact me for my address.

God bless.

Too cute not to read!

http://wherelearningflows.blogspot.com/

Ok I don't know how to properly link or even how to cut and paste this darling fairytale of Sophia written by Jill. It is too cute. I am trying very hard to slay that financial dragon one dollar at a time. Thanks to a great event on Saturday I nave $600 more dollars of strength to fight that dragon. I need about $2000 more to committ to little Sophia C. (the child of my heart). I am so thankful for friends who are helping me to slay the dragon. Please check my Fundraising page as I will be adding to it. I am currently making aprons (will post a picture soon), quillows, and jewlery. They all make great Christmas presents. Every little bit helps!

It's tomorrow!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH, COMEDYJAM EXPLOSION HOSTED BY O.C's FAVORITE, GEORGE PEREZ!! FEATURING L.A's TOP COMEDIANS AT ORIGINAL MIKE'S, BUY YOUR TICKETS AT THE DOOR $15 INCLUDES APPETIZER BUFFET (SERVING FROM 7PM-8:30PM), HAPPY HOUR DRINK PRICES (7PM-9PM), LIVE BAND BY "BAD KITTY PROJECT" AND DJ CARLOS SPINNING THE TURNTABLE AT STUDIO 51 ALL IN THE NEWLY AND IMPROVED ORIGINAL MIKE'S!! Are you coming?

4 more days

4 more days to the Journey of the Heart Comedy Jam. It is going to be a blast if you would like to join me and are going to be in or near or willing to come to the OC hit me up. I will give you all the details. (sneak peak tix are $15, comedy show, live band oh food too!) Help me bring Sophia home!

Chip in

For those who used my chip in thank you. I just found out that when it expires and you start a new one it starts at 0. :( I opened a new one with a longer expiration date so it is back up and running.

On a different note my quillows keep selling! Which is awesome. I am so happy to make these and watch my adoption fund grow!

fundraiser list

http://loveissugarfree.blogspot.com/

Check out this blog for a list of families like me adopting! I also have listed my fundraisers on a separate page on my blog to make them easier to find.

God Bless!

Little updates

Hello all. I'm very excited about the upcoming Comedy Jam on November 13th at Original Mikes. I found out the La Habana Cigar Company is going to be there and has generously offered to give some of the proceeds to my journey! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the support that I am recieving from friends, old and new. Thank you all.

I still have 12 more days on my Scentsy fundraiser www.scentswithnatalie.scentsy.us for those of you who might be interested or know someone who might be. I discovered they have "Scentsy Buddies" they are darling stuffed animals that you can put the Scentsy sachets in and cuddle or just put in the room to help liven it up. There is a testimonial to them on my Facebook. The gal was in the hospital and brought her buddy with her. She received lots of compliments. Imagine somewhat enjoying your stay at the hospital well at least not having to smell your hospital room. LOL

I am still making quillows. I have even started customizing them with pictures they turned out really cute. I do charge a few dollars more for these as there is more materials involved. So if you would like a custom or even a "normal" cuddly quillow. Let me know just send me an email at blond2435@yahoo.com. Please put quillow in the subject line.

Fall has finally arrived in California. Happy Fall

I wish I were better...

I wish I was a better blogger. I have been reading a lot of blogs of people who like me are adopting. They are amazing. I get so wrapped up in them. I'm sorry to you all that I am not better at this.

I am slowly but steadly building my commitment money to adopt Sophia C. I am trying to not feel so attached to her for fear of a family who is further along in the process might reallize what an angel she is. I saw her pic on someone's Facebook profile pic and my heart dropped. I actually couldn't breath. I emailed the person and tried as calmly and politely to ask if she was adopting Sophia (I wanted to ask "What are your intentions with MY Sophia). Knowing I hadn't committed to her yet, I don't have a leg to stand on. :( She was so kind and let me know she was her Christmas Warrior. WHEW what a relief. She asked if I was interested in Sophia I gave her an emphatic "YES with all my heart!"

I don't have Down syndrome all the time... By: Dave Hingsburger

Dave Hingsburger is an advocate for those with disabilities and gives presentations on this topic fairly often:

We'd just sat down for lunch when we both heard that pronunciation of the word, 'Mother' that communicates so much. 'Muhhhhh-therrrrrr'. I glanced up and saw a frustrated and harried woman, carrying packages from the Bay and her son, a young man with Down Syndrome who was in his pre-teens.

Of course, I listened.

It seems that the mother wanted to go with him to get his food and then have him go with her to get her food, then they would eat together. Son, thought this was silly. Why doesn't she get hers, he get his, then they meet for lunch. She did an admirable job of keeping herself calm. I did an admirable job of just listening, not judging. Who knew what kind of experiences she'd had that led to this arrangement? They had been standing arguing and just before she moved again towards the court, he said something that had a profound impact on me as a listener and she as a mother.

'Trouble is you think I have Down Syndrome all the time and I don't,' he said with real frustration.

She stopped again, 'What?'

'I only have Down Syndrome sometimes, when I'm learning something new or if the words are real hard. I don't have Down Syndrome the rest of the time when I'm doing what I know how to do.'

'And you don't have Down Syndrome now?' she asked.

'No, I know how to get my lunch, I buy my lunch at school all the time. I don't have someone with me all the time you know.' he was frustrated, he didn't even realize he'd said something of real importance, to me and to his mother.

'So,' she continued looking at him hard, 'you don't feel like you have Down Syndrome all the time.'

'No, most times I don't even think about it,' he said.

She said, her tiredness seemed to be gone, 'Go ahead, we'll find a table after we've got our food.'

They disappeared from view. Joe and I looked at each other. I said to him, 'That kid should teach classes to parents of kids with Down Syndrome.'

This was taken from Kristin's blog. http://twodogsandafish.blogspot.com/

Cloth Diaper drive

http://the-scenic- route-momto6kids .blogspot. com

Please see the above blog. She is collecting cloth diapers to take to EE for the orphanage so the kids aren't wrapped in blankets wet and cold.

Journey of the Heart Comedy Jam Ticket information

I just found out the tickets will be $15 and will include a buffet appetizer and happy hour drink prices and a live band. I'm so excited this event is going to be a blast. I hope if you are in the area you can attend. It is November 13th @ Original Mike's in Santa Ana, CA

From Gods arms to my Arms to yours

Prayers for Emily Button

This little angel is fighting Luekemia. Prayers work. If it's God's will. Please support her and her family for the strength and faith to fight this disease!

Fundraiser

I am hosting an on-line Scentsy party! Natalie my consultant is helping me with the party. I will be recieving 25% of all proceeds. I am hosting this fund raiser to gather the funds to adopt a beautiful little girl with Down Syndrome. My party is under "Journey of the Heart." Thank you all for your support.

Scentsy offers warmers that use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly. It is safe, reasonably priced, decorative, no wick, no flame and no soot. They offer over 80 scents from fresh laundry to baked items to tropical excursions! There is something for everyone. They have beautiful warmers that will accent your home for the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hannukah Holidays.

A local Scentsy consultant has offered to donate her commissions directly to my "Journey Of The Heart" cause for sales made through this online fundraiser for the month of October. It's easy. Visit http://www.scentswithnatalie.scentsy.us , under the picture on the right you will find "my open parties". Click on "buy from party" next to the JOURNEY OF THE HEART fundraiser. Then have a ball shopping for decorative items for your home, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts and more.

My consultant, Natalie, is also going to give away three really great gifts to the top 3 purchasers.

I thank you so much for your support and wish everyone a beautiful Holiday season.

Scentsy - We Make Perfect Scents!
www.scentswithnatalie.scentsy.us
Hosting a Scentsy party is a fun, easy way to earn Scentsy products. Whether it’s a casual home party or a simple basket party, you’ll enjoy sharing Scentsy with friends and family, or co-workers.
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Etsy shop

If you get a minute check out my Etsy shop.  More goodies to come....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blond2435

:)

It worked!!  Please take a amoment from your day and watch the video.  Wow more music.  Where did it come from Hee Hee Oh well I'm glad it's there.  :)

Just curious

When you all check out my blog do you here the Hawaiian version of Over the Rainbow? Just curious.  I just noticed it and I didn't add it.  I LOVE IT and it couldn't be more appropriate.  Weird and awesome all at the same time.  I also want to share a video with you all I saw this weekend it is beautiful.  I think I just posted it as a post I hope.  I'm very new to blogging.  Hee Hee. Have a great day everyone!

Down Syndrome Awareness

Comedy Jam

Dear family, friends & collegues,

I want to give you all a heads up on my next exciting venture.  I will be planning ANOTHER fabulous comedy jam to help out another of our own....former Stanton and current South Operations, Investigative Assistant, Megan Meier, she has decided to adopt but not just a child, a special needs child with Down Syndrome from Reece's Rainbow, an International Adoption Agency that specializes only in special needs children, how wonderful is that? She's been making blankets called Quillows (a combination of a quilt and a pillow for travel use) to raise money to cover the initial costs to start the adoption process.  Approximately $3-4000 is needed to cover expenses for travel, home study, classes, training, etc. We are hoping to raise the money she needs to pay for the initial costs to adopt her future son or daughter!  

This event will take place on a Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Original Mike’s in Santa Ana hosted by O.C & L.A’s favorite comedian George Perez featuring  a few top Comedians.  Admission to include an appetizer buffet with happy hour drink prices and a live band to follow! What a great way to spend a Saturday night don’t you think? We will also will be holding a 50/50 raffle on the night of the event maybe considering a few raffle items to give away….. Megan will also be showcasing a few of her Quillows to sell on the night of the event!

Lastly please take a moment to check out Reece’s Rainbow’s to learn more about what Megan will be encountering on her journey to parenthood.  www.reecesrainbow.com

Sincerely,

Rosie Santana

p.s feel free to forward to your contacts.  J

Truely Blessed

I have been telling my friends that I am planning/fundraising/hoping to adopt a DS child.  I had a friend who put on a comedy jam for a family we work with who's little girl has DS and was diagnosed with Luekemia.  Anyway she said she wants to put on another fundraiser to help me adopt my son or daughter.  Everything has been fallling in line.  I truely appreciate God and his blessings and not to take away from that but I'm so nervose that something will go awry so I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. But I had to publicly thank God and my friend for thier support.

Newest Quillows completed

My newest made quillows for orders.  I love the plaid, you can almost smell fresh pumpkin pie.  It just seems so cozy.  I hope you are all doing well.  I will be attempting to make a "no mess" bib this weekend.  If all goes well I will post and be adding to my new Etsy.com store.  Wish me luck.  Hope you are all doing well.  I forgot to mention the fun stuff i got paid for my first completed quillow the 2nd one posted here.  And when people have seen the finished product I have gotten more orders! I am hoping to be making some more this weekend so I can post in my Etsy store.  So very excited!   

God is looking out.

So I spent this morning in JoAnn Fabrics buying the makings for my quillows.  I love thier cutting tables and was going to ask my handy Uncle to make me one.  My mom offered to help me if we got an additional table.  We were on are way home and passed a grarage sale. My mom asked did you see a table I said didn't notice one.  She asked if I wanted to go back, I said no but if we happen upon one then yeah.  Sure enough just down the street another garage sale.  I saw a kitchen table and thought not really then my eye caught another table.  This time we went back.  The perfect table!  Both sides fold out to make a large table.  We asked how much and were told $15.  I was ready to pay with no way to get it home.  My mom asked if they would take $10, they said yes.  Now how to get it home.  The lady asked where we lived, which was just down the street.  She offered to deliver it right then and there!  The leaves of the table make the perfect place to fit the scissors and cut a straight line, just like JoAnn's.  If that isn't God looking out I don't know what is.  Woo Hoo.  

Quillow update

After spending the day searching for specific fabric and not succeeding.  I want to make an update.  I am able to accomodate custom quillows based on colors, baby theme ie boy/girl.  Generalalities like hearts, flowers, baseball, frogs etc.  I can't accomodate specific characters, sport teams etc.  I'm sorry.  I hope that won't stop you from ordering.  You would be helping a child find a forever home and a woman find the child of her heart.

God Bless

Good start

I am happy to say I have taken 4 orders for my quillows.  There are 2 pending I can find the specific material (wish me luck), and 4 more who are deciding on their colors/themes.  I hope the ball keeps rolling.  It's never to early to start your holiday shopping.  Heck there are birthdays all year long, and how about just a warm hug (quillow) for a cold day gift. 

A single step

I am starting my journey of the heart.  I'm eager to find the child of my heart.  I am wanting to adopt a child from Reeces Rainbow.  In order to start this journey, I need to raise the upfront costs.  As I brainstormed ways to raise funds, the thought of a homemade craft may be the way to go.  I am able to make quillows (a pillow and quilt in one).  I am taking orders now.  I sell the child size (34"x40" long) for $30 and the adult size (45"x59" long) for $35 (plus shipping).  I will take custom orders (colors, and themes). 

They make great gifts.  As a friend stated they are the gift that keep on giving, warmth and comfort.  I will be posting pictures of them as I make them.  I hope you might consider a quillow as a gift either for yourself or family & friends. 

If you are interested in a quillow and assisting me in my journey please contact me at blond2435@yahoo.com just put quillow in the subject line. 

The Gift of Life


I didn't give you the gift of life,

But in my heart I know.

The love I feel is deep and real,

As if it had been so.

For us to have each other

Is like a dream come true!

No, I didn't give you

The gift of life,

Life gave me the gift of you.