Adoption Fundraising

A family from our San Diego church are in Liberia right now completing their adoption of two beautiful boys and one stunning little girl. As some of you know, adoption can be costly, primarily because it's a lump sum (instead of spread out like medical costs for a pregnancy and birth). To help them out, I have posted their fundraiser link on my blog. Please give if you feel led. This family is taking three amazing kids out of poverty and offering them a home, a family and making an eternal difference! You can visit their blog at Our Growing Ohana .

Baldwin Family Day 2007

Official Baldwin Family Day

What is it?

Today is the 10th anniversary of our own family holiday. We call it Family Day.
Each year we celebrate how we all became one family...through marriage, birth
and adoption. It doesn't always have to be elaborate or expensive...sometimes
it's just spending time together. When November 17th lands during the week we
pull the kids out of school, take the day off and clear the schedule of any
other appointments. This is a sacred sabattical from outside "stuff". It is our
family day.

How did it start?

On November 17, 1997 a little 5-month old baby boy entered our home and became our son. We had only known about him for three days and had just met him for the first time the previous day. He was a gift of grace to our marriage and our family and his name was "Laughter", or "Isaac".

(pictured fr. left to rt.: Melissa, Desiree, Isaac's birthmom-holding him, and Larry)

Signs that I may need to curb my tongue...

Larry and the boys were tearing down an old fort under our patio last weekend. Maddie was watching the whole ordeal and acting as the warning system for any spiders on the loose. Suddenly a huge spider crawled out from behind a beam and Maddie let out an enthusiastic, "Holy Crap!" Which of course sent her brothers into hysterics. Maybe I should be more careful with my mouth!!! :-)

Braggin' Rights...

Next week my brother and his family are coming to visit us in Indiana. We are excitedly getting ready for their visit...the last chance for them to come see our life here before we move back to California. I am so proud of my brother...he pastors a church in San Diego but today I just want to brag on my nephew and niece (who I got to help deliver!!!)...Dakota and Shaye...are they NOT the cutest???!

They may deny it...

...but they really DO love each other!