Hi! Please click on this link, and check out the flyer for the 2009 Holiday Project Fundraiser that I'm working on...
AAI is the agency that we adopted our girls through, they have care centers in both Ethiopia and Ghana, and do a lot of humanitarian work in both places. This is my 4th year coordinating this project, and it has grown once again. This year, our goal is to raise $20,000 to benefit more than 1000 orphans in Ethiopia and Ghana. Of this total, nearly $10,000 will go towards feeding programs in both places.
http://hosted.vresp.com/350477/c7f84c0ec6/617/f2b7f98767/
For $30, you can sponsor a child or caregiver in one of these places... And help make their Holidays a little bit brighter. Of course any amount is appreciated... and I promise you, that I will make sure it gets used in the right way... I oversee the project from the beginning in June, until the last gift is passed out in January! I can't wait to make the trip back to Addis this holiday season, because really, seeing the joy on the faces of the children that it touches, is the best gift of all.
Thanks for considering my project for your holiday giving...
Mandie
Keep your friends updated— even when you're not signed in.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
An 'Adventure' Trip Home....
To say that our trip to America was an adventure, is almost an understatement... We flew home on a C-17, which those of you who are military folk know, is a cargo plane, with 'jump' seats lining the sides of the plane. The kids thought it was cool... and I liked the fact that it was so loud, I couldn't hear anyone (ie. Ava) screaming...lol
No, she was really good... they all were. The flight was one of the smoothest I've ever been on... and the time seemed to pass by quickly. Since we were flying Space-A, on a military flight, we ended up in Dover, Delaware.... about 5 hours-ish drive from Jon's family in PA.... It was a long wait for them to come, but we are so greatful that they could...
The important thing is that the girls visas were stamped, and with any luck, we will have their Certificates of Citizenship in about a month!
We all had a great time in PA... and enjoyed seeing all the family. The girls were very excited to finally be able to meet their grandparents. They took a trip to an animal park, where they rode a camel... drove around the yard on the lawn tractor... cooked hot dogs on a fire.... and watched way too much tv!
The girls, Mummified on the plane...
Ava strapped in, and drawing me a picture...
Leyton and a friend... he makes friends wherever he goes!
Selina on the tractor, with Pap guiding her out of the flower beds!
Liya getting ready to take off...
Everyone liked hanging out with Uncle Steve!
With the Grandparents...
After a few days in PA... we met my family in Mansfield, and spent the last few days with them... I hate going home for such a short time, it went way too fast, and I didn't get to see the friends I wanted to. Next time, guys... I promise!
In Ohio, we were surprised with a visit by Natasha and Babushka... who flew up from FL, to visit and attend Courtney's baby shower... I can't believe that my baby sister is having twins! We made a trip to the ER, to have Leyton's face glued back together, when Courtney's dog jumped up and caught his cheek with his claw... We celebrated birthdays, rescued some puppies that were dropped off in Dad's driveway... (Who does that??!!)
Liya attended her first Haunted Forest, and liked it... Enjoyed some of Babushka's famous Russian cuisine... We had a good time, and I'm looking forward to our next visit...
Aunt Natasha...
Waking Babushka...
Babushka's chicken... YUMMMMMMMM....
The baby shower...
Leyton's face, and bracelet...
Birthday girls..
Leyton and Junie B. ...
Pinkie Gladys Gutzman...
Buster...
We were able to catch a flight out of Wright-Patterson, no problem... with a layover in NJ, we were checked through to Germany... However...in NJ, there was one problem after another with the crew and plane, and we ended up hanging out there for 3 days... On and off the same plane 4 times... It was stressful and a pain with all these kids, but we made it through! By the end of our trip, Leyton had two loose teeth... One of which he swallowed while eating a candy bar at the airport...
Two loose teeth... can you see them?
No, she was really good... they all were. The flight was one of the smoothest I've ever been on... and the time seemed to pass by quickly. Since we were flying Space-A, on a military flight, we ended up in Dover, Delaware.... about 5 hours-ish drive from Jon's family in PA.... It was a long wait for them to come, but we are so greatful that they could...
The important thing is that the girls visas were stamped, and with any luck, we will have their Certificates of Citizenship in about a month!
We all had a great time in PA... and enjoyed seeing all the family. The girls were very excited to finally be able to meet their grandparents. They took a trip to an animal park, where they rode a camel... drove around the yard on the lawn tractor... cooked hot dogs on a fire.... and watched way too much tv!
The girls, Mummified on the plane...
Ava strapped in, and drawing me a picture...
Leyton and a friend... he makes friends wherever he goes!
Selina on the tractor, with Pap guiding her out of the flower beds!
Liya getting ready to take off...
Everyone liked hanging out with Uncle Steve!
With the Grandparents...
After a few days in PA... we met my family in Mansfield, and spent the last few days with them... I hate going home for such a short time, it went way too fast, and I didn't get to see the friends I wanted to. Next time, guys... I promise!
In Ohio, we were surprised with a visit by Natasha and Babushka... who flew up from FL, to visit and attend Courtney's baby shower... I can't believe that my baby sister is having twins! We made a trip to the ER, to have Leyton's face glued back together, when Courtney's dog jumped up and caught his cheek with his claw... We celebrated birthdays, rescued some puppies that were dropped off in Dad's driveway... (Who does that??!!)
Liya attended her first Haunted Forest, and liked it... Enjoyed some of Babushka's famous Russian cuisine... We had a good time, and I'm looking forward to our next visit...
Aunt Natasha...
Waking Babushka...
Babushka's chicken... YUMMMMMMMM....
The baby shower...
Leyton's face, and bracelet...
Birthday girls..
Leyton and Junie B. ...
Pinkie Gladys Gutzman...
Buster...
We were able to catch a flight out of Wright-Patterson, no problem... with a layover in NJ, we were checked through to Germany... However...in NJ, there was one problem after another with the crew and plane, and we ended up hanging out there for 3 days... On and off the same plane 4 times... It was stressful and a pain with all these kids, but we made it through! By the end of our trip, Leyton had two loose teeth... One of which he swallowed while eating a candy bar at the airport...
Two loose teeth... can you see them?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
2009 AAI Holiday Project!!!
Hi Everyone!
It is that time of year again! Time to kick off the annual AAI Holiday Project!
Most of you know me as Mandie (Germany)... I have been organizing and
keeping track of the Holiday Project donations for the past 3 years.
Again this year, I will also be purchasing and transporting the gifts (with
the help of a small Holiday Project team!) to Layla House for the
holidays.
In the past three years, we have been able to expand the program from
$8,000 serving 400 children and staff... to last year more than
$14,000 and more than 500 children and staff. Last year, more than $5,000 was also
raised for Humanitarian Aid programs.
This year, the project will be a bit different. With the news of
famine and inflation in Ethiopia over the past year... Children are
starving and families are unable to buy food, or fuel to keep thier
homes warm...We are asking for a minimum donation of $30.
$15 of every donation will go to Hope Enterprises, which provides meals for street
children and the needy. Last year, Ivy took some of the older kids to volunteer at their
soup kitchen. Many families have purchased meal tickets from them, to pass out on the
streets. This is a great organization, and I'm very excited about AAI's Holiday Project
partnership with them! At just over .40 cents per meal, imagine how much we can do!
This year, not only will you be making the holidays a little bit
brighter for a child or caregiver, you will also be contributing to
feeding the hungry in Ethiopia.
Our AAI Family and Friends, have always been great supporters of this
project, and I hope that this year will be no different! With the
increased donation, and additional children/staff, the program has
grown once again... This years Goal amount is $21,630, and I know
that we can do it! Your generousity and support are much appreciated!
This is also a great time of year to get extended family and friends
involved... Everyone likes to help out a good cause, and you all know that this is a great one!
Feel free to forward to friends and family, or post this info on your blog with a link for AAI.
We have received many donations in the past in honor of a
family or child that is home, grandparents, teachers, great aunts and uncles...
A donation to the Holiday Project is also a great gift, for the 'folks who have everything'!
I will collect those names and addresses and a special
"a holiday gift from ._______________ in your honor will benefit children at Layla House
and a project to feed the hungry in Ethiopia" will be sent in mid-December to the recipient
of your choice.
This year, the project will encompass the following programs, with a
portion of each donation going towards Hope Enterprises...
(A $30 donation will provide for one child or caregiver)
Children at Layla, Wanna and Opportunity Houses will receive A New
Traditional Outfit, Small wrapped gift and Candy. (A portion of the
donation will also go towards the Holiday Party.)
Caregivers at Layla, Wanna and Opportunity Houses will receive a gift
certificate to a local department store, where they can purchase
holiday foods, and other items for their families.
Children in Kidane Mihret (KM) & Sele Enat (SE) (which receive very little funding)
will receive small gifts and a party.
Children in the Nazret and Mukatore Sponsorship Programs will be
treated to a Holiday Party.
Children in the Orphaned Student Project (OSP) will receive a gift
certificate to a local department store, where they can purchase
holiday foods, and other items for their families.
The breakdown looks like this...
GROUP (# of kids/donations) TOTAL NEEDED
Layla, Wanna and OH kids (190) $5700
Layla, Wanna, and OH staff (219) $6570
OSP (140 kids) $4200
Nazret party $1000
Mukatore party $400
KM Party $1000
SE Party $750
Ghana kids /Ghana Staff $2010
Total: $21,630
Of this total, nearly $9,000 will go towards humanitarian aid.
For families who would like their donation to go to a certain child
or program, I would be happy to receive those requests!
Since I am in charge of keeping it all straight, Once you have made
your donation via mail or online, please send me an email with your
name, donation amount, and where you would like the money spent.
Don't forget to send me the 'In Honor Of' info, if you would like a card sent
to your honoree.
Once we begin receiving donations, I will post weekly updates to let
you all know where we are, and what we still need!
There are 3 convenient ways to donate....
**Donations can be made by check or money order and sent (with a note
specifying "HOLIDAY GIFT PROJECT" and your preferences) directly to
AAI at the address below....
Adoption Advocates International
709 South Peabody Street
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
**Donations can also be made conveniently at the AAI website, by
clicking the "DONATE NOW" button, click on "Holiday project" and type
what portion of the project you would like your donation to go to,
in the Donation Designation Field.
www. adoptionadvocates . org (omit spaces!)
**An option is also available at the Benefit Orphans store, where you can also find
great gifts for the holidays that benefit the GRACE Fund and other AAI projects.
www.benefitorphans. org (omit space!)
**PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO EMAIL ME WITH YOUR DONATION DETAILS! And feel
free to email me with any questions! If I don't know the answer, I
will find someone who does!
socialbug69 @ hotmail.com (omit spaces!)
It is that time of year again! Time to kick off the annual AAI Holiday Project!
Most of you know me as Mandie (Germany)... I have been organizing and
keeping track of the Holiday Project donations for the past 3 years.
Again this year, I will also be purchasing and transporting the gifts (with
the help of a small Holiday Project team!) to Layla House for the
holidays.
In the past three years, we have been able to expand the program from
$8,000 serving 400 children and staff... to last year more than
$14,000 and more than 500 children and staff. Last year, more than $5,000 was also
raised for Humanitarian Aid programs.
This year, the project will be a bit different. With the news of
famine and inflation in Ethiopia over the past year... Children are
starving and families are unable to buy food, or fuel to keep thier
homes warm...We are asking for a minimum donation of $30.
$15 of every donation will go to Hope Enterprises, which provides meals for street
children and the needy. Last year, Ivy took some of the older kids to volunteer at their
soup kitchen. Many families have purchased meal tickets from them, to pass out on the
streets. This is a great organization, and I'm very excited about AAI's Holiday Project
partnership with them! At just over .40 cents per meal, imagine how much we can do!
This year, not only will you be making the holidays a little bit
brighter for a child or caregiver, you will also be contributing to
feeding the hungry in Ethiopia.
Our AAI Family and Friends, have always been great supporters of this
project, and I hope that this year will be no different! With the
increased donation, and additional children/staff, the program has
grown once again... This years Goal amount is $21,630, and I know
that we can do it! Your generousity and support are much appreciated!
This is also a great time of year to get extended family and friends
involved... Everyone likes to help out a good cause, and you all know that this is a great one!
Feel free to forward to friends and family, or post this info on your blog with a link for AAI.
We have received many donations in the past in honor of a
family or child that is home, grandparents, teachers, great aunts and uncles...
A donation to the Holiday Project is also a great gift, for the 'folks who have everything'!
I will collect those names and addresses and a special
"a holiday gift from ._______________ in your honor will benefit children at Layla House
and a project to feed the hungry in Ethiopia" will be sent in mid-December to the recipient
of your choice.
This year, the project will encompass the following programs, with a
portion of each donation going towards Hope Enterprises...
(A $30 donation will provide for one child or caregiver)
Children at Layla, Wanna and Opportunity Houses will receive A New
Traditional Outfit, Small wrapped gift and Candy. (A portion of the
donation will also go towards the Holiday Party.)
Caregivers at Layla, Wanna and Opportunity Houses will receive a gift
certificate to a local department store, where they can purchase
holiday foods, and other items for their families.
Children in Kidane Mihret (KM) & Sele Enat (SE) (which receive very little funding)
will receive small gifts and a party.
Children in the Nazret and Mukatore Sponsorship Programs will be
treated to a Holiday Party.
Children in the Orphaned Student Project (OSP) will receive a gift
certificate to a local department store, where they can purchase
holiday foods, and other items for their families.
The breakdown looks like this...
GROUP (# of kids/donations) TOTAL NEEDED
Layla, Wanna and OH kids (190) $5700
Layla, Wanna, and OH staff (219) $6570
OSP (140 kids) $4200
Nazret party $1000
Mukatore party $400
KM Party $1000
SE Party $750
Ghana kids /Ghana Staff $2010
Total: $21,630
Of this total, nearly $9,000 will go towards humanitarian aid.
For families who would like their donation to go to a certain child
or program, I would be happy to receive those requests!
Since I am in charge of keeping it all straight, Once you have made
your donation via mail or online, please send me an email with your
name, donation amount, and where you would like the money spent.
Don't forget to send me the 'In Honor Of' info, if you would like a card sent
to your honoree.
Once we begin receiving donations, I will post weekly updates to let
you all know where we are, and what we still need!
There are 3 convenient ways to donate....
**Donations can be made by check or money order and sent (with a note
specifying "HOLIDAY GIFT PROJECT" and your preferences) directly to
AAI at the address below....
Adoption Advocates International
709 South Peabody Street
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
**Donations can also be made conveniently at the AAI website, by
clicking the "DONATE NOW" button, click on "Holiday project" and type
what portion of the project you would like your donation to go to,
in the Donation Designation Field.
www. adoptionadvocates . org (omit spaces!)
**An option is also available at the Benefit Orphans store, where you can also find
great gifts for the holidays that benefit the GRACE Fund and other AAI projects.
www.benefitorphans. org (omit space!)
**PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO EMAIL ME WITH YOUR DONATION DETAILS! And feel
free to email me with any questions! If I don't know the answer, I
will find someone who does!
socialbug69 @ hotmail.com (omit spaces!)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Heading home...
It has been a long summer/and last few weeks... We've been waiting to hear if Jon's DEROS (date he's supposed to leave Germany) would change from 9 September 09, to 90 days after he returns from his deployment (Decemberish next year)... Unfortunately, this date has put our travel to the States with the girls on hold... because they have to have a SOFA card (which acts as a visa for Germany) in their passports, in order to come back into Germany. When Jon's DEROS arrived, thier SOFAS expired... meaning they couldn't leave the country! Okay, well they could, but they couldn't come back! The ARMY still doesn't want to change his date, and still wants us to PCS (change stations) to FT. Riley, Kansas in a few days! Its all a big mess, but I am happy to report, that after many phone calls, and meetings with the powers that be... I am the proud holder of two spanking new SOFA cards, good for the next 3 months! Long enough to get us home to the States, so that the girls US visas don't expire, and back... Phewww! We are now hoping to catch a 'Hop' (military flight) to the States on Thursday... wish us luck!
Friday, September 25, 2009
School days....
So, school is going well... the kids are enjoying their classes, and though homework is a nightmare, the girls are settling in more each day. I can't believe that they have been here 4 months already! Time is flying by...
The girls are off on a field trip today to Pottenstein caves... I'm excited to hear their review when they get home, as they had to draw caves last week in science class, and both wanted to add thier bedrooms in them.... Not sure why... but it was entertaining.
Leyton is off to the Zoo next week... Ava loves going to the preschool... She can't wait in the morning to get on the bus, and is so excited to go to school each day! I am so glad that she was able to get into the program.
Jon is doing well, has settled in and now has a mailing address, that I will sending out to those of you who have asked, soon... 3 weeks down... 49 to go!
Next week, we plan to head to the States, to get the girls their citizenship. We are trying to fly SpaceA... so we aren't sure when or exactly where we will be going... but we just need to touch down on US soil! (I'm secretly hoping for a flight to Hawaii to be open! lol) We are hoping to stay a week or so... but it will all depend on the flight availability to get back to Germany.
We will see how it goes!
The girls are off on a field trip today to Pottenstein caves... I'm excited to hear their review when they get home, as they had to draw caves last week in science class, and both wanted to add thier bedrooms in them.... Not sure why... but it was entertaining.
Leyton is off to the Zoo next week... Ava loves going to the preschool... She can't wait in the morning to get on the bus, and is so excited to go to school each day! I am so glad that she was able to get into the program.
Jon is doing well, has settled in and now has a mailing address, that I will sending out to those of you who have asked, soon... 3 weeks down... 49 to go!
Next week, we plan to head to the States, to get the girls their citizenship. We are trying to fly SpaceA... so we aren't sure when or exactly where we will be going... but we just need to touch down on US soil! (I'm secretly hoping for a flight to Hawaii to be open! lol) We are hoping to stay a week or so... but it will all depend on the flight availability to get back to Germany.
We will see how it goes!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Gone.... again.
As I said in my last post the days have been crazy around here. Emotions have been flying, and tears have been flowing, and we are all just trying to get into a groove. Its only been 2 days, but it feels already like Jon has been gone for a year! He should be about to Kuwait by now, and the countdown for him to come home has already begun! (363 days, for those who are counting!)
You would think that the government could work things out a little better for the families, as far as sending the guys off... He had to report at 4am, on a school night. So needless to say, he had his 'good nights' and 'be goods' with the kids before bed. A friend of ours stayed over so that I could take him in, without hauling all the kids along at that hour. I think it was easier on all involved this way. If you have ever met Leyton, you know how big his heart is, and how easily it is broken. And of course, I can't contain myself, when he is upset. The kids were all off to school (except Ava) by the time I returned home... and there was just enough time to get Ava dressed and over there, and have my few hours to decompress. Unfortunately, the bus pass guy was there and caught me on my way out... and with his inability to get the printer working correctly, my simple drop-and-go turned into an hour long fiasco... complete with fire drill.... Ugggghhhh...
Needless to say, that by the time I got out of there it was too late to drive home and take a nap... so I opted to head on over to McDonald's to pick up a few happy meals for Lunch with Leyton at school. (He needed all the 'Happy' he could get)
Here are the last minute pics of him and the kids... I'm going to print them out tomorrow, so that they can have them in their rooms...
You would think that the government could work things out a little better for the families, as far as sending the guys off... He had to report at 4am, on a school night. So needless to say, he had his 'good nights' and 'be goods' with the kids before bed. A friend of ours stayed over so that I could take him in, without hauling all the kids along at that hour. I think it was easier on all involved this way. If you have ever met Leyton, you know how big his heart is, and how easily it is broken. And of course, I can't contain myself, when he is upset. The kids were all off to school (except Ava) by the time I returned home... and there was just enough time to get Ava dressed and over there, and have my few hours to decompress. Unfortunately, the bus pass guy was there and caught me on my way out... and with his inability to get the printer working correctly, my simple drop-and-go turned into an hour long fiasco... complete with fire drill.... Ugggghhhh...
Needless to say, that by the time I got out of there it was too late to drive home and take a nap... so I opted to head on over to McDonald's to pick up a few happy meals for Lunch with Leyton at school. (He needed all the 'Happy' he could get)
Here are the last minute pics of him and the kids... I'm going to print them out tomorrow, so that they can have them in their rooms...
Friday, September 04, 2009
Crazy Life = Quiet Blog...
So things have been crazy. Its been a busy, busy few weeks, with Jon getting ready to head out on deployment. We've been spending as much time together as possible, and I just haven't had the energy to blog. Last week was the start of Soccer and the first week of School! The kids are doing great, but it has been difficult to get into a routine, knowing that Jon was leaving. We have soccer every day but Friday, and until 6:30pm every night... so dinners have been late, and homework has been a nightmare! Seriously, the girls and I have been sitting at the kitchen table every night this week until 9:30pm.... Uggghhh... Exhausting.
I hope we can get into a better groove than that!
Here are some pics from the past few weeks...
The first day of school...
Its nice to have all 4 kids in school at least part of the day... Ava started Preschool, and is loving it!
Leyton: Soccer Superstar!
I hope we can get into a better groove than that!
Here are some pics from the past few weeks...
The first day of school...
Its nice to have all 4 kids in school at least part of the day... Ava started Preschool, and is loving it!
Leyton: Soccer Superstar!
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