Cabled!

We recieved our NVC letter letter in the mail today. It's kind of like getting a little Christmas present from US immigration. We faxed it to MAA and it will be cabled to Guangzhou on December 30. They only intake these letters on Mondays and Thursdays and we had already missed the deadline for submitting it on Monday.

Our Article 5 will be ready to picked up and carried to the CCAA on January 13, 2011.

In the mean time, we have plenty of other things to do. Get Jon Paul's room ready. Put the finishing touches on paperwork that we need to take with us. Continue to fundraise. We'll need to stock up on "toddler things". We have no sippy cups, diapers, etc, but I guess that's small stuff to worry about right now.

And so this is Christmas

Celebrating far...

And near... Merry Christmas, everyone!

Dance

Camille was selected to model for a dance costume company's catalog again this year. This was her 3rd year selected. The company took one of the photos she did last year and put it on a big promotional poster.

It was a fun day. Our "girly-girl" loves to dress up (she's always thrilled to get hair and makeup done!) and she had a great time with the other little girls who were there too. Can't wait to see the catalog when it comes out in August!

Jon Paul's Party

Jon Paul's package arrived just in time for his third Birthday. I'd say he loved the truck the most!

A Birthday Party for our sweet boy!

Jon Paul with his new clothes... you're going to look so handsome!

Happy Birthday Jon Paul

My dream, my wish and my goal was to be with you today. Either in China or here, at home, to celebrate your 3rd Birthday with you. But it seems God had other plans and we cannot be together. Perhaps He wanted to give Mike and Deena one more birthday, one more Christmas, with you. We know that you are celebrating and, with heavy hearts because we miss you so much, we are celebrating too. We hope you received the very special gift we sent to you for your birthday. Happy 3rd Birthday, son... we love you.

A letter to the Seeing Eye

Hi Teresa,

Thank you for your wonderful email. The comment on Facebook was genuine. We hear a lot about how Seeing Eye Dogs change the lives of blind people (and they do... no doubt, we know plenty of grads!) But they also change the lives of the spouses and children of those blind people... and it really is a beautiful thing! I love my husband. I love him dearly... but the independence and confidence your "Otis" has given him? Well, it's second to none! He has a sense of confidence I've never seen before! He "offers" to go to the grocery store! Thanks to TSE's superior breeding, Otis is the nicest dog we've ever had. His intergration to our family has been so easy and he is such a good boy! So you see, yes, Otis has given Mike new independence... But Otis has affected ALL of our lives... He makes the play park accessable to my husband and our 6-year-old daughter... he gives Mike confidence and Otis welcomes me home from work (with that big, wet tongue) everyday... we all love him more than we anticipated...

Thank you, Theresa... to you, the breeders, the puppy raisers, the trainers... everyone who puts their hearts and souls into guide dogs. It's a sacrafice. There is not a guide dog user out there who doesn't realize that. Unless you live this life, it's difficult to appreciate the impact. Please know it's been a life-changing experience, not just for your graduate and his dog, but for his whole family. We are grateful.

LOA!

We received our LOA today! That golden piece of paper! Thank you CCAA! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Now I'm off to sign and file our I-800... Hopefully it will come swifty. We are hoping to travel in February 2011.

A care package for Jon Paul

Jon Paul will be celebrating a birthday in a couple of weeks. Christmas is also on the way. I would love nothing more than to send Jon Paul loads of things for both his birthday and Christmas. But we are limited in the size and weight of a package we can send. Mike and Deena, Jon Paul's foster parents, told us he needs clothing and loves trucks that make sounds and have lights. I found a small truck and the clothing below. We are going to send it USPS international and hope it arrives at all.

Prepare

We prepare ourselves for all the worst case scenarios: attachment problems, toddler sibling rivalry and disability adjustment problems. Why dont we prepare ourselves for the best things?

Another new photo

The boys recently got haircuts. Jon Paul has very fine hair and I think this barber went a little crazy with his haircut this time. Not my favorite photo, but we certainly appreciate EVERY ONE that Mike & Deena send to us from Hidden Treasures.

Wonderful Fundraiser News!

We have been chosen by Hip Mom Jewelry as their adoption fundraising family for the month of November!!! We are so excited to have this opportunity!! Please click on the button below, and go shopping!! Our family will receive 30% of all adoption related sales for the month of November when you use our

FAMILY CODE: COR1110

When you are on the homepage, be sure to click on "adoption" since that is the jewelry that gives us a percentage of sales for our adoption!! Please take a look - they have some absolutely gorgeous stuff, and really wonderful adoption themed jewelry!!!

Shop early for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries!! Every adoptive mom would love one!!! And, you will be helping us to bring our son home!!

Our family code is COR1110!

All Saints Day

Camille has a school project for All Saint's Day which is coming up on November 1st. She has to do a report on a Saint. At the advice of Mike's aunt Liz (who is a Sister herself) Camille chose St. Katharine Drexel. St. Katharine was born in Philadelphia, PA and was the second American born saint to be cannonized (after St. Elizabeth Ann Seton). She is the patron saint of racial justice and spent her entire life and inheritance, $20 million, helping poor Native Americans and African Americans.

Surrounded by love

Mike took this photo on his cell phone... and I just love it!

LID

We have an official LID from the CCAA. 10-15-2010. Thank you, Lord.

New photos from Nancy

We received new photos of Jon Paul from Nancy this morning. While I am always happy to see him and watch him grow, I wish he was with us in person. There has been no news from China... we are still waiting...

Please help bring Jon Paul home

This is our new son, Jon Paul. He is blind and resides in foster care in China. We are currently working to bring him home. Here's how you can help!

Here's how YOU can help bring home Jon Paul!

Click on this link for Kingdom Kids

At the top of the page click on Donations then select Family Grant Donations

Fill out the information and in the box that says designation, fill in our names, Mike & Faye Corman. That way you'll be sure you're donation will go to help fund Jon Paul's adoption.

If you would rather send a check, please mail it to:

Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministry
8625 N Whitehouse Drive
Spokane, WA 99208
USA

Please include a note with the check that the donation is for Jon Paul Corman's adoption fund, but DO NOT include our name on the check!

Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

Thank you for your support! Any questions, please feel free to contact Kingdom Kids!

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He is the founder of the Franciscan Order and know as the patron saint of animals. Although he was born into a wealthy family, St. Francis chose to serve God and live a life of poverty. He is often portrayed as a kind of "milktoast" man, who wore long robes and spoke to animals all day. St. Francis saw God in all the world... the sun, moon, grass and sky and especially the animals. He had an encounter with leper. He never tried to abolish poverty, but rather to make it holy. St. Francis was often considered "quirky" because he acted from the heart. Years of poverty and wondering eventually left St. Francis very ill and blind. He died on October 4, 1226 at the age of 45. His prayer is well known throughout the Catholic church in both recite and song.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

And, yes, because it was important to Camille, we stood in the rain to have Otis and Riley blessed.

George N. Parks (1953-2010)

I lost a friend last night. No, the world lost a friend last night.

George was a special friend. We had many common bonds. He and I both had the same high school band director, 20 years apart. George was one of his first students, and I was one of his last. George and I were also tuba players in the marching band. George and I went to the same college, so I saw him once year at homecoming. George was the director and mentor of my college band director, Heidi Sarver. George and I both have adopted children. And, despite the age difference, there was always something that kept us linked. We emailed often and, earlier this year, George opened a Facebook account making it even easier for us to stay in touch.

I went to Ireland earlier this year with George and his band. It was the last time I got to spend time with him.

George impacted so many lives, not just mine. He was a maestro. His music was magic.

George and me at a party in January 2010

George, I love you and I'll miss you until we meet again...

George N. Parks - 1953 - 2010

Our Beautiful Boy

We just received new photos of Jon Paul from his foster family in China! He's getting so big!

Otis' Graduation Photo

Discrimination

I really like to try to keep this blog upbeat. But life is not perfect and we do run into bumps in the road from time to time. This week, we've had plenty.

On Monday, poor Mike walked into a light post and broke his hand. It was a significant injury that might require pinning. Right now, he's wearing a fiberglass class that includes his ring and little finger as well as all of his knuckes and most of his thumb. He's in a lot of pain and has no use of his right hand... not good for someone who plays piano for a living. You can tell he's thrilled...



On Tuesday we faced our first bout of guide dog discrimination. We were with my father-in-law and decided we wanted to eat dinner at the Oriental Palace. It's a local Asian restaurant we have frequented (without the guide dog) many times before. Unfortunately, this time, we were turned away. Despite our best efforts with the identification card and letting the restaurant know it was illegal not to allow us in with Otis, the hostess simply would not seat us. We chose not to make a big stink and simply left. This was the first occurance and it hurt. It was an insult, (after an injury) for poor Mike.

Happiness

10 Tips for Happiness

1. The Power of Positive Thinking - Negativity is the root that undermines our happiness. The negative ideas we think can manifest in the words we speak. The minute the words leave your lips, is the minute they manifest. Change your thoughts to positive, uplifting ones. Think hope not hopelessness. Think goodness, not evil. Think joy not despair. Energy follows thought. Program thought to be positive and your energy will reflect it!

2. Networking with those who have a good outlook on life. Do not be around others who are negative, self serving or do not know how to express genuine kindness.

3. Affirmations, are a positive word, expression or term to guide us and give us reassurance. "I am happy", "nothing will deter my happy thoughts, today", "I am full of joy". These are all great affirmations to live by.

4. Happiness is a long lasting enduring enjoyment of life. It is being in love with living. Happiness is your reward for achieving good character and personal, rational values in life. Some important values are a productive career, romance, friendship and hobbies. Achieving these values requires rationality and takes effort and skill.

5. Learn Your Happiness Skills Two types of skills you can use are thinking skills and valuing skills. Learn to have confidence in your own mind and discover the virtues that make it possible for you to achieve your values, which make your life worth living, then you will experience the result.

6. The Metaphysics of Happiness has everything to do with our belief system. Belief is one of our most powerful assets. With the ability to believe, you can accomplish nearly anything! The more you believe in yourself, the more you will definitely accomplish. Happiness comes to those who BELIEVE THEY ARE HAPPY! It's just as simple as that. When we face situations that are near physical or mental impossibilities, then it is our belief system, or belief in ourselves, that determines IF it is possible.

7. Our Belief System is one of the major factors that can get us through situations or can cause our life to crumble around us! How we "program" ourselves to see our real happiness, shows us just how happy we are.

8. Our self-confidence and self-love are often the key to opening and strengthening this portion of our thoughts which in turn emanates from ourselves, which in turn allows happiness to find us!

9. Really appreciating what we DO have as opposed to what we would like to have, makes a significant difference. This is always an important element in a happy person that is often neglected.

10. Find happiness in simplicity and you will find the greatest joys yet revealed to you. Smile when you talk on the phone. Great everyone you pass by or meet today, with a smile. Appreciate the smell of the air, the warmth of the sun and the laughter in children. Make that your happiness.

A visit to the Seeing Eye

Yesterday was our long awaited, much anticipated visit to the Seeing Eye. We drove up early and we were greeted by Ray, the Outreach Specialist at the Seeing Eye. He gave us a warm welcome and we met his Seeing Eye dog, a black lab named 'Mojo'. After a tour of the facility that included the history of the Seeing Eye school, we met by Daddy and permitted to have lunch with him in the dining hall. It was quite a special event. After lunch we spent some time with Daddy on the leasure path. He showed us all of the amazing things 'Otis' can do.

When it was time to leave, Camille shed some tears. We're so glad Daddy will be home in a week!

Ready!

We're all signed up and we're ready to go! We're heading to the Seeing Eye tomorrow morning for a tour of the facility with Ray K. then a visit in the afternoon with Daddy and Otis! We're so very excitied we miss Daddy so much and we can not wait to see him and meet Otis!

Miss you Daddy! See you soon!

One week down, three to go...

The first week at the guide dog school is winding down. Mike sounds fabulous. Still in love with Otis, he tells me what a good boy Otis is. He's tells me all about their adventures and sometimes, misadventures and there is just so much spark and happiness in his voice. I am thrilled for him!

This weekend, Camille and I are staying home. I plan to take her shopping for the back-to-school items on her list. First grade has a much longer supply list than kindergarten! It's supposed to be a hot weekend, so we might just get the sprinkler out too.

Next weekend, we're going to visit Mike at the Seeing Eye. As luck would have it, they are having a special Saturday tour, so Camille and I will get a chance to see the facility before we visit with Daddy... very exciting!

Matched!

Mike was matched with his Seeing Eye dog on Monday. He is a yellow labrador retriever named "Otis". Mike said he's so blonde, he's almost white! While I don't have a photo of the actual "Otis" to post, we think Mike's new dog might look something like this...

According to Mike, he's having a terrific time and the training is going very well! We love you and we miss you! Good luck Mike and "Otis"!!!

Mike has been at the Seeing Eye since Saturday. Since we've been on vaction, today is my first "real" day as a single parent. It is also "matching day" at the Seeing Eye... Mike will meet his new dog today, sometime after lunch. I probably won't post much information about the dog. (I expect to hear from Mike tomorrow evening with the details.)

Mike has not had an easy time adjusting, and I am worried that he's longing to come home, despite the fact that he's really only just arrived. Yesterday, his mood was a little better, but not much.

So far, Camille and I are doing okay without dad. We arrived home kind of late from the Outer Banks last night. Camille will start summer camp today. I am sure she'll have a great time.

These are the days you were not supposed to have...

When we brought this fragile little home, 5 years ago, she weighed 13 pounds at 11 months of age. She had rickets and MRSA infection that could have killed her...

2005

2010Today she is a happy, healthy kid. She'll be 6 years old next month. She is the light of our lives... we could not be more grateful to God for this gift. Amen.

Catholic Fun with Lego(R)

The Lego(R) Confessional

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Lego(R)

On Being "Normal"

I was talking to a friend the other day who was a bit frazzled. She was going on and on about her husband and 2 kids and her job and about how busy everyone was with school and sports and activities. I laughed and said "Well, that sounds 'normal' to me!" she gave me a horrifed look and began to apologize. "Oh my..." she said. "I am so sorry! You're right... it is normal. And I don't mean to complain to you."

It didn't occur to me until later on in the day where she was going with her statement. She was implying that, with her employed, able-bodied husband and two bright, able-bodied and very busy kids, she had a "normal life" compared to me... blind husband, and 2 kids, one hearing impaired, the other visually impaired. But the truth is, our life is normal too. It's just a different kind of normal. Our normal may not include an over-packed schedule of soccer games, t-ball and swim meets, and it does include checking hearing aids and making sure everyone has his white canes, but to us, that's just "normal".

Why I Love Being a Catholic - A Top 10 List

#10) Social Drinking - Seriously, I love being able to go out after a parish event with fellow parishioners and know I can order a drink without worrying about offending the “Jesus turned water into grape juice” guy.

#9) Cool Accessories – I admit, I love accessories. Rosaries, medals, scapulars, etc. add a textile elements to religion I enjoy. What I really like is that I feel less stupid holding a Rosary during a prayer, which has generations of history and meaning, than a “Prayer of Jabez” lucky coin.

#8) Art and Style - I love great art (like art that requires hard work, not that “my kid could paint that” stuff). The Catholic Church is stuffed full of centuries of art. I am always surrounded by works of expression by those who love Jesus Christ.

#7) Bigger Bible – I always wanted a sequel to Proverbs.

#6) Catholic Radio – This is probably one of the major factors that lead me to the Catholic Church. I listen to the American Catholic Radio podcast every week as well as Catholic Answers and my local station. I virtually never hear a word about Iraq, Hilary Clinton, or the real estate crash. Catholic Radio is timeless, talking about things that are relevant to our souls and everyday life instead of fads and temporary issues.

#5 ) Knights of Columbus – Great life insurance! I’d tell you more, but then I would have to kill you… (just kidding… or am I?)

#4) Blessings – I have been using blessings and purifications for years. Most evangelicals consider that “voodoo”, but now I get the bonus of having a priest who can do it with the whole authority of the Church!

#3) I Can “Come Out” – Many evangelicals think you attend Hogwarts and ride a broomstick when you say you are a “mystic”. When I tell Catholics I am a mystic, they usually know what I am talking about and start talking about St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.

#2) Saints – It is like collecting baseball cards as a child. The Catholic Church has a vast history of people who broke the norms and rose above the world they were in. It is hard to find role models these days for genuine faith, so having a well documented history of thousands of individuals who overcame the world and achieved the miraculous is an inspiration. It is also nice everyone has a “Patron Saint” that relates to their particular circumstances.

#1) The Real Eucharist – No more Welch’s and saltines for me! Reading letters by the Early Church Fathers lead me to realize just how much they cherished the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church’s dedication to keeping the sacred and divine nature of Eucharist in tact is probably the greatest driving force for myself, and many others, to convert.

"Let go and let God"

"Let go and let God." I can't remember the first time I heard the expression. It sounds cle'che. Sometimes, it's easy to think "Yeah, right!" or "Let go and let God what?"

It's really difficult to live a life for God. There is so much that pulls us away from Him. Worldly wants and desires. We always think we know what is best for us. But that is not the truth. Only God knows and it's only when we let go and let God, that we can truly live our best life in Him.

Kindergarten Grad!

Oh the places, you'll go... oh the thinks you can think...





Congratulations Camille! We love you and we're SO PROUD of all you accomplished this year!

A Shout Out for Dads!

Happy Father's Day... to my father, David, of course. Without him, I would just be a soul... He's a fantastic man... he taught me, and continues to teach me, so much.

Happy Father's Day to a wonderful Dad and Husband, Michael. As these photos can attest, his little girl has him wrapped around her finger!

And Happy Father's Day to Jon Paul's foster Dad, Mike. We really appreciate all that you do and how much love you are showing our son! Thank you, Mike... you're a special man...