When It Rains, It Pours (in a good way)

I had no sooner posted about the 2 new fundraisers and we got an offer of an additional one. This is for all you scrapbookers out there. My Creative Memories friend, Debi Paratore, has offered to do an ongoing fundraiser. Just go to her website (see the blurb on the right side of the blog) and place your order. Be sure to mention that your order is to benefit the Ritter Adoption Fund. I'll be sending out a general email when we return from vacation.

Speaking of vacation, we are leaving Sunday after church. We'll be picking up our two children at Pinebrook along with one of Edward's friends, and heading to Indian Lake, NY in the beautiful Adirondack Mts. This is the 5th summer that we have gone there and it is the most peaceful, quiet, relaxing vacation that we could have. So, I won't be around to be posting any updates, especially since there won't be any! :-)

Have a blessed week. I'm sure that there will be lots to tell when we return (I may even post some pictures!).

A Few Fundraiser Options

God is truly blessing our adoption experience in ways that I never even imagined. I knew the the funds needed for the adoption were not available to us, but I also knew/know that God is in control and can meet those needs before I even ask or think. We have been blessed by offers of fundraisers from friends and family and people that neither Ralph nor I have ever met. Our first fundraiser was a success -- a Tupperware fundraiser raised about $285.

We are now beginning 2 new fundraisers: Avon and Silpada, fine sterling silver jewelry. You can click on the links on the side of my blog to get to the websites of the two ladies that are heading up these events. Details are posted there, too. And remember, I'm still trying to sell my retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets. Some of that will be going to our adoption also.

Our family, as mentioned in a previous post, has decided to hold a yard sale with proceeds to go toward the adoption. If you live near Hatfield, PA or near me and want to donate something for the yard sale, drop me an email at stamphappymomma and I'll see that the item(s) get where they belong.

My mind keeps whirling about ways that we can raise the needed funds. I keep trying to think of things that I could do at home to earn some extra money. I have some options that I'm considering and praying about. So, if you think of it, please pray that God would give me the right ideas and the right people to contact. Thanks!

Thanks for dropping by today. Don't forget to leave a comment or two. :-)

It Begins . . .

. . . the home study, that is. We mailed the application (and fee) to the agency that will be doing our home study. There are still some things that need to be accomplished, like fingerprints (Ralph, Edward and me -- yes, Edward, too since he is now 18). We are waiting for one reference letter and then I think that we have all the paperwork that we need to get going. Our social worker's name is Roberta Kalmar and she has been extremely helpful so far via email and the phone. We will schedule our first visit when we return from vacation and Johannah has returned home from her summer ministry at Pinebrook Bible Conference. Since our children fully understand what we are doing, Roberta must talk with them, too. I'm not worried about that at all, since both of our children are in favor of the adoption. I'm more concerned about the dog and what Roberta will require us to do with him. It may mean a vet bill of several hundred dollars to make sure that he is up to date on his shots, etc. We will see!!

BTW, we were able to get the reduction in the fee (see my last post). Praise God for His love and watch care over us and the finances!!