40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 25, Leanne

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 25: Leanne

What a cutie pie! Leanne was born June 2002. She currently has only $398 in grant money towards her adoption. If you feel compelled to help out Leanne, you can visit her page.

"This darling little girl lives in a group home. One of our adoptive families met her in 2012, and would love to see her find a family! 

Leanne has started attending special education classes and is learning and communicating well. She loves performance and is very good at putting on a show for everyone that will watch her. She is also extremely helpful at home, doing lots of house chores such as sweeping and washing bowls. She has been the little sister in her family (group home) for some time, but recently has had the opportunity to be a big sister when another little girl of 8 years moved into the home. She is a lovely, caring big sister too. She has just moved into a community group home and has adapted well to the new environment."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

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Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Leanne who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Leanne has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Leanne to find her permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song

I was introduced to The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song a while back and I have to say, I find myself doing it almost on a daily basis now! Love it!! I thought I would share it with everyone, it's sung so beautifully! I recently played it for Leah and now she sits and sings it with me.

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 24, Teagan

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 24: Teagan

Every day as I say the prayer that I've included at the bottom of each of my posts I've been finding it emotionally difficult to pray for each of these children but I do it in hope and faith in God that he will help a family to open up their hearts and homes to a child. I want to help them out so badly! My dream is to someday adopt one of these precious children! 

Teagan was born January 20, 2007. He has $2056.70 in grant money towards his adoption. If you feel compelled to help out Teagan financially with his adoption, please visit his page. 

"Because Teagan has Down syndrome, his physical development, intelligence and mental development developed slowly and was delayed compared to kids of similar age obviously, especially motion and flexibility of his limbs were slightly poorer. In recent years, with the efforts of this institute and foster parents, he can stand by holding onto objects, walk slowly. Now according to his growth foster parents offered him speech rehabilitative and limb training every day. 

Teagan is shy, has a ready smile, likes to listen to music very much. When music plays all of his attention is attracted. When being glad he will swing his body following the musical rhythms. He likes to play toys very much, in particular toy cars are his favorite toys. We hope that he who is shy could become more and more active. 

Full social history and medical records available. Single moms permitted, no more than 6 children at home, only one parent has to travel."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Teagan who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Teagan has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Teagan to find his permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 23, Samuel

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 23: Samuel

Another child that has stolen my heart!! Samuel was born June 3, 2003. He only has $320 in grant money towards his adoption! If you feel compelled to help out Samuel, you can visit his page. All of these precious children need our help!! 

"Samuel has Down syndrome, an undescended testicle & flat feet. He also has a functional heart murmur that does not require therapy. He is integrated in a room with healthy children. He walks independently. He can drink out of a cup but still requires assistance with feeding. He carries our simple verbal instructions. He seeks out the company of adults. His development is delayed in all areas."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Samuel who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Samuel has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Samuel to find his permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 22, Lucas

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 22: Lucas

Oh my goodness! What a doll!! Lucas was born October 2010. He has absolutely NO GRANT MONEY towards his adoption! Let's try to change that today!!! If you can help, please visit his page!

"Lucas is a precious little boy who has been diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defect. He has received a Glen Operation and has recovered well from the operation. Because of the complexity of his diagnosis, Luke will likely need another operation after he turns 5. 

When Luke came to the orphanage, he was also showing signs of developmental delays. After the operation, he has shown significant improvements in development. Luke is active, energetic, talkative and extroverted. He smiles often, gets along well with others, and enjoys listening to music and singing. Luke was also sponsored by an American advocacy group that provides children with additional therapy and nurturing to help them develop to their full potential."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Luke who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Luke has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Luke to find his permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 21, Saige

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 21: Saige

I absolutely LOVE Saige's smile!! Saige is Reece's Rainbow child of the month! She was born in 2002. Saige has $3188 in grant money towards her adoption! If you feel compelled to help out Saige finacially, you can visit her page. 

"At present, she has lived here for 3 years and now she is 9 years old. She studies cognition, language, math, social intercourse, emotion, fine arts, music, arts and crafts and physical education. She has Down syndrome and although she is 9 years old, she has poor developments than normal children in her age in terms of language, intellect and social intercourse. She cannot speak clearly, yet she is willing to communicate with others. Typically, she could call the names of her familiar persons, understand words and follow 2-3 steps of instructions such as use a cloth to clean a table. She could express her needs via 3-5 words such as a teacher gives me soup. She could refuse the things she dislikes orally such as I do not want more rice and I am full. 

She could tell several colors such as red, yellow, white and black; tell and use over 10 daily used goods, tell circle and triangle shapes, know several animals such as fish, chicken, duck, dog, pig and cow. She could tell several vegetables and fruits such as apple, banana, pear, cabbage, carrot and pumpkin as well as vehicles of cars, motorcycles and bicycles. She could count numbers from 1 to 10, take a couple of objects, figure out the size of objects. 

She can walk, run, jump and crawl as per instructions. She loves doing gyms and dances the most. She could thread a needle, hold a pen to draw, write down numbers and simple words. In terms of self-cared ability, she could eat on her own, go to washroom, clean and wash, wash and fold clothes, clean rooms and wash and put away tableware. 

She positively participates in the games with other children and she is polite, greets acquaintances when seeing them. She could help fellow friends do something. She enjoys showing herself off and she acts as an older sister. 

She is outgoing, gentle and kindhearted. In daily life, she tends to help the children who are not capable than her to do something as her age appropriate such as helping other children putting on shoes, taking on and off clothes and washing face. Other children love such older sister. She has sweet teeth, likes wearing colorful skirts and playing dolls. She has been healthy since admission and seldom gets sick other than having chap on lips in winter time."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Saige who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Saige has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Saige to find her permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

Homemade Vanilla Extract

When my mother in law called me and told me that I could make Vanilla Extract myself and that it's cheaper than buying it a the store, I knew I totally had to give it a try!!! I had been complaining to her about how much it is to buy it in the store and how I go through so much of it! 

And it's so easy to make!! 

1. 1 cup vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy although vodka is the preferred one 
2. 3 whole vanilla beans (from what I've read, the Madagascar ones of the favored ones to use)

Slice the vanilla bean in half length wise and add it to a cup of vodka and let it sit for 2 months. Every week or so, turn the bottle gently to mix it a bit.

I just started mine last week so I'll post again in 2 months with the final product! The long it sits, the darker it will become and turn into actual vanilla extract just like you buy at the store! 

You can use a more decorative bottle to store it in or give it as a gift! As long as this turns out like I'm hoping it will, I plan on making more and giving it out as Christmas gifts to our family along with mint extract I plan on doing as soon as the mint in my garden is ready!! 

You can buy vanilla beans online cheaper than what I found bought mine for, here at this website. 

I found these vanilla beans at Whole Foods for less than $5

Day 1

1 week later