Ukrainian Host Party

Last weekend, we hosted a gathering for families in our area who are hosting Ukrainian orphans through Charis ministries this summer.  We swam, ate loads of pizza (thank you Brewster's!), rode horses, and broke a pinata (so the Ukrainians could experience a Texas tradition!).  It was reported that a good time was had by all.

I apologize for the poor photo quality.  Between my iPhone and the photographer (me), it's a wonder any of my photos turn out! 

Not everyone is pictured in this photo, but it's a good sampling of the Ukrainian kiddos at the party.

Kiefer lininig up to take a swing at the boot pinata.

Everyone attacked once the pinata burst and candy flew everywhere!

The kids loved riding horses.  Matt ran alongside kids who rode Chrissie's pony, Navidad, so that they could bounce while Navidad trotted.  Dima LOVED this, and I captured it on video.  Such fun!

Guitars and Tutus

Our "big kids" are gone to youth camp this week. :-(  Sawyer, Mattie, Meribeth, Parker and Naomi are all at camp, which means Mom and Dad are on our own with the "little ones":  Vlad, Asher, Dima, Ella, Kiefer, and Selah.  We're having loads of fun, even though it's lots of hard work, juggling of schedules, and not many extra helping hands. 

Vlad is a HUGE helper.  He learned to drive the 4-wheeler by himself, and he's a very responsible and mature driver.  He is aware of his surroundings, aware of where all of the kids and animals are, he travels at safe speeds, and he even thinks of others when he's driving.  (He has stopped twice to open and close our main gate for me without even being asked or told to do so.)  Melt my heart! :-)

We've been so impressed with both Vlad and Dima.  It's hard to imagine they've only been here for 2 weeks.  Vlad is speaking SO MUCH English!!!!!!  Both boys are swimming independently, and Vlad acts as if he's lived here his entire life.  He's helpful with chores, he works hard and diligently, he's responsible and mature, and he's confident.  Dima allows Vlad to speak for him, but Dima is coming along and getting more comfortable with each passing day.  Hosting these two boys has been such a joy.  I just don't know how we'ere going to send them back without our hearts shattering.  They MUST return to Ukraine on August 4th, no matter what.  :-(

My friend Lisa brought over a trunk of dress-up clothes for Ella, but the boys got into it just as much as Ella did!  Here are some fun photos of our crazy little ones!

And I'll leave you with some video footage of Kiefer rockin' out in his dress-up costume!

Fun Times

Guess where we went yesterday?

Seaworld San Antonio!

Oh what fun we had, especially for two boys from Ukraine who have never even heard of such a place, much less experienced it.  They LOVED the park.  The water park and roller coasters/rides were their favorite.  They didn't care very much about the shows.  Not even the Shamu show, but they sure did love all of the FUN that Seaworld has to offer! 

Kiefer ate a frozen confection that ended up more ON his belly than IN his belly!

OK, I have to explain this photo (and the ones to come).  Our guys didn't wear shirts to the park.  We were planning to do the water park mainly, so they put on their swim trunks before we left the house, and not one of our boys put on a shirt.  We had so much to pack and gather in order to get out of the house with 14 people (my friend and her foster son came along with us), that I decided we didn't need to bring shirts for the boys.  After all, they'd just be taking them off anyway, and then I'd have to keep up with 6 shirts. 

Well, after everyone got water logged at the water park, we decided to go ride some roller coasters.  What we didn't know is that Seaworld requires all passengers to wear shirts!  Oh no!  I almost went and wasted money bought Seaworld shirts for the boys so that they could ride, but my friend Nicole had a better idea!  She had 2 shirts for her one-year-old foster son, so Sawyer and Asher wore those.  Isn't that HILARIOUS?!?!  Because they are boys, they totally didn't care about how the shirts looked, they just wanted to ride the roller coasters!

Vlad had a choice between my turquoise and pink floral/paisley swimsuit cover-up or Nicole's t-shirt.  He chose the t-shirt.  I think they ROCK this look, don't you?!?  Hilarious!

Dima wore my t-shirt and Kiefer wore my cover-up.  (Kiefer got cut out of this iPhone pic because I was trying to assure him that Grover wasn't going to attack him from behind, even though he looks like a crazy stalker on stage!)  Oh well.

Selah LOVED sitting in the shallow water and splashing in the fountains.  She's such a sweet girl and so easy-going.  Until someone takes her toy away.  That's the only time her temper flares. :-)  I was so blessed by her sweet spirit and joyful attitude the entire day.  Such a miracle baby.  Thank you, Jesus!

Selah LOVES my iPhone, after all, that's the place where she watches Baby Einstein!  She was trying to grab my phone as I was trying to capture her adorable face.  9-month-old baby determination!

Sawyer is such a trooper.  He has fun with all kids (all ages) in all situations.  Here he is making the best of Elmo's Bay of Play.

Vlad and Dima seriously had a blast.  They're such fun boys.  It's going to be so hard to send them back to their orphanage on August 4th.

I think these boys look like bio brothers.  Can you tell me which one isn't biologically related to the others?!?

We stayed until closing and ended with the Shamu Rocks night show.  Kiefer (who ended up wearing the toddler t-shirt that Sawyer was rocking earlier in the day as his ticket to ride the rides) fell asleep in Parker's lap, and Selah ended up asleep in Mattie's lap.  The entire crew slept on the van ride home (except Selah). 

Fun times. 

Fun times.

Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

We've been having a blast with Vlad and Dima, two orphan boys from Ukraine, who are here for the summer on an orphan hosting trip with Charis adoption ministries.  Last week I didn't have a single second of time to get on the computer and update our blog, mainly because Mattie (our 13yo daughter) was away from the house volunteering at a camp. 

Since the Ukrainian boys were new to our home and family, we had a lot of teaching and training to work on last week (still do).  Now that Mattie is back and we have our full team working together in this tapestry, I hope to update with pictures and videos this week.  I just love how God weaves such a beautifully intricate tapestry before our very eyes, yet when one string is yanked, pulled, tugged, or completely missing, the tapestry so quickly begins to unravel!!!  Praise God for choosing to interweave many capable, selfless, joyfully serving hands into this this tapestry He's creating in our home.  I truly couldn't do it without the help of each family member.

I've truly been amazed by how much we're enjoying having Vlad and Dima with us this summer.  I just LOVE seeing these two brothers working and playing together.  Oh what a tremendous blessing these boys are to my heart.  Seriously.  We've never adopted older boys internationally, nor have we ever adopted boy siblings, so seeing the sweet relationship of these two brothers is a constant source of laughter and joy.  I've always enjoyed boys.  A lot of people aren't fond of wild and crazy, but I get such a kick out of the frogs and snails and puppy dog tails side of boys.

Dima, Vlad, and Kiefer sitting outside the kitchen window lovin' on the dogs.

Vlad holding a frog that he caught.  He LOVES to catch frogs, although this picture doesn't capture his excitement, but it does capture those big beautiful brown eyes that speak volumes to my heart.  I have a picture of our bio son, Parker, when he was about 4 years old, holding a frog in his hand that looks so similar to this photo.  I need to locate it to show you!

See what I mean by frogs and snails and puppy dog tails, these are the things little boys are made of?!?  (I don't have a photo of a snail, but Dima brought one to me the other day!)  There are some things that are just universal with boys, no matter what country or upbringing.  Things like making fart sounds by sticking one's hand in his armpit and thrashing the other arm up and down like a chicken trying to fly.  Things like making spit balls in the bathroom when one is supposed to be brushing his teeth.  Things like leaning to the side while sitting and letting out a sound that sounds like a farm animal, then cracking up so hard that one falls out of his chair.  Things like jumping in the mud puddle instead of walking around it.  Things like trying to kill a red wasp with your hand, just because it's a challenge, then when one gets stung, there's no tears involved, just a nice battle wound to proudly display to everyone.  Things like cutting the stinger off a scorpion, then picking it up to scare Mom.  Things like chasing your sisters with insects just because they'll run and squeal. 

Oh, and I mustn't forget:  Things like tying your brother's "car" to the back of your "Gator" and hauling him around until he crashes and falls over.  Yep, those are the things that get me giggling so hard that I nearly pee in my pants!

This video totally cracks me up.  Reminds me of when I was a kid, and I hitched my little brother's riding toy up to the back of my mini-bike/motorcyle and hauled him around, until one day, he crashed and that was the end of that adventure. 
(Remember that if you're viewing this in a reader or via email, you'll have to visit the blog to view the video.)

Yes, oh yes, the adventures of boys are truly a joy for me.  Did you know that boys are less preferred when it comes to adoption?  Yep, it's true.  The statistics are always changing, but for many years, it's always turned out that boys are less likely to be chosen for adoption.  I'm so very grateful God chose to place these two precious brothers in our home this summer.  I pray they'll soon have the label "CHOSEN" written on their hearts, and the statistics will have less orphan boys in the count.

Slip-n-Slide fun!  Ella gets right in the mix with her wild and crazy brothers!

Brothers through and through.

Chrissie's Comfies

This project is being put together by Ms. Kaleigh.  Thank you so much, Kaleigh!!!

My name is Kaleigh. I first stumbled upon the Patterson’s blog over a year and a half ago. God greatly used Chrissie in my life to remind me of HIS heart for orphans, a heart that I had shared as a little girl, but needed to recover.  God used my Ecuadorian sister, Chrissie and another Ecuadorian Princess (who is much like Chrissie!) to light a fire in my heart for the orphaned treasures.

Not only that, but the Lord also used Chrissie and her family to teach me more about TRUE love! I am 18 and even though many my age think I’m just a little crazy, I am beyond happy to still be a part of my big family, seeking God to (hopefully) add many more adopted blessings into our lives . In the mean time I am Oh so busy with school, ministry AND beginning an adoption organization with two amazing friends! (LINK: http://www.godsheartourhands.blogspot.com/

The thing  though if Mrs. Patterson hadn’t taken the time to graciously share their family life, adoption story, prayer needs and miracles with us all I might NEVER have had a change of heart about the blessing of children, the miracle of adoption and OH so many other things!

Ever since Chrissie left to dance with Jesus I have wanted to thank Mrs. Patterson and her family in some way for sharing Chrissie’s story with the world.

What if she hadn’t shared it? How many orphans would not be coming home right now? How many people’s lives would not have been touched and changed through her words?

So for now one of the ways I can say thank you is through doing things in honor and memory of Princess Chrissie.

I would be soooooo beyond blessed and honored if many of you would consider joining me in one small way that we can be a blessing in Chrissie’s memory.

Samaritan Children’s Heart Project is currently in need of quilts or blankets to give to the children that come to the states for desperately needed heart surgery. (You can learn more about the Heart Project here) LINK: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/ChildrensHeart/index/

How many of you who were changed by Chrissie’s story could send at least ONE blanket in her memory??

For those of you who can here are all the details:

Sizes: The suggested standard for the blankets is:  45” x 60”, these would most likely go to the children 3 and under.  They also have a need for the older children, up to 17 years old.  “Afghans” and “throws” are the size guidelines for those.  The blankets for older children must be smaller than a twin bedspread due to luggage restrictions.

Please be sure the designs are age appropriate and that if you are sending a blanket for an older child it has a more mature design (examples: Sports prints, floral, stripes, etc.)

You can make OR BUY any type of blanket you like, just make sure that is big enough to fit the size req.!

Some of the possibilities are: No- sew fleece blankets, patch work quilts, or afghans.

They also ask that you include a square on the blanket with your name, the year, etc. This can be where you honor Chrissie!

For my quilts I have used a fabric paint pen to write:

“Boss Your Heart!

Made by Kaleigh Anderson

In loving memory of Princess Chrissie”

The blankets can be sent to:

Samaritan’s Purse

Attn: MaryBeth Slabbert, Children’s Heart Project
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC  28607

Many times you will receive a picture of the child who received your blanket. (You may want to include a note with an email address in your package)

There is no deadline that I know of to send these in but I am sure that since they are running low, the sooner the better!

The biggest request is that you PRAY for the child as you make and send your donation!  J

THANK YOU SO much for reading this and for considering helping with this project. If you would like for the Patterson family to see a picture of your blanket or quilt that would be GREAT! You can email a picture to me at: isaiah4523 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Once I have lots of pictures gathered I would love to turn them into a collage and send it to Mrs. Patterson J

Missing Mattie

Mattie, our 13-year-old bio daughter, has been away all week volunteering as a camp counselor at a nearby Christian camp.  We have all missed her so very much.  Her being gone has clearly shown us how much we ALL depend upon Miss Mattie around here!  She's not only most helpful in all situations, but her positive attitude, encouragement, and sweet spirit just cannot be replaced.  She's our little cheerleader with a maturity and responsibility that's unmatched.  Mattie gets along well with every member of our family, and she's my right-hand-girl in the kitchen, in the laundry room, and with the kids.  One of the best things about Miss Mattie is her servant's heart (which is why she volunteered to be a team servant at this camp).  She sees what needs doing and simply does it.  No one ever has to tell her to do something because she's usually jumped on the task before anyone else can!  Everyone's been counting down the days until Mattie's arrival back home.  Saturday (tomorrow) couldn't come soon enough. 

Each one of our bigger/older kids is a HUGE help, but it's kind of like the hands and feet of Christ.  You need various people to serve as the hands AND feet.  Not just hands.  Not just feet.  Each person has various talents and gifts, and with the variety of treasures that God's given us, He's sewn together this beautiful tapestry where each string plays a vital role behind the scenes to keep the beauty from unraveling.  We've all been trying to hold up Mattie's string (or many strings) while she's been away, but we're so ready to have her return to restore the raveled edges of this tapestry!

We love you and we miss you, Mattie, and we're sooooooooooooo excited about your arrival home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you for being you.  There's no one like you, sweetheart. :-)

Mattie fixing Ella's hair.

Freedom

I know this controversial video has circulated the internet countless times since its production in 2007, but I also know that there are still countless people who are completely unaware of what orphans are treated like in many countries around the world.

Today, as we celebrate our freedom in America, I pray that more Believers will commit to helping set the captives FREE through the miracle of adoption. 

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love."

Galatians 5:13

I am so very grateful that God opened our eyes.  It is our job to set the captives free.  We must take responsiblity.  Freedom isn't free.  It comes with a great cost. 

There is no ransom too high.  Every orphan is worth it.

God has blessed America abundantly.  It is time we spread those blessings to all, not just give our leftovers and hand-me-downs, but give abundantly, as God has given so abundantly to us.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is within the power of your hand to do so." 

Proverbs 3:27

Pictures (and videos) are worth 1,000 words.  These 2 Ukrainian boys have only been in our home for 6 days total.  They are LOVING their freedom here.  Thank you, God, for blessing our family so abundantly.  We pray You will use us to spread those blessings around the world.

(Note:  If you're viewing this via email, there are several videos that won't show up.  Visit the site at www.AllArePreciousInHisSight.blogspot.com)

Freedom to chase calves in the calf scramble at the 4th of July rodeo.

Freedom to eat rainbow freezes!

Freedom to rest your head in "Daddy's" lap whenever you're sleepy.

Freedom to swim and be silly.

(I know we have tons of pool video, but here's another example of freedom for you!)

Freedom to take a warm bubble bath. 

(Since it would be inappropriate to take pics of boys bathing, I snapped a shot of Vlad's rendition of "Lorraine" on the bathtub wall that he called me to see after he got out of the tub.  Before Vlad's bath, he asked, in English, "Mom, what is your name?"  Vlad (age 9, in Texas for only 5 days at the time of this photo) was so proud to show me that he gathered English letters in the bathtub, sounded them out, and spelled "Lorraine" as best as he phonetically could!  Remember, Vlad speaks Ukrainian and the Ukrainian alphabet is VERY different than our English alphabet.  Vlad is communicating in English better and better every day.  We're simply amazed with his level of confidence and intelligence!)

Freedom to ride a horse!

And freedom to ride a...

COW?!?  (It's just a "dummy" :-)

Freedom to do handstands in the arena.

Freedom to trust your "brother".

And freedom to have your "brother" trust you.

Freedom to feel what it's like to be a part of a real family.

(Mattie isn't present in this photo, as she is volunteering as a team servant leader at a summer camp this week.)

Freedom to stand in the road watching for the next float in the local parade.

Freedom to receive and freedom to give.

(Vlad collected the most candy at the parade, and this photo shows Vlad offering candy to his "brother", Asher.)

Freedom to love.

Freedom to celebrate our freedom.

(The banner on the front of this truck reminds us that we are one nation under God.)

Freedom.

Priceless.

No ransom is too high.

 “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:17-18