Countdown to 3/21 - first three days

Since, I'm just starting this on the blog a few days late (I've been sharing on facebook for a few days!), I'm going to give you days 1, 2 and 3 all in one post! :) I'll try to keep up the blog posts from now until 3/21 - and I'm excited to blog about some of these organizations and families, because I can write a little more than I would on facebook. But for today, you'll get three-in-one!

1. The first organization that I'd like to "feature" is near and dear to my heart. Reece's Rainbow. Without this fabulous organization, we would not have found our sweet girls. Just what is Reece's Rainbow, you ask? Well straight from the mission statement: "The mission of Reece's Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to rise 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."

Each child listed with Reece's Rainbow has a grant fund that people are able to donate (tax deductible) to - our girls each had some grant money in their funds before we committed to adopting them. Now that we have committed to them - we have a Family Sponsorship Page - which goes into a fund for our family. All of that money (FSP and the girls' grant funds) will become available to us, once our paperwork is in the girls' country. You can see a button to donate to our FSP on the sidebar, as well as our girls' button and a couple of Reece's Rainbow buttons - those are available to be "grabbed" so you can put them on your own blog. (who wouldn't love to see the cute faces of our girls on your blog??)

The staff of Reece's Rainbow work tirelessly to advocate for these orphans, and their are many ways you can help! The "21 Days of Hope" campaign is going on right now, to boost funds in the Voice of Hope fund. Which is the fund that keeps the daily operations running. Please visit the Reece's Rainbow website - consider a donation, and pray for the sweet children. Who knows, maybe you'll find your future son or daughter....


Grab This!



2. I also want to share with you one of my favorite blogs. "Pudge and Biggie" - Their mom, Courtney, documents their adventures, in this very entertaining and informative blog! Pudge and Biggs were both adopted domestically, and both have Down syndrome. They also might be two of the cutest little kiddos I've ever seen!! When I read Courtney's post today, I knew it was what I wanted to share with all of you. So, not only are we looking at World Down Syndrome Day coming up - but there's another VERY important campaign that is going on right now as well. "Spread the Word to End the Word" The R word. So read, Courtney's blog. The pictures say enough. And pledge your support to end the word...



3. Finally, I would like to "feature" a local organization. The Emerald Family Down Syndrome Network!!! This organization has welcomed us with open arms and lots of support, even though our daughters aren't even home yet!! :) They have been working hard to advocate for us and our fundraising events, as well as providing us with information and support. I look forward to getting to know the families even more! :)

The Emerald Family Down Syndrome Network is a network of families in the greater Eugene area who share a common bond, the love of a person with Down Syndrome.

The Goal:
To be a community of supporters for our children. Through play, education, recreation and socialization, we founded a network for families. Our love for our children and love for our community blend together to give our children all the possibilities they deserve.

If you are in the Eugene/Springfield area and know a family who could benefit from a network of families - please be sure to have them contact the EFDSN -or let me know and I'll be sure they are connected with the right folks!! :)