JOURNEY TO RACHAEL JANE !

Final post on here !

2007-12-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

This blog has been dedicated to my adoption and BRINGING RACHAEL HOME !

Well, good news ! ~~~~~~~~~ Rachael is home !!!!!!!

The new blog for our family is : http://charlottes4angels.blogspot.com/

Kind of reminds me of the TV show "Charlie's Angels ", well, this new blog is "Charlotte's Angels ".

Hope to see you on my other blog !

Charlotte
proud momma to Rebekka, Raeghan, Riley and Rachael !

Rachael update

2007-11-23T15:07:00.002-08:00

Here's a picture of one amazing little girl !!!!!

We have been home since Thanksgiving day, I feel like all the jetlag is gone now, and same for Rachael too. She sleeps all night through every night.

She is just amazing, the things she has learned in just 6 days !

Raeghan and Riley are doing good with their new sister. Raeghan treats her like her baby sometimes, Riley doesn't think much, he's a boy !

Riley is giving ME a hard time lately, he is mad at ME, I think for leaving, and etc. He isn't taking it out on Rachael, only ME. So being tired and having a 4 yr. old point his finger in your face and raise his voice to you can be challening to say the least.

Rachael is about 90% potty trained, she never has poo poo accidents, and only has pee pee accidents when we might go somewhere. She's kind of the soft spoken type in public when she's got to go, she doesn't always raise her hand and say ooh oohh I got to go, like Raeghan and Riley will ! LOL

Things she already has learned this week :

1.how to shut the car door
2. how to stand inline against the car til we are all in/out
3. how to get the tpaper, wipe and flush the toilet ( she had alot of this down in China already )
4. where the trash is
5. how to say hi, bye, momma, Rachael, Raeghan, Riley, Rebekka, Grandma
6. take straw off of juice box, out of wrapper and insert in juice box

I'm sure there's more, lol.

Things she loves :

BANANAS !

Apple juice, Cheerios, green beans, fruit cocktail !

Did I say BANANAS !!!!! LOL

And smart, she is so smart, all you have to do is show her how to do something once, and she does it .

She is also a good mimicer, and LOVES phones ~ anyone's phone ! And if you call me, she MUST talk to you too !

She is always happy ! Like her Aunt Trish says, after eating she doe's the happy food dance !

She sings, dances, loves to hop on one foot and try to get you to do it too !

She loves to be tickled !!! And gives LOTS and LOTS of kisses !!!! And hugs !!!

Forgot to mention we went to the pediatrician yesterday, clean bill of health ! Weighs 28 lbs, 36 inches !

Went to regular eye MD today, will see specialist in Decmeber. He says for today she doesn't need glasses, yah !

Well, if I think of more will let everyone know !

Charlotte, proud mom of 4 !

Settling in ..............

2007-11-23T15:07:00.001-08:00

3 toddlers = 3 strollers = peace in the house ! LOL

Grandma was awesome and went to the store yesterday after work to get me 2 more strollers so everyone had one !

Two sisters together !

Rachael thinks it's funny ! I just can't tell you enough how much this child fits into our family ! She is so perfect, she was hand picked for us by God !

Riley loves his new ball cap displaying he is the " Ge Ge " ~ big brother !

Raeghan really enjoys her ice cream !

Lexi, little cousin loves McDonald's too ! What a cutie !

Rachael likes her big cousin, Shelbie !

Rachael's getting to know her ge ge ( big brother ) Riley better ! I think he likes his Mei Mei ( little sister).

Riley and Rachael !

Cheetos and sisters go hand in hand !

Hope you enjoy the pics, we are slowly getting settled in ! Will be hard on Raeghan and Riley when they got to go back to school Monday after being out 4 days ! God help me !

Charlotte and crew !

PS ~ Bekka passed her glucose test ok, everything going good with Baby Shrimp as long as he continues to bake til February 2008 !

WE ARE HOME !

2007-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

We are home ! Added some pics, will add more as time goes on !

Best shot of Riley, Rachael and Raeghan on their way to bed maybe ! LOL

Trying to get maybe one decent photo of them together, lol.

1st attempt of three little panda's together on couch !

Son in law, Dan and oldest daughter, Bekka trying on chinese pajama set !

Rachael and Mommy in playroom at White Swan hotel !

Me and Rachael in front of White Swan hotel waterfall !

Rachael in the White Swan drinking her favorite apple juice !

Rachael and friend, Aiden, both newly adopted !

Rachael and doctor ! This doctor saw Raeghan, Riley and now Rachael !

Good-bye Chongqing ! Hello Guangzhou !

Charlotte and Rachael eating at Lucy's in Gunagzhou !

Charlotte, proud momma to 4 little panda's !

GOTCHA DAY !

2007-11-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

Rachael and Mommy together forever!

Rachael styling some shades, a new headband and her new beads !

Rachael trying her shades on !

Here are a few pics to wet your whistle, from this point on I will only be adding to the yahoo group, so for more pics you need to join the group, the link to it is to the right under /favorite blogs ! Rachael is doing good, had a big meltdown this afternoon, is asleep now !

Charlotte

Leaving now ! ( 11/09/07 )

2007-11-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's about time to go to airport !

Two more days til Rachael is in my arms ! When we touchdown in GZ Sunday am that will be my gotcha day, then off to Chongqing, in at 1240pm, the gotcha at 300pm !

I am hoping when I get to LA to get online then the next post after that will hopefully be a GOTCHA post ! That should be Sunday am your time !

Please pray for me and for Rachael's transition and pray for my fmaily at home ! I miss them so much already !

Charlotte

Happy Thursday the 8th !!!!!

2007-10-29T16:31:00.011-07:00

Raeghan and Riley waiting for Rachael to come home ! We got a spot on the photo stairs for you too sissy !

My hams ~ Riley and Raeghan !

Today is a wonderful day ~ the day before I leave ! Oh my goodness ! Bags are packed and I'm ready to go. Was blessed with a day at home before the trip with the kids. Going to go get my hair cut later ( to the shoulder for you Kim, lol ), the kids are going to go to sissy's this am for a little to play, should be fun !

Charlotte

Wednesday November 7th, 2007

2007-10-29T16:31:00.010-07:00

Well, 2 more days to go ! I got tell everyone today has been a wonderful day full of surprises ! I thank the Lord for my real friends !

2 more days til China ! 4 more, yes, 4 more days til she is in my arms forever !

More than anything else in life I love being a mother the most !

Charlotte

Tuesday November 6th, 2007

2007-10-29T16:31:00.009-07:00

Monday November 5th, 2007

2007-10-29T16:31:00.008-07:00

Well, it's Monday, hard to beleive in just 4 days I will board the plane to China ! 6 days Rachael will be in my arms !

Charlotte

Sunday November 4th, 2007

2007-10-29T16:31:00.007-07:00

Today was another awesome day with my kids ! We slept in ( how nice ! ) and they watched Barney movies, lol, and we cleaned some more, got closets ready, etc. Did some more packing, Raeghan helped me so much ! Went to A friend's birthday party this afternoon at McDonald's, they had fun and now we are home, they are going to bed !

Only 5 more days til I leave for China !

Oh my goodness ! 7 more days til my girl is in my arms !!!!!

Charlotte

Saturday November 3rd, 2007

2007-10-29T16:31:00.006-07:00

Today was an awesome day home with my kids ! I actually slept in til 0700am ! Wow, that was nice. Spent the am tidying up and then went with Raeghan and Riley to my friend Tammy's house. She has 2 girls, 7 and 5 and the kid's played together for hours outside and inside. I actually got to sit in a beanbag chair and watched a movie too. Then we went to my oldest daughter, Rebekka's apartment to see how it was coming along. They have been there a week and a half. Dan moved a chair on her, and boy did he find out that wasn't the right thing to do, lol. Riley ended up staying with them and Raeghan and I are home now doing laundry. Tammy gave me for the girl's an Ariel talking vanity set, so that has kept her busy !

6 days til I leave for China !

8 days til Rachael is in my arms !

I can't beleive it is finally upon us ! Started packing some last night, boy do I have alot of stuff !!!

Charlotte

7 more days til China !

2007-10-29T16:31:00.005-07:00

So hard to beleive that in one week I will be in a plane on my way to China to get Rachael ! And that the day I land, the 11th of November she will be forever in my arms !!!

Charlotte

Journey to Rachael yahoo group !

2007-10-29T16:31:00.004-07:00

Here's a link to my yahoo group as I travel to China to adopt the most adorable litte girl on this earth !

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JourneytoRachael/

Please join and come along with me !

Charlotte

8 more days til China !

2007-10-29T16:31:00.003-07:00

Leave in 8 days for China ! 10 days til Rachael is forever in my arms !

Charlotte

Exciting news !

2007-10-29T16:31:00.002-07:00

Found out today from my agency that my gotcha day has been moved from November 12th to November 11th !!!!! at 300pm !

Which means I get into Chongqing on the 11th at 1240pm, and will go straight to hotel ( Harbour ) and receive Rachael at 300pm !!!!! Oh my goodness ! Yah !

Charlotte

Happy Halloween !

2007-10-29T16:31:00.001-07:00

Raeghan, the good witch with Riley, the motorcross driver !

Raeghan and Riley sitting in their double stroller ready to go !

Brother in law, Dan sitting with Raeghan on the steps after a good night.

Big sister, Rebekka is helping Riley look at his "loot " !

The nursing home I work at part time had a Halloween party for the resident's and the public. Here is Riley's version of bobbing for apples !

Raeghans's version of bobbing for apples !

Riley shows off his painted face ! What a poser he is !

Raeghan getting her face painted too !

Raeghan watched Riley do the Beanbag Bat Toss !

Raeghan fishing for goodies at the Halloween party !

Raeghan and Riley at the cake walk ! Raeghan would do it for hours if you let her !

Happy 34 months Rachael !

2007-10-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Rachael is 34 months old today ! She will be 3 in December !

2 more weeks princess and you will be in my arms forever !

Charlotte

GOT YUANS ?

2007-10-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

A good friend is sending me left over yuans from her trip, which has sparked others to do the same thing !

Have you been to China ? Do you have left over yuans ? Email me for my mailing address. Sure could use them yuans !

Charlotte

13 MORE DAYS TIL CHINA !

2007-10-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that in 13 days I will be on an airplane to China !
Everytime I talk to someone I start crying thinking of leaving Raeghan and Riley at home. They will be in good hands with their wonderful, loving grandma. She will call us every day while at the hotel. I can't wait to go !

Tickets arrived this week, all that's left to do is be at the airport on time ! On the 9th I don't need to be at the airport til around 200pm, so will spend the am with the kids, then take them to the daycare. My best friend, Tammy is going to take me to the airport and my mother is going to come with us to the aiport !

Raeghan and Riley tonight sitting at the kitchen table ! Can't resist their sweet, mischevious little faces !

Raeghan enjoying her lollipop at home on the staircase !

Riley sporting his balloon dog on his head from the Fall Festival at school !

Dear Rachael lives over the ocean ......

2007-10-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yantze River in China

A wonderful, wonderful friend posted this on LCC~ Loving China's Children yahoo group for me ..........

(Sung to tune of My Bonnie lives over the ocean )

Dear Rachael lives over the ocean,

Sweet Rachael lives over the sea,

Dear Rachael belongs to dear Charlotte,

Oh, let's bring Rachael home to mommy!

Bring home, bring home,

Oh, bring home that baby to her, to her,

Bring home, bring home,

Please help bring this little girl home!

Ok, LCC Family, let's get the donations rolling again for Charlotte to bring Rachael home. She leaves on November 9th, that's like, just around the corner, ya know???!!

Kingdom Kids information is as follows - Family Grant for the Weddle Family http://www.kingdomk idsadoption. org/ It appears the online donation is still down, but you can call them and donate over the phone at (509) 465-3520.
Because the KK online donation is down, and time is of the essence, funds may also be donated via Charlotte's ChipIn account, which can be found on her blog at www.rachaeljanew. blogspot. com .

My first daughter, Rebekka

2007-10-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official ! Rebekka and Dan have their first apartment ! They moved out tonight with much joy and a few tears. Well, maybe more than a few !

Me, Mom and the kids got McDonald's tonight, then went to go see the new apartment. For a first time, it is nice, has two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, small living room. They were able to buy a nice brown suede couch, and his grandma gave them a rocking chair. I think the table and chairs they want they have on hold. The kitchen is fully loaded with all new wedding gifts.

I know this is what the circle of life is all about, and I knew they needed to be on their own, but she is still my little girl. For so many years she was my buddy.

I made her pose for this picture tonight, it was late, not the best. But it marks the beginning of her new life with her husband.

And in February they will welcome their newborn son into the world. His first due date was my birthday, Feb. 14th, then it was changed to the 19th. They still don't have a name, drives me bonkers ! This week Rebekka likes the name Layne. So do I. Better than Finn, don't tell Bekka, lol.

For now we refer to him as "BABY SHRIMP". I will have to get him a stocking that says that, lol.

Well, not too much longer til I leave, almost 15 days !!! 18 til gotcha !!!

See to the right under favorites, my yahoo group, feel free to join.

I will when in China try to post on blog, but if not will to yahoo group and will send info to friend, Monica to add to blog to help me.

Night, Charlotte

CA ! CA ! CA ! CA !

2007-10-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

It is with great joy to say I have my CA ~ Consulate Appoitment for Rachael !

Plans have changed a little bit. My agency tried to get a CA of November 15th, and they were all taken. So the new date is :

November 20th, 2007 which is also Children's Day !

So as it is planned and with confirmation today with my agency :

LEAVE : November 9th from Arkansas

ARRIVE : November 11th to Guangzhou, then to Chongqing

GOTCHA DAY : November 12th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARRIVE : in Guangzhou again on the 18th

MEDICAL : November 19th

CONSULATE : November 20th

SWEARING IN/ GET VISA's : November 21st

Then leave and arrive home THANSKGIVING 10:30am !

18 DAYS TIL TRAVEL! 21 DAYS TIL GOTCHA !

Charlotte, one happy momma !

Please pray tonight !

2007-10-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

As always there is something I am praying for, and I feel like this one deserves lots of prayers. It is for the CA ~ Consulate appointment like a court date in China, it finalizes the adoption and it allows us to be able to go home too ! Hoping for November 13,14,15th,2007 !

I don't often talk of my oldest daughter, since this blog has been dedicated to the adoption. I also ask for prayers for my oldest, Rebekka and her husband, Dan move out this Wednesday into their first apartment ! She is my first child and there were many years between her and Raeghan that life was just me and Bekka. And as she starts the beginning of her new life, it still brings a tear to me. I know this is what is suppose to happen in life, and many of you who know me know I am happy too. But it also brings tears as my baby is making good in her life.

Dan and her are pregnant with my grandson, Dan works for Alltel and Rebekka just completed cosmotology school, she has taken the skills test and is waiting word of passing so she can do the written test.

Bekka, I know I don't tell you enough how much I love you and how proud I am of you, but I am ! You will always be the first little blonde headed girl in my life. You are never replaceable !

So as we prepare for Rebekka entering to her new world, please pray for her and her husband and for Rachael as she enters her new world too !

Charlotte

Still waiting but having fun too !

2007-10-21T04:11:00.000-07:00

Please pray that my CA date comes tomorrow and is the date my agency requested !

Playing in the backyard ! Come home Rachael !

My handsome Riley !

My beautiful Raeghan !

Please continue to pray and donate !

Charlotte

Still waiting..............

2007-10-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

To pass the time away today, well of course, I worked ! I work every day !

Good news about work is that when I start back to the part time job in December it will be every other weekend again, yah !

Tonight me and the kids went and played in the backyard. I tried to add the pictures to blogspot and it kept giving me an error, so I made a slideshow of the pics !

Watching and waiting for it to show on the blog, it said it will take a few minutes !

Can't wait til Monday, so hoping CA comes so can make plane reservations and have an answer to when for sure am I traveling !

Please pray for CA of November 13, 14 or 15 !

Thanks, Charlotte

No CA today ! Hoping for Monday !

2007-10-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a long shot for it to come th next day !

Let's hope that it comes Monday so I can finally get the airline tickets ! I have a wonderful agent, David in NY that my friend, Jennifer used for her adoption, he has me the best rates over anyone ! Thank you Jennifer !

Tonight we all went to eat at our favorite chinese restaurant in Jacksonville to celebrate the TA. With luck we got to see our friend, Sue from Unique Furniture there with her daughter. They let me use their hall for FREE for my spaghetti dinner a while back !

My wonderful friends on LCC ~ Loving China's Children, it's a yahoo group are doing a FAMILY ALERT for us to bring Rachael home !

It is wonderful to see the love and donations of people you have only met online donate and give to you knowing the goal is to bring an orphan home to her family.

As of today, the donations for the Alert have been : $199 to ChipIn, the total is larger cause it was donated weeks before the Family Alert, and best of my knowledge the donations to Kingdom Kids was $50.

Kingdom Kids is an awesome business, it is a way for you to donate and it is tax dedeuctible, but with the crunch on for times, it will cut it close if donations come that way. God will provide. If you do use KK call them with the donation, the online donation site is down.

I want to thank each and everyone of you personally for all your love, and donations and kind words in helping bring my princess home to me !

It is so hard to believe I am only 17 days away from her being in my arms ! I wonder what she is doing now, and worry too. Sometimes the children are removed from foster fmailies before an adoption and taken back to the orphanage. I know she will grieve and pray she is comforted when she does. She has been with the same foster family for a year and a half and she sleeps with the grandparents. She is attached to them, this is good. It means one day she will be attached to me. For I am so attached to her already !

Rachael, baby ~ sleep tight tonight, know that we love you ! And can't wait for you to come home baby girl ! Wo ai ni !

Charlotte

TA ! TA ! TA ! TA ! TA !

2007-10-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

TA ! TA ! TA ! TA ! TA !

GOT THE CALL TODAY !

GOT TA- Travel Approval for Rachael, it means I'm going to China !

Still looks like I will be leaving around November 2nd !

15 days til travel !!!!! 18 days til gotcha !!!!!

Please continue to pray for the funds needed !

Charlotte

RACHAEL UPDATE !

2007-10-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Exciting news is in the air !

OH MY GOODNESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spoke with my agency today, they needed a date from a form of mine, they are working on getting the Consulate Appointment form ready to send for when the TA gets here anyday now. When asked when did she think I was going to get a Consulate appointment or when would I travel I was told I would travel around ......................

November 2nd, 2007 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT'S IN 18 DAYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With a gotcha day in exactly 21 DAYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hold on Rachael, Mommy is coming soon !

Please continue to pray for the funds, I know the Lord always provides !

Charlotte, almost a mommy to 4, and a grandma to the incredible Baby Shrimp ( coming Feb. 2008 )

Update on Rachael !

2007-10-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

What a nice little gift to get today !

Measurements of my girl :

Height: 88 cm
Weight: 13 kg
Head: 46.5 cm
Chest: 48 cm
Feet: 15 cm
Teeth: 16

She weighs 1/2 lb. more than Raeghan ! Rachael will be 3 in December and Raeghan will be 4 in January !

Charlotte

Email from my friend in Dian Jiang !

2007-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hi ya'll,

My friend went to China to get her daughter who is from the same orphanage as Rachael and she asked them about her when they visited the orphanage, they actually called to her foster parents house to have them bring Rachael to the orphanage to give her presents from me and to take some pictures for me but they were out of town seeing relatives !

Snot boogers !!!!! I lost it this am and called my mother crying.

The good thing is ......... they know that I am coming in NOVEMBER TO BRING MY GIRL HOME !

All along I have been very brave and strong, and ever since LOA I have been bonkers. I am tired of waiting and I want her NOW ! The TA needs to come too, lol.

Please continue to pray for the needed funds, I still need some help !

Please any kind of donation or loan would be so greatfully accepted !

Charlotte

Waiting for TA now !

2007-10-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a beautiful hair bow I got Rachael a while back ! Can't wait to place it in her pretty blonde hair ! Did I say blonde ? And she's chinese ? YES ! Rachael is one of the few special princesses from China to have blonde hair and blue eyes, she is albino !

PLEASE HELP BRING HER HOME ! ANY DONATION IS SO GREATLY APPRECIATED !

Here's a picture of a desk in my room we have used to pile everything we have boughten for Rachael ! As you can see, she is off to a good start: clothes, shoes, undies, socks, tights, hair bows, toys, etc. She is going to love it all !

Here's my FAVORITE traveling to China backpack ! It only goes with me to China, this will be it's 3rd trip ! It is what I use to carry all my documents to China in and as a baby bag on the stroller. My good friend, Kim gave it to me before I got Raeghan and I used it for Riley too and now Rachael ! It is a little worn, but it is quite faithful and loved !

Look what fun Rachael is going to have with Riley and Raeghan and poor little Mei Mei when she gets home ? LOL

I want to THANK EVERYONE for their love, kindness, prayers and donations !
A special thank you to my friend, Ohilda for doing such a nice blog entry to help me Bring Rachael Home ! Under my favorite blogs you can see it, it is called Anna Grace in China ! She just got home with Anna Grace a few months back and her son, Kai too is from China. Riley and Kai were from the same agency.

My agency says TA should be here in 2-3 weeks, then we can plan to trip ! I am thinking I will leave around November 9th or 16th ! That's only 5-6 weeks away !!!

Charlotte

LOA ! LOA ! LOA ! LOA !

2007-10-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Our LOA ~ Letter of Acceptance to adopt Rachael has come ! She is my daughter forever and always ! From the minute I saw her I knew she was meant to join our family !

For those of you stat lovers here they are :

DTC/LID for nsn : March 2007
Referral of Rachael : April 30th, 2007
LOI: May 22nd, 2007
Found out dossier moved from nsn to sn : July 10th, 2007
LOA: October 1st, 2007 !
TA: hoping for end of Oct/beg. of November 2007 !
CA: hoping for end of November, hoping to leave November 16th, with a GOTCHA DAY OF November 19th, 2007 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Official Letter of Acceptance to adopt my beautiful little girl Rachael !

Riley and Raeghan watching me sign : Yes, I agree to adopt her !!!!

Signed and ready to go to China !

Me and three of my four children !

We're so silly ! We need our silly sister to come home too !

COME HOME RACHAEL !

Charlotte
Rebekka, Raeghan, Riley and baby Shrimp too !

FCC Moon Festival 2007 !

2007-09-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Riley all dressed and ready to go to Moon Festival ! Our local FCC- Families with Children from China celebrate this event yearly with all members ! It means alot to us to be able to help the children remember their heritage !

Raeghans's ready to go too ! At the Moon Festival they have lots of games and goodies for the kids !

Riley tossing a bean bag !

Grandma helping Raeghan get a duck from the duck pond !

Riley's getting a good view of his bowling ball hitting a strike !

Raeghan and Riley love to bowl !

Roll ball ! Roll ball !

In China they will call your child "lucky baby, lucky baby ". They don't get it, WE are the lucky ones ! Look at all these faces !

Riley's ready to fire his nerf darts !

Raeghan showing off all her loot !

Riley placing with his buddy, Corbin ! Boys will be boys !

Bethany, my friend Becka's daughter. She is adopted from Vietnam almost 8 yrs ago !

Jen-Jen, Raeghan's best friend and Raeghan showing off their new tattoos !

Riley in line to play the ring toss, he likes winning prizes !

One of the FCC mom's telling the story of the Moon Festival ! The kids loved it !

Raeghan and friends listening to the Moon Festival story !

A little good news..........

2007-09-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 78 of the wait for LOA- Letter of Acceptance !

My agency was told on July 10th that my dossier changed from non-special needs to special needs, so this is where I am counting from !

I did speak to Amanda today at my agency and she said they are expecting a package Monday or Tuesday ! Sounds good !

She did mention it was due to come according to what they told her 4-5 weeks ago ! Or maybe.......... she really knows something, and can't say anything !

Come on LOA's !!!!

With it coming next week if it does, then being signed, it would go to China, they are all closed next week and with the next document needed : TA ~ Travel Approval, it could be 2-3 weeks after the LOA goes to China !

So my best prediction is as it stands : Me and Rachael might be in China over Thanskgiving holiday ! Wonder if they have Turkey there ? LOL I will settle for pigeon !!! Tastes like chicken...........

Wish us luck ! Going to be a long weekend !

Our FCC is having Moon Festival celebration tomorrow, some come back tomorrow to see some wonderful pics of the kids in their chinese outfits ! Raeghan will be in pink again, it still fits ! Riley gets to wear a new gold and red one for the first time, it is so cute !

Charlotte

Another BOY in the family !

2007-09-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

It's with great JOY to announce that I'm going to be a grandmother !

And IT'S A BOY !!!!!

Rebekka and Dan are pregnant with their first child, a son ! Due 2~19~08 !!!!

So far she likes these names : Carter, Cooper, Joel, Ryder and Brayden !

What do you like ?

Charlotte
mother to Rebekka, Raeghan, Riley, soon Rachael, and grandma to "Baby Shrimp "

Raeghans's finding spot !

2007-09-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just got email from my friend Jennifer, whose daughter, Lela is one of Raeghan's orphanage sister's, she was found one day before Raeghan. Here is what she writes, didn't know it was going to make me so emotional !

"We went to Shaoguan yesterday. It's a three hour trip under good circumstances and we got kicked off the highway for an unmarked detour about an hour away. It was also raining on and off.

I gave the Ayi's Raeghans pictures and they said they remembered her.

Raeghan's finding place is at the foot of a road that empties into a traffic circle across from a bridge that marks the start of the road to Guangzhou. The name of it used to be translated as something like shrub villas, but it's been recently changed - the fancy sign now says "Forest Villas" it's the entry to a housing development. There was a group of volunteer workers cleaning it up when we were there, officials, according to our guide, I guess for the photo op, so a lot of cars parked and hard to get a good shot.

Ayi's looking at Raeghan's pictures and info on finding spot !

RAEGHANS'S FINDING SPOT !

Update on Rachael !

2007-09-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest on Rachael !

Her LOI was sent on May 22nd, 2007, and we found out on July 10th, 2007 that her dossier moved from the non-special need room to the special needs room !

So as of tomorrow it will be officially 74 days waiting for her LOA- letter of acceptance !

And it has been 4 months since the LOI was sent !

My agency said 4 weeks ago, it would be 4-5 weeks before the LOA came ! They checked on all the documents and there is no problems !

There is a holiday in China for the 1st week, so hoping that it comes this week and not next ! Just want it to come !

Will be sending my passport to a good friend in Texas this week who will get the needed Visa stamp on it for me, it is good for 6 months !

Thinking if it all goes as planned will travel in or during Thanksgiving !

Still need a few more funds, will be doing another Chip In fundraiser soon ! Appreciate so much everyone's donations, love and support to BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Charlotte

Another 1st for Riley !

2007-09-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Riley learned what Easy Cheese was tonight ! I keep forgetting he's only been home since last year and there are still so many first's he's never experienced, as you can see from the picture he sure did like Easy Cheese !

Charlotte

Rebekka graduates !!!!

2007-09-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

Rebekka graduated last Friday from Arthur's school of Cosmotology. She will take her boards next month and will become official !-

Rebekka with her best friends at school !

Rebekka receiving her certificate from her teacher ! I am so proud of her !

The certificate ! It is so hard sometimes to see my little girl's last name different now that she is married !

Raeghan and Riley are so proud of their jie jie !

PLEASE CONSIDER A BOY !

2007-09-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

If you are considering adopting a child from another country, who may or may not have special needs PLEASE consider a boy ! My 1st adopted daughter was a non-special needs adoption, and my second which I thought would have been a girl was a BOY ! I found him one night on an agency list a friend had sent me. I wasn't looking that soon to start another adoption, or even thinking of a BOY ! But he found me !

Riley on his 4th birthday, he was so excited to get a guitar from friends !

Riley, as the ring bearer at his sister's wedding !

Riley loves stuffed animals !

Riley, Christmas 2006

Riley's 3rd birthday !

Riley on gotcha day ! He was 2.75 yrs old, and he weighed 26 lbs !

Riley at around 18 months old ! What a cutie !

One of the first pictures of Riley I saw when I decided to adopt him ! Wasn't he darling !

Riley was cleft lip and palate affected ! Lip was repaired in China ! Palate in Arkansas once home !

I can't describe in words how wonderful it is to have a SON ! He is such a joy !

Charlotte

Raeghan starts dance and gymnastic class !

2007-09-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Raeghan loves TUESDAYS ! It is DANCE day at pre-school ! She is taking her first dance and gymnastics class, and the best part is it is at the pre-school so I don't have to take her once a week ! Last year we tried a gymnastics class for Raeghan and Riley and it didn't work, they were too young and Riley was just home, so it is so nice to see Raeghan liking this class ! Riley goes to speech therapy, and so this is something special for Raeghan ! When Rachael comes home she will join it next year, I want to give her time to get used to being home at first.

Raeghan let me put her hair up this am in her first french braid ! I think it turned out so cute !

Raeghan stretching with a friend !

I can't remember the last time I could touch my nose to the floor like that ! Raeghan is quite limber !

Raeghan with a fellow dance mate !

Raeghan gets home from pre-school and puts her dance outfit right on to show us what she learned today ! I am so excited she likes it !

Charlotte

Happy Birthday Dad !

2007-09-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a favorite picture of my Dad and my brother, Tom !

Today is my Dad's birthday, he would have been 66 ! He passed away unexpectantly on January 28th, 2006. We were all together at the FCC CNY party that year when we found out the sad news !

Even though it's been a while I still miss him so much !

I love you DAD !

Charlotte

Raeghan's finding spot !

2007-09-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Jennifer and her husband Jamie and their daughter, Lela are finally going to China to adopt their daughter/sister, Lian !

Their blog is www.Lianmakes4.blogspot.com

Lela and Raeghan are orphanage sisters and their birthdates are one day apart, Lela is one whole day older !

When we got to get the girls in January of 2005, it was right before CNY so we weren't allowed to go visit the swi. Every child that is abandoned in China has a finding spot, it is where their family has left them to be found.

Jennifer's family is heading to bring home Lian and they have been granted permission to go see the orphanage where the girl's lived for the 1st year of their lives ! And she is going to try to go and find the girl's finding spots and take pictures !

They leave Tuesday and will go tour Beijing first, then go the Lian's province to get her, when they make it to Guangzhou, one day they will go to Shaoguan ! Please follow them along on this journey they have waited for so long. They had some delays last year that set them back a little, and so it took a little longer from them to get Lian, but the time has come for this girl to come home ! Yah !

I was able to make photo copies of my documents and email them to Jennifer, here are some pictures from the past. A few of the first time we saw Raeghan. I don't know why it gets me so emotional, but it does ! She was my first adopted daughter !

Raeghan's mug shot ! Isn't she adorable !

Raeghan's referral pictures !

Another referral picture !

RAEGHAN NOW at 3 1/2 !

This the finding ad document in Chinese !

This is the finding spot document in English !

This is what it says :

This is to certify that Shao Furun, female, born January 21,2004 was found at the road entrance of Conglin Mountain Villa, Zhenjiang District, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province on January 21,2004. She was picked up and sent to our welfare institute by the Police Station of Zhannan Road, Shaoguan City on January 21,2004. Her biological parents and other family have not been found up to this day.

HER FAMILY HAS FOUND HER NOW FOREVER !

Charlotte

Happy Labor Day !

2007-09-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Raeghan posing her with new pink boots she got at Target today and her dance leotard and skirt. Raeghan starts dance and gym class tomorrow at the daycare.

Riley with his new Spiderman sneakers !

Today was a day off for me, my first one in a long time. Maybe I should call it a day off from my 2 jobs, because I wasn't off duty as far as being mommy and cleaning house. I focused on laundry today and the kid's room, their room is now clean, and I cleaned out all the closets and dresser drawers and got down all their fall clothing. I was worried Raeghan wouldn't have enough, and was wrong, so much of what she wore last fall will fit this fall too, so between her and Rachael they should have plenty to wear. Riley is the one who will need some more clothing, he is just growing so much ! He was 26 lbs. when he came home last yr. and now he's 34 lbs.

Please continue to pray for Rachael in China and for her family !

Charlotte

POPCORN FUNDRAISER STARTS !

2007-09-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

It is popcorn time again ! This popcorn would be great to bring to Razorback games, to give as a housewarming gift when you go visit someone for holidays or as a Christmas gift !

It is gourmet style popcorn from www.popcornpalace.com and as most of you who got it before have learned it is delicious !!!!!

It is starting today, September 1st, and closing September 15th, orders will be placed on September 17th, with delivery by the end of the week !

These flavors : cheddar cheese, white cheddar, gourmet caramel, chicago style, and rainbow are : $5 a bag, $10 a jar.

These flavors : cookies and cream, caramel nut, macadamia butter crunch and chocolate drizzle caramel are : $7 a bag, $ 14 a jar.

There is a 5- flavor gift sampler with big bags of caramel, cheddar cheese, cookies and cream, white cheddarl and caramel nut : $25

And a 6- way tin of kettle corn, fiesta mix, cheddar cheese, chocolate drizzle, double chocolate and chocolate pretzels : $35.

You can email me your order and send the cash or a check made to me : Charlotte Weddle by September 15th, or let me know and I can come get it from you !

This fundraiser will profit for me 50% and it will Help to Bring Rachael Home !

I appreciate so much everyone's love and support during the adoption for me ! I am so greatful for all my friends, and I know so many of you know what it is like to need a few extra $ for the adoption process !

If you would to like to help and don't want any popcorn on my blog there is a place where you can donate through Kiingdom Kids, or on paypal, or there is a wonderful magazine fundraiser too !

Please share this with anyone locally, shipping the popcorn for me would spend the profit, so I am only doing this locally.

Please continue to pray for our family as it grows again !

Charlotte, Rebekka, Raeghan, Riley and soon Rachael !

www.rachaeljanew.blogspot.com

A little sad news !

2007-08-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Raeghan decided to put on her Dora bathing suit and her sister's flip flops to watch Dora !

The day after we got Kit Cat in our home, I had Rebekka's husband Dan get us a kitty too for me, Raeghan, Riley and Rachael from the same litter as Kit Cat. We named the kitten Lan Lan after my friend's daughter from China . Raeghan loves Lan Lan. Well, this kitten was the runt of the litter and she was 5 weeks old, she had been living outside at the house where she came from, she was eating enough food, and doing her duty in the litter box. I am not sure if she was hydrated enough, but she ate canned food well. She started to have her eyes matt closed and last night when Raeghan woke up we discovered at 100am that she had died. Raeghan and I cried so hard. I told her that Lan Lan went to heaven, it didn't help. We woke Dan up and he took care of her for us, Raeghan gave her a kiss and we went back to bed. Raeghan is home sick yesterday with my niece, Shelbie and this am with me and pm with my mother. She has a small cold with cough. Riley woke up this am, he couldn't understand why the kitty was gone. He kept saying he wanted to see Lan Lan. I explained it all to him and he was upset. We are going to look for a new kitty this am. Will get one much older, I told the kids we could call her Lan Lan too if they wanted to, they do ! I feel so bad, I know we did all we could do, just still feel bad. Raeghan watched this am as Dan buried her in the backyard, I think it was good for her to see this. She is ok now, coloring and watching Dora.

Charlotte

GREAT NEWS !

2007-08-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Talked to my agency today ! GREAT NEWS ! They said my LOA - letter of acceptance for Rachael should be here in 4-5 weeks ! YIPPEEE !!!! Then I sign it, it goes to China, and then the TA - travel approval comes 2-3 weeks later then we can start making travel plans to Bring Rachael Home !!!!

Thinking she will come home sometime in November !!!!

Please continue to pray for her, and her family and for the funds needed to BRING RACHAEL HOME !!!!!

Charlotte

New addition to the family !

2007-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Raeghan and Riley have big hugs for baby Rachael ! COME HOME RACHAEL !

Raeghan can't wait for "baby Rachael to come home ! She doesn't realize that Rachael is the same size as her !

Riley can't wait for Rachael to come home !

This is Kit Cat ! She is my daughter Bekka's newest baby, she is 5 weeks old !

Riley is so good with the new kitty, he lets it just sit there !

Raeghan really loves the kitty !

RACHAEL UPDATE : not much to report, if you look under favorites you can see numerous friends who have gone or who are going to China ! Can't wait see them on gotcha day ! Currently is has been 46 days since we know that my dossier has moved from the non-special needs room to the special needs room. So what does this mean ? Well I don't know, lol. All we can do is wait and see ! Most people who do special needs adoptions identify the child, then send in all the paperwork, mine was reverse. With next month being September and I have jury duty and then October is considered a bit of a non- travel month due to chinese holiday and trade fairs, it is my best guesstimate that I might get go to China in November for Rachael ! It is so exciting, I want her now. Yet, it breaks my heart to leave Raeghan and Riley home, yet if you think I am bringing 2 toddlers to China, you got to be nuts ! My mother will be taking good care of them and we will talk on the phone daily !

SO THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS : keep praying and working to BRING MY GIRL HOME !

Please consider a donation or a magazine subscription !

LOVE'S JOURNEY BOOK HAS HOME !

2007-08-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure I announce the book has a new home, the mom (LT) owns the book for a $60 donation to HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Even more suitable is she is a friend who is in the hospital for a few days so will bringing it to her in the hospital to have something to read.

Thanks to all who donated !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlotte
HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

2 HOURS LEFT TIL LOVE'S JOURNEY BOOK FUNDRAISER ENDS !

2007-08-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

CURRENTLY THE HIGHEST DONATION FOR THIS BOOK IS $60.00 !

IT IS NO LONGER MADE, IT IS A COLLECTOR'S ITEMS FOR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES !

A 171 PAGE BOOK ABOUT THE CHINA ADOPTION EXPERIENCE !

HIGHEST DONATION WINS, MUST EMAIL ME AT raeghansmom@yahoo.com BY 900PM TONIGHT, ARKANSAS TIME !

ALL PROCEEDS TO HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

CHARLOTTE

Baby boy angel goes to heaven

2007-08-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl and lived in Massachusetts my parents were friends with a family there. The mom, Mary is close to my mother's age, they had three girls, the oldest was about the same age as my younger sister. The youngest of the girls just recently gave birth to triplet boys 10 weeks early. I found out today from my friend Mary that one of the boy's was very sick and he went to heaven this past weekend in the arms of his parents. I don't know what his name was. And I never saw or met him. Mary, if you are reading this tonight, you and Lisa and her family are all in my prayers tonight !

God knew he needed a new angel and he found the best one !

Charlotte

Riley's 4th birthday party again !

2007-08-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Riley got a new guitar and a pair of sneakers for his 4th birthday pool party we had Saturday ! He loves both presents, they go everywhere with him !

Raeghan also got a new pair of sneakers ! Thanks Grandma for knowing what it's like to be little !

Riley at his party with his new guitar and new soccer ball !

The kids having fun in the pool and the backyard !

More fun in the pool !

Can't wait for Rachael to come home and play too !
Charlotte

1st donation bid received !

2007-08-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share that as of tonight the bid for the book ~ Love's Journey, the 1st edition book by Love Without Boundaries has recieved the 1st bid !

Bid at ~ $25.00

You have til the 22nd to raise this bid !

Send me an email @ raeghansmom@yahoo.com with your name, date, time and bid !

Will announce winner on the 22nd at 900pm ( Arkansas time )

THIS IS A FUNDRAISER TO HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Charlotte

UPDATE ON RACHAEL !

2007-08-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

This wonderful update came today !

Her height is 87 cm (=34.3 inches)

Weight: 12 kg (=26.5 pounds)

Head circumference 46 cm (=18.1 inches)

Chest circumference: 48 cm (=18.9 inches)

Foot Length 14 cm (=5.5 inches)

Jiang Yu Zhu is described as very happy and healthy. They said she is growing and seems to be very strong and resistant to the common virus’s that will be in any school or orphanage. They said she is very smart and learns new things very quickly. Now she can say words like Moma and Baba, sister, grandpa, grandma and brother. She likes to wear new clothes and is happy when she looks good. Also now she is playing with new toys, and seems to enjoy them very much. She likes the new toys and new clothes very much, and is happy and in very good spirits.

They are happy that Jiang Yu Zhu is being adopted and will have a good life. They hope her family will take good care of her and they would love updated photos of her as she grows.

So, do you think she is a 2T or a 3T ?

Charlotte

Love's Journey ~ Love Without Boundaries book FOR SALE !!!!

2007-08-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

Love's Journey ~ A Collage of the China Adoption Experience, copyright 2004 is being offered for the highest donation ! It is a 171 page book with stories and pictures of children at referral time all the way til forever family day and beyond !

Will accept all donations for 1 week, will end the acceptance of donations on August 22nd, 2007 at 900pm ( Arkansas time ).

All bids for the donation need to be emailed to me @ raeghansmom@yahoo.com, the email needs to read : DONATION FOR RACHAEL ! with your name, date, time and donation bid amount. I will keep the blog updated every night with what the highest donation is til the 22nd, then will announce the highest donation and the winner of the book !

THIS IS A FUNDRAISER TO HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

This book is no longer in edition and is an adoption collector's item !

Thanks so much for helping to Bring Rachael Home !

Charlotte

TUPPERWARE FUNDRAISER !

2007-08-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Tupperware Fundraiser to HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Please check it out under fundraisers !!!

Charlotte

Rachael's pictures again !

2007-08-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Riley !

2007-08-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Riley!

Riley was born 4 years ago in Huazhou, Guangdong, China on August 11th, 2003 ! He joined his forever family on May 31st, 2006 !

Riley was so excited to have a birthday cake !

It was easy blowing out 1 candle ! He did it !

Weddle family gather for the party !

Raeghan got a little something too ~ Lacing Bears she likes !

Riley sporting his new Cars cap that Uncle Jeff picked just for him, his Cars police car along with his new Spiderman clogs ! He also got a Spiderman slip and slide !

Riley, Raeghan and Rebekka watch as they "crash and burn " some Match Box cars on his new car track ! His first one ever !

Riley has wanted his own piggy bank for the longest time, Rebekka and Dan got him one and he painted in with his big married sister, Rebekka !

Riley earlier in the week with new playdough his Godfather, Brian gave him !

Riley, my one and only son ~ I can't imagine my life without you ! You bring me so much joy, fun and adventure ! Wo ai ni !

Charlotte

PS ~ Wanted to share that the spaghetti dinner and silent auction was a success ! I am tired, special thanks to my family and friends for all their help !

Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction tonight !

2007-08-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION IS TONIGHT !!!!

HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME ! ~ Details on blog ~ http://www.spaghettidinnerandsilentauction.blogspot.com/

8 jars of spaghetti sauce !

12 heads of lettuce !

Pots are cooking today !

15 lbs. of spaghetti !

11 lbs. of hamburger meat !

Hope it all enough, hope to see everyone there !

Charlotte

NEW PICTURES OF RACHAEL !!!!!!!

2007-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

My agency got these new updated pictures of Rachael today ! I was so excited when they called me !

She is squinting in these first two, due to the sun and being outside !

Look at that wild hair do !

Rachael, we can't wait for you to come home baby !

Charlotte

The wedding !

2007-08-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

Here is Raeghan, flower girl and Riley, ring bearer at their big sister's wedding ! Note Riley had to have his dog as usual close by.

Here is Rebekka, aka BRIDE ! with her hair done by her beauty school classomates, doing cousin Lexi's hair for the wedding. Lexi was the other beautiful flower girl ! Will add more of Rebekka in her dress when we get the pictures from my friend, Tammy.

Isn't Riley handsome in his tuxedo ?

Raeghan's not sure of the tiara on her head ? It never made it to the ceremony, her hair was too fine to keep it in !

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION IS 5 DAYS AWAY !!!!!

Charlotte

HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Christopher and Alexander want to come home !

2007-08-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

This is Christopher and Alexander ! There family just got TA- travel approval to go home and are lacking a few $$$ to bring them home ! Their blog is : http://www.christopherandalexander.blogspot.com/ if you want to donate there !

I know that I too am still working hard to fundraise too to bring Rachael home, but when I see other's needing help before me, I just got to try and help a little !

Their momma is nice too !

Charlotte
PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !!

Empties 4 cash !

2007-07-30T20:24:00.001-07:00

This is another fundraiser I am asking for your help !

It is called : Empties 4 Cash ! And the empties are your computer ink cartridges ! You can see the site at http://www.empties4cash.com/

There is a link there that tells you what cartridges you can send it for me ! If you will email me your mailing address to raeghansmom@yahoo.com with your address, can send you as many free plastic baggies to send in the cartridges for me ! Don't forget where you work might have some too !

Thanks for helping Bring Rachael Home !!!

Charlotte

The many faces of Raeghan................

2007-07-29T17:54:00.001-07:00

It only took 10 shots to get this one good shot of Raeghan sitting in her new booster seat ! A friend told that everytime she sees pictures of Raeghan on the blog that she is always smiling so big ! So I thought I'd show you all the hammy faces she has that took to this one gorgeous one of her !

Notice her beautiful dress, it is one I bought her when I was in China last year getting Riley ! Here she is more focused on the granola bar her sister gave her !

She has this cheesy smile, not my favorite.

This one was a hammy smile.

I think she was trying to give a smile here.

This is as serious as it gets with granola in mouth.

"Mom, are we done yet ? "

I love it when she sits with her legs crossed . Got the dress in a shop in Guangzhou for any traveling there soon. After I spend a week in Chongqing with Rachael, will go to GZ again for a few days, will be glad to see a friend Ann that we made in GZ.

Hope you enjoyed the many faces of Raeghan, can't wait to see the many faces of Rachael........................

Charlotte

Riley gets a haircut !

2007-07-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Riley has gotten numerous haircuts in the past from big sister, Rebekka who is almost a beauty school graduate, but it is always fun to capture the event, since it is so funny !

He is a big of a squirmer and finds it funny !

Rebekka is good at shaving moving targets !

Did I mention Riley is a bit of a squirmer ????

He's almost done, but he had to shake his head, he wasn't happy here ! But the finished product was very nice, getting ready for sissy's wedding next weekend !

Charlotte

PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !!!

NWA World Perk Miles !

2007-07-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am asking everyone who might have any NorthWest Airline World Perk Miles there not using or just don't want to donate them to me !!!!

Currently I have saved 39,806 miles and if I can get enough might be able to use them all to buy my ticket to China and maybe Rachael's too !

There is a page : https://nwa.mpmvp.com/transfer/default.asp?

This page talks about how you can transfer miles to me or there is another link where you can buy miles and "gift" them to me !

Any donations of miles would so be appreciated !

Thanks, Charlotte
PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU !

2007-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for Helping Bring Rachael Home !

This adorable little girl above reminds me of my little Rachael, I am so hoping she is holding the teddy bear we sent to her wearing the sweatshirt with her family's pictures on the front of it !

I looked tonight on my magazine fundraiser and noted that several people have been buying magazines ! I wanted to thank everyone for every bit they have donated to my adoption. It is so wonderful to see people who care so much about children in other countries, children especially with special needs in orphanages.

I am sending mailers to local people for the spaghetti dinner and silent auction. If you can't make it, there is still ways to donate to help. There is the magazine fundraiser, or you can make a donation to CHIP IN ! These are all under fundraisers in the right hand column over there ~~~~ >.

Thanks again !!

Charlotte
www.spaghettidinnerandsilentauction.blogspot.com

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION !

2007-07-22T16:09:00.001-07:00

As the shirt says : " I WAS WORTH THE WAIT !"

I have added many items for the silent auction including this adorable little set above to the silent auction that is taking place August 11th with the spaghetti dinner !

To see this items and others go to :

http://www.spaghettidinnerandsilentauction.blogspot.com/

THANKS FOR HELPING TO BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Charlotte

NEW BATH TOWELS !

2007-07-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

We ordered new bath towels from Avon from Aunt Trish. Raeghan picked the Disney Princess one, Riley picked the Elmo one and the Dora one is for Rachael !

Raeghan loves her new towel !

Riley does too !

This one is for Rachael ! Won't she love it !

Charlotte

PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !!!!

Check out : www.spaghettidinnerandsilentauction.blogspot.com

PLEASE HELP BRING MADDIE HOME !

2007-07-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is Maddie ! Her family has their TA and needs some help with the last few bit of funds needed to bring her home ! I know what it is like to want to hold your daughter and bring her home so badly, and to not have all the funds, the way I am !

Here is the link to help their family : http://www.informedadoptions.com/maddiejun.html

Thanks
Charlotte
PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION !!!!

2007-07-18T20:56:00.001-07:00

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION !

Friday August 10th, 2007 at the Unique Connection Center in Jacksonville, Arkansas on 618 W. Main Street. It is from 6-9pm !

It is going to be a yummy meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, drink and dessert for : $5 a person, 2 and under is FREE ! At the door tickets will be $7.

Winner of the door prize doesn't have to be present to win !

There will be lots of items being auctioned off with a special Creative Memories shadow box in a raffle too !

All proceeds are to HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !!!!!!!

Charlotte

See what happens......................

2007-07-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

See what happens when you get on the computer and the kids are in the living room eating cake.........

Riley didn't get so messy.

Raeghan, the fairy princess of course was wearing it all over the place !

Charlotte

PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Chip In please !

2007-07-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

PLEASE EVERYONE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS NEW FUNDRAISER !

http://helpbringrachaelhome.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/cdc3745f588403bc

Charlotte

NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE !

2007-07-12T11:58:00.001-07:00

Raeghan looks at her picture as says : My baby Rachael ! "

NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE !
I found out today from my agency that my LOI- letter of acceptance has gone with my dossier into the review room, which means I am waiting for LOA- letter of acceptance ! This is all exciting and scary, I have about 1/2 the money for the adoption fundraised and worked for and need the other 1/2. I am so nervous today wondering if the LOA and TA will come too soon and all the $ won't be there. It has me crying today, and my car is acting up too, so I am double sad.I have faith in the Lord and trust in, he will provide. I am also asking for YOUR HELP !Please imagine my beautiful little girl in China, an orphan with her foster family waiting to come home. The houses in China are nothing like ours, there is no or little electricity, or food, it is poorer living than you can imagine.PLEASE CONSIDER A DIRECT DONATION OR A DONATION TO ONE OF THE FUNDRAISERS ! Any amount would be so appreciated and would help so much !
Please pass my blog onto everyone you know asking for help !Charlotte

2007-07-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

PA ! PA ! PA ! PA !

Just in case you didn't get it, I got PA - pre-approval for Rachael Jane YuZhu, that is the word from CCAA ( China officials ) saying that I can adopt Rachael ! Because my dossier is already logged in in China, I won't get a paper PA, but got a verbal PA. Called my agency today, it was 7 weeks today they sent the LOI- letter of intent asking to adopt Rachael and they were told today via email from their Beijing contact that my dossier has been transferred from the non-special needs room to the special needs room, this is good ! This is the PA, saying she is mine ! They don't know what date it switched over, they are asking, this will help give a better time line for travel !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am still fundraising and working 2 jobs to bring Rachael home ! Any kind of help is so appreciated ! You can donate in numerous ways: a straight paypal donation, sign up for Hugs for Rachael and get a blog of your travels, order a magazine or something from Tastefully Simple or donate through Kingdom Kids. Any donation is so appreciated, it is going to help a beautiful little girl in China become part of a family ! Charlotte

2007-07-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

My friend in China was only able to go to Rachael's orphanage for 1/2 of one day instead of the 3 days she thought she was going to be going. She was able to let the orphanage staff know that yes Rachael has a family, and they were very pleased. They told her that Rachael was : VERY PRETTY, VERY SMART AND VERY STRONG ! It makes me wonder if she is going to be as strong willed as my others are, lol. If she is my daughter, she is. I have always said God doesn't give me quiet children, lol. Though I was saddened to not get pictures, I was glad for the update. My agency is trying to locate now the exact date the dossier went from nsn to sn and some current pictures. The pictures we have now are from 12/06 when she turned 2, I can't wait to hold my dauggter in my arms and tell her how much I love her ! Charlotte

New Hats and Outdoor Fun !

2007-07-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Good news today ! Raeghan had her follow up today at ACH with the Infectious Disease doctors, she had a chest xray too and got a clean bill of health ! We were able to track down Dr. Jaeger to see again, Raeghan ran to him with big hugs ! We also went to go see the nurses on the floor she was on for 8 days and got to see her favorite nurse, Lisa. We brought them brownies to say thank you ! Raeghan was handing them out like the little hostess she is ! She spent the rest of the day at home with Rebekka, so when I got Riley from school after work, him and I went to store to buy me socks and he got himself and Raeghan a new hat ! Don't they look cute ??!

If you leave Raeghan home alone with big sissy, Rebekka, you will get makeup put on you for sure, see her pink cheeks and green eyelids! Thanks sissy !

Riley sporting his new hat chomping down on a bag of his favorite Funyuns !

It was cooler than usual last night so we went in the backyard and played. Raeghan loves to swing. Note the shoes on the wrong feet! She loves to dress herself too!

Riley loves to climb ! He also loves to wear his oversized daycare shirt they must wear when the daycare goes anywhere, today he just wanted to wear it !

Raeghan and Riley love the swingset their grandma bought for them ! I know they can't wait to slide and see saw with Rachael !

RACHAEL UPDATE : My friend was suppose to be in Rachael's orphanage city for 3 days this week, she just emailed me and there was some problems with scheduling, so she is going on the 5th, which is now in China, it is around 0500 am now there, she said she will be leaving at noon. Rachael is in foster care, so her family would need to be there this am in order for her to see her, and we won't know til later. I am saddended, I feel like this will be my only chance to get pictures of her ! Please say a special prayer tonight for me that by the grace of God that she does get to see her. It is still comforting to know they will give them the care package I sent over for her and let them know she has a family who loves her !!!!!

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Charlotte

YARD SALE UPDATE !

2007-06-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

YARD SALE WAS TODAY !
It was a huge success ! It was alot of fun, work and sweat. Special thanks to my wonderful family for all the help: Mom, Bekka, Dan, Trish, Shelbie, Jeff and of course Raeghan and Riley !

Me and Raeghan trying to stay in the shade ! My hair was solid sweat ! Raeghan was still so happy to be helping Mommy out !

Picture of the yard sale from the garage out. Dan is on right in black shirt helping some customers ! And I thought we haggled in China ! Some of them dedicated yardsalers are killers ! First customer was there at 0630am !

My excellent helpers, Shelbie and Rebekka !

Riley found him a toy to keep himself busy for a while !

Just part of what the garage looked like the night before. We tried to seperate it all ! You know when you take the good junk from friends, you get the bad junk too !

Many, many thanks to all my friends for donating all the items for the yard sale to HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Charlotte

RACHAEL IS 2 1/2 TODAY !

2007-06-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Folks,

My sweet little Rachael is exactly 2 1/2 today ! She is in China still in foster care through an orphanage ! I miss her so and can't wait for her to join our family ! Hoping she is being loved and cared for as much as we will love and care for her !

Raeghan and Riley talk all the time about her and how they can't wait to hold her hand !

Tomorrow is the yard sale ! Please pray for success and NO RAIN ! Please continue to pray for the funds to be there when needed and for my health to continue working all the hours as I am, and for my blessed mother and older daughter who are both helping me with the kids when I am gone at work on the weekends !

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION OR ONE OF MY FUNDRAISERS !

Charlotte
PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

YARD SALE THIS SATURDAY !

2007-06-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

YARD SALE THIS SATURDAY AT OUR HOUSE !!!!

STARTS AT 0700AM SHARP !

COME ONE, COME ALL !

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !!

Email me for directions ! We live in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Charlotte

Bologna anyone ?????

2007-06-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Raeghan and I went grocery shopping yesterday evening, she picked out some bologna and when she got home her and Riley had a bologna party !

YUM YUM ! says Riley and Raeghan !!

Rachael update:

The agency told me last week I will get a verbal PA, basically they will tell us the date when my dossier was pulled from the nsn track to the sn track for Rachael ! They think we will know soon ! Then it will be another several months to wait ! Please pray all the funds are there for when we need them ! Thank you God for all you have provided thus far !

Charlotte

PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

POPCORN ! POPCORN ! POPCORN !

2007-06-21T20:36:00.001-07:00

The popcorn has arrived !!!! Wanted to share the good news, with this fundraiser we sold over $1100 in orders and made a profit of about $1000 all for Rachael's adoption ! Thanks so much to everyone who ordered and to my wonderful helper bees: Mom, Bekka, Dan, Trish and Shelbie who helped me sell it ! As you can see Raeghan and Riley were very excited to come home to 8 huge boxes delivered by Fed-ex today !

Popcorn Palace is a wonderful place ! We ordered it Monday, they filled the order and sent it Tuesday and it came today ! Riley can't wait to eat it, he wants his own bag to hold !

Raeghan and Riley making funny faces ! Hurry Mom, we want popcorn !

Thanks so much for helping make this my biggest fundraiser yet ! I am continuing to do others, we are about 1/3 of they way there !

My friend is going to China Saturday, she told me she will be at the orphanage on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Pray she gets to see my Rachael and get me some pictures of her and gets to give her her care package !!!!

Charlotte

PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Baby Pandas ~ Too cute !

2007-06-18T18:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day !

2007-06-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men in our lives !
This is my brother Tom, a wonderful dad here with our wonderful dad ! My father went to heaven on January 28th, 2006. He never got to meet Riley, but I know he watches over us all every day ! He is with the highest of all fathers, God.

This is Raeghan and Riley's godfather, Brian. They love him so much ! Sometimes Raeghan calls him daddy. Hoping he will be Rachael's godfather too !

Last but not least ~ Dan, Rebekka's fiancee. Couldn't find a picture of Dan alone ! They all have Bekka in it ! Dan has been around for almost 3 years and he is wonderful to the kids ! I know someday like 10 years from now he will make a great father ! LOL. I can't wait to have red headed grandchildren !

Charlotte

HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Check out this song !

2007-06-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Click on this link : www.adoptionsong.com to hear a very special wonderful song created by a dad, Thommie Hicks who is WAITING for his adopted child ! It is so beautiful and for a small donation you can download the entire song, read the lyrics to see how true it is for all adopting families !

Charlotte
PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

POPCORN FUNDRAISER !

2007-06-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

POPCORN FUNDRAISER ONGOING !

If you live locally ( Arkansas ) and want to place an order, please email me @ raeghansmom@yahoo.com

Here is the sizes to order :

$5 a bag, $10 a jar for cheddar cheese, white cheddar, caramel, chicago style ( caramel w/cheddar), or rainbow

$7 a bag, $14 a jar for cookies and cream, caramel nut, and macadamia butter crunch

$25 for a 5- flavor gift sampler with bags of cheddar, white cheddar, caramel, caramel nut and cookies and cream

$35 for a tin of 6 flavors: kettle corn, fiesta mix, cheddar cheese, caramel nut, cookies and cream and pretzel twists.

50% of profits going to HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

please email me this weekend with orders !

Charlotte

One year ago today Riley came home !

2007-06-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

One year ago today Riley came home ! This is the first time Raeghan got to meet Riley, and she quickly let him know I was her momma and he needed to get out of my arms too !
This was at the airport very late at night !

Happily here is Raeghan and Riley one year ago this month and on most days they are happy to have one another. They can't wait for their Baby Rachael to come home !

Riley ~ not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord that he gave me the gift of being your mother ! Thank you God !

Charlotte

My daughter Rachael

2007-06-09T18:15:00.001-07:00

Tonight we went to our neighbors house for a picnic/swim party. We had so much fun. They invited everyone in the neighborhood, so various neighbors had come and gone all day long. It was me, Rebekka, Dan, Raeghan, Riley and my mother that all went. We had some good food and fellowship. The kids wanted to swim, but none of had suits with us. So we all played with water guns ! The adults and kids, we had so much fun !

One family there had a little girl, she was 3, and she had strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes, and her skin was fair. I found myself watching her often, thinking and wondering about my sweet Rachael. Thinking this is what she is going to look like, she was so sweet, and so gentle. Tonight it made me miss her so much and wish for her to be home now.

As every day goes on I have to come to truly know SHE IS MY DAUGHTER and she is waiting for us to come get her ! When Riley was waiting I was so fortunate to get so many friends to get me pictures of him. With Rachael I just don't think I will get any, maybe if when my friend goes the end of the month, she is my only hope. I had so many friends get only one as I got so many of Riley, never knowing what they went through.

Rachael, mommy misses you tonight, wo ai ni Jiang Yu Zhu !

Charlotte

Dear Santa.................

2007-06-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Santa,

I've been very good this year ! All I want for Christmas besides Rachael home is this little 2007 model of a silver bullet !

Charlotte

2007-06-07T20:38:00.001-07:00

The Most Important Person on Earth

2007-06-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my three wonderful children: Raeghan in front, then Riley, and Rebekka in the back of the "caboose" the little ones made with the chairs in the kitchen !

Here is a prayer card I found at home with the picture of mother holding her child, I liked what it said :

The most important person on earth is a mother. She can not claim the honor of having built the Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificant than any cathedral- a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body.

The angels have been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God's Creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature. God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation: What on God's good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother ?

I am so greatful to God to have been allowed to be a mother to my three wonderful children, and can't wait to bring my next daughter, Rachael home to be her mother !

Charlotte

Riley is social worker FREE !

2007-06-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

RILEY IS SOCIAL WORKER FREE !!

Today we received in the mail the final 12 month post placement report for Riley's adoption ! Boy, it feels good ! We have met all the requirements to make China happy that Riley is well cared and loved for ! Amen !

Now when Rachael comes home it will start all over again. She will need a 6 month and a 12 month post placement report too !

I often feel I am in the wrong field, how much fun it must be to be a social worker and see family's come together FOREVER !

Thank you China for letting Raeghan and Riley become my children !!!

Charlotte
HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

EBAY IS BACK !

2007-06-04T17:20:00.001-07:00

Ebay auctions are back ! And Raeghan promises to not be in the hospital again the bidding closes ! "Everyone loves a brown eyed girl " Look to the right under fundraisers for the Ebay one, and when you click on the item, click to the right to see seller's other items, will be adding more tonight and the next few days !

Thanks so much for helping to Bring Rachael Home !

Charlotte

Anna Grace is coming home !

2007-06-03T15:38:00.001-07:00

This is my wonderful friend Ohilda's beautiful daughter, Anna Grace Fengqin, her family just got TA and hopefully her gotcha day is going to be on Father's Day !!!
You can read more about them under my favorite's or go to http://www.annagracecomeshome.blogspot.com/

Ohilda knows so much what it is like to love someone so much as I do !!!

Thanks girl, for adding my Rachael to your blog !

Charlotte
HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

FAT- LOSS PATCH THAT WORKS !

2007-06-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

New fundraiser added for this incredible FAT-LOSS PATCH THAT WORKS !

Click on the link : www.nexagen.com/cwg to learn more about it !

My good friend/ coworker and nurse Cynthia G. is going to give to me 10% of all sales from her online site !

I have seen this patch work on friend's at work !

It is a 30 day supply for $69.95, and the opportunity to sell is there too !

They also have other items for sale too ! Please take a look, and email Cynthia G. with any questions @ cdg106@yahoo.com

Charlotte
HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Rachael's care package !

2007-06-01T23:31:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of the contents of the care package I am sending to a friend and she is taking it to the orphanage where Rachael is at the end of the month. Since Rachael is in foster care, we are hoping the friend gets to see Rachael when she comes in with her foster family. The friend will be in the province city for 3 days doing work with the orphanage. *****************************************************
The contents of the package are: a disposable camera ( hoping they take pictures of her with her foster family ! ), a photo album book with lots of pictures of her new family, all the pictures are labeled with chinese words, 2 pretty sundresses, one is white with trim and the other is pink floral and last but not least, Mr. Teddy bear ! He is wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with a photo of Rachael's new family on the front of, I got it done at www.snapfish.com. Hoping she likes all her gifts. This might be my only chance to get some pictures of Rachael. Even though her orphanage is visited by most families, she is in foster care and doesn't come to the orphanage often. ********************************************************************
Her province is Chongqing. It's really not a province, I was told it is a municipality like Beijing. I will add a link to it under favorites for ya'll to see.

Charlotte
PLEASE HELP BRING RACHAEL HOME !

RILEY'S 1ST GOTCHA DAY ! ( 5-31-07 )

2007-06-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe it has been one year since I got my beautiful son ! I remember the first time I saw his picture in August of 2005, he had just turned 2 and he was sitting there on a list waiting for to find him thanks to my good friend, Sandy !

FUNDRAISING UPDATE !

2007-05-30T21:16:00.001-07:00

Couldn't help resist to post these 2 pics I took of Raeghan tonight ! She had me put her entire head of hair up in hair bands and then she posed for me ! I know parents think their children are beautiful ! But there are times, expecially recently with her being so sick that I look at my children and think they are so beautiful and thank the Lord over and over again for letting me be the lucky one to be their mother, whether they are bio or adopted. I am so blessed.

Here is the updates on all the fundraising:

Pampered Chef and Tastefully Simple, and Creative Memories, thanks to Cynthia doing this for me while we in the hospital. If you order from either I receive a % of the profits from now til end of June !

Ebay is done for now, when get time will add some more items. I learned alot about ebaying items, it is hard work and sometimes doesn't profit as well as you think it ought too. And it was so horrid it ended while we in the hospital and had no way of telling anyone, so hope I don't get too many bad comments from buyers. All items were mailed 5-29-07.

Magazine sales !!!!! Yah, thank the Lord ! Got a nice check from them today in the mail ! Want to thank all so much who bought or renewed their subscriptions and please ask everyone to keep looking, it is still going on and it helps BRING RACHAEL HOME !

Yardsale : scheduled for month of June ! Still collecting items from anyone locally here in Central Arkansas area.

Car wash : hoping to do one this month, got to call the place !

Popcorn fundraiser started today !!! Sales going good ! Doing this locally due to if I did it long distance, my profit would be eaten in shipping it to you ! But if anyone wanted to do it where they live for me, let me know ! Cynthia is in Washington and is doing one for me !

Paypal donations !!!! Was so excited to receive a total of $30 from people in direct donations ! Any little donation helps ! Thanks so much !

I spoke tonight with my good friend, Ohilda. Here blog is under my favorites, she is adopting little Anna Grace. She is so so darling ! She is waiting for her TA- hoping for tomorrow and she is my rock sometimes when I need someone to help me through the hard times of this adoption ! Again, I must remember to put all my trust and faith in the Lord, to continue doing as I am doing, working and fundraising all the time and he will provide ! HE ALWAYS PROVIDES !

Thanks for reading, Charlotte

Happy Gotcha Day to Daniel !

2007-05-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to shout out to Daniel and family:

HAPPY 1ST GOTCHA DAY ANNIVERSARY !!! ( 5-29-07 )

I was so very fortunate and so greatful to still be such good friends with Daniel's mom, Cynthia and his wonderful family !

We met last year in GZ, we both stayed at the Victory. We both had boys around the same age and we seemed to form our own little travel groups with several other families there adopting special needs children !

We spent many fun moments together in GZ !

Thanks for all your help with my blog and for helping me so much with my fundraising !!!!

Love you, Charlotte