Another Surprise Gift

Well, God never ceases to amaze me. After our Dinner and Auction in November, there was one large item that did not sell. The donor took it home to sell privately with promise to donate the money from the sale to our baby fund. This past week, the sweet couple brought us the money - $120! Praise the Lord. God is doing this adoption fundraising for us. I am so thankful that HE is in control, especially since I am not (though I often think I should be!) We continue to look forward to the way the Lord is going to provide.

God's Amazing Gifts

Yesterday, something amazing happened. Actually, the events that led up to yesterday started several months ago...and even YEARS ago. Yesterday we received a check from the State of Florida Financial Office Department of Missing Money. Before coming to Virginia, and before going to Southeastern in NC, we lived in Florida and owned a house. Apparently, when we sold the house, there was some escrow money that wasn't captured in the ownership/sale of the house. Several weeks ago, we received a letter in the mail stating that the CFO of FL was trying to track us down because they had some "Missing Money" that belonged to us. I was skeptical of a scam, but after Eric researched it, we determined that this was legit! I am not sure why or how the money "went missing," but I do know that our God has used it as an encouragement that He is in control and will bring in the much needed funds for us to bring home baby 2. The check amount is $1671.75. Amazing. When my faith was weak, and I have given up, God worked in a way that I could never have predicted. Then he laid on the heart of another of his children to give a private donation of $50. Humbling. God brought in $1721.75 in a day. We did nothing. Only God can do that.

I am even more convinced that God is going to do this, bring in the funds for our adoption. It is the only way that it is going to happen. There is no way that we can come up with over $25,000 on our own. But my God owns the cattle on a thousand hill,s and he owns the hills they graze on. My God created the world, the universe, and all that is in them with a single word. God placed the dream of adoption into our hearts, and He will carry it through to fruition.  I Thessalonians 5:24 says, "He who calls you is faithful. He will do it." And Ephesians 3:20-21 sums it up very well, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." To God be the glory both for what he has done, and what he is going to do.

Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction Results

Well, the big event is finally over. It seems that I have thought about this event for months, so my mind is unsure of what to do with the "spare" time! It was a lot of work, but we are pleased with the final results. Around 70 people attended (and so many volunteered!). I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Word on the "street" was that the food was yummy. That makes this cook very happy! It was fun to watch the bidding wars on the 35 auction items that we had! Some of the ladies were "cut throats"! I loved the laughter and good natured rivalry--all for a good cause.

After the dust all cleared and expenses were subtracted, we made $2700! Not.too.shabby. =) That amount brings our funds to $12,560...and puts us at over 1/2 of our goal of $25,000!! Go God! (check out the fundraising thermometer to the right of this article. I love watching it go up!) We are very grateful. Thank you to everyone who lent us roasters, donated auction items,  helped set up/serve/tear down, and attended ...without you, this would not have been possible.  THANK YOU!!

And since we prepared for 200 people and 70 came, we had LOTS of food left over. We were able to donate the left overs to the Men's Shelter in Newport News. Nothing was wasted! We were blessed and able to be a blessing too. =)

Oh yeah, I heard a few people say that they were unable to come to the event but wanted to donate. There is a Paypal link at the top of our blog too!. =)

Fundraising Updates and a Promo

Well, October ended with a few nice surprises. First, we received a $500 grant for Southern Baptist Pastors from the Southern Baptist Convention! Very awesome! Those funds will be sent to us when we are matched with a baby. =) Next, our 31 Gifts fundraiser was a great success. You helped raise $200 through your purchases! VERY COOL! Thank you! Thirdly in October, we got the results from the Pampered Chef Party from a few moths ago. You helped raise $103! AWESOME! And last, but not least, we received $320 in private donations for Spence Baby 2. That is an incredible amount of over $1,100 brought in during October. GO GOD! We are so thankful for all who have helped us financially thus far and for those who are praying fervently for funds and for baby. We have a long way to go, but are excited to see how God provides.

Our next big event is the Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on November 15. You won't want to miss the event! Eric Spence will be playing the piano during the waited dinner of crisp salad, traditional spaghetti, homemade meat sauce, fresh bread, and special dessert. After or during the yummy meal, there are lots of items and gift baskets that you can bid on at the silent auction. Here are a sampling of auction items:
All For Love Handmade Quilt
Chick-Fil-A
"You Are My Sunshine" by Hope of My Heart Designs
Spa Basket
Christmas Time
Tea For Two
Coffee Break
Movie Night
Oh Baby!
Thomas Kincade

Reader's Delight 

Bling Bling

Girlfriends

Quiet Time

Voice Lessons

and much more! You have to come see what else we will have! C ya there!

Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction - Nov. 15

31 Fundraiser is HERE!!!

As promised, the Thirty-One Fundraiser is here! Rachel Stover has graciously offered to give us 20% of all sales for baby fund! Soooo excited! This is the perfect time to get gifts for Christmas and help a great cause. The fundraiser will go from October 1- October 24. On October 9, we will have a Drop In 31 Home Party at my house so you can touch some of the products and ask Rachel any question you may have.And if you live local to me, you can choose to have your order sent to me to save shipping, and I will bring it to you!!

You can go on an browse the catalog. Check it out at www.mythirtyone.com/248395. The monthly special will change on Oct. 1 too...so stay tuned for that! You will LOVE it...I PROMISE! =)

Approved - October 1, 2014

Two years ago today (Oct 1), we started our ministry at Seaford. We did not know it, but our son was already being carried in another woman's belly. 10 months after arriving at Seaford, we brought home our 1 month old Joshua boy...almost exactly 2 years from mailing the initial paperwork! Today, on our 2nd SBC anniversary, we are approved to begin the next phase in our journey to bring home our second child! APPROVED!!! Let the wait begin.

31 Party Fundraiser (Online and at Home)

OCTOBER

I know many of you have been asking for this and chomping at the bit, so with out further adieu...the 31 Fundraiser is scheduled for October 1-24, with Thursday, October 9, being a drop in party at my house! I am very excited about this one! Rachel Stover has graciously agreed to give 20% of all sales to our baby fund! This will go a long way---especially as you begin to shop for Christmas presents! 31 is offering a really cool "Special Sale with Purchase" item in October too! So...stay tuned! There will be a convenient online link so that you can browse and order from anywhere. Locals can drop in on Oct. 9 to preview a lot of the products. Going to be fun!

And...FYI.....

NOVEMBER

On November 15 in the Seaford Baptist Church Family Life Center we will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction to raise money for Baby Fund! I know that date is the Bodacious Bazaar in Hampton, but you will be hungry after shopping all day, so plan to come eat dinner with us. The meal price will be a donation amount of your choice. Silent Auction items will be set up for bidding! Going to be fun....so mark your calendars now for this tasty evening!

SPRING 2015

All For Love Concert - We have some fabulous musician friends who are willing to come to town to put on a concert you will not soon forget. More details as we get closer. This is just to start getting you excited! This event will most likely take place during March or April and be held in the SBC Family Life Center. (If the Lord brings us a baby before the concert is held, we still will need to hold the concert to gather the remaining amount that we will owe Bethany Christian Services.) 

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!! Final Tally for the Yard Sale for Adoption.

Done! DRUM ROLL PLEASE.........................the yardsale for adoption brought in .................$1,600!! WOW! Go, God! Eric and I are grateful for all who participated, whether by donating, sorting, set up, advertising, shopping, tear down, and clean up! So amazed at the support. Special thanks to our Seaford Baptist Church Family (and lots of specific in individuals) for their support! We feel loved. Thank you!

YARDSALE FOR ADOPTION --September 6 - 8am-2pm

One week left until the yardsale! Wow! I can't believe that it is almost September! When we set the date for the yardsale, September seemed so far way...and now it is upon us.

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6 from 8am-2pm. I have already been sorting donations....and we have a lot of very cool stuff! Thanks to all who have already donated! If you plan to donate, now is the time! Room 23 at Seaford Baptist Church or directly to Kary Snyder's home, where the yardsale will be held. Larger items can go directly to Kary's. Contact her or email/IM/Text me and I will connect you guys! See the flier below for more details! Oh....and don't forget to come SHOP!

Final Home study Visit (and Virginia's Musings)

So, today is our final home study visit! A few minor things to discuss. A few loose ends to tie. A quick evaluation of our completed profile book. Then that is all for us! Our social worker will write "our story" for her boss to read and approve....then we will be officially "waiting", or ready to be picked! We are soooo close! We think that by mid September we should be all ready.

Crazy to think, but theoretically, we could have a baby by Christmas. While that is highly unlikely...it is not out side the realm of possibilities. Who know how the Lord will work? Each child's adoption story is vastly different. No two stories are alike, well, unless they are twins! =)

I keep thinking about our new addition. How life will change again. How Joshua will be such a great big brother. How we will all fit in our house. How we will decorate a new nursery. Whether the baby is a girl or boy or twins! Will we have midnight hospital runs like we did with Savannah? Or will we have 5 days to get ready to pick him up at the Bethany office? Will there be on-going interaction with a birth family? Or none at all? Then there is the fear-will we have to go through what we went through with Savannah--only to lose her at the last moment? Or will it all be cut and dry like it was with Joshua? I guess over all, the thoughts that I have are pretty normal for those parents who have children biologically. There will always be excitement, anticipation, and fears mixed in upon the arrival of a small human. I am so glad that through it all, God promises that he is right there for us. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows "the plans he has for us. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans to give us a future with hope."

So, those are my morning musings. I am excited! And grateful first of all to the Savior who loves us so much! Secondly, for the hubby God gave me to go through life with. (He is amazing, ya'll!) Thirdly for our boy who brings daily joy and reason to get up. And last, but not least, for our supporters--those of you who are reading this blog, cheering us on, and praying for us. Thank you.

Changes, Changes - A Transition

Ok, Folks. Sad news, but we need to cancel the Vendor Fair. I had no idea that there was such thing as a 3-day Bodacious Bazaar in Hampton that weekend! Now I know why vendors were not “flocking” to set up at my fair. We needed to have 30 vendors to make our event profitable. So, with both of those things in mind, we have decided to forgo this vendor fair. Thank you so much to those of you who decided to jump on board and support us for this event. It means so much to us. If you have already mailed me a check to reserve your booth spot, I will be returning it to you as soon as I get it. I apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you again for your support and willingness to participate in our event.

However, please don’t cross November 15 off of your calendar entirely. We have another fun idea in progress for that evening. Folks are gonna be hungry after shopping all day, right? (That is all the hint you get! LOL!) Once details are finalized, I will make the grand announcement. Until then……

SAVE THE DATE - Christmas Vendor Fair - Saturday, November 15 10am-2pm - Seaford Baptist Church Gym

SAVE THE DATE - We have venue approval! YAY! So, here are the details for the Christmas vendor fair.

Saturday, November 15 from 10am-2pm in the Seaford Baptist Church Gym!

My goal is at least 30 vendors! Let's see what God will do!

So, here are the details for vendors:
1) Vendor Fair will be held in the Seaford Baptist Church Gym on November 15 from 10 am-2pm. Vendors may arrive at 9am on the day of the fair.

2) $35 dollars in advance to reserve a place.(Remember that this is a fundraiser.)  Please let me know if you need a table. There are a limited number of 6 foot rectangle tables and a lot of large circle tables...First Come, first serve. =) Please contact me, Virginia, to reserve your spot. Because this is a fundraiser, reservation fees are non-refundable.

3) Vendor donates 1 item for a silent auction. If this item is not sold at this event, then it will be retained by Eric and Virginia to be used at a later event's auction. Item may be brought the day of the event.

4) There is no required percentage of sales to be donated to the Adoption fund...but if you feel led to donate a percent...then we will gratefully accept. =) This is not required...just a suggestion. =)

So...there you have it! Email me at spencebaby2@gmail.com with questions or call me/text me/ or see me at church! Thanks in advance!!

So Much Going On!

Hello, Friends! Sorry it has been a bit since I updated the blog--there has just been so much going on!

First, we have completed 2 of the 3 required homestudy visits. When the 3rd one is done, our fabulous social worker will "write our story" for her supervisor to read and approve. Once that is done, we will officially "waiting" for our next child. Let me explain what that means. We are in the process of creating a picture book (called a "profile book") for potential birth mothers/families to look at and "get to know us". Depending on what the birth mom is looking for in a potential family will determine how often our book is shown and to which birth moms/families. With Joshua, his birth mom asked for those profiles with moms who were planning to stay at home. That narrowed the local choices to three...and she chose us because "I (Virginia) looked fun." (Of course I am fun!) Our new profile books will go to the 5 Virginia offices (Virginia Beach, Richmond, Lynchburg, Fredericksburg, and Roanoke). They will also have a book that can be sent to other states, since we are open to trans-state placements as well (which is a whole other topic in itself.) So, it is sort of the luck of the draw. Well, not really luck because Proverbs 16:33 tells us, "The dice is cast into someone's lap, but the outcome is from the Lord." (ISV) We know God is in control of every placement. =)

Secondly, you will notice that the little thermometer on our blog is going up! We are a little over a quarter of the way to reaching our goal! While we have managed to save about $5,000 ourselves, the rest is from special friends like you! Thank you to those who have given already. Thank you to those who have been praying! We are so grateful to have you along with us for the journey.

Thirdly, We have added a PayPal Donation Button to our blog. All donations through this link go directly into the adoption account.

And lastly. We have a few fundraisers- some in progress, some slated to start, and some in the ideas stage. Here are what we have:

~Pampered Chef - Julie Herber and(Hostess) and Desiree Griffith Rose (Distributor) have teamed upt tp raise money to help us with our adoption. You can help too! There are two ways to help. 1) Attend the Dinenrs Done Workshop on August 21 at 6pm. (10 meals made and ready for your freezer in 2 hours). Pantry paclakage costs around $68. To reserve your spot, add the seasons best to the cart (item #1969) as a place holder and then add any other products you would like to order. If you are unable to attend the workshop, but would like to purchase one of the kits or items from the catalog, just follow the link in the next sentence. 2) Place an order on line at http://tiny.cc/dinnersdonefundraiser between now and August 21. Click on the item and then add all the newest products to your card! If you spend $60 or more you get a choice of a FREE GIFT from a select list

.

~Adoption Yardsale - Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 8am-2pm. Come to 300 Shirley Road in Seaford to shop! You can donate items for the sale at room 23 at Seaford  Baptist Church.

~Vendor Fair - STILL WAITING VENUE APPROVAL for November 22. The plan is to create a "one stop shop" for you to kick off or complete your Christmas Shopping! As soon as the venue is secured, I will tell you more about this....but tentatively mark your calendars for this date. 

~ 31 Fundraiser - Still working on a date for this one. Maybe September or October...so hold on to those 31 orders you might want to place. We will kick this off with a Drop-in Party at my house. Stay tuned.

~ All For Love Concert - Spring 2015 - details in works.

So that is all for now. I told you it is a lot! Thanks for reading, giving, and praying...and taking this adoption journey with us! We are grateful for you!

Home Study Visits

Tomorrow we have the first of 3 home study visits. For this one, our new social worker, Lacey, will be coming to "tour" our home and see if we have met all the state regulations. (Our second home study visit will take place at a Bethany Christian Services Office and will cover more personal details. Eric and I will meet with the worker together at first and then each separately. The third visit will take place here at our home again, but at the moment, I forget what all the details are for that visit.)

I know some of you are curious about what they check for, so I will  paste in a copy of the State of Virginia Home Environment Checklist. It amazes me what they look at. Most of all it makes practical sense. Some of it is a bit different.  I often think they make it harder for non-biological parents to become parents. If every expectant parent in the world went through all the hoops adoptive families go through, there would be a whole lot less children in foster care, in hospitals from poisoning, etc. Still, I look at this a just the "normal" for us to bring home another baby. A different normal. A new normal. But normal nevertheless.  Thank you for your continued prayers as week seek to bring home baby #2 and balance raising baby#1 in the midst of it all! =)
___________________________________________________________

HOME ENVIRONMENT CHECKLIST

FAMILY:______________________________________

Style of Home: __________             Square Footage: _______

# Bedrooms: ____________               # Bathrooms: ________

Fenced-in Backyard:_________              Pool: _____________

Length of Time in Home: _____              Lot Size: __________

Type of Pets: _______________________________________

During a home visit on _________________, the following standards were investigated as evidenced by my initials:

Standard	Found	Not Found	N/A
Storage space to keep clothing and other personal belongings
Accessible basin and toilet facilities
Sleeping space on the first floor of the home for a child unable to use stairs unassisted, other than a child who can be easily and safely carried
Space for recreational activities
Fans or other cooling systems shall be used when the temperature of inside areas occupied by children in care exceeds 80° F
The temperature in all areas occupied by children in care shall be maintained no lower then 65° F
Rooms and study space used by children in care shall have adequate and sufficient lighting for activities and safety
The provider and children in care shall have access to a working telephone in the home
Multiple children in care who share a bedroom shall have adequate space including closet and storage space. Bedrooms shall have adequate square footage for each child in care to have personal space
The bedrooms of children in care shall not be used as passageways and shall have doors for privacy
The home shall be clean, in good repair, and free of hazards to the health and safety of children in care
The grounds around the home shall be safe, properly maintained, free of litter and debris, and present no hazard to the safety of children in care
All homes shall have at least one operable smoke detector (BCS requires one on each floor)
There must be a fire extinguisher in the home
Any firearms and other weapons shall be unloaded and stored with the weapon’s safety mechanisms activated in a locked closet or cabinet
Ammunition shall be stored in a locked location separate from the weapon
The key or combination to the locked closet and cabinet (where firearms and ammunition are stored) shall at al times be maintained out of reach of all children in the home
The applicant shall maintain documentation that household pets receive tests, inoculations, and licenses as required by law
The applicant shall ensure that household pets are safe to be around children and that the pets present no health hazard to children in the home
The applicant shall keep cleaning supplies and other toxic substances stored away from food and, as appropriate, out of reach of children and locked
Except for medications that require refrigeration, all medications, prescription and nonprescription, shall be stored separately from food in a locked area out of reach of children. The applicant shall implement safety provisions for the storage of refrigerated medications
The home shall have readily available basic first aid supplies for use in injuries and accidents

                           

__________________________________________________________

Social Worker Signature                                                           Date

During a home visit on _________________, the following standards were discussed and family agrees to comply as evidenced by the family’s initials:

Item	App 1	App 2	CW
The home shall provide appropriate space and furnishing for each child receiving care in the home
Bed furniture equipped with clean, safe, and comfortable sleeping furnishings
Children in care over the age of two years shall not share a bed
Children in care over the age of two shall not share a bedroom with an adult unless the child’s needs, disabilities, or other specified conditions warrant the sharing of bedroom space and the licensee has approved a specified plan to allow the sharing of the bedroom with the adult
No child shall share a bed with an adult
A child in care over the age of three years shall not sleep in the same bedroom with children of the opposite gender
Children in care under the age of seven or children in care with significant and document cognitive disabilities shall not use the top bunk of bunk beds
Approved providers and independent living arrangement settings shall arrange for responsible adults to be available to serve in the caretaker’s role in case of emergencies. Any substitute caretaker arrangements necessary for planned or long-term absence of the provider shall require the licensee’s prior approval
Possession of any weapons, including firearms, kin the home or independent living arrangement shall comply with federal and state laws and local ordinances

______________________________________________________________

Applicant One Signature                                                                 Date

______________________________________________________________

Applicant Two Signature                                                                Date

______________________________________________________________

Social Worker Signature                                                                Date

Mary Kay Fundraiser RESULTS

Drum roll, please...............Thanks to you all, total sales for this fundraiser were $907.50 (pre-tax!). That means that $317.63 goes to baby fund! And 3 individuals donated a total of $140 on top of that amount, bringing the total from this fundraiser to $457.63! Very cool! Thanks so much to all who participated and are praying. Thanks to my mom, Jo Kross, for her time and generosity!

There will be more fundraisers to follow. In September, we will be having a GIANT yardsale. (More info on this to come soon!) I am also going to do a 31 Fundraiser this fall...so be watching! We will also be starting a Facebook group to consolidate all info to those who want to know, and arealso looking at attaching a Pay Pal link or Pure Charity link to our webpage for those who want to donate separately. Thanks again for your support and your part in bringing home our next miracle(s)!

Smiles!

Fundraiser #1 - Mary Kay Products - July 1-19, 2014

Ok - Here is our first (of many) fundraiser! My mom, Jo Kross, is a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Since she lives in Tennessee...and since Eric and I have friends all over the USA...we are doing an ONLINE party! Easy-peasey. And, Mom has graciously offered to give us 35% of all total sales. Pretty cool!

Below is the text copy of the flier that I will be handing out...but since I don't see many of you very often, I thought that I would put the info here for you! Please feel free to pass this info to friends, family, and co-workers. I will be happy to email you a copy of the flier that you can print out for your family and friends to use their smart phones to scan! (Virginia's email is seafordsong@yahoo.com) Again, so easy...and thanks in advance! Here are the details...

The Adoption process has begun

for Spence Baby #2!

I am thrilled to be doing this SPECIAL Mary Kay fundraiser

for Eric & Virginia (& Joshua).

From July 1^st thru July 19^th ,

35% of the total sales from orders placed

will go to their BABY FUND.

In addition, all parties/classes booked from the fundraiser,

I will add 25% of their sales  to the BABY FUND!

(I will travel up to 8 hours, but ask that you provide sleeping arrangement.)

Check out my website at www.marykay.com/jkross

You can browse, shop, & pay on the site.

In the comment section put E/V Fundraiser

Thank you for your business...and Thank you for 

being part of Eric and Virginia’s miracle!

Jo Kross,

Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

(AKA, Virginia’s mom and Joshua’s Nana)