November is National Adoption Awareness Month

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."  Deuteronomy 10:18

November is National Adoption Awareness Month.

Many people wonder how they can be a part of this wonderful movement when they are not in a position to adopt.  The ways are countless!

Here is a great blog post from Lifeline Children's Services (the adoption agency we are using) about ways to get involved.

You can also read my blog post from National Adoption Awareness month 2011.

Here are just a few of my suggestions:

PRAYER - Our God listens to us!  Hallelujah!  Isn't it amazing that The Creator cares for us, and wants to hear the cries of our hearts?  It blows me away!  The name that we have chosen for our little girl is Eliana, which is Hebrew for "My God Answers."  And yes, He does answer our prayers.  So commit to praying about adoption this month.
Pray for the children who have no family.
Pray for the children that wait for their families to bring them home.
Pray for the families in the adoption process.
Pray for the families who are transitioning to life with a newly adopted child.
Pray for God to show you other ways that He wants you to be involved in feeding and clothing the fatherless.

DONATE YOUR TIME - Time is something that we all wish we had more of these days.  We all have busy lives full of appointments.  However, when you take the time to help a friend in need, the blessing comes back to you.
Take a meal to a family who has recently welcomed an adopted child.
Send a text, email or make a phone call to encourage a friend in the adoption process (whether in the waiting stage or in the newly home stage)
Help organize a fundraiser for a family who feels called to adopt.
Spend time with foster children in your area.  There are many organizations that you can get involved with that will facilitate this for you.  If you are in East Alabama check out http://www.ourbighouse.org/.

DONATE YOUR RESOURCES - Unfortunately, the adoption process does not come without cost.  There are agency fees, government clearances, and travel costs associated with adoption.  Many adoptive families fund raise to aid in bringing their child/children home.
Donate sky miles to a family who will be flying as a part of the adoption process.
Attend adoption fund raising events (yard sales, in home parties, etc.).
Give money to a fund raising family, and include a note of encouragement (now you've donated your time & resources!).
Donate items to your local foster care outreach organization (it's easy to find out what they need, just ask).
Donate to a reputable organization that cares for the fatherless.  A personal favorite of mine is http://thesoundofhope.org/.


There are a million other ways that you can get involved, all you have to do is pray and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed."  Psalm 82:3

It was a Semester of FUN!

"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord." 2 Chronicles 5:13

Today was Big D's last day of Music Class for the semester.

It is a sad day, because we have enjoyed spending this one-on-one time together so much.
But more importantly, it is a day that I am filled with pride because of the growth I have seen in my little guy over the last eight weeks.

Big D has learned so much during his time in Music Class.  He has learned more about following rules and being a part of the group.  He has also learned about making a joyful noise, and he does it so well!

Thanks again, GiGi, for giving us this opportunity!

Trick or Treat!

The Stoves family had an awesome time playing dress up and collecting treats on Halloween!

We took the costume thing to the next level this year with a fun pirate theme.

Both of the boys dressed up as adorable, lovable pirates.

 They set sail in their pirate ship to collect some yummy treasures throughout our neighborhood.

And yes, we even had our own soundtrack!

Big D's 1st Music Class

Last week we experienced more "firsts" around the Stoves Home!

A big "first" was Davis' very first Music Class!  I have been so excited to start doing Mommy & Me Music class with him.  

By the end of class he was clapping along with the music (the kid has great rhythm), playing with the instruments, and following the teacher's instructions (the best way that an 18 month old can).  I was so proud!

It's going to be a fun semester in Music Class! 

My Date with Little Mac

Last night I had the privilege of going on a "date" with my awesome four year old son, Little Mac!  We had an awesome time!

First we went out to dinner at IHOP.

Then we went to the movies to see "Finding Nemo 3D."  Simply beautiful!  

Click here to read more of my thoughts on the movie.

I am so blessed to be this little guy's mom!

My new BLOG: Disney Days with Candice

I have started a new blog that is dedicated to ALL THINGS DISNEY!

Disney Days with Candice

I have great plans for this new blog!  Some things you will find on
Disney Days with Candice are:

Walt Disney World Travel Tips

The Latest Disney News

Disney Trivia

Fun Disney Polls

Walt Disney World Attraction Reviews

Fun with Food

Free/Cheap Disney Fun (at the parks & at home)

Please check out and follow my new blog at 

http://disneydayswithcandice.blogspot.com/

I would also love for you to follow me on Twitter:  

Candice Stoves @DisDaysWCandice 

https://twitter.com/DisDaysWCandice

Have a Magical Disney Day!

Candice

School Days

Today my baby, Little Mac, started pre-school!  I cannot believe it!  He is in 4 year old pre-k three days a week in the mornings, but that's enough for me!

I am so excited for him as he begins his school journey.  I've reflected a lot today over how far he has come since God placed him in our care.  He has gone from a tiny, helpless baby to a kind-hearted, smart, little boy.  

As his over-protective mother, I so wish that I could be there with him to help guide him through each situation that comes up.  But alas, I cannot physically be there! However, God has made it possible for me to be there with him through prayer.
So I WILL!

"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:31

I have witnessed God's goodness and glory in the last four years at home with Little Mac.  He is a miracle made by God!

I am praying that in everything that Little Mac does that he would ultimately point to God and give Him all the glory.

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Colossians 3:17

I thank God for the gift that Little Mac is to us.  I thank God for the privilege of being his mother and for the opportunity to stay home with him.  It has been awesome!  We have made so many sweet memories that I will forever treasure.

I pray that in this next chapter of Little Mac's life, he would learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  I pray that he does everything (school, music, sports, art, church, friendships...) in the name of Jesus, and that he allows Jesus to be the leader of his life.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord"  Colossians 3:23

I have definitely mothered Little Mac with all of my heart.  I wouldn't trade this "work" for anything in the world!  I will continue to be the mom that God has made me to be.

I am praying that Little Mac would be passionate about the work that the Lord has set out for him to do.  And during this schooling process, I pray that he will seek God's will for his life and pursue His will with all of his heart!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

FALL that is!  

"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy."  Psalm 33:3

I absolutely LOVE FALL!  It is definitely my favorite time of year.  New schedules to learn, new adventures to have, new memories to be made...everything feels new and fresh.

This Fall our family certainly has a full plate!

Little Mac starts Pre-K.  This will be the first time he has ever gone to school.
Big D starts Mommy & Me Music Class.  I cannot wait to enjoy this with him!
Little Mac starts Violin lessons.  He is so excited!
Big D and I will have a chance to enjoy story time at the library.
Little Mac has 4 year old Choir & Mission Friends at church.
Big D and I will have dates at Frog Legs.
Mommy will continue to do ZUMBA!
Our family will be tailgating & watching football on the weekends.
We will take a trip to the pumpkin patch.
We will enjoy the annual Loachapoka Syrup Soppin' Festival.  (yes, you read that right)
Of course, we will trick-or-treat on Halloween.
And don't forget Thanksgiving food and fun!

You may be wondering how on earth we are going to fit all of this into three months...well, so am I!
I sure am excited to watch it all unfold, and I plan to enjoy every minute of it!
Hooray for Fall!

Back to it...

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

God has been teaching us a lot about seasons lately.  He is showing us that our lives are made up of many seasons.  Some seasons for playing, some for learning, some for discovering, some for working, and some for resting (haven't seen that one yet).

To say that we just went through a BUSY SEASON is an understatement!

It has been crazy busy, but also crazy blessed!  I cannot wait to share all that God has done for our family in the past few months.  (That will come in a later post.)

This post is just to say, I'm back to the blogging world, and I'm so excited to share with you all!

DTC!!!!

It's official...we are DTC (dossier to China)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


**Now that our documents are on their way to China, what happens next? 


When China receives our paperwork we will be logged into their system, and we will receive our LID (log-in date).  It should take 3-4 weeks to get our LID.  Once we receive our LID we can begin the referral/matching process!


Our agency says that we should be ready to begin the referral/matching process when the May lists come out!


Please pray for us as we begin the matching process.  Thanks!

Beautiful

"He makes all things beautiful in its time."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

This was the theme verse for an amazing weekend.
I had the privilege of attending the Created for Care conference for adoptive moms this past weekend, and it was truly a time blessed by God.

We focused on many BEAUTIFUL things this weekend.
*The beauty of my marriage.
*The beauty of my children.
*The beauty of our adoption journey.
*The beauty of my relationship with my mom.
*The beauty that God sees in me.
*And most importantly...the BEAUTY of GOD!

I am so thankful to have had the chance to worship and hear from my God with more than 400 other like-minded women.  I was able to learn about practical parenting, attachment and fundraising.  I was greatly encouraged through the study of God's Word.  I met so many other moms who are going through the same things as me, and who are at the same point of their adoption journey as me.  As well as those who have gone before me, and those who are on completely different, yet beautiful, paths.  I just love seeing God's plans unfold!

God is so good, and He truly does make all things beautiful!

Little Mac.....3 & 1/2 years old

Bows for Baby Stoves

We have been blessed with a sweet friend who has offered to make and sell hairbows to help fund our upcoming adoption!  Thank you so much, Laura!

Here is the info:

     Help the Stoves family bring their baby girl home from China!
     Purchase any of our hand-made hairbows - proceeds will be donated to the
     Stoves Family Adoption Fund.

     TO ORDER:  Post to the facebook page, "Bows for Baby Stoves"
               http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bows-for-Baby-Stoves/356176167760922
     or email:  laurabarnesfuller@yahoo.com

     We are offering a selection of handmade hairbows available for a great cause!
     70 cents of every dollar spent will go to the Stoves Family Adoption Fund!!

     If you are local (Auburn/Opelika),
     we will deliver your bows to you within 3 days of your order.

     Not local?  No worries!!  We can ship your bows to you.
     Just $2 shipping for first bow, and $0.50 for each additional bow.

     Basic gift wrap is available upon request!!

     Please pass this along to your friends!  Thanks!

Here are the bows!!!  So cute!!!

MADE TO ORDER - SOLIDS     $6 each

Hot Pink     $6 each

 Brown     $6 each

Red     $6 each

 White     $6 each

Light Pink     $6 each

MADE TO ORDER - DOTS:     $6 each

Pink/Green/Red Polka Dots     $6 each

Black & White Swiss Dot     $6 each

Brown w/Pink Polka Dots     $6 each

LIMITED QUANTITIES:     individually priced

Pink/Brown Argyle  Medium Bow     $7 each

(2 available)

Pink/White/Brown Dots & Stripes  Large Bow     $10 each

(1 available)

Pink/Brown Stripes  Large Bow     $10 each

(1 available)

Brown/Pink Polka Dot  Medium Bow     $8 each

(2 available)

Pink/Green with Fun Polka Dot Ribbon  Large Bow     $10 each

(1 available)

Red/White with Fun Polka Dot Ribbon  Large Bow     $8 each

(2 available)

Multi-Color Stripe     $6 each

(4 available)

Spring Yellow Stripe     $6 each

(1 available)

Hot Pink/Green Curly Bow     $6.50 each

(2 available)

Light Pink/Brown Curly Bow     $6.50 each

(2 available)

What a Difference a Year Makes

Today, Big D went to the doctor for his one year check-up.
Here are his stats:

                          BIRTH:               %                              
WEIGHT:          11 lbs, 6 oz        >95th                        
HEIGHT:           21"                      90th                            
HEAD CIRC:    14.75"                 b/w 75th & 90th          

                          ONE YEAR:          %                              
WEIGHT:          22 lbs, 5 oz            b/w 25th & 50th
HEIGHT:           29.75"                     b/w 25th & 50th
HEAD CIRC:    18.5"                       b/w 50th & 75th

Big D's Big Day!

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" Jeremiah 1:5

Big D is ONE!

I cannot believe how quickly the last year has gone by!  We are so blessed to have gotten to know and love on our sweet Big D this year.

This past weekend, we celebrated his big day with friends and family.  We had a great time!