Thursday, October 28, 2010

Blessed With A Book!

Remember some months back that there was something in the works to also help bless us and raise some of the needed funds for this adoption?! I was not able to tell you then, but now I can!! It is a book written by a friend. Him and his wife volunteered at New Day for 6 months before returning to the states. Caleb and Christy Phillips have been greatly missed as they were a blessing to so many while they were here. Although they've now gone back, they continue to bless us by writing this book and donating the entire proceeds to help fund our adoption!! I cannot tell you how that makes us feel! It brings tears to my eyes. That they have such a burden for orphans that they are willing to write a book, go to much effort to have it published, making so many connections and perhaps even traveling to different events to promote this book in order to sell it, AND THEN donate the proceeds to help bring home our daughter!! There just aren't words enough to describe the love and warmth that brings!! We are truly, truly blessed!! Beyond words!!

The book is about his trip here to China and the work he was involved in while here. It's basically his journey to China and what he saw and experienced while here. He talks about how it affected, transformed his life and even the way he thinks now about many things--what is really important in life--what is not. We've previewed the book months ago and I'd highly recommend it as good reading. It is soon to be distributed and they have a website now up and running to begin pre-selling copies. Here is their website location http://booksbenefitingorphans.blogspot.com/ I encourage you to go there and check it out. While everyone's experience is uniquely different when they come here, it does give a good overall depiction of what life is like here.

We'll give you updates on total sales periodically. If memory serves me right, they hope to sell a minimum of 1,000 books hoping to donate about $6,000 to our adoption fund. That is the goal they were shooting for anyway. That would be totally awesome!! The book sells for $12 and you can now pre-order a copy. Wouldn't it be even more awesome to go over and beyond that goal?!!! They, as well as us, are believing that He will do mighty and awesome things with this project!!

The following is what they have posted on their website:

"The book is almost finished and will be ready for distribution shortly. For your information it is being published by Wine Press Publishing. The book can be bought directly from this website. It will also be available to buy at major events in the U.S. I will let you know which ones. Please remember that all of the author's proceeds, about 60% of the cost of the book, are going directly to a family who is adopting an orphan. I hope you buy one for yourself, and maybe one for a friend. Thank you for bringing an orphan into a loving home. To buy the book click the "Buy Now" button on the bottom of the page and follow the directions using Pay Pal. "

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Silent Auction: OPEN for bidding!

Welcome to the Silent Auction Fundraiser









for Randy &Rita Rippee's Adoption Fund.

Please leave your bid for any of the listed items by emailing Valerie at almquist@fmtcs.com
When received, I will respond to you with an email confirmation and post the updated bid.

I am prayerful that HE will do mighty things with what we bring to Him.
Please shop with a generous heart knowing that you will not only be getting a precious reminder of your generosity toward this adoption fundraiser but also treasure unmeasurable through having helped to set the lonely in a family ... making ONE LESS ORPHAN and ONE MORE very blessed family.

**October 27th thru November 19th**
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Bamboo Inspired Yixing Teapot
with Carved Lid

Bamboo Inspired Yixing Teapot with Carved Lid :
Dimensions (L 6-1/2" x H 5-1/2")
Capacity (16 fl. oz.)

This Yixing teapot is carefully carved to resemble natural bamboo. Its spout and handle look like bamboo reeds, while its lid resembles overlapping bamboo reeds. Its extended handle and spout complete overall shape of the teapot. Made in Yixing, China.
Starting Bid: $28.00
Current Bid: $40.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.









Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $8.









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White/Brown Yixing Teacups

White/Brown Yixing Teacup Set (with crackle finish):

Teacup Dimension (D 2-3/4" x H 1-1/2")
• Box Dimension (L 6-7/8 x W 6-7/8" x H 2-7/8")

Simple yet stylish, this charming set of teacups offers a complimentary combination of colors and textures. Made of Yixing clay, the exterior of the cups offers a smooth white finish accented with gray crackle lines. Look inside to find a rich brown interior with a matte finish. This set includes 4 cups that are packaged in a Chinese fabric covered box.
Hand wash recommended. Made in Yixing, China.

Starting Bid: $28.00
Current Bid:$0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $8.
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Every Year On Your Birthday
a children's book by Rose A. Lewis

A tender offering from the creators of I Love You Like Crazy Cakes. Here, a mother relates her thoughts and emotions on her daughter's birthdays, reflecting on the child's birth in China, recalling past birthday celebrations with her Forever Family. Throughout, the mother preserves her daughter's Chinese heritage and includes multicultural layers in her upbringing. The book ends fittingly with the Chinese character for "family," which "is a synonym for 'home.'" A sweet, gorgeously illustrated book that's perfect for family sharing. (This version is hard bound with a dust cover and includes a free birthday card inside the front cover.)



















Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $8.00
Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.










Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.

Shipping $3.
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Orphaned No More Bracelet
(blessedly redonated from the fundraiser by Sara McClintock )

Daalea from Orphaned No More creates these wonderful bracelets in order to bring her own daughter, Isabella Faith, home from China. In the process she is touching hearts and creating a legacy for not only her family, but for others.

Starting Bid: $5.00









Current Bid:$8.00
Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.










Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.

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Camera Strap Covers

(blessedly redonated from the fundraiser by Heather Selinger )

Heather S. heartfully has sewn these beautiful camera straps to raise money to bring her blessed son Hudson home from China. In fact she is there NOW receiving him! She has such a beautiful heart for orphans and we are grateful for her generous donation!

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

What would make your photography more fun and exciting? A Savvy Strap Cover! The Savvy Strap Cover slips right over your raw strap for more comfort and a classy look. It's the easy way to make your camera personal and stylish. So easy to slip on, you might want two so you can change them out often. It measures 24"x 2.5" and completely covers the strap.










Starting Bid: $8.00
Current Bid for A: $8.00 Current Bid for B: $0.00
Current Bid for C: $8.00 Current Bid for D: $0.00
Current Bid for E: $0.00 Current Bid for F: $0.00
Current Bid for G: $0.00 Current Bid for H: $8.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.
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Asian Treasures Bowls


Asian Treasures Bowls:
  • Bowl Dimension (D 5" x H 2-7/8")
The intricate patterns of these timeless blue and white Asian inspired bowls will remind you of their rich cultural heritage. Mix and match them to bring an eclectic flavor to your table.

Included in this ceramic mixed bowl set is one of each pattern: the Asian scrolling floral motif known as karakusa, ginko with waves, cherry blossoms, and magnolias on vines. Each bowl is truly a work of art and a thing of beauty! The set is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Starting Bid: $30.00
Current Bid: $0.00



















Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $8.
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American Girl Bitty Baby Doll,
And Matching "Ruffled Feathers" Twirly Skirt

Brown Hair, Almond shaped eyes, Pleasant Company




Valerie (that'd be me) at Ruffled Feathers is donated a one of a kind skirt to this fundraiser ALONG WITH a matching doll sized outfit for this little pumpkin AND the A.G. doll!  And Yes, she IS included! Your VERY OWN A.G. Bitty-Baby with adoption roots herself. 


In setting up this silent auction I really wanted to donate a skirt, but wanted it to be even more special ... the idea of a doll dress came to mind, especially an American Girl Doll. Although I did not have the funds to purchse a brand-spankin' new doll ... this one comes pretty close having sat on a shelf most of her life, remaining in EXCELLENT condition. And while this is a gently pre-owned baby, I was blessed beyond belief to learn that the previous owners are two sisters ... that were adopted too! They are now moving on to the A.G. dolls with hair and have blessed our socks off with this gem. Please email me with any specific questions you may have about the doll condition or the skirts and I will be happy to answer any specifics for you! I will add the elastic to YOUR child's specific waist size and the skirt would be beautiful on it's own or with tights or leggings. It is very full and twirly!

Little Girl Skirt Measurements:
waist: I will add elastic to YOUR child's waist size
length: 13"

Doll Size: 15" A.G. Bitty Baby
Dress Size: Fits A.G. Bitty Baby










Starting Bid: $45.00
Current Bid: $60.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $11.
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Miniature Chinese Porcelain Vase















Miniature Chinese Porcelain Vase - Beautiful Colors


Do you suppose the artist who painted this vase could have guessed its special destiny?
This beautiful little vase is 2" high and 2 1/2" wide. Tiny but mighty--it will command special attention with it's tiny details and Asian flavor.

On the bottom there are some Chinese characters followed by "Made In China," and beneath that "07." The decoration is gorgeous. There are two white round medallions each with a red painted Chinese character. [I have inquired of some friends on the translation of the characters. One translates "10,000" and the other "age/years" and they are part of a traditional 4 character saying that essentially wishes a government/imperial leader "long life." --- these are 2 of the 4 characters but essentially give the same meaning as the full 4 character set.] The rest of the decoration is outlined in black and then some of those areas are filled in with paint. The paint is worn in only a few tiny areas, perhaps telling of it's age? The dark rose or magenta is heavily applied giving the appearance of enameling and it adds lovely texture. The decoration at the lower portion of the vase almost has an Art Nouveau/Art Deco feel. It is a bright white porcelain base, so I am not sure of it's history. Regardless of its age, what a treasured link to China's beautiful artistic history. And personally, I think a dandelion or two picked by a special little someone in your life would be a PERFECT in it!

Current Bid: $10.00



















Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $4.
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Vintage Chinese Children Treasure Box


Vintage Chinese Children--Treasure Box

It can be a treasure box, a trinket box, a sewing box ... or just a "pretty box" on your shelf reminding you of your little treasures!
This piece has 8 Sweet Chinese Children all holding hands, their little faces beaming and pony tails flying, in a circle of love around the box's "Well" of treasure.

This adorable box is a rare find and a special gem in and of itself!
The lid is removable (see picture). It is about 4" in diameter including the faces.
It is an antique (circa 1940-1950) and is in excellent condition.










Starting Bid: $10.00
Current Bid: $10.10

Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $4.










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Baby Be Blessed Doll Gift Certificate
(blessedly donated anonymously)




Starting Bid: $45.00
Current Bid: $45.00



















Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.









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Heirloom Hand Tailored Bishop's Outfit
(Blessedly donated by Diane McCaslin)










Custom Sewn Heirloom Outfit:



Diane McCaslin contacted me in August JUST as I was launching my own sewing ministry (Ruffled Feathers Company) with something she felt calling her heart deeply--her OWN sewing ministry! How incredibly cool to see God moving hearts to be his hands and feet with the passions and talents HE has blessed us with! And then linking us together to work for Him!
Diane is a beautiful seamstress with a deep heart for orphans. She has offered up this beautiful creation of a custom sewn Bishop's Heirloom Outfit to The Rippee's auction hoping it will bring in a wonderful amount for their adoption fund.

The dress design is a Bishop styled dress that includes adorable bloomers made with coordinating 100% cotton Art Gallery fabrics. The fabric has a high thread count and has a lovely "hand" as is said in sewing circles. If the winner has a daughter who is beyond the "bloomers stage," she will gladly alter the style to suit a school age child.

If you don't win the bid on this adorable item but are interested in supporting Diane in her sewing ministry you can contact her through her blog:
Currently her profits are supporting China's Orphans as well as her local church building project!


Starting Bid: $35.00
Current Bid: $35.00



















Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.

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Jiayin Designs Pendant
(Blessedly donated by Kelly Raudenbush)




Kelly has heartfully donated bid winner's choice of either a Name or Character Pendant from Jiayin Designs (jiayindesigns.com)

The Chinese word jiayin means “good and beautiful news.” What a wonderful way to describe when you first receive your child’s referral and see his or her face and read his or her Chinese name for the first time. Jiayin Designs was created to provide a lasting treasure of that good and beautiful news through custom sterling silver charms made by a jewelry artist in Beijing, China just for you. This artist hand cuts Chinese characters from a sheet of sterling silver and makes them into charms that are one of a kind and stunning.

Pictured are just some examples of the charms. Check out the custom word charms here and the custom name charms here.










Starting Bid: $35.00
Current Bid: $35.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.

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Hand Beaded Watch
(Handcrafted by Molly Wilcox and Blessedly donated anonymously)












Starting Bid: $12.00
Current Bid: $0.00

Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.










Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.

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Kiddie Carrier Sling
(Handcrafted by Kenlyn of Maevy Blue)












"Right after I had our first child, I started looking for a baby carrier that was compact, comfortable, and that I could fit into my purse. Nothing really fit the bill, or was really expensive, so I started working on my own. I named it the Kiddie Carrier. I sold it at LLL meetings for several years and then became pregnant with Maeve. The Kiddie Carrier idea was put back into the closet and forgotten about. Until now... Sure it isn't as fancy as some of the others on the market, but it is sturdy, durable and the padding around the tummy and straps make it comfy. My husband and I both wore it for a long weekends in NYC, carrying a 12 month old. We were both able to wear it by simply pulling in and out on the straps. It fit both of us perfectly and then when we were done, it rolled up and fit right back into my purse. I have friends who have used it while nursing, and others with older children as a backpack.
Kenlyn and her family are fundraising for the upcoming adoption of their daughter, Scarlett who currently is in China, through the sales of these LLL approved slings. Support their adoption and check them out here!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59621523/kiddie-carrier-sling-baby-holder-lll










Starting Bid: $20.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping Included.










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New Day Gift Shop Items
(Blessedly donated by Randy & Rita Rippee)

You may not be able to travel TO New Day ... but here's the next best thing, let the New Day Gift Shop come to you! The following 14 items are crafted in China and are available for purchase at the New Day Gift Shop (however they are not made BY New Day.)


Costume Jewelry-Red Flower

Diamond- 2 long by 1 3/4cm wide, with posts 4cm long










Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $7.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________

Costume Jewelry-Blue/Green Teardrops
Teardrops- 1 3/4 long by 1cm wide, with posts 3 1/2cm long










Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $5.00

Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________


Set of 2: Chinese/English Magnetic Bookmarks #1



measurements: 6 1/2 x 2 3/4 cm










Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $5.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.
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Set of Two--Chinese Magnetic Bookmarks #2
Chinese ladies with red dress and veil


measurements: 2 3/4 x 5 3/4cm



















Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________

Jade Jewelry Necklace
(This is not 100% jade and we were unable to find out what it is made from. It is beautiful and looks like jade. But please bid knowing that it is NOT high quality jade.)



Measurements: 17-33cm on sliding necklace without flower pendant, pendant itself measures 3x3cm then with pendant and hanging beadwork is 5 1/4cm--total necklace length with pendant and all is 21 1/4 - 38 1/4cm.










Starting Bid: $18.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________


Silver Hope Pendant
(True to the character of the properties of silver, this item will need to be


















polished occasionally to maintain it's gorgeous finish.)
Measurements: 1x1 pendant itself not including rings

Starting Bid: $20.00
Current Bid: $20.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $4.

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Silver Hope Earrings
(True to the character of the properties of silver, this item will need to be
polished occasionally to maintain it's gorgeous finish.)
Measurements: Hope- character size is 1x1 and with the earring itself along with the connecting fresh water pearl is 3 1/2cm



















Starting Bid: $20.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $4.

_______________________________


Silver Faith Pendant

(True to the character of the properties of silver, this item will need to be
polished occasionally to maintain it's gorgeous finish.)
Measurements: 1x1 pendant itself not including rings



















Starting Bid: $20.00
Current Bid: $25.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $4.

_______________________________


Silver Faith Earrings

(True to the character of the properties of silver, this item will need to be
polished occasionally to maintain it's gorgeous finish.)
Measurements: Faith-character size is 1x1 and with the earring itself along with the connecting set of chain is 3 3/4cm


















Starting Bid: $20.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.









Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $4.

_______________________________


Costume Jewelry Cross Earrings

Crosses- 1 3/4 long by 1 1/4cm wide, with posts 4 1/5cm long



















Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________


Costume Jewelry Fish Earrings

Fish-fish itself is 2cm long by about 1cm wide at widest point, with posts 4 1/4cm long










Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.
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Chinese Mirrored Compact


Measurements: 7cm diameter



















Starting Bid: $8.00
Current Bid: $10.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $3.


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Set of 2--Chinese Magnetic Bookmarks #3



measurements: 2 3/4 x 5 3/4cm




























Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $0.00



















Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________

Set of 2--Chinese Magnetic Bookmarks #4

Chinese ladies with orange and red dress



measurements: 2 3/4 x 5 3/4cm



















Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $0.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.

_______________________________

Generously QUEEN Sized Quilt

Pineapple Log Cabin Pattern--


(Pieced from the heart and donated by Rita's mom!!)












This is absolutely GORGEOUS! What a treasure this will be for generations, not only in its obvious beauty as a quilt, but also in the story of adoption that will be woven into its history... made by this girl's grandmother to bring her home! This is a generously oversized QUEEN QUILT, it will fit the extra deep mattresses many of us have today!
You do not get this in your basic quilts without paying a pretty penny extra for good quality, let alone hand-made like this. It's STUNNING!!










• Approximate size: generously sized Queen--width 95 x 99 length
• Color Scheme: Rich Red, Evergreen, Natural and White
• Pattern Name: Pinapple Log Cabin
• Solid printed piece base in the center along with additional Hand Piecing in the white areas.
PLEASE NOTE: (There is a preprinted piece used in the "color" areas and then pieced outward from that with white pieces.)
• Machine quilted
















Please don't hesitate to email with further questions! Thank You!






Starting Bid: $300.00





Current Bid: $350.00
















Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.





Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.










Shipping $20.

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Retired and Signed Molly Apron from Scarlet Threads
(Blessedly donated by Molly Wilcox)
Retired and Signed, this Molly Apron from Scarlet Threads is a RARE find these days!
Signed by Scarlet Threads, Molly received this apron while in China receiving her son Evan. It was an incredibly popular apron and is now retired! Here's your chance to get one!










Starting Bid: $25.00
Current Bid: $25.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $3.

Tiny Chinese Shoes (Ornamental)











These tiny embroidered Chinese Shoes measure 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches and are connected by the beautiful woven red and yellow laces. They are lined with a royal yellow silk and are highly detailed right down to their pointy toes. They would look STUNNING on your Christmas Tree as an ornament this season or for a beautiful accent anywhere in your home any time of the year!
Starting Bid: $12.00
Current Bid: $12.00










Please email almquist@fmtcs.com to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $3.