Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Homestudy is finished!

The home-study has now been finalized and finished. We have just sent off all the paperwork necessary to file our I-800A application with the US Immigration.  Guess what, although our funds were depleted from the last payment necessary, the silent auction was finished at just the right timing and provided enough funds to make the payment for this I-800A filing.  His timing is perfect and we are continually amazed at how He goes before us working things out!  We are also oh soooo thankful for all of you who've done so much to help and bless us during this adoption journey!!  As soon as this piece of paperwork comes back, we will have all of our documents for our dossier to send to China.  We'll keep you posted when that happens.  Thanks again for your support, both financially and prayerfully!! 

Now that the home-study is finished, we can now begin to apply for grants to help fund this adoption, so you can keep that process lifted up.  May God bless you all!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

THANK YOU!

Thank you to EVERYONE who placed a bid, donated items or lifted up The Rippee's during The Silent Auction. Nearly $800 was raised for their adoption! And some really cool things are going to be sent out to folks very soon. Remember to email me (Valerie) your address where you'd like me to send your items.
almquist@fmtcs.com


All bid winners can pay via PayPal using the DONATE button on the sidebar of the Blessings site. (If you can leave a note saying it is for the Silent Auction that would be helpful but I will also give Rita a list of bid winners.) Funds will then go directly to The Rippee's and they will then contact me so I can send out the paid for items to the address you give me. If you'd like to pay by check you can email me for my address or to make other arrangements.
Please pay for the items in the next 7 days, I have emailed all bid winners (I think), HOWEVER, there are 2 people who left comments with their bids who have closed blogs/ blog profiles and I do not have your contact info (I placed a comment asking for your contact info following your bids in the comments section of the post you bid on.)
Thank you again for your generosity and love for adoption!

Blessings!
Valerie and The Rippee's


P.S. Remember that you can become a follower of this blog on the lower right sidebar and you can also continue to follow the journey by bookmarking us!

Friday, November 19, 2010

HURRY! Silent Auction ends TONIGHT 9pm (friday)

These wonderful items are still waiting for their first bids to take them home:

  • White/Brown Yixing Teacup Set
  • Camera Straps B,D, E, F, and G
  • Asian Treasure Bowls
  • Hand Beaded Watch
  • Kiddie Carrier Sling
  • Chinese Magnetic Bookmark Set #2
  • Jade Necklace
  • Silver Hope Earrings
  • Silver Faith Earrings
  • Cross Earrings
  • Fish Earrings
There are only a few hours left in the Silent Auction (ends at 9pm Central Standard Time.)
If you'd like to make a bid on these OR ANY of the items, please email me at almquist@fmtcs.com OR make a post with your bid (to any post and I'll be sure to get notice of it via email.) 

THANK YOU for supporting Randy and Rita Rippee's Adoption!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Silent Auction Final Days!: Post Bids directly

Welcome to the Silent Auction Fundraiser
for Randy and Rita Rippee's Adoption Fund

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Auction closes on Friday evening at 9pm Central Standard Time. 

I've relisted the items in separate posts (28 of them!) so you can leave your bids at ANY time.
Please Scroll via OLDER POSTS at the bottom of each page for all 5 pages of items.

You can still email me at almquist@fmtcs.com with any questions OR if you'd rather have your bid remain anonymous. (Many of these items would make GREAT Christmas gifts and/or stocking stuffers--your secret will be safe with me!)

If you have bid previously via email and have the high bid, it still remains. Also, you can leave any uplifting comments you'd like with your bids. There were many suggestions that you all would enjoy seeing things listed in this format ... HOWEVER YOU NEED TO SCROLL TO OLDER POSTS at the bottom of each page for 5 pages to see all the items (I can't seem to find a work around for this snag. Suggestions welcome.)


Please leave your bid for any of the listed items by posting a comment.
______________________________

Fish Earrings--Costume Jewelry
(From the New Day Gift Shop--The next best thing to being there!)


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 post a comment to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $2.
American Girl Bitty Baby Doll
And Matching "Ruffled Feathers" Twirly Skirt
Brown Hair, Almond shaped eyes, Pleasant Company




13" length Little Girl Skirt  donataed by  www.ruffledfeatherscompany.blogspot.com


Detail of the skirt

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 post a comment to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $11.
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 post a comment to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $8.
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
Post a comment to bid.






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

Cross Earrings--Costume Jewelry
(From the New Day Gift Shop--The next best thing to being there!)

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

Starting Bid: $5.00
Current Bid: $0.00Please post a comment to bid.

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



White and Brown Crackle Finish 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 post a comment to bid.

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



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 post a comment 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 post a comment to bid.


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






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: $20.00Current Bid: $0.00
Please post a comment to bid.

Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $4.
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 post a comment to bid.

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

Chinese Mirrored Compact
(From the New Day Gift Shop--The next best thing to being there!)


Measurements: 7cm diameter

Starting Bid: $8.00
Current Bid: $10.00

Please post a comment to bid.
Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping: $3.



Jade Jewelry Necklace
(From the New Day Gift Shop--The next best thing to being there!)
Although this is not precious high-grade jade, (we were unable to find out exactly what grade jade it is made from,) it still is beautiful and will be a beautiful reminder to you of your generous donation to this adoption from China! 





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 post a comment 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 (Rita's Mom) 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. There is an incredible amount of hand work done in this piece regardless of the preprinted areas!
• Machine quilted
Please don't hesitate to email with further questions! Thank You!

Starting Bid: $300.00

Current Bid: $350.00







Please post a comment to bid.


Bidding ends Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. CST.
Shipping $20.
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 post a comment to bid.

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


PLEASE click OLDER POSTS below to see additional auction items!