"Never Alone" T-Shirts!

Hello Everyone! I am so excited to be a part of the fundraising team, and have some exciting things planned. Our first new fundraiser is the "Never Alone" T-shirts! 

The T-Shirts come in Adult, Ladie's fit, and Youth sizes. 

The shirts are $20 and the shipping is FREE! 

To order a shirt, please e-mail me, Lindsay Adams, at lindsayadams12@me.com.

Please include your name, address, and t-shirt size you would like. 

 You can pay through paypal, or send a check to...

Lindsay Adams

6001 Rathbone Dr. 

Allen Texas, 75002

Please spread the word to your friends and family! If you have any questions, e-mail me at any time. I am a freshman in college, so I am up at all hours of the night studying. I should be able to e-mail you back quickly : )  I cannot wait to hear from all of you!! 

In His Grip, 

Lindsay 

Where We Are Now

I'm sure many of you are wondering where we are now in the process. We've now turned in all our paperwork for our dossier. It will be certified, authenticated, and then translated. I guess then it will go to China--ha, from China, then back to China again!-- and we'll have dossier to China!! I'll let you know when that official date happens.

I also have to tell you what has transpired here the past few days. We have been blessed big time!! It all began when we got up Friday morning and received an email from our agency saying they hadn't heard from us in awhile, wanted the rest of our dossier documents and about $3,000 as the next fees due. While these documents had been done for some time, we didn't want to turn them in knowing we just didn't have the money. We were working on some fund-raisers and were hoping our first grant would come in time before the next fees were due. We were waiting on our I-800A to come back anyway. I guess our agency knew it was due back anytime now and they wanted to finish up our dossier. Naturally, I was feeling a bit concerned about where this money was going to come from.

As you know, Lindsay has also joined our fund-raising team. I seriously and carefully considered whether or not to say anything as I REALLY didn't want her to feel any pressure. This is not in her hands, but His.

I did feel led to contact her and just find out where we were as I knew she had a few things in the works. I needed to know our options and where to go from here. She said someone had already pledged $1,000 and would do some more checking into things. She was delighted that I'd shared with her what our agency had asked for. Said that people told her she worked better under pressure anyway. I have to tell you--this is one amazing young lady!! Although my husband had read the email from the agency and knew what they wanted, he then had to go to the dentist. While he is away, in only a few short hours, when I talked again to Lindsay, she had the entire $3,000 pledged from this one individual. I was in tears. It is hard to put into words just how I felt. That someone who didn't really even know me..........would do that for us, for our daughter!! There just aren't words enough to thank them for their love and generosity for an orphan and their forever family!! I mean, what can I say except THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Not only that--if that isn't enough in itself!! She also has our next fee of about $2,700 coming due already pledged. Isn't that just awesome?!!!

Though none of us knew it--HE HAD A PLAN!! Valerie has been and continues to be there for us when we need her, but isn't it also AWESOME that He sent someone else along just at the right time to help with the fund-raisers?!! Isn't that just like HIM?!! At the perfect time, He sent Lindsay our way too! His timing is perfect! Now we have a team!! Valerie had a huge part to play in getting us where we are in our adoption process today and continues to help with the blog, and for that she deserves a HUGE THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU too!! We are feeling ohhhh sooooo blessed and doing some really happy dances here this week!! Won't you join us in celebration?!!

Blessings Of a New Year!

The New Year 2011 is in full swing with the Chinese New Year fast approaching. Which makes it a beautiful and perfect time to unveil a blossoming of Blessings A Hundred Fold!

I am excited to announce a new member of the fundraising team for The Rippee's Adoption Journey to their daughter. Lindsay Adams will be coming aboard to help with the continued fundraising efforts to bring Randy and Rita's little girl home to their arms! I will continue to help out on the website side of things but Lindsay will be overseeing the fundraising area going forward. She has many very cool ideas and will hopefully add so much of her energy and excitement to the project in a way that will spread the beauty and knowledge of adoption, and the heart behind it, to so many as well as to help raise the funds needed to finally bring the Rippee's daughter home.

When I first accepted Rita's offer to create this blogsite and start some sort of fundraising for their adoption back in May of 2010 little did I know the journey we were all embarking on! Had I known the journey would be long--very long--and full of ups and downs in so many areas and that we would be doing the majority of our fundraising all WITHOUT ever being able to picture or name who The Rippee's were adopting I surely would have ran half terrified for the woods. You see ... I'm a shy kinda gal ... the sort that even has a hard time helping fundraise for her own son's hockey team. I'm certainly not a bold, loud, outgoing person. In fact, I'm perhaps the last person who might come to mind when choosing up sides on this kinda of a thing ... but that is where the beauty in it all lies. In our weaknesses HE is strong. And I am so thankful that I was given just enough of what I needed to say "yes" to jumping on board with The Rippee's in this adventure.

If ANY of you feel a prompting in any way to make a fundraising suggestion or to host something in conjunction with this site or on your own for The Rippee's, PLEASE don't hestitate to contact Rita, Lindsay or myself! (emails will be listed on the sidebar shortly.) Rita and Randy are coming into a time when expenses will be coming due and funds are yet to be raised. If there is a prompting on your heart to do something, even if you think it is only a small thing, please still act on it. It is the amazing the things that can be done through many hands and giving hearts. Please help me welcome Lindsay to the team!

I-800A Filed

Last week, we received notice from our agency that our I-800A was filed with US Immigration Service.  They told us to expect about 45-60 days for that approval to come back.  In the meantime, we have all the rest of our dossier documents finished and need to get them all off to them in the mail.  Once that approval comes back, and they translate our dossier and everything, we should have Dossier to China!! Yeah!! As far as we know now, it would then be 3-5 months on the Waiting Child Program before we actually "travel to China (ha ha!)"  to get our new daughter!!  Now, that means we need to come up with the rest of the funds, about 3/4 of the total cost of the adoption.  We've been applying for grants, as many as possible.  Most of those take about 3-4 months to process.  Please continue to pray for those grants and/or other creative ideas on bringing in the funds to bring our new daughter home!!  Thank you all so much for your emotional, financial, encouragement, and spiritual support in this adoption journey! 

Picking Them Up With Both Hands-A Must Have Book for the Holidays!

Did you remember this book that will benefit The Rippee's Adoption?!

I just bought a copy and added the button to my sidebar that will take you to the order site! 

Spread the word AND buy some as Christmas presents as well! What a cool  opportunity to read and share stories of orphans that will also benefit orphans!

Written by Caleb Phillips during the time he and his wife spent at a certain foster home in China,  it delivers real-life stories of real-life children who are waiting for parents to love and care for them. 

The Philips are donating all of the profits from this project to orphan relief. The Rippee Family will be one benefactor as they adopt from China.

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!!

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!

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!

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.