Jack's New Room

We've been making changes around here preparing for the little boys. We've switched the boys' bedrooms, divided toys, cleaned out closets, painted rooms, and on and on. We've finally finished Jack's room. Thanks to the parents who helped us out...ceiling fans, curtains, etc. :)

And it's even complete with a Christmas tree and a dirty sippy cup. Oops.

Adoption Article, Fundraising and other Stuff

First of all, thank you to all who left a comment on our article. There are more comments on there than we would have ever imagined! And it's just the second day! Thank you also to those of you who have passed our story along. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Second, I've had a lot of people ask me about Sixseeds. A friend of a friend is one of the writers for this organization. I've gotten to know them through emails regarding adoption. I've been getting their e-magazine for about a month now. I've really enjoy reading it! To those of you who are adopting and would like to get involved, here is a link to a $2,000 adoption giveaway they're doing right now! Just leave a comment and it enters you in the contest. As far as the articles go, they're not taking anymore right now, but they do plan on doing this again soon, so stay tuned to their website. It doesn't take long to get 30 adopting families to submit their story. I'm talking days. Even hours.

Thirdly, I've also gotten a lot of questions about fundraising. Adoption is quite expensive, as some of you know. We haven't talked much about the cost, and may disclose a little more info after we're done with the process. Just to put it into American terms, adopting two children can be equivalent to buying two new cars. The thought can be overwhelming. But then you begin to think of things you can live without. Like a home phone, especially when you have two cell phones. Cable. If you're like us, cutting your home phone and cable will save you $100/month. Now is a perfect time to refinance. Don't go out to eat as much. Instead, plan theme dinners. They take a little more preparation, but it's much more fun than going out to eat.

We've made a lot of changes over the last year, but we could do so much more. The things we've cut out of our normal daily life are things we should have cut out from the beginning. One challenge though. Don't change the way you give. Give cheerfully and give abundantly. God will bless your obedience. Deuteronomy 28 talks specifically about the blessing of obedience. Verse 12 says, "The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands." If God has called you to adopt or take another leap of faith, He is faithful to complete whatever He's called you to do. 1 Thess. 5:24 says, "The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." End of story.

If you would still like to comment on our article, here is the link. Feel free to post on your blog or facebook page! 28 days and counting to leave your comment. :)

Adoption Opportunity that Involves YOU

Dear Friends,

A new parenting e-magazine SixSeeds.tv is partnering with our family to help bring our child home! Leave one comment under our family’s article located here:

http://sixseeds.tv/s/content/adoption/626-adoption_the_tyner_family

You can say anything in the comment, make it short and sweet or leave a heartfelt note. Then, SixSeeds will donate $2 toward our efforts! Not only will you be helping our family's adoption, you will also receive a weekly e-zine that talks about the best in good, family, fun! (SixSeeds includes team members who brought you the Narnia movies, best selling authors, and other great family fun!) (You may unsubscribe to this article at any time; you're under no obligation to keep it.)

Please comment, send others to our page, and spread the word about this offer. We have the entire month of November to comment, but please do it today!

Thank you so much!

The Tyner Family

Drumroll please...

And the winner of the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest is: SHIM! Congratulations Shanle!

Second place goes to Shay for the Pirate Pumpkin and third place goes to Jack for Frankenstein!