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Singing lieutenant's legacy lives on
Beth Sholom award honors employee, resident 'idol'
In his last 12 years of life, Art Heller coped with a debilitating stroke, a move from his lifelong home in New Jersey, and the stress of adjusting to serious health limitations and life in an assisted living facility and new town.
But he didn't simply meet the challenge gracefully, say those who knew him. He excelled at his new life, won over an entire community of residents and employees in his new home, and went on to become an icon of the community who is still revered today.
Although the World War II veteran passed away in 2004 – on Veteran's Day – his name still comes up frequently in conversations at Beth Sholom. From his stellar singing voice to his enthusiasm for baseball and his charismatic personality, Heller continues to live prominently in the memories of his Beth Sholom family.
"The staff at the home absolutely adored him," says Arthur's son, Dan. "He had a personality that was able to engage everyone."
Heller recalls that when family members visited other residents of the home, and their own relatives were not doing well, they would seek out Art Heller to get the lift in spirits they needed.
"They'd stop and see my dad and just spend a few minutes, and then they'd tell me how good it made them feel," says Heller. "He had that uncanny ability."
What's more, Art's legacy lives on in the annual Arthur Heller Employee Recognition Award award, which his grateful family established both as a tribute to Heller and as an appreciative gesture to the staff members who helped make his life so enjoyable in his later years.
Heart of gold
This year's award recipient, Mike Sorenson, has worked at Beth Sholom for 17 years in roles ranging from maintenance to night watchman to his current job as medical supplies coordinator. Deirdre Arnowitz, director of social work at Beth Sholom, says Sorenson is not only a deserving recipient, but one who has much in common with the award's namesake.
"Mike is such a sweet man," says Arnowitz. "He'll do anything for anybody and he's very kind to all the residents."
Arnowitz adds that among the roles Sorenson has assigned himself over the years -- without being asked -- is caretaker of animals at the home.
"He loves cats and birds, and when we had a resident cat, Mike took care of her all the time," says Arnowitz. "He took her to the vet and came back on weekends to feed her. He wanted to make sure the residents had a cat."
When the cat died, Sorenson took care of subsequent pets, including birds. He would make sure the birds were covered at night, and took them to residents to keep overnight. "The residents did better because of his efforts," says Arnowitz.
Arnowitz also points out that when feral cats became a problem outside the residential community, Sorenson found homes for all of them as well. On the job, says Arnowitz, Sorenson is known for his knack for fixing things, and often helps out in the rehabilitation department repairing wheelchairs.
"He just has a heart of gold," says Arnowitz, "and an unassuming manner. He never wants attention for himself and was just flabbergasted to get the award."
'King Arthur'
While Sorenson is reluctant to speak of himself, he lights up with a smile remembering Art Heller, whom he calls a "good man" with a talent for singing and playing the piano.
Arnowitz confirms Heller's talent for entertaining, and cites a list of favorite songs he would sing, including "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
"We called him King Arthur," says Arnowitz with a laugh. "He sang for every talent show and sing-along, and everyone followed along. I remember he also sang 'Always' to [his granddaughter] Erin.
"He had the most gorgeous blue eyes. He just melted us."
Dan Heller notes that his father's singing voice was something of a legend, and that he entertained the troops during the 1940s.
"There's a picture of him singing to 10,000 troops in Louisville, Kentucky," says Heller. "They called him 'The Singing Lieutenant.' But he was very modest, and other family members had to tell us about it."
Heller says that after the war, his father apparently auditioned for a singing role, and ended up taking second place. The man he lost out to was Dennis Day, who later went on to fame as Jack Benny's sidekick.
"I tell my children," says Heller, 'If there had been an American Idol in the 1940s, your grandpa would have been in the top ten.'"
'He meant so much'
But it was Art Heller's demeanor, even more than his talent for entertaining, that stands out in the memories of those who knew him.
"He was so appreciative," says Arnowitz, "and so amenable to everyone. Art was just the nicest, kindest, smartest – and he would share about his life. I always assigned social worker interns to him, because he was such a great guy to get to know."
Dan Heller tells the story of an encounter about two years after his father died, when he was in line with his son at a fast food restaurant and noticed a woman staring at him.
Eventually the woman approached him, saying, "You're Mr. Heller's son." She told Dan that she had worked at Beth Sholom years ago, and that in her 25-year career working in nursing homes, his father was the "nicest man I ever met."
"Then," recalls Dan, "she takes out her wallet and shows me his obituary. She looked at me and said, 'He meant so much to me.'"
Hearing that from a professional with that much experience in the field, says Heller, told him that establishing the employee recognition award was clearly the right way to recognize his father.
Since establishing the award (which he discussed with his father before his death), Heller has noticed that the idea seems to generate other ideas for good turns. One day, Heller happened to mention the award while on the golf course, telling his fellow players how it honored not only his father's memory but also the unsung heroes who work at Beth Sholom. One golfer, who had just lost his son in an accident, was moved to donate gift cards to all of the award recipients in his son's memory.
It's also tradition that as part of the annual awards ceremony, previous recipients join the celebration and are given corsages and gift certificates. The current winner, surrounded by residents, staff, and friends of the community, receives a cash award in addition to the recognition.
The ceremony never fails to move Deirdre Arnowitz and members of the Heller family (Dan, wife Nancy, and children Ben and Erin – all of whom have volunteered at the home for years) – or to elicit memories and story-telling about "King Arthur."
"I am so glad he lived here 12 years," says Arnowitz. "We were so lucky to have him."
Lions Club donates backpacks to elementary school
The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club (based in western Henrico) recently donated 59 backpacks to the Westover Hills Elementary School on Jahnke Road.
Above, club members display some of the backpacks prior to their distribution. > Read more.
Glen Allen student to perform at Carnegie Hall
Thanks to a first-place win in The American Protege International Vocal Competition 2014, Glen Allen High School student Matija Tomas will travel to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall in December.
At the first-place winners recital in Weill Hall, Matija will perform Giacomo Puccini's opera aria, "Chi il bel sogna di doretta." She will perform with other vocalists from around the world and have the opportunity to win other awards and scholarships.
Locally, Thomas has performed with Richmond's renowned Glorious Christmas Nights, Christian Youth Theatre, and WEAG's Urban Gospel Youth Choir. > Read more.
Gayton Baptist Church dedicates new outreach center
The John Rolfe YMCA and Gayton Baptist Church have partnered in an effort to bring greater health and wellness opportunities to the community.
Through this partnership, the John Rolfe Y will run Youth Winter Sports programs, including basketball and indoor soccer, in Gayton's newly renovated $5.5 million outreach center that features a new gymnasium, youth and teen space, social space with café, meeting space and full service commercial kitchen. > Read more.
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Weekend Top 10
It's Halloween! Ghosts and goblins are everywhere…especially at Dorey Park's Monster Mash and the annual Pumpkin Festival at Gayton Crossing Shopping Center. But don't let the fun stop on the 31st – the Latin Ballet of Virginia will present El Dia de los Muertos Family Festival on Nov. 1. And if you need a break from the candy, enjoy some classical music at the University of Richmond and the Weinstein JCC on Sunday. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Brews and bites done right
Urban Tavern's big, bold themes impress
The Urban Tavern opened in August, replacing the former Shackelford's space at 10498 Ridgefield Parkway in Short Pump. Because of local and longtime devotion to Shackleford's, Urban Tavern has some big shoes to fill.
Without any background information, I headed to the restaurant for dinner on a Wednesday night, two months after its opening.
On a perfect fall evening, four out of eight outdoor tables were taken, giving the impression that the restaurant was busier than it was. On the inside, a couple tables were taken, and a few folks were seated at the bar. > Read more.
A terrible, horrible movie. . . that's actually pretty good
'Alexander' provides uncomplicated family fun
It's not surprising in the least that Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day doesn't much resemble the book it's based upon.
Judith Viorst's 1972 picture book isn't exactly overflowing with movie-worthy material. Boy has bad day. Boy is informed that everyone has bad days sometimes. Then, the back cover.
In the film, the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad-ness is blown up to more extreme size. Alexander Cooper (Ed Oxenbould) has a bum day every day, while the rest of his family (Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Dylan Minnette, Kerris Dorsey) exist in a constant bubble of perfection and cheery optimism – to the point that the family is so wrapped up in their own success that Alexander's being ignored.
So on the eve of his 12th birthday, Alexander makes a wish: just once, he'd like his family to see things from his perspective; to experience the crushing disappointment of one of those no good, very bad days. Once he has blown out the candle on his pre-birthday ice cream sundae, his family's fate is sealed: one full day of crippling disasters for all of them. > Read more.
'Scouting for Food' collections to be picked up Saturday
Henrico confirms 10th rabies case of the year
Police promote 5
Firefighters quickly extinguish northern Henrico apartment blaze
Police seek robbery suspect
- More News
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Oct. 16, 2014Click here to read the print edition.
Weekend Top 10
Brews and bites done right
A terrible, horrible movie. . . that's actually pretty good
Deep Run HS plans fall musical
Weekend Top 10
- More Entertainment
Obituary – Frank H. Shortsleeve
Obituary – Robert Frank Collier, Sr.
Obituary – Howard Thomas Matkins
- More Obituaries
Lions Club donates backpacks to elementary school
Glen Allen student to perform at Carnegie Hall
Gayton Baptist Church dedicates new outreach center
- More Community
At a crossroads
A shot in the dark
The crisis that isn't
- More Opinions
Virginia fisherman wins James River event in Henrico
Hermitage to host Monday night football events
Down to the wire
- More Sports
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CalendarTNT Entertainment will present Youth Impact 2014 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at U-Turn Sports Performance Academy, 2101 Maywill St. This youth and young adult conference is for ages… Full text


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To check if your phone has the Black update installed, go to Settings > extras+info. If yes, you will see Lumia Black on Extras+info, next to Software release.
If you have the latest update on your phone but it does not have Lumia Black extras, scan the QR codes with your phone:
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- Tap on Vision (eye icon) at the bottom at the screen and hold up your phone to capture the QR code provided below.
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Download the updated app here from the Store.
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text:
Antidepressants during pregnancy questioned
New study weighs benefits, risks
For years, pregnant women who suffer from depression have been told it's safer for them and their unborn child to continue taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
Now a new study is challenging that advice, suggesting the opposite is true and advocating against most women taking these drugs. If the depression is severe, however, the benefits might outweigh the risks, so it's best to check with your psychiatrist or physician.
Experts say about 13% of women take an antidepressant at some point during their pregnancy. Many drugs are called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Taking these medicines while pregnant, however, may raise safety concerns, according to a review of existing research published Wednesday in the journal Human Reproduction.
Study findings
"There is clear consistent evidence of risk with the use of these drugs by pregnant women and we know there is a range of pregnancy complications that are associated with the use of these drugs in pregnancy," says study author Dr. Adam Urato, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham, Massachusetts.
"Those include miscarriage, preterm birth (delivering the baby early), newborn behavioral syndrome (poor newborn adaptation) - and there is a big issue about the possible long-term effects of these drugs," he says.
But others are concerned this review does not address the risks of not treating women with severe depression, which can be equally important.
"Yes, there are issues with using antidepressants during pregnancy, but they (the study authors) are not putting this in any sort of context," says Dr. Jennifer Payne, director of the Women's Mood Disorders Center at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. "They didn't even give a nod to (the fact that) there may be cases when you need to use antidepressants during pregnancy, and I find that irresponsible."
"Many women who are depressed don't sleep and don't eat properly," Payne says. "Women who are depressed during pregnancy are less likely to see their doctors for routine prenatal care."
Treatment during pregnancy also helps protect mothers from developing postpartum depression after the baby is born. Waiting to begin treatment until after delivery, "you're going to run the risk of letting mom slide into postpartum depression when perhaps you could have prevented this if you'd started treatment earlier," explains Dr. Marla Wald, a psychiatrist at Duke University Medical Center who specializes in perinatal and women's mental health.
The study authors also reviewed several studies that suggest use of SSRIs does not increase infertile women's chances of conceiving. More research is needed on the topic, they say.
The American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a joint report in 2009 to address the concerns about the risks of antidepressants on the health of pregnant women and their babies.
According to the report, studies show pregnant women who take antidepressants have a slightly increased risk of miscarriage and may deliver their babies early, before 37 weeks of gestation. The report also says when pregnant women take antidepressants, 15% to 30% have babies with neurobehavioral problems such as irritability or risk for seizures. These symptoms usually go away in about two weeks, according to the APA and ACOG.
Another concern, according to the report, is persistent pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, although the risks are very small. The jury is still out about the possibility of long-term effects of SSRIs on children, according to the APA/ACOG report, but lack of treatment for very depressed moms increases the risk of early developmental issues.
Depression levels differ
But the authors of the new study point out that the majority of women on SSRIs are not severely depressed, instead suffering only mild to moderate symptoms.
And in this group, "There is really no conclusive evidence that SSRIs are better than placebo," says study author Dr. Alice Domar, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF. "I don't want women to stay on this medication thinking it's as safe as a sugar pill because it's not."
Domar says that other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy are as good or better than SSRIs for those with mild to moderate depression. She says other options also being investigated include exercise, mindfulness based therapy, yoga, acupuncture and light box therapy.
But Wald wants to reassure women with severe depression who find that only SSRIs work as opposed to alternative therapies that they aren't doing anything wrong.
"I don't want women to be scared by this paper because fundamentally there is not enough being done for this population," she says. "I would be concerned if
this information was viewed as saying there was too much treatment going on for these women, particularly too much medication treatment."
And she adds that each woman is different and needs to be evaluated by a psychiatrist or trained professional to determine if antidepressants are the best treatment option.
"They should make the best individual decision they can and not succumb to cultural pressures - make the best individual decision they can for themselves and their whole family, for all of their children," says Wald.
Copyright 2012 by CNN NewSource . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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My Way of Thinking: Comments against GMO and Monsanto are twisted
Strict enforcement of no planting of traited soybean seed harvested by farmers also ended a procedure that had been followed for years by soybeans farmers, even though the certified seed industry had advertised against replanting harvested seed to achieve maximum yields. More than 15 years after the first enforcement, a current court case about replanting saved seed is still being judicated.
Monsanto is only one of many companies and universities involved in genetically modified organism research and product sales, but Monsanto still is the focus of worldwide protests. But support of the company has evolved to be stronger than in its earliest days, from the way I see it.
That brings me to a United Kingdom website reader's unusual comment. "I agree; the science and crop varieties they (Monsanto) have provided for farmers and consumers are a wonderful gift to the world, and they have born the brickbats thrown at them, by the mainly ignorant opponents, with considerable patience. Keep at it Monsanto, one day the world will recognize your contribution to the world. In the UK we have great difficulty obtaining GMO foods but I buy them whenever I can and avoid 'organic' produce if at all possible."
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Comments (9) Leave a comment
We already recognize Monsanto's contribution to the world. As of 2012, Monsanto is associated with 11 "active" Superfund sites and 20 "archived" sites in the EPA's Superfund sites through pollution and poisoning. A UK government report showed that 67 chemicals, including Agent Orange derivatives, dioxins and PCBs exclusively made by Monsanto, are leaking from the Brofiscin quarry, near Groesfaen in Wales, an unlined porous quarry that was not authorized to take chemical wastes. It emerged that the groundwater had been polluted since the 1970s In 2002, the Washington Post carried a front page report on Monsanto's legacy of environmental damage in Anniston, Alabama, related to its legal production of PCBs. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit pending at that time provided documentation showing that the local Monsanto factory knowingly discharged both mercury and PCB-laden waste into local creeks for over 40 years. NY Times reported Monsanto had dumped 45 tons of PCBs into Snow Creek, a feeder for Choccolocco Creek which supplies much of the area's drinking water and that the company buried millions of pounds of PCB in open-pit landfills located on hillsides above the plant and surrounding neighborhoods. Monsanto also has admitted to paying bribes to a number of high-ranking officials between 1997 and 2002. I don't know how you deny the facts, keep up the good cheerleading for one of the most disgusting companies on the planet - it says quite a bit about yourself.
So, I gather that the basic thrust of the article is "Anti-GMO people are annoying and post their viewpoints on our page, which bothers me." (Sorry, but I stopped caring after the first few lines or so). My response: "good." I'm proud to demand that this garbage food be labeled. If you are so proud of it, then you eat it!
How many other countries ban GMO food or at least label it? Look that one up please.
Thank you for posting something positive for once. I love all the anti-gmo blog posts and protests that are based on completely incorrect information and misinterpreted science. I really wish people would educate themselves before supporting a cause for something they truly know nothing about! I work in the agriculture industry and I see on a daily basis how much Monsanto actually gives back to communities across the world. Not to mention that without their seed technology a vast majority of the population in India would starve. It doesn't matter that the majority of the vegetables that are bred by Monsanto don't contain GMO's and actually have more nutritional value than organic varieties, the activists are going to protest them anyway because again that are the misinformed minority.
Since there isn't much releasable science from Biotech (Most of what there is belongs to the "Proprietary" variety, and is therefore only available to the FDA, USDA and EPA, who assure us "they're okay"-this of course requires us to swallow our misplaced lack of faith in the ex-Monsanto Employees that head and run these "Consumer Protection" Agencies...AHEM), it now appears incumbent to simply attack the Commentors & the Anti-GMO groups for the unconscionable act of not liking the Products. It's starting to look a little desperate out there-but then, that's just me buzzing warnings to the rest of the hive. (Try to ignore the rising buzzing sounds from the Consumer Bees.)
Well, here they are Mr. Keller, just as you expected...
Not a word about what is made possible by such a great penetration of Round Up Ready product, and by not following recommended Integrated Pest Management, that the greater agriculture community is creating new monsters: Round Up Resistant Weeds and bT resistant grubs. It's only a matter of time before these products are obsolete and we're dealing with super weeds and super bugs. Nature does not succeed by being monotonous. Variety breeds longevity, and is very much needed to progress. Uniformity may breed success, but also is just as capable of being a catastrophic failure....hopefully we won't have to learn the hard way. We need both GMO's and Organics/Unmodified to succeed and survive, they both deserve protection...but since the wind is capable of blowing pollen over hundreds of miles, it is very hard to draw the line in the sand.
Can you supply a bibliography for your statements. Where is the scientific data showing the high nutritional value of monsantos food? Thank you
Wow ... you don't care much about truth. Your education seems to be entirely from the corporate mafia. Don't question your masters. I hope you see the light soon because somewhere along your way you seem to have lost any semblance of humanity. So monsanto really cares about people, they are doing it for the world, they only want to help in India... really... how come the Indians don't feel that way? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGI8Bhz35EI Also, what about all the family farmers who don't want monsanto's poison and are being sued when it 'mysteriously' shows up on their property. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=omtYlsG1P5U You can eat all the gmo poison you want but don't take away my right to avoid the poison. That is exactly what monsanto is doing. They don't care about feeding the world... it's all about power, control and their almighty bottom line.
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Hello loves! You are all wonderfully & beautifully made-- Don't ever feel like you're not beautiful! This blog is to help me stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle! & inspire others to do the same!! :) Motivation is key! Don't ever give up, it will all be worth it at the end when you finally reach your goal! Eat clean, stay active & live healthy! Join me in my journey to lose fat & stay fit! <3
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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome...
Girl, born 1998
Trudy is the older sister of Tristan and Tatiana.
All three children can be adopted together or separately; they are currently in the same region, but in different orphanages. We hope to find a family where they can stay together!
Boy, born 2003
Mental delays, but otherwise healthy
Tristan is the brother of Tatiana and Trudy. All three children can be adopted together or separately; they are currently in the same region, but in different orphanages. We hope to find a family where they can stay together!
From her medical records: absence of rectum, cranial bones deformity, multiple development pathologies, severe dermatitis, delay of development but she is very smart and active
Hannah is a very friendly girl. She likes to play different toys, with other children of her group. She is very smiling, easy-going girl. She understands everything, but she does not talk yet. She is a smart girl. She is walking independently.
Hannah was born with deformed cranial bones. Hannah is very smart, she is nearly walking, and has striking blue eyes and a smile to warm your heart! She has severe dermatitis, from what they are not sure. She was also born without a rectum, and presumably uses a colostomy bag at this time. She will definitely need to be seen by a gastroenterologist once home.
From an adoptive family who visited with her in June 2010: " Hannah is a precious little angel that despite her challenges, is unbelievably full of life. She loves her walker, especially moving "lightening fast" down the hallway, to the playroom, whenever she has the chance. She is a little spit fire…who has a mind of her own;) We took her pacifier (which she loves) out of her mouth to snap a few pictures and she made herself perfectly clear that she wanted it back:) She is developing very well and walks by holding on to her caretakers finger. She can hold a ball/toy and is very social little girl. She happily perked and stood up to her feet (while in her walker) when I bent down and spoke to her. When my camera flashed, she threw her little hands up to her face and smiled. She is an absolute favorite of her caretakers and the Orphanage Director. The "blue" on her skin is an anteseptic that is applied as a result of her extreme skin allergy. Given the chance, this little one will grow by leaps and bounds. She sure stole my heart!"
Hannah is doing well, she is still in the orphanage and will be available for adoption when she turns 5 in September. She is a sweet girl! Unfortunately, pictures cannot reflect it, but she is very charming! We would be happy if a good family could adopt her ASAP!
We got to meet Hannah while touring the special needs floor of the baby house in April 2011. She is obviously adored by the staff, and is well cared for. She was super tiny and a little shy, but that didn't stop her from approaching our daughter who had traveled with us. Although I didn't hear her make any sounds, she was very expressive and they quickly and easily responded to her. She appeared to fully understand what they were saying to her as well, and did respond with head nodding and shaking a few times. Not only was she walking on her own, she was strong and steady. Able to get up and down, chase the ball, run off with the ball in her hands. She is currently living in a caring environment with a great therapy floor, able to help her to meet her milestones and goals. She will be transferred between the age of 5 & 6 as all children are from this facility. The reality of where she will go, and the group where she will be fit into should a family not arrive for her BEFORE she is transfer is not good. She will quickly regress there.
Girl, Born April 2008
Little Katerina also has CP. She has brown hair and big brown eyes.
Early intevention, improved nutrition, and a loving, encouraging family will make a big difference for this little girl!
From her medical records: cerebral palsy, delay of psychological and motor development, tetraparesis, equinovalgus feet, hypoxic-ishemic encephalopathy
She has been transferred to an orphanage for older children.
Boy, born February 2012
Congenital hydrocephalus, spastic tetraplegia, epileptic syndrome, open oval window
Girl, born 2006
Diagnoses: depression, impulsive, attention deficit disorder
It is suspected she has FAS; she suffered meningitis in past.
Look at sweet Edith, all dolled up for the New Year's party at her orphanage!
She has had a broken nose because when she lived in the family her mother's boyfriend pushed her and she fell and broke the nose. Two foreign families have visited her but did not end up adopting her.
One of our adoptive families has met her, and has video of her for inquiring families. They said she was begging for attention, desperately needing love.
Boy, born February 2001
cerebral palsy, cognitive delays, spastic diplegia, inborn hydrocephalus, secondary cardiopathy
Leroy is one of the cleverest kids there, and he speaks a lot – he is rather impudent
He gets sad, when other children get presents and he doesn't. He understands much and likes ice-cream.
From someone who met him in 2012:
I thought he was wonderful…again one of the lucky 9 boys to be in the small group home, picked because he is so very able. He is clever and could achieve much. He was full of smiles and laughter when I met him. He was very polite and enjoyed the excitement of a visit. He really would thrive in a home environment.
From a family who met him, summer 2014:
Leroy is a very high functioning boy and definitely more mature than the other kids in his home. At first he wasn't sure if he wanted a family, but after seeing so many of his friends leave with new parents he has changed his mind. He is very determined and has recently started to walk after years of being unable to move except by dragging his legs. He has a really good sense of humor and definitely understands everything going on around him. He was never inappropriate with us but had no trouble cracking jokes.
Boy, born 2004
HIV, hydrocephalus
Adam is a sweet, easy to please little cuddle bug. He is very much like a cuddly, curious little toddler. When I first met him he did not seem interested in me at all, but as time went by he began to want affection, and would grab my hands if I stopped rubbing his head and put them back on his head.
One day I picked him up and from that moment on he wanted to spend most of my time there in my arms. When I arrived he'd jump up from his little wooden chair, and hurry over to me with his arms raised. If I didn't pick him up fast enough he'd try to climb up into my arms using nearby chairs or beds, and he would not hesitate to grab items from my hands and set them down to free up my hands so I could hold him. He also began to cry whenever I left. He loves wind up toys and toys that vibrate, and would giggle happily and flap his hands to show how excited he was about them. His other favorite toys were a pony he enjoyed chewing on, any sort of car, and some legos that made a train. He is not verbal but was beginning to make noises to communicate. I tried to teach him to sign more one day, by signing hand over hand with him. When I asked him to sign it he took my hands and helped me sign it. He seems to me to have a need for love and affection that can only come from a loving family. I would love to see him thriving and meeting his full potential, as well as bringing joy to as many people as possible!
Girl, born June 2008
Cerebral palsy, focal symptomatic epileptic syndrome, complex local convulsions; rough delay of psychological and speech development
Lovely Harlowe!
She needs physical therapy and a loving home.
Boy, born September 2010
spina bifida (congenital malformation of the central nervous system, spina bifida of lower thoracic spine and upper lumbar spine)
lower paraplegia, pelvic organs dysfunction, hydrocephalus
So hard to see sweet Penn in this one little picture. He desperately needs a family to help him reach his full potential!
Girl, born March 2009
hydrocephalus (with shunt), spastic tetraparesis, convulsive disorder, Hep.B, valgus feet, optic discs atrophy
January 2010
microcephaly, Epilepsy, dystonic tetraparesis, brain degeneration
Kayson needs a family, to save him from a life in a crib.
July 2011
hydrocephalus (internal hydrocephalus as a result of suffered meningitis); spastic tetraparesis; prematurity; retinopathy of prematurity; collapse of lungs; prenatal infection;
heart disease: open arterial duct (condition after surgery on August 10, 2011), open oval window, anomalous chord of the left heart ventricle
Look at that white-blond hair! So pretty! Donna desperately needs a mama.
Boy, born June 2009
hydrocephalus (condition after ventriculoperitoneal shunt); cerebrospinal hernia of lumbar spine, post-surgery; congenital partial atrophy of optic discs; pelvic organs dysfunction; cytomegalovirus infection; anemia; rickets
Girl, born 2003
Diagnoses: Mild mental delays, Hydrocephalus, cleft palate, Anomaly (congenital) (unspecified type) of pupil function
She was so sweet! She was playing nice with all the kids. Very lovable. She came up to ask if I was her mama? It broke my heart. She loved to be held.
She followed the care givers directions & was very well behaved!! With love & patience she would fit right into a family.
Married couples only, large families welcome.
Girl, born November 1999
Cerebral palsy
Additional information coming soon
Please help find her family before she ages out (at 16)!
Isolde is described as creative and eager.
From someone who met her: Isolde is lovely. First I thought she couldn't speak when I was there in the summer, 'cause it took her about 3 weeks before she would even say 'thank you.' But then she started to talk more and more. I started to do walking exercises with her. She could hardly stand on her legs by then. I practiced with her everyday and what I noticed is that she is a fighter. She worked so hard. She worked until she was bathing in sweat and totally tired. She wouldn't stop before her legs couldn't hold her anymore. Everyday we could walk further. First just one side of the building and in the end we could easily walk 2 rounds around the building. Though she needs quite some support. After the summer they gave her PT and she was walking way better when I was there in November again. She could walk with one hand then, which was totally impossible for her in the summer. And again she was fighting to learn more, but being inside the building all day would limit her. She is pretty smart too, I played games with her. One of the games was creating a 'picture' with little pins, just copying the example. The physical part of the game was the hardest. So we trained to pick up the pins, put them in and get them out. She is so wonderful! She smiles so sweet. She just stole my hard. In the beginning of the summer she had hardly any muscles in her leg and she was extremely skinny, but during the summer she got more muscles from exercising and in November she was doing even better. I'm so proud of this girl. If she will get the chance, she will reach so much, because she will fight for it. She would do so well in a family, because a family can give her the chance that she deserves and I know she will make the most of it.
Isolde's best friend is Duane; who is also listed for adoption.
MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE. Married couples only, no parent age or family size restrictions, travel required.
FAS, cognitive delays, anemia, ADD, congenital malformation of ribs NOS: pectus excavatum congenital heart defect: Atrial septal defect
What a little doll! She may be a strawberry blonde? Cara is a sweet little girl with many of the challenges of fetal alcohol syndrome. Facial features, cognitive/academic delays, inattention, and heart condition are all common symptoms of FAS. She previously had a diagnosis of Hep C, but we believe that was preliminary at birth. Families should be aware of this and prepared, but not expect it to be the case. Cara will need to be followed by a cardiologist.
From one of our adoptive families who met her in 2013: Cara seems to be a very bright girl all around. She wanted to sneak out into the room where we were playing with our daughter. They all try When she was told to come in she would quickly sit by our side and say, "but I'm going to sit here nicely and play, I promise." I felt so bad when they would make her come in. She DID play very nicely. She didn't throw any tantrums. We gave her a mini slinkie to keep and she was so excited and said thank you and ran back into the room. Her hair is cut much shorter and she is petite. She got her shoes on and off by herself…and fast when told she could play after her shoes were on. She would really thrive in a family. This region waives the 10 day wait usually too which is extra nice.
Update March 2014:
Cara is a sweetie, but more shy. She's very pretty and has striking blue eyes and blond hair. She would watch me and sneak over to wave hello before the nannies would send her back to her chair. She's in a groupa that does a lot of preschool type work, and and is set up like a classroom so the kids come home with more age- appropriate skills. Our just-turned-3 year old daughter knows how to work puzzles, hold a crayon/pencil properly to write (and is showing pre-writing skills already), understands the concept of counting, etc- not the "norm" for orphanage life! So, kids from this groupa will likely come home knowing how to play appropriately with toys but also prepared to learn in a school-type setting as well. Cara does have obvious facial features of FAS, but the only behavioral/developmental issues that were apparent from casual glance was the sensory needs- she does rock back and forth on her chair when she has to sit for more than about 30 minutes. Otherwise, she seems to do very well. She follows instructions and sat quietly while waiting for her turn.
FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), probable secondary CP
Julia has such happy, giant brown eyes and a smile that lights up a room!
From a family who met her in December 2013: "I have to shout for this precious girl for a moment…we are here now and we see her everyday at the orphanage. The pictures don't do this dear one justice at all; she is gorgeous and so very sweet!!! She can't walk on her own (she can if she is assisted!) but she is still quick! She comes over to me everyday and wants in my lap, to shake my hand, or give me a hug. She has SO much potential and I can just see the hunger for love and a Mothers touch in her eyes. She has been overlooked long enough!!! She is darling….truly!! "
From someone who met her: Julia is a girl that I know as the girl with the big smile. Somehow she just seem to smile almost always. She's a little monkey. Whenever somebody enters her group she would crawl up to that person and just start to climb on him/her. She doesn't even need you to give her a hand, she'll just climb up without any help and then she hangs on your neck, looking around, proud, as if she wants to say 'Did you see that? Do you see where I am?'
Her favorite toy is a doll. She plays with it as if it is a baby. Keeping the doll up straight, putting her down carefully. She feeds and clothes the doll. One of the nurses showed her how she should put a cotton diaper on the doll, she totally loved it. She even sings lullabies for the doll and she'll ask visitors to do the same. She also loves to play with long hair. She really tries to make ponytails or braids.
Julia is able to walk, but her legs are really crooked, and she needs help to keep standing or to walk. Julia is described as curious and enthusiastic.
Boy, born Oct 2011 congenital
internal hydrocephalus operated; anemia; protein-energy deficiency
Ezra has had a shunt placed, and is doing better. His adoption may necessitate consultations with medical personnel, to safely transport him home.
From someone who met Ezra in 2013: Ezra is absolutely precious! He is sweet and adorable and oh so lovable! He laughs when his toes are tickled, or when someone around him laughs or talks or sings to him. He often smiles or laughs so hard his chubby cheekers make his eyes close. He ha s learned to blow spit bubbles and coo. It is hard for me to tell if he is able to use his limbs normally, but he is able to move from his back to his side with little or no assistance. He has not yet learned to play with toys, but he has a very strong grip and enjoys holding my finger. I was told he can see, but not very well. I observed his eyes moving rapidly from side to side, and sometimes appearing to be looking in two different directions. In spite of this there were other times in which he appeared to be quite focused and looking right at us. He has absolutely stolen my heart, and I hope that he will find a family that can help him meet his full potential!
These pictures are from May, 2013.
Caius and Anne are in the same orphanage with Ezra.
Large families welcome; married couples only.
Boy, born April 2006
After-effects of traumatic brain injury, brain contusion, right hemiparesis, ptosis, OS
JEFFERSON HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED. He is at the older children's internat.
In May 2011 the boy fell off the third floor and his condition is the result of the injury. He has some vision and speech impairment but he is a very smart and nice boy.
He is still in the orphanage but will be transferred to the institution soon if we don't find him a family fast.
Ezra, Caius and Anne are in the same region with Jefferson.
Girl, born 2004
Unrepaired cleft palate
Kathleen is described as broadminded and cheerful.
From someone who met Kathleen in 2010: Kathleen is a very loving and social little girl who loves getting attention from adults. Whenever I was in her group, she was always right beside me, participating in whatever I was doing and engaging me in her own favorite activities. Kathleen has kept that silly, playfulness that most institutionalized children seem to lose. She was definitely a little mischievous getting into everything, but was also very quick to follow direction and obviously eager to please. I truly believe she would thrive in a family where she was showered with all the attention she deserves and allowed to simply be the fun-loving, silly little girl God created her to be.
From someone who met Kathleen in 2012: Kathleen is a happy little girl who would love to be able to communicate, but cannot because of an unrepaired cleft palate. She makes noises to communicate to the best of her ability. She is a very sweet little girl, and loves to play outside. Many missionaries who have met her loved her and spoke highly of her!
Sullivan is a sweet, loving little boy. He is described as cheerful and curious. The smile on his face when he is being held is absolutely precious! He is not talking, but appears to be very capable of learning sign language to communicate! He loves to play "If you're happy and you know it" and made up a sign for this, clapping his hands together.
Sullivan then quickly learned the ASL sign for more. In addition he has a sign for potty, and drink. He does not go right away to strangers, but wants those he is comfortable around to hold him and play with him. He is not able to stand or walk, but crawls to get around. When hurt by another child he will not attempt to defend himself, but will cry in hopes of someone comforting him. Sullivan is a very sweet boy who would do wonderfully in a family!
BOY, Born August 10, 2005
Don't mind this pink shirt, Porter is a BOY. He is HIV+, stage 3. He is cognitively delayed as well, and has some paralysis on half of his body.
From his medical records: HIV stage 3, without immunosuppression, delay of psychomotor and speech development, bacillosis
Update 2013: Severe mental retardation, HIV, congenital heart disease
Boy, born December 1999
Rough mental delay, hydrocephalic syndrome
Please help find his family before he ages out (at 16)!
From someone who met him in 2012: Amos is a wonderful sweet boy! He will do anything you'll ask. In the summer the children will play outside and the more disabled children are sitting in a big box. Everyday he carries out the carpet to put in the box and he will carry out the benches and chairs to sit on as well. When the 'outside-time' is over, he would carry it all back in again. He doesn't really talk, but I'm pretty sure he would be able to. He does make sounds and he loves to 'sing'. While singing he makes sounds that could almost be words, but as long as he's lacking of stimulation, I think he will not talk. He likes to dance around to.
He is a big help for the nurses. When a child has to go to the shower or potty he brings them, when a child falls down, he picks the child up, even without somebody telling him to do that. He is a really social butterfly. He cares about the children around him and I'm sure that he would be an awesome big brother, because that's what he is for the children in his group.
The only self stimulating behavior that I saw in Amos was sticking things in his ears. You can easily distract him from that by offering him a toy. Once he has a toy, he will not be bored, he can play forever with just one toy.
Large families welcome, multiple children may be adopted together from the same orphanage. Married couples only; travel required.
Boy, born January 2002
DS, atrial septal defect, polydactyly of the left hand
Artemur is a handsome boy who has already been waiting far too long for a family of his own!
Large families welcome, multiple children may be adopted together from the same orphanage. Married couples only; travel required.
From someone who met Artemur in 2012: Artemur is a ladies man He loves to greet visitors with a formal "Hello", a chair for the visitor to sit on, and for the ladies he'll kiss their hands and
sometimes request a kiss by pointing to his cheek. He has ten toes and ten fingers, and appears healthy. He is one of the two highest functioning boys in his group and is a big helper. He is quite verbal, and he has good self-care skills, he is able to feed himself and ask to use the restroom. He likes to play with etch a sketches, toy phones, and bubbles. Artemur would probably do better in a family environment where he can be the youngest in the family.
Girl, born July 2003
Diagnosis: hydrocephaly, mental delays
She likes to play, tries to walk alone, but needs assistance. She doesn't speak, but understands much.
From someone who met her in 2012:
When I walked into the room packed with children, her smile and wave and joy stood out more than all the chaos and heartbreak and noise. She was a darling and I just know she would be amazing to have as a daughter.
Born December 1999
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy and down syndrome
DARLING NEW VIDEO OF EMIL from August 2014! Snugglebug! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5fMJJhY6DA
From a missionary who visited with him in August 2014: Emil is a little rascal that loves attention. He likes to climb up on your lap and blow raspberries. After I kissed him on the cheek he kept squishing his face against mine so that I would kiss him again! He is one smart cookie. He can verbalize lots of different sounds, so he would learn to speak in no time. He can stand and take a few steps with assistance when he wants to! He is lots of fun and needs a Mama and Papa!
From someone who met him in 2012: Emil was the gentlest child ever! Unable to talk but the pleading in his eyes killed me! He grabbed my finger and wouldn't let go…what a grip! He also got really hit a few times by others wanting my attention, he didn't retaliate but fell in a heap and moved away, only to return when the coast was clear. I would love to see this child in a nurturing environment!
Emil is able to walk.
Boy, born May 2009
Cerebral palsy
Eldridge also has significant features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), but this is not diagnosed.
Large families welcome, married couples only. Travel required.
Girl, born August 2009
After-effects of viral encephalitis in the form of microcephaly, movement disorders syndrome (cerebral palsy syndrome), epileptic syndrome of residual genesis, secondary hypothalamic syndrome, loop of thermal control
Brinli has pretty eyes, and such lovely long fingers. She desperately needs a family to save her from a life spent lying in a crib.
Large families welcome, married couples only. Travel required.
Boy, born October 2010
Cerebral palsy, spastic tetraparesis, optic atrophy, secondary internal hydrocephaly, seizure disorder
Girl, born December 2009
Cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, movement disorders in combination with vision and hearing impairments
They really want a family for her in the orphanage before she has to be transferred.
Dani has beautiful blue eyes, and a darling little button nose!
Large families welcome, travel required.
Boy, born August 2008
Minimal hydrocephalus
Griffith is a very nice boy! He has a little bit of an impish look to him in this picture, doesn't he?
Married couples only, travel required. Large families welcome!
Boy, born
November 2000
Down syndrome, neurodystrophy, psychological and motor development disorder, alalia
From someone who met Duane in 2012:
Sweet little Duane is the huggiest boy I've ever met! He is a determined, strong willed little guy and is up walking and chasing after balls despite some mild CP on his left side that causes his left knee to extend backwards in a painful looking manner. He has an amazing laugh, though it is sometimes a mischievous laugh. He sometimes feels the need to push boundaries, such as throwing balls at the other children, but he is a boy with a lot of love to give, both to the adults and the other kids in his group. He also sometimes gives massages. I feel he would especially thrive in a house where he is the youngest, or at least the smallest child in the home.
Duane's best friend is Isolde; they could be adopted together.
Boy, born 2008
Boy, born July 2007
Ectodermal dysplasia (anhidrotic)
Girl, born June 2008
Cerebral Palsy
Alder needs a family, to spare her from a life in a crib, and reach her full potential.
Large families welcome, married couples only. Travel required.
Girl, born August 2007
Nervous system disorders, mental delays
Jolina is a darling girl, waiting for her forever family! She has some features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). This is a cautionary disclosure, not a diagnosis.
Girl, born August 2009
Spina bifida - Congenital malformation of the central nervous system, myeloradiculomeningocele with rachischisis of lumbar spine; internal hydrocephalus, low paraplegia
Lovely Lanora needs a mama to let her beautiful hair grow out!
Large families welcome, married couples only.
Boy, born April 2009
Cerebral palsy – Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Moderate mental delays; Divergent strabismus; Planovalgus (foot) deformity; malnutrition
Macarius speaks, plays toys and has a positive personality, smiles often. He is a very good boy!
Macarius doesn't walk, the boy needs a surgery and even with surgery there can be only hopes for his future ability to walk. The doctor in the orphanage says he has good prognoses for the future and his development.
Additional pictures available. Large families welcome, travel required.
Boy, born September 2010
Infantile cerebral paralysis, binominal hemiplegia; Internal hydrocephaly; Dysplasia of coxa (hips)
Such a little sweetie … look at those delicate fingers and big dark eyes!
He has possible features of FAS. This is not a diagnosis, but a cautionary disclosure.
Boy, born August, 2010
Infantile cerebral paralysis; binominal hemiplegia; post-convulsive syndrome; cognitive delays
Gibson needs a family, or he could spend the rest of his life in a crib. This lovely boy needs a HOME!
Girl, born, March 2010
Cerebral palsy, optic atrophy, developmental delays
Ohh, I love her little pouf of hair, what a lovely little girl.
Not sure how much vision she has.
From a family who met her in early 2014:
She needs out! She is skeletal and looks to be in very poor condition. Neveah just cries and cries if you get near her. Also, she appeared to be heavily sedated. She had a toy tied to her wrist/hand, and her hands were bound to not scratch herself. So, so sad.
Boy, born March 2006
Cerebral Palsy, significant mental delays
Not a great picture, but Liam is a cutie! Even though he has CP, it's nice to see him in a place that has him up and about.
Large families welcome, married couples only.
From a family who met him in 2014: This little guy tried for 5 minutes to get my attention before I could come over to him. Although he is mostly nonverbal, his receptive language is good, and he was able to follow instructions and respond to our conversation. I asked what he could do physically, and he immediately began pushing the cover back and trying to flip over, to show me he could roll, and pull up on the side of the bed. He is very sweet, and so very much wants OUT of the bed and to be up walking, but without proper medical intervention and regular therapy, he won't be able to. His outgoing, sunny personality is absolutely wonderful! His biological mother died 4 years ago, and he entered the orphanage then, so he had that solid foundation of a loving mom during the important years. From a CP perspective- all four limbs are involved, and he has high tone in his torso that makes it difficult for him to sit up, because when he gets excited, his tone kicks in and it flattens him back out. He also has significant spasticity in his legs, particularly in his heel cords and hamstrings. That is something that in the USA might be treated with a medicine like Baclofen, which would allow him more flexibility. He's very affectionate and easygoing, and constantly tries to get up and move around like the other kids. He just really needs a family to help him reach his potential!
Girl, born January 2002
She has moderate mental delays
What a beautiful smile!
Currently Tatumn lives in school orphanage. She is very friendly and easy-going.
Girl, born January 2005
Anophthalmos (absence of eyes)
What a sweet little girl! She is walking independently.
Married couples only, large families welcome!
Update June 2013:
Don't let Cambria's pictures fool you. She is happy and full of life. Usually, she is stuck in bed for her own safety, as the nannies are afraid she could fall or run into something and hurt herself. When I took her out, she was able to walk, run, and dance to the music playing on the TV in the room. She loves dancing! She started laughing when I clapped my hands in front of her face and when I sneezed. She is an absolutely angelic little girl. While I do believe she has some institutional autism, she would be a joy in any family, and with love and proper care will thrive.
Update March 2014:
Although she mostly lays around because she cannot see, she walks and dances; she loves music. She is extremely gentle, and sensitive to noises. She loves to be swung around and rocked gently, and that also makes her giggle.
Microcephaly, Congenital hydrocephalus, Pericarditis
Such a handsome boy!
Large families welcome, travel required.
Zoey (Becky)
Girl, born November 2007
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection, Profound mental delays, Other paralytic syndromes (CP), epilepsy, Microcephaly, Coloboma of optic disc
Sweet love needs a family, or she's destined to a life lying in a crib. She has a host of needs; a family will need to be well prepared — but she deserves the chance to bloom!
Girl, born 2006
After-effects of early organic affection of the central nervous system in the form of intelligence deficiency, atactic syndrome (epilepsy).
She does not talk, only makes sounds; fulfills simple tasks.
CP and Tetralogy of Fallot (heart condition)
Sweet Jenny is waiting for you! She is almost 3 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was born with cerebral palsy and a heart condition, for which she has already had surgery. She is not able to sit on her own, and will greatly benefit from a loving family, medical care and therapy! If she is not adopted, she will remain bedridden for life.
More photos available. Married couples only. Large families and older parents welcome.
Boy, born December 2010
Todd is such a handsome fellow!
All we know is that he is listed as "blind" — not sure if he has any vision at all.
Girl, born February 1999
Affection of the central nervous system, spastic low paraparesis, myopia, hip dysplasia, mental delays
What a lovely young lady — she's waited far too long for a family.
Please help find her family before she ages out (at 16)!
Additional photos available. Married couples only; travel required.
Girl, born April 2008
Anophthalmos of the left eye, optic atrophy of the right eye, spastic tetraparesis
Kanani has been transferred!
Lovely Kanani needs a family to help her reach her full potential.
From a family who met her in May 2012:
Large families welcome; travel required.Kanani is very sweet girl. She is well cared for in a good orphanage by caring nannies. She gets lots of outside time when it's warm out but this time is spent lying down in the stroller as she can't sit on her own. She can hold on to your fingers and seems to just love to have attention although with her eye troubles it is difficult for her to respond. She likes to have her cheek stroked and her hand held. She is quite stiff and in need of physiotherapy and most of all love and attention. We were told that she will be transferred to an institution very soon unless a family is found as children at this orphanage are typically transferred at age 4.
Cerebral palsy, spastic low paraparesis, retinopathy
Such a handsome boy! He has such beautiful big eyes.
Large families welcome, travel required. Married couples only.
Girl, born May 2003
Bilateral hearing loss, right-sided hemiparesis, cognitive delays
What an adorable young lady!
Large families welcome, travel required.
Girl, born May 2008
Microcephaly; Coloboma of optic disc; Hypoplasia and dysplasia of lung; Ventricular septal defect; Convergent concomitant strabismus; Mixed specific developmental disorders
"Kellen" has been renamed — this is actually a GIRL! Let's find this little love a family
Kellsey is in a region that typically waives the 10 day wait after court. Updated picture on left from summer 2013 – she looks great!
*** This child has significant facial features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). This is a cautionary disclosure to better prepare our potential adoptive families. Families considering this child should research the challenges that can come with this condition. You can learn more about FAS here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome and post to our Facebook group to ask other adoptive parents about the challenges and blessings of children with FAS. ***
Boy, born March 2005
Congenital hydrocephalus; Coloboma of optic disc; Other paralytic syndromes (CP); Disorder of brain, unspecified; Dislocation of shoulder joint; Atrioventricular block, first degree
Quinn is 7 years old — let's help him find his family. Every child deserves a loving family to call their own.
Boy, born August 2011
inflammatory diseases of central nervous system; Congenital hydrocephalus; Other disorders of optic [2nd] nerve and visual pathways; Carrier of viral hepatitis B
What a sweet baby Elias is!
Elias is in a fast region that often waives the 10 day wait. Married couples only, travel required.
Additional photos available.
Boy, born June 2009
Dandy-Walker syndrome; hydrocephalus; Hypoplasia and dysplasia of lung; Atrial septal defect; Congenital subluxation of hip; chronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agent; Convergent concomitant strabismus; Bilateral inguinal hernia; Tetraplegia, unspecified
This little boy has a laundry list of issues, but I'm confident there is a family out there who will be able to look at this picture and see a child, their son.
Large families welcome, travel required.
Girl, born October 2007
Cerebral palsy; Mixed specific developmental disorders; Coloboma of optic disc
Waniya (pronounced Wa-NEE-ya) — a Lakota (Sioux) name that means "breath of life."
Waniya is a gem; she needs a family to reach her true potential.
Epilepsy; Other paralytic syndromes (cerebral palsy); Microcephaly; Coloboma of optic disc; Severe mental delays; intracranial injury
Daisy is a sweet flower who needs a family to really blossom! Otherwise, she's destined to a life in an institution.
From a missionary who visited in August 2014: What a sweet sweet girl. She is vision impaired but she can see her bottle coming from the other side of the room! She gets very excited! She is fed a puree diet from a spoon, she has a very good appetite. She is hard to photograph as she moves her head a lot but she is so beautiful! Such amazing brown eyes.Her smile lights up the room! She stands with assistance and can even take a few steps. She can vocalize lots of noises. She would be such an amazing daughter to a lucky family.
Boy, born December 2007
Congenital hydrocephalus; epilepsy; cerebral palsy; Convergent concomitant strabismus; Optic atrophy
Vijay means "Victory" and we are all hoping he will find a family where he can thrive. That would be a victory, indeed! Please help save him from a lifetime in a crib.
Large families welcome, travel required.
Girl, born December 2007
Microcephaly; Other congenital valgus deformities of feet (duck toed); Coloboma of optic disc; Severe mental delays; strabismus; paralytic syndromes (cerebral palsy?)
What a cutie! And what a world of different a head of hair would make for her, she needs to be in pigtails!
Update March 2014:
Very sweet and energetic little girl, eager to play and interact. She definitely has cognitive delays, and does not speak but functions within the preschool type setting classroom of her groupa. She communicates by pointing and making sounds. She appears to have something like hemiplegia CP affecting the right side of her body, causing a big of a drag in her leg as she walks, and causing her arm to be stiff on that side as well. She's a happy little girl and very cute.
Girl, born January 2007
Mixed developmental disorders; congenital malformations of ribs; Coloboma of optic disc; strabismus; Mild protein-energy malnutrition
Cecily should be getting ready for kindergarten, not an institution!
She has some facial features of possible FAS, but this is not documented and is only a cautionary disclosure.
Update March 2014:
I LOVE this girl!!!! She is so poised and smart and sweet and totally impressed me when I would interact with her. She's very formal and polite when she meets new people, but as soon as she would go back into her classroom, she would be playing and laughing and giggling with her friends. She and Cara are friends and play together often. She's a very typical kid, and often took a leadership role when playing with the other kids. One day, she was playing with my daughter, doing some kind of pretend play, and it was quite fun to watch! She's in a groupa that does a lot of preschool type work, and and is set up like a classroom so the kids come home with more age- appropriate skills. Our just-turned-3 year old daughter knows how to work puzzles, hold a crayon/pencil properly to write (and is showing pre-writing skills already), understands the concept of counting, etc- not the "norm" for orphanage life! So, kids from this groupa will likely come home knowing how to play appropriately with toys but also prepared to learn in a school-type setting as well.
Girl, born March 1999
Down syndrome
She looks so thoughtful, doesn't she? She only has until age 16 to be adopted — let's not let her wait that long! This princess needs a Mama!
Rania (along with GraceLynn and Kinley) are in a facility for older disabled children. We are blessed to have the photos and info we do to fight for these girls to find forever families. We may be their ONLY chance at a future. We are seeking an experienced adoptive family who will take a chance on one of these girls, and help open the doors for other older children waiting in this institution.
Married couples only. Older parents and large families welcome. Travel required. Previous adoptive experience of older institutionalized children is preferred.
Down syndrome
Emmalyn is a beauty, with her shy smile!
Such a gift to be able to advocate for these older girls. Large families welcome!
Girl, born April 2001
Down syndrome
Sweet Kinley, she's never has really had her picture taken before, but she's trying! It's apparent she's in need of dental work, and either glasses or surgery to help her vision.
She's already waited so long, let's find Kinley her mama!
Girl, born December 2002
Down syndrome
Well, doesn't this little pixie look like a spit fire? Those deep brown eyes are gorgeous!
Large families welcome, travel required. Married couples only. Gracelynn could be adopted with Rania, Kinley, and/or Emmalyn.
This little love has a heart defect and numerous other health issues: condition after resection of coarctation of the aorta, aneurysm of interatrial septum with multiple defects perimembranous (VSD), laryngotracheomalacia (collapsed airway), micrognathia (abnormally small jaw), tracheostomy
It's suspected that Barrett may have Pierre Robin syndrome or a chromosome deletion. Families should be prepared for additional health needs, just in case.
Barrett desperately needs a family to give him the love, attention and medical care he needs to thrive.
Boy, born October 2004
HIV-infection, IV clinical stage, no signs of AIDS, biochemistry test is good; congenital hydrocephaly (shunting); myatonia disorders; disco-visual nerve subatrophy; myelinic cone fibers; hypertrophy of palatine tonsils; two anomalous chords of ventricle; biliary dyskinesia; slight mental delay with minimal behavioral disorders, night enuresis, organic emotional instable disorders. Probable FAS.
He is said to be very careful and orderly, so he is probably a kid who does very well with routines and structure. He is also described as very helpful.
Boy, born December 2009
Diagnosis: after-effects of general disease of the central nervous system (neuroinfection); spastic tetraparesis with strong motor disorders; general mental delays, including speech underdevelopment; undescended testicles; shortcut frenulum of tongue; convergent squint
Girl, born February 2008
Diagnosis: epilepsy, generalized form with severe seizures
Moderate mental delay
Sweet Anne, all dolled up for her picture!
She does have some general delays, and is not yet independent with potty training. She would greatly benefit from being in a family!
From a family who met her in April 2013:
Anne is walking independently. She can go up and down steps with help. She smiles a lot. She likes to drop toys and watch them fall. She appears to be connected to her caregiver and goes to her for comfort. She liked a music/light up toy but needed guidance to activate it. She appears pretty cognitively delayed, and doesn't have any verbal language. I see a lot of progress in her with the right family and interventions!
Caius and Ezra are in the same orphanage with Anne.
Married couples only, travel required.
Oh what a miracle, to have an updated photo of Katrina!!! And there is the light I knew had to be there! She doesn't realize it, but now that she has a profile here on Reece's Rainbow, Katrina has a CHANCE…a chance for a new life, a family of her own, to get out of these four walls and to have something to smile about.
From her medical records: Down syndrome, significant cognitive delay (coupled with FAS), flatfoot, partial atrophy of optic nerves, esotropia, secondary cardiomyopathy.
From a missionary who visited in August 2014: "Katrina is such a clever little munchkin. She mimics lots of different things, massage therapy, diapers changes, hammering in nails. Pulling faces the whole time, she is hilarious! She loves cuddles and once she has you she doesn't want to let go. She still drinks from a bottle. She can walk. She cannot talk (yet). She can be a bit rough at times (scratching / hitting / pushing) so would be better in a family with bigger kids. She just wants to be loved. "
From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012: Oh my heart…I so wanted to bring her home! She is a giggly soft hearted darling…she needs a mama!
From a family who met her, summer 2014:
Katrina was sitting in a stroller both times we saw her but I know she can walk. She seemed very happy to sit and listen to music during a concert for the orphanage, and she looked over at us with curiosity a few times. Her eyes are gorgeous. She was super cute and smiley, also calm and entertained when we saw her.
She was one of the girls selected for the group home, and the individual attention and instruction should really help her transition into a family! Even though she is getting better care right now, she would make even more progress in a real home. She needs a family!
Katrina and Tania can be adopted together if a family is approved and interested. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Boy, born Dec 2008
Eric is a smiley little fellow who likes to feel his caretaker's heartbeat or pulse, because it comforts him. He would be a wonderful little brother in a household of older children.
Eric has arthrogryposis and compensated hydrocephalus. He has had a surgical repair of spina bifada. Overall, he is healthy and would do well in a family without smaller children. His upper body is quite strong and he has full use of his hands, fingers and arms, but he has little control or movement in his lower limbs and they are significantly smaller than his upper body. He can squeeze very tightly with his hands, and reach a full arm's length with no problems even though his resting position is the one you see in the pictures. He does not talk, according to the caretakers but does make sounds to communicate. Cognitively, he has significant delays due to his history of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. He is very much still an infant in many ways.
The picture in the orange shirt was taken at age 18 months, and the second picture was taken at 3 years old. He may have a sister a few years older in a different region who possibly could also be available for adoption or he could be adopted separately. She also has special needs.
Boy, born Oct 2004
This young man has a deep mental delay, and cerebral palsy.
From a family who met him in 2011:
Sweet Francis needs a family. He does not currently sit up, but I think he probably could if he were given an opportunity to be out of his chair and get stronger. Overall, Francis seems to be physically healthy, aside from his CP. I suspect his cerebral palsy
affects his upper and lower body. He is very tight. More concerning is his emotional well being. Francis does not get much mental stimulation or interaction, outside of his immediate basic needs. The caregivers are kind and do love him, but are unsure what to do with him. He gets good basic care. He is fed and is clean. He is not left in a crib. He sits in his orange chair all day long. I tried to talk to Francis and touch him. He is very uncomfortable with touch, but he has the sweetest blue eyes and I know that the right family could draw this little boy out of his shell. Please someone, take a chance on Francis. He will thrive with the proper care and stimulation.
Boy, born November 2002
Leonard is so handsome! Growing well, and is blessed to be in a boarding SCHOOL for children with special needs, not an adult mental institution. He has Down syndrome, but no other medical conditions listed at this time. He is said to be very quiet, friendly and cheerful.
Hope someone will see this darling boy and give him the chance he deserves to have a loving family of his own. Married couples only. Older parents and large families welcome.
Boy, born January 2005
Wayne is a sad fellow, who could benefit greatly from more attention, and a patient, loving family. He's said to cry often
He has a deep mental delay, cerebral palsy / spastic diplegia, and microcephaly (small head size), .
Boy, born March 2004
David has cerebral palsy and his eyes cross. He would do so well in a loving family!
Update March 2014:
This kid is AWESOME!!!! He seriously has no business in a level III/IV institution. His CP is so mild- he walked around, did all kinds of stuff. He's smart and funny, he and my translator talked for about 15 minutes and she said he is a "very normal child and good at conversation." He was very "appropriate"- I don't know another way to say it- he was quiet and looked at us like "who are these strangers?" and looked to the nannies for approval, and only then spoke to us. My English (and butchered attempts at Russian) made him start to grin but he quickly got it under control and didn't outright laugh at me (which makes him more polite than the majority of folks lol!) and he was very respectful.
I LOVE this kid- he needs a family immediately- someone to get him in school and get some botox in that left leg and get those legs stretched so he can walk easier. He would be an awesome addition to a family!
Boy, born March 2003
Down syndrome
This handsome little guy has eyes that cross, so an opthamologist visit will be in order when he gets home. He's looks pretty small for his age! Doesn't he look like he needs a Mama to scoop him up & snuggle?
Dylan can be adopted with COLLIER!
Update June 2013:
Dylan is an energetic, smart, and goofy little boy. Physically, he looks about 5 or 6 years old, but has the attitude of a teenager. He can be extremely aggressive – he shoved other children out of the way when I was holding them to try and get to me and hits other children. I can't tell you how many times he headbutted me in the face. But he can also be very loving – one of the other missionaries was crying and he just sat in her lap and hugged her until she stopped. Dylan is also very smart. When he wanted to go outside, I told him he had to have shoes on…I didn't expect him to go bring his shoes to me! He also has an extensive vocabulary and loves his Montessori classes at the orphanage.
Update March 2014:
Dylan has a lot of personality! Dylan would do well in a family with older children, especially teen boys that love to roughhouse and wrestle! He's quite the clown, and extremely verbal and capable. As someone mentioned before, he is also rather aggressive in getting what he wants, not only because he seems oblivious to personal space, but also because he will not hesitate to grab what he wants and assert his strength over weaker ones. He's 11, and is strong, stands about the height of a typical 9-10 year old. He also seems to have a mischievous streak and is very impulsive, which can result in him pinching people unprovoked. Although he has a lot of potential, he definitely needs the right environment and very patient and experienced parents in order to thrive.
Boy, born September 2004
Cerebral paulsy, spastic diplegia, mental delay, epileptic syndrome, crossed eyes.
Look at the bright smile on this handsome boy! Kristopher has cerebral palsy and is cross-eyed, but would do so well in a family of his own!
Update from someone who met him in summer 2013:
Kristopher is one of those wise old souls. He is very intelligent and loves it when adults come and visit him. He's also quite the charmer – the head of Child Services for the region was so charmed with him she gave him a life-sized stuffed crocodile for a present! Kristopher loves his classes at the orphanage and always strives to please the teacher, and he has many friends. He also loves music – one of the other missionaries let him play with her harmonica the first day and every day after that he asked for "the thing that blows". He has some strabismus and gets around well in his wheelchair. The director would love for a family to adopt him, and she says he would do well.
Update March 2014:
This kid is awesome!!! He's a very healthy weight, quite strong in his upper body (which appears to be not affected or just minimally affected by the CP), and although his spasticity in his legs is obvious, he still is able to stand from sitting in the wheelchair, and walk while pushing the wheelchair. He rolls his own wheelchair, however, since the chair he is in is too big for him, and not designed to be self-propelled by the rider, he has to lean very far over one side to reach the wheel. For those familiar with CP- his heel cords are tight and feet are pointed downwards. He has very little ROM in the right foot, but some in the left. He legs are "scissored", with the right pulled slightly over the left, indicating involvement of the adductors in the spasticity. He has tightness in his hamstrings. Without a full medical exam and some PT, I don't know how much is just spasticity or whether it could be contractures- but even with those restrictions, he is still able to stand and walk some. His torso seems strong and his neck does as well. He is a very sweet boy- a bit shy and quiet in his responses at first (although he grinned and giggled the entire time, very pleased with the attention), but smart as well. He very, very, very much wants a family- in fact, he is the one who heard we were there for our daughter, and found the director and begged her to bring his family to him as well. He has great motivation to walk and move around, and very much wants to be a typical boy, but without the medical care for his CP, his options here are limited. He is about the height of a typical 8 year old, but solid in weight. He interacts well with the adults and children in the groupa, and seemed very appropriate (not overly affectionate or engaging) when he met new people. He frequently looked to the familiar adults for confirmation that it was ok to talk to us and preferred their attention (which is good news when it comes to transferring attachment to a new family). He is an adorable little guy with an engaging grin that just lights up his eyes, and he very much would love to have a family of his own.
Kristopher can be adopted with Collier, Dylan, Cambria and Tatumn. He and Collier are in the same groupa.
She is said to be independent and active, and she especially loves to swing. She is shy with other children, and seeks attention from adults, cuddling up when hugs and affection are available.
From her medical records: Down syndrome, esotropia, flatfoot, secondary cardiomyopathy.
From a missionary who visited in August 2014: " she is full of energy, she'll keep you on your toes. She eats very well and can feed herself. She can walk, run and jump. She doesn't talk but she makes sounds. She is very boisterous and on the go, she needs big brothers in her life! "
From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012: One time the care giver made her sit with other children she was so desperate for me all to herself shecried! she really didnt want to share me. This is seriously one child who wants a Mama! She seemed so bright, there is so much potential here being wasted. She whacked the other children to keep them away from me but I could tell she was not an aggressive child. Tania is fiesty and able and just desperate for love! I loved her!!! I wanted to bring her and Katarina home. Tania is always active and she loves playing with her swing set, unlike the other kids who rather just play with their toys. The child is a bit shy around the children of her age. However, she is very brave and courageous when dealing with new visitors. The girl suffers from a lack of motherly care and gentleness, so she is attracted to everyone who is nice and kind to her. She hides her lonely soul behind the wall of her active and independent lifestyle. But as soon as she receives a warm hug and a little love, the mischievous girl suddenly becomes docile and calm.
Larger families, older parents welcome. This region does often waive the 10-day waiting period!
From a family who met her, summer 2014:
Tania is such a tiny little cutie! I can't believe she is still waiting! She was also a good friend of one of our boys. Every time he sees her picture he will call out her name.We saw her with the other kids from her home at a concert at the orphanage. She was watching everything and danced to a few of the songs. She was the size of a petite five year old, but proportionally small, not too skinny. Her hair is just starting to grow out and is so pretty. She waved and smiled at us a couple times while we were there with our sons. When everyone walked back to the homes after the concert, she got mixed in with our group as her caregivers were pushing wheelchairs and going more slowly. When our group pointed back to where her group was, she turned and walked back very agreeably. She had no trouble walking the fifteen minutes in each direction. We didn't hear her talk, but she did seem to understand what the caregivers were saying.
She would do so well in a family. The home she is in now is more of a family setting with fewer children and more individual attention, but it is not the same as a real family and they can't stay there forever. It will give her a great head start to transitioning to a family though!


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Successful comeback for Michael Raelert after lengthy recovery from injury, Schildknecht finishes immediately behind Raelert proving that his form would have been good in Hawaii.
How it unfolded
In the swim leg, Raelert built up a solid lead over the strong cyclist Schildknecht. The latter stormed into the lead with the day's best bike time, needing just 2 hours 5 minutes for the 90 kilometers. This was 4 minutes faster than Raelert, whom he had left behind. For once, the difference probably did not come down to the equipment; both athletes completed the bike split on the brand new timemachine TM01 with which they developed the basis for their top placings at the end of the event. The final half-marathon was then dominated by the German, who outclassed all his challengers with a very fast time of 1 hour 11 minutes. This performance enabled him to catch up to and snatch the lead from Schildknecht. The Swiss athlete cemented his podium placing with a sound run split to finish third with some distance to spare.
Comebacks in contrasting circumstances
For both athletes, the Half Ironman in Austin, Texas, represented a turn in their fortunes. For Michael Raelert it marked a welcome return to competitive sport, injury having forced him to miss out on all his major targets for the season (Ironman Frankfurt, Ironman 70.3 World Championship and Ironman World Championship). The outstanding German athlete demonstrated to the triathlon community just how well he has survived this ordeal with a performance for which he is renowned. Schildknecht, in contrast to Raelert, was able to celebrate his return to the podium after a temporary loss of form in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. The native of Zurich was eager for a good result in the Ironman Hawaii and a repeat of his world-class performance from 2008 (fourth place) on the back of a successful season with second place in the Ironman 70.3 Switzerland and wins in the Ironman Switzerland and the Challenge Walchsee. But on the day it counted, he was lacking the necessary good fortune and above all the right form, prompting him to retire a few kilometers into the marathon. Schildknecht's place on the podium in Austin demonstrated his good form, which doubtless also might have brought him a top placing in Hawaii.
Competition season not yet over
While winter slowly but surely arrives further up north, the two BMC athletes continue their competition season in warmer climates: Schildknecht will be participating in the Ironman Florida on November 5, his second appearance there after 2002, and with his current form the Zurich native should give an exciting performance on the East Coast. Michael Raelert, too, is expected to be among the starters in an attempt to demonstrate his improving form.


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Wilson State Park
#3 State Park Road
Sylvan Grove, KS 67481
Park Office - (785) 658-2465
Office Hours - The Park Office is currently open 8:00am -4:00pm Monday through Friday. Closed Saturday & Sunday. Please call ahead to make sure the office is open if you are driving from a distance. Check the park news for detailed days the office will be closed.
All bathrooms/shower houses are closed for the winter. CXT buildings are available at the Hell Creek boat ramp and the Otoe boat ramp.
Wilson State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 1966. The Hell Creek Area was established at this time. The state received Otoe Area in 1984.
Wilson State Park is located on the south side of Wilson Reservoir. The park is divided into two areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. Primitive and utility camping sites are available, as well as several cabins with electricity and plumbing. There are also RV pads and dump stations in each area. Other activities that can be enjoyed at Wilson State Park are wildlife watching/photography, boating, fishing, horseshoes, biking, hiking, and swimming. Come to one of Kansas' premier recreation hot spots to fish, hike, water-ski, or just enjoy the outdoors. We also have one of the best mountain bike trails in the state.
Park Fees
We are in the off season for fees. All camping sites are first come, first served during the off season. Daily camping, annual camping and fourteen day camping permits have decreased in price from prime - season fees. Prime site fees are not in effect in the campgrounds with 50 amp service (Big Bluestem, Foxtail, & Goldenrod) during the off season. Be sure and pay for vehicle and camping permits at the self pay stations during evening hours and days when the office is closed. Please follow instructions and prices at the self pay stations.
Park fees changed Oct 1, 2014. We are in the off season for permits and rentals thru March 31, 2015.
Shelter Reservations
Wilson State Park has four large shelters available for use. They are great for groups, family reunions, and weddings. Tatanka (the church) is a great place for weddings and is located on the Hell Creek side of the state park. Wyoming shelter can only be reserved with the group camp area. The Otoe area has Pine Shelter and Yucca Shelter. All the shelters are covered and have picnic tables amd charcoal grills. Electricity is available at Tatanka & Pine. Yucca shelter does not have electricity. All large shelters (EXCEPT WYOMING) are available individually by paying a designated reservation fee. Contact the park office for more information. 785-658-2465 and Press 1.
Seasonal (Long Term) Camping
Electric sites in the Dropseed and Grama (# 4,5,6,11,12,&13)camping areas are available for Seasonal camping. Each of the sites is available for 30 consecutive days and can be stayed on for 8 months. Each site has electricity. Call the park office for more information and availability. Your camper must be on the site the day the reservation is made. For more information or for reservations contact the park office at 785-658-2465.
Lake Wilson Marina is located in the Hell Creek Area of the state park and is a full serivce marina. They carry all kinds of items needed for camping and fishing, including food/drink, dry goods, bait and tackle, and many other items. Boat rental, slip rental, storage rental, and boat repair is also available through the marina. For more information on goods and services at the marina, call 785-658-2392.
Knotheads Bait & Tackle Shop is located on the east side of South Shore (Shoreline) Drive just off 232 highway. Fishing items and boat rental are available as well as camping supplies. For information on other items available contact 785-658-2166.


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Bacon Caramel Pumkin Cupcakes
Available at a NYC bakery called Batch.
via Cupcakes take the cake
Because "Bacon is not all taking. Sometimes Bacon gives back." -- cvxn
If you like what you see here, consider recommending us for the tumblr directory!
Send comments, suggestions, and vegeterianism-related hate mail to:
itsallaboutthebacon [at] gmail.com
Here's where you can send us your Bacon-y Submissions!


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Sweet & Light: 15 Easy Weeknight Desserts
Recipes from The Kitchn
Do you like a bite of something sweet after supper? All of us here at The Kitchn certainly do. But who needs brownies or a big slice of cake every night of the week? We love our indulgences, but on weeknights something lighter is called for. Here are 15 simple desserts — some of them very light indeed — that will end the meal on a sweet grace note, but not weigh you down.
There's a lightning-fast orange cake that happens to be vegan, and that magic one-ingredient banana ice cream. There's a glamorous little bowl of yogurt with figs, and a luscious mango dessert. There are oatmeal cookies with a touch of savory cheese, and extra-light angel food cupcakes! Read on for these and other intriguing weeknight sweets!
• 1 Sticky Orange Cake with Marmalade Glaze - A vegan cake that you can whip up extra-quickly!
• 2 Harvest Cake with Goat Cheese Frosting - A hearty cake stuffed with grated veggies and other delicious things.
• 3 Coconut Milk Bread Pudding - Avoiding dairy? This bread pudding is so good — and dairy-free too.
• 4 Yogurt With Caramelized Figs - Simple and light, fruit and yogurt.
• 5 Green Tea Shake - Milk, ice, matcha — easy and sweet.
• 6 Airy Angel Food Cupcakes with Naturally Pink Icing - Extra-light cupcakes, airy and sweet.
• 7 Blood Orange Crostatas - A simple tart, with oranges providing most of the sweetness.
• 8 Mango Dessert - Mango and cream — nothing could be simpler.
• 9 Pomegranate Yogurt Pops - Light and fresh yogurt pops.
• 10 Oranges With Lavender and Mint - Yes, oranges can be a dessert — especially when they are as pretty as this.
• 11 One Ingredient, Elegant, & Easy Sweet Wine Slushies - A simple and elegant frozen slushie.
• 12 Avocado Cacao Mousse - A simple, creamy, chocolate mousse.
• 13 Apple Gouda Oatmeal Cookies - Sweet weeknight cookies with a touch of the savory.
• 14 Thai Mango with Coconut Sticky Rice - A simple coconut and rice dessert with slices of mango — delicious yet not too sweet.
• 15 One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream - And last but not least, that famous banana ice cream — easy and light!
What's your favorite weeknight sweet?
(Images: See linked recipes for full image credits)
5 Comments
I've been trying to convince myself that bananas are very much like a creamy custard dessert; I think this ice cream recipe will help with that:)
It's really quick and it reminds me of being a kid-- s'mores made under the broiler! I also can't wait for stone fruit to come back into season to make some peach and nectarine sorbet again. Even this quick and delicious berry pie can be done on a week night.
The goat cheese frosting sounds brilliant!!
My favorite weeknight sweet is a piece of really good chocolate.
Just made pear challah bread pudding last night - soooo good. Can't wait for June strawberries for sugared strawberries and cream. Ditto peaches later this summer (that is, if the local peach trees don't have their buds frozen off tonight!).
We generally have a piece of bittersweet chocolate while we finish our wine, but it's nice to have a cookie or a cake, too.
I made a cake that looks a bit like that one at the top with the marmalade glaze. It was an almond cake with sweetened condensed milk and glazed with quince jelly.
I like brownies or blondies, too, and they're easy breezy to make. REady in under an hour. The last ones I made were gooey dulce de leche blondies.


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Hi friends! It's Aja, back with a fun Christmas DIY project.
While I love perusing the Christmas decor aisles of all my favorite stores, this year I really wanted to try to create as much of our holiday decor as I could. And I'm still working on it! Since I have a toddler clammoring her way through my house at all times, I thought some soft, touchable, UNBREAKABLE ornaments were in order for our tree.
These sweet linen fabric stars were what I came up with. Want to make some? Here's what your'll need:
- Fabric
- Pillow stuffing
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
Start by cutting out a star shape from a piece of cardstock or junk mail. I drew my star old-school style. :) Then use the paper shape as a guide to cut your fabric. I folded my fabric to cut two pieces at the same time and cut them larger than the pattern.
Next, start stitching your star together. I wanted large, contrasting stitches so that your could see that these were homemade and unique. I'm kind of loving this look right now.
Once you have stitched around most of the star, stop to stuff it with the pillow stuffing. I found it easiest to have all the star points stitched, so that I wasn't trying to stitch them up and keep the stuffing inside at the same time. Then just complete those last few stitches and you're done!
I love how simple and homey these ornaments are. If you made a bunch of them, you could string a long piece of thread or yarn across to make a cute garland! Best of all, my daughter loves that she can reach up and grab one without mommy freaking out! :)
Merry Christmas!!