Pact Camp 2012

It's here!  There is an organization called Pact, which is an adoption alliance for parents who are parenting across color lines. They have a wonderful Summer Camp (Pact Summer Camp) that brings together adopted children of color and their families from around the country to share their experiences, learn from experts and each other, and enjoy each other's company. They have programming for all ages and group social activities as well. Adoptive families as well as the siblings who were not adopted all are welcome.  The camp is held in Tahoe City, California and has rates for all sizes of families.

The registration is now OPEN for the 2012 camp which is July 1st-July 5th 2012. Check it out!!

http://store.pactadopt.org/Pact-Camp-2012.html

Please send me your suggestions!

Hi I am working to compile a list of books or dvds even that I can suggest to families that are newer to adoption or transracial parenting that parents can read with their children at young ages so they can see and read about people like themselves. Please send me some titles that you have found helpful with your families!  Thanks! 

Adoption Day comes! Finally!

We “officially” welcomed Arielle into to our family,  Gignac Style!  This past weekend we celebrated the fact that we finally were able to legally adopt our little girl into our family. The actual date was in September but we had to get all our festivities in order so we could have a proper inauguration of our Princess!

It was a real celebration for a Princess.

We had a covered tent, a candy buffet, a princess Jumpy jump and Uncle Julio’s catering it (mesquite fajita grill). My nephews, Josh, Jason, and Patrick Reynolds performed a band for our guests and Arielle's Uncle Brian Reynolds even wrote a song for her.  I got M"Ms from Mars customized with Casey and Arielle's names and served them in bowls for the guests. I also created a tree of life for all family members present to "ink" their thumbprint leaf to symbolize our new family tree.

Her Dad played guitar and our son, ( Casey)'s friends were all there celebrating with all of her Aunts, Uncles,  neighbors, old friend’s new friends with their kids. We had over 76 adults and 48 children!! Needless to say it was crazy!! She was dressed as the Snow Princess and all the children were encouraged to dress as members of the Royal family!

Even though this was the “official” celebration, Arielle Sarah Gignac, we have been rejoicing and celebrating since she came into our life, October 9^th, 2008.

Upcoming seminar in Chicago

  TRANS-RACIAL ADOPTION
PANEL DISCUSSION

Date:	Sunday, July 31, 2011
Time:	1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:	DePaul University 2250 N. Sheffield Chicago, Illinois 60614 Student Center 314AB
Cost:	FREE

The Son of America Foundation, Inc. in partnership with One Church-One Child announces a Panel Discussion on Trans-Racial Adoption. You will learn more about the extraordinary impact you can have on a child by opening your arms. You will hear success stories, including a published author, world-renowned athlete, a famous community leader, ordinary families with extraordinary experiences and an adoption attorney to guide you along the way. Please join us as we seek to transform the life of another child.

The Crazy Ties that Don't Bind Us: Defining Family

Hi You can view my latest blog post here at this link: http://fost-adopt.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/defining-family . I discuss how we define families in so many different ways that we never thought would work but somehow does!

You can see my post...at The Caffa Connection

Hi, our story was published in The Caffa Connection, 2011 Vol. 38, No2.  It is titled "Our Journey From Foster to Adopt".  You can view it online at CAFFA.org and it is where you can also become a new member of the Chicago Area Families For Adoption group.

Guest Blogger

 " I'm a Guest Blogger at Adoption.com,"  you can read two of my recent posts at :

One is about Albinos and Giant Meatballs (really!)

http://transracial.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/albinos-and-giant-meatballs

And the second one addresses the issue when Tranracial Adoptive Parents are approached with the comment  about how lucky their adoptive children are to be adopted.

http://transracial.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/who-is-really-the-lucky-one