CATHIE FILIAN's Handmade Happy Hour

Crafty Mom - Mess Maker - Content Creator

Find and Follow Me Here!

Facebook233
YouTube37
YouTube
Set Youtube Channel ID
Pinterest15
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram36
Tiktok45
  • Hello!
    • Hello! I’m Cathie Filian
    • News + Updates
    • The Filian Family
    • Featured On
    • Television
      • Creative Juice – HGTV
      • Craft Wars – TLC
      • Witch Crafts – DIY Network
      • Creative Juice Holiday Special
      • HSN and QVC
      • EMMY Awards
    • Product Design
      • Mod Melter, Molds & Melts
      • Mod Podge Accessories
      • Hot Glue Gun Helpers
      • Jewel Box POP
      • Product Design Awards
    • Books by Cathie
      • 101 Tees
      • 101 Snappy Fashions
      • DecoDen Desserts
      • Bow Wow WOW!
      • Creative Juice Book
      • Contributed + Featured
    • diary
  • Theme Parks & Cool Places
  • Character DIYs
  • Holidays & Celebrations
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Easter
    • Valentines Day
    • New Year’s Eve
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • 4th Of July
    • Thanksgiving
    • Weddings
    • Baby Shower
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Party Ideas
    • Game Day
    • Graduation
    • Teacher Gifts
  • Mod Podge Crafts
  • Crafts
    • Fashion
    • Sewing Projects
    • DIY Beauty
    • Home and Garden
    • Furniture Flip
    • Clay and Resin
    • Resin
    • Scrapbooking
    • Ideas for Kids and Families
    • PTA School Projects
  • Eat & Drink
  • DIY Videos
  • YouTube Handmade Happy Hour
  • YouTube Hello Crafty Kids
  • HGTV’s Creative Juice
  • Amazon Shop

Fost Adopt Update! Now we have two little girls and they are sisters.

November 3, 2014 · by: Cathie Filian

Meet Miss D!
(her first night in our home)

It was May 28th, 2014 and we got our second life changing call…. It was from our Agency.  We were told that Miss S had a Big Sister and she needed a forever home.  It was a tailspin of panic that set in, a flurry of calls to our family/friends and then a ton of tears.  We said, “YES!” ~ and then the process of becoming a forever family for Miss D begun.

It would be 4 months before Miss D arrived at our home.  4 very long months.  It was a roller-coaster ride (and one that is not for the faint of heart).  I had many moments of anger and frustration while we waited for her arrival.  We had many false starts and setbacks due to things that were beyond our control.

 We squeezed in another crib!

We had just a few hours notice….. It was 2 days before her second birthday when the doorbell rang.  It was Miss D in the arms of our adoption/social worker.  She was beautiful.  She was scared.  She was ready.  We were ready.

I can’t and won’t go into the details of her condition upon arrival and the things that we discovered in the first week.  I will say that it was sobering and something I never want to see again.  So we will be the change. 

The good news is that she was loved in her previous home…. no doubt about it….she was loved and cuddled.  so she doesn’t have attachment issues.  She calls us Mommy and Daddy and has since day one.  They were new words to her so it was a natural transition.

Yesterday was the two-month anniversary of Miss D’s arrival.  She and Miss S. are more than sisters…. they are best friends and the good news is that have been united and will grow-up together and (fingers-crossed) be adopted together.

She is adjusting to her new home…..and new adventures!!

She traveled with me on an airplane to a wedding in Texas where she got to meet Foster Grandpa and Grandma (Cathie’s Parents)  She also has a local Foster Grandma (Eddie’s Mom) who spends time with both girls each Tuesday and Thursday plus weekends.  In November, her other Foster Grandma (Cathie’s Mom) will arrive from Florida to meet her and see Miss S.  She is getting very close with her new Aunts and Uncles too.


She has attached to some toys.  She especially loves her baby-doll and she pretends to feed the doll and plays “mama” with the doll.  She has made some friends.  Her cousin Tucker and her are becoming very close and she is very social with kids and adults.

We have done many things since she arrived and she has bravely done so many firsts…. including taking a BATH.  Yep – baths were a first for her!
We went swimming in a roof top pool, she went on an airplane, she goes on the swing and slides now, she has been to a kids party, she went to the zoo, she went to a museum, she visited the fair and she has toured the trains at travel town.

Her vocabulary and memory is very advanced and she excels at puzzles and games.  She loves reading books and singing songs.

She is a very bright, caring, giving and loving little girl.  She gives giant kisses and hugs.  I’m not sure how to describe it but, it is like she has always been with us.  She and Miss S are so amazing together.  Last night Miss D taught Miss S how to climb up the kitchen stair.  It was amazing to watch.

In November we will be having a birthday party for both the girls.  We decided to wait until Miss D was settled to celebrate her 2nd. 

Miss S!

We have so much to be thankful for and to celebrate.  Hopefully if we can get their court schedules to line up both sister can be adopted on the same day!

I’m here.  If you have questions send me a line!  There are so many foster children who need forever families. I happy to share our story with you.
 
xoxo
Cathie

(Visited 347 times, 1 visits today)

Posts you might be interested in......

  • The Filian Family: Nursery Art

    Elephant ArtI broke down and…

  • The Filian Family: We're Adopting!

    Eddie and I are so…

  • Make it: Refashioned Girls Jeans

    Make it: Refashioned Girls Jeansno…

  • CHA - Crafty Friends & Family

    Steve's mom Kathy stopped by…

  • Summer Adventures and a Road-trip with Miss S!

    This summer has been full…

Category: diary, The Filian Family

Follow Us

Facebooktwitterpinterestrssyoutubeinstagram
❮ ❮ Collage Clay Faux Sugar Skull Kit Giveaway!
8 DIY Designs to Jump Start the Holidays ❯ ❯

Comments

  1. Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says

    November 3, 2014 at 8:58 pm

    Thanks for the update. So happy for you, your family, and most of all that these two get to grow up as sisters with loving parents.

    • Cathie Filian says

      November 3, 2014 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks, Heather! xoxo

  2. Soap Crafter says

    November 3, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    What a nice story! I hope you get to adopt both of them and it goes smoothly. I see alot of crafting sessions going on down the road.

  3. Sue Brown says

    November 3, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    Goodness. I am all teary eyed over here! You two are the greatest blessing to these little angels as they are to you. You really got me when you said ‘We will be the change.’ All children should be given the love and care you two are giving Miss D & Miss S. Love to all of you.

  4. The Holland Family says

    November 3, 2014 at 11:03 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I have been so encouraged as we are in the final stages of becoming licensed in Texas, hoping to get our home study started in the next few weeks. We are so excited for your family! Best wishes!!

  5. luvmibug says

    November 3, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    God works in mysterious ways as it goes…Sadly these adorable precious ladies did not get a happy start to their lives, but if not for that , they would not have found their way to your home. This journey of hope, dreams, family and love is such a blessing for these girls/sisters and you, your husband, extended family…How heartwarming to know so much good exists…hard fight as it is. You have my admiration and appreciation. Reading your posts warms my heart and brings a smile. Wishing you all happy days ahead and a long life of love…

  6. Turtle Mountain Gifts says

    November 4, 2014 at 12:00 am

    God bless your family as it already has. Hope you all grow together and blossom healthy and happy with love xxoo

  7. Larena says

    November 4, 2014 at 2:24 am

    So glad you are sharing your story, also glad the system is working for the benifit of the children! you are so Blessed, and so are the girls !

  8. Anonymous says

    November 4, 2014 at 5:14 am

    This was great to read.. my husband and I plan on starting the process of adopting through foster care after we move next year. We are going to try for siblings as well since I’ve heard it’s harder for them to find families.

  9. Margo says

    November 4, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    What a lovely story. I am so happy for all of you.

Find and Follow Me Here!

Facebook233
YouTube37
YouTube
Set Youtube Channel ID
Pinterest15
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram36
Tiktok45

Search

Shop my Amazon Store! I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cathie Filian

Follow along on my adventures!

Facebooktwitterpinterestrssyoutubeinstagram

Creative Juice on Discovery+

USA Embroidery Kits – Home Sweet Stitch – Now Available at ALL Walmart Stores!

New Videos at TikTok!

InstaLOVE

cathiefilian

Let’s make a spring floral arrangement and wine ho Let’s make a spring floral arrangement and wine holder! Learn how to make korker curls with fabric and Mod Podge! #crafts #diy #springdecor
Don’t toss your jars! Make Upcycled Easter Decor! Don’t toss your jars! Make Upcycled Easter Decor! I’m doing napkin decoupage in the lids! #diy #crafts #easterdecor
Surprise Easter Basket Gift Box! These are so fun Surprise Easter Basket Gift Box! These are so fun to make and give. I’m making this craft with boxes and candy from Dollar Tree. #easterbasket #crafts #dollartree
Everything was TINY! Come with me to Mini CON in L Everything was TINY! Come with me to Mini CON in Las Vegas. This was an artisan show with handmade and crafted dollhouse furniture and accessories. The workmanship was amazing! #Miniatures #Handmade #dollhouse #minicon #crafts
Mini Charm Necklace! Easy jewelry making with ador Mini Charm Necklace! Easy jewelry making with adorable charms and link chain! Made this for the mini convention I’m attending in Vegas. #jewelrymaking #crafts #charms
Book Club Cute Stuff! Spotted at Michaels I seriou Book Club Cute Stuff! Spotted at Michaels I seriously want it all! Book and wine night never looked so cute. #bookclub #craft #michaels
Dollar Tree DIY Fairy Lights! Create this cute hom Dollar Tree DIY Fairy Lights! Create this cute home decor with wall decals and a candle holder from Dollar Tree! I 🩷 how sweet this turns out! #dollartree #crafts #diy #homedecor
Happy Friday the 13th! Have a peek at our last Fri Happy Friday the 13th! Have a peek at our last Friday the 13th! We love movie night parties… especially spooky movie night. We made Homemade Italian Sodas that were so delicious. Plus we set up a candy and popcorn bar! #fridaythe13th #movienight #diy
Napkin Decoupaged Perfume Bottles! I 🩷 these so mu Napkin Decoupaged Perfume Bottles! I 🩷 these so much! Adorable to gift and adorable to display. Sol de janeiro  never looked so cute! #perfume #decoupage #handmade #soldejaneiro
New Michaels Class! Link in story. 2/10 join live New Michaels Class! Link in story. 2/10 join live or catch a replay.  DIY Mod Podge spring fashion class. It’s free! Sign-up here: https://www.michaels.com/class/diy-spring-floral-fashion-fabric-decoupage-cowboy-hats-trucker-hats-jeans-and-purse-straps-411767192931824-411767161081328 #crafts #diyfashion #modpodge
DIY 🩷 Valentine Trucker Hat! I’m still obsessed wi DIY 🩷 Valentine Trucker Hat! I’m still obsessed with this candy heart fabric. Using fabric mod podge for this fashion craft. These hat makeovers are so fun and easy to do! #crafts #tutorial #diyfashion
DIY Valentine Decor! Craft this adorable decoupage DIY Valentine Decor! Craft this adorable decoupaged LOVE art with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. I’m doing pinks and reds for Valentine’s Day but you do you! #crafts #diydecor #tutorial
Dollar Tree Napkin Decoupage Tin Can Vases for Val Dollar Tree Napkin Decoupage Tin Can Vases for Valentine’s Day! Create these cute handmade bouquets with Mod Podge and a few supplies. #crafts #dollartree #decoupage
Who’s your Valentine? 🩷 DIY Valentine Cards and En Who’s your Valentine? 🩷 DIY Valentine Cards and Envelopes! I’m using envelope templates to create this craft. The papers and templates are all from @michaelsstores 🩷 #crafts #tutorial #papercrafts
Make hair bows with fabric! These are no sew….. I’ Make hair bows with fabric! These are no sew….. I’m using fabric Mod Podge and hot glue! I love how these turn out and the bow can be used for so many crafts.. nit just hair bows! Think garlands, home decor, package tie on…. It’s endless. #crafts #tutorial #craftideas #hairbows
Create rhinestone brooches with buttons and jewelr Create rhinestone brooches with buttons and jewelry making supplies. These were all under 3 dollars to make and they look so cute on a jean jacket. I like to layer a few up for impact. Love the rhinestones! #jewelrymaking #brooches #crafts #tutorials
Use Dollar Tree boxes to create a surprise Valenti Use Dollar Tree boxes to create a surprise Valentine gift box that is filled with candy and explodes when you open it! #valentines #craft #dollartree
Tissue paper pendants! I made these with Mod Podge Tissue paper pendants! I made these with Mod Podge and gift wrap tissue paper from Daiso. I love how the black and natural wood look together. You could paint the wood a light color first. #crafts #jewelrymaking #tutorial
You Had Me At Hello! DIY Valentine Decor Art made You Had Me At Hello! DIY Valentine Decor Art made with gift wrap tissue paper, craft paints, and mod podge. I love how this turned out. I’m planning on hanging this in the girls room for all year round even though it actually made this for Valentine’s Day! #crafts #tutorial #valentines
Hello 2026! Who is excited for 2026? I’m excited f Hello 2026! Who is excited for 2026? I’m excited for the new year…. Just started 🎬 projects, hosting game day fun and getting ready for back to school after break. I hope your new year is off to a great start!
Follow on Instagram

Storage Box Makeovers

https://youtu.be/JvKktgAqa60

Kids Lemonade Recipe

https://youtu.be/X19feCULxOE

How to Photo Transfer

https://youtu.be/5ZzHxJ7hZlM

Faux Geodes and Agate Slices

https://youtu.be/C4Acq_ilD5U

French Country Hutch Makeover

https://youtu.be/oHZ7PanFSaw

Shoe Makeover with Mod Podge

https://youtu.be/YhH9c18JYbg

Liquid Sculpey Pendants 101

https://youtu.be/9QLNgwkQuHk

Explore

4th of july Christmas cocktails Collage Clay Creative Juice Creative Juice Episodes Disneyland diy beauty dollar tree Easter fashion father's day Floral Design furniture flip Game Day halloween home home decor jewelry Kids Kids Crafts mod melter Mod Melts mod molds Mod Podge Mod Podge Fabric new year's eve organization parties party press Recipes recycled resin Round-Ups sculpey Sculpey Polymer Clay sewing shoes tablescapes Teacher Gifts Thanksgiving Universal Studios Valentine's Day weddings

What’s Trending Here

  • YOUTUBE MIWMP - 2017 - 1
  • 15 Mod Podge pumpkin Ideas
  • how to sew tie face mask with filter pocket
  • Sculpey III Geodes Multi Colors 1
  • 15-cone-trees

New Posts

  • Dollar Tree Craft Easter Egg Garland Fabric Decoupage
  • Dollar Tree Craft Fairy Lights with Wall Decals
  • Best Kid Friendly Chili Recipe Chili Cook Off Winner Aldi Ingredients
  • Make Floral Fashion for Spring 3 Ideas Necklaces, Shoes and Sun Hats
  • How to Transfer Photos to Canvas Fabric with Mod Podge
  • DIY Sticker Earrings with Mod Podge Cute Grinch Craft
  • Dollar Tree Glass Marble Pendant Necklaces with Mod Podge

Categories

  • 101 Snappy Fashions (26)
  • 101 Tees (35)
  • 45 re-crafting projects (5)
  • Baby Shower (7)
  • bow wow wow (14)
  • Character DIYs (27)
  • Christmas (148)
  • Clay and Resin (28)
  • Craft Wars on TLC (6)
  • Creative Juice Holiday Special (6)
  • diary (129)
  • DIY Beauty (19)
  • DIY Videos (404)
  • Easter (46)
  • Eat and Drink (147)
  • EMMY Awards (15)
  • Fashion (195)
  • Father's Day (15)
  • Furniture Flip (24)
  • Game Day (19)
  • Graduation (2)
  • Halloween (171)
  • HGTV's Creative Juice (69)
  • Home and Garden (283)
  • Hot Glue Gun Helpers (33)
  • HSN and QVC (32)
  • Ideas for Kids and Families (132)
  • Local LA (7)
  • Mod Podge (288)
  • Mother's Day (28)
  • New Year's Eve (22)
  • News + Updates (167)
  • Party Ideas (44)
  • Patroitic (38)
  • PTA School Projects (22)
  • Round-Ups & Friends (20)
  • Scrapbooking (40)
  • Sewing Projects (59)
  • Sponsered + Giveaways (6)
  • St. Patrick's Day (7)
  • Supply Shop (19)
  • Teacher Gifts (28)
  • Thanksgiving (64)
  • The Filian Family (34)
  • Theme Parks & Cool Places (23)
  • Uncategorized (1)
  • Valentines Day (55)
  • Weddings (22)
  • Witch Crafts on HGTV and DIY (22)

Cottage Core DIY Doily Pumpkin for Fall and Halloween Decor

Dollar Tree DIY Spooky Napkin Decoupage Candles with Hot Glue

DIY Ghost Art Halloween Decor Craft with Doilies and Mod Podge

How to Add Fabric to Plastic Stacking Pumpkins with Mod Podge and Dollar Tree Crafts

Hocus Pocus DIY Sign How to Makeover Wood Signs with Napkins and Mod Podge

Beetlejuice Movie Night Treat Vanilla Puffed Pop Corn

© 2026 · Pretty Sweet Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design · A Genesis Child Theme · Images Courtesy of Lindsay Letters