Call to Ukraine

Quick update. I received a letter from the adoption coordinator. He spoke with Anya and she is still very excited to come. She told him that she is getting pressure from locals not to come to the US because we must only want her organs. Yes you read right her organs. They really believe this about us. Anyway she said that is stupid and told them that she is coming to her family in the US. I called her and we talked for a few minutes. She said "Hello mother" "Anya America Yes" I told her we were coming for her as soon as we can. I have my first real mother like feelings for her. Not that they weren't there somewhere before but I desperate to get to her. I am scared for her there now that they know she wants to leave and I am trying so hard to get the paperwork done. We are still hoping maybe for Christmas but a lot of things have to go right. Keep up the prayers for us.

Hair cut

With the help of a friend I had Maddie's hair cut off. I was so nervous but unfortunately Maddie has my super fine thin hair and it looks so stringy most of the time. I think it looks so cute and she loves it.

Free time

Well I have so much paper work to do with the adoption I let the kids go free for about an hour. I walked out and found them having so much fun. But as you can see everything was all in a pile and they were having the best time.

Preschool

Maddie started a new school this year. This is the first day and she looks so grown up with her backpack. I have to check that thing everyday because I know one day she will try to take her cat to school. She was nervous but did great. A little scared at her first day. I am so lucky to be at this school. I really feel that it is an amazing school where children thrive and learn.
I think this is so cute. It is on her cubby and so much my Maddie. How nice to be in a place that has Jesus a part of everything they do.

Adoption Update

Hello, well it is officially "Official" we submitted our contract and home study fees. We are very excited. This is a journey of faith for us. We truly believe that God has asked us to do this and he has a plan for us. Financially it is a scary thing. We are working hard and hope to have some fundraisers. Most likely a big golf tournament. This will help with the cost.
We heard from the orphanage director that Anya is still very committed to being adopted. She has been heard by her English teacher telling others that "her parents are coming for her". How could we not go for her. We are very excited and appreciate all the supportive words from our family and friends.

OK now a little note to my friends and family. I know this is a little crazy and not for everyone. But I would like to challenge each one of you to do something to help others. We get so wrapped up in ourselves we miss God's little cues and calls for help. I am not saying you have to adopt a child but look for something to better yourself and this world. Try talking to an elderly person or a mom that looks a little stressed and all alone at your next park play date, take your child to a nursing home with some flowers. Offer to help in the church nursery, just say thank you to people you take for granted. Keep your eyes open and your hearts ready to act.......

Anya

I think Anya looks so old in this picture. She was all fixed up for a dinner we had with her orphanage director. It was very stressful for us but went well. We didn't really talk details but the director told us that he was happy that Anya was such a good match for our family. So most of you know that we are going forward and have filed a petition to adopt with Ukraine. We can't imagine not going for her and we know that it is not a sure thing but in the event Anya has a change of heart and decides she can't leave her country we will be offered more referrals while in the Ukraine. We have had to protect our hearts just a bit for this. The reality is that we will have a new addition we just can't be 100% of who it may be. I think that God has the right child for us and we just have to wait and see. We really want to bring her home and I think it will happen we just have to be prepared. I am scared about the process. We have heard some stories that worry us about the country. We will stay 2-4 weeks in a very 3rd world country but the outcome will be worth it. I am excited about our adventure and excited to have the opportunity to change so many lives. So pray for us, Anya, our journey and our family. Thanks to all of you that have been so supportive.

Uncle Alex

Uncle Alex came to town. He is 17 years old now but still my baby brother. I am so proud of him. He worked really hard this summer and got to do a lot of school shopping. He is a very sweet guy and the kids just love to spend time with him. I took the kids out to down town. I wanted to show Anya the city at night. I felt a little old hanging out with these two but they seemed to have a fun time.
We miss you already Alex.

Fun

We went to the water park and Maddie totally decided to go on every ride except for one. She and my brother rode all the water slides. I couldn't get many pictures but here she is walking up to ride the fast double ride. I was very surprised.

I am so proud of Maddie. She is really stepping out and trying new things. She works hard to overcome her fears. I really try hard to give her opportunities to really push herself. I also think she has great fun!!! This was a bungee type thing that lets them jump and go way high. She started out scared but got the hang of it. However she said it was closed now and people could only do it one time. I don't blame her it looked scary.
Anya thought this was amazing and she doesn't get afraid of much of anything. She did a lot of rolls and was very high. She of course wanted one more ride.

Grandma's house

The girls had a bubble bath and had the best time. The pretended to be in snow.

One of Anya's favorite places to visit was here. She had a great time swimming, riding in the golf cart and eating borche (Russian soup) Grandma made just for her.

Steele away farm

We had a great time at this farm. The kids got to ride a horse and Grey thought it was so fun. He is such a gentle sweet boy.
Maddie took several rides. I think she wanted to go faster.
Anya really loves horses. She really lights up when she is around them.

Maddie

Maddie had an ice skating lesson. She did really well and actually did some on her own.
Swimming lessons are over. Maddie had a great summer learning to swim. Her instructor was

amazing.