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Over Two Years Ago

They all looked so young. Boy, are they growing up fast!

I Didn't Even Have to Ask

Our cousins Matt and Jen made the big move today! A few family and friends joined them this weekend to help them move in and John and I made dinner for everyone so you can imagine the amount of dishes for eighteen people. After dinner, I asked William to unload the dishwasher so the older kids could load and hand wash all the pots and pans. But once William was done unloading he just started loading.

"William, you don't have to do that. Thanks for unloading and now Adam and Caleb will load."

"I want to Mom. I have nothing else to do."

He happened to look over at all of us eating Otterpops and since he hates Otterpops he figured loading the dishwasher would be more fun. He can't even stand to be around people (the smell and the crunching sound) who are eating Otterpops so this insured him a comfortable distance. He even argued with Adam who insisted on helping him so that there was no chance that the dishes would have to be redone because this was William's first time doing them all by himself.

Thanks Adam and William!

An Ordinary Summer day

Nothing beats the heat on a summer day like swimming. Even I have been swimming with the kids. It is fun watching them play "the bottle cap game" where they set a bottle cap at the bottom of the pool and then get out and look for it while standing by the side. As soon as one of them spots it, they are supposed to jump in and get it. The one to get the bottle cap wins!

As for me, I prefer to float.


One summer a few of my kids regressed--- their test scores were lower when they first went back to school. So I decided to work with my kids a little everyday throughout the summer. Jonny can now count money and tell time, Sveta is finally understanding word problems, and Rachel is expanding her vocabulary with words like instinctively and burrows. Anna, Annalyn, and Julia are keeping their mind sharp with long division. William is doing a variety of work and while he is very bright, I found it interesting that he got easily frustrated when I had him do a worksheet where numbers had letters and he had to match up the number to the space with the same number and write in the letter so that he could spell out a message. This was incredibly hard for him compared to long math problems.

Sveta still cannot count money and she can only tell time to the hour. I have read that children with FAS (Fetal ALcohol Syndrome) have a very hard time learning these concepts and so far she has not learned to do either. Since they are on her IEP for next year, I think I will hold off and maybe just reintroduce her the names of the coins and their values.

Here is Dennis, William, and Andrew having fun on the swings! If you could only see how Dennis tags along and tries to do everything his older brothers do.

How are you spending your summer?

I Highly Recommend.......

this movie. It absolutely held me in its emotional grip throughout the whole movie. If you have a heart, I promise you will be touched.


Though None Go With Me

One Year Ago Today

In Ukraine it is officially June 25th already----- the day we met Dennis for the first time one year ago. Can you believe that we have known our sweet son for one full year?

It is amazing how perfectly he has fit into our family----- a Reed through and through.

Yesterday, I took this picture of Dennis watching a video of his homecoming. He sat through the whole thing and then proceeded to watch 7 or 8 other videos of himself and our family with Daddy and big brother Adam by his side. They both say that Dennis even shed a tear or two if you could believe that.

Looking back, it is hard to imagine the quiet, timid, weak, scared little boy that Dennis was because he is now so outgoing, strong, and full of life! He is so bright, so determined, and so loved by each and every one of us.

It is a privilege to celebrate knowing Dennis for one full year!

Annalyn's Letter

I wrote about Rachel a while back--- her transformation a testimony that she is where she was always meant to be--- but we also have Annalyn who joined our family through a disruption nearly three years ago. She too has come so far. She still faces challenges that we are working through together, but she too is living proof that children who are not doing well in one family, can and most often times do well in another home.

Just the other day, she wrote us this letter.


Dear Mom and Dad,

I have known you guys for a long time. I am thrilled and overjoyed that God put me in this family. I know there is no other better family that I know of. You guys do so much for me. I am very sorry I don't always try my best and I am sorry. There is so much in the future that I can't wait to do with you. There is so much I have and haven't. Thank you for everything you do from cooking to giving me and the rest of the family your love. When I leave you, in about 8-11 years, I will always remember you and everything you do for me. Thank you for being the best parents that you are and everyday I am touched and feel good to succeed in my honoring you. Yes, I mess up, but I get right back up and keep on going because of your encouragements. I love you and have had wonderful times together and can't wait for the next time. I love you so much.

Your daughter,
Annalyn

Often times, I do need to remind myself that this is her heart because deep down regardless of some of the things she does, I believe that this is how she truly feels. This August will make three years that she has been a part of our life and with little baby steps, she is growing up. Since we didn't go to Russia to actually adopt her, I have always felt like a part of that connection was missing. Perhaps, she feels it too. Never being able to visit the place that our daughter lived for the first six years of her life has always left me wondering what she was like back then, where she lived, who her friends were, and who took care of her. Oh how I wish it could have been us who first adopted her. How I wish it could have been us who first saw her beautiful smile when she found out she was getting a family. But that is water under the bridge now...... and it is us who get to see her beautiful smile for years and years and years to come. Recently, a fellow adoptive Mom started a ministry for orphans where Annalyn was born and it has inspired me to think about visiting there sometime and exploring Khabarovsk with my daughter.

Mostly About John

Anna made this dough doll at school. Since I can't possibly keep all the kids' art and school work I have instead decided to take pictures of it so that they will still be able to remember it years from now.

William did some "above and beyond" work around the house and so I bought him a few Lego men to add to his collection off of Ebay. He sure loves Legos!

And most of my other boys do too! Dennis is even starting to play with the smaller Legos which is really impressive.

This weekend we celebrated John's 40th birthday! Friends and family came over for a great big barbecue and swim party! Yes, he got a new barbecue on Saturday which all of us chipped in for including the kids, and a new wedding band, but he also got a pretty awesome present today that didn't cost anything-- which is his actual birthday! It is so awesome that I am considering it a belated birthday present myself.

It was so nice just hanging out with friends.

Last night, the girls wanted to make John dinner for Father's Day. So, they made pancakes!

Caleb's pancake was in the shape of a "C."

John helped make Jonny a Mickey Mouse pancake which he poured sweet milk all over. Can you say yum?

Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day! We all think you rock!

Dennis is learning what it means to be funny. He does things like this to get a reaction out of us.

Isn't he so silly?

Belated Everything

Well, VBS (vacation bible school) is over. What a week we had. Adam was involved in drama all week and did a great job being Pharaoh. Caleb was involved in pre-k games. Rachel was in the nursery all week, and one day Julia was a crew leader. I was a floater and helped out where ever I was needed. Today, the big white bus was not available to pick up kids at the different apartment complexes, so I volunteered to go and pick up kids at one of them. It was amazing to me to see the kids just come running out of their homes when they heard me honk. Only one parent came out...... and I am not sure I would have been as trusting to just let my kids go off to some church for three hours. I was proud of the kids who decided to get up and come....... had it not been for me encouraging and pushing my own kids to get out the door, most of them would have rather stayed home and slept in. I hope this week made a difference for all the kids that came.

Here is the sanctuary full of kids. The church's goal was to raise $200 to buy bibles for Africa and the kids actually brought in $1000! Praise the Lord! That is alot of bibles!

To celebrate the last day, the kids got to play in the water! They all seemed to have a blast!

I just can't get over how beautiful and big-girlish Sveta looks. She did a great job on her frame.

So did Annalyn! Her teacher made each of the girls in her group their own little photo album. It was very thoughtful!

These little alligators were one of the crafts this week. Now I have lots of magnets on my fridge!

Caleb tried to get Dennis to play in the water. Dennis was more interested in eating Popsicles.

Caleb had fun hanging out with his friends on the water slides.

Adam really got into helping this year. It was fun for him to get an alligator cookie as a show of appreciation for his help!

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As a belated birthday gift, John went out and bought white paint so that he could paint the lattice that he built a few weeks ago (after telling me back then that he would not paint it because he hated painting even though he knew I wanted it painted).

I think it looks great! The worst part about the whole painting thing was all the paint the kids got on themselves. Let's just say that it took a while scrubbing all the paint off Jonny. After this little painting session, John and I both agree that little helpers don't necessarily make the job easier.
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Dennis found Anna's dress-up shoes and thought he would try them on.

Too cute, don't you think?

Andrew and Dennis watching tv together.

I taught Caleb how to give Anna her growth hormone shots so that when we go to Ukraine, he can have the responsibility of doing it. He was the only one besides Jonny that was willing to give them and there was no way Anna was going to let a five year old poke her with a needle. Anna is pretty smart, I think. ;)

How Short Is That?

Sveta had been asking me to cut her hair for the past few days. Tonight I went ahead and did it.

She loves it!

And apparently, so does Anna and Annalyn.

Top 5 I've enjoyed reading........

I love to read other people's blogs whenever I get the chance. Here are a few links to posts that I have really enjoyed.

1. Kimberly meeting her daughter for the first time.

2. Debbie bonding with her new teenage daughter.

3. Charissa's adopt(ed) post.

4. Mindy's comeback.

5. Julie's little girl that she is hoping to adopt has been transferred. Please consider donating to their adoption fund through Reece's Rainbow. They are scheduled to submit their dossier on the same day as us. Daisy is just a precious little girl who will make a beautiful addition to their family!

The Case of the Broken Travel Mug

Annalyn came to tell me that Dennis broke my travel mug. Right away, I sensed something was up because my travel mug was up in a cupboard where Dennis couldn't possibly reach it. As I inquired more, Annalyn told me that Sveta told her, and Sveta told me that was what she heard Anna telling yet another sibling. Since another travel mug had been broken just a few short months ago, I wanted to know how this one got broken and by who. It didn't take me long to focus my attention on Miss Anna who quietly admitted to climbing on the counter to get the mug and fill it up and drink out of it. Ahhh, how cute (honestly) that my little girl wants to be like me. Truly I take into account that my daughter wants to imitate what I do, but it doesn't trump the fact that my daughter did not have permission to use my travel mug. Granted, Dennis was the one who picked it up and dropped it on the cement, but Anna was the one who left it out where he could get to it.

"Thank you for telling me the truth Anna. But that doesn't erase the fact that you got it out without permission and you led your sisters to believe that Dennis was the only one responsible. Not coming and telling me about the mug was dishonest, but I am so glad that you chose to tell me the truth. I am going to be replacing my travel mug and you are going to have to pay for it because that is the right thing to do. If I broke something of your, I would replace it too. Do you understand? Next time please ask for permission and be prepared to hear a no because there are some things that you are just not allowed to use. When you get older, you can have your own travel mug."

And my Anna nodded her pouty little face and said, "Yes, Mama, I won't do it again and I will go get my money to buy you another one."

I Challenge You 5

I have found myself driving in the car more and more---- doctor appointments, orthodontist appointments, errands, etc. Lots of time to listen to the radio outside of talk time with the kids.

And you know what I am listening to?

Focus on the Family--- and I am loving it.

It is so encouraging, and often times I find myself thinking, "Now why didn't I think of that?" or "I couldn't agree more."

I look for it every time I get in the car.

Since I feel compelled to share about the good news because it most certainly has changed my life, I wanted to challenge all of you to listen to Focus on the Family for a two week period every time you are driving in the car (only if it is on of course).

Bullet Points

* I challenged Adam to learn how to play Flood by Jars of Clay. He did, and very quickly I might add, so I told him that in order to win the challenge he had to sing the lyrics too. Let's just say that I was impressed.

* We were supposed to provide respite starting this past Friday, but something happened that the family decided to hold off until later this summer. It was out of my hands, but a part of me felt like I was somehow not keeping my promise to this family until the mom reassured me that my offer and friendship had been a much needed encouragement to her. My point in sharing this was that I didn't really do anything but reach out and offer some free respite and an ear for listening. In the process, I feel like I have made a new friend. So go ahead and reach out and touch someone! You never know how it might help them.

I know a few of you have also offered respite, but I think families are looking for respite families in the same state, so it might take a while to hook up. I know there is a need and I know that by spreading the word, people will become more comfortable with asking for respite and offering it. So spread the word!

* Andrew had his piano recital today. He played his two pieces without mistakes! It was obvious how much he practiced with Grandma!

* Over the weekend, I cut Caleb's, Anna's, Dennis', Andrew's, and Willliam's hair. Caleb's is the biggest change (unless you count Jonny).

*I opened up the new silverware I got from my Mom. It is so nice. I cleaned out two of my drawers and got rid of all the spoons that had been nicked from the garbage disposal. No more cutting my lip or taking forks out of the dishwasher and hand washing them for dinner! Thank you Mom!

*Tonight, we watched Slumdog Millionaire. It was stressful for me. I had heard a little bit about it, but I was not prepared for the tragedy upon tragedy these three children endured. I really had no idea of the plight of orphaned street children in India and how spoiled we are here in America. I do not normally watch alot of movies, but I would say that this movie was worth watching. I wonder if India is open to adoptions?

* VBS (vacation bible school) starts bright and early tomorrow morning, so I am off to bed. I have signed up not only myself, but Adam, Rachel, and Caleb to be helpers. The rest of the kids are going through the curriculum. It looks like it is going to be a lot of fun. I even went out of my comfort zone and invited a neighbor boy--- although I do not think he can come. But I do think we are bringing two girls from school. :)

She Asked For It

When you do this to someone........

you should expect this in return.

Victory! And she's down!

Here is another beautiful picture my Cousin Matt took. As of today, we are officially neighbors and this view of the sunset is now his view of the sunset!

Father's Love Letter

My Child ~

You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad, Almighty God

P.S. I willingly became His child in the summer of 1997. How about you?

My Happy Little Guy!

The plastic surgery office called to tell me that the doctor is planning another surgery already-- probably when we come back from Ukraine. This is when the ocularist will take a mold of Dennis' eye socket to make a permanent prosthetic eye for Dennis.

Adam's 8th Grade Graduation

Tonight Adam graduated from the 8th grade! We are so very proud of him. In addition to winning a college scholarship, Adam got medals or pins for reading 1,000,000 words, having a 4.0GPA or higher, being in Orchestra and Jazz, and participating in the Math Superbowl!

Before the ceremony, we went to dinner to celebrate. He chose Marie Calendars which we all love!

Dennis was a total cuddle bug in Daddy's shirt! Rachel couldn't resist getting a picture!

Go Check out our news......

on our adoption blog. Pinch me, I think I am dreaming!

The Visit Went Well

As you all know (if you've been following along) Rachel saw her younger biological brother back on the eighth of this month. Before this, it had been over two years since she last saw him when she came to live with us forever on May 29th, 2007. For the past year Rachel had been ready to see both of her biological siblings, but I had been told that they were not ready. Honestly, it was frustrating to me because Rachel had worked so hard to come to a place of forgiveness and acceptance so that she could be reunited with them (in the right frame of mind) and it seemed like it was never going to happen. But now I see that the wait was good and a lot of healing took place in those past two years for not only her but for her younger brother---- and the visit was a success! In my opinion, the visit could not have gone better with her younger brother---- they even wore the same colored shirts----- and that wasn't planned.

A few of my other kids joined us in the park so that the visit would not be confrontational (one on one) and that was great. My younger boys really didn't understand the relationship between us and them because we get together with so many families, and as we were getting ready to go, William asked if Samuel (Rachel's brother) could come over sometime and spend the night. Of course, I had said no, not today, but in my heart of hearts, I do hope something like that is in our future.

On the way home, I was halfway expecting Rachel to be on emotional overload......... but she wasn't. She was very thankful that I had kept my word to her, and our relationship never even skipped a beat (but a year ago, I'm certain it would have). Rachel was ready for this meeting. Her younger brother was ready for this meeting too. But, Rachel did not get to see her older brother who was not ready. Surprisingly, that bummed me out more than her......... I guess I should have listened to myself better when I explained to Rachel why he was not ready and that she just needed to give him more time.

I took a few pictures, had a chance to talk with Rachel's previous Mom, and was happy to hear that she was in a much better place since the disruption. I emailed them the pictures today, and hopefully Rachel's older brother will see his two siblings standing next to each other smiling, and decide to be in the next picture with them.

He Got It!

Today was the big day! Adam's school had an awards assembly to announce the winners of the $2,000 scholarships! Back in February he applied for the college scholarship (only 11 were available), and he was chosen as a finalist. Then a few months later he had an interview.

And today the winners were announced and Adam was one of them! Wooo-hoooo! What an honor! And tomorrow he graduates from the eighth grade!

Boy, do they grow up fast!