Reminder Day

18 years ago today we lived in Northridge California.We lived just a mile away from the epicenter of the Northridge Quake when it hit. It was just after 4 in the morning the the earth's furry showed its power.There really is not anything like being literally thrown out of bed with the loud frightening noise of the earth moving and shaking underneath you as well as hearing gas explosions very close near by.As our minds quickly grasped that this was not just a little shaker our minds raced to get to our babies and get out but, when the shaking is so hard it prevents you from getting anywhere fast and you realize just how vulnerable we all are.When we got out it soon became apparent our home was no longer livable as many were around our neighborhood.It was red tagged and our family was forced to move.Our family eventually resettled in a new home not far away but, the reminder of that day makes us always remember to be prepared both temporally and spiritually for things we may not expect.

little hands

Oh my, there is so much to tell. It was a really hard trip back to Russia. I wish these children could all receive desperate medical attention before serious medical issues arise. . I wish I could snap my fingers and make it all better for some of these precious children.I will probably open a private blog to share our story of a little girl I had hoped to become one of ours. Unfortunately we will not be able to bring her home but, will help her with what she needs medically.She will always be connected to us due to circumstances. As I left and snuggled her with a blanket made just for her I promised her she is loved and would do all I can to help her and others who need medical help but, do not get it due to lack of funds.So much could be prevented !!I often wonder if we would have gotten there sooner would things be the same?I do know my eyes were once again opened to do all I can.

However we will still be bringing home another little one. HE is a precious baby boy!He was sporting a pretty Pink outfit!Yes, this will change.It has been a bit of changing gears for us but, we are exited to bring this little guy home.I was not really expecting to bring home a baby but, he really is and is precious !Do not know exactly when we will return but, am thinking probably April or May for court. Russia have changed the waiting period after court from 10 to 30 days so we will have to make another trip to bring him home.

Totally Exausted

I am still in Russia. I am so emotionally and physically exhausted with all that has happened this week.It is all so intense it is hard to write about right now.I am just so mentally exhausted trying to make life changing decisions when things keep changing.We have had to make some decisions this week that are just hard .REALLY HARD and PAINFUL to my heart !
There have been some nice moments like returning to my children's former orphanage and sharing hugs and pictures of the kids with them.I was able to see both orphanage directors and their former caretakers. They of course loved the pics and donations.They were very interested in our children's lives and development.Everyone here has been very kind and supportive despite all the drama this week.I usually do pretty well under stress but, this week the water works just kept coming.
When I return and know more about our decisions I will share a bit more of our story.

Here We Go Again !

In a few days I will be off again to the place I could have never imagined I would go back to....at least for a long time!! Yes, I am really going back to Russia! Not only to Russia but, to the same orphanage our son lived in.There is a long story behind the last couple sentences which I will have to explain later.I am still a bit overwhelmed with it all since we were not actively pursuing to expand our family but, some interesting and very unusual circumstances has us going back.The last couple months we have been very busy updating our home study , getting registered in region,doing tons of documents, and recieved our visa. We will need to make some important decisions this next week regarding this little one so, keep us in your thoughts and prayers please.

BTW,Today a year ago we returned home from Russia with our little ones. What an amazing year for them and us !

1 Year Already? Now and Then

One year ago this week we picked the kids up from their orphanages in the Vladivostok region.What an amazing difference a year can make!They were such brave little souls but, had such sadness in their eyes. Now a year later I would call them happy, active, fun, full of life ,love and spunk ! They are doing really well overall. They both speak in full sentences. Brock still remembers some Russian as sometimes he will still say DA !They attend a wonderful preschool in the morning and love it !We are just blessed to have them in our family! Life is busy ! OK, I mean really busy ! Next post I will share more about our new adventure we are embarking on.Sometimes we do what our hearts tell us to even though most of the world might wonder why !

Our Little Russians

Goodbye Switzerland

We have enjoyed our extended stay this summer in the land of my birth. We are back in the US again and getting ready to go back to school in a couple weeks. We are doing a few beach trips and a lot of pool time now since we did not do too much of that in Europe.The little ones have really grown ! ! They both gained over a pound and a half while in Switzerland.I am sure the fresh Swiss milk and cheese and alpine air did them a lot of good.It is so wonderful to see how far our little munchkins have come since coming home only 8 months ago.Many adventures coming up this fall.One thing we are doing is a birth family search.Our searcher will be going to Vladivostok soon for several families doing a search.I am hoping that through this we will be able to do more genealogy work for them.