tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39420227787054178662011-12-30T18:52:13.160-08:00On July 4th, 2010 two little girls from Bulgaria joined our family. This blog shares the ups and downs of our ever growing family.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.comBlogger4061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-5435797058793562542011-01-30T15:21:00.000-08:002011-01-30T15:22:24.365-08:00

We have moved! Come on over and join us!!!! FIND IT HERE!.....................................................

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-41421647961858515352011-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:33:00.429-08:00

I will be starting a new blog soon. For now, this one is going to be silent. :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-71834738481464430522011-01-14T20:09:00.000-08:002011-01-14T21:11:06.329-08:00

That is the truth that has been laid upon my heart. It is not a depressing, lonely truth, but a freeing one!Acts 17:24-25 (New International Version, ©2010) 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-50215272719292120722011-01-07T15:37:00.000-08:002011-01-07T16:20:53.156-08:00

Meeting Yana in Jan. 2010: (please ignore ME!)I want to share something with you. The following are sentences from Yanas referral papers before we had ever met her..."Mild dilatation of the lateral ventricles", "follow up transfontanel echolgraphy was carried out: hydrocephalus interna, cystic formation in the right hemisphere, several smaller in the left, dilated brain ventricals", "The child

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-82424411860067086112011-01-03T09:48:00.000-08:002011-01-03T10:13:51.714-08:00

And the girls are doing so well! Yana has a best friend. Sure, she's of the 4 legged variety, but a friend is a friend! And Tavi is finding that being part of a family just keeps her smiling about all the time!YANA AND HER BEST FRIEND... KIZZY! And TAVI just being cute in her pigtails ...

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-8168823423388247342010-12-27T12:00:00.001-08:002010-12-27T12:09:27.196-08:00

and someday I WILL get a good pic of ALL my kids together! :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-15501308041397127072010-11-23T19:58:00.000-08:002010-11-23T20:16:38.047-08:00

LOOK whats new! And the biggest surprise of the week is she LIKES them! She will actually leave them on for quite awhile, and she's happy! :) \>Seriously, can she look sad or what? :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-6528659693303555592010-11-15T09:06:00.000-08:002010-11-15T10:19:41.456-08:00

God knew. He knew that 5 years ago when a precious baby girl was born that she would be our daughter. The gentle CARE He takes, the LOVE He puts into it, the JOY He finds in it, the SPECIFIC outcome He has designed for us ... the knitting together of a family. It's a GOD thing. Psalm 13913 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-15237512195871612612010-11-07T07:40:00.001-08:002010-11-07T07:45:44.378-08:00

Well, I can't say it was perfect, but I gave our "How did you first enter into adoption?" testimony on Saturday to start off our "Orphan Sunday" sermon. They even got it on video, which had I known I would have done myself up just a little bit.;) Sometimes, the most I can do is just show up.... moms you know how that is right? :) Talking in front of a group is so not my thing, I wish it was. I

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-43196439928105368362010-11-06T21:35:00.000-07:002010-11-06T21:43:55.001-07:00

This year I am a Christmas Warrior through Reeces Rainbow for Will. He is a little 5 year old boy with Down syndrome. In his write up it says that he is very serious. That just makes me want to hug him and put a lasting smile on his face! The best way I know to do that is to bring him a family.He is in a country very dear to my heart ;) ..... If you are able, would you please consider

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-91018477454245847172010-11-06T21:34:00.000-07:002010-11-06T21:35:09.784-07:00

6. The adoption tax credit for 2010 is over $13,000! :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-60290215434612249522010-11-05T17:56:00.000-07:002010-11-05T18:35:22.213-07:00

I can hardly believe it!!It's been crazy enough that I can look back and honestly not quite believe we made it through! Each day presented and continues to present new challenges. 9 kids, diverse beginnings, and 3 of which are teens guarantees that life is neither quiet, peaceful nor boring! And yet I am at peace, my heart overflows, my mind is mush.... Life ain't perfect ;).Tavi slowly

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-21411921384988971602010-11-05T11:47:00.000-07:002010-11-05T11:51:21.389-07:00

5. We are told again and again in the bible that God has a heart full of mercy and love for orphans, widows, the "least of these", as we are also told to "be like Christ". Can you think of a better way than through the adoption of a child to have our hearts aligned with GODS HEART AND WILL?

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-33358384713220869592010-11-04T09:29:00.000-07:002010-11-05T11:51:43.508-07:00

I'll play catch up since it's already the 4th!1. All children deserve a loving family.2. Adoption is beating strong in the heart of God.3. It's a beautiful option for growing your family.4. It is a living, tangible, and phenomenal way to show your children that love does not have rules and boundaries.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-28295423521105444152010-10-29T16:10:00.003-07:002010-10-29T16:19:35.404-07:00

Oldest to Youngest... :)Yana TaviLukeI can't help myself! I LOVE Yanas expression, and yes, this is her MAD face! :)Are these kiddos adorable, or is it that I'm biased? :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-75217305951182063962010-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:002010-10-29T10:33:13.773-07:00

I found this on a Christian blog, written in 2007. I thought it was worth sharing. The old adage says, “The devil is in the details” and it is so with adoption. Give me a big problem or hurdle, and shockingly, I do just fine (while holding onto God’s hand, that is!). But I do “sweat the small stuff.” Ask me to chase around little details, and then have something go wrong? That’s a recipe for

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-6606179732744725412010-10-25T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-25T09:59:36.623-07:00

Just took these this morning. Enjoy!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-8452162448994935972010-10-20T13:07:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:17:00.994-07:00

So I decided believing is at least 1/2 the battle. Yana does not make letter sounds, doesn't babble, nothing but growling, spitting, throat clearing etc. Well I decided she just lost the know how and needed help getting it back. She loves music. So about a week or so ago I started singing sings with syllables only. Concentrating on the basic baby ones.... Dada, mama, lala, papa, nana or no

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-5603322458130347372010-10-15T09:25:00.000-07:002010-10-15T11:20:44.836-07:00

Luke 15:1-7This is the biblical passage that has been on my mind and my heart lately. Now I realize this story is talking about believers that have wandered away from God, and that it also is addressing the attitudes of the those still following Jesus. But it also tells me that Jesus desires 100% outcomes. That just one child suffering, one child alone and afraid, one child hungry, one child

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-68332530998171236782010-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:002010-10-13T13:11:43.922-07:00

When I look at Yana and see her smile, I see a smile that lights up the world. I see JOY, pure and simple. So much a part of her Creator, that I can't help but smile back. This little light of mine, in my heart she will forever shine. In the heart of her family, she will forever be a shining light. She is living her life in the arms of a mommy and daddy, and brothers and sisters, and grandmas

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-6422295005341256632010-10-09T22:06:00.000-07:002010-10-09T22:43:59.559-07:00

Ephesians 2: 10 says "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."[This verse] implies that we should step out in bold obedience. The good works he has prepared beforehand—we should walk in them!What are the things God has prepared for you to do? When did you last reassess God's call on your life? What are those

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-85201066917566405122010-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:002010-10-04T18:02:40.973-07:00

Soooo tired of feeling manic! Bonding and attachment suck! I want to feel normal!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-66072136070591087252010-10-02T20:21:00.000-07:002010-10-02T20:49:06.866-07:00

There was a time when this sweet little girl did not like the wind blowing in her face or her hair....Now 3 months home, she loves the sun on her face and the wind in her hair! ******************************And this little one was so hard to get to smile, and did not like looking into the camera or even into faces.....But she is all smiles and giggles now!************************And yes, his "BIG

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-75213574193211569312010-09-29T12:38:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:42:42.955-07:00

I hear the comment all the time, "My heart has a burden for...". I used to wonder what all the hype was about. And I will admit it was thought by me to be a much overused phrase. But I come to you today telling you that "my heart is indeed heavy with a burden". There are so many, just so darned many children without a family. So many children who are "nobody to anybody". And as I look

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-5752586013293662222010-09-22T19:23:00.000-07:002010-09-26T10:18:59.592-07:00

Sometimes it just overwhelms me. Sometimes it brings me to tears. Sometimes it causes my heart to hurt so much I think it will break in two. Sometimes what I want more than anything in the world is to be able to rock this little boy in my arms when he was just a baby. And tell him how much I LOVE him and that everything is going to be okay. I want him to have had an early childhood that is

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-56766426607861614582010-09-13T08:49:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:05:36.783-07:00

They are two of the CUTEST things you will ever encounter in a bathroom! :)AND Yana finds some TV shows EXTREMELY funny!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-80283212205539089202010-09-08T20:40:00.000-07:002010-09-08T20:59:19.093-07:00

I have to admit I was dreading my beautiful boys looking like alien creatures. But a deal's a deal. Once Luke was always sleeping in big boy undies and staying dry, they could both get faux/mohawks. I gotta admit, they are still pretty darn beautiful!James 9 years oldLuke 4 years old.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-68149749168730521732010-09-07T13:07:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:24:40.842-07:00

Yana is loving her new skill of drinking from a sippy cup!!! So is mom! I have started playing around with giving her things like ice cream and yogurt by spoon. She spits it all out, but I think she is showing some interest! Yana is amazing me daily with her new found freedom. She literally crawls ALL over finding all sorts of things to get into. The best part is she will hear someone

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-7412363099815195932010-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:41:13.976-07:00

Adopting a child is a process that rarely ends once they are in your arms. You hear so much about bonding and attachment... and you read, and you read, and you read... and you deny that it will be that hard!But the truth is each and every relationship is unique. And yes, it can really be that hard. As moms we can create such stress for ourselves as we agonize over our feelings toward the new

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-54498803774902807472010-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:002010-09-02T20:24:39.239-07:00

The girls have been home 8 weeks now! Wow, what happened to the end of summer? Or the middle for that matter?I unashamedly admit that for a short while there I didn't think I could do this, didn't think I was going to make it. I like my routine however crazy it is. I like my peace, at least the peace of what I know. I like the security of worrying about the same things day after day. So

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-52501963472962411692010-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:002010-08-26T09:29:51.050-07:00

If you've met Yana, you probably know that she hates to exert any more energy than necessary! :) Here is the video to prove it:

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-53703866222221359902010-08-20T18:46:00.000-07:002010-08-20T19:57:28.546-07:00

I was born into a world whose hands do not welcome me, so I lay alone swaddled up tight. I cry out to a world whose hands do not hold me, and soon all my cries are silent. I hunger in a world where no hands will feed me, and I get used to the ache of never being full.I play in a world where no hands will join me, and soon I retreat into my own silent world.I go to sleep in a world where no

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-45982578190403233662010-08-19T19:08:00.001-07:002010-08-19T19:32:29.004-07:00

Yana would love to share with you all a very special skill of hers!GET READY....GET SET....TWIRL!!!!!AAAHHHHHHH!You're jealous aren't you? ;)Being the best at twirling is darn hard! :) And just because she's a cutie.... :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-78493103142566494492010-08-16T20:17:00.000-07:002010-08-16T20:32:16.587-07:00

Tavi loves bath time! She loves water, period! [the pictures say it all]Yana is enjoying it more, but hates her hair and face washed! :) The girls do pretty well in the bath together... as long as Yana doesnt' touch Tavi. :)And here is Yanas favorite part, being all clean AND dry! :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-10743661968376274922010-08-12T19:34:00.000-07:002010-08-12T20:07:52.444-07:00

Isaiah 4028 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-30498326122567752362010-08-11T14:36:00.000-07:002010-08-11T14:56:18.400-07:00

and a whole lot of love! :)I finally just sat Yana down expressly to take some pics. She even got on her new dress, and sat in her special chair just to look extra cute. She is such a lover, it just makes me laugh!So enjoy seeing her grow adn change. She looks so old in some of the photos... more like 7 and less like 3. and as a point of reference, she has changed so much in just one short

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-88488279414978993512010-08-10T21:48:00.000-07:002010-08-10T22:11:02.180-07:00

After having 6 kids working their way through the public school system, I have finally decided to take the leap and homeschool [at least for a couple of years] my youngest 3 children. I am excited, and a bit nervous, but feel much peace with this decision.Some of the factors that influenced my decision were:1. Luke just was not excited about going to preschool. 2. Tavi would be at least a

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-73508401639568780392010-07-28T21:42:00.000-07:002010-07-28T22:12:16.547-07:00

Common sense tells us that there will be some things in this life that Tavi John will just not be able to do. However, she doesn't have any idea of her limitations... and she never ceases to amaze her mama!I have told you all about Tavi before. How she was born at 27 weeks gestation. How she weighed under 1 1/2 lbs. How she had 4 blood transfusions. How she is completely blind because of her

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-85696106866567155532010-07-26T21:01:00.001-07:002010-07-26T21:05:12.476-07:00

Tired, grouchy, feeling worn down... am I sick? Oh no, wait! It's just my birthday! I am at the stage in life where going out for a birthday dinner really isn't any easier than making dinner at home! BUT thanks to my mom volunteering to babysit, John and I did have an hour of quiet dining and conversation! It was overdue and very much appreciated! Thanks MOM! [and for the cake too!]I am

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-38732005779291966862010-07-21T18:56:00.000-07:002010-07-21T19:24:33.071-07:00

Life is continuing to move at a rate that is passing me by, or so it seems. There are only so many hours in a day, and being summer I just can't rouse myself to not sleep in since my 3 youngest like to. During the school year I am up at 5:30 5 days a week, and don't seem to make it to bed before Eleven o'clock or later. So I justify my waking up at 8:30 (or later :) ) by needing to catch up

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-54365432801012220512010-07-17T09:03:00.000-07:002010-07-17T09:14:19.978-07:00

Let's eat with Yana.... Let's drink some pop with Tavi...Tickle fest....

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-24678537378909440572010-07-16T14:18:00.000-07:002010-07-16T14:34:35.413-07:00

Well, the girls have been with me for almost 3 weeks. In a lot of ways it seems sooo much longer :), haven't they always been with me?! Yana continues to go with the flow. She has figured out that raising her arms is a good way to be picked up by someone! She discovered that playing in the baby pool with mom is really fun! Kicking the water is fun too! And mom discovered she is easily

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-53220374604402432342010-07-11T20:28:00.000-07:002010-07-12T21:46:20.886-07:00

Yana is changing before our eyes. Did the workers at her orphanage ever get to see the real Yana? 7 years waiting to let her light shine... my heart just breaks for the little baby that was never cuddled, then that little toddler who was never comforted, and then that little girl that never happened and no one cared. Somewhere around 1-2 years my little Yana stopped developing and growing.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-53299250930510302122010-07-11T12:56:00.000-07:002010-07-11T13:09:30.344-07:00

Well, the girls had a Dr. visit this week. We didn't do a whole lot, but they checked out fine and healthy all things considered.Tavi is 38 inches and a whopping 26 lbs! She is SOOO skinny, with pencil legs and a prominent spine. But she eats very well, so I have no doubts she will be looking very healthy in no time. She continues to improve in her adjustment each day. And I continue to

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-20793316100488445532010-07-08T20:22:00.000-07:002010-07-08T21:01:47.786-07:00

The eyes are said to be the window to the soul. Did you know that one does not have to be able to "see" out in order for the world to see what lies within?Have you ever wondered if the eyes of a child who is blind can twinkle?or sparkle?or show you the goodness of the soul within?“I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart near your heart.”I LOVE you Tavi John!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-44894860927173262732010-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:002010-07-07T09:02:30.023-07:00

So.. the girls have been out of the orphanage for a whole week. I am guessing they have had more activity and experienced more new things in this one short week than in the whole rest of their lives. For Yana, being 7, that is quite something to consider. I am finally feeling almost normal. Jet lag was kicking my butt and winning there for a couple of days. I do believe I woke up feeling

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-80130221959942043822010-07-04T18:46:00.000-07:002010-07-04T19:07:55.928-07:00

In the Sofia airport telling Toni goodbye....Cale getting to know Tavi...James enjoying playing with Yana....Sisters...I may be messy, but I can hold my own bottle!Learning her way around....I just absolutely adore this little face!"Seriously, mom quit taking my picture!" :)Tavi is trying so hard to process everything. Here she is just unwinding with a little alone time.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-78463583747879995112010-07-04T13:34:00.000-07:002010-07-04T14:10:12.427-07:00

Well the girls and I made it home last night about 2:00 am. It was quite possibly the longest day of my life, and one of the hardest! But so totally worth it!Yana was a dream, she came out of her "zombie state" by the end of her second day with me and I think has decided there is no need to go back there! She slept most of the long 9 hour flight. And then proceeded to charm her way through

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-56762316657101762262010-07-02T01:01:00.000-07:002010-07-02T01:39:25.894-07:00

DON'TBRUSH MYHAIR!Whenever you touch Yanas head or face she makes this horrible "its gonna hurt" face. She doesn't make any upset sounds, and recovers instantly once youre done. Its so cute though. She was charming me last night giving me licky kisses, and wanting me to hold her. It just took her about 24 hours to come out of her zone a bit. She is doing very well today also. Eating a lot,

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-85070878086783162782010-07-01T08:19:00.001-07:002010-07-01T08:43:59.512-07:00

Here ya go sis... just for you! :)A couple of things I have noticed:Tavi still has a flat head on one side. I wonder if that will go away...Yana is used to doing nothing. She doesn't get hungry, tired, or bored... at least not so that she will do anything about it. She will cuddle, and reach out to be picked up, halfheartedly at least. She enjoys watching Tavi play and walk around.I am having

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-88938596614932525692010-07-01T05:53:00.000-07:002010-07-01T06:00:35.722-07:00

I haven't even taken any pictures! We did the girls medicals this morning, and then the embassy interview this afternoon. The girls were fantastic, but sooooo tired when we got back to the hotel! Yana gets tired and then she SLEEPS! :). In fact she zonked very quickly after I laid her down! She is such a sweet girl, I can not wait to see her personality shine through! She loves to cuddle,

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-40180752035568388062010-06-30T11:25:00.000-07:002010-06-30T11:51:25.405-07:00

baths, pjs and sisters...

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-70376936575139003612010-06-30T03:04:00.000-07:002010-06-30T04:14:45.188-07:00

Officially introducing: Yana Jewell and Tavi John Mayden!!!!Just a short post while they both have a little down time in their beds, as when they are awake they want attention! And well... do you really expect me to say "not now"?!!!! :)Yana hasn't eaten much, but a little milk and oatmeal cereal. Tavi ate some spaghetti and french fries. She liked it. Now Yana is sleeping, and Tavi and I

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-64462427392142311762010-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:002010-06-29T09:50:23.988-07:00

We are finally in Sofia!!! We get the girls in the morning! Then we get to just hang out till Thursday! :)I am SOOOO excited! Yana, Tavi.... just one more sleep sweeties! And then never again will you sleep in an orphans bed! You are claimed, cherished, loved, and WANTED!Praising God tonight!!!!!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-56044575484618259552010-06-25T14:19:00.000-07:002010-06-25T14:26:21.009-07:00

OK, so some GOOD news! YES, we are leaving on Monday as scheduled! Our departure date to come home will most likely need to be changed to Saturday, [and possibly Tues, or Wed thanks to a lovely July 4th holiday for the US embassy]. :) But hey, I will be holding my girls so I will get through it! :) Though I am really, really wanting to just get home and have them meet their DADDY, who is also

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-59300489473172755092010-06-23T11:42:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:45:56.170-07:00

SO... we are still having problems with paperwork NOT moving! The birthcertificates aren't ready, they need to be in the right office by tomorrow to be ready by Friday. SO that the passports can be taken care of, so that I can arrive on Tuesday and pick the girls up Wednesday! Then to get medicals, and visa interviews out of the way so we can leave bright and early Friday! NOT a whole lot of

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-40569061422054758072010-06-19T11:17:00.000-07:002010-06-19T11:24:58.246-07:00

Really 9 days? 9 DAYS until I am on the last journey to bring our girls home! 11 more sleeps and they will never again sleep in an orphans bed! Praise God!Do they know? Has God placed excitement and hope on their precious little hearts? My arms have never hurt so bad as they do right now just longing to caress and hold them close once again. 16 months ago today we said YES to God to bring

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-7754215691013590512010-06-12T08:09:00.000-07:002010-06-12T08:17:20.156-07:00

I am asking for your prayers! The passport system in Bulgaria is a mess! The birthcertificates office is not getting things done on time! If these two things do not time out my travel plans are TOAST! To be honest, to be within 2 weeks if holding my precious girls again, and then have things fall apart and be delayed... It's going to kill me :(! God can do this! I am praying He doesn't want

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-64395642362475836492010-06-03T07:28:00.000-07:002010-06-03T07:31:18.680-07:00

So I got my travel dates confirmed! I will be leaving on the 28th and returning sometime between the 2nd and the 4th! I am buying tickets today hopefully! So exciting! Just 25 MORE days!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-75892997109303210482010-06-01T06:23:00.000-07:002010-06-01T06:26:15.000-07:00

Somewhere around 1:00 am this morning John and I became the parents of 2 more daughters!!!!!! Praising God! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-55274135442356933382010-05-31T10:07:00.000-07:002010-05-31T10:23:00.414-07:00

So here I sit in a tizzy, most likely for the rest of the day. Court will occur at 1:00 a.m. CST tonight. I woke up at 5:00 this morning in anticipation of this blessed event! If we are granted the adoption of the girls, this journey will be OVER! 1 year, 3 1/2 months... all the paperwork, all the re-dos, all the stress, all the prayers, all the fundraising, all the apostilles, all the

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-84003303477301538332010-05-27T14:46:00.000-07:002010-05-27T14:47:17.237-07:00

$100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!........................

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-24950848246741418992010-05-25T13:46:00.000-07:002010-05-25T13:56:50.547-07:00

My oldest daughter has an original oil painting on canvas that she is acutioning to help raise money to bring the girls home! It measures 24 x 18 inches. It is painted in rich earthy tones... very pretty! She won't let me keep it :(... :). And it even matches my decor! :) You can bid by emailing me kelly 9 mayden "at" yahoo "dot" com [no spaces!], leaving a message on this blog, or message

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-84505286011743071892010-05-20T17:06:00.000-07:002010-05-20T17:21:07.795-07:00

I have been so uninspired to write on here lately. It is not like things are boring around here. I could write about tomorrow being the last day of school, and how much I look forward to summer with my kids home. I could write about Nolans 8th grade recognition night. I could write about Riley being a Senior next year. Or my struggles with being a wise and courageous mom to my oldest son.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-80672581757598660842010-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:002010-05-13T12:28:41.648-07:00

For those of you wondering...I am planning on leaving for Bulgaria on June 26th, and arriving home on July 1st with the girls in tow! Now, that is assuming court is successful, that the volcano stays out of the way, and that things go as planned. WHEN has anything in this whole adoption journey gone as planned you ask? A big fat NEVER in answer to that! So if you can continue to pray that we

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-82141222879349049122010-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:002010-05-12T13:08:06.606-07:00

You could have knocked me over with a feather.... My sweetheart of a husband and I were talking about the kids, and he had forgotten where Tavi's birthday landed in the birthorder. She is a couple of months older than Luke. So I commented that Luke would still be the baby age wise. And he said, "Well, for now anyway. I would bet that it won't be for long..." Now, that may not seem huge to

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-69184972695002499532010-05-07T12:07:00.000-07:002010-05-07T12:18:14.583-07:00

Here is the link to a painting my sweet friend, Beth, is auctioning off an e-bay!!! Please copy and paste it if you can to your blog or Facebook page! :) Or better yet, email it to your friends too! :)Original Watercolor Painting by Artist Randy Penner I tell you the truth, fellow adoptive moms have hearts like no other!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-31196962550178930702010-05-05T05:50:00.000-07:002010-05-05T05:59:44.942-07:00

Well.... the good news you ask?WE GOT OUR COURT DATE!!!!!!! AND THE BEST POSSIBLE JUDGE TO GO WITH IT!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!The bad news? Our court date isn't until June 1st. Which means the last week of June or first week of July for travel, assuming all goes well at court. WHICH means that by the time the girls are home it will have been almost 6 months between trips! Which means our

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-85514847551688672602010-05-03T09:37:00.000-07:002010-05-03T09:51:11.167-07:00

We are BACK in court and awaiting a court date! Praise GOD! Our lawyer will be checking on Wednesday to see if we have not only a judge, but a court date as well! THAT is how it usually works, not the almost 3 week wait that we had!!!!! So prayer requests:1. a court date to be appointed by Wednesday, and a QUICKLY UPCOMING court date at that!2. an ADOPTION FRIENDLY, TOTALLY AWESOME, CHRISTIAN

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-59146079034000203522010-05-03T09:02:00.001-07:002010-05-03T09:04:48.262-07:00

These girls are great I tell you! They have been a "group" for a long time. They all call me mom, now that isn't that sweet??? :) And they are all Christians girls too... which just makes me so darned proud of them!

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-77828723928904977522010-05-02T07:36:00.000-07:002010-05-02T07:43:09.493-07:00

This is Riley, and my nephew Cole. They were born about 5 weeks apart, so we always have them pose as twins. Yay, they were both REALLY excited to pose together. :)My daughter and her date... of course Quincy and I had to be in it too!Hair and make-up complete. That is NOT beer on the bed behind her. Just and empty box, which I probably got from the grocery store as a carry out box! :)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-41125436466929714802010-04-30T09:14:00.000-07:002010-04-30T09:35:11.946-07:00

I do! I always have! IT is what I have always wanted, since I was little. There was a time not too long ago, prior to our committing to the girls, that I cried out to God to either take this desire to be a MOM again out of my heart forever or to soften my husbands heart. I didn't understand why, over and over again, the world and the people in it kept telling me I had to "get over it", that I

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-63425124689304927672010-04-29T13:47:00.000-07:002010-04-29T14:41:20.888-07:00

I really don't know how to explain it. If doubt, despair, anger, and sadness are a huge ball... then that is what is in my chest. However, they are not free to come out or take over because there is a VERY STRONG shield of hope surrounding them and keeping them at bay, pushing back to make the ball smaller and smaller.... sometimes the ball gets bigger, and then the shield fights harder and it

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-6645821901230564972010-04-29T04:27:00.000-07:002010-04-29T04:35:52.977-07:00

Not good news today. Our dossier is leaving court and going backwards a step. The MOJ messed up our letter with another family. So two unhappy families today. 3 long weeks after leaving this step, back we go. So unecessary, this crazy delay. But all is not lost! I prayed that our miracle be given to Chrissie (see button on side of blog), and I pray that God has done just that! Still....

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-80428442596489661202010-04-28T05:24:00.000-07:002010-04-28T05:30:39.126-07:00

Well, here it is, Wednesday afternoon in Bulgaria and we still have not received our court date. Legally, the judge has 2 weeks after submission to give out a date. That deadline is tomorrow. We will see what tomorrow brings. It's frustrating because other adoptive families get their date within a couple of days. And typically that date is very shortly after the day it is assigned. But for

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-862780349535882632010-04-23T12:31:00.000-07:002010-04-23T13:17:41.561-07:00

So as the day winds down in Bulgaria, there is no news of court for us. :(It has been a long journey that has yet to have an end in sight. But surprisingly, for today I am doing okay with that. Today, I have surrendered to Him, and He has granted me the peace that "passeth understanding". This is NOT what I wanted, how I wanted things to go, how I ever thought they would go... this is not

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-21633321444576909422010-04-22T08:37:00.000-07:002010-04-22T08:53:03.078-07:00

">Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: How do you quiet your breaking heart, still your racing mind, and end the desire to DO something while God does what GOD DOES? Be still and know that I am God – What is its origin?“Be still and know that I am God!” is the first part of Psalm 46:10. Here, the word still comes from a Hebrew word meaning to “let go” or “release.” The meaning would be

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-51616923958703138232010-04-21T08:31:00.000-07:002010-04-21T08:46:48.045-07:00

Weeellll, they always say slow and steady wins the race! And if something was ever SLOW and STEADY, this adoption is it!! We received news about court this morning. And let me tell you, I am NOT surprised. In fact "I think I am going to keel over and die from NOT surprised!". OH, and did I mention "slow and steady"?We have been assigned a judge [teeny, tiny progress]. As of today we do not

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-83724635040177665822010-04-20T11:43:00.000-07:002010-04-20T12:57:22.518-07:00

These words pretty much describe where I am at today...Despair:# a state in which all hope is lost or absent;# abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart; # the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well;Depression:# Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity# gloomy: filled with melancholy and despondency Doubt:# consider unlikely or have doubts# the state of

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-29681589026704656222010-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:002010-04-19T11:26:51.361-07:00

14 months since we committed. 3 months since I last held my babies. Not to beat a dead horse, but sheesh... this is SOOO hard. :( I am grieving, and yet I can't quite grieve because there is hope, and God will see them home to us! But I watch the videos and I still think "Are they real?". I dreamed about them last night. They flew home unescorted, dropped off at my house by fed ex [which

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-18312685689795064392010-04-15T07:29:00.000-07:002010-04-15T09:40:23.962-07:00

Okay, so now we are officially IN COURT. Next week we should find out who our judge will be [please God, make it a good one!], and when our court date should be [please God, make is very soon!]. What makes this such a big deal is that in Bulgaria, birth parents can revoke their consent for adoption at any time up until the case is in court. Our's is "in court" now, so that is no longer a worry

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-34672738110783312892010-04-14T10:43:00.000-07:002010-04-14T10:54:28.690-07:00

I could hardly believe it once I added it all up. Since the day we officially committed to adopt Yana and Tavi it has been 421 days!!! It occurred to me, I have not waited this long for anything I really wanted before!!! James's adoption took almost 2 years, but he was living with us during that time! Lucas's adoption, from the start of the homestudy, took just under 421 days. I was engaged

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-40020382443301801692010-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:002010-04-14T14:38:14.309-07:00

Oh gosh... my heart is heavy today. I have been thinking a lot about my girls... this is nothing new ;). BUT today especially, little Tavi is on my heart. Now those of you who have had the pleasure of watching her videos know that she is unaware that she has "special needs". :) Yet I know that once out of the orphanage, the world will make sure that she knows it. And I can't help but wonder

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-38950902153899249332010-04-12T08:02:00.000-07:002010-04-12T08:39:26.161-07:00

Knowledge w/o vision is pointless. These pictures are of a room for 2 little girls. I know that, anyone seeing the room can see that. Now, I also know, because I have faith in a GREAT BIG WARRIOR GOD, that it will soon be filled with 2 specific girls. Yana and Tavi will sleep in this room, and they will be a part of our family forever! GOD IS BRINGING THEM HOME! Faith is hope in things

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-22601905158068689252010-04-11T11:05:00.001-07:002010-04-11T11:46:24.704-07:00

Riley, Cale, and Quincy were blessed to be able to attend a concert for Barlow Girl, Vota, and Stellar Kart... ie "The Love And War Tour". All 3 had a fantastic time, and Quincy declared "I LOVE CONCERTS! I can't wait to go to another one!"... oh dear! What are we in for? LOLHere is an adorable pic of Riley and Quincy with BarlowGirl ... Cale refused to be photographed. ;)

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-7171965818220439252010-04-09T05:59:00.000-07:002010-04-09T06:16:58.111-07:00

Praising God!!!!!!! The minister has signed our dossier!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!What does this mean? It means that we are officially awaiting a court date!! We should receive a date within the next 2 weeks. Specific Prayer Requests [not only for me, but for my friend Renae as well!]:1. That we receive our court date quickly!2. That our court date is very soon!3. That we are assigned an adoption

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-1307570444977477012010-04-06T08:53:00.001-07:002010-04-06T08:54:50.452-07:00

There are so many children listed on Reeces Rainbow who are coming home or are home in the last few weeks! This is so awesome!!!! I am so happy for them!!!!But my girls are still a ways from being in my arms.... so tired of waiting God. I need you today.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-71950331123088886562010-04-02T12:42:00.000-07:002010-04-02T12:48:34.982-07:00

Did you know that I am still praying we get to travel to bring the girls home in April? Yes it is HIGHLY unlikely, and next to impossible. I figure that is just how God likes it. :) So, yes, I am still praying for April. I am even refusing to do a couple of things that fall in the end of April because I am choosing to have faith that God will answer my specific prayer. I have told a few

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-17145712349419315532010-04-01T12:28:00.000-07:002010-04-01T12:38:10.092-07:00

Around the orphanages in Ukraine and Bulgaria are colored fences. To adoptive parents, they seem like jail bars. The kids rarely, if ever get to leave the grounds of the baby houses unless it is to go to another orphanage, or the hospital. I was looking at the blogs of families that have brought or are bringing their little ones home and it is always a HUGE celebration to go out that gate for

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-7610270804530694682010-03-30T11:56:00.000-07:002010-03-30T12:15:17.448-07:00

There will not be any signatures this week. We do have 1 signature down, the lawyer for the MOJ, but the minister that needs to sign is out of office till after Easter. Seems as if the work ethic of government workers is universal. :( That may not sound very nice, but I am not feeling very nice right now. I am sure she has a life too, and even a good reason for being off this week... but all

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-10725598618027665002010-03-26T18:41:00.000-07:002010-03-26T18:43:18.029-07:00

taken from: HERE.

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-53928899061409725752010-03-25T11:09:00.000-07:002010-03-25T11:31:57.235-07:00

I really love Bertolli's! For lunch during the week it is usually just John, Luke and I. Since we are both dieting, I try to not prepare something huge for lunch. We are both just doing oatmeal [me] and special K [John] for breakfast and supper. These frozen meals that you cook in the oven, or in a skillet are really VERY YUMMY, surprisingly so! And they are fast and EASY! Pair them with a

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-78454539178727722892010-03-22T11:00:00.000-07:002010-03-22T11:16:07.039-07:00

Another praise! Our case was filed with the MOJ last Friday. There is a chance we could have the needed signatures by the end of this week on Friday!!! PLEASE pray with us that this will happen! The NEXT step after the signatures is a court date! PRAYING hard for court, and even travel in APRIL!!!! GOD CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!So 2 months after leaving the girls, ... we are filed! We are moving,

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-24768999099152701122010-03-21T18:01:00.001-07:002010-03-21T18:34:29.372-07:00

I was reading back through my posts of when I was in Bulgaria visiting the girls. First, I LOVED reading all the comments! What a great group of friends shared this journey with me!Secondly, the immense God infused joy I experienced during that time was in question in my mind... but you know what? It WAS real! And it warmed my heart, it healed it! If any of you are new to my blog, or need

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-51055216976438416922010-03-20T14:15:00.000-07:002010-03-20T14:21:09.164-07:00

Okay, I woke up this morning determined to be more at peace with this adoption journey. God is working. He is bringing them home. I have seen Him work in many ways and in many hearts during this 14+ month journey. He cares, and He will bring them home to us! So for now, I sit and I wait, and I pray.... AND I REJOICE because God is bigger than any problem or delay that might arise! And

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-16712917273538724622010-03-19T14:38:00.000-07:002010-03-19T14:54:43.529-07:00

I can not believe that Yana will be 7 tomorrow, March 20th and she will not be with us. I was so sure she would be here by now, at least when we started out. I feel like I have really let her down. I know she doesn't care, she doesn't even know she was supposed to be here... but I know. :( How much longer must we wait to be together as a family? You have heard the phrase "Adoption isn't for

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-81899724591566779922010-03-18T19:09:00.001-07:002010-03-18T19:09:56.728-07:00

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-43265906045544930212010-03-15T07:55:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:02:20.801-07:00

We are one step closer to having the girls home! Our article 5 letter has been released from the embassy! Woo-Hoo! 3 whole unheard of days early! Thank you Jesus! Now Toni will translate it and have it authenticated which takes 5 business days. So pray with me it is ready and can be filed with the MOJ early next week! There our dossier awaits 2 signatures, and then it is off to court where

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-22572622686846989972010-03-13T15:53:00.000-08:002010-03-13T15:57:51.044-08:00

This is 6 year old Bobby. Isn't he a cutie?! How I would love to see that sweet little boy face break into a huge grin!Here is his info:Boy, Born February 7, 2004SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!Diagnosis: cerebral palsy, mental delay, secondary cardiopathy. Unable to walk at this time. There is a $5,100 grant available for his adoption at this time. As well as many other younger

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942022778705417866.post-72122754525811689502010-03-12T09:30:00.000-08:002010-03-12T09:45:50.578-08:00

Oh how I am a nester!!!! In fact, I have had such a HARD time NOT preparing for my girls arrival! It was something I knew my heart would need as the time to bring them home got closer and closer, and yet seemed so far away. So, I told myself that I could start preparing for them in March. You would think they were coming tomorrow as hard as I have been working! LOL. I have managed to move 2

Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00780602398588917246noreply@blogger.com2