Non-Kid News

So this post is all about me. A rare treat I know. Cuz don't you all just wish you could learn more about my boring life? Don'tcha

Since returning from Russia with Avery, I have totally felt like a piece of my heart was still there. My heart just ached for the kids left behind and honestly I loved Khabarovsk. Over the past few years, I've contemplated what I would do about my passion for the need in Khabarovsk. And over the years the need has increased exponetially. Many agences have stopped travelling to the Far East because so few families are willing to make that long trip again and again. And as you know from our journey, it isn't an "easy" region. Also, Russia has stepped up their foster care program, good right.... not for the orphanages, their funding is decreased and they are still overcrowded. The need is HUGE!

This gets me to what I (and you) can do about it. Last year I was approached by 2 friends and fellow adoptive moms who share my passion. They were trying to start a non-profit to reach out to those orphans and orphanages, and they wanted me to be a part of it. It was an answer to prayer! So of course I said yes.

Now here we are a year later and our little dream is reality. We still have some loose ends to tie up with paperwork, but S.O.A.R. (Supporting Orphans Across Russia) is official. Trust me when I say you will hear a lot, LOT more about this in the future, but for now I just wanted to share my excitement with you all.
And yes, we will be heading to Russia in the summer of 2010 for the 3MomMission. So Missi and Julianne, if you are reading this, I'm brushing up on my Russian and practicing cobblestone streets in my FABULOUS shoes. Just try and keep up with me! ;)

I hope you will all be praying for us as we start this new venture, that we can be a light for these kids and really impact those who are still without forever families.

Big Boy, Turned 1 Today

Today I got to celebrate a 1st birthday for the first time. What a treat!

Johnathon is 1 today. It is really hard to believe that it has only been 5 months since he's been here since he has changed so much.

He is walking and talking. Such a big boy!

We celebrated with family this evening. I made pasta since it is the one food Johnathon devours. Then came the cake. Oh MY GOSH!!!!!! Well that, you just have to see for yourselves.

The First Encounter...

The Last Bite...

Filing an Extension

What does this mean??? Well, a lot and not much all at the same time.

In Ohio when a child has been in care 12 out of 22 months children's services can choose to file for permanent custody. "Our" kids will be in care for 12 months on March 3rd.
The agency really has 3 choices at this point.

1 - decide the parents have done what they need to do and it is safe to return the kids to their care

2 - file for permanent custody and then search for an adoptive home for the kids (foster parents get priority)

3 - say the parents are showing enough effort to let them keep trying.

We are getting option #3. The kids parents really are trying in a lot of ways, but there are still things that need to change. So unless something drastic happens we will continue on as things are now. They will be filing for the extension next week. I don't know the length of the extension. Typically they are 6 months.

This weekend we are taking the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge. I am hoping they are more comfortable in the water now than when we went to the CoCo Key in November. If not there are tons of other things to do.

Oh, and baby boy is officially a toddler. He has been walking good distances for a few days now. And he is quite proud of his accomplishment. He will clap for himself. What a cutie he is!

Guess that is all for now.