Update... not much new here

It's time for another update, but, as I sit here thinking about what to write about I am stumped. Life here has fallen into a normal routine. Things are still hectic, but that seems to be the new normal with 4 kids under toe.
We have made some changes around the house to make life a little easier for me and the kids. Ryan is happier to have the sea of toys out of eye shot. I am thrilled to be able to cook dinner and set the table or unload the dishwasher without stepping on tiny toes or pulling someone out of a drawer. The kids are enjoying their upstairs playroom. And Johnathon is sleeping SO much better in his own room. The renovations aren't complete, but life is easier and we got what we expected out of the changes. I think the new layout is even improving Johnathon's seperation anxiety.
Avery still struggles with the kids being here, but when you ask her what will happen if their parent's can't ever take care of them she says, "we'll keep them of course". We'll see... Ryan and I are still uncertain.
Saturday, Ryan and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary. Doesn't seem like it could possibly be that long ago. It will also be our first child free evening (aside from foster training) in more than a year, so I am excited about that. I get to go to dinner and not have to cut someone else's food!!! What a treat!

I guess that is really all the news around here. Aren't we an exciting bunch.

PS - for those of you following my "What do we do about Kindergarten?" saga. We've decided to homeschool Avery. I am nervous about it, but know it is the best option for her.

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...