Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Prayer Requests

2012-01-24T09:49:00.004-05:00

I know many of you will be praying for us as we go to China. Here are some specific thing:

Xan and Brennan:

-that they will sleep well while they are away from home

-that God will comfort them when they are missing mama and papa.

-that they would have so much fun with their grandparents that they won't have much time to miss us.

-for God's protection and safety while me and Bucky are so far away.

Sasha:

-that he will be able to keep his grades up and not get overwhelmed with school

-for God's protection and safety

-that he will rest well and be ready for school

-that he will have a wonderful time with the Drake's.

Bucky and Julie:

-safe and peaceful flights

-that we will stay healthy

-that God might give opportunities to share our faith while we are away

-patience, love and long suffering if Rebecca has a hard time with the transition

-that we would be able to win Rebecca's affection quickly

-that God would give us special discernment regarding her special needs and how to care for them

-that God would keep a snow storm from hitting Chicago anytime around Feb. 8th and 9th

-that we would be able to get through Immigration in Chicago on the 9th quickly in order to make our flight home

Rebecca:

We really have no idea what to expect here...

-Her emotions after being taken from all she has ever known and left with strangers

-her health

-for her to sleep peacefully and adjust to USA time quickly once we get home

Thank you for praying!

2012-01-20T14:06:00.001-05:00

The Emotional Roller Coaster

I have experienced so many emotions this past month and half. I remember right around Christmas standing in my kitchen and saying out loud, "God I really hate your timing. I think it stinks." I can hear the gasp come out of your mouth as you read that, haha! But alas, I am human and people all around me (in the adoption world) were getting their travel approvals and I was not. My baby girl is across the ocean in an orphanage with no heat and I became quite angry with God's timing. I have since thanked God for not giving me a swift kick in the butt and for being patient with me, a sinner. He is a big God and he can handle my honesty and gently guide me back to loving His providence. He is good!

Once receiving our travel approval my emotions slowed down because I was so consumed with flights, hotels, paperwork, etc. Yesterday, I jumped back on the coaster. One minute I was so excited about leaving for China and the next I was so sad about leaving my boys. Last night while on a date with my wonderful husband, the first tear fell. I am going to miss my boys so much. I have no doubt that their grandparents and the Drake's are going to take very good care of them and that they are going to have so much fun, but I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my body. I have never been away from them for more than 2 nights. I have warned Bucky that I will likely cry all the way home from dropping our kids off with his parents in Tennessee next Saturday. I will be counting down the days until we can get to Rebecca's province then Skype with the boys and introduce them to their new sister.

2012-01-06T23:44:00.001-05:00

We Are Going To CHINA!!!!

We have received our travel approval and scheduled our consulate appointment. Rebecca's Gotcha Day is February 2 and we are so excited to finally have her in our arms.

Adoption Update

2011-11-23T12:06:00.002-05:00

This week we have had some significant progress with our China adoption. On Monday, we received our I800 approval from USCIS (11/15 approval date). I e-mailed the NVC late Monday evening and I received an e-mail back first thing Tuesday morning saying that we had been cabeled that morning (11/22) and that they would e-mail the pdf file "shortly" I waited several hours before e-mailing again requesting the pdf and it was e-mailed to me within an hour. I immediately forwarded the pdf to our in country coordinator. Several hours later I received an e-mail from the in country coordinator stating that our paperwork would be dropped off to the US Consulate in Guangzhou while we were sleeping (11/23). Our Article 5, which is what the US Consulate will issue after reviewing all of our paperwork will be ready to be picked up in exactly two weeks. Once the Article 5 is picked up, it will be overnighted to Beijing and we will then be waiting for our FINAL approval....Travel Approval aka TA!! We are so close and God has been so good!

My first GIRLY baby shower!

2011-11-10T21:51:00.003-05:00

The staff wives at church gave me a "toy shower" tonight. I had a great time opening girly things. Laurel Horton hosted the shower in her beautiful home.

We are all laughing about how fun it will be to play this butterfly game with Bucky (he is terrified of butterflies).

YAY for girly things!

Laura Timmons made the desserts. They were yummy and I especially loved the cupcake decorations.

I800 Receipt Notice

2011-11-07T14:41:00.002-05:00

Today we received notice that US Immigration received our I800 application on 10/31/11. Hopefully we will have our I800 approval before Thanksgiving.

LOA! LOA! LOA!

2011-10-25T13:17:00.000-04:00

Slump...

2011-10-22T18:35:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't updated the blog recently, I am in my adoption slump which manifests itself in a deep sadness. This slump happened with Xan and it happened with Sasha (it didn't happen with Brennan because we only had three days notice that he was to be ours). It isn't a lack of faith because I am confident that God is working all of this waiting for our good and His glory. God has certainly proved to me in our adoptions that His timing is so much better than mine and I am clinging to Him. I just have the "my whole body aches to have my little girl in my arms." When we were waiting for Xan, this longing manifested itself into chronic sickness and migraines (along with the sadness) because I didn't have three beautiful, rowdy boys to keep be busy and occupied. I am so thankful for my precious sons and how, without even knowing it, they are a constant source of joy in the midst of the sadness and longing for Rebecca. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord!

Magic Kingdom

2011-09-13T10:40:00.006-04:00

We had a magical time at Walt Disney World. It was a hot, hot day, but the time just flew by. We waited no more than 15 minutes for any ride. Xan's favorite ride was the Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. He loved shooting all the aliens and Zurg. We rode that ride twice.

Xan shooting all those aliens. Look at that concentration!

Sasha liked it too. He and Bucky competed to see who could accumulate the most points. I am not sure who won, however, Sasha would say he did.

Inside the ride. It was really cool!

Xan drove me around the race track. He was so excited about driving his first car.

We rode dumbo. Sasha was not thrilled about having his picture made with dumbo.

This is me and Brennan on the train. This was Brennan's FAVORITE ride...can you tell. We rode it twice just for him. He had this smile plastered on his face both times. So precious!

The park was decorated for fall and I thought these wreaths were especially pretty. I would love to come back when the park is decorated for Christmas.

Sasha favorite ride was Space Mountain and he rode it three times...once with Bucky, once with me and then again with Bucky. Xan and Brennan rode their first roller coaster, Thunder Mountain and both loved it. After the fireworks, we got stuck in the park for a while because the monorail was not functioning. So everyone in the park was trying to leave by boat or bus. It took quite a while to get everyone where they needed to go. We arrived back to Uncle Mike's at midnight.

Beach Day

2011-09-13T10:33:00.003-04:00

We made a trip to Bradenton Beach Florida on Saturday. Sorry the pics are not very good because I had the camera on the wrong setting.

Log In Date!!!

2011-09-02T19:45:00.001-04:00

Application Submitted to Immigration: May 2, 2011

Fingerprinted: May 16, 2011

Homestudy to Immigration: May 17, 2011

LOI (Letter of Intent) submitted to China: July 22, 2011

PA (Pre-approval): August 3, 2011

DTC (Dossier to China): August 9, 2011

LID (Log In Date): 8/19/2011

LOA (Letter of Approval): should come 40 to 60 days after LID

TA (Travel Approval): should come about 2 months after LOA

Leave for China:

Gotcha Day:

Adoption Day:

Medical Exam:

Pick up passport and other paperwork:

Consulate Appointment:

Pick up Visa:

Return to USA:

Ironing with David Platt

2011-09-02T16:31:00.002-04:00

What do you do when two of your children are out bowling with friends and the youngest is taking a nap??? You work on your ironing pile, of course. Now normally when I iron, my children (and husband) must endure a "Pride and Prejudice" marathon, but today I just really wanted to hear some good preaching. And since I have not missed any of DJ's sermon's (he is one the best preachers I know), I decided to turn on some David Platt. The sermon that I picked was from a series called "Next: the gospel and the next generation" and the sermon I picked was Biblical Manhood and Womenhood-Part 2. Here is the link if you would like to hear it in its entirety:

http://www.disciplemakingintl.org/media/series/view/510/biblical-manhood-and-womanhood-part-2/video?filter=series

It was awesome! Here are two things that David said that really stuck out to me. One is a challenge to young single guys and the other to women:

David Platt said to single guys, "Grow up and get ready for a wife. Move Halo and X box and Playstation down your priority list and start working your tail off for the glory of God. Work Hard. School, work, whatever it is that God called you to, commit yourself to it. Resist the ever present trend and temptation to prolong adolescence into your 20's and 30's. Grow up! Man up!.."

Then to women he says, "Incline yourselves toward wise willing submission...For the glory of Christ, live in a way that demonstrates godly respect for men. God's design is for women to desire and receive good, godly, humble male leadership. To respect a man's caring initiative to provide, to protect and to work for your good and live in a way that shows girls how to be women. Show girls what a godly inclination to follow a man's leadership looks like. Show girls how to submit to a man, to a husband, as the church submits to Christ. Teach them to look for men who display the kind of character of Christ. Teach them to guard their heart. Do not flaunt your girls around encouraging them to give their heart to whatever new guy comes their way. It's not Biblical womanhood, its irresponsible, dangerous divorce practice....Mom's keep her under your nurture until some man is able to come along and show that he will provide for her, protect her, love her and lead her for her good and for the glory of Christ..."

You should really take 50 minutes and listen to the whole thing.

Promotion Sunday Emotions

2011-08-20T20:24:00.004-04:00

The littles are in bed and Bucky and Sasha are at church till 10pm. That means I have two hours of uninterrupted alone time, but I can't enjoy it because I had to be very stern with Xan right before I put him to bed. You may remember in my last post that I mentioned how Xan does not adjust well to change. Well, tomorrow is Promotion Sunday at our church and Xan will move from the preschool hallway, which is located on the 1st floor of our children's building, to the elementary hallway, which is located on the 2nd floor of our children's building. I, knowing that he doesn't do change well, decided to start talking about the tomorrow's "move". Now, this is not the first time we have talked about the "move". I have been bringing it up for quite a while and making it sound really great and grown up. All of the times I have talked about it before he has seemed ok with the idea and this summer he participated in summer children's choir which was located on the elementary hallway and he did great. But tonight, he completely lost it and fell to pieces when I told him that tomorrow was "the big day". The child could not/would not get self control. For a good 30 minutes I comforted, spoke softly, encouraged and quoted, "The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid." But the more I spoke in a motherly, sweet, gentle tone, the more worked up he became. I had given him a bath and it was time to go to bed and he was still a crying, hysterical mess.....so.....I spoke really sternly to him. Not in a yelling or sinful way, but very sternly so he knew that enough was enough. But I HATE that to be the way that I ended this day with him. Then, 5 minutes after I put them to bed, he came down and apologized for his bad attitude. Precious little fella! But I still will not be able to enjoy the rest of my evening. UGH!

Adoption Timeline

2011-08-16T10:31:00.003-04:00

Here is our timeline so far. I will update it as each piece of the puzzle is complete:

Application Submitted to Immigration: May 2, 2011

Fingerprinted: May 16, 2011

Homestudy to Immigration: May 17, 2011

LOI (Letter of Intent) submitted to China: July 22, 2011

PA (Pre-approval): August 3, 2011

DTC (Dossier to China): August 9, 2011

LID (Log In Date): should be here in the next week or so.

LOA (Letter of Approval): should come 40 to 60 days after LID

TA (Travel Approval): should come about 2 months after LOA

Leave for China:

Gotcha Day:

Adoption Day:

Medical Exam:

Pick up passport and other paperwork:

Consulate Appointment:

Pick up Visa:

Return to USA:

First Day of School

2011-08-15T15:08:00.004-04:00

Today was rough for this mama. Today I dropped my baby off at a big school with lots of people I don't know. Brennan did fine, but this mama cried her eyes out for a long time. Because of Brennan's developmental delays, he qualifies for the free preschool that our school district offers and today I left my baby in a big auditorium with a bunch of people I don't know. That was the most difficult thing I have ever done. Thankfully Brennan went in without hesitation. If he had cried I would have just picked him up and walked back out the door with him. But he didn't and what he has been able to communicate with me, he had a wonderful time.

Xan also started school today. He is going to the 1/2 day Kindergarten that our church offers. He did AWESOME as well. Xan sometimes has a hard time adjusting to change and I wasn't exactly sure how he would respond. But when I picked him up and asked him if the wanted to go back tomorrow, he said, "YES!!!" Some of you may be asking why I am not homeschooling Xan this year and I will tell you that I had a VERY hard time making that decision. But realizing that Xan likes structure and routine, Bucky and I felt this was the best option for Xan this year. I could provide the structure and routine he craves during the fall semester, but things are likely going to get a little crazy this winter/spring semester once we travel to and from China. Once sweet Rebecca gets home there will be lots of doctor appointments, a surgery or two and therapy appointments. I was afraid Xan's education may get lost in the shuffle. So, for those reasons we decided to send him to our church's Kindergarten and we will pick back up with homeschooling next fall.

Sasha started 9th grade today too, but he didn't want his picture taken. LOL! Perhaps because I was crying my eyes out, Sasha was very sweet to me this morning. He turned music on for while I ran (and cried) on the treadmill and he made me a huge bottle of ice cold water when I was almost done. He is such a sweetie!

Tennessee Vacation

2011-07-07T15:48:00.007-04:00

The littles and I went to Tennessee last week to spend some time with family. My dad owns a trucking company and Xan and Brennan were super excited to get to take a ride on a "BIG truck". You can see the pure delight in the pics.

Then on Wednesday my mom and I met my friend Laura and her two kids at a hotel in Sevierville, TN for some summertime fun.

Sprinkler Fun!

2011-06-09T16:00:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago the chemicals in the pool were out of whack, but it was just too pretty to stay inside and too hot not to be in the water if you were outside. So, I pulled out the sprinkler and the littles had so much fun.

Xan insisted he wear his goggles...he is such a funny kid!

Precious little hands and fingers!

Brennan is so full of life!

"That was why!"

2011-05-21T16:40:00.003-04:00

Today was Nightlight Christian Adoption's annual adoption picnic at Parris Mountain State Park. I had a wonderful time talking to fellow adoptive moms and dads. I got to talk at length with a mom and dad who have already adopted one cleft lip, cleft palate child and are in the process of adopting another. They were such an encouragement and source of some much needed information to calm my fears as far as feeding a child who has cleft palate.

I also got to speak to a couple who hosted two Ukrainian orphans at the same time we hosted Sasha. They ended up adopting those precious girls and traveled in January of 2010. They had a rather turbulent visit to Ukraine because it was the middle of winter. There was snow and ice everywhere all day, every day. She said taxi rides were scary, it was bitterly cold and they were not able to get out and go sight seeing because the sidewalks were pure ice. It was during that conversation that God very clearly said, "That was why, Julie!" You see, this family started the adoption process at the same time we did, however, they got to travel three months before we did. That was three less months away from their daughters. We, however, hit a three month road block in our adoption process for Sasha....we didn't have Brennan's birth certificate. Our homestudy could not be "complete" without that birth certificate which means our file was stuck. Nothing could move forward until that birth certificate arrived. By the end of that three month wait, the Louisiana Vital Records office knew me by name. I called them nearly everyday to make sure our application was not "falling through the cracks". BUT now I know why! We would have been a miserable mess if we had traveled in January. I would have quite literally pulled my hair out if we were not able to get our two and four year old out of our apartment everyday for fresh air and sunshine. But God knew that! So, He worked it out so that we would arrive in the Spring time when the air was warm and the snow and ice were no where to be seen.

God is good and His timing is perfect!....You might have to remind me of that if/when we hit road blocks with Rebecca's adoption.

Fingerprinted

2011-05-16T12:31:00.002-04:00

Well, we have once again been fingerprinted. I think this makes our sixth time. Our homestudy should get to USCIS tomorrow and then our file will be complete. They normally approve files in 30 days. I, of course, am praying for less.

Soccer Pictures

2011-05-15T20:33:00.001-04:00

I LOVE the boys soccer pics. They are precious!

One Step Closer

2011-05-13T19:57:00.002-04:00

Just over three weeks ago, our adoption agency e-mailed me two tracking numbers. One of the numbers was to track our homestudy to the S.Carolina Dept. of Social Services Office in Columbia. The 2nd tracking number would activate once DSS approved our homestudy and sent it on to Homeland Security (USCIS). I have been clicking that 2nd tracking number all week because I knew it normally takes three weeks for them to approve a homestudy. Last night I decided to click it one more time right before we went to bed and it had been activated, our homestudy IS on its way to USCIS. We are so excited to be one step closer to Rebecca.

We got the call!!!

2011-05-09T12:11:00.003-04:00

I never imagined that we would receive our referral call on Saturday, but we did! Last year when we were anticipating our travel call for Sasha, I changed the ring tone on my phone for our agency so that my heart would not jump into my throat every time the phone rang. I could not believe it when my phone starting ringing with that strange ring tone on Saturday. My first thought was, "what is that?", then "that sounds like Nightlight's ringtone", then "why would Nightlight be calling me on a Saturday? This can't be a referral call." But it was, it was our referral call!

Here is our Rebecca Eden born September 10, 2009. She was born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Her cleft lip was repaired at Maria's Big House of Hope, the hospital that Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman started in memory of their daughter Maria.

Look at those chunky thighs! I can't wait to get my hands on her!

First Swim Of The Season

2011-05-01T20:09:00.004-04:00

The guys decided it was time for the first swim of the season yesterday. I still think it is a bit cold, 78 degrees, but they were determined. Sasha lasted about 10 minutes. Xan and Brennan lasted nearly an hour total, but their teeth were chattering.

Soul Surfer

2011-04-29T08:55:00.002-04:00

Bucky and I went on a date last night and yes it did include a trip to Lowes. What date as a married couple would be complete without a trip there? But we also went and saw the new movie Soul Surfer. It was awesome! I really like how the movie brought out that when you are facing circumstances in your life where you can't see God's reason why, it is not time to wallow in your pity party. Instead, start serving other people. Start feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and caring for the orphan and widowed. I also liked that her dad, played by Dennis Quaid and her youth minister, played by Carrie Underwood did not try to answer all Bethany's questions of why, but instead told her to simply trust. Trust in the God who created her.

Joy In The Simple Things

2011-04-25T13:56:00.006-04:00

Today I have been overwhelmed by God's mercy in my life. He has chosen to bless me with these precious boys despite my unworthiness. I get the enormous privilege of being their mother and spending my days raising and teaching them to be men of honor, honesty, and integrity...to be men of God. They are precious to me and I can't imagine where my time would be better focused than spending my days pointing them to Christ.

Sasha made the littles paper airplanes the other day and they have played and played with those things. It just reminds me how they don't need the latest and greatest toy. Just give them a paper airplane and send them outside.

You can see the airplane flying at the top of the picture.

Oh gosh, he is so handsome and has the best smile.

One of Sasha's spelling words today was "glare". I believe he's got that one down.

Brennan throwing his airplane!

I had to take some pictures of God's beautiful creation that is popping up all over our yard.

The pool looks so inviting. But don't be fooled, it is ice cold.

Easter Sunday and Baby Girls Birthday

2011-04-24T16:35:00.007-04:00

After church we had the Snooks and Sarah Brown over for lunch and an Easter egg hunt. The food was delicious, the company was awesome and the Easter egg hunt was a blast. Having girls in my home makes me so excited to have my own daughter(s). Hannah is so feminine and dainty and Emily has one of those funny, silly, crazy personalities.

Our little girl in China turns one today. Oh how we hope and pray we are her forever family. We enjoyed cupcakes in honor of her today. Whether or not she is ours, we love her and want to be sure someone is celebrating her precious life today. Happy Birthday baby girl!

I found one!

Checking out all the Easter egg loot. He obviously already found the ring pop.

Soccer Game #2

2011-04-24T16:11:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Xan and Brennan's 2nd soccer game. Xan scored his first goal! He was sooo excited and me and Bucky were so proud. In upward, the teams play 4 on 4 and, I believe, in 4 minute intervals. Brennan and Xan were in the game and the ball rolled out of bounds. I began scanning the field to find Brennan because he is normally running around, but not actually "playing" the game. I could not find him so I scanned the field again, and again....no Brennan. I yelled at Bucky, "where is Brennan?" Bucky scanned the field...no Brennan. I was beginning to panic when I heard a ladies voice from behind, "Julie!". I turned around, found the voice, and the lady pointed at one of the other soccer games going on. There was Brennan right in the middle of another's team game. That little fella just blesses my heart!

Yes, that is my child licking his snot!

Xan jumping up and down right after he scored his goal. So precious!

Adoption Udate

2011-04-21T16:28:00.001-04:00

We received the tracking numbers for our homestudy today. That means it is on its way to the Department of Social Services to be reviewed and approved. It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to get approved. After DSS has approved our file, they will mail it to Immigration.

Xan and Brennan's First Soccer Game

2011-04-18T19:55:00.005-04:00

Saturday was a wet, windy and rainy day so the littles had their game tonight. It went exactly how I thought it would. Xan was focused, determined and a good team player. Brennan played in the dirt, tipped the goal over and was mainly interested in the sports drink I brought him. They both made me very proud!

This is Xan's game face...focused and determined.

Brennan had the stretching part down.

Makin' sure mama gets his picture.

Xan's Gotcha Day Part Two

2011-04-15T09:01:00.003-04:00

These pictures are not very good quality because I left my good camera at home. But, we took Xan to his first baseball game last night. The Greenville Drive won 3-0. We had excellent seats right behind home plate. Xan had so much fun. We got to ride a trolley from our parking spot to the field, which he thought was awesome. Then we got to our seats right as the game was beginning and he ate a hot dog, sprite, and doritos. Then, Papa surprised us with blue cotton candy. We all had so much fun celebrating this special day.

Xan was literraly overflowing with excitement. On the way to the stadium, not 10 seconds would pass before he would begin talking again. And you will be able to see by the following pictures that he talked through the whole game. So precious and a priceless memory for us all!

This is his interpretation of the umpire saying, "STRIKE!"

Xan's Gotcha Day Part One

2011-04-14T09:58:00.003-04:00

This is what Xan wanted for his Gotcha Day instead of a cake or cupcakes.

There is nothing like a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut. YUMMY!

My deep thinker. He is probably remembering something that happened three years ago. His memory is incredible.

Brennan...he can't eat anything without having it smeared from ear to ear. Precious!

This is Xan's response when he found out he was going to his first real baseball game tonight. The Greenville Drive will be playing the Charleston RiverDogs.

Our trip to the beach....I mean the heated pool

2011-04-13T14:27:00.005-04:00

The High Schoolers at our church had their spring retreat this past weekend and me and the boys decided to go too. The house that we stayed in was only a mile or two up the beach from the church group, so we got to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with Papa (Bucky). The retreat ended on Sunday and after the chaperones and teenagers left, Bucky joined us at our beach house and we stayed through Tuesday.

The Atlantic Ocean was far too cold to enjoy, so we spent most of our time at the indoor, heated pool.

Xan thought that jumping over Papa would be fun. By the look on his face I think it was.

All my beloveds :-)

Brennan is my adrenaline junky. He loves when his Papa hurls him into the air.

Sasha loves to wrestle with his Papa and I am happy when he gets to because that means I don't have to constantly remind him that I don't want to wrestle and play rough. This child is a "Papa hog". I am constantly saying, "ok, it's my turn to sit by Papa."

Soccer Begins!

2011-04-04T19:50:00.003-04:00

Xan and Brennan had their first Upward soccer practice this evening. Trying to teach 3 - 5 year olds how to play soccer is like trying to herd cats. It was precious!

Papa aka Coach Bucky

The Little Spartans

We are lovin' this warm weather!

2011-04-03T19:54:00.004-04:00

Bucky and Sasha had things to do at church tonight, but me and the little guys did not. So, we played on the church's playground for a while. We have really been enjoying this warm weather.

I rarely get a picture of the two of them together that looks decent. This one is pretty good!

The next few pictures are a sequence of events when Xan scared Brennan.

This is Xan telling me not to tell Brennan what is about to happen.

I love this one because Xan's eyes are getting bigger, but Brennan is still clueless.

ROARRRRR!!!!!

Brennan trying to get away! So cute!

Yard Work and Baseball

2011-04-02T19:01:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had one of those hills in your yard that you can't do anything with. Well, we had one such hill. We could not get grass to grow on it and it was an eyesore. Thanks to Bucky, Sasha, Tias, and Landon it is no longer an eyesore.

Here is a Before picture. Xan is standing in front of the eyesore.

AFTER

Xan played some t-ball while the guys worked.

He is SERIOUS about baseball.

Zoo Field Trip

2011-03-24T16:12:00.008-04:00

Bucky and I decided to take the kids to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC today. The weather was perfect: beautiful and warm with lots of sunshine. Without fail, at every exhibit, Brennan would say, "Me hold it." or "Me pet it." He wanted to cuddle all those exotic animals. And without fail, we had to coax Xan to even get close to the glass or whatever barrier was there to protect the people. They are polar opposites of one another. Sasha brought his camera and took pictures of literally every animal. I believe he came home with 152 pictures.

No zoo adventure would be complete without visiting

Fun With Our Friends

2011-03-18T15:35:00.005-04:00

Today was another beautiful day and we got to enjoy a picnic lunch with our friends, The Snook's. I jump at any opportunity to spend time with this sweet family because in a matter of months they will be leaving the USA in order to fulfill God's call on their lives to be foreign missionaries. I am so excited and so sad at the same time.

Not sure what Brennan is doing, but he sure is cute!

Xan doing some kind of karate move.

Enjoying the warm spring weather

2011-03-17T17:46:00.007-04:00

What better way to enjoy the weather than to play in the mud....

Bucky taught them about dams and lakes.

Sasha wanted no part in playing in the mud.

The best part was that Bucky gave them baths when it was over.

How to move forward....

2011-03-12T15:24:00.002-05:00

Since finding out that we could not accept the referral of the beautiful baby girl because I am not 30, I have really struggled with how to move forward. Do I continue to look at her beautiful face everyday and fall deeper and deeper in love with her? Do I continue to show her off to strangers, friends, and family? Do we celebrate her birthday on April 24th? Or do I try to forget her, put her photo away and try not to think about her anymore. WHAT DO I DO????

My friend Jen gave me some really awesome advice that I believe is straight from the heart of God. She said that I am in a situation similar to a women that carries a baby in her womb only to find out she miscarried or that the child is sick and may not survive past birth. Now let me stop here and say I in no way am comparing my hurt to the death of child or implying that I am experiencing the same kind of grief of that of a mom who has held her still born child. But what Jen said and what I think is right is that God has given me THIS baby girl, whether that be only during this two month wait or whether that be as her forever family. She is mine for now. I am to love her, hurt for her and celebrate her for however long God sees fit. We will celebrate her birthday on April 24th and I will continue to show her off to anyone and everyone who cares to look at her beautiful face.

The paper chase is complete

2011-03-10T17:00:00.002-05:00

Today I turned in 18 more pages of paperwork to our adoption agency. Hopefully next week we will proof and approve our homestudy, then it will be on its way to DSS. Whew, what a relief to get all the paperwork done!

Homestudy visit: Complete

2011-03-09T10:42:00.003-05:00

One GIANT step for our China adoption is complete: our in home visit with our social worker. We spent two hours talking to our social worker not only about China, but also about Sasha's one year post placement anniversary that is coming up in just two months.

Today is March 9th, in two months, I will finally be 30! It will not come soon enough. But while I am waiting, I am keeping myself busy with adoption paperwork, homeschooling, and just having lots of fun with my kids.

Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord

2011-03-01T07:40:00.002-05:00

"He gives and takes away. My heart will choose to say, blessed be the name of the Lord."

We had to relinquish the referral of the precious baby girl that we had accepted because I am not 30 yet. We are praying, praying, and hoping that she will sit on the waiting list for two months until I am 30. But if not, God has another precious girl for us.

God's Timing and God's Provision

2011-02-27T20:40:00.004-05:00

Bucky and I have wanted to adopt from China for sometime. It was one of the first countries that we considered before adopting Xan. However, China has some of the strictest requirements of any country that allows international adoption. We were never old enough (you have to atleast 30) and we never made enough money. That is until this year, 2011. This year I turn 30 and this year we finally make enough money to satisfy their income requirement. Isn't God's timing incredible?

When we first saw Becca's pictures, I will be honest, I was scared. Her special needs seemed overwhelming. In a matter of hours of seeing our sweet Becca's face, God provided the money to pay for her adoption expenses and her initial medical expenses. Then, after speaking to a plastic surgeon and medical doctor, her special needs are really not scary at all. God made it ever so clear to us that she is our daughter, He removed the fear of her special needs and He removed the fear of not being able to provide the means to repair her special needs. God's provision is extravagant!

Psalm 68:6, "God places the lonely in families..."

We have a baby girl!!!

2011-02-24T20:54:00.002-05:00

We received word this evening that the beautiful 10 month old baby girl that was referred to us on Tuesday has been "logged in" for us. We still have about 2 months worth of paperwork, fingerprints, approvals, etc. We hope to travel late summer, early fall. Please pray for our Rebecca Eden Rogers (Becca).

Step 2 - DONE!

2011-02-23T16:44:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I will submit 16 more pages of paperwork to our agency. This paperwork is for our homestudy. Today I also worked on some of our dossier documents. Whew, things are coming together!

Yesterday, much to our surprise, we received a referral of a precious 10 month old baby girl. She has double cleft lip and cleft palate. We are waiting to here that we have been "logged in" so that no other family can pursue her. We should receive this information late Thursday night. She is beautiful and has already stolen our hearts, however, we are trying to be excited and cautious at the same time since we do not have log in confirmation yet. I will not be posting her pictures on this blog in the near future, but if you see me around town, I will certainly have her pictures with me.

Buy a shirt, help fund our China adoption

2011-02-17T21:26:00.002-05:00

We're selling awesome T-shirts to help fund our adoption. $10 each! They come in light blue, pink and black. You can go to www.adoptedshirts.com and place your order. Thanks!

Adoption Application Completed

2011-02-02T11:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Bucky and I finished the first step in any adoption...the 15 page application. You may be asking, "So, what's next?" Very soon we will begin our homestudy update. We qualify for a homestudy update because our last homestudy is less than two years old. That means quite a bit less paperwork and fees. YIPEE!!! Every country is different as far as when paperwork can be started, but with China, we will doing many things all at once - homestudy, S.Carolina Dept. of Social Services approval, Immigration approval and dossier documents. A dossier is all the documents that a foreign country must receive in order to allow you to adopt a child. Whew, my head is spinning just thinking about all that must be done by May 9th (my 30th birthday).

Here are the boys holding our application. Although they would never admit it, I think they are excited about a baby sister!

Sasha's 14th Birthday

2010-08-20T16:52:00.004-04:00

We had a blast celebrating Sasha's birthday this year. I am not sure how long it has been since his birthday was celebrated, but he enjoyed all the attention.

We had homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast, but I forgot to get a picture of that. During Brennan's nap time, Bucky and I took Sasha and Xan bowling. I tried to get pictures of that, but the bowling alley was too dark and Bucky is a strict bowler and you are NOT allowed to take pictures while someone is bowling. He's too funny.

For dinner we took Sasha to Kampai of Tokyo and then we had a ton of teenagers from our church over for cake and swimming. It was a great day!

He got a cool watch and a digital camera.

And, of course, the cake had a soccer ball on it. He LOVES soccer!

Brennan got glasses

2010-08-20T16:40:00.003-04:00

Brennan went to the eye doctor in July and the dr. told us that he needed glasses. I was a little emotional about the idea at first, but look for yourself, they just add to his cuteness!

This picture is of him with the sunglasses they gave him after his eyes were dilated.

And here are the new glasses...

Chic-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day

2010-08-20T16:36:00.002-04:00

We will do anything for free chic-fil-a!

Tennessee Vacation

2010-08-20T16:10:00.004-04:00

While Papa (that's what all the kids call Bucky now) was gone for 10 days in Bulgaria, I took all three boys to visit my in-laws in Tennessee. We all had a blast and Sasha got to meet his Uncle Bret and Aunt Tess (Bucky's sister). Xan got to fishin' for the first time.

Brennan's first boat ride.

Xan's first boat ride too, he wasn't as excited as Brennan.

Brennan found the fire pit and loved playing in the ashes. This is what he looked like after...

Consin Fun

2010-06-23T14:26:00.004-04:00

Here are more pictures from my mom and sister's visit. I am so glad we have a pool, otherwise we would have been bored to tears inside because it is far too hot to be outside if you are not in the water.

Xan picked up right where he left off last summer. He is doing great in the pool and has even gone without his swimmies a couple of times. He can touch the bottom while his head remains above the water in the shallow end.

Israel is a rough and tough little fella, he wasn't afraid of the diving board.

Playing outside after dinner...

Sasha has his own bicycle, not sure why he is riding the tricycle. And NO that is not my dog.

Day at the beach

2010-06-23T14:09:00.004-04:00

My mom, sister and her three kids, me and my three kids all went to the beach for a day last week. We had a great time. My kids and their cousins don't get to play together often since they live 7 hours apart, but they played very well together.

The birds knew Sasha had food in his hands...and they were coming to get it. Hilarious!

Look at that tongue. Now that is concentration.

My mom with ALL her grandkids, she was in heaven.

Sasha is such a handsome boy! I told Bucky that he might get fired when I walk up to some girl and tell her, "Get your trashy hands off my son."

He loved to stick his head in the water and let it wash up in his face. To me that would be torture, but to Brennan, it is FUN!

Our Last Days in Ukraine

2010-06-03T18:42:00.006-04:00

Here are a few pictures from our last few days in Ukraine...

The next two pictures are how Xan and Brennan slept while we were waiting for our train from Melitopol to Kiev.

Brennan slept like that for 3 1/2 hours.

These pictures are of the sunset we saw while riding the train. It was magnificent!

We rode a trolley like thing up a really steep hill and this was the view of Kiev at the top of that hill. Spectacular!

I can not remember the exact name, but the tall, skinny building is a really nice hotel.

This is the former Communist Party's Headquarters. It sits on a hill called "Devil's Hill". See below for the ironic and funny story...

The story goes that many hundreds of years ago, before the buiding above existed, witches would have their parties at the top of this hill. Therefore, the locals began calling the hill, "Devil's Hill" Then, ironically, the Communist party built their headquarters on "Devil's Hill". The name fit perfectly!

Back to modern living...

2010-05-19T10:34:00.002-04:00

We made it back to Kiev, I will try to update you on all that has happened this past week and a half. However, it was a pretty boring 10 days because we did not have any important meetings to attend...

Sasha bought, with his own money, a birthday card. I had to wait until Natasha and Svetlana returned to Melitopol (they went home after our court hearing and returned after the 10 day waiting period) to have it translated. Natasha said it was a poem, so she would have to translate it literally, but it would lose it's poem feel. Anyway, this is what it said,

"My beloved only dear Mom, with you the whole home is light and warm. May all your days be happy and nice. May the years of your life be multiplied!!"

I thought it was very sweet and I will treasure it forever.

Sasha has spontaneously said "I love you" to both Bucky and I this past week. I have not seen any of the attachment problems I had anticipated from Sasha. He obviously LOVES his "papa" and wants to be with him all the time, but Bucky says that anytime he takes Sasha out, he insists that they buy me things in all the stores. I have received several ice cream cones, flowers, pastries, etc.

On Sunday, Natasha and Svetlana arrived back to Melitopol. Monday, Natasha and Svetlana went back to the court house and picked up the "Final Adoption Decree". Then we all went to one of the local super markets and purchased lots of cake, drinks, candy, and chocolates for Sasha's farewell party at the orphanage. Bucky and I were REALLY bummed that we had to "party" with the Director of the orphanage, the inspector of Melitopol, Natasha, and Svetlana while Sasha's classmates partied in another room. We wanted to be a part of Sasha's party, but the Director wanted to share a meal with us. We were served a really yummy beef stew, bread, and vegetables. The food was delicious, but we were dying to be with Sasha. After we were finished eating, we all went outside where Sasha and his friends had gathered. We spent a few minutes taking pictures then Sasha said his final goodbyes and we loaded in the van to go back to the apartment. Sasha's cousin (who is also a resident of the orphanage) got in the van with us. Bucky and I did not know, and are still unsure, why. But he got in and rode to the end of the road with Sasha. The driver stopped the van, Sasha's cousin shook all of our hands (Sasha, Bucky, and me) and got out, the van door closed and we began driving away. Sasha immediately laid his little head on the back of the seat in front of him and began to cry. Natasha had the van driver stop the van and asked Sasha if he would like to go back for a few more minutes, but he said "no". We drove on, but Sasha was crying (not sobbing, but tears rolling down his face) the entire 30 minute trip back to our apartment. We comforted him as best we could, but knew that this was a natural response and who could blame the poor kid. He is leaving everyone and everything he that is familiar and safe and moving to America. After we returned to our apartment, Bucky took him to one of our bedrooms so that he could be alone for awhile. He remained in his room for about 30 minutes then came out and has been normal Sasha ever since.

Monday night was spent packing up everything because we had to leave for Zaporozhya, Ukraine at 5:00 am on Tuesday morning. While in Zaporozhya, we obtained Sasha's new birth certificate that has his new name and has Bucky and I listed as his parents. From the birth certificate office we went and applied for his new passport. We were really praying we would be able to obtain the passport the same day and God heard our prayers and Bucky and Svetlana picked up his new passport at 3:30 pm yesterday (Tuesday). The thing with the passport is that Ukraine has gone to a completely electronic passport processing system. All information is typed into a computer, sent to Kiev for processing, then the passport is mailed to the office that requested it. It can take up to 7 business days to complete the new process. However, some passports offices still have the old style passport booklets and have been permitted to use the old system to complete passports for those being adopted so that their time in country is not extended another week or more. But, you are not guaranteed that the region in which you must apply for the passport have any of the old passport booklets. But, Zaporozhya did and we got the passport within hours of requesting it.

We arrived at the train station in Zaporozhya at 1:30 pm and our train was not leaving until 7:00 pm. The reason we got to the train station so early was because we were done with all of our paperwork and wanted to allow our taxi drive to return to Melitopol so that we did not have to pay him for any unnecessary travel around town. We found a lounge that you had to pay to enter, but it was well worth it. It was a large room with a tv and leather couches and chairs. We stretched Xan and Brennan out on two of the couches and they slept, and slept, and slept. In all they slept over three hours. By the time they woke up, we only had to entertain them for about an hour and a half. It all worked out very well and we boarded our train to Kiev at 7:00 pm.

Our train arrived in Kiev about 6:00 am this morning. We took a taxi to Svetlana's apartment and ate some breakfast. Then we split up to start our paper chase for the day. Bucky and Svetlana went to the Ministry of Justice office to get the birth certificate and the adoption decree apostilled while Natasha, Xan, Brennan, and Sasha and I went to an Embassy approved doctor for Sasha's medical examination. After the medical examination, we all met back up at the US Embassy so that Bucky and I could submit our Embassy documents. After our dropping off our paperwork, we went to MCDONALD'S. We have never been so glad to eat American food. After that Svetlana and her daughter took us to look at an apartment. We love our apartment and Xan and Brennan took a really long nap and are now chasing their balloons around trying to patiently wait while I finish typing this update.

Tomorrow at 2pm is our Embassy appointment. After that is done, we can catch a flight back to America. We are trying to get a flight for Saturday, but our travel agent is having a hard time finding enough seats for all of us on this short of notice. So, please pray for that, we want to get home as soon as possible.

See you soon!

Pictures

2010-05-07T11:06:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from the past few days...

Bucky, Brennan, Xan and Sasha riding a small roller coaster.

Sasha riding a donkey at the ostrich farm.

A family photo in front of a statue at the beach.

An ostrich.

Sasha at the beach.

Court Date

2010-05-07T05:40:00.001-04:00

Our court date today went very well. We arrived at the court house, which was a short walk from our apartment, a little after 9:00 am this morning. We only had to wait a short while before we were summoned into the judge’s chambers. We are not completely sure why we were summoned into her office and not into a court room. Xan and Brennan did go with us to the court house, however, they, nor Sasha, were allowed into the judge’s chambers. Our coordinator, Svetlana, stayed in the hallway with the boys while Natasha, our translator, stayed with me and Bucky. Along with me, Bucky and Natasha there was the judge, the county inspector, the prosecutor, two local Ukrainian citizens, the lawyer representing the orphanage and two court reporters. The two Ukrainian citizens were sort of like jurors in American courts, however, they do not have ruling authority. They could ask us questions and then were allowed to give their opinion on our case before the judge’s final ruling. Needless to say, we were VERY nervous. The judge was friendly, but she still had a powerful presence about her. She began by asking Bucky to stand and state his name, date of birth, place of birth and address. She then asked what he did for a living. After Bucky had answered those questions, I was asked to stand and answer the same questions. We were then asked to explain our reason for petitioning the court. Bucky was the spokesperson for us and the translator had given him very specific instructions on what to say. In all Bucky was speaking to the judge for several minutes. He did a great job even though he was nervous. We were asked other questions as well, but I have to save some details to share with you in person when we get home. The judge then asked the county inspector and the lawyer from the orphanage to stand and give their opinions on our case. Both whole heartedly recommended our family to the judge, but the lawyer said some things that were very special to us. She said that she was at the airport when Sasha returned from America and said that he was very excited about his time with us and showed our family photo to everybody and mentioned that he hoped we would come and adopt him. She spoke about many other things that he mentioned when he first got back to Ukraine, but those are the ones that stick out in my mind right now.

Sasha was then summoned to the room and the judge asked him several questions as well. She asked him if he understood what was going on here today, if he wanted to be adopted by us, why he wanted to be adopted by us, if we beat or abused him while he was in our care, what he liked about his time in America, etc. Sasha was very nervous too, but he did great and did not hesitate to say he wanted to be adopted and go to America with us (and that he liked our swimming pool and went swimming everyday in America. LOL!). Sasha even made the judge laugh with some of his answers. Once Sasha was finished, he was asked to leave the room again. Then, the judge and the “jurors” asked a couple more questions. The judge then asked the prosecutor to give his opinion on our case and he stated that he recommended our petition be granted. At that time we were all asked to leave the room while the judge spoke to the prosecutor and “jurors”. Within 10 minutes, we were summoned back into the judge’s chamber and the judge, with a big smile on her face, said that she was granting our petition to adopt Sasha. Bucky and I both cried and hugged each other. Leighton Sasha Rogers IS OUR SON!!! May 6^th will, from now on, be celebrated as Sasha’s “Gotcha Day”. All the hard stuff, meeting with the SDA in Kiev, meeting with the county inspector in Melitopol, receiving approval from the director of the orphanage, and the court hearing, is over! Part of the tears that came today after the ruling was just simple relief. He is ours! Everything from here on out is just formality. We will pick up the final adoption degree after the required 10 day waiting period.

After the 10 day waiting period, we will make one last trip to the orphanage. We will take with us cakes, cookies, candy and drinks so that we can have a small party for Sasha’s classmates and allow him time to say goodbye to all his friends, teachers and the director. I really don’t know what to expect that day from Sasha. I don’t know what emotions he will feel or show. Then, we will travel to request his new birth certificate and passport. Hopefully, that will be completed within one business day. If that all goes smoothly, on the 18^th we will catch another overnight train back to Kiev. While in Kiev, Sasha will be examined by a US Embassy approved doctor then we will have our US Embassy interview where they will grant Sasha his Visa. Once we get that Visa, we can hop on a plane back to America. Sasha is ready to get to America, he tells us that often.

Miss you and love you all!

Anniversary Update

2010-05-06T08:23:00.000-04:00

Today for our anniversary, you will never guess what we did…….we went to an OSTRICH FARM!!!!! LOL!

Yesterday, while Natasha and I were shopping, a lady mentioned to her that there is an ostrich farm not too far away. So, Natasha had our driver pick us up at 10:30 this morning and we drove about 20 minutes away to the ostrich farm. Along with ostriches, they had rabbits, parakeet birds, swans, chickens, deer, and donkeys. There may have been more animals, but I can not recall them at this time. One of the owners of the farm gave a lot of information about the ostriches and Natasha interpreted it for us. I am sure it normally is only a 5 to 7 minute explanation, but since it all had to be translated for us, it took twice as long. Sasha and Xan got pretty bored during the explanation. Brennan was on Bucky’s shoulders, so he was just happy to have a great view of the birds. Oh, and they also had a fish pond. All in all it was a very nice place and Sasha got ride on a donkey. Xan and Brennan both said no to a donkey ride. We told Sasha to get used to the donkey because that would be all he could afford when it came time for a car. For some reason he did not think that was as funny as Natasha, Bucky and I.

Tomorrow is our court date and Natasha spent over an hour with us going over questions that might be asked during the court hearing and the best way we should answer those questions. The questions were things like:

-You have two younger children, are you capable of parenting a teenager?

-Are you financially able to parent another child?

-Julie, how do you plan to keep Sasha busy after he is done with school each day until your husband gets home and continue to care for two much younger children?

-How will you discipline Sasha?

There were other questions, but those are the ones that stick out in my mind at this time.

Today, as we were leaving the restaurant after eating our lunch, a gypsy approached us and she was smiling and talking, in Russian of course, but all of a sudden our translator, with a very serious look on her face, said in stern, loud voice, “no” and we walked away very quickly. As we walked, they gypsy continued to follow, but left us alone after a short distance. After she was gone, Natasha told us that she asked if she could buy Brennan because she could make a lot of money off of him. I was so glad that Natasha was with us because the lady seemed so nice as she was walking up to us with a huge smile on her face. She better be glad I didn’t know what she was saying until she was gone or the protective motherly instinct inside of me might have reared its ugly head.

On a lighter note, I told Bucky today that I didn’t care what time of day or night it was when we returned to GSP airport, on the way home I am going to stop by Sonic and get a sweet, peach tea with lots of ICE. I miss ice in my beverages and sweet tea. I also miss my dishwasher, washer and dryer, shower, bed, car, and Xan and Brennan staying in their rooms until 8:00 every morning. The sun comes up so early here (between 5:30 and 6:00) and the boys think it is time to get up by 6:30 or 7:00 every morning. Ahhhh, how nice it will be to get home.

We miss you all!

Day at the Beach...sort of

2010-05-04T11:05:00.002-04:00

Everything in Ukraine is still going great! Yesterday, we hired a taxi (minivan) and went to the Sea of Azov. Our coordinator and translator went with us. The drive was only about an hour and once we got on the beach, it was very windy. The water was green, just like the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach and the sand was filled with sea shell pieces. Our feet got some much needed exfoliation. Xan was the only one brave enough to get any part of his body wet. But, once he was wet he got really cold. Thankfully I thought ahead and brought a change of clothes for Xan and Brennan. Like Brennan’s other trips to the beach, he did not want to get close to the ocean water, but really enjoyed the sand. Sasha, poor thing, was so cold. We bought him a sleeveless shirt, which he picked out, for our trip to the beach because the temperature was supposed to be warm. Well, the temperature was really warm, but the wind made it feel really cold. He was shivering by the time the taxi driver offered him a jacket. Sasha found a mound of sand and entertained us by doing back flips off of it. We tried several different beaches, but it was simply too cold to stay out for very long. We got lots of cute pictures though! On the way home, our driver had to slam on his brakes and Xan and Brennan fell out of their seats and landed on the floor. Both were fine, but it scared them to death. In Ukraine, seat belts are not put in the back seats of minivans. So, there are no restraints for the kids. The driver felt awful and I believe he gave us a discount at the end of the day.

Today, I had a mommy’s day out. Our translator, Natasha, and I went out together today. Svetlana, our coordinator, had to return to Kiev to pick up some paperwork for our court date on the 6^th. Natasha and I went shopping and then had a really long lunch and talked about many things. She is a true kindred spirit, a wonderful Christian lady.

While I was out with Natasha, my very brave husband took all the kids to the park to play on the playground and sandbox. Then, they went on a roller coaster ride. It was a very small roller coaster, but all the kids enjoyed it. I think Xan was a little scared at first, but said he would ride it again tomorrow. Brennan LOVED it which does not surprise me at all, I knew he would be our adventurous, wild child. After the park, they had lunch together at a local pizza place. Bucky pointed to what he wanted on the pizzas and Sasha ordered them for us. Sasha has been such a big help to us when we are out and about without our translator. He even helped Bucky not get ripped off while buying an onion at the local outdoor market the other day. The lady realized that Bucky was American, but must not have realized that Sasha would know what the real price of an onion would be. So, she apparently quoted an enormous price and Sasha put the onion down and told the lady “no”. Then they walked around the corner and found a more honest person.

Sasha was regularly calling Bucky “Bucky” for the first few days with us and we would lovingly remind him to call him “Papa”. I don’t believe I have heard him call him anything but “Papa” the past few days. It is so wonderful to hear him say, “Papa, please stop” in his Russian accent when they are wrestling and being rough with each other. He has the cutest gruff voice ever! Sasha has the biggest crush on our translator, Natasha. He sprays cologne on himself anytime he knows we will be in her presence. The day before yesterday while Sasha and Bucky were out during naptime, Sasha wanted to buy flowers for me and Natasha. Bucky told him, “I only buy flowers for two women, my mom and Mama.” So, I got some really pretty pink tulips, which are my favorite flower.

The people of Ukraine bundle up and they especially bundle their children. It has reach the low 80’s a couple of days this week, but the children are still in winter coats and toboggans. I am sure they think we are neglectful parents for not dressing our children the same way, but I think Xan and Brennan would die of heat stroke. Even with the high temps, the Ukrainian adults still wear very warm coats and jackets. Ukrainian women also dress like they have just stepped out of a fashion catalog. Even when they are playing with their kids on the playground, you can expect them to be in a high heels and miniskirts. I seriously don’t know how they walk around in the high heels. I mean these people walk everywhere they go and they do it in high heels. I have felt like I look like a homeless person when I go out because they are all dressed so nicely all the time. We have not experienced any of the racial hatred we were warned we might experience. Our experience has been quite the opposite, especially with Brennan. We have had several people comment that he has no “fault” in his features. At a restaurant the other night, the waitresses communicated to our interpreter that they had “fallen in love” with Brennan and wanted to know if they could hold him. He let them hold him briefly and they gave him a present (legos).

Please pray that after the 10 day waiting period, that will begin after our court hearing on the 6^th, we are able to travel to Sasha’s birth city and get his new birth certificate and passport during one business day. Our coordinator is not sure if they will consider his new passport a “new issue” or a “re-issue”. If they consider it a “new issue”, we may have to wait an entire week before the new passport is issued. If they consider it a “re-issue”, we would be able to request it and pick it up the same day.

Well, it is nearly dinner time. I hope you have a wonderful day!

We have a court date!

2010-04-30T11:39:00.008-04:00

Our coordinator and translator were able to get us a court date for May 6th. We were so happy for this date because Monday and Tuesday are holidays in Ukraine and we were afraid they would not have any openings with this short of notice for the remaining three days of the week. Whew, God is AWESOME! After the court hearing we will remain in Melitopol for the 10 day waiting period (that is 10 actual days, not 10 business days). Then we will travel by mini van to Sasha's birth city to request his new birth certificate and passport which will have his new name, Leighton Sasha Rogers. This should only be a one day process. And then, I think, we will travel back to Kiev for about two days for his US Embassy doctor appointment and Embassy interview. Once that is complete, we can come HOME! Our flight, as long as things continue to go well, should be somewhere in the 20's of May. We have really enjoyed our time here, but are anxious to get Sasha home to America.

Thank you for praying for our Interpol clearances, we found out today that the clearances have been done and just have to be mailed to Kiev. One more prayer answered!

We traveled back to the orphanage today and had another meeting with the director. He is such a special man with an wonderful love for the children in his care. He granted us custody of Sasha until May 12th. We were beyond thrilled and so was Sasha. He has told the translator several times that he wants to stay with us and not go back to the orphanage. We, of course, want the same thing. Xan and Brennan have adjusted very well to having Sasha with us and Xan even said he did not want Sasha to go back to the orphanage. God is knitting their hearts together.

Well, my food just arrived, so I better go. Thank you again for your prayers!

We have a court date!

2010-04-30T11:39:00.005-04:00

We have a court date!

2010-04-30T11:39:00.003-04:00

We have a court date!

2010-04-30T11:39:00.001-04:00

NEW POST FINALLY!

2010-04-29T07:38:00.001-04:00

Julie and the boys are asleep in the apartment, so Sasha and I went out on the town to find some wifi! We finally did, so here's Julie's latest update to the blog. Keep praying for us, as the process is not over.

We have arrived in Melitopol, Ukraine! We arrived at the train station in Kiev at 5:00 pm (10 am Spartanburg time) and boarded our train. Our family had a private compartment with two sets of bunk beds. It was VERY small for those of you who may have never traveled on an overnight train. Bucky and I joked that it was smaller than a jail cell, but larger than a coffin. Xan and Brennan nearly drove us crazy with their excitement over the train. They were so hyper! Our translator and coordinator graciously offered us cake so, couple the excitement of a train ride with the sugar in cake and you get several crazy hours until the sun went down. Brennan slept very well on the train. Xan did great too, but he did not sleep as long as Brennan. We arrived in Melitopol, Ukraine around 5:00 am (10 pm Spartanburg time) and were driven to our apartment.

Melitopol is much smaller than Kiev. Kiev has about 4 million residents and Melitopol has only 150,000. Our apartment is much bigger than the one in Kiev, not as new, but very clean. Once we got settled into our apartment, we went and got breakfast/lunch. Bucky and I had a calzone and Xan and Brennan got chocolate and banana crepes. Both were very yummy. After we ate, we bought a soccer ball, chocolates and candy to give to Sasha tomorrow. By this time we were exhausted, so we went back to the apartment and took a 3 hour nap. After the nap Natasha and Svetlana took me grocery shopping. That was fun! Their markets are different than ours, everything is behind a counter and you just speak your shopping list to an attendant and she gets everything for you. The only thing that I have not been able to find here is cereal for the kids. They do have cereal, but not Cheerios and Rice Krispies. For those of you who wanted the address, I will try to get that tomorrow.

We took the boys to a nearby park to play. They are having a fun time with daddy while I am typing this. Apparently they accidently interrupted a child’s birthday party and the mothers were so excited to hear Bucky’s English. They said they preferred American English to British English. And we were given a huge piece of birthday cake. Very nice people.

We are bringing some culture to this small town. I doubt they have seen a Latino or African American in some time and couple that with the fact that we are Americans, and we are starred at everywhere we go. I don’t mind, I am pretty used to it.

Tomorrow will be a busy day. We will meet with the Inspector (not really sure what an Inspector does, but we must meet with her and she will take us to the orphanage). Once at the orphanage, WE WILL FINALLY MEET SASHA! We can hardly stand ourselves, we are so excited. Sasha will have to speak to the Inspector and the orphanage director that he wants us to adopt him, then more paperwork will begin. Hopefully, we can get approval from the Inspector and orphanage within the week. Then we can apply for a court date. Please pray that Sasha is not shy about his wanting us to adopt him and they he speaks it clearly and quickly.

Well, it is almost time for dinner. Bucky and I treasure your prayers! With love, The Rogers

Melitopol Update #2

We are sorry that we have not been able to update you as often as we would like. Melitopol is a much smaller town than Kiev and although we have the necessities (hot water, food, bed.), we don’t have many of the extras living in a modern city offers (wi-fi, washing machine, McDonalds).

On Monday, we had a meeting with the Inspector. The Inspector asked us a few questions about our motivation to adopt, why we wanted Sasha and if our income was enough to add another child. That interview went well and she joined us on our adventure to the orphanage. Although the orphanage is only about 7 miles outside of the city, it took us approximately 30 minutes to make the trip because the road was full of potholes. Xan and Brennan both fell asleep on the way because it was so bumpy.

As we approached the orphanage, Bucky and I felt we were in a dream. We could not believe we were moments from seeing Sasha again after nine months apart. We pulled in past the gate and just ahead of us was a two story white building and standing outside were a couple of boys. At that distance, we were not sure if one of those boys was Sasha, but as we drove a little further down the lane we quickly realized it WAS Sasha. As we got closer, our mini van (taxi) passed him in order to pull into a parking space. Our eyes met with his and a huge smile came across his face. That made our hearts leap! Bucky and I could not get out of the taxi fast enough. Bucky got to him first so he got the first hug and then I got a hug too. Sasha was surprised to see Xan and Brennan. Xan was quick to give Sasha a hug, which we were very glad about. Sorry, I can’t remember Brennan’s response. All of us were quickly ushered into the office of the director of the orphanage. He was a very nice, older gentleman and he smiled almost constantly, which put us at ease. He offered Xan and Brennan cookies, chocolate, and juice which they, of course, gladly accepted. The director asked us many of the same questions the Inspector asked. Then, the director turned to Sasha (keep in mind this is all in Russian and being interpreted for us) and asked him if he wanted to be adopted by us. Sasha immediately answered, “Of course I do!” We were so happy! We were praying that he would answer this way and leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that he did indeed want to be a part of our family. Whew, sweet relief! Sasha had to write a letter stating that he wanted us to adopt him. We enjoyed the director’s company for over an hour and then Bucky and I were excused to go play outside with Sasha, Xan and Brennan. While outside, the boarding school let out for a break and we drew quite the crowd. Everyone wanted to see Sasha’s new family. In all, we got to spend about 2 hours with Sasha. While we were outside playing, our coordinator and interpreter were negotiating visitation with Sasha. Then it was time to go. We hugged Sasha and promised to come back the next day. As you can imagine it was torture leaving him again, but it was necessary because we had a lot of paperwork to complete. The rest of the day was spent going from place to place collecting and signing paperwork and sitting in the taxi while our coordinator and interpreter worked on our behalf. At one point, we had time to run by a local supermarket. The supermarket was just like a grocery store in the US. It was a LONG and exhausting day and we were so glad to get back to our apartment.

On Tuesday morning, we were taken back to the orphanage to meet with Sasha and the director again. Again the director was so nice. He again gave the boys a snack. We were told that we could take Sasha back to our apartment for FOUR days. We were beyond excited. Our time at the orphanage that day was about an hour, but Sasha got to leave with us. That was AWESOME!!

The orphanage in which Sasha resides is very nice. The campus is gated and hundreds of red tulips are in full bloom. Although we were not given a tour of the campus, every building looked clean and well kept. The director is a very special man and we have really enjoyed the brief time we have had with him. The runaway rate at this orphanage is very low (no runaways in many, many years) and it is no doubt because this man loves these orphans so much. The director was very recently recognized by the Ukrainian President for his many years of service to orphans. He will be retiring in the Fall, please pray that he is replaced by someone who will love these kids just as much as he does.

The rest of Tuesday was pretty uneventful. We came back to the apartment and Xan, Brennan and Julie took a nap while Bucky and Sasha played card games. Tuesday evening we went to the local park and hung out then went and got some pizza. It was nice just being with Sasha again.

On Wednesday, our interpreter and coordinator took us shopping at a local open market. We were looking for clothes for Sasha. This proved to be quite an adventure. We quickly realized that Sasha’s taste in clothes vastly differs both our taste in clothes and that which is popular among teenagers in the US. But, we decided to allow him to get whatever he was comfortable with. All that he considers normal and comfortable is changing, we can at least allow him some normalcy in his clothing. I am sure he will adjust to American culture far faster than we want him to.

I had forgotten how much this kid can eat. You would never guess he could eat so much if you could see how skinny he is. I don’t know if he eats so much because he is actually hungry or because he is just not used to having the freedom of going to the refrigerator anytime he wants to get something. But whatever the reason, he eats non stop! This does cause problems with Xan because he doesn’t understand why he can’t have a snack everytime Sasha has one. But, we also don’t want to tell Sasha he can’t eat whenever he wants. I am sure eventually we will have to limit his snacking, but for now, we are allowing him to eat whenever he wants.

Prayer request:

Please pray that our Interpol fingerprints are received in Kiev soon. These fingerprints were applied for over 30 days ago and the results have not been received by the appropriate authority. We cannot be assigned a court date until these are received. Thank you again for praying for us. With love, Bucky and Julie

Friday April 23, 2010

2010-04-23T12:55:00.002-04:00

It is 12:55 pm in Spartanburg and 7:55 pm in Kiev....

Today has been a very wonderful, relaxing day. We did not have anywhere to be or anything to do until 2:30 this afternoon. At that time our coordinator and translator met us outside our apartment and we stopped and had a snack at a Ukrainian eatery. Bucky and I tried Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls and we really liked them. It is so nice to have a translator with us, she is able to explain the new foods we are about to try. From there we went to the Center for Adoption and picked up the paperwork they had prepared to show that they have approved us to adopt Sasha.

After our appointment at the Center, we went sight seeing (but forgot our camera). But that is ok because we will have a few days in Kiev at the end of our time here. We walked and walked and walked but got to see so many new things and it was good to get out of the apartment for a few hours. While we were out, we stopped by the ticket office to purchase train tickets. There were no train tickets for tomorrows train, but our coordinator was told that several train cars were reserved, but the people who made the reservation had not called to confirm the reservation or paid any money for the tickets and in one hour they would lose their reservation if they had not called. So, to occupy the boys during that hour, we walked and got Italian ice cream at one of the local malls. Xan and Brennan got to eat blue ice cream. They really liked that! After the hour passed we walked back to the ticket office and there just happened to be the exact number of train tickets that we needed. God provided for us again.

Then even after all that walking we walked some more and found a little pizza shop and ate dinner. Now we are back to the apartment.

Tomorrow we will have another relaxing morning and then around 4:30 pm our coordinator and translator will pick us up and we will head to the train station. Our train leaves at 5:50 pm and will arrive in Melitopol, Ukraine during the early morning hours on Sunday. Xan and Brennan are so excited to get ride and sleep on a train. Our first meeting with Sasha will be sometime on Monday. We are so excited to see him again.

Well, that pretty much sums up today.

Pictures of our apartment in Kiev

2010-04-23T02:01:00.004-04:00

My friend Laura requested pictures of our apartment and that I document the time that I post so that you all can see the time difference. So this one is for you Laura: It is 2:17 am in Spartanburg and 9:17 am here in Kiev.

This is our living room.

This is the view from our balcony. The yellowish color building is, I believe, another apartment building. The building with a gold roof is a monastery.

This is our bathroom.

This is the eat in kitchen

This is our bedroom. I did make the bed today, Bucky took the picture before I had the opportunity.

Today (Friday) is a real slow day for us. We don't have anywhere to be until 3:00 when we have to go pick up some paperwork from the Center for Adoption.

Day One, April 20, 2010

2010-04-22T00:05:00.005-04:00

I really need to begin with what happened on Monday. As of Monday, the ash cloud was still causing a lot of problems with European flights and to the human eye, the chance that we would get to go to Ukraine was slim. Bucky took Brennan to school that morning and I was having a really hard time getting motivated to do any more house cleaning. I just kept saying to myself, "this is useless, you are not going to leave for Ukraine in the morning." But, everytime I would sit down on the couch to have a pity party, I kept very plainly hearing a still small voice say, "Just get up and DO IT!" So, I continued to pull myself out of my pity party and "just do it", just kept cleaning the house. Late Monday afternoon, we received an e-mail update that the ash cloud had significantly decreased and many of the airports would begin reopening. We went to bed Monday night still not knowing for sure if we would leave for Ukraine the next day.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

All morning we kept ourselves updated on what was happening with the ash cloud and things seemed to be progressing well and according to the computer our flight was still on schedule. Stephen Timmons picked us all up at noon on Tuesday and drove us to the Greenville airport. We get to the airport, unload all of our stuff, walk up to the ticket counter and are told that a list of cancelled flights has just been released on our flight from Charlotte to Munich has been cancelled. We were in shock to say the least. I kept thinking to myself that this could not be true because I know God is not cruel and this would have been a cruel joke to get us that far and "shut the door" so to speak. We pulled all of our luggage to the side and Bucky pulled out his computer and we tried to make several phone calls to reach our airline agency and had no success. We went on our airline agency's website and their website said the flight was still on schedule. By this time about 15 to 20 minutes had passed and we walked back up to the ticket counter and explained that our airline carrier's website said the flight was still on schedule. So, the man at the ticket counter reluctantly pulled another list and low and behold that list said the flight was still on schedule. Whew relief...well only briefly...then the man at the ticket counter said that our flight from Munich to Kiev had not been cancelled yet, but that it was on a list of flights that were expected to be cancelled. He cautioned us that he did not recommend we continue our journey to Ukraine at that time. We very kindly thanked him for his educated opinion, but explained that our son was waiting for us in Ukraine and we were wiling to risk only getting as far as Germany on plane. We were confident God was opening doors for us and asking to trust Him and go on. So, we did!

The flight to Charlotte was short and smooth. We had a few hour layover in Charlotte before our flight to Munich left. The boys did great during the layover and we were able to keep them entertained and out of trouble.

The flight to Munich was awesome too. We got very little sleep, but Xan and Brennan were such troopers. There were no temper tantrums and no crying. They were wonderful! Brennan did end up taking a brief nap on the plane, but Xan just could not get to sleep.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

We arrived in Munich about 8 am Munich time, that was about 2am Spartanburg time. We had to pick up all of our luggage at this point and poor Xan fell asleep on the luggage cart. I have pictures of that, it was so funny. He was so tired! We found out after we arrived in Munich that our flight to Kiev had indeed been cancelled. While we were waiting in line at the airline's ticket counter (a huge line I might add), we were approached by a lady from our airline agency and she asked us what our final destination was and we told her Kiev, Ukraine. She told us to continue to wait in line, but that she would go ahead to a computer and figure out a new flight schedule. She came back a few minutes later with our new flight from Munich to Frankfort, then Frankfort to Kiev. That lady was a blessing to us and obviously sent from God.

By the time we got to our gate, Xan has already been sleeping (on our luggage) for about an hour and then we all napped during our 3 or so hour layover. I have pictures of that too. We looked like a bunch of homeless people sleeping on benches. Brennan ended up sleeping through that whole flight. That flight was only about 40 minutes, but he slept through ticketing, boarding, and the entire flight. He was sooo tired!

We arrived in Frankfort and had a 7 HOUR LAYOVER!!! Bucky and I were thinking what in the world are we going to do to keep these kids entertained for 7 hours. But we did it and they again did awesome. No fits or crying!! We spent a little while just sitting at our gate while Xan colored and Brennan and I played on the toy laptop computer. Then we went and got some lunch/dinner at McDonald's and McDonald's just happened to have huge windows overlooking all the "excitement" going on outside of an airport. So, that took up about another 1 and 1/2 of our time. Then, we went and found an outlet and let boys watch a couple of movies, did various other little things and before we knew it, 7 hours had passed and we were on a plane headed for Kiev, Ukraine. That flight was about 3 hours and both boys fell right asleep and slept the whole time. We arrived in Kiev about 1:30 am Kiev's time and got through Immigration and customs fairly quickly and we met up with our in country coordinator and he daughter. They had a van waiting for us and took us to our apartment.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Today is my mom's birthday, I love you! Well, right now I am sitting in the floor of our apartment, it is about 7 a.m. here and I have already had a shower, fixed my hair and put on makeup. Awww, what a difference a shower can make! As I right this all the boys (Bucky, Xan and Brennan) are asleep. Our apartment is AWESOME! It is really clean and the water pressure in the shower this morning about knocked me off my feet. God is great and He has provided all that we need and so much more. The boys did GREAT in their new "beds" (they are actually sleeping on couches) last night. Xan was a little apprehensive at first, but did great once we assured him we were not leaving and he would see us first thing in the morning. We turned out the lights and still have not heard a peep out of either of them. They are wonderful little boys and have coped with lack of sleep and new environments so well. They have done so much better than I ever imagined and I am so proud to be their mom.

Well, that is all for right now, I have to get the kids up and fed before our babysitter comes to watch them while we go to our first "big" appointment. Keep praying, God IS answering! I will post pics later when I have a little more time

We love you all!

Julie

Me, Xan and Brennan on our LONG flight from Charlotte to Munich, Germany.

Xan asleep on our luggage.

We were all so tired!

We are headed to Ukraine!

2010-04-12T21:06:00.004-04:00

We finally got the call today that we have been invited to Ukraine. We will leave next Tuesday (April 20th). Here are some specific prayer requests for our family...

Xan

-He will adjust to Sasha and eventually enjoy Sasha's presence in our family.

-Sensory Processing Disorder - Xan REALLY needs routine, security, and familiarity and there will be none of that on this trip. He also has issues with smells. Things that most people can ignore, Xan simply can not. For example, the smell of Pine Sol makes him gag, therefore, he is not able to eat his food. So, please pray that his little nose won't be so sensitive to new and different smells in a foreign country (like a yucky public potty, body odor, cigarettes, etc). He is also a picky eater, please pray that we can find something he likes to eat.

-He will be able to adjust to our apartment in Ukraine and be able to sleep well at night.

Brennan

-If you know Brennan, you know he is WILD and on the go unless he is asleep! Please pray that we can keep him entertained during long flights and layovers.

-He will be able to get a good night's sleep on the plane ride.

-He will adjust to his new sleeping arrangements while in Ukraine and get his needed "beauty" rest.

-He will remain calm during court hearings and other vital appointments.

-That we will not experience any racial hatred while out of the USA. (You can pray this for Xan as well)

Sasha

-That he will mesh with our family and come to love all of us deeply.

-His transition to the English language would start immediately.

-His heart as he mourns the loss of the orphanage he has called home for the last 3 years, the older brother he will leave behind (he was too old for the orphanage when their mother died and no one knows where he is now), and of the place that holds all the memories he has of his birth mother.

-His salvation. Bucky and I, above anything else, want to see him come to know Christ. To become a man after God's own heart. To become a man of integrity, wisdom, and honor.

Our family in general

-Safe and peaceful flights

-Safety in public transportation

-That our court date will be scheduled within a reasonable amount of time, therefore, making our trip shorter.

-That we would remain healthy.

-Patience and long suffering with each other.

Let me thank you in advance for praying for us. We love you all!

Easter 2010 Part Two

2010-04-03T22:51:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful day today and the boys just had to spend a little more time outside when we got home from dinner this evening.

Easter 2010 Part One

2010-04-03T22:24:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos from our fun filled day....

Brennan was really excited about the Easter egg hunt.

Xan was terrified of the Easter bunny. He did not want to participate in the egg hunt after he saw the bunny. He is such a funny kid.

The picture above is Xan keeping his eye on that scary bunny.

The spoils of the egg hunt.

Adoption Update

2010-03-31T18:46:00.003-04:00

We found out on Monday that our paperwork was submitted to the adoption authorities in Ukraine on March 23. That was one week earlier than we expected. We now are waiting to hear either that we have to redo something or we will receive our travel date. We, of course, are praying for a travel date because we are so sick of paperwork! I had to change the ringtone on my cell phone so that anytime our adoption agency calls it rings differently than when anyone else calls me. I did this because I was jumping out of my skin anytime the phone rang thinking, "could this be 'the call' with our travel date. "

I pray you have a wonderful Easter!

A bit of a setback

2010-03-11T22:37:00.003-05:00

So, we found out today that the Ukrainian government is now requiring two "new" documents. It is really quite silly because the information they need on the new forms is on several of the other forms in our dossier. All they have to do is look for it in the paperwork they already have. But instead they want it on it's own sheet of paper. GRRRR...this means our paperwork will not be submitted on the 16th.

Update

2010-03-04T15:33:00.002-05:00

Our dossier is complete and will be on its way to Ukraine by the end of this week. YIPEE!! However, our adoption agency has requested an extension from the Ukrainian government because our paperwork will not be ready for submission by the initial March 9th deadline. We thought we might make the March 9th deadline, but part of our paperwork has to be notarized after it arrives in Ukraine and this cannot be accomplished before many businesses and government agencies are closing for a national holiday. Therefore, our paperwork will not be notarized until after the holiday. Apparently, the Ukrainian government only accepts new adoption paperwork on Tuesdays, hence the having to wait until the 16th to submit our documents.

I am really unsure of how long it will take after the 16th before we hear anything as to when we can travel. I am a bundle of nerves and so anxious to see my son again.

Stinkin' Medical Forms

2010-02-25T12:50:00.002-05:00

Ok, I have to vent a little so that I don't cry....

On February 9th, we had our medical forms for our adoption completed by our doctor. I found out earlier this week that the form had an error on it. Not MY error or the doctor's error, an error on the form that the Ukrainian government gave us. But, even though it was THEIR error on THEIR form, they would not accept it until it was redone.

So, on Tuesday morning, I dropped off the new forms with very specific, written instructions to our doctor's office. Here were the instructions, let's see if you could follow them (keep in mind they had already done this for me about 2 weeks earlier):

1. Copy the forms onto your letterhead.

2. Complete the forms.

3. Date the forms with today's date.

4. Finally, have the forms notarized.

Seems simple enough right. I thought so too, but apparently not. What they actually did was complete the forms and THEN copied them onto letterhead. So, instead of having an original signature on the letterhead, I have a copy of a signature on letterhead. What person with a high school education thinks that is appropriate? What government agency is going to accept a piece of paper that only has a copy of a signature on it?

We Got It!

2010-02-23T00:07:00.004-05:00

We received our Immigration approval today!!!! Wow, only three weeks. It took 5 months when we adopted Xan. All of our paperwork should arrive in Ukraine by the March 9th deadline.

DSS:
mailed 01/06/10
Approved - 01/29/10

Dept. of Homeland Security:
mailed - 01/29/10
Approved - 02/17/10

Dossier Completed - 2/24/10

Ukrainian Government:
mailed - TBA
Approved - TBA

Travel Date - TBA

Snow...Yes! Snowman...No!

2010-02-13T15:53:00.004-05:00

Bucky did get further along in the snowman making process than my mom did, but we left our eyes off of Brennan just a second too long, and SMASH, there went the snowman. Oh well, maybe next year. The kids really enjoyed the snow and played outside for nearly an hour. Bucky and I enjoyed being outside with them.

Xan liked to lick the snow. He's weird, but he's mine!

"I'm gonna get you mom" is written all over his face.

I love how after a snow, God paints the sky a beautiful blue. It makes the snow seem even whiter.

Dossier Complete...almost

2010-02-11T10:46:00.003-05:00

We are still waiting on our Immigration approval, but all the documents that I am in control of are complete! YAY! If you have adopted, you know what a RELIEF this is. The dossier can be the most time consuming, frustrating part of the adoption process (being fingerprinted a million times comes in a close second).

It will truly be a "God thing" if our Immigration approval arrives in time for all of our paperwork to be in Ukraine by March 9th. So, I am just sitting back and waiting to see what God does. Ugh...waiting...it is a necessary part of life.

Adopted for Life . . . and in Death

2010-02-06T11:46:00.000-05:00

I would encourage you to go and read Dr. Mohler's blog entry about a Haitian orphan...

Adopted for Life . . . and in Death

Adoption Update

2010-02-04T21:11:00.003-05:00

Our home study was registered with the Ukrainian government earlier this week. They requested we have all of your dossier documents in Ukraine by March 9th. YIKES!!! That is exciting and stressful all at the same time. I have so much work to do before the end of the month. We could actually have a travel date by the end of March if all continues to go well.

I thought I was doing pretty well with all the stress...that was until this week. I have had three migraines this week. The migraine I had last night got so bad that I threw up. YUCK!! I don't think I will be able to eat Wendy's for some time :-) And on top of the migraines, my intestines are rebelling as well. I may loose 10 pounds this week. Just kidding, but I did loose two pounds yesterday. Not the way I want to loose weight, but I'll take it.

So here is timeline stuff:

DSS:
mailed 01/06/10
Approved - 01/29/10

Dept. of Homeland Security:
mailed - 01/29/10
Approved - TBA

Dossier Completed - Currently working on collecting all these documents.

Ukrainian Government:
mailed - TBA
Approved - TBA

Travel Date - TBA

Things are moving and I am SUPER excited!

Rocky top, you'll always be...

2010-02-01T19:30:00.006-05:00

home sweet home to me! The boys and I spent last week with my mom in Tennessee while daddy was gone to Bulgria. Anytime we pass by the Tennessee state sign Rocky Top always comes to mind. On Thursday, we took the kids to the Tennessee Aquarium (if you are ever in Chattanooga, you should check it out!) and then to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.

Checking out the beautiful fish in one of the salt water tanks.

The penguin's are always a BLAST to watch. You can see one swimming right above Brennan's head.

Xan is saying, "Whoa". See the butterfly on the finger.

My kids LOVE their Grandmommy!

After the Aquarium, we got on the electric bus and road to the Choo-Choo. The boys really liked riding on the public transportation and seeing a real steam engine...

Then on Friday, IT SNOWED!!! The forecast was calling for a rain/snow mix, but what we got was 4 inches of beautiful, fluffy, white snow. We even got to enjoy some snow cream. Yummy! The boys had a blast in the snow.

We went out and played right after lunch and then put the boys down for a nap. By the time they woke up, another 2 inches of snow had fallen and you couldn't even see where we had played before. My mom tried to make a snow man, but every time she would get the bottom complete, Brennan would come and tackle it, wrestle it, and smash it to the ground. He is sooo WILD!

Progress, progress, progress

2010-01-16T10:06:00.003-05:00

Over the past week, we have seen a little more progress in our adoption process. Our home study was mailed to Ukraine this week. Our home study will be translated and delivered to the Ukrainian adoption authorities. The adoption authorities will read our home study and inform us when the rest of our dossier needs to get to Ukraine.

It is starting to feel real now that paper work is moving. We also got the the boys' passports in the mail this week. And I was able to FINALLY apply for Brennan's SSN yesterday. Although that has nothing to do with Sasha's adoption, we will be able to re-file our past two year's tax returns and claim Brennan as a dependent as soon as the SSN comes in the mail.

I am sorry I have not posted any pictures in a while. I have not taken any pictures since Christmas. I know it is sad. I guess I am waiting on the beautiful, warm weather to come back.

It's On It's Way...

2010-01-06T22:42:00.003-05:00

Our homestudy is complete and on its way to South Carolina Department of Social Services. On average it takes DSS about 3 weeks to read and approve a homestudy. After they approve our homestudy, they will mail it to the Dept. of Homeland Security in Charleston. It could take up to 3 months (or more) to receive approval from Homeland Security. Here are the steps that must be completed before we can travel to Ukraine. I will update this list as they are completed. (TBA=to be announced)

DSS:
mailed 01/06/10
Approved - TBA

Dept. of Homeland Security:
mailed - TBA
Approved - TBA

Dossier Completed - TBA (A dossier is a collection of documents like birth certificates, doctors letters, etc. that must be submitted with the homestudy)

Ukrainian Government:
mailed - TBA
Approved - TBA

Travel Date - TBA

IT CAME...IT FINALLY CAME

2009-12-21T18:56:00.001-05:00

We FINALLY got the stinkin' birth certificate for Brennan. Seven months after we initially applied, it finally arrived.

2009-12-17T22:29:00.006-05:00

We celebrated Christmas as a family today. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are soooo busy for us and we are on the road a lot, so we pick a day and have a "family Christmas Day". Today happened to be the best day for us. Bucky was home all day and we didn't have any where we had to go. It was so much fun! Be prepared for picture overload.

Exploring the stockings...

Opening Presents...

Enjoying the new stuff... (these are all of Brennan, Xan was running around the house with his new Larrymobile)

Then we enjoyed home made biscuits and cinnamon rolls...

I hope your Christmas with your loved ones is just a awesome as ours was!
Merry Christmas!

Big Boy Bed

2009-12-17T22:16:00.003-05:00

In August when Sasha came to stay with us for 3 weeks, we moved Brennan's crib into Xan's bedroom so Sasha could have his own room. After Sasha went back to Ukraine, we never moved Brennan back, we just allowed them to continue sharing a room. Xan has been sleeping on the bottom bunk of his bunk bed for over a year and we decided on Saturday that Xan was ready for the top bunk and Brennan for the bottom bunk. We really didn't know what to expect with Brennan, but he has been awesome. He has not once even tried to get out of his bed. We put him in bed on Saturday night and told him we would come and get him in the morning. He was sound asleep when we put Xan to bed about an hour later, still asleep when we went to bed, and this is what I found when I went to get him Sunday morning...

This is how he sleeps, with his head completely covered by a blanket. It has been almost a week and he has not tried to escape.

Still no birth certificate...

2009-12-15T21:32:00.003-05:00

but I am better emotionally today. Thank you if you read my post last night and prayed for me. I know God is working and moving even when I can't see it. God is good all the time!

Two Weeks...

2009-12-14T18:36:00.003-05:00

and still no birth certificate. I think the Louisiana Vital Records office has my number blocked because I called AGAIN today and it went straight to voice mail. I normally get to speak to a person. The voice mail message said to leave a message and they would call me back soon. They didn't call today. Makes you wonder what "soon" means to the government.

My sweet husband went and got us pizza because I am too sad and depressed to cook. He also mentioned that God must be trying to teach us something with this wait. And to be honest my response was to scream (inwardly I might add), "I HATE LESSONS! I DON'T WANT ANY MORE LESSONS! JUST GIVE ME THE DANG BIRTH CERTIFICATE! DANG IT!" Honestly that is how I feel right now, I don't want to learn anything, I want this to be easy. I just want to go get my son. I am finding myself running from God and telling Him, "No, I don't want You. You are hurting me and I hate it." I am running from what I know I need the most...the peace and rest of my Savior's arms.

Christmas Picture Bloopers & Update

2009-12-03T22:06:00.004-05:00

This picture is Xan's personality...talk,talk,talk,talk,talk...all the time!

Brennan is saying "ball".

Those are my boys and I love them so much!

Adoption Update:
We STILL don't have Brennan's birth certificate. I initially applied for his certificate in the Spring (around May). Apparently their was an error on a form and they denied our application, but never notified us that it had been denied. I called Vital Registry in Louisiana in August (when we decided to adopt Sasha) to check on the birth certificate because our social worker has to see an original birth certificate for all of us before our home study can be sent to the Dept. of Homeland Security (USCIS). That is when I was told our application had been denied. So, we completed another application and mailed it in. I called again in October only to be told that the check our adoption agency had issued to cover the cost of the new birth certificate had expired and they had denied our file AGAIN. So, I completed another application and our adoption agency mailed a new check. I then called again two weeks ago to confirm that all documentation had been received and were correct. I was told I would have the new certificate in two weeks. I waited the two weeks and still no certificate. So, I called back this past Monday and was told that our application would be worked on that day and I would receive the certificate, hopefully, next week. ANOTHER WEEK OF WAITING!!! Another week that Sasha has to stay at the orphanage.

I know that God has a specific time and date for us to go the Ukraine and we had hoped that would be this winter. But now, because of this whole birth certificate issue, it will be spring at the earliest. It could be much later if we experience any more delays. UGH, nothing in adoption is simple.

They were quiet...

2009-12-03T21:56:00.005-05:00

I should have known something was up. I was cleaning up the kitchen last night and it dawned on me that I had not heard the boys for a while. So, I went up to the bonus room and found them decorating each other with stickers. Xan had already pulled all his stickers off by the time I got the camera.

Brennan just enjoys being with Xan, he didn't care what Xan was doing to him.

2009-11-26T09:47:00.006-05:00

We made the decision last year that we would not go home for Thanksgiving since we do so much traveling on Christmas Day. I am so glad we made that decision because the last two Thanksgiving Days have been so relaxed. Although I would love to spend this day with our family, I am so glad I don't have to spend 5 hours in the car. We will be enjoying Thanksgiving lunch with some good friends.

Things I am thankful for:
1. My God - It is so comforting to know He is in control. Even when things don't go the way I wanted them to, His plan and purpose for me is so much better. Because of Him, I can continue this list.

2. My Salvation - God sent His only Son to pay a penalty He did not owe. I will never understand that kind of sacrifice. Jesus was sinless, yet He took my sinfulness. He was obedient to death - even death on a cross. I will never understand that kind of obedience.

3. My husband - Bucky is a wonderful man. He is a hard worker, self sacrificing, patient, loving, and trust worthy. I love him!

4. Sasha - I wish I could hug him and tell him how much I love him.

5. Xan - He is so quirky, imaginative, and funny.

6. Brennan - He is WILD, LOUD, and CRAZY. But he is also very snuggly and cute.

7. Toilets and Toilet paper - see The Snook's blog.

8. The miracle of adoption - My socks have blessed off by my children.

9. Family - I love my family (Bucky's side included). Bucky and I have NEVER had any in-law problems. My family loves him and his family loves me.

10. Airplanes - I know, you are probably thinking "what?". You see, an airplane will be what unites us with Sasha. I am dreading the 20 to 24 hours in airports and airplanes, but that is so much better than going across the Atlantic Ocean in a boat! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving from the Rogers

November...Adoption Awareness Month

2009-11-12T09:51:00.002-05:00

James 1:27, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."

Please allow me to share some of the alarming orphan statistics:
-There are over 140 million orphans worldwide.
-Every 18 seconds another child becomes an orphan.
-43.4 million orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa, 87.6 million orphans live in Asia, and 12.4 million orphans live in Latin America and the Caribbean.
-1.5 million children live in public care in Central and Eastern Europe alone.
-At any given point there are over 500,000 children in the U.S. Foster Care system.
-Orphaned children are at a higher risk of being forced into gang activity and the sex trade industry.

I have heard so many excuses for why Christians don't adopt. However, the one I hear most often is, "It just costs so much." Psalm 50:9-11 says, "I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains,and the creatures of the field are mine." God doesn't need anything we have, it ALL belongs to Him anyway. It's All His! If He has called you to adopt, He will provide the funds. Many times people ask me why adoption costs so much. I believe adoption is the proclamation of the truth of the Gospel. God has shown His lavish love for us by adopting us as His own children. And He showed that lavish love by sending His sinless and perfect son Jesus to die for our sins. My adoption cost God EVERYTHING. Now that is expensive!

There are so many ways you can help:
-Be an orphan sponsor
-Take a mission trip
-Mentor a foster care child
-Be a sender (Bucky and I have blessed by so many "senders", people who have given financially to our adoptions.)
-Adopt

God's word is clear, He commands us to care for orphans in their distress. So, what's stopping you?

The Birthday Blues

2009-10-12T19:03:00.007-04:00

We had the boys' birthday party at a fire station this year and our theme was "blue". Everything was blue: cake, ice cream, cups, plates, napkins, beverages, balloons, and goody bags. It was all blue! Our teeth were even blue after we ate the cake. The kids had a great time with the firemen and exploring the fire station.

Brennan was not too sure about the candle...

but he loved the cake!

Reflections

2009-10-10T10:17:00.004-04:00

We celebrated both boys' birthdays a few weeks ago and I did some reflecting on the past few years.

Xan was born September 23, 2005. I attended a women's conference the evening of his birthday. Little did I know that hundreds of miles away a very young lady was giving birth to a little boy who would be my son. I can't imagine the pain she felt when she left the hospital empty handed. As I was running on the tread mill on September 23, 2009, I began to wonder (and cry) if she was thinking of her baby boy today. What was she imagining he was like on his 4th birthday? Did she know that he is beautiful? Did she know that he is loved by so many? I wish I could tell her all these things. I wish that I could tell her that by the end of this home school year, he should be able to read simple words, something she never had the privilege of doing. I wish I could tell her that he is inquisitive, kind hearted, loving, and reserved. I wish she knew that he loves Larry Boy, trains, swimming, and playing with his brother. Oh, all the things I wish I could tell her to put her mind at ease.

The same reflections occured on Brennan's birthday. The reflections for him were a little different simply because his situation was different. I have questions I want to ask his birth parents. Questions like: Did you expose him to drugs or alcohol while he was in the womb? Did you know you were pregnant when you consumed these things? Is that why you placed him for adoption? Did you bring him home from the hospital hoping nothing would be wrong and then discovered in the three weeks you had him that something was terribly wrong? But, along with these questions, I would want to say THANK YOU!!! Thank you for this blessing! There are things I would want them to know as well. Brennan is a fighter (and I don't mean physically) and God is the Great Physician. Brennan has fought through so many things: partial blindness (God completely restored his vision), multiple ear infections, two sets of tubes, severe increased muscle tone that prevented him from sitting up, crawling, and walking, significant tongue thrust that made feeding him a bottle very frustrating and slowed his speech development. Brennan has had to work and fight to do things that come naturally to most children. But he has done it! I wish that I could tell his birth parents that he is all boy: wild and crazy. He has no fear, he runs full speed any chance he gets, he goes off everything head first, he is tough as nails, sweet, beautiful, and has a smile that lights up a room.

I love these boys and I hope that their birth parents know that!

Goodbye Summer!

2009-09-10T14:35:00.005-04:00

We had an awesome summer! But I am looking forward to the cooler weather of Fall. I have not posted pictures in a while, so here are some from our fantastic summer. I had some really good pictures of Sasha, but I can't post pictures of him on our blog until the adoption is final.

We went to Greenville's Children Museum and Brennan loved this water exhibit.

Ahhh....a lazy day with daddy.

We normally wait until after Labor Day to visit the beach. But, this year we went early so Sasha could go with us. Brennan didn't cry when he heard the ocean this year but he did NOT want the ocean to touch any part of his body. He loved the sand though!

Xan really enjoyed the ocean this year.

Adoption Update

2009-09-02T09:24:00.002-04:00

We found out yesterday that the Ukrainian government will not be accepting any more dossiers (adoption paperwork)this year. That is a little disheartening, however, our dossier would not be ready until November anyway, so it does not set us back too far. Our dossier will be one of the first (if not the first) to be presented on January 1, 2010. Also, our agency's in country facilitator said that he was pretty confident that we will have a travel date in January or February since we are adopting an older child.

Seperation Anxiety

2009-08-28T10:16:00.002-04:00

Bucky and I had to have Sasha in Greenville at 3:00 this morning. We already miss him terribly and are having a hard time adjusting to this transition. It is so hard to send your child back to an orphanage where no one loves him and he is just one of hundreds of other orphans.

God is continuing to supply the funds we need to adopt Sasha. If you are reading this and you are a person who has given money for Sasha or have prayed for our family, THANK YOU!! We REALLY appreciate it.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow...

2009-08-17T08:44:00.003-04:00

To say that God is blessing our adoption plans for Sasha and confirming that this IS His plan for us is an understatement. Yesterday, we had a family come to our home and offer a $10,000 gift to our adoption. Then, just hours later, another $5,000 to $6,000 was offered after a family in our church sold their mini van, which had been on the market for about 6 weeks. God is good! Oh, my gosh, I can't believe we are about to start another international adoption.

Meet Sasha

2009-08-13T16:43:00.005-04:00

Updated September 10, 2009 We can't post pictures of Sasha on our blog until he is legally ours.

Through a set of circumstances only God could have orchestrated, Sasha, a 13 year old Ukrainian orphan will be living with us for three weeks. He has been with us for almost a week and we are having a blast with him. Please pray for Bucky and I! We have fallen in love with this fella and are praying God would provide the funding to adopt him (and it looks like He might just be doing it).

About two weeks ago I decided I was ready to adopt again, however, I was thinking another infant adoption. I began to pray that God would drop an orphan off at our front door because we simply do not have the money at this time to start another private adoption. Well, God answered that prayer in record timing. So, here is the story if you are interested...

There is a humanitarian aid organization called Frontier Horizons that brings orphans from the Ukraine and Nicaragua over to the U.S.A. two times a year for a three week period. The purpose of Frontier Horizons is to give the orphans an educational experience here in the United States. A family in our area paid the sponsorship fee and agreed to host Sasha during his stay in the U.S., however, for some reason they were not able to fulfill their commitment. Sasha was already on his way to the U.S. when Frontier Horizons received this news. Through a co-worker, Brian Lambert (Bucky's best friend) received the information and called Bucky. Bucky and I talked about it and agreed to host Sasha for the three weeks he is here. We were approved to host him VERY quickly because we already had a homestudy and background checks from our previous adoptions. All that happeded on Thursday of last week and Sasha arrived early Saturday morning. He is such a sweet boy, a little rough around the edges at times, but hey, what 13 year old isn't. Please be in prayer for our family, we want to be in the center of God's will at all times.

Update on Brennan

2009-05-13T21:59:00.003-04:00

Brennan was a different child for about a week after his surgery - happy, cute and content. Then he began getting really cranky again. I took him back to the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor today and his left ear (the one with the brand new tube) is infected. I have to do ear drops for a week and go back to ENT in two weeks. I don't know what they will do if it is still infected in two weeks. Please pray for me. He is sooo cranky! He cries at a drop of a hat, especially when you tell him "no" (that could just be his age,he's almost two). He may be cutting teeth too. Who knows? I am doing all I know to do to keep water out of his ears. He wears ear plugs any time I think he might get close to water. It doesn't help that Xan is going through a really rotten attitude stage with me. I am really working hard on being consistent with discipline with him right now so that this stage will be short lived. But I am about to go INSANE with all the attitudes and crankiness!!!! Ahhh, but my mom is coming in town this weekend and I can't wait to see her.

Sorry that I don't have any pictures. Our camera's LCD screen shattered and we haven't had time to fix it.

Sick Day

2009-04-23T21:40:00.002-04:00

You know it is going to be a rough day when your baby wakes you up early, running a 103 degree temperature. Poor Brennan, he can't seem to get a break. He is supposed to have his left ear's tube replaced next Wednesday. So, when he woke up this morning running a high fever, I wanted to get him in to see the doctor asap so we could get him better before surgery. Turns out his ears are in really bad shape (the dr. said he has "angry" ears) and that's what is causing the fever. We just got off 10 days of Augmentin Extra Strength and his ears got worse while on antibiotics. So, now we are trying 3 days of antibiotic shots. He got a shot today and we have to go back tomorrow and Saturday too. They are very painful for the little fella. Please pray that these shots will provide some sort of relief until we can have the surgery on Wednesday because Brennan is miserable.