A snapshot into what her future held...

A snapshot into what her future held...
Zhukovka, Russia

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Sweet Dreams


For the last two weeks, I have dreamed about Karis. I'm not sure if this is normal during the adoption process, but I'm not alone. Kevin, too, has dreamed about her often. Spiritually, I wonder if God is talking to me. The dreams are very sweet, and I feel very peaceful when I wake up. I learn about our girl through the dreams. The dreams also make me think about situations we will experience when she comes home.

I, also, wonder if I'm somehow "channeling" Karis when I'm sleeping. After all, she is well into her day, since where she is, is 8 hours ahead of EST. Perhaps she is thinking about us, exactly when we are dreaming about her! Hmmm...

We miss her, there's no doubt. A lot has to happen however before March. We somehow need to find the funds to complete the adoption. That is the only concern right now. Somehow though, although the number is staggering, I feel total peace. I feel that God has more to teach me before the adoption is complete, so I really just need to seek Him. He has brought Kevin and I so far in our faith, I know he won't turn his back on us now!

That's all for tonight... I just needed a few minutes of writing therapy.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Grandfather Frost is coming!



Thinking of our sweet Karis Yuliya tonight, as it is almost Christmas in Russia. Russians celebrate on January 7th. We mailed her a package, which I pray arrives safe and sound. I'm also hoping that the orphanage was able to gather some special treats for the children. We can't wait until Christmas this next year!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Karis Yuliya

A New Year!

I have a few minutes to sit down and do one of my favorite things... write! I don't get a lot of computer time these days, so I just have to make it count in spurts, I suppose!

I hope you all are having a great start to the New Year! We certainly are! The best part... we are in the right mind-set to kick off a new year! We are refreshed from our trip to Russia, although, I must admit, it really did us in for about two weeks straight! To suffer jet lag, a stomach bug, a show up in Toledo (for my publicist job) which always requires little sleep, emotional stress of leaving Julia behind in Russia, and ho, ho, ho... "better be ready for Christmas" - - wow, that was a lot all at once! The only thing that got us through was support from our family and friends. My super thoughtful step-mom and sweet sister did an amazing job, keeping our household running while we were gone, and when we got in at 1 a.m. (after flight delays in New York), we found our home immaculate... fresh sheets on the bed, dishes all done, floors swept, food in the fridge, laundry done... are we blessed or what?! All of this helped us to ease into life and recover from the trip, indeed.

So... back to the "right mind-set" part I mentioned above! I want you all to know some New Year's resolutions I've come up with, which by putting this out there, you all can hold me accountable!

1. I want to live a more simple life. My inspiration... God and the trip to Russia. Less of worldly things that cloud my mind and cause me to be less productive.
2. I want to slow down... I try to squeeze in too much in a day's time. Instead of constantly worrying about clutter and messes, I want to take in fresh air, sunshine, and silence. Yes, busy body me plans to sit down daily and just... listen... to nothing!
3. I want to read a daily devotional. (I did this last year, and it was very healthy for the soul.)
4. I want to help get the children at the Zhukovka Orphanage adopted. God has placed this on my heart, and I look forward to how he'll lead me in this.
5. I want to continue praying with my galz weekly and meeting with my wonderful adoption support group.
6. I want to make healthy meals for my family nightly... no more garbage-always a result of stress and lack of time.
7. I want to exercise a lot more to help my body -and- my mind... the goal to limit chiropractor appointments!
8. I want to write more, and I want to read more... both healthy for the soul.
9. I want to spend time with and support all of my friends, because without them, I am not me.
10. I want to soak in every precious moment with my sweet husband and three children, be mentally "present" around them at all times, and know in my heart that God has placed me... exactly where I'm meant to be.

Well, those sound good for now. I'm sure there is more I wish to accomplish in 2011, but for now, my children happen to be in bed, so I think I'm going to go do #2 from the list above.
Silence is Golden!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Bryansk Home

Bryansk Home
My two favorite colors together seem to be common in Bryansk homes.