The Library

Since the girls have moved to their new apartment, I have been busy creating a library. I have had So.Many.Books that have been waiting to come out and visit from the attic! Things are not quite finished yet, as I have a lot of organizing to do, but I'm really liking the new room that is a combined library/computer room. I need to put in an area rug, (until we get wood floors in) and arrange the top shelves and get things dusted! As a homeschooling mom since 1992, books become old friends. You just don't want to let them go! So here are some photos of the not quite finished library/computer room. :)

I'm also planning to sew some curtains. :)

Albina

Our little Albina has grown up! She came home at 11 and it has been almost 10 years! She just had a birthday and sent me some photos of herself. :) We are so proud of her! I started writing about her coming home to us in March of 2011. What a journey it has been! We have all learned so very much! Albina is a very talented artist and it comes out in all kinds of ways. Right now she is really getting into aquariums. She has a talent to make them look just beautiful!

Albina is a wonderful mama to her little boy who is going to be 2 years old pretty soon! He is talking up a storm and is the sweetest little guy. He loves cars like his daddy and his dog. And of course, he ADORES his mommy!

I am so excited to see where the Lord brings Albina in the next decade! A LOT happened in 10 years for all of us and what a time it has been! We were taken to places we never expected and the Lord was there with all of us! Ten years ago at this time we had no idea that in less than a month we would be adding another little one to our family. I'm so glad we answered the call. God does not call us to the easy, He calls us to be faithful. What a WISE and LOVING heavenly father we have!

Her Perfect Nose.....

Is now pierced! I watched it happen! Let's just say she is much braver than I am! And, it does look pretty cute. :)

WE HAD COVID

In Mid December, 3 out of 4 of us wound up with Covid 19. Thankfully we have a very good doctor who stuck with us on the phone and in video call to help us through it. I wound up having it the worst, and this week was my first real week back to work with Mike, and work is just out the back door! Our symptoms varied, but for all of us we lost taste and smell. From there, headaches and cold symptoms. Then for me, severe body aches, shortness of breath, oxygen levels dropped, brain fog, ( I still don't remember much about Christmas) fever, severe chills, nausea, dizziness, and just feeling AWFUL. We were given Ivermectin, steroids and antibiotics. Taste and smell have not fully returned but if I concentrate, I can get a whiff of something. I'm so thankful that we all recouperated. It could have not been so, as for many in our country who did not live. I'm praying that if you are reading this, you and your family stay well!

AND We Are .....

EMPTY NESTERS!

It has happened! Erika and Sarah are now sharing an apartment together with a dear childhood friend. Going into those empty rooms was so weird! So much has happened in this home together with the children! But it is a GOOD STEP. They are both responsible, wonderful young adults and this house holds memories of them that I will cherish forever! They aren't very far away and I know we will visit often. In fact, they have already been back. :) What a blessing being at this stage in life, watching your children bear the fruit of love. I'm proud of each one of them. And now, I turn to writing and helping Mike fully with the business. And of course! GRANDKIDS.... :)

This Photo Took My Breath Away!

This is a picture of a young Olivia De Havilland.

She looks so much like somebody else we know and love!

FUN RANDOM PHOTOS

Just some random photos taken recently. The oil painting of Erika and Sarah was a gift to us from one of Erika's friends. We are blessed with so many people in our lives to love on and who love us. :)

Reflections on Adoption

When we adopted our youngest daughter, she was 11. All of our adventures are still here on this block starting back in 2011.
I have watched a very seriously hurt young girl, who had more tragedy in her life than I could imagine in a lifetime, turn herself around and embrace life and choose to live it!
I had talked to her so many times and shared with her to look forward, to embrace the now, and not let the past rob her of her future. There were times when we weren't sure if we were going to make it! Her trials were too much for her little heart to bear.
BUT GOD....
Today, she is a beautiful young adult and one of the best mommies. She loves her little boy and it shows. She is living her life and loving those around her.
She has blossomed and become brave and has not just "dipped her toe into the pool of love, but has chosen to take the dive, and I am so proud of her.

THINGS WERE HARD...VERY HARD when she was younger. We were the safe people for her to take all that hurt to. I remember one of the many people in our lives at the time who was working in the court system. He tearily came out after seeing some of her art work she had presented and said, "Don't Give Up!" We had no plans to give up. But we also had no idea what the future would be either. God brought ALL of our sweet girls into our lives for a purpose and a reason; NOT just for them! But for US! We have all been changed by the blessing of adoption. Our lives brought together and mingled with the past, the present, the future and the hope of LOVE and acceptance, a purpose, a belonging, and the truth of the Gospel has changed us all.
Adoption as I have always written is a 2 sided coin. It is one of huge blessing, but the other side of the coin is huge tragedy. Isn't that like life? Part of loving, part of living, part of being in this world is Love and Pain. To fully LOVE you must be willing to HURT. To fully LIVE, you must be willing to take challenges.
A couple of our girls have asked, "Do you regret adopting me?" The answer is a resounding NO! I am so thankful that you are in my life! I am so thankful to be your mama. I am so thankful that Mike and I have walked this path together, along with the rest of our family and watched pure MAGIC and healing unfold before our eyes.

But it didn't happen overnight and it didn't happen in our timing. It IS STILL happening, and we are now watching as each of our 8 children's lives are unfolding before us.
Oh how lovely are the blessings in our lives.... Each of them Unique, each of them meant for a purpose. Each of them have touched our hearts.
Sometimes, I look at the photos I have on the walls and feel teary with joy at the memories that unfold as I walk past. Life is calmer now, a little quieter, unless you consider our Sarah is still home. LOL
BUT.... LIFE ISN'T OVER! We have much to do and accomplish.
To Be Continued...
Albina's little guy.... second generation on the horse swing. :)

Well You Can't Be Silent Forever!

These past few months have been shocking, I'm sure not just for us, but for many people world wide. Covid19 has wreaked havoc on our lives in ways that we never expected.
It isn't that we have been sick, but how our lives have been changed.
We had to cancel going to our 31st wedding destination due to being exposed to Covid. We had to cancel taking my mom's ashes to be buried in CA due to Covid and fires, and lockdowns.
So I actually had to mail my mom to CA. When all this is over, I will go and visit where she, my dad and my sister are buried, along with other loved ones in the same cemetery.
I do know this! God is in control of all things and this was no surprise to Him! I'm getting used to bringing masks everywhere with me, but I cannot stay long in a store as I start to feel dizzy wearing the mask. People say it isn't a reality, but for me it is. I've tried different ones and I still have the same feeling.
I also have not purchased a new pair of pants, other than stretcy leggings (which I won't wear in public) because who buys pants you cannot try on?
The stores all have their dressing rooms closed!
The good news! My friend gave me some pants several months ago and I forgot about them. The pair I tried on fit great! SO YAY!

So, I'm sitting here at my computer typing. I talked to my daughter who lives in Reno yesterday over text. We were reminiscing about boating, and skiing. She was also VERY excited about finding a store that has Russian food! It brought back memories for her and I was so happy to hear that! :)

My brain is so full of things to write.... but it is hard to sit down and focus, as life is sooooo busy right now.
Erika took a new photo of me and I actually like it. :)
So, I'll post it. :)

Getting ready for the Holidays.... I LOVE FALL!

I Have No Words

The Events of the last few weeks in our country have left me speechless, but not without hope.

They Are Both 21!

I have taken pictures over the years of the girls sharing 1 day the same age.  It was fun to go back and look at them. :)
But TODAY!!! Erika and Sarah are 21 together! :)  My have they grown into beautiful young women!

These two have been through a LOT together!  I'm so proud of them!

 And I'm almost 62!

This photo was from when they were together before I had met them!  So thankful for this photo!

Photos from the past!

What fun. :)
Happy Birthday Girls!

SO MUCH GOING ON!!!!

There is so much going on in our country both with covid 19 and the protests and riots.  I have not ceased to be shocked, but cannot put my thoughts together on all this right now.
So for today, since I haven't blogged in a while, I'm going to share my success!

I have installed a new bathroom door knob complete with LOCK! :)

Just so you know.... I'm not very good horrible at sewing...and after FIVE LONG TORTUOUS HOURS trying to follow a one hour pattern, I wadded it up and threw it out!

The door knob installation was easier; MUCH easier once I read the instructions! :P