Adoption Awareness Month - Day 12

This adoption journey that we have been on has stretched us in so many ways. Emotionally, physically and spiritually we have been tested.  These boys like to test the limits and they sure do know which buttons to push!  Thankfully, so much good has been accomplished in the midst of some of our toughest days.  So today, I am focusing on the good and trying to let go of the bad!

#adoptionawarenessmonth #lovemyfamily #beautyfromashes #adoptionisawesome #butalsohard #totallyworthit

Adoption Awareness Month - Day 11

Adoption Awareness Month Day 11: Keeping it simple today. Just want to say how thankful I am for my family. None of us are perfect and we drive each other crazy sometimes but, we are perfect together.
#newbeginnings #lovemyfamily #adoptionawarenessmonth

Adoption Awareness Month - Day 8

Today is Election Day.  I was able to take Mark with me to vote and answer all of his questions about life in America.  We talked about what politics are like in Ukraine.  We talked about who we think would be the best President out of the current candidates. We also talked about the people in our lives and out of those people, who we think would make a great President.  I really enjoyed this time with him.
There are freedoms we take for granted every single day that seem foreign to people from other countries.  I am thankful that we live in a country that allows us to vote for our leaders. A country that allows women and minorities to vote.  A country that does not turn it's back on those in need.  My children are from another country.  Today I got to show Mark a little of what it means to be an American.  I am thankful for adoption and that God used adoption to make me a mom!
#adoptionawarenessmonth #lovemyfamily #govote #america #election2016

Adoption Awareness Month - Day 6

Man's Best Friend.  That's what most people call their dog.  It has definitely rang true in our home.  Our dogs have always been part of our family.  I wasn't sure how they would react when 2 wild and loud teenage boys moved in and became part of the family.  They immediately put my worries to rest when I saw how patient they were with Mark and Alex.  The boys never had pets of their own.  At the beginning they were sometimes rough with the dogs.  And they didn't like it if the dogs didn't do what they wanted.  However, they have formed such a bond and it has been so much fun to watch.  Yep, they still annoy each other sometimes.  But they sure do love each other.
#adoptionawarenessmonth #lovemyfamily #beautyfromashes

Adoption Awareness Month - Day 5

Today is our 11th anniversary. When we were dating, I tried to imagine what our children would be like. Who would they look like? Would they be neat & organized like me? Have Todd's sense of adventure? Have a servants heart?
 Our family may not have started the traditional way but this guy could not be any more of a dad to Mark and Alex than if I gave birth to them myself.
I have loved watching Todd be dad to Mark and Alex. Every day I see him work hard for our family. He is setting an example for the boys that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
The funny thing is, some people say Mark looks a little like me and Alex a little like Todd. Mark is neat and organized like me. They both love an adventure and I have seen them love and serve others so many times.
God made our family. He made me their mom and Todd their dad. He did it through adoption. When we were praying about adopting Mark & Alex, we both distinctly heard God tell us this is His plan. He said that it may not always be easy but, we will never regret becoming their parents. There is no one else I'd want by my side as we navigate this crazy thing called parenthood.
#adoptionawarenessmonth #lovemyfamily

Adoption Awareness Month - Day 3

National Adoption Month Day 3: When we started our adoption journey we knew we could count our our awesome family for love and support. I am sure, at times, they thought we were crazy for jumping in and becoming parents to 2 teenage boys from another country. Believe me, at times we thought it was crazy too! Until we would sit back and see all that God blessed us with. Our families have been there to cheer us on, to let us cry and to show our boys what unconditional love is. They not only gained a mom and dad on January 14, 2015, they gained a HUGE extended family that has shown them love, grace, kindness, silliness and compassion. We could not have done this without all of you at our side. Thank you for being there for us. And, thank you for loving our boys as if they have been in our family their whole lives!
#adoptionawareness #lovemyfamily #beautyfromashes