Almost got to talk to Karina

We called her yesterday morning and Alesa talked to her first. Before Mark and I could talk to her the line went dead and we couldn't get back through. This sometimes happens in overseas calls ugh! We will try and call tomorrow. Mark had given her money before she went back so she went and bought a cell phone (they are really cheap over there a pay as you go kind) so that she could talk with us.

I don't know how long she will be able to keep it before it is stolen or someone older and stronger takes it away. Because she is now one of the older girls I am hoping no one will take it from her.

I am posting a picture of her with her puzzle she was so pleased. Also, we were in this store and Katrina came up with this little angel, a funny looking little angel but hey who cares :) and she said, "mom open" so I opened her closed fist, and she had bought me this and had the biggest smile on her face. It really bothered Julia that this little angel didn't have a mouth but with Julia this naturally would be a horrible appalling situation because that child loves to talk.

It really is the little things in life that make it wonderful. I came home from work very tired the other day and Brett gave me the best back and shoulder rub. Alesa cleaned the kitchen all up and I just relaxed. I knew I had kids for a reason... (just kidding sort of)

Thank you for Lord for children especially when they have a servants heart for mom after a long day at work!

The Boomerangs

We adore our children and having them home is so wonderful but we have decided that we have bred little boomerangs. They always return home and usually pretty quick. Our house has a revolving door that never stops moving. We love it and we have happily resigned ourselves to never being alone in the house ever again. Although I still long for a bathroom trip alone. At night for some reason just as we are getting ready to go to bed they love to gather in our room. We have them stretched on the floor, the couch and fighting for bed space. Sometimes Mark and I are sandwiched between three big ole kids on our bed.

This weekend Zhenya came home with a laundry list of things he forgot, his speakers, his guitar, and he needed a new printer for his computer. Brett's adorable girlfriend Kelsey came to visit with her dog so we had four dogs in our backyard. I am sure our neighbors just look at us and shake their heads."George those nuts next door have added another dog to that circus over there."

I snapped a couple of pictures of Brett and Kelsey coming in from the lake. I told them I would be putting them on my blog. I have to get their permission to post about them since they all read my blog. I had asked Zhenya to talk about his story and he was fine with it, especially if it could help someone else avoid his trauma.

Karina got a message and a phone number to us so we are going to call her today. Usually we do fine without speaking Russian but it is hard when we are on the phone because there is so much we want to say, and I feel helpless when I can't touch and hug. I will put a picture up of Karina and her puzzle later. She loved it and we can't wait to hang it in her room if she comes. Of course a big thank you to the Goulds, Nuccios and the Haggs for being part of it. You all have been so diligent following us all this time.

Today is labor day. I will leave you with this verse:

Psalm 128: 1-2
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor:
blessing and propertity will be yours...

This verse doesn't promise us we will be materially rich but you will prosper spiritually when you labor with the Lord. It is a privilege to labor for you Lord and I can't wait to see the jobs you have for me in heaven. I just hope it has something to do with children.