My little twins!

It kind of seems like that. I just didn't have to go through the first 3 years of having twins. Ah! Since Stas has been home he has spent lots of time with his family, gotten his own first pair of shoes (size 7XW---that is extra wide!), gone to 2 of his 3 therapies, and gotten more kisses than he must have in all of his life combined. Ricky is doing okay. Sometimes I think that when he smothers him with kisses, it isn't the kisses that are supposed to dominate. He is certainly letting Stas know the pecking order.

A Heart for Orphans

"A Heart for Orphans"

(Me and my goofy facilitator--We love you Halya!)

If you look on any of the pictures of me on our blog, you may notice this necklace around my neck. (Along with--and more powerfully--a San Damiano crucifix.) This and MANY other beautiful pieces were made by Alyn Shannon, who lives in Minnesota, spends much time in Haiti, and has an extra special heart for their orphans. She and her husband, Jeff, have committed their lives to the people of Haiti. Alyn has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It is a rough battle, but she has a special peace surrounding her, a beautiful faith and is committed to the people of Haiti for her life here on earth.

If you appreciate unique jewelry and have a heart for orphans in Haiti, please visit her sight for more of her products.

http://www.gs2studios.com/

Alexander!!! He's a keeper...go get him!

He was in my dreams last night, too!

I dreamt about her last night...

Thank you Heather for making this beautiful picture.

I couldn't get precious AnnMarie out of my mind last night. I dreamt about her and eventually woke up with her in mind. I have been praying she will find a family.

AnnMarie has heart problems apparently, according to her caretakers. They said that when the heat gets bad she has to go into the doctor's office at the orphanage for IV hydration.

She is beautiful. After rubbing her body with some deep pressure/stimulation...it's like she just "woke up." She played peek-a-boo behind the stroller and caught on to the back and forth pattern of play.

I still cry when I think of the orphans left behind.

Stas is such a lover. He is so gentle. These children are lovers.

AnnMarie needs love...please search your heart for her.

Happy Independence Day!

I may not like the advertisements of godaddy.com, but I sure appreciate their appreciation for freedom and the service of those who have fought for it! (See link below) After seeing firsthand the results of communism in Eastern Europe, I have an even deeper respect and appreciation for freedom, capitalism, individualism, and our American liberties, especially the freedom to practice my Christian (Catholic) faith. I feel especially cautious of anyone or any group who desires to take away our freedoms and bring us down the road of socialism. It seems even more dangerous to me know, and far too plausible.

Thank you to all who have made our country great. And GOD BLESS AMERICA!

https://www.godaddy.com/Holiday/Independence2010.aspx?isc=gda712

Life is so good--for Stas and for us!

We are home! Yeah.
I don't have the photos of our joyful reunion with our family.The Spencers came to welcome us home. What a treat. They took all of the photos for us too. It was Judi's friend Halya who was our facilitator. Our friend now too!!!! Thank you Judi for your help and your encouragement, your prayers and your being a part of all of it. You were such a huge blessing to all of us.

It's great waking up in your own bed!


brothers alas

It may not be the best bed...but your mommy slept next to you

Your last time having your feet on the floor of that orphanage--AMEN!

Halya working hard (until 2am) on the train to get our court decree translated for the US Embassy by morning

Goodbye Fr. Andrew--You were "Number one in the world" or "Number von in zee vorld!!!"

Proud papa awaiting the passport

"Rock-a-bye baby" to by beauty!

Apparently they have heavy stalking laws in Ukraine (or it could be the "draft" jokes--we couldn't understand the prosecutor, she spoke Russian!)

Halya helping to prepare the documents after to court to hightail it out of there to get everything done in a very short period of time so we can get passport by closing and leave in a.m.

First bath----AAAAAHHHH!!!

You are mine FOREVER now!!!
I can't help but cry EVERY time I see Stas and picture the orphans twisted in their cribs--stiffened--bottoms soaked with urine (or whatever), sitting in the communal playpen, rocking, chewing on the crib, crying, cross-eyed... It hurts so much every time I even let my mind go there. I hate it! Can't anyone help them?

Home and ready to drop dead from exhaustion!

We are home, we are safe, we are happy to see everyone, we had a celebration tonight, even my Uncle Bob and cousin Michelle from Pennsylvania with her children! Very fun. People at the airport to greet us was a wonderful blessing. So exciting.

Posting pix in a.m. Can't keep eyes open.