Our Current Homes

Our Apartment

    Our place in the City By The Sea is lovely and accommodating.  Our original first floor apartment was lacking many necessities advertised, so Andy requested a different one the next day.  We moved up to the fourth floor to a more spacious, beautiful, and luxurious apartment for the same price as the one in the capital city.  This apartment is a two-bedroom, but has a microwave, washing machine, better internet connection, and more kitchen utensils.  It does require walking up 4 flights of stairs, multiple times a day, but it's worth it:)

 Please excuse the clothes drying on the railing and clothes rack.   Dryers are not common here, so you lay your clothes out to dry.  They do dry quickly, though.

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Sarah's Home

Every morning and afternoon, our taxi drops us off and we ring the buzzer for the gate open.  The keeper asks for the document that allows us to visit, and logs it in a book.  From there, we walk down the concrete path, in the green building, and up the stairs.  Knock, a caretaker opens the door to the locker area, we knock on the group 5, and wait for her to come out.  The children know we're there for Sarah and begin shouting, "......(her russian name) Mama," over and over until someone opens the door.   Some days she is dressed to go outside, and other days we wait.  We have not been allowed in the groupa room, but we play in the locker area or outside.

 

The Locker Area

Each child shares a locker with one other child. The lockers hold their outside clothes and shoes.  It's custom to put outside clothes and shoes on, then put inside shoes on when you come in.  Her black sandals are the only constant item in her wardrobe.  Everything is shared.

 This area we sometimes play so the other children can't see us.  We are a distraction because so many are wishing for their own mamas and papas to come.  When I help other children with their coats and shoes, they run their hands through my hair, touch my sunglasses, and my necklaces.  They're excited to see Sarah's mama and papa every day.  

  See these gates?  One day, we'll be walking out together, the three of us, for the last time.

What a day that will be...

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.
George Sand

 Photobook Problem Solved:  Stewing over it all day, I asked Andy to tear out the last page of the book.  It came out clean, the book in tact, and the administration enjoyed it.  We were even asked questions about the pictures.  

******The child's picture must be removable in photo albums until finalization of the process.*********

 The administration supports our petition to adopt Sarah, and so we are waiting for a court date.  Hopefully, early next week:)

The Final Chapter Begins

It's late in the evening and I should be packing, but I'm not.  Instead, my overwhelmed heart is bursting with gratitude, joy, love, peace, and faith.  I need to write, to compose words, and to provide a release for my tears.   Happy and joyous tears that are abundant from living in the moment today. 

My little girl, whom I've never met, was celebrated by my friends.  For who she is.  A little sprite, with chestnut hair and piercing, brown eyes.

 In late August, my closest friends were brought into my circle when I shared my adoption plans with them.  Their encouragement was needed, their friendship valued, and I knew they'd surround me at my time of need.  As the year progressed and each step completed, more began learning of our plans and joined along for the journey.  Asking how we're doing, lifting me up from the discouragement, and walking along beside me.  Celebrating the miracles.

This morning, I walked into a room that celebrated my girl, and my family.  I was unprepared for the outpouring of love shining in the room and I cried.  Tears of joy for my little girl, who was abandoned  and alone because of her diagnosis.  Words didn't come easily, amongst the tears.  But, I am grateful.  And forever blessed.

Her first stuffed animals, her comfort lovey, her backpack, books...all her own.  Cards written to her so that she knows she's loved.  Her very first of everything, all her own.  Sweet, Sarah is loved.

Our leap of faith is beginning the final chapter of Sarah's adoption.  We are ready to meet our little girl, born in our hearts.

The song we choose as our life is very important.  Perhaps even more important is the journey we take in our finding our song.  

Thanks for the quote Jenni, my glass is half-full, living in the moment, celebrating everything gal.

It was a beautiful day, and my song is singing loudly with love.

Winter Wonders

We've been a hibernatin' and lovin' wearin pajamas all day, crafting mailboxes, reading, playing games, baking... School was closed for two days because of Iceaggedan (thanks for the idea, Elizabeth!), and our power went out for around 8 hours through the night on Tuesday/Wednesday morning. 

Love the Target Dollar Aisle for great craft supplies and ideas.








Opening up the new Mousetrap game from Christmas, it took as long to play as to set-up!!!  Even though the heat turned on, they were still cold and wanted to wear their coats.

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Love when I get emails from Grandma in Florida.  They make me so happy and I smile, envisioning them biking around their place, walking in the SUN, and listening to their everyday happenings in Florida. Here's a little snipet from Grandma:

Greetings from warm sunny Fla. (finally!)

Hi Shelly,  notice  my “Subject “ title?  ha!   From what we have been seeing on television and hearing from Jola,  the weather is downright nasty for all of  you up north.

However, I was looking at your blog this evening, and I really did enjoy the winter scenes. 

Grandpa and I went on a bike ride through the park this evening, and it was soooo nice out.  Today was a beautiful sunny day.  Grandpa was over at the pool. 

I think your dad went golfing.  He usually does on Wed.  Its Bible Study in the mornings, then the four of us go to Wendy’s and hardly ever spend over $3.00. ha!  

 Take care

Keep warm and good night.  Love you,  Grandpa and Grandma

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 Another Wintry storm is bearing down on us today. Ice balls are falling from the sky.  

 

From our front porch this morning...

A pot of chili simmering on the stove, the fireplace going, and fun projects happenin'.  I found this cool headband idea from Little Miss Momma.  Very "shelly" proof and easy!!!

There are so many cool, crafty mama's sharing their ideas on the web, and we're all making a difference in our own way:)
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Andy was a "Mystery Scientist" in Addy's class during Science Experiment Week.  He was a hit with the kids and teachers.  They loved it and he prepared for it like he does for his work presentations.  His comment, "They deserve my best, too!"  Love him!!  He is always making a difference in our kids' lives and other children.

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On the adoption process, we are waiting for our "Golden Ticket" and then we'll send everything over to Sarah's country.  We've done everything, received everything, except for this piece.  We are all getting excited, and the kids are discussing what we need for when she comes home.  I've begun picking up a few things for her, guesstimating her size.  Have to do something:)    It won't be long now till we see her smile, her face...