tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72244464915164560952024-03-13T06:05:32.857-07:00loves journey to KazakhstanKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-87211494595630416012011-02-21T11:22:00.000-08:002011-02-21T11:30:57.013-08:00Waiting...Kaitlin is now 1 day overdue! I know it doesn't seem like much but for someone who had a baby- yes- Kaitlin- who went way overdue you really, truly, start to feel that you will be pregnant forever. So, I can sympathize with her.<br />That said, having gone through international adoption and not knowing if or when you will get a child teaches one big patience! So, my heart is with her I will be patient for her and we will greet that little guy very soon.Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-61034651822372707102010-11-06T06:11:00.000-07:002010-11-06T06:18:04.157-07:00Miracles happen! If you doubt this is so, read this..The family who is in Kaz, presented with twin girls (not the single child they had financially planned 3 years for and consequently did not have the $13,000.00 addtional dollars they would need within 12 days) have received in donations from the vast network in the adoption community, family, and friends- $12,000.00 in 12 HOURS!<br />Having been in Kaz without any money, etc. I know the helpless feeling one has when one is in a very urgent situation.<br />This family now has the security of knowing they can adopt these 2 girls and can relax and focus on the bonding period of 2 weeks with them.<br />Thank-you to all who have donated, prayed, and passed the word!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-42993488484429241142010-11-06T05:55:00.000-07:002010-11-06T06:02:30.520-07:00"Out of the mouths of babes"Yesterday, we (Sasha, Masha and myself) had to come back into town after the bus dropped the kids off at home. There was about 2 inches of snow. They wanted to play real bad! Sadly, we were not going to be home until after dark.<br />So, the conversation goes something like this:<br /><br />S: Oh, I want to play in the snow so bad!<br />Me: Well, you better pray the snow is still there tomorrow<br />(a minute or so passes)<br />Me: "Sasha,<br />M: Mama, shh, Sasha's praying.<br /><br />They just make me smile all the time!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-68143948936181683652010-11-04T13:49:00.000-07:002010-11-04T13:50:36.511-07:00Please Read- Urgent: a family in Kaz needs your help!An Adoptive Family Needs Our Help<br />by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/loriprinty">Lori Anderson-Printy</a> on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 4:32pm<br />FORGIVE ME I ONLY ASK BECAUSE OF THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION....<br /><br />The Gobble's a family well know in the Kaz adoption community are in Kaz right now trying to adopt. It took them more than three years to get to Kaz and when they finally got there they waited another two weeks before finally being able to go to the baby house . Yesterday they finally met a sibling set-twin girls! They are three and half years old wth some medical issues and the family is in love.<br /><br />The problem? The Gobble's fundraised for years to adopt just one child and must now figure out how to raise an additional $9,000 by the time they finish the official bonding period in less than 2 weeks. If they are unable to raise the additional money in the next 12 days they will not be permitted to adopted these girls.<br /><br />If you can help please make a donation.<br />Payne County Bank - Just make a deposit into Phillip and Lanetta Gobble’s Savings Account – Adoption Account.<br /><br />Paypal – Our personal paypal is lanettagobble@yahoo.com<br /><br />Here’s the info. For making a tax deductable donation through Lifesong:<br /><br />Checks:Made out to Lifesong for Orphans Memo: Gobble 1246<br />Sent to:PO Box 40202 N Ford streetGridley, IL 61744<br /><br />Online @ PayPal:<a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/donation.htmlmark" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/donation.htmlmark</a> "Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-6993944665010717022010-05-11T07:57:00.000-07:002010-05-11T07:59:47.567-07:00Probably no one is checking this blog anymore since I have been so negligent of it.<br />I have very little time to spend on the computer but hope to get some new photos and updates on soon.Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-63847045799283471662009-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:002009-12-09T15:15:39.071-08:00Happy winter!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAvZi_NgyI/AAAAAAAAALk/udn1XnfWZM8/s1600-h/DSC01010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413378868034503458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAvZi_NgyI/AAAAAAAAALk/udn1XnfWZM8/s200/DSC01010.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAvFxx3rHI/AAAAAAAAALc/5rWhF0oELA4/s1600-h/DSC01008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413378528407694450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAvFxx3rHI/AAAAAAAAALc/5rWhF0oELA4/s200/DSC01008.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAuuepAwTI/AAAAAAAAALU/d6CLUpWHwBw/s1600-h/DSC01004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413378128133275954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAuuepAwTI/AAAAAAAAALU/d6CLUpWHwBw/s200/DSC01004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAua-B-j6I/AAAAAAAAALM/TA7T47sHYZk/s1600-h/DSC00995.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413377792962105250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAua-B-j6I/AAAAAAAAALM/TA7T47sHYZk/s200/DSC00995.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAuCuIhEAI/AAAAAAAAALE/PyLh0GHwBE0/s1600-h/DSC00993.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413377376377704450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAuCuIhEAI/AAAAAAAAALE/PyLh0GHwBE0/s200/DSC00993.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAtoUShwaI/AAAAAAAAAK8/35dvvFZf0js/s1600-h/DSC00972.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413376922763772322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SyAtoUShwaI/AAAAAAAAAK8/35dvvFZf0js/s200/DSC00972.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Last night and today we have been dumped on with snow. Wet and abundant snow. I stayed home with the kids as no one was available to watch them and Dave had a shoot scheduled.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had a terrific day. We played outside. The kids like to slide down the 5 steps on the back deck on a small sled. That kept them busy for quite a while. We built a small snowman. It seemed easier when I was much younger (and shorter). Later we made and decorated Christmas cookies. What a blast! There was icing everywhere. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-6223728680359755132009-11-20T20:54:00.000-08:002009-11-20T21:16:18.727-08:00Today I post for my sweet, lovely, and wonderful daughter Kaitlin.<br />In August she got married (still waiting to get photos to post). She married a terrific man- Joey.<br />They are doing very well and just bought a house for which I am very proud of her being able to do. She was my baby and I would drop everything to run to her if any slight thing was wrong. But tonight I had to hold myself back and let her husband do what I felt was my right and responsiblity for so long. We spent a terrific evening at the mall with the kids and Joey pulled up just as I was dropping her off. We chated a minute, then I went home. A few minutes after I got home she called in tears. After I left, they were walking up to the house and were surprised by two unfamiliar dogs. One of them had literally ripped off the front of one of her rabbit cages and had killed her rabbit and she had to see it. They got the dogs tied up, called the police and had the dogs taken away. She has one other rabbit who was not harmed and now worries about that one. Kaitlin is the most sensitive person I know, is a huge advocate of all animals (she even goes to the animal shelter and walks and visits dogs there), so I know how hard this was for her. All I wanted to do was run back into town and be there for her, but I bit my tongue and assured myself that Joey would do it (and I thank God he was there)- take care of her - which is no longer my God given right.<br />So, Kaitlin , my arms are holding you tight in my heart. I hope you can feel it in yours.<br />Love,<br />MomKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-11104329670923131222009-11-18T17:33:00.000-08:002009-11-18T18:28:11.634-08:00first month home<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSq8OreMRI/AAAAAAAAAKU/AuH08M3KqhM/s1600/P1230349.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405633404460740882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSq8OreMRI/AAAAAAAAAKU/AuH08M3KqhM/s200/P1230349.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSqmpE1v3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/yI9Ioi2p9mw/s1600/P7290149.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405633033589342066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSqmpE1v3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/yI9Ioi2p9mw/s200/P7290149.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSqPiGDizI/AAAAAAAAAKE/-Xge6RFq1TQ/s1600/P1010181.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405632636578401074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSqPiGDizI/AAAAAAAAAKE/-Xge6RFq1TQ/s200/P1010181.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSqBTAihgI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/GbvMk4vaeCw/s1600/P1010164.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405632392010565122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SwSqBTAihgI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/GbvMk4vaeCw/s200/P1010164.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>So, here I am! I have not dropped off the face of the earth- but honest to goodness Lori was right when she posted that you really don't have any spare time for luxuries like blogging and other stuff. I've regularly checked in on other families at various points in their adoptions and am joyful for some, sad for others, and prayerful for all. I may not have ever met any of these families but feel a bond to all of them. This truly is a gut wrenching, faith testing, journey and we are so thankful that for us so far we have 2 incredible children home with us. I feel in my heart that a child still waits for us in China, but we are truly blessed with Sasha and Masha in our lives. </div></div></div></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-72326779180127499332009-09-09T06:26:00.000-07:002009-09-09T06:36:28.006-07:001st Day of SchoolSasha and Masha started school today. They were both very excited and happy to go to school. The small issue came up when I said goodbye to Masha and she decided I should not leave her.<br />Sasha was a bit hesitant also. I can only imagine going to a new place where there are a bunch of kids you have never seen before (and of course most of them know each other) and everyone is speaking a language you are still trying to learn and you are in this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">environment</span> that all you have to compare it to is the orphanage you recently left. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">THAT'S</span> A LOT! I lurked around for about 30 min. after which they seemed fine. I hope we were able to reassure them they would be home everyday after school. Thankfully, it is only a 1/2 day of school. I will probably be a wreck by noon worrying that everything is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>.........Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-17176905857372796792009-08-25T13:02:00.001-07:002009-08-25T13:02:18.240-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1MTIzMDQ4MTM*MyZwdD*xMjUxMjMwNTM2NTYyJnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1jMzM4OTg3Mjg1ZDg*MDEyODhkOWVjOGU3NzY1ZmZiNCZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.photobucket.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed661.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu335%2Fkj817%2FSasha%2520and%2520Masha%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" > </embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/kj817/Sasha%20and%20Masha/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-13223191246464576242009-08-25T04:39:00.000-07:002009-08-25T04:41:43.667-07:00OfficialYesterday, we received Sasha and Masha's official certificates of US citizinship. Congratulations to our 2 little Kaz/Americans!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-55921233481627327452009-08-24T05:20:00.001-07:002009-08-24T05:54:33.669-07:00crazy timesSasha and Masha have been home nearly a month now. They seem to be adjusting well. At least I hope so. Language is still our biggest barrier. I feel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">aweful</span> when one of them spends several minutes telling me something and I can only listen and show interest. sometimes, I think they are trying to tell me something that happened or is going on and I say "show me" or I hear a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">familier</span> word/s. Then I can figure it out. It must be more frustrating for them when we don't understand them.<br />We have been to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ukranian</span> families home twice now and to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ukranian</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">sunday</span> school twice. Nina, our main contact in that family and a translator for our hospital tells me their language is very mature and proper and that they speak very beautifully. Oh, I wish I knew what they are saying. They love the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ukranian</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">sunday</span> school (we go on Friday night). This past <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">friday</span> they got very excited when we walked up to the church. They speak only Russian/Ukrainian so of course Dave and I are out of place again. However, all of the Ukrainian people we have met, especially Nina's family are so kind and warm towards us. I have learned to make Borscht which both kids love, especially Sasha. My next cooking lesson with Nina will be Cabbage rolls- yum yum!<br />This week we are very busy getting ready for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaitlins</span> wedding on Saturday. We have so much to do around here and my ability to get anything done is very limited- sigh! I am trying to keep my anxiety under control but it is very hard. I have been on an emotional <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">roller</span> coaster these last few weeks and this week will be challenging. Kaitlin has been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wonderful</span>. She has been here with me a lot and gone with me when I venture into town. I do not do that alone! It is very overwhelming to the children to take them places. Meltdowns and sulking/pouting is common. They want everything in sight. I constantly hear "mama, mama, mama" with pointing and "oh". It is just to much for them. The funniest was Sasha getting very upset when we wouldn't buy him a yellow bottle of mustard- he doesn't even like mustard! I think it was the color that attracted him. The worst was a full blown double meltdown at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kohls</span> when we tried to get him shoes for church/wedding. Unfortunately, he saw the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">spiderman</span> shoes (mind you he already has a pair of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">spiderman</span> shoes) and that was the end. Masha saw the prone kicking and pounding and decided she should do the same. We took the kids to the car and Dave finished the shopping alone. Oh well, an involuntary way to save I suppose. We have learned the best bathroom stops are certain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fast food</span> places. The ones where there are no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">candy bar</span> racks, toys, or bright colors evident between the door and restroom. lol<br />Everyday, I think they are learning and understanding better. Even the sulking/ pouting sessions don't last as long. It will still be awhile before I take them anywhere alone.<br />I am hoping to get the softwear/cables needed to download a vidio of Masha dancing to a cd of her favorite music from the orphanage. She just loves to dance!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-63852317121663949062009-08-04T07:59:00.000-07:002009-08-05T06:20:24.365-07:00dogs, icecream, and playgrounds<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmFV6NaFPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/9yJJgzqiIyc/s1600-h/P1010190.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366467042437895410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmFV6NaFPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/9yJJgzqiIyc/s200/P1010190.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmFNuObepI/AAAAAAAAAJo/vzN5Qx322F0/s1600-h/P1010189.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366466901782002322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmFNuObepI/AAAAAAAAAJo/vzN5Qx322F0/s200/P1010189.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmE6fDGY2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/5PnbdlrvXYw/s1600-h/P3210089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366466571290436450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmE6fDGY2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/5PnbdlrvXYw/s200/P3210089.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmEr1AeL3I/AAAAAAAAAJY/XzpJ8PKGSNs/s1600-h/P1010183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366466319486955378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmEr1AeL3I/AAAAAAAAAJY/XzpJ8PKGSNs/s200/P1010183.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366465704793720338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmEIDGLxhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/PwkDkw9Uy6E/s200/P1010181.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmD_N8oodI/AAAAAAAAAJI/6sOcJJdI09I/s1600-h/P1010175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366465553087635922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmD_N8oodI/AAAAAAAAAJI/6sOcJJdI09I/s200/P1010175.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmD1EcM8sI/AAAAAAAAAJA/CvBeaJHQM1A/s1600-h/P1010171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366465378736992962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SnmD1EcM8sI/AAAAAAAAAJA/CvBeaJHQM1A/s200/P1010171.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Today has been a more difficult day. Both kids are fine with the older dogs: Murray and Mcgee but are afraid of Hank our 1 year old Shitzu and Annie our 2 1/2 year old golden doodle. Granted they are younger and more excitable and rambunctous.<br /></div><div>Sasha has taken to kicking. When I try to explain to him that he can't kick (especially the dogs) he gets mad, pouts, stomps and will go to his room and lock the door. I now have all the bedroom doors locked so he can't get in and lock himself in. I know the language barrier is frustrating for both of them. It is for me and I am a grown-up who understands that this is part of the process and it will pass.<br /></div><div>I finally decided to keep Hank and Annie in the barn for the remainder of the day and when I went into the barn I heard this little tiny mewing sound from under Dave's Kubota. I thought that maybe Bella (our smallest cat) was trapped under it somehow. But after calling and coaxing- to my huge surprise a very tiny grey and white kitten came out from under. Well, as you can imagine mama mode kicked in and now Kosh-ke (russian for cat) has a bed and food and drink in the barn. What cracked me up is how Dave spent at least 1/2 hour out there with him last night. When I asked him why he was out there so long he said Kosh-ke was very lonely and needed attention. Awe...<br /></div><div>After dinner (which for the kids was buttered noodles, carrot sticks, cherry tomatos, and homemade applesauce) we went into town for ice-cream. Not knowing what flavor they would like we started with vanilla. We will have to try others as language develops and likes and dislikes become known. Woodland sweets also has a big safe fenced in playscape. With the exception of one big sulking session (because S had to wait for miss M to finish her ice cream) the night ended up well.</div><div>No idea how I got the butterfly image there and can't figure out how to rotate an image from my card to blogger. So apologies on having to bend 90 degrees to the left and enjoy the butterfly (from Meijer gardens back in April).</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-89684706180123760432009-08-03T19:01:00.001-07:002009-08-03T19:01:12.091-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*OTM1MTE4NjQ2OCZwdD*xMjQ5MzUxMjY4NzY1JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1jMzM4OTg3Mjg1ZDg*MDEyODhkOWVjOGU3NzY1ZmZiNCZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.photobucket.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg36%2Fkarispeckman%2Ffirst%2520few%2520days%2520home%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" > </embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg36/karispeckman/first%20few%20days%20home/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-266199958730598192009-08-03T14:06:00.001-07:002009-08-03T19:22:13.675-07:00Exhausted but happy<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SndZhvzC7FI/AAAAAAAAAI4/uJjibyFlCGM/s1600-h/DH000187.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365855917336357970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SndZhvzC7FI/AAAAAAAAAI4/uJjibyFlCGM/s200/DH000187.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We are all adjusting bit by bit. </div><br /><div>Masha came home with a raging cold- which Dave, myself and Kaitlin all have now. She really doesn't seem to be bothered by it. She is pretty good at blowing her nose but I have to get the tissue there before the yellow globs go everywhere. We have ventured out a few times to quieter less busy places. Except once. Dave and I had to get Sasha a new pair of tennis shoes. Our guessing at his shoe size before he came home was a good size or two off. Walmart is not the place to bring children who have had minimal contact with the outside world, especially the world of american retail. We will rethink those trips for awhile. </div><div>Masha and Sasha don't mind the car at all. They have figured out how to get us to stop if they want to get out. A request for "pee-sat" or "ka-cut" with the appropriate pained look on the face will get us to a restroom quickly.</div><div>Sunday we traveled downstate for my dads birthday. They have both charmed the rest of the family and Masha especially loves her 20 year old cousin Erik. </div><div>We have been to the beach twice. Both Sasha and Masha enjoy the beach and the water</div><div>but Masha only likes it if there are no waves. Otherwise papa has to carry her. Friday we went for a walk accross the street on the conservancy land and hiked the short distance to Elk lake. Both kids loved picking and eating the wild raspberries and Blackberries along the way (what would the mamas at the orphanage have to say about that- I shudder to think). When we arrived at the super tiny beach Masha suddenly started pulling off her clothes. Sasha looked at us with a look that said "well, is it ok?" and we looked at each other and gestured yeah, go ahead! So for about 1/2 hour both kids jumped and splashed about in Elk Lake completely naked. It was so darn cute I could hardly stand it. Of course we didn't have any towels with us at all - we thought we would just show them the lake and then walk back- oh silly parents!!!!</div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-11713426035074620482009-07-30T08:27:00.001-07:002009-07-30T08:27:39.447-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*ODk2NzU5MTUwMCZwdD*xMjQ4OTY3NjU*MTU2JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1jMzM4OTg3Mjg1ZDg*MDEyODhkOWVjOGU3NzY1ZmZiNCZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.photobucket.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg36%2Fkarispeckman%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" > </embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/SpeckmanAlbum" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-86850164626612438272009-07-27T18:35:00.000-07:002009-07-27T18:38:20.407-07:00Kids coming!!We had word today that Sasha and Masha will arrive in Grand Rapids tomorrow evening at 8:10 pm. We are very excited!<br />Stay tuned...Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-66939529643746147772009-07-26T03:44:00.000-07:002009-07-26T03:58:58.679-07:00On Their WayI woke up this morning thinking, the kids are on their very first plane ride right now about to land in Almaty. Then I thought, I hope they're not afraid or anxious. I hope their little tummies don't hurt from nervousness or their ears don't hurt from the altitude. They are with 3 other children from the preschool house so I hope they are having a little fun but not driving Alma stark raving mad. I can just picture Masha running through the airport waving her little arms all over the place and singing la la la la la. I know Alma would not let that happen. She is probably the one person who can manage with 5 children in tow who are having quite the experience of their lives. Alma will meet Oleg in Almaty and he will take them from there for all the necessary appointments. They will finally begin the journey home either Tuesday or Wednesday.<br />Please send prayers to all the traveling families, Oleg and Alma and all the children, that they have a safe and happy trip home.Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-68925942646789181962009-07-13T18:35:00.001-07:002009-07-13T18:43:57.377-07:00Hi to all.Thanks to all for your patience and support. I am sitting here thinking about all the new friends I have made so for on this journey. All of us at various stages of the process. And often waiting during those stages. We now wait for our children to come home. For several reasons we have decided to have Sasha and Masha escorted to the US. Hopefully, they will be here the last week of July. We have met with the escort twice and feel very comfortable with him.<br />We miss them very much and can't wait to hold them and hug them again.<br />Here are some of my favorite photos.Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-3366220028957430752009-07-13T18:28:00.001-07:002009-07-13T18:28:58.596-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*NzUzNDc3Njg1OSZwdD*xMjQ3NTM*OTM2NzM*JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1jMzM4OTg3Mjg1ZDg*MDEyODhkOWVjOGU3NzY1ZmZiNCZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.photobucket.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed661.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu335%2Fkj817%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" > </embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/kj817/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-52257753206802325892009-06-23T02:54:00.000-07:002009-06-23T02:57:43.611-07:00Introducing....Court was successful! Yeah! We have been granted the adoption of:<br /><br /> Alexander (Sasha) Alan Speckman<br />and Mariya (Masha) Ann SpeckmanKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-10230158906952363802009-06-23T02:03:00.000-07:002009-06-23T02:54:25.296-07:00Back in Touch<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SkClrJyTceI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Hr5SrdQ5GKY/s1600-h/DSC_0882.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350458518096015842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SkClrJyTceI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Hr5SrdQ5GKY/s200/DSC_0882.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SkCk5PaHZiI/AAAAAAAAAIc/4ekERG5FIfY/s1600-h/DSC_1291.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350457660611716642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SkCk5PaHZiI/AAAAAAAAAIc/4ekERG5FIfY/s200/DSC_1291.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SkCkCkK-EKI/AAAAAAAAAIU/YXCnBZlvKBo/s1600-h/DSC_0758.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350456721292529826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HIIn8jynzeA/SkCkCkK-EKI/AAAAAAAAAIU/YXCnBZlvKBo/s200/DSC_0758.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>We finally made it home! It seems very odd to be here after 1 month away. When we left it was just starting to get nice out. We had a few warm days and Traverse City was getting ready for summer. Now it seems all of a sudden summer has popped! The tourists are here, the fudge shops are open, the beaches are busy and oh- the traffic. I completly missed the lilacs- my favorite flower. They were just finishing up in Ust-K. Interestingly, the lilacs in Ust did not have any scent to them. The ones here are heavenly.<br />Its so good to be home! I really can't over emphasize that enough. I left Kazakhstan with a heavy heart and mixed emotions since we won't see the children until the end of July, early August but was so anxious to get home and get everything ready for them.<br />We would never have survived the whole passport/stolen credit cards and money situation with the awesome and incredible gift of our new friends and other traveling families, Gayle and Sean Storen and their daughter Alexis and Nikki and Steve Coutere and their son Chandler. They all made sure we did not go without and the emotional support was a lifesaver. God has such an incredible way of putting the people together that should be together. Galye and Sean live only about 5-6 hours away and Nikki and Steve live less than 2 hours from Daves sister in Florida. How wonderful.<br />I have heard from family and friends that no one has been able to get on the blog and apologize for that. But honestly, no one has really missed anything since we were not able to do much with it while in Kaz due to poor internet service and computer malfunction. Fortunatly, we were able to download images from the camera (Daves big ginormous professional one)(the cutie-petutie new Sony was stolen) and was able to put the necessary journal with photos together needed for court. Since I really want to share our experience and do some mama bragging I am opening up the blog for a week or so then will make private again until the children leave the orphange. I will send out new invites when I have to go private again.</div></div></div>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-45602922746483306622009-06-08T04:57:00.000-07:002009-06-08T05:12:19.628-07:00Catching UpWe finally have a chance to catch up and I hope we will be able to download photos. Two major problems have hindered us and I apologize for leaving everyone hanging- not intentional!!<br />Daves computer has some sort of virus and we are often kicked of the internet and weird things happen when we try to do anything. We have even had trouble trying to make files of our photos- necessary for court, which by the way is next Wednesday. By the grace of God we have managed to stay and get through all our visits and be allowed to go to court next week. This leads to our other really major problem. Our passports, ID, Money, were all stolen our first week here. We now have a replaced Credit card, money wired from home and permission from Immigration to go to Almaty at the end of "our business". There was a chance they were going to send us home at the time of the police report. There was talk that we may have had to go to Almaty immediatley for replacement passports and Visas but that they would not allow us to come back. There was a chance that the judge would not allow us to go to court without passports. And there was a chance we would not be able to fly to Almaty- 10,000 km away and that we would have to drive (10-12 hours or take a 2 day train trip- through RUSSIA!) So to say the least I have been anxious and stressed for what seems like forever.<br />through the awesome power of God and the work of His angel here on earth- ALMA who we consider our personal pit-bull (to see here in action) we have been allowed to stay, complete our visits, and will be allowed to go to court next Wed. We will then fly to Almaty next thursday, spend several days to get emergency passports/visa's and fill out paperwork for escort of the children home when they can be released.<br />I know it is through the prayers of so many that this is working out.<br />Thank-you!!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-21222649173223082272009-06-08T04:56:00.000-07:002009-06-08T06:06:53.584-07:00photo troubleWe have been trying to upload photos but have been unable- probably computer problems/virus.<br />If we are unable I promise to give a full update as soon as we get home-<br />Please hang in there with us.Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7224446491516456095.post-73252599154256063172009-05-27T08:08:00.000-07:002009-05-27T08:20:59.609-07:00What a trip so far!!Hi to all,<br />Thanks for your patience. I have not been able to get on the internet for reasons I do not understand. I have paid and paid and paid for access but keep getting booted off. I am keeping my fingers crossed this makes it through.<br />We have completed day 3 of bonding with Sasha and Masha, our 6year old boy and his 3 year old sister.<br />They are fabulous children. I can't believe our luck at recieving them for our children. Sasha is a boy with quite a depth to his personality. He can be very active and playful. He can be quiet and enjoy playing alone with his cars and I have seen him sulk when a car that was not his was returned to its owner. He has a smile that melts your heart and loves to have his photo taken- which is often. He has bonded so well with Dave. I love to watch them together.<br />Masha our 3 year dynamo is abundant with joy and energy. She smiles and laughs easily. She loves to climb- anything. She loves to jump- from anything. She is quick to hug and can just as easily play quietly with a game or a puzzle. Both children are so smart. Sasha read to me from a russian book with clear well pronounce words. I just wish I knew what he was saying. Masha never stops talking and when we get one of the translators around- the awesome Olga or Luba, we discover that Masha has a wonderfull immagination.<br />I will try to download some photos.Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13153072820925036197noreply@blogger.com13