Hope you survived Christmas

We are so greatful for all we received as a family. We bought no gifts for our younger children :) Our church did it for us :>) We did buy for the older ones and Ms. Briana the wonderful GB. And no she calls me Nonnie not granny!!!! The girls and I will be going to Kansas for a visit with Tiffany and Briana. Dylan will go and visit his other siblings and his Dads family.

Les and the boys will be home to spend New Years with each other. I'm in for a week of fun and some down time with us girls. Tiffany and I will be taking the girls out so Ill take photos and share when I get back.

Maxim has been started on some medication for his FAS/FAE, it is working well for him and I'm happy he can sit and just play, sing songs, watch a movie, and just breath. He was so busy he would just bounce off the wall and keep going. Not good for his little body! He is such a joy, he will make you laugh till it hurts.

As for me. I'm glad that I made the best of our first Christmas without Justin, The next thing will be his birthday! March 30th, he will of been 22 years old.

He was such a small little guy, he looked like a bird when he was born... white fussy hair... he was 1 of my best babies.... never would cry.... laughed..... was Tiffany's baby she always said.... He was a joy.... He was loved.... I feel SO lucky to have had him for 21 years, If tomorrow God said.... you can have him but in 21 years I have to take him back.... go through all this again, I would do it. Not even think about it. I loved him, We all loved him, And we will always love him, He will never leave our hearts. I have a perfect photo of him inside of me. His voice, his smile, his love.

I am so lucky to have what I have, I don't think I thank God enough for it. But I should, I hope you have someone or some ones who love you. I hope you had a year that was filled with joy, hope, peace and love.

The photo is of Justin and I, Nothing special, just us hanging out over a Diet Pepsi & Me a Dr. Pepper :>)

Hugs,

Melonie

So This is Love

I hope your day was as wonderful as ours! We had a great Christmas, ate tooooo much, took a nap, ate some more. Aliana is just so much fun, she is a joy, she is an amazing young lady. And yes she is only 12....... but looks so much older. Boy her Dad is going to have his hands full.

Wishing all of you the best. We are trying to get 3 of the kids well, they are sick with the flu :(:(

Hugs, Melonie

Merry Christmas

Today she said " Me no orphanage Me Family" Huhhhhhhh.:) And just smiled at me and said Yes. I said Yes....

Alianas favorite sibling...... who would of thought, the terror of the bunch LOL LOL Mr. Maxim.

She really is such a joy.

Busy

We have been busy...... Had dinner with Less work on Tuesday night. Had a Christmas party to take all of the children too at our fire station where we live. We no longer need to have Christmas on the 25Th they had it today. Our community is so good to us. The ladies went a little over the top this year. The kids got tons of gifts and had a great time. And they got to each pick out a gift for Dad & Mom. How nice huh..... I hope your home is filled with warm hugs, gooey kisses and the spirit of Christmas.
We have much to be grateful for :)
Hugs, Melonie

Home !!!!!!

SORRY, We have been so busy to say the least. Aliana is doing great. She is just a sweet girl. She is having the time of her life. She has never done or seen so much. I keep asking her if she would like to e-mail or call Estonia and she has 1 time since we arrived home ??? I offer but she will just say no. I have some great photos to post, will try and do it this weekend.
Happy Day :)
Hugs,
Melonie

Going Home :>)

At 6am Tallinn time the cab will take us to the airport. We have the visa and are redy for lift off.
Thank you God.....
Their is no place like home :):)
Love to allllllllllllllllllllllllllll..........................................
Melonie & Aliana

What do you do!!!!

When you are board......take pictures LOL

Oh and the egg????? ask Aliana, I have not a clue.

December 2008

Hi,
Hope you all are well. We are sick with a little bug :) Les made it home Friday :) We get her Visa on Wednasday and fly home on Thursday... weather permitting!!
Cant wait to get back to life as we knew it plus 1 :)
After christmas we will close Alianas blog. I will print off all of it for her and put it in a book. So she may see what things we had to do and overcome to make this adoption a realitiy, not just for her but for us.

We will have a new Blog for our family, not sure what we will call it yet but we will see.

In January I will be starting a new group in the town we live in along with Kirby Funeral (Mary) the owner, its called Matters of the Heart, its dedicated to our son Justin, is a closed group where people can come and share the pain you feel after someone you love dies. Its so people can share in a private setting there private, personal, pain with others who have lost as we have.

Im excited about this, and hope it will spread to other communities.

I want to thank you all for watching our family grow through the wonderful world of adoption:)

Hugs, Melonie

Bad News

That paper that cost me $130.00 to get translated, the one in Russian that tels me a story. The story of why Alianas parent dont have her. You know that one. Is a sad story for the children.
It filled me with many emotions, and then I became angry, and then I thought of my own life and how at times I have fallen short of being a good parent. I thought of the world where we live, and how its not fare for us to judge another. On our adopting from Estonia yahoo group its been a week of TRASH. And I have put my own 2 cents into it, so Im at fault for acting like trash too. It makes me sick. And then I think of allllll of the good this adoption has been for my family.
And I have no controll over others just myself, I wont be a part of that group anylonger, Im better than all of that. But I see people differently now and I wont encourage others to donate to some places who say they help children.
I wish every family a happy adoption, to give love to another but to give life to a child in a EE orphanage is very rewarding to say the least. My your heart goes out to the families who struggle with funds in the time we see so many others who have lost a home or job. I encourage everyony to make a donation to help bring a child home. You could make a difference even if its $20.00.
You can pay it to the agency they are using. Just request it to go the the ???? Family for this child.
Hugs,
Melonie

GOOD NEWS

Les is home, 2 days later :( Poor les,,,,, He called at like 2 am in Estonia. We got to go to the orphanage where Sasha, Nhikko & Max was adopted from. I was able to get some photos for other families who are in the process of doing an adoption. Three to be correct, I know when we were waiting I would of just gave an arm for a glance at our boys. So it was a nice suprise to 2 of them, they had no idea!!!!!
If you look at some Estonia blogs you will see them :) As for me Im sick, dont know what but my throat and chest is killing me. Just great huh....
Can anyone tell me the fastest way for my husband to send me some money is????? I had a few things that were more than we could of known... any help would be great:)
Melonie

Medical

Off to get her physical done. Then all that is left to do is get her visa and we can go home. Les had a little issue with his plane, had to do an emergency landing in Holland. Hes still not home :(:(
Hugs, Melonie

Hi

Just some photos, Aliana today, Les and I with her Mother, Anr the going away party.

Les left at 7.55 am He is on his way home to the rest of our family!!!!

Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Hugs, Melonie & Aliana

Sorry been busy

Sorry, have been busy. The paperwork was a mess!!!! not the agencys fault. Just a mix up on what form I should of filled out on the 2nd child same I-600. Now Estonia is a hague country so it is now a 800 form you will do.

What a mess and a nightmare, The embassy and the consular was amazing to say the least and very positive. I cant thank them enough.

Now, Les will leave on Thursday to go home. the snow has stopped and is melting. The weather is nice but cool.

Aliana is just great. Tiffany will want to keep her in Kansas with her. She likes to keep things in order, dishes, bed, everything must be put away. And she loves to play uno :)

This has been so stressful, so fun, so long, so sad, so happy. I have had many emotions while here. I have seen the pain in her Mothers face, shed tears together, been greatful she is happy for Aliana and mad for not being the parent she should of been. But Im not her judge, I dont know her struggles in life and I know she knew that Aliana would be loved.

We were able to buy a bed for the orphanage and some other item for the new baby they will receive soon.

We were able to spend the night in her world and 2 days. We have seen and lived first hand the love these women have for the children. It was so nice just to be, be a part of what we as americans take and never think twice. It makes you know how lucky you are, her world is consumed of 1 pr. of jeans, 6 tops, no sock, 1 bra, no underware, 1 pr. of shoes, a coat that was very used, and stuffed animals, a photo book and some papers.

If I ever whine about what I dont have. Just tell me to hush,,,,,,,,
We are glad this adoption is over and eager to get home. We will go to the Doctor on Friday and then pick up her visa on Tuesday. Fly home on Thursday 7.55 am !!!!!

If I get her passport and visa on Frday I will try and get a flight home sooner. If not we will have to wait.

Im so thankful for all people have done to help us get her home. We could not of done it without you. How do you properly Thank someone for Money, Thousands, How do you give life to another when you have lost a life, someone so close to your heart, how do you med the broken bridges, how do we thank our friends and church family who have helped us so much this year, how do we help our other children when they have gained and lost as we have.

How do we Thank God, He knows our pain and our Joy, He knows our Hearts, He is so good to us. The next year will bring big change in out lifes, some will understand and others wont. Some will be happy, some will be sad. We asked God to make a way for her, now we ask God for a way for us to live, to lift some of our pain and allow us to be happy in all our sadness.

I Thank God for all of you,
All or love from Estonia,
Les, Melonie & Aliana

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

And it did just that !!!! Its a mess here. No one is working today. And all the flights are delayed for days... So dont know when Les will get home to the boys. Went to the Embassy today and they helped us with this paperwork mess. Very nice Consular:) Not the agencys fault, just a wrong date! God is so good. He had it all fixed for us before we hit the door:) Thank You GOD......

Hugs, Melonie, Les, Aliana

Looks like snow

This photo was taken about 3 hours ago, now you cant even see this outside. Igor came by for a paper, he was even in ah over the weather. Les left us at 11.30 to go to the airport, hope his plane took off okay. Its a white out, is amazing:)

Please pray the Monday will come and we will have this paperwork resolved. I have 8 days only to get it done.

Love to all,

Melonie & Aliana

Love this....Thanks Queen Sarah

-
> Things you should believe
>
>
> A Birth Certificate shows we were born
>
> A Death Certificate shows we died
>
> Pictures show we lived!
>
> Have a seat...Relax. ..And read this slowly.
>
> I Believe...
> Just because two people argue,
> Doesn't mean they don't love each other.
> And just because they don't argue,
> Doesn't mean they do love each other.
>
> I Believe...
>
> We don't have to change friends if
> We understand friends change.
>
> I Believe.....
> No matter how good a friend is, they're going to
> hurt
> You every once in a while and you must forgive them
> for that.
>
> I Believe...
> True friendship continues to grow, even over
> The longest distance. Same goes for true love.
>
>
> I Believe...
> You can do something in an instant
> That will give you heartache for life.
>
> I Believe...
> it's taking me a long time
> To become the person I want to be.
>
> I Believe...
> You should always leave loved ones with
> Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
>
> I Believe...
> You can keep going long after you think you
> can't.
>
> I Believe...
> We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we
> feel.
>
> I Believe...
> Either you control your attitude or it controls you.
>
> I Believe...
> Heroes are the people who do what has to be done
> When it needs to be done, regardless of consequences.
>
> I Believe...
> Money is a lousy way of keeping score.
>
> I Believe...
> My best friend and I can do anything or nothing
>
> And have the best time.
>
> I Believe...
> Sometimes the people you expect to kick you
> When you're down will be the ones to help you get
> back up.
>
> I Believe...
> Sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be
> angry,
> But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
>
> I Believe...
> Maturity has more to do with what types of
> experiences you've had
> And what you've learned from them, and less to do
> With how many birthdays you've celebrated.
>
> I Believe...
> It isn't always enough to be forgiven by others;
> Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself..
>
> I Believe...
> No matter how bad your heart is broken,
>
> The world doesn't stop for your grief.
>
>
>
> I Believe...
> Our background and circumstances may have influenced
> who we are,
> But we are responsible for who we become.
>
> I Believe...
> You shouldn't be so eager to find
> Out a secret. It could change your life forever.
>
> I Believe...
> Two people can look at the exact same
> Thing and see something totally different..
>
> I Believe...
> Your life can be changed in a matter of
> Hours by people who don't even know you.
>
> I Believe...
> Even when you think you have no more to give, when
> A friend cries out to you - you will find the
> strength to help.
>
> I Believe...
> Credentials on the wall do not make you a decent
> human being.
>
> I Believe...
> The people you care about most in life are taken from
> you too soon.
>
> I Believe.....
> You should send this to all of the people you believe
> in, I just did.
>
> 'The happiest of people don't necessarily
> have the best of everything;
> They just make the most of anything

Hi

Just having fun, Les will go home on Sunday. She will miss him:) She is fond of him.. the feeling is the same. And she got new boots. Oh wait till you see the ones she picked out, not my first choice!!

Hugs, Us

Snow in Estonia

We were busy today but had time to walk and play in the snow!!!! She likes to throw snow balls at her Dad:):)

Pray

Pray right now, I cant say why, she is fine and so are we. BUT some papers are not right on our end and we will have no answers before Monday. Its a matter on MONTHS of paperwork. This is not good. It is a matter of when our approval was to adopt 2 children.

God is on the throan, just Pray:(:(
Les & Melonie

I cant stay in Estonia for months, the adoption is complete. I will have to stay!!!!!

Help

Houston we have our package

THANK YOU GOD!!!!!

No wait of 15 days, we got the girl and the birth certificate....

She is all that and more....

Hugs, Les & Melonie

In Narva

Went to court but no answer, she wanted us to wait 15 days....NOT will have a answer at 4 pm Thursday. Please pray for us. This is not Tallinn, we are out of sorts right now. we are at the orphanage for the night. they are very nice. invited us to stay. Aliana is the new spelling she choose. she is everything and more!
God blessed us again,
Les & Melonie

Awwww Sleep

we got some much needed sleep. Before and after, plus a shower!!! Off to Narva at 8.30:) Wish us luck, I'm told we will have to stay the night:( We went and did some food shopping. Thank you Kris, last night we got in too late for the bank, so we used little of the money you sent me. We had some pizza and DR. PEPPER !!!!!!! Last time I was here no DR. I'm in heaven.

Hugs, Les & Melonie

In Estonia

Yes, We are here:)
And yes we are going to bed.
had an easy flight just long!
no troubles at all..... well except Les had to sit alone 1 flight. it was short.
hugs, Melonie

The Awwwww of Alina

Many of you dont know the wonder of this adoption. So before we leave we have a few things we find important to share.
On 12/03/06 we left to adopt Sasha & Nhikko.
We arrived in Estonia 12/04/06
We leave with Alina 12/04/08 to come home. The time difference will put us home on 12/04/08
2 years to the date we will of adopted 4 children from Estonia. Never been done. This adoption was done on grants, garage sale money, gifts from others. To total it up is 10,500.00 :>) We will have to pay for her exit fees and food. $1500.00 I would say!!!! I stress to you not to let money be your reason not to adopt. Get creative and pray. I told everyone I knew that if this adoption was what we were called to do God would provide. And as you see he did, in every way. We as a family have lost and been through so much, yes!!!! But we have not let this be an end to what we think is important. The gift of life, love & a family. How can you argue with that. She knows we are coming, she is excited to say the least, and blowing up my email. I'm just sorry it has taken 12 years for her to have a family.

So I ask all of you, have you prepared you hearts for your adoption, have you hit your knees and ask God to provide for your adoption, are you saving and cutting costs. Did your tithing get payed first this week. Be humble in your asking and don't give up. He is an on time God!!!

May all of your dreams of adoption come true.
Hugs, Melonie

We are ready

I think.......I hope....... Oh, who knows! I think if we didn't have the boys to worry about I would be better prepared. Tiffany ( not our daughter) will be here at the house and then we will farm out 2 to a friend.
This will be a long stay for me. We leave on 11/16 Les will return that next Sunday and Alina and I will return on 12/04 unless we can exit the country quicker. It cold, dark and Ill be board. Taking a lap top and some movies. and some small games for Alina and I to play.
I'm hoping to make a visit to a very special boy:) And hope that Alina and I can visit him and take photos for this special family. Please say a extra prayer for this to happen. I'm very eager to help and give hope to this family! Plus give him his photo book and a gift!

I'm eager to get this adoption over with. Come home and go see Tiffany & Briana! I miss them just awful. I am feeling the wow of life right now! And I am feeling lost with Justin gone. Each day I am reminded how much the little things in life don't matter anymore. Pick your battles, let the little crap go, live life like tomorrow wont come. I have a friend who lost her son 8 yrs. ago, she is a wonderful source of support! She saves me when I lay in that ditch.

I would like to know from all of you who read my Blog. how many have lost a child? PLEASE do this privately, no one needs to know your business. Its very unnatural to have a child pass away before you do.

I have a good friend who lost his son on his 3rd tour. It has just been a year on the 9th. He has been sick all week long. And its not the flu. Would you all pray for Robert, He sure could use it.
Well, I'm off to bed!!!!! Hugs to you and yours,
Melonie

ITS DARK

Have I told all of you how much I hate daylight savings:>( Do you want to hear my theory on it. It so the Doctors can pass out more depression meds and we all can OVER EAT!!!!!!
I always put on 5 lbs. in the winter, I must have been a squrrel in my past life. Because I can pack it away:)
Its dark at like 5.30..... grrrrrr......ggggrrrrrggggrrrggrgrrgrgrg
I HATE IT. So how much or what do you do in this wonderful time. My children all have attitudes today, I'm a grouch, my Husband is tired. and Ill say it again ITS DARK AT 5.30
Did I tell you I'm not ready to go to Estonia yet. Me, the person who has had 4 weeks and I'm still not ready?
Gina, Help!!!!!!!! I'm the person who is packed for months and I'm not even dusted the luggage yet!!!!!! Help.

Bye, Mel

Why not post!!!

You know the saying " somethings are better left unsaid" Well now is forsure one of those times. For you who have done a international adoption you will understand. Dont share and dont tell ANYTHING that may change your home study... I find that when I get ready to leave my country and go to another I become VERY AWARE of what I am leaving. Besides my dryer.... crunch crunch:>)
So, When I come back from Estonia I will be happy to share some news. BUT not before:) So now that all of you are wondering what we are up too. You will just have to wait and read!
The first thing you are going to think is Are we moving. No but we could be buying another home? Did we get a new van? I hope it will be blue! Is Les pregnant, no but we are still trying!!!!! We found Max's twin... nope, God only allows 1 Max per family! Thank you God:)
On to some fun news. Our church is having a new LARGE building built that I'm so excited about. With a big kitchen in it, and a fellowship hall.
Well I'm off to bed so hugs to you and yours!!!
Melonie

Texas Photos

Just a few that we took. its was a nice trip:)

Count Down

We have 16 days before we leave. And the fun has just started I'm sure. Sasha, Dylan, Les & Myself had the flu this week...oh what fun. have done NOTHING to even start packing. Got my airline tickets in the mail...done.
Got gift for orphanage...done. Have a sitter for 2 of the children.... now for Max & Sasha... the really busy ones: Still on the look out for someone. I know someone will slow down so I can corner them and ask them ...lol lol lol. I'm not ready for this trip at all. Anyone have a lap top they want to give me...hint hint. So I may watch movies and check my email 50 times a day!!!
I don't sound excited to be going but I truly am. I just hate the LONG DAYS.... Alina and I will venture out and enjoy the sights. When I went for Max he would cry when I looked at his coat. He was not leaving me or his room.
Hugs, Melonie

For All

To my sisters in the Lord... There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger. Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men i n the land. Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, ' What's up with her?' ask yourself, 'What's up with me?' That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME. Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Pass this to all the women in your life. Encourage and love, forgive and forget, and trust that the woman that receives this will be touched in some way. May the peace and love of Christ be upon you!

My Best Friend

Only since 5th grade:) She came ALLLLL the way from Michigan for Justins funeral. I didnt even know she was at the church till the end. She has 2 boys who are in the military. They will leave her home state soon. Please pray for her. She is an amazing Mother, a good friend and a person who loves deep.

For all of the families who have a life in the military I think you have strength like no others. And I just dont know how you do it.

Since I know she reads my Blog.... Dana, I love you. Thank you for just being:>)
Melonie

Back from Texas

Texas is a big state!!!!!!! I never realized it. Houston is so big. I moved from Kansas City Kansas to Arkansas so I thought I new what a big city was NOT.... We are back and packing for our trip to go get Alina.
We will fly out on the 16 of November. I will not be home for Thanksgiving but Les will. We will have someone come and stay with 2 of the boys at the house and then farm out the others to church members or friends.
I'm feeling lost this week. Justin is on my heart so heavy, I ask for you to pray for us as a family.

Hugs, Melonie

Got Milk!!!! No, but got Court

YES!!!!
We have court. November the 19th. Each month at this time we have exciting things going on in our life. When I would much rather berry my head in the sand box, I cant! For I have important things to do.
August the 18 is when we lost Justin. That first month was WOW. I have not planned for each of these wonderful things to occure every month at this time but the Lord has a devine plan. And it is falling into play. Lots of things are taking change, big plans are in the making and it is all going to be okay.
To let go is hard for us, to live again is even harder, but to love is so easy:>) We all can wish for good things to come. But when they do It reminds me of Gods Grace.
For the families who still wait. I hope you get your call soon. She will never replace what we lost. But shes going to be a WONDERFUL distraction.
Hugs to you and yours,
Melonie

Hi

Have been in the Hospital with Nhikko. Hes been sick. Home now and feeling better. We leave for Texas on Saturday! Just me and the husband of mine. We will be back on Wednesday around dinner.
Talk to you all then!!!
Hugs, Mel
Love you, Mom & Les

From Sarah...Thanks Girl!!!

None of that Sissy Crap
Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality!
Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card- Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whateveris choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know youare plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick --Stay away from me untilyou are well again. I don't want whatever youhave.
8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off-After I laugh my butt off!!
9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND! Friendship is like peeing your pants,everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth. Send this to 10 of your closest friends, Then get depressed because you can only think of 4.

Mr. Max

Max is such a busy bee. And he is a DADDYS boy for real. He thinks that if his Daddy is home he should hang on his leg, arm, neck....

you get the picture. He had such fun playing on the back deck with HIS Daddy. He even thought he was a big boy and wear big boy boots. Right Mom..... Right. He is sooo funny. If you are looking for the new weight loss program I recommend a Max. He will keep you moving.

I hope you all are doing well, Fall is my favorite season, I enjoy being outside as much as I can.

We are leaving for Texas on 10/18 it will be nice to see Scott & Family. Its been so long, we could do for a break and some time just the 3 of us lol lol lol. I, yes I am not able to leave Nhikko. We even have a Nurse coming to stay with the children & I still cant leave him. He is just that little guy you have to write a book about first, and Ive not got through chapter 1 yet :(:( So he will be going with. And he got his new car seat. Wait till you see the monster. IT AWESOME...

I have not kept my Blog up and feel bad about it but I have needed time to breath. We are doing fine, still excited on the much delayed Alina adoption ... Narva is on Narva time.... slow!!!!! She has sent me some emails and she is ready to come home. And we a feeling the same way.

We want to sell our home but the economy is the pits, so we will wait for spring. Dylan will Graduate 2009 and then we can get busy and decide what our next move in life will be.

We might just sell some acres and keep the house and move to flat land, who knows!!

Hugs to you and yours, Melonie

Artic Princess

Ever want to help a family bring a child home. PLEASE consider helping this family. You can go to this blog www.myarcticprincess.blogspot.com and read about her and how you can help bring her home!!!! And get some great deals on some great items. I just did wont too.
Hugs to all, Melonie

Maxs hair cute

Maxim has a new look! And the little girls at school just love it :) Now for Daddy.... hes not so happy with it. I think he just looks amazing. He has grown into a Happy, smart, funny bundle of joy. Did I mention hes VERY LOUD at 6a.m.

Hugs, Melonie

Received an email from Alina. She is well and waiting.

WOW

We got a grant. It is for 4500.00 for our air and lodging. God is SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!
This has been the worst year of our life as a family. And through it all we have praised God and knew he would provide for us. And as you can see he has. Again:>)
Hugs, Melonie

Adoption Sale

Ive been busy, trying to get all the things together for Alina's sale Thursday & Friday. It been a nice distraction and I feel like I'm getting something done. Her room is a mess right now and I need to get her bags packed soon.
My friend Gina GOT COURT lucky duck. Oh how I wish she and I would be in Estonia the same time :(:(
Its cooling off in Arkansas, The the fair is on Saturday and we will take the boys. Sasha loves to ride the roller coaster. And max will love all the animals.
Life is good and we are trying to get back to normal.
Hugs, Melonie

For the ones left

This is a great devotion, I still think of the first time I saw Alina. She was so nervours, She told me she had been up since 6am that morning. She was so fragil at heart, when I hugged her she was hard and cold. She was on guard. She warmed up to me and then we were able to talk. ( Through Igor) It was such fun to see the silly happy side of her:>)
Many children will never be adopted. We can pray for them, we can adopt an orphanage as a church group. We can send hope to them by our letters of love and hope!
Hugs, Melonie

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
Devotion:
Our whole table was doubled over with laughter. The meeting had begun somberly with formal introductions, but all it took was a little fun to make my diminutive tablemates relax into our time together. Last summer on our team’s trip to Ecuador with Compassion International, we had the opportunity to share lunch and craft time with a group of elementary school aged children at a Compassion project near Quito . Each child had shyly introduced themselves with their beautiful Spanish name. When we got to one shiny-haired, sparkly-eyed boy, however, he announced his name loudly—“Stephen Segal!” The whole group erupted with laughter.

Dr. Wess Stafford, in his book Too Small to Be Ignored, says this about poverty, “More than any other emotion, the poor feel overwhelmed. Without financial resources, shelter, food, education, justice, or skills to address their plight, they succumb to the downward spiral that leads to hopelessness and despair. That, my friend, is the essence of poverty.” As president of Compassion, Dr. Stafford has seen the most extreme poverty and its effects on children all over the world. He has watched the light leave children’s eyes, seen their shoulders begin to slump, and their hearts begin to believe that all hope is completely beyond them.

As I watched these children laugh, I was struck with how little it takes to restore hope. A sponsor’s small, monthly donation of money is only part of the story. There are many other means of building hope in Compassion’s ministry. I entered a home later that day and delighted as a young girl brought out her treasured stack of letters from her sponsor. Each of those letters was a reminder that someone else in the world loves her, believes in her and has found her valuable. The kind words and smiles from the Ecuadorian Compassion staff also nourished the souls of their small students. I hope even their visitors from America stoked the fragile fires of hope in those children’s hearts.

There are children all around us that need an infusion of hope. They are longing for a kind look or an affirming word. It doesn’t take much to rekindle hope in a child, but it does require paying attention to those in need. Most of all, they need to hear about the God who created them and who cherishes them as His own special child. The children in Ecuador had heard The Message and received the hope that would forever save their inner selves from the ravages of poverty even though they still faced great physical need in their communities each day.

Before we left that day, I asked the children what they wanted to be when they grow up. “I want to be a policeman,” my precious sponsored child replied. “I want to be a teacher,” said another. One stunning little girl told me she wanted to be a fashion designer. Tears filled my eyes as I hugged these children good-bye. My heart was full, too, with the dreams and hopes of an amazing group of children.
;
Dear Lord, I want to be tuned in to helping restore hope in a hopeless child’s life. Will you bring me a divine appointment with a child today who needs a loving smile or a kind word? Help me to be ready to share your grace and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Waiting for Court

Got some news. Our agency fee has been paid by 2 very nice people. I cant give the names but know it was an amazing email to say the least. I have much to be thankful for. Great family, friends and a church. We as a family all agreed to get Alina home as soon as we can. I think it will be a Hugh relief. As for this blog I will no longer post about our son who passed away. We will be making a separate blog for friends and family to share and connect with each other.
I want to Thank God for all who have sent flowers, emails, cards, money for his services... Thank you is all I have to offer. I hope that I will be given the opportunity to give to someone else in a time of loss. This is truly the worst thing we have ever gone through.
We are excited and grateful for the day when Alina will be with us. She is excited to become a part of our life and we are just as excited for her to be our Daughter.
I hope that all of you know that in times such as this we still need to remember we have to live, we still have to go on, we are still a family and our life is not over. As a mother who lost a child I cant ever explain the pain I feel. For my children, I love you, for Justin.... Not goodbye;.) Ill see you later!!!!
Hugs, to you and yours...Melonie

Thank God for Friends

In times and trouble its so refreshing to have the love of Friends. When people share your private personal pain it help. Kris and I are friends of faith. We have a desire to adopt children who others cant. We have never met, we talk on the phone and emails. But we are true friends.
We are feeling life as it is, we are moving forward, we are trying to learn to live again. We are not free of pain and never will be. He is in us all. He will always be. He is us and we are him. A peice of our puzzle is just lost. We will find it in Heaven, when we see him.
Thank you Kris for your love:>)
I love you Too....
Melonie




I love you my friend,
Kris
My Post:
As a child, I often read from a little book of poems and quotes my Mother had; a book my Grandmother gave her. The book; published in 1953, has brought me comfort and solace many times in my life, and this morning I remembered one of my favorite poems from it. Because my heart is heavy, because I would like to move beyond the emotional days preceding this one, I need to remind myself, "This too shall pass away" I hope you enjoy the poem.
This Too Shall Pass Away by H.L. Frisby


When sorrows comes into your life

And threaten to destroy

The very things your treasure most,

Your happiness and joy;

And when that crushing power

Threatens everything worth while,

And clouds of darkness gather

And you find it hard to smile,

Then life your head and let the world

Hear every word you say.

With faith undaunted say to them;

"This too shall pass away."


When you are so over-burdened,

With life's toil and earthly care;

When life becomes so dreary

It seems more than you can bear;

When weariness o'comes you

And you yearn for peaceful rest,

And the trials of the day leave you

Discouraged and depressed;

There is no song within your heart,

You feel you cannot pray;

Then turn your thoughts to gladness for

"This too shall pass away."


When fortune smiles upon you,

And your cup of joy is full;

When everything you want is yours,

And your life seems wonderful;

When the days and weeks go flitting by

With happiness replete;

And you desire nothing more,

To make your life complete;

Beware lest all these treasures

Of this earth lead you astray,

And hear again these truthful words;

"This too shall pass away."


And so remember well these words

Whatever your lot may be.

For life is ever changing

With great rapidity.

Our gladness turns to sadness

When the sunshine disappears,

And sorrows change to happiness

When God has calmed our fears.

Compared to all eternity,

This life is but one day.

We cling to life, and yet we know

"This too shall pass away."

From Alina

Good afternoon!Thanks for a gift. I hope that we soon will meet and we will be all together. See you soon.Alina

Another great day :>) She is ready to come home..... yes I'm excited!!!!
Melonie

A Happy Day

This morning has been so hard. I have walked around in tears. I had my cry and was on my way to get the day going. Sasha has been up all night sick so we will be off to the Dr. after lunch. Im tired and so my emotions are on HIGH.... When to my suprise I got this email.....

Good afternoon! Many thanks to you for a gift. I was very glad for a gift. In camp has had a rest well. Soon in school. I wait for your meeting and I hope with you will meet soon. To a meeting Alina

It was just what the Dr. ordered. Alina was to be soo much a part of Justins life. He was to teach her English and she to teach him Russian.
I know I have not shared about the life service of my Son but know it was AMAZING. It had laughter, tears, joy, stories, music and a rain storm. He was the Son you could hug for hours. I know with time this will be easier. I know Alina will never replace him. She will be a nice destraction for all of us. Im just sad that she wont meet the one person who was so excited about the things they could of learned for each other:>)
Hugs tooo allll,
Melonie

Trying to move on

We are all doing good, trying to find what is normal again. Will post more in days to come. Please just pray for us.
Hugs, Melonie

Saying Goodbye

Its was an amazing day yesterday. People came from all over the states to say what was needed!
Justin was an amazing child and a great friend to all. It was refreshing to see the young people, they brought life into the room. They filled his pockets with gifts for him. How hard it was to see them hurt, but how good it was for them. As for is sibling's, there are no words for the pain they feel.
Today we will celebrate his life, love and spirit we all carry in us. He is not here in body but he is alive in all of us.
Thank you all for your kind words, letters, donations, flowers. Hugs, kisses, phone calls

As a mother I cant tell you how important these things are when are grieving.
Hugs, Melonie

Saying Goodbye to Justin

Justin Doughty 1987 - 2008
Funeral services for Justin Doughty of Mountain Home, AR, will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 22, 2008 at the Salvation Army Church, with Major Jeff Daniel officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M., Thursday, August 21 at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. Justin Doughty died Monday, August 18, 2008 in Mountain Home at the age of 21. Justin was born Monday, March 30, 1987 in Kansas City, Kansas, son of George Thomas Doughty and Melanie Gibbens. He worked as a cook for El Chico's Restaurant and lived in Mountain Home. He was a member of the 2006 Graduating Class of Mountain Home High School. He loved boxing, history, baseball and driving range golf.
Survivors: Justin Doughty is survived by his mother, Melanie (Les) Thompson of Mountain Home, AR, father, George Thomas Doughty of Mountain Home, AR, paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Doughty of Mountain Home, AR, 7 brothers, George Doughty, Jr., Dylan Hargis, Michael Arens, Michael Ireton,, Alek, Nahikko and Maxim Thompson of Mountain Home, AR, 3 sisters, Tiffany Gibbens, Jami Langford , and Aubriana Thompson of Mountain Home, AR, 1 niece, Briana Gibbens of Mountain Home, AR.
Preceded in Death by: He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert Doughty and maternal grandparents, Wesley and Sylvia White.
Visitation: Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M., Thursday, August 21 at Kirby & Family Funeral Home.
Funeral: Funeral services for Justin Doughty of Mountain Home, AR, will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 22, 2008 at the Salvation Army Church, with Major Jeff Daniel officiating.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, an account has been established at First National Bank.

Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services • E-Mail: caring@kirbyandfamily.com • www.kirbyandfamily.com600 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653 717 Central Blvd., Bull Shoals, AR 72619(870) 425-6978 • Fax (870) 424-2441 (870) 445-4227

For You

I LOVE YOU, MOM

Graduation

Well the photos tell it all I think. The two women with me are the Boys Teacher in the middle & the Nurse that has taken care of them while they were at school!!! They have made tons of progress and we couldn't be more excited!!!

For two boys that had little to look forward to in December 2006 sure have lots going for them now. We love them and are excited to see them thrive and grow into such cute little people!

Hugs, Melonie

A Day of Reflection

Monday is a new year. Dylan will be a Senior, Sasha & Nhikko will start public special Ed. While one child is completing this phase of his education others will be moving in a new direction. We have had some wonderful help to get our boys from Estonia to a level that I am just in awww over. Sasha can sign some, he is independent in moving about the house to where when we got him if you left him in a chair and forgot to get him down he would just sit. For hours!! He loves cartoons, and will laugh so loud.
Nhikko sleeps threw the night now. When we got him he was up every 3 hours and has NEVER slept all night. He may wake to moved on his side or tummy but for the most part he will sleep.
Thank the lord, I get to sleep now. His health was so poor at times I thought he would die in the first year. But in December he will be home with us for 2 years.
My life is full, its busy, I have lots to do, and I'm very excited to have Alina coming. My grandchild went to 1st grade and I'm feeling so sad I missed it.
I have much to be thankful for and much to be sad about. This year has been I think the most trying. My oldest Son TJ should of died in a car wreck but didn't, my Son Justin has had is own struggles with his Diabetes, Jami moved away, Dylan is on his way to freedom, Aubri has had some very hard lessons to learn and Max joined our family. It has been exciting and I'm exhausted.
I have so much to be thankful for from the Lord and don't know where start. I have made new friends, and I have grown myself. In times such as this I find myself missing my Dad. Wanting to share all of the great things we have done and what we are going through. I find myself looking at Less Moms photo and wishing she was hear. Wishing I could call her in the morning while I get ready for work and talk about how things are. I miss the old and welcome the new. But, the old is safe and the new is about change. At times I think we all want it to just be. For all of you who have a parent or parents to share with is envy you. What I would do for just one more day.
Didn't they tell us that when we got to be in our 40s we would want life to slow down..... Yep I know they did!!
Life is good, change is always going to happen, children will grow and leave, and life moves so much faster when you are 40 something. What I wouldn't give to be 20 something! Oh, and whats up with this extra 15 lbs I cant seem to get off me Butt...
Hugs to you and yours, Melonie

Sick Sasha

Don't you just love the raw nose!!!! He has been sick for 3 weeks, been to the Dr. 3 times..... poor Sasha :) We have to make a run for the ER just before dinner last night. That fever was HIGH, so we got some meds and was home in the bed by 10:30

We have had a house of sick for weeks, get rid of 1 and gain 2 new bugs... can you feel the total excitement in my words mmmmm No.

But besides missing Church on Sunday we had a very productive weekend. My great friend Kris is working on my chip-in button for Alina's blog. Les has the chicken house all most done. I got stuff for the sale done. Will be going to the surgeon on Monday, oh what funnnnnnn!!!!!! for me. Have all of the school shopping done for the kids. Got lots of things marked off of my list! And if you know me you know that makes me happy. I very nervous about this adoption, it is close and I am feeling the plug of it all. I know we will be fine I have put my total trust in the Lord. He will provide:)

Hugs to all, Melonie

Riding that roller-coaster

You know the emotional one! The adoption one that makes you loose sleep. The one you feel not only for yourself. But your friends who are adopting, or wanting to adopt. The one that you ride when your Chip in button wont work yet!!!!! You know that one. I have so many irons in the fire my metal is melting.....

Thank God the weather is cooler, got all the mowing done. Not me, the guy we pay to do it. I will start moving the tables and large items for the adoption sale in the morning. And then try and do some pricing while the boys nap.

I will start my raffle on the Movies when my silly button will work.

We have white furry things and looks like she is going to have a basket of white furry things...
Baby Bunny is having some Babies of her own.... Les is making her a box and a new home for her friend. She will have them SOON!!!!!!

The barn is not done for the chickens or the dozen of Rabbits that are coming but the guys will work on it on Saturday!!!

The boys have one week left at this summer school, then off to public school the following Monday.

I have a Dr.s apt at the end of next week to re-schedule my long needed but put off operation!!
I think the pain is what is making me so tired. Then I will take a few days to go and see Tiffany & Briana. Oh how I miss that sweet Grand baby....

Then.... drum roll please.... it will be time to go get Alina. I'm told Sept-Oct.... Please pray we get the 2 grants we have applied for.

The cook book that Mrs. M is doing will be done soon. I will post it on my blog for all to look at. For the ones who have sent me photos of your children you will receive a free one:):) We couldn't do it with out you. Thank you in advance for this help... It looks amazing with the children's photos in it.

I have lots going on so if I don't call or respond to you quickly I'm sure you will understand.
I love you all.
Hugs,
Me

Sweet Nhikko

Mr. Nhikko has lost 3 teeth. 2 on the bottom and 1 on the top... He looks a little silly I think. He got a great gift from his Buddy Larry! He just loves Larry and they love to talk to each other. We may not understand what is being said but Boy they sure do:):)

Hugs, Melonie

A child forever

Today I got a phone call from Dana as she was on her way back to the hospital with little Tessa. It was nice to hear her voice and nice she allowed me to do something for her:) It is so nice to give to others, It humbles you as a person. I want people to understand how important Family is to She & Mike. I know at times others look at ( us) as in adoptive families and think we are all off our rockers... and we are but not all the time. We have our sane days too. When you have this child you have adopted you look at this baby no different than you birth children. You love them just as deep. When you adopt a child who like our Nhikko will have a life that is shorter than you wish it to be you do become guarded, you do wish you can make it all go away, you do hope and pray for that ray of sunshine each day. When you adopt a child who is sick you open up your heart for pain you never knew you could feel.

We are all made different, shape, size, color, religion, goals, hopes, dreams. You name it we are alike but different. When a child is sick we all hurt! I want you to pray deep, I want you to pray hard, I want you to pray for Tessa & her family.

I must tell you I have felt such sadness today, A good cry was what I needed to do and it did me good. I hate for any child to hurt. Continue to pray for this special family. They need all of your thoughts and prayers.
All our love to you,
Melonie

For Tessa

This came from my friend Dana's blog :( I'm very sorry that after the eye was removed I see Little Tessa will endure more :( PLEASE PRAY for this family. Not just for one but all. It must be very hard to see light at the end of this tunnel right now. Mike & Dana we just think you are amazing parent and love does con core all!!!!
The Bad News....
I guess I just couldn't bring myself to sit down at the computor for a few days to update everyone on Tessa, I guess I just had to let the "dust settle".We will return to St Judes on Tuesday and on Wed. they will do a bone scan,bone marrow aspiration, spinal tap , get a line placed and then Chemo on Thursday. Dr Galindo in his call to me last week said that he believed that the chance of dissemination (spreading) would be very minimal because the time between exams was only three weeks but he said that there is always a chance of course.He said that he was not comfortable with just removing the eye. She will have to have Chemo for 6 Mo's...it seems like an eternity when I think of it. I hope that she tolerates it as well as she did the first time around. They will be doing some switching around of the drugs t hey are going to use this time , so she may react differently.I can't tell you guys how much comfort we have just knowing that so many people are praying for her to be well and for the well being of our family. This will be a stressful time for us so please excuse me (in advance) if I don't stay in contact as much as usual or seem short...Thanks again to everyone who has prayed for Tessa and please continue. I know that God is smiling when he looks down upon Tessa, after all her middle name is Joy!!!

Sasha can chew

The trouble with this is he wont chew his food but he will his thumb!!!! Help if you can tell me why he enjoys this so. And it is a soothing thing not an anger thing. I thought that the socks would cure it somewhat???? NOP, NO, NO WAY, NOT EVEN A LITTLE. He just chews on them too. Any suggestion's would be wonderful.

Hugs, Melonie

ITS HOT IN ARKANSAS

We are cooking in AR. And not pancakes either. We have been busy with work, school shopping, building a chicken house and just trying to stay cool. So what do you do when its just to hot to even swim. Well you take photos in the truck coming home from church LOL.