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