Please pray!

On June 2, 2009, the Ukrainian government will be voting on whether or not to stop international adoptions. I don't know all of the details or if this is truly a total ban or not (many sources say it will only allow Ukrainians and Russians to adopt in Ukraine).

While I agree that it would be great if Ukrainian children were adopted by Ukrainian families, the reality is that this does not happen very often. Even more concerning about this vote is the plight of special needs children, as well as older children/teens who are available for adoption, but all of whom are very rarely adopted in-country.

If you are on facebook, you can join the event I created: "Pray for Ukraine's June 2nd RADA vote".

Please join us in praying over this critical issue:

• Pray for those who right now hold the hopes and dreams of so many children in their hands. Pray that they will do what is best for the children.
• Pray for the children: that there will be advocates for them in the government on that day.
• And pray for the families that are waiting to finalize Ukrainian adoptions: families in Ukraine right now, families scheduled to travel soon, families still in process.
• Pray for the facilitators and translators whose livelihoods would be impacted by this.

Please join us in praying that God will intervene in mighty ways and be the ultimate advocate for the well-being of these children.

But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55: 16 - 17

11 years!

Eleven years ago today, I married the man of my dreams. We've enjoyed lots of adventures in those 11 years, and I'm so thankful that God has allowed me the priviledge of spending all of this time with my best friend.

Like a Weed...

Take a look at this picture of William standing next to our pantry door (ignore the disaster in the pantry - I need to clean up!). The bottom mark that he's pointing to represents his height on the day we met him in Ukraine. He is really growing!

Mom's Day

I had a terrific Mother's Day with the 2 best guys in the whole world!


When I woke up, William gave me a sweet card, and a really cool Vera Bradley wallet that he picked out himself. Then we went to church. The very first song we sang brought tears to my eyes, because it made me think of THIS POST from shortly after we came home with William.



After church, I got to pick our lunch spot, and I chose California Dreaming, one of our favorite Sunday restaurants. We had a great lunch, and on our way home, we stopped for ice cream. We ran into two of William's very best friends and their mom, an added bonus :) We went home, napped and relaxed during the afternoon, and then had deep dish pizza for dinner. All of my favorites in one day: God, family, and food ;)

As I reflect on my second mother's day as a mom, I must tell you that being a mother is even better than I ever imagined it would be. It makes me appreciate my mom & mother-in-law even more. And I more fully realize how incredible a sacrifice it was for God to allow His son to be ridiculed, beaten, and killed so that we can have eternal life.

I'm so thankful that God has allowed Zack and me to take responsibility over one of His unique creations. William is a blessing in so many ways, and I give all glory to God for the incredible, loving, compassionate, energetic young man we're raising. It is the cry of my heart that William will come to fully understand Christ's sacrifice and will fully give his life over to his Creator.

If you're a mommy, I hope you also had a great day on Sunday. And for those that are still waiting on the miracle of motherhood to happen, I lift you up to our Heavenly Father right now. I pray that God covers you with peace and patience as you wait, and that His good and perfect plan will soon be revealed to you.

Mother's Day Tea and Art Show

On Tuesday I got to attend a special Mom's event at William's kindergarten.








When I arrived, William gave me a flower, took my hand, and escorted me to my seat. I had a handmade vase filled with flowers waiting for me. He then brought me a drink and a plate of food. He even cleaned up for me afterwards - what a little gentleman!




We had a great time, and I am so thankful that God allowed me to be this precious little guy's mommy!

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

William did an excellent job in his school play a couple of weeks ago. In addition to a moving performance as 'wheat' in Little Red Hen, he was awesome in the Three Little Pigs. Here's an excerpt...

Not sure if you can see it in the video, but he was so animated, making the funniest expressions!

Here is William with one of his best friends. He told us he'll marry her when they're 20.

I can't believe kindergarten is almost over - only one week left and he'll be a first grader - wow. He has graduation this Friday night, complete with caps and gowns!

Back to Life

As of 6:42 AM ET this morning I have completed all course requirements and am finished with grad school! All that I'm waiting on now is my diploma, which should arrive in the mail shortly (we're forgoing the long drive to Virginia for the ceremony). Zack's already selected a nice spot in the den to hang it up.

So after 2 1/2 long years (which included a lengthy break during the adoption), I'm a master. My grandfather asked me "A master of what?" and I'm not going to share with you the smart-alecky answer that Zack provided :) It's great to be finished and to re-join life and freedom.

I want to publicly say thanks to my ever-supportive husband and best friend. Zack, you kept things moving while I was bogged down, and you cheered me on when I wanted to throw in the towel. You inspired me to do my best, and I am so grateful for you love and support!

And thanks to my little man for being so patient on those nights when I was busy and stressed. William, I'm finally finished with school, so we can play Sorry, Legos, and Cooty to your heart's content!

I should be able to once again blog on a regular basis. I know our parents would be glad to see some more frequent pictures if nothing else.

Happy Friday!

I love Krista's Friday Funny - click HERE to see it

Hope you all have a great weekend!