Happy Halloween

It was a fun day for the kids. Kristin dressed up as a bride, and Ryan was a hunter. We did our usual Halloween tradition of heading downtown to the local business' who pass out candy in a safe environment for the kids. It is in the afternoon, so it is not something that they are running around at night with the big kids--so to speak. After trick-or-treating downtown, we met Bill for dinner at A&W, which has been our choice of dinner for the last 5 years on Halloween night.

We then went to Miss Betty's house and trick or treated her ( a friend from Fir Lawn church) and then to Grandma Alice's, where the kids decided to hang out and pass out candy. They enjoyed an evening with Grandma, and I picked them up about 8:30. Kristin enjoyed seeing all the little kids in their fun costumes, but said she didn't care for the scary ones. We had a good discussion about Halloween, and how it is all what you make of it, and the "fun" part of Trick or Treating, and "playing dress up" instead of some of the evil things that are associated with it. It's funny, since as a kid, I got a kick out of "scary" stuff and viewed it just as that...scary, not satanic. I talked a lot to them about what is good and bad about Halloween, and how to sort out the differences. It was a good chat, and they agreed that as long as evil wasn't in their hearts it was a fun time.

The O'Hara's are home!

Monday, September 29th was a LONG but exciting day. We all went to school on Monday morning, and afterward, the O'Hara kids (Declan, Alexis & Kimberly--have to specify, since there are more than 3 now!) along with our kids, headed into Sweet Home. We were on an A&W Rootbeer mission! Sean had seen our blog while in Ukraine, and saw that we had rootbeer floats. He commented on how A&W rootbeer sounded so good, so we promised his A&W on his return. The kids didn't understand why I just didn't buy a two liter at the store. If I had to tell you, you wouldn't understand! At any rate, we headed into Sweet Home, and picked up poster board and then hit A&W for the half gallon of rootbeer, and the kids & I enjoyed a treat of rootbeer floats before heading back to the O'Hara house to decorate for a homecoming!

It was after 3 when we arrived at the house, and Nana was busy tidying up for the return of Sean & Tracey, who have been gone 7 weeks. The kids started on their posters, and Papa, Ryan & Declan made a trip to Lebanon to get helium balloons to put up the driveway and "welcome home" flowers. We enjoyed pizza for supper (courtesy of the pizza man Bill as the kids called him), and then we all headed outside to tie balloons along the drive, and on the garage door. We then spent some time tidying up the house, and the kids were not happy that I kept giving them things to do! For once it wasn't Nana giving them jobs! We all worked together, and then the kids had some time to play. We continued to laugh how I should just stay the night, as I was SO excited that they were coming home. As it got closer to the time of their arrival, Jeremy (a great friend of Sean & Tracey's) came to get their Suburban to go pick them up from the airport....we were now down to about FOUR HOURS! Bill decided to take our kids home around 8PM, so that the O'Hara kids would go to bed, and I stayed to help finish up the loose ends at the house. As I was walking out with Bill to get my things out of the Jeep....he said to me "You might as well stay until they get home, since you will do nothing by toss & turn and keep me awake"....so I decided I would. Bill headed home with the kids, and I went back in the house.

Around 10PM, Lynn (AKA Nana and Tracey's Mom) and I decided it was time to call it quits. We both sat down on the couch with blankets and had the most wonderful visit. I am REALLY going to miss Tracey's folks when they go home.....we all are.

Finally after what seemed like forever, (it was 12:30AM) we heard the truck pull in the drive. We were up and at the door to greet them when they came in. Sean was the first in the door, he hugged Lynn, and ran down the hall to wake the kids. Tracey and the girls came in next, and those were the best hugs ever as tears rolled down our faces...it was SO good to have them home. What happened next, I will have embedded in my mind forever. Those girls (Tanya & Alyona) hugged Papa & Nana, and then Declan, Kimberly and Alexis like I've never seen a hug given. They were truly SO happy to be reunited with their family! It was at that moment that I realized that this truly was orchestrated entirely by God, and brought to a perfect close--no, actually a beginning. Keep this family in prayer as they all begin a wonderful life together. It will be tough bringing a teenager into the mix, when you haven't had her full life to train her up. With lots of prayer, lots of love, patience, and a gentle hand, I know this will all flow together.

I headed home, crying almost all the way, with the wonderful mix of emotions that was running through me....glad to have my "sister" home, thankful to God that their journey, stay, and trip home were all perfectly in His time, thankful that those girls have such a wonderful home, but even more so, thankful that my wonderful husband talked me into staying, as those few moments were priceless to me.

Tracey & I had decided before I left that we needed to spend some time tomorrow (OK today) to visit and catch up. Around 1:30 on Tuesday, the kids & I headed over the O'Hara's. The kids met, and they all hit it off. It is amazing to me how the kids trade off playing with each other. In the past, they have played group games together, but sometimes it will be Kim & Kristin playing dolls & dressup, while Alexis, Ryan & Declan play something, then it will be Kim & Ryan playing, while Alexis, Kristin & Declan do something else. There never seems to be an odd man out--this was also true when two more were added to the mix. The kids hit it off right away. The language barrier was not a problem. Tag, Hide & Seek, swinging each other on the rope swing, playing on the playset...it's all universal. By mid afternoon, they had made up their own hand signals for which games they would play. Showing your hand and counting 1,2,3 with your fingers, meant Hide & Seek. Tapping someone on the shoulder meant tag...it was SO cool to see them all playing, and not caring that they couldn't converse back & forth. Kristin & Tanya hit it off well, and spent lots of time holding hands, swinging outside, and just hanging out. Alyona was great with the kids..and was the "craft girl"...making little booklets for each of the kids. Kristin was very touched when Alyona presented her with one.

We spent the afternoon, and evening together, and then headed home, warm with the thoughts that our family was home, and certainly has grown. Praise God for bringing us to this wonderful family that we call our own.

Richland Happenings

Saturday started off with a beautiful COLD morning. There was frost 'on the pumpkin' so to speak. We enjoyed a lazy morning with a great breakfast made by Bill & Brady. We decided to head to Chuckar Cherry's for a few treats, and a nice drive.

We headed back to Tam & Evan's and had lunch, and some of the guys crashed for a short time on the chairs & couches in the living room while Tami & Evan got Olin ready to go.

We walked to the art gallery along the Columbia river path by Tam & Evan's. It was a beautiful walk. We went to the art gallery in town, and saw Donna's (Evan's Mom) artwork. She does beautiful birds and wildlife pictures.

After the art gallery, we headed to the most awesome play park for the kids. Check out the pictures, and you'll see how they had so much fun. We then walked back to the house for dinner, and pumpkin carving. Brooklyn also had her very first hair cut!



The kids carved pumpkins in Tam & Ev's new kitchen, and the new counter worked as well as the old counter! Jason drew two eyes, a cool nose, and a steering wheel, yep, a steering wheel on his pumpkin. The pumpkin turned out really well, and was pretty cool. Kristin made a beautiful girl pumpkin that Evan helped her cut out, eyelashes and all. Ryan did his own pumpkin from start to finish this year.

"What is it like to be a Christian?"

"It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

Kristin & Jason played hide-and-seek endlessly this weekend! New kitchen cupboards that aren't full yet make great hiding spots.

It was a fun weekend, great visiting, some great baby fixes, and lots of laughing.

Enjoy the pictures....

Friday in Richland

It was a lazy morning. The kids slept inside with Jen & Brady, and we were in the trailer with the dogs...so it was QUIET until 8AM!!

We enjoyed breakfast and coffee with Jen & the kids, while Brady went & slaved the morning away. He found he could get off work by noon, so we waited to leave for Tam & Ev's to travel together.

We had a windy drive, but a beautiful day with a beautiful drive down the gorge. We arrived at Tam & Ev's about 5:30 and got our trailers parked. We enjoyed dinner cooked by the guys, and then enjoyed a cake baked by Donna for Evan's birthday (his 35th today!).

The kids all went to bed, and the adults enjoyed Bill's entertainment from his memory stick. Everyone had a great visit, and a fun time.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's pumpkin carving contest (or fun fest!)

Crashing in Canby

No, we didn't crash--we are safe & sound in Canby with Jen & Brady. We were supposed to camp at Champoeg, but that campground is only 20 minutes from Jen & Brad's so the temptation to spend some time with them was too great. So, we pulled up in front of their house and had supper with them. We "camped" out so to speak. The kids slept in the house since we couldn't open the slide.

Jason & Kristin played hide & seek....he kept saying he had to "Solve a Mystereeeee" (how he said it). We spent a nice evening...and will head to bed. Heading to Washington tomorrow to visit with Tam & Ev.

Watch for more fun posts this weekend!

What a Beautiful Day

Yesterday started with a beautiful sunrise. We spent a lot of time outside cleaning up some of the summer stuff that had died off, and burning the stash of paper that had piled up in the woodshed over the summer. I was looking across the field at the ONLY red leaved tree in the yard, and thinking about the beautiful colors in the East and how I miss those vivid colors of fall. Then I realized that the beauty that is here, is there EVERY day, not just in the fall, and not just on sunny days, but God has given us this gift of a view every day, all year long. Each season and type of weather has its beauty.

We had some GREAT news this morning. Sean & Tracey are headed home! They were on the train to Kyiv today (all night for them), and now are in Kyiv for medical exams for the girls and interview at the embassy. They will spend the weekend sight seeing, and will fly out of Kyiv on Monday evening, landing in Portland Monday night. WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM!! Keep them in prayer for a safe trip home and smooth finishing touches in Ukraine.

Here is Bill in his "Sean and Tracey are coming home" Celebration outfit!

Actually, I bought this shirt for him today, and we decided it was kind of feminine, so he put it on with my favorite comfy lounge around pants (that he hates) and we all had a great laugh. There is never a dull moment in our house! I love the fun humor he brings to our home. We've been married almost 20 years, and he still makes me laugh!

Bill is wondering if Sean or Tracey will need a bit of this when they get home!


In closing, please also keep a good friend of ours in prayer for a difficult situation that he is going through. Pray for God's will to be done, and for peace for him.

Thanks...

Fun Weekend

Saturday started out with a beautiful sunrise, and some sunshine before the rains started. Friends Pat & Ray came to visit from Washington, since they missed the Jamboree, and we hadn't seen them in 14 months. They have a new addition to the family...."Baby", who they rescued from the side of the freeway. She had a blast with the kids, and wore JayDee out! She has a sweet attitude, and is very different from any Welsh Corgi we've met before.

For those of you who don't know our background with Pat & Ray, we met them 10 years ago at the Jamboree, when I was very pregnant with Kristin. It was about 100 degrees, and they had water in spray bottles. They kept me cool, and we had a fun weekend together. Since that Jamboree, we've kept in touch, and enjoyed each other since.

We had a great brunch with Pat & Ray with fresh eggs from their chickens, bacon, sausage, french toast and fruit. We had a great visit, and sat around just "yacking" until about 1:30. We then headed out to check out the local camp grounds and RV Parks so that they can make reservations for Jamboree. We had a nice drive and then afterward headed to A&W for a rootbeer float and shared a fry, an onion ring and those yummy cheese curds.

We all headed home to have a rest, and Kristin needed to lay down, as we believe she may have had her first migraine. She had been up some of the night with a headache, and it was low grade headache most of the day. She was pretty drained, and we just pray she's not going to have Daddy's migraines. We had a nice nap, she had a bath, and then we headed to The Point for a really nice dinner. They've done some remodeling, and it was very nice!

We headed back to the house to have dessert and enjoy some more visiting. We had a lot to catch up on! The kids played with Baby, and we had a great day being together.

Sunday we went to church, and then met Pat & Ray for lunch at El Charro's for a quick bite before they headed back to Washington. We were blessed with a beautiful day, when it was supposed to be raining. Had a great meal, and then said our good-byes and headed home.

The kids forced us to endure a two hour Sunday afternoon nap. We spent the evening catching up on e-mail, getting things ready for school & work tomorrow, and just plain "hanging out". As you can tell, Ashley is pretty much back to her normal activities. Had had some bladder issues today, but we're praying it will clear itself up, and get back to normal.

All in all, It has been a great weekend of visiting with great friends,enjoying family time and relaxing.

In closing, please keep friends Sean & Tracey in your prayers, that they get their girls passports tomorrow, and are able to complete things in Kyiv and then get on that plane the 29th. They are getting pretty tired of being in Ukraine, and being separated from their family here. It's been a long haul, and we are praying that God makes these last few days eventful, in getting things processed to come home!

Thanks for your prayers...

Praise & Picture Post

This post is nothing more than to share the joy that we feel as a family tonight. Our good friends Sean & Tracey are in Ukraine and have adopted two beautiful girls. Their names are Alyona (13) and Tanya (9). They are biological sisters and spent 2 weeks at Christmas with the O'Hara's back in 2005. They then have journeyed this far to make these girls part of their family.

If you have followed their blog, you know that they have been in Ukraine since September 12th. They also have three children here at home that are missing them. (If you're interested in their story...their link to their blog is under our family description.)

What is not in their blog is how eloquently they are handling the toughest of situations, and with the faith that some of us don't have. They have trusted God when things seemed horrid, and yet God prevailed! Their faith on this journey has strengthened all of us in one way or another. Sean & Tracey, we have the utmost respect and love for you!

Today, Sean & Tracey brought the girls home to their temporary home and apartment in Odessa. I can't even begin to tell you the excitement that has been in our home for the last 24 hours. It began with the news that some tough issues had been resolved. The next good news was they were going to get the girls from the orphanage permanently!! They picked them up today, and had supper together as a family. We were graced with a skype call and video cam from Ukraine this AM (their evening) and what a joy it was to see and hear the girls! We can't wait to see the pictures from this weekend. While they have clothes to buy the girls, and things to take care of this weekend...we are hoping they have a fun weekend together! We are praying that their passports show up Monday and that they can finish in Odessa, and get to Kyiv to finish medical exams and other things at the Embassy.

Enjoy the photos...and say a prayer that they come home SOON, and safely. Continue the prayers after they arrive home so that they can meld together as a family and overcome anything that they may have to endure as they blend two cultures, two languages and lots of love together.

Baby, Friends and Family

Today it was windy, but the wind also brought with it the warmth we've not had the last few days. It was a day that all the leaves blew off the trees, there were dark ominous clouds that were beautiful above the mountains with the turning fall colors, but it also was a great day to play inside.

Audrey arrived at 7:45, and since she had cat napped on the way, she was ready to watch Scooby Doo with Ryan. She snuggled right up into him, and before long, she was doing the "sleepy slouch". By 9:00, it was nap time. Ashley decided so too, since it wasn't long until she was wanting to snuggle in that pink blanket with Audrey. I caught her and told her she had to be at the end of the bed, or out of the room. You can see the choice she made in the pictures!

The O'Hara kids came to play this afternoon, and it was decided that we would combine dinners....Lynn had a roast in the crock pot....Bill would stop for french bread, I would make a salad, and we'd shred the beef, add some bbq sauce, and have supper together. We so enjoy our time with them. They headed home to catch a well deserved nap, and the kids all played so well this afternoon. The girls played house and dress up. They decided that they wanted Audrey to dress up too. When they couldn't find anything that didn't swim on her, they decided to go through Kristins baby doll clothes. They found something that fit...so, I helped, and they had a blast! The boys even ended up on the dress up end of things...boyish stuff of course!

They all seemed to take time to play with Audrey, as they would come through the living room, someone different was always on the floor in front of the excersaucer entertaining her. Of course, her toys were pretty entertaining too! Audrey was pretty intrigued with Alexis' baby doll, and she spent several minutes exploring the babys face, and then she lost interest after several "honks" to the baby's nose that made no noise!!

They kids were talking about their Dad's HP ID cards, and thought it would be neat to have one. Then they all wanted ID cards to play a game, so we took a few "mug" shots, I ran a few business cards off the card making program, inserted the pictures...they all had their "code names", ID #'s (DMO022699, RTR111695, etc. it was fun to see the kids figure those out!)and off they went to play some adventure game outside that lasted more than an hour!! . Audrey couldn't decide on her code name, so she hung out in the house with me...and we played. Had I known that some paper ID cards would create so much imagination...I'd have done it hours ago!!

We shared a fun supper time with Lynn & Cyril, and the kids. Our made up shredded beef au jus bbq sauce concoction was very good over fresh french bread, and we will be sure to do it again. Talk about stone soup supper!!

In closing, I just want to share a praise....the Mountain we were asking the Lord to move for Sean and Tracey in Ukraine was moved...just like that! Just like the Lord! Praise God. He not only sent comfort and peace to them, but handled those things that needed handled. Here's a poem that was sent to me and it was just so fitting for yesterday...

Whatever your cross, Whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, After the rain .....

Perhaps you may stumble, Perhaps even fall, But God's always ready, To answer your call ...

He knows every heartache, Sees every tear, A word from His lips, Can calm every fear ...

Your sorrows may linger,Throughout the night, But suddenly vanish, Dawns early light ....

The Savior is waiting, Somewhere above, To give you His grace,

And send you His love ..

Whatever your cross, Whatever your pain, "God always sends rainbows ....

After the rain ... "

AMEN!

A Baby Day

What a fun day! Audrey came to stay today. (Nate & Katie's 5 month old daughter). Her regular sitter had some personal issues so we have her through Friday while her Mommy & Daddy work...so be prepared...lots of Audrey pictures!

Our day started off with Bill & I oversleeping. You know that grog where you can't figure out what day it is, if the clock is right,and WHO turned off the alarm???!!! The first thing I hear this morning was "Sweetheart, is it supposed to be this dark at 6:30?" As I was running through my mind what day it was (hoping it was Saturday), I realized it was Wednesday, and there would be a baby at the door in less than 30 minutes! Yikes!! It all worked fine, I got Bill's lunch packed, I got dressed, and we even had a fire in the wood stove when they arrived. It had gotten pretty cool last night, and the house was chilly.

Both kids were up when they heard Audrey come in. Kristin said she heard the High Heels and knew Katie was here! They were both excited to spend time with Audrey. She was all smiles this morning, and they spent the first half hour watching Sesame Street! Audrey fell asleep, and yet both kids still finished the show. Educational, so I didn't complain!

Kristin helped out by giving Audrey her bottle when she woke after her 2nd cat nap (both 30 minute naps this morning) and as she was burping Audrey, she fell fast asleep...so we left her for another 30 minutes, and Kristin loved the snuggle time (Check out the pictures).

Audrey has gained such a personality in the last few weeks. She is giggling, reaching, smiling, grabbing, playing, and loves to honk your nose!! She also giggles when I tell her that I'm going to get her and kiss those loveable cheeks! So much fun. I am so blessed to have so many cute babies that come to visit. I get my fix, and can snuggle them all!

I spent some time visiting with Tracey in Ukraine. They are having more paperwork issues, and it is becoming taxing on them. Pray for these issues to be resolved, and pray for peace for them. God is good...he will take care of this. We are just asking that it be quickly. (Thanks God!)

After the kids went to swim, Audrey & I had some quiet time. We hung out on the couch, and she took my hand, looked at it...then did the same thing with her hand as I was doing with mine. She would watch her hand, then look back at mine, and we played this game for nearly 15 minutes....Her Mommy & Daddy came to get her, otherwise I wonder how long it would have gone on. We'll have to play again tomorrow. I have two more days of Baby Fun! I am so thankful that her Mommy & Daddy feel comfortable with her here.

Check out the pictures....Have a good day!

Sunrises and Good News

Yesterday and today were great days.

Monday we woke to an incredible sunrise, a reminder that God was listening to our many prayers for Sean and Tracey in Ukraine. We went to Monday home school group and it was a good thing, since our minds would have been idle, and that is not good when you're waiting on news that you are very anxious to hear. We dropped that cat at the vet to see if it was time to have her splint/cast removed, and then headed off to school. At the end of the school day, Tracey's Mom & Dad came to pick up the O'Hara kids, and she had just heard from Tracey....THE NEWS WAS GOOD!! God heard our prayers, and they accomplished not one, not some, but ALL of the tasks and hurdles that they had lined up for yesterday. Thank You Lord!!

We then went & picked up Ashley. She is now "Castless". She is still hobbling a bit, but after not having use of that leg for 32 days, I can imagine it's tender, stiff, and feels weird. The big gash, and holes that were there from the compound fracture are healed, as are the pavement burns and scrapes from being skidded across the asphalt. She is 95% normal once more! Thanks for your prayers for her. She is only having bladder trouble when she waits too long, or gets startled. The vet is confident that with the progress she has made in 4 weeks, that she will regain full control, and if the tail never regains its movement, it's no big deal. In four weeks time she's gone from being paralyzed from the mid section back, having no bladder operation at all, to having no control of the bladder, to gaining some movement in the hind end, first on the left, then the right side, to gaining some bladder control, to full movement in her hind end....and she now has about 95% bladder control, and movement is at 99%, due only to stiffness in the front arm since the cast came off. She is a very happy kitty, and was everywhere in the house today!

I was able to IM with Tracey before bed last night, and it was nice to chat about praises instead of heart aches and worries. While I would be there for whatever trials they had...it was wonderful to hear good news, and say "Thank You Lord"! They only need to wait on passports and a few other things, and then they can head to the Embassy for physicals and paperwork....then HOME! We are so anxious to have them all home, and are thankful they will be able to come home as a family.

Tuesday was a rainy, cold day. It was one of those days that you just want to get into bed with a good book. I did some work for Joe, and the kids did their school. It was also laundry day. As I was taking a load down to the laundry room, Kristin was in the office working on her typing program. I went into the office, and there is Ashley on the chair next to Kristin....getting all the loving that she can! I asked Kristin how on earth she was typing while petting a cat...as typing is a two handed thing. She then said "Today is 10 key numerics day, so I only need my right hand!". How convenient for Ashley!

We ended the day with swim practice, dinner and then we all showered early. Bill headed to bed at 9 with a migraine, and the kids followed shortly after. I do enjoy the peace when the house sighs at night as it quiets down.

Until next time, enjoy the few pictures...and check back soon!

Kristin's Birthday

Today started off with Kristin being the first one up! She watched her TV time, even though she had to have seen her gift sitting on our bedroom floor by the doorway. She was very patient and for letting us sleep until 8:00, we appreciate that!

We all got up, and let Kristin open her gifts from us. She was allowed the option of having her gift from Mommy & Daddy today, or waiting until her party, which will be combined with Ryan's in November. She decided of course, to have it today! She opened her gifts, and then we all got ready for church.

Church was very moving for me today, I felt like I was being spoken to. I have been worried about our good friends Sean & Tracey in Ukraine who are adopting two young ladies. Things have not been going as smoothly as the first part of the adoption had gone, so we are asking for your prayers. However, todays message spoke to me as "God is always working, a little bit every day". You might not see it all in one day, but over time, it all comes together in his perfect time as his perfect plan. Sometimes suffering is made for us to learn our lessons, and in that time, we need to refocus on the Lord. Our time in waiting for the Lord is Satan's perfect time to step in and place doubts in our hearts. We need to stay focused on the original task and cast out the devil. Easily said for those of us here at home in our cozy homes, with those that speak our language, with our own family as a whole, and understanding our own culture. We pray for you Sean & Tracey, and know that God will show you the way. We pray that you will "stay on task"--and bring your girls home together as a family.

Our day continued after church by bringing Alexis & Kimberly home to play with Kristin. We stopped at the grocery store, and then the dollar store. Kristin's big wish for her birthday!! Oh what fun those three girls had in the dollar store. I told them they could all have a dollar, and Kristin was gracious to share her birthday money to add an additional dollar. Kristin & Alexis found some fun socks...(three pairs for a buck!) and were tickled to death. Kimberly got a princess dress up set, with clip on earrings, some pretty hair pieces, a crown, and some fancy fingernails. The other dollar was spent on a treat for themselves. We picked out a fun treat for the boys too, since the didn't get to come....and then hit McDonalds for lunch, and came home to play. (We, by the way did not make Kristin spend her birthday money that she so graciously shared with the girls). It was worth the extra few dollars to have her be willing to share it.

Lynn & Cyril arrived around 4 with Ryan & Declan. We all had supper together (Spaghetti, Kristin's favorite)...and then the girls decorated cheesecake. They had lots of fun. They then headed outside to play their favorite hide & seek game in the dark, and run off their sugar.

It was a great day spent with special family. Happy 9th Birthday Kristin!