Together - Our Story

Ours is the story of five broken people.  Incomplete without each other.  It's a story that crosses oceans, that breaks down language barriers, and brings five unlikely characters together as a family. 

I will be forever grateful for the wild ride that was this year. For the angels that restored my faith when I needed it the most.  For the man ever by my side, gripping my hand as we took this leap together.  And for the countless prayers that carried us to our "happily ever after."

Christmastime is different this year.  There is a sparkle of pure joy in our lives that I never knew was waiting for us halfway around the world.  I'm so glad it found us. 

So here's the story of our year.  Of five broken people.  Incomplete without each other.

 I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our journey home. 

(A HUGE thank you to my dad for putting together this video for us. Thanks for helping us keep these awesome memories.)  

Happiness is...

...meeting Santa for the very first time.
And no, the video is not in fast forward.

Paying it Forward...Holiday Style

Hi Everyone,

During our adoption, we had, and continue to have, a tremendous amount of support from our "village." We have been so fortunate for the people in our lives who wrapped their arms around us and boosted us along our journey.  This email is my attempt at "paying it forward" to another family who dreams of being parents to a precious little girl in Russia.  Although close to 1 in 3 families express interest in adopting at some point or another, the financial burden of the process prevents most from actually doing so. 

So here's the deal.  I'm hosting an online Scentsy party through another adoptive friend, Melissa.  She decided to be a consultant for the sole purpose of donating all of her profits to families fundraising for adoption.  How cool is that?  For this party we're raising money for the Brower Family.  You can check out their website and their story at their blog if you'd like. They are a family taking the leap to adopt and figuring out the finances as they go. 

The party starts today and runs the next 2 weeks.  It's all done online, but if the website is confusing or you'd like help ordering, just email or Facebook me.  

I'm a sale/clearance/always-looking-for-a-deal kinda shopper, so what caught my eye is the "Combine and Save" section of the site.  

The Fragrance Foams are buy-one get-one-free (2 for $6) and the Scentsy Buddies are buy-one get-one-free as well (2 for $25).  The Fragrance Foams would be a cute stocking stuffer for adults, and the buddies for the kiddos! 

Here's the link in case you missed it above:
https://ittakesavillage.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=119505522Even if it's a $6 purchase, consider doing a little to help a lot! 

Thanks for still reading and for your time! Happy Shopping!

Kelsey

Bedtime Snuggles

Our books are finished and he's laying sleepy-eyed in his footy pajamas.  Out of the blue, he wraps his arms around me, gives me a kiss and says:

"Mama?"

"Yah buddy?"

"Mama, I'm thankful for you."

You too, buddy.  You too. 

Orphan Sunday

“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt

Today is Orphan Sunday.  So I'm sharing with you the three faces I couldn't ignore. The pictures I saw that made my insides ache to pick up the phone and do something about it.  

  
8 months, and a few papers later, we took a short plane trip halfway across the world to meet the orphans that changed my world. 
 

 First meeting with sweet and timid Joel

 (Stella actually wanted nothing to do with me for the first 2 trips)

And Liv sat scared in my lap the whole visit

And you know the rest of the story. Orphans no more, adoption changed us all.  Jay and I have witnessed the joyful chaos of three souls coming alive.  

 Our days and hearts and hands are full. 

I wake up every morning to the family I always dreamed of.  (Admittedly, I'm not sure they spoke Russian in my dreams, but that's just a very minor detail...)

If you're thinking about it, make that phone call.  Adopt. Foster. Mentor. Sponsor a child.  Go on the mission trip you've never been brave enough to take.  Volunteer locally.  Pray.  Follow a blog or a FB page advocating for waiting children.  Get to know some of the faces you can't ignore.  They'll change your life.

20 Questions

1. What is something Mama always says to you?
Joel: Stay at our house.
Stella: I love loo.
Liv: I love you.

2. What makes Mama happy?
Joel: When Papa's at work.
Stella: Hugs.
Liv:Mama happy

3. What makes Mama sad?
Joel: If the bad guys get Joel.
Stella: This (and makes a sad face)
Liv: Mama no sad, Mama goo-girl.

4. How does Mama make you laugh?
Joel: Smile on your face.
Stella: Smile.
Liv:Mama silly.

5. How old is Mama?
Joel: Bigger.
Stella: 6. Mama you 6? (holds up 3 fingers)
Liv:2

 6. How tall is Mama?
Joel: Really bigger.
Stella: Bigger.  (Stands up on tiptoes)
Liv: (Nods head)

7. What is Mama's favorite thing to do?
Joel: Cleaning.
Stella: Papa.
Liv: Mama silly.

8. What does Mama do when you're not around?
Joel: Crying. 
Stella: Mama our house. Stay here. 
Liv: See ya soon - buh bye

9. What's Mama's favorite toy?
Joel: Baby pants. (What in the world does that mean?)
Stella: Cars. 
Liv:Outside. 

10. What is Mama really good at?
Joel: Playing bad guys with Joel.
Stella: Colors.
Liv: (walked away for 10 minutes)

11. What is Mama not very good at?
Joel: Yell at Dottie barking.
Stella: Mama good.
Liv:....

12. What does Mama do for her job?
Joel: Mama go in the car.
Stella: Just like Papa.
Liv:....

13. What is Mama's favorite food?
Joel: Macaroni.
Stella: Supper. I like supper. 
Liv: Appa (Apple)

14. When you go to sleep, what do Mama and Papa do?
Joel: Leave and I can't hear it.
Stella: Tools. Just like Dadushkas. 
Liv: Mama food - hungee! 

15. If Mama were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Joel: Rapunzel.
Stella: Spiderman. Uh-huh. Papa good job, Spiderman.  Papa give Mama high five!
Liv:Mama I HUNGEE!!! 

16. What do you and Mama do together?
Joel: Stir the juice. 
Stella: Play toys. 
Liv: Hungee. 

17. How are you and Mama the same?
Joel: Lay down in bed.
Stella: Big girls.
Liv: Food.

18. How are you and Mama different?
Joel: Ears.
Stella: Cartoons. 
Liv:Hungee!!!!! 

19. How do you know Mama loves you?
Joel: Mama loves you when Joel smiles.
Stella: For toys. 
Liv: Yummy food. (I gave her a banana)

20. What do you think of the Hawkeyes?
Joel: Stinky Hawkeyes.
Stella: Hawkeyes poop.
Liv: Ewwww tinky. 

The girls are saying "cyclones" not glaring at you.