tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89020555472272863692012-03-01T07:15:59.896-05:00Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.comBlogger1951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-59788633444347804972012-02-29T21:22:00.003-05:002012-02-29T21:22:55.965-05:00

Today Nate had his beloved shark tooth removed.  He did really well (not that the laughing gas had anything to do with his bravery and relaxed disposition! haha).  Click here to see it before, and another video here.  I hope the photos below don't make you queasy!  Yeah, I do have a thing for quirks and oddities like extra teeth and webbed toes.  There ain't nothin' wrong with that!  Now for your

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-60639280484692521202012-02-27T16:29:00.002-05:002012-02-27T16:29:36.081-05:00

I am so sporadic when it comes to posting on here.  Thanks for bearing with me :)  So it's going to be a hodge-podge of a post hence the weird title. Today is our youngest son's 7th birthday. He's been counting down for ages! He was surprised when he was greeted by a load of friends from church at the local Natural History Museum.  We all went inside to play and explore (15-20 of us maybe?) then

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-40824534303692820852012-02-08T10:55:00.003-05:002012-02-08T10:55:25.290-05:00

I peeked in on Joel and Darya resting on Sunday afternoon and this is what I found:

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-50178515350993571552012-01-30T09:13:00.001-05:002012-01-30T09:13:28.469-05:00

So, a certain 6 year old with an extra tooth got a hold of my camera.  As I was scrolling through the photos on it, I came across this video. What a ham!  Apparently this shark-boy has also invented his own language. Also, for those of you who might meet him in real life, he has informed me that he's tired of being famous for his shark tooth. So, no autographs, please.  But if you ask nicely,

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-64993020570825101262012-01-27T08:23:00.002-05:002012-01-27T08:23:16.101-05:00

Yesterday we jumped on the opportunity to go to Legoland Florida (how can you pass up a deal where a family of 6 can get in for $30? We went with our homeschool co-op at a discounted field trip rate).  It was awesome!  We all had so much fun.  Of course, two of my boys are hoping to grow up to be professional Lego builders like millions of other kids, but who knows?  Maybe living this close to

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-88668342306021803632012-01-19T16:02:00.001-05:002012-01-19T16:04:10.632-05:00

A few weeks ago we noticed that our 6 year old son is growing a tooth behind his two front baby teeth. We assumed it was his adult tooth growing behind, but it turns out it's just an extra tooth!  It's called a mesiodens tooth, and I think is fairly common.  He had a dentist appointment the other day, where they informed us he'll need to have it pulled soon, much to his dismay.  He's  proud of

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-50370925484815461682012-01-11T18:44:00.000-05:002012-01-11T18:44:15.675-05:00

Seven out of nine orphans that we have been specifically praying for over the past few years are either home with families or have families on their way!  Isn't that wonderful?  Our boys faithfully pray daily for the orphans.  They have had no doubt they'd get families, it's just a matter of when it's going to happen.  It's been such a blessing to see my children's faith grow as their prayers are

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-59853053957489287942012-01-10T09:55:00.003-05:002012-01-10T09:55:59.529-05:00

I love my family.  I love that they love Darya and everyone has welcomed her into the family with open arms.  This morning I got an email from Joel's grandfather (aka "Papa") with an article written by a Fox News reporter, Cal Thomas, who wrote about his brother, Marshall, who had Down syndrome (he just passed away).  You can click the link below to read the full article, but I love this quote:

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-64289285732210164632012-01-09T17:25:00.002-05:002012-01-14T09:55:06.357-05:00

Well, the holidays have come and gone, and I didn't do a single post or share any pics......well, a few are down below.  Better late than never, right?  With Christmas being on a Sunday, we ended up celebrating with the kids on the Friday before.  (Joel usually spends Saturdays finishing his preparations for church the following day).  That Friday, we had our annual traditional cookie decorating

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-89277212731308569462011-12-22T12:37:00.000-05:002011-12-22T12:37:09.317-05:00

I was just checking in on Lilianna after lunch and her Angel Tree goal has more than DOUBLED!!!  Over $2,000 in her grant!! Woohooo!!!  I can't thank everyone enough for their donations!!  I have no idea who contributed, so don't know who to thank, but THANK YOU to those who  have, and those who have prayed on her behalf, and advocated for her, too.  Now if we can just find her a family.  :-)

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-43301108514973603712011-12-19T12:27:00.002-05:002011-12-19T13:39:19.950-05:00

I know I've mentioned it before, but Darya LOVES the piano.  She loves listening to and "helping" her brothers when they practice.  Hopefully when she's a bit older she'll take lessons, too.   Without further ado, here's my little budding piano prodigy in action for you all to enjoy! :-) Edited to add the boys playing the piano (they had just come inside after playing football with Joel, so

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-76026200809183620492011-12-17T11:52:00.003-05:002011-12-17T11:53:01.753-05:00

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-67486714117467134622011-12-14T09:24:00.000-05:002011-12-14T09:24:45.795-05:00

I just noticed a new picture of Lilianna on Reece's Rainbow: Isn't she just precious?? She has such beautiful eyes and I love that fuzzy hair (though it would look much better longer and with a bow in it).  I am so thankful that her grant is continuing to grow - now we just need to find her a family! I've been MIA for a while on this blog. I guess it's just that busy season of the year,

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-201247217074055842011-11-30T16:26:00.003-05:002011-11-30T16:47:37.105-05:00

I just checked Lilianna's page on Reece's Rainbow and her Angel Tree grant is now up to $1,317.38!!  Thank you to whomever donated to bring it past her goal!!  I am just speechless and so excited!!  Wow!! And many thanks again to all of you who have donated and shared!  Lilianna has no idea how many people across the world are praying for her and helping to bridge that gap between her and a

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-14671524729752584912011-11-29T20:59:00.000-05:002011-11-29T20:59:08.873-05:00

Darya loves beans.  Black beans.  Refried beans. Baked beans. Chili beans.  If you give them to her she will eat 'em up. She will probably ask for seconds. And thirds.  Her affinity to legumes has earned her the nickname "Beans" by our family.  It just so happens that shortly after Darya earned her new nickname, a mom across the pond in the UK (Jane over at Flight Platform Living) has offered to

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-51599687493849056802011-11-25T07:54:00.001-05:002011-11-25T07:56:49.407-05:00

It's 7:30am here on Friday morning.  Just the dog and I are awake, though I think I hear Darya playing in her room.  I have a tradition to not go to Black Friday shopping!  I just prefer sleeping in my warm bed to shopping in the cold at 3:30am no matter how good the sales  :-) We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday.  We had a few people from church over to celebrate with us and we all ate

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-27788435643647832942011-11-22T17:36:00.001-05:002011-11-22T17:37:57.804-05:00

Lilianna's Angel Tree grant is just over the halfway mark to reach the $1,000 goal!  She's now "moved up" to join the group of kids whose grants have reached over the $500 mark.  Yay!  So what does that have to do with the title of my post?  Nothing. I just wanted to share that great news first.  On Saturday, we adopted a dog!  We got Luna from a local rescue organization who got her from an

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-66270914036280805642011-11-14T18:24:00.001-05:002011-11-14T18:24:24.177-05:00

I just found out that today is Lilianna's 2nd birthday (thanks, Sarah!).  It's my hope and prayer that for her third birthday she'll be home with a family to celebrate, just like our sweet Darya did this year. Wouldn't it be great to see her Angel Tree grant hit the halfway mark by the end of this week in honor of her birthday?

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-36659757187184993892011-11-11T12:40:00.002-05:002011-11-11T12:42:31.672-05:00

Yay, Lilianna's grant is almost to the halfway mark! She has $432.38 in her Angel Tree grant as I type this.  I am so excited!  It pays to be shamelessly pushy, especially on Facebook ;-) Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared so far! It means a lot to me, but more importantly to a little girl living in an orphanage halfway across the world, a little girl with no voice of her own.  It's

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-2622763297568340202011-11-08T20:50:00.001-05:002011-11-08T20:51:03.170-05:00

If you read my post below, I mentioned that our middle son, Ben, has a lot of missing teeth.  The joys of being 8.  When he does this smile (below), it reminds me of Emma Thompson's character, Nanny McPhee. It cracks me up every time!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-43141386086175505632011-11-08T14:47:00.000-05:002011-11-08T14:47:49.863-05:00

Per my mother-in-law's request here is a family photo snapped by my dear friend, Heather (thank you!).  We really need to get some more family pics taken as all the ones on our walls are before Darya. I am horrible at updating photos!  Anyway, here we are in front of our house yesterday afternoon.  I can't believe Sam (10) is already up to my shoulders.  And like a good boy, he put on this clean

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-44036681326993584482011-11-02T19:41:00.000-04:002011-11-02T19:41:21.028-04:00

With all four kids in tow, I went to the grocery store this evening to cash in our coins.  In addition to our tupperware container-full of change, we scoured the house and van for any stray coins (in Joel's office, the van ashtray, my wallet, etc.).  We grabbed the loot, loaded up in the minivan, and drove to Publix.  We dumped our change into the Coinstar machine and came out with $17.38!  It's

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-70514466559837292462011-11-02T15:11:00.001-04:002011-11-02T15:15:01.332-04:00

Every year, Reece's Rainbow has an Angel Tree fundraiser. It's the biggest fundraising event of the year. The goal is to raise at least $1,000 in each waiting child's grant (kids with Down syndrome, 0-5 years old).  Most of the people fundraising are regular people like you and me, who have hearts for the orphans but not necessarily tons of money burning holes in our pockets. But collectively, I

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-158158220628709082011-10-08T14:30:00.001-04:002011-10-08T14:34:11.456-04:00

A year ago today, my sister, Darya, and I landed on American soil.  After 6 months of the paper chasing, and 5 weeks in country, we were finally HOME!  It's been quite a year!  Anyone who knows Darya will agree with me how far she's come in such a short time and how well she's adjusted to life with a family (especially with three older brothers who absolutely adore her and dote on her).  Our

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-48761079759168068392011-10-05T15:11:00.000-04:002011-10-05T15:11:06.044-04:00

Last week we went on a much needed family vacation to Daytona Beach.  It was probably the most relaxing and restful family vacation we've ever had.  We couldn't have asked for better weather!  We relaxed in the pools and on the beach.  I did more reading than I've done in who knows how long.  Our first day of vacation was Sam's 10th birthday.  I think that was one of his best birthdays ever!  The

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-12192695600661133842011-09-23T20:01:00.000-04:002011-09-23T20:01:34.525-04:00

A few months back, I took a psychology class (in my slow attempt to finish college before my kids).  One of our assignments was to read a scholarly article on anything related to psychology, summarize it, and present it to the class.  I chose an article about "The Down Syndrome Advantage" and how families cope with life differently if they have a relative (child or sibling) with Down syndrome.  I

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-59094276018755216202011-09-19T22:19:00.000-04:002011-09-19T22:19:08.890-04:00

A while back, I posted asking for any help to see if we can help a young woman in Ukraine by the name of Dasha find her siblings here in the States.  I know it's a long shot, but I'm asking for your help again.  Here is some updated information from Alla of Bible Orphan Ministries that might help my blogger detectives: "I found little more information.Probably it will be helpful. Her siblings

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-55628688068187395582011-09-17T17:10:00.001-04:002011-09-17T17:12:38.651-04:00

Darya's hair was short when we came home from Ukraine last year and has slowly been growing out since.  It's been snipped a smidgen a few times before, but today I decided to take off a few inches.  It was getting so stringy looking that I couldn't stand it anymore. (In the post below, you can see her hair when we first met her, and what it looked like last week.) So, this morning as the boys

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-72375601895693854682011-09-09T19:00:00.001-04:002011-09-09T19:04:09.984-04:00

At times it seems like time has flown by so quickly and that it can't really have been a year ago today that we first met Darya.  Other times it feels like she has always been with us.  But I am forever grateful that Darya is my daughter.  She is a lovely, sweet, beautiful girl and I am so thankful that God has blessed our family with her.  It is a privilege to be her mother! 9/9/10

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-39815993274339780992011-09-07T17:03:00.002-04:002011-09-07T17:04:32.510-04:00

I will be hosting the Reece's Rainbow table at the Jacksonville, FL Buddy Walk on Saturday, November 5. I will be passing out information and sharing with people about adopting children with Down syndrome.  Last year, there were over 4,000 people in attendance!  I have never been to a Buddy Walk before, so if anyone would be willing to assist me, please let me know!  There is no cost to you and

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-48429669732562604522011-08-23T14:27:00.001-04:002011-08-23T14:29:38.205-04:00

Today was the first day of school.  I didn't sleep well last night because I was a bit nervous how Darya would do. She's such a peanut, and, well, it's just hard to let your baby go!  Instead of the usual meet-the-teacher with the rest of the school last week, they did a staggered start this week. So this morning Joel, the boys, and I took Darya to her first day of school. We got to meet the

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-47445369048504194802011-08-03T13:42:00.002-04:002011-08-03T13:44:52.778-04:00

Here is Darya on our front lawn shortly after she came home last October (the coloring's horrible since it was taken on my phone): And here she is almost 10 months later:

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-55931536450597240922011-08-01T15:40:00.000-04:002011-08-01T15:40:22.757-04:00

It seems like we just wrapped up our homeschooling year and now the books and curricula I've ordered are trickling in for the new year.  I'm almost done ordering everything which is a great feeling. This past school year wasn't the most stellar of homeschooling years for us (though the boys are all doing fine); I think it kind of had to do with the fact that we adopted a little someone special

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-18284999552801224862011-07-26T10:10:00.006-04:002011-07-30T09:55:01.914-04:00

Every morning we have family worship/devotions and we always end with singing the doxology.  This is Darya's favorite part. She sings right along with us as you can see below (she was getting a little ahead of herself with the "amen" part - her absolute favorite part):

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-74754246852050742642011-07-25T10:45:00.000-04:002011-07-25T10:45:52.126-04:00

Reece's Rainbow was nominated for the Classy Awards, "The Largest Philanthropic Awards Ceremony in the Country!"  Please take the time to vote for RR here (under the Most Innovative Use of Social Media by a Charity) click here and cast your vote, please!:  http://classyawards.stayclassy.org/classy-awards/voting Thank you!!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-59523353340057200792011-07-15T16:12:00.005-04:002011-07-15T16:48:35.707-04:00

Some cuteness for ya'll (okay, I'm not a true southerner so if it should be y'all let me know.....being a California native I should say "you guys"): I was reminded by someone that I haven't blogged in a while (thanks for the reminder, Mims!).  I guess it has been almost a month! We are doing great and enjoying the summer.  Nothing new to report....well probably lots of stuff I can write about

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-64592073433662301222011-06-18T21:50:00.001-04:002011-06-18T21:53:25.777-04:00

I'm sure many of you are familiar with Pavlov's dogs, and classical conditioning.  Well, Darya has been conditioned to sign "cookie" repeatedly when we pull into the Publix parking lot and as we go into the store.  (Publix is a grocery store chain and they give out free cookies to kids in their bakery.)  I have absolutely no doubt the next time I take her there, she will sign it all the more

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-38579600797356641902011-06-18T11:16:00.002-04:002011-06-18T11:32:51.999-04:00

Tomorrow is Father's Day.  Though it is a Hallmark holiday, it has caused me to reflect upon the father of my children.  As I type this, Joel is in the other room reading to the boys.  He is such a wonderful father. He adores his children and takes pleasure in spending time with them.  He makes the time to play with them, read to them, and most importantly lead them spiritually.  He faithfully

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-10096023460345448562011-06-11T21:32:00.000-04:002011-06-11T21:32:27.096-04:00

Happy 3rd birthday, Darya! She devoured her piece of cake :-)  I should have gotten a picture of it! But she'll get another one in a few weeks when Grandma comes to visit us from California. We'll just say this was a practice one: I guess Darya liked her spaghetti so much she wanted to share it with her bear: Here we are posing near her new kitchen in our matching matroyshka (nesting doll)

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-42284046536456153032011-06-09T16:51:00.000-04:002011-06-09T16:51:42.565-04:00

Darya loves to "help" me in the kitchen, so we decided to use her birthday money to get her her very own kitchen (thanks Grandpa and Grandma, and Papa and Lala!).  Here's a video of the big revealing moment.  Mind you, she just got back from a doctor appointment where she got some shots, so her reaction is a bit anticlimactic. But I know she'll love slamming those cupboard doors as much as the

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-64173925827593107022011-05-21T12:41:00.001-04:002011-05-21T12:41:34.936-04:00

Here is Darya hard at work helping me answer RR emails: And here she is after a long day's work in her big bed (with "baby" and "dog" of course):

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-91478697888725262662011-05-20T16:40:00.000-04:002011-05-20T16:40:10.950-04:00

Goodness, I haven't posted in a few weeks.  May has been just an incredibly busy month and I'm glad things are winding down for us.  By the end of June, we will hopefully have more time to relax since there is nothing scheduled on the calendar.  Just with baseball season, our home school co-op, the college class I'm taking (my goal is to finish college before the boys do!), other random stuff,

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-26533598847901624042011-04-30T22:00:00.000-04:002011-04-30T22:00:19.805-04:00

Erika Q.Joanne W.Julie Z.Melissa M. Thank you to everyone for helping Josephine's family!!  I used random.org to pick the numbers. I'll be in touch with each of you to get you your gift cards. I hope you enjoy them!  (And another thank you to Gilbert for generously donating them!)

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-4708582834770113692011-04-29T13:02:00.001-04:002011-04-29T13:03:15.288-04:00

Thank you so much to those of you who have contributed and/or spread the word about Josephine!  I was so thrilled when she had a family step forward to adopt her so quickly! They still has a long way to go to raise the money needed for her adoption so I want to have one final push for the giveaway I'm having.  Tomorrow is the last day but there's still time for a chance to win one of 4 gift cards

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-73142377709575063362011-04-21T15:15:00.003-04:002011-04-23T08:36:46.595-04:00

This morning after doing some home school work, we hit the local splash park with some friends from church.  Summer is just around the corner and we are enjoying the weather and spending as much time outside as we can before the humidity and bugs hit full force here in Florida. The kids all had a wonderful time!  This was Darya's first time there and she absolutely loved it.   Rather than posting

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-58758747146355101692011-04-18T09:13:00.000-04:002011-04-18T09:13:04.112-04:00

I just had to share this sweet picture my 6 year old, Nate, drew for me the other day.  It is of him and me blowing kisses to each other. Every day he tells me I'm lovely, beautiful, the best mom in the world.  I love being so loved by such a sweet boy!  I am savoring this time of being the woman in his life, but I know it will before I know it that he'll be a man and his affections will be for

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-40369256089442533782011-04-15T09:28:00.000-04:002011-04-15T09:28:32.428-04:00

Introducing the Cutler family in Texas!! http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorcutler They still have a lot of fundraising to do and time is of the essence, so PLEASE consider helping this wonderful family who has stepped forward bring their daughter home!!  Please chip-in at the right (it will still go directly to Josephine's grant) or you can donate directly to their family sponsorship page through

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-27329271925693387492011-04-11T12:00:00.001-04:002011-04-11T12:02:55.801-04:00

I just checked Josephine's grant and it's gone up!  I am adding a thermometer widget on my sidebar so we can see her grant grow.  I'd love for it to get up to at least $500. Wouldn't that be great!?  That amount could cover her plane ticket home for a family :-)  Please, let me know if you donated and spread the word so I can enter you into the drawing for a Starbucks or Subway gift card giveaway

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-47481717790025457502011-04-08T13:40:00.001-04:002011-04-08T13:42:05.249-04:00

It was six months ago that I boarded the plane with Darya, saying goodbye to her previous life in Eastern Europe and hello to her new life with a family in America!  It's been a beautiful experience, certainly with its ups and downs, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! GOODBYE ORPHANAGE! HELLO FAMILY!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-57570124220011163952011-04-02T21:04:00.003-04:002011-04-04T13:29:04.517-04:00

Someone has generously donated some great gift cards for me to giveaway to my faithful blog readers!  But there's a catch.  I really, really, REALLY want to see Josephine's adoption grant grow. She is already 5 years old and hasn't had the "luxury" of being listed on Reece's Rainbow very long.  Her time is running out and she'll be transferred very soon.  You all know what that means.  She'll be

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-43442129965491100302011-03-29T15:02:00.002-04:002011-03-29T15:05:26.121-04:00

Or whatever it's called. Well, I don't.  Until today. But I joined Twitter today for a good reason!  Patricia Heaton, the actress from Everybody Loves Raymond, has said that she will donate $1 for every follower of Reece's Rainbow up to $10,000!!  So, if you're on Twitter, or even if you're not, will you please follow @reecesrainbow and help spread the word!  As of this writing, RR has over 1,200

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-59769064921617871982011-03-27T14:50:00.000-04:002011-03-27T14:50:15.539-04:00

8 years ago today, our second son was born. Benjamin Daniel Fick, who was a wild kung-fu gymnast in-utero, was the calmest, sweetest bundle of joy after he was born!  Seriously, he was a super-easy baby (slept at least 12-14 hours a night by 4 months old, went days without crying, and was happiest sucking on is feet).  He has brought us so much joy!  He has a great sense of humor, loves all

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-22373465883424672552011-03-26T22:43:00.000-04:002011-03-26T22:43:57.066-04:00

It's been about year since we first committed to adopting Darya.  One year!  During the adoption process, it felt as if time was going so slowly and it would take forever to finally meet our sweet girl.  But here we are, home with her for almost 6 months!  I am keeping our adoption timeline in my sidebar of my blog so I won't ever forget.  All that paper chasing, making sure notary stamps were

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-64082445872344358152011-03-25T14:11:00.000-04:002011-03-25T14:11:41.305-04:00

Recently, a little orphan boy with Down syndrome was denied a family. The Davis family is well qualified to provide him a loving home and meet all his needs.  They wanted Kirill and he wanted them. Easy enough, right? Not according to the judge.  She thought that he was better off in an institution.  Makes absolutely no sense!  I suppose she couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that this couple

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-63304022287491260102011-03-25T13:13:00.000-04:002011-03-25T13:13:28.611-04:00

Sweet Miss Josephine is a newly listed little girl on Reece's Rainbow. This little princess has stolen my heart!  Oh, good gravy, isn't she a doll?  She is already 5 years old and her life is going to be turned upside down very soon.  Breaks my heart!!  I hope and pray that either a family will be able to adopt her before she is transferred, or that the institution she will be sent to is a decent

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-6546758595342267142011-03-22T09:34:00.000-04:002011-03-22T09:34:41.875-04:00

As my husband informed me yesterday, my blog isn't very aesthetically pleasing :-)  One night I was playing around with the format and just never got back to it.  Plus I'm not that tech savvy.  I don't speak HTML ;-)  So, hopefully I'll get it decent looking soon!  Just thought I'd say that!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-25130603878689557322011-03-21T10:18:00.000-04:002011-03-21T10:18:26.680-04:00

Today is March 21.  3-21.  For those of you not familiar with Down syndrome, DS occurs when there is a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome, instead of two.  Hence, that's why today is World Down Syndrome Day! Our special daughter has changed our lives and opened our eyes. We love Darya so much!  If only people could get past the preconceived ideas of having a child with Down syndrome and see the pure

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-27675624089426847442011-03-19T22:23:00.002-04:002011-03-19T22:27:22.983-04:00

An orphan ministry blog I read recently posted about a young woman who has lost contact with her siblings who were adopted by an American family a few years back. She so desperately wants to find them and reconnect!  Her parents are dead and her brothers and sisters are gone.  She is a young woman, aged out of the Ukrainian orphanage system, living on her own.  What joy it would bring her to hear

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-53548950156155480812011-03-18T13:56:00.000-04:002011-03-18T13:56:31.891-04:00

I'm very excited to now be serving Reece's Rainbow as their "New Family Liaison".  Reece's Rainbow has grown exponentially in the past 5 years since it was founded by Andrea Roberts.  I wanted to give back a little to what RR has done for us (helping us bring our treasured daughter home), so I asked Andrea if I could volunteer my time in any way.  (She works 70+ hours a week, so if I could help

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-28639579665554663402011-03-15T15:59:00.000-04:002011-03-15T15:59:22.143-04:00

Reece's Rainbow works hard to raise funds for the adoption grants for special needs orphans. There are many wonderful families willing and hoping to adopt a child with Down syndrome (or other special needs), but the main obstacle between them and the orphans is that thing called money.  Many families are just good ole middle class folks without hefty bank accounts who have stepped out in faith to

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-46169884502050871752011-03-06T21:03:00.001-05:002011-03-06T21:05:04.158-05:00

This is a cute video of Joel tossing Darya up in the air.  I love her contagious laugh!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-47366568617240082202011-02-28T09:54:00.000-05:002011-02-28T09:54:08.912-05:00

This slide show is from an organization called Bible Orphan Ministry in Ukraine that ministers to children in several orphanages in Ukraine.  Please take the time to look at these beautiful children. They represent just a few of the faces of orphans around the world.  My heart is really heavy this week for the two girls I posted about a couple of days ago.  I don't want them to end up a statistic

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-54864538090181043442011-02-27T13:54:00.000-05:002011-02-27T13:54:05.799-05:00

Six years ago my third child was born.  Nathanael Joseph Fick.  Or you can just call him Nate-Nate :-)  He was our "pleasant surprise" and God knew we needed him in our lives.  I cannot imagine life without him! Those twinkling blue eyes, that freckled nose, and that mischievous smile make this mama's heart melt.  He is  our dramatic one, and I like to think it was due to the fact that he was

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-1000059081755390092011-02-25T14:36:00.002-05:002011-02-25T15:09:19.728-05:00

I'm not talking about that book series on the rapture, I'm talking about the children in Darya's orphanage.  When we saw all those precious children who knew no other home outside the orphanage gates, it was hard not to be broken hearted for them.  It is hard to forget them. To leave them behind.  Many of them seemed to be happy children, unaware that in a short while, their lives were going to

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-60010287835157756212011-02-25T10:12:00.000-05:002011-02-25T10:12:42.722-05:00

It all started off as "therapy", but ended up in a chocolaty mess!  Darya's speech therapist suggested giving Darya something like pudding to help her learn how to self-feed. It's soft, but firm enough to stay on a spoon without dripping off.  That is, if she decided to actually use her spoon!  So, last night after dinner I gave her some chocolate pudding.  I fed her a couple of spoonfuls to whet

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-88913177842882448762011-02-23T15:34:00.002-05:002011-02-23T16:54:16.506-05:00

Yes, Darya loves her mama and she adores her brothers, but she is DEFINITELY a daddy's girl.  She always gives Joel the "kiss me" face! Here are a couple of sweet pictures of them together, one from the orphanage and one at the beach in California. Aren't they sweet together? Check out this sweet video of them from Joel's blog. Darya loves to sing and do the hand motions!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-88824179974848507892011-02-21T20:54:00.001-05:002011-03-02T22:52:07.385-05:00

I was scrolling through the pictures on my phone and saw this one taken just a few days after we got home in October: And here's one from today (notice her hair is getting longer): Isn't she beautiful?  

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-3683437041649507262011-02-19T22:12:00.000-05:002011-02-19T22:12:35.970-05:00

I certainly get no blogger of the year awards for my lack up updating on here, do I? :-)  But oh my, time has flown these past four months that Darya's been home with us!  She is just blossoming and thriving and living life, and keeping us on our toes! Here are a few random tidbits about her: * She's put on over 6 pounds * She loves lasagna! * She hates bananas (unless they're mushed up in her

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-41058102965590431022011-02-11T13:53:00.001-05:002011-02-11T13:54:32.429-05:00

....I'm not quite sure, but I do know that she looooves the piano!  Sam was trying to practice piano this morning, when his little sister wanted her turn.  Being the sweet big brother that he is, he happily obliged the little princess.  (Pardon the video quality, it was on my cell phone).  Enjoy! P.S. I know it's been over a month since I updated, but I will soon!  We had a wonderful time

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-9350843309782494272011-01-08T08:36:00.000-05:002011-01-08T08:36:12.115-05:00

That's how much weight Darya has put on in three months! I took her to the pediatrician yesterday.  She's had these little red dots all over her body, and several times little areas that have red pinpoint dots.  I was almost certain it was petechiae (which could be an early indication of leukemia). This worried mother was so relieved to find out that it was only eczema!  The boys have had eczema

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-89261585649893961802011-01-06T14:51:00.000-05:002011-01-06T14:51:57.652-05:00

Has it really been 3 months since Darya came home???  Wow!!  Yes, time has flown, but mostly it feels like she's always been a part of our family.  My heart just overflows with love for my little girl :-) Each day she amazes me.  She is walking everywhere now. She is learning new signs and surprises me with what she remembers and understands.  She signs: more, eat, all done, down, bath, ball,

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-77533611174666426992011-01-06T14:35:00.000-05:002011-01-06T14:35:27.323-05:00

Caring for the orphans didn't stop with our adoption of Darya into our family.  The desire to continue to serve "the least of these" has been on my heart continually.  It's a feeling I can't brush off.   If you have followed my blog for a little while, you may remember my post that while in Ukraine, I had the opportunity to visit the older girls' invalid institute where Darya would likely have

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-39919599941918731292010-12-27T21:32:00.002-05:002010-12-27T21:32:49.632-05:00

Check out this video of Joel and Darya playing their new game: http://strangedetergent.tumblr.com/post/2436708211/daryas-new-game

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-63013965346961345182010-12-23T16:55:00.003-05:002010-12-23T17:32:20.636-05:00

I have failed miserably at staying on top of blog posts. I assure you, we are alive and well.  Darya is alive and well and wonderful!  I suppose, just like everyone else, life is just plain ole busy.  With homeschooling, never-ending laundry, cleaning, doctor appointments, and everything else I've just put blog posts on the back burner.  I've hardly had time to brush my teeth before noon (so

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-69080885068451705632010-12-16T08:58:00.001-05:002010-12-16T09:00:12.312-05:00

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Ben's fundraiser!!  I think he had hoped to raise about $20 for his ABC-shells, but he raised $665 ($165 from the Chip-in, and someone else sent in a $500 check)!!!  I am so proud of my son and his tender little heart, and so grateful to all of those who donated.  We're praying that sweet little Carlene, who turns five this month, will get a family quickly

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-13049832445879822102010-12-08T13:58:00.009-05:002010-12-08T18:01:22.760-05:00

The other night, Ben, our 7 year old son came to me in tears.  His heart was broken for the orphans.  The reality of life for orphans, of children just like him, just hurt his tender heart.  He wanted to help, but didn't think he could do anything since he's only a 7 year old kid. He was feeling utterly inadequate and helpless.  I comforted him the best I could and reminded him of Darya's amazing

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-17996981977777441032010-11-26T16:41:00.000-05:002010-11-26T16:41:44.574-05:00

Yesterday, our 19 pound turkey celebrated her first Thanksgiving!  I can't even describe how thankful I am for this little girl in my life.  She is a treasure who is loved more than she'll ever know!  We had a great day yesterday and had a young family from church spend the day with us.  We stuffed ourselves with Joel's delicious feast (he's got his Thanksgiving recipes perfected), relaxed, and

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-65993556022670022872010-11-23T14:43:00.002-05:002010-11-23T15:03:15.350-05:00

Here are a few random videos which probably correspond to some of the snapshots I've posted. Enjoy! She loves her fridge DJ from Kirra and Carl! Our little gymnast with her brothers cheering her on One of the best $1 garage sale investments was this piano.  She loves it!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-90594074108880757132010-11-22T20:29:00.003-05:002010-11-23T14:19:52.583-05:00

It's been a while since I've really updated about Darya. Sorry about that!  I've had good intentions on updating, but you know how that goes.... Anyway, she is doing great!  I don't even know where to begin.  We are enjoying having her in our family and we think she feels the same :-)  She has really warmed up to her brothers and will give them her "kiss me" face (lips puckered, chin up in the

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-13221909277757685172010-11-12T19:12:00.001-05:002010-11-12T19:13:28.622-05:00

Today we decided to take a break from the busy-ness of our lives to spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach.  We packed pb&j's, loaded up the minivan, and drove an hour west to the quaint fishing town of Cedar Key.  The weather was absolutely perfect with the warm Florida sunshine and cool Gulf breezes. The boys brought shovels to dig (to search for pirate gold perhaps?) and Darya enjoyed every

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-51701469188996349692010-11-08T21:02:00.000-05:002010-11-08T21:02:04.217-05:00

Darya's my little sidekick.  But when it comes to eating, let's just say it's been a battle.  Some meals she eats fine, but usually she puts up a fight (though she drinks liquids just fine).  A couple of weeks ago, Joel and I asked to have Darya's number twos tested for parasites. Our pediatrician didn't think she needed to be tested because she wasn't having any diarrhea, but alas for our peace

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-83382458777539199662010-11-05T20:15:00.003-04:002010-11-05T20:21:13.208-04:00

I am so excited for the Ray family!!  A friend of mine from high school, Shelly, has been following our adoption journey of Darya.  She and her husband have decided to commit to their very own precious Reece's Rainbow child, Micah!!  I am just so excited for them as they embark on their own adoption journey.  They have five children, 1 boy and 4 girls and are excited to be adding another boy to

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-23232419162971799192010-10-29T20:14:00.002-04:002010-10-29T20:16:09.734-04:00

Congratulations to Andrea Roberts of Reece's Rainbow for being People Magazine's Hero of the Year!!  In just 4 years, this amazing woman has found homes for hundreds of orphaned children with Down syndrome and other disabilities around the world.  Had it not been for Reece's Rainbow, Darya would not have been in our lives, and we cannot imagine life without our precious daughter.  We are so

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-35641275755741422262010-10-28T13:23:00.002-04:002010-10-28T14:38:44.890-04:00

On our way to Darya's cardiologist appointment this morning, I played a little U2 to get the day started.  Apparently Darya is a fan!  Okay, she just likes any music. And mirrors. And when you give her both, here's what happens, but of course safety first - this was taken at a red light ;-) Her cardiologist appointment went well. She will just go for follow-up appointment in 6 months, then

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-83842022429373671482010-10-27T20:39:00.003-04:002010-10-27T20:52:44.219-04:00

I can't believe it's been almost a week since I updated.  The days are full and good in our house.  I've started up homeschooling again and trying to get into that routine after being off for the past 4 months.  It's going well, slowly but surely :-)  We are falling more and more in love with Darya each day. What's not to love?? She has got us wrapped around her pudgy little fingers :-)  As far

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-80372290116466391892010-10-21T22:12:00.002-04:002010-10-21T22:15:34.565-04:00

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since we flew home. Sorry for the lack of updates as we've just been busy and adjusting to life with the princess.  But considering she has been removed from the only home she has ever known, traveled across the world, and is now in a house with unfamiliar people who speak another language, she is doing really well!  Really, she is!  The first few days (week) were a

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-45876216506233685372010-10-19T19:17:00.001-04:002010-10-19T19:21:02.107-04:00

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-20956869210749594812010-10-17T16:35:00.000-04:002010-10-17T16:35:57.288-04:00

Darya and her new friend, Naomi, showed up in almost identical outfits at church this morning.  I just know they're gonna be good friends :-)

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-70228727526699340592010-10-15T10:35:00.002-04:002010-10-15T11:34:53.479-04:00

Darya is amazing and adjusting wonderfully to life with a family. She has bonded well with Joel and me and is warming up to her big brothers (though she smacks them if they get too close to her face!).  She is a great sleeper, loves bath time, and enjoys being outside.  She is a snuggle-bug and loves lovin' on us.  She is thriving and learning so fast....so much potential in such a little peanut!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-35461178831224550902010-10-11T19:58:00.001-04:002010-10-11T19:58:56.625-04:00

I took these photos of Darya on my phone this evening and just love them. They just seem to catch her sweetness so well! The weather was absolutely beautiful and Darya loved exploring on our front lawn and picking at the grass.  In the meantime Joel and the boys played some football on the road.  A family from church, the Germeroths, stopped by to bring us some dinner (Darya loved the

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-60554875354818603202010-10-11T06:29:00.005-04:002010-10-11T06:42:27.354-04:00

I've been awake for about an hour now while everyone else is blissfully asleep in this house.  Aaah, the nice quiet morning!  I should hopefully be adjusted to the jet lag in a day or two and will probably be woken up by 4 alarm clocks from here on out :-)  Darya seems to be doing very well as she's been asleep for over 9 hours already. As I already mentioned the travel home was long and tiring

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-86113932839409112572010-10-09T16:05:00.000-04:002010-10-09T16:05:44.385-04:00

After about 27 hours of travel time we made it home at last!  We left our apartment in Kiev at 4:00am Friday morning (11:00pm Thursday Florida time) and pulled into our driveway in Gainesville, Florida at almost 2:00am Saturday morning. Darya was a trooper (did better than me!).  We are tired but doing very well.  It is so good to be home!!!  Countless hours of paperchasing and dreaming for this

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-82425307612975719092010-10-08T18:48:00.001-04:002010-10-08T18:55:35.101-04:00

We have been up for almost 24 hours and are now at the Charlotte, NC airport waiting for our final flight into Florida ("only" a 7 hour layover!). Once we exited the international terminal after passing through customs, Darya is officially an American citizen! As much as I loved Ukraine, it feels so good to be home on this side of the Atlantic. It will be so nice to be home tonight as a whole

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-7635828060517768202010-10-07T14:42:00.000-04:002010-10-07T14:42:22.062-04:00

Our flights were originally scheduled for Sunday but since I got Darya's visa today, Eldon at Golden Rule worked some of his magic and we are flying back home tomorrow!!!  We will have a hefty layover in Charlotte, NC (7 hours!) but that means we will be home 2 days sooner.  We were re-routed and arrive into Jacksonville, FL, where we will be greeted by Joel and the boys!  I cannot wait!! I

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-75272932025214619112010-10-07T05:59:00.001-04:002010-10-07T14:32:59.155-04:00

Okay, I have a few minutes before I leave to my second US Embassy appointment.  Let me give a quick synopsis of the happenings since Gotcha Day: Tuesday: Went to the orphanage to bust Darya out.  I got to play with her as usual during visiting hours, then they took her away to feed her some lunch.  While they were feeding her, I went into the director's office to sign some final paperwork.  I

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-53454827856665305602010-10-06T14:06:00.000-04:002010-10-06T14:06:39.967-04:00

I'm sorry for the short post again, but just wanted to let you all know that we are doing great.  We arrived in Kiev this morning on the overnight train from Odessa.  I got to snuggle with Darya on her first night away from the orphanage on a tiny train bed (bench, really) but we were both so happy to be together!  My sister has been a godsend and I am so thankful for her help here. I'll will

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-58860604555408108242010-10-05T08:01:00.001-04:002010-10-05T08:01:54.562-04:00

I'm about to leave to finish up some more paperwork, but I'll leave you with a few photos.  I'll update later when I can.  Darya and I are both walking on air!! Saying Goodbye forever to the orphanage! McDonald's - "I'm Lovin' It!" Too cute!!

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-55526051808012927262010-10-03T01:18:00.001-04:002010-10-03T01:19:53.447-04:00

The 10 day wait period is over.  In fact today (Sunday) marks 11 days from court when we could technically bust Darya out of the orphanage for good. But alas that's just not going to happen today.  In fact, it won't happen until Tuesday.  Here's the tentative plan for this week: Monday: Get the court decree and close Darya's bank account (all orphans have a bank account with money deposited from

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-35237431968032602142010-10-01T01:26:00.001-04:002010-10-01T01:28:45.201-04:00

My sister Janene arrived safely in Odessa yesterday (Thursday).  It is so great to have her here!!  She arrived just in time to go to the afternoon orphanage visit.  Let's just say that Aunt Nene (pronounced knee-knee) loves her new little niece!  I am so thankful for Janene to be here to help me take Darya home.   Oh, and boy does Darya like music, and she's got some good moves to go with it!  

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902055547227286369.post-38506643548447457742010-09-29T05:22:00.007-04:002010-09-29T05:49:26.327-04:00

This morning, rather than making my usual visit to the orphanage to see Darya, I decided to take the morning off.  A couple of reasons being that the Parkers have court and I didn't want to go with another driver than the one we have (and risk my life!) since Lydia would be driving them (we usually carpool to the orphanage).  Also, my stomach has been a tad achy (too much chocolate and gelato

Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04957874695552763609noreply@blogger.com14