History

Thursday, March 23, 2006 5:48 AM CST

Hello everyone I am home safe and sound after a very very long trip. Jack and Ava are not home. Things got slow again after court. She became Ava Natasha Biriouk ,but the adoption records have not been released from the court. Jack thought is was best that he stay their to try to hurry thing up. He thought if he left they would dilly dally aroung even longer. The 2 of them are eager to come home. And we are all eager as well. I will try to keep the site updated. bye for now.

Saturday, March 18, 2006 10:58 AM CST

Things are a bit better. I was glad to talk to my kids and friends and family. We were promised to go to court on Monday morning and I have gotten a ticket for that afternoon and will be in GR on Tuesday. Ava is excited, we practiced some english today.I am sure it will come,just like Kelton. Ava has been in our Apt for the last 4 days so that is good. Tonight we took her to see the movie Pink Panther. She and Jack laughed like crazy. Me well it was all in Russian, but Steve Martin is funny in any language. We are working hard on getting the papers translated for her passport that we will try to get as soon as we can after court. The soon the papers all get done and turned in the sooner her and dad will be home. A big thank you to uncle Scott he set us tons of papers we needed via the internet so we hope they will help. Big hugs and kisses to you all we suer do miss the kids. I am glad to hear they are all doning good. Bye for now we will see you soon. God willing.

Thursday, March 16, 2006 9:34 AM CST

HELP !! We thought thing were moving, but just when you think good is going to happen, bad hits 2 times harder. I need to talk to someone from home. Court has been postponed until Monday now. All I can do is cry. This country is so messed up. The only thing this country has done for us is give us 3 great kids. It has been rough. But we know once Ava is home all will be good. I need to stay a little bit longer. Please help us with our other kids I feel so out of control and leaving all of this work to you my family and friend is more than i can thank you all. Well Ava is happy to be with us again tonight and we are thankful she can be with us,she is also happy to be missing school. Oh well, she will get plenty of school at home. We love and MISS MISS MISS our kids please call them and let them know. Mommy is having a rough time without them. Love hugs and big kisses.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006 12:43 AM CST

Ava is with us again all day today. We took her for a long car ride to a neighboring city to visit 2 girls we met in the summer. We had a few gifts for them from us and some other Americans. They were both very excited to see us. The 1st words out of their mouths sadly was"are you taking us to America" we said with tears in our eyes that right now we can't but we are trying or hardest to find you a mommy and daddy that can. After all of the tears we had a good time giving them the gifts and we were able to get some photos and share a snack with their entire group. Today it was colder and a bit snowy. I cant wait for the sun to come out and stay out. Ava is well and we agree that she will need to put on a few pounds. She will spend the night with us tonight so we can get her cavities filled(she has 2)it is quite a bit cheaper here than the states. Jack and I went and he had a few fillings and i had one of my old ones fixed and it was 90.00 total for the both of us.That also included a root canal fix up that was done to me in the summer. This was a new dentist office and it was great.Not like the horrid place i went to on the other trip.We were planning on court to be Thursday but today we found 1 document with the names mixed up so that is going to delay us a day. We hope no longer!!! I am so sorry for putting all of you that are helping us in a jam, but we really do appreciate all that you are doing for us. I can't stop worring about the kids at home. Please give them all big hugs and kisses. I told Sofia I was only going for a few days, I hope she is keeping busy not to miss me. She was pretty serious about me being gone to long. School should be keeping the others busy.Maghen still needs a job so if any of you know of one,please call her. Every day the excitment grows for Ava. I try to tell her stories about America and our family. She seems to understand a lot and I am teaching her as much english as I can. It is nearly 1am and daddy and Ava are sleeping, so i will close for now. Love and miss you. Ps someone can call Lucinda and fill her in and Grandma Berry too. I know those two can't get to a computer. LOVE YOU

Tuesday, March 14, 2006 11:46 AM CST

We are thinking that court will be on Thursday. We finished up on some paper work that we needed and we met with one of the court officals who told us what to expect. Ava is a little scared for court because she must speak to the judge and tell him why she wants to be our daughter, we have to do pretty much the same thing too. We will be working on our speeches tomorrow with her. Ava was with us today going around town to all the Gov. offices to help get paper around. She skipped school and will skip tomorrow too.It is better that she can hang out with us for the whole day,not just the 2 hours given for visitation. The nurse gave her a quick check-up she is 5ft 7 and 84lbs. Everything else checked out ok. We miss you all and are excited about getting home. I looks like Ava will spend 2 more weeks after court getting her passport and adoption records together, then we will see if one of us has to return for her or if she will be escourted home. The last few days have been very busy,with papers and dentist appts for myself daddy and Ava. She has 2 cavities we will get fixed here while she is waiting to come home. It has been ok weather durning the day but the evenings are cold cold cold. Thanks to all of you who extended their helping hands to us by continuing to watch over our kids, we can't thank you enough. We have plenty to worry about here and knowing that things are good at home is a huge relief. Love and miss you all bye
PS Ava got 2 more holes in her ears"just like mamas" were her words

Sunday, March 5, 2006 7:58 PM CST

I made it without any troubles. My hubby on the other hand, did not make it to the airport to get me so I waited by myself for him. Things are going SLOW and we have not gone to court yet. Everything in this country seem to go really slow. The great thing about this country is Ava Natasha. I was very excited to see her and spent the time crying. Everything is going good but just slow. I will not be home on the 14th as planned but I hope to be home quickly afer that. Today is Saturday and we are luckey enough to have Ava in our apt. with us. We took her bowling for her first time and did very good for a beginner. Ava is very excited to meet all of you and we can't wait to show her off to you. The visits all are going good and we are just waiting for the court to inform us us the date. Thanks to all of you who are helping with our other children, we can't thank you enough. We hope to post regularly so please check in. Bye for now. We send big hugs and kisses to our kids. Hey Maghen did you hear anything about MC Dermits baby? I am anxious to know, also you need to call us more. Love mom dad and Ava.

Wednesday, March 1, 2006 1:37 PM CST

Jack met up with another American couple in Kaz. It is actually a lady that we have e-mailed before. I guess Jack over heard them speaking english then it clicked to whom they were. Visits are still going good. Jack and Natasha are planning to watch a video on the computer and today he gave some money to Natashs and her group of girls so they could stop after school for ice cream and Julia needs a hair cut.The weather has gotten warmer, Jack was to hot in his winter coat ,so he went to the market and bought something lighter for 7.00$. Our coordinator says that things are going well, Jack thinks thing are moving too slow. He ia very anxious to be done and get home. The rest of us at home want them to be home too. Nothing to exciting to write about lately, I hope jack will be sending some new photos soon. Bye

Monday, February 27, 2006 8:23 PM CST

Well Jack is home sick, he is complaining that the evenings after visitation go so long without anyone with him. We all know that will change once he gets home. Me, on the other hand would love a few days of alone time. What a job it is at home without him. OK when jack left we had decided on the name Ava for Natashas middle name,but it sounds like all the girls in her group took a vote and want her to be Ava Natasha so we are going to leave it up to her until the final papers have to be signed(i think she will go Ava) we will let you all know when she is officially our daughter. Three friends of our are going to meet Jack in Kaz on Wednesday. I am jealous that they will see my new daughter before me. They are going with their bags packed with so many thing that the kids really need. I am excited for them to get there. Natasha seems to ask more and more questions every day she is so happy to be having a family and all of you great friends to support her and us too. Thanks again. We are still keeping her bedroom a surprise to her, even though she tries to get hints from dad. Jack says you can see the sadness in her friends faces as time goes on because they all know that she is leaving them for a family. SO now my plea is to all of you that NEED TO ADOPT these girl. They are great girls who would be fantastic in anyones family and the families of your friends or your friends friends,you get the idea.Please spread the word. I will contines to post some pictures and you all continue to follow along. Thanks again. Steph and Jack and Natasha

Friday the 24th of Feb

Things are still going good. The visits with Natasha are fun. Jack tries to stay as long as he can without getting in trouble. All the girls love spending time with him.(me too)Some of the documents are starting to come together, we were a little scared about a certian document that needed to come from Natashas Bio mother, but it appears that everything is under control. Jack is enjoying a nice dinner at the home of Keltons teacher tonight. He was able to pass out some gifts and catch her up on Keltons great progress. He is to far away from Stella town so he won't be able to send anything there. Everyday Natasha is filled with great joy and ton of excitement. I know that you all will fall in love with her right away like we did. I can tell you for sure, she needs some FAT ON HER BONES. I have plenty to give her. The girls did ask for M&M's and Snickers and icecream. Jack explained that those are all of our favorit food groups too. I sure miss my hubby and am happy to know that so many of you are following along . Jack and Natasha send bigs hugs and kisse as so do I.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 9:59 AM CST

Jack had his first offical visit with Natasha today. She was soooooo very happy to see him. He said she is still to skinny and her hair looked great(she got it colored a bit and cut when he was their in Nov.) His visiting time will be 5pm until 7pm every day. Natasha gets out of school at 2:30p and then has some after school activity then they can eat dinner together. Jack said today's visit was shared with a lot of girls from her gruop. He also was over come with all the kids in the dining room,because he has made so many friends. Their are so many wonderful OLDER children that need homes so spread the word. The rest of his night he will spend at the apartment going through his luggage.Yes luggage, it ALL arived safe and sound. I will call him later to help him remember who all the gifts are for. I was able to speak with Natasha on the phone. I was a bit teary eyed when she said hello ma-ma how are you? she sounds very excited and happy. We will work hard on that english,she has "OK" and "YES" down pat. Well tyhanks for following along. Jack intends on sending me photos tomorrow. bye

Monday, February 20, 2006 7:16 PM CST

Jacks flight did not get in to Nasasha's city until evening,so he was unable to see Natasha today(Mon). She still does'nt know he is in town. He will go the the city office in the am. to get the offical permit that will allow him to start the visitation.He spent some time with some of the friends we made while we were their on our last trip.He also got settled into his apt. He says it a nice one. Still no news on luggage.We did not talk much,he needed to get some sleep. I will post more as it comes in to me.

Mon 02-20-06 Kaz time

Jack made it to Kaz after spending the night in Amsterdam. He said it is a beautiful place and wants to take me back to see it. Maybe when the last kids leaves the nest(HA HA HA) The weather is a lot better there now. A few weeks ago Natasha said it was 40-50 below 0. I am glad that has changed. Jack is planning on leaving Almaty later today and he is headed to UST- where Natasha is, OH he will be going with no luggage. I guess it also liked Amsterdam. The airline said it hopes to have it to him by Tuesday. At least me(THE WIFE) put clothes in his carry on along with his tooth brush, deorderant ,hair goo, etc... you get the point.
It would be a shame if the luggage does not get their because the rest of the bags are filled with things for the kids and the orphanages he plans to visit while their.
I am sitting at home so excited for him to see Natasha again. Jack plans on calling me on the cell as soon as he sets his eyes on her. He promised me he would get lots of pictures so I can share them with everyone. Please pray for his safety,thanks for reading. xoxoxoxoStephanie.

Saturday Feb.18th 2006

This trip will be a little different. Jack has left to start the 2 week visitation period(even though we already have are hearts set on Natasha) it is the law. And I am home with the other 5 kids for now.If thing go the way we hope and plan, I will fly in to Almaty, then take another flight to Ust-Kaminagorst(Natashas city) at the end of the visitation for the court hearing. Jack will be calling or e-mailing me with all the info we will be filling this site with. We hope that all of you will share this great time with us. His flight from Amsterdam to Kaz was canclled due to the plane not arriving so he is spending the night in a hotel in Amsterdam until Sunday afternoon. He will then be arriving in Kaz on Monday am. not Sun.

Thursday, July 7, 2005 10:45pm Kaz time

Boo Hoo Hoo it looks like jack will be coming home without me and the kids. Please pray for his safty as we learned that the terrist awareness level for U.S. transits has been elevated. I am upset as it is,now I have to worry about this. We did not do much today.Jack was on the phone alot trying to see what could be done. He gave the hotel people the info. about me being here and not speaking a lot of Russian. Our waitress will just bring the same food every day so I don't have to worry if I am eating someones horse or not.We should do OK when it is buffet,and Stella is doing baby food.
It was over 100 degrees again today. Hot hot hot. I hope to spend a lot of time at the pool. Stella can sit in her stroller and watch. We did meet a nice family who does not speek english but has a boy Keltons age so they can play.
Hey kids daddy is really excited to hug and kiss you. He really misses you all. He is kind of sad to leave mommy so be sure to take care of him. Maghen maybe have a Starbucks ready for him, they have that at the airport.
Jack is taking the computer home so this will be my last message. We love and miss you all. We can't wait to see you.

I LOVE YOU MOMMY

Wednesday, July 6, 2005 10:10pm Kaz time

We made it to Almaty! Kelton loved the air plane,he was amazed that we could eat and go potty all on the plane. The plane we were in was quite small we told him that the plane to America will be even bigger and that we will be able to watch TV, now all he talks about is the big big plane to America. He is telling everyone.
We took a beautiful ride up to the mountians. They are huge. It was 100 degrees today and the mountians are still covered in snow. We went into a natural spring and it was freezing our feet.We are staying at some kind of resort. It has a pool,tennis courts,pool tables and all of our meals are included. So far it has been nice,but not as nice as home. We are truly home sick now. We never imagined that we would have to be here this long.
It looks like Jack will be coming home on Friday the 8th and I will be staying with the kids in Almaty for the passports and US embassy appointments.It will be a huge miracle if we get to come home together.I think I can handle it here,I know it won't be to long before we are home with you all.
Stella is well, I think she is getting a tooth on the top.Sofia, Stella is not a swimmer. You will have to show her that the pool is fun. I put her in the pool here and she cries. Kennedy,Kelton swam with a ring and wants to show you when we get home.
Maghen when did you say the basketball thing with Josh is?
I hope it is not the same time as we are coming home.
Hey mom, I forgot to ask you about paying the house payment. Did you? If not,all the info is in my spot at the desk.Thanks for all the letters. Keep praying hard for us.We miss you and love you all.xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Saturday July 2 10:30 am Kaz time

We were able to get Kelton around dinner and it was sad for us and him to say good bye. We all were a bit teary eyed. Kelton had been their for 5 yrs. He was very excited about everything. The car, the people the traffic lights everything is new. He has never left the orphanage grounds. We went to a local resturant for dinner, Kelton ate and ate and ate and even asked to finish other peoples food. It this resturant they had a play area simlilar to Mc Donalds and Kelton had a great time. Stella on the other hand cried from all the excitement. We arrived back to our apt. late.Kelton said everything is so beautiful and that our bed and tub were so big.
If he thinks its big here he will be very supprised in America.We told him our bed and tub are bigger in America.
We got the kids into bed and went to sleep too.
We are waiting to hear about our travel plans home. I hope to hear on Monday. And we hope that the word is good.
Hello to everyone and thank you.xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
mom dad Kelton and Stella

Thursday June 30 9:00pm Kaz time

Today was a good day. We went to court a 9:30 am and it lasted about an hour.Kelton Ruslan Biriouk became our son today forever. Things went smooth. Not quite as smooth as they did with Stella,but OK. We will need to sign some court documents on Friday morning then when we go to the orphanage to visit Kelton will be able to leave with us. Keltons orphanage had some bikes so they were in need of new carpet for the kids indoor play area and the room had only one light when it was supose to have four. We hope it was OK to use some of the $ intended for bikes to buy carpet and lights?
The workers and the children were all very excited. They were doing cartwheels on the new carpet as soon as we laid it.
We are greatful to all of you who have been so helpful while we are away. We are hoping for speedy children passports and immigration papers so we can get home. The weekend will slow us a little but we have waited this long,I guess a few more days won't kill us.
Oh what did nearly kill me was the 3 root canals I had to have. NOT WHAT I WANTED TO DO IN KAZ. The good thing was the cost. Talk about cheap.
We are no sure when we will be leaving this apartment and heading to the capital city. We may not have any internet access,but will try our best to keep you informed. Love and miss you all. Mom and Dad

PS Jack said to me today about 100 times.... can you believe we have 5 kids? is'nt it great?

Friday, June 24, 2005 10:30pm Kaz time

Today I had to go to the dentist. Half of a filling came out and I could not handle the toothache. What an experience. It sure is not like home. I have to go back on Tuesday to have it finished. I am not looking forward to it. Today the President of Kaz came to town and he will be here a few days. This President event means that all the Gov. agencies close down too! We did not hear anything about court yet, but our facilitor says thing are going well. I sure hope it will be as smooth as Stellas.
Stella is good,although she is getting acustomed to being handled all the time so she has learned to cry when she is put down or when we leave the room.Kelton is learning the names of our kids. Every day he wants to see the album we brought,he can't wait to get to America.
Hey is anyone watering the flowers at our house? and how about the veggies growing in the pots on the deck?
Kennedy please try to be patient. We miss you very much too. You have to be good for nanny and understand that she is very busy taking care of everything. The more you can help her by being good, the better and faster the time will go.
Maghen I hope you are keepimg busy and staying out of trouble. No more sun burn. You will look old and wrinkled.
Don't get stressed about work or it will be a long summer.
Be good we love and miss you. Oh please try to tidy up the house.
Sofia we love and miss you. I hope you are being a big girl and going poopy on the potty for nanny. Your new baby sister wears diapers because she is a baby, so you will have to teach her to use the potty too.Daddy and I can't wait to see you.
Mom and Bruce thank you for this huge responsability. I know it is tough some days but we would rather be home than here believe me.
Hugs and kisses to you all.xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 11:09pm Kaz time

Things are going well,but slow. todays visit with Kelton went good. It is somtimes a little crazy with all the kids. We want to try to spend time alone as a family, but usually all the kids want to be with us. We did bubbles today and all the kids in the orphanage went crazy. The bubbles we did were the catchable ones so they went on and on forever. The kids thought they would go to the moon.
Today in our apt. I used the washer. It is teeny tiny and in the bathroom. The rinse water and soapy water has to drain into the tub. Well at least they are clean. After that I hung them all out on the line to dry. We made tuna sandwiches for dinner tonight and Stella did great on her baby food.
Kelton was saying his name as well as his brothers and sisters names today. I think he will catch on quickly. He is very eager to learn.We were able to find out more of his history today.Everything looks good in his file. It was in the 90's again today. I got some sun on my boobies from my v-neck shirt and Stella's cheeks look a little rosie.
We thank you again,I sound like a recording'but truly do mean it. Our love to you all.oxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoo
We miss and love yo Maghen Kennedy and Sofia

mom dad and stella

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 11:10pm Kaz time

Today went well,we met with Kelton at 10am and stayed and played past noon. All the children in Keltons group(10) all ask us to take them to America too. It is not easy to explain to 4,5 6,yr old kids why you can't take them all. I can see The sadness in Jacks face as he tries to explaine.
After the visit we went to lunch. I had a salad(beets)and pea soup(not like Grandmas,but good)and Jack had blini and cold soup made with root beer. It was yucky. Stella ate a jar of baby food (chicken and veggies) she ate it all but the texture made her gag on every bite.After lunch we headed to the bazar. Kelton was in desperate need of shoes. The kids wear what ever is available,and Kelton was in small PINK shoes that would not buckle.We got him some sandles that he can leave behind for someone else. We also got him some tennys.
The workers say he has been a bit wound up, so Jack had to disapline him a little. That is a good part about not knowing a lot of Russian.Daddy did it all. We brought the kids balls and sand toys. They have sand boxes, but no toys. Now they do.
Jack passed out apricots to the kids and Kelton ripped his in 2 and said here mama. He really is catching on.
We will be handing out the gifts we brought from America tomorrow, so I am sure the group will be fired up. We will also be going to the orphanage that houses the older kids to hand out some things.
Stella jack and I are doing OK, we sure want to come home. We have no idea how much longer it will be. We miss you all.Thank you all for keeping in touch.Hug and kiss my kids for me, I sure miss them and miss them even more when we see all the beautiful children waiting for parents.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO love you Mom and Dad

PS Kennedy what do you think of your brother Kelton?
He asked to see all of the pictures of home again today.
He can say Stella Maghen Kennedy and Sofia

Monday, June 20, 2005 @11:05pm Kaz time

Well we need to wish all you dads Happy Fathers Day and let you know that your gift is that we have chosen a son or should I say he choose us. After a very long 10 hour bus ride on the worst road ever,we made it to this great city. We stopped briefly at our apartment then went to the orphanage. We knew Ruslan was ment to be a Biriouk right away. We will be naming him Kelton Ruslan Biriouk. His big brown eyes tell his whole story.We were lucky to meet him on Saturday and on Sunday Fathers Day we celebrated his 5th Birthday. Talk about great. We bought all the children ice cream and then held a special party for Kelton and his group. He right away called us mama and papa. It was the best gift he could of ever gotten. He already loves Stella and can't wait to meet his big brother Kennedy and sisters Maghen and Sofia.
The ladies comment in the orphanage that Stella looks like me and that Kelton looks like his daddy. We are EXTREMELY happy and are sure that you all will be too.
Kelton is a tiny ball of fire eager to learn. Dad had him saying some english words already. He really is a beautiful boy.
We found out some of his background today and he is healthy and smart. He was showing us cartwheels and how he can stand on his head and basketball and all sorts of crazy things. We will have daily visits with him. We can't wait. We showed him all the great pictures of our family friends and home and he is very excited and happy to be part of our family.
Now Stella, Stella is doing very well in freedom, she already has us wrapped around her finger. She is sleeping good and eating great. She is not to excited to eat solid food yet ,but we are taking it slow. Stella gets a small binki at night. Can you believe it? a binki at my house OH NO!!!! Dad and I can't wait to get home. It is very hard to be gone so long. Please continue to pray for our safe and quick return home. Thank you all for all that you are doing for us while we are gone. Cousin Blake, Kelton is a peanut and may have to borrow some of youe clothes.We are so excited for you all to meet our beautiful children, we have truely been blessed. ALL OUR LOVE
MOM AND DADoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
hey kids you better be being good!!!!!!!!!

Monday June 20 @ 11:05 pm Kaz time

Today was a super day for us. Stella became our daughter forever. The court hearing went very well. I was nervous but dad was cool and calm (I think he was scared to death)
Court lasted about 30 min. and then it was final. They waved the extended waiting period,so we will get Stella at about 10:00am on Friday. We have a few papers to sign then get her dressed and then she is free.
We went to the store tonight and got diapers and formula(that is somthing new for us)and we got some rice cereal and jars of fruit baby food. I brought a bottle and a sippy cup from home along with a spoon but on bowl. I will try to get one tomorrow.
After we get Stella we will be traveling about 7 hours to the other city where the boys are. We have a few selected to see so we hope to do it quickly.I hope Stella will be good for her first car ride. It will be a long one.
We will be getting a new hotel and we hope to have access to the internet so we can continue to keep you all updated.
Thank you all for your prayers they have been answered so far and we hope that they will continue to be answered.
We love and miss you all. Mom Dad and sister Stella

Wednesday 6-15-05 @6:21am Kaz Time

Thank you all for the messages. We look forward to reading them each day. We are blessed to have such great friends and family,and our new children will be blessed too.
Today was another hot hot hot day here. All the pictures of me are with no makeup and sweat pouring down my body. We can't wait to jump into Aunt Stacey's pool.
Todays visits with Stella went good. It gets harder and harder to leave her every day. These last few days before court are draging. Hey Sofia I saw your baby Stella get a bath last night and she was not as happy as you are to get one so we will have to show her how fun they can be with all the toys and bath paints.
Dad and I took a taxi to a good resturant(with air). We had a good meal. We bought a deck of playing cards to try to pass some of the long waiting time away. Jack taught me a Russian card game, and I beat him a few times.
We talked just breifly with our cordinator today about what will happen in and after court, so I hope and pray things will go smoothly.
We sure miss being home! Hey kids we hope you are being good. Maghen how was it at the Bensons and what movie did you go see? Kennedy it sounds like you will be a pro at fishing too! You will have lots of things to taech your new brother. Sofia I can't wait for you to hug and kiss your new baby Stella, she will just love being your little sister.
Thanks again to everyone for helping us make it through this great time in our lives. oxoxoxoxoxo Mom and Dad

Tuesday 6-14-05 1:10 am Kaz time

Dad is sleeping in front of the TV wich he can understand because everything is in Russian as for me,no. We will be going to court on Thursday 6-16-05 @5pm. We hope that things will go well and Stella will be released into or custody. She will become a Biriouk on that day but it is up to the judge to decide wether they will release her that day or if we will have to wait another 2 weeks.
The other good news is we got a list of some more boys available, we hope to go see them after court. At least we have narrowed it down so we can see the boys that fit what we are looking for. It is very tough for us when you see all of them at once,because we want them all. One of Stella friends is getting a mommy. We met her and got a few pics. Her boy and Stella are 3 days apart in age. He is older,but Stella is big like her mama. So many comment on how she looks like me and Maghen. The care takers say she was sent here from God just for us. They are true true true.
I hope all of you who read this will consider adopting. I can not believe how it has effected us. So many beautiful children need homes. I use to think that those families that have adoped like 20 kids were crazy(maybe they are) but our heart break so many times day day, we would love to take more.
This is the longest time my hubby and I have been alone together,and thing are going well. Reallly he is the only one I get to talk to that can understand me.
We sure miss you all. Take care Be good kids. Sofia please go poopy on the potty for me! We love you and miss being home.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Mom amd Dad

Sunday 6-12-05 7:38 am Kaz time

We once again had a good visit with Stella. In the morning she had not had her breakfast yet so we were able to feed her. The spoons they use are so big, but she likes to eat.She is truly a Biriouk. It was not as hot today, thank goodness. Jack and I both were feeling a little ill today. I think the heat and all the dirrerent smells and stress were catching up to us.
The last 2 nights while we vivited Stella the nurses have let us play with some of the other babies. We did bubbles and danced around like crazy people. We also got to do some bottle feeding.Is is like having 2 sets of quads. These nurses keep busy. As soon as they start feeding 1 they all want it and they let them know it.
Still keeping our fingers crossed about a son. Today is the day that the administrator is due back from her vacation,so hopfully tomorrow we will be able to talk with her. What a blessing it is to have Jack and his Russian. We don't have to rely on a translator.
Thanks for your continued prayers they are working, yesterday I told Jack I wanted Cheerios and he said good luck finding them and the next store we went into had one old box of them.He was surprised.
We send all of you our hugs and kisses. Hey Maghen Kennedy and Sofia we really miss you and love you

oxoxoxMom, Dad, and Stella

Friday 6-10-05 @ 6:35 am Kaz time

Todays entery will be smaller. I was tired and slept a little longer than usual. We can only use the internet between midnight and 7am, or it cost so much to do.
Anyway we got some more info on some more boys and we sat in bed last night going through them.
We had our daily lunch with oue new street friends. Today the sister showed up ,but no mom. We were hoping that she would show up. The sibiling group of three breaks my heart I could see them begging for money on the street before we showed up. They too like Stella, light up as soon as we are together.
We went to a new market square,and it is NO Meijers or Family Fare. Dad got some pics. or video. Here you can buy horse to eat GROSE i hearly died.

Stellas visit this morning was a little shorter, we had to stop by the court house and drop off paper work. Stella we full of giggles today. She must think we are crazy dancing around like we do.
All is well with us, I did pick up a little cold but will live. Jack is good and happy.
Thanks again foe all the great journal entries, we love and miss you all.

Thursday June 9 @ 6:30 am Kaz time

Thank you to you all for the great messages and all the prayers. We aslo want to thanks you for helping us purchase some bikes. One local stoe will take our credit card so we intend on doing it that way and then when we return to our wonderful home we will let those of you know the amount due, thanks again. We also saw some great skooters so we may get a few of those too.

Stella is doing fine today her face lite right up as soon as we saw her. She is starting to be full of giggles. We learned from the workers that she seems to be queen of the bunch. We can tell! She is strong willed and will give Sofia a run for her money.

Stella is about 30 inches tall and we think about 20 pounds, they do all kg. here and we not sure how to convert. The orphanage clothes that she has on says 9-12 mo
so I bought some of the same size.
Today after feeding the kids from the street we walked down by the river. It is so cute how they just strip down to their undies and run right in. Kennedy would you strip to your undies in front of tons of people on the beach?
I don't think so. We got them on video for you all to see when we get home.
Hey Mr. Kennedy daddy wants you not to be sad, you are a great swimmer and the more you practice the better you will be. Remember baseball? you were worried about not being good, and now you can hit the fence for awsome home runs.We are gelous that you get to swim. It has been record high temps here. Close to 100 and no pool or air.
Finally the cold shower does'nt bother us.
Thanks again for all the great messages for home. It make are day to read all your thought and hear all of your good wishes. You are very special friends and family and we miss you.
LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS AND KISSES Mom and Dad

Wednesday June 8, 2005 5:53 am Kaz time

It is hot! I sweat sweat sweat. We did get screens for the windows ,so we hope that having them open will cool it down. Jack and I got Kaz hair cuts, and the dearing soul that I am even got a color. I am daisy yellow. I will be going back in a few days for another treatment. The ladies were not sure how the color would take so I think it should of sat on longer. Oh well, It is not like I will be running into anyone at the store I know!We try to find thing to do between the 2 visits a day we have with Stella.
Stella Stella princeaballe as Sofia would say, is great.
We went outside in the morning and did bubbles. She is amazed at all the new experiences. We were also able to share our fun bubble time with several others. We have great video footage of all the kids going wild.
During or second visit we stayed inside. the nasty misquitos like my sweet blood. They are out 24/7 and they bite all the time. I am up to 38 bites. The repellent i have is crap. We will have to find something else.

We did review some more info on boys. One more glitch is that the head administrater is away for a summer break and no one else can help us right now.We will have to wait until the 12. So we will, we know it is ment to be that we find a son. Kennedy really will enjoy a brother.
We did some small shopping and had some great iced coffee. We also met up with the boys from the street. Today they had a 7yr old sister with them. We took them to a resturant for lunch. They were so excited when Jack told them where we were going. They each got a big pig in the blanket,macaronni with meat and veggies and cheese and a big glass of juice. We also gave them each a stick of gum.
The children were extremely greatful.I think Jack snapped a pic so we can show you all when we get home. Our hearts ache every day. Please continue to send us all of your kind words,prayers,and good wishes. We need them.
Hey kids we miss you very much and hope you are behaving.
We heard the weather was bad, I hope the tornado did'nt go through my house. Be good and we love you. oxoxo Mom & Dad

Tuesday June 7 2005 6:20 am Kaz Time

Good Morning our time. We want to wish nanny a huge Happy Birthday Maybe todays gift will be a Grandson. We sure love her for all the thing she has done for us and is continuing to do for us....papa too. Thanks to all of you for the great journal entries, keep them coming. It is the only english my ears hear. Tell Grandma and Grandpa Culp that I can watch reruns of CSI in Russian. It is OK because I know what is going to happen already.

We have tons of new pics of us, but we have not entered them into the computer yet, so tody will just be a new journal entry. Stella Stella Bobella, Went outside for the very first time today. Her eyes were open huge and we could almost hear her little brain working as she took in so many new experiences.The one negative thing is the huge number of misquitos. They had Stella in long sleeves and pants plus her little hat and some repellant,but as for daddy and I we were like and all you can eat buffet for misquitos. As i sit her typing, Jack is telling me not to iitch. I have 22 bites on my feet,legs ,arms. As you know me they all seen to swell up to the size of 50 cent pieces.

We got a little more info on some boys and met a few in person. They all call us mama&papa. To all of my friend who think that they would like to adopt, don't wait just do it. So many many beautiful kids. We got some wonderful pics to share with you all later. We even let the kids be in charge of the camera for a while. It may make you dizzy to watch, but it is great.

Back to Stella, we had 2 visits with her and we are trying to keep it that way. The more time the better. The nurses all say she knows her mama&papa already and that she was ment to be us from the beginning.
We ate dinner at a Georgian resturant that had 3 tables in some basement of an appartmant building. All the food was good. Jack had some really thick Turkisk coffe that would keep me up for a week.You think my coffee is strong?
wow it left sluge in the bottem of the cup.
We saw our street boys today. They try to meet us the same time each day for some lunch. Today after we fed them we walked to an icecream shop for a special treat. They are very polite and extremely greatful. Hey Kennedy we gave them a package of mighty beans to share, each boy got one bean and they think that they are awesome. We love and miss you all, thanks for all you are doing for us. Keep the prayers and good thoughts comming.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Mom and Dad

These extra kisses go to my super kids
Maghen, Kennedy and Sofia we love you and miss you tons
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxooxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxxooxoxoxooxx

Friday, June 3, 2005 7:41 PM CDT

Todays visit with Stella Julia went very well. She is starting to come out of her shell. We showed her the photo album of her new family and she nearly ripped the pages right out. When we tried to get away from her tiny hands she started to through an fit. It was great to hear her make some good noise, she usually is so quiet as are all of the children.

Still trying to find a new brother for Kennedy, this should hopefully be the weekend that it will happen. It has taken a while for us to locate children who fit the age and ethnic background we are looking for. Plus you need some special permit to enter into the orphanage,and it has taken a few days.We were sad to here that in these orphanages that the children have no bikes, the one boy we meet said he never even sat on one. We will be buying a few our self and we would like to purchase more with your help. Please let us know if you would be interested in helping us out. We know for sure that these children would really benefit.

The rest of our day was slow. We wanted to met with Stella 2 times, but they follow strict rules when it comes to the schedule of the babies. They do nap time like I do it in our house. In the city today thier was a big concert, so the streets were filled with people and police.
Thank you for all the great letters you all have written it passes the time away. Love you all xoxoxoxo

HEY KIDS WE LOVE A MISS YOU SO MUCH. eVERY TIME WE SEE THE FAcES OF THESE SWEET CHILDREN WE REMEMBER HOW BLESSED WE AER TO HAVE THE FACES OF OUR CHILDREN WAITING FOR US TO RETURN HOME.

Thanks to nanny and papa for all of your help. LOVE YOU

Thursday, June 2, 2005 5:45 PM CDT

I thought that my body was adjusted to the huge time difference but I guess I was wrong because I am writing this at 4am our time and have been wide awake for nearly an hour. Today our driver and his wife picked us up a few minutes early so we could go to the store and buy diapers for the orphanage. They will put a diaper on Stella when we meet with her because usually she has just eaten her breakfast and they don't want her to poop on us. It would'nt be the first time I have been pooped on.
I think Stella is starting to know us. She just gazes at our faces with her blue eyes and it melts our heart like butter. We sang and danced and did some exercises with her for nearly 2 hours. The visits seem to go by to quickly. It is hard to leave her knowing she won't get the same amount of attention as we give her.
We will be traveling to 1 more orphanage to see some more boys, they will be more of the age that we requested.
We are still considering the older boy I wrote about previously,but want to be sure we make the right decission for our family.
On a more sad note, Jack and I were approched by to young boys on the street begging for food. Talk about heart breaking. Jack spoke to them awhile as we bought them milk and some bread and some doughnuts. We even let them choose the doughnuts they wanted. They were very excited and not affraid of us at all. They told us they were 10&11 and that their mother was at home with no work and no food.
We asked them to wait for us as we went back to our hotel to get them a gift. I unloaded some of the few thing that we intended to give at the orphanage. We gave them each a hat,matchbox car,gum and they needed to share a bag of plastic army guys. They were so greatful, and said that we were very kind and wonderful people.
We saw them later that day sitting with other children playing army men.I am greatful that we can love and care for our children so much the way we do in our country.
On a lighter note my spelling is not to great so do not sit and count all of the mistakes. We still take freezing cold showers evey day. No hot water!!! Jack is starting to toss and turn in bed so I will go for now but hope to write more tomorrow. We love you all and thank you for the prayers and the support you are giving to us. P.S. Thanks nanny and papa for being such a huge help to us. xoxoxoxoxo
Hey Maghen,Kennedy and Sofia we LOVE YOU TONS and TONS !!!!

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 8:43 PM CDT

We met Julia, and she is everything we imagined. We will be calling her Stella Julia. She is 8 months old with blond hair and blue eyes. She has her tiny bottem teeth just starting to come in. Stella is also starting to creep along the floor. We undressed her from head to toe to check her out and she has ten tiny fingers and ten really long toes. Oh she has a tiny raspberry birthmark on her back. Stella is also already off the bottle and is drinking from a cup.

We also had a really tough day going to the orphanage that homes the older children. So may of these children are hoping for a family it broke or hearts.We met with a 9yr old boy who looks like Kennedy, the same hair cut,the same tiny freckles across his nose and we think he is the same size. We will be meeting with him some more to see if he could be the one for us. Please pray for us as this is a very hard decission to make.

Monday, May 30, 2005 9:47 AM CDT

The first night was a success. We went to the market to get bottled water and coke, we were able to walk their and get some US dollars changed.

Finally we got some good sleep it is funny how your body feels. I got up to take another cold shower(all the hot water service is down in town) I mean cold. we will be leaving around 8 for breakfast and our 9:00 appt. with the head person in charge at the baby house. The baby house holds children from 0 to 3 and the other house we will be visiting holds childreb 4-12. It is hot hot hot in the 80's with no air or fan.

we did have some bad news. the baby house has only 2 babies we did see one beautiful little girl today and we are going to see the other in the morning on Tuesday. Life for all is rough here and the children are beautyful. We send all of our love hugs and kisses. We hope to write more .We are using a cafe and are trying to see where we can hook up to our own laptop.

Monday, May 30, 2005 9:33 AM CDT

We are here on the ground safe and sound. What a long trip. Customs went ok but very pushy and confusing. Thank god ness for Jacks Russian. we got all of our luggage and found are driver holding the sign with our name on it.We then were taken to our "HOTEL" to try to sleep shower(cold) and to get ready for a full day of more travel. We will be takeing another 3 hour flight to Pavlordar. Oh did I mention we had a all included contintal breakfast Yum-Yum

We made it Pavloar in the tinyest plain that was completely full. The view of the snow capped mountians was truly great. Huge puddles covered the runway of the tiny airport so the landing was like Kennedys slip and slide. We then walked across the field to the airport to met our other cordinator. He arrived with his very cute 17yr old son who we said would enjoy Maghen.

The hotel here is much much nicer we actully get to sleep togther. We took a small nap and changed clothes and went out for Russian pizza. We will be calling hom sometime today. The Kaz say it is better for us to do it after midnight.

Friday, May 27, 2005 11:25 AM CDT

It is here. Today is the day we have been waiting to arrive for about nine months now. It is hard to believe that today we will be leaving and in just a few more days we will meet are new forever children. HOW COOL!!!!!
Can you tell I am excited? We will miss you all.xoxoxoxo

Thursday, May 26, 2005 9:40 AM CDT

Tomorrow is the big day. We will be leaving in the pm. so I hope to do some last minute running as well as hugs and kisses to all of you whom I will miss while away. It sounds as if we will be very busy going between several different orphanage until we connect with the children who will forever be ours. The world over their is very different,so please be patient if we are not able to keep in contact as well as we had planned. Please be safe at home. xoxoxoxox

Monday, May 23, 2005 3:38 PM CDT

Our passports and tickets are in our hands and warm fuzzy feeling in our hearts as we are ready to leave to go adopt our children from Pavlodar Kazakhstan. We are expecting to leave Friday th 27th of May. Please keep us in your prayers as we will be very very very far from home, also pray for our children whom we will miss deeply as well as them missing us. We will try to keep you updated as to what is happening while we are away. xoxoxoxo

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