trick and treat

Will and Jon both enjoyed going up to the doors of people's houses and saying "trick or treat"---- We had a good time walking through the neighborhood with Ethan, Ty, and Eli Bosch.

a few pictures

yes we're adopting again........

I finally "gave in" to Will's deep longing for a puppy---It has been a long process, but came to this "end" when a colleague advertised that she had a small puppy to sell. I agonized and finally decided that maybe a small dog in western PA would work---you know, the snow and rain of most of the year----if, we got a small dog in the fall when we appear to have more sunshine. So, we found a puppy-3/4 cavalier and 1/4 shitzsu about 9 weeks old about an hour and a half drive north of us. I chose to keep the purchase of a puppy from Will, although I told Jonathan all about it!! He kept a GREAT secret. When we arrived at the breeder's house, I asked Will if he wold like to take "this puppy" home--his reply, complete with HUGE EYES AND and even larger smile, was: "We can take him home and keep him??? You are getting me a puppy? I love you mommy" So, we're home with Milo--Will is learning some responsibility and Jonathan is continuing to learn restraint.

First day of school

Will started first grade today! It is fun to experience the excitement of Will as he prepares to go to school. I confess that his excitement has made these beginning days at the college a wee bit more exciting for me.


















In the last couple weeks of summer, Jon decided that he could be "superman" by turning his bib around, taking most clothing off and running around the back yard. The flip flops?? Any shoe but his works for Jon.

summer vacation--2010

We're back in Beaver Falls after @ 6700 miles. Yes, we drove to CA--3 days there and 4 days back. The boys were fairly good most of the time although as the end of our drive came to a close, we were all very tired.....We came home to a freshly painted house (thanks Herb McCracken and family)--it seems that the house wasn't the only object rejuvenated......We went to Huntington Beach, Knotts Berry Farm, Medieval Times, Ashley and Ryan's wedding, swimming, miniature golf, zoo, church lake bbq, July 4th bbq and fireworks, family, Creation Museum, and much more. We all had a wonderful time and I'm including a few pictures to highlight the trip.





















ç

sun in western pa

When the sun is shining, we try to be outside.

wordless catch up

International Adoptions in Russia

Here is what I just read on the US Embassy's website:

International Adoptions in Russia: "Message from the U.S. Embassy Moscow Adoptions Unit
We recognize that many prospective adoptive parents are concerned about the recent news reports citing a potential hold on adoptions of Russian children by American families. Please be advised that U.S. Embassy processing of I-600 Orphan Petitions and U.S. Immigrant Visas for adoption cases is continuing as usual. Russia has suspended the license of an individual adoption agency, but has not taken any broader action. We will update this website if any changes occur. If you have further questions or concerns, please email the U.S. Embassy adoptions unit at MoscowConsularR@state.gov."

shaking my head in disgust

By now many adoptive Russian parents have posted about and I believe ALL have heard about the outrageous act of an adoptive mother (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100409/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_adopted_boy) putting her son ALONE on a plane and sending him back to Russia with a letter stating she no longer wanted him.

I am deeply saddened by this act.

If you haven't heard, and even if you have, I'd like to point you to Amy's post (http://torussia-withlove.blogspot.com/). I read it last night and believe that she has made some great points.

I am also convicted of my need to update our blog.