Featuring 'Irina' hosted by the Smith Family in RVA

Irina lives in a country orphanage in Mykolaivka, and was born on April 13, 2003. (Isn't she PRECIOUS?!) She is described by the facilitator as: "Friendly and curious. Irina is responsible and likes to help adults. She likes reading fairy tales and dancing. Favorite color is pink. She likes candies!" She speaks no English and is available for adoption.
Feel free to contact me or Jill Smith at : djlsmith@verizon.net

Featuring: Alyona being hosted by the Scoggins family

Remember this plea for a special 15 year old that this would be her last chance to be hosted before she ages out? And then my excited SHE'S COMING (but still asking) post? Well I want to highlight today Alyona who will be coming to Richmond for the Christmastime hosting.  Would you participate in orphan care by PRAYING for the Lord to place her in a forever family and connect all the dots while she's here?

The Scoggins family is THRILLED to welcome her into their home and eagerly awaiting what God has in store.  Here is a snippet she wanted to pass along.  As I can share more, follow her story under Alyona S. on the right of the blog.  I hope to keep some running posts of all the kids while they're here!  Maybe YOU will help connect her to her family...in person or in prayer!
from the Scoggins...

“Alyona will turn 16 in May, and will then age out of the orphanage.  She has been in her current orphanage since age 9. We are not sure at this point if her parents are alive or dead, or why she ended up at the orphanage.  This will be her first and last time being hosted, and we are praying that this is her opportunity to find the forever family that she so desperately needs.
Alyona is said to be a good student, quiet yet communicative, and she runs track (and won her regionals!!).  She has two older brothers that have already aged out of the orphanage.  Alyona speaks Russian, and would very much like to be adopted.

For more information about Alyona, or to set up times to get to know her, please contact me and I will direct you to her host family”

 

Our Fall in pictures and captions...Love my crew!

It's obvious I LOVE to advocate for orphans!  I will be 'featuring' individually each orphan coming this Christmas from Ukraine here to RVA in upcoming posts!  I'm trying to figure out if I can have a separate link for each one so ask I get updates, I can include them under that kiddo.  If you can advise me on this, then let me know;)

In the meantime...LOADS of fun and crazy things going on around here.  I must say this Fall has not been slow or what I expected!  I mean last year the 'Fall' was new with the boys, but this year, we should have our game hats on right? NOT!  At least not this momma....too many new and exciting things to roll with.

Here are some glimpses into our Fall....

Aliza who hates to do her nails torturing having fun as the big sister:o

One of my many helpers as the leaves began to move in...

Evidence Jeremiah IS INDEED a Schwarz!

More helpers...they make ME enjoy cleaning (sometimes)

Starting 8th grade ...                                                                

Kids and Daddy picked up Rock Climbing for an outlet after the pool closed

Our Annual Church (WEPC) Camping trip...what a great group:)

More camping fun...

The older kids like to get their battle scars longboard down the long crazy hill loop...

Last year of PRESCHOOL! YIKES! ...

WE WELCOMED MILLIE JUDITH HOME INTO HER FAMILY....WHAT A FUN TIME!

ALIZA has amazed us with her transfer into 5th grade into public school...safety patrol, SCA class rep (voted on!), helper extraordinaire in the classroom, Book Bowl team (they gather and prep several times /week during lunch), and this Reflections contest 1st place 5th grade:); Most of all, just love seeing her be HERSELF!!

CRAZY THAT WE HAVE A 16 YEAR OLD IN OUR HOME!!! He had been researching his hind parts off for a 'deal' of a car.  He found it but didn't know he was getting it;p  Now he just counts the days to be driving ALONE! (like that will happen in a family of 7!)

Love this boy!!!

Kaylee Ann continues to be the creative one of the bunch...and an eye for all things lovely...

After an afternoon at UofR trying to teach the boys how to ride a 2 wheeler, no success, but a family effort...

THEN I had the brainy idea that we needed to do it boot camp style.  So I took them out riding every day from that Saturday thru the next week.  On Tuesday one got it and the other asked for his training wheels back.  By Friday I could jog with my little biker buddies! EXCITING! Now it's all they want to do;p

A break from all the training....

Preschool Pumpkin Patch with my punkins;)

Halloween isn't my favorite holiday but the kids enjoy it...funny how the 'costumes' got changed the day of...I see why I don't plan anymore!

Jacob lost his first tooth:) He really 'lost' it as he swallowed it while eating and didn't even notice;p  So much for chewing slowly around here...



















And I'm just glad I have a built in yard helper!!

and don't know why hadn't 'sledded' before in the leaves, but they sure enjoyed...