Some additional pictures from Ukraine

Here are a few other pictures I found from Ukraine! Such beautiful faces!! Things are pretty much NORMAL here at our house. The kids are just part of the family now. So different from a year ago!! The kids still struggle to find the words in English and are kind of in limbo between not remembering Ukraine and not knowing every word in English. I am sure that it gets pretty frustrating! School is going well for both children. Jayson still had problems with respecting and listening and Alison still struggles with friendships and girl drama! It was told to us that it can take up to two to three years before a child from another country can get totally acclimated to the States. I am excited for their futures and appreciate them more and more each day!! Well, I am super tired! Good night all~

Approaching One Year Mark

Well, this time last year Todd and I were getting very excited about our departure to Ukraine to get two children with the names Oleksiy and Iryna. Unbelievable that a year has already passed and now these two children only answer to Jayson and Alison! Christmas was a great success. The kids seemed very pleased with the American Christmas Tradition of spoiling your kids!!! Alison also celebrated her 12th birthday and they have changed so very much. They finally understand what "family" means and also what having a mom & dad is all about. Sometimes they don't like that part much (lol). Still are struggling at school but their confindence levels are increasing everyday. I find them absolutly amazing!! Now don't get me wrong, there has been some REALLY HARD TIMES as well. It takes alot of hard work to get to this point. Adopting an older child is simple not easy!! The first 6 months sometimes were unbearable!! Somehow, with God's help, we got through it though and we now feel like a complete family!