tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88324958153726715812024-02-07T19:01:16.830-08:00Adding More Love to the Thomas HomeFollow our journey to bring our children home!!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-4766268302853526112017-05-19T08:59:00.000-07:002017-05-19T08:59:04.571-07:00Our children have been home with us for over 7 years now. I would LOVE to say that everything has worked out but that is not the case! Our daughter Alison is doing well but has so many issues with developing relationships. She is a loner and spends most of her time in her room. She is very sweet and tries very hard but I am worried about her future. Our son Jayson is a whole other story. I don't even know where to begin! He is a habitual liar (about the silliest things) he is constantly stealing from others and has a hard time with sexual issues. Touching people inappropriately and sneaking to watch porn. He does not care about consequences and who he hurts to get what he wants. We have sent him to military school hoping to develop character and structure in his life...it was a FAIL! He has been to numerous counselors and psychiatrists...another FAIL! He has been in and out of jail, got kicked out of a group home and now once again in jail!! Jayson is a Sociopath. There is no way to help him. Regardless of how much we love him, how much we give him, how much we support him....FAIL! He turned 18 in March and has decided to go back to his birth mom. He leaves this month.
So, I just want to warn others out there that are considering adoption....this could happen to you! It could be a FAIL! These older children come with such baggage...such hurt..such damage! They can destroy a family within months! I have had lost sleep because he would sneak out of the house during the night to steal from neighbors, use my credit cards for Xbox purchases and pornography;I would stay up at night to catch him in the act. My marriage was so damaged from the constant arguing. I almost lost my job from so much time off work for court hearings, school problems, doctor's appointments and the night's that he would run away. We locked our bedroom door at night because we were fearful of him and did not know when he might snap and we would end up dead. It is UGLY! It is EXHAUSTING! It is DAMAGING!
If adoption is in your heart just know that these kids are not coming to you with hearts to love you. They are coming with hearts to "use you". Some of these children are incapable of loving! That is just the hard truth! Some cases have worked out but most of the families that I know who have adopted are struggling with these same issues....some worse than what we have experienced! Another family we are close to has had so many problems with their adopted son. He has pushed the birth mother down the stairs, put the father's toothbrush in the cat litter and the father ended up with a severe stomach parasite! They had to secretly install camera's to watch his every move! Oh, and he tried to burn down their house!
Please really pray and consider the things I mentioned before adopting! We are a Godly family and wanted to give children a future but instead......they destroyed ours! Our older kids stopped coming over to visit. They started despising these children for what they were doing to us! Our family was ripped to shreds! If you have younger biological children I suggest you do NOT adopt older children! It is JUST NOT SAFE!
Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-74011242959881134412015-12-22T11:19:00.000-08:002015-12-22T11:19:10.428-08:00Howdy to all,
We are approaching the 6 year mark! So very hard to believe!! Alison and Jayson are starting their 2nd semester as Sophomores! There has been a lot of discussion about college, military, careers in our home lately. I think both kids are excited to think of their futures but also scared to be on their own! Jayson attended a Military based school last semester which was able to give him the structure, discipline are respect that he needed so desperately. We have seen some changes in him since he has returned home....positive changes of course! Our adoption agency is hosting children from Ukraine again this year and I am excited to see how many children find forever homes! The last six years have been a hard but exciting journey for us all but I would do it all over again! Just know if you decide to adopt older children, HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP! It helps to be able to talk to others that are going through the same experiences!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7MocUUNexN4X7CR0tIrwQAthoSLtdO1pXyrSBXE_TbB5rl2ouYQrHD_br8xQzh5UJxEh8Nl0IDI-JTDCJIr6VmTNed2FiOjGLpc8LSZ9HkeMzbKZIBm1FRLMnmYGX4QLDGLv3BeVU0LJ/s1600/12391426_1209463279069026_1559727777541980442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7MocUUNexN4X7CR0tIrwQAthoSLtdO1pXyrSBXE_TbB5rl2ouYQrHD_br8xQzh5UJxEh8Nl0IDI-JTDCJIr6VmTNed2FiOjGLpc8LSZ9HkeMzbKZIBm1FRLMnmYGX4QLDGLv3BeVU0LJ/s320/12391426_1209463279069026_1559727777541980442_n.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCoB_hkJbanKPG-eZscAX30Tb6pBkBlDlCMLBTaoiyXRvh2RmULEPC12UZ2aLisUpiQX780-43QtGCvlO00gfp1dAYaA15W31TDd6JJVSxIL9Re9YnB40KPUxNNDMRIBWIyGAQUqON5AS/s1600/sweet+ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCoB_hkJbanKPG-eZscAX30Tb6pBkBlDlCMLBTaoiyXRvh2RmULEPC12UZ2aLisUpiQX780-43QtGCvlO00gfp1dAYaA15W31TDd6JJVSxIL9Re9YnB40KPUxNNDMRIBWIyGAQUqON5AS/s320/sweet+ali.jpg" /></a>Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-73310691833061564692015-06-18T08:01:00.000-07:002015-06-18T08:02:12.968-07:00The StrugglesWe have now had our children for 5 1/2 years and I wish I could tell you that things are so much easier. To an extent, they are easier but the struggles are just different. My sweet Alison is just amazing. She is not the same little shy girl we brought home. She will be a sophomore next school year and is so beautiful. She wanted a job at the end of the school year so we sat down and applied for our local McDonald's and they hired her!! She has been working a little over three weeks now and received her first paycheck! She is saving for a car. She plans on attending a beauty school the second semester of her Junior year but states it is just a "fall back job" because she is going to college! Jayson will also be a Sophomore but we have decided to send him to a different school. He has been really struggling with discipline and direction. He always wants to "be in charge" and does not respect our role as parents. He is such a sweet loving boy but has not been open about his past experiences and I feel he has a lot of hurt that he is not dealing with. This school will give him structure, discipline and a one on one education. The only downfall is that he will stay there 24-7 for 5 1/2 months! We will not have any contact with him!! It is a military based program. He has expressed interest in the military so I think this will be a good thing for him. It's just hard for my heart to except that he will not be around for awhile.
So, life is moving right along and we are watching our children grow up! Brandon is our oldest (29) and he has purchased his own home and I am hoping he will be proposing to a sweet girl soon! Trent is/was the baby of the family until Jayson came along. He will be turning 26 the end of this month. He was married in October and his wife Hillary is such a blessing to our family. They bought a home as well and to be honest, we do not see our older children that often. Since they purchased homes, they have been pretty busy mowing grass, planting flowers, building decks and everything else that comes along with home ownership! So even though my heart misses them so, I am so thankful they are moving along in their adult lives! Hoping for a grandchild very, very soon!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_2CMf_zS-qmFXlQ7U9o6PsHGq4ereVUouVYfQ43xigWd2LKZK-1_eWcfoOkdSypPj1Yx8AsopaAUuXe8rkSRJkmlnv2KI0OT_98V4ud2Kix7NaVfOm9Muv2X4_UoE_wcSyZRna1N1xew/s1600/0301151204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_2CMf_zS-qmFXlQ7U9o6PsHGq4ereVUouVYfQ43xigWd2LKZK-1_eWcfoOkdSypPj1Yx8AsopaAUuXe8rkSRJkmlnv2KI0OT_98V4ud2Kix7NaVfOm9Muv2X4_UoE_wcSyZRna1N1xew/s200/0301151204.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXBzaMh4s1rgR9UomS7VXbZ12iOzNlqhdqQGVR95qvMbdTPjezTqYKLHx3DaEwtvQ8S54gPDLO34J01aAjWNr5d6HjFntp7YNDz9D74d3LKdfGvqa18ew0t2KOEZWVwz8OQe5DOS_sNQK/s1600/0320151524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXBzaMh4s1rgR9UomS7VXbZ12iOzNlqhdqQGVR95qvMbdTPjezTqYKLHx3DaEwtvQ8S54gPDLO34J01aAjWNr5d6HjFntp7YNDz9D74d3LKdfGvqa18ew0t2KOEZWVwz8OQe5DOS_sNQK/s200/0320151524.jpg" /></a></div>
Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-42907464318502867452014-02-19T11:52:00.000-08:002014-02-19T11:52:32.732-08:00Wow! It has been 4 years since we brought our precious children home! They have changed so much since the day we stepped off the plane. I am amazed everyday by their transformation. The years have been gone so by quickly but yet so slowly! What I mean by this is that it has been a hard four years!! Adopting older children in a really hard process and adopting foreing children is even harder. Combining the two is next to impossible at times. Thank goodness we had the support of family and friends but most importantly GOD!
Both Jayson and Alison are now in their second semester of their 8th grade year. Soon to be highschool students! They struggle with education. Alison with math and Jay with English/Reading. They have however made great strides! They still have issues with friendships and "fitting in" and I hope this changes for them soon. I hate to see them being made fun of and not being included! Breaks my heart!! Todd and I have done our best to keep God the center of their world and I hope they can continue to learn to lean on Him!! Jayson continues to play basketball, run cross country and soccer seems to be his favorite sport. Ali loves to read and dance, spends alot of time in her room enjoying her peace and quiet. She just got glasses and was amazed at how well she could see.
Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-87825884960356782092012-12-07T11:35:00.001-08:002012-12-07T11:37:05.778-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl4Tl5aRcsOR6jzRdyz-GcteAANPYVwg616ZPzValDQYX4PMOe8l_6xSWrvv_m6cGLHU3AICpsvzZF5GrwK8nzs6eATTpyAOo3yCQlU2He0GLFdMN_hYwKXJFiRBV6J2Ndvnjskpz85iB/s1600/alison+from+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl4Tl5aRcsOR6jzRdyz-GcteAANPYVwg616ZPzValDQYX4PMOe8l_6xSWrvv_m6cGLHU3AICpsvzZF5GrwK8nzs6eATTpyAOo3yCQlU2He0GLFdMN_hYwKXJFiRBV6J2Ndvnjskpz85iB/s200/alison+from+class.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkLkX9qC5elSisV4aHqigW7bedjCjy0072Jqk_NvFtYwdpjQUSZtaPikRa6sZLjZXpGgpRUOtvl6ExQIxB9CQm73lL2myo22QIfqwdcLrEkiMbLA08IFY2vngjaLLqgt5bkBwHaYOBwgk/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkLkX9qC5elSisV4aHqigW7bedjCjy0072Jqk_NvFtYwdpjQUSZtaPikRa6sZLjZXpGgpRUOtvl6ExQIxB9CQm73lL2myo22QIfqwdcLrEkiMbLA08IFY2vngjaLLqgt5bkBwHaYOBwgk/s200/kids.jpg" /></a></div
Picture of my sweet Alison Iryna Thomas at age 13, very close to turning 14!
Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-24860220963162052222012-12-07T11:33:00.000-08:002012-12-07T11:33:41.294-08:00Finally able to get all my kids together for a family picture!! Best looking kids EVER!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS945TDlpKM1AZTXNbAgbi66p8f5uwTkA66jwG7gHYN2RXh6ovN2LQXHzDOp12_cxULVww5QT8gu2F0mIcXcdOcPFatsV63ltEjvKwfkSdUKTlc9apVwtcFbwHN3l3TvsPf1BzmK7mRfu8/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="218" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS945TDlpKM1AZTXNbAgbi66p8f5uwTkA66jwG7gHYN2RXh6ovN2LQXHzDOp12_cxULVww5QT8gu2F0mIcXcdOcPFatsV63ltEjvKwfkSdUKTlc9apVwtcFbwHN3l3TvsPf1BzmK7mRfu8/s320/family.jpg" /></a></div>
Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-48108073797638196132012-08-03T13:08:00.000-07:002012-08-03T13:08:23.262-07:00Hello All!
It has been so long since I have posted on this blog. We are going on 2 1/2 years now that our sweet new additions have been part of our family!! Trust me, there were days throughout this journey that I DID NOT really feel that they were sweet! Finally, we have been through the rough patches and are settling in to feeling like a family. I love love love them soooo much and am amazed at the accomplishments they have made is a few short years. Next week starts their 7th grade year at Triton. Alison spent the summer in band camp and is part of the TCHS Color Guard team. She went everyday without complaining and has improved so much. Jayson played soccer for the first time and loved it. He will now start practicing for the TCMS 7th grade football team. This should be interesting.
So, for all that are still reading my blog or come accross it by accident, adopting older children is NOT an easy task. It takes alot of prayer, patience, and perhaps an occassional ZANAX (just kidding). But trust me, it is completely worth it! We have loved to watch the changes in them and hearing them tell us they love us is sweet words to my ears. They did not understand the concept of love at all when they first came to America. Now, the love just shines through them.
Blessings to All!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-41753772324479833212011-03-10T18:41:00.000-08:002011-03-10T18:50:26.344-08:00Some additional pictures from Ukraine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2C3U3VolJvw2PMkvvP2Ngou0ry2QqllRwUK1aoIDRN-NEWL9WdO2NsRBnezxXRXL5X6V-I4IT3F56fUdUgzleTICPSZKt7w2hOWcu2CFfbKiHSDRJ5DJFdzXTpEcQEeHZfN_YsKBIRdd/s1600/Denis+is+boy+in+red..love+him%257E%2521.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2C3U3VolJvw2PMkvvP2Ngou0ry2QqllRwUK1aoIDRN-NEWL9WdO2NsRBnezxXRXL5X6V-I4IT3F56fUdUgzleTICPSZKt7w2hOWcu2CFfbKiHSDRJ5DJFdzXTpEcQEeHZfN_YsKBIRdd/s200/Denis+is+boy+in+red..love+him%257E%2521.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582647516514426018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVBdnkKdbpWWMFg57mkiGBI4sXjiSui71Ndvrt61YdGI1EyQ4Rx7GSB-BQoryNvBXlSihGMFMq4wMGutpXfv1b8NJgpXlNgFCJDcrNUWPs7vjIgDNmK7D3LalQCKJ8YJS4U4uEVWlqJva/s1600/picture+of+Denis.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVBdnkKdbpWWMFg57mkiGBI4sXjiSui71Ndvrt61YdGI1EyQ4Rx7GSB-BQoryNvBXlSihGMFMq4wMGutpXfv1b8NJgpXlNgFCJDcrNUWPs7vjIgDNmK7D3LalQCKJ8YJS4U4uEVWlqJva/s200/picture+of+Denis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582647506290899730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI_TVOatumULrVr7s2wXDjFO5SrxxtflAe-BZIdtWWmeXKzXFARhw2HqAUEOHzH_H8b-pkdTLGXcTMsgFva_eoA87L5AU1y8g1f3Gj3-dB7mmUSplloziCIJzDnZJb_eCX0XaJjKKmlI3/s1600/some+kids+at+orpahange.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI_TVOatumULrVr7s2wXDjFO5SrxxtflAe-BZIdtWWmeXKzXFARhw2HqAUEOHzH_H8b-pkdTLGXcTMsgFva_eoA87L5AU1y8g1f3Gj3-dB7mmUSplloziCIJzDnZJb_eCX0XaJjKKmlI3/s200/some+kids+at+orpahange.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582647501550619826" /></a><br />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~Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-19317301868188734592011-01-18T20:36:00.001-08:002011-01-18T20:46:50.525-08:00Approaching One Year Mark<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCNlYl8qMFMGalWe2-mc19qTpjvTk7GoCMbqpNyALutZ24NFyHGZ62d8SZ1fFJ8KiB_WjxG0O6sAfiMH71QgkwOa8nL8SBGUOaa8h7Ck2nVD3sNdPOAsKcGJvexS1tpLlgm9ZnK9TAL0i/s1600/Alison.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCNlYl8qMFMGalWe2-mc19qTpjvTk7GoCMbqpNyALutZ24NFyHGZ62d8SZ1fFJ8KiB_WjxG0O6sAfiMH71QgkwOa8nL8SBGUOaa8h7Ck2nVD3sNdPOAsKcGJvexS1tpLlgm9ZnK9TAL0i/s200/Alison.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563753851809777138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gO2Z-_-nqUXp89Eg3ijSpaHhgBcmt8PnkgFErNbtbyKqs6xsRT5HG3miV2zA9-KIF_Yfxu_jtfWHiknK2LAClx4CLvm5Vd0tYShiDZGg8RHbgHLczF18xNgDH_4S_y_c7zD9IX3ed60j/s1600/Jayson.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gO2Z-_-nqUXp89Eg3ijSpaHhgBcmt8PnkgFErNbtbyKqs6xsRT5HG3miV2zA9-KIF_Yfxu_jtfWHiknK2LAClx4CLvm5Vd0tYShiDZGg8RHbgHLczF18xNgDH_4S_y_c7zD9IX3ed60j/s200/Jayson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563753530586023858" /></a><br />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!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-91313227791957965632010-12-07T14:19:00.001-08:002010-12-10T16:34:36.511-08:00Almost Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kRxpdE-ZKTkXzbMKu0FazDdY8Fi_sxWSOLbL1kpzvWVfP0F-5bvnaOvKphQGsVez9tP8oc0QSl-3fjc_qp-DZcpp8xvCL6Shfpwpn3zRJvMqVXeX-btYKgunVlUEMffaqoCdQQoMipnR/s1600/Alison+and+Jayson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kRxpdE-ZKTkXzbMKu0FazDdY8Fi_sxWSOLbL1kpzvWVfP0F-5bvnaOvKphQGsVez9tP8oc0QSl-3fjc_qp-DZcpp8xvCL6Shfpwpn3zRJvMqVXeX-btYKgunVlUEMffaqoCdQQoMipnR/s200/Alison+and+Jayson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548068786034634418" /></a><br />The tree has been up since before Thanksgiving. This is typically not a tradition for the Thomas Family but our new additions would not leave me alone until decorations were out!! We have a few gifts under the tree now and Jayson comes home from school and checks to make sure nothing is there for him. Yesterday I wrapped a present from us and put it under there. The expression on his face when he seen it was priceless!! Christmas will be such a joyful occassion for two children who only recieved a piece of candy on Christmas morning. Now on another note! Adoption is not an easy thing to do. I think people have a picture in their head that you adopt and the kids will be so appreciative and loving. Truth is that is NOT the truth. They do not know love and have no clue how to appreciate. This has to be taught. I am here to tell you that it is exausting and wears you down. There are days that you want to run away and never return. It tests your marriage and your faith. Make sure both of those things are very strong and that you have lots of support before making the decision to adopt older children!! Your life will never be the same again! So be prepared for that. Some days are really good and some are really bad. I am not saying this to scare away someone from adoption. It is a wonderful thing. But I do not want you to go in thinking things will be wonderful and then be blindsided by the truth. Also, make sure you have an adoption agency that will support you after the adoption process is OVER! I feel very blessed to have these two beautiful children in my life and would not change my decision to adopt, but I don't feel that I was prepared for what was in store after adoption. It just felt that once we returned home, the agency we used had no use for us anymore. There were no phone calls to check in on us and we have been home for nine months now and we still have had no communication from them. Thankfully we stay in touch with the other families that traveled with us to Ukraine and get together often to share stories and de-stress!!! Thank you Peters, Alderinks, Campbells and Helton's for always being their for us!! Love you guys!! MERRY CHRISTMAS~~Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-76469414612839050112010-10-11T14:18:00.000-07:002010-10-11T14:27:24.743-07:00October is my favorite month!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWSV3-Z79z1U3CfUtTAr9vXfly9nU2nCIkk1Joaii7xKjsfyw9rGAUCQxM5pn76iuEcgJtcfvy1z_SJ_oJvKai4bw1fMRULUwPvNDaoS-YZHA3q3P26_0B2pT4fHMBLrZ-d20ijs83ayh/s1600/Annie+and+Trent+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWSV3-Z79z1U3CfUtTAr9vXfly9nU2nCIkk1Joaii7xKjsfyw9rGAUCQxM5pn76iuEcgJtcfvy1z_SJ_oJvKai4bw1fMRULUwPvNDaoS-YZHA3q3P26_0B2pT4fHMBLrZ-d20ijs83ayh/s200/Annie+and+Trent+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526903064210458866" /></a><br />We have been pumping the kids up for Halloween festivities and they are excited. They cannot believe that people will just give them candy for no reason!! Alison is going to be a vampire and Jayson a Zombie. I have decorated our front porch and we have been to several Halloween stores so we are ready! Carved our pumpkins Sunday and Alison's wanted her's to look like a vampire! She is obsessed with VAMPIRES! Things are going really well around here. I am TIRED! Jayson wears me out with his constant chatter and need to be busy. Alison still spends alot of time by herself which concerns me but she seems to be happy. We talk often about their feelings and I reassure them that they can tell me anything. It has been a little over seven months since we came home. The English is improving daily but I will be so happy when they can speak fluently. The following are some pictures that my son Trents girlfriend took at the park this weekend.Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-30260774749871795402010-08-31T07:53:00.000-07:002010-08-31T08:00:23.338-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMXxKandU_Q7mMK5DQrddtmBpETRA-1Qcvd98UBXACWC-0Zu2t6BG6QkSBnvdZbysN_tUHLZQIX6SxsXk2xZjVJdOHHC0_VbJKSOXwLNTHbRfsVS_4pwdKTc3VrBwSjm0CPl3Vnqst6hT/s1600/271.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMXxKandU_Q7mMK5DQrddtmBpETRA-1Qcvd98UBXACWC-0Zu2t6BG6QkSBnvdZbysN_tUHLZQIX6SxsXk2xZjVJdOHHC0_VbJKSOXwLNTHbRfsVS_4pwdKTc3VrBwSjm0CPl3Vnqst6hT/s200/271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511588807878022226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrP_cqT4ng02Va-JqKhjUGSqo629bYL7gTz1sQQZDO-POU-agUK-HnY9smmwQOEocyCbAfR3jstmhFoaJTO5lRVZE6bMgi336FbNdalH7HW00jeiRQdcWCfFP3m0dh7vUEBxumeFN7wAw/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrP_cqT4ng02Va-JqKhjUGSqo629bYL7gTz1sQQZDO-POU-agUK-HnY9smmwQOEocyCbAfR3jstmhFoaJTO5lRVZE6bMgi336FbNdalH7HW00jeiRQdcWCfFP3m0dh7vUEBxumeFN7wAw/s200/024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511588797080220002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qScR_t571dSxXKuplNYXxkfpaTuiR-2gMh1FkNxFMfpP0_Atj8boz0aeaOhfVV8eIGSrAdM8rOBKLjImmi_5VtkexKkRU5mFM5Y1bfaIHrAZZFsHoQ4O-yFYWVGXGaHeW0aqxKV0yhGZ/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qScR_t571dSxXKuplNYXxkfpaTuiR-2gMh1FkNxFMfpP0_Atj8boz0aeaOhfVV8eIGSrAdM8rOBKLjImmi_5VtkexKkRU5mFM5Y1bfaIHrAZZFsHoQ4O-yFYWVGXGaHeW0aqxKV0yhGZ/s200/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511588784775882354" /></a><br />If you want to follow the adoption from the beginning, go to August 2009 postings!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-32109410439315918312010-08-31T07:34:00.000-07:002010-08-31T07:48:37.504-07:00Six Months...REALLY!We have now been the parents of Alison and Jayson for six months! Half a year!!! This is crazy! It seemed like it would take forever this time last year to get them home. Things are going well. Jayson still is very jealous of Alison. If she shows us something, he has to as well. If I correct him for something, he always says, "what about Alison" SO ANNOYING! But he is my cuddle bug and is such a loving little guy. Last night, Alison was on the trampoline doing some tricks. When I went to get her for supper I noticed she was crying. So my big fat body climbed up in the trampoline and layed beside her. She said she was stupid! Everyone in Ukraine told her she was! I told her God made no stupid people! You might not be very good at something,but you are not stupid. Then of course I started crying and she said, "Mommy, why are you crying" I said, "because I love you so much that I hurt when you hurt" She jumped in my arms and we just had a really good cry!! Not every day is easy, but days like last night just melt your heart and I realize what a blessing these children are to me! God knows what he is doing.....TRUST HIM!!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-83016584489815470212010-08-10T07:55:00.000-07:002010-08-10T08:11:51.332-07:00Back to School!Today the kids boarded the bus @ 7:00 a.m. for the first day in 5th grade! Both kids set their alarms at 6:00 a.m., ate breakfast, got dressed and was ready to go! Ali was alot scared she said. Jayson seemed fine. I pray that their day goes well! I was blessed with wonderful children. Alison is getting so pretty! Her tooth is almost completely in. Her confidence is soaring and she smiles so much! She is also moody at times so not every day is she "miss sunshine" but for the most part she is a great daughter. Jayson is starting to put on a little weight and he is understanding and speaking English alot better than Ali is at this time. I am hoping for a great school year. I am sure we will be adding some after school activities to our schedules this year!! I will keep you posted and hopefully add more pictures soon.<br /><br />God Bless!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-10476183543835392372010-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:002010-06-24T09:44:57.447-07:004 Months down....but who's counting!Hello All,<br /><br />I am not sure if anyone is actually still reading this blog but I thought I would catch up those who still do.<br /><br />We are on our 4 month mark now and it seems like we have been a family forever! I wish that I had the memories of Ali and Jayse when they were infants, toddlers and young elementary children, but I don't so I have to just focus on the time we will have together which is FOREVER (WOW! That's a little scary)!!! We still have a few bad days but most days are wonderful. We are truly blessed to have great children. They are eleven and can be challenging at times. There are days I wish that I could tape Jayson's mouth shut so that he would stop saying MOMMY for the one billionth time. Days when I wish that Ali could stay "happy" the entire day. These are things that can be annoying at times but nothing different than my two American-biological children were when they were growing up. Alison is such a beautiful girl. Everyday she gets even prettier!! Of course I am just her mommy and every mom thinks their daughter is beautiful, right?? She is so loving and trusting now. At first she was very gaurded (sp) with her emotions. She still is like that with her Daddy at times but I know that will change soon. Jayson practiced soccer with my nephew this week. Luke's travel coach was nice enough to allow him to practice with them. He seems to know the game but will need work with the skills. I know one thing though...he is FAST!! He is so "spanking" cute!! He is just like my son Trent in so many ways. He comes over at night and lays on my lap and says "Mommy please give me a message" It took me a few nights to realize he wanted a massage (lol). So now this is a every night routine. Okay, so he is a little spoiled!! I am sorry I have not posted pics but our computer is still on the blink! I will post some as soon as I am able! Until next blog...Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-9889467091279396242010-05-25T11:35:00.000-07:002010-05-25T11:45:59.864-07:00Trampoline & Swimming!Yesterday the pool was ready for swimming and the kids could hardly wait to jump in. I knew that Jayson could swim because he was in our pool last summer, but was unsure if Alison could. She said she could but.....<br />So as they watched me clean the final strips of gunk from the bottom of the pool, the anticipation was rising in their little bodies. Lots of giggling and chattering in Ukraine with each other. Then the time had arrived, I said "jump in" and they did! I am happy to report there were no drownings. Both of our kids are little fish! They swam for a solid hour until I noticed their lips turning purple. We went in and ate dinner and they took warm showers. Off to bed they went and you think they would have been happy and tired. Oh no, they were cranky and wide awake. Attituded emerged so now they are unable to swim today. Live and learn kids, live and learn!! The trampoline has made thier bodies sore and they are now limited to how much time they can spend on it. Alison would stay on it all day if I let her. Last Saturday she even took her blanket and pillow out there with her so that when she tired she could just take a little nap!! Jayson has already lost interest in it! He tends to get bored with things alot quicker than she does. I am looking forward to a wonderful summer with them! We have lots of graduation parties to attend this weekend so I am sure that will make them nice and cranky because this will mean no pool for a few hours...lets hope they are positive about it or they might not have the pool all summer! When momma's not happy, nobody's happy!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-30608789887122311632010-05-13T13:49:00.000-07:002010-05-13T13:57:45.070-07:00It is May!The kids have around 2 1/2 weeks left of school this year and then will be going to a new school next school year. They have adapted pretty well. Both Jayson and Alison have had a few outbursts of anger with other children. Without being able to communicate with them, we are unsure what caused the bad behavior. They seem to understand English when hearing it, but still struggle speaking it. If Todd or I speak in Ukraine they quickly correct us and say "speak English please". Alison learned how to ride a bike and is very proud of herself. This meant that Jayson lost the bike he was riding because it was a girl bike. He now has a new boy bike and is quite proud of it. If we would have bought Alison a new bike and he kept the old one he would have been throwing a fit!! Alison did not seem to care, she is just happy she can ride a bike!!! We have a new toy coming to the house this weekend....A trampoline!! I am trying to keep them active because they are eating like little piggies. Things are still great and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. We will always go through periods of adjustments and disappointments but God is always there to encourage and love us!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-72628316065807599342010-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:002010-04-22T08:54:22.226-07:001 Day from 2 MonthsI cannot believe that it has been two months since we have been home with the kids. It really feels as if they have been with us forever. Like they were our children from birth but they just got lost for awhile!! These kids are amazing!!! They are adapting to school, church and family life. We have had battles and times when I want to pull my hair out but then things happen that uplift me and give me strengh. God shows me why we are doing this everyday. A few nights ago I looked out the window of our home after a pretty stressful day, to see my husband teaching our new son how to play baseball. It then occurred to me that Jayse would never had that experience or a father to call his own both earthy and spiritually, if we would have not listened to our calling. We are blessed, and will continue to be blessed as long as we live on this earth for God and listen when He speaks.<br /><br />God Bless you All!! Todd & LoriLori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-58418765745254564372010-04-16T14:04:00.001-07:002010-04-16T14:12:06.708-07:00Back to workThis was my first full week back to work since bringing the kids home. I took them to morning daycare at the school early thinking it would be confusing for them. When we walked in, they seen a few of there classmates and said "bye mom" so off to work I went. They have been getting up, dressing, and fixing their own breakfast while I get ready for work. So the week went well as far as going back to work but we had a few disciplinary actions take place. Both kids were grounded for the first time. For three consecutive days NO TELEVISION, NO MUSIC AND NO BIKE!! Honestly they took it pretty well and amazingly survived without those things. We had our first death since they came home this week as well. Both kids had rabbits and Jayson forgot to put one back in it's pen so it became a dog toy!!! It was Alison's bunny. Jayse wanted to blame it all on our dog Jack but I told him it was his fault for not putting the rabbit up so he was feeling pretty guilty while watching Ali cry! Today I recieved an email that Jayse was saying no to the teacher repeatedly and refused to do school work so now the grounding will continue for him and we will reward Alison for her good behavior. Sure that is going to go over well. Until next blog...Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-23391135194734224052010-04-13T14:22:00.000-07:002010-04-13T14:33:01.594-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Qo0V0o4kj736gZqi9ZYSMazcXUUbXDW8RT2UmbH_VEUchlwG2C0B9VCXn4QGvPekzaVkRDbC6QIpApXJx2nTFJeH-pDYEeLHmz9sTXBYcVhXlWyIoyQ-OpjGCs0DxD6K_ChmhdOwO6OT/s1600/Jayson.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Qo0V0o4kj736gZqi9ZYSMazcXUUbXDW8RT2UmbH_VEUchlwG2C0B9VCXn4QGvPekzaVkRDbC6QIpApXJx2nTFJeH-pDYEeLHmz9sTXBYcVhXlWyIoyQ-OpjGCs0DxD6K_ChmhdOwO6OT/s200/Jayson.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459735866012858674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguucLAFh4UE-2-s-a9fwnwkOb137ujrli5aKTGePcbTLefACYMe1_IlqosluT1PmJu25nbiTJi1g3_Oo1z98v4vwzXybLTJESSIjJ75Rg_MNWSI_pGRzLzplfykPNx9OMDmPLMdOaT48EF/s1600/Alison.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguucLAFh4UE-2-s-a9fwnwkOb137ujrli5aKTGePcbTLefACYMe1_IlqosluT1PmJu25nbiTJi1g3_Oo1z98v4vwzXybLTJESSIjJ75Rg_MNWSI_pGRzLzplfykPNx9OMDmPLMdOaT48EF/s200/Alison.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459735849524043794" /></a>Here are a few pictures from Easter at the grandparents. They had a blast! Things are going well. It has it's challenges and sometimes you want to scream but when you see the progress the kids make daily it makes all the bad melt away. I know that there has been alot of talk concerning the child that was sent back to Russia. This is a horrible thing to happen because it could hinder the chances of further adoptions in Europe. However, I can also understand how the family felt. After you return home with your child/children it sometimes feels as if you are all alone. If you have difficult situations happen it can really wear you down. We had such a situation last night and I was so upset and worried about the future. But God reminded me that He is with us and will always be with us through this process. What Jesus did for us what not easy either, was it?? These children belong to my Savior and He had entrusted Todd and I to raise them in His name and honor Him always! This is what we will do and when the days are not so sunny we will PRAISE HIM THROUGH THE STORM!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-84209150638525540402010-03-12T09:14:00.000-08:002010-03-12T09:21:44.274-08:00Almost Two WeeksSo many things have happened since my last post but I will just hit on a few of them. First thing is that the kids started school this week. The first full day was Tuesday and I took them and picked them up this day. Wednesday both kids had dental appointments and did not go to school. Jayse had 6 teeth pulled, lots of tears but recovered well. Thursday Jayse was upset that he did not ride the bus to school, so I allowed them to ride it home. Today is Friday and they rode the bus too school and will also ride it home. They both seem to enjoy it! I have had many battles with both Jayse and Ali and I know that there will be tons more. I just want to establish from the beginning that we are their parents and they have to listen to us. Yesterday Ali and I got into a a battle and she is always wanting to win! Obviously she didn't and I have had to teach her that she needs to fear us a little! She cried and said she wanted to go back to Ukraine (I am sure I will hear this again a few times)!! I told her that she is Mommy and Poppy's little girl now and she will only go back to visit Ukraine but not live there. After she through her fit, she cried and hugged me and said she was sorry! So much for them to learn and absorb!! I will say that things are getting easier and we are all adjusting better. God bless to everyone and I will keep you posted! I will try to add pictures this weekend!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-91360315711352494432010-03-03T11:17:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:30:27.480-08:00Four full days at home!All is well at the Thomas Household. The kids are adjusting to new rules and surroundings! Alison tried to put a complete sandwich in the toaster, Jayson feels that the dogs should always be in their cages and for some reason shuting doors to the outside world is just not necessary! There have been a few battles and yes (da) I am tired...very tired! We have ventured out several times. Once to church and then to Walmart and for haircuts. Alison was not listening to well in Walmart when I said lets go (pash-le) about a hundred times, so I just left her standing there. Jayson and I went to the car (machina) and unloaded our goods and she still was standing in the store. Five minutes later I sent Jay in after her and when she got to me she gave me a big hug and said sorry. Don't think she will be ignoring "lets go" anymore (lol). The hardest thing right now is not to spoil them and to remember that we are their parents not their best friends. Today we are visiting my parents so that I could use the computer. They are loving thier time with them. Watching movies, snuggling, eating too much candy (all the things they are suppose to do with grandparents)!! I am rejoicing because of the complete silence I have right now. I think I might hide in this room for a few hours (just kidding). Next week will be busy for us! Doctor and Dentist appointments and visit to the school. My plan is to have them stay at the school for a couple of hours each day to get them familiar with their teachers and classmates. I will be driving them to school for awhile and then introduce them to the big yellow bus. I will try to keep you posted through my blog as much as possible, but please feel free to call or stop by and visit whenever you like. God Bless you all! Todd & LoriLori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-31784840857447239662010-02-25T06:47:00.000-08:002010-02-25T06:54:42.671-08:00Coming Home!!We are spending our last day in Kyiv with all the other families! We have all successfully completed the process of adoption and will be boarding our plane back home early Friday morning. We have to leave our apartment at 2:45 a.m. and our plane is scheduled to fly out at 5:30 a.m. We will arrive at the Indianapolis Airport with very tired but excited Thomas children at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening. Wow!! I really feel as if I have been in some kind of "out of body" experience since I have been here. As I have said in past blogs, I am positive that God has sent His angels to watch over us during this process. I am more confident than ever that this all was God's Will. At my desk at work I had posted these words: If God brings you to it, He will see you through it!! I will be glad to see all my family and friends at the airport and breath a sigh of relief when we land on American soil! I will never forget where my beautiful children came from and what they have been through in their lives!! Until we see you again, we love you all!!!<br />Todd & Lori Final post from Ukraine!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-4234086323337829472010-02-21T06:29:00.000-08:002010-02-21T06:48:49.404-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaoW2pNfYa6t7BM3lPyQjI-vGsivoIyOC6Kt6SjbrsPICk6gEFtkGnSXL10BAsCnEa38siNMIdmEzle6rEciaxBofncw-AWBmp2VTqoMHrY_fhI_OSTypuIbWRI3UvCSzR34HkbH03ab4/s1600-h/DSCN0182%5B1%5D"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaoW2pNfYa6t7BM3lPyQjI-vGsivoIyOC6Kt6SjbrsPICk6gEFtkGnSXL10BAsCnEa38siNMIdmEzle6rEciaxBofncw-AWBmp2VTqoMHrY_fhI_OSTypuIbWRI3UvCSzR34HkbH03ab4/s200/DSCN0182%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440706674548588834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi6UJGDqBB2UV6ZSfY8U90qhwzZrmcnpCnPPRL8RglwkgmZqEPOXC0NNjo-kl4XIyXl-u9TbuPiEq23YDrQIpXHXIDu4gMgVJ3so4MPJfMNqHxh6fEGwy_cCvouDYE6eIoeD5ot2-e2di/s1600-h/DSCN0160%5B1%5D"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi6UJGDqBB2UV6ZSfY8U90qhwzZrmcnpCnPPRL8RglwkgmZqEPOXC0NNjo-kl4XIyXl-u9TbuPiEq23YDrQIpXHXIDu4gMgVJ3so4MPJfMNqHxh6fEGwy_cCvouDYE6eIoeD5ot2-e2di/s200/DSCN0160%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440705702280782162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGT7v5oOTcOhNU2SvP4ady-xV6RCpm_XcIAwIBEc9v9Q7ktMsagupIerX75QbEMg2CRMqsubaMq3Ui4s6R2ETkHLZdUS0T-seBc7E6BhoEFy8XDbxBcjDuQISk_XeYRfUJYIoop1JPGe4/s1600-h/DSCN0501%5B1%5D"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGT7v5oOTcOhNU2SvP4ady-xV6RCpm_XcIAwIBEc9v9Q7ktMsagupIerX75QbEMg2CRMqsubaMq3Ui4s6R2ETkHLZdUS0T-seBc7E6BhoEFy8XDbxBcjDuQISk_XeYRfUJYIoop1JPGe4/s200/DSCN0501%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440705698132950722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXftJxaxdXPXTW-bNkiwZp0c-ZuJ_g48QkhfAXelHW05eKiPk4c_cZ-0lXhy7Qs8yz6_z653PTnpD6yDQtkwx0XNX0cxIN1AVHFaBdK5zbeJRKhImetNB6EY5n0dc_PQZv03quVT3cfr3q/s1600-h/DSCN0304%5B1%5D"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXftJxaxdXPXTW-bNkiwZp0c-ZuJ_g48QkhfAXelHW05eKiPk4c_cZ-0lXhy7Qs8yz6_z653PTnpD6yDQtkwx0XNX0cxIN1AVHFaBdK5zbeJRKhImetNB6EY5n0dc_PQZv03quVT3cfr3q/s200/DSCN0304%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440705688672112098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl0K6snSBk10yDBuRkrDcD93ni6tKAOs5JTpOMYCrKSnVEzIo7pxSBYJqa0LHPsaGC6ddbefDcgeg6bmW2rTRtAuk5E8ak9HW09FMyexmRsO3f3rtOTgCz9OjyAD_fPuJda1-5LLRLYig/s1600-h/DSCN0004%5B1%5D"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl0K6snSBk10yDBuRkrDcD93ni6tKAOs5JTpOMYCrKSnVEzIo7pxSBYJqa0LHPsaGC6ddbefDcgeg6bmW2rTRtAuk5E8ak9HW09FMyexmRsO3f3rtOTgCz9OjyAD_fPuJda1-5LLRLYig/s200/DSCN0004%5B1%5D" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440705684488487970" /></a>Here are the new additions to the Thomas family! Today we were at the orphanage for a very long time. We were dropped off at 12:30 and then we could not get a hold of Natasha to send a taxi. The kids did not eat and there was nobody around to tell them to go eat. I seen several older children outside smoking. We had tons of kids visiting with us today as well. Which was fine but a few of them were getting into our things and once again there was no adult supervision around. We ended up calling another guy named Viktor to call us a taxi. We still have not heard from Natasha and it is 5:00 p.m. Weird!! Today we were able to visit with a boy named Max. For those who know Griffan, it was one of his good friends. We gave him a piece of paper and he wrote Griffan a note! Then Oksana wanted to write him a letter too as well as a letter to Luba that was also adopted and is living in Indiana. Max stayed by our side the whole day wanting hugs and kisses from us. Then he said Alison, Jayson and Max to America!! It is really time for us to go because I am becoming way to attached to the children. I even told Todd I would stay that additional time to bring Oksana or Max or Denise home!! AHHHHHH!! Help!!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8832495815372671581.post-71712138709414596932010-02-20T23:46:00.000-08:002010-02-20T23:55:40.168-08:00Introducing Alison Iryna Thomas and Jayson Oleksiy Thomas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0X8l-MQ8hvugFuMEn1O6wDxMuNvXy01wkncGmt0UbhDKSOhjW2D9mKJU7A11fX3ztgKaN2rBOIOA4ZRIjwbHUuh_LS5CGGrg8Yyk08BKucBor0wSu3ENS39OPh4TOC3gXV7mC_Rl15ZT/s1600-h/thomas+014.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0X8l-MQ8hvugFuMEn1O6wDxMuNvXy01wkncGmt0UbhDKSOhjW2D9mKJU7A11fX3ztgKaN2rBOIOA4ZRIjwbHUuh_LS5CGGrg8Yyk08BKucBor0wSu3ENS39OPh4TOC3gXV7mC_Rl15ZT/s200/thomas+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440600851433975618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsPsMdGfVFUQ8Eoc6iSxiWWBhCQCv2MqSikB8qScl8C728it8tBLv6W2tANmcBDnE4dK70iTPqu1XbVp64dX06pGO88vXIu7iv43wEH2ze52yf_OKvtN5VE5etTpdqkH0L7vAyRL6N0Ux/s1600-h/thomas+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsPsMdGfVFUQ8Eoc6iSxiWWBhCQCv2MqSikB8qScl8C728it8tBLv6W2tANmcBDnE4dK70iTPqu1XbVp64dX06pGO88vXIu7iv43wEH2ze52yf_OKvtN5VE5etTpdqkH0L7vAyRL6N0Ux/s200/thomas+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440600843847756386" /></a>These pictures are from the very first day that we met the children. We have tons more, but my batteries went dead on my camera and I was unable to download them to the computer!! So these are not the best pictures but at least you can now put a face to the names!! We love you all so very much and can't wait for you to meet them. They are totally different from each other. Jayson is really short, Alison really tall. Jayson sometimes very serious, Alison pretty much never serious! Kind of remind me of Brandon and Trent's personalities! Hope you enjoy the pictures. See you all in five days!!!Lori Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460451990449677859noreply@blogger.com1