One Family

It has been 5 weeks since Chad arrived in America and came into our home with his new brothers and sisters.  The transition was a little tougher than imagined for the first two weeks.  Poor Ashlyn had missed her Mommy so much and couldn't wait to hold me.  Chad thought after visiting with him for 2  weeks that he was an only child, so the jealousy and melt downs began for both of them.  Ashlyn didn't eat for about 10 days, only drinking protein Boost.  She was quiet and extremely withdrawn for the exception of the melt downs.  My heart was broken.  My how life changed so much in a week.  The boys did great from day one.  Madison became aggravated with him.  He is so sweet and full of energy, but he sure did need to learn the boundaries.  Precious boy had so many firsts.  He had never been in a house before, a bathtub with standing water, a car, a pool...  So, if it could be opened, closed, taken apart, banged on, dropped - he did it.  As a family, we couldn't make it out of our driveway in the van without Chad trying to talk over anyone for our attention.  Once we had 3 trying to yell over each other and the next day we were supposed to head out for 7 hours to make it to Atlanta. It's so easy to look back now and laugh, then I was exhausted and looked forward to the next step when he understood us better and knew the rules of our family.  Praise God for my wonderful husband who was quick to pick up where I left off in the emotional side of things.

Chad had his top teeth removed due to the extreme decay and infection June 27th.  July 1st we headed off for Stone Mountain GA.  Poor guy came down with fever while we were still driving.  We started him on his Amoxicillin for fear of infection after surgery.  Atlanta was so hot, he is not accustomed to our heat and humidity, so when he broke out in a rash and the pictures online of prickly heat matched - Mama gave him cool baths.  By the time we got home - he was covered from head to toe in a rash.  That was when friends told us that he must be allergic to the medicine.  New experiences him, and for me.  

Fast forward to today.  We flew out to Salt Lake City on July 11.  We are doing the western tour.  Park City Utah - Jackson Hole Wyoming (Yellowstone) - Big Sky Montana - Seattle Washington - Vancouver Canada - Portland Oregon.  Such a wonderful 3 week adventure for this family of 7.  Chad is doing wonderfully!  Still testing us, but no more than our others.  Ashlyn actually seems to like him now, they play and she laughs and laughs at his goofiness.  He is picking up English well.  Except that he says "lalo" for water - he's doing great.  He is understanding us and that makes all the difference.  He is enjoying the sights, sounds and animals of the west right along with the rest of us.  We are enjoying each other and growing together.  Praise God - Finally - we feel like one family.

On our way home

I sit here and wonder where to begin. Our journey in Bulgria is ending, but our life with Chad is just beginning. What a week it's been. We arrived at the orphanage at 7:45am on Monday after 6 long months of waiting to finally hold him again. As we signed this paper and that- the time seemed to crawl by. We kept listening for the sound of running feet all the while hearing lots of little voices. His caregiver came out holding him and was not wanting to let him go. Everyone was hugging and kissing him. It was clear to see that he was well taken care of and loved there. I can see why- to meet him is to love him. He did well on the 5+ hour trip to Sophia. We made it just in time for the visa picture before 2. On our own with him for the first time, we decided to walk around the beautiful city of Sophia. After our walk, we were ready to head back to Florida. Mission accomplished. Let's hit the road. Ahhh- the waiting. Our next four days consisted of more walking than I've ever done in one city or even on 5 consecutive days, one bus tour and several delicious Bulgarian meals. We have truly enjoyed our time bonding with our new son. He is so precious! Sweet, loving and oh such a ham. Other people who became familiar to him- our translator Didi and her father, others in the hotel, a girl from a local cafe who spoke English and anyone else who could and would talk to him in Bulgarian. He has already picked up several English words such as "okay, I love you, thank you, cool, sit down". He loves to laugh and joke around. It's amazing how he can speak right to our hearts. I love him so. Thursday we met back up with Didi to have his physical done for his visa. ENT=perfect, eyes=perfect, speech and language=perfect! Amazing for a sweet little boy who was delayed for so long. Anyone feel God,s greatness here?After a quick lunch we went to the US Embassy for our interview appointment. There was another family there from Florida also adopting. Their translator recognized Chad right away. Her agency had previously had Chad's file and was trying to find him a family for some time. Later as I commented on how crazy that was, Stuart reminded me that God wouldn't give our child to anyone else. :) Friday was another walking tour day. We managed in our five days to always take differnt routes. The city is huge, full of communist history and just gorgeous. We visited at least 5 different parks. Chad rode his first electric rid today. The minute the car started going he was ready to jump off. Just like his first bath on Monday, he was scared to death. But with a little encouragement, just like his bath, the ride soon became something he loved and couldn't get enough of. He's very bright, independent and funny. I know he will fit in quite perfectly with our crew. He hasn't been sad about leaving the orphanage once. I get the feeling he likes us. :) This afternoon, shortly after our final day of adventure in Sophia, our attorney Toni came to the hotel to have dinner with us and two other families adopting. She gave us Chad's visa, passport and immigration papers. We're official. I think I've used that term several other times at different steps in the process. Now we have the birth certificate, court decree and visa to prove it. God is so amazing. He knew when he made this precious little boy that he was meant for our family. We only know what we see. Trusting Him and just saying yes to get out of our bubble is the hardest part. We have been so truly blessed throughout this entire experience. We an awesome God we serve! Our family and friends are pretty outstanding too! Thank you! Sorry this took so long to post. This mama is tired, but so ready to be home. Check back with more updates on Chad's transition into family life. Come on little man- let's go home.

On our way! We are finally going to Bulgaria to get Chad! I am posting from the airplane while people board. A quick update- April 9th- the court date was postponed until April 23rd after the judge decided she wanted a new form. We contacted all of our friends as prayer warriors during that time as things were not looking good for the form to make it to the court on time. God is faithful, He is good and true! The form made it and we were named the parents of Chad! We spent most of the month of May at the beach. While there we got the excited news of when we got to go to Bulgaria to bring him back to the states. Super exciting!! It feels like Christmas morning. Thank you God for this amazing journey that you have chosen for our family.

We Have a Court Date

We have been given a court date!  April 9th (My Mom's Birthday) at 2:30 Bulgarian time.  That's 6:30am our time.  I'm so excited I cannot believe that we are finally this close.  We are of course praying for the most wonderful ruling and the email with a date to come bring Chad home.  Keep us in your prayers as the judge has requested some updated medical papers and time is short.  God is so good.  All in His glorious timing.  This Mama is ready. 

Help and waiting...

I haven't posted in a while as we are still playing the waiting game until we get to bring home our sweet Chad.  We have been able to Skype with him a total of 4 times now.  I cry each time.  Please keep us in prayer that our paperwork will be signed soon and we will be given a court date.

Here is a link I'm asking you to read.  These poor children need your help.  This is the result of non loving care givers in an orphanage.  This is rare, but never the less these kids need our help. 

http://www.only1mom.com/

We talked to him today!

Let me just say - GOD IS AMAZING!  I see His hand in this adoption every time something new happens.  On January 4 I recieved an email that we needed to update our local police background checks, medical and pshychological forms for when our case goes to court in Bulgaria.  Given that we just did all of this in May and it took a while considering all of the blood work, doctor's visits and notarizing of signatures.  I immediately started making calls.  The doctors and their nurses were amazing.  I had one set of papers signed and notartized within an hour!  We were able to send all 6 forms to Tallahassee for apostille at 4:45pm on the 5th!  Praise the Lord!  It was a little crazy running around and my dear friend left her job to notarize one of the signature (THANK YOU!) - but it is done!!  Woo hoo!

the next big thing was our surprise Skype today with Chad.  We went through all of the names we could think of and decided back on Chad.  We will call him Meete Chad for a while, unitl he gets it.  He's a bright one - shouldn't be too long.

It makes me cry to think of him sometimes and seeing his little face today really brought them out.  I'm sure it didn't help that he couldn't hear us.  Here's his crazy mama just a cryin'.  I'm not sure why the microphones wouldn't work, but it did this mommy's heart so good to see his smile.  He waved, played peek-a-boo, blew kisses, gave thumbs up and even figured out the sign language "I love you".  We are Skyping again next Wednesday morning.  God loves us so much and has a plan for us all.  I'm so glad that I chose to follow Him down this path of leading.  Our whole family will reap the benefits of adding Chad to our crew. 

I've never talked about the letter we got while in Bulgaria about Chad.  It disclosed information about his mom.  Her birthday is July 8 - same as Ashlyn's!  His mother is deemed unable to work by the government due to the severity of her epilepsy (somthing he has not shown signs of).  Her governemental funding is minimal and because she is a single mom - it all goes to providing for her other 2 children.  She tried to keep him, but after 3 weeks realized that the money was not enough to sustain 4 of them.  That is the reason for his "abandonment" the paper stated.  What a sad word...Abandon.  She wanted him, she loved him, but that wasn't enough.  It breaks my heart for her loss and for Chad's.  I am so blessed that God chose us to show Chad His love and His ways.  I love this little guy so much - as if he were always part of our family.  I don't understand God's plans for us, but I'm so honored that he thought me worthy of a calling so great.

Back in Sophia

Here we are, back in the capital city surrounded by 2 million people, but feeling so lonely.  At this moment we are away from all of our children.  As most of you are sleeping tonight, we will be flying back to the states.  I'm glad that people speak English in Sophia and don't smoke in the restaurants.  Breathe...

Our visit today was wonderful.  We gave Dimitar his picture book filled with family pictures and recordings on each page for English and Bulgarian.  Excitement filled his precious face with each new page.  The orphanage has agreed to Skype with us using our wonderful new friend and translator Didi.  We also have paid to have him enrolled in English lessons twice a week.  Great stuff for while we are apart.  We explained the process yesterday and again today about WANTING him, just not being able to take him yet.  The social worker there is wonderful...she explained everything so lovingly - in Bulgarian.  Her daughter goes to his kindergarten class in school and now they will be the only 2 that leave for English lessons.

A friend came down the stairs to say hello to all of us.  He went right over and showed that boy the way back upstairs, closing the door behind him.   As our week unfolded, we were blessed to get to see the real Meete (shortened for of Dimitar).  Smiling.  Laughing.  Hugging.  He is all boy - running all over, loves electronics, building, and throwing balls.  Quite a little ham he is - full of spunk and personality.  He will fit in with our kids perfectly!!  He is our son.   We put glow-in-the-dark stars on his bed so he would know that we are thinking of him every night.  He hugged us, told us"chow" and waved good bye holding his Lightening McQueen and Mater matchbox cars.  Obeechum te Meete - We love you Meete.  We will come for you soon.  God's comfort until that time.   

2 Meetings Left in Sredets BG

Our week here has been long, yet rewarding.  I am ever impressed with the care at the orphanage (minus the rotting teeth).  The menu was shared with us and is very traditional Bulgarian food.  Take away all of the smoking and they are pretty healthy here.  No cereals, no sugary breakfast.  Eggs, cheese, meats, toast with butter and seasoning and breakfast sandwiches.  Fruit or "light breakfast" for snacks.  Lunch and dinner always provide a salad and often soup as well.  Salads here have no lettuce - unless you order a Caesar.  We've also seen "Texas" burgers in one restaurant.  We are very happy with the food, juices - peach - yum and coffee - espresso.

We were told at the Orphanage that Metko (Dimitar) cries after we leave every morning.  I can't even imagine on Friday morning after we leave for the last time until we get to come pick him up in a few months.  It makes me cry each time I think of him waiting.

He is so proud to show us off to his buddies.  Last night he took us on a tour of the rooms where his group "lives" and showed us his bed.  What a priss!  Arms out, head high - he marched up the stairs.  We loved it!  I wish we could've gotten it on video, but the other children are not allowed to be photographed...  We played soccer indoors - what fun.  It brought us joy to hear him laughing for the first time.  What a precious guy!  The social worker told us today that he only really started talking more last week.  Wow - prayers are amazing!  Please continue prayers for his heart and for those of the other children in the orphanage.  Tomorrow we leave our child and part of our hearts here... Only 2 more meetings - I pray he understands that we will return.

First meeting with Dimitar - God answers prayers

God answers prayers!  Our first meeting was scheduled for 10:30am today.  That's 3:30am EST!  We sat nervously in a room with some toys, 2 chairs and a footstool.  We were accompanied by Didi (DeeDee), and the director of the orphanage as the social worker went to get Dimitar.  We heard an excited exchange between an adult and child nearby.  Tears came to my eyes.  This little guy, who has only been a two-dimensional photo was just around the corner.  What would he think of us?  As they entered the room a small boy with dark brown hair, a shy smile and beautiful blue eyes came to me and hugged me.  A huge bear hug!  He was saying I've waited for you my whole life, I'm so glad you're here and don't leave all in this one moment.  The social worker told him that Santa brought him some guests.   We are the guests we were told that all of the children wait for.  What a special greeting - Stuart received the same never-ending hug with the look of "well, what do we do now?"  

We bought some toys, with the help or not so much of our kids to give to him.  He quickly went through the 3 we took.  He is all boy and very active.  Extremely detail oriented too.  He put everything away so nicely...even while we were in the middle of a game.  He repeated several American words that we said and communicated much better than I imagined.  His hair has gotten darker than the picture we have (posted in August) and his checks are swollen due to lack of oral hygiene.  I'm glad that Papa is a dentist and will be able to help.  He smelled nice and clean.  His finger nails were recently cut.  

We enjoyed our morning visit and returned at 4:30 for the afternoon visit - forget the fact that it was near dark already.  One of the care givers told us that Dimitar (Meet-a, as they lovingly call him) cried when he awoke from his nap, afraid that we wouldn't come back.  That broke my heart because now my sweet Ashlyn wakes up wondering why we left her and if we will come back.  Our visit again was filled with much love and curiosity as he loves electronics.  I'm not quite sure, but this 5-year old knows how to use a smart phone...hmm...

This week seems long as I miss my children in the US so much and we have a significant amount of down time.  I know it will mean the world to Meeta (no idea how to spell that).  Excited for tomorrow.  Thank you Lord for answering our prayers and opening his heart to us.

Dinner at BudaPest

Kristy and I just finished a fantastic meal at the BudaPest Restaurant and we are very excited to sleep in a bed before traveling across Bulgaria tomorrow.  I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us!  Please keep it up.  The trip has gone very well so far and I can tell that we are being prayed for.  Kristy is very tired of course from the long overnight flight and the time change but other than needing some sleep she is doing very well.  We decided to fly Air France just so we could say that we've been to Paris (and because it was the cheapest flight).  We left New York about 7pm EST on Friday evening and we arrived here in Sofia around noon local time.  Didi picked us up from the airport, escorted us to the hotel, and will pick us up again tomorrow to drive us to Sredets.

I can't imagine what Sredets is going to be like.  Driving from the Sofia International Airport to our hotel was a major surprise to me.  I'm not sure I saw a home that didn't have some large holes from the bricks collapsing.  Someone was having a wedding with balloons tied to all of the vehicles just blocks from the airport.  It was in the gypsy area and it looked like a tarp city.  Even adjacent to this nice hotel are a couple of houses that look like Charlie's before he took over the Chocolate Factory.  I wasn't prepared to see such a wide gap between social classes.  There are a few who drive the BMW's and Benz's but one common thread is everyone seems to be dressed very nice whether they are driving or walking from one shack to another.  The BudaPest Hotel is first class and is a great price.  I am very excited.  Kristy and I miss our girls and boys but we are so excited to meet Dimitar.  I hope he feels the same way!

Phase 1 Rescue Mission is a Go.

Wow- We leave on a flight at noon tomorrow.  The day is almost here.  For far too long the whole adoption process has just been paper work, talk, plan and more paper work.  Now here we are  - a few short days from meeting our son.  He will be more than the little snap shot we've seen.  I am thrilled and sad about leaving my other kids here.  Oh - I'm sure they will have a blast!  Play dates every day, yet home in their own beds at night.  I'm worried about Ashlyn - our little three-year old.  She is very attached to her Mom.  It's mutual.  I know that we are all in the hands of our Lord and savior though. 

With all of the packing and planning (we had our will made out yesterday) - It has been brought to my attention that we are on a rescue mission. Yes - that is exactly what we are doing!  We will rescue little Dimitar from a life of lovelessness, loneliness and deprivation.  We will bring him into a nurturing family and share things with him that he never knew existed.  God's love will shine.  That is so thrilling to me.  I never saw myself as the Navy Seal type.  As I think of it we are soldiers for Jesus and that's close enough to me.  We are the Body. We are the heroes here on earth.

My next blog will have pictures, happiness and tears of joy.  Thank you to our wonderful life group, family and friends for your prayers and words of encouragement when this sometimes doubting and scared mama has needed them most.  You have given me the peace of the Lord - the kids that passes all understanding.  You are a blessing to us, I love you and I thank God for you.

Thanksgiving

It's the night before Thanksgiving and as I started to head off to bed to get some rest for our big day tomorrow - it hit me that blogging has slipped my mind for a while.  We have so much to be thankful for, so I will just name a few...we are so blessed with 4 amazing children who do have their moments, but are never the less our wonderful treasures from the Lord.  We have all of our family in town as of Monday (2 days ago) when my brother moved back.  All 28 of us got together tonight for dinner - so nice!!   We are able to homeschool and travel - 2 of my favorite things.  The business is doing great blessing us and so many others as well.  Our life group is awesome and running strong with support.  The best part is -  we are leaving in 16 days to finally meet our son!    God can really out do himself with blessings.  We can never out give Him. 
I'm getting nervous, yet excited as the time draws nearer.  Sometimes I find myself questioning God's choice for us to be Dimitar's parents.  I mean - we have 4 healthy children, Bulgaria is quite a ways away from Florida and flying is far from my favorite - oh yeah and the 5 hour drive doesn't sound too thrilling for this motion sickness prone girl either.... we don't know his language, what if he doesn't even like us?, what if he does - then we leave after a week and when we are finally able to see him again to bring him home - he doesn't want to go because we already disappeared on him once?  I have so many questions for God, but I do know that the fear part is the evil one sneaking ideas into my head...right? 

great stuff

August 12, 2011

What a special day that was!  Our final sister and her kids pulled into town to move here for the year.  Stuart's parents and other 2 sisters and families moved to Ocala over the summer.  With my parents already here - our entire family is here (minus my brother)!  That's a crew of 27!  Chad - if the name sticks -will be added to 15 first cousins on Stuart's side!  Ages 11 down to 3.  Lots of family!  Lots of fun!!  We love it. 

The super super exciting thing about the 12th happened at 9:30 that night...Chase was baptized!  What a proud moment as a parent when your child decides that his life belongs to Jesus!!  Our families and the youth from our church were all there to witness this wonderful joyous event.  What a time for celebration and glorious praise...

As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

It's there!!

Our dossier made it to Bulgaria and was signed for today!!  Praise the Lord! 

Friday July 22nd - I called the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to check the status of our I800a approval - the final document we had been waiting for.  We actually have a person (an officer)assigned to our file or case as it appears.  Our documents were sent to the USCIS on May 3rd and once we got our fingerprints completed in Orlando on July 1, I figured the 3 weeks was plenty of time to get our approval back to us...  Well, our "officer" said that she had been meaning to send out a request for more documentation.  Considering that it was a Friday, we were out of town and the paperwork she needed was from out of state - I just cried.  What a defeating time that was.  I could feel Satan at work.  Well let me tell you - that evil old thing ain't gonna beat me.  I have Jesus on my team and we are unstoppable.  AMEN!  We got home, got to work and 5 weeks behind schedule got our approval.  We shipped it out on Sept. 1 and watched it travel to Orlando, then to Kentucky, then to Koeln Germany and let me tell you - those weekends are torture... 2000 miles to go and they drove it.  Wouldn't you know?  For an impatient person like me, that was like a turtle was the delivery man.  So now - I can breath and rejoice!  We have to wait on translation, then authentication, then get scheduled to travel behind other families that are a little ahead of us in the process.  What a process it is.  I sure could write a book at this point on the ins and outs of international adoption.  I think the US has a few issues - but that is another story!  Bulgaria thinks we're great and they are waiting on our visit.  This is one Mama that can't wait to fly across the ocean to hold her little man. 

One last piece...

Our summer has been buzzing along and between camps, vbs, family moving to town and vacations - the time is passing more quickly than it was when we first decided to adopt our little man. I wonder what he's doing now?

We just picked up our oldest 2 from bible camp this morning. I was surely missing them, but what a blessing the week was to them. Madison was baptized last August and Chase now says that he wants to give his life to Jesus too! Praise praise praise God! We are so happy. This important decision will bless us all as well.

We finally received our FBI form back after 8 1/2 weeks. When they say 4-6 ... allow for a while longer. We went to Orlando for our 3rd set of fingerprints on July 1. That is the final piece of information we need in order to have a completed dossier that we can submit to Bulgaria for translation. So, now the wait is for that clearance document... I'm learning patience with peace for sure!

God is so amazing. Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.

A new calling

I know that's it's been a few years since I updated this blog. Life is taking a new turn for our family and this is one way to give the glory to God and show how He blesses us and opens doors for us that we never imagined. This new journey the Lord is taking us on will find us in Bulgaria adopting a 5 year old little boy ...

The journey began back in early March - One evening Stuart's company lost power and 2 of the guys taking sales calls came to our house to work. The Comptons decided to go out for a family fun night at Easy Street complete with golf, rock climbing and go carts. A fundraiser was taking place there for a precious little boy being adopted internationally as well. God spoke to me that evening and I knew that I had to give to helping that family was the entire reason He guided us there that evening. Determined to give financially at first, I got busy and life got in the way... I didn't give...

A few weeks went by and Stuart told me that he had been having bad dreams and knew that the Lord was telling him that we were leaving something undone. He had been racking his brain and couldn't think of anything that he overlooked, so he mentioned it to me. I knew right away that donating to that family was the thing that I had not done. On Saturday April 16, the calling to help that family was fulfilled, but God had plans greater than that for the Comptons....After giving - I clicked on the first link on the website that hosts special needs children needing families and there was the most precious little boy. His eyes spoke to my heart. He looks as if he could be one of our children. I then clicked on a link for children available to large families and there he was again! The first child to be seen. He was so adorable and I felt very moved by his short bio.

That and the next several nights were sleepless for me. Prayers for that sweet little face were constantly on my lips. Our own children were having so much difficulty in getting along. Prayers for their leading and help with raising them in the Lord were being said as well. Through tears, I shared the picture with Stuart and after our prayers for clear guidance together - we decided to take a step and ask about the little boy called "Chad".

The day that I found him was his 5th birthday! He was born in 2006 (our others are 00, 02, 04 and 08) and has a birthday on and even day, just like the rest of us! Turns out his special need is language delay - I'm a speech therapist. Wow - God spoke so loud and clear to me at that time...

Rescue him. Take him. Teach him. Love him. Love me.

We then began the crazy process of international adoption. Adoption is definitely not for wimps or for the impatient. I am both of those things, so at times I wonder what in the world do I think I'm doing? Each step of the paperwork and jumping through hoops feels like it takes an eternity and is torture to my heart and arms that long to hold our new son.

Imagine being taken away from anything and everything you've ever known. Your country, culture, language, housing, food, caregivers, and friends. I'm praying that the Lord will ease the transition for him and for our family. We are the good guys right? Is he better off where he is with those things he knows? Absolutely not! These are thoughts that scare me, but my biggest supporter - my wonderful husband -reminds me that "Fear is not from the Lord." This is God's calling on our life, His glory will shine!

Oh yes - "Chad" was a protective name given to him online, but that's still what we call him. His real name is Dimitar.

On June 3 we were approved by the Minister of Justice of Bulgaria to become "Chad's" parents! We will travel as a family to meet and visit with him for only 5 days (that's all we're allowed), then we will have to return home to do more paperwork, submit it then wait for a judge to let us come bring him home. We are officially 6 weeks into the process and still have a while to wait on our last two forms (immigration USICS and FBI). The papers then go to Tallahassee to be apostilled, sent onto Bulgaria and have to be translated there to be given to the Minister of Justice as our official dossier - then she gives us dates to visit.

Psalm 62:2 Truly He is my Rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Still lovin' it!

Well - we made it through our first week of school. The kids are very happy - and close to home. Things are so laid back here. The kids are called into school by their teachers from the playground every morning. They also get 2 recesses during their day. They are allowed to wear flip-flops to school when they don't have P.E. and every Wednesday is 1/2 day. Chase goes to afternoon KG and doesn't start until 12:50!







Here are some pictures of Madison riding her bike to school.





Madison made an instant friend (Ally) at school. Chase did the same. His new buddy is also Chase! Madison is telling everyone now to call her "Maddy". Stuart and I are trying to correct this new phase before it sticks.







During the week we took advantage of the Lincoln Park Pool before it closes after Labor Day. Yes, that is Chase being the first one off of the 12 foot high dive! (Gammy don't have heart failure). Madison figured her little brother couldn't show her up, she went next. Bryce likes the splash pad and little pool the best. Madison loves the slide!


































We took off this past weekend to Glenwood Springs to ride along the river trail there. We rode for 13 miles. It was wonderful.

The we went for a dip in the hot springs - sooo fun! Here's a picture of the hot springs pool - HUGE! This is where we went after skiing this winter when there was snow all over the ground. There are two large slides on the left side of the picture. The smallest pool at the far end is a kiddie pool - not spring fed - normal temp. The next pool that still looks small is the theraputic pool - it's the hotest because it is the closest pool to the springs. Feels like a hot tub. The enormous pool feels nice.









On Sunday we rode Tour the Valley with Uncle Dennis, Aunt Terry, Katie and Lee. We rode the 35 mile ride from near the Grand Junction Airport to Fruita and back. It was the most gorgeous ride. It was a bit of a challenge the last part of the ride. It felt like a great accomplishment. Pictures to come on that one - I didn't take my camera. Please keep me updated on how things are going for you. I have only heard from a few of you (thank you) and would love to hear from each of you!!!


God bless you -


Kristy

Hey there!

8/20/2007 -

Well, we returned back to Colorado on the 6th and made it home on the 7th. When we got here, our house was 92 degreesAC was out of coolant. After that was fixed we were back into full swing. We really enjoyed getting to spend time with most of you while we were back in Florida. It made it very hard to leave. Man was it ever hot there. But, we do love and miss you guys.

We officially started homeschooling on the 13th . The kids were so bored by the afternoon and begging for things to do. After researching, I found that the homeschool support group here is NOTHING like "Heart" (the support group in Ocala). There is nothing organized, only a newsletter where people can start an activity themselves and post it, as well as a phone directory. So, even though there are 18 2nd grade girls and 17 Kg boys, there is never going to be an opportunity for Madison and Chase to meet them. People say that it's the "independent" Colorado way of thinking. The group was once small and set up to allow people to remain independent, yet never changed as the numbers grew. As people are moving here from other states and areas, they want more. A small group of people are trying to start a new group without offending anyone, yet it's a few years away from being established. I had a very sad day Thursday realizing all of this after talking to many people about it. So, I looked at a few schools around here (the school system out is amazing!) . We liked a new charter school that meets M-Thurs., but there were no slots for Chase. After lots of tears and prayers - we decided to put them in the elementary school that's next to our neighborhood. We can walk them to school! Chase will only be in 1/2 day. I'm going to be volunteering and helping out as much as I can. The kids are so excited to finally meet some friends. They only have a couple now from church. So that's our big decision for now - let them try school. They didn't get to start today (the first day for everyone else), but they will be there tomorrow. Here's a picture of Wingate Elementary School off of the county website.













On another note. I went to my Dr. visit today! The OBGYN was wonderful! He took me into his office to sit down and talk about any problems I was having (my cyst). He was very personable and he lives near us. His daughter goes to school where the kids will be going. He walks her to school, then bikes to work (about a 35-40 minute ride). Biking is HUGE around here. I just got a road bike and love it. Stuart road and mountain (scary!) bikes. Anyway, the doctor wants to do a Laproscopy to look at the cyst and any scar tissue from the rupture to take care of the pain I've had since May. Just wanted to update all of you. Please let me know how everything is going in your life. God bless you!
Love - Kristy