Holidays 2008...E-mail to friends

Well here it is, the almost late Christmas greeting!

OK, I cheated sending via e-mail....

I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and a happy New Year! As you can see from the pictures, Dylan is no longer a little boy, but a very handsome young man! He continues to be very involved in sports at the high school. It seems like he ended his football season on a Saturday and the very next Monday wrestling began! Wrestling is 5 nights a week, not including any matches or tournaments that get added into the mix. His first tournament was very new and exciting, as I did not know much about the sport. I am learning. He came off the mat from his second match with blood running off his face. That was my first real experience with wrestling as a parent! I am getting used to it, as I am sure there will be many more bloody noses to come. Today, with his team, they feed 500 families in need in a hanger at the local airport, a very good experience for him. I am so proud of the wonderful young man he is becoming!

The adoption process continues to progress at a fairly steady rate. I just recently sent 35 or so documents to Russia, with about 10 more to go. These documents are in final preparation for court. I hope to be traveling again in February, fingers crossed here. Of course, when I get definite news I will let you all know.

On a recent document that I submitted, I had to identify what her legal name will be. I identified her name as Victoria Irina Rae Elbe. Victoria is my mom's name and my great-grandmother's. Irina is her Russian name. Rae is my grandmother's middle name.

We gathered as a family tonight at Dad and Jan's. I was touched that Victoria was remembered by Jan in our Christmas Eve prayer. It was very touching and yes, brought tears to my eyes as well as other family members. I am blessed to have the family that I have, they have shown me so much support and concern. Our hearts broke for her, as we wished she could be here with us, and prayed for her well being. I reminded the family not to be sad, at this point she does not know family and celebration like we do. She is safe and cared for, I feel confident in that. I also know that her spirit is strong and happy, considering what she has been through thus far in her life.
I suppose besides reminding my family of this, I was reminding myself as well. I have been moving through the past few weeks without trying to focus much on the holidays and her not being present. I did not fully realize that until tonight. Soon, she will be with us soon...

Thank you all for being a part of my life!

Venite Adoremus.....O' Come Let Us Adore Him!

Love to you all, Jen

Beneath the Wings of Angels

Beneath the Wings of Angels

Beneath the wings of Angels
We sometimes find release
From the trials that prevent us
From finding lasting peace.
God often sends us His messengers
To guide us on our way.
They shelter us beneath their wings
and somehow save the day.
God knows that we're not perfect and we don't understand.
So He sometimes sends us Angels
To lend a helping hand.
Angels guide us and protect us
From dangers in this world
For beneath the wings of Angels
His blessings are unfurled.

I think that God's Angels were watching over Tori considering all she has been through.
Love, Mom

My mom sent that poem to me after we returned from Russia.

Lil' Miss T

With hair of gold and skin of white,

The angels came and changed your plight.

The woman from whom you were born,

Her heart was tattered, her spirit was torn.

She wanted for you a better life,

One devoid of poverty, anguish and strife.

Our family she entrusted you to,

A life of blessings known by few.

For now you have more, not less.

For now, my darling, our lives are blessed.


Reminded me of lil miss T....
Love, Ashlee (my neice)

Sent to me December 2008

September 11, 2008...E-mail to family and friends

Things have been very busy around here making flight arrangement, phone conferencing, Visa applications, and so forth. I will finally be traveling to Russia. I received word on Friday that it is time and finally confirmed my flight arrangements.

My mom will be traveling with me and my son has made the decision not to go at this time. He was very concerned about missing school and football. He struggled with the decision, knowing that the opportunity to travel internationally does not happen often, coupled with the prospect of meeting his potential sister! I left the decision entirely up to him, but do think it is a good choice on his part at this time. Family will be staying with him while I am away.

My mom and I will be departing LAX on the 19th. We will first arrive in Seoul, Korea and then fly over to Vladivostok, Russia. We will arrive in Russia Saturday afternoon. Monday morning I will visit and be interviewed by the Department of Education and Science of Promorsky Krai and visit the orphanage. My first visit to the orphanage will consist of meeting with the doctor or director of the orphanage to discuss medical information and history. I will then finally be able to meet her and interact with her. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will again be visiting her at the orphanage. If all goes well, on Thursday I will visit a notary office and file a petition to adopt. Friday we will be heading back to the USA. We first stop in China, then Korea, and finally LA. We will be home Friday late afternoon, as Russia is a day ahead of us.

I am excited, happy, nervous, anxious......really just tons of emotions that change from minute to minute, so it seems!!!! I look forward to sharing my trip and pictures with you all when I return! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.....
Love to you all....