Sullivan & Nikita

Jim & Jodi sent some pics that we thought you'd love to see! One note on Sasha's picture...Sasha chose to have an "American" name as he begins his life as a Schwartz. His name will be Sullivan Alexander Schwartz and we are all working on getting used to his new name! (You can call him Sully for short!)

Jodi & Sullivan (aka: Cawa/Sasha)

Nikita !

Nikita and Sully are with Jim and Jodi today. They are just hanging out and enjoying the day. If you could be in prayer for their appointment on Monday re: Nikita's adoption that would be much appreciated. There may be some details on official paperwork that are out of order and we are praying that won't slow things down.

Yesterday I took Stan, Stephen, Sam, Sarah & Michael bowling. It was fun, but we had the shock of not being allowed to ALL use the bumpers. Only Mike could use 'em......guess who won??!!! I didn't bowl, didn't want to embarass myself! Stan was pleased that they actually had size 15 shoes!

I should've cropped this pic....we drank water regardless of what the neon signs say!

The gang.
" Hmmmm.....sure wish we had those bumpers."

Last night was Sam's final ball game of the season and we went out for pizza with the team afterward. What a great season it has been. This morning we are headed out for Sarah & Mike's last games. We're going to miss basketball. However, the baseball season is just around the corner!

Michael is having to re-learn how to talk without the two front teeth. Makes me sad....they are all growing up so fast.

Gotta get some breakfast for these kids. Jim is making his yummy Fruth McMuffins!

Question of the day....

directed to me....aka: the old lady---

"Did they have Monopoly when you were young?"
Stan Schwartz

Thanks Stan!

Riding the Rails

Jim and Jodi are on their way to see Sasha!

All credit goes to God for receiving the necessary paperwork for Sasha's adoption proceedings. They will return to the judge Monday to get a referral for Nikita. Here's pic that we just received from the travellers......gotta love that Blackberry! Jim's probably going to kill me for posting this, but I thought you would enjoy it as much as we did. (that's a passport pouch on his chest by the way)

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This evening, after youth group, Stan played pick-up ball and had a great game! He shut down one of the stronger players on the other team and had many offensive rebounds where he put the ball back up and scored! The Lenexa Baptist kids are really amazed at this Indiana kid! I think he had a great time----he got a workout, that's for sure.

Toothless Joe...Michael is now minus TWO front teeth.

The shoes arrived and Stan says they fit. I thought he ought to model 'em.

Thanks Mom & Dad (aka Jim & Jodi) for some fun. When the rain comes we'll play a marathon game! Notice Stan's new book in the bottom corner...couldn't resist it at Sam's Club!

Playing cards while waiting for the others to finish with piano lessons.

Sam, Stan, Stephen, Sarah & Michael

What a fun crew!

The night before the flight to the Ukraine.

At the airport in Kansas City, the flight begins....however the journey began over two years ago!

Outside fun. 70 degrees today!



Okay, you've got to remember that it's Ash Wed. and while we were out this afternoon, the kids noticed the ashes on the forehead of some people. This is what I found them doing in the back yard.....BOYS! :-)

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Yesterday was our first full "real" day with Stan & Stephen here. School was fun. Stan is so good at working on his own. Stephen and Sam are enjoying not being the only 5th grader in the basement! (am I really smarter than a 5th grader? not sure, but at least I can keep a step ahead of them!). Mike and Sarah are in the mix as well and are adjusting well to the extra students and FUN in the classroom.

Our friends, Jim & Jodi, made it safely to the Ukraine and have a couple days to settle in while they await an appointment with the judge. Thursday is the day when the adoption proceedings will go forth.....say a prayer that the judge will give his stamp of approval on whatever paperwork there is.

Last night we went up to the church for Sarah and Mike's last Upward basketball practice. Sam, Stan and Stephen were able to shoot around a bit too. Stan is going to be playing pick-up ball with the Junior High kids on Wednesday nights---I think there was some recruiting going on as an eighth grade boy shot hoops with Stan last night!

Today is a regular school day and it is going to be pretty nice out (high 50's). We hope to wrap up school early enough to get outside and PLAY!

Oh and we'll be posting another pic of Michael soon....as of last night, he is now missing TWO front teeth! He's sitting here at my feet right now and that smile is so cute! Sam is mixing up some pancakes for breakfast. Better go get the sausage out.

February

One down, one to go!
Sam & Travis -- Quiz Partners

Abiagail, Sarah & Lisa--Quiz Partners

Michael is playing the air guitar, everyone else is bowling!

(Mike, Jenni, Sarah, Kate, Sam)

Awaiting Sarah's basketball game

Where has February gone?!!

I take a minute to look over my shoulder at where we've been this month and boy, it's been a busy time and a fun time. As I look ahead to what's to come, I just can't wait! You see, we have the privilege of taking part in a very special time in the lives of our friends the Schwartzes. Jim and Jodi will be heading to the Ukraine on SUNDAY for the purpose of bringing home Sasha (a 12 year old young man) as their son. Sasha won all of our hearts a couple years ago when he visited the states and lived with the Schwartzes for a few weeks. Since that time, the Lord has moved circumstances along to the point where Jim & Jodi will adopt him as their son. We have the joy of taking Stan and Stephen in as part of our family until Jim & Jodi can return from the Ukraine. They come to town Friday and we are so excited!

All that to say, please keep this family in your prayers. They are trusting God in all aspects of this adoption and the days to come.

Coming soon....Fruth World Tour!

Warning.....this video contains offensive clanging and banging!

Lady Huskies in action!

Sarah is the one in pigtails.

He shoots, He scores!

Michael is in black and makes a bucket!!!