"National Adoption Awareness" month ~ November

Visit "Adoption 3:16" this month and enter to win one of several books we'll be giving away during November.

7 years later...

...I'm still strolling down memory lane this time every year. It's hard for me to believe, but seven years ago today we were standing before a Russian judge, in a Russian court room presenting our petitions to adopt Olga and Nina!

Olga's High School Graduation (in pictures)

To God be the glory, GREAT things HE has done!

The happy graduate!


Olga receiving the "CHEF (Christian Home Educators Fellowship) Scholarship"


Olga receiving the "Jaron Holliday Music Scholarship" from Jaron's father. Jaron Holliday was killed while serving in Iraq in '07--he was a local home school graduate, accomplished pianist, and lover of music. This is the second year the scholarship has been awarded.


Olga with her scholarship certificates.


Olga with her high school diploma from Grace Academy (our home school) and certificate from CHEF (Christian Home Educators Fellowship)


Nina congratulating big sister!


Mom and Dad with our graduate!

College Graduation--sort of!

It was a rare joy tonight to watch our oldest daughter participate in her college commencement exercises -- a week before she walks in her high school graduation!

During her junior and senior years of high school, Olga has been attending college concurrently. In the spring of 2008 she earned her "International Language Certification" in Russian with honors (requires 20 college credit hrs. in target language).

In case you are saying/thinking, 'That's nothing, she grew up speaking Russian!' please remember that she has been completely immersed in English since Oct. 2002. She has not had the advantage living with family who converse at home in Russian--we try, but we are NOT fluent by any stretch of the imagination (although we do valiantly try for the sake of BOTH our girls!). Russian has been a part of our girls' daily home school schedule since very early on, but it still requires a great deal of hard work to retain a language you have little opportunity to use regularly. Congratulations Olga!

Happy Graduate!

Hmmm, the cap fits Nina, too! Someday... :-)

And now, for even more music...

...this time courtesy of Nina!

(Ahem, haven't figured out how to turn this right-side up!! Close your eyes and just enjoy the music, kay?) :-)

Olga's 'Senior Recital'

Olga and five other high school seniors study music (piano and/or cello) under the same teacher. So, we were treated to a very special "Senior Recital" and reception today in a beautiful turn-of-the-century home.

Fantasy No. 3 in D Minor, K. 397 ~ Mozart

Tarantella, Opus 23 ~ Squire

And now, for a little music...

courtesy of Olga!