My 50th Birthday!

Dad, Me, Mom

The birthday celebration just kept going!  We celebrated as an extended family one last time.  My dad took us out for Mexican food at the Red Onion.  Next, we went back to celebrate and my sister and brother-in-laws house with cake!  As you can see my sister Susan thinks I am still 35!  Shhh!  Don't tell her I just turned 50!

Susan, Cindy, Me, Ronnette

It is inconceivable to me that I could possibly be 50 already!  It was just yesterday that I graduated from high school.  Where does the time go???  My birthday was lovely.  It started off with Kevin having beautiful roses for me when I woke up.  Later that evening Morgan surprised me while I was out of the house doing an errand.  She decorated the house with the ornaments that she made.  She made all kinds of beautiful decorations. 

Justin made me this beautiful card and the braclet I am wearing.

Garrett was Mr. Generous and gave me $25.00

Morgan made this beautiful popsicle house house.  She worked on this for weeks.  You can't see in the picture but she even made a picnic table on the porch.  She wants to make people for it too.

On Thursday my parents came out to celebrate with me and to see Garrett play in his championship football game.  

Friday night Kevin planned a dinner out with a couple of friends.  We had a great time and then headed back to the house. One of the couples told us they had to leave early!  I was so disappointed that the evening had to be cut short.  We got back to the house and my dear hubby had planned a surprise party for me!  The evening wasn't over after all!  I really was surprised because Kevin is not very good at  planning surprises.  As a matter of fact he just can't keep a secret! He did it this time though.  I didn't get very many pictures of the night because I was busy having fun.  I didn't even take any of Kevin and we didn't get any together.  Oh well!  I had a great time with all of our friends.

Isn't this a beautiful cake?  Beca Holtzer made it for me.  Bummer I didn't even get a picture of her.  I think she did an incredible job!  Thanks Beca!  Thanks everyone else for coming and celebrating with me.  It really made my day. :)

Two Years Ago Today...

Kevin and I with the Judge

November 2008

Two years ago today we stood in a courtroom in Ukraine and said yes to making Vladik Boyco our new son Justin Greer!  What a day that was to remember.  Justin wasn't allowed in court so we rushed back to the orphanage to tell him the news that he was now our son!

Hosting, summer 2007

October 2010

Justin has changed so much since we first met him through a hosting program back in 2007.  Not only has he changed physically but he has changed emotionally also.  I can't even believe all he has learned since he has been in America.  When we first hosted him he had never even been in a car.  He didn't  know that you had to wear a seat belt and that if the car was moving you shouldn't open the door!  Yes, he tried this many times.  Since he has been in America he has learned to speak English, read, write, spell, and integrate into a family.  He had never had a family previously because he was raised from birth in an orphanage.  Learning to be a member of a family was huge for him.  He had no idea what it meant to have parents and that they needed to be his authority.  He had always listened and looked to other kids for guidance.  He had never heard of Jesus before he was hosted.  He now knows Jesus as his Lord.  God has changed his heart and made it new!  It has been a very long and difficult journey but it has been very rewarding for all of us to witness.  God is doing a work in Justin.  Only God could bring him this far.  We sometimes get impatient with him in his progress because our expectations are high.  We think he should be where a normal eleven year old should be. I then have to go back to where he was only 3 and 1/2 years ago.  When I think back to where he was  I am humbled and amazed at all he has learned.  I know I couldn't learn all he has that quickly, especially in a new country!   I am sure God is going to do great and mighty things through Justin!  Our family will be forever changed because of this little boy who visited us from Ukraine!

Soccer

Justin was involved in a Saturday soccer progam with a group of homeschoolers these past 8 weeks.  He really enjoyed playing.  The best part about  this soccer program was that it was FREE!  The other part was that it was only on Saturdays with no practices during the week! 

Garrett volunteered his time by helping with the coaching.  It was great experience for him and he loved it.  He helped out along with his buddy Logan coaching the little kids.

 Justin with his buddy Broden  They have known each other all their lives.  They grew up together in Ukraine.



How I want to Live my Life

"No longer will I be concerned about what self wants, but about what Christ wants. When I pray I will not always be asking for things for my comfort and convenience but rather I will be seeking a place in God's will and asking for grace to stand where God wants me. I will not strive to show my love for God by the efforts of the flesh, but rather by the worship and trust of my heart. I will no longer try to show what great things I can do for Him, but will yield myself to Him so that He can show the world what great things He can do for me." By Buell H. Kazee

Lost in Translation...

Last Monday we let Justin try out Boy Scouts. They were learning about Rattle Snakes. He came home telling us all about Adult Rattle Snakes and Baby Rattle Snakes. He was explaining how the babies were more poisonous than the adults were and what to do if they bite you. Very seriously, he was telling us how if you get bitten in your shoulder that you should put Salad Dressing on it. Salad Dressing I asked???? I had never heard that, I said. I asked him do you think we should put Italian Dressing or Ranch on it? We decided on Ranch since Rattle Snakes aren't in Italy. We had a good laugh and then I explained what was meant by dressing. :o)

Halloween

Garrett was the costume designer this year. He came up with his and Justin's costume. The best part about it was that I didn't have to buy anything for them. Morgan of course had hers from the party last week. I thought they were quite clever. :) Morgan as Cleopatra
Justin as a beat up nerd

Garrett as a gambler

Warrior Football

Garrett has been a real player this year in football. We are so proud of him! He is playing middleline backer this season. He loves to tackle and sack the quarterback! His team is doing really well with only one defeat. These are pictures of him tackling, calling the defense and sacking the quarterback. His number is # 52.