WE ARE FAMILY

Five years ago today a Ukrainian Judge delared Scott and I Bella's parents and we became a family of 3. We actually did not get custody of Bella until the 15th because we had so much running around to do getting all the necessary documents in order including a new birth certificate from her birth city, Billa Tserkva. We were so busy on this day 5 years ago that we did not even make it to the orphanage to see Bella that day. I remember being relieved that the day was over and excitied about bringing Bella home to America and to a waiting family. I am trying to hold onto that feeling today as our morning was less than stellar. Happy Gotcha day, Isabella!

5 Years Ago

Five years ago today Scott and I were driven to the Boyarka baby house in Ukraine to meet for the very first time a 15 month old blue eyed beauty that was destined to be our daughter. We were in the Doctors office when someone brought her in. She was wearing a pair of gold colored courdory overalls and a red shirt. She was tiny and I think a little scared. They handed her to me. Since I was taking notes on her medical history I passed her off to Scott. Later they asked if we had any questioned and I asked if she walked and they told us to put her down and away she went after that piece of ribbon under the doctors desk. Our initial meeting was short. They took her back to her groupa and we were asked "Do you like her?" "Do you want her?" obviously we said yes!

Oh how time flies! It have been a very interesting ride this being a mom. I know that sometimes I fail to be the best mom this little Ukrainian orphan could ever have but I also know that she is without a doubt mine and I am hers and together we forge ahead at being the best mother/daughter duo we can be. I have learned so much from my daughter and I hope she has learned much from me as well.

Can I imagine a life without her? yes! Do I ever want to? NO!

Here's to you my little princess on the anniversary of the day we met.

VOICE YOUR CHOICE!

Today as we all know is election day. I have already been to vote at our local library. I asked my husband when he was going to go vote and he said he did not know if he was going to go vote. I am amazed at the number of people who are willing to give up this right. What other rights do we have as Americans are we so willing to give up? The answer is none. There are people all over the world that are longing for the right to elect the leader of their country. My friend J also told me on Sunday that she did not think she would vote because she did not care who wins. How can you not care who will govern our country for the next 4 years? Last weekend when I was home my SIL stated that "this country is just not ready for a black president" Why not? and if not what will it take for us to be ready? (please note that my SIL lives in a very rural part of WI where there are no black people). Lets say you don't think your presidential vote this year matters (Obama/Biden will win in IL after all) Are there not other issues you should be concerned with? Representatives?, Judges, Coroner and the question on whether we need a constitutional convention in IL or the referendum on carrying a concealed weapon in IL. Finally I would like to remember all the women who worked so hard years ago to give me, a woman the right to vote. When we as women choose not to vote doesn't that insult those who worked so hard to get the right for us?

I have bible study tonight so I will miss alot of the earlier coverage, It should be an interesting night.

As always Proud to be an American!