hello stranger

Ok, so it has been a while. I have just flat-out had zero time.

Things are going well. The girls have been enjoying summer - we have done the beach, the lake, camp, etc. Finn is growing like a weed - he is huge. The girls start school in a little over a week... which both of them have mixed feelings about. They are both excited but a little nervous... well, Sasha is a little nervous. Marina just doesn't want homework to start up again. Both of them detest the thought of getting up early.

As of this month the girls have been here a year, and as of this week Finn is six months old. Despite how tough some of the past year has been... and those days when I wasn't sure if I would make it through sane - it really has flown by... it is hard to believe that a little over a year ago it was just Shane and me. 

Big news for me is that I am going to be a part of a small team from our church that is joining with Compassion International to serve in East India in November. I am so excited about the opportunity, as I have always wanted to both serve in India and also be a part of a Compassion trip. Compassion is near and dear to our hearts so it is such a blessing to be able to serve with them. (Go check them out if you haven't heard of them or are interested in being a sponsor!) Our team will be based out of Calcutta/Kolkata working with their Child Survival Program at a couple of different projects.

It will be here very quickly, we will be gone From Nov 7th to November 14th. Please pray that we will make an impact for Christ and His kingdom while we are there, that we would fulfill the Lord's purpose in us being there, and that we will have safe travels. 

Pray specifically for me that finances will come together in time as well. Your prayers are appreciated!

Here are some pics from the last few months! I have lots more, that are much better, on our "good" camera... so hopefully I can get those downloaded and some posted soon!

Kirill

Please pray for this family from Alabama.

They have been attempting to adopt a little boy named Kirill from Russia. Kirill has Down Syndrome, and in that part of the world that almost always means life in an institution. They were literally in the Russian adoption court a couple of weeks ago, and the judge blocked the adoption because Kirill "has Down Syndrome and is not socially adaptable... and would be better in the institution than a family." The judge then told them they could adopt a "typical child" with no problem.

They are appealing, but have no idea what will come of it... how long it will take... etc.

My heart hurts for this family, and this poor boy who is so close to having a home and a family who loves him.

Please pray that they would appeal, and the courts would find favor and allow them to take this precious guy home. 

New Pics and a Video Clip

Benefit on Saturday

On Saturday there will be an adoption benefit being held here in Birmingham for the Kinsleys, who are great friends of ours. They are amazing people, and are working towards the adoption of a child from Ethiopia.

SO. You should come.

There will be a family friendly silent auction loaded down with all things incredible... from paintings and other handmade delights... to golf and spa packages... to a website. There will also be a photo booth, dessert bar (yummy homemade goodness), and some pretty awesome company to boot!

Here are the details!

The Blur that has been the last 4 weeks

So as of Monday, the little Finnster was 4 weeks. 4 WEEKS. I can't believe it. Needless to say, those past 4 weeks have been pretty much a blur. I would have thought, that by around a month I would have a routine and feel a little more in control.... not so... not so at all.

Finn is doing pretty well... he is eating like crazy - apparently almost triple the average amount, but Doc says feed on demand right now... SO we do. We also had to put him on baby Zantac - which is sad... but he is having some acid reflux issues, etc. Hopefully that will help. And hopefully it will help him sleep better. Please let it help him sleep better.

The girls are doing well.. Marina started public school a couple of weeks ago and seems to be liking it thus far. During the day anyway - homework she doesn't care for so much! :) Sasha is going to finish the year in homeschool, so we are plugging along with that.

Here are some new pics!

Introducing Finn

Introducing Finnigan "Finn" Shane Etheredge.... born January 31st, 7lbs 10oz, 21.25" long.

It has been quite a while since I have put anything up on here, hopefully I will get back into that routine soon! Finn was born almost 2 weeks ago - so that is the latest thing we have been busy with. Here are a few pictures!