We're Dome!

First Douberly family photo!

We couldn't have done it without Babushka and Dedushka! They were the glue to this entire operation! We love you, Nana C and Papa J. You've only been gone 30 minutes and you are missed by all of us!

Nana C and Papa J enjoy time bonding with their new grandsons

Preparing for our walk around their new neighborhood
Crazy Ukrainian Friends for life!!! (Andrew, Max Bryant, and Alex)

Laura Thoroman...I couldn't even begin to tell you everything she did for us! Mommy missed her eldest boys terribly

Our Homecoming awaits (and waits...and waits...)

Dearest Loved Ones,

We did it! We are home in the good 'ol USA. Dome Sweet Dome (Dome is Ukrainian for 'home'). We couldn't be happier. The boys act as if they have owned the place since Day 1! We love it. Joshua and Jacob have adjusted to being big brothers instantly. They continue to impress us with their helpful attitudes and biting their tongues if the boys wake them up screaming in the middle of the night. (Yes, we have some adjustment issues to work on, but it's ALL GOOD!)

Mom and Dad just drove off (sigh) and I'm nervous if we can handle it without them here. They have been such life savers. They made the boys feel so loved and comfortable that they never cried from homesickness. How amazing! I think maybe I should have brought them with me to help with MY homesickness! They juggled soccer practices, games, social events, laundry, cooking, etc, with such ease, zest and experience. We have heard over and over again how awesome they were with the boys while we were away. God bless my folks!

The homecoming was spectacular. The Thoroman and Bryant families joined my family in welcoming us home. It was such a treat. They made beautiful posters, delicious cookies, lasagna, etc. They even baby-proofed our house for us. When we came in the door, my mom had Laura and Scott go upstairs with me to see everything they had done. I get tears in my eyes all over again when I tell you this. They put together the entire boys' room! They had put together bunk beds for the boys (and had to get the parts themselves because they didn't come with the set!), stripped and painted the walls and made it feel like such a welcoming and warm bedroom for the boys. They/I LOVED it. It was too much. Laura and my mom had gone through an entire closet of junk to organize and sort clothes for the boys. It looked so nice. What have I done to have such beautiful people placed in my lives?

I can't thank all of you enough for the sweet phone calls, emails, clothes, and gifts. Our neighbor, Laurie brought over bags of precious clothes for the boys along with a new big wheel and Legos for the elder boys. Way too sweet! Another dear neighbor, Betsy handmade blankets for the boys. They love them! We also received matching helicopter long sleeve ultra-cool T-shirts from Hammer and gang. I can't wait to get them all in them for a picture. I have them washed and plan on taking the picture ASAP. I just have to round up the entire gang. I could go on and on talking about all of your generosity and I want to. However, Lamar just took the boys out for a men-outing and left me with a few precious moments to finally unpack my bags. (Hey, it's only been 3 days....not bad!)

Please don't be upset if we don't immediately return emails, phone calls, etc. We are still trying to find some balance in giving all the boys the attention they need. That's a huge priority right now.

My last request from you all....Could you all please just take a minute and send prayers of thanksgiving up to our mighty Lord and Savior. He has worked miracles for us and we are forever in debt for his graciousness, kindness, and love. I'm sure you all feel Him touching each of your lives, too. It's so easy to focus on praying to Him when we are in need. Lamar and I want to remember to give Him extra praise and glory during times of happiness and joy as well. He has given us two more gifts that we are just not worthy to have. God is good...

ALL THE TIME!

God bless you all.

Kris