I've talked about this issue before, but not for a while. What's in a name? A great deal of thought, time and hope. And often times, in an adoption situation, you are not the only one naming your child. In our case, as in many others, our daughter "came with" a first, middle and last name. When we were able to officially adopt her, there was no question about changing her last name to match ours - she was now part of our family. But we really liked her first and middle name, kept it, and gave her a Hebrew name when she was converted. Here are some things to keep in mind, and some places to look while you think it over.

-- Does s/he have a name already? If your child has already been... more

If anyone asks I can paint a wonderful picture about Ukrainian adoption. I will say that we all have amazing kids. We were meant to parent these kids. Our children's issues aren't that bad. They just have challenges to overcome.

The issues are manageable.

I would leave out my fear, anger and sadness. People want to hear happy stories. Stories full of pain aren't easy to listen to... aren't easy to understand.

Or maybe you catch me on a bad day. I can paint a negative picture about Ukrainian... more

In an earlier post, I talked a little about when a child becomes part of the family - and in an adoption situation it almost seems to be more complex. However, I think that it actually is more concrete than being pregnant and expecting a baby. In that situation, one has the hope of a baby - the expectation of something happening. In an adoption situation, once you are given a referral, you have concrete proof that this child exists. You have a name, a picture or two, information on his or her background and plans in the works for you to bring your child home.

I know that when Anna came to us, it was a Monday. Over that week, we spent as much "alone" time with her as we could, and... more

Anna, our daughter, is four years old going on fourteen and is adopted. Adam, who turned one year old today is our foster baby and we may or may not be able to adopt him depending on how the situation unfolds. Our four year old has recently been reminding him (not that he cares) that he's not adopted and not part of our family, but he's just living here with us for now. As much as I don't like her attitude with him on this issue (and that's a separate topic altogether which I will entitle "Help! A teenager has taken over my pre-schooler's body!") I know that it is very important for her to know the difference between being a biological, adopted or foster child. There is a very real chance... more

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. (Titus 2:3-5)

In an age of micro-minis, jelly bracelets and spring break beads, its clear we need to raise godly girls. We need to help our girls develop a moral compass,... more

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

Pornography is just a click away for Internet-savvy teens and ‘tweens. Read on for how you can help protect your child from pornography’s lure.

According to the website XXXChurch, the average age of first exposure to pornography is eleven years old. This statistic crosses all socio-economic and religious boundaries. One online site... more

Once you have welcomed home your new child, taken some time to attach and adjust and begun the process of emailing, calling and sending photos to his or her birthmother, you may decide the time is optimum for a first visit.

Depending on where everyone is in their comfort level with that first visit you might select a public, family friendly place like a park, restaurant or a museum. Getting together in such a location can help take some of the pressure off... more

I think being a parent is the hardest job you will ever have. It certainly is the hardest one that I have held - and I've worn many, many hats. But it is by far the most rewarding one, and I can't imagine my life any other way.

And when I say hardest, I suppose I really mean challenging. I have been blessed with a really smart four year old daughter who asks tough questions. So, based on the few years of experience I have had trying to answer her as she ponders the mysteries of life, I'll share some ideas with you now.

-- Only give answers you are comfortable giving. Saying something like "G-d made each of us a little different" or "G-d wanted us to be part of the same family"... more

I cannot believe how energized I feel tonight. I knew I needed a vacation but I had no idea how badly I needed it. I prepared a nice dinner for a change. I made sure I was available to “play” with my daughter when she arrived home from school—we both rode my horse. I walked the dogs twice and worked all four of them on obedience and/or agility.

I was pumped up when I wrote the exuberant “chasing cattle was a ton of fun” post… and I’m not sure... more

When you adopt from Ukraine your home study must satisfy 3 government entities.

The best place to start is by understanding your state's law. Who can do a home study? How are they licensed or authorized?

I... more