Let me interrupt our regular programming...

Every now and again, I use this blog to talk about things other than Anya and what is going on with her. Now is one of those times.

I have several friends that I hold close. By several, I mean I can count them on one hand. These friends I would do anything for. They've prayed for me, and have been my strength in ways they don't even know about. Now, I get to payback that favor for one of my precious friends.


A few years ago, my beautiful sweet friend, Kim got married. Actually - she got married in our front room! Our staircase was her aisle, and our backyard and deck served as a reception hall.

Kim married Bart. Bart is a good man. A strong Christ-follower, loves his family; holds Kim on a pedestal - which in my opinion, is right where she should be! When Bart and Kim first got married, I was bummed because that meant that my friend was moving. Kim's moving has become a real blessing in disguise. We still see each other every few months. Kim lives fairly close to another one of my friends whom I hold close. It has been great to visit both of them and be able to spend time with both of my friends at the same time!



Kim and Bart's marriage blends 2 families to form one with a lot of kids! Correction, a family with a LOT of daughters! One of Bart's girls has cancer. I talked about it several times before (in 2008) here on this blog.

A few days ago, we found out that this precious little girl is fighting cancer again. She is 10 years old, and is facing another fight of her life. I don't know what to say, other than to ask you to please pray. Pray for her, unceasingly.

Thank you.

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If this sounds familiar, and you are a regular reader of this blog...it is because a year ago (almost exactly) I was asking you to pray for another daughter of a friend. I don't want to make this an annual thing...I hope this is the last time I am on my knees with this kind of a prayer.

going to the dentist

We had our first dentist appointment yesterday. When we have a doctor appointment, Anya always tells me about her adventures at that kind of doctor we're going to. It's no surprise that most of her experiences with the medical profession in Russia were less than good ones.

So we head to Dr. Julie Plagens' yesterday. Julie is a friend, so I totally trust her. She is also my dentist, and has her practice in the same building where I went to the dentist as a kid. Not that any of that matters, it's just fun trivia.
We found out that Anya has surprisingly good teeth. I was ready for cavities and all kinds of problems with her gums. Dr. Plagens said that she has great teeth! No cavities. nothing! And (get this) very little tarter! Guess the fact that they don't allow kids to eat sugar in Russia is a good idea for their teeth! The only things that we need to think about are some sealants on her back teeth, paying attention to the few baby teeth that she still has to loose, and making a consultation appointment at the orthodontist (she has a bit of an overbite).

She did very well at the dentist, and was overly excited about her new purple toothbrush!