In Need......

Simply put- tonight I need prayer. I need prayer to be able to sleep. There's a lot going on and we just need to know folks are praying.
Thank you!

In other news- this morning, I got in our van to go to church and it wouldn't start... no idea yet what's up. A man at church will gladly tow Glenn to get an estimate as to what's going on, so we'll have that to deal with this week. ugghh (some of you may remember we had to get a "new" transmission in Florida!!!)

We are under a Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow! Heavy snow is in the forecast. Spring in Minnesota!

A couple of folks have asked what I think about the new advertised fibro drug, Lyrica. (you know, the one where the woman reads from her diary how that day she had really struggled with her fibromyalgia). I am sure once my insurance is finalized and I go to a doctor here, I will discuss it with him or her. I do have meds now for fibro, by the way. I know that drug says it is the first approved medicine specifically for fibro, so we'll see if it's a possibility and if it works better for me than what I currently take. ( a really high dosage of Naproxen- prescription strength). My "favorite" is a medicine I got in Russia (with a really long shelf date- I still have 2 more). It helps me rest and eases the pain for awhile- seems to take the edge off at least of the aches.

On a lighter (well, is it really?) note... have you ever stopped and listened to the possible side effects of these drugs advertised on t.v.? Sometimes I stop and say, "I think I would just take the ailment instead of the side affects of the supposed medicine!!!" ha

A catch up from since I last wrote: On Thursday, we had a great time at Chuck E. Cheese. We took a friend of Cala's (a girl that's been attending church with her family). They then invited Cala over that night for a sleep over. This was Cala's first at someone other than family. Well, last fall, she spent the night at a Girl Scouts camp, but this was the first time at a friend's house for the night. She had a wonderful time, and of course is already discussing when her friend can come here.

The boys continue being the boys! Nuts as always! ha We were in town last night and saw a teen girl that works in Ethan's classroom sometimes. She told me, "Ethan is such a joy to work with. You just can't resist that dimple!" That is what everyone says. I am blessed. Glad he's mine.

Easter Pictures

My kids on Easter Sunday. They are so precious! We had a really nice Easter service and following church, we ate Sunday dinner (lunch) at a family's house (they've been attending our services). It was a really nice day, especially since we have no family for thousands of miles!

Cala and Ethan were off of school last Friday, all this week and have next Monday off too! SO, during Spring Break, we are trying to make some memories :o) We are taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese on Thursday. We are also taking a friend of Cala's (from church) with us. It should be a fun time. I know the kids are looking forward to it, because I'm asked every few hours how many more sleeps! ha (that from Ethan).

Funny thing is, the last time Cala went to Chuck E. Cheese was on her 7th birthday! We were in Texas, and spent that birthday celebration with my good friend Suz. So, that's been over 2 years now.

That was the only time Seth has been and he was a baby, and Ethan, well, Ethan actually has been to Chuck E. Cheese in Guatemala! We have video that was sent to us while we were waiting to adopt him.

Pray for me! My fibromyalgia is wreaking havoc on me right now. This too shall pass!

Pictures

Tonight, I just thought I would share some pictures.... The first is of Ethan and Cala on Friday night during our weekly "family night". It was actually Seth's turn to choose everything (from food to "treat" to game we play or activity we do). He chose cheeseburgers and fries (home made by Glenn - and he stuffed them with bacon, cheese and ranch dressing! YUMMY!). Seth chose fudge filled cookies for the treat and Trouble for the game. We had a lot of fun that night!

The next picture is of all three kids this morning (Saturday) right after we gave them their Easter baskets. We have chosen to do all Easter egg/basket/candy stuff on Saturday so we keep Sunday all about the real meaning of Easter.

The kids really had a good time today, and as is tradition, the adults hunt eggs too. HA! We even had a prize egg, won by Cala. Yes, it was just our three kids and it was all inside (as it was snowing all day today), but it was fun and the things memories are made of...

Later during the day, we went to Target to do some grocery shopping and looking around. Let me just say I was exhausted after that trip! It seems Grumpy Gus decided to go along, er Seth. HA! I was beyond frustrated at one point and suddenly he disarms me with, "Mama. You is pretty." Next thing I know, I am hugging him, telling him thank you, only to hear from Ethan, "you don't think I'm a good boy?!" uggghhh

I am really looking forward to our Easter Sunday. We are having church here in our home as we were not allowed to have it where we normally do because of the holiday. After church, we are eating Sunday dinner (lunch) with some folks that attend church. That should be nice.

Hoping I sleep well tonight. I really am tired. HAPPY EASTER!

I Wish....

I wish I was four years old again, sleeping in between my Mama and Daddy, holding on to Daddy's white t-shirt because I felt safe.

I wish I was a kid hearing my Daddy sing, "I love you a bushel and a peck" (as he still does to his grandchildren today).

I wish I was 13 years old, standing in a line at a store (with Daddy), and him saying, "wonder what these people would do if I suddenly started singing out loud?", and then... he did.

I wish I was 14 years old, and Daddy was driving me past a certain boy's house just because he knew I wanted to "catch a glimpse" of said boy.

I wish I was 17 years old, going through a drive thru at Wendy's with my Daddy. This drive thru is where a boy I dated worked. My Daddy asked if he were there and upon hearing he wasn't working that day said, "Well, tell him his father in law came by." (talk about embarrassing! The boy called the next day and asked if by chance we had been by there!) HA

I wish I was 22 years old, walking down the aisle with my Daddy and then having him perform the wedding ceremony for Glenn and me. Daddy forgot about a rose ceremony we were going to do and upon remembering said, "sorry folks. I forgot something here. After all, my baby girl is getting married!"

I wish I was 28 years old and heading off to Russia to live, and hearing my Daddy say, "even though I will miss you terribly, I am proud of ya'll for going where God has sent you."

I wish I was not quite 30 years old, home for the first time from Russia, and seeing my Daddy so very excited that we were "home" for a few months.

I wish I was 30 years old and seeing my Daddy with our new daughter for the first time. He was so very proud to have a Russian grandchild!

I wish I was 34 years old and bringing home my sons from Guatemala. Upon seeing them, Daddy held the baby and said about our other son "we will teach him to like dogs and hunting and fishing".

I wish I was 35 years old, moving to Minnesota and hearing my Daddy say, "you have to not worry about what folks think about you leaving Russia. If God has called ya'll to Minnesota, then you simply have to go!"

I wish I was 36 years old and in Florida for my youngest brother's ordination. I have a great picture of my Daddy and my brother. It stays in my mind- a wonderful image of my father just two months before he fell and life would change.

I wish I was 37 years old (as I am now) and in Florida by my Daddy's bed side. Somedays like today, grief simply rolls in and I miss him terribly bad. I realize how quickly things change and I wish for days gone by.

I have a great daddy. I wish everyone did.

Checking In....

We had a really good day at church today. We feel like things are coming together for us here. WE always knew they would, even when others may have doubted. All in God's time. It's just nice to finally see some results to what God has for us here in Minnesota.

We thought Spring was around the corner, surely it must be, but alas we are under a winter storm warning. uggh. Hopefully nothing will come of it, but I hear tomorrow is just really going to be a yucky, nasty day weather wise.

That's about it for now. I'm tired... really tired.

Emotionally Taxing Day!

This afternoon, after Cala and Ethan got home from school, we all took the dogs for a walk. (yes, we got the husky mix!). When we returned, the boys and I sat in the "trunk" of the van (with the door up) while Glenn and Cala were inside getting the dogs settled down and making sure the cat was up. We were getting ready to go out for an early supper before taking Cala to her Brownies meeting.

Ten minutes or so had passed when Ethan asked about going inside for something and Seth was right behind him. I said, "yes, both of you go inside and go to the bathroom, wash your hands, etc." I saw them both go right around the corner, heard the door open. Ten more minutes passed when out comes Glenn and Cala. Ethan was soon to follow, but not Seth. "Where's Seth?" I ask and Glenn responded, "huh? I haven't seen Seth since I went inside." Thinking he had gone inside unnoticed by Glenn, I said, "call for him while I go check out back." No response from Seth. He seemed nowhere to be found. My heart was now racing for that brief moment fearing the worst!!!!

Glenn came outside again, walked around the corner of the house saying, "Seth! Seth!!!!" He then sees Seth appear. In typical three year old fashion, he was around the corner of the house playing. When he heard Glenn the last time, he came to see what was up.

Dear older sister gave him a talk on never doing that again, "Mama is crying because of what you did!" while sure enough Mama was crying at the thought of what could have been.

We went to eat, had a really nice time together and then dropped Cala off at Brownies. Once Cala returned, she went upstairs for something and our big dog (the husky mix) followed. Only problem was, Keeska our cat was upstairs! What ensued next was a hair raising time of woof woof from the dog, hiss hiss from Keeska, and Cala trying to get the dog to go downstairs where I was. Once I got upstairs, I tried to no avail , to get the dog to leave the cat alone. It took Glenn coming up to get her settled down. The cat got away from Cala and went running to our room, and hid under the middle of the bed!

It took another hour before she could be talked out (by Glenn). He got her safely to her "room" (the foyer closet) and all is calm and quiet now in our home!

I meanwhile have that "lump" in my stomach that I am trying to calm down.

A doctor bill later....

So, it's nothing an antibotic can help! It's viral in nature and just has to run its course! I was told to take Mucinex DM but if I still can't talk in a week or so, to get in for an x-ray just to be on the safe side. sigh..... Technically, I could have stayed home, BUT I am glad I went to the doctor I suppose. I mean, at least I've now "done my part". I'm just so very weary of having my throat hurt when I swallow and definitely tired of not being able to talk! This is getting ridiculous. It's now been well over 2 weeks with no voice. Tomorrow will be the third Sunday that I've not sung. I'm not used to this.

Oh well. I try not talking, but something always needs to be said I guess! HA HA I really will try to not speak tomorrow, I really will. I am going to just take in coloring sheets for my Sunday School class. I know now I'll never make it teaching them. It was rough last week. The family that's been visiting our services are probably wondering if I'm alright! ha I mean honestly, after all this time, and I STILL can't talk?! ugghhh

Kindergarten Round-Up was good by the way... Ethan enjoyed visiting a couple of Kindergarten classes and hearing what he'll be doing when fall rolls around. Meanwhile, Seth got to be in sibling care and played with other kids. Glenn and I got to sit in the lunchroom filling out paperwork while listening to the Principal and a teacher explain a few things in depth. I might add here that being a plus plus size woman, well, sitting on an attached bench meant for Kindergarten through Second Graders, well, uh.... I was really glad when they said, "thanks for coming. That's all." :o)

Random Thoughts.....

This morning, I woke up trying to decide if I could fit in going to the doctor better- today or tomorrow. It turned out if I went today, Glenn would have been unable to go with me. I really don't want to go alone especially since I can't speak a bit!, and so, I will go first thing tomorrow morning. We'll leave as soon as Cala gets on the school bus. Both boys will be with us, but honestly, they're really good at sitting and waiting in situations like this, especially with Papa (Glenn) there.
Tomorrow is Kindergarten Round-Up for Ethan. Since our last name begins with M, we are in the group that goes in the afternoon. Seth will be dropped off in "sibling care" at the school, and then we will head on to the festivities! From what I understand, Ethan will get to attend a session about what Kindergarten will be like, while we do well... the same- only geared towards the parents. We'll all visit a Kindergarten classroom, meet all the Kindergarten teachers, and alas, we will register ol' Ethan to begin in the fall. sigh........ I spent awhile this evening finding Ethan's birth certificate. It's in Spanish, with an English translation attached, so I also spent time highlighting the English version with his name (old name with our last name) and his birth date. I haven't come across his immunizations record (his current one), but I have until Kindergarten begins to do that. Being gone for two months like we were, well... I feel as if I'm having to re-learn where I put everything! (fibro probably has a lot to do with that to- the moments of "fog" that happen from time to time).

And----tonight, right after supper (which was wonderful by the way- Glenn decided to cook, which he loves to do and is good at- he made something new to us- a pizza "pie"- (using two pie crusts). It was SO good!). ANYWAY- right after supper, the boys went to brush their teeth. As they were coming out I saw an "exchange" going on, which would soon result in a fight. I motioned to Glenn to watch. Seth (the 3 year old) was telling Ethan (the 5 year old), "yes I AM! I am BIGGER than you! I can push you! I am bigger." I asked why he would say that. He said, "Mama. I am bigger. I am. " I said, "son, you are 3. Ethan is 5 and while not much bigger, he is a bit taller than you." Seth said, "well, I be bigger one day."

**Pictures above are from my birthday back on Feb. 3rd.**

Going to the Dogs

Uh, I can't believe I am about to write what I am about to write, but uh... I couldn't resist.... we are getting the Siberian Husky too!!!!!! She belongs to a military man that now lives in an apartment and has a deployment ahead and can no longer care for her. :o/ He will be bringing her to us on Saturday! I am waaayyyy excited! It was actually me who kept thinking about this dog (saw her picture online, etc.) and couldn't get her out of my head! They say she is great with kids, great with other dogs, etc. etc. I can't wait to get her, I feel like a kid- strange too because I've always been more of a cat person, but I just really am looking forward to having this dog! I've wanted a Husky for ages actually. This is a Husky mix, not sure mixed with what but looks just like a full Husky. (from what I can tell from the pictures).

Seeing how she'll have to be out for walks, it will be a great motivator to get me out and walking as the weather gets better (whenever that may be!).

Am I crazy!? (don't answer that!)

Meet Snezhinki

His name is снежинки - Russian for "snowflakes". Yes, he's black as night- it's just our little joke. (my parents had two cats once- one was black, so Glenn suggested and they named him Snowball- the other- his brother was as white as could be- we named him Midnight!).

Snezhinki is a black Lab, born January 20th. This morning, we had no thoughts that today we would up and get a puppy! We had been talking about wanting one for some time, but living in this climate and NOT being inside dog people, well, we put it off. It's been a dream of Glenn's to have a dog, but he too is just like me, not wanting an inside the house dog. (I think Keeska our cat would certainly thank us for that one too! ha).
Somehow though today, we began looking at Craigslist online and lo and behold!, we drove an hour way out in the country to pick up this puppy. We will keep him inside the house a few more weeks until he is older and can begin getting acclimated to his new digs, in our little garage out back. He'll have plenty of room to run there and during the winter months, he'll have a heated area.

Yes, our kids are THRILLED beyond words! Cala did not want to go to bed and actually had us set her alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier where she can get up and spend time with Snezhinki. :o)

Now- in other news... we also inquired about a Siberian Husky, which we all really would love to have one, but first heard about this puppy. The Husky is 3 years old and completely free. We just got word back from them that she's still available... I am going to have a hard time saying no to getting her too. (no, we're not going to get her too, but I am the one really wishing we could! HA). Snezhinki is beautiful by the way- he's going to be a charmer I think.

Of course it remains to be seen what Keeska decides about him!

Trying to Get Back

Wow! I feel like I've been gone from blog land for many moons! I posted mid- February that we had the flu. We got over that, but I alas have gone straight to something else! Uggghh. I have had no voice to speak of, (ha! or to speak with!) for at least 10 days now. It's getting ridiculous! My throat hurts so I think I have some sort of throat infection. Yes, I should go to the doctor, I know, but when you have no insurance (and lived in Russia where the internet was your doctor), you learn to wait these things out as best you can. Seriously, we have insurance "pending", so wouldn't you know it that we all got sick before it has come through!?!?! I will bite the proverbial bullet though and head in if this doesn't get better soon!

I absolutely can't believe it's March! That's unreal to me! Time as they say sure does fly! I feel like it was Christmas yesterday and here we are in March! I sure wish Spring would decide to spring here! That's what you get though living in the frozen tundra :o) We took the kids sledding yesterday evening!

Good to be back! Going to go clean something around here....Stay tuned.