Tonight was Seth's turn to choose what we would eat and what we do for our weekly family night. He chose chicken nuggets and fries for supper, candy for dessert, and playing Star Wars on the Wii for the activity!!! We really enjoyed tonight!
As you can see, Seth really got into playing the game! I was actually playing him when this picture was taken by Glenn. Seth won!
Poor guy really got a workout! He was pouring sweat by the night's end.
Yesterday I would have posted but it was one of those nights I was so exhausted! We had a long, but good day. In the evening, we took Cala to get her hair cut, as she is the last one in the family to not have their hair done recently. :o)
I LOVE the way they did Cala's hair. She picked out a look in a book at the salon, and after she and I finally agreed on what would be a good style, I think they did well!!! (for the record, she wanted even shorter hair!)
She is indeed pleased with how it turned out... it's supposed to have a style on the top and will when we get her hair trained to stay that way :o)
I thought I would share the pictures Cala took last night as we were coming in.
I understand she wasn't quite in focus, but I still enjoyed these pictures! She is really starting to show an interest in taking pictures, something I share with her. Any of my family who may be reading may be saying, "Yes, we remember when you would take pictures of folks and their heads would be cut off." My Daddy used to joke about how many pictures must be laying around the house with cut off heads, or blurry people, etc. :o)
Today, Wednesday, was spent taking Ethan to his 7 year old check up, and then having church service. Previously, I slept a lot! That's why I am so awake now as I type this! Having a kidney infection makes me tired, but not when I should be! ha
This was taken this evening (through the van mirror) while waiting on our kids in their group therapy session. Glenn loves to read and really gets serious about his books :o)
Today was 16 years ago, that our first child was due. We were planning to name that baby Evan. It's so hard to believe it's been that many years! I can't imagine being the parent of a 16 year old just yet, but Cala is just 4 and a half years away from that now! Yikes.
Ethan and I both were scheduled for appointments with our therapists. I planned for a few days to let this somehow be an afternoon that I could take Ethan on a "date." Glenn and I do this as often as we can with each of our children. It is a special time for that child and for each one of us.
Since Ethan has mental issues, and his anger is aimed towards me, it is rare that we can be alone... it has been suggested more than once that we are indeed never alone for a long period of time. When I realized that because of the time of our appointments, if we all went (meaning Glenn, us and Seth), we wouldn't be back in time for Cala to get home from school, I suggested that this could be a date for Ethan and me. So, it was planned, and looked forward to... then this past Saturday, I became "sick as a dog" with kidney/bladder infections! I knew somehow I needed to get through today. I enlisted the prayers of many and thankfully, we made it! I did indeed get sick on the way home, but Ethan managed really well during our time together.
I even stopped and had my hair cut while we were out and once we made it home, I just had to get a picture for the blog, of Ethan and me. Yes, he did start getting 'fustated' as he said (frustrated) but he realized it and was able to utilize some techniques he has been taught. I praise the Lord for His goodness in allowing me some much needed time with my oldest, precious son!
I love this picture! For our family devotions at night (right before bed for the kids), we have been studying the book of Job. I was surprised this evening when Seth said, "Ethan! Will you go with me upstairs and get our Bibles?" He went on to say how their Sunday School teacher told them that they should be reading their Bibles and learning all they can about God. I was so proud :o) Of course, they can't yet read many words, but they were sure to have me get their Bibles turned to the right book and the right chapter and verse!
O.k., so this was taken on Friday, not Saturday, but it is another picture from Glenn and Ethan's zoo trip that I wanted to post. On Saturday we didn't go anywhere... stayed home and did some more Spring cleaning.
We are trying to throw out stuff that is broken (as in toys, etc.), clothes that don't fit now or won't next season... etc. We got a good bit done yesterday, but there is much more to be done this week. Growing up in Florida, I never had to worry about the changing of the seasons and bringing out the winter clothes, or changing back to the summer clothes. That all changed when we moved to Russia and continues today... even more so now that we have 3 kids.
And here it is 10:15 Sunday morning. I am obviously sitting at the computer, not in church. I am sick with a kidney and/or bladder infection. I've dealt with these many a time in my life... started as a young child, in and out of the hospital with them as a teen... Yes, I know all about Cranberry juice, Cranberry tablets, water... I only drink water nowadays.I will try to be back on here tonight and post a picture from today.
I love this picture that Glenn caught of Ethan with a leopard in the background. It seems to me the leopard is either saying hey or is saying, "no autographs, please!"
Glenn accompanied Ethan and his First grade class to the Minnesota Zoo. They had a great day!!! While they were gone, Seth and I went on a "date". We also had a wonderful time, going out to eat, to a park, to Wal-mart, etc.
Cala, poor thing, had to be in school, but at least she said she had a really good day!!! Tonight, being our weekly family night, we all spent some great time together.
It's been a good, exhausting day :o)
I thought I would post a picture tonight of me doing something I love to do... hit the road :o) Through the years, when Glenn and I were on deputation (as missionaries), we of course spent many a day and night driving. I think it was those days that put the love for travel in our souls!!!
We are looking forward with great anticipation to a road trip we are taking this June, with my in-laws. They arrive June 11th and we all leave together June 13th (after church) for a few days in Yellowstone. We are all excited about this trip as it is an area we've all wanted to see.... sharing the costs makes it affordable.
To me, "Life is a Highway...."
I believe I've mentioned my love for barns, particularly red ones. I took this picture through the van window.
I am exhausted tonight and in a lot of pain from fibromyalgia. I pray I can get some rest.
Today I thought I would share a picture I took this afternoon of Glenn and Cala coming out of a store. The boys were soundly sleeping in the van, and so I stayed in with them while Glenn just ran in to get a dollar umbrella or two. On Friday, Glenn is going with Ethan and his class to the Minnesota Zoo, and at this point, they are calling for rain! Glenn didn't want to lug around our big umbrellas so a cheap one it is!!
My mind has been on my family in South Carolina today as they buried my Uncle this afternoon. I talked to Mama just a few minutes ago and she said the funeral was "nice", as funerals go of course. Mama returns to Florida tomorrow afternoon. Pray for her to have a safe flight.
For yesterday's picture, Cala wanted me to share her art work with you! We think she's an excellent artist. She's 11 years old and loves to draw! She sure can beat me!! I think it's in her St. Petersburg, Russia blood- so many artists there :o)
Cala is the "Star of the Week" in her class this week... she has chosen to take all things Russian to explain about who she is.. in her words, "They're going to learn about my culture and who I am . I am going to teach them all about St. Petersburg."
I'm proud of Cala. She being as white as they come, would never have to tell anyone she was adopted. She however, being Cala, chooses to tell the masses all about her birth place as she is proud to be who she is :o)
Ok! So I confess to secretly (not so secretly now that I put it on the blog!) liking winter, even in Minnesota! Yikes. I really don't like the coldest time of year when it falls wellll below zero, but hey! That's part of the mystique about here.
My all time favorite of any season anywhere is fall. I love the color in the leaves. Summer here is nice because even though it can get "warm" in the daytime, the evenings are nice and cool. I love going out on the deck and feeling the evening breeze. It's calming to me and peaceful.
I've never been a big fan of Spring anywhere I've lived! I know, that's strange, almost a crime amongst some folks, especially when you live in a climate like this, but I just never have! I think it's because in Florida, where I grew up, it's HOT this time of year and you know what's around the bend--- the dreaded dog days of summer. Here in Minnesota, I think my dislike is because it's the high time of allergy season (*even though I don't suffer like my husband and baby son do). I also know that it's because if it's still going to be chilly, I might as well have SNOW! haaaaa There... I've said it. My husband would disagree. I have always disliked seeing the brown everywhere in early spring before the beautiful flowers (my favorite part of this season) appear.
AND now, to explain my picture choice for today- I was thrilled to see such lush green as we drove out in the country. The brown is starting to be replaced with this beautiful rich color and I, yes, even I can appreciate Spring for its beauty.
This evening (Thursday), while I was trying to get all three kids to do something, I simply raised my hands up and said in a louder voice than usual, "Come on guys! I want to go!" (we were getting ready to leave).
My dear sweet five year old son Seth replied, "MAMA! You're a raging volcano!" HA HA Got to love that little smart fellow!!!
**** In other news, please continue praying for our family. My Mama's oldest brother (in South Carolina) is very much near death at this point. Mama said today he has the 'death rattle'. Of course this brings up memories of when Daddy was dying. ****
Anyone who meets Cala remembers her! She is just someone with that type of personality. She's unique in many ways and I am a Mama most blessed :o)
Tonight, I find her so silly!!! She made me smile as she showed me the note written from her teacher about next week, Cala being the Star of the week. It has an interview of sorts for Cala to fill out (her full name, where she was born, etc. etc.). She will be able to take in things dear to her and that explain her life. Cala took little time finding all she wants to take!
So, the silly part? She had a question asking what she is good at... her answers were "drawing (of which she really is turning out to be quite the artist!), basketball (she loves all sports) and, stapling!" HAAAAAAAA Yes, I said STAPLING!!!!! I started laughing and said, "honey, don't you realize kids may laugh at that a lot?" She said, "I don't care! I'm good at stapling, I love to staple and I am taking my stapler in!" HA That girl.....
Anyone have papers you need stapled?
The times that Glenn and I had been able to be alone (after having kids) were always few and far between. Honestly, it's been that way since we adopted Cala... in Russia though, we eventually did have someone who could take care of Cala and we were able to get out weekly. That was so nice! It hasn't been that way since.
Since moving to Minnesota (and now having three kids), we have gone months before without ever going out alone. It's nice though now to have that chance one to two times a month. Our kids all go to a group night at the attachment center. Cala and Ethan are in therapy there for various reasons (they deal especially with adopted kids and have seen many with Ethan's ailments)... anyway, on group night, even Seth gets to join in! That leaves Glenn and me 3 whole hours alone. It's too far to come back home, and so we eat out and then head to Target or somewhere to kill the time.
Tonight, we went to eat at Chili's and then to Target. It was a great time! I am blessed with a wonderful husband, with someone I WANT to spend time with :o)
Yesterday evening a lot transpired with Ethan and so I was so exhausted and didn't get online to post the picture... here is what I would post.
I ask you to pray for Ethan (on the left- in green). He's 7 and with his mental illnesses, it's just so hard sometimes. While going through some battles with the illness this weekend, it hit me how even though it's SO very difficult living with a person that is suffering from this type of illness, how hard it must be to be him! :o( It breaks my heart. Ethan and I spent time in prayer last night, crying, asking God to help him. He said, "Mama! I don't want to be this way!" I simply said, "I know, son... I know." Please pray for our son!
**** **** *****
To a happier, lighter subject: I wish I would have been able to catch a picture of the following, but I am posting a picture at least of the
cat! Tonight after supper, Cala opened the door of the upstairs bathroom only to start laughing! She found Keeska (our cat) taking a bath in the bath tub!
HAAAAAAAAAA Before going to bed, Keeska was found asleep in said tub!
The above picture is one I am proud to have! One of my cousins in South Carolina scanned it for me and sent it to me through facebook. The big man in the middle is my Daddy, and my Mama is standing right behind him (her arms on him (white sleeves). This is a picture of my Daddy and his siblings, with their spouses behind them.
My Aunt, (the oldest of the family and sitting right next to my Daddy in the picture) is now in heaven, and her husband died a few years before she did. (my Uncle Melvin, standing behind her, hands clasped.) The couple on the far right are now both in heaven, my Daddy's oldest brother whom he loved dearly and who died of leukemia several years ago. His wife died not too many years ago after a long battle with Alzheimers. They were my cousin's (who sent me the picture) parents. Aunt Margaret was also my Mama's cousin, so we were doubly related to her :o) Next to them (and right next to my parents) is a couple I love dearly. This Uncle of mine now is battling dementia of some sort as well as other health problems. His wife is a real "sweetheart" of a person. Then, on the left, is one of Daddy's other brothers, who last year we thought was not long for this earth... but he pulled through! His wife is standing right behind him. (in white).
So, out of this picture of 10, half of them are gone on now. Out of the other five remaining, two are in poor health. Yes, this picture is precious to me, so very precious.
I miss my Daddy so very much! I always knew I would miss him, but honestly, it's a pain I didn't expect to be this bad and this long... I love knowing though, that he is in Heaven with his beloved sister, whom he loved and looked up to, his oldest brother whom he lacked one day being 10 years younger than and looked up to, and their Mom and Dad who had gone on many, many moons ago. Daddy always looked forward to being reunited with his family. Imagine the reunion!
I was going to upload this picture last night but let it slip my mind. This was yesterday afternoon while waiting for our appointment at the attachment center. Ethan endures so much, and ye
t he has a smile (dimple included) that can melt your heart. I pray one day he truly feels secure in our love for him. Tonight, we are staying overnight in a hotel, having a great family time. We had planned to do this last week during Cala a
nd Ethan's Spring break, but all three of our kids were sick. So, we picked them up from school today and headed not too very far from home for an overnight of fun. This is a picture of Glenn (who shaved his beard TODAY!) at supper tonight.
Another common sight around here is the John Deere tractor, traveling along the road.
This morning, Glenn had a Diabetes check up appointment. The doctor was very pleased with how his sugar is doing. His levels aren't staying in the normal range every time, but he's made so much progress, she is happy. She increased one of his pills and thinks that should do the trick. 
We are happy that things are much better! After Glenn's check up, Seth had his 5 year old "well check" and is doing great! Poor thing had to endured FOUR shots, and has complained of a sore leg ever since, but wow is he ever the trooper! The nurses were prepared for the wailing, but Seth never flinches in such situations. :o) ME? I'd be bawling! ha
As I've said before, I love the scenery here in Minnesota. I love that although we live close to big cities, we can still breathe here! There is country all around us and we see farm after farm here. I took this picture through the windshield of our van. I think it took pretty well!
I have a love for barns! I don't know what it is, but I LOVE barns! I particularly love the classic red barns, but love all barns, any color :o)
In fact, I plan to photograph many of them and have my own little photo collection of barns !
On another topic, pray for my Mama's family.... My Mama is one of 11 kids... her oldest brother, the oldest of the "kids" is near death. Mama is leaving early tomorrow morning from Florida, flying to her native South Carolina to visit her brother in the hospital there, and be with her siblings a couple of weeks. Pray for our family. This uncle is a great man and will be sorely missed.
Today's picture is of Seth this evening, being a gentleman, holding the door for us all :o)We had a later evening appointment 45 minutes from here, so decided to eat supper at Pizza Hut... with the $10 any pizza, any size... you can't beat $20 (we get two large and bring some home for lunch the next day), for all 5 of us to eat! (we all drink water).
Seth was VERY talkative this afternoon, ever since Cala and Ethan came home from school. We were trying to figure out his strange for him mood tonight, and Glenn said, "AH... you missed your brother and sister today didn't you?" (since they were on Spring break last week). Seth said, "uh, no, didn't even think about them" (as he couldn't hide the smile on his face).
Ok... So, I fell asleep earlier than expected last night and just couldn't manage to get back up and post a picture! I hope I didn't leave any of you crying, longing for my post! ha ha
Obviously, this is a family picture :o) We had a really nice Easter. After Sunday morning service, we ate the afternoon meal at our church members' home.
Cala wanted Keeska in a picture since "she's our family too." Keeska, as you will see looks happy to be a part of it all.
I hope all my faithful readers (and you not so faithful ones too :o) had a great Easter and remembered the reason we celebrate. He's alive! He's risen indeed!
Today, we had our annual family egg hunt. We even as adults, hunt eggs too :o) The kids are quite hard on hiding the eggs! They are good at finding places to trick us! Of course, Set
h helped a lot... he sat there holding an egg, saying, "Mama! Mama!" and winking at me. ha ha In the picture to the right, you of course see the kids with their Easter baskets. Notice the bears? We bought them on MAJOR clearance after Valentine's Day. The bunnies? They were for LAST year, however, we lost them and couldn't find them anywhere until yesterday!!!!! HA HA Cala came across them when spring cleaning my bedroom closet! ha They were safely hidden alright... right under some stuff that we hadn't moved in a year. OH well! They were happily surprised to have them this year.Ethan found
the prize egg. I was quite proud of Cala... she actually said, "I'm glad he found it this year, because I ALWAYS do." Before the day was over, I was wondering where the real Cala had gone to! ha It was nice to hear her being understanding to her brother. It was really nice for Ethan to find it... it meant a lot to him.We are looking forward to Easter Sunday services. We'll be eating dinner (lunch) at our church members' home. They are serving brunch this year.
I've mentioned it before, but each Friday night, we have family night. Each week is one of our turns to decide the meal and what activity we will do together. Tonight was Glenn's turn. Usually when it's his turn, he cooks. He had looked forward to trying something out of a Latin Cookbook for diabetics he checked out of the local library.
This was the results, and man oh man! Was it good!!! Under the onions and peppers, was a few thinly cut potatoes, and a type of cubed steak. To the left of the knife, is beans, better than refried beans- this has chorizo ("Mexican" sausage) in it, and then next to the fork, is "corn salad". It was all so very good!!! Our kids loved it all.
After several fun games of Cadoo (a board game we played for the first time t
onight), we dyed our eggs for our family egg hunt we will hold tomorrow here in our home :o) (even Glenn and I get to hunt eggs :o) (Cala dyed this one in the picture)
It's been a nice day, even though we spent much of it spring cleaning. Looking forward to tomorrow, and of course, looking even more forward to Easter Sunday!!
This morning, my kids brought me down a glass of kool-aid and said, "Here Mama! We made you a glass of Kool-aid". I should have thought about it being April Fool's Day as we had been playing tricks on each other all morning. However, I took a sip, and YUCK! They had put hot sauce in it!!! Of course, all three kids were laughing hysterically!Because I was in a rush to get to an appointment today (a 45 minute drive), Glenn made bagels for breakfast and brought mine to me... I said I absolutely had to eat on the way, and off I went. When I got to the last couple of bites I thought something was just not right with my bagel!!!! I then called Glenn to say, "VERY FUNNY!!!!" You see, he had mixed in some mustard with the cream cheese, which he knows I absolutely HATE mustard.
It's been a fun day of playing tricks on the kids and each other. We need days like this to take our minds off the normal stresses.
Tonight was Seth's turn to choose what we would eat and what we do for our weekly family night. He chose chicken nuggets and fries for supper, candy for dessert, and playing Star Wars on the Wii for the activity!!! We really enjoyed tonight! 
Yesterday I would have posted but it was one of those nights I was so exhausted! We had a long, but good day. In the evening, we took Cala to get her hair cut, as she is the last one in the family to not have their hair done recently. :o)
I thought I would share the pictures Cala took last night as we were coming in.
This was taken this evening (through the van mirror) while waiting on our kids in their group therapy session. Glenn loves to read and really gets serious about his books :o)
Ethan and I both were scheduled for appointments with our therapists. I planned for a few days to let this somehow be an afternoon that I could take Ethan on a "date." Glenn and I do this as often as we can with each of our children. It is a special time for that child and for each one of us.
I love this picture! For our family devotions at night (right before bed for the kids), we have been studying the book of Job. I was surprised this evening when Seth said, "Ethan! Will you go with me upstairs and get our Bibles?" He went on to say how their Sunday School teacher told them that they should be reading their Bibles and learning all they can about God. I was so proud :o) Of course, they can't yet read many words, but they were sure to have me get their Bibles turned to the right book and the right chapter and verse!
O.k., so this was taken on Friday, not Saturday, but it is another picture from Glenn and Ethan's zoo trip that I wanted to post. On Saturday we didn't go anywhere... stayed home and did some more Spring cleaning. 
I love this picture that Glenn caught of Ethan with a leopard in the background. It seems to me the leopard is either saying hey or is saying, "no autographs, please!" 
I thought I would post a picture tonight of me doing something I love to do... hit the road :o) Through the years, when Glenn and I were on deputation (as missionaries), we of course spent many a day and night driving. I think it was those days that put the love for travel in our souls!!!
Today I thought I would share a picture I took this afternoon of Glenn and Cala coming out of a store. The boys were soundly sleeping in the van, and so I stayed in with them while Glenn just ran in to get a dollar umbrella or two. On Friday, Glenn is going with Ethan and his class to the Minnesota Zoo, and at this point, they are calling for rain! Glenn didn't want to lug around our big umbrellas so a cheap one it is!!
For yesterday's picture, Cala wanted me to share her art work with you! We think she's an excellent artist. She's 11 years old and loves to draw! She sure can beat me!! I think it's in her St. Petersburg, Russia blood- so many artists there :o)
Ok! So I confess to secretly (not so secretly now that I put it on the blog!) liking winter, even in Minnesota! Yikes. I really don't like the coldest time of year when it falls wellll below zero, but hey! That's part of the mystique about here. 
Last night I was just too tired to post! The picture to the left was taken last night as we were out and about. I was SO very glad to solve a mystery for my youngest son!!! ANYtime we travel to this particular city, Seth passes this building and asks, "What's that?" and then would get frustrated because we never knew what he was talking about.
iding ottoman) for $20! They wanted $25 but took $20! We've looked them up on the internet tonight and one that looks the same is like $150 new!!! This one that we have is in excellent condition/like new! We have placed it in our room until we have a space all set for it in the family room, but just decided it will stay here in our room! It will be a very nice reading spot.
This evening (Thursday), while I was trying to get all three kids to do something, I simply raised my hands up and said in a louder voice than usual, "Come on guys! I want to go!" (we were getting ready to leave).
Anyone who meets Cala remembers her! She is just someone with that type of personality. She's unique in many ways and I am a Mama most blessed :o)
The times that Glenn and I had been able to be alone (after having kids) were always few and far between. Honestly, it's been that way since we adopted Cala... in Russia though, we eventually did have someone who could take care of Cala and we were able to get out weekly. That was so nice! It hasn't been that way since.
cat! Tonight after supper, Cala opened the door of the upstairs bathroom only to start laughing! She found Keeska (our cat) taking a bath in the bath tub!
The above picture is one I am proud to have! One of my cousins in South Carolina scanned it for me and sent it to me through facebook. The big man in the middle is my Daddy, and my Mama is standing right behind him (her arms on him (white sleeves). This is a picture of my Daddy and his siblings, with their spouses behind them.
t he has a smile (dimple included) that can melt your heart. I pray one day he truly feels secure in our love for him. 
nd Ethan's Spring break, but all three of our kids were sick. So, we picked them up from school today and headed not too very far from home for an overnight of fun. This is a picture of Glenn (who shaved his beard TODAY!) at supper tonight.
Another common sight around here is the John Deere tractor, traveling along the road.
As I've said before, I love the scenery here in Minnesota. I love that although we live close to big cities, we can still breathe here! There is country all around us and we see farm after farm here. I took this picture through the windshield of our van. I think it took pretty well! 
Today's picture is of Seth this evening, being a gentleman, holding the door for us all :o)
h helped a lot... he sat there holding an egg, saying, "Mama! Mama!" and winking at me. ha ha In the picture to the right, you of course see the kids with their Easter baskets. Notice the bears? We bought them on MAJOR clearance after Valentine's Day. The bunnies? They were for LAST year, however, we lost them and couldn't find them anywhere until yesterday!!!!! HA HA Cala came across them when spring cleaning my bedroom closet! ha They were safely hidden alright... right under some stuff that we hadn't moved in a year. OH well! They were happily surprised to have them this year.
the prize egg. I was quite proud of Cala... she actually said, "I'm glad he found it this year, because I ALWAYS do." Before the day was over, I was wondering where the real Cala had gone to! ha It was nice to hear her being understanding to her brother. It was really nice for Ethan to find it... it meant a lot to him.
I've mentioned it before, but each Friday night, we have family night. Each week is one of our turns to decide the meal and what activity we will do together. Tonight was Glenn's turn. Usually when it's his turn, he cooks. He had looked forward to trying something out of a Latin Cookbook for diabetics he checked out of the local library.
onight), we dyed our eggs for our family egg hunt we will hold tomorrow here in our home :o) (even Glenn and I get to hunt eggs :o) (Cala dyed this one in the picture)
This morning, my kids brought me down a glass of kool-aid and said, "Here Mama! We made you a glass of Kool-aid". I should have thought about it being April Fool's Day as we had been playing tricks on each other all morning. However, I took a sip, and YUCK! They had put hot sauce in it!!! Of course, all three kids were laughing hysterically!
