Happy Family Day, Cala!

It was six years ago today that this precious girl came into our lives. Life as we knew it would never be the same. The following is long, but it's my blog and I want to post it! ha

This was an email I sent out on May 10, 2001:

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I have been able to write! We had internet trouble, but that is all settled now, thank God!!!! I know so many must be wondering about Cala and us!!!!! Here's the report........

Tuesday morning, we took care of the necessary paperwork at the courthouse and Ovir. That all took about an hour and then it was time to get our daughter!!! (Of course, that was the happiest time). :o) We arrived at the Baby House and took in our gifts. I handed Dr. Olga the clothes we brought for Cala to wear home and then in about 10 minutes at the most, in came Cala and a caretaker I had never met. Of course, Cala was beautiful!!!! She went right to Papa as Mama was busy writing down information that Dr. Olga wanted me to have (more in depth info on her schedule and what she likes and dislikes). We were also given her list of vaccinations.We were soon on our way home!

We sat Cala down to see what she would do. She walked cautiously into each room, but it did not take long at all, until she was up and running, jabbering away. It is now day two (the second full day) of being home, and we are amazed at how her personality is coming to life! She is full of smiles and relishes in hugs and kisses! To kiss her neck makes her laugh hysterically. All those visits at the Baby House, I would say I knew there was a bubbling kid, just waiting to come out.... Now we are seeing that child emerge!!!! She is like a whole other little girl!!!! It's wonderful to see. She came home very congested and with runny nose, and today has a fever. Yet, she stays happy while sick. We are planning to have her sleep with us until we return from the states. (she will HAVE to sleep in the same room with us while in the states anyway). When we return, we will make the transition to her room. She plays in her room very well, and we change diapers there. She has that routine down well (been through MANY diapers so far!)

The only sign we have seen of mourning so far came this afternoon, for about 5 minutes. I was at the computer and she was sitting on the chair next to me. She was looking at the same picture book she has seen many times when we visitedher at the Baby House. She looked through pictures and would say "Mama" "Papa" "keeska" (her way of saying "koshka" (cat); we gave her a stuffed cat on our first visit). She was fine, then suddenly turned the page and saw Papa and her in the Music room at the Baby House. She started crying loudly, and with tears streaming down her face. She wanted me to pick her up and I took her to the living room. She was o.k. within about 5 minutes of my holding her like an infant, telling her in Russian that I love her and always will.

I believe Cala has lost weight in the last few weeks. Her 18 months sizeclothes are LOOSE on her, and the 12 months size pants fit best. I know this will change with the proper nutrition. I would definitely estimate her developmental level to be that of a young toddler, or older baby. She is more like an 18 month old in many ways. This too will change all too fast I am sure,and I will miss this stage! :o) There you have it..... Life with a toddler!
Gotta love it!!!!!!! Amy a tired, but HAPPY Mama to Cala

This morning, Cala and I looked at her scrapbook before she left for school. We saw a picture that was given to us by our adoption agency of when she was 14 months old (she came home at 2 years, 7 months). It's precious to us! We then saw the pictures of our first meeting with her, and of course the ones taken 6 years ago today!!!! We need to get the videos transferred to DVD so we can watch them again too!

Our daughter has good taste! Many weeks ago she requested for this day, steak, baked potatoes, corn, rolls and chocolate cake. That is what we had! (steak on a new grill her Papa bought yesterday). We gave Cala an "Anya" doll from Language Littles (I'll post pictures tomorrow). She's thrilled!

I am so very happy thinking about how fortunate we are to be this precious baby girl's parents! How did we get so blessed?!

What a week!

I really didn't intend not to post all week! It just so happened that last week was something else! Last Monday morning, as Glenn was stepping down to the garage (to take Cala to school), he fell. We had just noticed the night before that the step had come loose. Glenn hurt his middle back and was out of commission for most of the week. That left me to do all I normally do plus a lot of what he takes care of, so last week sort of got away from me!

We were all thrilled that Glenn was able to make it on Friday. It was Cala's class field trip to the Minnesota Zoo. It was planned several weeks ago for Glenn to be a chaperone, and when he fell, we were all concerned about him making that trip. Thank God he made it, was just a bit stiff, and had a great time! He was one of 4 or 5 fathers that went as chaperones. They were the majority!

A couple of weeks ago, Cala made this imprint of a zebra on a shirt for both her and Glenn. (they did this at school so they would be easily identified at the zoo).

This was taken Friday morning before they headed out.

Cala coming out of a cave at the zoo:

Of course, she was all smiles and full of stories when they returned Friday afternoon. Our weekly Family night was filled with zoo talk or the "joom" as Ethan calls it (no idea why!), and we even watched Cala and her brothers perform a "play" as if they were doing a dolphin show. We also had stuffed animals to play the part of the zoo animals. Glenn and I "visited" the zoo right in our living room. (of course I feel like I live in the zoo on some days with the top animals, but hey! that's a story for another day!) :o)

Brownies

No, not the kind you eat, but rather girl scouts. Cala has really enjoyed her first year of being in Brownies. Tonight was the end of the year awards ceremony, so I thought I would share some pictures we took:

This one was taken right before we left home. I admit I'm prejudiced, but I believe Cala is just plain beautiful :o)

After the ceremony, Cala posed for this picture with her certificate. She also received tonight, a gold star pin for her first year in Brownies being completed. You can see it right under her troop number.

Mark Across America

Back in March, Glenn and Cala attended a Mark Schultz concert. (we are all fans, but Glenn especially). His parents gave him the tickets as his Christmas present and since we don't have a babysitter, I had already determined that Cala would go with Glenn. They had a great time!

Mark was adopted at age 2 weeks and is about to embark on something wonderful in order to help orphanages across the world! He will be biking from the west coast to the east coast (making a 3,500 mile trek) throughout May and June. His inspiration for this came as he and his wife visited several orphanages in Mexico. Mark said he realized how easily it could have been him in an orphanage.

I'll be following his blog at Mark Across America as his trek begins the first week in May.

The video that follows tells all about it:

Outside

Thought I would share some picture of my kids, from yesterday. After being cooped up all winter, they are sure enjoying going outside everyday!

Of course I think they take beautiful pictures, but perhaps they aren't the most cooperative things! ha ha Here they are in between "takes". lol

Smile everybody! Then maybe Mama will let us back up to play!

My Precious Son

I've mentioned before how Ethan is the one that has had a harder time attaching to me, and I to him. I would be remiss not to give an update! It seems that since Ethan began school, things have really really changed for the better.

Today I went to pick up Ethan from school (and then get Cala). Ethan saw me and came running, wrapped his arms around me and squeezed tightly. He knew I was coming today (Cala didn't), but was just as happy to see me as if I were a surprise!

After his nap this afternoon, he came to me so sad looking and climbed on my lap. I asked what was wrong. Now, I must say here that for the past couple of weeks when this happens, Ethan's response is, "I miss 'cool. I want to be dere." (I miss school, I want to be there).

Today, when I asked Ethan, "what's wrong, son?" He looked at me, and said, "Mama, I miss you in class today. I was sad because I miss you my Mama." He held complete eye contact (also a major step forward for us!) with me and wouldn't let go. He was actually sad when I said it was time for him and his brother and sister to go outside. He wanted to be with me, and I with him. We spent a lot of time together this evening... so very nice.

Special Prayer for Russian Adoptions

Just wanted especially my blog friends in the Russian adoption community to know, we prayed today (as a church) for ya'll.

We prayed for accreditation to take place sooner instead of later! We prayed for peace for all the parents caught in the mess of waiting and waiting and waiting!

We prayed for our dear friends who are currently in the process....

AND we prayed especially for the precious children who are suffering the most by having a prolonged stay in an orphanage.

To my other friends out there (outside of Russian adoption), please join our prayers that things will change soon. These children deserve a chance at a real life!

Please remember, I've visited several Russian orphanages.... these kids need a home!

Thank You for being adopted

This morning, I was sent an email concerning some disturbing news re: Russian adoption. I sincerely am praying with my whole heart for those of you in the process, and especially for the precious children of Russia. They are in my heart!

Then, tonight as we had our family prayer time, Cala prayed (without knowing a thing about what I had read)..... "Thank you Lord for being adopted. Thank you I have a family. Thank you for the best Mama and Papa in the world!"

It made me cry. Glenn's eyes didn't look much drier.

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This Part TWO

A few days ago, I posted "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This".... yesterday I couldn't even begin to post because I was still exhausted from the events of yesterday.....

It all started out so well.... I went to Wal-mart alone to do grocery shopping. I was very happy that I felt so well (fibromyalgia wise- very little pain- pain I could live with). All was great in the world.

I enjoyed my time in Wal-mart, yes even grocery shopping, I was having fun! lol I went on over to the kids sections', checked out the clearance- got Cala two new shirts (3 dollars each!), and a pair of jeans for 9 dollars! (she is sooooo rough on jeans!). I moseyed on over to the pharmacy side, picked up some deodorant and proceeded to check out.

All was great. Did I mention all was right with the world?! lol

It was when I got out to the van that things changed..... I couldn't find my cell phone! I panicked. I looked in the grocery bags, nothing... I re-checked and re-checked my coat pockets, my jeans pockets, my purse. Nothing. Not there. I really panicked! I went back in the store, asked all along the way as I re-traced my steps. Remember how I went through all sections of the store?! Yikes.... I was now in such a hurry to find the cell phone, I picked up my pace from brisk to almost running. I went to the cash register again, I went to customer service. No cell phone. The cashier asked me what type of phone it was... I felt stupid as I went blank! I replied, "I just know it's red, it's a flip phone, and it has a Florida phone number". ha

I had just talked to Glenn not 10 minutes earlier. I was in the cottage cheese/sour cream aisle. I thought about who was around me at the time...... did I mindlessly leave it sitting out and someone took it? No, just two sweet old ladies were around me then. Hmmm........ unless they were great at "what they did", then uh, no.

Once I gave in to "defeat", I went to the van to come home. I kept thinking that if I hadn't made that call to Glenn (actually to Ethan). Then I immediately thought "at LEAST I GOT to call Ethan". You see, Ethan was leaving for school before I got back and was SAD about me not getting home first (which is a FIRST for him- means he's attaching more to me! YAY!). I promised to call him, and I did. I was then choosing to see it as a "at least I got to call Ethan" moment.

On the way home, I got that sinking feeling of "what if someone DID lift my phone from my purse- better check for your credit cards, etc." I started feeling through my purse- and couldn't find my debit card! I pulled over and checked thoroughly. At last I found it (not in its normal place- I had "thrown" it in at the cash register.).

I got home, told Glenn my tale, said, "I just couldn't go to the post office yet before coming here... Please call my cell phone, just in case someone answers." And then.... Glenn went to unload the groceries for his distraught wife.

There in a bag that I was sure I had looked in, was my red, flip phone, SAMSUNG- T-Mobile cell phone! :o)

So, was all right in the world??? I went to the post office, and just broke down! Yes, I at this point cried like a baby. I don't know why. I have no clue- I called my Mama and Daddy! (hey! they have T-Mobile- it's free :o) I just felt at that moment like a big baby. Mama said perhaps I had looked in the same bag twice, it could happen to anybody, etc. etc.

I dried my tears, went in the post office, needed to buy a stamp for a large envelope, and it only cost 63 cents. Uh-oh- I am the worlds' worst about not keeping cash with me. A debit card had to be used for a whole 63 cents!!!!!!! The kind post office woman assured me that many folks are the same nowadays, not keeping cash. I went along my way.....

I called Glenn, asked him to please heat me up some leftover soup from a couple of days before, only to find there really wasn't a true serving size left, but at that point, I was happy to be home with my little bowl of soup! I went to the fridge for water, only to find none was cold! HA HA Yes, I laughed... it was so pitiful, better to laugh than cry!

I went to bed last night SO VERY EXHAUSTED, fibro making my feet and legs throb, but very happy to know that I truly had lost nothing, and I could at least sleep a few hours. Wouldn't you know it?? Too exhausted to fall asleep easily! lol

This morning, all is right in the world once more. :o)

Easter

I really enjoyed our Easter Sunday service. We sang many songs about the death of Jesus, and of COURSE the resurrection, the real reason we celebrate Easter! I especially love the old song, "Christ Arose!" "Up from the grave He Arose!". I just miss having a piano for that song especially. (we have a keyboard here, with plans to buy a piano one day). Glenn spoke about Jesus' sacrifice, and last night we quizzed the kids to see if they were listening yesterday morning. It's amazing what they get when you really think they aren't paying attention at all!

Ethan (4) said, "they did this to Jesus", and then proceeded to get up and pretend to spit as Glenn as done yesterday morning, and even Seth (age 2) said "they did this", and pretended to slap. Cala (8) told more in depth. What a blessing it was to see that they are in a small way understanding more and more about God and His amazing love for us!

In the afternoon, after a ham dinner, we had a nice Easter egg hunt inside our family room. Yes, it was just too chilly outside to venture out, and we noticed the same took place throughout our neighborhood, not a kid to be seen- except to peek out every now and then. It made me remember how in Russia, we would hide eggs inside our apartment. (since it's not a custom there.).

We did also boil eggs with a red onion as we did in Russia, to signify the blood of Jesus. We even remembered to say as we did for so many years, "Eee-soohs Vahs-kress!" "Vah-ees-tee-nah Vahs-kress!" ("Christ Arose!" (Glenn said in Russian- to which I replied- "Truly He arose!" or He is risen indeed!)

Here are some pictures of the kids from yesterday:

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Today we began trying "in earnest" to potty train Seth. (age 28 months). I am not a fan of pull ups but went that route because of all my carpet. ha I however had just put Seth in underwear alone, when the following happened.....

Glenn has been working on gathering paperwork to send to the lady who does our taxes. He had been at the desk and had receipts, etc. all spread out on the floor. He needed to go outside to get something from the van and said, "Amy, please don't let Seth in here right now because of all these papers. I will get them up in a few minutes." He leaves, I am on the phone and Seth is playing in the next room. I hear something break, and in comes Seth: "Mama, you candle broke". (all by itself I guess?! ha ha) I asked him to please bring me the candle itself, and sure enough it was a new candle encased in glass- so I needed to take care of that soon. However, Seth comes in, is coming to bring me the candle itself, and all of a sudden, "Oh no, oh no, I sorry, it a accident... pee pee coming!" and he moves back to the carpet. YES! He peed on a bunch of papers! How nice of him to move back to the carpet. lol I saw the whole thing and yes, it was a complete accident (and of course, he had JUST gone to the bathroom 10 minutes before to try).

Glenn of course was thrilled when he walked in to see me with papers in one hand, hair dryer in the other! I told him, "well, they are all dry... just don't sniff them too closely!"

Growing Up

Saturday evening, Seth (age 28 months), announced to Papa (Glenn), "I no want a sippy cup no more!" "I not a baby". We took him at his word, and said, "Ok... no more sippy cup except for the van". All was well and he seemed very proud of himself at supper that night.

Yesterday morning during church, Seth was in my arms and whispered to me, "I want a sippy cup, Mama." I whispered back, "I thought you told Papa last night you don't want one anymore." Looking like he had been found out, he replied, "Yes, I said that, but now, I want a sippy cup." HA HA This child sometimes has near adult conversations. He cracks us up!

I said, "No, not now... I don't have one here, now hush son", and he fell asleep. While he slept, and I listened to Glenn preaching, my mind wandered I confess to thinking about how fast my children are growing up.

The local Christian radio station that we listen to here has a commercial that always makes me laugh and almost cry. It goes something like, "Ever notice how the stop light takes forever to change, but your children grow up in the blink of an eye?"

I'm trying to savor each moment with my 3 kids. All too soon they will be grown up.

Finally an Answer!

Sorry I've not gotten around to posting to tell the answer about the charms! YES! PRAISE THE LORD! They were found the next day!!!!!!

We "threatened" the boys with no toys until the charms were found. Ethan went on a search again and here he came around 11 a.m. Wednesday morning. He had found them in the family room up on the ledge (it runs around half the room- of course it had been missed in that spot during the initial search). The really great thing is they were all still there, separater beads and all, still attached to the main charm that says, "Mom's Kids".

I'll still have to buy a new gold chain, but I am thrilled to have these charms at least!

Sad but deeply touched

This evening, I had a conference to go to at Cala's school. I originally planned to blog about how the teacher said that Cala overall is doing well, she's really taking off on her reading- she's distracted some (that's "normal" for Cala), blah blah blah....

BUT NO! I am blogging to ask for PRAYER that we recover a very important necklace to me :o/ This is the set up- be prepared- it involves a 2 year old and a 4 year old! :

Before leaving to the conference, I stood at my jewelry box and thought, "my special necklace would go well with this outfit, and I so often forget to wear the necklace, this is a good time!"
Oh that I would have forgotten!......

I was in the bed, watching American Idol, when Glenn notices something gold at his feet. He remembered the baby (2 yr old!) had something in his mouth earlier. Glenn noticed it was a gold chain of mine. I said, "At least it's not my special necklace, it's on!" Then, I had the sudden sinking feeling, checked, and it was not on! :o/

By this point, the boys were in bed, but Glenn quickly went and asked. It was admitted by Seth that he had it, but he has no clue where the charms are- the chain- it's RUINED! Who would have known that gold was that fragile. Ethan, well... he's the biggest tattle tale known to man, and he didn't say anything?! That's totally strange which only means he was in on it. Ugghh.

This was a necklace that I had wanted for ages, and last Christmas, Glenn and the kids got it for me- it had a charm holder that said, "Mom's Kids", and then each charm was a girl with Cala's birthstone, a bead to separate, a boy with Ethan's birthstone, a bead to separate, then a boy with Seth's birthstone, and another bead to separate, just waiting for our next child.

After the boys looked a cursory look in the family room (I really think it's all in their room! We'll look tomorrow!), they were sent back upstairs (and told no toys tomorrow until they search, search, search!).

Glenn was sooooo frustrated and sad about this. I was heartsick! Then, I began crying because of the following:

Cala was all, "I can't believe my brothers! ugggh! " (she was at a Brownies meeting during the time it would have happened). She then says, "Mama, I am going to save my money and buy you a new one!" OH! I just boo-hooed! How precious! How very precious!

We explained that of course she isn't going to do that, but that I really appreciate her tender heart.

I am praying tonight that I find the charms to that necklace- especially before the cat does!

Rays of (Oreo) Sunshine

While sitting at the computer (so that I don't fall asleep while my husband is gone to get our daughter, and go by the store!), I opened a package from my Secret Blog Pal. Thank you so much!

The box is of the picture to the left- Gourmet Oreos! Belgian Chocolate Oreos they are called. Yummy! Yes, I shared right on the spot with my boys, and will share with Glenn and Cala when they return..... not that I want to! ha ha Yes, I will share.... Maybe, I tink so (as my 2 year old would say.).

Anyway, what a ray of sunshine it was to get this while I'm feeling so low. Thank you!

Iron Deficiency, ugghh

Oh where have I been you ask? I have had a problem with iron deficiency for several years now. About 2 years ago now I was diagnosed with anemia. So, I actually have iron deficiency anemia! Suffice it to say, I have had trouble with it this past week, and that is why I have not posted. I am only up now for a bit and wanted to post something, anything! lol

It makes me very, very weak, and so I've been bed ridden for most of the past few days. I should be in bed now but honestly, I just HAD to get up awhile!

A special thanks to my dear friend for calling to check on me a couple of days ago. It was nice to chat with her, and chat did we ever! I think she said she was cleaning house while I was in bed, as we talked. As long as we talked, her house should be spotless, no doubt! Great to have good friends like that!

The kids are doing well by the way. We continue working with Ethan through "I miss 'cool" when he's home, and then "I miss you" the other times.

Sad Ethan

Ethan had a setback yesterday afternoon. I believe it had to do with me not being awake when he came home from school. Due to my fibromyalgia, I was extra tired today. Seth normally takes a nap at 3, right when Ethan comes home, and takes one as well. However, yesterday (Wednesday), Seth and I were in my bed talking and we both fell asleep! Glenn said Ethan seemed almost ready to cry when he went to his nap.

While I was cooking supper, Ethan came upstairs to get something. I held him a few minutes and noticed he was extra sad looking. Before it was over, he said, "I sad. You goin' leave me at cool." I explained that I would never ever leave him at school!, and I honestly have it figured out that he is associating school with the orphanage he was in (Guatemala). We even talked a bit about Guatemala and I explained (with the help of Cala I might add :o) that back when he lived there, I would have given anything to have him home with me. It just took time and we came for him as quickly as we could. Of course I don't know how much his four year old mind is grasping, but I will keep explaining whenever he needs it. I held him really close, made him make eye contact and said in English AND Spanish that I am his Mama forever and nothing is going to change that. Cala said, "you know we can't do without our Papito". (I call Ethan "mi papito"- my little daddy, a Spanish term of endearment).

Oh how my heart aches thinking about the losses Ethan has gone through in his short life. Strangely enough, it was age 4 when Cala began talking a lot about living in an orphanage, wanting a Mama and a Papa, etc. It was around the same time that she began talking almost daily about us never leaving her, etc. Now at age 8, she has that all straight in her mind and is trying to help re-assure her brother.

I sincerely pray that we get through to Ethan how much we love him and we aren't going anywhere... I told him, "you just try to get me away from you! You're stuck with me!"

Ethan's First Day of School

On Sunday night, Seth cried when he went to bed... that's unusual! When I asked what was wrong, he said, "Ethan's goin' leave me tomorrow!" It was so pitifully sad and cute. Big brother Ethan took Seth by the hand and walked him to bed. Going down the hall to their room, Ethan said, "Baby! I not going leave joo- I leeeeve, but I come back" It was nice to hear the very words I had been telling Ethan as he questioned whether or not I would still be around the next day. :o/ (o.k. so my words didn't have the cute accent)

Ethan was so excited on Monday when it was time to get ready. No, he was THRILLED!
He asked all morning long if he was still going to "cool." We had talked it up for weeks and now that the time had finally come, I think he couldn't believe it was actually happening!

I love the following picture because the whole scene was so sweet: Papa and son talking it over, waiting on the school bus.

When it came time to pick up Ethan that afternoon, I went inside the school, and he gave me the first real hug ever, or what I would call, "Mama, I am soooo glad to see you!" It honestly took me by surprise! Oh, he's given hugs before of course, but usually he backs into me, or gives a really quick hug. To the outside world, Ethan is a very loving, very affectionate child, but that's just it... we've had to work on inappropriate affection with him! To those of you reading that are "in the adoption world", you may have dealt with this, or may will deal with it. We had a bit of it with our daughter, but she was quicker to get through this phase than Ethan I believe. (or at least that's the way I remember it! ha). To get this hug on Monday, just meant so very much. Ethan and I have fought for our attachment to one another. Am I attached to him?! I can definitely say I am now. Want some proof? I followed the school bus on Monday (not even a mile down the road from here!) just so I could see my little man get off the bus. We ended up parked so far away that we weren't sure that was him! ha ha
I was soooo happy to see Ethan, as I really missed him. This time away from each other will do us good. I am convinced of that.

When Ethan came home he told me, "Mama, I tried to cry at school today. I missed you and Papa." My heart just melted then and there. He does miss me when I'm gone. He DOES care if I'm there. Ah... there's hope yet.

Make Shift Musicians :o)

Cala has had a vivid imagination ever since she came home to us at age 2 years, 7 months. Now, at age 8, she definitely has not slowed down a bit in that department! She just increased her audience by 2, when her brothers hit the scene.
This was the scene in our home a couple of days ago. Cala as you see is playing the guitar, Ethan is on the drums, (some toy with a pencil as a drumstick) so what does that leave Seth to do? He's using an empty vitamin bottle with a Coca-Cola cap in it for noise. When I asked what instrument he was playing, Cala replied, "the shaker of course!" ha ha
If you'll notice in the left, Cookie Monster passed out from the excitement of it all!!!

Memories in the Making

Cala and I had a good time together today, a good mother and daughter day. We decided with yesterday being Women's Day, that we would start an annual tradition of shopping together around that time.

I had been wanting to visit a new consigment shop but since Cala was planning the day, I figured Wal-mart would be included (Target was already planned) and we probably would NOT go to the consignment shop! Well.... it turns out, no Wal-mart, but the consignment shop was our first stop! ha ha

We pulled in to the KFC drive thru (for me- Cala chose McD's- yuck I say!).... and I just happened to mention, "Cala, there's the consignment shop I'm planning to come to next week." Cala asked, "can we go now?" Well, of course! Who was I to say no? ha haaaa (no, I did NOT "lead the witness")

We didn't find any clothes there we wanted, but we bought some books (all books are $1 unless otherwise marked). We bought one big book- 20 stories for $2.50. I LOVED buying that, because we never could before! Always when flying back to Russia, we couldn't take something like that with us- it would weigh us down too much, so we chose smaller books. Now, I can buy it, because we have the spot for it! :o) We also bought other books there for $1.

Then, we went to Target. We had a good time there, and I bought a couple of summer shirts for the boys for $1.98 each. Not sure why they would already be on clearance! when summer has not yet begun! ha ha What does that tell you? Also bought Cala a nice thin, long sleeve YELLOW shirt!

Anyway... rambling on here.... While in there, I started feeling rough (fibro related) and prayed silently, "Lord, please help me keep going for my daughter's sake. She's having such a GREAT time!" No more than I mouthed that prayer and Cala says, "Mama, can we buy everything you need here?" I said, "yes.. everything I need like foil, etc. can be bought here, why?" She said, "because if we go to Wal-mart I will want to buy something and I already found stuff here." HA HA!!!!! I couldn't argue with that, because it was definitely true!

THANK YOU GOD! We had a great time! She talked about the great time we had all the way home, and then was sure to tell Glenn and her brothers!

I really want my children to have great memories of their childhood- good times spent with Mama and Papa.

Happy International Women's Day :o)

International Women's Day is celebrated in many, many countries. We celebrated it in Russia, and have kept it up since moving :o) It's a time to celebrate not only the women in your life that are important to you, but also the girls. Glenn always has bought Cala and me flowers and/or candy on this day. (he just happens to be "out in town" right now!). ;o)

I must say, today I am really missing my dear friends in Russia. I always looked forward to March 8th when I was sure to hear from those friends. Inevitably, I would receive a little gift from the teenage girls in our church there. Many times, a "doily" or something else they had crocheted just for me. How special it always made me feel that they included this American in their holiday.

Glenn began giving me gifts on this day even before we had a Russian daughter... from the beginning of living in Russia, we decided to celebrate the more important holidays there, and have continued to so- especially now for Cala.

I have an Albanian sister in law whom I try to remember to at least email on this day. I need to do so shortly here, as this was a big day to her too!

I was thrilled this morning to see an e-card from a dear (American) friend of mine, wishing me a Happy Women's Day. That brought a real smile to my face, since I honestly thought I wouldn't hear from anyone other than Glenn today. (o.k. of course, I just miss the "old days" today).

Yesterday's fun

Yesterday we got the kids outside to play in the snow. Now, mind you, it was 11 degrees with a windchill of 0 (oh, guess that's WHY no other kids were out yesterday! lol), but never fear... we had to get out of here! Cabin fever you know can really make you just NEED to get outside! ha

We really enjoyed being outside playing with the kids and they had a great time! We hope to take them this week to a nearby hill where they can slide down.

Here's my first attempt at uploading a video here on my blog! Sorry it isn't a tad longer- two things about that- I at first didn't realize I had it my digital camera on "record" mode, thought I was taking a picture of Seth- once I realized, I tried to quickly get everyone in! ha

Thing number 2- my camera hand was soooo cold being outside that glove, I couldn't possibly video any longer!

Without further adieu- I give you- yesterday's fun:

Round Two of Snow, pictures included

Two snow storms in a week's time.... got to get some sort of enjoyment out of it, right?! Here the boys demonstrate how tall the snow was from the two storms: (going out from our garage)

I for one am happy to see the snow everywhere, so that everything is pretty now :o) Yes, I will be happy to see Spring come so we can get out more, but there wasn't really much snow until now. Spring break is this coming week, and we have plans to get out and do some things with the kids! I am hoping to get them out in this snow and just have fun!

Thanks Secret Blog Pal!

Thank you Secret Blog Pal for the shirts :o) As promised, here's a picture of the kids in those shirts, yesterday. The kids said, "thank you!"

Ethan's school and here comes the snow!

I just realized I didn't tell ya'll about Ethan's "cool". We really enjoyed meeting his teacher, and it turns out she is the one who did his "exit" interview back in November- part of the evaluation he had to have back then- the very first step. (per Minnesota law- each child between ages 3 to 5 must be screened before entering Kindergarten).

She's not a young one, and I am happy about that as it just seems like what Ethan needs- more of a Grandma type. There are just 7 kids in his class, and that's nice as well. While we were there yesterday, the teacher invited us to stay and observe part of the class time. Ethan got to take part and seemed to enjoy himself. He was sad when I told him it was time for us to go. He cheered up a bit when I said we would go looking for a Superman backpack! (we found one today :o)

The above picture (although not straight a bit-sorry) is of the folder they made yesterday for Ethan. This will go back and forth with him to school.

Ethan told the story all afternoon about another little boy in class named Ethan who when my Ethan said his name, the other one said, "you're not Ethan!" My Ethan came and said, "Mama! Am I Ethan? He said I'm not! I am!" ha ha He just had to tell both sets of grandparents on the phone last night. He told his sister Cala the moment she got in the van, only he added , "I say that boy, 'I going tell my Mama! Then I told Mama". He never actually told the boy that, but he was quick to tell me. ha School is going to be fun!

***

Yes, it seems another snow storm is headed our way. I started praying that someone would find it in their hearts like last time to come help us, but instead- we are now the proud owners of a snow thrower ourselves! (Glenn bought one today). SO, now I pray WE will be able to help someone else during this time.

***

**** NOTE TO SECRET BLOG PAL **** Thank you for the shirts you sent my kids (through Old Navy!) They are perfect in sizes! Even with their growth spurts, these shirts fit well :o) Thank you so much! I will try getting a picture of them soon!

A busy day ahead

They've been saying on the weather to get out on Tuesday and do all you need to do, as it's that day the sun will be out :o) Another snow system is supposed to come our way Wednesday and Thursday. Oh joy!

It just so happens that my Tuesday is an already planned busy day. At 11:45 a.m., I will be taking Ethan to his "cool" to meet his teacher. While he plays a bit and meets the kids in his class, I will be talking with his teacher and other educational leaders concerning Ethan. He will officially have his first day of pre-school on March 12th (following Spring break). He is soooo very excited and after going to meet his teacher I know he will be asking when he's going back! We will once again do a countdown on the refrigerator of how many more sleeps until Ethan goes to school.

Following school, I really want to go look for the kids some snow gear and buy another shovel, so we can officially be a "two shovel family". ha ha

Tomorrow evening is Cala's Brownies meeting. I always forget does it start at 6 or 6:30. Seriously, it always happens that I forget that day! For the record, it's 6:00!

Now, if I can just remember to come check out my blog to be assured of the time!

Snowy Sunday

Living in Russia, we had plenty of snow. Life there truly prepared us for life here. What we didn't have to do there though was shovel. Living in apartment buildings, right in the city, there was no snow accumulation to speak of.... it never required us to shovel... clean off the car, pray the car battery worked (many times it did not!), and that was that.

While life here of course is easier than life in Russia, the shoveling is, well, a new experience. We are praising the Lord today though because two men showed up one by one to clear the snow FOR us... what would have easily taken us 4 hours, took them 30 minutes with their handy dandy snow throwers. (we have got to get us one of those! It honestly looked fun :o)

Oh yes! Glenn was able to invite these men to church. I believe God sent those men. They each live in houses down our same road, but we had never seen either of them before today.

What a blessing they were to us!

We ended up with 18 inches of snow, but with snow drifts of up to 30! I must admit the snow is simply beautiful. I am ready to get out, having been in the entire weekend, but it was nice in ways to be in, knowing we were safe and had everything we could need since we were well prepared.

Glenn made a path (took 45 minutes) before the men showed up, and was throwing the snow to the yard... Cala was playing in the yard, and neither knew what was going on, so this is the result.....

The snow he threw hit her, knocking her down. She got a big laugh out of that once she was back up.

The boys stayed put inside, enjoying watching the whole thing from the family room window (which is pretty much covered with snow).

Once we got back inside, we went upstairs to check out the latest accumulation on our deck. Ethan modeled that for us:

A few minutes later, the kids enjoyed getting out on the deck to play (of course after Glenn cleared it just a bit).

Seth came in pretty soon because big sister Cala insisted on throwing snow his way. He just wasn't too happy about that!

Oh the joys of being the youngest! Hey Seth! I sympathize! ha ha (yeh right my brothers would say.... I was spoiled :o)

Snow Snow and more Snow!

This morning, my Daddy called (in Florida) and asked what we were doing. I replied we were watching the weather but so far no snow as they had predicted for us to wake up to. Not more than 10 minutes later, it began snowing and hasn't stopped! We've had some slow downs, but it hasn't completely stopped at all.

We are expected to get several more inches during the night and more during the day tomorrow. Now, since church is held here in our home, we of course will still hold services amongst ourselves at least, whether anyone else comes or not. No excuse for us! lol
Many churches in the area have already cancelled and I sort of believe that will be the wise decision for folks to stay put.

I will attempt to get some pictures on here tomorrow :o)

Better to laugh

Yeah! I got to go out with Ethan again, and buy his tennis shoes for his "cool". No Superman shoes, but we did find Superman underwear! That's very very important to this 4 year old boy! So all was not lost! We did manage to buy CARS (Lightning McQueen) shoes for Ethan and Spiderman shoes for Seth! The best part of Seth's shoes are they were only $5.00 on clearance. (just got to love that!).

After leaving K-mart, we went next door to the grocery store. All was going well until we were leaving. The place was packed with folks stocking up for the snow we are supposed to get this weekend. In this store, you have to bag your own groceries. There was a woman behind me and I was trying to not waste anymore time and get out of her way. SO, I decide to NOT put on my coat, and just get straight to the van (which was parked as close as you can get to the door!). Bad decision. You see my wonderful coat has these drawstrings that I have hated since day one with said coat! Today one got caught in the wheel of the buggy. (or "cart" as some of you out there call it). There I am, after having unloaded my groceries, trying to free my coat from the grip of that wheel. It got me nowhere but cold and frustrated!!! The wind was brutal as I stood there fighting with that buggy trying to free my coat! I tried to turn the buggy up to where I get better work on it. I saved it from hitting a very expensive looking car, just in the nick of time. Whew!

I decide to roll the buggy back the way it came, thinking maybe that would work. It would have, as I freed part of the string, but alas, in the end, it was really truly stuck! I hoped someone, anyone would pass by (did I mention how busy the place was?!), but no one was in sight (except the man in the running vehicle watching my every move and smiling!) ha

My son says, "Mama, I'm cold" (yes, of course he had on his nice warm coat with hat!). I open the van, one hand on the buggy, not wanting it to roll again. I tell my son to get inside and Mama will be right here in your sight but I have to get my coat free. I began feeling I was on Candid Camera or something! Finally with nothing left to do but to leave my coat (I seriously considered it!), the bright idea comes to me! Scissors! I'll go ask for scissors at the customer desk or buy them for my very own! ha

So, out comes Ethan, we walk in (past the still smiling- half laughing- guy in his nice warm vehicle), explain our plight, get scissors, cut the drawstring, and head back to the van. OH yes! This time, I wore the coat until I got to the van where I promptly took it off.

I proceed to get Ethan in the car seat, but it wouldn't properly close. I should add here he was using his brother's car seat today since it's on the driver's side, therefore making it easier for me to get him in and out (since brother stayed home with Glenn).

I started laughing right then and there, and Ethan asks, "What for Mama?" (meaning "what's wrong?") I say, "Oh! Mama can't get your car seat closed right." I was back to reality when Ethan says, "Mama! It Seth car seat, not Ethan's." (such a proper young man!).

Getting in the vehicle (yes, I finally got the seat to work), I noticed we were running low of gas. I realized we could make it back home, but with the day I was having, no way was I taking that chance! We go straight to the gas station where I stood in the cold- coat safely inside my van!

Blog Party!

See the "button" on the left hand side inviting you to a blog party? You can read more about it by following this link to 5 Minutes for Mom . Come join the fun and possibly win some great prizes!

What a pain!

I literally mean that title! I've spent the past few days with a migraine off and on. I've limited my computer time because of it. Due to fibromyalgia, every change in weather lately is affecting me. Uggh.

I did manage to get out this past Wednesday for a wonderful time with my oldest son, Ethan. (age 4). We had a great time bonding while shopping! Ethan will soon start pre-school (more about that in a later post sometime), and needs new clothes. He recently had a growth spurt and was in need of pants and shirts, tennis shoes, underwear, you name it. We found most of what we were looking for, but are hoping to make it out in the morning (Friday) to find the tennis shoes.

We are supposed to be getting a snow storm late Friday night, into Saturday- stop a little, then start again Saturday evening and continue into Sunday. SO, if we are to go anywhere to shop, it better be Friday morning, or early afternoon.

As long as my headache is gone, I will take Ethan in the morning to find those shoes! He wants Superman underwear and Superman tennis shoes. We haven't found them yet! All sold out it seems.

Just to show you my little man, or "papito" as I call him (little daddy), here he is recently:

He was just as happy as this when he got his new clothes! What fun it was to watch him show Glenn his new things! He stood at the mirror saying "look at my new clothes for 'cool' (school)."

I was so very happy to spend that time with "mi papito" as we rarely get time alone. I was glad my headache has eased up and we could get out. I pray it does the same in the morning so we can go again.

I love seeing this little man so happy! Long gone are the sad looking pictures from the orphanage. :o)

So Precious, my daughter

Saturdays- we call them our "sleepin' day" around here. Simply put- we don't set the alarm at all that day and get up when we get up! Throughout the week, Glenn, Cala and I all are up early (much earlier than this night owl would like), and so we all three appreciate Saturdays.

Cala doesn't appreciate too much that her brothers wake her up if they're up first. :o/ It's just they love her so much I tell her! lol She really loves playing with them but on Saturdays like yesterday, she comes to me saying, "Mama! I thought we told these boys not to wake me up!" Of course when suggesting that she can now go back to bed, she wouldn't hear of it! "Mama, I want to play!"

This is where the precious part comes in.... yesterday morning, Glenn and I had been awake awhile and were sitting on the bed. Glenn was working on his laptop- I was reading a magazine or something. In walks Cala asking if she could "borrow" some of the rose petals I had for Valentine's Day decorations. I said, "o.k" wondering what her latest "project" was that her imagination came up with! ha ha

About 10 minutes passed when downstairs she comes, carrying my Russian serving tray, two fancy glasses with milk in them, two granola bars, two peanut butter cookies, and two graham crackers! Oh yes... the rose petals were placed decoratively around the tray :o) This was for "Papa and Mama".

WHAT a sweetheart this child is! I will remember that the next time her imagination causes trouble! lol

Pictures from our overnight

Glenn and Cala enjoyed standing out on Lake Superior. Well, they did until they heard the cracking of ice! lol They decided they better come back to the van :o)

We drove along the North Shore as its called, the scenic view of the Lake. It's so incredibly beautiful... really makes you think about the majesty of the Lord!

Beauty truly was everywhere we went around the Lake. I had always wanted to see the Great Lakes, and a funny thing is Glenn and I think we
have seen one other, but can't remember for sure. It would have been several years ago (like 9 or so) when we were first on deputation (visiting churches to raise support to go to Russia).

Lake Superior though was always THE one I most wanted to see. *(the largest lake in the world after all!)* I am so glad we did, and we are sure to go back!


Cala sure enjoyed time with Papa, making S'mores late at night. This took place right at the Lake, at our hotel.

She was cold, but the Russian in her has prepared her well for the Minnesota cold! :o)

The boys however, stayed nice and warm, inside our room. While Mama surfed the web, the boys visited dream land.

I like to call this picture:

"Mischievous Devils by Day, Innocent Angels by Night."

Fun in Duluth

We decided to take off for the night and go about 3 hours to Duluth. We had never been here and want to see all the areas of our new state. We are so glad we came! We're having a good time. It's the "off season" so we found a good deal on a nice place that is on Lake Superior! Of course we studied the Great Lakes in school, but it's neat to be here on one!

The kids got to swim (heated indoor pool of course! After all, it's sub zero outside, but hey! we have the option of swimming outside in a heated pool- to which I say, "no thank you!"). We got some supper, got the boys settled in for the night, and Glenn and Cala headed out to make S'mores! They have this going on nightly here until 10 p.m.- making s'mores right on the lake.

We didn't tell the kids we were coming here until we were in the van, picked up Cala from school and started on our way! After explaining the cat would be fine, all were excited!

Glenn and I enjoy the change of pace, but to see our kids full of such joy, makes it all worthwhile!

Cala was heard saying, "This is the best day ever!" :o)

Florida Girl?

It has become increasingly harder to remember what my life as a Florida girl was like. Oh yes, I remember my childhood, I remember my friends, my church. I seem to vaguely remember wearing short sleeves and thin pants, even pedal pushers (Capris as they are called now). Shorts weren't allowed with my Mama.

I just don't seem to remember how nice it felt in the sun! ha Life in Russia prepared me for the cold weather, so much so I became accustomed to it, and honestly, a summer in Florida is now torture for me. It's just soooo cold here lately, that to hear folks talk about it getting cold in Florida is laughable. Cold is to them, when it drops in the 50's. Cold here, is below 20. Right now, 20 would feel like a regular heat wave, since for days, we've been below zero. On my birthday, last Saturday, the windchill made it feel like -35. (yes, 35 BELOW)! Dangerous windchills we were told, and were warned by the weathermen of how little time spent outside would cause frostbite.

I am looking forward to tomorrow, when we travel about 3 hours from here to spend the night. We are doing this for my birthday/ Valentines' Day. Of course, we don't have babysitters here yet, so this is a family trip, but we are looking forward to it! We will surprise the kids when we get on the road! :o)

I am looking forward to being a Florida girl once more by swimming in the motel's heated pool. Ok, so it's inside. I'll just for a moment try not to look out the window at the snow.

Happy Birthday to Me :o)

Today was my birthday! Now, having strep throat, it has not been the most usual of birthdays. Yet, still it was a good one! This morning, I slept as late as I wanted to... was awake at 5, stayed up about an hour, back in bed until around 9. That was good. My parents called, then my inlaws, and soon it was gift time. My husband and my kids gave me some nice things that I had wanted for quite some time. I sat there thinking how very blessed I am.

This afternoon, we took Cala to a birthday party for her best friend from school. We braved frigid temps- windchills of -30! We were just glad she got to go as these two have become very close. Feeling badly, but not wanting to use the gas to come all the way home (35 miles) and back, we went to eat lunch and kill a couple of hours before picking up Cala.

We came home and had a nice, quiet afternoon and evening. My niece that I refer to as the "oldest of the younger set of nieces/nephews" called. (she's 15). Then, my actual oldest niece called. (she's almost 29). It was nice talking to both of them.

After a supper of pizza, it was time for cake and ice cream (Seth's favorite part was all the chocolate icing on the cake! ha). After supper, an "old" friend of mine called, and we talked for near an hour! That was really nice. We were best friends throughout junior high/high school. Then as life happened, even though we kept tabs on one another, we really didn't keep in touch. This year, on her birthday (she's just 10 days older than I am!), I tracked her down. She called me tonight, and it was nice to "re-connect". I look forward to staying in touch with her again.

She has kept tabs on most of our old friends so it's fun to hear about what everyone has become. Funny to think back to some who are leading totally different lives than they had planned.

Oh! I tried today to call my 11 year old niece. She wasn't home however. She's my namesake- born 11 years ago today on my 25th birthday.

Yep, I'm now 36.

Rough

The above is how I feel and look ! lol Last Monday night, I came downstairs and said to Glenn, "my throat is killing me!" He responded with, "you too?". The following day we were both feeling lousy and by the afternoon, we headed off to the doctor. Diagnosis- severe case of strep throat! It seems it's going around this area and the doc said probably came from Cala's school. (she had all the symptoms, but also had an ear infection that she was diagnosed with the previous night).

Then, on Wednesday, Cala came home with a note that said, "there have been several cases of strep throat in your child's class." Uh huh! The culprit we presume.....

Anyone who has had this junk will know, you just don't want to do anything! Unfortunately life must go on, and with three kids, no one we know of to take care of them, no choice! I am very thankful for my husband, let me tell you. We work good together, so since we both feel equally lousy, we are taking turns at most things.

Yesterday evening I had folks praying because we felt too bad to get out and go get groceries but had no choice. You see, it was grocery getting time when we got sick! We don't feel like cookin', but there wasn't even anything in the house to cook! lol SO, off we went. We went together in order to cover more ground (plus Glenn wanted to do a little birthday shopping for me. )

Coming home I told Glenn that if I feel like this on Saturday, my birthday may have to be put off ! lol

Would that mean I can claim I'm not as old as I will be for one more week?! lol

Sibling Slumber Party!

This was the scene a few days ago! Our kids wanted to sleep downstairs in the family room. If you're Ethan, it's the "family loom" and if Seth, it's the "fanny room"! (oh the stories I could tell about him praying using the word "fanny" ) :o)

They really had a wonderful time doing this, and we let them talk for awhile and be silly together. When I came downstairs, I passed by the above scene, went in our room and told Glenn "that just cries out for a picture!" Come to find out, Glenn had beat me to it! You'll notice Keeska joined the fun.

Wow it truly is cold!

Don't even ask where I've been.... no excuses- ha

Here's our current "severe winter warning" straight from weather.com :

WIND CHILL READINGS WILL DROP INTO THE MINUS 25 TO MINUS 35 DEGREE RANGE THIS EVENING AND PERSIST INTO SUNDAY MORNING.
A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS... MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES.

So, yes... it truly is cold here. My fibromyalgia is not loving this, but hey! I am just so thankful to have a nice warm house to be inside of! Can you imagine the homeless people on nights like this one?! I surely can't and it makes me ever grateful to the Lord to have a place to call home!

**Secret blog pal** THANK YOU so very much for the "cats" sign for Cala. She absolutely loves it! We also got the book today. So very cute! Cala read it three times in fact, then the boys "read" it.

In Honor of my Friend

In honor of my dear friend, Suz, I just ask you pray for baby V and for Susie's family as they wait for this precious child in Russia. V turned 2 years old today and Suz has waited for her to come home for a long time now!

Please visit Suz' blog at http://russianadoptiondva.blogspot.com and leave a comment or even better, stop and pray! Help us pray V home!

Chocoholic!

No, I'm not talking about myself, this time... although, I will admit I LOVE chocolate, and am definitely addicted!

This time, it concerns my 2 year old son.... He is quite over the top! The scene:

Our family room- Cala and I are enjoying a nice time together when suddenly she breaks out in tears. I wanted to laugh, but held it back and grabbed the little culprit...

Seth had scooted passed us just a chompin' away with "chocolate" in hand. He said simply, "mmmmm, dat good." The chocolate in question? Cala's "Reese's peanut butter cup" LIP GLOSS!

Now, that's addiction!

My Little Brownie

Last post I talked about my boys. I couldn't not talk about my baby girl! She's no baby anymore :o/ She's 8. Sigh.... She came home to us at age 2 years 7 months, the size of a much younger child (could wear 12 months clothes! and was developmentally like an 18 month old). She's no fragile little girl anymore! Oh! She certainly is still skinny. At 8, she wears a 6 in pants, and even those have to be the kind with adjustable waistbands! She's tiny in the waist!

She's really enjoying Brownies and here is her latest picture (to promote cookies sales) :

And, just to show you how the true Cala is- I think her personality shines forth in these next two pictures......

She asked if she could use the clown make-up we had for baby brother's trick or treating! She then proceeded to put on Seth's snowsuit- size 18 months!

Please take note of her forehead. She stood in our mirror, wrote her name on her forehead. Of course, in the mirror, it appeared to her that she wrote it correctly. However, as you can tell, it's actually backwards! Priceless! This is absolutely what I call "CLASSIC Cala!" If you know my daughter, you know you can't help but love her! If you don't know her, well, you're missing out :o)

These Boys!

These boys of mine! These mischievous boys! It was about three days ago that I was sitting on the couch in our family room, and Seth (the one on the left) was sitting next to me. Ethan was at my feet, playing. Suddenly Seth gets up, and says, "I'm going hit Ethan!" Oh my word! It was all I could do to not laugh as I got on to Seth.

Unfortunately for Ethan, I was too late. Seth already had made it there, and Ethan proceeded to wail, "Maaaaamaaaa, Seth hiiiiitttt me" (as if I wasn't there to witness the whole incident! lol).

When we started adopting (back in 2000), we had always wanted a boy first, but told the agency we wanted it to be a surprise as it would be in pregnancy. Being that Russia (as is Guatemala!) has an over abundance of boys for adoption, we always sort of thought we would have a boy first. Of course, we were THRILLED to find we were adopting a girl and she certainly couldn't be more of a match to our family!

Our girl came home in 2001, and in the years that followed, I was so content, but knew one day I needed a son or two! I tell you, I could never ever imagine what a difference my sons would be from my daughter, and all that would go along with raising sons! I am ever thankful to have these boys in my life, and be their Mama. They (along with their older sister whom they love dearly!) are the joys of our lives!

Just last night, Glenn and I were talking about "when we adopt again." Yes, we plan to adopt another girl, and plan that in a year from now we will "re-assess" everything, and decide for sure as to where (although we are seriously thinking of China!) and when to start the process.

I laid there thinking of "down the road" when all my kids are home (meaning our youngest daughter is home), and what a wonderful feeling that will be. After all, adoptions are not for the faint of heart, and are not by no means easy. However, it's definitely worth it to look at your children and know that you can't imagine your life without them!

These boys are so mischievous, they take up my time asking questions, "when is Cala coming home from school?!", "what's dat?", etc. etc. They take up my time with playing with them, feeding them, changing Seth's diapers!, etc. etc. However, they take up my time hugging me, kissing me, and just being the sweetest things in this world!

Just today, I was putting on make up and Ethan said, "Mama, you pretty". :o) A tear came to "me" eye, when Seth said, "Mama, I love you." Wow! These boys are mine! Thank you Lord!

Cookie Time

Cala is really enjoying being a Brownie (Girl Scout). Tonight not only did she attend her regular meeting (there's two a month), I attended a parent meeting- the topic: cookies! Yes, it's that time of year again, at least here in this area. Our troop's personal goal for each scout is 20 boxes sold.

Since we are relatively new here, it won't be quite as easy to sell these cookies. Our neighborhood is full of Girl Scouts and so we know we'll have some visits to our door, unless they stop to think as we did about the fact that all the girls around here are in the GS.

Never fear! We have it under control! It's called, "Call the grandparents!" ha ha "Yes, for just a small shipping fee we will ship the cookies your way!" :o) Ah! Grandparents! Got to love them! My Daddy can't even eat cookies, as he's allergic to wheat, but uh, he'll be good for a few boxes. He can pass them out, and Mom can eat them. Glenn's parents just happened to call tonight, so we've already told them about the upcoming sale, and hey! The shipping fee won't be so bad, since we'll mail both sets of grandparents' cookies together. :o)

Want to buy some cookies?! lol

I'm alive, I think....

I think I'm still alive. Wow! I've been super sick, sick as a dog (never personally seen a dog be sick, but I digress....). Thanks to those wondering about me, and for those praying for me! I truly appreciate that and don't stop! I've been blind sided with one thing after another lately, thanks to my weakened immune system! I think I'll start wearing a sign that if you're sick, just stay away! ha ha

We had a wonderful Christmas! It was very nice

having my inlaws here for two weeks. The kids are still talking about how much they miss their grandparents, as well as missing my parents who are unable to travel. (I really miss them too!)

Strangely enough, we had a brown Christmas! Yes, here in the Twin Cities area, no snow for Christmas! OK, so there was a bit of white out there still on our ground, but we mostly saw brown- how yucky! I think St. Petersburg, Russia Christmases spoiled me and I expected that here, which is normal I am told. By the way, I'm told that St. Petersburg is experiencing much of the same sort of Winter that we are here right now. Just really strange this year. Watch! Next year will be blizzard season or something.

Soon after my inlaws left, we had Ethan's 4th birthday! I was about as happy for him as he was! ha It's just that Ethan is my child that really needed that day all for him, all about him! He's had so many losses in his young life, it's affected him, and it was great to see him enjoy life. It was great seeing him realize that the gifts were just for him. After all, he had to wait ever so patiently through his sister and his brother's birthdays and then Christmas! This was well earned! lol

I am thankful for Ethan. It is him who keeps me ever learning! He came home to us in August of 2005 and just now are he and I really beginning to deeply love one another. Oh we've always loved each other, but with my taking care of the baby so much and already having the strong bond with Cala, it's just been different with Ethan. His personality is not as easy going as our other two and it's been important to me to start nurturing our relationship. I now truly feel that one day when I'm old and gray, it will be this dear precious boy who takes care of ol' Mama! After all, a few weeks ago he said "Mama! I'm going to buy you a house!" When asking "WHAT son?!" He responded, "a house Mama! Jer house (his pronunciation for your) Just for joo" "I going buy it at Mal-Mart" (Wal-mart) ha haaaaaaa I told Glenn he never mentioned Papa. Hmmm.... I guess we'll let him come visit!