Two Years Ago......

Two years ago this past May, this was the boy we saw in Ethan, a small 2 year old happy we were there to show him attention.



He got to spend the week with us and we were all thrilled to have that time together. It was so very hard saying bye after that week was up and leaving not really sure when we would be back for him (and Seth).


It would be in August that Glenn would return for Ethan and August 13th when they flew to the states. This is the night we were reunited as a family. We spent that first night together in a motel to have some down time together.


This is our family picture- before Seth arrived a little over 3 weeks later. I am not sure but I believe this is our only such picture before Seth. Either way, it's precious. Ethan was going through so much at this point, just arriving in a foreign country with foreign sounds, foreign smells, white people everywhere! I would love to know what all was going on in his mind at this time. I am just so thankful that it all worked out and he is now a genuinely happy boy. Oh, we still have our moments, he still is working through some issues, but he's a precious gift and I am so thankful he's "mi papito."

Yesterday, we celebrated his 2nd Family Day. I was in tears as Glenn prayed thanking God for giving us Ethan. I hugged Ethan and he actually said, "Mama, thank you for adopting me!" My heart melted as I said, "son, thank you for being mine". Tomorrow I will post pictures from our Family Day celebration. Tonight, I leave you with a poem I wrote (and posted here) a year ago for the boys' dedication:

THROUGH A WHOLE LOT A LOVE
- Amy Barker McCarver (aka Mama)

We dreamed of a son to call our very own.
By the miracle of adoption, he would come into our home.
Where he would come from, only God knew
Then suddenly we felt Him saying, “not one son, but two.”

Once we were sure Guatemala was the place,
Much had to be done, so we began the paper chase.
Home study to be done, our life stories to be told.
Our sons were now a small baby, and one 2 year old.

We got to meet you both in your birth land,
Got to hold you, look deep in your dark brown eyes, and walk hand in hand.
The day we had to leave, it seemed our hearts would break.
To not have you with us, seemed more than we could take.

Then months passed and finally the time came
Papa got to bring Ethan home, our lives would never be the same!
Just three weeks more, and Seth came at last
The heartache of waiting was all in the past.

Genetics? No, but he’s simply your father, I’m your mother.
Cala’s your sister, and you each are the other’s brother.
And today as we dedicate you to the Lord above
May you remember you got here through a whole lot of love.

Photo Show

Ever feel just dumb?

Ever feel just stupid?!

We have been busy this week getting everything finalized with the school where we will soon start meeting. As it stands now, we will begin there the first Sunday in September. It's a requirement of theirs that we provide proof of church liability insurance. Well, it's taken a lot of calling various insurance agencies since most places won't do it for our type of situation since we don't have church property, but will be meeting in a school. We were sort of in a "catch 22" until we got the finalized plans from the school, because we had to provide the exact location (there are of course Elementary schools, a Middle school, and a high school) to the insurance agency. However, to get everything completely set up with the school, we have to provide the proof of insurance. ha

Anyway- Glenn is out when the insurance agent calls that can praise the Lord write an insurance policy for us. He asks if we have a fax number- I say yes but I'm not sure which number our fax machine is set up to! uuuggggh *We have 2 lines- they were offered 2 for the price of 1, so we went ahead and set up a church line.* I felt dumb not knowing which was set up for fax! Glenn's cell phone was dead, as I did ask the man to wait while I tried calling Glenn.

I wouldn't feel so very dumb if it weren't for when I first talked to this same man earlier in the day, I couldn't even remember our phone number!!!!!!! Then when I began telling him, he asked for the area code and I stumbled on that!

We are coming up on living here a year, so pretty soon I can't use the excuse of "uh, we just moved here". ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Preparing for Company...

We have a preacher and his wife coming to stay with us for a month! They will get here either Friday or Saturday. So, we are going to be busy getting things ready for that. We are excited about them coming as they will be here to help us in the mission work. And about that...

Yesterday, we spent the day researching more about our chosen city and today we await word about the place where we prefer to meet. Glenn has a phone call today concerning that. He's been in touch with them before and today we hope to nail down everything.

In other news: Cala has been spending this week at Brownies DayCamp. We take her at 9 a.m. each morning and pick her up at 3 p.m. She's having a blast, hiking every day in the woods, playing games, etc. etc.

Last night, we attended our town's National Night Out. I sat there thinking how different it was to live in a small town. How different, how neat, how strange, how cool. Guess I haven't completely nailed down which emotion suits it best!

Our Last Summer Hurrah

Thought I would share pictures from our anniversary trip a couple of weeks ago. Cala enjoyed the lazy river although she looks as if she would fall through the float anytime! She was quite the fish that trip, constantly asking when it was time to swim.



Many times when swimming, Ethan is apprehensive, but this time he really let loose! I think he actually enjoyed himself. This place had slides even for the little ones and he loved sliding into the water!




Seth has always loved getting in a pool and this time was no exception!

Tragedy in the Cities- we're o.k.

Please pray for the victims and families of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. This is a major catastrophe and it just aches our hearts at how many of those folks may not have known Christ. :o/ There are at least 3 confirmed dead... 50 cars at least crashed into the Mississippi River when the bridge collapsed (as 20 construction workers were repairing it!!!!) This was during rush hour... we have been on that bridge a few times. Praise God for His protection!!!!!

We knew nothing about it until my mother in law called from Florida. She saw it on their news and wanted to make sure we weren't out and about in the Cities! Thankfully we answered the phone right as it was to quit ringing, or she would have been frantic!

We had "special" prayer tonight for these folks and the families. Thank you for joining us in prayer. Cala prayed and thanked God we weren't on that bridge! This really touched our kids. We try normally for them not to see the news as I just don't see the point in them having to see such horrible things at their age, but they were in the room when I turned it on. They saw a school bus on the bridge and were worried about the kids who may have been on that bus for summer school, or camp, or whatever reason. We have since heard the kids were evacuated, but there are many injuries.

**For my out of the country readers, I am sure if you go to http://www.foxnews.com or any of the major news sites, you will find the story.**

Achoo Moo Moo

Veggie Tales fans will understand the title! :o)

We are battling a summer cold around here! It's going through us all, well, except Ethan. He seems to still be on what I call the "orphanage immunity". Cala was the same way until a few months ago!

Anyway... back to the pictures I promised....

My beautiful niece, who will turn 16 on Thursday, came home with us when we were in Florida. She stayed 10 days with us and then we put her on a plane. We had a great time with her, and this particular night we surprised her with a little "party".

Here's the moment of surprise: We laughed a lot because we had spent that day going to a pizza buffet and then to the park for a picnic. All that was for her but she didn't know it. I had decorated the upstairs when she was outside. She came upstairs, we hollered surprise, and she kept going to her room. She suddenly comes back and says, "Surprise?! What surprise!?" ha She didn't realize what we were saying! We had her a couple of gifts and a cake, etc.

The next pictures are of my niece with Glenn, with me, and then with the kids. These were taken the day she left- at the airport:









It is this picture I love! You see, right here, we have 5 nations represented! Erika's Mom is from Mexico and her Dad (my brother), is American, so there are two countries right there. Then, we have my children who represent Russia, El Salvador and Guatemala. What beautiful cousins they are!

A Couple of Cool Give-a-ways!

5 minutes for Mom is giving away a new Flat Panel LCD HDTV courtesy of Best Buy! Go over there and enter! As they say, "Someone's gotta win!" :o)

Then, stop on by I Should Be Folding Laundry and enter to win one of the new Febreze candles :o) I LOVE candles!

Continuing pictures

Tonight I will continue our pictures from the past few weeks.

While on our way home to Minnesota, from Florida, I had the privilege of meeting two different online friends. On the left is me with Karen. We met a few months ago online through a Baptist group I have for Mamas :o) As it turned out, Karen also adopted a baby boy from Guatemala. She and her husband came home with their son last year. They also just happened to stay at the same bed and breakfast outside of Guatemala City that we did! It was really neat to stop by Karen's home in Kentucky and get to meet her in person!





Then, as we continued on, that very same day, we stopped in Illinois and got to meet a friend named Joy! Joy and I met about four years ago online through the same group. We really enjoyed meeting Joy and her family and going to eat supper with them. I am so glad we got this chance to meet in person! It was like the computer coming to life!

Tonight I will cut it short and try to post some more pictures tomorrow of when my niece was with us! I am achoo- achooing right now with a summer cold!

Achoooooooooooooo!

Notice my new post

My new post I began and saved as a draft until I could finish it.... anyway, it actually posted under yesterday's post, so scroll down to see the post entitled, "Fourteen Years Ago- and Today". Thanks!

Not the post I intended

Today is our 14th anniversary! It's been a very nice day and I had intended a post about that, but I will get back to that tomorrow....

Instead I ask that you go visit my dear friend, Suz at her blog: http://russianadoptiondva.blogspot.com In the past four years, Susie has become my very dearest friend! That she is suffering like this just breaks my heart. The little girl that they have been in process to adopt for 2 years now (in Russia), will now not be theirs. I just don't have the adequate words to express how my heart aches for them.

I know some of you that read are not members of the adoption "community", but I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to visit Suz' blog and even post a comment there to let her know you are praying for her family! Thanks!

Fourteen Years Ago- and Today

Fourteen years ago, I was just 22. Glenn was 21. Fourteen years ago yesterday, we were married in my hometown, at the Missionary Baptist Church where we grew up- my Daddy was (and is still) the Pastor. Glenn's Dad is a deacon. Fourteen years ago, we sure looked different and life was different- never did we expect life to take us to Russia and then to Minnesota! Never did we really expect to have children from 3 different heritages. We are so glad that God led us to Russia, then Minnesota, and ever thankful for the 3 kids that are ours. They may be nuts, but "they're our nuts!" ha.

Fourteen years ago, we sure didn't look as happy as we do today, did we?! ha ha I promise you, we were thrilled. We must have been tired or in shock! ha

Can you spot the little nose right behind Glenn? That was Jesse, my now 19 year old nephew. He was the "train bearer" (carried the train of my dress). He was just five years old and super close to his Aunt Amy. (or "Ay-wee" as he called me). He spent the entire reception crying, not just crying, wailing because he thought that when we left for our honeymoon, I would never be returning! He was very upset about it!!!!

Wonder what we would change if we knew then what we know now! Something to think about. I think God certainly doesn't reveal the supposed "big picture" to us for a really good reason! I know I would probably make a mess of His ultimate plan if I knew every little thing that would happen.

By the way, we had a really nice 14th anniversary. I am truly blessed to be married to Glenn. As is our tradition, if on Valentine's or our anniversary we can't go somewhere without the kids (and right now we don't know anyone well enough to leave the kids with).... then Glenn cooks our supper, a special meal just for him and me. We had a wonderful meal last night- rivaling any restaurant!

As I write this, we are almost 2 hours from the house- spending two nights at a nice hotel, that through our Choice Rewards points, is totally FREE!!!!! (the best kind!). Yes, the kids are here, that's true, but we're enjoying this family time in celebration of our anniversary. It's our last hurrah before school starts again and our church begins meeting in the city we feel God leading us to plant it in. We are currently waiting for the man in charge to call us back with the finalization of when we can start.... we want to be meeting there (in a school) by the first Sunday in September.

One more thought- wonder what life will look like fourteen years from now?! I'll be uh.... 50. gasp.

Pictures from Florida

As promised, here are pictures from our time "back home" in Florida... by the way, while we were on the way to Florida, it hit me that my kids were making that trip I once made, back to my parents home. Ok, so when I was a kid, the "home" we were heading back to was South Carolina, but you get my point.... They were on our "back home" trip to Florida. To our kids, Minnesota is home.

The boys sure loved their time at my parents' home. Here they are late one Sunday night being loving brothers! This reminded me of the many Sunday nights I spent as a child... it had been a long day filled with church, etc. and Mama would cook breakfast foods for supper. I rarely got in bed at a regularly scheduled time on Sunday night!

This particular Sunday night was no different.... the kids were up late, but hey! It was at Grandma's and Grandpa's house! What can I say?!

It was a time to be cherished that's for sure... I tell you this time like no other was surreal being back in Florida. I can't explain it. I don't know why this would have anything to do with it, but living in the states now and returning "home" must play some role in why it felt so strange, so different. Glenn felt the same way.

During the mid-week, prayer meeting was held at Mom and Dad's house, the parsonage. This particular night, a girl I grew up with, like a sister to me came. It was so nice to see her again. We just HAD to have a picture of Tammy and me with our babies. (Her son is just 3 months younger than Seth). You see, when we were kids, we would spend each day together, in this same home- the parsonage. One bedroom would be Tammy's house, another would be mine. We would bring our pretend babies to visit each other and talk about the price of diapers and baby food! What a hoot to be here together with our real babies!

We had planned the trip for a long time, and originally this was to be a surprise trip. However, when it was decided that my youngest brother (who by the way is 8 years older than me) would be ordained, then we ended up telling everyone we were coming. The ordination was definitely a highlight of the trip. This shot was taken just after the service was over, right after Daddy's tie had come off and Scott's suit coat had too. ha I still love this picture.

It was a wonderful time that's for sure, being back in Florida, back in my hometown, but the best thing was seeing these dear folks, my Mama and Daddy. I sure do find that the older I get, the more I miss them! I am ever thankful for such great parents.

Alone after all this time?

It hit Glenn and me yesterday that our family of five hadn't been "just us" (save 2 days on the way down to Florida) in the past six weeks, until yesterday! How strange.... My inlaws came, spent two weeks with us, we had a great time, traveling to South Dakota with them....they left, we went to Florida, were there two weeks, but with the traveling to and fro- we were gone a total of 3 weeks, and brought my niece back with us.... she left yesterday. Wow! Yes, it's been six weeks since it's been just our family!

I thought over the course of the next few posts, I would share some pictures from the past six weeks- Tonight we will start with my inlaws being here, and us going to South Dakota....

Cala and her Grandpa (Glenn's dad) pan for gold in Deadwood, South Dakota. Cala absolutely loved it!

Of course she has her Grandpa wrapped around her little finger! Today in fact while talking to him on the phone, she said, "When I am a teenager I am coming to visit... I want all my toys gone and teenager clothes hanging up, maybe some make up and some jewelry- earrings would be great!" ha ha What a character.... she turns 9 in October!


Glenn, Cala and I in South Dakota. Scenery is beautiful there! We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the mountains, the lakes, the wildlife, etc.











All of us stood in awe of Mt. Rushmore, even the boys still talk about "Mt. Mushmore". I certainly hope to one day go back there! It's one of those places you just HAVE to go see!

And finally, something I know at least one of my faithful readers (hey my brother Ted!) will appreciate as I think I got it from him! ha..... We realized not only were we an hour or so from Wyoming which we had previously visited, but my inlaws had not- we were not that far from the Montana line, which we had never set foot in. SO, we just HAD to go! Sure next year we have a trip planned to Washington state for an associational meeting, and Montana will be thoroughly visited, but could we wait?! Pass up an opportunity to be able to say we had been there?! Of course not! And so, we drove through mile after mile of country, seeing antelope after antelope along the way (that was really cool!), and made it to Montana! The little town across the line was Alzada, a true "spot" in the road, but I am proud to say I now have a magnet that actually says, "Alzada, MT" on it with a picture of an aforementioned antelope! :o) Visit again this week for some more pictures...

Next up: pictures from our time "back home" in Florida.

Not still in Illinois! lol

Last time we checked in with our fearless blogger, she was in Illinois. No, she is not stuck there, she did indeed make it home to Minnesota. She is as they say "safe and sound." (the jury is really still out about the sound part, but she's home safe).

I haven't forgotten about my dear readers, I've just had my nearly 16 year old niece with us this week and haven't sat down much at all! I've really enjoyed having her with us! I hope this will become a yearly visit.

Last night we surprised her with cake and home made ice cream and of course gifts. (I am taking her today to get her nails done). Yesterday, we spent the day out at a pizza buffet, and then a picnic supper at the park- all for her birthday really, but she didn't realize that until we got home from the picnic, and she found I had secretly decorated the table and area in her honor. Her "sweet sixteen" is 2 weeks from yesterday. Ah, to be that young again......

Honestly, I am super glad I am NOT 16 anymore. That generation sure faces a lot of stuff that I am glad to not deal with.... no, when it comes down to it, give me the bills, (did I just say that?!), give me the house to keep straight, the kids to run to and fro....... Life in that way is sweet.

Here is a picture from yesterday at that moment of "Surprise" (of course, my niece would want me to write a disclaimer here that she knew nothing about pictures being taken and therefore her hair was not done! lol)

Illinois

Yesterday was such a neat day!!!! In the morning, we left Tennessee and drove to Kentucky and met a pretty new online friend of mine. Her husband was working, but we got to meet her precious baby son, who is also from Guatemala! In fact, my friend stayed at the same small bed and breakfast as we did in a suburb of Guatemala City. (this was all last year before we knew each other).

The kids really had a great time playing, and we had a great time talking and sharing our experiences. We definitely will have to stop back by the next time we are that way!

We left Karen's house and went on Metropolis, Illinois to see "the home of Superman" and the giant statue of said Superhero! The kids are all huge fans!

On to another city in Illinois where we got to meet yet another online friend of mine, Joy and her family. I have "known" Joy for about 3 or 4 years now so this was neat to see the "computer coming to life"! We really had a good time with Joy and her husband, and their two kids. Cala and Joy's daughter really hit it off and had a great time playing.

We went out to eat with Joy's family and had a great time "getting to know each other", although those of you out there with online friends know you really do feel like you know each other already.

After saying goodbye, we were on our way about an hour's drive to our hotel. We are leaving here this morning and heading to Wisconsin where we will spend the night. The kids are having such a great time swimming everywhere we go. Last night, we had to swim around 10 p.m. which is already waaaaaaayyyyyyy past their bed time! They thought that was super cool!

On the road again.....

Such Deep Sadness

This morning as we left my parents' home, I was consumed by such sadness. It is getting harder and harder to leave, the older I get. (and they get too of course). I now that God has us away for a reason, and I don't regret that a bit. I am happy in Minnesota and wouldn't dream of living anywhere else since this is where God wants us. There was just a moment when I was saying goodbye this morning, I wanted to be a little girl again, holding on to my Daddy's t-shirt, knowing that I was safe as long as he was there.

I must have cried a good two hours as we drove and a bit more throughout the day. Tonight, we are in Chattanooga, TN, had a good evening. We all went swimming as soon as we got in the motel. We went to supper, returned to our room and enjoyed some time together.

Tomorrow, I am excited to be able to meet two different women I know online! They are both members of an online "yahoogroup" I moderate. One, we will meet in Kentucky as we are passing right close to her home, and the other, in Illinois- we will meet her tomorrow night.

The bed is calling.....

A Good Exhaustion

NO IDEA WHY THE DATE IS SAYING IT'S July 4th- it's actually SATURDAY- JULY 7th!

I am past tired tonight... whatever is wrong me has me thoroughly wiped out tonight, but at least it's a "good tired".

At our home church this afternoon, (and by home church I mean where we grew up- and my Daddy is the Pastor, my father in law is a deacon!), we held an ordination service for my youngest brother. He is now the "Co-Pastor" with Daddy. It was a great service, as there were many preachers there and just an encouraging time.

It was also a highlight to see my brother in a suit, which until recently was a very rare happening! **Note to my other brothers- I will email you pictures as soon as I get home- unable to do so here at Mom and Dad's computer**

We are looking forward to tomorrow's church service, and then on Monday I will begin packing again for our return trip on Wednesday. Glenn and I agree, as does even Cala, we are both looking forward to going home and sad to see our time here end. I often wonder when or if I'll see certain folks again. That makes me treasure time spent with them all the more.

One of the "good days"

Ok, so I feel old! You know how usually older people will talk about having "good days and bad days"? I am a mere 36 years old but here I am saying such a thing! Today would be classified as a "good day". Pain was minimal, and I really enjoyed the day.

Glenn, the boys and I went to Orlando to Lifeway Christian Bookstore. We were in there just a few days ago to buy the ordination Bible for my brother (who will be ordained Saturday!), but silly us... we forgot to buy an ordination certificate! So, back we went today to do so. Did we just buy a certificate? Of course not! We can never seem to leave a Lifeway store without a few more things to enjoy! We bought a seemingly cute Veggie Tales CD for the kids, for the trip home next week. It's Bob and Larry singing road trip songs like, "On the Road Again" and "Ease on Down the Road!" I can't, er, the kids can't wait! ha ha

I was trying to find a song that would be a good "ordination song". I could never find something I thought was just right, so on the way back to my parents' house, I found in our van, an old song of mine that will do just fine I think.... "For Such a Time as This".

When we returned, Cala was talking about the good time she had being alone with her grandparents! She and Grandpa had been watching tv together. She went on a walk with Grandma. She's really eating up the attention of her grandparents! She said today it will be good to be home in Minnesota but hard to leave Florida. I told her, "I understand child, I understand". I think with each passing year, it's harder to be away from family. I think with my Daddy having cancer and always hurting, it just hits me, "could this be the last time I see him?" Or "could this be the last time he's able to talk to us and enjoy time with us?"

I am thankful we have come and my kids (well at least Cala, age 8, and hopefully Ethan, age 4) will remember this Grandpa. I always wished I had a Grandpa. They were both dead long before I hit the scene. My kids are blessed.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! It's been a nice day. This morning, my inlaws came down to my parents' house and began churning ice cream.... this time (to the following, I say, "Praise the Lord!" ha), they made not only vanilla, but gasp---- rocky road! Hallelujah was heard coming out of, uh, well, my mouth.

They grilled hamburgers, chicken and steak. There were many side dishes and a "good time was had by all." It was nice to be together with not only my parents, but my inlaws, and my youngest brother and his children. One of my nephew's friends came as well.

Tonight is church, but we are having it here at the parsonage (Mom and Dad's house). After everyone has left, my inlaws and the rest of us will eat supper with all the leftovers!

Thank you to all who are praying for me. I look forward to the day when I can report what the complete diagnosis is and how you can specifically pray!!!!

Happy Independence Day!

No Good News, no difinitive news yet

Unfortunately, I didn't get the "A O.K." I was hoping for.... of course, if I had gone in and heard all blood work was normal, I wouldn't exactly be happy either, so what was I hoping for?! I guess I'm just plain frustrated right now. If I had been told all was o.k. through blood work, the dr. still would have insisted I go to a specialist because as she said, "something isn't right". I know something isn't right- I feel it- I can tell my symptoms are worse. sigh.....

Some of my blood work came back suggesting that something else is at play- whether it be Lupus or some other autoimmune disease (of which there are many!), we don't yet know. I won't know until I can get on insurance and go to the specialists in Minnesota. We plan to have insurance in the next few weeks, so that's good. I pray all is "o.k." until then.

I only know I want to be well- well for myself to enjoy life- well for my husband and well for my kids!

My doctor wants me to have thorough exams to watch for cancer since our family has, sadly, a bad history of various cancers- my Daddy has prostate cancer, my cousin has colon cancer, an uncle died with Leukemia (which thankfully- all initial tests show I don't have that, praise the Lord!)- two or three of my aunts have (or have had) breast cancer, one had ovarian cancer... the list goes on. SO, I will do my part and get screened for everything when I have insurance! Sad that I'm not rich, huh? I would be hooked up to every possible test, believe me! hee

For now though- my next step is to find a rheumatologist who can further pinpoint what is my diagnosis- Lupus or ?! We will wait and see. Keep praying! (and if anyone is reading this in the Twin Cities Metro area or St. Cloud or general areas- do you know of a good rheumy?)

News from a Far Country

The following was sent to me via email by a dear faithful reader and so I thought I would share it here with you..... lol

"Dear Amy,

As a concerned reader of your blog, let me remind you that it is getting a "little stale", honey.

Can we get some fresh news on that thing?

I for one, am addicted to your blog, and need a "fresh fix."

Thank you for hearing me out."

And so, since I've been called out by a dear fan of the blog, I shall post. Sure, I could tell you that the last time I tried to update this thing, blogger wasn't letting me. It wasn't working right, but uh... I want tell you that since admittedly that was just last night! ha

So, here I am.... In the past week, we arrived safely to central Florida (from whence we cameth- we are both originally from here), and are having a good time visiting family.

Unfortunately, on Wednesday, I visited the doctor to have some blood tests run and was called to ask that I come in as soon as possible to get the results as in the nurse's words, "Amy has a lot going on with her." SO, tomorrow night, I hopefully will update ya'll with some not so terrible news. I pray of course that it's only my fibromyalgia acting up- which in itself is bad enough, but at least fibro is not a degenerative disease. It's just a pain, a real pain to live with!

I guess because I have a cousin that is fighting colon cancer and she's only 35 (and the dearest cousin to me), it scares me that such a problem will one day strike me. My own dear father has prostate cancer, and while I can't have prostate cancer since I'm a woman! (last time I checked), it still concerns me that somehow cancer could knock on my door. I certainly don't want to answer~ Truly, there are many people in my family, on both my Mama's side and my Daddy's side that are battling some form of cancer. What a terrible thing it is and I pray that I will be around for many moons to come.

Now enough of a downer- I really don't think my brother, er, faithful blog reader intended for me to go on and on about such.

I will post this- the kids are fine, enjoying being spoiled by the grandparents. All grandparents are thrilled to have the grandchildren here, and I believe that they could care less if we are here! HA HA I am just joking!!!! Seriouly, Glenn and I often refer to each other as CL 1 and CL 2 (CL stands for "Chopped Liver".).

Should So Be in Bed

I am not even going to admit what time it is... we leave in just a few hours to head to Florida! I am super excited about seeing my Mama and Daddy. We should arrive Monday evening sometime. The kids are beside themselves about going and it was hard to get Ethan to go to bed since he kept asking me was I SURE I was going to wake him up in the morning and take him to Florida?! ha This came right after questioning me thoroughly to see whether or not we had packed his toothbrush! HA Funny how biology has little to do with some things-he is SO like my oldest brother, it cracks us up!

The picture to the left is of Ethan at Mt. Rushmore last week, or as he calls it, "Mt. Mushmore". Ethan is so full of joy these days and he and I are having a great time as Mama and son! I am ever thankful to God for my children! Here they all are at Bear Country (a drive thru wildlife park), in South Dakota:

I really better get to bed! Before you know it, it will be time to get up and head out. I am looking forward to seeing what memories we will make this trip. Since it's "home", it won't be like a true vacation as last week in South Dakota was, but it will be nice just the same. My kids can't wait to see their other grandparents and I am quite sure the grandparents feel the same!

Past Exhausted!

After missing their flight in Orlando, my inlaws flew standby to Minneapolis, arriving at 12:38 a.m. Sunday (after midnight on Saturday). They were of course very tired, but got here none the less, happy to be here. We got home and in bed by 2:30 a.m.!

Yesterday morning, we took off around 5 a.m. (I am so NOT a morning person), and arrived in Rapid City, South Dakota in the evening around supper time. (we are in the mountain time zone here). We are here until Thursday morning. What a great time we had yesterday on the way here, seeing the prairies where you can just imagine a wagon train coming across the way! After all, not much has changed at all in much of where we traveled- of course billboards are now seen and the occasional cell phone tower, but nothing else has changed it seems.

Today, we visited Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Bear Country, U.S.A. (a drive thru wildlife area). What a time we had! Mt. Rushmore is a must see! It was a place that throughout my life I wanted to visit. I was so impressed with the work that went into carving Mt. Rushmore. What detail ! I will post pictures when we get back home.

Tomorrow, we are heading to Deadwood, a city that is a national historic landmark! My father in law is really looking forward to that as he is big into the "Wild West" and Deadwood is where Wild Bill Hickock was shot and where Calamity Jane once roamed.

Since they have never been to Wyoming and none of us have been to Montana, we are hoping to cross into both these states tomorrow as well. (when planning this trip, Glenn and I did not realize how close we would be to Wyoming and Montana! We just "have" to cross into them to say we did! ha).

Going to bed tonight- exhausted but having a great time!

Delays

What!? Do I not have anything to say?! Wow! I never knew I waited so long to post! We are staying busy- and as I write this, we are supposed to be in the van on the way to the airport, to pick up my inlaws. Problem is, they missed their plane- and so we wait to hear if they catch another one. They are on standby.

My kids however don't understand how we are only talking a delay of hours, and are very upset that Grandma and Grandpa "aren't coming." Of course, they will be here late tonight (after midnight) or in the morning, but the kids don't see it that way.

We are looking forward to my inlaws being here. I am one of those folks who are blessed with great inlaws and we get along very well. Same can be said for Glenn and my parents. I've always been happy about that since I know many people who can't say the same.

We are planning on Monday morning to head to Mt. Rushmore, where we'll stay 3 nights, return on Thursday sometime. We have lots planned with my inlaws. Then, when they head home in 2 weeks, we are literally dropping them off at the airport and heading to Florida, where we'll be for 2 1/2 weeks. When we return home, we'll be bringing my niece with us (she's 15), and she'll stay a week. I can hardly wait for all this! I feel like the kids myself!

Happy Birthday Glenn, Happy Birthday St. Pete!

Today was Glenn's 35th birthday. As the picture to the left will demonstrate, if you're sick and don't want to risk blowing out the candle on the cake, what else can you do!? You grab a hold of the flaming wick and take it out that way! lol


Cala and Seth were both sick last week, and as kids are, they didn't cover their mouths enough. Glenn and I battled the same mess for the past 3 days. We are thankfully much better today, and were able to celebrate Glenn's birthday. We were sort of thinking it funny to be sick today because we were both sick with strep throat on MY birthday back in February! Ugghh! Something has to give! Next birthday in our family?! Not until October! (when Cala turns 9). Glenn has enjoyed today he says. After church this morning, I cooked Sunday dinner (lunch) of Mexican lasagne and refried beans. Tonight, we went to eat and had a great time. Our kids are really behaving lately out in public which is an added bonus!


Today was another special birthday, for today was St. Petersburg's (Russia) birthday! 304th to be exact! I miss being there today. There is nothing like the fireworks you hear on holidays in St. Petersburg. Now, had we still been living there we would not have gone out today. No, not a chance. You wouldn't find us amongst the party goers, you wouldn't find us out watching the fireworks.... it's a mad house there at times like this, and you can see fireworks just fine from any apartment window. I may miss Russia at times like this, but I don't miss the public displays of drunkenness. I got used to soooo many things, countless things, but never got used to not going a day without seeing almost everyone carrying liquor. It saddened me so very much.

I was looking at old pictures tonight, and in honor of Glenn's shared birthday with St. Petersburg (which by the way he always loved celebrating birthdays there because he said, "it's so nice of this city to have a special holiday just for me!" lol). So, I found the following:




Glenn preaching in St. Petersburg, Russia. This was taken in 2004. Yes, he was preaching completely in Russian then.



The next picture was Glenn in the elevator at one of our apartment buildings. (this would have been taken in 2003, because we eventually moved to an apartment on the first floor in a different part of the city.

Happy Birthday Glenn! Happy Birthday St. Petersburg!

Seth is sick

This has been the scene for a couple of days.... we've noticed Seth is sleepier in the mornings like he used to be (as a baby). We can find him all wrapped up on the family room floor like this picture shows. This morning however, he came downstairs and said, "Mama, I'm cold". He was shaking. Yes, it was 41 degrees this morning, but he was burning up! His temperature was a whopping 104.1. We got it down during the day to normal, and he was once again his cheerful (comical) self. Sadly, by night time, he has a 104.5 temp! As I type this, he is upstairs watching a movie with Glenn.

I think he has caught something Cala had for a day or so. (she had a fever but not that high- and a cough). I sooo hate to see my children sick!

Me and my Kids

Just a quick post to show you my kids and me on Mother's Day.

One morning a few weeks ago, I came out of the bathroom, not hearing my boys had come downstairs. I opened the door and screamed as there sat my sons indian style (or excuse me, "criss cross applesauce" as so many refer to it now! lol) right outside the door. They thought it was hilarious that they had scared Mama!!! Thus began a tradition of theirs to come downstairs in the morning and sit right there. They seem to think they still scare me each morning~!

Sunday morning however, I didn't hear them and simply thought it strange but that they just hadn't gotten up yet. I was wrong, for there they sat outside the bathroom door, sweetly smiling at me. Ethan said, "Happy Mutter's Day, Mama" and Seth chimed in with his slightly different pronunciation of, "Happy Mudder's Day, Mama". I about melted. I said, "Ah, how precious". They just smiled and smiled and began to hug me.

The day was a great one from start to finish! I was treated royally honestly, not having to do anything at all that day! Glenn made all three meals that day, and he along with Cala cleaned up. Remember the chain that a few weeks back Seth chewed? (the one that held my children's birthstone charms?). Glenn and the kids gave me a new chain, so I am now able to wear that again! They also gave me a book by Karen Kingsbury, called, "A Treasury of Adoption Miracles." From what I've read so far, it really looks good. I will be sure to give you updates as I read it :o)

I hope each of you out there had a good Mother's Day. To those whose children have yet to come home, may this be the last lonely Mother's Day you'll ever have. For years, pre-Cala, Mother's Day was miserable for me. It was just a reminder of the baby I lost to miscarriage (I've since lost another one, but while equally sad, that was after Cala), and a reminder of my arms being empty.

As you can see from the picture, my arms are full, very very full ! I am a woman truly blessed!

Pictures from Family Day

This is Cala on her Family Day (last week- May 8th). I still can't believe it's been 6 years that I've been this precious girl's Mama!

She brings me such joy!

Each year for Family Day, we give Cala something Russian. She had been wanting this doll, "Anya" from Language Littles. She was excited to find that was what we bought her this year!

The fun thing to Cala is her Russian name is Anya. We call this next picture, "The two Anyas".

Our "Anya" has come a long way in 6 years. It's been my since privilege to be her Mamoochka.

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.