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.

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**** 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