tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38944665191915931572024-02-07T12:59:54.666-07:00Journey To Yellow Brick RoadWe have gone many places in our own country and throughout the world to gather home the children that our great God has lovingly gifted us to parent. This is the documentation of our life. It is written to share all those jouneys, both past and present. Our family blog contains postings transfered from my personal journals dating back from our marriage on August 18, 1973 to present. It's your look inside our life and our memories. God's many blessings to you!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-34348907470968491112012-04-10T22:58:00.002-06:002012-04-10T23:01:34.272-06:00Gracious Goodness!!!It has been a long time since I wrote to the blog. Naturally, I have a lot to tell you and show you. This weekend I will update and post pictures of the children. At least I should do an update once per year. My sincere apologies. Again, news forthcoming. Blessings to you!!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-28254557240421305792011-01-25T19:38:00.007-07:002011-01-25T20:04:16.958-07:00Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vp1CEb5KOY3iXLWSvCLUmUYCiAy2e5K2J15uY1D_B1uF8xNBfQjQ4fL-HrjYUJYAvGoO301AFM-BNtgXobihx1k1IlKAz9cAFKkLrqvhhlnfDN8YCwvL-PcRuFAEOm6nJym5UUyPX5o/s1600/CCI01252011_00000.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566323618595304178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vp1CEb5KOY3iXLWSvCLUmUYCiAy2e5K2J15uY1D_B1uF8xNBfQjQ4fL-HrjYUJYAvGoO301AFM-BNtgXobihx1k1IlKAz9cAFKkLrqvhhlnfDN8YCwvL-PcRuFAEOm6nJym5UUyPX5o/s400/CCI01252011_00000.jpg" /></a>Hi;-)...We are doing well. The children had a wonderful Christmas this year. When we decorated the tree, right after Thanksgiving, they brought out a little Popsicle stick Christmas Tree. Apparently, while we were in Russia last year, Kisty had them make an ornament. It is really cute!!! They put them in a shoe box last year and stored them in the decorations that were not set up. I asked Karissa what did this ornament mean to her and she replied so coldly...."It's when Mommy and Daddy SKIPPED Christmas" HaHa!!! Of course, we didn't exactly skip Christmas last year, it was just a day late. Which brings me to mention that, on Christmas Day, Alexis has been home one year already. Time is just flying. I decided to have some pictures made this year since our family is now complete. I am attaching and hope you enjoy seeing the changes in everyone.Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-87376658417200086422010-11-23T12:08:00.002-07:002010-11-23T12:21:02.223-07:00Surgery CompleteHi...I just wanted to post that Alexis' surgery is complete for now. It did not come out as well as we had hoped. Her hip is in very bad shape and cannot be repaired without a hip replacement. This is not possible as long as she is growing. The doctor related it to the fast pace at which children outgrow shoes and clothes. He said children would need many replacements at the rate they grow. When she is around age seventeen they will do a hip replacement surgery. For now, they repositioned her hip, cut her femoral bone in half and turned her leg so it is pointing straight ahead rather than out to the side. They opted to use pins and plates to stabilize the bone. We go back in four months and they will determine when to remove the hardware. The best news is her legs are now straight and she will not need special shoes. This is quite a blessing as she has always hated wearing one huge thick soled shoe. Alexis felt everyone was looking at her foot with the "big" shoe. So, now she can go into any shoe store and buy shoes like everyone else. Whether or not she will have a limp, we cannot tell at this point. Please pray for our darling and we appreciate all your support. Many blessings and have a great Thanksgiving for God is so good to us!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-15804352872537993832010-11-10T23:32:00.002-07:002010-11-11T00:36:34.021-07:00Hi...Here's an update.I have so much to tell you. School has started as of the first of September as I stated in my last post. The children are still doing very well. Another bonus is that Annie and Alexis continue to improve in their reading skills. Now the big news...Alexis and I with Casey coming along to help are flying out to Los Angeles. Alexis will have hip surgery and leg surgery. We were really hoping for a similar process, however, she does need her hip re-tilted into a normal position and her leg needs to be turned and hardware used to stabilize it. In about six months or so, the doc, will remove the hardware and then we just worry about getting the therapy she needs. The best news is she will immediately be even and normal after the surgery is done on this coming Tuesday. Please, keep are darling little girl in your prayers!!! I will keep you posted on her progress. Many blessings and much love...TrishTrisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-54001808261007107872010-09-04T20:22:00.002-06:002010-09-04T21:58:01.471-06:00August EventsAugust has been quite a busy month and actually I'm glad it's over!!!! Casey had his deviated nasal septum repaired two weeks ago. He is doing very well, but it was rough going for a while there. He had hoped to use it as an excuse to miss the first week of school. Well, much to his disappointment, the doctor said he would not have to miss any time at his desk;-). We started on schedule the first of September. <br /> <br /> Katie had an appointment with the pediatric opthamologist and he said we have to patch her lazy eye for two hours every day. When it is time to remove the patch she jiggles around everywhere squawking because she says her eyebrows might get pulled out....LOL!!! She really dislikes it, but I am always careful to put it above her eyebrow. The doctor did not increase her glasses as he said it was her lazy eye that is causing the vision difficulty.<br /><br /> Annie, Mary, and John are doing well and have some trauma drama issues over having to start school!!! They sit at their desks and whisper about going outside to play. The big kids get mad because I let them go and the big kids can't:-(. If they fall behind it will be horrible to try and catch up. But, all in all, the little kids are doing well.<br /><br /> Karissa, Katie, and Lexi are excited. We have been asked to go to the Mennonites sewing meeting this month and the girls will get a new dress made for them. It's just amazing at the talent these sweet ladies have!!! The best part is that they will get to help with the quilt making and they LOVE doing that. We haven't been out to their community during the summer. But, they really love going out there and playing with their children. The community has a church and school building with the large acreage surrounding the main buildings. It's actually great fun and wholesome fellowship for us.<br /><br /> Christian started football and is playing well. He earned his place on the team as tight end and loves it!!!! Karissa has registered for soccer, but, we haven't been called by her new coach yet. I expect she will start practice next week sometime. Also, I have registered the kids for Catechism. Mary will be in the kindergarten class, Annie in the first grade class, Katie and Alexis in the First Holy Communion class, and the twins in the fourth grade class. So now there goes Wednesday night. <br /><br /> Throw in ball practice for Karissa and Christian three night per week and ball games on the weekend....we're booked!!! Oh yes, and Little Trisha has made the drill team dance team and so she has to be driven all the way across the city and dropped out by Dad (Duane) and then I have to pick her up at eight o'clock am. Then jump into school and dance at four o'clock in the afternoon for Lil' Trish....man I need some of that spilled oil!!!!<br /><br /> Okay....I have a couple of really exciting things to tell you about Alexis!!! First, we have an appointment to take Alexis for her prescreening for her leg surgery. we will now be able to know when it can be done. I am so excited and she is, too. It means a normal leg and wonderful self image change for her. We were talking about it the other day and she said "Mommy, you make me well. My leg does not have to be ugly and little does it?" <br /><br /> I told her that it would be as good as the other leg and she threw her arms around my neck and said "I so glad you my for real Mommy. You be so smart and pretty, too. And I be listening in church and know who is Jesus and His sweet Mom named Mary. I also know what everything means in church. I learning good English and like to speak this with you!!!" I was so happy and touched. I asked her a few questions about the Mass and she sure does know what's going on. <br /><br /> So when it was time for Catechism registration I put her in the first communion class with Katie. I told her that it was important that she catch on to reading so she could memorize the prayers and work on her papers in this class. She was so excited that she said she would work harder at the sounds. For about two days it was all she thought about...vowel sounds and consonant sounds. Plus she listened carefully about some of the important vowel rules;-). <br /><br /> Low and behold!!!! She had a breakthrough and has begun to read like crazy. I am amazed with her determination and persistent nature every day. Nothing is weak about that girl. I adore her so and am so very very thankful to God for allowing me to be her mother. Plus she is such a sweet big sister!!! Always trying to help her little sisters and brothers. So protective of them. It feels like Lexi has always been a member of our family <br /><br /> Also, I have been attempting to control her weight so she doesn't let it get out of hand. I guess one day she had a spike in her appetite and she snuck into the pantry to snack on cereal. She almost jumped through the ceiling when I opened the door and her mouth was stuffed full of cereal. I said "Alexis Victoria....did you just go into the pantry at the orphanage and eat what you wanted?" she told me "Oh no, Mommy, they don't have a food pantry!" I said "Okay, well did you eat food from the cabinets?" she said "They did not have food in the cabinets either". <br /><br /> Oh so sad!!! She said an ugly pick-up truck (one of few) brings food each morning and it is only enough for each day. Of course, everyone in Russia buys only a day or two worth of food...so this seems likely. But, I felt bad about asking her that and I said she had better pick out what food she wanted and go sit down to eat!!!! The next day I took her out to eat at China Star Buffet for the "all you can eat" lunch. <br /><br /> It was so funny when we walked in and she saw all those rows of food and said "We can have all this to eat???" I told her that she should eat all that she wants and refill her plate as many times as she wants. Wow....did they lose money on Lexi's lunch. I don't think her Daddy could eat that much. We went home and she was patting her belly and saying "I so stuffed....oiy!!!" Now, how cute is that???<br /><br />Well that about it for now...oh yes, and Annie has also had a reading breakthrough and began to read as well. I have been teaching them as classmates in the same reading class. It worked...they've got it now. It's just a matter of practice and exposure to reading to let them fly!!! I will try and get a few pictures post next week. Until then...many blessings!!!! Trisha and CrewTrisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-16137044035297219712010-07-10T15:09:00.004-06:002010-08-15T21:25:07.219-06:00We're Still Here;-)<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=ba73673e3bf0612d1277cb" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=ba73673e3bf0612d1277cb&skin_id=1705&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt0" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make photo slide shows at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br />I have been very busy since Alexis came home. For some reason, I felt that adding one more child to our family would not make a difference. Well....it does!!! We are, however, adjusting very well. Lexi is such a happy little girl and loves having a family. We feel very blessed to have her and enjoy each one of our children so very much. This summer has been lots of fun for the kids thus far. At the end of May and first week of June we went to Branson, Missouri and they had a blast. We also stopped by to see Duane's mother. She is doing very well and was so happy to see the children. It was very sweet!!! Here are a few pictures of our trip;-).Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-26167048499271730652010-05-01T10:41:00.002-06:002010-05-01T11:34:10.023-06:00Tonsils OutThe time has finally come when Lexi has had her tonsils out. They were horrible and really needed to be taken out. Yesterday the first thing the kids asked when we came home was "Did you bring her tonsils home for us to see?"....LOL!!! Well, we did. They all marveled about how big and yucky they were...haha. Guess they get some extra credit points in science this week!!! She is doing so very well. Although, she had lots of nausea yesterday, her surgery was a success. Last night she slept with me and poor Dad had to take the couch;-). Around 4:00am she woke up whining and in pain. So I gave her more anti-emetic with pain medication. We woke around 9:30 this morning and she is now playing gameboy...I mean...gamegirl.<br /><br /><br />Also, she will receive her beautiful new shoes on May 11TH. How exciting that she will actually be able to walk without limping and her back can straighten out. Now we have to make a very serious decision regarding her surgery. They gave us two options at Shriners. One was to kill the growth plate in the longer leg and allow the other leg to catch up or go through multiple surgeries to lengthen the short leg. We will have medical counseling in September when we take her to the doctors in Albuquerque. BTW....she still would rather speak Russian over English...LOL!!!<br /><br /><br />The other children in our precious family are doing very well and working hard to complete this school year. We are planning and continuing to save as much as we can to go on a family vacation. We leave in about three weeks from now and so the count down begins!!! Duane will have the opportunity to visit with his mom for a few days. Which is excellent as she is really beginning to feel her age.<br /><br /><br />Christian and Karissa are thrilled as tomorrow they will take their first communion!!! I will most definitely post pics of them. There is suppose to be a professional photographer there and so we should also have some nice pictures of them. I think they are both very ready to continue their religious lives in a deep and meaningful way. I am amazed at how much they have changed and matured over this year of school.<br /><br />Also, the other children have shown great strides in their academics. John can now do various puzzles he could not do at this time last year. He is also beginning to color with more than scribble and Mary has done so well in kindergarten. Little Annie has started reading and Katie is going to enter at her grade appropriate level in the Fall.<br /><br /><br />I suppose that's about it for my update and we hope for many blessings in your life as well!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-76732668653658584332010-03-24T13:39:00.004-06:002010-03-24T14:46:49.713-06:00Shriner's AppointmentFinally, we went to our Shriner's Outreach Clinic in Hobbs, New Mexico. John-John and Alexis were seen by their wonderful doctors. I just love these people. What a blessing they are for so many children and their families. Apparently, standing in a soft crib mattress for twenty seven months is not good for a growing child's feet and legs....LOL!!! John-John has to have braces to try and keep his ankles from turning out so much as he grows. He will be fitted for them next Tuesday back in Hobbs.<br /><br />Alexis has a much more complex situation with her leg length difference. The doctor said we have two options for surgery. Either we can do multiple surgeries to lengthen the shorter leg or we can do a procedure where they kill the growth plate in the longer leg. This means that this leg would stop growing and it can not be reversed. The shorter leg would continue to grow until it reached the length of the longer leg. Then they would kill the growth plate in the other leg.<br /><br />I will need to make a trip in September to Albuquerque to the outreach clinic there for counseling on which procedure we will likely have the most success with. In the meantime, she will be fitted with a shoe lift to equalize her stance and steady her gait. The orthopedic doctor comes from Albuquerque to Hobbs and so he will not only see John-John but, will see Alexis as well for this shoe lift. In September we will schedule Alexis' surgery which will take place in Los Angeles, California.<br /><br />Everyone else is doing well in the family. The kids have had a mild cold with sniffles and coughing. Otherwise, they have been very healthy. They are working hard to finish up their books for a nice long summer break. I just appreciate being with them every day. Really, I had no idea how much I missed when I was not home schooling them. All the strides they make give me such personal pride and satisfaction. Oh yes....Katie had an eye exam this morning and has to have a stronger prism in her lenses. Doc says no surgery now, however, as she gets older if her strabismus worsens we may want to consider an operative repair. Guess that wraps up things for now. I will post again soon. Many blessings!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-88705720400999862062010-03-07T13:29:00.016-07:002010-03-07T16:28:40.095-07:00Spring is in the air;-)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnI9qyZJVohaymNmHl41YHwXDFgWVKMxghzcDYeySSFL9iB5HeUD_2luSTrymYHNpbABy6gJZgv1ci2FdrDqcP5iU7ntyiEhpNnpTXsH2PKjEV_HzbMFfVbFXHXIwMcYc7rb2L8jyKzI/s1600-h/P1000983.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446020302289366962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnI9qyZJVohaymNmHl41YHwXDFgWVKMxghzcDYeySSFL9iB5HeUD_2luSTrymYHNpbABy6gJZgv1ci2FdrDqcP5iU7ntyiEhpNnpTXsH2PKjEV_HzbMFfVbFXHXIwMcYc7rb2L8jyKzI/s400/P1000983.JPG" /></a> Our Blessing "The Bus"!!!! Used, but in great condition;-).<br />We can all go places in one car...AMEN!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32_zEE64-tSpfukYitVmcWEDggPilQJyZxSDTBlY823OMN20y0OWuTu-VaDPmaVMJUI8r9feNIJOMgesqPCtphtFVX1_-3cev_2w8fWFxdubF-3Bp-prtIL3gU4eJFMDGH1KKIUuAv3A/s1600-h/P1000982.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446020300440591522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32_zEE64-tSpfukYitVmcWEDggPilQJyZxSDTBlY823OMN20y0OWuTu-VaDPmaVMJUI8r9feNIJOMgesqPCtphtFVX1_-3cev_2w8fWFxdubF-3Bp-prtIL3gU4eJFMDGH1KKIUuAv3A/s400/P1000982.JPG" /></a> Front view of our newest blessing;-).<br /><br /><div></div><div>Here is a picture of Alexis before her dental repairs.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446006834936883026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1861HpREY2F_Z5GRi-_6aVNGPqwYw1ylUwHU4YrOIBMfAw1vA0ZdRA52q-5a9G1hsjQeSs3aKEQiFVAYs4r6N99QgFJUE8EHq3Oi5B9kBCNuvDfd-KQ_XiCzUVOmEni7u57C0WWr4maw/s400/Copy+of+P1000933.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QZp3aJPAWLR5imd4QCVOW2tcnm_eLfxLqpXeg8FaaZYaxVrPgFJ-gkgxqGt4tVDqk5FLO-U0YlLZnmRHpy8PdCnhPXVaJxESB_VMsP8m_9ynQiVeZJE4yj3CAowUNAF7Ce40dYL4thE/s1600-h/P1000981.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446006830923701250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QZp3aJPAWLR5imd4QCVOW2tcnm_eLfxLqpXeg8FaaZYaxVrPgFJ-gkgxqGt4tVDqk5FLO-U0YlLZnmRHpy8PdCnhPXVaJxESB_VMsP8m_9ynQiVeZJE4yj3CAowUNAF7Ce40dYL4thE/s400/P1000981.JPG" /></a> After Bonding and teeth whitening!!! No more cavities;-)<br /><br /><div><div><div>Yes...Spring is in the air. The children are all working very hard to finish their books and other school work. They are looking forward to a summer filled with free time and lots of play with Mama outside. It has been a while since my last post so I will get everyone up to speed. Today and yesterday the children are doing homework to make sure their lessons are at week 24 on Monday. We have already met our Mass obligations. So, they have all day today for home work projects. We had Mass last night since it was the first Saturday of the month. We go on Sunday morning on the other weekends in the month.</div><br /><div>Alexis is still not speaking English. I probably spoil her more than I did Katie Aunna since I mainly speak basic communicable Russian with her. With Katie Aunna I did not speak much Russian. But, now I know a lot more this time around. It seems every time I return to Russia I get more and more communicative. Also, I must give credit to the Rosetta Stone home school program, as I have improved with this class. I think one of the coolest things, beside teaching my children, is how much I have learned by being teacher!!! </div><br /><div>I guess you have noticed what a wonderful difference in Alexis' teeth. I am delighted to say she has had her cavities repaired and new front teeth. Also, we did enamel bonding to her front four permanent teeth. She is very proud of those new teeth and smiles like a movie star. Further, on March 20Th we will go to Hobbs to the Shriner Clinic and make plans to repair her leg length difference. We have been told by the IA doctor that we are looking at multiple surgeries. I plan on giving her the summer off and then in Fall we will do our first surgery....waaaaa. But, all for the best;-) in the long run!!! </div><br /><div>The children, Duane, and I are very excited!!! We are planning to take a family vacation. Duane's business offers an incentive trip every other year. The last time we went in 2008 it was to Switzerland. Quite a wonderful trip. However, this time we have opted to cash out and take the children to meet their only living grandparent. Duane's mother is getting up there in years and her health status has changed. Although, she still lives in the same house she had raised all of her babies in, she is now in her 80's and her health is not getting better as time goes by.</div><br /><div>So, we are planning to take "the bus" to Kansas to visit his mother and introduce her to her two newest grandchildren, Katie Aunna and Alexis. She has never met them and she is just so excited. However, she has forbid us to have any more children...LOL!!! She doesn't realize we are well satisfied with this portion of our life. It use to cost $1million to raise a child...I think if they updated that in today's poor economy it's at least 1.5million...urg!!!! Anyway...back to some more of the good news;-).</div><br /><div>Then, in June our niece on Duane's side, is planning a big Catholic wedding!!! OH HOW WONDERFUL!!! So, as soon as we return from our family vacation, we will have this occasion to attend. All of his family from several different states will be there. Naturally, we are very excited to have this time with certain family we have not seen in many years. The name Mary is a family name that started with Duane's family. It will be exciting to get all the family of "Marys" together for a picture. There is; Mary (deceased), Little Mary, Littlest Mary, Tiny Mary, and our Tiniest Mary in the family. Isn't that funny?!?!?! Five generations of Mary with the last four generations living.</div><br /><div>Another blessing from God....Praise our wonderful and generous God for His great mercy and love for us all. He has seen fit to answer our prayers for a second vehicle. We found a very nice 10 passenger van for such a good price. It is definitely a huge blessing from God. Fortunately, we had enough money on our stock to cash out and buy it outright...another blessing. I have included a picture of our family bus above. We call it "The Bus"...haha. </div><br /><div>Well I guess that just about catches us up to date. Of course, we will make posts after Alexis' Shriner appointment, during our family vacation, and at the upcoming wedding. We hope to go to Branson after visiting Duane's mother. Making this time one big road trip. It will be Katie Aunna and Lexi's first family vacation. Hopefully, we will be able to go on this vacation at the end of May. However, I will update in April after we take Alexis to her Shriner appointment. Many blessings!!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-15511910073559271362010-02-02T16:56:00.007-07:002010-02-02T21:17:04.619-07:00What's Happening Around Here<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=a4c39d33c0eb43796c4e1a" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="327" height="290" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=a4c39d33c0eb43796c4e1a&skin_id=1010&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:327px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt0" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make photo slide shows at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br />I am so sorry it has taken me since Christmas to post!!!! I had a hard drive crash on my computer and just got it back last week. It was not much fun to be without it. But, I'm back. Now...the good news...Alexis is doing great!!! She is not learning English as quickly as Katie Aunna did. However, I know a lot more Russian than when we adopted Katie. Alexis and I have basic communication in Russian, and what I can't say or she can't say, we find ways to figure it out with each other. She is such a happy child and a very good girl. When she looks into my eyes it is so deeply!!! I am not sure if a child could possibly love their mother more than this child. I think adoration is more descriptive. I feel the same about her....she is adorable.<br /><br />Several exciting things have happened. When we adopted the twins from Ukraine we did not christen them Roman Catholic. Duane said he felt our family was not complete and maybe we should wait and see if we adopted again soon. Time went by and we kept adopting each year. When Alexis came home we knew the time had come to baptise all of our children. It was a thrilling Sunday and so touching that they were all baptised together!!! It took me two hours to get the girls dressed and fix their hair;-). Aren't they all beautiful...boys and girls?!?!?!?!<br /><br />Last week Mary had an appointment with the opthamologist. I had noticed a very slight inward turn of her left eye when she got tired. So, I was lucky enough to get in quickly with the pediatric opthamologist. He is from Albuquerque and only comes here once a month. Diagnosis....Mary now wears glasses. She is so cute in them and she is doing amazing with taking care of them. I thought for sure she would break them on day one. Nope...she is doing great...knock on wood...haha!!!! Today Mary said "Mommy, my glasses are tired"....LOL!!! I took them off for a little while and she came to ask for them later.<br /><br />Also, let's talk about the weather while we're at it;-). We have had an amazing snow fall!!! Not only, is the moisture welcome, it was so beautiful. The children and I went out to the frontyard to build "Jack Frost"....as they named him. It was so funny, I told them he looked so good that they should expect him at their bedroom window that night. At bedtime, the girls (except Mary) made sure their bedroom curtains were closed tight. When I tucked Mary Beth into bed she said "Mommy leave my curtains open cause I'm not scared to see him at my window"....LOL....that's our little Mary Beth;-). <br /><br />Finally, we are praying for God to continue to help us recover from the adoption expense we have endured. Many who know us personally were aware of the sad news about our grant. The organization reneged on a promised large grant. This left us scrambling at Christmas time to find funds to bring Alexis home and put a few things under the tree for the kids. Mainly they received new clothes...which they loved. These are the sweetest little kids!!! <br /><br />Everyone agreed that we should have a very small Christmas and we would expect Alexis to be the big gift from our great God. Let me say that God has been so good to our family by providing ways to obtain the funds needed to bring our daughter home. I want to give a huge thanks to those who have helped us during this recovery period. You know who you are and God knows how big your hearts are. I pray for blessings in abundance in your life. Words can not possibly describe how grateful we are to those of you who have helped us financially, emotionally, and spiritually. You are special for having a hand in doing God's Will. Many blessings and much love!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-37676746391178353502009-12-28T10:16:00.006-07:002009-12-28T18:57:57.279-07:00Welcome To Alexis Victoria Gartner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhWx8Xo-h4yriRBgbIHd52iQkSOn5fTZqA_k1Wsy_BJJxTag05K5d7kD6zeo1CGPX5Plx4po82NnLLiPZXSPmd86jntlC5arvJwOQ2XVD-MCPWIrDuSiPbKfdMq3QDroUbUs10a1tIcY/s1600-h/P1000681.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420349456622434082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhWx8Xo-h4yriRBgbIHd52iQkSOn5fTZqA_k1Wsy_BJJxTag05K5d7kD6zeo1CGPX5Plx4po82NnLLiPZXSPmd86jntlC5arvJwOQ2XVD-MCPWIrDuSiPbKfdMq3QDroUbUs10a1tIcY/s400/P1000681.JPG" /></a> Alexis Victoria Gartner<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EGUYwY9vd7K3G0Bjzo8Lr6S-t-pTklgM7GlwJOZiCy40TGLzU-9W2ens_IVJTZ_K1MXuq0-Ap8vXoSGPmBxtE3Dj4W-kyxwGOVTMUwh0s6oLyryd9M8Fw0RVHQ5rVrm4gHiiUqye8B4/s1600-h/P1000769.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420340872173708498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EGUYwY9vd7K3G0Bjzo8Lr6S-t-pTklgM7GlwJOZiCy40TGLzU-9W2ens_IVJTZ_K1MXuq0-Ap8vXoSGPmBxtE3Dj4W-kyxwGOVTMUwh0s6oLyryd9M8Fw0RVHQ5rVrm4gHiiUqye8B4/s400/P1000769.JPG" /></a> "Cupcake"<br /><br /><br /><div>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! I want to introduce our new daughter Alexis Victoria Gartner. What a sweet child she is and fits so perfectly into our family!!! I feel a great relief that the process is finally behind us and now we need to settle into life with a new family member. Her adoption has been a long process and very exhausting. But, well worth it;-). She is darling!!! </div><br /><div>I must say that this has been an extremely event filled month. Among the final process of adopting, we lost our darling Gracie Belle. This took an emotional toll on all of us. My sister was very concerned over the family's grief and loss. Her son breeds little Boston Terriers and so they gave us a puppy. Oh yes...a baby dog during all of this...LOL!!! She is so adorable!!! Although, Gracie can not be replaced, Cupcake gives us great pleasure and has assumed her place within the family.</div><br /><div>Hopefully, I will now be able to make more posts now that we have settled down in our family. I wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with all your dreams come true!!! Many blessings...Trisha and Family</div></div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-89232175900693871402009-12-14T15:27:00.002-07:002009-12-14T15:38:09.600-07:00Our Gracie BelleI am sad to post that our little pet has passed away. She had problems with collapsing trachea and died in my arms last week. I am just so sad and heart broken. God gave humans dogs to love and to be loved by them unconditionally. Gracie has been such a blessing to us!!! She did her job well of loving us unconditionally and we deeply love her in return. I try to comfort myself by the vision that someday she will be anxiously waiting for me in Heaven where she will eagerly lead me to Jesus' arms of love and comfort. Our little friend will be greatly missed by us all.Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-29712594538740424852009-11-25T15:01:00.003-07:002009-11-25T15:04:56.398-07:00Turkey Day;-)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEDyXC6pFkB-KEPZMHT5o8iuXKJZNueU-rEwgirFm9_Qgpr7HChhQIbd6FKhO7AM8n09FP4WZtqyld2Hr_AxKGIiJCeJVEF3SURJd7lV7Ne7MZthKVAzTwE5DFIbExjiKhJA-LAAmdNk/s1600/0600turkey2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408165352252769314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEDyXC6pFkB-KEPZMHT5o8iuXKJZNueU-rEwgirFm9_Qgpr7HChhQIbd6FKhO7AM8n09FP4WZtqyld2Hr_AxKGIiJCeJVEF3SURJd7lV7Ne7MZthKVAzTwE5DFIbExjiKhJA-LAAmdNk/s400/0600turkey2.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Day!!! We have much to thank our great God and King for every day of the year. Many blessings;-).</div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-30852807864046962152009-11-14T18:08:00.003-07:002009-11-14T18:48:17.561-07:00Update...I'm Late;-)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWSQx-p9GIvj-idoD_axZ8vtPmwP3IIUPAdscL_mmHpTPevlmO5TVjWh7lSaFHgvZJPLVUjkCh_9sMY-p3R8euw-Bon3phaPrehCesL5f-HfJclcL1HTtN0j3I5Qi5zoVJg7AS0fwsrA/s1600-h/P1000728.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404139021812066210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWSQx-p9GIvj-idoD_axZ8vtPmwP3IIUPAdscL_mmHpTPevlmO5TVjWh7lSaFHgvZJPLVUjkCh_9sMY-p3R8euw-Bon3phaPrehCesL5f-HfJclcL1HTtN0j3I5Qi5zoVJg7AS0fwsrA/s400/P1000728.JPG" /></a>Halloween 2009...trick-or-treat;-)<br /><br /><br />So sorry it has been so long since my last post. We have been very busy with our life lately. School keeps me very tied up as it is so demanding;-). I love the curriculum but, it does require a lot of time to get through it each day. We love to sleep in and usually this means we don't start school until around 10:00am. Last weekend we began to put up Christmas lights on the house and trees outside. Of course, we won't turn them on until after Thanksgiving Day.<br /><br />Seems as though I am behind on lots of areas in my life. I have not began my Christmas shopping. Usually by this time I am completely done with it and ready to begin wrapping packages. Now Thanksgiving is sneaking up on me ever so quickly!!! I can't believe it!!! I guess I should tell you that the kids had a blast on Halloween. Although, no yucky really type costumes allowed. I have posted a picture of the kids for you to see of their costumes. <br /><br />Pictured are Lil' Trish in the back. She is getting to be such a big girl!!! In the middle row are Christian, Katie, Karissa, Annie, and DeeDee. Up front are John-John and Mary Beth. I thought they were all so darling. Let me tell you that they ate so much candy that night. I honestly thought Mary Beth was going to throw up. But, she held her ground with a traditional belly ache. I hope my post finds everyone doing well and....ummm...more prepared for the holidays than I am...LOL!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-4799122211347764202009-09-26T12:33:00.006-06:002009-09-26T13:47:19.662-06:00School Is In Full Swing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7YoILQbjnCyIENQbfNyLCK9-MpDAzEMPqUqefUYYA415WLYEb2M3rZcWtI_gSibOzY_2eakXTZp7G8vuaWEdSvIc781_WqtAitQEYRr3oY-PqTmekQA0vVhjAMYwt3PYNWDGtOrG6zQ/s1600-h/P1000642.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385858027304621154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7YoILQbjnCyIENQbfNyLCK9-MpDAzEMPqUqefUYYA415WLYEb2M3rZcWtI_gSibOzY_2eakXTZp7G8vuaWEdSvIc781_WqtAitQEYRr3oY-PqTmekQA0vVhjAMYwt3PYNWDGtOrG6zQ/s400/P1000642.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is a picture of the first day of school!!! They all decided to wear their cool-school shirts. I love Mary's set up. She is such a squirt that she needs the plastic box to put her feet on...HAHA!!! Trisha is not pictured as she had an important appointment that day and started school the next. I'll post a picture of her on my next blog post. she has grown so much and really is looking like a teenager!!!<br /><br /><div>The summer was wonderful!!! We really enjoyed swimming, playing outside, and various day trips we took. I have not been regular enough about posting as we were always on the run...ha-ha!!! Now as winter approaches, and school has begun, I should have more time to update the blog. It seems time has just flown by the last few years and gets faster every year.</div><br /><div>I have had a hammer and chisel out as the children's brain rusted over during their break from school;-). Last week was our second week and it went much much better than the first week. They are still in the review process and have yet to begin new concept learning. However, they are filled with zest and desire to learn. John-John is doing very well with his preschool program. He is now singing his ABC's. Although most of them are "a,b,c...kkkkkkk....z...know my ABC's". HAHAHA!!!!</div><br /><div>Mary has begun some pre-K work and some kindergarten work. She is getting much better with her eye/hand coordination. Annie is working on kindergarten and first grade material. She is also doing a great job. Katie Aunna is doing both first and second grade work in varying subjects. I am just amazed at how fast she learns and what a wonderful job she has done adjusting to her new life. Christian and Karissa are busy with third grade lessons and also doing very well. </div><br /><div>Christian is playing football again this year and his skills just seem to get better and better every year. Both Christian and Karissa are preparing at our church for first communion and should be ready to begin a new spiritual journey with Jesus in the Spring. Naturally, Annie and Katie wanted to take the catechism classes even though it is included in their daily school lessons. But, it will be a great enhancement to their daily catechism in our Catholic home school.</div><br /><div>Little Trisha decided that she wanted to spend her last year of middle school with us;-). I am so thrilled that she did make this decision, as I know, she will be well prepared for high school next year. Although, I dread the peer exposure she will have next year, she has been well prepared for making right choices. I am praying for her to be a wise teenager and place God as the head of all her decisions.</div><br /><div>Now, about Mr. Casey...he is getting to be such a beautiful young man. He is a head taller than I am and his shoulders are getting very broad. I think he is going to be such a sturdy and solid built man. Considering, he will be sixteen years old in October, he's a very good kid!!! He is doing high school curriculum and seems very capable of having a successful school year. I am really enjoying teaching them and now consider it my God given full-time job.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>It seems such a wonderful investment into my children. I know that no one knows them as I do. Therefore, only I can give them all that they need. God has been very good to us to allow this opportunity. Certainly, it is wonderful to have them with me so much of the time. I really don't want to miss any part of their lives. They are my heart's beat!!! As the Holiday's approach...there is much to be thankful for and in celebration of...many great days to come. Many blessings!!! </div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-3854683452607248022009-08-30T21:49:00.011-06:002009-09-08T18:13:49.425-06:00Where Has The Summer Gone???I can not believe that summer is coming to such a fast close. Late this afternoon, when the kids and I swam, the cooler temperatures were very noticeable. It has been wonderful to enjoy the warm sunshine and playing outside much of the day. The thought of winter (cold and windy days) approaching is not too exciting for me or the children. However, the Holidays are so much fun with the kids and I just love the beautiful Fall colors.<br /><br />The major activity I love about winter time is school. The children have all their new books for this year and are quite excited to begin their lessons. Casey is not so happy about starting the new school year. But, everyone else said they are happy to begin soon. Only two more weeks until we start the new year. Since, we did not finish our work until the middle of June, we will not begin until the middle of September (the 14TH to be exact).<br /><br />I have been very busy the last couple of weeks getting things in order and going over their new books so that I will know what is going on in advance. My only regret about home-school is that I did not do this for Casey before the public school system in our area failed to give him a love of learning. This is the major difference in my older child/grandchild and my younger ones who have really never known anything other than their Catholic home-school. They really L-O-V-E it.<br /><br />Though Casey enjoys his time off from school, when I offer to send him to public school, he emphatically shakes his head "no"!!! I also must admit that his grades and academic abilities have drastically improved from his former years in public schools. Trust me...I cut NO slack when it comes to education. It is my belief that when they go to college they will receive no slack there. So, it's best for them to earn that grade by learning the material well.<br /><br />I also don't believe in allowing a student to experience failure and sadly move on. How unfortunate that many high school graduates are illiterate (Google "high school graduate + illiteracy"). Mastery is very important in gaining confidence in learning. So, I am ever present to explain everything before they move on or test. Certainly, they have no learning blocks or test stress (among the grade school age) and only some stress with the two older children (Casey and Trisha). Again, I think that has a lot to do with the public school system here in our area.<br /><br />Okay....I will get off my soap box and promise to give you an update on the last few weeks of summer (with new pictures) very soon. Also, I will post in regard to the beginning of our new school year. I do want to acknowledge, for those who are not avid homeschoolers, and are happy with the public school....there are some wonderful communities whose systems are very successful and satisfying.<br /><br />However, the way we choose to educate our children is such a personal choice. One which I am most grateful to have the freedom of choice. I want to excitedly wish you every success this year and pray for many blessings to you!!! Now...let me change the subject to an interesting perspective from the children this afternoon following Mass.<br /><br />Duane, the children, and I went to visit my parent's grave. They were such sweet parents to us and we miss them so very much. We find a comfort in visiting there periodically and making sure their grave site is nice. The summer grass was growing too close into their head stones. So, Duane and Weldon took the weed-eater to groom it up a bit. I just have to share this experience from the eyes of the children. Usually, we go to visit just my parent's grave and do not ordinarily go with Duane when he does maintenance on the graves. But, today the kids all clamoured to go out there with us.<br /><br />I did not want any flying debris to hit them and so we began to stroll through the cemetery. They would run over to a head stone and remark about what it said or the date of birth or a picture of the person. They began to notice that these bits of information gave a brief introduction to that person.<br /><br />One stone had a German Shepard (Karissa's favored breed of dog) on it next to a picture of the owner, another had the symbol of the Masons on one side and the Eastern Star symbol on the other. Still other stones had military insignias or the rank of a person while in the service of America. They soon began to realize that there are two dates on the head stones.<br /><br />Christian with wide innocent eyes asked; "Mommy, why is there two dates on some and only one date on others?". He was so surprised to find out that some people had not passed away yet and that this was their planned place of rest. They then began to figure how old a person was which revealed how long they had lived....more information for curious little minds. It shocked them when some were babies, children, teenagers, and young adults. I think they expected elderly people, but the young ones, were a bit much to absorb. As they ran from grave to grave, discussing these people, a car with two women drove up the road and parked.<br /><br />When they got out of their car and stood with their loved one they watched my children gathering information on people. I kept hoping and praying that this would not be offensive to the ladies. My children were excited, and their little voices calling out to each other about the person they were learning about, was anything other than quiet or mournful.<br /><br />Much to my surprise...I over-heard the older lady say to the younger one; "It's nice to hear God's children being so happy here. The laughter and joy of childhood...it's so wonderful to hear." The ladies joined hands (probably mother and daughter...I assume) and got into their car.<br />It made me feel that bringing the children there, and letting them gather this information was important to not only us, but it lightened the hearts of these two ladies.<br /><br />Perhaps it was a feeling of the natural process of life in the physical sight before our very eyes. A peek into Heaven...maybe. As we drove home little Mary said; "Mommy, there is just a whole bunch of people there and so I bet there are lots of people in Heaven. Right Mommy???" to which I responded...."That's right, baby!!!" Until next time...Many blessings!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-22908617011597303732009-08-03T10:52:00.004-06:002009-08-04T19:01:11.901-06:00Happy Birthday Katie Aunna<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_e6eDi-BC8YOfhYcDgNfdK_DZUol9Gs9yG5MFHTd6cwrdwdrcK7FwJC2eF8sD4wxT3FIQ4t90CGeZgyFsoyPKYbWubayiOzCp1ZDHH6MW8rm0yRxtoZ8ayFjCnt34pFPU5w6vobFCx4/s1600-h/P1000623.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366275912696242610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_e6eDi-BC8YOfhYcDgNfdK_DZUol9Gs9yG5MFHTd6cwrdwdrcK7FwJC2eF8sD4wxT3FIQ4t90CGeZgyFsoyPKYbWubayiOzCp1ZDHH6MW8rm0yRxtoZ8ayFjCnt34pFPU5w6vobFCx4/s400/P1000623.JPG" /></a> Katie Aunna enjoying dinner with Mama and Papa;-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xHcOdjoOkW7ot4-hM0la32Ef4yFcSUGRHIIWBT_OAnmzpEs0SQcaDBi69zfF1o9sUMLS0eoyhBnKvuFo9PWQ92fe_ta58PkqvTJb9yyXxQ_ii0Fbo4deSGnrrAkxnhSk_0g4BKoYg1Y/s1600-h/P1000621.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366275906885107570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xHcOdjoOkW7ot4-hM0la32Ef4yFcSUGRHIIWBT_OAnmzpEs0SQcaDBi69zfF1o9sUMLS0eoyhBnKvuFo9PWQ92fe_ta58PkqvTJb9yyXxQ_ii0Fbo4deSGnrrAkxnhSk_0g4BKoYg1Y/s400/P1000621.JPG" /></a> Here she is waiting for Papa to come home from work.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRhaRJCR6YDJdkQ-3XFQXAy2d4459LBlJYMtpwJFc4WQztksL4c60V1nO2CFvY8tzXzNvbXqeN9gAx1rO0qFUo7AX4XUofNCFFHfAth1vG92rZ3IWEoMp5kS6uS8M_VhyguCTwII2o8o/s1600-h/P1000615.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366275899866997746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRhaRJCR6YDJdkQ-3XFQXAy2d4459LBlJYMtpwJFc4WQztksL4c60V1nO2CFvY8tzXzNvbXqeN9gAx1rO0qFUo7AX4XUofNCFFHfAth1vG92rZ3IWEoMp5kS6uS8M_VhyguCTwII2o8o/s400/P1000615.JPG" /></a> Surprise!!! A new "big" girl bike for her birthday...LOL!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrQv9GqPMilYmXHKgC5D6tXE-BH4kooL4PX3Ut2ZKTG-cD9pg72lNjp3E2KyfjFul0bG3nbZ4MEDZz2EYFhB-7qVtCjEcNPEs3XQyZUvtFum_dPu-s5PEGMMMbDavK464ax9aFTfXUKg/s1600-h/71010-3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366275895155447218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrQv9GqPMilYmXHKgC5D6tXE-BH4kooL4PX3Ut2ZKTG-cD9pg72lNjp3E2KyfjFul0bG3nbZ4MEDZz2EYFhB-7qVtCjEcNPEs3XQyZUvtFum_dPu-s5PEGMMMbDavK464ax9aFTfXUKg/s400/71010-3.jpg" /></a>This was Katie Aunna's referral photo...what a huge change has occurred in her since then!!!<br /><br /><br />I just can not believe that she is now having her second birthday since coming home. Last year we were just getting adjusted when she turned 7 y/o. It absolutely amazes me that she is now 8 y/o!!! She was her usual happy self yesterday getting dressed to go outside to play and swim. Her face lite like a light bulb when I wished her a happy birthday. I think she almost forgot.<br /><br /><br />The first questions from her were "Can we go out to eat with just you, me, and Daddy tonight? Oh...and do I get a new toy???" I couldn't help but chuckle at these straight faced serious questions. I told her that we certainly would go out to eat and she could get her new toy after dinner. Here a few pictures of the big 8 year-old in our house.<br /><br /><br />God is so generous and good to give Katie to us. She is a darling little girl and has been everything I have dreamed that she would be. Happy Birthday to my darling little girl;-). Many blessings!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-15531634942240155872009-07-22T12:03:00.012-06:002009-07-22T22:47:28.709-06:00Happenings for July<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=92f654e7985b4343b32a4e" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=92f654e7985b4343b32a4e&skin_id=1705&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=92f654e7985b4343b32a4e&skin_id=1705&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/92f654e7985b4343b32a4e/1705.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt4" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slideshow at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br /><br /><br />Hi everyone....sorry I have not posted in a while. We have been really busy playing this summer!!! The kids swim every day and I think we are all getting very suntan;-). I decided to take a picture of the top of their hands compared to their palms. I was a bit surprised at how extremely suntan they all are...LOL!!! They just don't seem to tire of playing outside and swimming in their pool. <br /><br /><br />The kids love to eat outside at their little picnic tables. One picture I took just makes me laugh!!! Just as I went to snap the photo of Katie Aunna and Karissa eating...Katie points her chicken leg at Karissa and says "BANG...your dead!!!" Of course, I said "Honey, we should not shoot our sister with our chicken leg." All the kids burst into laughter...naughty kids;-).<br /><br /><br />Let me say that the Fourth of July Celebration was fabulous. We had our annual picnic at Green Acres Lake (more like a pond...LOL). There was so much food that day and the fireworks were wonderful. The gathering with family and friends is always something we look forward to each year. There was so much to eat as everyone always brings something delicious. I love my cousin's egg-rolls and chocolate covered strawberries!!!<br /><br /><br />As I sat there enjoying everything, Katie came over to me, crawled into my lap, and wanted to talk. Being there rather gave Katie Aunna and I a flashback to last summer. We had been home from Russia a little over a month at this time last year. She fondly recalled coming to this park and watching the beautiful fireworks. It was one of her very first outings. Then one thing led to another in our conversation and she began to recall our first few months at home.<br /><br /><br />Katie Aunna told me about how she understood what we said to her last year. But, she found it difficult to respond fully in English. Then she put her arms around my neck, sweetly kissed my cheek, and said the nicest thing in my ear..."Thank you Mommy. Having a home is so nice!" Now how darling is that??? She has been an amazing little girl full of happiness and joy. Katie Aunna has really blended well into her family. Our life without her seems to never have existed for us. God has been so good to our family and so perfect in giving us the children that He has. He is truly a great and wonderful God worthy to be praised!!!<br /><br /><br />More good news....Last week I flew to Dallas with Karissa for another check up with her surgeon. We had a good report that she has healed well from her surgery and she is tumor-free. Another moment to praise our Lord for His generosity. She does have a little more moisture than he would want to see on her eardrum. However, Karissa has been swimming daily with her custom made ear-plugs. The doctor wants to see her again in January. He said they usually follow a child with reoccurring tumors for two years following the surgery. She does have a loss of 40 decibels in her hearing. He says this is not a bad thing when we consider she had no hearing before surgery in her left ear. So, some hearing is better than none;-).<br /><br /><br />On the lighter side of things....We went to see the 3-D movie "Ice Age 2" and it was really cool. I recommend it highly. The children were so adorable sitting in the theater's afternoon matinee with their 3-D glasses on. John-John was amazed and his little body moved with the show. It was difficult to watch the movie as I kept watching the reaction of the children...LOL!!!! Well, I guess that pretty well updates July for us. Gotta go play with the kids now;-). Many blessings!!!Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-24456366534136457092009-07-01T16:27:00.006-06:002009-07-01T17:36:48.813-06:00Burrowing Owl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoBK0qD7jjxOjRYg51Ehff3VlQyv6XcsJNEbkFjjPYclENoKnHYRF1RvVBuU5go_7TpDwY0wv-kPnMPn2vNtNH5PltUfkdwxaBzG-Yiyt2wQ69mv2MQdSzFgHJE5d4Jm8Gox4GRUqxD0/s1600-h/502px-Athene-cunicularia-burrowing-owl-0b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353627503168066930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoBK0qD7jjxOjRYg51Ehff3VlQyv6XcsJNEbkFjjPYclENoKnHYRF1RvVBuU5go_7TpDwY0wv-kPnMPn2vNtNH5PltUfkdwxaBzG-Yiyt2wQ69mv2MQdSzFgHJE5d4Jm8Gox4GRUqxD0/s400/502px-Athene-cunicularia-burrowing-owl-0b.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a class="image" title="Adult Northern Burrowing Owl(Athene cunicularia hypugaea)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Burrowing_Owl3.jpg"></a><a class="image" title="Adult Northern Burrowing Owl(Athene cunicularia hypugaea)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Burrowing_Owl3.jpg"></a></div>"Tuffy The Owl" so named for his remarkable skills at surviving. This is not our owl....but, a picture of one just like Tuffy. In person, their eyes are more green than yellow. But, the one pictured above, has fluffy down on his chest like the young owl we rescued on Monday.....<br /><br /><div>Day before yesterday I was sitting on the patio watching the children swim. I heard a crying noise that was similar to screeching and crying. Initially I thought it was some of the baby Prairie Dogs fussing with each other. They often make a crying type of screaming andbarking noise with each other when they fuss;-). I guess kids will be kids no matter what!!! So, I just ignored it for a while. But, as it continued I became concerned.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>When I went out into the driveway, behind our house, I found a baby (just old enough to begin learning to fly) Burrowing owl lying in a small area of shade. The hot summer sun was just about to be fully upon him. I was so shocked as I squatted down next him. He was making direct eye contact with me and whining. I felt so sorry for him and asked "Awe...poor little fellow...do you want me to help you?" He tipped his head to the side and continued to look at me and cry. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Usually, an injured animal who is wild will bite....he just laid his head down on my out stretched hand and cried. I have NEVER seen anything like this in a wild animal!!! Just about that time, Weldon came into the drive, bringing Gracie home, from her grooming. He takes Gracie for me and then brings her home to me each Monday. He got out of his truck and said "Oh, Mama, he is hurt. Look how he is looking at us!!! We have to do something for him. I can't believe he is acting so friendly. Does he need some water?" </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Weldon, went into the house for water and a towel, while I shaded the little owl from the searing hot sun. This baby owl lapped up the water like a little dog would drink. We had a small plastic milk crate we placed him in and I began to make phone calls to find someone who could help us. When Duane got home from work and saw him it touched his heart as well. Turns out that Duane knew his secretary's mother is a conservationist. This wonderful woman set it up for "Tuffy" to go to the South Plains Rehabilitation Center in Lubbock, Texas. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>They think he may have flown into something and has neurological damage as he can not fly. He was dehydrated and somehow managed to collapse in our driveway and there he cried for mercy. Now he is in professional hands, as the girls and I, drove him over to Lubbock for their expert care. These owls (like our tarantulas and horny toads) are becoming very limited and are on the endangered species list!!! They live in the tunnels of Prairie Dog holes and are nocturnal feeders. The Burrowing owls can be seen sitting on the edge of the holes next to our property in the early evenings between the months of about March through October.</div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-3554601846007249442009-06-10T22:34:00.003-06:002009-06-10T22:53:51.476-06:00Annie Is Growing UpYesterday the children were playing outside. Annie came running up to me exclaiming with great joy "Mommy, my tooth is loose". She opened her little mouth to let me feel. Sure enough, her bottom tooth was very loose. Just barely hanging on, I knew soon it would come out, marking the next maturation phase of her life. When she proudly ran off to play, I just cried, as it has come so fast. Today, I was just attempting to absorb that my little Siberian Princess had a loose tooth, when at bedtime snack she ran to me with her little tooth in her dainty hand. Annie is all tucked into her bed and anxiously awaits the Tooth Fairy...aka...Daddy!!! She still makes a beautiful photo. Here is Annie with one less tooth;-).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345927691664907474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iBcJk5cX1tUUmIBhaEzJxUXALh9eyhRIElFuhDZdT1qIxY8yRJrcO4nKU0OMv3QUAV_uIRWqznxMhcnelW8dQ9lG9VDp5Whp8JikduI2inbwy3yFHIppBI4mGWHELNFQ82reW4TvMPA/s400/P1000513.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345927683356636562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkqVW1taq6PVdZiIZAknyqXWIOd0FB4-uO42vca3kPq2lmZVioJE8O3wHOv-upeO1Y5sNjvVmzDEpUGNwJOvNiSfPh7my09p730OmJVD-WygZsiRqD775QF28Di3Uw1wG_-oUQe1Qqwc/s400/P1000512.JPG" />Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-41807165872865922572009-06-07T18:31:00.004-06:002009-06-18T22:14:40.411-06:00Ring The Bell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tp5r9aZv7C0bAd22mhJlwWZVSw4UiLyTMOPK9C1qgxB0T_1S6E0BOrDmb8pjgL4xCSqFlQDUqjVdGBmN5NvhmB1Xr_3NphVJKyuB_fjyH3CyG3QcXyTXMeTwTLm5l8jCjVT-xznlOzo/s1600-h/P1000501.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344752920102833890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tp5r9aZv7C0bAd22mhJlwWZVSw4UiLyTMOPK9C1qgxB0T_1S6E0BOrDmb8pjgL4xCSqFlQDUqjVdGBmN5NvhmB1Xr_3NphVJKyuB_fjyH3CyG3QcXyTXMeTwTLm5l8jCjVT-xznlOzo/s400/P1000501.JPG" /></a> My flowers are beginning to bloom. Aren't they lovely!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bxIGUzfmGf2J7Nl37y-Dtx_WVrJ9kvYrNJ8gc1aR1OJq7ytERQj_bYcuGynKbwTBNBkfk1RVb1G0288RAv-b5RLphNB4v0fhQkUIK_8iohz-KPGFWXfETLQBgSkoYoI8zDRhjctiU-E/s1600-h/P1000511.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344752915177231442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bxIGUzfmGf2J7Nl37y-Dtx_WVrJ9kvYrNJ8gc1aR1OJq7ytERQj_bYcuGynKbwTBNBkfk1RVb1G0288RAv-b5RLphNB4v0fhQkUIK_8iohz-KPGFWXfETLQBgSkoYoI8zDRhjctiU-E/s400/P1000511.JPG" /></a>Beautiful Annie rings the bell with her last paper finished on her desk;-).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6avTMVul0o1HJD26Agp4EFHmbmM7bmBF-caDyL_ZwuSqXxLgTEfTBzqVKcIaW4JrNasQ_K-NbmjaUEPOOg3wLAdk-6-72oLN9gWkrAsvbTWPKDqrKvRlWDoBdCnCBwl7dTn4kdLjSoT0/s1600-h/P1000510.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344752910893652898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6avTMVul0o1HJD26Agp4EFHmbmM7bmBF-caDyL_ZwuSqXxLgTEfTBzqVKcIaW4JrNasQ_K-NbmjaUEPOOg3wLAdk-6-72oLN9gWkrAsvbTWPKDqrKvRlWDoBdCnCBwl7dTn4kdLjSoT0/s400/P1000510.JPG" /></a> Next handsome Christian gets his turn!!! Big 3rd graders;-)</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjAwHcDSvKyQ7v_rB1KradqPmZvVldhW-85Bvdn4t58d5OwVN8SwLq1QrRh0NNJrBGbINZIz4Uzb83qpMEqiObwLpnQ-v9jkJbIKtcRZ4Q3rhKK1yHvjhhLiJM9FZDkjBaBV0IztECC0/s1600-h/P1000508.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344752908770460290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjAwHcDSvKyQ7v_rB1KradqPmZvVldhW-85Bvdn4t58d5OwVN8SwLq1QrRh0NNJrBGbINZIz4Uzb83qpMEqiObwLpnQ-v9jkJbIKtcRZ4Q3rhKK1yHvjhhLiJM9FZDkjBaBV0IztECC0/s400/P1000508.JPG" /></a> My beautiful Karissa is proud to end her school year!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRh47WT9HS-Or53YBiZ3weBJ0T5OD2CzV_HCzs9AY9QrF9Am3GZBGx9VTKrPIzU-4LzRgmJYfU27vs2KnVj4o-3XdUnBC7TQCQFlv0NfCV8nStoXof1Z7-Gewlw9sBA4LUnLjEYBum30/s1600-h/P1000503.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344752902928116594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRh47WT9HS-Or53YBiZ3weBJ0T5OD2CzV_HCzs9AY9QrF9Am3GZBGx9VTKrPIzU-4LzRgmJYfU27vs2KnVj4o-3XdUnBC7TQCQFlv0NfCV8nStoXof1Z7-Gewlw9sBA4LUnLjEYBum30/s400/P1000503.JPG" /></a> The Arctic Princess...Katie Aunna rings the bell...now for some dessert...LOL!!!<br /><br /><br /><div>Well the end of school has finally come for us. Only, Casey will be working, during the summer months...on MATH!!!! He is not too happy that I did not let him "off" the hook. It was so funny...Katie Aunna closed her last school book and said: "Mama, we have to ring a bell to say good-bye to the school year!" She wanted to know why we did not have a school bell and how would we celebrate this accomplishment. </div><div></div><div>I then did a little research and soon discovered that in Russia a bell is rang by the children to indicate an end to the school year and also it is rang for graduations. There is usually a big celebration of food, drinks, and desserts. Now, Katie has such a sweet tooth, that any excuse for cake will do;-). She was sure to add that after the bell rings they get cake and foods to eat. </div><div></div><div>Duane and I took Christian, Karissa, Katie, and Annie out for dinner at their favorite restaurant with dessert included!!! </div><div>It was so nice to be with the four of them. Before dinner we went to Mass. It was so cute as they discussed what they were going to eat as we drove to the church. The bell they rang belonged to my grandmother from her childhood school in Oklahoma. Her school teacher gave it to Grandma and my mother gave it to me when I graduated from college!!! I never dreamed at that point in time that it would be used for my children to signal an end to their school year.</div></div></div></div></div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-15293313093169421402009-05-20T09:31:00.007-06:002009-05-21T17:45:05.554-06:00OH MY!!! One Year AlreadyKatie Aunna one year ago in Russia (February 2008) during our first visit with her.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMs_PekbDPPS3VVs7OXx-esznmx0QVdMwCERRy3zcgxPUxbIq8tSQQRll9wNnG9JEjfsG3RQHM2HTz2kEnb5XQ0IgnLC45J9YfQT_GEXwOLmzTWR-0Syp8DDzStbcuvmbxYyGENct0_w/s1600-h/100_1473.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337930679580877346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMs_PekbDPPS3VVs7OXx-esznmx0QVdMwCERRy3zcgxPUxbIq8tSQQRll9wNnG9JEjfsG3RQHM2HTz2kEnb5XQ0IgnLC45J9YfQT_GEXwOLmzTWR-0Syp8DDzStbcuvmbxYyGENct0_w/s400/100_1473.jpg" /></a> Karissa (left) and Katie Aunna (right) in April 2009. What a difference family life makes!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1CXl2eEz7AQz9tuFGnn8nYGhg9Vz1TKX6guXS2OBnEqxFL89hV-lOJZqvcghhMFTsvbDybCZb3Bc1dCkey0lK_BVyglZxk1SdQ5ZNgkviYLrOIqx9hwGnMTaXMcQUIRwKNVtG0tFS40/s1600-h/P1000378(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337930060428332306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1CXl2eEz7AQz9tuFGnn8nYGhg9Vz1TKX6guXS2OBnEqxFL89hV-lOJZqvcghhMFTsvbDybCZb3Bc1dCkey0lK_BVyglZxk1SdQ5ZNgkviYLrOIqx9hwGnMTaXMcQUIRwKNVtG0tFS40/s400/P1000378(1).JPG" /></a><br />I am amazed that one year has flown by since our sweet little girl, Katie Aunna, has come home from Russia. What a blessing she is for all of our family. Her outgoing and yet sweet personality has made her place in our family concrete. Although, she has been with us only one year, it seems as though she has always been here. Katie is doing wonderfully with her adjustment to family life. It is now very funny that she told us, while we were in Russia, that she would not learn to speak English and her new family would just have to speak Russian;-). Presently, she is not only speaking English, but has learned to read and write English in her school work. Though, we are still working on riding a bike, she can swim like a fish;-). Her brothers and sisters enjoy playing with her and she has completely meshed into the family unit. Katie Aunna's overall appearance of good health is amazing!!! I just can't say enough about how happy we are to have her in our life. God is good to us!!! </div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-2276599389438572972009-05-11T11:24:00.004-06:002009-05-13T21:56:07.247-06:00Mother's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p-eC7AeJzRh1yF2U7sa2iQ7DLJuPs3ZXYyKoCmqofvxBWVq0ECq_B2LrVrahotUprnU056iMVEdB_VOFeVfXEFPhW0QLSSSHVw4RRLpBOCdyLWFwKh-Hbfp-FlsN6Li79ZAG0_KbIrE/s1600-h/05-03-09_1200.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334618642816423122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p-eC7AeJzRh1yF2U7sa2iQ7DLJuPs3ZXYyKoCmqofvxBWVq0ECq_B2LrVrahotUprnU056iMVEdB_VOFeVfXEFPhW0QLSSSHVw4RRLpBOCdyLWFwKh-Hbfp-FlsN6Li79ZAG0_KbIrE/s400/05-03-09_1200.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday was so nice!!! We all got dressed and went to church. The service was lovely and it so touched my heart. I looked down the pew at my children who were paying attention ever so sweetly. Kisty and her family sat in the pew behind us. At one point in the service Fr. Carlos called the mothers to the front of the church and prayed over us. As I stood beside Kisty, it was difficult not to cry. Here was my grown child, my first born, who had made me a mother thirty-two years ago. This child had also made me a grandmother of two beautiful little girls.<br /></div><div>My eyes wandered up to the alter and to the image of Our Lady. I admired her and wondered how she could have been so strong and obedient to God to allow her child to be a Sacrificial Lamb to save the people of a sinful world!!! I know she knew the magnitude of that punishment to be dealt to her Son. I am so thankful she was a courageous woman and mother. Because, I often find myself in need of God's forgiveness for my daily sins. I try to be the best Christian mother I can and do what is best for my children. But, I sometimes fall short in my walk with Christ who died for me.<br /></div><div>As a loving mother, when my children are hurt it hurts me. I prefer to think that none will pass away before me, but I know it happens. After all, Duane and I lost our baby twins due to prematurity in 1990. I thought of that pain as I stood before the alter Sunday. How unnatural that loss felt. Parents feel that they will not pass away before their child or children. Holy Mary felt that same unnatural feeling of losing her child before her own end to time. My heart ached. I felt a true gratitude that she did not grab her child and run off with him. Or piteously beg for Him to go away with her and avoid this end to His life. But, she did not do that and she was brave when she followed Him all the way to the cross. </div><div></div><div>Finally, as the Mother's Day Blessing ended and they began to pass out a gift to all of us standing at that alter, I thought of my own dear mother who had passed away in March 2005. I don't like to recall that my mother is gone from my sight although she lives in my heart all the days of my life. A booklet was placed into my hand and we all returned to our seats. I turned around with the other women and there sat all my beautiful little children with huge smiles on their faces.</div><div></div><div>They beamed of pride that "I" am their mother. Each one reaching out a little hand to greet me from my brief absence from them. Welcoming me back into our pew and it felt so comforting. My heart just soared with gladness to be their mother. We all settled back into our worship and I had a fresh new heart cleaned by a brief visit with God, Jesus, and His Mother, Mary. The day was wonderful right up to bedtime. Please, keep the children of the world who have no mother in your prayers. God's many blessings to you!!!</div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-86298641959182839492009-05-04T20:33:00.018-06:002009-05-05T00:05:09.222-06:00Blue Hole<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332183410790362674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzBBEtXLbRftGtNYqQpvuHZWVNrSLPTYET7VuPvWkwz49clDstgTILzvkQYaF6Cy68jtBlcMhWeVyQI1EdWLqgiOyYXtaWbIXRknNohUnjeHg5Vlhv4ZlC_F7M7og6C6-GeEcoimEIKQ/s400/P1000459.JPG" />Yeah...I know...it's a weird name for a historical site!!! It is located in the tiny city of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Which is about a two hour drive from our home and half way to Albuquerque. I had Weldon with me, as I hate all the driving alone, when we go to the BIG city....Albuquerque. We were taking Katie Aunna to the opthamologist.<br /><br /><div></div><div>The doctor said she has to have a much stronger prescription and it is one that requires a plastic frame to hold the thick lens. There are also prisms in them and a special type lens that keeps her eye from wandering outward. Unfortunately, her adorable sparkle glasses are metal frames and can not be used for the new prescription. The good news is that she does not need patching or surgery for her strabismus. It is correcting with the faithful use of glasses.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div>Back to the adventure.....Weldon and I had Katie,Christian, and Karissa with us. They had never seen Blue Hole and so I thought this would be fun for them. Here are some details about Blue Hole. As you can see it is very deep and gives it a beautiful blue hue. The white and red floating balls are attached to diving cages used by diving students.<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332178402078203586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn5HUEk4wPwqWbHGGV5saX-JDhVrc9V2cXJ9OxS-IRW6_ELvLAPchUfTHCZZCtVsJ4wlMhPYJp_peGUVM3GTo8KblgAUnimnVGn00w8FeyOP5bM9NmrJbzEsDhg1qjC-aq9NVeZpEQAs/s400/P1000460.JPG" />It is actually very amazing. When it was discovered, this was a true blessing for the pioneers who traveled through and dwelt in, our prairie. Water is scarce in a natural and clean form in New Mexico. So, to have such an asset here was a great treasure. It is also one of the major contributors to the Pecos River, which is found for miles and miles throughout New Mexico. As you can see from the sign....the outflow is 3,000 gallons per minute. At one point, in my childhood, it was believed to be bottomless (long long ago...haha). Now it's depth is determined to be 81 feet.</div><br /><p>On the bottom spews a natural fresh water spring. There are many caves filled with water that divers explore, many yet untouched, regularly during scientific dives. Some go miles underground and are the water supply for much of the area for many miles and to unknown destinations. On numerous occassions, divers have become trapped, or gone too far, and even been lost in the underwater caves. The openings are located all along the walls of the 60 foot diameter of Blue Hole. <div><embed height="382" name="FLVPlayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="408" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="transparent" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=8a4f5cb9181ee3ee177c62&skin_id=1702&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com"></embed> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 408px; FONT: 12px/20px verdana,arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=8a4f5cb9181ee3ee177c62&skin_id=1702&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/8a4f5cb9181ee3ee177c62/1702.gif" width="408" /></a><br /><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt4" target="_blank">Make an on-line slideshow at <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br /><br /><p>Naturally, the kids wanted to swim in it. But, there was a diving crew getting ready to enter the water and it is still too cool for the kids to swim in. I am guessing it was in the 50's this time of the year!!! They did get on the steps and feel the water. This quickly changed their minds about wanting to get into it.</p>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894466519191593157.post-91913585475460902212009-04-27T22:50:00.008-06:002009-04-30T01:53:36.351-06:00Earth Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGQB_hsVJeBnDHSTl2EbZfHcGZ_teK0ALYCMX4I1FAvcFN5Se3phEQd7AddEhIe5xjnsKZ5Bak0Nfo7ATWw0gwUudt37s1Mn6wfNykRyHfDREA-6ZICRxp_DEnHAsKLpbFYA8iS9x0Ss/s1600-h/P1000430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330386618031973250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGQB_hsVJeBnDHSTl2EbZfHcGZ_teK0ALYCMX4I1FAvcFN5Se3phEQd7AddEhIe5xjnsKZ5Bak0Nfo7ATWw0gwUudt37s1Mn6wfNykRyHfDREA-6ZICRxp_DEnHAsKLpbFYA8iS9x0Ss/s400/P1000430.JPG" /></a> Annie and Mary...what cuties!!!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330385789569747026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m7lSGPAUyr7HigATlZ_MA6EXeIyypvZw0JjzqDhAmbFFFriXumY_7jNuKXNpTYBwKDOTcC5Z7IbKoaKoK5wg0S5oZb41LoAgWtMoXoJav4dwoZ4z8vLMU0_IQDVaWvePWFDMYkyJCy8/s400/P1000420.JPG" />Our Well House. The concrete is so warm to sit on and sun bathe.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FsXwGmNhNLFPe5pLzWANTi6Juqngm6jvgP8I-QJXQCPQadXmrLDuTDJQEtfI8DEfWkeTiSr9AnfeOCGFEBe70GJrmusTF5Gs-0N-YoZeptUP_wvL6kCBvktcDWTmgwdqoF9BIHRusqM/s1600-h/P1000415.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330384882173259634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FsXwGmNhNLFPe5pLzWANTi6Juqngm6jvgP8I-QJXQCPQadXmrLDuTDJQEtfI8DEfWkeTiSr9AnfeOCGFEBe70GJrmusTF5Gs-0N-YoZeptUP_wvL6kCBvktcDWTmgwdqoF9BIHRusqM/s400/P1000415.JPG" /></a> Mary, Karissa, Annie, Katie, Christian, and John-John<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JkYBFoWHrraBgHvru8RzH3J1TZPArC7G9F_S_hgWOon5WFRuAwgDxEmpdMSP_d9FsJSSH4J4_RxnYip1euqSUzbyrxwsVXONS32eRqVv4IHJuqEcQyPrKCpUd7nSLvW4kPyIoMYojwU/s1600-h/P1000406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330384045006153842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JkYBFoWHrraBgHvru8RzH3J1TZPArC7G9F_S_hgWOon5WFRuAwgDxEmpdMSP_d9FsJSSH4J4_RxnYip1euqSUzbyrxwsVXONS32eRqVv4IHJuqEcQyPrKCpUd7nSLvW4kPyIoMYojwU/s400/P1000406.JPG" /></a> Cold well water in the sprinklers...NO PROBLEM!!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj293movoXP5q29dvMqKXkFTZAjloOFkIyvZO_sDbycPAHjth-8su-FjcTt5vHOYeI58GCB5odeTmXMFjoMEF7dZsK-mjIwEtMJRbBrHsrNP3bQc70SLX56BJLmUVN6rOokI8C1PNGF2OE/s1600-h/P1000413.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330383089479007602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj293movoXP5q29dvMqKXkFTZAjloOFkIyvZO_sDbycPAHjth-8su-FjcTt5vHOYeI58GCB5odeTmXMFjoMEF7dZsK-mjIwEtMJRbBrHsrNP3bQc70SLX56BJLmUVN6rOokI8C1PNGF2OE/s400/P1000413.JPG" /></a> John was very bent out of shape over the cold water. He hated it and was pouting out over it.<br /><br /><br /><div>I first must apologize for the lateness in posting. We are so very busy with trying to get finished with our school year. It is my hope to have lots of playtime this summer. Additionally, I have several plans for the kids. But, for now, let me fill you in on some pretty cute stuff;-). </div><br /><div>Last week we celebrated Earth Day with the rest of the world (hopefully). We watched several really good programs on National Geographic Channel. It showed how God's awesome hand had brought Earth together (I filled in on that info as we watched) and our universe was created. Thankfully, it stuck to actual events in planet creation and did not lead the viewer to believe it was all by accident. I was able to fill in the truth of God's mighty work without any conflicts to my narrations. It was perfect!!! Just like our Lord had selected this particular program just for our school studies. </div><br /><div>Next, the kids picked up all the trash from around our home that had blown in from the housing constructions in the area. We have had horribly high winds the last few weeks and so there was an entire trash can filled with debris from the three acres next to our land. Plus, plenty of tumble weeds to scrunch and place in the trash. It all looks so nice now. Thank you children!!!</div><br /><div>Then the warmth of the day drew their minds to the nearing summer days. They wanted to swim...oh so sorry...it is yet too early and the temperatures are not quite warm enough. However, soon they will swim. We have begun to make preparations to open the swimming pool. It's such good exercise and therapy for them all and myself included. </div><br /><div>Anyway....back to Earth Day....We have a sprinkler well out back and it's water is very cold as it comes from deep within our yard. I decided to turn on the sprinklers and let them play in the mineral rich water. The temperature was in the upper 80's and so they got on their swim suits. It was a very enjoyable day!!! I have posted a few pictures to share their fun with you. </div><br /><div>One hilarious thing about John-John....He was all smiles going out into the backyard to play in the water sprinklers. I told him it was very cold water. He is a bit squeamish about cold things like ice cream or ice cubes. He said "I play Mommy" and took off running for the sprinklers. When the cold water hit him, he ran back to me, about as fast as he went out to play. </div><br /><div>I had gone out to sit on the warm concrete top of our well-house and bask in some sunshine. Little John-John wrapped up his shivering body in the first towel he could grab. It was a pink one;-). Doesn't my baby look cute in pink??? TeeHee!!! I took his picture as I asked him if he liked the sprinkler water. Obviously, he was fairly bent, over it being so very cold. Awe...sorry little buddy:-(</div><div> </div><div>Well...guess that's about it for now. I will post again soon as I want to tell you about our trip with Katie Aunna to Albuquerque. Till then...please keep praying for Lexi. Many blessings to you!!!</div></div></div></div></div>Trisha, Duane, and Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01976575707985854172noreply@blogger.com2