Journey To Yellow Brick Road

Update

2011-01-25T19:38:00.007-07:00

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.

Surgery Complete

2010-11-23T12:08:00.002-07:00

Hi...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!

Hi...Here's an update.

2010-11-10T23:32:00.002-07:00

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...Trish

August Events

2010-09-04T20:22:00.002-06:00

August 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!

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?"

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.

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;-).

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

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".

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.

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???

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 Crew

We're Still Here;-)

2010-07-10T15:09:00.004-06:00

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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;-).

Tonsils Out

2010-05-01T10:41:00.002-06:00

The 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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

I suppose that's about it for my update and we hope for many blessings in your life as well!!!

Shriner's Appointment

2010-03-24T13:39:00.004-06:00

Finally, 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.

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.

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.

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!!!

Spring is in the air;-)

2010-03-07T13:29:00.016-07:00

Our Blessing "The Bus"!!!! Used, but in great condition;-).
We can all go places in one car...AMEN!!!

Front view of our newest blessing;-).

Here is a picture of Alexis before her dental repairs.

After Bonding and teeth whitening!!! No more cavities;-)

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.

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!!!

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!!!

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.

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;-).

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.

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.

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!!!!

What's Happening Around Here

2010-02-02T16:56:00.007-07:00

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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.

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?!?!?!?!

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.

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;-).

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!!!

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!!!

Welcome To Alexis Victoria Gartner

2009-12-28T10:16:00.006-07:00

Alexis Victoria Gartner

"Cupcake"

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!!!

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.

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

Our Gracie Belle

2009-12-14T15:27:00.002-07:00

I 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.

Turkey Day;-)

2009-11-25T15:01:00.003-07:00

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;-).

Update...I'm Late;-)

2009-11-14T18:08:00.003-07:00

Halloween 2009...trick-or-treat;-)

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.

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.

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!!!

School Is In Full Swing

2009-09-26T12:33:00.006-06:00

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!!!

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.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

Where Has The Summer Gone???

2009-08-30T21:49:00.011-06:00

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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!!!

Happy Birthday Katie Aunna

2009-08-03T10:52:00.004-06:00

Katie Aunna enjoying dinner with Mama and Papa;-)
Here she is waiting for Papa to come home from work.
Surprise!!! A new "big" girl bike for her birthday...LOL!!!
This was Katie Aunna's referral photo...what a huge change has occurred in her since then!!!

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.

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.

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!!!

Happenings for July

2009-07-22T12:03:00.012-06:00

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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.

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;-).

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!!!

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.

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!!!

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;-).

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!!!

Burrowing Owl

2009-07-01T16:27:00.006-06:00

"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.....

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.

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.

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?"

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.

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.

Annie Is Growing Up

2009-06-10T22:34:00.003-06:00

Yesterday 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;-).

Ring The Bell

2009-06-07T18:31:00.004-06:00

My flowers are beginning to bloom. Aren't they lovely!!!

Beautiful Annie rings the bell with her last paper finished on her desk;-).

Next handsome Christian gets his turn!!! Big 3rd graders;-)

My beautiful Karissa is proud to end her school year!!!

The Arctic Princess...Katie Aunna rings the bell...now for some dessert...LOL!!!

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.

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.

Duane and I took Christian, Karissa, Katie, and Annie out for dinner at their favorite restaurant with dessert included!!!

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.

OH MY!!! One Year Already

2009-05-20T09:31:00.007-06:00

Katie Aunna one year ago in Russia (February 2008) during our first visit with her.
Karissa (left) and Katie Aunna (right) in April 2009. What a difference family life makes!!!

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!!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T11:24:00.004-06:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

Blue Hole

2009-05-04T20:33:00.018-06:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Earth Day

2009-04-27T22:50:00.008-06:00

Annie and Mary...what cuties!!!!Our Well House. The concrete is so warm to sit on and sun bathe.

Mary, Karissa, Annie, Katie, Christian, and John-John

Cold well water in the sprinklers...NO PROBLEM!!!!

John was very bent out of shape over the cold water. He hated it and was pouting out over it.

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;-).

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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:-(

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!!!

Rain Showers For Katie Aunna's First Easter

2009-04-14T22:59:00.004-06:00

Katie in computer class during school this week. She is getting so good with the touch pad. What a smart kid;-).

Working away on her program and school work for computer lab.

Front to Back : Mary, Annie, Katie, and Karissa. They loved their dresses!!!

Front row....left to right: Katie Aunna, Mary, and John-John

Back row....left to right: Casey, Annie, Karissa, and Christian

The girls were so darling in their Easter dresses and the boys so handsome. I was a little bent with John-John as he would not stop making these goofy faces for the Easter pictures!!! He is such a sweet heart...but, sometimes his desire to push my buttons is just too irritating. So I took their pictures anyway and told John-John this would be the Easter pictures he would not like when he gets bigger. Then he threw his self down on the floor in a fit at the restaurant.

We very seldom eat out, but, Duane did a trade-out with this restaurant owner....you know the sign "Will Work For Food". Well Duane (Dr. Heat-pump) fixed his freezer and some other thing in exchange for a meal credit. Pretty cool deal. It was really a nice exchange!!! So nice to go out to dinner and have all the family together.

At Mass we took up two and one half pews at church. We always try to sit in the same pew every Sunday. Guess we have gotten comfortable there after sitting in the same one for so long;-). It was very, cool outside and raining, so we did not hide eggs. However, they all got their chocolate Easter bunny and Katie Aunna gobbled down her bunny in one sitting. She just loves candy and especially chocolate;-). Quite a little sweet tooth the Arctic Princess has. She really enjoyed her first Easter.

We went to Mass first and then out to dinner with our family of 16 (Duane and I, 9 kids, two grand daughters, one son-in-law, and our S-I-L's two nephews). Glad we could avoid the mess at our house and eat out instead;-). We wished for Lexi, but, I kept telling myself that next Easter I would be looking for matching dresses for five girls and two grandchildren.

Our paperwork slowly grinds along. Duane just keeps telling me eventually we will get the job done and before we know it Lexi will be home. I hope so....I am feeling a little discouraged as we really need funding to accomplish this. So, I keep praying for Lexi's story to touch those who can donate a little to help her come home.

Please, try and help us bring this little girl into a loving family and give her a gift she so desperately wants...a family of her own!!! Many blessings to you and may God touch your hearts to help Lexi. We still have a good ways to go to meet our goal. Thank you for reading our blog and I hope for many blessings and much love in your life!!!

Medical Update

2009-04-03T18:03:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to write a note about my surgery. According to the doctor my gallbladder definitely needed to be removed. Although, I am in a some moderate pain, it's not as bad as I had expected. Plus, the best part is that I have not had any heartburn or stomach pain since it was removed last Tuesday. They made three small abdominal incisions and one umbilical incision. I am moving pretty slowly, but, at least I will feel well when we go to see Lexi.

The kids are not doing so well. There is some croupy type cough and high temperature circulating among them. I have three on breathing treatments and all of them on cold medication. Last night Christian really scared us as he was so lethargic and breathing very shallow. Also, he could not talk above a whisper. Once I gave him a couple of breathing treatments he began to improve.

We have designated this week for Spring Break and guess it was a good week to be out of school since they are all sick. Katie Aunna thinks we need an extra week off because they have been ill;-). Guess we will see. I would like to move the classroom to the living room that we do not use. Maybe, they would be energized by a new location for school. It is a bit crowded in the dinning room. This would give us better space and we could have a designated classroom.

Karissa's Doctor Visit

2009-03-27T16:28:00.006-06:00

Karissa and I flew to Dallas from Amarillo and back in a day.....whew!!! What an exhausting trip and then tack on the four hours of driving (round trip) from our home to the airport. But, we had a very nice day together. Although, it was rather odd to be able to focus on just one child.

Actually, I still feel tired today from Wednesday's doctor visit. However, the kids and I did do some house cleaning today:-) and much to my surprise...we have snow once again. New Mexico needs the moisture and so we are quite happy. We did not take any pictures while in Dallas and so I decided to post a nice Spring photo I had taken at a park last year. Just so we can all have that feeling of Springtime and Easter.

Here's the rundown for the day in Dallas:

Karissa still has a tiny hole in her ear drum and discharge from that ear. Her doctor suctioned it out and put powder in it. She was a very brave patient and sat ever so still while he worked on her. He hopes it will close or she will need one more surgery to place a patch on it. She did not have a hearing test because of the discharge. So, we still do not know how well she hears in her ear. However, he did confirm that she is (PRAISE THE LORD) hearing in that ear. Then he said "Can you bring her back in a month?" Oh my, I about fell in the floor. I wanted to scream "HEY BUDDY....We live almost 1600 miles away round trip plus four hours of driving to get to an airport and home!!!" But, instead I politely said we could come back in May. So that's the report for now.

I really want to thank everyone for their prayers for Karissa and for our family. Please, continue to pray for her healing, our family, and for Lexi. We are getting close now to Karissa being well. Many blessing to all!!!

Off To Dallas Again

2009-03-24T20:33:00.007-06:00

This is my first cousin Debby. Mary just adores her and can't get enough Debby time. Actually, I think Deb loves Mary as much as she loves her own two kid;-).

The cakes were for Trisha and DeeDee's birthday. My little Trisha turned 13 years old...OMG...a teenager!!!! Hide the car keys quick. The guitar cake was for DeeDee and she has turned a whole 9 years old. Sad how time flies:-(

Here little Mary thinks she is Queen of the Hill. So she perches herself on Daddy's back as he attempts to ...um... relax...ha ha...and watch TV.

SHOCK!!!! We actually got a little snow. Isn't that amazing??? Of course it was melted within a few short hours. However, the desperately needed moister was graciously appreciated...Thank you dear Lord!!!!! Here is another picture of our only snow for this winter last week.

Well tomorrow we leave for Dallas again. Just Karissa and I will be flying there and the kids will be home with our adult son....poor man!!! Ha Ha!!! Actually, Weldon is pretty good with the kids and John-John is just crazy about him. So, it's a nice treat for the kids to play with Weldon. We fly out from Amarillo at noon and will be back home in the evening.

Katie Aunna, Christian, Karissa and Annie went to the dentist yesterday and had their cavities filled. Now I look inside their mouths and I am filled with happy happy joy joy....pretty white jaw teeth and no black spots. Karissa came from her orphanage with healthy teeth...no cavities and so she only got a few sealants in her teeth. But, oh her little ear, it has been quite unhealthy. Now we hope we have met her ear issues with success...the official word will come tomorrow so I will let you know then.

A funny story about Katie Aunna. First a little Russian background. Russian people would rather haggle over the smallest thing than to breath air!!! Dr. Naggs (our dentist) pinches and shakes your jaw/cheek when he is giving shots. Katie did not appreciate his tactic very well and did some whimpering. I think gentle Dr. Naggs got a little uncomfortable over her emotional show of discomfort. In his haste after Katie's procedure to pass out treats for exemplary behaviors....he gave a toy chest gift, stickers, and a card for free french fries from McDonald's to everyone. Katie got stickers and a toy, but, Dr, Naggs overlooked giving her a french fry card.

Somehow in passing out the goodies he skipped giving Katie her card. Much to my surprise...she sternly walked over to him, shook her little finger in his face and said "Hey Mr. Doctor...why you not give me french fries card and you pinched my cheeks. I don't like you pinching my cheeks...so where's my fries Mr. Doctor???" Then she sticks her little hand out palm up for her card. He apologized and said it would never happen again. Then Katie says "Well, you need to think...you know??? Think about your job!!!" What a ha ha...little Miss Huffy Puffy.

Guess that's all for today. Please remember our Lexi and our adoption process in your prayers. We are working hard and furiously to get things accomplished. I hope we will be moving forward soon!!! I am getting an extreme loneliness in my heart for Lexi. I dream of her almost every single night. The kids are always talking about her and asking when she will come home. Tough question to answer.

Finally, next week I will be having my surgery...removing my gallbladder. Next Katie goes to Albuquerque to see the opthamologist about her slight strabismus and to check the accuracy of her glasses. Then John has his surgery the end of April. So May and June should be dossier composing time. Keep us in you prayers. Thanks for reading and many blessings!!!

I am also happy to report that most all of our home study documents are complete and ready to be turned in to our HS agency. Further, we sent in our first big payment with our contract for Lexi. She is officially now waiting for her family to come and get her. I just can not wait until I can go to see her and hold her in my arms for a big POLAR BEAR HUG!!!! Everyday I feel like we are making another baby step forward to bringing her home. I am begging my GF Gail to go with me for the first trip to meet Lexi. Guess we will see what happens. Again. many blessings...Trish

Katie Aunna's Happy

2009-03-07T09:43:00.006-07:00

AWE!!! All my babies;-).....

Group hug!!!!

John-John sitting in a big boy chair. He is flashing me his "I'm so cute" smile. what a blessing he is to our family. He is a very quiet and calm child. Every day is a pleasure for him!!!

Mary is holding a book I found on the Internet about her birth city Borovichi, Russia. Someday she will treasure this book as it is packed full of information about her birth city.

Papa and Mary snuggle up for a little nap together. One of the few moments that Mary is still and quiet.

We had quite a catastrophe last weekend. I almost took her picture, but, she was so upset about it I didn't dare ask her for a picture. Anyway....Katie and Annie were doing what I had asked them a million times not to do....running in the house. We do not have any carpet in the house as it is all wood and tile flooring. When the kids have on socks it can be very slippery.

Apparently, from the explanation I received, Katie was running and Annie was close on her heals as the monster. Katie stumbled on the throw rug and Annie rammed into her back. Katie was slung into the floor face first. That's right....face first!!!! Horrifyingly, she broke off her two front PERMANENT teeth at an angle. In walks Katie Aunna crying to me with two pieces of teeth in her hands. I jumped up out of my chair and my eyes almost popped out of my head.

Naturally, our dentist's office was already closed. So, I placed them in a sandwich baggie and told her not to freak-out (even if Mommy was) as we could get them fixed on Monday when our dentist opens. Of course, first thing Monday morning I was on the phone and they got her in that day. They did have to put her mouth to sleep and so that was a little pinch in the beginning.

However, I am proud to say that the repair is virtually perfect and shows no signs of damage. When her teeth finish growing (about age 17 or 18 y/o) she will need to have these two front teeth capped. Oh dear.....raising children is not for the timid....especially around this house!!!

On the adoption front....I want to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to those who have made donations to help Lexi come home. Your kind generosity is a blessing and an encouragement to us. Sometimes the struggle seems harsh and the road is so long to the goal. Many may feel we will be blessing her, but, we know she will be the "blessing" to us.

When I look at Katie Aunna's referral picture (which is a head shot of the one below) I am amazed at how much she has grown and changed. The love of a family is magic for a child. Like the little Star Thrower story..."We can't save them all, but, we can make the difference in the life of this one". I am so looking forward to the day when Lexi knows that I have found "HER" mommy....just as I promised her that I would do. Many blessings!!!

Why Adoption?

2009-02-28T13:49:00.002-07:00

So many times I have people who ask why we would want to adopt or what is our motivation to adopt. Often I have been told..."You can't save the whole world". I read this story and thought it pretty well sums things up better than I could ever do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Many blessings!!!

The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker
Inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley

Once upon a time, there was a wise man, much like Eiseley himself, who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer, he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The young man paused, looked up and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I guess I should have asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” “The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die." “But young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. “It made a difference for that one!” His response surprised the man. He was upset. He didn’t know how to reply. So instead, he turned away and walked back to the cottage to begin his writings. All day long as he wrote, the image of the young man haunted him. He tried to ignore it, but the vision persisted. Finally, late in the afternoon he realized that he the scientist, he the poet, had missed out on the essential nature of the young man’s actions. Because he realized that what the young man was doing was choosing not to be an observer in the universe and make a difference. He was embarrassed. That night he went to bed troubled. When the morning came he awoke knowing that he had to do something. So he got up, put on his clothes, went to the beach and found the young man. And with him he spent the rest of the morning throwing starfish into the ocean.

Lightening Strikes....Discernment and Lent

2009-02-23T20:36:00.014-07:00

Katie Aunna's referral picture!!!

Katie Aunna now;-).

This post deals with my lack of courage and God's strike of lightening that I asked Him for. I asked for lightening bolts because I wanted a clear unmistakable message from God as to what He wanted us to do about adopting Lexi;-). There is so much stress we feel because of criticism from family and friends asking us if we are crazy??? Especially from our family. Plus, our financial situation at this time is not all that good. So, I wanted to be absolutely sure!!! See, I know when we do things out of self desire it usually backfires on us. When (no matter how crazy sounding the request) we do what God asks us to do, we are always taken care of, and things seem to work out PERFECTLY.

Well, the lightening bolt did happen and it started with a simple post on my Catholic International Adoptive Parents board. Hopefully during Lent you will fast, pray, and decide the right way to live your life and I will be doing the same thing. It should be something we all strive for during any liturgical season or ordinary time. Especially, during Lent, as this forty days signifies Christ's human nature to be tempted to make wrong choices. It also exemplifies His power to overcome these selfish fleshly temptations.

There are many ways one may come to discern God's Will during His Lenten season. A lady on my board made the first post regarding Discernment and Lent.

QUOTE:

"I am curious about what your Lenten plans are for this year? We are going to attempt a family service project, although I have no idea what we are going to do, pick one day a week with no computer (!), or TV, and I have a book on Purgatory that I want to read along with a 30 day novena for the souls in purgatory. Oh yeah, and make a special effort to discern if God is calling us to adopt again! Anyone have any suggestions to assist in the adoption discernment?
God Bless" Anonymous author #1

So, here is a lady looking for discernment on what to do about adopting again. She wisely wishes to be certain (like me) that it is the right thing to do and is truly God's calling. Of course, the first thing I think of when I read her post is our situation and making sure we are doing God's Will. I think...okay it seems safe to pour out my heart on this board of Catholic Christian people (great group) about my Lexi. Here was anonymous author #2's response to #1's post:

QUOTE: "I'm not sure...to tell you the truth, Lent kind of snuck up on me...I just realized that Ash Wednesday is this week. Sounds terrible, but life for me during tax season is like that.
I am considering praying the rosary daily during Lent. Many questions going on in my mind lately...may have some answers come to me...." Anonymous #2

Okay, I think to myself...Lent might be a really good idea for me right now. I can do a lot of praying, fasting, praying, fasting, and so on. Then I finally decide to write and just lay it out with this group about how scared and unsure I am. Here is my post:

"Thank you for this question about Discernment and Lent!!! Usually we try to give up sugar during Lent. Although, it seems to me your response about adopting a child again strikes home with me. Course, I am always an...on again and off again..."expectant" mother. I know the right thing to do, but, am always afraid of the big step....second guessing our decision and wanting to not listen to God's gentle nudges. Perhaps I am wanting some discerning lightening strikes;-). I guess it is a Faith issue. Maybe I better do some Rosary praying as well during this time. I always worry about how we will finance things, the child's health needs, MY ability to meet those needs, the criticism of family members and friends, etc... My DH is one of those who gets into the process and doesn't sway. I really irritate him with my "on/off" mentality. This adoption will only be our 10Th child;-)...but, two are grown. Okay...thanks for listening and speaking to my heart;-). Many blessings....Trisha
http://journey2rfamily.blogspot.com/"

Then I think "Okay, now I feel better for at least getting this off my mind. It is nice to have someone who is wanting discernment for adoption during Lent like me. Guess what happens next???

Yup....Lightening strikes.

Not in the conventional way...like from the dark cloudy sky onto my feeble head;-). No it comes in the form of anonymous author #3s post:

Quote:

"Trisha-
Your blog is beautiful and so is your family! Praying your newest daughter is home with you soon. I loved the pictures of your big, FENCED IN, backyard - what a blessing!!"

Anonymous Author #3."

Here's the clincher or the first bolt of lightening.....#3 includes this quote with her post:

"There are no adequate substitutes for father, mother, and children bound together in a loving commitment to nurture and protect. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can take the place of the family. ~ Gerald R. Ford"

Oh MY!!! I can't leave this child God is asking us to adopt in the hands of government care. It's just not right (self conviction occurs now). Okay...now I'm thinking..."I must pray for discernment and I have asked for lightening to strike me or something really obvious from God, but, have I received one??? Although, Gerald R. Ford's quote had a lot of enlightenment in it....it is somewhat like thunder with a small lightening flash from God...not the bold sharp bright bolt of lightening I am asking for that momentarily blinds you by its brightness;-).

Then I get a private email from a group member anonymous #2 who is writing again and titles her email:

"Well how's this for a lightening bolt???"

"Hi Trisha,
I am on the group and I just was reading your wonderful blog and spotted "V" (Lexi) from Murmansk and had to email you! I guess I am part of the journey b/c we actually had her on hold for a while about 1.5 yrs. ago...and I have been following her since. She has led us to Russia, and was the child that convinced DH we should adopt again also (this is our 3rd adoption).
It is a miracle. Last I heard another family with younger children were trying to adopt her..I suspect that is the one you spoke of in your blog?It's strange b/c lately "V" has been on my mind. Anyway...I am soooo happy and just know that she is your child...do not worry...God is at your side and it will work out if it is his will.
Presently, I am in a bit of a dither myself and have been saying a novena to Mother Teresa on
Mother Teresa .org...she has been monumental in this whole process. It is a long story, but we
declined a child in Russia in October, my mother died tragically in Sept. and that plus some stuff
going on with our kids and the parochial school who didn't support our traveling basically threw out our boys and well long story short, we had lost our faith in God and how we would manage and now are going crazy trying to amend our letter of decline. We just found out that she was moved, are searching for her...have sent a letter to the MOE through our agency (although we aren't sure if it really went) and well...it will take a miracle to do this...

OK..well sorry for rambling...I just wanted to make sure you have these pics of Lexi (that name fits her beautifully) in case they fall through the cracks...keep in touch and keep the faith.
PS.is that Katie Aunna's pic too? I attached a pic of my gang back in November.."

Then she posts a quote: "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Who could have ever dreamed that I would write about my down feelings on my Catholic Parents board and then I would see the threads associated with discernment in regard to adoption. Further it amazes me that #2 had looked at the referral videos of both Lexi about two years ago....which was about the same time I was looking at "V" the first time which was before we adopted Mary instead of Lexi.

Then, what are the statistical odds, that this same person would look at and know Katie Aunna's referral information from considering her last year about the same time I was looking at Katie??? She sent pictures of both the girls (Lexi and Katie's referral pix) to me that she had kept on her computer from when she was considering adopting the children God has given to me!!! We are connected!!! So lightening strikes me!!! There are people on this Christ Centered Catholic board who are encouraging me with words that our Great God is giving them to say to me. He is establishing a supportive connection as well and a clear message in regard to Discernment and Lent. I am just stunned by this and wonder if you all see this connection.

Then another member of this same Catholic board sent this email which established a connection between us:

Quote: "Trisha, I read your blog and when I saw the little girl that you are trying to bring home....I was soooo happy. I saw her on UAHH and I wished that I could have gone to get her. I am no where near ready to adopt, but making slow progress. She just touched me and I prayed that God would find her a good family. I love when you get to see prayers answered. It always gives me such hope inside. Maybe God thought I needed a pick me up and lead me to your blog.....just to see that my small prayer was answered!!I pray that your adoption road to this little girl is fast and easy! I am so happy that she will have brothers and sisters and a good life after such a sad start!"

WOW!!! She knows my little girl, too. This board is NOT connected to my agency in any way. It is my religious parenting board of my particular Catholic faith.

Okay...there's nothing that can happen that God can't handle in your life or mine. I'm doing better!!! Today, God blessed us with our first donation. PLEASE let Lexi into your heart and allow God to nudge you as he gently does...."HELP BRING THIS SWEET LIITLE GIRL HOME". If we pull together as Christians...we can do this and although we will only be helping one child, we help the world in large part. Scroll down to the donation button for Lexi and give whatever amount that you KNOW you are being lead to give. God is quietly whispering that figure in your ear and it hurts our hearts when we don't follow through with His requests. I always think..."Gee, I should have given that dollar to the man playing his guitar in the cold".

Yes, we can easily ignore God. I know because I am a guilty of it. Further, I could just turn my back on Lexi and take whatever money I will use to save Lexi (my own portion of her adoption), to do something really nice and selfish for us...like pay off all those horrible bills we have accumulated during this recession to support seven kids. God isn't yelling it at me to adopt Lexi.

He is whispering LOVE into my heart for His orphan, Lexi. Even though I asked for lightening bolts and he gave it to me in His usual gentle loving way....I could pretend that I don't hear the whisper or feel the nudge or see the lightening. But, I will not be at peace. I am asking you to listen.

If God whispers any amount into your mind...listen to him and receive His Almighty approval and reward for being a child of the King. Help Lexi come home!!!

Today I have received a wonderfully beautiful Holy $25 dollar donation. Thank you for listening to your heart and acting with the first donation!!! It is the first brick laid in the road to Lexi!!! Who knows what she may do for the futures of many people in this world given the chance. You have played a role in her greatness and God has already made your heart feel cleansed....I know He has. Lexi is well known as a very compassionate and loving girl. I will be blessed to call her my daughter.

Amazingly, these lightening bright connections from these different people came from just ONE board!!! Wow!!! Please, let my girl touch your heart and listen to God's whisper about helping her come home. Look at how many people this little girl has had an influence on and she is destitute in a Russian orphanage at this moment. Imagine what she could do in the USA living in a loving family when she becomes an adult. Let's team up on the side of our Lord and do His Will.

Just call me silly old Noah, building a huge arc in the dry desert, because God said to do it.

I am wishing for you to experience much discernment in your life during this forty days of Lent which is beginning on Ash Wednesday...the day of perpetual hope for self discipline, discernment, and the gift from Christ of rising from the dead come Easter. Many Blessings....Trisha

Karissa's Surgery

2009-02-21T13:47:00.007-07:00

Amarillo, Texas..Karissa and Katie before our flight to Dallas

In the above picture...Karissa and Katie are in our Dallas hotel room the day before her surgery. I must say that Karissa and Katie are very close sisters. I look back on how so many people we know thought Duane and I were crazy to adopt another child. Now I can not imagine our life without Katie Aunna. She and Karissa have become best friends and adoring sisters.

The above picture was the night of Karissa's surgery. Katie was so stressed over Karissa that they both crashed out after we got back to our hotel room. Karissa put her ear on the pillow to drain and Katie snuggled close to her for comfort.

We are home now and Karissa's surgery is successfully completed. The doctor wants to see her again in one month. I am thinking Karissa and I will fly up and back in a day to help curb some of the expense associated with this process. It has surprised me that she is not in as much pain this time as in past surgeries on her ear.

The kids at home did quite well. Although, very little school work was accomplished while we were away. Next week, however, they can count on making up any area they have let fall behind. Katie and Karissa did not take any work with them either. Last week they all worked very hard on their school and so I am not too concerned over missing a few days.

This picture was taken before Karissa went into surgery. She was calm and ready to get on with it. What a brave little girl!!!

Here is the end result. Her biggest concern was typically "all girl"...don't shave any hair!!! I pulled it up to the side and they only shaved a small track for the incision. As can be seen, the incision is quite long encircling her ear. Thank you for the many prayers and keep them coming her way!!!

Leaving For Dallas

2009-02-17T15:05:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to drop a quick note to say that I am leaving for Dallas this afternoon. The girls will see their doctors tomorrow afternoon. Karissa's surgery is scheduled for early Thursday morning. Hopefully, if all goes well, we will return home over the weekend. Keep her in your healing prayers. A heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who are posting about our fundraising efforts on their blogs. Many blessings!!!

Alexis Viktoria (hopefully) Gartner

2009-02-15T00:58:00.003-07:00

Well here it is...our hearts are smitten with love that will not die. It continues to nag Duane and I daily. He is as convicted to act as ever he has been. Neither of us can push her tender love for us out of our hearts. Nor can we turn our backs to her any longer. Lexi fell in love with Katie Aunna's Mommy and Papa at first sight. She followed us into the playroom with Katie. Lexi was floating along as she was so in love with us. When she smiled at Duane and then laid her head on my shoulder....we were smitten, too. We tried to focus solely on Katie. However, we couldn't help but watch her carefully timid movements about the room. Speaking Russian very fluently with Katie, the translator, and me (ha ha).

Then as suddenly as she had appeared...they shooed her away so we would give our full attention to Katie Aunna. We found this easy to do as Katie is charming. But, Lexi's soft cheek that I patted is still imprinted upon the palm of my hand. Lex and I felt helpless to act. I looked at Duane and said "Honey, please". He had a flash of anger with me and snapped out "You know we are not prepared for two children this trip... not financially or with paperwork. Let's enjoy Katie's process." So, I did. Now, it has been nine months and we both miss her in our life.

I kept saying that someone would want her and she would get a family. If she was still waiting by the first of the year then we would begin to move forward for her. This would be our sign from God. Well, someone on my blog had read about her and wanted to adopt her. However, things did not work out financially and so Lexi remained on the UAHH site...where she waits with a sunken heart. Now, I am a bit taken back that I was hunting for a family for the child God intends to be a part of our life....WOW!!!!

I am sure Lexi has given up on the one she wanted to be her Mom. Before she left the room she breathed me into her very soul. We have not forgotten one thing about her and her soft cheek is forever imprinted upon my hand with love. Her faced ever etched into Duane's mind.
Her charming smile touched the core of his heart and remains there. Men don't like to feel emotional pain. It makes them mad and he has not been in the mildest of moods for several months as we waited to see if she was going to find that family. Ha Ha...we didn't realize God had already chose her family;-).

I cry as I write because the financial circumstances are in need of a miracle in order to be fulfilled. However, we are going to take that leap of faith that God has placed in our hearts and His Divine Plan is laid out before us...all we need do is trust in our almighty God. I tell you this...it will be God's miracle with the economy like it is and other circumstances which are dictating havoc in our finances. Adoption......the leap of faith we make once again. Please scroll down to see the new pictures I have added. Many blessings!!!
Your prayers are welcome, too.

Just A Quick Update

2009-02-10T22:16:00.012-07:00

I just wanted to remind you that Karissa will be flying out to Dallas (Baylor Children's) next week to have her (hopefully) final surgery on her ear. It has been a long haul to get to this point of wellness. They will be placing new tiny ossicles in her middle ear. She will actually have hearing for the first time, that we know of, in her life. It is a very delicate surgery and she must really rest afterward. Katie Aunna and I will be escorting her to this surgery. The girls are rather looking forward to spending a little Mommy time out of town. Katie hasn't flown in a plane since our return home from Russia.

We will be flying up the day before Karissa's surgery and then back home the day after. I will post some pictures of our short little trip upon our return. Please, keep Karissa in your prayers as she will be quite ill for a good while afterward. They will also check out her inner ear. Further, she has done the unusual. Partially grown back tonsils...oh dear...and so they will also remove that unwanted interference to her good health. So, my poor little girl will need all the healing prayers she can get.

My medical tests have also come back. The doctor says he thinks my gallbladder should be removed and so I am planning on doing this the 17th of March. The nurse said this was the first opening they had which happens to be on my grandchild's 9th birthday. I take this as a sign of good luck. So, I am going to do it then, that is, if Karissa is well enough and she should be.

On the other stressful subject.....we are still praying fervently about Lexi and some days I'm on adopting her and others I'm a chicken. Mostly, I am a chicken because of the funding needed to accomplish such an endeavor.

Adopting her would not worry me as far as caring for her, loving her, and sharing our life with her. It would be how to get her here. She has a grant for close to meeting one fourth of her financial needs. But, we would need another three fourths to accomplish such a thing. I often read and hear about these kind humanitarian people who help folks like us get difficult to adopt SN kids who are older. These lucky kids are able to get the loving home with their adoptive families that they deserve and would not have otherwise.

If some kind hearted individuals would help us bring Lexi home....who knows what wonderful things she could grow up and do for the world. All from your small donations to her adoption. Poor little sweet child will be going to an institution if we do not bring her home. So I guess you could say we are testing the water. Will God touch hearts to help us partially meet the financial needs to bring her home??? We can do at least half of her needs, but, we will need help with the rest. Please, open your eyes and hearts as individuals and with your local community of friends and donate to her any amount at all.

After she goes into an institution, she will have no chance, and there she will go down hill fast. If God should touch your heart...You can donate any amount $25, $50. $75, $100, or more by contacting Until All Have Homes (Stephanie), Kids To Adopt (Jeny), or click on the donation box in the margin of the blog. Any amount your heart is willing to give will be gratefully received and God will bless you ten times over as he promises in His Holy Bible!!! Please open your heart and mind to this little darling.

Until All Have Homes is an organization that helps SN orphans and they will see to it that your tax deductible donation goes directly to help Lexi come home. Imagine how rejected and lonely she feels. You can play a role in saving this child's life. I know what your thinking and the answer is "No" we cant save every child in this world. But, right now you have her face in your mind and you can play an important role and power to save THIS one child. One child saved is worth giving up a "meal out" to send in a small donation. Please, pray about this and try to help this kind child who is always showing many acts of compassion to the children with which she lives on a daily basis.

Although, walking on her damaged leg is painful, she still helps with the younger children and happily does her daily chores without complaint. That's the kind of girl she is. Well, I leave this matter in your hands and pray that God will move you to give....any amount you feel led to give. NO AMOUNT TOO SMALL!!!! Thanks so much for your love and kindness in reading this post....maybe someday I can do the same for you. We never know when God will call us to do His Divine Will. You are being given by God an opportunity to be blessed and bless someone. Don't miss your blessing...however small the amount....the reward shall be greatly magnified.

Lots of love and many blessings to you.

In His Service....The Gartner Family

These Are The Best Days Of Our Life

2009-02-05T23:21:00.008-07:00

Mary and John changing into play clothes and getting shoes on to go outside and play;-)

Casey and Little Trisha....Best friends.

Karissa working with a smile on her dedicated little face!!!

Katie Aunna...my beautiful Russian scholar.

Happy Annie...The Siberian Princess....and she knows it...ha ha!

Mary Beth ready to jump up out of her desk.

Schools out!!! Schools out!!! Happy times are well deserved.

It was so warm that the kids just needed a light jacket or sweater cover-up.

John sliding and Christian getting on the sky glider with Katie.

Now Mary and John will try the sky scooter;-0.

Today our weather was beautiful (76 degrees). The sky was clear and blue as the golden sunshine warmed our world. There was no wind blowing....just a warm and calm day. I must brag about how hard the kids worked today in school for me. I would periodically notice one of them looking out the window and I knew very well what they were thinking. It was so difficult not to excuse class and send them outside. Maybe, according to many who are homeschooling, that's exactly what I should have done.

It is true that learning occurs in more than a classroom. However, their resolve to stay on task was so admirable. At 3:00 o'clock I asked them to put away their books. Then I told them to go outside and play. They looked like Christmas morning....full of joy and delight. As I ponder on the activities of today, my heart is filled with admiration and respect for their eager resolve to learn. I am so proud of them!!!

I guess some of you may have noticed the frigid cold temperatures in Murmansk. It has been 29 degrees below zero for several days. I hope Katie's precious friend "V" is doing well along with the other children there. The cold is so harsh for her injured leg. My mind often returns to Murmansk and our experiences. Katie's friend's face is a vivid picture in these memories.

Please, be in prayer for God to provide His Holy Will and guide us in our love for "V" (we will refer to her as Alexis...Lexi for short from here). We just can not get her out of our mind, heart, or memories. Especially, of the day we went to pick up Katie Aunna from the orphanage. Lexi walked over to me and looked deeply into my eyes and I knew without one word what she was asking..."Please, love me too. I've been waiting faithfully for so very long. I'm a very good girl who only wants to please you."

Lexi then gently laid the side of her face on my shoulder and gently nuzzled into my neck where she breathed in my scent. She inhaled deeply as though she would store and hold my scent in a special container deep within her heart forever there labeled as "the one desired to be my mother". I gently patted and stroked her face. Her eyes swelled with tears....but, she swallowed hard and bucked up as they told her to leave the playroom.

I can not say that our 27 day stay in Russia was a time of relaxation. However, it was a treasured time with Katie Aunna as we soaked up the beautiful Russian culture and enjoyed the kind people we met there. Truly, during those days, it seemed like forever until we returned home. Now I can see it was but a blink of the eye in my life.

We will always remain attached to Murmansk. God has been very generous to us there and we continue to thank Him for His generosity. Each night as I go to sleep...I pray for Lexi and wish to see her once again someday. May God's Will be done in this matter and not mine. I pray He carries the plan and I do not have to decide what to do. Let God provide the answers and means for us to be faithful to Him in ALL things.

I hope you enjoy a few pictures of the children today. Oh yes, Katie Aunna is reading and sounding out words that are new to her. Her English acquisition continues to amaze me.

Many blessings!!!

God Save America

2009-01-23T21:23:00.004-07:00

Well....lots of scary things are going on in our country at present. I went out in our front yard and hung our American flag upside down and at half mast. Signaling we are a country in distress...big trouble. We are so concerned about the ruin of this country at the hands of Obama. The country is so fragile right now. The cost of living is just sky-rocketing with the increased minimum wage and high taxation. Not to mention...the "BAIL-OUT" of huge companies whose CEO's leave as millionaires. Who in this government will bail out the American citizen struggling to survive? God save America!

I read today that our federal tax dollars will be sent internationally for the purposes of assisting women in obtaining abortions and abortion related educational programs. This was highly supported by Bill Clinton and Clinton reinstated it during his horrible immoral term. Then Bush shot it down when he got into office and did not support this international abortion funding. During Obama first week he signed to allow it again....urg!!!! Looks like many of his "promises" are going to the dogs...so to speak....during his first week. I hate it when people renege on their promises or their word. God save America!

I am also very concerned about the fact that he does not classify himself as a bi-racial man (white/black). He classifies himself as the first African/American to be elected as a president to the Untied States. This seems odd to me...suspicious even. Has he swept his Caucasian half under the rug and is now African/American??? This does not sound like someone who is proud of his white heritage. No one seems to notice how he tucks away part of his racial orientation and then screams racist to others who bring up this subject. If, as he promised, all people are to live as equal...how is it he can brush his white culture under the rug and claim to be African/American....not bi-racial. This sounds bad to me....but...who am I to say what is in his heart and mind. Over time he will tell us with whom he holds partiality. God save America!

Further, we are greatly concerned about the desensitization of our children by the world. You can't even watch regular TV shows without seeing premarital kissing, unwed sex, and openly cursing with what is considered "MILD" by the movie sensors. Now we have bad words that are allowed on regular programming because it's not considered one of the "BAD" word. Plus, "cool" gangster who kill, still, and destroy people and are portrayed as the "cool" ones. TV commercials are embarrassingly brass and immoral. I dread TV commercials coming on during the few TV shows we watch. God save America!

I tried to buy a Guardian Angel filter for our TV (filters out bad language) but they no longer make them!!!! When I take the children out to the mall.....we run across people who are acting inappropriate (teenagers locked in love kisses) or someone using bad language in such a casual way. They act as if "little ears" are NOT present. My WORD!!!!! Where is it to stop. Well, home school is my only option for them if they are to stay self focused without the world spoiling their minds. There is no censoring product available that I am aware of. God save America!

I also understand that Obama is a huge supporter of same sex marriage. This is a biblical situation which is harshly addressed in the bible. Are we now at a point where only those things in the bible we want to hear will be used and ignore those laws, commandments, and feelings of our great God??? Obama is working on a plan to ensure that same sex couples may wed and receive all the benefits that normal couples have. God save America!

How about this one circulating in high and powerful places.....the government possess a belief that they (CYFD-Kiddie Nazi) know more about our children than the parents do? Many parents are fearful to discipline or they may get into trouble with the Children's, Youth, and Families Services (Prevention/Intervention). God save America!

It is very difficult if a parent is falsely accused of something by the "Kiddie Nazi" and they consider it as "inappropriate" (a very individually subjective decision) and then it is upheld by a few supervisors of the department. Those victimised parents carry that label with them for the entirety of their life. It can never be erased from the system and the person is negatively labeled for ever. SAD!!!!! God save America!

Many cases involving parents are substantiated in the guise that the "Nazi Kiddie Police" (CYFD) are "doing" their jobs. They are BEST able to determine appropriate discipline from inappropriate behavior. The decision is left to an individual and their work peers to condemn a parent. Lets say for example.....a CYFD caseworker gets a call that you "hit" your child with a paddle. Even though corporal punishment may be legal in your state. This government agent can determine that it is harsh and substantiate. Now a record will be on the parents head FOREVER!!!! God save America!

Now medical insurance.....They have the power to refuse to pay for medications they think (by determination of their own medical board) that you do not need these medications or treatment. Even though your doctor has ordered these needed medications or treatments. Many insurances tell you which group of doctors you may see and which hospitals you may use. They also can raise your insurance premiums because "they" are not making enough money from the policy. To me this sounds like a trend toward a socialistic economy. God save America!

Okay....flame me if you like.....but after you do....please pray for this country. We are a nation in distress right now. God save America...Amen.
Many blessing and thanks for listening to our concerns.
The Gartner Family

A New Year

2009-01-15T22:21:00.003-07:00

Christian is sooooo strong!!!! He can actually bring his knees down to his elbows and then straighten his legs upward again. What a hoot!!!!

Here are my sweet little kids sitting on the couch together. Karissa has been reading a section of a Junie B....First Grader book each evening to the kids. It was the one for Christmas "Junie B....First Grader...Jingle Bells....Batman Smells....(and so does May)". This book was so adorable. They love all the Junie B. books. Katie is picking up on reading at an amazing speed. She has now progressed to first grade work. Little Katie Aunna places herself next to her big sister so she can follow the words with the help of Karissa's finger guiding her along. She is one smart kid!!!

My beautiful teenagers....Little Trisha and my handsome Casey. They are growing up soooo fast. I must say that they are excellent students in home school and far above their peers. But, isn't that the whole purpose of home school? The first semester I turned them on to the movie "Fall of the Roman Empire". Today, they watched "Doctor Zhivago" and oh what an effect it had on them. They have gained a new respect for the people of Russia!!! It was a great day of school. We did all of our paperwork in the morning. Then we watched the Russian Revolution bring in the rise of Communism in the afternoon. Following the movie, they did some computer research, regarding how the Soviet Union fell and what effects that had on the Russian people. Anyway....the New Year of academics is unfolding as planned thus far.

I just wanted to make a short post since it has been so long. I do apologize for the delays. Actually, I have not been feeling very well. My doctor has run several tests to see why I am having persistent heart burn. Of course, it couldn't be our nine children and two businesses that give me heartburn...ha ha!!! I go in to see my doc tomorrow for results of the blood-work, scope, ultra sounds, and scans. Keep us in your prayers and I will certainly let you know what comes of it all.

Today seems like the perfect opportunity to say how thankful we are for the last year. 2008 has had many challenges and a great deal of pleasure with Katie Aunna joining our family. She is just the most precious little girl and fits so perfectly within our family. I have yet to see a happier child. She still tells me that she loves me many times during the day. Her relationship seems quite different with me than the adoption adjustment which occurred with the other children. We went through all the classical bonding processes with all of our other adoptions. But, with Katie, it seems that the honeymoon phase is more of a way of life for her. I don't think we will ever leave this phase.

Katie Aunna gets up happy in the morning and goes to bed happy each night. It is so different to adopt an older child compared to babies. She has an appreciation of her home, that babies who grow up in a family, seem to expect "family life" rather matter-of-fact. Katie, on the other hand, marvels at her new life and appreciates every kiss, hug, or snuggle she gets from us. Also, she loves her brothers and sisters and enjoys being with them so very much. Katie Aunna is a loyal and kind family member. It's hard to imagine that such a relationship could be repeated. Her spirit is so lovely!!! It is as though she has always been a part of this family.

So, as we have left 2008 behind us....we fervently look forward to the blessings in store for 2009 and give our great God the praise and glory for His kindness in giving Katie Aunna to us. I hope everyone has enjoyed the holidays as much as we have with our new daughter....the Arctic Princess....HRH Katie Aunna!!!! I want to mention that all of our children have warmly welcomed their new sibling with open arms and love her dearly. Many blessings to you and yours.....The Gartner Family

Happy New Year

2008-12-26T23:04:00.001-07:00

Graphics & Myspace layouts

Katie's First Christmas

2008-12-26T20:49:00.010-07:00

This was so funny. All the kids wanted a baby bottle of milk or a pacifier;-))))). So I laid my babies all in a circle and issued bottles of milk and pacifiers. They are such silly little kids. We all got a big laugh out of it!!!! The next day we began our Christmas baking and had a ball.

Trisha is under my supervision making the famous German bread called "Potica".

Here she is rolling the bread out paper thin and adding the nut filling.

Here it is ready for the oven. We cut it into loaves before baking it.

Then we decorated the Christmas tree after baking all day. Some of the things we baked were peanut butter chocolate balls, peanut butter chocolate pretzel clusters, nut rolls, Christmas nuggets, and rum balls...yummmmmm.

DeeDee is working on the top of the tree.
Little Trisha wanted her turn at placing ornaments on the tree top.

Here we had finished decorating and next we sat up our Christmas Tiny Town and our Nativity scene.

Here are the kids for their Christmas picture on Christmas Eve. Top row from left to right: Katie Aunna, Casey, Annie, Little Trisha and from left to right on the bottom row: Christian, John-John, DeeDee, Mary, and Karissa.

This is Christmas morning and everyone is chomping at the bits to start ripping open their plunder of Christmas treats.

We had a wonderful time with Katie Aunna and our other darling little children. Casey and Little Trisha were my biggest helpers this year. Little Trisha shopped till she dropped for Casey, DeeDee, and her own clothes. Casey wrapped until he had sore fingers;-). I had bought special gifts for the kids from Switzerland. Particularly a watch for Casey and also a Swiss watch for Trisha and little Swiss dolls for the little girls. John-John got his favorite toy in the world.....Geo Train Tracks and more cars for his huge train set up. He really enjoys playing his train set. I bought nice winter clothes for all the children and this is the bulk of their Christmas gifts. Thank goodness that all the kids absolutely love clothes!!!!

It seems rather cruel that Christmas has come and gone so quickly. Katie Aunna was delighted and she felt like she was in Heaven. It was a very special Christmas for her. Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas break and remember that the biggest present of all was the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I tried to emphasize this message often during our classes before I gave them a holiday break.

I am continuing to ask from the depths of my heart and soul that everyone please continue to pray for V. Please....let God speak openly to y0ur hearts and donate any amount possible to her adoption fund so she may be able to unite with her family. We would love nothing more than to be able to afford her adoption. She is (like Katie and our other children) a shinning diamond in a dark place where she will have a very bleak future with the limp she has. One of her legs is longer than the other and here Shriners could fix this free of charge. She also is in need of dental work and properly fitting glasses.

PLEASE......Open your hearts for any amount you are led to give to help her come home!!!! Even a small amount will help bring her closer to home. So listen to God's soft and patient calling to you and help "V". God's many blessing to you...He will reward your generosity many times over as He promises to do in His Holy Bible and further, He commands us to help the orphans.

Happy holidays and many blessings...Trisha, Duane, Casey, Christian, Karissa, Katie Aunna, Mary, John, and our two grand-babies Little Trisha and DeeDee!!!!!

Reflections Of Christmas 2007 and Dreams Do Come True

2008-12-09T21:51:00.007-07:00

Well....We went to the Clovis Annual Christmas Light Parade. Of course, my Developmental School had a float. It was adorable. We won 3rd place;-(. I will post some pictures in another post. Anyway, we now have the lights up on the house with all the trees in the yard decorated and the little figures placed in the lawn (I'll get a picture). Our tree is now set up in the living room, too. I still have the Christmas Tiny Town and Nativity Display to set up inside the house. Also, I have some more baking to do and I think I will do it tomorrow. The decorations have turned out beautifully this year (so far) and can't wait to do our annual family pictures in front of the tree with our newest sweet family member....Katie Aunna Gartner.

I reflect back on last Christmas when I was stressing out about getting a dossier together for little Katie Aunna's adoption. In addition, I needed to get my Christmas decorations up, presents bought, and then the task of getting them all wrapped, plus all my goodies baked. I felt like I was caught up in this horrible whirlwind last year. It was John-John's first Christmas, too. So, that added more stress as Duane felt I should not concentrate on a dossier, but, should be thinking of John's first Christmas.

Well, I tucked away the paperwork and just simply enjoyed our first year with John. Here are pictures of his time to have a family for Christmas. I am so excited to have Katie this year and not be in the process of doing a dossier and Christmas. Now I can just enjoy all the family get togethers, Christmas parties, and our family Holiday. I hope you enjoy the pictures from last Christmas which was John-John's first and I am really looking forward to making and posting the pictures of Katie Aunna's first Christmas soon.

In close, this evening I am posting because I wanted to share with you what Katie Aunna said to me tonight. I was rocking her in my over-sized rocking chair and we were talking about what happened last Christmas when she was still in the Russian orphanage. She said Santa came to visit and brought all the kids candy and they had a nice dinner that night. Then she looked into my eyes and said "Mommy, I love this Christmas really the most. I get family for Christmas this year....and do I get a present, too?" It was so touching and yet I had to laugh because she sure does get "a" present;-). More than one as a matter of fact...LOL. They are not wrapped yet so none of the children know how many gifts are for them.

Then her glowing face suddenly changed to a sad look and mentioned her friend left behind. Please, pray for Katie Aunna's best friend "V", as "V" now has had two of her dear friends, who have found families and she has not yet. I have been begging Duane, but, our finances right at this moment are a biggie;-(. So, I continue to pray about this little girl and hope God will bless us and her. When we were picking up Katie from the orphanage, "V" laid her head on my shoulder weeping and begged me to take her home with Katie. She touched my heart deeply with her tears as they spilled on me and she pled. That was so difficult and neither Duane nor I seem to be able to free our mind's eye from that picture. So, we continue to pray for God's Will to prevail in our lives and for "V".

Please, during this season of perpetual hope, pray and think of all those precious children left behind. They have not one person in their life they can call family as they are orphans. It is so easy to sit in the comfort of our world and not recognize or feel the pain of a lonely orphan. Let this be the season to open your hearts and your minds to the possibility of adopting an orphan who may look into your eyes and say as Katie did to me..."This year I have family for Christmas"!!!

After all.....aren't we so so so lucky God adopted us??? Look, during Jesus' birthday, at the price God paid to adopt us with the death of His Son Jesus Christ. Please open your hearts and homes "Until All Have Homes"!!! I ask you, in Christ's love, to go to the following site to donate to "V's" adoption and help make that miracle happen for her. Any amount the Lord asks you to give is never too small. Go to www.untilallhavehomes.org and click on waiting children.

If you are not registered, ask to be, then go to Eastern Europe children. Next go to girls and scroll down to "V's" picture 61003. Her face looks so unhappy and without hope. Hit the donate button and do whatever God leads you to do. Above all, pray for God's intervention in uniting this child to her forever family and for us to perhaps make this happen.

God's many blessings and Happy Holidays....Trisha, Katie Aunna, and Family <><

Kids At Work

2008-11-25T18:30:00.004-07:00

Just thought I would post a few pictures of the kids hard at work!!! I am so impressed with Katie Aunna's handwriting. She is truly an amazing little girl. Of course, I could be sort of bias. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. God is so good to us. I will post more later. Many blessings!!!

Karissa's New Ear

2008-11-18T19:29:00.007-07:00

Well....we just got home this evening from Lubbock and I am so excited to tell you that Karissa's ear is clean and dry. The bottom line is that she is ready for her middle ear implants!!!!! YEAH!!!!! Karissa will soon have hearing in both ears and we are delighted. So, now the preparatory part before the surgery will be a regimen of medication to prepare her to receive the implants. In either January or February she will fly (with me of course) to Dallas and have her surgery at Baylor Children's Hospital. I am also going to have a strabismus specialist in Dallas, whose reputation is outstanding, look at Katie's eyes the day before Karissa's surgery.

Also in the news....Katie's post-op check up with Dr. Neal was great. Her throat has healed nicely. Finally, John-John has received a referral to Lubbock to see a pediatric urologist for his "Nip-N-Tuck" (circumcised....the big ouch). So, I keep telling Duane, now that all our kids are medically sound, I will get a good check up for myself. Guess we aren't getting any younger...Ha Ha;-). Just a short post today and I will get some pictures up later in the week. Many blessings!!!!

School Zone

2008-11-12T23:54:00.004-07:00

I saw this sign in Switzerland and I thought "how adorable!" The sign is spelled close enough to be understood in English. Actually, there were quite a few words that were spelled in German that we could tell what they meant. I begged Duane to get a saw, cut down this sign, and take it to be installed in my kitchen floor for the home school.....Ha Ha....Just joking.....sort of;-). Isn't it cute????

Well, the home-school process is coming along very nicely!!! Katie Aunna is actually beginning to read simple books. I am planning on making a short movie of her reading and post it to the blog. Also, I intend to take a few pictures of them working in our classroom. Some days I think "Oh, this is wonderful" and then other days I think "Oh My Gosh....what will I do with all these kids....two in preschool, two in kindergarten, two in second grade, and two hormonal teenagers?"

So, I pray to the Lord to thank Him for the beautiful bright children we have been given and for me to be the right kind of teacher that they may learn a Godly curriculum and acquire a Godly style of life. Sometimes that is a difficult task. I get horribly frustrated when no one wants to work and I feel we are falling behind on the amount of materials we need to cover. Which leads me to becoming discouraged and think "maybe I should make my life lots simpler by sending them to school every day. Then I would have only John and Mary at home during the day!!!"

However, life would not be as interesting. Worse, I would miss the majority of their life, the kids would be exposed to more secular minded teachers and children, and I would not be given the credit for teaching them how to write, read, spell, think, and just simply GROW UP!!! Speaking of little kids with secular minds. TV blows my mind and I really thought the "70's" generation was open minded. But, as I have matured and look at the fast changing morals of society as a whole, it disturbs me greatly, to expose them to the world too soon.

I was asked about that recently. This person said "sooner or later your kids will have to be a part of the world. You aren't doing them any favors by keeping them from seeing the whole world." My answer is "Children are like delicate little flowers. They need many of the same things flowers need. Fresh air, nutrition, warm sunshine, and a healthy place to plant their roots." My thinking is that exposing your delicate flower to the harsh and vulgar things of the world too soon will predispose them to possible failure.

They would shrivel and can not bloom to a full-blown flower with all this trash in the world right now. I want to protect my flowers and not put them into rough soil or an inappropriate environment. A child can be exposed to see and hear thing way too soon. So, it is best to protect and nurture your flower until is time to let them be placed outside. I intend to keep them, as unexposed to the world, for as long as I can. As children, they do not have reasoning skills. But, as young adults I am hoping that logical reasoning will have been instilled by me into their hearts and minds with God as their guidline.

This is the beauty of home-school. I can put the children in various controlled outside activities and they get socialization. As a matter of fact, not only is Katie reading well her begining books....Annie is catching on to reading as well. Mary is coloring within the lines now. John scribbles and is learning to work puzzles. Karissa and Christian are excelling in math and reading. They have learned to count money and tell time this first half of the school year. Casey is learning to improve his writing skills and Algebra. While Trish is becoming strong in math, reading, language, and her spirituality is growing for God.

What a precious time, for mother and child, when the world of educating the children opens up, and Mom is the means to this process. So, there are times of discouragement in being Mom/Teacher and yet the rewards just keep me going on with it. I'll take some pictures of the kids at work tomorrow. Just a peek into my life every day.

So, Thursday I will document the happenings of the day;-). Lord I pray the kids are good tomorrow because I am filming everything...the good...the bad....and the ugly....at home-school!!!! Oh, by the way....Dad is setting up our Dairy Farm Tour and the little ones get to feed the baby calfs....awe....won't that be cute??? Guess this is all for now!!! Many blessings;-)

New Pictures

2008-11-09T18:10:00.003-07:00

I have finally posted pictures from my new camera. Hope you enjoy the kids as they play. Mary made friends and she just loves her pictures of her caterpillar!!!! I haven't explained metamorphosis to her yet;-).

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Three Eggs Short Of One Dozen

2008-11-08T00:27:00.004-07:00

I thought this was a rather funny thought from my eight year old daughter!!! She said that we are only three kids short of having one dozen eggs;-).

Some days it is so easy with seven children and all home-schooled. Most days the two grown ones stress me out far more than the seven at home. The little ones are with me 24/7 and I love it. Naturally, there are those days I really feel like I need to just be able to go to the bathroom without someone watching or playing toys they have brought into the bathroom with us. Then there are times that I go out somewhere without them and it is so lonely...rather boring actually. Although, a little peace and quiet is periodically nice.

This is exactly the reason I am blogging nine-tenths of the time late at night. It is so difficult with the kids to try and spend any amount of time just sitting on my computer. I guess some of you are wondering what all this egg talk is about. Karissa blew Duane's mind and sent him into a real tail spin when all the kids were seated around the dinner table. I miss counted and shorted a child a fork. As I stood to retrieve the needed fork....dear Karissa said "Mommy, we are like eggs, aren't we?"

I just looked at her baffled and said "I suppose we all were eggs at one time in the beginning of our life." She smiled and said "No Mommy, I mean that all of us kids sitting here remind me of a carton of eggs. We are three eggs short of having a dozen." Then she just cracked up laughing as her father choked on his food. My response to that revelation was "Honey, God has a plan for every one's life. I don't think He is planning to make us a full carton."

She merrily said "Well, wouldn't that be a shame to not be filled up in the carton. You told me God's work is always perfect and Heaven is a place of perfect order. This is like buying a carton of eggs and when we get home three are missing." The only thing I could think to respond to that remark was it is better to have nice tasty eggs to which we are thankful for each day than none at all.

Strangely enough I have never thought of us as an incomplete carton of eggs....ha ha. Guess you never know how their wonderful minds will take lessons of math, cooking, and religion and turn it into a complete and all inclussive life lesson;-). I am still trying to find some time to upload and post new pix. I promise to do that tomorrow.

Birthdays And More Birthdays

2008-10-26T17:52:00.007-06:00

It just amazes me that another year has flown by us!!! Casey is 15 years old and the twins are 8 years old as of Monday. So, Casey, Christian, and Karissa will all celebrate being one year older on October 27TH. Duane and I are taking only the three of them out for dinner at the restaurant of their choice Wednesday evening. At least, this was suggested to them and they seemed to like that idea. No little kids allowed...Ha Ha!!!

Then our baby, Little John-John, turns 4 years old on the 30TH of this month, too. It's so cute!!! When the TV commercial comes on for the Tonka remote control car, he says "I want that" and points to the TV. So, we are going to have a cake and small family party for his birthday. I am a bit taken back that he has actually been home almost two years from Serbia. Time just flies!!!

Like this isn't enough cake and ice cream (SUGAR).....then on Friday the kids will Trick or Treat in our neighborhood. Gee, I hope they don't get too much yummy junk food;-). Speaking of sugar....we made our annual Halloween Puppy Chow or what some call Monkey Munch. The kids like calling it Puppy Chow and they "bark" as they eat it or jump around acting like monkeys all high on sugar....HA HA!!!! Here's our recipe:

Puppy Chow or Monkey Munch

1 box of Chex Cereal (about 10 cups of cereal)
1 & 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of (smooth) peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 & 1/2 cups of powdered sugar

Place Chex in a very large bowl. Set aside. Microwave chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter in a bowl for 1 minute. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in vanilla. Slowly pour mixture over Chex while tossing with two spoons. Mix in powdered sugar. Place in large gallon zip-lock bags and shake. Eat and run wild on sugar!!! It goes quite well with a tall glass of very chilled milk...yummy;-).

I really don't have much sugar around the house and so the holidays become "pig out on sugar" time. Christian, Karissa, Katie Aunna (she is recovering nicely from her surgery), and Annie have all decided to run it off outside. John-John and his good old buddy Mary are not going outside and decided to play toys in John-John's room. They both ate Puppy Chow and barked like the big kids did earlier.

I am trying to figure out how my new camera uploads and will attempt to post some pictures of the events of the week as soon as possible. Look for further updates next weekend when the Birthdays and Halloween have past. Have a great week!!!!

Katie's surgery

2008-10-18T11:32:00.003-06:00

I am happy to report that Katie Aunna is doing wonderfully!!!! Her tonsils were huge and very bad. I am so happy that we did this surgery with her and I know she is feeling better already even though she is hurting. Dr. Neal prescribed Tylenol with codeine for her pain and it seems to be working well for her. I want to share about Katie's experience yesterday with her surgery.

Thursday afternoon we (Duane, Casey, Karissa, Katie, and I) drove over to Lubbock and pre-registered her. Then we all went to Outback for dinner....YUMMY!!! Duane had a little surprise in mind for me!!!! After dinner, he took me to Circuit City and bought me a new digital camera....oh WOW!!! It is so nice and something I have wanted for a while now. So we are set for some great holiday pictures this year. Next, we checked into our hotel room to hopefully catch a little sleep before our 4:00am wake-up call. Needless to say, I was too stressed out to sleep. I laid there stressing about how Katie might respond to her surgery until around 2:00am and slept maybe two hours before the phone rang with our wake-up call.

Duane and I got the girls up, and left Casey to sleep in, as he had requested the night before. I think, being raised in a large family, sleeping in is a real treat for our teenager;-). Also, to see her in pain was too difficult for Casey and so he wanted to wait it out apart from us. Karissa took her school work with her so she would have something to do while we went through this process. When we came out of our hotel it was still dark and the girls thought that it was too early to be up. But, Katie was scheduled to go first into the OR suite. I had discussed, with Dr. Neal, Katie's experience with her arm surgery in Russia. We all felt we should do this quickly to help with her preoperative anxiety.

When we arrived at the hospital, and parked the car, Katie began to feel anxiety. She was hanging onto me for dear life and she kept asking me if we would stay with her. Apparently, her experience in Russia left a lasting impression in her mind that we would just drop her off and "maybe" return for her. Once she was taken into the waiting area she began to cry and beg me not to do this. I kept reassuring her that we loved her and we would never leave for home without her. I explained (for the millionth time) that in America, parents can stay with their children, no matter how long it would take.

The anesthesiologist, thankfully, gave Katie medication to relieve some of her anxiety. It did stop her crying and helped her relax until the nurses came for her. It was so sad as she looked up at me with her beautiful blue eyes and her message to me was clear. I was holding her hand when we reached the OR doors. It was at this point that she freaked out as the nurse said "tell Mommy you will see her in a little while".

Well, Katie did not go for this "see you later" business and she jumped on her feet in the bed and grabbed around my neck. They literally had to pry her off. I tried so hard not to cry, but, I was really fighting a losing battle with holding my composure after she was taken from view. I could hear her screaming "Mommy" for what seemed an eternity. In reality it wasn't long until I did not hear her crying and calling for me. It was one of the most difficult moments of my life.

It is not that surgeries with our other children were not difficult. It was the fact that Katie Aunna still had a small portion of her heart that held insecurity about her new life and family. Whereas, with our other children, they know we are true to our word and always keep our promises. This is the way Duane and I both were raised. When our parents made a promise, they kept it. They never promised us something they did not feel 100% confident about. Katie Aunna just has not had enough experiences with us to give us her whole heart.

Katie has many experiences in her past that influence her belief in situations. The largest being medically related and her security with us has had a mentality of "I was left for a painful surgery once and it could happen again". As a result, she was not about to separate from me without a fight yesterday morning. When she came out of the surgical suite, she was so afraid, that she wet her pants as I walked into the recovery room. So, I immediately took her hand and she drew it close to her face. Katie kissed my hand and just held it close to her face.

I sat in a chair and held her while the nurses changed her bed. For a good hour she refused to get into her bed and just smelled me as she snuggled. It was so sweet and in that hour she bonded to me more than I could have ever imagined. She gave to me her whole heart and all of her trust. When we finally checked out and left for home, she was so happy it can not be explained in words. Although she is ill, I don't know of a time she has been more relaxed and confident.

Over the last 24 hours since her surgery, she has said "I love you" at least a million times. Last night she slept with me and woke up several times with pain. Papa, of course, slept on the couch and got up to meet her needs when he heard her. I slept like a rock with my little girl safely beside me.

I am very thankful for my dear husband and the fact that he is such a loving father to our nine children. Today, Katie Aunna is doing very well and recovering from her surgery....just as we promised....safe in her own home surrounded by the family she dearly loves.

Touched In My Heart

2008-10-15T23:28:00.002-06:00

I just have to share our experiences with Katie Aunna tonight. It was one of those amazing firsts for her. Papa and I took the older children (Karissa, Christian, Casey, and Katie Aunna) to the movie to see "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" this evening. Duane took the first chair, I sat in the next, followed by Katie Aunna, then Karissa, Christian, and Casey. I looked at our sweet little kids sitting there in a row waiting for the show to start. Katie leaned over to me and said "Oh Mommy....TV is really big here and what will we see?" I told her we were here as a special treat to watch big TV about dogs. She laughed out loud over the idea of watching a movie all about dogs and their adventures.

Duane and our big boy Casey went to get our goodies. He came back with four kiddie packs which contained chocolate candy, popcorn, and a coke. When Katie got her kiddie pack her eyes lite up and she looked at me with a delightful smile which conveyed....can this be for me!?!?! She looked up at me with this huge smile on her face and said "Mommy, I love you soooo much and love my home in America". This is really fun". She was so excited and it just beamed from her eyes with delight.

When the movie screen came on she was so delighted and excited. She expressed her joy so openly with her bright smiles and sparkling eyes. As the movie progressed, she munched away on her special treats and I could see she was truly in ecstasy. Katie Aunna ate every bite of her treats. She literally gobbled her treats down. I looked down the line of kids with their treats and Christian, Karissa, and Casey just picked at their kiddie pack as though it was no big deal.

Then I focused once more on Katie and she was savoring every bite and smiling with that first time experience joy. The tears welled up in my eyes as I realized that this little girl, once an orphaned child, really really really appreciated her new life and savored everything given to her. After having spent her entire 6 years of her life in an orphanage, things she is given in her new life, are exceptional pleasures to her. Our other children (adopted as babies and very young toddlers) do not share the same type of gratitude that our older adopted child does.

Katie knew what was minimal living in Russia, whereas the others who were brought home as young toddlers, did not have her grateful attitude. I pray that I can assume an attitude of appreciation with our wonderful God, like Katie has with us, for all the things He does for us and be truly grateful to Him by reflecting the true joy and appreciation that I observed in my Russian Arctic Princess....Katie Aunna.

Katie, on the other hand, appreciates perks that she was not accustomed to getting in her previous life. Every time she looked into my eyes with such great sparkling joy and happiness it just touched my heart so deeply as she glowed. This little girl, once an orphan, felt like the luckiest person in the world to have a family and have the things we take for granted every day. I had to turn my head away and cry in the dark theater. It was precious and I fell even more deeply in love with her as she appreciated her wonderful treat in a way our other spoiled all American kids did not.

I had also bought Katie and Karissa a pair of new shoes earlier in the day. I noticed Karissa just ignored her shoes and accepted them as common. Katie would turn her foot from side to side and admire the sparkle of her new shoes. She noticed me watching her admire her shoes and she leaned over and said "They are so beautiful....thank you pretty Mommy...I love you!!!" Now how sweet was that??? We take so much for granted and the things we get as common place. Katie Aunna has again touched my heart and brought about change in me. I want to have that type of gratitude and appreciation for all things, great and small, in my life.

Now another amazing thing for Katie Aunna tonight happened in the theater bathroom!!! Katie had to go potty and so I took her to the girl's room. The toilet was dirty and she said "Yuck, Mommy, it's dirty" and so I did the gross thing.....put her on the sink to tinkle;-). I had not noticed that the faucet was an automatic turn on with motion. So, just as she began to go to the bathroom, the water turned on. She screamed as this took her so much by surprise. She and I just cracked up laughing together and so I splashed her bottom clean and lifted her down to dry her bottom.

When I turned around to get some toilet tissue she stepped back and her head grazed the sensor for the hand dryer and it began to blow. Of course, this brought forth another round of screaming laughter. All she could do was laugh and talk about the auto sink and auto dryer being accidentally set off by her potty break. I laughed until the tears rolled down my face. I picked her up and drew her close to me and whispered "Thank you, Dear God, for my Katie Aunna!!!"

On to more serious matters.....Katie Aunna is having her tonsils and adenoids removed Friday morning. We will be going over to Lubbock tomorrow evening. I dread this so much as the one thing she has bad feelings about is the surgery done on her arm in Russia. She has discussed with me many times that NO ONE stayed with her in the hospital and she was so scared and in a lot of pain. No visitors came to see her, no family to comfort her, and she was truly all alone. She has asked me many times if we will leave her there or if she will be able to go home. Please pray for Katie's health, recovery, and confidence in us that we will not leave her side.

Thanks for laughing and maybe crying with me tonight. I greatly appreciate your prayers for her as well. I'll let you know how she does Friday evening when we return home. Many blessings to you all!!!!!

Switzerland

2008-10-12T18:21:00.004-06:00

Well....I must say that it is a beautiful country!!! I have had some difficult feelings about Switzerland regarding their neutrality policy and the fact that they are often given liberties in regard to international adoption. However, it was beautiful and no matter where Duane and I would have gone, the alone time was fabulous. This is the first time we have left the country without adopting a child. Actually, I take that back....we did go to Hong Kong in 1978 with my parents. It was a very wonderful time spent together. This trip to Switzerland was short and sweet. My sister and her husband went with us and it was such great fun. I have enjoyed my friend's blogs with the flash pictures and so I will use that to allow for an easier time in viewing the photos I took of Switzerland. I hope you enjoy them!!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Fall Fashion

2008-09-27T20:57:00.009-06:00

Saturday was such a busy day with football and soccer games. It seemed that I was continually wishing for my camera. Christian and Karissa were so extremely cute!!! This was their day to spend time with Mom. Dad even met us for some dinner. It was so extremely fun. Karissa wanted the child's plate of snow crab legs. When they brought these steaming crab legs and fried shrimp to our table.....Duane did his usual gross fish response.....stuck his fingers in his nose!!! The way he acts about fish is so embarrassing.....Ha Ha. Although, I only eat shelled fish, mainly shrimp. I wished for the camera as Karissa was really tormenting her Dad with the smell. She would then crack a leg and lick her fingers, dipping the tender white meat into her butter and blowing her breath across the table!!! Duane was so grossed out by how much the twins love fish. Christian and I had fried shrimp....YUMMY!!! I am going to catch Duane on film when someone is eating fish.

We are closing our swimming pool very soon and so we went swimming when we got home. Karissa did not get into the pool. I asked her why she did not want to swim. She replied with a huge smile on her face...."Because I don't want the smell of fish to wash off. I already washed with soap, but, I can still smell it." I said to her "Awe, how sweet, you loved your dinner so much! Let Mommy get the camera." Karissa's face lite up like a light bulb and she told me "Mommy, I am going to touch Daddy's mouth with my fish fingers!" and she cracked up laughing. Later, she waited until Duane was relaxing in his easy chair and away she went with the fish fingers. I love the look in her face and I had to pull out the camera for this one;-). What a little stinker!!!!

Okay....here's what you have been waiting for. The star of Fall Fashion!!! My Yorkie...Gracie Belle;-). By the way....she is an "only" Yorkie and she loves it this way. Being the only pet means more scraps the kids drop on the floor and any treat she can manage to earn.....Ha Ha!!!! I love what her groomer did for Gracie today!!! She loves "Doggy Day Care" on Monday's and when we are out of town. I believe that they love her as much as she loves them!!!

Speaking of leaving town. We are going on a little trip....to Switzerland and NO kids will be included. A very sweet and dear friend of ours will stay in our home with the big kids and the babies will go to Kisty's house. It has been really difficult to decide on taking this trip as I never leave the children over night unless it is for a good reason...such as doctors or adoptions!!! But, I think we need a little "alone" time and so I have committed to go. I will post pictures after we return.

Cupcakes and Fun

2008-09-17T23:01:00.008-06:00

Katie Aunna has on her glasses from her orphanage days...she was getting her Rx updated in her new frames and I thought the old glasses were better than none. We had a very good eye exam this time. So, I will buy her a spare pair for her use when we update her prescription periodically. Here, Karissa and Katie, said they would fix Mommy's hair...Ha ha. I think her old glasses do not work very well as Katie said I am very beautiful in this picture and they love what they had done with my hair;-).
Here, all of my children decided to do handstands in our pool. I could not resist a picture of this hilarious scene. Even little John-John is getting into the act, although his hands can not touch the floor of the pool!!!! He swims wildly upside-down. He is in the navy blue and orange swim trunks. He is the absolute sweetest child. We are so happy he is our son. John-John is a breath of fresh air every day and lives his life without a care in the world. He is such a loving little boy!!!

I lost Mary again last week. I searched everywhere in this big house for her. I was about to freak out as it was dark outside and I had all these horrible pictures going through my mind as to her possible location. As I walked through the kitchen ready to start crying...I heard her giggle!!! She had opened the cabinet doors and climbed onto the very top. NICE hiding place!!! As you can see, she thought it extremely hilarious. I did the Mommy freak out and then grabbed my camera...just in case anyone should doubt this little act of hide-n-seek. She is quiet happy with her accomplishment...STINKER!!!!
She is so beautiful and yet so very very ornery!!!! Good thing that I have a good sense of humor around Mary Beth.

Here we have (above) little Trish playing "Cousin It". She insisted that I take her picture with her hair in her face like this. Then I kept calling her "Cousin It". Later in the day we made cupcakes.
Our cupcakes were for afternoon class. We had been learning about fractions and so I thought baking would be a great way for the younger kids to get acquainted with fractions. It worked beautifully and they had a blast. Mary...as always...is smiling happily as she works while Annie has a look of seriousness to her decorating skills.
Upon completion of her cupcake....Annie is very proud!!! Mary "Blueberry" (below) wasted no time diving into her cupcake...ummmm!!!

Mary crumbled it into what she said was "pack-tions" we can eat.....Ha Ha!!!! Then she said "We eat 'dis part and then 'dis part and I get pack-tions, Mommy".
Below, Katie Aunna satisfies her major sweet tooth. When I asked her what she had learned about fractions today....she said "Ummmm, cupcakes are really good to eat!"

This was difficult for me as I get really flipped out over messiness!!! I had a fair sized mess this day and plenty of faces needed washed...Ha Ha.
Just in case you are wondering about the pink ear plugs in Katie's ears....they are her custom made swimmers ear plugs. She has very bad tonsils and associated ear infections. On the 18Th of October she will have her tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put into her ears. It seems that all of our IA kids have had bad tonsils. We will be going over to Lubbock where our wonderful Dr. Neal will perform Katie Aunna's surgery. I have tried to discuss it with her several times, but, she starts to cry and I melt down. Then I change the subject!!! Please, pray for Katie's surgery and also for the children while we are gone to Switzerland in a few weeks. Duane is very excited about this trip he earned through the Carrier Corporation. He deserves the break as hard as he works!!! So, I am making the sacrifice of leaving my children at home and spending some much needed time alone with Duane.

Soccer Star

2008-09-13T10:33:00.007-06:00

Today was Karissa's first soccer game!!! I have not been feeling well and so Duane and Weldon went to cheer her on. We owe these pictures to her Daddy and we'll enjoy her game through her Father's eyes. Karissa is such a wonderful soccer player and enjoys her sport immensely. Below she has just opened the game with a score. Her triumphant smiles tell the moment. The team is called the "Pink Players" and they shut out the other team with a score of 6 to 0. Way to go team!!!! Four of those scores belonged to her;-).

Karissa (according to her Daddy) shot the ball into the goal at top speed today. Too fast for anyone to block her scores from shooting past and blasting into the goal. Rock 'em....Sock 'em....Rissa #7!!!!
I love this picture (above). I have noticed in many games, that right after she makes a score, she adjusts her ponytail.....Ha Ha. Miss Big Stuff here;-). She has been doing this since she was four years old.

She rests during break and continues to size up the opposing team. My....such a serious look. Glad she isn't blasting that hard soccer ball at me!!!! I love how graceful and beautiful she is as she works the ball.
Below....I've seen this look many times before....sizing up her next play and looking for the defensive hole to shoot through to the goal. Daddy said this picture was taken just before she took her punch with the ball into her goal on the play.

Here she takes her shot and...IT'S GOOD!!!!! I love the way she looks so poised when she side kicks into the goal. Nine times out of ten the goalie is not expecting this turn with the ball and it is one FAST hard moving shot. The goalie will generally step aside for these shots;-).
Karissa plays goalie about as well as she plays in the field. Of course, a big smile on her face as she protects her goal. It was a no score for opposing team!!! The Ukrainian Princess RULES with her genetics to play soccer. Awesome blossom!!!!!

Family Pictures

2008-09-08T22:03:00.009-06:00

The children were sitting in the foyer for my nephew's wedding. I placed them all on this bench so they would stop running around and we could get better organized. From Left to right is Karissa, John, Mary, Katie Aunna (having a mad fit), Annie behind Katie, Tanner (my cousin's son), and Christian.

Here is our new family photo. I don't know how to increase the size, but, I will work on it tomorrow. I think you should be able to click on this picture to increase the size. Sorry it is so small!!!!
This picture is of, my sister and I, at her son's wedding. We had only been home with Katie Aunna maybe two weeks at the time this wedding took place.
This picture includes the kids and Kisty dancing. It was so sweet that they all wanted to dance together!!! We are a very close family;-). I had curled Katie Aunna's hair. I think it was beautiful hanging in long heavy curls.
Here Annie decided to stick her necklace into her mouth. This photographer was great at capturing very natural pictures of all our kids. She really enjoyed photographing them. Tanner, my cousins boy, presented a wonderful smile for the camera.

My little stinker Mary Blueberry just smiles with an orneriness which is very visible.
Below, Katie Aunna is delighted with her new life. She had been in America less than two weeks at this wedding and was so happy with her new life. We are so happy with her. It is hard to imagine a day without her in my life. I love my children so much. They make every day an adventure and it is always different. This is an old photo of Duane's family when he was a boy. The baby (Dion) who is sitting in his Mother's lap looks shockingly like John. The little blond girl standing beside Duane's mother (Lynette) looks just like Karissa. Amazing how God plans out where each person belongs within a family. Duane is standing next to his father. From top row left to right: Judy (oldest in the family), then Leona (Duane's Mom), and next is his father, John. Duane standing next to his Dad and is the second oldest child in the family. In the bottom row is Lynette (she is the fifth child in the family), next is Dion (the baby of the family and child six). The cute boy next to his Mom is Reis (the third born child) and featured next is Denis (who is the fourth child). They were all raised in the Catholic Church and lived in Kansas all their youth. Only Duane's two sister still live in their home town. The other children live in various cities within the United States. I will look and see if I can find a picture of my Mom, Dad, and sister together in a family photo. Many blessings...Trisha

Finally Able To Post

2008-09-07T23:33:00.006-06:00

I want to open this post with a picture of all the kids and with our proud football player. Christian started his football this past weekend with his first game!!! He really loves it and has so much enthusiasm to play. Of course, his father could not be any happier!!! Duane played football through high school. The funniest thing happened to Christian. The opposing team was very close to the goal. They all huddled down to make the next play. The ball was hiked and a pass thrown. Christian jumped up into the air and grabbed the ball for an interception. Of course, we all went crazy screaming for him to run. Well, he ran alright......toward the NEAREST goal post....the opposing teams goal....HA HA HA!!!!! You should have seen Christian's coach trying to get Christian to turn and run in the opposite direction. When Christian realized he was running the wrong way, he turned, and headed toward his goal, but, was soon tackled. But, that's okay as his team now had possession of the ball!!!!

Christian is a Longhorn!!! Moooove aside....their coming through to the goal.(Karissa and her sister Katie Aunna.....best friends)
Now here is some cool hair!!! Our eldest daughter (Kisty) sat down the girls and put their hair into bands. It is so difficult and time consuming to do. Kisty did Katie Aunna first and surprisingly she did not cry once. She did look at me a few times and asked for Kisty to stop. But, once it is started, it is very difficult to stop the process and make it look good. I want Katie Aunna's bangs to grow out. She is so beautiful and I feel like her bangs cover up her pretty face. Her little face is delicate and beautiful. Here we can see her face so nicely. Karissa is built a lot like Katie Aunna and this pictures shows how these two sisters look so much alike. It often surprises me how much a like they are. In fact, when we first came home with Katie Aunna, I had her in Annie Kate's room. I was thinking that developmentally she would be more in Annie's age group. But, she is not developmentally delayed at all and wants to play with Karissa most of the time. At bedtime, Katie would ask to sleep with Karissa in her queen sized bed. Several weeks later we decided to move the twin bedroom furniture out of Annie's room and into Karissa's room. Annie got Karissa's furniture and so she sleeps in this huge queen bed now. Annie Kate loves it and Katie and Karissa are very happy about the arrangements.

(Annie, Karissa, and Katie)

Well, anyway....back to the hair business. Next, Kisty did Annie Kate's hair. Poor Annie was not in the mood to have her hair done and she cried so much that we could only get two rows of bands before I said enough;-). Little Mary refused to do her hair entirely!!! Kisty said "Mary, I'll give you a treat if you let Sissy do your hair". Mary turned around and looked at her and said "I don't want a treat. I'm playing outside!!!" So off Mary flew out the door to escape the torture chamber...Ha Ha. I love putting their hair up. We usually do it at the end of summer and after the New Year. It makes their hair grow really fast and looks so cute!!! I must brag that Kisty is very good at making different hair designs with these tiny rubber bands. By the way, we use only the glossy type and not the regular rubber band type. The glossy type can be slipped out of their hair whereas the other type would really be damaging.

Here Annie Kate is trying really hard to let Kisty work her hair. But by the time we hit the second row....she was through with it.
Annie has tears running off the end of her nose.....awe!!!!
Karissa takes it well as did Katie Aunna!!!!
Annie, Katie, and Karissa.

Katie and Karissa both smiled most of the time and are pretty tough girls!!!! As you can see, it is a challenge for the girls and lots of hard work for Kisty.

Katie Aunna upon completion.

The entire process took about 15 or 16 hours to get Katie Aunna, Karissa, and Annie's few rows done. We began working on it at around 4:00pm and worked on Katie until around midnight. The next morning we did Karissa's and then a few hours for Annie's hair. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

On to other news....Karissa starts soccer this week. She has practice twice per week (so does Christian) and games on Saturdays (as does Christian). Trisha is homeschooling with us and dancing Monday through Thursday evening. She is teaching dance again this year and attending classes for her own dance. Casey and Trisha will both be training to acolyte with our church this fall. Katie will be baptized into the Catholic Church around Christmas time and also with John-John as we have not had him baptized yet. Oddly, I felt that I should wait to baptize John-John. Now, I realize God had this planned, for them to do together. I am also hoping to get Katie into dance after she gets a little better at her English. I have a feeling we are going to be really busy this winter.

Oh yes, and in October Duane is being so mean to me...Ha Ha!!!! He is "dragging" me away from my children to go on a trip he earned through his business in Switzerland....Ha Ha!!! It is truthfully a very difficult thing for me to leave the children, their school, and activities we have running on a schedule. However, after much thought....we have lined out the children's care very well, I will miss our children so extremely much!!! But, Duane and I need this time together to relax and just enjoy being in each other's company undivided by the needs of children. I will take lots of pictures and post to the blog. I worry that Katie Aunna will cry for me and I know that John-John, Annie, and Karissa will.

So, we are making a very simple calender to mark the days that Mommy and Daddy will be gone and when we will return. It was funny....when I told the children that Daddy and Mommy are going on a short vacation, the older kids freaked out. Casey said "No, Mom, you can't leave us for that long like Russia. It was horrible without you here!!!!" The others chimed in and Katie asked me where her suit case was...Ha Ha. You should have seen the look on her face when I said she was not going on this trip!!! But, I explained it would only be for ten days and then in the Spring we will all go to our favorite vacation spot and stay at the lake condo. This really perked them up and we have come to an agreement. Plus I had to promise to bring them Swedish chocolate!!!! But, things will not be so wonderful upon our return.

I took Katie Aunna and Karissa to Lubbock last week to see their Pediatric ENT. Dr. Neal said Katie Aunna's tonsils and adenoids must come out. We will be back one week from Switzerland when she has her surgery. I worry about this as she has now acquired enough English to tell me various things about her past. She was horribly traumatized by her surgery in Russia on her arm. She told me that the orphanage took her by car (maybe van....all vehicles are machina to her) to the hospital. The nurses there took her to her hospital room with two other children in this room. Then later they took her to surgery and when she woke up she did not know anyone and was in a lot of pain. She said she cried to go back to the orphanage,but, they said NO.

In previous posts...this is where we met Katie...in a Russian hospital where she was recovering from this major surgery. Katie told me she was all alone. When she said this I just cried. How awful for her to be dropped off to a hospital and no Mama or Papa to stay with her for one month. She said she did not eat or sleep very much there and missed her friends and her bed at the orphanage. She has a huge scar on her arm from this surgery. So, I know this is going to be a very big deal for her and she will be very frightened that when she wakes up I will not be there. I got a little coloring book from Dr. Neal's office and I am not going to tell her anything until we return from Switzerland. Please, keep her in your prayers.

Speaking of praying....we are still praying for God to help us find a way to get a second vehicle that we can use to transport all the kids at once. Our mini-van seats eight and we need a vehicle which can seat 11 of us. Please, continue with us in prayer about this difficult matter. It is such a challenge if we all need to go somewhere (church for one thing) without finding one of our adult children to help us transport them. Weldon has been a sweetheart lately. He has a five passenger pick up and has been helping us out with transportation and also by babysitting if we have to take some and leave some. But, if we are to take the kids on a trip to see Duane's aging mother we need a bigger vehicle. I would love for Katie Aunna to meet her only living grandparent who is 86 years old.

Well, I think this just about covers things for awhile. However, I will post again soon as "There's never a dull moment" around here!!!! Many blessings to you!!!

Running like crazy this week

2008-09-04T00:16:00.002-06:00

So sorry I have not posted yet. However, it is my utmost goal to get things posted that are exciting and have happened over the last week and a half. I think you will enjoy the update. So be looking for a post with pictures within the next few days. Lots of love and many blessing!!!!

John the Shark

2008-08-24T23:37:00.008-06:00

John and Mary love to watch their Gymboree videos during the morning school session. They sit surprisingly still and quiet during this time. I love the fact that they sing along with the cute music. It makes them happy;-).

I thought this was so cute of John-John. He was threatening his big brother Casey with a shark attack!!! Casey was pretending to cry with fear of the "big bad shark"....ha ha.
Then John-John jumped in to eat a few victims which included his sister Annie. I am so proud of the way John is swimming with greater strength as the summer comes to a close. Speaking of summer ending, gives me a sad feeling, as we do enjoy playing outside so extremely much. Plus, it is such great exercise for the kids. Casey is doing much better since his cast came off. However, we do tease him just a little about his crocked arm. Just having the cast removed, he is still unable to straighten his arm. So we all sing "Walk like an Egyptian". Thankfully, Casey has a good sense of humor and plays along with the taunting. Hopefully, he will eventually be able to straighten it out. The ATV accident did not stop him from riding as a passenger with little Trish this weekend. They had a blast!!! Here is a picture of an Egyptian;-).

Underwater sea monster....Mary Blueberry;-)

Here we have our own little ornery stinker....Mary Blueberry!!! She has discovered that she can see so much better with goggles under water. Of course, this leaves her siblings at a disadvantage since she can see to attack them underwater!!!! Well, God blessed us with Mary and we are thankful. There is never a dull moment with her. As a matter of fact, she keeps the entire house on the move to keep up with her. It is amazing how strong she is in her arms, shoulders, and back. I have seen her do chin ups on our monkey bars without even using any effort. After watching much of the summer Olympics....I wonder if she would train into a great athlete with her strength and ability to concentrate on what she wants with a passion. She is also blessed with a tiny stature and powerful strength. We are going to put her into gymnastics classes soon. I just know she will do a great job!!!!
AWE!!!! Little Trisha is so beautiful. I took this picture as we went outside to swim on Friday. She is growing up way too fast. I love having her in my Catholic home-school and she loves it, too. Trish is a hard working student. She is learning much this school year and amazing me every day.Happy Christian got his head buzzed today!!! He is such a beautiful little boy!!! He rather threw Duane and I into a shock this soccer season;-(. He announced to us that after playing soccer since age 4 y/o....he wants to play football!!!!! I just couldn't believe it, as he has been main string team member on his soccer team, for three years in a row and has not sat on the side line during this time. I watched him the other day with his soccer ball as he danced with the ball across the yard. My heart was breaking as I watched him so gracefully moving the ball in a little zig-zag pattern. However, I am resigning myself that no matter the sport, he will play with gusto. So his football coach called over the weekend to say he will have practice twice per week and a game every Saturday night after the second week of September. Oh My Goodness!!!! I'll keep you posted. Karissa has decided to continue in soccer this year....yeah!!!! She is playing some real hot ball these days and with a mind set to win. Both Christian and Karissa are very competitive in their sports. So we should have an exciting season this year and I will certainly take some pictures and keep everyone posted on their progress.
Now for my beautiful Arctic Princess!!! She has decided that she is a ballerina and will be trying dance this winter. Yes....she will be registered in Little Trisha's dance school and hopefully with Trish as her student teacher. Trisha is teaching this year again as she did last year. Only she will be teaching the older children's classes. So I am hoping Katie will be in Trisha's class. Trish is such a good dancer and is in a traveling dance group called "Dance Trax". They have won many trophies and travel to various big cities to compete. AWESOME!!! I also want to mention that Katie is very smart with her school work and I believe she will be grade age appropriate during this year. She not only knows the alphabet's names, she knows the phonetic alphabet and can think of words that begin with particular letters. Her math skills are very good as well.

I want to take this opportunity to mention that Katie Aunna was very close to a little girl in Russia by the name of Vika. Little Vika is a couple of years older than Katie. But, during our visit with Katie, Vika came into the playroom to meet us. She is such a delightful little girl and would make a family such a sweet and loyal daughter. I wish with all my heart that we could afford to go and get her. But, unfortunately we are unable to since we just got home three months ago with Katie Aunna. We are truly praying that some one will listen to God's whisper in their heart to take an older child and choose Vika. Like Katie, she is of a very loving and sweet personality with a loyalty seldom found. She is destined to greatness with the right family to call her own. Please, consider Vika and pray for her with us. If you should want more information about her, feel free to contact me and I will get you in touch with the right people!!!! This is a uniquely wonderful little girl.
Katie Aunna wanted to take a picture with she and I. The only problem was that everyone was busy and so I took it of us myself. Katie liked this picture very much;-). My how Katie Aunna loves her Mama. She may have started as a Papa's girl.....but, the closeness she and I have developed is stunningly marvelous. I am so extremely happy God chose us to be her parents. In this photo Mary Blueberry and Annie Bananie are making friends after a big Barbie doll fight. It was quite sweet as Annie and Mary got into their chairs for lunch. We said Grace together and I asked for Jesus to please touch the hearts of my children with love and kindness for one another. When I looked at Mary and Annie who had been throwing Barbie dolls at each other half hour before....I grabbed my camera. Annie said to Mary "I do love you Mary Blueberry" and Mary answered with "I love you too Annie Bananie". SWEET PICTURE!!!!!
Katie Aunna is very sweet with my Yorkie and loves to give her a scratch behind the ears and a kiss to the top of her head.

John-John is working hard for me in school this year. He was working with the stacking blocks and refused to give up when he reached the more difficult level;-).
He asked me here "Is this right?" I just said "Keep trying"!!!
In this shot I got the feeling my Yorkie had her sunglasses on her head and was just a little bit too good for the rest of us around here. My dog is so stuck-up!!!!! Gracie Belle ranks just a little better than everyone else in the house;-).

I have had numerous people ask about the set up for the school here in the house so here I have included some pictures of students all hard at work!!! SHHH....work zone!!!! In this set up I can teach three groups....Jr. High, second grade, and kindergarten. I am thinking that Katie is so smart she will graduate to first grade work by Christmas. If she knew English fully, she would be able to do the work of first grade. I am thinking she will read very soon as she is sounding letters out in simple words. WOOHOO....go Katie Aunna!!!!

I hope this was an enjoyable post and, as time allows, I will continue to add the changes which are occurring with our darling children. They are so much fun and such special young people. The world should eventually, have society members in the children, who will greatly contribute. I am continuing to challenge them to be the best they can be with God's help. So far, I am not disappointed. Many blessings until next time.....

First Week of School

2008-08-14T00:24:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to give a quick update about our Catholic Homeschooling. We have all been getting up very early this week so that we could have our chores out of the way, along with breakfast and getting dressed, by 8:00am. By 8:10am we are in session. My grand daughter, Trisha, did not want to attend the public schools here anymore and has joined us for class this year. She is also very involved in dance as a student and student teacher of dance. She is serious about her dance and is on a competition dance team who travel. She needs some flexibility with her academics. But, Trisha has found that she must work even harder in home-school so she can get her work out of the way quickly to allow her time to practice dance. Trisha spends 4 to 5 hours each evening dancing and every Saturday...all day!!! Many times her dance team meets to practice on Sunday afternoons as well. So when I said dedicated, I mean, she wants a dance career and works hard for it. But, she goes to a wonderful school (The Dance Academy) where her mother danced as a child!!! So, I guess you could say both my girls (Kisty and Trisha) have grown up with Ms. Jeffie at the Dance Academy. Anyway.......Now, my job is to assist Trisha through her core classes, and ready to dance by mid-afternoon. I have to commend her for the hard work she puts into her dance since the age of 3 years old and for being an excellent student for me. All the kids are doing very well with this curriculum. It is not an easy one either. There is much challenge with it and requires four full class days (8:00am-3:30pm) each week to meet the requirements. I do love it more and more as I use it. Guess we will see as the school year moves on. So, now we are getting up very early, and our previous days of sleeping until late, has come to an end. I seem to have great energy until between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. Then, after the dinner and the bath routine, I seem to find a second wind and want to watch some of my TV shows. But, the kids have been a little crabby with the changes in bedtime and rising early in the morning for chores and dressing. So, I end up getting one child or another to sleep and see half a show here and there;-). The children have been enjoying the Olympics this week and have learned many new things about China. I also chose China for their Social Studies and Geography. It is working in nicely with the games. They seem especially interested in what types of foods the Chinese eat and how they educate their children with so much structure and self discipline. I am hoping it will make an impression on my kids. I do have to brag that they are all eager to learn and very little complaining has occurred over the new schedule and the greater challenge in the curriculum. Katie is doing amazingly well and is even helping the younger kids with learning numbers, colors, and shapes. Her English is awesome!!! Katie and I seldom have communication difficulties any more;-). She is extremely smart in her scholastic abilities and it is transferring from Russian into English very very quickly. I'll post pictures on Monday!!! Many Blessings!!!

Katie's First Birthday At Home

2008-08-04T01:48:00.008-06:00

The Arctic Princess celebrates her first American birthday and is now 7 years old. Now my children are...John 3 y/o, Mary 4 y/o, Annie 5 y/o, Katie 7 y/o, Karissa 7 y/o, Christian 7 y/o, and Casey 14 y/o. Of course, the two grown children are, Kisty at age 31 and Weldon at 27 years old. Katie was so extremely delighted and her pictures speak louder than words!!!

Katie Aunna was so excited when I told her that her birthday would be on Sunday. She asked immediately if she would also have a birthday party. Of course, you know I told her that she absolutely would have a party. She was so thrilled she was jumping three feet off the ground!!! She picked out the birthday crown from my collection (having 2 grand daughters and five girls...I have a nice tierra collection). So, this morning I dressed her and put her Birthday Girl Crown on her head.

Our next objective was to get her cake. I took her with us as it seemed she should say what she wants for a cake and so she picked it out herself. The cool part is that she wanted a chocolate cake. All the cakes said yellow or white;-(. But, there was one cake with pretty pink roses on it and she loved it. Well, lo and behold...when we cut into the cake it was CHOCOLATE!!!!! What a nice surprise;-).

Then when we got home with her cake I brought out the gifts that I had bought for her the night before her party. It was so cute as I asked her what she would like for Mommy to cook for her on this special day and she said "Borscht"!!!! Then she got very serious and looked at me and asked "Can you make this food, Mama?" Her face looked like a light bulb when I said "Oh yes, my darling, and I can make it with beef or chicken!" She was thrilled. How much better could life be than this??? A party, with gifts, and Russian Borscht. Katie slurped her Borscht this evening like a little pig;-)...Ha Ha. The whole time she raved about how wonderful was HER Mama's Borscht. We also had a nice loaf of sour dough bread with butter. Oh YUMMY!!!

Here is a picture on Mary Beth high on chocolate cake...OH MY!!!!!

This is my cousin's daughter...Maddy. Katie Aunna loves her so much as she is the sweetest and most thoughtful young lady!!!!

Katie was so thrilled with her party that she was jumping up and down and laughing. It was so cute. After, we ate our yummy Borscht and cake, Katie opened her birthday gifts. I think her pictures tell the story far better than I ever could. So, I present my beautiful Arctic Princess, Katie Aunna, opening her gifts of love from her family. Have I mentioned that my family is the greatest!!! They always are there for the kids and us, too. They show their love for us freely and we are greatly blessed by them!!!! Well, here are Katie's pictures of joy and happiness;-).

Katie Aunna was the happiest little girl ever!!! She had asked for Barbie and she really got many Barbies, clothes, and a special storage container from her big sister Kisty. I also, wanted to take some pictures of Katie after her party, as she place all of her gifts on the counter top before she went out to swim with her cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters. She loves her family so very much and has bonded to us beautifully.

So, my beautiful little girl is set just a little more securely in the family and she loves her new life so very much!!! We love and adore her more than I can express. After her swim last night, she ate the last piece of her cake for bedtime snack, with a glass of milk!!!

Now about school starting soon.....I have received my Catholic Heritage Curriculum!!! I absolutely love it and we will be starting school on the 11th of August. Although, we school year round, we do take flex days and breaks. We have been out of school for almost two weeks now. I have been familiarizing myself with the new curriculum and reviewing the children's books. I am very impressed. Lesson plans came with the curriculum along with many enrichment inserts and so I am now tailoring the lesson plans. I'll let you know how things go with this process and share my experiences with you as we progress through the year.

One last cute thing about Katie....the kids made birthday cards for her. On one of the cards it said "Katie A." I don't think, Katie has ever heard her name shortened, as we often do here in America;-). This was something new to her. She has learned the alphabet and now I am teaching her the sounds for each letter in the alphabet. When she read her name she said "Awe, for me, Katie "a...as in apple". This is not my name....Katie (short vowel sound) A. She cracked up laughing thinking that one of the children did not know how to write her name. Isn't that cute???

Well, this is our little girl's special day. I hope you enjoyed sharing this with us as much as we enjoy sharing with you. Until next time....Many Blessings!!!!

Why Does Papa Sleep On The Couch!!!

2008-07-29T23:06:00.005-06:00

I really don't think he can find a spot in the bed with me, the girls, and our Yorkie!!! I just thought this was funny tonight and so I took some pictures of the usual process of getting Katie, Karissa, and Annie to go to sleep. Mary really doesn't like to sleep and I have to fuss with her to get her to sleep. If we put her in our bed, she drives everyone near her crazy, with her many antics!!! When I finally get into bed, poor Duane moves to the couch, where he can stretch out. I know he must have a sore arm from hanging on to the literal edge of the bed...Ha Ha!!! What a good sport he is to tolerate us at bedtime;-). When the grand babies spend the night, Duane doesn't even try to find, so much as a tiny space, in the bed. Poor Papa.....we need "side rails" on the bed!!! Well, it is a king size bed....hmmmm.....I think we have run out of room;-).

We've Been Busy

2008-07-21T22:26:00.009-06:00

The kids watch as Papa piles up all the dossier papers to begin burning them;-(
Duane lights them up to burn.
The kids move in for a closer look at their burning papers and the instrument by which they all became our beautiful little children and Americans.
Papa gets out clothes hangers so the kids can roast marshmallows. They really enjoyed doing that!!!
John-John is melting a marshmallow in his mouth...YUMMY!!!
Katie Aunna has a little streak of orneriness. She is showing us her marshmallow in her mouth...Ha Ha!!!!

Well, we have obviously been very busy lately. I wanted to post about our adoption "vasectomy". Yes, I know this is a strange use of the term "vasectomy" that Duane came up with about three weeks ago. It simply boils down to us burning all of our last six international adoption dossiers!!! It is a bit odd to me to do this, as I ran my legs off, getting those dossiers pulled together between 2002 and 2008. We had all the papers in a box stashed in the back of my closet. It did rather fit into my cleaning frenzy that I am still experiencing. I would swear that I am nesting after Katie Aunna's adoption rather than before.

I did do a little bit of nesting before we went to Russia on our court trip in April. Of course, we did not expect to stay for a month in Russia and so maybe I would have had a little more energy to nest if I would not have been so exhausted getting the Murmansk dossier pulled together. Then to stand there, and watch all these precious papers burn, has had a little more of an emotional effect on me than I had predicted that it would. However, it also was a nice feeling that we have completed our family. I love adopting internationally, but, we just can not afford to do it anymore. These days, following the "vasectomy", I am feeling a little regret and yet I know the facts financially. Maybe, we will suddenly get "rich"....ha ha....I doubt it. However, I am really enjoying my children so very much!!! So, that's what I will focus on and the many responsibilities still to come.

This has been such a fun summer with Katie Aunna at home. She is everything I have dreamed about in an older child adoption. Considering, we have been blessed with children in just about every "conceivable" way, Katie Aunna has been a fabulous experience for us. I am so happy to be her Mama and she could not be any happier to be my little girl!!! I think back when we were visiting her in February and she had just had surgery. My sweet little girl all alone during a surgery we would (in America) be camping out with her in her hospital room. It left a terrible scar both physically and emotionally for Katie Aunna. After being at home now for two months...she still asks me if her arm will be hurt anymore and will I keep her always. I can't help but to smile and hug her closely when I promise her that the rest of my life belongs to her.

So, I suppose we will have to endure the test of time in regard to the "no more" children mentality. Duane is standing firm that we can not afford any more children. I do believe him, as we are having a rough time, getting straightened out financially. Further, I understand that Russian adoptions WILL continue to become a much longer process to finalize. This is such a hardship on the adoptive family both financially and emotionally. I seriously doubt we will be able to do it again;-(!!!!

Okay...on to other news.....we went over to Lubbock to the pediatric orthopedic doctor. They cut off Casey's cast (STINKY) and put on a new fresh one which he will wear for the next three weeks. Then the doctor will evaluate his x-rays and determine if he needs anymore cast time. I also had an appointment for x-rays with them for Katie Aunna. It was not good as apparently the diagnoses of a "non-union" of her left shoulder was not quite the case. She has evidence of an old break which did not properly heal. The good news is that she is seeing the best doctors for her little arm and they will be following her healing process since this surgery occurred only five months ago. Our doctor also said that her scar is at a nice time to break up some of the scar tissue underneath it since it is still a pink scar. So we will continue to gently massage vitamin E oil after bath each night, be sure to get her neuromuscular therapy, and her chiropractic care. My little Arctic Princess grows stronger with her trust in us every day.

We also visited our wonderful Dr. Neal while in Lubbock. Karissa has another perforation in her NEW eardrum she received in Dallas last December. It looks like, if her eardrum does not heal completely, she will not get her middle ear replaced. Unfortunately, she will not hear in that ear without her next surgery. Then Katie Aunna got into the doctor's exam chair and she has "swimmers ear"!!! Can you imagine that??? Ha Ha....as much time as we spend swimming....I was not surprised. Both girls were prescribed a ten day round of steroids. If it was any other doctor...I might be more concerned. But, we trust Dr. Neal so much that we would immediately follow his treatment of our beautiful children without question. We also discussed Katie's tonsils which remain very large and inflamed.

Apparently, they will not heal and are more of a source of poison to her rather than a help

to eliminate her body's infections. So, the plan is, tentatively set, that we will remove them in September. I am a bit concerned about that as Duane's business has earned a trip to Switzerland for us in October. I wish all the kids could go!!! Unfortunately, these trips are not kid friendly and my dear husband does not want to travel to Europe with seven kids...awe!!!! So, we will need to leave the kids at home;-(. I just don't know how I will survive for two weeks without my children. Yet, I want to spend some alone time with Duane that is not bogged down with the stress of an adoption process or our complex daily lives.

Hopefully, it will all fall into place for a little R&R for Duane and I this October. Now, we must decide who will stay with the children, work on the bills so we can save some spending money, and get Katie and Karissa's health needs in check, then try to relax without my kids....OH MY!!!! Oh yes, and this Fall we will need dental care for all the kids, John's circumcision, and a new school year to conduct. It should be very interesting as I attempt to make it all mesh successfully. Have I mentioned that we are also praying for God to see our way clear for a Dodge Sprinter???

We would really appreciate your prayers with us as it is so difficult to go anywhere with our minivan. I can only seat six kids with one of the six sitting in the front seat. This means I must get a sitter for the ones left at home every time I need to go anywhere. I have actually turned to late night shopping as I can go and leave the kids at home sleeping with Duane to take care of them. Next year we will take a family vacation (God willing and we can afford it) to our favorite place...Branson, Missouri. This is also an important time to have a larger vehicle. Family vacations are so important to the kids and to us as some of my fondest memories with my own parents were those family vacations. I really want this for our children, too. So, please pray for our Sprinter;-). Seven kids presents a special problem and adding our two grandchildren, we are talking about NINE kids (with two adults) on a family vacation with a destination 16 hours drive away!!! But, oh so worth it all;-).

Okay...my final subject is school. I have done a lot of research in regard to curriculum programs. This will be our second year of homeschooling and I must admit that I wonder at times if I am just crazy or what!!! I could send all of them to school and preschool at their ages and have a peaceful day Monday through Friday. Oh sure!!! I know how I am and I would feel like I was cheating myself out of time with them. More than lost time is that our school systems here are awful and I want the best education possible for them. So, who better qualifies than I do??? No one;-). This means my last 12 years in the business of assisting other people's children and my college degrees dictate that "I am the BEST teacher" for them. I also wanted to include some pictures of Casey and his tool skills. I found the cutest little preschool desks for John-John and Mary!!! Casey got out the tools and put them together with basically one hand. I think he should follow in his Dad's footsteps and be a Carrier Dealer;-). John-John and Mary are delighted with their own special desk...how cute!!!!

Now, once that I have established who is their best teacher....we needed a curriculum. Last year it was rather eclectic as I bought various workbooks and used the Internet, as well, for curriculum materials that I put together for them. This was very difficult as I have John-John who is in SN preschool, Mary in regular preschool, Christian and Karissa starting second grade, and Casey in a combination of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade work in various subjects. This would be my most prime example of poor public schooling when my child is weak in some areas and advanced in others. He needed customizing and that is what I did. He still is not current in his grade levels and so I need a curriculum that I can choose what to purchase and customize our academic needs.

In retrospect, it was wonderful watching Karissa and Christian learn to read for me!!!! WOW!!! Also, it was so special to reclaim a relationship with my teenage boy without the interference of school separation and peers. John-John has amazed me with his progress and Mary ACTUALLY loves my preschool class!!! AWESOME!!! It was also wonderful for Annie's pre-K training as she will be a big Kindergarten girl this year. She learned so well and is quite prepared for Kindergarten. Now, include Katie Aunna, who is just getting a good grasp on English, and we definitely need customized and structured all in one.

This year I really feel I can do even better if I use a tried and true curriculum. Then it occurred to Duane and I that I should research curriculum within our Catholic religious beliefs. So, I wrote to my Catholic International Adoption group for advice. I received lots of good information both privately and on the list. It seemed to be repeatedly suggested that the Catholic Heritage Curriculum ranks at the top of the list. I have ordered all of their school curriculum for all the grades...preschool through middle school. Next, I went into nesting mode again and remembered we had a really nice bookcase which was sitting in our storage building gathering dust while I had five large tubs of materials I have to sift through. Yep...you guessed it....we have all of our materials from last year organized and a shelf waiting to receive the new CHC materials. I just about passed out when the curriculum cost was given to me.

But, Duane had an excellent point!!! The kids are getting lots of one on one schooling attention with a great curriculum for far less than we would pay tuition in a private Christian school. Here we do not have a Catholic school and so it would not be parochial even if we sent them for $800 monthly per child to our one and only private Christian school. What a sweet man my husband is as he then added that the children will continue to have the best teacher in town;-). I really think that's sweet of him to have so much confidence in my skills and academic background. So, now we wait for the UPS truck to pull up to our door in a few weeks with our brand new Catholic curriculum!!!

We also had visitors from Albuquerque;-). Duane's brother, Denis, came to town. He is holding his grand daughter...what a little doll!!!! As you can see....we have been very busy lately and I doubt it is going to slow down either. But, I guess this is the way we like life....a challenge. Many blessings to you and please pray with us for our vehicle problem.

New Post on the Way

2008-07-17T01:43:00.002-06:00

Hi...Just wanted to let you all know that I am putting together a post in regard to our last weekend. It was quite interesting. So, expect it within the next day or two (at most). Blessings!!!

Katie Aunna's First 4th of July and Annie's Birthday

2008-07-08T23:19:00.009-06:00

Fourth of July 2008

Annie and Katie. Look at the food in our tail-gate kitchen;-)

Pictured above is: Casey, Karissa, Katie, Christian, Annie,
Mary, and John

Kisty and Duane

Far right Karissa and Katie are best of friends and really enjoy each other so much. I think this picture of them says a lot about how much they love each other!!!!!

Below is a very nice picture of my 2nd cousin "Tanner". What a cutie!!!

Above Casey is coping with the use of only one arm!!!

Princess DeeDee on the 4TH of July;-)

Family and Friends eating and waiting for the fireworks to begin!!!

Then on Sunday, Annie celebrated her 5TH birthday, with a swim party!!!

Christian is so beautiful!!!!
Annie is FIVE and proud of it!!!

Annie saw her cake in the refrigerator in the garage the night before her party and she loved it!!!

Katie Aunna had a wonderful time for the 4th of July. She was a little shy at first with all the new people she was exposed to. However, it did not take her long to want a sparkler and to enjoy the aerial fireworks. The day's events began by cooking foods for the park. It is our annual tradition to go to the Green Acres Lake and watch what is called "Smoke Over The Water" which is funded by our local area business community and private donors. I understand the fireworks cost close to $30,000 this year and they were well worth it. They were breathtakingly beautiful and Katie Aunna was in absolute awe!!! It was so sweet as she said "Mommy, I love America!!!".

Well anyway, first we had a huge picnic. Above are some pictures of the tail-gate food festival for our pot luck picnic. It is a time when all of our family and friends join together to celebrate our country. It is always so much fun for both the adults and the children!!!! John did not cry last year, but, did this year. Katie Aunna jumped into my lap and there she remained until the end when she was finally delighted. Following the public display we went home and shot off our fireworks. By that time Katie and all the kids were having a blast!!!

On Sunday afternoon we celebrated Annie's 5TH birthday. It was so cute as Annie kept looking for her birthday cake. We put it into the refrigerator in the garage and thought maybe she would hold off looking for it out there. Guess again!!! Saturday evening she went right out to the garage and came running into the house screaming "I found it Mommy!!!" and so we showed it to her. I enjoyed watching her pleasure as she opened her presents on Sunday, ate cake, and swam with her family. Annie is the sweetest little girl. Once in a while she is a little ornery. However, she is the most mellow and laid back of all our children. Course, we all know Miss Mary is one hot tamale!!!!

There are times in our home when I feel the "OMG....I'm in over my head" and then one of them does something sweet and I feel like the luckiest person in the world. I have people ask how many children do we have and then they say "Gosh...I'm glad it's you and not me" and the only thing I can say is "I'm glad it's me and not you, too...LOL"!!!! Having a big family is not easy and often presents new challenges. However, they are all so very precious and we enjoy them immensely!!! I can not imagine our life without a single one of our children and would do it all over again.

Speaking of challenges.....Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is so wonderful. Poor Casey really broke his arm at a bad time. We took him to the Clovis ER where they wrapped his arm in a temporary soft cast until the swelling went down. That next week after the break we took him to the local recommended doctor. I have a lot of respect for this doctor as he said he felt Casey should see a pediatric ortho doc instead of a general ortho. So, naturally, I called our friend Mr. Conner. Unfortunately, the 4TH of July weekend was upon us by this time.

However, first thing Monday morning (July 7th) TTUHSC called and asked if we could bring Casey over to the doc that afternoon. WOW!!! So, I jumped into high speed and got Weldon to come home from work and watch the kids while I took Casey over to Lubbock. The doctor in Clovis thought Casey needed surgery to repair the break. Fortunately, the doc at Tech did not. So Casey finally got his hard cast (deep blue) ten days after the break. He is no longer in much pain and is tolerating it all quite well thus far. We will return in two weeks for a check up and more x-rays. I had also received a referral from the TTUHSC for Katie Aunna to see this doctor for her shoulder x-rays and I made an appointment for her at this time.

It will be interesting to find out what was done to her arm in the surgery she endured in Russia. I always feel sad when I think of my little girl in a Russian hospital all alone without parents to comfort her. The scar on her arm is very significant and although she is in neuromuscular and chiropractic therapy, I would really like to know what her exam will reveal. Next, I need to get her in with the strabismus specialist (Dallas if surgery is needed) and begin to make a decision (beside glasses for vision correction) what my next course will be for her vision issues. Then Annie has an appointment in September with the Shriners for her annual check up. John-John needs circumcised and Katie Aunna needs her tonsils out...they are huge and red all the time!!! Finally, Karissa is doing well with her new ear drum and it looks like we may be able to move on to the middle ear this winter!!! After this next surgery, in Dallas at Baylor, she will hear for the first time in that ear. How exciting!!!

Well, I guess this just about covers it for this week. I will post again after the weekend and share more about the kids. Our summer home school program is working nicely and I feel we have made a lot of progress so far. They should be well prepared for the next grade. Annie and Katie will be in kindergarten, Karissa and Christian in 2nd grade, and Casey in a mix of 7TH and 8TH grade work. I have found a wonderful Christian Home School Store in Lubbock and plan on getting remaining needed school materials there next month!!! Thanks for listening and following our family. Till next week.....Many blessings!!!

Bad News For Broken Elbow

2008-07-03T00:05:00.007-06:00

Christian working on his puzzle (1000 pieces)!!!
Christian just wanted his picture taken today and posted;-).

Today, we were so excited and happy, that Casey might get a hard cast and stabilize his painful broken arm and elbow. I really have to respect this ortho doctor we saw today. He sent Casey for more x-rays first. Then upon examination of the results coupled with his physical exam of Casey's arm, said it was more intense than just needing to be casted. He will refer Casey to Texas Tech Health Sciences Center for several surgeries.

The doctor here thinks Casey will need a metal plate with screws and pins to properly repair his break:-(((. So, tomorrow I will get a date to see the pediatric orthopedic surgeon at TTHSC. It looks like we have a long haul ahead of us with Casey's rehabilitation. I cried today when we were on our way home from the doctor's office and so did poor Casey. Bless his heart....this is just a bit more than we expected. We are in prayer for our son and hope that you will pray for his recovery, too. I will let you know more when we find out about his surgery tomorrow.

On a happier note....Katie and I are adjusting so nicely together. She has bonded with her new family very completely and seldom asks anymore if she will stay here tomorrow. It seems she was constantly asking me (in Russian) if she would stay another day with me. I always answer the same "You will be mine and I will be yours forever". Never have I known a happier or more grateful child than our little Katie Aunna. I am so happy God chose her for our family and placed her into our home. I wake each morning and begin to work caring for my seven children. My first waking moments are filled with pictures of the children in my mind and I realize that these are the best days of my life!!!

Oh yes....one more catastrophic issue. My clothes dryer's heating element went out on Sunday afternoon!!!! Talk about a panic in our house....this is a biggie. I do about six loads of laundry each day. This means that Sunday through Thursday would make about 24 loads of laundry!!! OH MY!!! So, my answer to the problem is to pretend we are on a European Vacation by wearing our clothes for days...ha ha. We have all been very careful not to dirty our clothes and the girls have worn the same little play dress for three days now. Their change of clothes consists of swimsuits, clean under clothes daily, same dress, and same pair of pajama's. Isn't that funny??? Fortunately, the appliance repairman says he has our part in and can put it on in the morning. Laundry will begin to flow once again!!! YEAH!!!!

Trampoline awaiting a new tarp:-(

Children above discussing who jumps first (I don't referee those squabbles).......

Happy children reunited with their trampoline....

So, more good news...the trampoline tarp has been completed and installed. The children are very happy to have their toy restored and at their disposal. Here are a few pictures of pure pleasure!!! That's about it for today. I will keep you posted in regard to Casey's surgery and ask for your healing prayers. Many blessings!!!

Big Chief "Broken Elbow"

2008-06-29T18:36:00.012-06:00

Casey in the emergency room of our local hospital in severe pain. He had just been given some pain medication through his IV and I got out my cell phone to photograph his adventure!!!
Look at the size of his broken elbow and arm compared to the other arm!!! It swelled up even more and has continued to swell. He can not have a hard cast until the swelling goes down next Wednesday (maybe). He is still very swollen today. So we will see if he gets casted next week or not;-).
His elbow and arm began to also turn a nice color of purple. He does have a soft cast, but, every movement is very painful for him. He is taking pain meds round the clock, sleeping in the rocker-recliner, and keeping an ice pack on his arm to hopefully get the swelling down.

Casey resting in his chair in lots of pain!!!I made him lay on the patio today so he could get a little fresh air. He was not too happy about leaving his easy chair;-).

Well....Last week was a bit crazy. It seems we have a new Indian Chief among us named Broken Elbow. Casey was having a wonderful time with DeeDee and Trisha riding the ATV. They were all running like wild cowboys and Indians over the prairie. Life was all good. Here are a few pictures of the girls and Casey in their vehicle. I am always telling them to respect this toy and use it with caution. After each hill run they would return home to report in to me. Then they would get a drink and refresh before trading drivers and passengers. Only Casey, DeeDee, Karissa, Christian, and Trisha are heavy enough to ride in my opinion.

They go to an area near our house where there are huge hills of dirt to ride on. The kids have been going to ride on these same hills all summer and nothing had changed. Only there was one huge problem when Casey and DeeDee switched hills. A construction of a new neighborhood is being built near the dirt mounds. When Casey (driver) and DeeDee (passenger) went up the side of this familiar hill, all was the same, until they began to descend.

There on the other side was a sudden drop off where a bull dozier had scooped out a huge chunk of dirt. They flipped nose first into a roll over. Thanks be to God that they had on helmets and were wearing their seat belts. However, Casey broke his elbow and fractured his humorous bone by his elbow!!!! DeeDee was not injured, but, they both had seat belt burns on their necks.

Casey has now learned how extremely painful a broken bone is and also has developed a great respect (maybe fear) of our ATV!!!! It is a wonderful toy and I am thankful Duane bought a type with a roll cage for safety. Guess Casey is out of the ATV for the rest of the summer and can not swim either until his hard cast comes off some time in August. He will miss the swim season (for the most part) this summer and he must be very careful with that arm for one year to completely allow healing.

So it was quiet a day we had last Wednesday. The other awful part was that I kept looking at my watch and thinking "Wow...Casey and DeeDee have been gone way too long this round of riding. I pray they are okay". Naturally when they are out riding it makes me nervous worrying about them. Unfortunately, Casey did not have a cell phone with him as it had run out of charge!!! Gee, I guess he should make sure the cell phone is charged before going out:-).

When they stopped rolling over...Casey said (as they hung upside down) he was afraid of gasoline or something else and so he unsnapped DeeDee (she dropped to the ground) and told her to get away from the machine. He then unbuckled his belt and dropped to the top of the roll cage in extreme pain. He told DeeDee to run over to the construction workers and get help. Fortunately, a good friend of ours, was working in one of the new houses being built and got Casey out of the ATV. Casey was in so much pain he could not get to his feet and move away from the ATV.

Katie Aunna had been begging all day to ride and I would not let her...thank the Lord!!! She was disappointed that she was not allowed to ride;-(. The second picture is of one of Casey's riding buddies on his off road bike. In the next picture Katie Aunna begs one last time to ride and is told NO. It was this run that Casey and DeeDee experienced the rollover!!!

Our friend called Kisty at work and she came to pick Casey up and bring him to me. I could not leave as I had six kids in the pool. So Kisty came rushing across town to the scene of the accident. Also, one of our service trucks was in the area and two of Duane's employees turned the ATV over and drove it home for us. God bless them for being so thoughtful and helpful. Kisty brought Casey here and we decided Kisty should take her medical POA for the kids and take him to the emergency room. He was so sick with pain!!!

I called my girlfriend at her work and she immediately came home to watch the kids while I went up to meet Kisty and Casey in the ER. The other kids were swimming while the bigger kids rode the ATV. I started pulling kids out of the water right and left while my GF was on her way. Duane was OUT of town working. So, anyway...this is the story of the big chief "Broken Elbow" as the kids called him when he got home!!!!

I also have other news to post about. But, first my cousin Debra (lives here in Clovis) mentioned that I have not put any pictures of our pet Gracie Belle on the blog. So here is Gracie Belle Gartner looking very content in this picture. I was thinking maybe (in the next photo) I should attach a handle to her back and she would make a nice dust mop......hahaha!!!!!

Anyway...the big news for today is that John-John swims beautifully without his floaties. My goal for him was to swim this summer without them and today this has become a wonderful reality. I have to brag that he can swim under the water and pop up for a quick breath and back under to swim. Also, he can swim to the side and grab hold when he needs a breathing break. He is so COOL!!! He has also been asking to go pee-pee in the potty now and never has a pooh accident. He has been dry for five days today!!!! Looks like he will be in big boy undies by end of summer. He is doing so wonderfully!!! The best part for me...NO MORE DIAPERS!!!!

Here are a few pictures by special request also. My cousin in Seattle wanted me to post a picture of Duane and I...so here it is;-).

In the above pictures I thought John-John was so cute playing outside today. I am also proud to announce that John-John has removed his floaties and is a fish like the rest of the bunch. He is NOW ABLE TO SWIM!!!! Yeah for John!!!!!! Hope you enjoyed the update. Who knows what excitement will occur next week. Hope it is a little calmer here.

The pictures of the girls are pretty cute, too!!! They had a matroshka and each SISTER represented one of them;-). I thought that was pretty cool that they knew the nesting dolls were sisters and so are they. So they proudly held as their representation of being sisters and wanted me to take their picture;-).

Oh...BTW....I am still on my cleaning binge and have completed several items on my "to do" list. Garage looks great, our classroom is ready for the new Fall session, and one of the kids closets is straightened out. My next task is to have something very interesting to tell you about next weekend. However, I must clean out my huge closet first. I will explain further later;-)))). Many blessings to you!!!!

The Week Is Flying By

2008-06-25T02:18:00.003-06:00

I can not believe it is already Wednesday!!! Guess I missed getting some pictures uploaded to the blog this past weekend. We have been very busy with establishing a routine we can all work around. I have added even more to my "plate" with having seven children at home. The grand children come over and I have NINE kids here...ha ha. But, I am still thankful that we could have the opportunity to have our beautiful little kids.

Sometimes I want to adopt them out...yeah right....and other times I am so enjoying them. It seems I move from one mess to clean up to another. Then there are the meals to prepare and clean up and then baths to do. I don't even want to talk about the laundry demands...Oh MY!!!! However, I have to say that the enjoying part is far more often felt than the overwhelmed feeling. Also, we are not completely adjusted just yet (we've been home for about six weeks now.

Poor Duane is struggling to get financially re-established after the prolonged time in Russia and work for him is the height of his business season. Our temperatures here have been very hot and mainly dry. He is working very long hard days. Tonight Katie Aunna, Karissa, and I are still up...oh no!!! OPPS!!! I just looked over and Katie is snoring in the lounge chair. Time for us all to go to bed now. We will sleep till who knows in the morning....ha ha. Although these are rough times, they are also great fun times!!! God has blessed us as we work and struggling like the rest of the laboring world. I will take and post some pictures for you soon. Blessings to all!!!

Brief Post

2008-06-20T18:04:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to add a brief message to my last post. I did not tell you that I am planning to post at least once each week and more when I can make time to get on my computer. I intend to post over the weekends and once during the middle of the week. This way it is a little more predictable for you to know when to check the blog. Since blog posting is a new experience for me....I am trying to get organized on when to post. I will upload pictures during the weekend!!! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are days when several kids have different therapies to go to and so I am a little more busy during this time. Hope this helps everyone who follows our family to be better informed. Many blessings to you and thanks for loving our kids!!!!

Clean-A-Thon

2008-06-18T17:13:00.008-06:00

Karissa and Katie Aunna look so much a like!!!!

The Who's Who of the Gartner girls.

John absolutely loves to swim!!!!

Annie swimming on Father's Day
Casey's sweet smile!!! He is getting so big and way too fast!!!
DeeDee wearing the dinosaur towel. What a hoot;-)

Just wanted to write a post to the blog and say that all is well with the family. We are on a cleaning binge at our house. I have had just about enough of this clutter. Needless to say....the house was quite a mess when we returned from our one month stay in Russia!!! It was such a stressful adoption process. I feel I am just now beginning to recover from the travel, adoption stress, and financial difficulties of extended time away from home. The financial aspect seems to be bigger than we initially thought. I am thinking we will need at least a year to recoup financially as we have a lot more medical expense to deal with now, too.

John does not want to share the bench with little Mary....ha ha!!! Don't think this will stop her though.

I knew Mary would get her place on the bench.

All in all....I don't think I have ever seen a happier child than Katie Aunna. It is so sweet as she loves her new family so dearly and just can not say "I love You" enough times in a day. Katie's English amazes me every single day. Today she said "What is this?" and pointed to a picture of a wolf in one of our home school library books of fairy tales. She can tell me anything in Russian.....but, she wants to know English!!! This morning I said back to Katie Aunna "What is this?" in response to her question. She surprised me with "I don't know what is this!" I said in a growling voice "The big bad wolf" and she said "OH NO...not that!".

I am bragging again, but, she really is so smart that it amuses us all!!! The kids cracked up laughing when she said "OH NO...not that!" and she said it with such loud expression. It was hilarious. Well...back to the cleaning project. I have so many clothes that it is over whelming to me!!! So we are making it our project to take out all the clothes that are a 2T or under for girls and a 2T or under for boys!!!!

Lots of cute Gymboree clothes for baby girls. I just don't know how long this will take us to clean all this out and get some order to the closets. Their drawers were also scrambled in my absence;-). Lots to do over the summer. We also went through all of our homeschooling materials and organized them all into nice plastic tubs. We have some of our Fall 2008 materials purchased, but, must make a trip to Lubbock to the Christian Home School Supplies to complete our curriculum for the next grade.

Also, I am hoping to save up a little cash to buy a twin bed and switch furniture around. Although Katie Aunna was initially happy to room with Annie, she and Karissa have chummed up pretty nicely and are best of friends. Now they want to room together and so I guess I will move them around toward the end of summer. Poor little Christian is crushed at Karissa's attention to Katie Aunna as he has been the "cat's meow" in Karissa's life since birth. Now this new "SISTER" steps into the picture. I notice he is a little impatient with the girls in general and pouts more often!!! But, he is getting more "special" attention from Mom and Dad!!!
Father's Day was great!!! We fired up the smoker and smoked sausage, ribs, and prime rib roast....YUMMY!!!! Duane enjoyed his special day so very much. All the kids came over (grown ones and grands, too) for a Father's Day swim party. It was such a relaxing day for him and he has few of those type days!!! Now that the heat of summer is roaring he is in full swing with his business his cell phone rings constantly. I just had to set my foot down and say "NO PHONE and NO SERVICE CALLS". It was hard for him, but, he remained with us for the entire day last Sunday.

Cutie Pie Karissa!!!!

Duane has been working about 80 hours per week!!! So I am a single mom;-). By the time he gets home, everyone is fed, bathed, and ready for bed within a few hours. I have been putting everyone to bed at around 9:00pm now and trying to get up earlier so we can swim before the afternoon heat. Duane laid on the patio couch under the fans and swam some in the pool as well. Then I took him for a surprise pedicure for which he was totally against.

Duane relaxing on the patio;-)

I could not even get him in the chair. I talked him into going over to Wal-Mart to shop for some groceries. During our shopping I kept talking to him about his "horse hoofs" and getting his toenails trimmed. FINALLY.....that worked and he said he would do it. Guess what??? That's right...he loved it immensely and promises to not give me any trouble when I say it's time to return for another...ha ha!!! Sorry...he would not let me take his picture in the BIG chair. Maybe on the next visit he will allow some photos to be taken of his indulgence of decadence!!! I did get a few shots of my cousins husband in the chair. He was fully cooperating when I arrived with Duane.

Transition

2008-06-12T23:19:00.013-06:00

The Gartner Gang

Recap of pictures already posted!!!!

Today my friend came over and she helped me with some laundry and to get Katie Aunna and Annie to their therapies. It was quite nice to have a little help. Our SW for our home study agency also came out to meet Katie and she helped me do some laundry.....it was so nice as there is soooo much of it!!!! Anyway, we are heavily in transition now. Katie and I are still in the honeymoon phase of adjustment. But, we are settling into real life nicely with the other kids and they are doing well with the new changes in the family. I hope those who read this blog and are waiting to become international adoptive parents or have already become IA parents relate to this process through my blog. It's tougher than one might imagine!!!

So, if I ramble a bit trying to get all my thoughts and experiences into order, please excuse me for that. It seems with each addition to our precious family there are moments during the day that I think "GOSH!!!! Am I in over my head?"....ha ha. Duane laughs at (with) me when I say that and he always responds with "Of course you are honey...but time will smooth it over" and a big chuckle;-). He knows I will adjust and the kids will adjust, too. Then everything will run in a smooth flow!!!

Although, after this adoption, I am looking at things a bit differently than before. I am thinking about all those hormonal teenagers in this house someday soon!!! Heck....10 years goes by pretty fast!!!! That would make Casey 24 (hopefully not living at home anymore and working in Duane's business like Casey says he wants to do), Karissa and Christian 17 (getting ready to go to college), Katie Aunna 16, Annie 15, Mary 14, and John-John 13....YIKES!!!! It should be highly interesting. I'll try to blog that some day...ha ha. BTW....I will be 61 and Duane 66 y/o in ten years;-). We will have spent 41 years with children in our marriage by that point and married for 45 years!!!

As a result of looking ten years into the future....it becomes even more important to me to keep their home school alive and well so they will not be exposed. Exposed to people that I don't approve of who might lead them to bad choices and away from their best friend Jesus. My dear girl friend said to me "Oh, Trisha...you are a survivor. You will always do whats best for your family." You know....all those nice things that GFs say because they love you;-). Thanks be to God!!! I also realize how important a good transition means to the mental and physical health of that new child and tapping into the potential within them.

Although, we have experienced adoptions from both good and not so good institutions, each child has had some related issues from their previous environment that needed to be worked out of the child. These behaviors vary and are unique in some ways and universal in others. Katie Aunna is just crushed when I say "No, not your way, but Mom's". But, bless her heart, she obeys (a little begrudgingly) and accepts my decisions. Her love for me is immense and for her family. Katie appreciates Duane and I in a way, that our children grown from babies, do not. I love this older adoption experience we are having with Katie Aunna. She is perfect for us and we are for her. She has become a full fledged member of the Gartner pack...so to speak....also among the children!!!

Oh yes, and Katie Aunna now has glasses 3Xs stronger than her orphanage pair and her prescription sunglasses came in yesterday. She is enjoying her view of the world now both indoors and out. I am expecting a little stronger lens with her next check up in August. She can not sit on the couch to watch television without squinting. Katie can see TV at about four feet away. However, at the rate she is learning her English....we should get a good exam this next visit. Then comes the DENTIST in Fall. He is the painless dentist though....thank the Lord!!!

Mary Beth, on the other hand, is tiny on the outside and huge on the inside. Mary's fearlessness sometimes scares me and I worry about her future. All the children watch Mary and are protective about what she attempts, interceding often with a stern "NO". It is most important for her to be protected from the world until she is old enough to think about what she wants and how it relates to her own safety. Her spirit is MIGHTY and she needs to be developed into a leader. She is smart as can be and should do something great with her life!!!! Her head is hard as stone. Change/Conflict for Mary Beth is a fun challenge and she likes the thrill of conquering it. She walks tall (in her size 3T clothes at age 4 years old)!!! However, Katie Aunna has really been determined that Mary wetting in her "Pamper-a" must stop. Usually, in Russian orphanages, the children potty train very early to conserve diapers. "That's a girl, Katie Aunna, lets put that diaper money in a college fund!"

Mary being Mary!!!

But, inside Mary's heart she is filled with a great love for her family and kindness once she gets past being ornery. She would protect her family like a little wild hog...ha ha!!!

Christian wants to please his Mama and he tries so hard. I hurt my back a few days ago and he has virtually bent over backwards to be supportive. He does have a boiling point, though not quickly reached, then he gets a little stubborn. But, all in all, he loves his life and soaks up any praise given to him like candy;-). Christian and Karissa are the informants. All happenings are reported by them. He expects everyone to follow the rules.....ha ha.....but, wants everyone to cut him slack for bending the rules;-). He also likes organization and does not do well with rapid change. It shocks him. But, when it comes to helping his Mom.....he's the one who is always there.

Casey is a sponge hungry for information. Because he is so smart and knows about many things in his environment....he gets into trouble often. Touchy-feelie of everything because he thinks he understands it. But, he is also a very loving person who holds a deep respect and appreciation of his family and his family history as our only bio-baby. I look at him and see my dear late father in this child. He acts like, looks like, and thinks like my Daddy. His features are identical to pictures of my father when he was a young boy!!! It's pretty cool. His good looks and behavior let me know (along with Annie) that my dear late parents are really near by.

Casey's protective big brother mode.

The "older" girls.....ha ha!!!

Karissa is beautiful. She is graceful and delicate like a beautiful Ukrainian woman. Small bones, tall, strong, and slender with much grace and beauty. Katie Aunna looks so much like Karissa it is amazing. I often confuse them from behind (especially when sitting together) and call Katie Aunna "Karissa". Katie even carries her self much like Karissa. I love that Karissa has a ROYAL self assurance about her existence in the world and yet still needs her brother Christian. They are truly attached to one another in body, mind, and spirit. I swear Karissa can scrape her knee in the front yard and Christian comes out of the backyard with a scraped knee, too. They are very much a unit of two children acting as one child. They are also great at aligning with each other against their siblings!!!

Annie is a sweet little girl, though tall and thin, strong like a green tree branch. She has exactly Duane's long slender toes!!! She also looks so much like my little sister, Phyllis, that I am not sure if God took their characteristics from the two and actually made Annie for me;-). I will post Annie and my sister's picture again so you can see how much she looks like Phyllis. Annie is not as physically healthy as the other children due to her mild CP. She is in therapy several times per week by different professionals to keep her CP in check. I would love to avoid any surgeries on her legs. Annie is a very loving and lovable child. Although, when she does naughty things she tries to hide it. I always find out and she blames Mary!!! Ha Ha!!! Annie also is a big family person and enjoys her life very much. She has anxiety when she has to make contact with strangers and she is well bonded to Duane and I (Sib's as well).

Now, the baby of the family, John-John. He is a very quite little boy!!! His life revolves around eating, potty training, sleep, and lots of play. He was very weak when we first got him. However, John-John is gaining strength every day and improves with his speech delays (now that he is recovering from separation trauma while we were away). He is the most delayed developmentally of all the kids and requires special attention. Due to feeding circumstances in his orphanage he still can not chew very well. He has the ability to chew, but, would just rather be fed like a bird. That is, at top speed (like a baby bird from it's mother) and in a belly stuffing amount. A few big belches and a potty break, John-John is off to play his toys. Happy go lucky with life!!!

John-John the day we met him in the orphanage in Serbia. Such an empty look in his eyes!!!

John-John and Papa the night before we left Serbia for America with him. We had spent three weeks in Serbia with him at this point. He knew life was getting better every day and that these people (Duane, Mary, and I) loved him. We took Mary to Serbia and she really helped him become happy in Serbia with her carefree attitude and courageous spirit!!!
John-John swims with his head under water confidently.

He amazes me with the amount of food he is able to gobble up in one meal!!!! It all must be soft foods that he can practically swallow whole. The faster the better for this little fellow. Maybe, he will truly believe one day that "There IS more! Slow down take time to chew and enjoy the meal". He has progressed on this issue greatly. I am slowly getting him to accept more and more solid foods without choking from trying to swallow it whole and grab the next bite.

But, by and large, he is the most physically loving child a parent could ever want. Nothing makes his little heart race like when I pick him up and kiss and hug on him. Then he squirms down from my arms and he is off to P-L-A-Y!!!!! Periodically, he comes to see if I am here and then returns to his toys. John-John has always done this since he came home.

John-John sitting outside with me one early morning on the patio;-).

I am so thankful to God that He has chose me to be over loaded with kids...ha ha. Let's see....that's many spills to wipe, tears to dry, brawls to referee, accidental wetting of pants to change, year round school to operate, and a lot of laundry every day (3 loads for the boys, 3 loads for the girls, a combined red load of boys/girls clothes, plus one load each of towels and cleaning cloths). Meal preparation requires all the big kids (Casey, the twins, and Katie) to make, serve, and clean up. I'm hyper and keep a very neat house.

Duane asked me to get a domestic helper...I hired three house keepers to come in and clean during the week. It helps so much as they change bed sheets, do dusting, floors, and scouring. So that's nice. But, a nanny is out of the question. I don't want to miss or share one minute of my time with my precious little ones and I am selfish as I want them to only bond with me;-).

So I am at times feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, still fighting some jet lag, readjusting to our new one and integrating her into "our" routine. However, I am enjoying them all so much!!! I realize how fast the next 10 years will fly past me and I want to enjoy as much of these days as possible!!!!

Also, I want to mention that although we did not like staying 27 days in Russia away from our family here (the kids here suffered for our return) it was a good bonding time for Duane, Katie, and me. It gave me the opportunity to re-direct many of Katie Aunna's institutional behaviors while in Russia and it helped her to conform to our ways. She really got to know Duane and I and trust us completely by the time we left Russia. She also more easily blended with our other kids because she and I talked about home so much during this time. I love that picture I posted a while back where Katie is blending with her siblings. She looks so gracefully natural in the group of her siblings in America...her forever family!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Another Day in Paradise

2008-06-11T00:31:00.005-06:00

Removal of trampoline tarp to have a new one made for the kids;-). It's their favorite toy outside.
Christian was a bit surprised that it was just springs hanging there!!!

Well I am happy to report that all of our registration documents for Katie Aunna have arrived at Kids To Adopt. She can now be registered with the Russian Consulate. Whew....that's a load off of my mind!!! I feel a great obligation to fulfill my contract with the Russian Federation by registering Katie and sending in all of her post placement reports. She continues to amaze me with her use of English. Today, she said several things in English which surprised me. I also noticed she is wanting to communicate more and more with her siblings. Katie told Annie "Come on here" when she wanted Annie to come swim with her!!!

John-John was extra happy this morning. It was like he woke up adjusted to Katie Aunna and back to his old self today. I was getting very worried about him. My kids are very attached to me and he is our baby of the family. I had NEVER been away from John-John before and he was so traumatized. I can't decide what upset him most. The heart break of accepting that Duane and I were gone or the shock of a new child (much bigger than he) showing up with our return. But, thanks be to our God that he is back to normal today and started to talk again. It was like he was so traumatized he had stopped talking.

Anyway, he got up this morning and walked over to me, as I sat drinking my coffee and reading a magazine, and said "I want a banana"!!! I almost fell out of my chair and I know my mouth was hanging wide open. I grabbed him up and just kissed and hugged him!!! Of course, he got his banana;-). Here are some pix of him happily eating his banana this morning.

Thank-you, dear Lord, for giving me my John-John back!!! Isn't he a doll??? I think his "baby of the family" spot was challenged with an out of birth order addition to our family. However, he is doing well as of today and his appetite has returned.

It was also an eventful afternoon as Duane and the boys removed the trampoline tarp to have a new one made. The old one had a hole in it and was in bad need of replacement. The trampoline is one of the kids favorite toy!!! Yes, I know...they are dangerous. But, which part of life is not in some way or another?!?!?! Here are the pictures and one with Christian who discovered the missing tarp first. I had to take his picture as he came out right as they had removed the old tarp. We are also planning on buying an inexpensive swing set for the children this weekend. We had a horrible wind storm of 50-70 mph winds. It tore the tree house and jungle gym to pieces....waaaaa!!!!

Swimming Along

2008-06-08T23:58:00.005-06:00

The boys....John, Christian, and Casey

The Gang!!! Casey, Little Trisha, DeeDee, Karissa, Christian, Annie, Katie, John, and Mary

The grand-babies DeeDee and TrishaThe girls......DeeDee, Annie, Katie, Karissa, and Mary (brat-so the GREAT)

Today was lots of fun for everyone!!! We did our usual swimming and playing outside. Katie Aunna is adjusting so quickly and time seems to be speeding past me;-). It is hard to believe that we have been home for three weeks now. But, it is true and Katie learns more and more English every day. It amazes me how fast she is adapting. It feels like she has always been with us.

This evening I got out another bag of summer clothes that I had purchased for them just before I left for Russia. It is so cool, when I picked these matching swim suites and clothes out, Katie Aunna was my dream child. Now she is helping me take off tags from these clothes I had visualized them all wearing. It is so cute as she just awed over everything. Katie Aunna loves her new life so much and appreciates her new things greatly.

We are going over to Amarillo in the morning and I will take Karissa, Katie Aunna, Little Trisha, and Casey with me. I have washed some of these new clothes and the girls will wear them on our day trip to Amarillo. The other children will have to stay home with Weldon to babysit with them;-). But, they all love Weldon and will enjoy their visit with him tomorrow!!!

I have to laugh at Annie when I see her bangs. That Mary did a number on them...ha ha. Every time I tell Annie "I'm blasting your chopped up bangs on the Internet" she cracks up laughing. I keep reminding myself that it is just hair and will grow back very soon....ha ha. Mary is also quite proud of her hair cutting "skills". Oh well, guess every kid has to do it at some point.

John-John did not want to stop for these pictures;-). He had one thing on his mind and it was to go and swim. He is really getting good in the water now. John can swim under water to me without his floaties. But, he can not sustain the action of swimming for long as he exhausts quickly. He is such a happy little boy. Every day is an adventure for him. John-John has really sprouted up and slimmed down. He is now quite a bit taller than Mary!!! Although we all know who rules between those two!!! Actually, Mary is very protective and possessive of John. He is so sweet natured and is just having fun outside. John-John loves to play outside!!!

Katie Aunna loves her new glasses very much. She is excited that she has prescription sunglasses coming in soon. Her eyes are horribly sun sensitive. But, the combination of sunglasses that she has sun protection and can actually see is very thrilling to her. It seems that Christian, Karissa, Annie, and Mary take their life for granted. John-John and Katie Aunna are in love with their life and appreciate things so much more. My American (home grown tomatoes) are just spoiled little people;-). They expect nice things and plenty of everything.

Of course, I am personally so grateful for my kids. They are all such special little people and bring so much joy and happiness to my life. God has truly blessed us so much by allowing them to be mine!!! I pray for those who are waiting. It is so difficult to wait, but, it is worth it!!! It seems impossible that we are home and our last adoption is now behind us.

I will take some pictures in Amarillo tomorrow and post our adventure when we return.
Many blessings!!!!

Katie Aunna Swims

2008-06-04T23:34:00.003-06:00

Katie Aunna "sa-lides"....Gosh, I love her!!!
Katie Aunna swims without floaties;-).
My little fish!!!!
Ha Ha...Look at how Casey keeps his desk in a mess. But, he knows where everything is located. Here the children recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the open of home school. We also sing and have a prayer circle at the beginning of class each day. We will be doing two full days and two half days of school this summer.
Katie Aunna shows off her new glasses. They really are pretty glasses. The ear piece has a fluid which allows glitter to move when her head moves. It reflects a beautiful glimmer. Annie is quite pleased with her new hair cut by Little Mary....ha ha!!!

Day of Fun

2008-06-04T01:20:00.006-06:00

Annie's new hair cut...thanks to Little Mary!!!
DeeDee, Katie Aunna, and Karissa in the swimming pool;-)
John John loves to slide!!!
John John now swims with his head under the water.

John John said "Cheese", but the girls weren't ready for this picture;-).

We have been extremely busy with doctor visits for physicals (family physician and pediatric clinic in Lubbock), new and beautiful glasses, ENT in Lubbock, chiropractic therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and speech/language development. I have not had an opportunity to get Katie Aunna registered with the Russian Consulate yet. However, that is now holding a priority to me since all of Katie Aunna's medical needs have now been met. So it has been a trying two weeks home so far, but, Katie and the kids have done remarkably well during this transition period.

I can not express into words how much I love this child!!! Her personality is amazing to me and Katie's ability to trust me has grown even more during these doctor visits. When we visited her (in a Russian hospital) back in February she had endured a very major surgery all by her little self. It just breaks my heart for her as it has left more than a huge scar on her arm. It totally broke her confidence in trusting adults.

Now she tells me that those people (orphanage) whom she had believed loved her (and they certainly did) left her and she had her arm "hurt". So it took a great deal of patience and gentleness on the part of every doctor who examined her to gain her confidence. It also was difficult initially for her to trust that I would not drop her off at a hospital....especially when we went to the Texas Tech Medical Center. However, now she knows I will not hurt her and she loves her new life all the more.

Each doctor visit was accompanied with asking me in Russian, of course, if she would get a shot today or if they would hurt her arm or if I would leave her there. I promised her each time that she was safe with Mommy and we will go home together today. So, I made sure that everyone understood that they were to be extra gentle with her arm when examining her. All of our doctors were wonderful and tonight Katie told me that "Mommy will always take care of me (in Russian) and that she loves us (in English).

Speaking of love....Katie does not yet have the concept that in English we have the same word that can mean different things. For example....Katie Aunna says to me in English "I love you, Mommy" and I answer "I love you, TOO, Katie Aunna". She responds with "I love you THREE, Mommy"!!!! Now how cute is that and so on we go with "Well, Katie Aunna, I love you ten!" and she responds with a bigger number.....ha ha. At some point I will thank her in Russian with "Spa-see-ba" and the "I love you one up game" is then ended.

But, that is so touching to me and so extremely cute. I just adore her and she feels the same way about her family, too!!! She gives lots of kisses and hugs. Katie Aunna can not see anyone cry without trying to comfort them. She is also very bonded to me and does not act overly friendly with strangers and she has separation anxiety....which are all good signs for bonding. I appreciate that she feels safe, loved, and secure with our family.

For this reason I have told her she will not get shots right now. Maybe later, but, for now I just want her to trust me and especially in regard to caring for her precious little arm that she had surgery on. The scar is huge and I know it was very painful for her both physically and emotionally. She can have that MMR and the blood work she needs when she is able to speak English and fully understand me. BTW, her tonsils were 2+ which means we are likely looking at a T&A with tubes in her ears. Her left ear has numerous perforation scars, her arm was not repaired as well as we had hoped, and her strabismus may or may not improve with her new glasses without surgery.

One great thing is that she can see so much better with her new glasses. I find this possible to assess by the fact that she no longer squints to see and does not place things 4 or 5 inches from her face. I have taken a few pictures of her in her new glasses, which are adorable on her, and she loves them. The problem is that I find it difficult to catch her on camera with her eyes opened. Karissa still closes her eyes for pictures as she hates the camera flash. But, in this particular picture she shows off her new pretty glasses and it shows from the expression filled moment I caught on camera.

I have managed to get some pictures of the kids in our family pool this year and I think they are simply adorable. Katie Aunna is quite the little fish. Initially, she needed floaties to swim in the water. Then I noticed that she was not afraid to put her face under water and so this led to her giving up the floaties and I practiced with her on breathing. Now, she is quite the little fish!!! She has also mastered the big slide. It is so cute as every time she wants to slide she says to me "Sa-lide, Mommy" and I say "Sa-lide Katie Aunna". Then off she goes to "sa-lide". Now she does not need me to be waiting in the deep water to give her an extra few pushes to the side. Amazingly she swims (doggy paddle) to the step at the deep end. Katie Aunna is everything I had hoped for in an older child adoption and more!!!!

Oh yes, a few more very interesting things about Katie Aunna. There is so very much that she and I would like to communicate about. I have the Cd for Russian Adoptive Parents. I got those Cd's out tonight and we listened to the different phrases. Many which apply to situations that occur during the day fairly often. She was utterly amazed that Mommy has a CD like that. It delighted her greatly. We were actually able to transfer some things over to English this way.

I asked her (in Russian) if she would teach me Russian and that this would be helping me to help her learn English. By taking these phrases and applying them to the conversation I gathered a great deal of information about her emotions right now. She is very happy and loves America. She does NOT miss any particular child at the orphanage or any particular care giver. Her happiness is great here and she so sweetly thanked me tonight for bringing her home.

Also, I showed her the referral video of her that was sent to me last December. This also amazed her and she was shocked when she saw that Mommy knew where she was living in Russia. From what I gathered from our CD assisted conversation....she thinks her new family and home are top notch!!! Katie Aunna chose the phrase which says she is very happy and not sad about anything.

One thing that confirmed my opinion in regard to the trauma of her surgery on her arm....when the CD asked "Tell me where it hurts" she immediately pointed to her arm and made a sad face. I ask her "does it hurt here?" and she emphatically answered "yes". Then I skipped the CD to the phrase "Did you feel all alone" and she answered with Yes (da)....Yes (da)...Yes (da)". I then switched around to say "I will always take care of you" "We are your Mama and Papa" and "I will not let anyone hurt you". She laid her head on me and looked into my eyes and said "Spa-see-ba (thank-you)".

John-John was amazing in the water today, too. He kept throwing his self forward and putting his head under water. Very brave and cute as when John-John would pop up out of the water he had this huge smile on his face. He is still very close to Casey and looks up to him so much. Several times Casey took John-John to the slide and he loved it. Personally, it made me a nervous wreck, but, Casey followed close behind him as he climbed the ladder to the 6' slide and helped him sit down to slide. John-John has a very sweet personality and he loves his family so very much and we love him dearly.

Karissa and Christian are literally fish in the water. They have been swimming without floaties since they were 2 years old....no kidding!!! Although, I worry about Karissa's ear getting water into it, I can not tell her she can't swim. So we had an ear-plug made to fit tightly and it seems to be working well.

Speaking of Christian....he fell in the shower last Sunday evening and broke off his front permanent tooth!!! It was awful and he did not even smile for two days until he got into the dentist to have it capped. Poor little boy!!! He is now back to smiling his big grin;-). He was also happy that our family dentist was painless. It looks as good as new!!!

Then last night Mary...OH LITTLE MARY...decided to give Annie Kate a hair cut. Thankfully she only chomped up her bangs and did not get into her head of hair!!! I tried to straighten them as best I could with the short patches of hair. Oh dear...Little Mary is so....intense at times with her plans. I have included pictures of Annie's new hair cut with Katie Aunna's swim pictures on the next post of pictures. Guess that about covers things for the next few days. I will post again Sunday evening after our return to church since we began this adoption process.

Katie's New "ear-a-rens"

2008-06-01T02:16:00.003-06:00

Missed getting this in earlier. Most housing in Russia are multi-level concrete buildings like these. Just a little background on where Katie has been for the last 6 years of her young life.
Karissa and Katie Aunna are very close sisters!!!! They absolutely adore each other.
Katie showing off her new ear-a-rens.....ha ha....ask and ye shall recieve;-)
Karissa and DeeDee sitting in the seats in front of us at the ballet this last Friday evening.

I will post again tomorrow with some swim picture of the new "fish" at our house...Katie Aunna!!!!

More Memories

2008-06-01T01:54:00.003-06:00

Mary caught in camera being her usual stinker self;-).
John-John is coming out of his trauma and looking more like he was before we left him for one month.
Katie Aunna loves her baths and fills the tub to the top!!!!!

Trisha the night of her ballet performance!!! She is a wonderful dancer!!!! The twins getting along as usual. They really love each other so very much!!!

Memories of Our New Life

2008-06-01T01:36:00.002-06:00

Katie Aunna's garage full of toys;-)
Katie Aunna loves to work puzzles!!! Brilliant child;-)
Katie Aunna the morning we started to adjust to America!!!!
Katie Aunna ride's HER Barbie Machina (car).
Katie's Papa leaves for work this day and does not lay around in Russia any more...ha ha!!!

She missed Duane very much that first day and asked where is Papa. Katie also askd if Papa comes home soon many times. We called him on his cell phone many many many times that day just so she could chatter in Russian and he could listen to her voice and just respond with "oh yeah" "Good girl".

Smooth Adjustment

2008-05-31T21:57:00.004-06:00

Katie Aunna blending with the other kids like she has always been here!!!

The girls the night we took them to Little Trisha's ballet performance on Friday night.
Mary torturing Katie Aunna;-).....Mary being Mary!!!!
Katie Aunna's first McDonald's meal!!! Chocolate milk was the best part..ha ha!!!
Katie Aunna found the bag rather interesting to look at about 5 inches from her face!!! New glasses are coming soon!!!!

Things are going very smoothly with Katie Aunna's adjustment and the adjustment of the kids to a new sibling. It amazes me that God has matched her so perfectly to our family!!! She blends with the kids and it feels like she has been with us always. Of course, each one of our children have adjusted very well and quickly. I can not possibly imagine my life without them or before they came to be our own!!!! Katie Aunna is a very happy child now and she says "Ya tebya-lou-blue, Mamooshka" which means "I love you, dear Mama" a hundred times per day to me.

I have such admiration for her as she has had such flexibility and strength in her new life. Her trust in me is so touching and it is strong. Katie Aunna loves her new home and adores her new family. Now she is telling me "Internat...nyet...America Da-Da-Da". Which means she is happy to have a home in America and she does not miss her old life or the orphanage she called home for so long and does not mention anyone that she misses. I actually believe that encountering her ex-family member in Murmansk was very disturbing to her as now she tells me this person's name and says "Nyeto-beto (with the person's name)".

I think for a long time now she has worried that this person would disturb her life with us and even in Russia she was even more worried about this person suddenly showing up. Now she openly expresses her distaste of this woman and is happy the ex-family is in Murmansk and can not get to Katie Aunna. I have promised her that she will not come here to America and that Katie Aunna is safe with us with no need to worry.

Many IA kids go through periods of grief and loss of identity. Katie Aunna really did not grieve much. In Murmansk, the three weeks we spent together was good for all three of us. Although, it was difficult to be gone from home for so long, it was very beneficial to our process of bonding. Further, once she went to sleep here in America that first night two weeks ago today, she gained much confidence that we have been honest about the greatness of her new life.

She slept with me that first night in America and Papa had to hit the couch;-). The next night, she asked to get into her bed, Annie's room (now belonging to both girls). About 2:45am on Monday, I sat up in my bed wide awake. I felt I should check on her. I first went to Karissa's room and checked Karissa who was snoring away!!! Then Mary's room and she was peacefully sleeping. Next, I walked quietly into Annie's room and both girls were sleeping well. I just stood there watching them sleep for a few minutes when Katie sat up in bed and was totally disoriented.

She tried to look around and wake up and the only words she could utter was "Mama". I immediately walked over to her and scooped her up into my arms. She threw her little arms around my neck and smelled my hair. She then took a deep breath and relaxed. My timing was perfect and we bonded even more at that early morning hour. I took her back into our bedroom and she whimpered about going to bed again. I think her little body was still on Russia time and she was finished sleeping. So I told Duane..."Let's really surprise her with a new lesson in American shopping at Wal-Mart".

Duane thought this was a great idea and so we all dressed quietly and about 4:00am Duane, Katie, and I slipped out into the early morning darkness to our local super Wal-Mart. Before we went to shop for groceries, we took her to I-Hop for breakfast. She ate pancakes with scrambled eggs and liked them very much with blueberry syrup....ha ha.....even on the eggs. Then we drove over to Wal-Mart around 5:00am.

First we stopped and looked at the huge American flag in the spotlight on the store. It was something she could see as it is a huge flag flying over the name "Wal-Mart". When we walked in she was delighted and kept saying "OIY, Mama...Oiy!!!" We were extremely low on groceries after being gone for a month to Russia. So I pushed one basket and Duane pushed the other. We loaded up our baskets to the max!!!! Katie Aunna was so happy and surprised at how much we had in groceries.

It was really funny and yet sweet to see her appreciation of American grocery shopping. In Russia, they buy only a few things and make frequent trips to the grocery stores....NO SUPER WAL-MART shopping. So this was something amazing to her!!! As we left the store it was breaking daylight and Katie was thrilled with this day until Papa came home and unloaded grocery...then he got ready to leave for work!!!

The other kids were still sleeping tight!!!! Kisty spent one last night here and everyone was getting ready for work inside the house. Once the groceries were put away I took her back into the garage as she wanted to look at all the bikes, scooters, and electric cars. She was amazed by all the stuff. The big all terrain go-cart (ATV) scared her and so Duane took out the Barbie car, small scooter (push type..not the electric type) and the pink Barbie car. She called this "Katie Aunna machina" which means it is her car;-). We had some trials at driving, but, she caught on fast.

I just got out a lawn chair and sat outside with her as she confirmed that the the bike was hers, and the Barbie car, and the scooter. I am posting a few pix of her playing early that morning on the 19th of May. It was still a little cool outside that early and so she is dressed in heavy clothes. But, she did have fun and we further bonded together as she played with my undivided attention. I sipped a nice American cup of coffee with artificial sweetener and cream. YUMMY!!! If life could have stood still....this early morning play-time would have been perfect.

I think the adjustment of transferring trust for the first time in her life was completed in her mind after the first week we spent together in Murmansk. Then her trust in us was solidified once she saw how good her life in America would be for her. It seems that switching to different food has been a difficult for her more than any challenge she has endured. Katie is a picky eater if she does not like what she eats. I swear this kid is living off cheese, chocolate milk, juice, water, bread, and cheese. She is not much for vegetables!!! She dearly loves candy.

Then we turned on the pool heater and three days later Katie Aunna experienced swimming!!! She loves it so much. She calls it "the big batha-tub" and I am proud to say she is swimming without floaties now. I will take some swim pictures of her tomorrow for you!!! I was amazed she has learned to swim so fast!!!! Katie Aunna is also very trusting of me and will slide down the slide if I catch her and give her a boost to the side of the pool...ha ha!!!!

Yes, I know I sound like a new mother bragging on her baby. But, Katie Aunna is the Arctic Princess...but, you all know this about her already...right?!?!?! She is also the Royal sister of the IVF Miracle Baby Casey, the Ukrainian Prince and Princess Christian and Karissa, the Siberian Princess Annie, the Borovichi Princess Mary, and the Serbian Prince John-John baby. Gosh....I hope these three governments do not demand their royalty back...ha ha. Don't tell any government officials that I have their royalty;-).

Well, on to more current events......Last week was a a bit nerve wracking for Katie Aunna as we went to many different doctors. Every time we went to a doctor she had anxiety and asked me if she would have a shot today. I told her no with every doctor even though blood work has been ordered. I will get to that eventually, but, until she has a little more understanding of English, I will not do her blood work. She also is short one MMR and so I will wait for this also.

The GREAT news is that we had a very successful assessment of her vision at the opthamologist and her new glasses (3.5 X's stronger than her present orphanage glasses) will arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. It is such a thrilling thought that she may have a fairly clear look at her world. I am praying God allows this to be reality and will keep you posted about her new glasses.

I will certainly post a picture of her as she is very proud about getting new glasses. They are darling on her. She does have a great deal of sun sensitivity and so I ordered transition lenses for her. I wonder what she will think about that cool perk for glasses;-). Oh yes, and all week she has been touching Karissa, Annie, and Mary;s ear-rings. Then she asks me (mainly in Russian) where are her "ear-a-rens". I keep snapping my finger next to her ears and telling her we must "snap them" into place. Well, this afternoon she begged for "ear-a-rens" repeatedly.

When Papa got home from work she ran up to him and asked him for her "ear-a-rens". Duane said "Okay, Papa shower and Pa-ca for ear-a-rens". She stood by the car in the garage with my hand in hers and waited for Papa to take us (Pa-ca) bye-bye for her ear rings. She picked the peradot, which is perfect considering her birthday is in August (same as mine!!!). Katie Aunna bravely and again with great trust got into Papa's lap in the ear piercing chair.

One girl at the Claire's Store in the mall got on each side of her after marking her ears. That's right...snap...in her ear-a-rens went into her ears. Immediately after the snap...she had a funny look on her face like she was not sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. I grabbed the hand mirror and gave it to her before she had a chance to cry. A huge smile came on her face as she looked into the hand mirror of herself and she did not drop a single tear!!!!! So Katie Aunna got her ears pierced this evening (Na-plotch...no crying). Here are some pictures which will need to go into several posts due to the 5 picture limit per post....enjoy Katie and sibs;-)!!!!

More Pictures From the Last Week Home

2008-05-26T22:54:00.003-06:00

Katie Aunna loves fried chicken!!!!
Katie Aunna and Karissa look a lot alike!!!
Mary Beth gets a hug..like it or not;-)
Aunt Phyllis brings a gift to Katie Aunna
Katie freaked out in the airport in Amarillo when all the kids came running up to me yelling "Mama". She curled up by our luggage and started to cry. It did not take her long in the car on the way home to warm up to the kids riding with us. She tried to talk to them in Russian, however, they spoke back in English;-).