Team Time!

I love getting to spend time with our team! The gang came up for a great night of food....

fellowship and an 80's flashback

and just getting to be together!!!

We love you guys and miss you already!!!

ME is Sick Too...

ME said today, "I am sick. My feelings hurt!"

Gideon is feeling better...thanks for praying for him!

Gideon Update...

Gideon was feeling better this morning, he was even able to enjoy a cinnamon roll, until ME bit him!

Gideon is Sick...

On the way to school yesterday, Gideon said that his stomach hurt. I thought that was his way of saying that he really didn't want to go to school. I told him that we would see how he felt after we dropped ME off. By then, he said he felt OK. I said great, hugged him and silently thanked God for 4 hours of freedom!!! Last night, he seemed really tired and looked pale. This morning, he woke-up sick. Keith took ME to school and Gideon and I are home watching cartoons! Pray that he will feel better SOON!

Yeah!!!

In 2 weeks, 14 days, 336 hours, 20,160 minutes, 1,209,600 seconds, we will be on a jet plane headed to America!!!

ME insisted on taking her purse to school yesterday with her most important treasures...her bubbles, which she managed to spill, her puzzle egg and a piece of paper, which I tried to throw away, resulting in high pitched screaming, "That is mine! It goes in my purse!"

After preschool, we were getting buckled in and ME said, "Let's go! What are you waiting for!"

Bombs Away!!!

An Easter Box!!!

The Easter Bunny (AKA Granny) sent a special delivery. The kids were so excited to get Easter clothes, eggs and candy!!! It is to bad that this will be a year with out Easter for us. This weekend, we will still be in Russia and Russia will not celebrate Easter until April 27th and we will be in the states. We are so glad that the Easter Bunny made a delivery anyways!!! We love you Granny!!!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

A Toast from Ireland:

May you be poor in misfortune

Rich in blessings
Slow to make enemies
Quick to make friends
But rich or poor,
Quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

Happy Birthday Aunt Leslyn!!!

We hope you have a great Birthday! Save us a piece of cake...we will see you in 3 more weeks!!! We love and miss you!!!

Visitors!!!

Our family loves company, but the kids (and mommy) think company that comes bearing treats is the best!!! David and Bobbie came from NMSU, Keith's Alma Mater, to encourage Keith and other friends who live overseas. They arrived close to midnight, spent the morning working-up a sweat and meeting some of Keith's friends at the gym. After a great lunch at Texas, they went to the Banya for a true Russian sauna experience. Thanks David and Bobby for spending the day here, being willing to go to the Banya (I heard you all were a big hit and actually liked it!) and bringing new music, a brand new magazine and peeps!!! The kids love them and have almost finished them off!!! We love you!!!

What an Anniversary...

Morning...
"Happy Anniversary, Keith!"
"Oh, Happy Anniversary."
"Did you forget?"
"Well, it didn't pop up on the computer!"

Lunch...
A 15 minute romantic lunch at our favorite hang-out!

Afternoon...
Dropped the kids off at our friends for a play date, so we could go to a 2 hour meeting with Gideon's Preschool teacher and future First Grade teacher. Let's just say it wasn't how either of us would have wanted to spend our Anniversary or rare time without the kiddos, but at least the kids got to go on a date!

Evening...
By the time we got home, I was so exhausted, I watched the kids run around the house, while I was firmly glued to the couch and a sleep by 9.

Happy Anniversary!!!

I can't believe you have survived life with me for 8 years!!! I pray it is 80 more fabulous years!!! I love you!!!

Maslenitsa

Maslenitsa is an ancient celebration that originated as a pagan ritual and has since been absorbed into the Eastern Orthodox religion. It signals the exit of winter and heralds the coming of spring. As a part of pre-Lenten celebrations, it is also a pre-emptive strike to the upcoming fast. The final day of the week is called “Forgiveness Sunday” when individuals seek forgiveness, so that they may begin Lent with a clean slate.


Gideon's Teachers, Katya and Lena

It was a picturesque morning!

ME and Philemon

Gideon going sledding.

Lots of games...here, 2 people are bouncing on one leg and try to make their opponent fall.

Lots of singing and dancing.

Lots of food...especially pancakes!

Strings are attached to Lady Maslenitsa by those seeking forgiveness of sins and freedom from pride...

as she burns, she carries with her their sins and pride.

Her ashes are buried to bring prosperity to those who jump over them.

All of the fresh air, good food and forgiveness must bring about rest, because we all came home and took long naps!!! Happy Maslenitsa...we hope you enjoy lots of fun, games and of course pancakes today, but may you find true peace and forgiveness in Jesus!!!

Women's Day!

Today is International Women's Day! Keith and Gideon brought us beautiful tulips, made yummy breakfast and we went to a fun party tonight at our Church.

Have no idea what Women's Day is, but want to find out so you can use it as an excuse to get flowers, eat chocolates and do as little as possible, Jill at Willeke Wanderings has written a great explanation! Happy Women's Day!

Movie Night...Or Possibly Weekend!

I can not wait to be able to choose a movie based on reviews, quality and actual desire to watch that particular flick and not merely because it is in English!

TGIF!!!

Today, I was especially eager to kick-off the weekend. It seems like this week's emphasis has been to help me identify all of my areas of weakness, especially as it involves the kiddos. I have been boombarded this week with advise, opinions, comments and criticism, in addition to lots of thinkng, evaluating and worrying.

I had my first Parent-Teacher Meeting today with ME's teacher. At lunch, I told a friend, "This is nothing. Gideon is the one I am worried about!" After 2 hours of discussing every detail of ME's life from birth to the present and how I need to be more consistent, firm, but loving and develop a routine, I somewhere stopped listening and began dreaming of being at home in my PJs vegging in front of the TV!

The minute the teacher's stopped for a breath, I thanked them for all the wisdom and insight and ran out the door! I took public transportation home from the school, which is a fun treat, since, I rarely have to do it. I joined the rest of the crowd and slouched down in the seat, put my headphones on, closed my eyes and dreamed of sleeping...but only after watching this lady with a totally huge snout, pull out her compact and begin a major undercover investigation of what might be hidding out in her nostril! I know it is terrible, but sometimes you just have to laugh!!!

Never a Dull Moment!

Gideon found Keith's old cross country skis and had a great time skiing on our balcony!

I had a great morning. I made it to my favorite work-out class at 9 AM (which in itself is a miricale!), so I had extra time before I had to go get the kiddos. I went by to see one of our friends who works downtown (and show her my new make-up she got me for my Birthday), then I decided to treat myself to lunch at a new Sushi Bar. It didn't open, however, until 12:00, so I had 30 minutes to wait. I ended up at a fabulous Coffee Shop, which I had vowed I would not waste money on over priced coffee...I have very little will power! It was the best (and possibly the most expensive) coffee I have had! I also loved the Sushi Bar! I had a great salad, soup and several types of rolls...for the same price as my one cup of coffee!!! It was a tad lonely, since Keith hates sushi, my usual sushi sharing buddy was busy and all of my other friends are either to poor or were at work!

A Puppet Show

No words, just...

giggle...shhh...more giggles.

Then..."Surprise!!! It is us!!!"

Ready For Spring!!!

Spring may be fast approaching, but it will be a while before we are able to take walks through the park, watch the flowers bloom or finally get to ride bikes…at least outside! The weather, however, is getting warmer, which only means the snow is melting and the puddles are growing…and providing free ice skating in the morning and a great swimming pool in the afternoon!!! ME was running to the car after preschool and took a dive into a puddle! It would have been funny if it were not for the screaming!

Google Reader

OK, I am obviously behind the times and technology, but I have finally got acquainted with Google Reader and have fall in love! It is so great to click on one sight and it displays for your reading pleasure all of the updated posts from the Blogs (and people) you love! There is no clicking, waiting, more clicking and more waiting, which often resulted in huffing and puffing, because your friends still have not updated their Blogs!!! Now, I click on Google Reader, enjoy all of the new 411 and don't grow angry, bitter or jealous of all the slackers who have more interesting things to do than post!!! You can also access a personal calendar, your photos, emails, documents and I am sure so many more things I have yet to discover! Way to go Google!!!

Thanks Mel for introducing me to Google Reader! Who would have guessed that a man your age would be so up on technology!!! We love you!!!

Our 6th Anniversary!

On March 2, 2002, after many delays, long flights and longer layovers, we, along with our 10 suitcase, 3 carry-ons, stroller, car seat and pack-n-play, arrived at the Moscow airport. We were greeted by Mel Skinner and a trillion other people, who I thought were all welcoming us to Russia, but were really just asking if we needed a taxi!

Gideon was 6 months old. I was a new, nervous mom. And Keith was anxious to get to work! I will not bore you with all of the details, even though many funny, most I have repressed to some dark place in the very depths of my memory! Even though I would not want to go back to March 2, 2002 (for any amount of money!!!), I will say that I have grown to love Russia, especially Yaroslavl, and am thankful for the journey God has brought me on, the lessens He has taught me and for the changes that were required. We serve a mighty God who is full of grace, abounding in love and able to meet all of our needs!

10:29 AM

Home...

We were all so sad to leave the Skinners...

but, after the 12 hour totally hot train ride...

with 2 totally tired, grumpy kids and an equally tired and grumpy mommy...

we are glad to be home!

Train Food...

Besides all of the fabulous Birthday cakes and unbelievable pie, Nancy made such delecious meals...taco baskets, BBQ chicken and on our last day, Chicken and Stuffing that was so wonderful I ate 3 helpings...which I counted as lunch, dinner and a midnight snack! I am so thankful I had technically already eaten dinner, since on the train we had fish! ME said, "Yum! I want some chicken and potatoes!" She ate all of the fish and mashed potatoes...way to go ME!!!


This is canned cow liver!

What Is Good About Good-Byes?!?

Today, we have to say good-bye to the Skinners and to Saint Pete. We have had such a great time of fellowship, remembering, reflecting and catching-up...not to mention the constant supply of fabulous food!!! It has been so much fun to spend this time together, I am sad to say good-bye! Thank you Mel and Nancy for opening your home and pouring out your love and hospitality! We miss you already!!! I wish we had a date set for our next reunion...let's pray it is soon and NOT in the Ukraine!!! Love you!!!