The 4 Sullivans

9.16.2007

Off To Church

Gideon wanted to take a picture with his new tie!

9.15.2007

Gideon

Gideon can't until it snows! He is getting ready...I just hope he remembers his pants!!!

ME's Hair!!!

ME's hair is getting so long, but with all of her curls it is hard to notice. She is growing up so fast!!!

Good Morning Daddy!!!

The kids are having so much fun with daddy and are sooo glad he is home!!!
The question is...is daddy glad to be home!?!?

9.14.2007

Daddy's Back...

and we are sooo glad!!!

WELCOME HOME KEITH!!!

9.13.2007

ME-ism

ME's definition of a burp: "Fart mouth!"

ME is proudly displaying her soup! She probably likes wearing her soup as much as she likes eating it!

What Daddy Has Been Missing...

Fun, trips to the potty, screaming, laughter, hugs, kisses, tears, chaos

and chips and dip!!!

9.12.2007

Yesterday was by far the worst of the 5 days. I don't think any of us feel fabulous and Gideon's emotions have been off the chart. I asked him several times what was wrong and he said he didn't know and burst into tears. We were all in bed at 7 and Gideon was asleep by 8 and ME and I were asleep by 8:30! ME woke-up saying she was sick, so I began planning for a long day at home with 2 totally grumpy kids. We had to get dressed because our apartment is freezing! ME said, "Go to school?" I asked her if she wanted to and when she said yes, I quickly got things together and off we went. It wasn't until we arrived and ME burst into tears, did I regret my totally selfish decision. I worried about the kids all morning and dreaded what I would find when I returned to get them...ME in tears and Gideon's locker piled high with wet pants. I met my prayer partner and we prayed for all of our kids and over tea we were reminded how many things we have to be thankful for. On my way back to pick up the kids, I stopped off and bought some movies---4 to be exact to fill up the 8 hours we have until bed time HAHA!!! I was so thankful that when I returned, they were both happy and full of laughter and covered in soup!!! Please pray for Gideon's emotions and that if there is something wrong that we would be made aware of it. Please pray that we would all feel better and have a great afternoon! Please also pray for a safe and speedy return for Keith! We miss you, Keith!!!

Thoughts From Our Day...

Gideon’s Teacher: “Your sister is going to school.”
Gideon: “Yes.”
Teacher: “How does she like it?”
Gideon: “She does not like it. She cries and wants to go home.

Please pray for Gideon's adjustment and emotions. I think something is bothering him, but he won't talk about it. He has burst into tears 3 times this week and had more "accidents" than ME. I don't want to make more of than there is, but I want to be sentive if there really is a problem. Pray that God would give me wisdom, Gideon openness and help him find peace and joy.

Mommy: “How was school?”
ME: “Fun! Soup!”

Please pray that ME would continue to enjoy her class, make friends and learn lots. Pray that the situation with the little bully has been rectified and that all the kids would learn kindness and generosity!

My morning: I dropped the kids off and ran into Natalya and her daughter Nina. Natalya is from

Germany

and her husband, Clouse, is from

Denmark

. Nina is now attending Gideon’s class. Natalya speaks great English and has joined the fitness center I attend, so we rode together to the gym. It was fun to discuss our summers, families and plans for the fall. I pray our families become good friends!

After workout, I ran into an acquaintance and ended up sitting in the sauna with her and discussing our fitness goals and our families.

We returned home to unwelcomed guests...cockroaches!!! YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!!! I have cleaned the kitchen and sprayed Bengal Roach Spray every where. Please pray they would get the hint and DIE!!!

Please pray that I would be wise with my free time and be sensitive to the Lord's direction. Pray that I would focus on Him and others and grow deeper in my relationship with Him.

Playground Fun!

I can't say it was actually that much "fun" for me! ME is soo brave it is scary! I felt like the entire time I was chasing after her trying to keep her from falling. While she was chasing after Gideon trying to do everything he could do.

9.11.2007

48 Hours---Update

Our second day did not go quite as well as the first. Gideon was is rare form when we return home from school. He was either being blatantly defiant or bursting into tears. He complained several times that his ear and throat hurt, but when I said I needed to call the doctor (not as a threat, but a fact), he had a miraculous recovery. We had eaten, bathed and were all piled in my bed by 6:30! We watched "Major Payne"---since the kids were being major pains!!! We were all asleep by 9! Fortunately, Gideon woke-up this morning feeling better and we all went to school. I spent the morning eating breakfast at McDonalds and then went to work off my McMuffin at the gym. 3 more days to go!!! Keith we miss you!!! Hope you are having a great time!

9.10.2007

Good Morning Daddy!!!

Don't Mess With Me!

When I picked ME up from school today, her teacher said that she had a hard day. She said a boy was picking on her (and I think a few of the other kids) and ME cried for "a long time"...I don't know if this means a few minutes or a few hours. The teacher smiled and said when ME finally stopped crying, she stood up and went and let the boy "have it"...what ever that means!

Other than this incident, ME and Gideon have adjusted very well to school. After lunch, I pick them up and she is always covered with soup, smiling from ear to ear! ME has loved eating at the school and she always asks for more soup! Gideon hates the school's food and is almost always the last to finish! Please continue to pray for their adjustment and development!

The First 24 Hours Without Keith

Our first day (Sunday) without Keith went well. The kids were shockingly good! This morning, we were running a few minutes late for preschool, as usual, despite my best efforts in preparing everything last night. We finally made it to the car and the ket would not turn. I called Chris, our colleague in Ivanovo, and he quickly helped us get going! Jiggle the wheel...who would have ever thought of that!!! I dropped the kids off at school only to have to run back home for their winter coats, hats and gloves! Keith was not here to give us the weather report...it is only 5 degrees (Celcius) outside!!! I am at the Internet Cafe checking messages, because our server at home is not working. I can Skype, but can not send and receive messages. How weird is that! I of course do not know our account number to ask the technitions. Where is Keith when we need him?!? We miss you and hope you are having a great time and eating lots of yummy food!