Updating Blog

The purpose of this blog has been to create a record for Daniel and Maria - so they will know how much they were loved even before they got to America and to recount the story of the time of how good God was to bring us together as a family. They're at an age now where I think they'll forget very little of the new things in their lives so the purpose of this blog is over. We're going to print out books for each of them of the whole blog and I sure hope they'll enjoy looking at them in the years to come as much as their mom loved recording treasured memories for them!

I love recounting their joys in life....swimming with friends, trying ice cream cones, and all of that - and I never want to quit being grateful to God for bringing Daniel and Maria, so I'm going to think of this as more of a change of venue. Since I don't need to record it for print for Daniel and Maria we're going to use facebook to record the joys and challenges of the day. Please come find me as a friend on facebook if you've been "Enjoying the Journey" with us and we'll continue the journey there!

Markay

Weekend Update

I'm happy to report that life is getting just plain old ordinary - or at least as ordinary as it can be with two very interesting children. We finished off the work week with church pictorial directory photos Friday night. Mom was wishing it could be at a different time because I've been sick really off and on for two weeks and still wasn't feeling that great, but we hurried home and got everyone fixed up for pictures only to go up and wait for an hour (when will Mom learn to take colors even if I don't want them wallering on the floor to color they love doing it and its a great distraction they enjoy). We survived and realized they really do enjoy dressing up. Afterwards we headed to Wendy's for a late dinner. They can certainly entertain me with their thoughts and Daniel loved studying the proofs - in black and white none of which we purchased!

On Saturday we sort of took it easy because mom still wasn't feeling so great. I'd called Daniel and Maria in to watch the alligators (their new favorite pretend animal) get tested for West Nile on "Dirty Jobs" when unexpectedly an alligator swiped the announcer in a spot that would hurt Daniel a lot more than it would've hurt Maria and Momma. A few hours later, Daniel was taking Maria's blood and checking for West Nile. I was amazed at how much they copied the "Dirty Jobs" show - Maria (the alligator) squirmed when Daniel took her blood and even though she didn't squirm within a foot of him he play acted the announcer's inadvertent injury with everything he had. He is a hilarious showman....of course, I already knew that. I'm not sure how many more nature shows will be added to their usual limited diet of Noggin shows, but they loved that show. Maria pretended to be a friendly alligator all weekend - snaps and growls but doesn't bite Momma in case you were wondering what a friendly alligator is.

Sunday was more interesting than I'd hoped. We got ready for church and headed out the door. All was wonderful until Daniel got sick about 10 steps from the SS building door. He was quite sick and Mom had to find a deacon that could help clean up the mess. Maria didn't want to leave church without going so she went with a friend I called on my cell who was walking in and Daniel and I went home. Daniel was some kind of sick for a about 6 hours but he's fine and back at camp today. He's getting sick less often these days but it was not that much fun for any of us for a few hours yesterday. All day yesterday I heard that they wanted to watch the alligator show so Mom's gotta start watching for alligator shows.

They're continuing to enjoy camp. This week Daniel has his first field trip for a movie. They love their Friday water slide days especially but both assure me that it is very different from school. They both miss their teachers they loved so much at preschool but would skip right through summer in a heartbeat to start big school early - they can't wait.

Busy Week and Weekend

This has been a rough but fun week/weekend. Mom's really been sick - and is still that way. Camp was fun for Daniel and Maria, but Friday was what they were really looking forward to - their first day of "big school". It was Step Up day before the current children got out of their school. They got to meet their teachers and classmates. Its nice that they'll have a couple of events before school to get to sort of hit the ground running with school. Daniel and Maria are both disappointed that its back to camp for the summer now though!

Since Mom missed so much work, Justin came to babysit to let Mom go to work on Saturday. They kiss me and push me out the door when Justin comes - they both love him!

Saturday evening, Mrs. Jamie and Mrs. Nicole came over to swim and grill with us. What fun that was! Daniel's been saying he missed Mrs. Jamie for a while (0nly a week after finishing preschool). The big surprise of the evening was that both Daniel and Maria learned how to swim - sans tubes and the whole thing. We had two little fish swimming between the three of us - and we had to take some mandatory rest breaks because of little hearts beating really fast! I'd been looking for a place for them to take swimming lessons without success - thinking we might pass on that opportunity for this summer now. It was so good to be with our friends again! We'll definitely need to do that again.

Mom woke up with fever again on Sunday so we stayed home together all day. It was not the best plan - single moms just don't have time to feel bad. On this day when mom really wanted to stay horizontal we had 5 spilled drinks, 1 large shelf pulled off of the wall on top of Daniel on the floor with every flash card we own having been on that shelf (no injuries fortunately - but definitely major scared!), and door hardware magically coming off of the door. This was not our best day for sure - although I'm thinking Daniel and Maria had a lot more fun than mom on this day! Tucked in a very disappointed Daniel that he doesn't get to go to big school tomorrow - may be a long time until August!

Daniel's still got a bottom tooth hanging on. We should have our first visit from the tooth fairy to report at some time this week.

Start to Camp

Daniel and Maria started camp on Tuesday. So far they seem to be enjoying it, but I don't get a lot of feedback about what they like. Daniel was disappointed when I told him he didn't need to take his backpack home every day - he definitely likes bringing his lunch every day - and his pillow and blanket to put in his cubbie. Maria enjoys lunch and coloring. I've noticed already that bandaids are much bigger at camp than they are at school - definitely industrial sized bandaids for playing outside injuries at camp....and the little cute smile when asked about the severity of that awful injury.....nothing!

Daniel told me today "I took a good nap". I sort of shook my head because the first two days I heard that he layed down and watched a movie during nap time. Today he said "they gave us a sucker for sleeping". What you think - sounds like the counselors may have needed a rest from a large group of five year olds - Daniel says there are 10 boys! He's enjoying the boys.

We came home and picked blackberries. They love those each day! And, they're protected by the pool fence/gate so I get to enjoy them with them. They both love them but seem to watch out for each other that they both get enough - and even offer mom one every now and then. I don't love eating them nearly as much as love watching them enjoy them!

Memorial Day Weekend and Off to Camp!

Lots of family was in for the weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. We dodged a few raindrops, but the children were all way more patient than I remember being at that age. They played great together as they always do.

My favorite new things for Daniel and Maria were Daniel's use of the word "delicious". He says it perfectly and every cookie he sees is a delicious cookie. Maria got new Dora sandals and there are no other shoes! She can put them on herself and she loves them - they're pink! They've enjoyed pretending to be Callan and Kenna every time we get in the pool, but they're working on being able to swim like them quickly. They can go all over in their tubes and Daniel's starting to venture out a bit without his. Their favorite entertainment in the pool though is saying "I see something pink" and having mom retrieve the rings and diving sticks from the bottom of the deep end! I definitely get a good workout with them in the pool!

Momma had to go to work on Memorial Day so everybody else swam for a while and headed for home. Grandma and PawPaw stayed with Daniel and Maria and worked in our yard a bit. It was nice to come home to trimmed shrubs and bushes!

We packed backpacks and lunches for the first day of camp. They were excited about their first day this morning! Can't wait to hear about it tonight!

Preschool is Over

Yesterday was Daniel and Maria's last day of preschool. It was a sad day for everyone except Daniel and Maria who are quite excited to heading for camp and "big school" now. It may be interesting next week to see what they think because I believe that Daniel and Maria expect that Mrs. Jamie and Mrs. Nicole will be at camp and school, too, by a few things they say. I'm not sure what I expected out of preschool as a rookie new mom of a 4 and 5 year old, but my expectations were far exceeded! The nostalgia that came from the week that included Daniel's end of year music program and end of year party left Mom teary eyed most of the week - joyful tears recounting just how far Daniel and Maria have come. I'm always cracking up when I hear words that we don't use at home coming out of their mouth - its fun trying to figure out just who they picked it up from at school (most of them have been good things, too!). And, for a while it was tough getting to keep my glasses on. It wasn't that Daniel wanted to wear them to see - he wanted to wear them hanging on his shirt like Mrs. Jamie. And, we've heard about Mrs. Nicole from Maria all year long. They didn't just have teachers this year - they are special friends!

Daniel's program

My mother is here for a few days. We had the joy of going to see Daniel's end of he year program at school. If you were following the blog back in December, you may remember that Daniel was terrified at their Christmas program. It was a different time last night. Daniel enjoyed himself - and was completely himself. He reacted to how the other parents enjoyed the children's singing and expression. Aunt Ellen and Uncle Paul also got to come check out the show. I've got pictures of course.

Daniel has been excited to have friends and family over to our house lately. Grandma spent the night in his bed last night and his cousins are coming for a weekend of swimming on Saturday. Daniel invited his teachers over for "tomorrow night" as we were leaving. As I was tucking Daniel in I obviously had to quiz him about where everyone was going to sleep. He had that all worked out - Grandma and PawPaw and Mrs. Jamie are going to sleep in Momma's bed. Momma, Daniel and Aunt Gay Lynn are going to sleep in his twin bed. Guessing that we can't get any of the proposed guests for this arrangement, but we're looking forward to having many friends over for swimming and grilling this summer!

Daniel has been so blessed by his school for this year. God definitely put us in just the right spot - for both Daniel and Maria - and we'll hate to leave when school is over on Friday and camp starts on Tuesday. Mrs. Jamie and Mrs. Nicole (Maria's teacher) will definitely be a continuing part of their lives - they're special!

Maria's Music Show Off Day

Today was Maria's Day at school to show off with her class all of the music they've learned. Aunt Ellen and Uncle Paul got to come and we were all set to watch Maria enjoy herself. That stinker decided to be shy on us. Every day in the rear view mirror I get the sweetest little music show you can imagine from the back seat. Guess we'll have to invite y'all to become flies on the wall! Maria decided people "may laugh at her" and sat in her chair. Mom learned today that when you send her to school in a dress you put shorts on underneath - especially if she's going to be embarassed or shy and needs to hide behind her legs! Guess I'll have to continue enjoying the show in the rear view mirror for a while longer....and Maria got her sucker anyway!

Daniel's Interesting Day

I've not put a lot about Daniel's recent medical struggles in the blog because I want to include things Daniel and Maria will want to remember. Today was definitely one that I want Daniel to remember. We started out at Occupational Therapy which he loves. Because of his ongoing issues with nausea and not eating, we had planned to work on eating issues today. He only goes to OT every two weeks and it has always been a productive time. Today was no exception. Daniel doesn't eat meat and they figured out why today - he does not have developed muscles in that area. He moves his mouth straight up and down without any grinding motion and needs to learn how to eat chewier things. Daniel will definitely laugh at their recommendation for learning to eat the good stuff (meat), he has to eat candy - Twizzlers and Tootsie Rolls. Those will help develop the muscles and he's supposed to try to add a few bites per meal of things that are more difficult for him to eat. Mom laughed because of Daniel's Sunday revelation that he needed to eat more candy.....guess he was right. Mom's a tad bit jealous because when I did speech as a youngster, I had to learn how to swallow. Rubber bands on my tongue for long stretches of time in silence and putting my tongue on "the spot" every time I saw a red sticker was WAY less fun than eating candy!

After OT it was back to school. And, as has been the case way too often these last couple of months, I got a call from Mrs. Jamie saying that Daniel was not feeling well. After a discussion with the pediatrician's office we headed off to the hospital for an ultrasound and an upper GI X-ray that we were supposed to do tomorrow. Daniel loves buttons and gadgets so tests like these have never been a challenge for Daniel. He doesn't seem scared at all. He took it to another whole level today though on the upper GI test. They added chocolate syrup to the barium you have to drink and had him watching things on the screen with the x-ray over him and his "chocolate milk" ready to drink through a big straw. He sucked it down immediately and asked if there was more! He was finished with that test in no time - not sure what it showed, but we're praying that Daniel can start keeping his food with him soon!

Sick children are rough on blogging!

Yes, it has been almost a week since I've posted. We've had a lot of fun....Disney on Ice with Aunt Gay Lynn, a Mother's Day Breakfast at school....then it happened.....Daniel got sick again right after the breakfast. Daniel's been having a ton of problems with throwing up so he'll be having a bunch more tests to try to figure out what's going with this, but we've had two months of this and it is time for a solution.

On top of that, Maria got sick as she walked into the doctor's office for Daniel on Friday. No, they didn't have the same thing.....she had a fever for most of the weekend. So, we had a sick weekend. In the midst of this we did have a few cute things I wanted to share:

Daniel liked me to lay down beside him for a while when I tuck him in and he says "Listen to me, Momma". I'm supposed to be all ears and I usually want to because I always see those eyes sparkling coming up with something great to tell me. Sunday afternoon for his nap he had a really good one - he told me that at the Detskey Dome that all he ate was candy and that is how he got so tall and strong. No worries, other times he's told me that they mostly had green soup to eat and that matches what I saw them eating. But, he continued on, "momma, I need to eat more candy so I can grow taller and stronger". I, of course, saw that one coming about the time I heard that he's eaten so much candy at the orphanage. That boy keeps those wheels spinning for sure.

The children were interesting and fun to watch at the Disney on Ice show. Maria enjoyed the show. She watched with very little facial expression changes - and many trips to the little girl's room. Daniel on the other hand, ate a snow cone without ever taking his eyes off of the ice skaters. He knew all about ice skating from having watched it on the "little tv at the detskey dome". He clapped, hooped and hollered. Mickey Mouse - or as he says, "Miska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse" was his favorite. They love to make up words that have a Russian sound and the Mickey Mouse Club passwords are the real thing and sound very Russian too. Maria is the queen of the Russian sounding words though. I really need to get with Aunt Elena on the phone soon because I don't think they're speaking any Russian - just Russian sounding words.

A few quickies on swimming.....

.....things I learned just the last few days:

1) There is a reason little girls wear bikinis. Maria now has one or two - one pieces are very hard to get out of when they're wet and impossible to get back on without mom and some injuries.

2) Never fall for the eat and swim thing. Yes, it is an old wives tale that you shouldn't swim for 30 minutes after you eat, but I let them con me into saying "yes" to eat and swim, eat and swim. Mom was left eating and they never took another bite all night.

3) They swim better when mom is on the side. See #2. Prior to our attempt at eating, I was getting much exercise swimming around the pool with two little ones clinging to me tightly in their tubes and swimmies. Amazing how great they can "swim" when they can go eat with mom or swim by theirselves until she gets back in!

4) Even dead bees in the pool need shooting with the water gun.

5) Live dragonflies need to be shot with the water gun, but they needn't worry about actually being hit for now. PETA has no worries.

6) I'm not quite sure how to keep a skinny little guy warm in the pool. Daniel shakes a lot in the pool because he's cold, but has no interest in getting out at all!

7) During the night we learned that we need to start using Swimmer's Ear before/after we get in the pool. Daniel's got swimmer's ear, so we'll be out of the pool for a few days!

I've been so looking forward to being able to enjoy the pool with Daniel and Maria and it is at least as much fun as I envisioned!

Weekends are fun!

We're so glad that it is swimming pool time for real now - Daniel still shivers the whole time....even if he is smiling the whole time, too. We swam and grilled burgers Saturday afternoon and night. Daniel and Maria are both very comfortable in the water but neither knows how to swim yet. They're happy to play in their tubes and/or swimmies with the occasional lesson from mom. We'll be looking for lessons whenever we can work it out and things settle down a bit.

Daniel LOVES eating outside. When we said our prayers at bedtime Saturday night, Daniel wanted me to pray that we could eat outside every night.

Daniel was probably quite disappointed when Sunday turned out rainy and we did not get to get in the pool at all. I've had a can of shaving cream out on the back patio for about a month for Daniel and Maria to play with, but it has gone unnoticed. With the rain subsiding a little bit and Daniel and Maria very stir crazy, they discovered it. They started a little slow - in up to their elbows, but they ended up covered from head to toe with the stuff - had to strip and hose off before heading in directly to the bathtub!

Exhausting week....but special as they all are.

It has been a very full week, but we closed it out in the swimming pool, a quick supper, and off to bed. Bed time is such a special time. Its 9:30 now and they're still not asleep - so much for that thought that swimming would wear 'em out.

We tried telling a few stories tonight. Daniel always likes telling me about the Detskey Dome so I decided to tell him the story of the first time I met him. I told him how Elena went with me on the big plane to Russia and how I got to meet him by himself that first time because Maria had to go to the doctor. I told him he'd told Maria all about us by the time we got back in the afternoon to get to meet them both again. I told him what a good big brother he was to Maria. He interupted me to tell me that Maria is special and he protects her from people who push her in the back (at the Detskey Dome - and no doubt he did that plenty!!). I told him how I'd run back to the hotel to call Grandma, PawPaw, Aunt Gay Lynn, and Aunt Kayla and to email them pictures of them - that about ended the story though when he told me how "special" Maria is - Momma loses it really quick on stuff like that. Maria IS special, but Daniel is every bit as special.

I could hear much motion in the next room so I went to visit with Maria for a few minutes. I sang her the special song that she loves so much "You're a special child, a special child, no one else is quite like you. You're a special child, a special child - I love you." She interupted me about halfway through telling me to sing that Daniel is special. I do have two special children that love each other very much.....Mom sheds more tears.

What a blessing it is to have these two who love each other unbelievably and share some of that love with a mom that loves then right back! God has been good to us!

Maria is something else

Maria's developing quite the personality in the last few weeks. She's becoming an individual and stepping a lot out of Daniel's shadow. She's been fixing Momma's hair, playing some really cool pretend games with baskets becoming boats - which get sent straight to time out if they throw her. But this afternoon I realized that she is the typical little American girl now. She was totally uninterested in her nap this afternoon and started doing a little of the chanting that she often does to go to sleep. Usually it is a lot more sylables than words - either Russian or English. On this day it was unmistakable- "Swiper no swiping". Yes, she is a little American girl - all interested in Dora like a lot of little girls!

A few quick updates

This has been a wild week - as they all are, but thought I'd share a few things. Yesterday mom was exhausted and thinking how the children were wearing me out - here it is Wednesday and I'm shot! Well, this morning when I went to take my medicine (I have resorted to one of those old people's pill things for expediency since Daniel and Maria's arrival) I realized I had to have taken today's medicine yesterday - which means I had to have taken my medicine twice yesterday. There I go blaming poor little Daniel and Maria for mom's fatigue....mom's fault!

Last night neither child slept, so today might be interesting - and tiring for real cause! Those times late at night are some of the sweetest though in terms of really getting to know Daniel and Maria though. Last night Daniel was really talkative about the Detskey Dome and how he got to America and what he liked and didn't there. I always love telling Daniel and Maria how much God loved them and brought us together. Daniel told me last night "Jesus loves me" when he started telling about coming to America. I'm glad he is starting to know just who to give the credit to for all He's done in our lives.

We got a new CD to practice for school and the first song on there is about how special they are. When it comes on Maria's face turns on the biggest smile - she loves it. It has to be the shortest song on there, but it makes Maria and Daniel both smile, ask to play it again, and makes Mom cry every single time. Daniel and Maria are special -nobody else is quite like them and Momma is so glad!

Maria likes crawfish & Daniel climbs a wall

We went to a friend's home this afternoon for a crawfish boil. Daniel and Maria had lots of firsts today - Daniel climbed a rock wall they had out there (well.....part of the way anyway), rode a razor (and was great at it - he'd tried it when he first got home and wasn't close - he's grown!), and flew a kite. Daniel had spotted the kites when we drove up and could hardly contain himself to give that a try. His kite bit the dust and he had it flying again on the first try so he probably thinks its easier than it usually is here.

Maria was a little more bashful about trying new things but she was not bashful about trying and enjoying the boiled crawfish. She ate at least 5 before Mom got to eat one. She even tried peeling them herself, but we don't quite have the hands for that yet. She's definitely the first four year old that I know of that likes crawfish - think she's going to make a great Louisianian. Daniel on the other hand was true to form - wouldn't even try it. He'd much rather play than eat every single time - and Mom is still trying to learn to be that way....and get him to eat!

Daniel is in more pictures because Maria pulled a little bit of a shy moment on us at first. Usually she rushed right into things but today she practically bruised my hand hanging on. This in contrast to her showing her toys to total strangers in the grocery store. Who can guess? She warmed up after a little while but was not at all as interested in getting too far away from Momma.

Daniel will deserve this to be recorded forever!

This week I have been admiring how far we've come. Today is our 6 month "gotcha day" - at least that's when the adoption decree said I was their mom. We have definitely come miles. For some reason I thought this afternoon would be a great time to go shopping - a full basket trip. I was beginning to realize that we have some more training to do very early when they went up to a lady they don't know who I just happened to know to show their cars and baby seal - and share their happiness with the fruit SHE was buying. Yes, it was that kind of day. We made our way to the end with one lady noting that children keep your mind so young - her grandchildren really help her with that too. She passed on by as I wondered to myself if she was thinking I was their grandmother. Off to the checkout we go and I had some help but was mostly loading the whole buggy worth of groceries on the checkout line myself. Guess Daniel wanted some payback for me for the grandmother comment from that lady. I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye poking on her bunion pad and then he says loudly "Look Momma - a bobo". I did want to crawl in a hole quickly but I'm laughing so hard I'm crying at the moment - now that the car is unloaded!

Lesson of this day: No matter how hard you try, you can not look at two children doing two different things at the same time.....kinda thinking that I need to be watching Daniel next time! Mr. Curiosity is surprising me daily - in my wildest dreams I'd have never dreamed to keep on the lady's bunion pads!

More Pictures from the Weekend

Here are a few more pictures from the weekend - haircuts, happy cousins, egg dying...... it was a good time!

Birthday dinner

Daniel's getting so grown. I've been asking him where he wanted to go for his birthday dinner telling him he could go anywhere. He wanted to eat outside, so we went to Izzo's and ate on the patio. He had chips and queso and some of Maria's quesadilla. Maria had quesadilla and drank plenty of Daniel's queso! That was funny - guess they're aclimating to Louisiana cuisine (hot stuff) slowly but surely. I got some pretty fowl faces when Maria tried the salsa, so we still have a little ways to go before anyone thinks their indiginous to the area!

The most fun was having them kick back and enjoy the birds building a nest in the fan, watching the cars go by on Bluebonnet Extension, and just visiting for at least a half hour. It is so fun to see him sit back and enjoy life! These days Daniel is telling a lot about the Detskey Dome and comparing it to his life now. I think he got this way when we started talking about his birthday. The worst evils of the Detskey Dome were: eating green soup all of the time, having to sleep too much, babies crying all of the time, not letting him go to sleep in Maria's bed with her and getting spanked for it when he got caught (and they make adoptive parents sign something saying they won't spank....hmm). He talks about all of this with a smile on his face - Daniel seems to know he's loved and staying in America with his Momma and Maria forever - and THAT makes Momma happy. I'm so glad that this is the first of lots of special days for Daniel and Maria!

Today is Daniel's Birthday!

Today I have a 6 year old. It is so sad to see him grow up so fast already, but exciting to see him enjoying his new life in America. As we drove to school he was singing a made up song about Detskey Dome Never.....doesn't like to sleep all day. Apparently they took way too many naps for him and slept too long anyway.

We had biscuits and chocolate milk for breakfast per his request. We took donuts to school (we'll do cupcakes next week so his special teacher, Mrs. Jamie, can be there for his school celebration). Daniel loves to share and I left him sharing birthday donuts with all of the children and teachers. I love the way Daniel shares - he almost spilled his donuts trying to share with another teacher as he walked down the hall.

Easter Weekend

We'll have to add pictures later but we had a great Easter weekend. We headed up to my parents on Friday morning and got a call along the way to find out if Aunt Markay would be "a responsible adult". I knew I was in for it then. PawPaw had set up a tent in the front yard for the children to play in and my nieces, Callan and Kenna, saw a camping opportunity. I was committed before we even arrived. When we did, the tent got immediate attention....before Daniel and Maria started getting serious about the bike riding and gator driving that they always love on the farm.

Later we went to get Maria a hair cut where her Grandma gets hers cut. They'd come up with a plan for a cute short haircut. Maria loved her new "do".

We grilled hot dogs out for supper and the children quickly turned their attention to camping - they were ready before dark! We did have to die eggs for our egg hunt the next day and Daniel seemed to really enjoy making "pretty eggs". He'd missed his egg dying day at school so this was his first chance. We dyed a lot of eggs and then it was time to move on to the tent. There were no complaints from any of the children that there was bedtime associated with this. We had air mattresses and not nearly enough covers! At one point I had four children on the same twin air mattress - and the floor was looking very attractive. We had a great time the next morning singing and making up songs with four happy children - in spite of waking up cold. They immediately started angling for staying out Saturday night, too. They'd eyed Grandma as a likely taker....and they were right! She spent the next night out. It was fun and I'd definitely do it again!

Saturday was filled with a family egg hunt and picnic. Daniel and Maria got to meet their big cousins - our family from Lake Charles that come out every Easter for an egg hunt. Daniel was very interested in playing with the older boys but everybody just had a great time doing their thing out in the country. There were four wheeler rides and mainly enjoying a beautiful day!

Easter Sunday we all went to a special early service at my grandmother's church. That was a nice service followed by a special breakfast.

Sunday afternoon was Daniel's 6th birthday. His birthday is tax day, but he wanted to have his party at the farm with his cousins, Callan, Kenna, and Carson. It was STORMING by the time it came time for the party. We had decided to move the party to the pecan shed across the street from my folks.....bad plan in a storm. It was so loud that we couldn't hear ourselves talk to the person next to us. PawPaw climbed up to a second floor roof on a ladder and that became the entertainment - the children lined up to climb the ladder and get their picture taken and take a peak around the shed. The cake was great. Daniel didn't quite have the concept of presents down - he went and gave all of them back to the person that gave them. It was cute. Daniel's thrilled to be 6 - or almost 6 as it is now.

Pictures coming shortly.....Mom has been working on taxes since we got home.

Easter!

This morning we saw some Easter baskets in the grocery store. Its Easter Egg Hunt/Party day at school for both of them. Maria saw one with a Barbie that she liked and Daniel saw one that had some planes and things. As we were on the way to school I was trying to explain the Easter Bunny coming to visit Saturday night. I was explaining that the Easter Bunny will bring all of the children candy and little things on Saturday night. Daniel responded "Jesus loves me.". I don't know what he meant by it, but it sounds to me like Daniel's picked up the real meaning of Easter in every way!

Happy Easter - and I am so glad that Jesus loves us!

The Day After

Yesterday was nearly as wild as Sunday.....although everybody was mostly feeling better. Daniel started looking a little green as we were leaving the house for school and Aunt Gay Lynn's (for him). So, I gave him the magic pill (Zophran ODP - a drug to prevent nausea for chemo patients). About an hour or so later, Gay Lynn called saying Daniel had chest pain....which Mom knew was one of the things that the info sheet had said to call about. So, I had to take Daniel in - to work on what's causing all of his nausea/vomitting (we've had a whole week of it off and on) -and to make sure the chest pain was not something serious. Doctor said to consider Daniel allergic to the magic pill because it doesn't usually cause chest pain in children.....too bad - it works great! So far we haven't had any more sickness since the pill yesterday morning, so hopefully we're on the road to recovery.

We had to make another trip to the hospital with Daniel for blood tests and an EKG. They had been to this hospital once before for blood work on the Monday after they'd arrived in the US on Saturday - so nearly 6 months ago. The minute we walked into the office where they take the blood, Daniel started squirming and saying "No, momma". He remembered exactly what they do there - and even pointed to the area where they took the blood. I couldn't believe since he's been exposed to so much since that day last October. I've always said he doesn't forget anything - and I believe it even more now! Maria went first then and we really needed Maria to get a little blood first to help Daniel out - she didn't cry and neither did he. This time there were definitely many tears from Daniel when he was on his own! Of course, he was more than happy to pick out stickers and some to share afterwards!

Aunt Gay Lynn ended up with both Daniel and Maria for the afternoon at her house - they planted some tomato plants, stuffed candy eggs, and had plenty of fun. They always love going to Aunt Gay Lynn's.

Maria came home with gum which she didn't want to lose at bedtime. I took it and threw it away in her trash can. Momma obviously needs some more training because I came in a few hours later to find Maria asleep but chewing and the garbage can out of place. I tried to retrieve gum that I thought might be there and didn't find it as she turned over a couple of times in the process. This morning.....yes, gum....fortunately still in her mouth. And, yes, it had come from the garbage can! At least it didn't get in her hair......sort of thinking gum may disappear from our house for a while!!

Our first ER Visit

This morning was totally wild. Daniel's been taking an antibiotic all week and has been sick off and on throughout. This morning when I got him up, it was clearly something else. He'd thrown up more than once and never even woken up. He was totally pitiful. He couldn't hold anything down, so it was pretty apparent after a couple of hours that we needed some help. We called the pediatrician, dropped Maria off in a friend's care at church without her hair even combed (she looks cute now, so looks like Kristi fixed her right up. So thankful for friends and aunts - on this and many days!

Off to the pediatrician's office we were. I had a pitiful little boy laying in my lap when he wasn't throwing up in the doctor's office while waiting for an hour in the waiting room. Then, as soon as the doctor saw him he said he needed to go to the ER for fluids. I got Kristi out of church to make sure that Maria could stay put - praying she could help (its nice Mom's already learned you always leave the car seat just in case). We got to the ER all the while throwing up continually. They hustled him in but let him lay there for a while. They gave him some great pill and then told us to start a little gatorade. It was like magic. They never eve had to give him the IV fortunately. Daniel was a great patient - and it was so interesting that they would've never known he wasn't an English speaker - he gladly picked out the frowny face showing how he felt (Mom was still proud even if he felt so poorly - it was obvious how well he was understanding and communicating when he felt absolutely horrible!). This was the pediatric ER at the Lake and we would definitely not hesitating going back - it was a great experience. Daniel's so much better and we have some more of the magic pill for home (Mom's not so secretly hoping he doesn't need it so we can save them for the next time!)

We've retrieved Maria so have a little Sunday left to enjoy on the couch as of 4 PM - what a day - and this all started at 6:30! I ALWAYS hate to agree with Hillary on anything, but it definitely "took a village" on this day!

Daniel's a born hard worker!

This week I've been blessed to see Daniel's compassionate heart. There ar e a couple of stories I want to record in their blog for Daniel to know about in the future - this blog is for them someday!

On Thursday in music they were singing about growing up. Miss Felicia asked the children in Daniel's class what they wanted to be when they grew up. Momma was happy to hear that he's going to take care of Momma and Maria when he grows up. Daniel's been a great big brother to Maria, and I'm so glad that he's wanting to be a good provider - hopefully for his own wife and children some day, but I thought that was such a sweet answer!

Daniel's always seemed to like work. This morning we were playing at the neighborhood school playground (the park was full!) and noticed an older man cleaning up limbs in his backyard across the fence. I asked Daniel and Maria if they'd like to go help him. Daniel was quick to say "yes". So, we found the house and went to his backyard. The man was surprised but glad to have the help. My Daniel would take a limb to the street, stack it, and RUN back to get another one. He was much faster than Maria and me - maybe 2 to 1. I love how much Daniel has such a strong work ethic. It will definitely be something that will serve him well for a lifetime!

Enjoying it as it comes

This afternoon about 1:30 I got a call saying that the power was out at Daniel and Maria's school and it was almost time for nap time to be over. They were going to close the school in a little while. So, at 2:40 their school day ended and we had all kinds of extra time to enjoy. First we went by and played with Reagan at Aunt Gay Lynn's and retrieved all of her garbage cans from down the drive and down the street (it was a powerful storm that lasted almost no time!).

Then I surprised them with ice cream cones at Sonic. We got out and sat at a table and we had a great time. The whole time they had their ice cream cones they didn't know anyone else was around. They loved every lick. Ice cream is definitely their favorite and it is way more special if it is in a cone. Maria eats every bit but Daniel won't eat the cone. We sang stores about the ice cream cones - making up at least 20 verses about how Daniel and Maria felt about their ice cream. I saw a few people come and go and I'm quite certain they should pay us to come every day and get ice cream at Sonic. Everyone that drove up seemed to really enjoy watching them as they waited for their orders.

After they finished their cones we had quite a learning experience. The lady from Sonic came to visit and Daniel was up being a boy - looking at all of the cars - and especially the trucks. A lady with a wrecked front came up within 5' of where we were sitting. Daniel loves to touch everything that interests him when he sees it - and we've been waiting for the perfect opportunity for him to learn that we keep our hands to ourselves. He started out saying "Momma it is broken" and pointed. Momma started getting a little nervous at that point. He got up and studied the car's bobo a little closer saying "Momma, its broken" with a very concerned look on his face. About that time the lady in the car yelled at him to get away from her car. She looked like the crazy one, but I think we learned a very valuable lesson that Momma's been trying to teach them. I think we'll be looking from a distance from now on.

Now, we're home and playing hard outside. I'm typing this post from the back patio and enjoying watching them at least as much fun as the ice cream spectators did watching them play. We've had a pretty steady variety of vehicles that we were driving (bicycles turned big truck, school bus, and little truck). Maria's got the sidewalk chalk painting our carport floor yellow. Daniel's now got his rubber boots on with his sword "making snow" - wiping out the rest of Momma's bridal wreath blooms for this year. He marches like a good soldier. Have I said lately how much I'm enjoying the longer days of late? Well, this one was extra long and extra fun - we've still got two hours of daylight left.

Tonight we're going to have a picnic outside of the Hurricane Gustave emergency meals. Daniel's excited because we're going to have soldier meals! We're definitely going to eat them outside without the benefit of electricity! This is fun!

I've found the wake-up trick!

Last night we had a little training opportunity so Daniel and Maria did not get to take their baths. Naturally they went out immediately and played with glitter, sidewalk chalk, and every other messy thing they could find to make Momma rethink the bathing "training opportunity". I was last night, but not this morning! Maybe Maria, but Daniel could NOT go to school with glitter, so when it was time to get up to take a bath I just went in and turned on the bath water in their bathroom. First came Maria saying "Kapatza" as she hit her door - light still off. At least 2 milliseconds later, Daniel joined her in the bathroom ready to hop in! No problem waking these two up this morning, and they had a great time as always in the bathtub!

They know that it is bath, but we love "Kapatza" so Daniel and Maria (and Momma) may take Kapatza's instead of baths for the forseeable future.

Today, Daniel's a Kangaroo

This morning all was wonderful until Daniel had to throw up on the way to school. So, Maria is off to school and Daniel is at home with a Mom that is scratching her head. Daniel acted like a very sick boy for two hours and he suddenly just now told me that he's a kangaroo and started jumping on the bouncing thing in his underwear (he's been watching the underwear dance on Wow Wow Wubzy). No.....he's not at all immitating a sick boy.

Looks like Momma might get to catch up on a little housework and Noggin (Wonder Pets and Wow Wow Wubzy are their favorites) today. Looks like Mom will be working this weekend.

Daniel needed a trim, but he wanted it cut really short. Check out his new haircut.

A Few Pictures

Here are a few pictures from the weekend with some explanations. Daniel and Maria both love to color. Thought it was fun when I saw them really coloring together - one on each side of the page. They did this for a good long time - cute! Daniel is doing some occupational therapy and he gets to play in shaving cream - here's a little practice at home - on the back patio. He enjoyed the shaving cream but really enjoyed the water hose afterward at least as much. The last picture was them sitting together waiting for Momma to leave for Sunday school. Daniel loves the life vest (except in the pool) for the games he comes up with and Maria was all proud of her pretty dress. As you can tell, they really enjoy each other. They often make their Momma smile .....and grab the camera.

Last night we went out to dinner with Aunt Gay Lynn for her birthday. We went to Texas de Brazil - Aunt Gay Lynn's favorite place. I'm not sure why they have so much on the salad bar and for the meat they bring around the table. Daniel and Maria would be perfectly content to have only the grilled bananas! They eat a few other things but there is no question what their favorite thing is! We had a good time with Aunt Gay Lynn. Daniel and Maria always enjoy spending time with their Aunt Gay Lynn.

A Rainy Morning

This morning I heard Maria crying - she'd fallen out of bed. I went to tuck her back in and realized that Daniel was awake from a storm as well. Soon we all ended up in Momma's bed....never to sleep again this night. They kept running to the window (w/ blinds fully open) to watch the rain and lightning. I've learned when there will be no more sleep for anyone and this has definitely been one of those mornings.

They've been playing and had breakfast a long time ago as well. Now, Momma gets to watching them coloring - they've been doing it quite a while. Daniel's coloring the left hand side of the book and Maria the other. Daniel's giving her the occasional instruction to "Stay in the lines" and they are clearly enjoying coloring together.....turning the page and doing the next one. That's worth waking up early to enjoy.

Maria's Sunday Finest

Maria woke up wanting to wear one of really nice dresses again this morning. She was absolutely adorable in it and Momma loves picking up a clean little girl (she's usually black from playing hard on the playground). I'll definitely have to ask what she does for fun on her dress up days but it obviously is something other than her normal playing - she has stayed clean every time!

When we got home she immediately hopped on her bicycle even before we went inside. We played an hour of red light/green light, school bus (Momma was Maria's and Daniel's passenger) and choo choo train (again, mom gets to be the passenger and has to walk really fast to keep up!).

Its fun playing pretend with them. I'm very curious how they know how the school bus door opens - Maria had it just right....and I don't know that they've ever ridden on a school bus or even seen one up close. Daniel's favorite pretend game is to be Momma and I always get to be Daniel. Of course, tonight I'm two teachers at the same time - one for each of them! I'm definitely learning some new skills!

Maria's Pretty Dress

Maria had 3 beautiful dresses to choose from on Sunday morning. She didn't have any trouble making a choice. This was her choice - and she looked mighty cute! Oh - and the letter stickers in the background.....hopefully those will come off one of these days!

A Swimming Conspiracy

This afternoon on the last part of the way home I returned the call of a friend from Phoenix who I hadn't gotten to talk to in a few months. Obviously I'd missed some interesting conversation in the back seat. Daniel and Maria both got out of the back seat without shoes and socks. I didn't think much of it until they took a left turn when they came through the back gate and announced that they wanted to swim. Momma was completely thinking that they wanted to put their feet in the water so I opened the gate. In the few seconds that it took me to unlock the gate this is what happened.

No, the swimming suits weren't out there handy. We had to run inside to get them after being a little underdressed for the back yard. Obviously Sunday afternoon Daniel and Maria learned all they truly needed to learn to enjoy the pool - how to spray water out of the noodle. That was pretty much what they were interested in doing tonight - and they're fairly accurate. Momma is likely to pay for that little lesson in the months to come!