Attention Anyone by the Name of Jeff...

This blog is for the person called Jeff who happens to be the boyfriend of Allie! Zack wants to say beware and watch your back! Allie is spoken for by Zack Alexander Rivera!!! The fact that she will have to wait 13 years for him to be legal is beside the point. Zack says, "Allie, Kisses, Kisses..."

From Zack to Jeff, "I beat you up"!!!

Hume Lake 2007 (more pics on 7/4)

First, let me tell you a little bit about Hume Lake. I have been all over the world from the Puerto Rico to Alaska, France, England, Hungary, St. John, St. Thomas, Italy, Aruba, Germany, Russia - you get the drift. Of all of these places, Hume Lake is my ABSOLUTE favorite place to be. I think there are many reasons for this, but the biggest has to be because God speaks to me loudest when I am at Hume. There is just something about being high up in the Sequoias. The smell of the trees; the breeze off of the lake; the crackle of the fire; the aroma of smores; the sound of birds chirping; the smiles on faces; the absence of the internet, phones, and the media; the warmth of family and friends; and the bright stars in the sky all come together to make Hume a special place for me. I have been going to Hume each year for about 12 years now, and I have grown to look forward to this one week a year with great anticipation. This year that anticipation was even greater because it was my first year to take my son and daughter with me on the annual family vacation!!! What an awesome experience we had!

Zack got to go to day camp with Josh and Kenny. Each morning from 8:45-noon, the boys went to day camp where they went boating, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, and heard stories from the Bible. In the evenings, they had night camp from 6:45-9:00 where they enjoyed camp fires, scavenger hunts, water balloon fights and more of God's Word. They had a royal BLAST! Zack would beg to go back each day. He still asks when he can go back! What a blessing these Godly young people are as they have fun with these little ones and lead them to Christ. I hope some day Zack and Sophia can serve in like manner.

Sophia went to the nursery once because she BEGGED to stay. I was so sad leaving her, but she was excited. When it was over, she RAN into my arms and told me all about the fun she had. I was a little worried because the room resembled an orphanage play room. I wondered if she'd feel afraid or abandoned. She didn't at all. She KNEW that I was going to come back for her, and when I did she was oh so sure that she belonged to me.

Zack and Sophia had great fun all week with Aunty Juan-da (Wanda) and Uncle Don. Sophia called Wanda Juan all week! LOL She cooked with Uncle Don, fixed his hair, and sat for long periods of time playing the keyboard with him. Mostly, she talked non-stop and all in English. Any time someone would get up, she would say, "Where you going"? "What you doing"? It was so hilarious (and tiring)!!!

Zack and Sophia slept in their tents each night (indoors), and they loved it. Josh and Kenny shared a room and slept much better than if Zack had been snoring (yep, he does)! The kids all play so well together. The younger three cousins can play for hours without incident. It is fun to watch them.

Zack did front flips off of the diving board as the teenage boys cheered him on. He also was crushing on Allie. He would look at her and say, "Kisses, Kisses"! She would smile which just made Zack want to kiss her more! What can I say? He just has it in him.

During the week at Hume Lake, the kids learned how to proficiently use pronouns. They no longer talk in third person! Wanda and Don were amazed at how much they learned in the 7 days we were gone.

For any out there looking for an AWESOME family vacation, I highly suggest a week at Hume Lake Christian Camps! There is tons to do with the kids, and so much time to relax while the camp couselors take them off of your hands to entertain and teach them!

Here are a few pics. Please comment and let me know which ones you like best!

Doctor Day

Well, today was the day that Sophia got her shots - five in all! Last week Zack got his shots - four in all. Well, last week when Zack got shots, he wailed even before the needles showed up!!! Poor Stephanie had a hard time holding him down. He was brave afterwards bragging about his war wounds, but during was quite the scene.

Well, Sophia remembered all of this, and one would think that when Sophia got to the doctor's office she would begin crying or be scared immediately. NOPE, not my daughter - she began to say, "Sophia no crying." "Zack cry." "Sophia, no cry." To which, Zack responds - YOU ARE GOING TO CRY!!! Sophia - "Nyet Sophia cry." It had become a big competition.

Stephanie said that Sophia climbed right up on the table and did not cry until the shot went in her leg. She also didn't move her hands until the last of 5 shots!!! She climbed down from the table gathered herself and said something to the effect of, "I cried a little, Zack." "You cried a lot"!!!

Not long after that, Zack said, "Stepha when are you bringing me back for more shots." "Zack no cry."

Unbelievable, the kid wants to go back to prove he is more of a man than his little sister!!!!

The Russian Language

This is going to be a short post!

Zack and Sophia don't want to speak Russian anymore. They speak entirely in broken and not so broken English. I, though, have wanted to preserve at least 10 to 20 words that we continue to use as a family - sort of like the spanglish I grew up with.

Well, tonight I learned from my mom's Russian realtor that a few words we have been preserving are quite startling:

zho pa = ASS not bum like we thought, but as I suspected it meant ass. So while we have been saying I got your zhopa all sweet and giggly we have been cussing away!

govna = shit which we thougth meant toot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY STARS! So, we've been saying Zack or Sophia foochie shit for many weeks!!!

We did, however, learn that pelican is actually the name of the orphanage that Zack was in as in Russia many orphanages are named after birds.

Now, there are MANY more words that we have learned to use that are harmless, but these two were surprising. I mean those of you who know me know how CONSERVATIVE I am when it comes to parenting. Just think about it, I have been scooting my angels along saying I'm going to get your little ass............ AMAZING and APPALLING........BUT,

they won't even remember what these words mean in a year or two. They will mean what we have made them mean. However, I am not planning on cussing regularly to my children anymore!!!!

OH MY OH MY OH MY OH MY OH MY OH MY is all I can say!

Sophia and Momma Cook Spaghetti Pie Together

Tonight Sophia and I cooked spaghetti pie together. We had great fun! See the pics below to capture the evening:

Then Auntie Gina came home, and we all enjoyed the yummy food!!!

Zack Talks About the Orphanage (dome detsky) 4th post of the day so read on...

So, Zack brought up the orphanage with grandma and Auntie Stephanie yesterday. Here is what it sounded like as he replayed it for me later all on his own after all the other kids had fallen fast asleep:

Dome Detsky no parks...no clothes; clothes blah...no shoes (poonchy lip)...no pajamas...no bikes...no swimming pools (look of sadness)...no yum yums; yum yums blah...no brush your teeth blah...no brush my a hair blah...no Zack's spot (bed)...no momma (very sad eyes followed by a huge smile and a hug)...no toys...no Stepha...no Uncle Jerry...no Uncle Shoe...no Gina...no Josh ee Kenny...DOME DETSKY BLAH... pause - smirk - Sophia semi lote dome detsky (giggle) Translation: (send Sophia back) giggle giggle giggle... Then he says no to sending her back. He was kidding. He said DOME DETSKY BLAH - Momma's doma karashow (good).

To which I said, I will love you forever. I showed him with sign language that no matter how big he gets, he will always be momma's boy and always be able to be at momma's doma. He smiled and then went into Zack mode as he climbed up on my shoulders to touch the ceiling to show me just how long he wanted to stay - until he is as tall as the ceiling. Forever, my boy!

Precious - that is what this conversation was - start to finish. What a miracle it is to see his life changed forever. I saved my tears for later because I wanted him to sense the celebration of it all!

A Trip to the Nail Salon

Okay, so we went to the nail salon this evening and Sophia thoroughly enjoyed herself! She picked out her nail polish and then found this chair with holes in it. Next thing I and her Uncle Jerry knew, she exclaimed, "Where is it"? We looked at her in awe like, "Dudette, you speak English"!!! She was holding the nail polish through the holes, and she was sure we couldn't see it!

The ladies in the nail salon were watching Sophia and smiling as she would show me her nails after each one was painted. She would say, "You like it"? No one even knew she was a little Russian girl. She sounds like an American toddler. I can't believe how much English she has learned so quickly!

And, here is the finished product! Aren't those the cutest little toes ever???

My little angel actually turned a little naughty once home...She got caught playing in the toilet water just swirling away with her newly painted nails right after she took a popka (poo)!!!!! Oh my stars, she is such a crazy girl! She got to go to bed "early"... It was really already her bedtime, but she certainly thought it was because of her toilet antics! That's my girl - so prim and proper yet not afraid to get her hands dirty! LOL

Weekend Photos as Promised

The kids love to have their picture taken! It is so funny because every time I take a picture, Zack and Sophia say, "Let me see"!!! So after each shot, they check it out and then run back to get in position for another shot! Zack was especially proud of the silly pic this time around!

Cupcakes Anyone????

Two Posts in One Weekend???

Well, I had more pictures, but Blogger is having issues tonight so I'll post for those who read as well as look at pictures! :)

Today, I took Josh, Zack, and Sophia grocery shopping with me. Josh pushed one cart with Zack happily sitting in the cart, and I pushed the other cart with Sophia in it. It was an uneventful trip other than hearing various cartoon character's names yelled out left and right. Josh talked me into some cupcakes! Zack talked me into Spider Man fruit snacks, and Sophia talked me into CARROTS!!! LOL So, I had to throw in some SCOOBY DOOBY fruit snacks for her!

When I would concentrate on my list and compare prices, I must have had a serious look on my face because Sophia would grab my cheeks softly and say, "Mom, where's your smile"? This is funny because I don't let my kids pout or let their anger fester. They get to find their smile or lay down for a nap. Choices are good. Guess what they choose each time! It has taken a lot of consistency to get Sophia to the point of starting to teach me what I have taught her!!! LOL

After the market, the kids helped me bring the groceries in and put them away. They all pitch in so happily, and Sophia wants to show me everything we bought again especially Scooby Dooby!

We later went to see Surf's Up at the movie theater which was when the kids hit the jack pot with popcorn, Skittles, and Starbursts. This is a rarity as candy is so bad for kids. I try to give them just enough so they don't feel deprived but rather learn that it is for special occasions (sp?)! The kids loved the movie. It was okay, but I'm not sure I'd buy the dvd. One line was the chicken saying, "I just know it's true because I can feel it in my nuggets"! Josh and Kenny got that line! I don't really like adult humor in movies, but I am not so prudish that I would make a big deal about nuggets.

After the movie, we went into the Mills and bought the three youngers sunglasses for $2.00 each!! Yippee! They'll use them at Hume. Kenny bought a wallet because, after all, he's 12 and gets allowance!!!

We ended the day in the jacuzzi where the kids ate hot dogs and chased them down with water and ice cream sandwiches! All in all, it was a good day! I'm not sure what I'll do when Gina finishes school because I am so used to having 4 kids on our outings!

BTW - Stephanie went "home" for the weekend, and I was on my own! I missed her terribly, but the kids were great. They did keep asking where she was, but hey, we had fun! At one point, Sophia said to me, "Turn it up"! I was like, "What"? She said it again! She wanted me to turn up the radio. When I did she started singing and dancing! HAPPY GIRL!!! We have bonded HUGELY over the last couple of weeks!

Special moment: Sitting between Zack and Sophia at the movies, and having them each sneak me a Skittle or Starburst throughout the movie. How wonderful it is for them to be so giving even with a treat they rarely enjoy. Such sweet kids...

Saturday Morning Bathtime Fun!

Picture 1: Two Months ago in a bathtub in Russia were two little juice box drinking angels...Picture 2: Jump forward to today and check out these bathing beauties!!!


And, can you believe that tan?

Big smiles from Sohia as she plays with a pirate ship. She refuses to play with her dolls and all. She just wants the boys' stuff, but she is quite girly in every other way! Last night, however, she insisted on sleeping in Zack's Spider Man pajamas! It was tough for me to let her cause she looked so silly, but hey, you're only a kid once and besides that maybe she has a crush on Spider Man. Can't blame a girl for that!

Sophia Helps Momma Make Dinner

Sophia and I made Captain Crunch Chicken tonight! Sophia got to crunch up the Captain Crunch before we used it to coat the chicken. She enjoyed it very much but was a little perplexed by the job! Afterwards we made some brownies for dessert, and Sophia got to lick her first spatula. When I handed the chocolate spatula to her, she had no idea what to do with it. It was another one of those aha moments for me. I was so happy to show her what every girl enjoys most about baking with mom!

So, I'm starting a new project. I plan to cook with Sophia once a week making all different easy recipes including some that my mom passed on to me. I plan to take pics of us making each meal and adding the pics to a recipe book I make just for Sophia. I'll also add some journal entries to capture some of the moments we share in the kitchen. Sound fun?

I love this little girl so very much! I have no idea how I lived life without her! Sneaky as she is, she is becoming more and more of a joy each day! Today she said to Stephanie out of the blue, "Stepha, get off my neck"!!! We LAUGHED so hard!

Today was mom and daughter day. Tomorrow we'll see if I can get some pics of Zack attack!

The Weekend in a Nutshell

Mike graduated!!!! Allie and her little twin got to spend some time together!!! Look at the second pic! Enlarge it and check out their expressions! They both have the same attitude!

Kenny enjoyed his crab legs today!!! We went bowling again which we love!!! We always end with a trip to the arcade... Check out Sophia playing ski ball! Do you see where the ball is? She is getting better, but she is dangerous!

After we bowled, we hit the park and had some serious fun! Check out Kenny's jump off the swing and Jerry's end to a very bumpy slide!

After the park, the kids went swimming then showered and hit the hay. It was a very busy day for the grown ups, but these days are the days the kids will remember for years to come! This is a typical Sunday afternoon/evening for us, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Another week has passed...

Wow, I cannot believe another week has passed by so quickly! Monday makes 2 months home for Zack and Sophia, and they continue to do very well! I can't even list all of the English they know! It amazes me how much they learn and how quickly.

Tonight, I am extra tired... Last night my youngest brother graduated from high school! Praise God! My mom is so excited that she is finished with having a high schooler! He is number 8 and mom is tired too! I can't even imagine! My oldest brother is 48 and my youngest brother will be 18 on June 11th. She has been one busy woman for decades. I know she is exhausted and looking forward to retirement with great anticipation. This also means she will get to spend much more time with Zack and Sophia!

Well, since Mike's graduation was at 7:00PM, it didn't end until about 10:00PM and then we went out to dinner (Denny's woo hoo - blah!) because Mike wanted to spend the evening with his family. How can you not stay out late when a 17 year old boy actually is being thoughtful???? So, Zack and Sophia were up WAY TOO LATE! And for any of you that know me, you know that I am all about structures and schedules. I have heard often about adopted kids being pretty naughty after a high sensory night or activity. Zack and Sophia have never really showed any signs of sensory issues, but today Sophia was a little pill.

Both kids are sleeping now and look so adorable in their beds are warm and snuggly!

I'll try to post some pics tomorrow!

Thanks for reading and commenting too! :)

Happy Memorial Day!

Well, I have decided that the next best thing to having family leave is getting a day off for a holiday soon after!!! I am so excited to have Monday off with the kiddos! Gina was kind enough to take a couple of pics with me in them today! I have made some final decisions regarding the pics for their "announcement" cards, and I will be sending them out next week some time. If you would like one let me know! If I work with you, I'll deliver it. If I don't know your address, feel free to send it to me via email at dmrgirl85@yahoo, and I'll happily send you one so you can have it as a reminder of the miracles God does when we are willing to step out in faith.

I have thought much about the "stepping out in faith" part of adopting Zack and Sophia. Sometimes when I look at it all on paper, it seems like an insane venture. I wonder how I got through all of the paperwork and "Russian hoops." I wonder how God will pave the path ahead of us. I wonder where He'll lead us, and how He'll care for us. Faith is a cool thing. It is so invisible yet made up of so many tangible pieces.

When I look into Zack and Sophia's eyes and see them smiling from their very souls, I am reminded of the burden of emptiness they carried when I first met them. I am often reminded of the blank stare Sophia had. She seemed so void of feeling - so afraid to smile. And, Zack eager to see me but clearly so apprehensive filled with the fear that I wouldn't return for him. Now, those fears are gone and that burden has been lifted. They can smile instead of carrying the weight of the world.

As I seek to carry that weight for them, I covet your prayers. I want to be the best mom I can be. I want to give them a well rounded upbringing. I want them to love with all of their hearts and to live for Christ and as a byproduct experience true joy.

I have never before noticed how much marketing is geared towards children! Within two weeks, my kids knew Sponge Bob, Dora, Shrek, The Incredibles, Spider Man, Superman and Hello Kitty to name a few. I realized this as I would walk through the market, and they would yell out the names of these American characters. They would want the crackers, cookies or cereal just because of the picture. Well, to be fair these pictures are even on yogurt and string cheese now!

This is not a huge issue for me, however, it definitely made me very aware of the influences that creep in unexpected. I'm not one to say no to cartoons or to throw out the television, but I am one who wants my kids not to be controlled by the media.

What brings me joy is not the tube teaching them English. It is the sound of the harmonica Sophia is playing right now. It is the sight of Zack finishing a 300 piece puzzle. It is a colored page; a sand castle built; a splash in the pool; a kiss on the cheek; the hug of an uncle; the snuggle from grandma; the tickle from an auntie. Kids are kids for such a short time. I hope to protect that as much as I can while enabling them to be socially skilled.

Oh, the wonder of it all. I could go on and on today. It is just one of those thinking kind of days.

In the words of Zack and Sophia, "See joo later"!

A Quick Update

Well, I have been back to work for 3 days now - blah! It isn't too bad, but I miss the kids terribly! I knew I'd have to be a working mom so this comes as no surprise to me, and I'm tough enough to handle it for sure especially with my sweet sis/clone at home with the kiddos. She loves them so much and typically makes the same types of decisions I would so it is the next best thing to having momma around.

Today the kids called and were asking to go to the park so I said, "Momma a doma da parrrrrrk," and they got so excited. They knew I would take them when I got home, and I did tired as I was. It was great fun to watch Zack, Sophia, and Josh interact together. Today Sophia played like the BABAYAGA and chased the boys for over an hour! The laughter was so sweet. I wouldn't have wished to have been anywhere but there with them! I'm thinking the park can be the one thing they do just with momma at least while it stays light late. This way we can have a blast together even though I'm working.

Here are a couple of recent pics of Zack and Sophia who are already growing up WAY too fast! Check out Zack's new white smile! He already has had about 12 fillings! His front teeth had a lot of decay and Dr. Nobel fixed him up like new! Dr. Nobel is the best!!!! Funny thing is Zack looks like the dentist!



And, here are a few pics from the park this afternoon:


This week Sophia got her first big boo boo. She lunged forward in the tub and caught the water spout with her little face. As I caught her she, tumbled more due to being all soaped up at the time! YIKES! I felt a feeling I have never felt before! What a huge burden of guilt I carry for not somehow protecting her better. Thanks Rona for talking me down from the ledge! I hope I don't experience this again for a long time. She is healing quite nicely just a raspberry bruise under her eye and a bump on her forhead... My baby...then she went to the zoo with grandma yesterday and fell down on the playground and got a big scab on her elbow! She is accident prone for sure. I am going to be watching her very closely because this little girl is fearless, and that puts the fear in me!

I will try to blog at least three times a week because it is so cool to chronicle this miracle and also because Lauri asked me to blog more! :)