Despite all the protests and only hearing, "I nyet school." she ended up loving it. I love the ESL teacher she has. The classroom teacher is okay. I stayed with her until first recess on Monday and she wasn't too thrilled that I left. She seemed quite uncomfortable as she was asked to do things, and honestly, I don't blame her on some of them. What part of "Doesn't understand English." do some people not get?? Ah well. I didn't put her in for academics. I put her in to help her meet new friends and to help motivate her to work harder learning English. Next year we'll worry about academics. When I came to pick her up that day though, she was very happy and said she loved it.
She had a field trip on Wednesday and who knows what they did, but she seemed to enjoy it. The rest of the week went pretty much the same. She'd be very happy and excited when I'd pick her up and tell me all about what she played with the kids. Mostly boys. I'm not too thrilled about this. :) Baptism by fire, right?
She was asked to do a math test that was WAY beyond what she can do. Even if she understood the concepts, a lot was story problems. In English. *rolls eyes* She was almost in tears as I was asking her about it and trying to help. She was just guessing on the answers. I have a feeling homework is going to be a struggle when we get to that point.
I had an advanced photography class on Wednesday. 4 hours of bliss. :) We met downtown at a couple of different locations and first shot an adorable girl. Then we did a family of 4. Both were quite interesting and I had a blast. I always get a little nervous (to take over and start directing a subject) around the teacher since I think he's such an awesome photographer and I think I'm going to say something dumb. LOL It was still amazing though. It helped that there were only 3 of us in the class so we got plenty of time for questions and to have him look at our cameras to help us get something better right then and there. The only problem is that I need more equipment. I need a flash, a small stand/umbrella, a laptop and a mac version of Photoshop. Not exactly cheap. Must think.... Anyone need pictures done so I can earn the money to get them?? ;) I'll post some of my favorites from the day once I can get the computer to quit being weird/Lightroom will work.
Last night I went out to dinner with some of my favorite people in the world. There were 5 of us, 4 of whom have recently returned from adopting in Ukraine and 1 who is hoping to go within the next few weeks. Stephanie H., Kerry S., Nan C., Ranee H., and me. We all went to Zupa's (sp??) and ate and talked and talked. Then when they closed we went and sat in Steph's car and talked more. :) We shared horror stories of how our kids are doing, what different school situations are and different things that happened while we were in Ukraine. Somehow, we didn't manage to scare Stephanie into not going! LOL It was a wonderful night and one I hope to repeat often. I didn't get home until about midnight and was exhausted, but it was good.
Ira and Little One are doing fairly well, for the most part. I honestly think having Ira gone most of the day has really helped that. I'm turning into one of those parents I've always complained about. You know the type (and perhaps you ARE one.) You panic at the thought of trying to find things to do for the summer. You anxiously anticipate that coveted first day of school. Yeah. I used to think such people were horrible. Why do you even HAVE kids if all you can do is count down the days until they're gone for 7 hours at a time?? Well, never say never, apparently. I honestly hope to not be in this category for long, but it has at least given me some empathy for those I've always frowned upon. My apologies for having frowned.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Ups and Downs...mostly downs
First off, a question. I've GOT to get this form into the Ukrainian embassy and I'm not sure about 2 of the questions. Since I'm having trouble getting in touch with the embassy, I will ask here. First, it asks from where we entered the USA. Since we flew Kiev<Paris<Salt Lake does that mean I put Kiev or Paris? Then, it asks for an issuing agency on her passport. I can't find this info anywhere on her passport. Help!!
Wow. The last few days have been interesting. At first Ira really enjoyed doing the English program we have on the computer. Now that it's gotten a little harder though, she's decided she doesn't like it. Mom will be working with Little One for school and Ira will just up and go downstairs to play Barbies. When I went down to tell her that this was her school for the time being, she argues and asks why, pouts, comes upstairs, sits at the laptop (which I really need to get back to Mom and Dad....) and closes the thing. You can lead a horse to water, right? *sigh* At least she sat there.
Wednesday we had a MAJOR fight to get her to mutual. And this was even a fun one! It was combined with the YM and they were doing human fooseball (how do you spell that??) She was hiding under her bed, crying and wouldn't come out. When I finally got her out from under there she went to the couch and refused to get off. By this time she was sobbing and saying she doesn't like church. She likes it in Ukraine (though she did clarify that she likes it in the village, NOT in Dnepro where I'd taken her to the branch...LOL) I told her she wasn't IN Ukraine, she was in America and this is what we do. Then I get, "I want Ukraine!" Yeah, well, so do I. But she can't go right now anymore than I can, so this is what we're doing. At this point I was about ready to sit down and cry with her. If Husband hadn't been there ready to take her and we hadn't been so late already, I probably would have. Little One was crying too because she wanted Daddy to stay with her and not me. How cow! I finally gave her the choice of having me or him go with her and she wanted me to. My hair and my clothes were all wet because I'd just gotten back from running and it had been raining, but hey. Whatever. She wouldn't put her tennis shoes on because she was NOT going to play. Again, whatever. Whether or not she played or even had fun was her decision. Going was not. She did refuse to play, but she smiled and laughed at watching the other kids play and was as cheerful as could be when we got home. *rolls eyes*
In other news, she's starting school on Monday. After much thought and prayer I'm really feeling like homeschooling isn't the best for her. At least right now. Maybe there will be a time when I can pull her out again or maybe even do a part-time public school thing, but for now this is what I feel is best for her. We met with the principal of the elementary school yesterday. Age wise, she's in 6th and if she's going to Jr. High in the fall then it will be good for her to get to know some kids first.
She's not happy about this. I don't know how many times I heard yesterday that she doesn't want school. What? She has to do math? Heaven forbid. She likes PE and that's it. Well, sorry kid. You can't have a whole day of PE classes. She's understandably worried about it not being a Russian school. "I don't understand." she keeps telling me. I told her this will help her learn English and that soon she WILL understand. Honestly, I'm expecting a battle like getting her to mutual when it's time for her to go on Monday morning. I'm already planning to wake her up plenty early in order to allow time for such a tantrum.
She's still mean to Little One and has just learned to be a little sneakier about it. Little One does her fair share of being annoying too though. And no. I do NOT want to hear about how kids fight so this is totally normal. Sorry, but the scriptures say to not allow them to fight. I just haven't figured out HOW to apply that yet. :)
Wow. The last few days have been interesting. At first Ira really enjoyed doing the English program we have on the computer. Now that it's gotten a little harder though, she's decided she doesn't like it. Mom will be working with Little One for school and Ira will just up and go downstairs to play Barbies. When I went down to tell her that this was her school for the time being, she argues and asks why, pouts, comes upstairs, sits at the laptop (which I really need to get back to Mom and Dad....) and closes the thing. You can lead a horse to water, right? *sigh* At least she sat there.
Wednesday we had a MAJOR fight to get her to mutual. And this was even a fun one! It was combined with the YM and they were doing human fooseball (how do you spell that??) She was hiding under her bed, crying and wouldn't come out. When I finally got her out from under there she went to the couch and refused to get off. By this time she was sobbing and saying she doesn't like church. She likes it in Ukraine (though she did clarify that she likes it in the village, NOT in Dnepro where I'd taken her to the branch...LOL) I told her she wasn't IN Ukraine, she was in America and this is what we do. Then I get, "I want Ukraine!" Yeah, well, so do I. But she can't go right now anymore than I can, so this is what we're doing. At this point I was about ready to sit down and cry with her. If Husband hadn't been there ready to take her and we hadn't been so late already, I probably would have. Little One was crying too because she wanted Daddy to stay with her and not me. How cow! I finally gave her the choice of having me or him go with her and she wanted me to. My hair and my clothes were all wet because I'd just gotten back from running and it had been raining, but hey. Whatever. She wouldn't put her tennis shoes on because she was NOT going to play. Again, whatever. Whether or not she played or even had fun was her decision. Going was not. She did refuse to play, but she smiled and laughed at watching the other kids play and was as cheerful as could be when we got home. *rolls eyes*
In other news, she's starting school on Monday. After much thought and prayer I'm really feeling like homeschooling isn't the best for her. At least right now. Maybe there will be a time when I can pull her out again or maybe even do a part-time public school thing, but for now this is what I feel is best for her. We met with the principal of the elementary school yesterday. Age wise, she's in 6th and if she's going to Jr. High in the fall then it will be good for her to get to know some kids first.
She's not happy about this. I don't know how many times I heard yesterday that she doesn't want school. What? She has to do math? Heaven forbid. She likes PE and that's it. Well, sorry kid. You can't have a whole day of PE classes. She's understandably worried about it not being a Russian school. "I don't understand." she keeps telling me. I told her this will help her learn English and that soon she WILL understand. Honestly, I'm expecting a battle like getting her to mutual when it's time for her to go on Monday morning. I'm already planning to wake her up plenty early in order to allow time for such a tantrum.
She's still mean to Little One and has just learned to be a little sneakier about it. Little One does her fair share of being annoying too though. And no. I do NOT want to hear about how kids fight so this is totally normal. Sorry, but the scriptures say to not allow them to fight. I just haven't figured out HOW to apply that yet. :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Cook's Coming Home
Last night I headed back to the airport, by myself this time, to see Cook's come home. The girls really needed to get to bed. I expected it to be fun, but I had no idea. To me it almost felt like a family reunion.
When we first flew out to Ukraine we flew with Roger and Nan. We got the same flights as they did and really, really enjoyed spending the time with them. Our apartments were in the same building and we did most everything in Kiev those first days together. Once we each headed out on our respective night trains, we didn't see each other again except for Skype, but we kept in touch a lot and followed each other through our processes.
There were a LOT of people there! They had a lot of family as well as a lot of SAC family there. Kim and Andy, Kerry, David, Vern and Nanette, Andreas, Craig, and who knows who I'm missing. I really felt like I was among family.
When they came through the gate it was so fun! All the kids were off hugging other people and no one was claiming Nan, so I did. I got a HUGE hug from her and it was so nice! I've missed her so much! It was wonderful to be there and to visit with everyone. I love all you guys!!!!!!!!!
Welcome home!!!!!!!
When we first flew out to Ukraine we flew with Roger and Nan. We got the same flights as they did and really, really enjoyed spending the time with them. Our apartments were in the same building and we did most everything in Kiev those first days together. Once we each headed out on our respective night trains, we didn't see each other again except for Skype, but we kept in touch a lot and followed each other through our processes.
There were a LOT of people there! They had a lot of family as well as a lot of SAC family there. Kim and Andy, Kerry, David, Vern and Nanette, Andreas, Craig, and who knows who I'm missing. I really felt like I was among family.
When they came through the gate it was so fun! All the kids were off hugging other people and no one was claiming Nan, so I did. I got a HUGE hug from her and it was so nice! I've missed her so much! It was wonderful to be there and to visit with everyone. I love all you guys!!!!!!!!!
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| The crowd |
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| The crowd |
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| Coming in! |
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| Visiting |
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| I don't know which new name belongs to which child. :O |
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| David |
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| More visiting |
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| And yet more.... |
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| The whole family |
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| Smile! |
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| My traditional picture |
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| Extended family |
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| I thought this was cute. :) |
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| These kids were NOT too thrilled with all the pictures. |
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| Everyone there (except for David who took the picture.) |
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| Nan and I. Yea!!!! |
Hansen's Coming Home
Yesterday was a day for airport arrivals. Sunday night I took Ira and headed to the airport to see Ranee Hansen and her new son, Myck come home. When we got downstairs there was no one there except for Andreas, who we'd walked in with. After some checking we finally found out that they'd gotten delayed in Germany which had made them miss their flight in Denver. What ended up happening was they found a mouse on the plane so they had to get everyone off and find a new plane. Since 747's aren't just lying around (Dale's words :)) it took them 4 hours to take off. They got put up in Denver and arrived yesterday morning at 9:45. I'm so glad I went! At first I was worried something else had happened because I didn't see anyone with signs or balloons. I finally went up to the one guy that looked familiar and sure enough, it was Dale. :) Welcome home!
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| Coming out |
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| Dad gets a big hug (sorry it's blurry!) |
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| Ranee and I were filming each other. LOL |
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| Is picking someone up a kid thing? My youngest does this too! |
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| Hugs! |
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| :) |
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| There were balloons and a sign after all! |
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| I have to have one shot like this every time. It's become tradition. |
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| Yea! Happy family! |
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| Even happier with grandparents. :) |
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Kim Coming Home
This week has been full of friends coming home. Two more are left as well. Sunday night and Monday night. :) I hope I can make both of them. Sunday may be iffy because I've got something I go to every Sunday night at 8.
I totally forgot to get a picture of me with Kim though. Drat. Surely we'll all be getting together once the last batch of people over there now come home. After these next two come home there are still three to come home soon-ish.
At our first SAC meeting before the hosting program it was mentioned that some of our best friends were going to come out of this program. I didn't really believe it as I sat there by people I didn't know. Now I'm a believer. (Go ahead and insert the Monkey's song...LOL) You can't go through something like this and NOT become close to the others. Not only the ones going through it at the same time, but others I've gotten to know through the process as well. It gives you a bond with them that is unbelievable!
I totally forgot to get a picture of me with Kim though. Drat. Surely we'll all be getting together once the last batch of people over there now come home. After these next two come home there are still three to come home soon-ish.
At our first SAC meeting before the hosting program it was mentioned that some of our best friends were going to come out of this program. I didn't really believe it as I sat there by people I didn't know. Now I'm a believer. (Go ahead and insert the Monkey's song...LOL) You can't go through something like this and NOT become close to the others. Not only the ones going through it at the same time, but others I've gotten to know through the process as well. It gives you a bond with them that is unbelievable!
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| Andy and Vitaly |
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| Kim and her mom |
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| Happy |
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| This one was a little blurry, but still cute. |
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| Happy to be home! |
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| Greetings |
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| Vitaly |
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| Sahsa |
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| More fun |
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| Kim and Andy with their 10 kids. :) |
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| Since I've gotten one of these from the other, I had to get one for Kim. |
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| All the extended family too |
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| Everyone! Vern had to help me get both Ira and Little One in the picture. Stinkers. |
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| With Vern and Nanette |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Okay...REAL Pictures
So you guys will actually believe I'm a real photographer...here are some of my favorites from the shoot I did last week. This kid LOVES trains. I'm not sure how to get that white border off. I like it on snapshots but not my pro stuff. Ah well.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Shaw Family Coming Home!
Yesterday I had the wonderful chance to take the girls and go see Kerry and Victoria come home from Ukraine. Kerry and I, if you remember, became quite good friends during the hosting program. They never actually hosted, but fell in love with Victoria anyway. Just as a side note, SAC wanted to take Ira away from us (for the program) to let them have a chance to host. After praying about it I told them no, although I'm sure they could have if they'd really wanted to. LOL Kerry and I tended to confuse people a lot since they thought she was me and the other way around. I guess we should have been sisters! :)
Anyway, her blog has the most amazing pictures and very nice posts. It's been quite the journey for them since Victoria turned 16 before they could get over there, which meant different paperwork for them and such. Her's was a pretty quick time frame in Ukraine, which was really good since she left her 3 boys here in the states while she was there.
Here are some pictures I took. :)
Anyway, her blog has the most amazing pictures and very nice posts. It's been quite the journey for them since Victoria turned 16 before they could get over there, which meant different paperwork for them and such. Her's was a pretty quick time frame in Ukraine, which was really good since she left her 3 boys here in the states while she was there.
Here are some pictures I took. :)
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| The crowd |
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| More crowd |
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| Cute sign |
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| 2 of Kerry's boys wanting treats :) |
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| Gary Ceran, taking pictures as usual |
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| Kerry's son |
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| My timing was off. I took this because both Gary and Andreas were taking pictures. :) |
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| Spencer gets a hug from Victoria |
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| Kerry with her youngest |
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| Kerry and her 3 boys |
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| Greetings |
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| Even Kerry gets a hug |
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| Introductions |
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| Hugs from her sister |
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| Ira and Victoria. Little stinkers wouldn't even talk to each other. :) |
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| New family! |
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| With grandparents |
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| Anne taking pictures :) |
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| All the family |
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| It was fun to watch Kerry's sister try to keep this little guy still for the picture |
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| Gary trying to sneak pictures of Kerry |
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| Should have been sisters! |
What a fun afternoon!
In other news, I got my Rosetta Stone Russian program yesterday and am dying to try it out! I'm hoping it's not too hard to learn, but we will see. I've never learned a 2nd spoken language before so I've never had to worry about how I say things. LOL I'm excited to try and talk to my friends over there though. :)
I also got to Skype with Masha again. Man, I miss her. :( I'm always homesick for Ukraine after I talk with her. It was so fun to see her though and I even got to meet her mom! That was awesome. :) Now I just need to go back so I can give her a hug. LOL Hopefully soon.
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