April 16th or day 30!

Whoot-whoo!

Alex’s passport is legal and with any luck will be in hand Tuesday! (Monday all offices are closed for the Easter holiday!) Then we’re out of here on the overnight train to Kiev, two days there for medical and visa’s and with any luck we’ll be on the Friday the 24^th 5:30 am flight home! It’s not set in stone until we get his passport on Tuesday AND get his visa on Thursday. If we make our flight on the 24^th, I will have been gone for five weeks and three days!

Today was pretty uneventful. We took Alex in for his passport picture this morning and then we went home and hung out in our dive until 2:00. (We did not have to make another trip to Dniproprotrosk-hurray!) Then we met the Rast’s and went swimming. (Can I just say that Ukraine women in locker rooms have no sense of privacy or embarrassment?) The pool was HUGE but not very warm and Alex started shivering and his lips were turning blue so we didn’t stay long. It was quite complicated to pay, figure out how to get in, rent flip flops for the Rast girls, figure out how to find the pool, get yelled out for swimming in the wrong place and then not be able to jump off ANY of the many diving boards. Getting out was a tricky too, you need to bring your magnetic strip thing that you got to get in-that you gave to the locker room woman-BACK with you to get out of the turn still. Grrr.. I'm not sure they could have made this any more complicated!

Afterward we went out to eat with Jeff & Amy (their girls had to be back to the school by six) at our favorite pizza place with an English menu (Although we can read the menu and know what we want Alex has to do all the ordering-he’s pretty assertive and even looks over our bills and makes sure we’re not being charged incorrectly!) and now we’re home. Alex is cooking potato’s.


He’s becoming quite the little cook! (He wasn’t hungry for pizza-imagine that?)

I’m trying to tentatively line up our flights for the 24^th

I instant messaged with Snezhana today and she and Ivan invited us for the weekend to celebrate Easter. I’m so excited but I was so worried that we would be intruding or interfering with their Easter holiday. She assured me that we would not be a problem that we are “family”. How sweet is that? I can’t wait to see how they celebrate Easter. I understand we’ll be going to the village on Sunday? I’ve really wanted to see a village-besides speeding by them while dodging potholes! Alex is excited too. I’m afraid this will be the hardest goodbye for him-he loves Ivan and Snezhana so much.

We’re going to take the bus on Saturday and Ivan will meet us and then we’ll stay Saturday and possibly Sunday night. So chances are I will not be posting much this weekend! (I know, what will you all do? Just kidding! I’m surprised that people are still reading this blog as some day’s it’s just so dang boring!)

Anyway, here’s some miscellaneous pictures of Ukraine and my10 year old boy of course:

What Ukraine’s do during a funeral:

Packaging-the white and blue bag is the milk, red is ketchup, green is tarter sauce, yellow is mustard and the white and red is juice.

Alex at the pool:

Alex and I riding the electric trolley/tram:

While waiting for-what feels like forever-the pictures to upload Alex made me yet another salad. This one has banana's, apples, carrots, cucumbers and cherry juice and sugar. It's very sweet and despite the odd concoction it's pretty yummy. He's been telling me that Snezhana taught him to make these salads BUT this one he thought up on his own. Imagine that!

Okay...pictures are not loading. I'll try again later!

April 15th

Last night we climbed into bed and without hesitation Alex scampered over to my side of the bed and laid his head on my shoulder. He’s last words of the day were “Goodnight Mom.”After about 5 minutes of trying to get comfortable he rolled to his side of the bed and promptly fell asleep.

I on the other hand could hear the washing machine whirling and gyrating and started doubting my knowledge of how to turn off the water boiler. Will it explode? Around midnight when the washer stopped, I hung it up to dry and quietly listened for the boiler. Nope, it was off. Good maybe I can sleep now?

No blinds in this place either so were up around seven am. Alex made me salad for breakfast. Cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage and some sort of processed meat (spam type) with olive oil and I made eggs. Salad for breakfast, not so bad.

Then I got a call that the window guy was at the orphanage and they needed my donation to pay for the windows so Naydia came and picked it up with the window guy in tow. I have no doubt that our donation went to pay for new windows!

Then Alex and I got dressed for the day. But not before we had a quick lesson on matching clothes. I explained (and I’m sure he did not understand) that he is no longer an orphan and I refuse to have him look like one! We settled on his new jogging suite with a white Nike soccer shirt underneath.

After a quick lesson of English which started out as torturous for Alex and ended with a tickle fest as he tried to learn the parts of the body, we walked over to Bunch’s place (my old place) and took them with us to the school on the bus. This was their practice bus run. Oh, how lovely my old place was!

Because my day yesterday took so long in Dniproprotrosk I didn’t have a chance to meet with Alex’s teacher. So today she sat down with me and went over his school work and gave him a scrapbook, and gave me his report card and his medical history. She told me he hates to study and will need a lot of motivation. Alex looked at me slyly and said “presents” and I laughed. No sweetheart your motivation will be no computer or bike if you don’t study. (And the translator was able to tell him that clearly!)

We went to visit his class and pass out our little gifts and his teacher cried when he left. She seems so very sweet and loving.


Alex was pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. I asked earlier how he got along with other children and she said he didn’t cause any problems or fight but that he does like to play by himself and doesn’t like to do group activities. This, like the studying issue comes as no surprise.

Naydia presented me with this carved wooden fish that some of the children made at the school. She told me it's a wishing fish. I wished right there and then in front of everyone that "Alex will learn English quickly!"

We took the Bunch’s and the bus back, stopping at the market for more salad ingredients for Alex and the Bunch’s came up to check out our pad. It was great as I had all of Alex’s laundry hanging in the entry way and it was like a haunted house maze when you walk in the door.

We came home and Alex made yet another salad for lunch. Pickles, green onions, crab, tomatoes and oil and vinegar. It really was pretty good. I had mine on my Ritz crackers that the Rast's brought for me. Here is a picture of both salads:

Then I logged on with the satellite modem and posted yesterdays post and before I know it Jeff called to confirm where we were meeting for lunch. Alex was watching cartoons and I had to peel him away.

We jumped on the bus and met up and went to pizza. (Only I first directed us into a jewelry store, Alex shook his head and said “No mama” and guided us around the corner to the actual pizza place. He has an amazing sense of direction!)

Alex and I just had drinks and dessert as we were full from our salads. Then we went and bought Amy a hairdryer and curling iron. Alex knew right where to take us. Why didn’t I wait and find my curling iron with him? Amy’s cost $12 American as mine was considerable more! We all count on Alex a lot. He orders for us and translates to the other children. He’s doing a great job. He doesn’t speak a lot to me IN English but he understands basic instructions and questions. While in the store Alex purchased another Gangster Video game without my permission and with my money so we had a quick lesson on that and returned the game. I explained that #1 he has to ask before spending my money and #2 we do not buy games that are rated for 18 years and older. He actually handled it pretty well. And told me he was sorry. Later I did let him pick out a “mom approved” game. He’s has "please, thank you, excuse me and I’m sorry" down pat.

The Rast then rode the bus with us to view our apartment and hang out for a bit. There’s just nothing like a tour to get the real feel for this place.

We had a disgusting dinner of meat filled dumplings with some sort of bean sauce. Yuck. My cooking is about par with the kitchen I’m preparing it in!

Alex is watching Scooby Doo while I post, tomorrow we’re up early to go to Dniproprotrosk yet again to pick up the social card and get Alex’s picture done for his passport. Still unsure of our time frame for departure but I will post it as soon as we can pin it down better.

I did post pics on yesterdays post so be sure to check out our "home sweet home"!

April 14th or first day with Mom!

Wow! What a day. We dropped my luggage off out my new (a.k.a. old scary) place and I got some quick instructions in Russian on how to turn the hot water boiler on & off (so it doesn’t explode) light the ancient stove and how to drape the washers extension cord out the door and the down the hall to the working electrical outlet.

Then we were off to the court to pick up our decree making Alex officially ours. Oxana went in and George (my driver), Masha (my translator) and I sat in the car for an hour and ½, then Oxana came out with decree in hand and we were off to Dniproprotrosk. This time we got out of the car and went into yet another run down building and stood in the hall (Masha & I) while Oxana worked her magic. In about 2O minutes she came out and said we had to be back at 3:00 to pick up the birth certificate. Originally the lady said nine am the next day but Oxana talked her into three today. So now we had time on our hands. First stop McDonalds. Can I tell you, never has a McDonalds looked so good to me. It was clean and the menu looked almost like home.

Then we went to what could only be called Ukraine’s outdoor DI. Second hand flea market. I found a wonderful fur Russian hat and the coolest costume jewelry.

After shopping we went back and picked up the birth certificate which required me signing twice and then we rushed to the ID paper place. Oxana went in first then summoned us to meet her in this little building where she was making copies, this little building was connected to all these other little buildings and reminded me an awful lot of Tijuana. We followed her back to the original building and after standing in line at a little window in a dark stairwell, I signed a paper, signed a ledger and we were off! We arrived back to the school around 4:45 after picking up a birthday cake for Julia.

Alex was with Jeff & Amy and their girls and on their way back to the school. We threw Julia’s party and she opened her gifts and loved everything.

Then we cut cake and the Bunch’s joined us as they had just arrived today and were in doing their “official” visit with the social worker. The kids were crazy and loud and the singing donkey that Oxana gave to Julia only added to the confusion. But it was fun. Alex had run to his room upon arriving and brought his backpack stuffed full as well as a grocery bag. All his remain belongings. He was just glowing and so excited to go “da doma”.We took off about six o’clock. Goodbye school.


I asked Alex if he would be sad, and he scoffed and waved the school off without a care in the world.


We took the bus home (with my huge bag and Alex’s backpack-not an easy feat for walking or navigating the narrow isle’s on our Mercedes Van “Bus”)

Then it sank in just how scary our apartment is. If it were my listing here is what I’d have to say:

“Not for the faint of heart. Enjoy a ride in a 2 foot by 2 foot rickety elevator smartly decorated in local graffiti avoiding the 6 flights of stairs and the stairwell with walls that when you rub against cover you with chalky dust. Once upon entering this cozy 600 square foot abode, you’ll notice conveniently stretched laundry lines-who needs a dryer when you can greet your guest to a maze of clean laundry?

This place is full equipped with top of the line appliances: a washer than runs for two hours, a stove that requires a match to light and a water heater that must be turned on 15 minutes before the need for hot water and turned off within 15 minutes after to avoid boiling over. But that’s not all, also enjoy the rock hard bed and two ton pillows, a non working overhead light-adds to the ambiance and romance of the master suite. The kitchen is equipped with various rusty pots and pans, a cup of silverware, one dull knife, and miscellaneous gadgets.

The bathroom offers a large tub without a shower curtain and a handy faucet that you can direct to the sink or the tub-you choose. (Also there’s a turn on for the washer water attached to this faucet-until you call the previous tenant you will not be able to get the washer to work without turning this on!) But that’s not all, this bathroom also offers a wooden palate to stand on as the floor gets covered in water upon bathing.

Perhaps you’ve noticed the lack of a toilet-that’s because it has it’s own little room with the water heater.

It’s almost like having TWO bathrooms. The cracked padded seat only adds to the charm and rustic appeal of the apartment.”

We dropped off Alex’s bags and walked down to the market for some food to cook. Cooking may not be an option after seeing the pots and pans and unsanitary condition of our kitchen. I managed to make a chicken stir fry over pasta but it wasn’t very good. All through dinner I could here this scratching sound in the wall. Yes, I’m sure it’s a mouse or a rat. Alex assures me he will kill it-I just hope we don’t see it anytime soon.

After dinner it was time. Time for Alex’s bath! I peeled his socks off his feet. They were black socks that were white & crusty on the bottom. (Mold? Spores? I don’t even want to know.) And his ankles were black. I made him pile all his clothes (as he had on the new jeans I brought and two of the shirts I gave him but he’s been wearing them all week) on the washer. The white shirt he had on under his shirt was black around the collar and paper thin. I’ve never seen such a shabby white shirt. (It is in the garbage along with the socks!)

He made me promise not to come in while he was bathing and I made him promise to wash every inch. Meanwhile I purged his bag from the school and discreetly packed up all the clothes he brought that I will not allow him to wear anymore. He has a suitcase full of new clothes and I highly doubt he’ll miss anything.

Out came my boy smelling good, with a shiny nose and clean ankles. We dressed him in new underwear and PJs, he brushed his teeth and then he played computer!

I organized and did laundry and now Alex is watching TV while I type.

Earlier I asked if he wanted to sleep on the couch or with me. Without a hesitation, with Mama!

So it’s almost ten, I have no Internet but wanted to record this day. Alex is with me and despite the mice, the kitchen, the bathroom and the wood palate on the bathroom floor, all is right with the world.

I have amazing pictures of my scary apartment and Alex but downloading is taking soo long. I'll try later today!

Bottom of Day Ten of Ten!

So, it’s the end of day 10 and TOMORROW I get to bring Alex home! I have to pick up the papers at the court in the morning, head to Dniproprotrosk with Oxana and get his new birth certificate and “social security” card. This card has to be in the system for 24 hours before I can apply for his passport and then we wait for the passport which should be ready on the 21st. Then with that in hand we head to Kiev for his medical exam and embassy paper work and then home!! Or DA DOMA!
I didn’t move apartments today, I will be moving tomorrow morning @ 8:00 am. Tomorrow is going to be crazy with moving, court, Dniproprotrosk trip, paper work there, back at the school for meeting with Alex’s teachers and then Julia’s B-day party. I wanted to be settled and buy groceries before bringing Alex home to my “scary” new apartment but no such luck.
I did relax today and I had the most wonderful pedicure and manicure. Totally cost for both was $119 gryvnas or roughly $15 dollars! I almost fell asleep while getting my pedicure. It was nice because I didn’t have to worry about small talk or listening to the nail lady, she couldn’t understand me, I couldn’t understand her and it was just nice!
Amy jogged down and found me at the salon and then pretty soon Jeff & Masha made it too and then all of us went to a lovely lunch at the “place upstairs above the smoking place that has an English menu”. On the way back we thought we’d take a bus but we were not sure where it stopped so we started walking and who do you think we ran into? Our children! All the children scheduled for upcoming adoptions were walking down the street with a teacher to go get their picture taken. (We thought it was for their passport but it was for something else.) We went with them. Alex had combed his hair and had on a clean shirt (one of the ones I sent home with him in November) and then a white dress shirt underneath. (Which was sort of funny looking but you could tell he was quite proud of his effort to clean up!) Here is a picture of all the kids:

And a close up of Alex:

Then after some negotiations with the teacher we took our children plus Julia (she wouldn’t let us take Lubia) and went grocery shopping for Rasts. (as I didn’t want to haul groceries on the bus back to my place only to haul them to another apartment tomorrow so Alex and Julia and I bought snacks.) Secretly both families bought birthday presents for Julia.
We rode back to the school on bus #11a and hung out a bit until Oxana got back and then I caught a ride with her home. The most exciting part of our day was I almost got ran over by one of the slow moving trolleys. Nothing too life threatening but Alex pantomimed that he would cry if I got hit by the trolley. I sincerely believe that Alex must at least like me if not outright love me as he worries about me falling in man holes and now being run over by trolleys.
It was fun to have Masha with us as she could translate what the kids are saying and apparently Alex is very funny and witty. It makes me sad I can’t understand him but it makes me happy to know that he’ll fit in with Austin with his clever comebacks and fun sense of humor.
Amy keeps pointing out how we are all starting to talk like we’re Russians. I’ve stopped using filler words and proper sentences. It’s hard to convey in typing but trust me, we are all sounding like our translators. And we use lots of grunts and pantomiming-not that that is Russian-that is how our children talk to us, grunts and charades.
The day was much nicer and we stood with the kids for a long time while they waited for their pictures to process. This is Alex and I playing while waiting:

So, tomorrow is my big day and the last day for Alex at the orphanage. He’s so very excited! We just have to figure out a way to entertain ourselves here for one more week.

Top Of Day Ten of Ten

I'm just heading out, all my bags are packed for my move tonight. Don't know how my Internet access will be as I'll be using a satellite connection on my lap top, so if you don't hear from me, chances are I'm still alive and doing well.

I've made my blog public again as I'm tired of all this logging in and password stuff. I figure it is to late to thwart our adoption now...we should have the court decree within hours making Alex all ours and NO MORE ORPHANAGE!

Love to all, hope to write more tonight but who knows....

Day Nine of the Never Ending Ten Day Wait!

It’s crazy to think that all of you are celebrating Easter and here, we’re not. Next week is Orthodox Easter and because I’ll have Alex all to myself next Sunday AND an apartment that we can have children in-we’ll celebrate next week with the rest of Ukraine.
Today was nice. We had a little church/primary with the children. Basically we had a prayer and I tried to teach them “I Am A Child Of God”, I would sing a line then Amy & Jeff & Lena would sing it. Alex, Julia and Sveta just observed. Then we talked the kids into singing us a song. They told us it was a church song. Even Alex sang, although he sang off key-on purpose! Then Jeff held up a picture of Christ and we learned they call him Esus. (Sounds more like the Spanish pronunciation of Jesus but Oxana say’s its spelled Esus) Than Jeff in his best Russian said Jesus loves boys and girls and pointed to the children. That was about it for our lesson. It was nice and at least we tried.
Amy and I went to their apartment and made lunch and left Jeff to supervise the masses. (Children in our apartments is against the rules-only because they're afraid the kids will destroy the apartments!) Amy fried chicken and it was the best meal I’ve had in weeks. I miss home cooking. We also made mashed potatoes and a fresh veggies salad. I had brought fruit, cake and paper products. I bought the cake on the way to the school and along with my purse and big black bag, I was carrying a cake and wouldn’t you know it, it was standing room only on the bus. A little lady sitting down offered to hold my cake and I took her up on it and then a kind gentleman helped me out of the bus. See James, some people are nice here. You just have to be holding a cake!
Alex offered the prayer on the food. I’m so glad he’s willing to pray. He started with the Russian word for “thank you” and then who knows what else, I don’t even recognize the amen, I just say it when everyone else unfolds their arms and starts eating.

The kids watched “Freaky Friday” on Jeff’s lap top.

While they watched Amy and were chatting and looked over at Jeff to see this:

Apparently Jeff's magazine had a 3-D ad in it. We laughed so hard.
Oxana called and needed the legal names for the Rast’s girls so we brainstormed about that. They’ve decided to go with Helen Marie for Lena and Sara Victoria for Sveta. Which reminds me that yesterday after Alex ate FOUR bananas right after another I told him I’m not going to call him Alex Benjamin, I’m going to call him Alex Banana!
We went out played tag and "throw the ball-so far that mom has to go chase it" outside and got Alex (and Mom) good and tired and then came in and watched most of “Hairspray”. I’m surprised that either movie held Alex’s attention but having Lena around makes him a little more gentleman like I think. Julia was teasing Lena that she loves Alex-it didn’t seem to bother Alex but Lena didn’t like it. (I think I may have a Casanova on my hands.) I kept saying “No friends” to help Lena out and then Julia started teasing me and after some pantomiming and drawing on the board I concluded that she was teasing me that I love the camel from the circus!
It was freezing in the building as they turn the heat off on the weekends. I pulled a couch up to the lap top for the kids and I finally got warm when Alex climbed on my lap to watch the last half of “Hairspray”. He’s like a mini furnace.
Only one more night of saying goodnight at the orphanage! It’s always the worse time of day. Alex will hug me and hug me and ask me to come at nine the next day, even though he knows he has school and I can’t come until after 2:00-lunch is served at 2:00 so he insists I come at 2:09! Then he’ll walk up the hill towards the school and he always turns around and yells “Bye-bye Mama!” And I wave and blow a kiss. If the girls are around, he doesn’t blow one back!
I got some very sad news when I got home about my dear friend Jan R. She’s been in a terrible car accident. I just got sick when I heard and called the hospital and lied and told them I was an immediate relative. I was able to talk to Colby and although her injuries are serious it sounds like she’ll painfully pull through. Oh, Jan I wish I was there to help you. You will be in my prayers on this side of the world.
Love to all and Happy Easter!

Day Eight Of Ten

Well, shopping wasn’t all the great, however it was fun to laugh and talk with Amy. We ended up finding some sun and sitting and chatting while Oxana, Masha and Natasha shopped. It was sunny but cold so we had a ladies brunch and herbal tea. Amy and I shared the yummiest pancakes stuffed with apples and one stuffed with cream cheese drizzled in vanilla and chocolate sauce.
We invited Masha to the movie with us but she informed us in her deep Russian accent. “I don’t do horror movies.” I looked at her a little stunned. “We’re seeing “Monsters vs Aliens” and it’s a Disney film. Animated?” Nope she’s having nothing to do with this HORROR flick.
Funny story Amy shared about Masha. (Oh, dang! I need to post a picture so you can see her. I have one but it’s blurry!) So Masha wears really thick glasses and she tells Jeff she can’t play sports because it will make her eye sight worse. (What the heck?) Jeff tries to tell her that it won’t but she’s convinced. Why? Because everyone that plays sports poorly, wears glasses. (Amy did I repeat this right?) She is too funny.
Then we went to the school. The school kept boasting to Amy they had a stadium that she could run around (this awe inspiring mom is training for a triathlon!) I had to laugh as I knew what they were talking about. It’s a dirt track around the dirt soccer field. So we walked to the back of the property to show her. The kids were out and soon we were swarmed with children. Many seem so hungry for attention. It was hard on Amy as this was her first hands on time with the masses.
We started up a game of Red Light/Green Light and Alex soon disappears. He really doesn’t get into group play. I saw him sitting on the steps by himself. I know he really hates it here, he always say’s “No mama, lets go.” when I try to spend time at the school with the other kids. At first I just thought he didn’t want to compete for mine or James attention but today I just felt the sadness he feels belonging to this group and how he wants to distance himself and his mother from them. When you look at Alex he doesn’t look like he belongs here. (In fact most our kids that traveled to Utah don’t look like the average student here! I think they sent us the cream of the crop.) Not all but many of the children are filthy dirty, clamor for your attention, and have oblivious speech & learning disabilities. So I suggested we go buy some banana’s. I shouted to Amy we were leaving and I took both Julia’s with me. Amy and Jeff soon followed with their two girls and Luiba & that cute girl Karinia that I took a picture of.
The store we normally haunt was closed so we made the mile long trek to the big store, stopping of course for hot dogs in a scone. (I just had a scone donut) Then we loaded up on treats at the store and walked to the park. This time with smaller kids the park was more fun. We did have to pay 1/2 a grynva (6 cents) per child to get into the playground but they had a fun time. Alex & Jeff were out numbered about 4 to one!
Amy found a kiwi in her coat pocket. One of the little girls had been wearing her coat in the grocery store and kifed a kiwi. We were too afraid to make her return it to the store (because maybe we would be arrested?) but we didn't let the child have it. (There are going to be lots of things to teach these children!)
Again, the day was chilly and we were happy to head to the movie theater and get out of the cold. The movie theater was surprising nice. It was clean and the seats were comfy and the sound and picture were good but it was FREEZING too! That little Karina didn’t have anything but a long sleeve shirt on and she might weigh 25 pounds. I had my coat on and Alex’s coat draped over me-as he’s never freezing. I pulled Katrina on my lap about half way through and wrapped her in Alex’s coat not only to warm her but to warm me! (I would have grabbed Alex but I think he’s trying to look cool around all these girls!)
Afterwards we ran up part of the street to try and get warm heading back to the school. When we got there we were herded upstairs where they were having a puppet show. I could hear Alex saying “No mama, let’s go” but I was heading to the lovely-hole in the floor-bathroom as our group was going up the stairs. By the time I got up there everyone was seated. I had to walk in right at the front and make my way to the back and children are waving and saying “hi” like I'm a celebrity as I’m trying to discreetly slip to the back. Alex saw me and comes and sits next to me and begins pleading. “Let’s go Mama.” I’m thinking I already made a big scene coming in and there isn’t a rear exit but then I smell the room full of dirty children and observe the puppet show-which I can’t understand and I’ve just sat through a movie I couldn’t understand and I’m with Alex, let’s go! We make the march back up the front and out the door. The teachers monitoring the door look puzzled. I tell them “English lessons” and grab Alex’s hand and walk away. Alex looks at me with concern and I wink. Then he whispers, “No English?” and I nod. I think I scored points with the boy today!
We played cards and Alex ate FOUR banana’s and then the Rast came back down with their girls as the puppet show was over.
We tried to brainstorm what to do tomorrow. I wanted to go to Dniproprotrosk but really don’t want to go if the weather is this chilly. I would like to see Ivan & Snezhana and go to church but we’re not sure regular church will be held this week as I was told that Conference will be televised a week late. So I think we’re just going to stay at the school. Amy’s going to bring lunch and we’re going to play games and watch movies. It will be a long day but our goal is to NOT go the store.
So glad the Rast are here, glad the Bunch’s will be here soon but I’m ecstatic that Alex and I will be leaving for home in what I hope will be two weeks or less!
Tonight is Kambree’s junior prom. I so wish I was there to help her get ready and take pictures and go up to the Capital and video her promenade. I know she’ll look stunning. Have fun sweetheart! I’ll be thinking about you.
Easter is tomorrow but here they don’t celebrate until next week during Orthodox Easter. Many Orthodox people fast for a month (?) before Easter and don’t eat any dairy, eggs or meat.
Oh and remember that kiwi? Amy had handed it to me at some point and I had slipped it in my coat pocket and then forgotten about it and had a little tickle/wrestle/razberry's on the tummy session with Alex. While making my chilly walk to the bus stop I slipped my hand in my pocket and found it full of smashed kiwi! Good grief...

Seven out of ten!

Today Alex and I caught a ride with Oxana and Constantine. They were heading through Dniproprotrosk and we were going to stop and go shopping on the way back. We went to a small town just on the other side of Dniproprotrosk and just down from the court house was a huge swap meet type market. I was in heaven! Here is a picture of us walking towards the swap meet. Notice the lovely church.


So, while Oxana worked Alex and I shopped. I have now learned that Alex is not a shopper. (If you take my Dad, James and Austin and combine them into one-you would have Alex!) He’s fine if you’re shopping for something he likes but he hates shopping and waiting for me to look at anything. “No mom! Let’s go” he can say as clear as a bell. So begrudgingly we left, he not talking to me and me telling myself I’m never taking him shopping again! I told him I was going to take a picture of his grumpy “I hate to shop” face but he wouldn’t look at me but this picture say’s it all anyway.

He had sweetened up and even apologized by the time Oxana got back but he’s got some things to learn. Tomorrow I’m going to another bigger and better bazaar (or so I’m told) and he’s not coming! I told him I’d be to the school tomorrow at noon. “No mama…nine!” Nope, going shopping little man and you are not invited!

Oxana needed to hurry back and so we didn't stop at Dniproproprtrosk which was just as well as I didn't want to subject Alex to any more shopping!
Here is my anti shopping boy with his "cool" new shades. (25 grivina at the swap meet place!)

So on the way home I’m thinking in my head, it’s amazing you don’t see more car accidents here as the people drive so fast and so reckless, swerving around slow moving trucks, dodging pot holes, and driving up what would be the center lane if there were any lines painted on the road. And then while walking back from lunch in Dniprozerzink with the Rast’s I came up on this accident:

We went over to Rasts apartment to grab their girls some jackets and can I just say…wow! Their apartment is gorgeous AND within walking distance of the school. Well, mine is too if you consider a mile up hill within walking distance!
Then we went to the circus.

The traveling circus. I’ve been to Ringling Brothers but never anything like this. I imagine this is what circuses were like back in the 1940’s? Only with current music and nastier costumes? It started with what looked like 15 year old boys on stilts juggling to the song “Ice, Ice Baby.” And then perhaps a 16-17 year old came out and did some intricate hula hopping. A man dressed like Nephi (Jeff made that comment) came out on a horse and his horse did some stomping and backing up and at one point the man swung around a knife and showed us it was sharp by riding by and cutting a rope that had some decorative bags suspended from it. Not sure what that was all about. Then out came the ostrich that stood in the middle of the ring while raccoons ran around the ring and then two porcupines. (I’m serious-wildlife!) Some little ponies came out and ran around and then the cutest little bear cub was carried around and held like Simba as a baby being presented to the jungle animals at Pride Rock. (You’ll have to know your Disney to catch this imagery!) A contortionist from Switzerland was next and could move in ways I didn’t know the human body could-she had amazing strength. Flexibility doesn’t even begin to describe her abilities. Think “bendy straw”.

Then it was ½ time and Alex was starving so I gave him 10 grynva’s and he came back with a hot dog for him and me. Then he convinced me to go outside the tent (as there were glow in the dark toys to buy but “nett” to that. However I did buy two big bags of some corn type treat and gave them to the group of orphans surrounding me. (Alex got the toy out of the bag. It was the most obnoxious horn I’ve ever heard and he blew it all the way home! ) and I got interviewed by the local news. It was too funny. I have no idea what they asked and I’m surrounded by orphans. (All the orphanage attended the circus and we all got in free!) I just said “Ya ne pinyamyo Puroski” which means (and this is the only phrase I know in Russian) “I don’t understand Russian.” One of the kids pulls Masha (the translator) over and the news lady has her ask me if I like the circus? “Yes, I said. We have nothing like this in the United States.” And I give the camera a big smile. (Which is not a lie, I did like it as it was a once in a lifetime experience and all though I was continually looking for the exit in the event a animal breaks lose and stampedes the audience, it was better than doing nothing at the school and truly, we have nothing like this in the U.S.! The animal right activists people would have a conniption!) Then the news lady gave me a thumbs up and a “Super!”
The last half of the circus consisted of a girl swinging from a ring (thank goodness I could see her attach a safety cable) more juggling, some dancing and then the final act was camels. Camels with gross white spittle hanging from their lips. They were throwing their heads up and looking like they were going to hock a logy at us. I watched through my fingers afraid that we were going to get spewed on. (We were not on the front row but it was that up front and personal!) Oh and the best part was the funny clown who performed throughout. The kids loved him and Alex just laughed and laughed.
It was quite chilly tonight and we walked the kids back to school and Constantine picked me up and dropped the Rast and Marsha at their place. He took me to the restaurant where he and Oxana had been dining and I had a bowl of soup and tea and a slice of cheese cake and now Oxana and I are home.
Tomorrow we’re going to take the kids to the movies and of course go shopping in the morning. Hurray!! Day seven….done!

More on Day 6 of Ten..

Guess what? I do have something more to write about. Today while riding #11 I found out it ends at the end of the what I call "State Street". So #11 has does not make a full circle-it has two dead ends. Good to know. The bus had just gone by Billa, which is a big grocery store with two levels of department type stores above it so I thought I’d back track there and see if I could find a swimsuit.
On the way I noticed a little stand with a picture of a hamburger. I had just been joking with Alex yesterday that I wanted a hamburger and he said “No hamburger-Ukraine!” So I knew I had to try this. Keep in mind I don’t even know how to say “Could I please have….” I just point. They lady said “Cheese Burger?” I said “American Cheese Burger?” she said “No,Ukraine Cheese Burger” she heated it in the microwave and I paid and was on my way. Here is what it looked like:

And with the bun off:


Yes, that’s right, that’s grated carrots. It was okay. Nope, won’t try it again but at least I can say I’ve had a Ukraine Cheese Burger.
Then on to Billa. Here’s something I LOVE about Ukraine. I love that they have (and require you to use) free lockers to put your bags in before shopping. It’s great because you don’t have to tote your heavy bag and or purchase with you into other stores. I’m sure it’s for shoplifting reason’s but personally, I love it! You keep your purse with you of course.
I dropped off my big bag and went upstairs. The one store that sold swimsuits were expensive. Like $595 grynva (which is roughly $75 dollars.)
I did however get Julia’s B-day shopping almost done. Bill & Lezlie will be gone for her birthday next week on the 14th so they left money for me to throw a little party. I bought her a bright pink neck pillow for the trip home, a sun visor (remember her creative sweater tying the other day) and then after consulting with Leslie we thought she could use some girly things so I bought a glittery makeup bag and nail polish and lip gloss. Lezlie had left some markers, colored pencils and drawing pad. I also found candles, paper plates, forks, cups and balloons. I have about 25 more grynva to spend and I’ve put away 60 grynva for her cake. I’m so happy to be DOING and planning something. So be sure to check next Tuesday to see how the party goes.
Then I left Billa and just wandered around. Again, I have my headphones on so that if anyone talks to me and I ignore them-which I do because I have no clue what they are saying and can’t even tell if they’re talking to me-then it just looks like I’m lost in my music and not rude or deaf and dumb or something. Besides,I enjoy listening to my good old American country music while traipsing through the streets of Ukraine.
I came upon a little store (Again, I really don’t know if I’m walking into stores, banks or massage parlors-I just take my chances!) and guess what ? I found my swimsuit and it was only 70 grynva’s which is like $9. Amazing! They didn’t have my size but through pantomiming told me to come back in 10 minutes. The sales girl went somewhere (outside of the building) and came back with my size only in black-which is even better! (Black is slimming right?) So that was may major accomplishment! I bought a swim suit!!
Then I caught bus #11a (which takes me right to the orphanage) to pick up Alex. After our typed up via the translator program talk about money (not pouting when I don't buy him everything he asks for), learning English (now is the time) & our time frame (living with me vs living at school and when we might actually get on the airplane). We dropped off treats for Julia and then I swore Alex to secrecy and took him back to my apartment to make cookies and play computer. On the way there I stepped on a one of the few man hole covers I’ve seen and Alex freaked out! He quickly gave me an exaggerated pantomimed lecture on the dangers of stepping on man hole covers. How mama could fall down the hole and die and Alex would cry. It was hilarious and very endearing. Just in case I didn’t get it the first time I not only got one lecture but another when we walked by the next uncovered man hole. Good grief! I promised I won’t step on anymore man hole covers!!
I made cookies while Alex did Rosetta Stone on the computer.



And then Alex ate cookies.


Then he played his gangster computer game while I cleaned up.

I Skyped home and Alex was able to say "hi" to my mom and Rylee. Then I called James and and read some while Alex continued to play computer. Then around six we started back to the school. Every day he tells me “No school.” and tries to talk me into getting him the next day at nine in the morning. I know this wait is as long if not longer for him then it is for me. Just four more days my boy!
Oh, here’s something funny. On the way back some of the stray dogs were having a dog fight and one dog took off running super fast right by us. Alex said-clear as a bell-“Oh my gosh!” It cracked me up! Not only is become American, he’s becoming a Utahan!
Anyway, that was our day. It was so nice to be in the apartment and not at the school. Tomorrow the kids are out at 11:00 so maybe we’ll go swimming now that I have a suit? Who knows, tomorrow is yet another day!

For you Twlight Fans:

And here's one of me and Lex at lunch yesterday:

Yes, those are my sunglasses!

Day Six of Ten (more than 1/2 way there!)

It’s Thursday morning and I just woke up. Imagine that. It is 9:30am. I feel like I live in the lap of lazy luxury-until I step outside.
I’m trying to listen to Conference but the audio and video stream keeps interrupting so it’s very hard to listen as sometimes it pauses for 3 or 4 seconds.
I appreciate all the blogs I lurk that have music on them, (Corbie & Andreas) sometimes I just leave your blogs on as background to my little life in this apartment. (The music stream comes and goes but it fills the quiet!)
I’m trying to come up with new and exciting things to do today and I’m drawing a blank. Alex asked me to bring the computer-again. I really don’t like lugging it back and forth but he loves it so much. I just wish I had a more wholesome game for him to play than this gangster shot ‘em up and jack the car game.
The traveling circus is coming next weekend and I think we’ll defiantly go to that. There’s not a park with play equipment for bigger children-just small children. And so far I have not found a zoo (except the dead animal restaurant with the pathetic bears and chickens behind the restaurant) a museum, a skating rink, a roller rink, a bowling alley or anything. All these things I think are in Dnipropertrosk(about forty minutes away) which is much bigger and although I know where to pick up the bus, I have no idea where I’m going once I get there.
I know there is a swimming pool somewhere here but because I’m still in search of a semi-suitable suit that is not yet an option.
I’m looking forward to our movie on Saturday and I’m seriously thinking about challenging Rasts to an adventure and taking the bus to Dnipropertrosk to go to church but I’m afraid they might be televising Conference this week and the time and place may be different.
I am just so tired of walking through stores and saying “nett” to all the many treats and junky toys that Alex and Julia ask for. I think today if the translators around I’ll have a little chat about money with Alex. Money, learning English and our time frame. These are all things we need to get on the same page about. I think he thinks we’re leaving for the US on the 14th (Oh, how I wish!) but our departure date is up in the air pending all the paperwork that needs to be complete before we go. Try pantomiming that to a 10 year old!
I have everything to make chocolate chip cookies and I think I might bring Alex here today and make cookies and let him play on the lap top here. And my goal today is to ride #11 (my bus) all the way around and see exactly where it stops and what my options are. I mean the worse thing that can happen is they’ll tell me “finish” and make me get off –that’s no big deal. I know I can catch another #11 right around the corner. Not to mention since riding the bus cost about 20 cents, it’s not only cheap transportation it’s lame entertainment!
Rast are here but had to travel to visit the older brother of Sveta. I don’t know if they’ll be back today to hang out or not. If anything significant happens today, I’ll post again but I’m betting this might be it!
Here’s to love, peace and bus #11!
~Wendy