Ho Ho Hum

I am having a hard time getting into the whole Holiday thing. Only four days left to find it! Maybe, as soon as the presents are wrapped and I have marked off the last to do on my list...

In the meantime, I will back track and maybe find some...

Here is the start of the Holidays, otherwise known as Thanksgiving. We spent a very quite evening with my sister and my niece and nephew. If you look closely, you may even see a glimpse of the otherwise, elusive and rarely photographed...me! (between my niece/nephew).

The following day was our traditional outing to the Christmas Parade with a stop at Spaghetti Warehouse. It just happened to be the coldest day, yet of the season.

The gang is bundled up and having fun (not sure why it is yellow?)

Here is our attempt at a holiday portrait prior to the kid's singing in the choir at church.

Some people strive to post the oh-ah pics of their kids on their blogs.

Instead this is what I get trying to get a portrait, as a photographing Queen...

We did not quite hit the Christmas card mark, we were aiming for!

In fact, this is as close to a Christmas card as we are going to get! Joy, Peace and Love All!

While the boys spent the weekend with a friend, mom snuck out and carefully raided the aisles of Toys R Us, Walmart, and all in search of the last parcels of loot.

Dad in the meantime took our Snow Princess to see a very, very tall tree, and a glimpse of the big man and the misses!

((Go ahead you may ohh and aww over the cuteness!))

Finally, I was informed yesterday when the boys returned from the weekend that Nikolai had the nerve to tell me that Santa is not REAL! Excuse me? Did I hear right?

To that I answered, wellI guess then you won't get the things you asked the Big Guy for because Dad and I don't know what they were!

Which in turn, he started to chant..."I believe, I believe, I believe..." You better young man, or at least, until I decide when I retire as Ms. Claus!

Skye

Sunday was not a good day for my dog Skye. Our old rescued dog that doesn’t like strangers, has been to a dog psychologist and is a hard-working Border Collie. We think she is 12 but we are not for sure.

On Saturday, she had gone for a walk and was her old annoying self- barking at any perceived threat, jumping on the table in hopes of grabbing the kid’s food, stealing “treats”, scratching at the carpet, etc…

Then on Sunday, she seemed a bit lethargic. Limping a little the way she does when her old hips hurt. So, Larry took Stormy for a walk and Skye stayed behind with me.
Suddenly, she went right down hill. She vomited, walked into the furniture, got completely confused, fell over and her eyes started to twitch.

I held her and cried and called out for anyone to help (like the kids) but everyone was outside. Finally, Larry showed up and I said she needs to go to the Emergency Vet right now! So he carried her to the car, I cried and said good-bye thinking this was the end.

Then he called and said he was bringing her home and she had a degenerative vestibular disease and yes it can come on that fast. The last few days have passed and she has slowly getting better. Her head tilts to the left and she doesn’t like to stand, but she is alive and even oversees Stormy’s behavior with the occasional bark and growl.

Now, only time will tell what her future holds; and if she can improve enough to lead an old dog’s slow life.

Three Favorite Words

Oksana loves learning how to spell.

Lately, she has a new favorite.

She loves to spell- I LOVE YOU!

What could be better than hearing: Mommy guess what? I L-o-v-e Y-o-u!

What is THAT?

So Nik and Oksana were chasing each other, falling on the ground and wrestling, yesterday in the backyard.

Yes, we have two dogs so it is not uncommon for the occassional run-in with some doggie doo doo on a shoe.

They came running inside and Nik ran into the wall. I looked at the wall and saw something that should not be there!
I said what is that?
Then, I said turn around...and yes it was just like I thought- Dog doo doo in his hair! GROSS!

So I told him, NOW we can officially call him a "poopyhead" when he gets pouty!

December 15

Nineteen years ago, on this date, Larry and I got married. We were so young!

Nine years ago, on this date, we arrived on US soil with our first son- Vitaly. I remember crying, as I heard Christmas music and English! What an amazing ten year anniversary present!

One year ago tomorrow, Larry had his heart attack but is thankfully, now healthy.

Tonight we will celebrate the milestones of love, family and the gift of life, that seem to occur on December 15th.

Phase One...

Phase One: Becoming a pre-teen, a trip to the Orthodontist

Vitaly was referred to the Orthodontist by our Dentist for a severe overbite.

Now,he needs a spacer to do this and that to his bite, for about nine months.

Total cost for such an appliance such as this:

that goes in the roof of your mouth.....

a little over $3500!

And that doesn't even cover the costs of the braces to follow. (don't even want to know what they will cost, but 5K seems @ average)

YIKES!

Then the Orthodontist looked around at my other two cuties, checked their teeth and agreed they too would be seeing him in the future. Big sigh.

Oh and looking at supplemental insurance plans to our own plan, they do not help when it comes to the Orthodontist.

Luckily for Vitaly it came in many colors, glitters and swirls. His pick...

Orange and Black.

The same colors as his two favorite football teams: His Black Attack team and the Bengals

Boogie Shoes

So, I guess there is a new song out.

Previously, it was called (My) Boogie Shoes, by KC and the Sunshine Band. An upbeat little song, that has the tendency to stay in your head for the day.

Today, when it came on the radio Oksana chimed up it's " My Mommy's Boogie Shoes!" She proudly proceeded to sing with the chorus, which went something more like this...

"I wanna put on my, mommy mommyy's boogie shoes! and Boogie with u!"

Of course, Nikolai thought this was just hilarious, as he began to dance in a strange hypnotic off beat way.

Poor girl, if she only knew mommy's boogie shoes have no rhythm, she would not want to put them on!

A Time to Give

Dear All:

Oksana wants to give back to the children of Shriner's and the wonderful care she receives, this holiday season and beyond.

She has talked about the children that live every day in a hospital room.

Most have nothing to do but watch TV/DVDs/play games and do activities, while under painful treatment. These activities are their only release. Most are severly burned and spend months/years undergoing painful operations and recuperations.

Each time we go there, Oksana gets the best care and thankfully, we get to leave without the scars these children will endure the rest of their lives.

As we did our most recent surgery, Oksana and I noticed that they had a wonderful selection of DVD's for the kids, but they did not last forever for a child that might be there for weeks- months.

Nor, did they have other language DVDs or PG rated adult Dvds as many of the children and parents have come from all over the world.

So we gratefully ask that if anyone wants to donate slightly used or new DVD's to Shriners, we would be excited for you to join us. You may send them to your own local Shriner's or if you would like to send them to us, as we will be taking them to the Cincinnati Shriner's for Oksana to give to her new/old friends that have endured many painful surgeries for burns, clefts and ear pinnings.

If you would like to send us your DVD's or other donations (toys gifts) we will be happy to take them to the children, as Oksana will give them back to her special friends and others.

We can make many trips :)

A simple email and I will give you the address to send, at boomerseyler@yahoo.com

Thank you!
From,
Oksana and all of us!

Fall Back

I love an extra hour to sleep, just as much as anyone else!
But, truth be told, the Fall Back time change has put my body out of whack!
Last night I fell asleep at 9:00 pm, because technically it was 10:00 to my body. (yes, I usually go to be early).
Then, the past two mornings- awake- way to early.
Yesterday, it was probably 4:30 AM and today 4:20.

To make the situation even more crazy, Oksana came bounding into our room at 4:30 AM this morning. Wide awake. Then, she got into our bed and proceeded to babble away, until we got up at our usual time- which is 5:30.

Of course there is a positive note too: the boys are easier to get out of bed in the morning and they go to sleep earlier- YEAH!

Bad dreams

I really don't know what to think when your little girl in her sleep screams out:

Don't Vitaly! NO! Don't Vitaly!

Then, a little while later:

Don't do it Nikolai, don't touch it! That is a real knife put it down or I am telling Mommy!

These are what she screamed out from her sleep last night, and awoke me (and others)both times!

I asked her about it in the morning and she said she had a bad dream. I would agree! Now it looks like we need to discuss these teasings with the boys!

And then what HAPPENED?

Okay Okay

I plead the working mommy 102nd commandment for working mommies- I will update my blog after major events!

Death by stitches or see previous blog.. for Nik's stitches response...

Oksana's preop overnite at Shriners she had a blast with the other kids eating popcorn and playing games, while Mommy struggled with pre-op sleeping in the room.

Seven surgeries and still a good girl. No wonder throwing up is much more traumatic with your tongue tied! Eight hours of post surgery yuckies and then a deep sleep until, she awoke crying...

She said mommy I need to go to the bathroom and go home!

As a seasoned veteran to hospital stays I told her you must drink and eat first!

So, she did like a strong little girl!

And then she got to do this with her favorite Nurse... (she did the drawings) and say good bye to some of the most amazing burned children from all over the world. They are the true heroes of Shriners! Please give whenever you can to ensure these amazing hospitals!

Hi ho hi ho and off to the hospital we go!

We have been having some time at the hospital! Two Sundays ago, it all began when Nikolai had a run in at a friend's house with a dog cage to his scalp. After much crying, bleeding and deliberation the decision was made to visit the ER. Nik of course wanted NOTHING to do with a stitch to his head, but after some numbing meds, he felt no pain. Although he did cry out to the stitching staff... "Are you trying to KILL ME or what!" He now sports eight stitches!

Oksana and I are back at Shriner's. We are spending the night getting her ready for her surgery, in the morning. It is the same surgery she had a year ago, that needed revisions. If all goes okay we should be home no later than Saturday, but hopefully Friday. She did ask if Santa was going to be here again (he showed last year for trick or treat). I told her probably not, he was probably busy getting ready for Christmas!

Black Attack 2009

Vitaly's Team:

Although this year they have not been as successful as their 8-1 record of last, it is still great to see him with a group of young boys that call him a teammate (photo courtesy of their team mom)

Player of the Week

Who would have ever guessed that Nikolai was going to be so into Football that his tackling and Safety/Linebacker skills have earned him the title of "Player of the Week" for his team!

That is right Player of the WEEK!

Nothing could make a child prouder who has worked so hard, to prove that small does not mean fierce!

The team also got to travel to the local University and work out with the players.

Here he is with a QB for the Dayton UD Flyers.

How cool is that!

Slammin' and the Paralyzer

You may not want to mess with this 45 pound terror (aka The Paralyzer):

if you are playing in the bantam black league...

BEWARE!

Yes, the "P" has put major hurt on those unsuspecting players

that have felt the sting of his tackles. And cried a few tears caused by the pain.

Two QB sacks and ten major tackles. He is the tiny, unforeseen, speedy weapon.

(We think the blue shoes make him faster!)

Here is Slammin'

A lineman that has gone against a boy that weighed over 150 pounds.

Unfortunately, his team has been up against some hard (BIG)teams this year

But playing hard is still the name of the game!

Mommy, I have to!

It's not going to happen I tell her. But, Mommy I have to!

I still say you are not allowed. But, Mommy that is not fair!

I tried to stop her. I begged and pleaded for her not to do it,
but she knew I couldn't stop her...


And, poof just like that my baby girl turned five.
And, there was nothing I could do, but enjoy the tiny footsteps of a young little lady.

May you never quit believing in your dreams

I hope you dance...

And dance....

My sweet beautiful Princess!

Feet

We went shoe shopping because Vitaly can literally grow right out of his shoes! His old shoes had toes hanging out and holes as big as a quarter.

He wanted some fancy new velcro Sketchers. So, we went and picked out his size of six at the store and tried them on. But for some reason, they seemed a bit on the short end.

So I took out his foot and placed it in that funky foot sizer...7!

What a size 7? How can that be he just turned 10. Mom (me) wears a six (EE-yikes). That means his foot his bigger than mine. That doesn't seem possible. Unfortunately, he still got Sketchers but they were tied not velcro, and not as cool!

Now, I am worried what his pants for next year will look like! I am guessing there will be a flood!

First Day of School 2009

Polo Shirts - Check
Transformer Backpacks- Check
Summer Tans- Check
New Lunchbags- Check
Jealous Dog (in door window)- Check

Presenting one Fourth Grader and one Second Grader ready, but not "overly excited", to return to school.

Can't you just see the "Joy" on Nikolai's face!

Summer update

So as everyone can see by my lack of upkeep of the blog for the summer, I will retrace the main reason for the delay.

In mid June, I traveled to Las Vegas for a work conference.
I returned for a short period, before departing to Denver with Oksana in tow to visit my brother, SIL and niece.
After a whirlwind trip to Denver, I returned home for a few days at the beginning of July.
July 5, I left for a work conference in New Orleans for a week!

I came back for a week to work and take kids to Doctor appointments; then we packed up and left on July 18th for Orlando returning on the 27th.
On July 31, I headed out again, this time to Michigan for some family reuniting and blueberry picking. Needless to say, by that Sunday I had a raging fever, my body was exhausted!

On Saturday, August 8, Vitaly turned ten years old. I can't believe I have a pre-teen! We celebrated his birthday and enjoyed catching up with some friends.

As I take a big breath, I am happy to say that I will not be traveling anymore, at least through the end of August! I will enjoy these last few days of summer, and even take a day off to really enjoy a summer day with my children, before school begins in less than two weeks. The summer has literally flown by me!

The Final Florida pics

Masha with a cold beverage, hot sun and great pool- can it get any better!

Ukrainain Angels Reunion 2009

Valerie, Oksana and her Ukie Best gal pal Z!


Cool Dude

Downtown Disney

Cinderella and her Prince

Valerie treats the kids to a Disney Pez (she is soo sweet!)

Princess Oksana

A Ukrainian Rose

Discovery Cove Florida - in pictures

We LOVED LOVED LOVED Discovery Cove in Orlando!
Valerie and Masha swam with the dolphins
We swam in coral reefs among manta rays, beautiful fish and even sharks nearby.
Vitaly and Valerie did the (what felt like) half mile lazy fresh water river about 15 times and enjoyed every adventure!
We loved the stingray lagoon and swimming all day and the food and drink was great!
A great time was had by all in this little piece of paradise hidden inside of Orlando.

Masha, Valerie and the gang!