Post 4 Years ago!

Merry Christmas & toddler too
Well, we got the goods today! Juliana is now with us.She did pretty well in the car util the last 1/2 hour of the drive were she deided it was time to puke all over mommy.Once she did that she was fine.We made it back to the hotel about 8pm.She was a bit to wired to sleep, so she took inventory of the room. Once she got tired she realized she was with us and she pretty much got freaked out and cried for about 1hour and finaly feel asleep around 1 am in my arms.

Christmas

Ben thought it would be fun to have a picture of the dogs by the Christmas tree,the dogs had another idea...and it was not to have a picture.

Four Years ago

Four years ago we were in Russia getting to know the little girl who was to be our daughter,a little girl who didn't know what the toys that we brought to her were,a timid little thing that just went with the flow of things.Fast forward 4 years we have the most Americanized little girl around,she can tell you the newest thing around,she doesn't go with the flow at all, in fact.. lol she flows to her own stream.
I love how she has been able to adjust to life in a family,but am sad that she has forgotten her life in Russia.
Thank-you Ulia for being our daughter..I love you

There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the pointless drama
and people who create it...and surround yourself with people who make
you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus on the good. Life
is too short to be anything but happy.

Zack,Ben and Ulias list of Thanks

Zack
1.My mom
2.My dad
3.Animal Rescue
4.Friends
5.my family
6.fall break
7.birthday parties
8.food
9.my pets
10.my teachers
11.the military (ok he makes me want to go back and change mine )
12. Christmas
13.playing
14.being taken care of
15.breakfest
16.the milatary
17.nana and Pa pa
18.nana being healthy
19.christmas
20.toys r us
21.having a thanksgiving break
22.my friends
23. my cell phone




Ben
1.Star wars
2.Candy
3. My legs....? What can i say the kid has his own agenda
4.my mom
5. being healthy
6.no homework
7.toys
8.donuts
9.my cat
10.sushi
11.the army
12.starwars
13.my dogs
14.my mightbeanz
15.pancakes
16.clothes
17.the military
18.toys r us
19.weekends
20.christmas gifts
21.toilet paper
22.



Ulia
1.My House
2.My family
3.No school
4.food
5.electricity
6.my bike
7.paste
8.clothes
9. My teacher
10.I carly
11.Ms.Wesby (a teacher)
12.my tv
13.going out with dad
14.cake
15.Nothing Im mad!...her answer this am
16.swiming
17.the tooth fairy
18.going to dads
19.thanksgiving
20.christmas

30 Days of Thanks

the kids and I are participating in the 30 days of thanks
Kelly..
1.Having grown up with 2 loving caring parents
2.Having been given the children that I have
3.My true friends,just wish I didnt have to go thru the worst to find out who they are
4.My step dad...calling him a step dad is not fair as he is my other dad
5.my kids laughter
6.Quiet Weekends
7.being able to hang out with friends
8. mondays = back to school after a week break
9. Having a wonderful 18 year old son..Alex is all I could ask for in a son and more!
10.For being allowed to adopt Ulia,
11. New friends
12.Starbucks
13.Weekends
14. my pets
15. my house
16.My moms Health and making it throu her Chemo and radiation
17.My brothers
18. Being able to live were it is 77 degrees in Nov
19.Christmas
20.Having my health
21.my cellphone
22.my life
23.the delivery guy

Pep-talk to myself!

I hate making decisions,I hate confrontation, why can't things just be easy?
I want to be A teenager again,
I want to live with my mom and dad again,
I want to not have to worry about anything
I want my kids not to be hurt,physically or mentally
But,none of that's going to happen so Suck it up and do what you have to do!

Cub Scout Halloween Party

"Sometimes you have to give up the life you planned to find the life that is waiting for you"

He will be a reader yet!

Ben Struggles in reading and the school has started a new program where the kids get to read to a dog with the help of a reading aid,this has done wonders for Ben he loves dogs so this was right up his ally. The dog is Dante and he is over 100lbs!

Bennie

"A face without freckles is like a sky without stars!"
~Stephen Majercik

WW Black bean Brownies

Made these today,they are pretty good,kids could not tell they were not made the regular way!
Black Bean Brownies
This might sound strange, but these brownies actually come out rich and fudgy. They are low fat, high in fiber and protein and no one would know there are beans in them. These brownies are only 2 pts each. A great way to eat dessert with out packing on the pounds!
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 20 servings • Serving Size: 1 brownie • Calories: 194 • Points: 2 ww points

1 can (15 oz.) black beans
1 box brownie mix
Open can of beans, drain and rinse well. Put beans back in the can and fill can with water. Put beans and water in blender until smooth. Mix pureed beans with brownie package mix. DO NOT add eggs or oil. Spray baking dish with Pam. Cook brownies according to package directions. Cool and serve

My kids worked me again!

Zack and Ben came home from a walk yesterday afternoon, holding a kitten that a lady down the street told them she was getting ready to take to the shelter cause her dogs didnt get along with it. Along with there cute little sad faces was a bag of cat "stuff" after a long speech from the boys on how the poor kitty was going to the shelter and we didnt have to buy anything for it,we are now a family with a kitten!

Sigh of relief

Things are getting better.

The kids caught this in the pond and brought it home for me to see!after a quick look they took it back to the pond

Nothing else for today

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In life, we all have to deal with the unexpected. Just because we're believers, just because we're good people or doing the right thing doesn't make us exempt from trouble. The scripture says, "The rain falls on the just and the unjust." In times when something unexpected happens, or you find yourself facing a crisis, you don't have to go into "panic mode" or fall apart emotionally. Remember, that crisis is no surprise to God. It may be unexpected to you, but God knows the end from the beginning. He has solutions to problems that you haven't even had. He has equipped you for every battle, and He goes before you making your crooked places straight.

Today, focus on the fact that He is with you. Remember that He is walking with you and guiding you to a place of peace and victory. No matter what has happened, He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for your good! He always leads us in victory, so keep moving forward trusting in the good plan He has for you!

Nicholas Sparks-
"Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can."

The contempt shown to parents of large families

I thought this was a great article,I know many people dont agree.
Click on link to read.

The contempt shown to parents of large families

Brownies...

Tomorrow Ben's second grade class is holding a bake sale, so I have been busy all morning baking brownies.Tomorrow at school is the grandparents luncheon so they are hoping to be able to sell a bunch to help fund the field trip to the zoo in May.I hate when they do the grandparents day, we have no family close to us so the kids never have a grandparent there.

In other news, Ulia had her first spelling test of the year and got a 100% she was so proud! she studied so hard,I'm so proud of her.

A ah ha moment

This morning I had to go to the boys school to help out a bit,it was a great time I love going and helping in the classroom and seeing the boys in another setting besides home. The best thing about today was all the kids,teachers,lunch ladies and everyone else I ran into who asked how Ulia was doing at her new school and talked about how much they missed her! Ulia came to the school as a 4year old that spoke no english but always had a smile on here face and a hello for everyone.In the years that she was at the school she became everyones friend,I think almost every student would say hi to her,she knew every teachers name,every worker in the school knew Ulia and loved her for her crazy,silly personality. I left the school feeling really happy about my little girl who has a few challanges ahead of her for years to come, but realizing how far she has come and knowing she is really starting to show me she is capable of learning and doing things other kids do.

"Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk."
-Unknown

Lazy Day

I got to sleep in this am which is huge for me! I never sleep in. Then Alex,my great child, went and out and brought me back Starbucks..he probably wants something..lol
Finally a nice day here too, not to humid so I got to work in the yard,something I love to do.Then came in and sat around and watched Annie another one of my favorite movies!

Just say No...How do you do that?

Im wondering how I get myself involved in so many projects! Last night had a meeting that lasted till 10:30, came home, had to enter popcorn sales for boy scout...Anyone want to buy popcorn? just let me know.

I need another few hours in each day and to learn to sleep a little longer.

Lowcountry Rockin'the Pink Breast Walk

We had a great article in the paper this morning about our Walk, if your local and want to sign up there are lots of places to do so, if you cant walk but want to help check out our Tastefully Simple Fundraiser!

I cant get the link to work so you will have to copy annd paste it

http://www.blufftontoday.com/news/2010-08-31/register-rockin%E2%80%99-pink-breast-cancer-walk

Please,Please take me away!

I need to go away! I LOVE my kids but I really need a mommy break, Is Tuscany to much to ask for? I have always wanted to go.
I need to go away!

Flash Back

This Time 4 years ago I was in Russia meeting Ulia, I went to Russia by myself, it was a wild trip Flights delayed,flights missed,me going crazy on a poor United agent at the gate, and finally Perm Russia almost a day late.A declined referral,which made me cry for hours, wondering if I would leave home with out meeting our daughter.

Retail Therapy Time

When all else fails Shop! Time to add to the collection :)

Cleaning freenzy

Well, I have made the most of the weekend while the kids were gone and cleaned house!
I'm still feeling bad for doing something that I thought I was doing with good intentions but turns out not to have been such a great move.

Lazy Day

Looks like its going to be a lazy weekend,the kids are going to Bob's for the weekend. What should I do? I hate the quietness when they go. Guess I better find something to do.

Maybe I will watch Grease

Sometimes...

It's the little things like a Phone call that make me Smile all day long!

So I'm a nerd I know

Girls Night Out

Tonight Is our first "Girls Night Out" To benefit the Lowcountry Rockin'the Pink Breast Cancer Walk. There willbe lots of vendors,so come out and start your Christmas shopping!
All proceeds from my Tastefully Simple Web site now through October will, go directly to the Walk So check it out. www.tastefullysimple.com/web/kpairman

Charleston

If you have never been to Charleston SC its a must see!, I love this Video, it shows Charleston,Plus when I first moved to Hilton Head, we used to see Hootie In The Blowfish when they used to play at the Old Post Office.Remember to hear it you have to pause the music on the blog

Darius Rucker   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

Reading For Cash

Homework time at my house is a nightmare.Zack is pretty good about getting his done and I just have to check it and he will do his 30 min of reading right before he goes to bed.Ben and Ulia on the other hand it's like pulling teeth to get it done,I think part of the issue is there ADD meds are wearing off by the time they get home and focusing becomes an issue.They can't sit dowm together and do it as it's way to much of a distraction for Ulia.So she and I usually do hers then Ben and I do his.Ben hates to read,which drives me nuts because I love to read. So it came to me last night what is Bens favorite thing in the world?....to Have money! the boy can save money like no other.So last night I told him if he reads each of his book each night(usually 3, 5-10 page books) without any issues or playing around I would give him a quarter for each one,but if he fussed or played around I would get a quarter back for each time he acts up. So is it wrong to bribe him to read?

Back From the Eye Dr

Ulia and I went up to Charleston this am to see her eye Doctor.We finally got a good report,the surgery she had in July seemed to have helped to give her some depth perception..woohoo! Bad new was that the right eye is still drifting out which causes her to turn her head to look at somethings.We got a new prescription and are going to give it another few months before we decide what to do next.
Now,its time to see if I can talk Ulia into laying down with me for a nap,so much stuff going on in my mind that I have not been sleeping well at night.

Happy Friday

Almost a done with our first week of school! Ben asked this am if this was the last day,thinking he meant of the week I said yup...Wrong answer Ben wanted to know how many weeks he was off this time.I explained it was just 2 days,well that didn't go over well,might be along school year with Ben. Ulia is loving her new school and comes home everyday with a new tale.Zack,well Zack is in 4th grade and all I get for answers from him is grunts and groans,but he seems to like his new teacher and the kids in his class.



Today I was thinking about the things that make me happy.
1) My Kids,they crack me up everyday and I could not imagine a day without them.
2) Random acts of Kindness,giving to others,making others happy
3) Clean sheets... My whole house can be a mess but clean sheets make me happy!
4) Being in the company of someone who thinks you are awesome,you might not be but as long as they thing so its all that matters.
So what makes you happy?

More random summer

Random Summer pictures

Trying to get all four kids in a picture anymore is just not easy!

Row, Row,Row your Boat

Sometimes it just feels like you row and row and get nowhere!Any of my friends will tell you I am very rarely down, but the last few weeks have just been crappy,I'm feeling like nothing good is working out for the kids and I right now,and I hate to feel this way because I never ever let things get me down.

Smile!

I love this song! it makes me smile when I hear it and hope for the best.You will have to pause the songs on the left side of the blog to hear it.

BFF's

My best Friend of the last 10 years has moved back to Cincinnati,I'm pretty bummed about this as she was my go to gal, we did everything together, and she knows everything about myself and my kids..lol and still was the BFF.
I have lots of friends and acquaintance's, but no one that I consider my best friend,looking back I don't even think Bob and I were Best Friends.I pray that if Im lucky enough to one day find someone that I want to spend my life with we can be BFF's, I thought I was working on that with someone, but somethings I guess are not meant to be or what they seem.

First day Blue's

Well the first day of school didn't go according plan, I should know better. I have always taken the kids to school and let them ride the bus home,this year the plan is to still take the boys but Ulia will ride the bus,since her school is a bit of a distance from us and logistically,just best thing to do. But this am since it was her first day and I was sure she would be upset I drove her.So off to drop Ben and Zack we go, then a quick stop thru Starbucks...thinking hey if I drove her every morning I could stop every morning! anyway off we go, walk in and all is well Ulia does great, no issues other then she tells her new teacher her name is Ulie and not Ulia and not to call her Ulia! OK hey whatever.Well as I'm talking to her new teacher I get a call from the boys school, Ben is on the line bawling his eyes out,doesn't want to stay and could I please come get him right now!well I talk to the teacher she calms him down all is well. Ben has been at this school for 3 years..lol and LOVES the teacher that he has this year,he tells me when he gets home he just missed me how sweet is he!
The boys came home on the bus which was running a little late and Ulia was to ride the bus home too,well time goes by no Ulia, call the school, buses left late ,first day issues etc.. well poor Ulia didn't get home until 5:30 tonight she is the last stop.The bus driver assured me it was just because of first day issues,gosh I hope so poor girl was exhausted when she got off the bus.
I on the other hand was left to wonder all day why do the days drag when the kids are home,yet when they are at school the day flies by?

Back to School

Well looks like summer is over for us. The kids and I have spent most of the summer out in TX helping my mom get thru her Chemo treatments.For those who didn't know my mom was diagnosed with Breast cancer in January.This month she has finished her Chemo and will start radiation,she has been a trooper,after seeing what the Chemo did to her I don't know how she kept up her spirits.
Lets see...in other news, Alex graduated! but has no idea what he wants to do so he will be sticking around here a bit longer.We have been back in our house one year at the end of August.Bob and I are officially divorced,the kids have adjusted well I think.
School Starts Tomorrow! Zack is going into 4th grade,Ben and Ulia into 2nd.I'm a little sad this year as Ulia will be attending a different school then the boys.This was an incredibly hard decision to make,but I'm hoping the right one.The new school is supposed to be better equipped at dealing with her needs.
As for me,I'm dealing..lol that's about all I can say.

Prom

Alex had his senior prom last night

please help

A new Year

I never seem to get to the blog anymore,so here is a quick run down.
For those that dont know Bob decided to move out this past summer and we are now in the process of a divorce.The kids and I are doing well and have adjusted to life.
Ulia is doing ok,she is in first grade and goes to resource a few hours a day at school for some extra help, she loves school and looks forward to going each day..lol something her brothers do not do!
Alex is ready for his senior year to be over and has plans to enter the military.Zack and Ben are both doing well.