Life is busy at the Sabatini's, but things are much better than when I last posted. Praise God!!! Primo and I got a short break a few weekends ago. We enlisted three other families to care for our children. It was a quick trip to Wilmington with Primo that proved to be a turning point in my relationship with Dasha. To this day I don't know what happened, but she and I have been getting along very well since then. There's no longer that tension so thick you couldn't even cut it with a chain saw. It has been nice. My fondest memory with her so far since then is the day we went shopping and bought FIVE pairs of shoes!!! I can think of NO better way to bond with your daughter!! The next major change that needs to occur is the relationship between Dasha and Primo Jr.. That continues to be a struggle and both are too stubborn to be the first to make a move. Hmmmmm, I wonder where they got that from?!! :)
School will soon be out and we will be facing summer boredom....or will we? I may have something interesting to post in the near future! Stay tuned~
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
In need of a break!
This is the hardest thing God has ever asked us to do! It's been a long bumpy road to this point. Primo and I have had no time to ourselves. It's time we planned a get away so we can renew our strength! Every day is a challenge. I know God is not only growing the kids, but me and Primo too. Sometimes growing pains can be very uncomfortable!
God is STILL in control even though sometimes I feel as though I've lost it!!
Trying to keep a sense of humor....
Sharon
God is STILL in control even though sometimes I feel as though I've lost it!!
Trying to keep a sense of humor....
Sharon
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Happy Holiday Season!!
We just our first enlarged Thanksgiving in traditional style. We cooked a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, salad and all the fixin's. Over the long weekend we introduced the kids (mainly Dasha because she was more interested than Michael at first) to the art of Italian cookie making. Friday we spent several hours making double batches of cherry cookies and chocolate balls. Dasha was a trooper and worked til the completion (including frosting several hundred tiny little balls!). Saturday we tackled rosettes. Michael got in on the act and I think the kids really enjoyed being a part of the holiday tradition. There were many cookies sampled, but our freezer is filling quickly with cookies to eat as it gets closer to Christmas.
Christmas shopping is well under way. I need to pull everything out and make a list of what I have and what I need to get. Dasha and Nicholas have December birthdays so I have to keep that in mind as well.
We've had many, many ups and downs in the last several months. I have to say this is probably one of the hardest things we've been asked to do (by the Lord), but I constantly see His hand of protection upon us. Just when I think I can't take any more, relief comes. Praise God!!!!
May you all have a blessed holiday season!! Remember, JESUS is the reason for the season!!! Amen!
Christmas shopping is well under way. I need to pull everything out and make a list of what I have and what I need to get. Dasha and Nicholas have December birthdays so I have to keep that in mind as well.
We've had many, many ups and downs in the last several months. I have to say this is probably one of the hardest things we've been asked to do (by the Lord), but I constantly see His hand of protection upon us. Just when I think I can't take any more, relief comes. Praise God!!!!
May you all have a blessed holiday season!! Remember, JESUS is the reason for the season!!! Amen!
Monday, September 24, 2007
A Trip To The Dentist
Today we went for dentist appointments. We have waited three months for this and knew it was probably going to be like opening another can of worms. Dasha went first. The hygentist emerged with the report of 13 cavaties!!! I honestly didn't expect nearly that many. Three or four maybe, but not 13!! Michael went next. His report wasn't quite as bad. He has "only" 8 cavaties, however his are deeper than Dasha's. We also have to take Michael back in two weeks to finish his cleaning because his gums were inflamed and they want them to settle down before they complete everything. I walked out with a deck of appointment cards! There will be multiple visits to get all these things taken care of.
All in all things are going well. We are really starting to "gel" as a family. The kids are struggling academically, but that is really not a big surprise to us. I'm sure the curriculum in Ukraine is not the same as it is here in America. It would be silly to assume otherwise. We are currently trying to evaluate exactly what they DO know and what they DON'T know. From there we can move forward. Primo has spent countless hours working with the kids on math. Every night after dinner the dining room becomes a classroom!
I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but I decided to blog just to see if anyone is paying attention!! Not only that, it is our way of remembering the experience too!!
All in all things are going well. We are really starting to "gel" as a family. The kids are struggling academically, but that is really not a big surprise to us. I'm sure the curriculum in Ukraine is not the same as it is here in America. It would be silly to assume otherwise. We are currently trying to evaluate exactly what they DO know and what they DON'T know. From there we can move forward. Primo has spent countless hours working with the kids on math. Every night after dinner the dining room becomes a classroom!
I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but I decided to blog just to see if anyone is paying attention!! Not only that, it is our way of remembering the experience too!!
Friday, July 13, 2007
VBS & Drivers Ed.
This was a really busy week! Primo Jr. had drivers ed. every day from 8:30-2:30. Primo dropped him off in the morning and I picked him up in the afternoon. He had his final today and only missed one question, so now he is eligible to do the driving portion. He should be scheduled for his driving time in the next several weeks. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing!
I taught kindergarten Vacation Bible School again this year. I had a great class! I didn't know any of them prior to this week (there are kids from many other churches that attend), but by the end of the week we were all well aquainted. I will miss them! Nicholas was in a class for 3 year olds. It was an exhausting week for him.
Dasha and Michael attended the VBS for the kids from Belarus. They were reluctant the first day, but I think they ended up doing okay. Michael has made friends with one of the older boys and spent Wednesday afternoon swimming with him and his host family. Today he went home with David (a boy that was adopted from the same orphanage as Dasha) to swim and play. He's having a great time! What a change from where he was a few short months ago!!
I hadn't written in awhile, but now you know what we've been up to. Next week should be much less hectic...I hope!!!
I taught kindergarten Vacation Bible School again this year. I had a great class! I didn't know any of them prior to this week (there are kids from many other churches that attend), but by the end of the week we were all well aquainted. I will miss them! Nicholas was in a class for 3 year olds. It was an exhausting week for him.
Dasha and Michael attended the VBS for the kids from Belarus. They were reluctant the first day, but I think they ended up doing okay. Michael has made friends with one of the older boys and spent Wednesday afternoon swimming with him and his host family. Today he went home with David (a boy that was adopted from the same orphanage as Dasha) to swim and play. He's having a great time! What a change from where he was a few short months ago!!
I hadn't written in awhile, but now you know what we've been up to. Next week should be much less hectic...I hope!!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Ice Cream Sundaes and Wedding Dresses
The rest of last week ended up being really good. Friday we had invited guests for dinner and I was making lasagna. Dasha and Michael jumped right in and we had a great time in the kitchen together! It was "one of those moments". The Bouchard's joined us for dinner and then the Maddox family brought dessert...ice cream sundaes with every topping imaginable! We had fun creating our own special treats. It was so fun just to sit and fellowship...thank God for good friends!
Saturday was a "lazy day". We stayed home all day and late in the afternoon I finally allowed Dasha to do something she's been asking for....try on my wedding dress! Let me tell ya'll, I hadn't looked at that dress in 18 years. When I unzipped the bag and took the slip out I was overwhelmed by the reality of it all....I USED TO BE SKINNY!!! ;) The dress fit Dasha like it was made for her! So Primo said I had the body of a 14 year old when we got married...I'm not sure how I should take that!! Anyway, Dasha is going to make a beautiful bride (in about 20 years)!
Today we were invited to a friends house for lunch (pizza) and a movie. All four kids went with me. They enjoyed the movies while Rochelle and I caught up on life. (Well, Nic was running around, but I assume you would already know that!) Since the kids love to watch movies, they were in their element. When it came time to leave Dasha was involved in a movie and said she was going to stay there to finish it! Rochelle, being the kind person she is, allowed the kids to bring home FIVE movies to watch! What a blessing!
Because the kids are older they have to take an oath before they can become US citizens. Guess where they have to go to take this oath? CHARLOTTE!! Again! We received our appointment today for July 27th.
Primo will be off for the rest of the week for 4th of July. IBM was generous and gave them a couple extra days. Hopefully we will have some fun family time!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
And she's off...!
We're happy to report that Dasha has mastered bike riding! Michael worked with her and now she's lovin' it! And, I have a scratch on my van that will always remind us of the learning process. :( She got rolling on Monday and it was literally 98 degrees out, but she didn't seem to care. She just wanted to ride. Her face was the color of a tomato and her shirt was soaked with sweat. It looks like we're going to have to buy another bike!
The kids are attending a program at church this week. It's called Health Through the Bible and is put on by the Russian ministry for the Chernobyl kids. Each night they focus on a different aspect of health and nutrition...tonight is dentistry!! Last night they learned to wash their hands properly and even had a black light to show where they missed. Monday was about proper nutrition. We are blessed to have a Russian ministry right at our church.
That's the mid-week update on what we've had going on....
The kids are attending a program at church this week. It's called Health Through the Bible and is put on by the Russian ministry for the Chernobyl kids. Each night they focus on a different aspect of health and nutrition...tonight is dentistry!! Last night they learned to wash their hands properly and even had a black light to show where they missed. Monday was about proper nutrition. We are blessed to have a Russian ministry right at our church.
That's the mid-week update on what we've had going on....
Friday, June 22, 2007
Brighter Days
This week was much better than last week. We definitely had some bumps in the road, but nothing earth shattering. We completed the registration and course selection process for Dasha to start at Wakefield High School in August. We haven't decided yet where to place Michael.
The kids had two more English lessons this week. Neither are terribly motivated to spend free time doing their homework. Dasha does well when she tries. Michael is very reluctant. We purchased the Rosetta Stone English software for home schoolers. We are hoping that they will think it's more fun since it's on the computer. There are workbooks, answer sheets and speaking activities. I've heard good things about this program so we thought we'd give it a try. It is so very hard to communicate even the littlest thoughts to the kids so I often just "let it go".
We went to a couple second hand stores this week and got some clothing items. Since Dasha is so small she can wear just about anything and it will look cute. Surprisingly enough, Michael seems to go for the wild, Hawaiian type prints. Works for me!
Dasha's having her first sleepover tonight with Lena Huston. Rhondi and her kids came over to swim and for pizza today. Lena is spending the night here. I remember how much I enjoyed that as a kid.
That's the week in review!
The kids had two more English lessons this week. Neither are terribly motivated to spend free time doing their homework. Dasha does well when she tries. Michael is very reluctant. We purchased the Rosetta Stone English software for home schoolers. We are hoping that they will think it's more fun since it's on the computer. There are workbooks, answer sheets and speaking activities. I've heard good things about this program so we thought we'd give it a try. It is so very hard to communicate even the littlest thoughts to the kids so I often just "let it go".
We went to a couple second hand stores this week and got some clothing items. Since Dasha is so small she can wear just about anything and it will look cute. Surprisingly enough, Michael seems to go for the wild, Hawaiian type prints. Works for me!
Dasha's having her first sleepover tonight with Lena Huston. Rhondi and her kids came over to swim and for pizza today. Lena is spending the night here. I remember how much I enjoyed that as a kid.
That's the week in review!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Challenges
This was a rough week. ESL went better on Tuesday. Dasha and Lena had class together and Michael and Vitali had class together. The report was actually that Michael and Vitali were a little silly which was the complete opposite of what had taken place on Friday. At least he participated!
Wednesday Michael got his hair cut. It looks really good.
Dasha and I had a couple days this week that we really didn't get along. This escalated Thursday evening. When it was over we were both crying in each others arms. The language barrier makes these situations even more difficult. I think we BOTH learned a lot this week. Most importantly, I hope she learned that no matter what I love her. I tried to explain that even when I get mad, I still love her. I want her to feel secure in that thought.
Michael woke up with a temperature Friday morning so we stayed home all day except for when we had to run over to the church to pick up Primo Jr. (he was at camp all week). Yesterday (Saturday) we went to BJ's and the grocery store to stock up on supplies. The kids were much better about not throwing everything under the sun in the cart. I appreciated that!
Today (Sunday) we had the pleasure of meeting with Constantine Petrov who leads the Russian ministry at our church. We wanted to be able to express to the kids our expectations and have them hear the experiences of someone who has walked in their shoes (so to speak). Constantine and his family moved to America almost 10 years ago. He talked to the kids for FOUR hours!!!!! It was great. He talked to them from a Biblical sense and shared that without Christ we can do nothing. So true! The kids were attentive and spoke openly asking questions and responding. Both seemed to have a more positive outlook when we left. It was time well spent!
I think we all grew a little this week!
(Note: I started typing this post before midnight, but ran over. My brain still thinks it's Sunday so forgive the discrepancy in days/dates)
Wednesday Michael got his hair cut. It looks really good.
Dasha and I had a couple days this week that we really didn't get along. This escalated Thursday evening. When it was over we were both crying in each others arms. The language barrier makes these situations even more difficult. I think we BOTH learned a lot this week. Most importantly, I hope she learned that no matter what I love her. I tried to explain that even when I get mad, I still love her. I want her to feel secure in that thought.
Michael woke up with a temperature Friday morning so we stayed home all day except for when we had to run over to the church to pick up Primo Jr. (he was at camp all week). Yesterday (Saturday) we went to BJ's and the grocery store to stock up on supplies. The kids were much better about not throwing everything under the sun in the cart. I appreciated that!
Today (Sunday) we had the pleasure of meeting with Constantine Petrov who leads the Russian ministry at our church. We wanted to be able to express to the kids our expectations and have them hear the experiences of someone who has walked in their shoes (so to speak). Constantine and his family moved to America almost 10 years ago. He talked to the kids for FOUR hours!!!!! It was great. He talked to them from a Biblical sense and shared that without Christ we can do nothing. So true! The kids were attentive and spoke openly asking questions and responding. Both seemed to have a more positive outlook when we left. It was time well spent!
I think we all grew a little this week!
(Note: I started typing this post before midnight, but ran over. My brain still thinks it's Sunday so forgive the discrepancy in days/dates)
Monday, June 11, 2007
General Update
The kids had their first ESL class on Friday (we had to change the day). Dasha flew through the lesson with flying colors. Michael, however, withdrew and would not speak or make eye contact. This is not the first time this has happened, but we're still trying to figure out what triggers it. So far we have not seen a specific pattern. In this case I was wondering if he felt uncomfortable because Dasha was doing so much better than him. The point is that she had English lessons in Ukraine and he didn't. We realize that, but maybe he doesn't think we do? I spoke later with the tutor and we've decided to separate Dasha and Michael for the next lesson to see if he does better. Not only that, Rhondi's children need ESL also and we are considering letting the girls go together and having the boys go together. The next lesson is tomorrow.
We had a nice visit with Dick Hilliard and his grandson last night. Dick was the Raleigh coordinator for the hosting program in 2005 when Dasha came. He has remained a tremendous support to us and a good friend. He considers all these kids his grandchildren! He has 4 adopted grandchildren from Ukraine and Andry was with him last night. He has been in the US for about 3 years. He's 17 now. He and Dasha talked for awhile, but Michael slipped back upstairs soon after meeting them. It didn't seem to matter that he had someone else that could speak Russian. I enjoyed hearing Andry speak because he has a really cool accent!! I bet the girls love it!! I hugged him when he got here and when they left. He said that American's like to hug. He commented that he doesn't mind hugging the girls!!! No doubt!
Primo Jr. left this morning for camp with his youth group. He will be back on Friday. Primo Sr. went back to work today so I guess it's another transitional day. One step closer to "normal".
We had a nice visit with Dick Hilliard and his grandson last night. Dick was the Raleigh coordinator for the hosting program in 2005 when Dasha came. He has remained a tremendous support to us and a good friend. He considers all these kids his grandchildren! He has 4 adopted grandchildren from Ukraine and Andry was with him last night. He has been in the US for about 3 years. He's 17 now. He and Dasha talked for awhile, but Michael slipped back upstairs soon after meeting them. It didn't seem to matter that he had someone else that could speak Russian. I enjoyed hearing Andry speak because he has a really cool accent!! I bet the girls love it!! I hugged him when he got here and when they left. He said that American's like to hug. He commented that he doesn't mind hugging the girls!!! No doubt!
Primo Jr. left this morning for camp with his youth group. He will be back on Friday. Primo Sr. went back to work today so I guess it's another transitional day. One step closer to "normal".
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Fun at FRANKIES
Yesterday we took the kids to Frankies for something to do. Primo Jr. didn't want to go. I wish he had joined us. Sharing his room with Michael is very difficult. Michael is the same age in years, but definitely not in maturity. Nights are funky around here. People are up wandering in the middle of the night, music playing, tv's on...weird! All the while Primo Jr. has exams this week. I think part of it is that he's tired. Today we are planning to go back to the pool.
Here are some pictures from Frankies...
Monday, June 4, 2007
Grandma's Gone Home...Boredom Sets In
Primo left early yesterday (Sunday) morning to drive his mom and Charlie (her dog) back to New York. The four kids and I went to church service and had lunch at home. It was raining off and on and at times very hard. We watched Miss Congeniality and Titanic. Primo called around 7:30pm to say that he had arrived safely at his mom's house.
Today I got up and planted some flowers in the front landscape. Dasha was getting up just about the time I was heading out, but gardening is not something that interests her. She sat inside for a while cross-stitching then she watched some TV. Michael has been snacking most of the day...? boredom? I haven't been able to get too involved with things today for some reason. I didn't sleep well last night. Dasha leaves her music on all night and I woke in the night to find that Michael had apparently been up to use the bathroom and left the light on. At some point the TV in the boys' room was also turned on. I don't even want to see our electric bill this month. We need to have a lesson in turning things off when not in use!!
Primo should be home around supper time tonight, but his flight out of Syracuse was delayed and he just called that his connecting flight is also delayed. When he called I told him that after just one day my eyes have been opened to something that he already said. We have to find something for these kids to do this summer besides just a few hours of ESL! I was concerned about the money, but now I'm concerned about my sanity!! (LOL) They love the pool, but an adult (me) has to be with them and I can't spend every day at the pool.
Any suggestions???
Today I got up and planted some flowers in the front landscape. Dasha was getting up just about the time I was heading out, but gardening is not something that interests her. She sat inside for a while cross-stitching then she watched some TV. Michael has been snacking most of the day...? boredom? I haven't been able to get too involved with things today for some reason. I didn't sleep well last night. Dasha leaves her music on all night and I woke in the night to find that Michael had apparently been up to use the bathroom and left the light on. At some point the TV in the boys' room was also turned on. I don't even want to see our electric bill this month. We need to have a lesson in turning things off when not in use!!
Primo should be home around supper time tonight, but his flight out of Syracuse was delayed and he just called that his connecting flight is also delayed. When he called I told him that after just one day my eyes have been opened to something that he already said. We have to find something for these kids to do this summer besides just a few hours of ESL! I was concerned about the money, but now I'm concerned about my sanity!! (LOL) They love the pool, but an adult (me) has to be with them and I can't spend every day at the pool.
Any suggestions???
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Fun at the Pool
Yesterday was a fun day at the pool. Primo Jr. has exams so he got home from school at noon. We got ready and the four kids and I went to the pool. Primo has a friend in the neighborhood that wants to be friends with Dasha. She was at the pool too.
When we got home we hung out watching TV and napping. Primo Jr. fell asleep on the couch and his sister took that opportunity to paint his toenails pink!!! LOL It was hysterical! Unfortunately his cell phone rang before they were dry and he got some on the carpet :(
Michael refused to sit with us at dinner which was making us mad, but he later came down with a piece of paper that said "headache". He apparently didn't feel good which was probably a result of too much sun. Primo gave him some Advil and he went upstairs to bed. In instances like that the language barrier is difficult.
Enjoy the pictures...
Friday, June 1, 2007
Productive Days...with a lesson in "No"
The last couple of days have been busy ones, but also productive. Wednesday we went and applied for social security numbers for the kids. It didn't take too long and was an important thing to get done. Then we took the kids to a Russian market, but it was closed. We told them that we would try again on Thursday. We had a quick bite to eat at McDonald's and then came back home. Michael has found "Lego-land" upstairs and has been hiding out up there building stuff. He does a great job. Primo Jr. and Dasha have been hanging out a lot. What 15 year old boy wouldn't want to hang out with a drop dead gorgeous girl...even if she IS his sister!!!!
Yesterday (Thursday) was really busy. We went to Michael's base school and picked up the registration papers. We also got a form to request a transfer (which has to be submitted by 6/1!). We want him to go to the year round school that Primo Jr. attended. Then we went to the church and picked up the donation bin that had been in the Welcome Center. There were many wonderful things...Bibles for each of the kids, a Russian/English dictionary, a backpack, journal, art set, gift cards, pillow protectors, sheets and a laundry basket. What a blessing!! From there we went to the high school to get the papers to enroll Dasha. We found out that because she is an ESL student she will be on the main campus with Primo Jr. next year (because of overcrowding they are putting this coming 9th graders at a satellite location). She was very excited and loved the school campus!
At 1pm we met with the English tutor at her home. She is great and the kids took right to her!! (Primo had talked to them alittle and they were both uncomfortable with a male tutor.) She does this for a living and has every resource known to man! Books, workbooks, games, visual aids, audio....you name it, she's got it! She played a couple games with the kids and they were very receptive. We are going to start classes next week on Thursday. We are going to slide into a time slot that is just opening up. It will be on Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour with homework. She will tailor the work to their individual level since Dasha knows more English than Michael at this point. It was a very positive meeting and I can't wait for them to get started!!
From there we went to the Wake County school's main office to submit the transfer request for Michael. I handed it to the woman at the counter and she asked where the kids were coming from. When I responded "Ukraine" she said, "Are you part of that group from Wake Forest?"...I said, "Are you Mrs. Miller?!!".....Yes! I had talked to her AT LENGTH before we went to Ukraine because I wanted the heads-up on what I could expect from the school's program. She grabbed the four of us and took us immediately to her office. She is SO nice! Then she insisted that we meet her supervisor because she's been telling him about us for weeks! She wanted to meet with our whole group once everyone is back in the country (there are still a couple families in process). She had our transfer form in her hand when we left and I told her not to lose it to which she replied..."I'm gonna hand carry it upstairs myself!". I think she will put in a good word for us with the powers that be. We should hear in 7-10 days if the transfer has been granted.
Then, as promised, we took the kids back to the Russian market. It's very small. Dasha got some snacks and four containers of what is the equivelant of Ramen noodles. They wanted salami from the deli case. Dasha looked around at the food items, but Michael was fixated on the videos. He kept bringing various ones to us...some were for purchase, some were for rent and many were rated "R"!! We told him "no"..."no"..."no"..."no", but he kept going back and getting more. Primo told him that we have movies at home (many of the ones he picked were in English). We stood our ground and he wasn't happy. He didn't speak on the ride home and went immediately to his room. I went up to see what he was doing and he had his head under his pillow. Oh well! We have been buying things like crazy because they have needs, but they have to learn that they aren't going to get everything they WANT. There IS a difference! He got over it fairly quickly and wanted to go with me to Target later on. He had gotten a pack of gum around 12:30 and by 6:30 the whole thing was gone. I had a piece of gum in my mouth at Target and he wanted a piece. I said "no" and reminded him that he ate a whole pack. We walked around the store with him saying "gum" and me saying "no". I won that round!! :)
Sorry this is so long! We've been busy!
Yesterday (Thursday) was really busy. We went to Michael's base school and picked up the registration papers. We also got a form to request a transfer (which has to be submitted by 6/1!). We want him to go to the year round school that Primo Jr. attended. Then we went to the church and picked up the donation bin that had been in the Welcome Center. There were many wonderful things...Bibles for each of the kids, a Russian/English dictionary, a backpack, journal, art set, gift cards, pillow protectors, sheets and a laundry basket. What a blessing!! From there we went to the high school to get the papers to enroll Dasha. We found out that because she is an ESL student she will be on the main campus with Primo Jr. next year (because of overcrowding they are putting this coming 9th graders at a satellite location). She was very excited and loved the school campus!
At 1pm we met with the English tutor at her home. She is great and the kids took right to her!! (Primo had talked to them alittle and they were both uncomfortable with a male tutor.) She does this for a living and has every resource known to man! Books, workbooks, games, visual aids, audio....you name it, she's got it! She played a couple games with the kids and they were very receptive. We are going to start classes next week on Thursday. We are going to slide into a time slot that is just opening up. It will be on Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour with homework. She will tailor the work to their individual level since Dasha knows more English than Michael at this point. It was a very positive meeting and I can't wait for them to get started!!
From there we went to the Wake County school's main office to submit the transfer request for Michael. I handed it to the woman at the counter and she asked where the kids were coming from. When I responded "Ukraine" she said, "Are you part of that group from Wake Forest?"...I said, "Are you Mrs. Miller?!!".....Yes! I had talked to her AT LENGTH before we went to Ukraine because I wanted the heads-up on what I could expect from the school's program. She grabbed the four of us and took us immediately to her office. She is SO nice! Then she insisted that we meet her supervisor because she's been telling him about us for weeks! She wanted to meet with our whole group once everyone is back in the country (there are still a couple families in process). She had our transfer form in her hand when we left and I told her not to lose it to which she replied..."I'm gonna hand carry it upstairs myself!". I think she will put in a good word for us with the powers that be. We should hear in 7-10 days if the transfer has been granted.
Then, as promised, we took the kids back to the Russian market. It's very small. Dasha got some snacks and four containers of what is the equivelant of Ramen noodles. They wanted salami from the deli case. Dasha looked around at the food items, but Michael was fixated on the videos. He kept bringing various ones to us...some were for purchase, some were for rent and many were rated "R"!! We told him "no"..."no"..."no"..."no", but he kept going back and getting more. Primo told him that we have movies at home (many of the ones he picked were in English). We stood our ground and he wasn't happy. He didn't speak on the ride home and went immediately to his room. I went up to see what he was doing and he had his head under his pillow. Oh well! We have been buying things like crazy because they have needs, but they have to learn that they aren't going to get everything they WANT. There IS a difference! He got over it fairly quickly and wanted to go with me to Target later on. He had gotten a pack of gum around 12:30 and by 6:30 the whole thing was gone. I had a piece of gum in my mouth at Target and he wanted a piece. I said "no" and reminded him that he ate a whole pack. We walked around the store with him saying "gum" and me saying "no". I won that round!! :)
Sorry this is so long! We've been busy!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Just pics...
Okay here are some of the pictures we've taken since getting home.
The expanded Sabatini family
Parents to three teens and counting!
Grandma Sabatini adds two more to her list
Dasha likes her room
and so does Michael
Brother teaches sister to ride (sweet moment)
After some light shopping
The snack pack needs to recharge
Yeah of course our homework is done
Dasha invades the boys room
The expanded Sabatini family
Parents to three teens and counting!
Grandma Sabatini adds two more to her list
Dasha likes her room
and so does Michael
Brother teaches sister to ride (sweet moment)
After some light shopping
The snack pack needs to recharge
Yeah of course our homework is done
Dasha invades the boys room
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
SETTLING IN!
Okay, so we haven't gotten around to posting pictures yet. I'm sorry!!! I can give you the written update and ask Primo again about putting some pictures up.
Sunday we made it to church for service and the kids were able to meet a couple people. It was "light" because of the holiday. We went to Golden Corral for lunch in hopes that the kids would find something they liked to eat (it's a buffet). Michael did pretty good, but Dasha primarily ate potato salad and ice cream. She has eaten very little since arriving. When we got home we mostly hung out. Dasha fell asleep around 3:30pm and slept til Monday morning. Michael rode Primo Jr's bike in the circle while Nic shadowed him on his. It was very cute, but it was very hot out. I was hesitant to let Michael out of my sight since he doesn't know where he is and he can't ask for directions. I stayed out as long as I could, but we just had to go in. Primo Jr. hung out downstairs all day. It was awesome having the WHOLE family together. Grandma Sabatini made chicken parmesan for dinner which was nothing less than wonderful!
Yesterday (Monday) we all went to the mall. We had some money that had been donated to us and the kids still need some basics...Michael > Dasha. We breezed through that money and then some. Michael's "treat" was a bicycle of his very own. We thought that would be a great bonding tool for him and Primo Jr.. We weren't sure if Dasha would want one and when I asked her she wrinkled her nose. I found out later why....she's never ridden a bike! Another Kodak moment was Michael holding her as she tried to balance the bike. So sweet!
Today Primo Jr. had school so everyone was up early (not by design!). He mentioned yesterday that he didn't want to go to school. I think he's been enjoying being around his new brother and sister. We had an ESL tutor come over this morning for a consultation. I have to admit that it was a little awkward. Dasha was quiet and kept sinking down in her chair. Michael completely shut down. He wouldn't speak at all and had a very serious/sad look on his face. As soon as the tutor left, he was his normal happy self. We set up a 1 hour lesson for Thursday, so we'll see how it goes. The teacher is a man and I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. I only recall seeing female workers at the orphanage (with the exception of the director which probably has limited contact with the kids). Primo talked to Michael after the tutor left and hopefully he will be more "open" on Thursday.
All in all I think things are going well. We are going to work on getting social security numbers for the kids, enrolling them in school for the fall and all the other fun stuff that needs to be done. Primo is leaving either Saturday or Sunday to drive his mom back to New York. He will fly back to Raleigh on Monday. She will be very much missed and I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for all that she has done for us. It was no small task and she did an amazing job! Thank you!
Sunday we made it to church for service and the kids were able to meet a couple people. It was "light" because of the holiday. We went to Golden Corral for lunch in hopes that the kids would find something they liked to eat (it's a buffet). Michael did pretty good, but Dasha primarily ate potato salad and ice cream. She has eaten very little since arriving. When we got home we mostly hung out. Dasha fell asleep around 3:30pm and slept til Monday morning. Michael rode Primo Jr's bike in the circle while Nic shadowed him on his. It was very cute, but it was very hot out. I was hesitant to let Michael out of my sight since he doesn't know where he is and he can't ask for directions. I stayed out as long as I could, but we just had to go in. Primo Jr. hung out downstairs all day. It was awesome having the WHOLE family together. Grandma Sabatini made chicken parmesan for dinner which was nothing less than wonderful!
Yesterday (Monday) we all went to the mall. We had some money that had been donated to us and the kids still need some basics...Michael > Dasha. We breezed through that money and then some. Michael's "treat" was a bicycle of his very own. We thought that would be a great bonding tool for him and Primo Jr.. We weren't sure if Dasha would want one and when I asked her she wrinkled her nose. I found out later why....she's never ridden a bike! Another Kodak moment was Michael holding her as she tried to balance the bike. So sweet!
Today Primo Jr. had school so everyone was up early (not by design!). He mentioned yesterday that he didn't want to go to school. I think he's been enjoying being around his new brother and sister. We had an ESL tutor come over this morning for a consultation. I have to admit that it was a little awkward. Dasha was quiet and kept sinking down in her chair. Michael completely shut down. He wouldn't speak at all and had a very serious/sad look on his face. As soon as the tutor left, he was his normal happy self. We set up a 1 hour lesson for Thursday, so we'll see how it goes. The teacher is a man and I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. I only recall seeing female workers at the orphanage (with the exception of the director which probably has limited contact with the kids). Primo talked to Michael after the tutor left and hopefully he will be more "open" on Thursday.
All in all I think things are going well. We are going to work on getting social security numbers for the kids, enrolling them in school for the fall and all the other fun stuff that needs to be done. Primo is leaving either Saturday or Sunday to drive his mom back to New York. He will fly back to Raleigh on Monday. She will be very much missed and I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for all that she has done for us. It was no small task and she did an amazing job! Thank you!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
All Under One Roof
Primo, Michael and Dasha arrived safely last night around 7pm. Michael and Dasha seemed no worse for wear, but Primo was dragging. Dasha apparently slept on the plane and Michael was too excited to notice his exhaustion. Rhondi, Lena and Vitali were on the same flight so we were able to welcome them home as well.
When we got home everyone piled out of the van (they just kept coming and coming!) and before I even got in the door Dasha was gone. She RAN upstairs to see her new room! She seems to be pleased. We showed Michael his room and he was also happy. The first thing that Dasha noticed was that the boys have a TV and computer in their room, but that's there from the previous tenant (Primo Jr). Michael immediately challenged Primo Jr. to a game of chess which Primo showed no mercy. Then Michael asked Primo Jr. to go outside and kick the soccer ball in the circle. They both came in drenched in sweat. Then they showered and hit the playstation. Dasha went to her room and was listening to music and trying to sleep. I told Primo Jr. he was in charge of getting their lights out by 11pm. It was GREAT to see the boys interacting so much, so fast.
Primo and I are sleeping on the pullout downstairs while RoseAnn is here. Nic had been sleeping with me since I got home. Last night he slept on the loveseat. I don't think he'll go back upstairs until we do. Dasha came down this morning at 6:00 already dressed and made up. She's such a beautiful girl. The boys are still sleeping at the time that I'm posting, but I thought some of you might be anxious for an update. Pictures to follow.....
When we got home everyone piled out of the van (they just kept coming and coming!) and before I even got in the door Dasha was gone. She RAN upstairs to see her new room! She seems to be pleased. We showed Michael his room and he was also happy. The first thing that Dasha noticed was that the boys have a TV and computer in their room, but that's there from the previous tenant (Primo Jr). Michael immediately challenged Primo Jr. to a game of chess which Primo showed no mercy. Then Michael asked Primo Jr. to go outside and kick the soccer ball in the circle. They both came in drenched in sweat. Then they showered and hit the playstation. Dasha went to her room and was listening to music and trying to sleep. I told Primo Jr. he was in charge of getting their lights out by 11pm. It was GREAT to see the boys interacting so much, so fast.
Primo and I are sleeping on the pullout downstairs while RoseAnn is here. Nic had been sleeping with me since I got home. Last night he slept on the loveseat. I don't think he'll go back upstairs until we do. Dasha came down this morning at 6:00 already dressed and made up. She's such a beautiful girl. The boys are still sleeping at the time that I'm posting, but I thought some of you might be anxious for an update. Pictures to follow.....
Friday, May 25, 2007
Passports..check..Medicals..check..Visas..check
It looks like all the documentation has been completed. The visas for the kids were actually issued yesterday afternoon (Thursday). So as it turned out, the fingerprint sprint was not necessary, but provided a little peace of mind "just in case". Not only that, now it's done for next time.
Primo called a couple minutes ago from the airport in Kiev. It's early morning there and they are waiting for their 6:45am flight. Rhondi and her two kids are on the same flight back. I asked if he had any problems getting through security with the kids and he said they just wanted to see the court decree. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing the whole way.
The next post will be once the kids are home!! Sunday is Primo and my 18th anniversary...this will definitely be a memorable one!
Primo called a couple minutes ago from the airport in Kiev. It's early morning there and they are waiting for their 6:45am flight. Rhondi and her two kids are on the same flight back. I asked if he had any problems getting through security with the kids and he said they just wanted to see the court decree. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing the whole way.
The next post will be once the kids are home!! Sunday is Primo and my 18th anniversary...this will definitely be a memorable one!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Heading Home
I talked to Primo earlier today. He picked Dasha up this morning and she was able to bring an entire large suitcase full of her belongings! She didn't realize that Primo was coming in the morning to get her (she thought it wouldn't be until evening since that's when he usually arrived), so I hope she wasn't waiting until the last minute to say good-bye to some of her friends. He didn't mention anything about Natasha. Then they went to Molachansk and he delivered the bag of balls. I think the kids will enjoy them! Michael was turned over to Primo with only the clothes he was wearing...which Primo had him remove and leave there! He brought fresh clothes for the trip. He said he was wearing the same thing we had seen him in every other time. What a HUGE difference between orphanages.
From there they went to Zaporizhzhia to do the passports. Apparently Rhondi had been there earlier and the officials were exhausted from all the work (ha, ha) and just didn't know if they'd be able to get it done. Primo said Victor asked him to leave the room and when Victor emerged, the passports were going to be done. Let's just say it required an "expedited processing fee"! Then Primo talked to Yulia about the medical exams that need to be done in Kiev and it looked as though they would not be done in time for Primo to make his appointment at the Embassy. It was stated that "for an additional charge of $50" it could be done. Primo told Yulia to "make it happen"!! I got the confirmation in the mail that my fingerprints have been processed and I'm good until 8/18/08, but as of Monday Primo's had not been received. (The fingerprint cards that he did at the Embassy in Kiev had to be sent Federal Express to the processing center in Nebraska.) We are praying for no more delays!!
When I last spoke to Primo he and the kids were on the train to Kiev. He'll spend a couple nights there and hopefully be in the air heading west on Saturday.
From there they went to Zaporizhzhia to do the passports. Apparently Rhondi had been there earlier and the officials were exhausted from all the work (ha, ha) and just didn't know if they'd be able to get it done. Primo said Victor asked him to leave the room and when Victor emerged, the passports were going to be done. Let's just say it required an "expedited processing fee"! Then Primo talked to Yulia about the medical exams that need to be done in Kiev and it looked as though they would not be done in time for Primo to make his appointment at the Embassy. It was stated that "for an additional charge of $50" it could be done. Primo told Yulia to "make it happen"!! I got the confirmation in the mail that my fingerprints have been processed and I'm good until 8/18/08, but as of Monday Primo's had not been received. (The fingerprint cards that he did at the Embassy in Kiev had to be sent Federal Express to the processing center in Nebraska.) We are praying for no more delays!!
When I last spoke to Primo he and the kids were on the train to Kiev. He'll spend a couple nights there and hopefully be in the air heading west on Saturday.
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