First Monday!

We survived the weekend with flying colors! Our neighbors have been beyond awesome! We cannot thank everyone for the groceries, toys, clothes, love and support that we have gotten since we have returned. I guess the kids must think it is Christmas everyday. Today was a bit quiet for us as we settled in for the Monday and week schedule. It has been interesting trying to engage Jenna Leeza in play. I guess she is not really used to that and although she seems to have for she also seems a bit pensive at times. We took our first trip to the grocery store. It was great until the cashier began to bag the groceries and take them out of the cart. Poor Jenna Leeza began to sob in the store. A sweet old lady tried to see if she could buy her a candy bar and I tried to just tell her no as nicely as I could. Too hard to get into the whole story when she was that upset. Eddie had a bit of melt down today too. Really it is about time considering all that they have been through. Poor little guy. It is truly a wonder to see them interact and just wander through the day. From birds, to squirrels, to our dog to little kids – it has been an exhausting journey for these two to keep up. My brother came today and his wife is from Ukraine. She talked to her quite a bit and JL told her that she loved her new home and family and that she understood us. That was a neat thing to hear for a newly unemployed frazzled jet-lagged mom. Not everyone knows but I have decided not to go back to work. It was a great part time job but I just can’t put them in day care or even with my most favorite and trusted sitter just yet. We are going to try Kinder Music and a stab at Community Bible Study. But what ever they seem to deal with best will be what we will do. As Jeff may have written our return trip was grueling. We just never felt like we would ever get home. The kids were champs though. If any of you reading this has heard about not bringing a ton of luggage – heed that piece of advice. I have never lugged luggage as much for as long as I did during this trip. It was pure misery.

So, now we are home and it is good. Everyone here and on the Blog has been so encouraging to us and supportive of us. You have all heard this a million times but I have to say again that we are so thankful for all that each of you have done for us. From the depths of our hearts we have such gratitude and love for all of you. What blessings these children will have just by knowing there are so many who are there for them. All of our family has been fabulous as well.

I know I have not talked to all of our friends yet – we are getting settled in – but sure do want to see all of you. Please don’t hesitate to call – if we don’t answer just leave a message because I may be changing a diaper or playing dolls or who knows what else. Love and kisses to you all! Lora, please give us the scoop on the cost of the tickets! And bless you for your perseverance and awesome attitude. I wasn’t kidding when I said you were my kind of girl!