No summer school. The school will not admit Matt and Maria for summer. The children who are in summer school present more data indicating that they should be in the summer session. Matt and Maria did not go through much testing last May. We are disappointment but know that we can get through this. Mrs. Sgro, their tutor, continues to meet with them weekly and we work on subjects at home.
Their English is great. They seldom had difficulty expressing themselves. This is good. We are working on reading, and they are picking it up. Of course in books that are under their age range but at least they are reading. This is important.
Next Saturday is their combined birthday party. Since they seem to be joined at the hip, we decided to throw a combined birthday party. They are thrilled to be celebrating their birthdays in the US. America is great. They just want to be like other American children.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Matt and Maria are speaking more and more English every day. . We are speaking to them like we would Caroline and Luke. They are not asking "what is this...." as often as they were. These two are so motivated to fit in. Now, we just need to take that motivation and start reading. They are truly amazing. Someone came up to them yesterday at church and spoke Russian to them. They walked away. We tried to explained that they should not walk away, but Matt told us, "Only English. I am in America."
Also yesterday, they experienced fishing. They have been asking to fish for a few days. We purchased new hooks and corks and took them to the pond. They are so happy to be fishing. They kissed us over and over again. They just want to catch dinner. Matt wants to catch something for Mom to cook. Dad does not want to clean the catch. Maria just wants someone to bait her hook. We are calling this fishing program a "catch and release plan". In other words, no cleaning and cooking of the fish. They were so noisy fishing that the fish swam to the other side of the pond. What a time!
Today, Caroline decided to mow the yard with the riding lawn mower. Matt wanted to ride the mower, but Cindy said no. He was not happy, so he started up the push mower and just randomly started mowing the yard. He followed no pattern. Cindy tried to channel this energy to the front yard. Maria felt left out, so she started pushing the mower with Matt. So, let me further explain what was happening. Caroline is riding the lawn tractor. Matt and Maria are pushing the same lawn mower. Gretchen, our dog, is running wild with excitement. Cindy is stumbling around trying to capture all of this on her camera. Tom was in Rhode Island and telephoned home wanting to talk to his family. Cindy explained the above situation, and Tom just laughed. Tonight, the yard is cut. That is all that I can say at this time.
Also yesterday, they experienced fishing. They have been asking to fish for a few days. We purchased new hooks and corks and took them to the pond. They are so happy to be fishing. They kissed us over and over again. They just want to catch dinner. Matt wants to catch something for Mom to cook. Dad does not want to clean the catch. Maria just wants someone to bait her hook. We are calling this fishing program a "catch and release plan". In other words, no cleaning and cooking of the fish. They were so noisy fishing that the fish swam to the other side of the pond. What a time!
Today, Caroline decided to mow the yard with the riding lawn mower. Matt wanted to ride the mower, but Cindy said no. He was not happy, so he started up the push mower and just randomly started mowing the yard. He followed no pattern. Cindy tried to channel this energy to the front yard. Maria felt left out, so she started pushing the mower with Matt. So, let me further explain what was happening. Caroline is riding the lawn tractor. Matt and Maria are pushing the same lawn mower. Gretchen, our dog, is running wild with excitement. Cindy is stumbling around trying to capture all of this on her camera. Tom was in Rhode Island and telephoned home wanting to talk to his family. Cindy explained the above situation, and Tom just laughed. Tonight, the yard is cut. That is all that I can say at this time.
Sunday June 24, 2007
Matt and Maria are busy enjoying their first American summer. They just adore swimming and cannot get enough time in the pool. Matt can keep himself afloat in the pool with no problems. He just needs to learn the strokes. Maria is starting to be more comfortable in the water and starting to keep herself afloat. She has more to learn. We plan on enrolling them in lessons in July. June has also been busy with sports camps.
Maria participated in Volleyball and basketball camps. She enjoyed both activities, but she will tell you that she likes basketball better. Of course, she is in Indiana. Matt had basketball camp two weeks ago. He won the passing contest and came in 3rd in the free throw shooting contest.
He adapts easily to any sport. Both children are playing tennis in July and on a soccer team in the fall. They cannot wait to officially play a soccer game.
Maria turned 10 on Wednesday, June 20th. As always, the Uhrig child having the birthday picked the dinner menu for the day. She asked for Polish sausage, french fries, broccoli and Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake. We all enjoyed the meal and the day. She liked opening presents. We even gave Matt a present, so he did not feel left out.
Luke is in China on a mission trip. Today, we spoke to him via a satellite phone in church. The kids are still wondering how we saw Luke on the screen at church and when will he ever stay home. One time Maria asked if Luke lived at school because she seldom saw him.
Our phone bill was higher this month but I can report that the random dailing has stopped. We are happy for that and no broken fingers.
Maria participated in Volleyball and basketball camps. She enjoyed both activities, but she will tell you that she likes basketball better. Of course, she is in Indiana. Matt had basketball camp two weeks ago. He won the passing contest and came in 3rd in the free throw shooting contest.
He adapts easily to any sport. Both children are playing tennis in July and on a soccer team in the fall. They cannot wait to officially play a soccer game.
Maria turned 10 on Wednesday, June 20th. As always, the Uhrig child having the birthday picked the dinner menu for the day. She asked for Polish sausage, french fries, broccoli and Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake. We all enjoyed the meal and the day. She liked opening presents. We even gave Matt a present, so he did not feel left out.
Luke is in China on a mission trip. Today, we spoke to him via a satellite phone in church. The kids are still wondering how we saw Luke on the screen at church and when will he ever stay home. One time Maria asked if Luke lived at school because she seldom saw him.
Our phone bill was higher this month but I can report that the random dailing has stopped. We are happy for that and no broken fingers.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Wednesday, June 7, 2007
Buttons, buttons, buttons. Matt and Maria cannot stop pushing buttons. They could be an elevator button, telephone buttons, TV remote or the garage door openers. Cindy has the homelink feature in her car. Homelink lets you use the button which is built in the sun visor to operate the garage door. Matt has reprogrammed that feature. We are trying to figure out how to restore it to its original state.
For the past few nights, the television has been on ESPN about 11:30pm. Cindy thought since school is out, the older guys are watching television late at night. NO, this is not the case. Someone programmed the television to come on at 11:32 pm. It will run for 2 hours then shut off. Tom figured out how to deprogram the TV.
Someone called our house last week and asked why we are calling their number then hanging up when they answer the phone. That was the last straw. Cindy told the kids that prank callers will have broken fingers. Matt and Maria have stopped the random dialing of the phone.
For the past few nights, the television has been on ESPN about 11:30pm. Cindy thought since school is out, the older guys are watching television late at night. NO, this is not the case. Someone programmed the television to come on at 11:32 pm. It will run for 2 hours then shut off. Tom figured out how to deprogram the TV.
Someone called our house last week and asked why we are calling their number then hanging up when they answer the phone. That was the last straw. Cindy told the kids that prank callers will have broken fingers. Matt and Maria have stopped the random dialing of the phone.
Monday, June 4, 2007
June 4, 2007
We have been in the US for more than 4 weeks. Matt and Maria really benefited from attending school. They can read about 100 to 150 words now. They are really trying to communicate in English. When Tom tries to speak Russian to them, they tell him, "No. Only English." We hope they retain their native language skills but are thrilled that they want to speak only English. At this time, Matt will speak Russian to Maria when he wants to make her angry. When he turns to her and starts speaking in Russian, we immediately tell him, "Be nice."
This past weekend, we traveled to Chicago to visit Tom's sister and her family. Maria and Matt did not understand cousins until now. Even though they have met Cindy's sister and her family, they did not understand the word cousin. Now they are speaking about their cousin, Stephen, who is close to their age. We also visited China Town and ate at a wonderful resturant. They did not like several of the dishes, but with time, they will. They like traveling and living a hotel, which as a pool. They are sad that we need to leave tomorrow.
Yesterday, we took them to the Shedd Aquarium. This is the first American Museum/Aquarium experience. They handled it better than they did in Ukraine. Their attention span is slowly growing longer. This is a good sign.
School ended last Thursday. Matt won a medal in a basketball contest. We do not know excactly what he did to earn the medal, but he is very proud. Maria and Matt just enjoy the school and were a bit sad that it was the end of the year. Little do they know, that summer school may be in the cards for them. We are still waiting to hear about this.
This past weekend, we traveled to Chicago to visit Tom's sister and her family. Maria and Matt did not understand cousins until now. Even though they have met Cindy's sister and her family, they did not understand the word cousin. Now they are speaking about their cousin, Stephen, who is close to their age. We also visited China Town and ate at a wonderful resturant. They did not like several of the dishes, but with time, they will. They like traveling and living a hotel, which as a pool. They are sad that we need to leave tomorrow.
Yesterday, we took them to the Shedd Aquarium. This is the first American Museum/Aquarium experience. They handled it better than they did in Ukraine. Their attention span is slowly growing longer. This is a good sign.
School ended last Thursday. Matt won a medal in a basketball contest. We do not know excactly what he did to earn the medal, but he is very proud. Maria and Matt just enjoy the school and were a bit sad that it was the end of the year. Little do they know, that summer school may be in the cards for them. We are still waiting to hear about this.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007 Memorial Day
The past week may new experiences have occurred. First of all, Matt and Maria went to the dentist to get some repair work done. Maria did not like the experience, but her teeth need many repairs. No one has taught her how to properly brush. She had a tooth pulled because it was so bad the dentist could not repair it. Fortunately, all of the repairs are on baby teeth. She will have 3 temporary fillings with medication fillings to help stop the decay. Matt just had 3 air abrasions done. Very easy and painless. After he was done, he played the PlayStation in the waiting room and thoroughly enjoyed it. He cannot wait until Maria's next appointment.
A translator was needed this week. Matt acted improperly at school. Cindy wanted to make certain that he understood why his actions were wrong. She called Olya, who helped her through the situation. Since the dentist was a terrifying experience for Maria, Olya explained that the worst was over and Maria will not have the same experience again. Both kids were shocked that Cindy got a translator involved, but they knew Cindy really wanted them to understand her point of view on each situation.
Matt continues his crush on Jasmine. We believe this is a mutual crush. The week, Jasmine gave him a heart with her phone number on it. This is the second time she has given him her phone number. Why? What would they talk about? Jasmine is a bit forward for a second grader. Should we tell her parents? Anyway, Cindy took the phone number, so no calls will be made.
On Thursday, Matt and Maria started speaking English to each other. This occurred in Cindy's car. It was truly amazing. In fact, on Friday, Maria started speaking Russian to Matt, and he started only English. Sometimes they call each other Maksym and Oksanna. It is enjoyable to see the changes in them.
Beds. Beds. Beds. It is so difficult to get them to make their bed. This is ironic since their rooms at the orphanage were so perfect. The orphanage caregivers made certain that each kids put away their pajamas and made their bed each day. They kids just want to drop their pajamas on the floor and leave their beds unmade. Is this a rebellion? When Cindy asked them to make their beds, they will say, "No good bed today." Then Cindy's response is, "No outside." They will hang their heads and make the bed.
One day this past week, each child became angry at Cindy and told her that they would get in the car and drive to to Ukraine. Cindy told them they could not drive to Ukraine. Maria even sat in the car waiting for the car to move. Each child has a strong will.
Overall, the kids are happy. Matt especially. He has thanked us for coming to get him. Maria often tells us that she loves us. Maria just enjoys spending time with Caroline.
A translator was needed this week. Matt acted improperly at school. Cindy wanted to make certain that he understood why his actions were wrong. She called Olya, who helped her through the situation. Since the dentist was a terrifying experience for Maria, Olya explained that the worst was over and Maria will not have the same experience again. Both kids were shocked that Cindy got a translator involved, but they knew Cindy really wanted them to understand her point of view on each situation.
Matt continues his crush on Jasmine. We believe this is a mutual crush. The week, Jasmine gave him a heart with her phone number on it. This is the second time she has given him her phone number. Why? What would they talk about? Jasmine is a bit forward for a second grader. Should we tell her parents? Anyway, Cindy took the phone number, so no calls will be made.
On Thursday, Matt and Maria started speaking English to each other. This occurred in Cindy's car. It was truly amazing. In fact, on Friday, Maria started speaking Russian to Matt, and he started only English. Sometimes they call each other Maksym and Oksanna. It is enjoyable to see the changes in them.
Beds. Beds. Beds. It is so difficult to get them to make their bed. This is ironic since their rooms at the orphanage were so perfect. The orphanage caregivers made certain that each kids put away their pajamas and made their bed each day. They kids just want to drop their pajamas on the floor and leave their beds unmade. Is this a rebellion? When Cindy asked them to make their beds, they will say, "No good bed today." Then Cindy's response is, "No outside." They will hang their heads and make the bed.
One day this past week, each child became angry at Cindy and told her that they would get in the car and drive to to Ukraine. Cindy told them they could not drive to Ukraine. Maria even sat in the car waiting for the car to move. Each child has a strong will.
Overall, the kids are happy. Matt especially. He has thanked us for coming to get him. Maria often tells us that she loves us. Maria just enjoys spending time with Caroline.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Today was the Fast Flash Race. The 5K race and the 2K kids race raise money for the Franklin Central Cross Country team and the Franklin Central Educational Foundation. We participated as a family with Gretchen our dog. What a day! Matt and Maria were scheduled to run the 2K kids run but did not want to wait for that to start at 9am. So they decided to enter in the 5K race, which started at 8am. After participating in the 5K race, Matt decided to run the 2K. Well, if Thing 1 does something, Thing 2 will follow. Now, Maria was in the race too. Maria finished the 2K race. She walked part of it. She was tired, but we liked her determination. Matt on the other hand finished 7th in the 2K race. We have a runner! He just did not slow down. He wanted to be in the front of the pack. He could not believe how many people were cheering for him, and that kept him going. Caroline and Luke met him at the finish line. After he crossed the line, he did not know what to do next. We took him to the medal stand. Maria received a medal also. They kids wore the medals all day long.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)