the Life of Olena

Don't worry we are still here and buried in nearly 6feet of snow.  Things have been very busy and pretty hectic these days.  As I may have mentioned, we are in the process of adopting again!   I can't share anything yet, I am trying to respect the privacy of family involved so I have to spare any details until the adoption is final.  However, we are excited, Olena is adjusting well, and I forgot just how busy the adoption process keeps you.  It was one thing to do it last time around with no kids and working part time.  This time - I am working full time, have kids running around my home like wild banchies, dogs and a foster dog, and I am homeschooling.  YIKES! doctors appointments, evals, counseling sessions, finger print appointments, go back to the doctor to get the TB read, go back later to pick up paperwork, run here, fax that, scan this, oh and don't forget pee in this cup!!!!  LOL.  Not complaining, but of all the things I didn't consider, I was so confident...&q

One of the big highlights of the last month has been Olena's birthday.  My darling, crazy, extreme, goofy, and wild child turned the big 9.  Her biggest dream and wish...to visit the Gas Monkey Garage from the show Fast and Loud.  Well it is not like the kid needed any toys, so her dream came true, well most of it.   We packed up the suburban and drove 18 hours for 2 days all the way to Dallas.  We enjoyed 60-70 degree weather and she was thrilled! She would have really loved to meet the star of the show, who is her self proclaimed future husband, but he was in AZ for the weekend at the Barrett Jackson Auction. The weather here is just to unbearable for good outside pictures so her 9 year old photoshoot will need to wait until the spring. I will try to get some videos uploaded in the next few days.  Michigan has had something like 48 inches of snow in the month of January, which is more than we have ever gotten in a full season! We have trying to make the