More pictures that go with the previous post

November update

Since the last blog we have celebrated lots of birthdays! We have had parties for Katya, Ryan and Summer. We still have many more to come in November and December. These are really busy months. The kids are going to be out of school all next week because of Thanksgiving Break. We are just relaxing at the house...which will be so nice. The kids have been doing very well in school. They all made honor roll on their first report card. Parker Reid is a whiz kid in math. He is so amazing...his teacher says she has never seen a child that can do math like him. Landon is doing excellent in his class also. He was the only one a few weeks ago to make a 100 on his story test :) Bryce won a brand new bike for being the highest AR reader in the 4th grade. I am so proud of them. Katya is trying to hold out for kindergarten but she LOVES going to the school. She enjoys being there with me...but she also enjoys her days with her grandparents when I am working. I am trying to keep everyone's schedules together and keep my sanity. Now that we are finished with soccer...it should be much easier. We only have Bryce's tennis now...whoo!!HOOO!! I love coaching soccer but always enjoy the break. Oh and we have been able to sell some of our eggs. We have sold 7 dozen so far :) I am so thrilled!!! We are moving into the part of the year that is my least favorite time. Hopefully...we will all survive. We are excited in a few weeks that we will be celebrating my sister's graduation from nursing school...Way to GO, SUMMER!! Well...that is about all I have to say about our life...if you need more details you can call or email.

The pictures to go with the post

Landon's birthday waffle!

Landon wanted a cake with "ganache"

Landon's 1st B B gun!

Landon and I at his birthday party
Bryce's class with the weatherman.

Bryce playing soccer

Wake me up...when September ends...

Hello...in case I have any readers who were wondering...where are the Jacksons?? We are everywhere! Mondays we have tennis. Tuesdays and Thursday we have soccer practice. Wednesday is church. Friday is usually a catch up day. Saturdays are soccer games and Sundays we have church and Boy Scouts. Needless to say, we stay very busy. In between all the organized activities we have to decide what's for dinner, make dinner, do homework, work in the gardens, and take care of the chickens. Occasionally, I sub at the school. Last week I worked three days...which is too much for me but I survived. A few weeks ago I organized an event for the 4th graders (150 kids) at our school. I wrote to the weatherman at WALB and asked if he would speak on weather because it is what they are studying in Science. He agreed!! I was so excited and so he came to speak to them. Right before his arrival a kid at the school pulled the fire alarm so we were late starting but all turned out okay. It was a neat experience for them and I enjoyed it too. Katya went to a kindergarten classroom during this activity which she throughly enjoyed. The kids are all doing well in school and are growing so fast. They enjoy reading and really love the Percy Jackson books. Parker Reid is so good in math. He can already do some more advanced math problem and I love watching him work!! Well...I guess that is enough for now. I hope to post pictures sometime but we will see if I can find any.

Our Chicken Lays an Egg

More pictures

The first day of school.

Summer is over :( and school has started :)

I always have conflicting feelings about school starting. On one hand...I enjoy the summertime. The other hand...I LOVE SCHOOL!! I love LEARNING!! I don't love the fact that the kids are away all day but somedays I do enjoy the peace and quiet :) Although with Katya here not sure it is very quiet. She talks so much...she talks to me...and then today she was talking to herself. So we had open house last week, then started school and now we have been in for a full week. The kids are all enjoying their teachers. The first week is always a week of learning new rules and procedures. Next week I am sure they will be down to business. Although two of the boys already had spelling words this week. Sydney Katya and I have enjoyed being just two of us. We water and work in the school gardens every morning. Then sometimes we have projects to do at the school (helping teachers or other jobs). We come back home and get our egg out of the chicken coup. We have been have two eggs per day...one in the morning...and one in the evening. It is so much fun!!! The one in the morning is white and the one in the evening is brown. We have still to determine who is laying them. We are looking forward to a wonderful school year this year.

Sara goes to Siberia

As I exited the plane I felt a really cool breeze blowing. Actually at that time it felt COLD to me:) I walked into the airport and I was looking for Anastasia. At that moment I was overwhelmed with emotions. I saw Anastasia and we hugged and were both CRYING. It was so cool to actually be in her city and country after she had experienced mine. After we stopped crying we went to get my luggage. Her friend Julia drove her to the airport...she left work to drive and pick me up. It was so nice of her. Anastasia and I talked the whole way to Deevnogorsk which is a town outside of Krasnoarysk where she lives. We stayed with Julia and her daughter, Dasha. We ate and then walked around some. Later we went to see the hydropower station on the Yenesei River. They had one of the gates open draining the water which was like a HUGE waterfall :) It was so beautiful and the water was very loud. We also went to a lake above the Yenesei and took some pictures. On that same day, I had my first experience at a banya. This banya had a sauna and a pool and then a table to eat. This was a birthday party for Julia's friend. We enjoyed meeting several of her friends there and relaxing in the sauna and then jumping in the pool. We even had wet eucylyptus leaves and hit ourselves with those in the sauna. Very refreshing! That night I slept so good. I slept until about 10 the next morning which may be a first in my life ;) While we were in Deevnogorsk...I was able to meet so many nice people. I met a family who had two wonderful boys. They were very talented. One played the piano very well. He practices around 3 hours a day (maybe more). The other boy did karate/martial arts and so we watched videos of his performances. The family all spoke English and so they practice there English with me. The food was wonderful there. We had tea and many things to munch on...cherries, pastries, sausage, cheese, apricots...etc. Yummy! Another family I met was Vanya's family. He is a friend of Anastasia's who teaches guitar and English so kids in their town. His father made shashleek on and outdoor grill. We had homemade pumpkin juice and tea, tomatoes, cucumbers, torte, homemade mushroom soup (from mushrooms they had gathered). His mother was so kind and hospitable. His neices were there and one of them sang to us. His wife came later in the evening. It was a nice time. We walked around the city again and listened to music. At the end of the night, Anastasia went into the store and I said I would like to buy some sunflower seeds. Vanya's dad (who had been offering us ice cream the whole night) bought me 3 HUGE things of sunflower seeds. It was wonderful and the seeds lasted us on the train and then I even brought one bag back to the States with me :) Another day some girls and guys gave a concert "for" me. Actually they play every week but I was invited. They were so talented. They sang, some played the guitar and one played the piano. It was such a special time. I even sang along to one English song they were playing. They were so focused and you could tell practiced very hard and long hours. Dasha, the girl we stayed with was one of these who gave the concert. She plays the guitar and is an artist too! She is such a talented person. I really enjoyed getting to know her. Another day Anastasia and I went to Krasnoarysk on a bus. We walked around and asked people in English to take our picture. It was our experiment. Everyone we asked did take our picture but no one asked any questions very few said anything at all. They took our picture and walked away. Until we got to one couple, they were from Germany (I think). They tried to talk to us and ask questions and tell us about themselves. It was so funny and another guy standing nearby said...I speak English...my name is ...but he was kind of strange so we walked away from him. One night we went to the ballet. It was Swan Lake which was written by Tchaikovsky. It was unbelievable to actually be in Russia watching a ballet written by such a famous musician was truly PREMIUM. That night we were under dressed...we had spent the whole day trying to register me with the passport people. It seriously too the whole day. We wore capris, sandles and t-shirts. Most of the other people had really nice dresses and heels. There was even a little kid (maybe 4 or 5) behind us who had a bow tie. He was also very horrible through the whole ballet. He shook my chair and talked the whole time and eventually was cussed out by a lady sitting next to him. After the ballet we went to meet a friend of Anastasia's. She lived in a wonderful apartment. She had just remodeled everything it was awesome and the view was so cool of the river. She took us to a view overlooking the city...I don't remember the name of the place but we watched the sunset around 10:30 pm. She also surprised us by making Starbucks and bringing it in a thermos. She also took us to the train station on the day we left on the transiberian train. Another day we went to the zoo with Julia. It was drizzling rain that day but it wasn't anything we couldn't handle. The zoo had so many varieties of animals. That day we went to see where Anastasia went to school too. We also went to a cool restaurant overlooking the river and so other sites with beautiful views and photo opportunities. I saw fireworks while in Deevnogorsk. I was so blessed to meet so many people who are now my friends. They took me into their homes and showed me their lives and for that I am truly greatful to have had such an opportunity. I was able to truly experience Siberia and ALL its BEAUTY! On the last day I was in Krasnoarysk, I was able to meet a special person...Anastasia's mom. It was truly a surreal experience because she had the chance to meet all my family while in America and I was getting that chance too. Once again I was crying and her mom was crying. Her mom and sister prepared a wonderful meal for us with beautiful decorations...candles and flowers. The food was yummy. Anastasia and I teased saying it was Thanksgiving in Russia because we had turkey. Her mom made something similar to fried zucchini which is one of my favorites. We had tomatoes and cucumbers and tea and blinis. Her sister was so kind and helpful. Vita, her sister has such a caring and compassionate spirit. I love them both very much. Her mom has done a wonderful job raising two beautiful and talented girls. It was a shame we only had a few hours together but we felt we already knew each other through lots of stories. Anastasia and I were off to the train station to leave on our BIG adventure on the transiberian railroad...we left at 6:00 on Sunday evening and arrived in Moscow on Wednesday.

I will tell about this another day...

Traveling to Kiev...Sumy...and on to Siberia

I know it has been over a month since I last blogged. Some of this was because I had rare internet access on my trip and the other is since I returned home I have been adjusting to being back. I will pick up where I left off talking about my trip...

After leaving Sochi...I flew to Kiev. I had to fly to Moscow first and then change terminals. The airport in Moscow was overwhelming but I survived. I arrived to Kiev went through Passport Control...claimed my luggage...and was met there by my friend...Tanya. For those of you who don't know...I met Tanya on my first trip to Ukraine in 2005. {She and I have been corresponding ever since. At that time she showed me pictures of her family and told all about her children. She also told me about her granddaugter who was due soon after we met her in 2005. Since then she has talked of me to her family and I have heard about her family but I had never met anyone from her family.} We left Kiev on a bus to Sumy...it was about 6 hours and it was packed. We sat in the front of the bus and talked the whole way. We arrived late at night...I think it was about 11:00 or later at night. A friend of their family met us to take us to Neezi...this was the name of the village where she lives. After about 25 minutes we were there. We had tea and cookies and went to bed. In the morning, I was going to help milk the cow but they wanted me to sleep instead. I woke at 5:30 because I was so excited. I went back to sleep when they said I would milk the cow later. It was wonderful being in their home. They had all kinds of animals. It was like a farm :) I enjoyed their peaceful village. I enjoyed so much meeting Ksusha, Sasha, Olya and Seroyzha!! I made several dresses for her granddaughters. Ksusha loved her dresses so much!! She modeled them for everyone. Sasha loved hers too but she is just a few months old. Sasha smiled ALL the time :) They were both adorable. Olya was so kind and is such a good mother. She had me in her home and the meal was wonderful. She made homemade tomato juice. Yummy!! We also had so many things from their garden...tomatoes...peppers...mushroom they had gathered. We had so much food and it was so tasty! Olya's husband, Seroyzha (Tanya's son) made shashleek (meat on a stick). It is one of my favorite Ukrainian meals!!! LOVE IT!! Seroyzha also took Tanya and I out on a beautiful boat ride. A little wooden boat...it was so much fun...we saw water lillies....we caught a fish and crawfish. Another day we spent in the town of Sumy. I was able to see the President of Ukraine. He was in their town for the day. I was able to get really close on the front row because Tanya and her friends worked for his party during the election :) It was a neat experience. After this Tanya, Ksusha and I walked around the city and later met with her other son, Yura. Yura took us for lunch at a pizza place. We enjoyed walking with him and talking. He spent the day with us in Neezi too. I enjoyed talking with Yura. His mom, Tanya speaks wonderful English and he has listened to her talk so he understood much of what I was saying. We would mix English and Russian together and then ask Tanya if there was something we couldn't figure out. I also met two of Tanya's good friends and Tanya fixed a wonderful dinner. We also had a picnic at the river one day too!! I also had the chance to see and have dessert with several of our previous interpreters. Dasha, Dasha, and Lena met me for dessert and we had a great time visiting with each other. Tanya's husband, Slava taught me to milk a cow. It was my first time EVER milking a cow. I must say it was difficult. I tried again later with Seroyzha and he let me taste the milk in a cup right after I milked the cow. It was so cool but it would have taken me FOREVER to fill up a bucket. I did better the second time than the first ;) It was so peaceful there. I was there three days but it was such a memorable time. I loved the nature, animals and most of all her family who I felt I already knew. Tanya and I enjoyed talking so much. We talked and laughed and cried and laughed and talked...I love you...Tanya. Early Sunday morning I went to get on the train back to Kiev. Tanya and I arrived at the train station around 6 in the morning. She received a call and it was Yura and he met us at the platform to say goodbye. It was such a nice visit and I hope to go back to Neezi one day.

I was on my way to Kiev on the train. It was a nice ride because there was no one sitting near me most of the trip. I laid down on the seats and slept most of the ride. It was a beautiful view as I was near the window but the trip was overall uneventful. I did have tea on the way...I arrived in Kiev after about 5 or so hours on the train. Vitaliy, my friend and translator, was meeting me at the train. I got off the train and no sign of Vitaliy. I stood for a while on the platform and then there were not many people so I went into the station. I carried my suitcase up the stairs and I had my backpack on too. I waited and waited and then I got a little worried. I thought how will I call him or find him. I asked a lady (in Russian) if I could use her phone...she just walked off. I stood against the wall and all of the sudden the man started punching another man in the head and they were right in front of me. No one did anything...I just stood there and watched. Now I was a little worried but then I saw Vitaliy. He, his cousin, Bogdan and I went to his apartment. Later we went to the lake with Tanya, his girlfriend. They made shashleek and they went swimming!! It was a fun time and the weather was beautiful. We always have so much fun together. The next day we hung out...Vitaliy made some yummy coffee...Starbucks. Later that day I met up with Big D (Dennis) and his girlfriend. We spent the rest of the day shopping and later that night we all went back to Vitaliy's ordered a pizza and watched the World Cup. The next day I had some more coffee...Yegor (another of our past translators and my friend) came over to visit :) We all talked and listened to music. Later Yegor and Big D took me to the airport. I enjoyed my visit in Kiev...seeing all my friends!! I was on to Siberia from Kiev. The flight from Kiev left around 5:35 in the evening...it landed in Moscow a few hours later. I then had to change terminals again. When I arrived to Terminal D...I had a long time before my next flight. The flight left at 1:30 am for Krasnoarysk. I enjoyed a nice dinner...by myself in the airport. I ate at an Italian restaurant. I ordered in Russian...all by myself and paid and everything! The food was expensive but I was ready to eat so it didn't matter. I was exhausted by the time the plane took off. It was a four hour flight but then there was a time change. We arrived at what was 5:30 am the time I was on but it was 10:30 am in Krasnoarysk. I slept some of the flight but the guys next to me were snoring sooooooooooo LOUD. The flight was beautiful...so many TREES...so much undeveloped LAND!! I was in SIBERIA...A GIRL FROM SOUTH GEORGIA. It was surreal and it is hard to even explain how I felt. It was like a dream come true although I had never dreamed of going to Siberia:) The whole time I was there I felt like I was so far away...and I was. It was such an interesting feeling.

I will pick up my story later because I am tired tonight. I will try to post pictures for those of you who haven't seen the ones on facebook. I am writing this mainly so I will have this written down. These are my feelings and some reflextions of my trip.

Sea and Snow

Right now I am in Sochi visiting Vera and her family. It is beautiful weather here. Yesterday it was a little hot. They live very near the Black Sea, mountains and waterfalls. It has been very nice to visit with her. They have taken me all around the city. I have so many beautiful pictures but because of the internet speed I can't upload them :( The picture above is me, the first day I arrived to Sochi. I am standing in the Black Sea. The water is cool but nice. There beaches are smooth stones. It is very interesting to lay on them because they are very warm. I saw snow when we went to visit the mountains. They are building for the Olympics in 2014 which will be held in this beautiful place. I am doing very well in my understanding as Vera and her family speak NO English. They are very patient with me and I have tried hard to understand and to speak too!! It is nice to be submersed in the language. I will write more later. Tomorrow I leave for Ukraine and Sumy :) I will miss it here but I am excited to see some more of my friends too.

My Anniversary....

Happy Anniversary, Ryan. I love you so much!!! It has been a wonderful 11 years today. I miss you and have enjoyed these years together. LOVE YOU!!!!

Swimming with Katya

MVI_4426.AVI

Hi, here is an update for those of you who want/need one. We are all staying busy and doing well. My parents came for Mother's Day, a chorus performance, a soccer game and Parker Reid's kindergarten circus!! We enjoyed an exciting few days together. Parker Reid did a great job as a clown in the circus. He is so funny in real life; he didn't even have to practice;) Bryce had to step in last minute to do a dance in the chorus performance. He did a GREAT job too!! My mom also pulled Parker Reid's tooth. It was his first one so he was very excited. The kids made me lots of cute things for Mother's Day. We have been working in our gardens at home and at school! We even found a snake last week which we had to kill so it wouldn't kill our chickens. The chickens are getting bigger and we are enjoying watching them grow. Ryan is trying to finish our fence because we are having trouble with stray dogs barking at the chickens. School will be out a week from Friday and then I leave June 9th for Russia/Ukraine. I am sure life will continue moving very quickly...we are just all holding on and enjoying the ride ;) Pictures will follow whenever I have time to upload.

Roses are red...Daddy loves YOU!

Yesterday I opened the refrigerator door and there was a bouquet of red roses. I asked Ryan what the roses were for. He said, "One is for you and the rest are for Sydney Katya. " He has been seeing her pick all the azaleas in the yard. She puts them in a cup of water and says "now don't throw them away because they are a decoration"!! It was so sweet of him and she was THRILLED. She tries to carry them everywhere and I tell her if she doesn't leave them in the water they will die ;) She is lucky to have a dad who loves her so much!