12/31/07
Happy New Year's Eve!
I can't believe it is almost time to start another year! The family had a fabulous visit in Russia
and Anna was able to reconnect with a teacher and her friends and also visit her biological grandfather! It was a special
time for them with lots of stories!
We had a wonderful Christmas and the highlight for the girls was a new Wii for our family. A special
friend camped out and found one for us! The girls were so excited and now love "playing" sports on the Wii! I
can see now what the craze is all about.
Anna turned 13 on December 29th and her day was spent going to the movies and visiting DeBrand Chocolate
shop for dessert and then a visit to the Y for swimming before ending up with birthday cake!
We wish everyone a Happy New Years!
Love,
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
11/23/07
I'm writing this on the evening that Terry, Melissa and Anna are heading back to Fort Wayne from their long
journey to Russia! I know they are full of stories to share and very tired! It is hard to believe that it is almost
2 years since we were in Russia adopting Anna. My how the time has flown. Soon she will be turning 13 years old!
Oh my! She is really enjoying school and her classmates. Ice skating is a new passion of hers so we've been taking
her for lessons.
I'm looking forward to the family arriving safely and expecting a phone call very soon that they've made
it to Indianapolis. From there they will rent a car and drive home as they flew out of Fort Wayne but couldn't get back
here tonight as they missed their flight out of New York as they were late arriving....so on to Plan B!
Since I'm very tired myself...I'll sign off for tonight but I do intend to post stories of their Russian
experience very soon!
Kathy
7/15/07
It has really been that long since I wrote? I can't believe it! It is now 1 1/2 years since
we've been back from Russia with Anna and life is settling into a new schedule. Terry hopes to take Anna and Melissa
back to Russia this November. I'll stay home and man the homefront!
We leave for Texas very soon and it will be the first time for Anna to meet her Texas relatives and the
first time on an airplane since we've been back from Texas.
The sun is shining and I need to go soak it up...so it will carry me through the winter time!
Kathy
2/13/07
Let the snow fall! We are under a blizzard warning...and the snow has been falling all day long.
The kids have finally had enough inside time...so are going out to explore! Terry and I both got out of work early and
headed home. The girls had the day off of school and probably will have tomorrow off too at this rate. It is supposed
to keep snowing/blowing all night long! We have heat and can stay warm and safe in our house so that is a blessing!
After this front our weather will settle into more of a normal pattern!
Can't believe tomorrow is Valentine's Day! I feel sorry for the florists as I wouldn't want to be
a delivery person in this kind of weather...and then get to a destination and find out they are closed!
Had a busy weekend with lots of selling of cookies at booths for Melissa! This next weekend should
be more relaxing!
Better go check on the girls! Need to upload some photos soon of them playing outside and enjoying
all of the snow!
Love,
Kathy
2/4/07
Wow...almost 14 months now since we've been back from Russia...so hard to believe...it doesn't seem that
long! The time really DOES go fast. Anna is turning into a typical "preteen". This weekend she is suffering
with a cold...but is rolling with the flow pretty well. She is NOT excited about the Super Bowl at all....in fact...does
not like football....we shall see if she watches any of it. We've got pizza and cake on hand...so we are set for the
night. Already called for a two hour school delay in the a.m....I guess because it is brutally cold here and with the
wind gusts gets to -20!
We just returned from a visit to our new downtown library....it is awesome...Anna and Melissa liked all
of the computer rooms.
We now have DSL....and so our e-mail address is now: thepargmanns@verizon.net!
Countdown to the Superbowl has begun! Go COLTS!
Kathy
1/21/07
Happy New Year! Yes...we are WAY into 2007 now....but I haven't had a chance to update our site!
Today we got SNOW and the girls are SO excited...especially Anna...she has wanted snow all winter...so they are outside enjoying
the snow at night...by sliding and pulling each other...should tire them out! Tomorrow they are off of school as it
is the end of their 2nd quarter....can't believe they are 1/2 way through 5th grade!
Anna had a great birthday and invited a couple of girls over to go to Libby Lu and then have pizza and birthday
cake and spend the night. When the girls were still gigling at 3:00 a.m....I had to intervein and get them to quiet
down and attempt to sleep! A few weeks later Anna was invited to her first sleep over and had a grand time.
Operation ORGANIZATION has started...doesn't it sound like a repeat of last year! Must be a January
thing! At any rate...I am trying to tackle it room by room....the upstairs is almost done...I've save the "best" for
last...the kitchen/dining area...before I head down to the "lower level" and start working!
We wish everyone a safe and happy 2007!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
12/28/06
Today is my 46th birthday! Wow! And tomorrow Anna turns 12!!! We are having a couple of
her school friends over for a little party and she is excited.
To back track a little....Christmas was awesome with church services and special times. The girls
got Nintendo DS's...and were estatic! They loved all of their gifts... We had a nice day with some friends over
and of course Terry cooked all kinds of meat! It was a very nice relaxing day...and the girls were so quiet with their
new toys we had to check on them to make sure they were still breathing!
On Tuesday we headed up to Michigan to spend time with my sister's family....hit the malls and play with
cousins! It was a great time and the kids all got along just wonderfully! I can't believe my nephew Trent....he
is 7 years old and wearing 9 1/2 in mens shoes and is almost taller than Anna!
Today we headed to the mall....and I had told Anna that when she turned 12 she could get her ears pierced...so
today was her lucky day. She did great....and I also told Melissa she could do this too....well she watched Anna then
decided she did not want to do this...so we went and had a late lunch...then Melissa suddenly got brave...so back to Claires
for round two! They both are very proud of themselves for not shedding a tear and being so brave!
As the year draws to a quick close, we wish for you peace and God's many blessings!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
12/10/06
WOW...Anna has been in our family now for a year! 12/8/06 was her "gotcha date". We celebrated
in a low key way with a friend of hers coming over...we ordered pizza then went skating at our Indoor skating rink. The girls
then stayed up watching movies and hanging out until 12:00 a.m. when all was quiet.
Yesterday on our way back from an errand a deer jumped in front of our truck and unfortunately that was
the end of the deer and it has done some damage to the truck. Luckily the girls were not with us and we were in Terry's
truck and not my car (my car would have been much worse) and we were not hurt. Spent some time getting things straight
and now will find out how much it will cost us to get the truck fixed (luckily it is drivable)! God is good!
Witnessed a beautiful Christmas Cantata at church today....can it be Christmas already???? The house
is decorated....and still some presents to buy...but trying to take it one step at a time. Haven't written Christmas
cards yet...always "next week"....
Our wish for you this Christmas season is that you will experience Christ anew in your heart!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
11/25/06
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow...it is so hard to believe that Christmas is almost around the corner...and of course Dec. 8th is Anna's
Gotcha Day....almost one year since we've been back! Oh...but I can still remember. I am still working on our
scrapbook of our trip and the memories are still fresh! I'd like to get it finished before 2007 so I can start on our first
year together.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with some friends...and ate LOTS of great food made by Terry....wow....Turkey,
Ham, smoked Sausage, smoked pork loin, mashed potatoes, stuffing, ...and I could go on and on...but I'd probably just make
you drool!
Have decorated two trees and now will tackle the last one. The house is very festive inside and out...with
just a little more to go...before it is "done" for '06!
Well the girls are back...so I guess I'll have to write more later...
God's blessings to all!
Kathy & Terry
11/9/06
Another month has slipped by! Happy belated birthday to Grandpa Wilburn and Happy Belated Anniversary
to Grandma Mary & Grandpa Wilburn! So much to do....that things I used to have a better handle on are harder to remember...I
can't even imagine having a larger family like some of our friends...my brain would be mush!
My parents were here last weekend and are now safely in Florida! We had a wonderful time with them
but it went quick. Now we won't see the snow birds until spring!
Last Sunday was an Adoption Celebration in our community. It was awesome to see so many adopted children
of different nationalities....I cried several times during the celebration and was holding Sergei (one of our friends newest
kids home from Russia) and it was very powerful! We were on stage at one point talking about
our experience and Anna was very embarrased and hiding behind me....we were able to talk about AFAR and our experience and
it was great. Our AFAR group also had a booth so we handed out literature and talked to people about Russian adoption.
So how is it going at 11 months you ask? I wish I could say just "perfect" but we are human so it
can't be perfect...but I feel like God is putting together the puzzle pieces and we do not know the total picture yet (need
to wait to see God in heaven to understand it all)...but with Anna learning more English it is going easier although we still
have a ways to go in terms of patience (so does our whole family though)... Every time we turn another corner we celebrate...not
knowing the next corner ahead but that is okay...God provides for us and with his help we will flourish!
My break is over...better get upstairs, check on the laundry, go on a walk and relax before the "kids get
home"....Terry took the girls to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra!
God's blessings!
Kathy
10/07/06
Tomorrow marks 10 months since we were in court for our adoption day! WOW...hard to believe!
Today Anna went to a "cheer" camp put on by some cheerleaders at High School and she enjoyed it then we had a party at a local
park for Bev and her three new children! God provided a wonderful weather day and it was awesome checking in on all
of the families. Laura is pregnant with child number 8 and due very soon! The kids had a great time checking out
all the play equipment/running around and eating all of the snacks in sight! No left overs that way!
On Thursday the girls went on a field trip to Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum and I went along
as a chaperone. That place is awesome and we need to go back next year so much history there. The bus ride was
interesting...seeing all of these girls and boys interact...now with all the technology they are using "Nintendo DS" and resorting
to writing notes to each other only when they have to shut them off!
Tonight Oksana is taking the girls to a haunted house and to Dairy Queen....I am sure they will have a grand
time!
Fall is definitely in the air and it is hard to believe that Halloween will be here soon! Oh the CANDY!
Take care!
Mom
9/24/06
After 9 1/2 months it is time to reflect on our journey...and what a journey it has been! If I had
known every detail of the journey I would have been overwhelmed...but luckily I didn't and God has provided for us every step
of the way! Anna is definitely feeling more "nested" now and does not like when we tell people she is adopted...but
when they look at Melissa and Anna and we say they are both 11....they look at us and stare as if they can't figure out what
is up with that...so we are going to say Anna is new to our family. Today this lady at church was thinking Melissa was the
adopted one...a new experience for Melissa.
Yes we still have our ups and downs...the Drama can be quite intense..but it can be sometimes with Melissa
too...so we are trying to roll with the flow more while keeping limits! Our major struggles are over simple things like
baths, homework, cleaning our rooms...
Right now we are into music...choir and band (a Trombone for Melissa and a Clarinet for Anna)...in fact
tonight we have to have "band" practice...hmmm...maybe I'll take a walk during that time!
It is hard to believe that all of the HUG families are home and some are now celebrating their 1 year Gotcha
Day! Bev returned 3 weeks ago with her three children and we met up with them at the zoo yesterday...what fun....and
such memories to remember back to the beginning when language was such an issue....now Anna has basic conversational language
down and she is reading at a good level and learning new vocabulary every day...in fact she will throw out a word now and
then and I just look at her and wonder WHERE she learned this new word!
This weekend we checked on a neighbor's dog a couple of times and Anna was great with Indy!
God's blessings to you!
Kathy
9/2/06
Labor Day Weekend!
Well both girls are doing well in 5th grade...so far so good. We are planning a relaxing Labor Day.
Tomorrow we will get together with our AFAR group in Auburn for a picnic. Our friend Bev is in Moscow and will be heading
home with her three new children on Friday. Prayers for safe travel for Bev would be appreciated.
In 6 days it will be 9 months since we adopted Anna. Wow! Hard to believe it is going so fast.
She is making more adjustments every day and seems to be settling in even more. Today she has decided that she can do
a cartwheel...and has been practicing!
God's blessings!
The Pargmann's
8/18/06
Does school start already??? Hard to believe the girls go back on Tuesday! This week we went and got
them registered and paid all of the fees! On Sunday we go to meet the teachers and see their classrooms. They
both seem pretty excited...which is GREAT!
We also went to Cedar Point this week and Anna loves to ride roller coasters! Although next time she
told us she will not do the "fast ones" all at once but spread them out with slower ones too! We had a perfect day and
were very tired as it was a long day...but worth it!
We also spent time this week at the Zoo and with our friends that are back with their 3 kids. Another
friend goes soon to get her two girls and son! We are excited for her!
All in all things have settled down quite a bit and we are learning to read Anna more and she is becoming
more relaxed with us...which is good.
Tomorrow I am meeting up with my sister for a day with just us! It will be great as my sis has went
through quite an ordeal in the last couple of weeks so please lift her up and my parents in prayer. The ordeal is not
over yet unfortunately.
Please take care!
Kathy
7/8/06
WOW...today it is the 7 month anniversary of the "gotcha" date! Anna decided to stay in Michigan
with my parents and Melissa for a few extra days and seems to be doing just fine! We had a grand time over the 4th of
July with the parade/fireworks/shopping/and of course BEACH TIME! Melissa & Anna are brown now! A couple
of days we were out on the beach for several hours and they had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave the beach!
Today they are at a Wedding and tomorrow they are helping at a Home Tour! Anna has gotten into bandanas and her
hair while we were there...and was performing "hair styles"....oh and I forgot to mention the countless golf cart rides!
One favorite memory is Rachel (my neice who turns 12 on July 15th), Melissa and Anna riding in the golf cart and singing
at the top of their lungs the Star Spangled Banner with long weeds blowing in the wind! They sang many other songs too
while the rest of us sat by the bonfire! Oh such memories! Oh we also played "killer" where you stick out
your tongue at someone to "kill" them without being found out...what a blast...and singing campfire songs...and the endless
HOT DOGS and birthday cake! It was a blast...but very tiring. I got home yesterday and after unpacking
had to take a long nap!
It is so quite without the kids...and the basement is now ready for the carpet to be layed on Monday....and
the weeds have been pulled, the bills paid, grocieries bought, laundry done....and always MORE on the list to accomplish!!!
On another note, our friends are now back with their 3 kids and doing quite well! We are looking
forward to seeing them and hearing their stories!
Love,
Mom
6/29/06
Tomorrow our friends come home with the three children they are adopting!!! Two boys (10 & 11)
and a daughter (6)! They kept an on-line journal while they were away....and we couldn't even figure out the TELEPHONE!....anyway
it has been fun to keep up with their journey and the ups and downs of the experience. It doesn't matter how much
you read in advance and how prepared you are ...it still hits you like a TON of Bricks...the reality. On retrospect
it was the language barrier that I totally underestimated...even now with it being almost 7 months there are still times when
Anna gets frustrated because she is trying to explain something and we just don't get it! I think there is still a lot
to come out....tonight I had some 1 on 1 time with her and was just talking some about her past...but it is still hard for
her to tell me in English. It will come...God's timing not MINE! Please continue to pray for our family....it
has gotten a lot smoother but I still feel we have some distance to go (but I feel that way about Melissa too!)! Trying
to read someone's mind...is a full time job and mentally exhausting...but it IS getting better...and luckily Terry has taken
some of this more in stride than I have as I guess I am after "perfection" which just doesn't exist! He brings me into
reality....
Please pray also for our friends as tomorrow they head back to the USA with 3 kids on a long airplane ride....wow...and
we had a hard time with 2 adults keeping one child entertained (if the plane wouldn't have had dvd's....not sure how we would
have passed the time)....they are already experiencing the language barrier...and it will become even more apparent when they
get home...but we will be there to be a support for them...I tell you what...if we didn't have our HUG group....not sure any
of us would have made it (or at least made it very well)...we are like a big extended family...and what is really neat is
we KNOW what others go through...and can totally relate....we are there for the joys and the tears of parenthood! Okay...enough
on my soapbox!
Terry took off tonight with Melissa to head to Michigan. Anna and I will go tomorrow night....Terry
will come back Monday...I am coming back next Friday...Melissa will be up there for 4-5 extra days after that...and Anna is
the wild card....she may stay or may come back!
We are finally getting carpet in our basement....so that will be great....!! So if we can do this
without 1 or 2 kids...we will be able to get the basement back in shape prior to our 15th wedding anniversary (yes Terry it
is 15 years NOT 30!).
I'd better get to sleep...I have a list to accomplish in the a.m. prior to going to work....
Love,
Mom
6/11/06
WOW...It has been another month since I've written! Time is moving too fast. The kids are now
out of school and enjoying their summer vacation! We spent Memorial Day weekend up in Michigan and had a wonderful time
with my parents and my sister's family! Anna's first time to see Lake Michigan and despite the cold water...all the
cousins ventured in to "swim"!
Last week we had an AFAR gathering and found out our friends Bob and Dawn are heading to RUSSIA very soon
to pick up their KIDS!!! They are coming to supper in a little bit....so I will need to clean...VERY SOON! Oh
well!
Yesterday we had Anna's friend Olyviah spend the night and they had a great time playing, swimming, eatting
pizza, eatting cookies...and all sorts of snacks...watching movies and hanging out. Melissa was at her own sleep over
and stayed up until 4:00 a.m....so she has been doing some sleeping this afternoon to catch up on the z's she missed!
This weekend it has been on the cold side...for Indiana...but this week it promises to be up in the 80's.
We joined our new church today and I really feel the Lord speaking to me and challenging me in this new
community of believers.
Six whole months....it is getting a lot easier....our struggles usually are around things that Anna does
not want to do and sometimes will dig her heals in! We are seeming to read her more and especially her dramatic side....I
think being a "model" or an actress may be in her future!
Well...I hear Terry upstairs in the kitchen so I'd better "kick" it up a notch and start sweeping!!!
Breaks over!
Love,
Mom
5/13/06
Happy Mother's Day!
My Mother's Day came early today with cards from Melissa and Anna...both are priceless. Since this
is the first homemade card from Anna...I thought I'd share the message: A sweetheart,
a frind, a comfort, my mom...A helper, a warker, a cleanar, my mom...a pretty, a seller, a shopper...my mom! WOW!
Not sure how she came up with this...it is priceless! From now on when I feel discouraged and think I am not making
headway...I will pull out this card as a reminder that she is "getting it" ....on her terms not MINE! It is not about
me anyway...It is all about God and his glory. I've been a little down lately and this card and Melissa's card...really
perked me up!
Yes we still deal with the "emotional side" of life...not sure if that is because Anna is a girl....her
past experiences...or the fact that she is 11...or all 3! Just wait until we have two teenage girls! Oh MY!
Tonight Terry took FOUR girls off to a school function...and I am spending my evening cleaning and doing
laundry and even though I should be discouraged by this...I really do enjoy "doing my own work"...MOM that thought is for
you!
Next weekend I am going to a getaway and leaving Terry in charge. The the weekend after that we head
up to Ludington...then school is out for the summer. I am already thinking the summer is going to fly by...I hope not
too fast. I am ready for a big break from HOMEWORK! My...I forgot how fun that can be!
Well...I need to tackle cleaning up the basement next. We are thinking seriously of getting new carpet
down here...which will help a lot and lighten the whole place up and give it a homey feel.
God's blessings!
Kathy
4/29/06
Can't believe I haven't had a chance to update this journal until now! Life is very hectic...and I could be cleaning
now instead of typing...but OH WELL. One of the things I've "discovered" is ...there IS ALWAYS LOTS OF HOUSEWORK TO
Do...and if I don't give myself a little break now and then....I feel overwhelmed...so here's to a BREAK. Speaking of
that....at our church I went to a new group on Peace and Tranquility! Wow....I am excited about this small group of
women. We had lots of laughs and we are meeting this Monday again.
My parents are on their way back to Michigan...in fact they should be traveling as I type. They started back from
Florida via Virginia and spent a week there in a condo with 8 other people. They went to Williamsburg and other places.
We are planning to visit them in May and hear about their travels.
On May 8th it will be 5 months since we adopted Anna. She is now asking that we not introduce her as being from
Russia and that she was adopted. She is wanting to fit in...which is a good sign. Her teachers are very impressed
with her in school and she tries very hard. She is using more English everyday and starting to think in English when
she wants to say something. Last night a neighbor girl was over playing and Anna asked her in for supper. She
is very social. Boy does she like movies...what a great investment it was at Christmas time for 2 DVD players.
They are also now into these "electronic" pets...much cheaper and EASIER than the REAL thing...so today Dad spent the entire
morning taking them to various stores trying to find these "pets"...finally they were successful....so now we hear updates
of the "pets". Right now Terry took the girls and a neighbor girl off to the "Russian magazina" ...an International
store where Anna can speak Russian and picks up some candy and some turkey she likes...and perhaps some "Russian bread"!
All in all...things are going much better. Yes we still have our battles of the wills...but we have that with Melissa
too. I try to see each day as a new day of possibilities...realizing the "twins" are approaching the teen years very
quickly and then Mom & Dad's influence is going to be less and less.
Well...I'd better head upstairs and check on my laundry and dishwasher...my "break" is over!!!
Love,
Mom
4/7/06
Oh......what a time we've had!!!! Grandma & Grandpa from Texas arrived a week ago and the girls enjoyed all
of the extra attention! They took them many places including the mall, Science Central, Burger King, Dairy Queen, a
couple of parks...and more. Grandpa found out how good of a checkers player Anna is! Melissa learned new card
games. We were all sad to see them leave yesterday...although I think they will enjoy the 80' plus weather back in Texas
compared to the 50' weather here.
Yesterday we bought the girls fishing poles...so now their main occupation is FISHING. We already have several
fishing stories....I've already learned a lot too...I've forgotten all the ins and outs of luers/bobbers/hooks....and all!
I've already been "hooked" and Melissa brought in her sock that somehow she hooked (no she wasn't wearing it!)...so far NO
fish yet...which is good! Terry keeps giving them tips for catching fish...and I say...no let them enjoy casting!!!!!
It is hard to believe tomorrow will be 4 months being home! Yes we still have ups and downs...but every day we
think we are turning another corner. Starting to grasp the English language is making it much better!
Lots of love,
Kathy, Terry, Melissa & Anna
3/25/06
Where does the time go? I didn't get a chance to write anything last weekend...we were busy with school activities
and entertaining! This weekend we've been busy with having our AFAR group over last night...20 some people....and going
to a wedding reception today!
The AFAR meeting/meal was fabulous! We were happy with the turn out. It is always exciting to be with folks
that know EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL! It reaffirms your own feelings and sense of what you are doing. We are busy planning
for the next HUG group that will be coming this summer. We plan to host an event and be as active as we can be ...and
help our Agency out.
This week Grandma Mary and Grandpa Wilburn come from Texas so we will be busy this weekend getting the house ready for
their arrival....and it will STILL LOOK LIVED IN...OH WELL! The girls are looking forward to their visit.
Monday Melissa has to have 4 baby teeth pulled...ouch! I am not looking forward to this...but hopefully since it
will be a busy week...and spring break around the corner...she will weather this well.
I'd better get back to the laundry...Terry asked me today if he should set up a bed in the laundry room since I spend
all my time in there! Good thought!
Kathy
3/12/06
Happy Birthday to Justin, Jenny and Trent (Terry and I's neice and nephews)....all having their birthdays today!!!
The exciting news this weekend is Anna got a NEW BIKE and Melissa got new Roller blades....we decided to do this yesterday
because the weather is supposed to be in the 60's for a few days...before it goes back to the 30's! YIKES! Grandma
Mary and Grandpa Wilburn are coming in a couple of weeks....let's hope the weather warms up!
On Thursday we had our 3 month social worker visit! Can't believe it has been 3 months already...I have a feeling
the next 6 months are going to go even FASTER!
Yesterday Terry took Anna and Melissa to Shoaff park and let them ride...they had a grand time...and Anna wants to go
back today...so I think Terry is going to take her while I take Melissa into town to a FAME festival.
Tomorrow the girls have off of school so they are going to the YMCA all day and looking forward to a day of swimming/playing
in the gym/climbing wall....and all sorts of fun! The rest of the week is going to fly with Brownies/school work/school musical
performance/and a carnival....WOW...hope I can make it!!!
Take care everyone!
Love,
Kathy, Terry, Melissa & Anna
3/05/06
What a week! It went very fast...and before we knew it Friday was here! On Friday, Anna went to her friend
Olviaha's house for a sleepover and I took Melissa out to eat and to the Mall. Saturday morning was grociery shopping
and catching up on the endless laundry...guess I didn't completely catch-up as I am still doing it TODAY! Then later
in the day I took Melissa and we went to Olviah's birthday party at a hotel which included swimming, pizza and lots of games
and fun! We left there at 9:00 p.m. Today Terry took Anna and Melissa back to Auburn for a family party for Oliviah.
Now we are busy getting ready for the week!
Some news that is quite exciting...our agency is hosting another HUG program where they will bring 10 kids this summer
to Indiana so if anyone is interested in adoption...this is an excellent opportunity to meet the kids and have them stay in
your homes. There are two sibling groups too. We have an e-mail into our Agency director to find out more...but
we do know they are looking for families! We are going to volunteer to assist (no not with hosting) but with other tasks
such as helping with socials/being at the airport (a fun yet nervous part) and getting anyone interested in our AFAR group.
I think there is still some "math" for Melissa to do so must sign off for now!!!
Love,
Kathy, Terry, Melissa and Anna
2/26/06
I made it through two days of work and was exhausted on Friday night!!! On Friday we found out that our Day Care
was not able to move to another location so that ment a big scramble for a Plan B....so now the girls are enrolled at the
YMCA After School program and they both are excited. They will be able to swim, play in the gym, climb a big rock wall
and do other activities for a couple of hours every afternoon until "papa" picks them up! They will start this on Wednesday.
Today I took the girls Ice Skating at our indoor Ice Rink and they had a grand time. They got to take free ice
skating lessons too! May take them more often to the rink although on the way there...Anna thought the 30 minute ride
was very long. We said to her, "Do you think you could manage a 3-4 hour trip in the car???" No was her answer.
Friday night Terry took them to a college girls Basketball game and they had a grand time there too.
I have a feeling that the weeks are going to fly now...and it will be WARM before I know it! This week we may just
get some 50' weather!!! YEA!
Love,
Kathy, Terry, Melissa & Anna
2/21/06
This may be the last journal entry for awhile as I go back to work on Thursday and won't have as much time! It
is hard to believe I've been off work for 12 weeks. The time went very fast.
I keep telling the girls that Mom is going back to work...of course Melissa knows what this means but Anna doesn't really
but when she hears Melissa say, "No!"...she echoes the sentiment! I think more structure will be good for them and they
will have a chance to play and get school work done BEFORE I see them in the evenings! We aren't sure yet where they
will be going as our current Day Care is in the process of moving but has a few more hurdles to jump through...I've prayed
so much about this that God is probably getting tired of me on this subject...and to quote Terry...probably thinking...this
GIRL needs a LIFE! At any rate...soon we will know what the kids will be doing after school.
This weekend was pretty low key...we had lots of relaxation time...and Terry and I even got a chance to go out by ourselves!
We found a neighbor girl to watch the kids and we went out to supper and shopping! It was great to get away for a bit
and just have some couple time. I told Terry we need to do this at least once a month....hopefully we can do this more
as the girls really liked this babysitter....she was great with them!
Yesterday the girls were off of school so we headed to Headwaters Park and they ice skated. I think this was Anna's
first time on skates and she really liked it! She actually did more rounds then Melissa....but it was COLD and we didn't
stay too long...then had to eat at Wendys...before picking up a couple of friends to play the afternoon. So we had 4
girls in the house and they enjoyed playing Beauty Shop, Restaurant, Spying 101 School...and other games!
All in all, things at home are getting much better. Anna is getting to know us more and understand that when we
tell her something...we are serious. She still rebels some but the "emotion" is less than it was so that makes it easier.
She is still my little Actress though and can turn on/off the charm as she wills. Today the girls are seeing a play
at school...so I can imagine tonight may be more "acting practice"!
We really appreciate all the prayers and support from our friends and family!
Kathy, Terry, Melissa & Anna
2/15/06
I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day! The girls (I am still getting used to saying girls....)
took in Valentine's to their classmates...I wasn't sure how much Anna understood but I think she did get the drift of this
celebration. She made us some cards too and even put together a little gift for us.
The big news is THE BEDS ARRIVED! Yes after ordering them a couple days after we were back from Russia...all the
pieces finally arrived and the workers came today to put them up! Both rooms look smaller now...but I think the girls
will be very happy. Anna thought today was a big day with new beds and the library! She loves to check out videos...if
she isn't on the computer she is watching videos! She is very electronic minded! Tonight will be spent getting
the rooms back in order...I attempted to do this a little but thought I really should have the girls help me so they can determine
where they want their "stuff"...!!
I am off to the Doctor shortly...I've finally had it with this cold and need something to clear up the drainage in my
ear!!!
Love,
Mom
2/11/06
Hard to believe...soon it will be Valentine's Day! Last night Terry took Melissa out for some one on one
time and I took Anna. I took Anna to Burger King (her favorite restaurant because she can get lots of fries/ketchup
and her new favorite chicken nuggets)! Then I let her play as long as she wanted. We went home and she took a
bath all by herself and enjoyed that time and next up was computer time...she didn't get kicked off the computer until 10:00
p.m. when I was ready for BED!
Tomorrow Terry is going to take the girls to a co-workers bowling party in the afternoon. For the most part it
has been a relaxing weekend...which is just great...considering last weekends business!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Melissa & Anna
2/06/06
WOW! It is February! YEA! That means winter is on the DECLINE and SPRING will be coming! We are
so ready for spring...and we haven't even had that bad of a winter! Guess we are getting to be wimps! After a
very mild January...the last couple of days we've been blessed with snow and cold weather! The girls still want to run
around without coats!!!
This past weekend was a very busy weekend. We hosted a judge from Texas A & M for our annual chili cookoff!
Scott got along so great with the girls that I only wish he lived closer! They loved playing with all of his gidgets
and gadgets which we don't have! Hopefully everything still worked after he left!
There were 11 pots of chili to be judged and I counted 30 + people in attendance! A fun time by all. Anna
entertained herself quite well with Melissa and some of the other Aggies and "Molly" a dog that was in attendance.
All in all a pretty good week. Anna's language skills are progressing and we can understand her most of the time...and
when we can't...we ask Melissa as she usually knows what Anna is trying to say. They have developed their own language.
Last night they took a bath in my tub and had it so full of bubbles...and were having a blast! Quite a mess to clean
up though...and they managed quite well....although I have TONS of Laundry (including several towels) for today!
Anna's teachers are quite pleased with her and her progression. This will be a key year for her and I try to work
with her as much as I can (and she will let me) at home too.
Well...back to more laundry...my break is over! It is amazing to me to think we added one person to our family
and quadrupled our laundry!
Love,
Mom
1/31/06
Last Friday I received a call from the school that Anna was in the office and had a temperature so I went and picked
her up. She spent the rest of the day resting and watching tv. By Saturday she was fine and we went off to Target and
the Dollar Store. The girls took their own money along...and it is amazing how that is working! That afternoon
we went to Avilla to welcome Lyosha the newest child home. We had a nice time there. Later that night our friends
watched the kids while Terry and I had some couple time! We need to do that more often.
Sunday was a rough morning getting the kids up and ready for church and the rest of the day partly due to the dreary
weather...we were all a little down. Anna had an english lesson and we really didn't do too much.
Monday was a rough start to the week with Anna not wanting to get ready for school. Yesterday afternoon I typed
on the translation site the consequences of her behavior if she does this again...and hopefully she understood because today
she was MUCH BETTER!
Last night during bath time I was talking to Anna about when she grows up and gets married and how many kids will she
have...and I was saying maybe 10...she said no...just one...then she thought for a minute and changed it to two she said so
they could play with each other. I got a big tickle out of that since Melissa and her can be best buddies...then fight
like cats & dogs! But Anna may remember growing up as an only child in her house...so that may be part of it.
We talk of her biological parents as her Russian parents and that seems a fitting way to describe them for now.
Last night she jumped on the scale...about 72 lbs...and then wanted me to measure her...I was sure she hadn't grown any but
did this anyway...she may have grown a smidge....then I asked her how tall her Russian parents were and she said her mom was
quite small but her father was quite tall. We shall see. I am thinking she will be quite petite...but maybe she
will surprise us.
She is still quite selective on what she eats so trying to find food choices is interesting. I bought her some
honey and make her have it with bread or she'd eat it just plain! She also likes sausage, crackers, lots of fruit, yogurt,
eggs and a little cheese. I am thinking in time her food choices will expand!
It looks like it is snowing....pretty fitting for the last day of January! We are all READY for SPRING and WARM
weather! We envy all our parents that get to be in the warm weather this time of year!
God's blessings!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
1/26/06
Success at school! Anna has been going all week so far...now I must admit getting her up in the morning has been
a struggle...as she wants to sleep in as does her sister! We've been working on homework and so far...I think all is
going well. Next week I think I'll go to lunch with the girls....4 days a week they have the SAME LUNCH HOUR....so that
is convenient as they can see each other at lunch and recess! I am going to check out the menu for next week and see
what looks GOOD!!!
I am still on my "major overhaul" of our house....it feels so good to me to get everything back in order and find proper
"homes" for STUFF that just seems to multiply!!! Also making space for Anna. Today I am hoping to finish the playroom
(that is now the "school room" where we work on our homework) and get the wallpaper hung in the guest room because next Friday
we will be having the chili judge stay with us for a couple of days! IF I get those things accomplished...then tomorrow
I'll be working on my room in the "lower level"....next week will be spent working more downstairs and then towards the end
of the week on cleaning! When I get back to work full time...I am going to need a LIVE IN MAID!!!
Well I'd better get to it!!!
Love,
Mom
1/21/06
Tonight Terry has taken the girls to the airport to see the arrival of the newest Russian child...Nicholas (formerly
Lyosha)! He is coming home with his parents Heather and Paul. They had quite a week in Russia as it was the coldest
(-30 to -40') that it has been since the 1920's! Wow....I feel bad for them...but happy that they will be landing in
Fort Wayne in less than one hour!
Tomorrow we will have another family over that will be going in the next couple of months. This family will be
taking in a sibling group of 3 kids...so we want to make sure we help them in any way we can. We will show them photos
and our videos and discuss tips for traveling with them. I am looking forward to this as they are a great couple!
I also want to take this opportunity to compliment Terry and Melissa for doing such a great job with Anna! The
whole family dynamics has changed and both of them are showing a lot of patience and support to Anna as she adjust to our
family. We've had our share of ups and downs and are thankful that we are learning somethings about Anna in the process.
I am sure the next couple of months will lead to more disclosures and adjustments but tonight I am feeling much better about
this. I really feel like we are making progress and she is starting to understand boundaries more. We also started
an "agresssive" allowance system and both girls are extremely motivated by money so this should help when we go shopping.
If they want something...they use their allowance money for it. It is amazing to see how things Mom or Dad could buy
for us...are things we won't spend OUR money on!
On Monday Anna will head off to school by herself. She seems ready to do this...in fact tonight she mentioned that
she'd be doing this. I think she understands that Mom won't be sitting in class anymore. She has a fabulous teacher who
is very understanding and easy going...so this will make her year more pleasant. She will also see Melissa from time
to time...at lunch and at recess some days...so that will help. Melissa is anxious too to help Anna get to the bus after
school...so will help her. Anna seems very excited about riding the bus...which she will do until the end of February
when we transition to another day care as ours is closing.
It is just so quiet in the house and peaceful!!!
Love,
Mom
1/18/06
Success at school! This week has been great in terms of getting Anna into the school schedule. The teachers
are all grand and making her feel welcome. It has been very interesting for me too...as it has been A LONG TIME since
I've sat in 4th grade! I've felt like a student again and find myself relying on other kids to get where we need to
be and when. Anna has already made some girl friends and the boys are very good too about helping her. On
Monday we went for a modified day, Tuesday all day, Wednesday we had a 2 hour delay and then I just snuck out for the last
1 1/2 hours to see how she'd do by herself. Tomorrow I am going to be in and out...Monday eat lunch only and Tuesday
she will be on her own!! I think she is ready and the teacher is ready...and I AM READY!!!
Well I'd better get a little work done before I head back to "4th grade".
Mom
1/16/06
Today we start SCHOOL! Anna keeps saying...Mama School, Anna Home!!! She is very nervous...but she will be
fine once we get there and she meets her classmates! Not sure how long I will be needed to attend 4th grade (didn't
I pass already?) but thinking perhaps this week will be enough to get her used to the routine and what to expect. We
shall see.
On Saturday I met up with my sister in Kalamazoo and we had a fabulous time just the two of us!!! We talked for
hours and shopped just a little. It was very refreshing that we could express our thoughts to each other.
We are trying to be very firm but loving to Anna and I think after last week, we are on firmer ground. It is a
matter of learning who is the boss...and sometimes Melissa needs to be reminded of this too!
Please pray for a smooth transition for us and that we can make a new family unit that is even stronger!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
1/11/06
Anna will be starting school soon! We've been to school the last two days and will be going tomorrow to watch Melissa
swim and then have lunch with Melissa. Starting next week I will be transitioning her in and going to school with her.
We've already talked to her teacher a couple of times and she met her today. The teacher called tonight and Anna talked
to her on the telephone. We also went to the Social Security office for the 2nd time...and luckily we were able
to get the paperwork so she can get her card in a couple of weeks. Still crossing things off the "to do" list for her...but
closing the gap on that.
Right now Papa is upstairs with the girls working on new sleeping arrangements until the new beds arrive (I am hoping
this happens very soon!)!
Love,
Mama, Papa, Melissa & Anna
1/9/06
As of yesterday it has been one month since our court date! It has been a month full of many adjustments by all of our
family and I hope and pray that as the days go on, we can find a new family routine that is acceptable to all! We've
had a lot of joys too along with surprises and we know God is good and he will bless us in ways we can only imagine as we
grow together in faith over the course of this next year.
Yesterday the girls went with our friend Oksana to the Naked Clay factory to make clay creations. It was a
lot of fun and it will be exciting to see what it looks like after it is fired. In a bit, we are going to pick up Melissa
then on to the eye doctors. I was going to have Anna have her eye's examined too but decided since Anna wouldn't understand
too much about this yet and she doesn't seem to have any vision problems...we'd wait until later for this.
Today has been a massive cleaning day as all of us are suffering from colds so thought I'd try to get rid of as many
dust bunnies as I could! Wow...my washer has been going non-stop since 7:30 a.m.! I think it wants a break (and
so do I)!
God's blessings!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
1/4/06
WOW. Happy New Year! I can't believe we've been back 3 weeks already from Russia! Anna is settling
in a little more each day...it is especially helping that she is learning more English. We've had our share of "problems"
but for the most part, every day is getting better. Today I took her to some medical appointments and wasn't sure how
they would go...but she was very good and seemed to understand what we needed to have her do. On Friday she has another
medical appointment and I hope that one goes quickly...then we just have her shots to update and get in to see our family
doctor once the results are back...oh and the eye doctor next Monday...then the dentist in February then hopefully that will
be it for awhile. I am meeting with the school next Tuesday to see what they need to get her enrolled. I want to transition
her in some prior to starting full time. She can now understand basic commands... She is now coming in from Rollerblading
in the garage. My parents bought her some rollerblades and she has loved trying out this new sport.
On New Year's Eve we had quite a party. I counted 34 people and 19 of those were kids! Everyone had a great
time. Our basement was so full...it was amazing. We had crafts for the kids and an exchange for both kids and
adults. The men had to come up with answers to Russian words. There was tons of food...two tables full. We had
a count down at 10:00 p.m. and let off balloons and took photos and had a toast. All in all a grand party...but I was
VERY TIRED the next day!
In a little bit we will pick up Melissa and head to Burger King so the girls can play a little before homework time!
Mom
12/29/05
Happy birthday ANNA! Today she turns 11 years old and we have a Barbie birthday cake that we will share later with
some friends! She tried to call the Interdom today but couldn't get through to the person she wanted to talk to so we
will try another day.
Well I hear the pitter patter of feet...and down came Anna after a short nap!
I guess my break is over!
Mom
12/28/05
Today is my birthday...I am 40+! My mom told me this a.m. how OLD it makes her feel....that her oldest is 40+!
I said it makes me feel even OLDER!
Yesterday we attempted to get Anna's social security card but we don't have her passport back yet...so it was a wasted
trip. One good thing though...I know exactly where to go where there won't be as much of a hassle as in Fort Wayne...so
that is where I will go for my NEXT TRIP! Apparently you do not have to get this done in your county...which is GRAND!
Today we are having some of Melissa's friends over to play this afternoon...not sure what Terry has in mind for supper????
Since we are all hungry...better go upstairs and see about breakfast!
12/26/05
Merry Christmas!!!!
We were awoken at 4:00 a.m. by the pitter patter of little (Anna)/big feet (Melissa)...and the announcement
that Santa had come and couldn't they tear into their gifts??!! We directed them back to their rooms...not sure they
made it that far but at least we didn't hear from them for awhile...then we made them wait while we got ready. By 6:30 a.m. or
so we were unwrapping our gifts. It was quite fun...and of course we took photos and video of the event. Maybe
by later in the week we will have new photos to add to our site.
I've been invited to join a new chat group on post adopters from Ivanovo and already I feel like this will be a great
support group along with our fellow HUG folks and AFAR group members. We could not do this ALONE! The old adage
about it takes a village to raise a child is SO TRUE!
Tomorrow I am going to attempt to get Anna a social security card. Next week I have some medical appointments set
up and hope to get a lot of that finished prior to her starting school in January. I am sure Melissa will not like the
fact that Anna will be at home while she is in school...but I am thinking the time will go fast with the appointments we have
plus I will be working with Anna on basic English.
All the best to our family and friends!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa & Anna
12/16/05
We are BACK! What a trip!!! The most important thing is Anne Erika Pargmann is now a member of our family!
You will notice the name Anne instead of Anna (for some reason the court changed her spelling...so for now her legal name
is Anne though she spells her name Anna!). We may decide to change this when we readopt her in Indiana court.
I can't believe what a trip this was! I filled up a notebook with thoughts while we were there. I just can't
believe we were in RUSSIA. We saw Red Square, The Kremlin, Old Arbat Street (this was a highlight), McDonalds (busy
all the time), and other sites/sounds of Russia! For anyone wanting to know more...including hints...let me know and
I can get this to you.
Our court was on December 8th and was actually very "easy" compared to the other parts of the trip. After court
Anna stayed with us and is now a legal part of our family. We really didn't relax until we were on our plane heading
to AMERICA...what a long trip though...first we started our moring at 3:00 a.m. with showers...off to catch our ride with
Vladimir at 4:20...then off to the airport...for a four hour flight to Paris....run, run, run to do what we had to...to catch
our next flight...then 9 hours to Cincinatti! Then a 3 hour layover in Cin. to catch our flight into Fort Wayne...What a LONG
Day.
We got our photos and video back yesterday and have enjoyed looking at this. We are heading to our friends house
soon to meet up with them and Anna can play with Oliviah...and share stories of our trip.
Oh...we met up with our friends that are adopting Vladimir at the Hard Rock cafe in MOSCOW. What a trip!
Oh this was fun! We oriented them somewhat to Russia and they should be coming back on Tuesday.
12/4/05
RUSSIA here we come!!! We leave at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning for the adventure of a lifetime!!! Boy...I can't
believe that last Monday we heard about a tentative date...and now...tomorrow we leave for Russia! We've had such support
of family and friends and I think are finally ready. Terry is insisting on not taking many clothes...but I suppose it
is a good thing because our suitcases are FULL! We are taking 3 suitcases to check-in and 2 carry on bags each....Look
out Russia here we come.
Does Anna know yet...??? We don't know what she has been told if anything. She did want us to come in December
and now she will get her wish.
We have our friends planning a New Year's Eve party at our house so we can celebrate our return and our friends return
and the 1 year anniversary of the kids coming...all at one time.
I am hoping we can sleep well tonight...I think I will...I am tired.
We had a very busy day today...probably too busy...but just lots to fit in before we go.
We will try to communicate via e-mail from Moscow....but if you don't hear from us via e-mail...call my parents...Tom
& Yvonne Beatty, at 260-484-2498 as they are staying with Melissa and can give you information that they know. Our plane
tickets right now call for us to return on Dec. 15th...but whether we keep with this same schedule...is anyone's guess at
this point. It depends on how things go....we are hoping we may be able to leave earlier...but...???? We just
have to be patient and take it one step at a time.
Thanks so much for all of your support!!!
Terry, Kathy, Melissa and Anna Pargmann!!!
11/30/05
So we've went from a tentative court date for December 13th to freaking out to now a CONFIRMED COURT DATE for December
8th...all in a few days!! We are really freaking now as we were already stressed...now we are even more that way...so much
to do! We heard this news this afternoon...so Terry got busy checking on flight arrangements and we were thinking we
were going to fly out on Saturday....well due to the short turn around time and the upcoming holidays...that wasn't too work
so now we are leaving on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. which is better! My parents are thinking they need to come tomorrow
because this is the part of the message they heard...now they probably won't come until Friday afternoon or Saturday...I'll
give them a little more time to pack...because they may end up being here awhile!!!
What a journey is all I can say!!!
Thank you Jesus! I am so thankful for all of our friends/family/church members for their support and prayers.
God is faithful and provides and knows what we need before we ask!
Lots of love Anna! See you soon!!!!
Mama, Papa & Melissa
11/28/05
WE HAVE A TENTATIVE COURT DATE!!!! YEA! Tonight when I was checking messages there was an e-mail from our
agency director saying she was trying to get a hold of us...so we called her right of way and found out our tentative court
date is December 13th!! And our friends have one for December 15th!!! Wow...God is good! We can all be home
(all the original 5 families BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!) This is so awesome!! Terry immediately took to calling people and Melissa
and I just enjoyed the news and listening to Terry....then we went out to celebrate by going on a light tour. Melissa
is so happy we will be back before Christmas...we had prepared her somewhat for the possibility we could be gone. I
am just so thankful we actually have a DATE...I am holding back the tears as I write this. Yesterday was a real downer.
We knew we were going into another week of NOT KNOWING ANYTHING! So...Melissa and I decided to go SHOPPING and
at least get some Christmas presents. I am so glad God gave me the nudge this weekend to get the house almost set for
Christmas and to buy some presents and spend lots of quality time with Melissa because it will make for less stress now...did
I actually type that!
I will post more news about our itinerary as soon as we figure it out! Terry wants to go "early" so we may head
out on that Friday...which is only 10 or so days AWAY...OH MY!
Love,
Mama, Papa, Melissa
11/27/05
The highlight of Thanksgiving was talking to Anna at Steve and Oksana's house! She seemed in pretty good spirits...but
wanted to know if she'd be HOME by December??? The $1,000,000 question! We said we hoped so...but couldn't guarantee!
How tough! I did talk to the highest person I could in our adoption agency on Wednesday and she assured me everyone
was doing all they could but it is basically in the hand of the judges in terms of WHEN our court date will be assigned!
So...here we sit and hope and pray that we get the call "soon" or at least hear some time frame...this is SO Hard. Another
set of friends is on their way to Russia now and will have a small package to give to Anna...and she said she has a letter
for us...so hopefully that will cheer us a little.
We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at Steve and Oksana's and then watched a video so didn't get home until later in the
evening. Yesterday was spent working on our upstairs tree and then shopping in the afternoon. Purchased some Christmas
gifts. Today we helped decorate our church and then are working around our house putting up more trees and decorations.
We are getting our home all festive and HOPE and PRAY that ANNA will be here to enjoy it with us!
We love you Anna!
Mama, Papa & Melissa
11/19/05
Well another rollercoaster ride week...we are excited for our friends Jenny & Scott and hoped that perhaps we'd be
able to join them at some point in Russia...but on Friday received news that yet again...was disappointing! The courts
are full of election related cases so adoption cases are not proceeding very fast...so they hoped "soon" they'd be able to
let us know of a court case! So here we sit...not knowing WHEN we will go. We are still hoping it will be in December...but
when is anyone's guess. Meanwhile my parents are "stuck" in the midwest enduring the cold and snow of northern Michigan...since
they are "on duty" when we go!
Tonight we are having some friends over that won a dinner with us as part of our fundraiser so it will be fun and be
a highlight of our weekend. Tomorrow after church we will be having a Thanksgiving feast...so even more eating!
I did get a small package together to send with Jenny to Anna. It is getting harder and harder to do this...when
we want to GO! In fact, Anna's room is quite full of all the items we are taking and Terry is pressing me for a "dress
rehearsal" of how items are going to fit in the suitcases! We do not have any of our clothes in there yet...just gift
items, Anna's clothes and other odds and ends to take.
Next weekend I told Melissa we could start decorating for Christmas so this has got her excited. She told me today
she is READY for ANNA to be here now!
Love,
Mama, Papa & Melissa
11/11/05
Sorry I haven't written in a couple of weeks...last weekend Melissa and I went to Michigan to meet up with my sister
and her kids and my parents at a hotel. It was Melissa's fall break so we had a nice time staying at a hotel, swimming,
eatting and shopping!
After a slow slow time on the news end...today we received word that our friends Jenny & Scott will be heading to
Russia on Nov. 29th!! We are excited for them. We are still hoping for a November court date...but if we don't hear
soon...it will be December!
I spent this morning calling Russia and talking with Anna with our friend Oksana's help. Anna seemed in pretty
good spirits. I think she is realizing her turn IS finally coming and I ask her what I should bring her...so it is seeming
more real! She signed her paperwork the end of October so all systems are a "go" ...just waiting for the court date!
I then went to see our friend Jenny (Oliviah's mom) and had a nice visit with her. She filled me in on her life
and I asked her more questions about her trip. IT IS REAL...and SOON we WILL be going to RUSSIA and I will be FREAKING
OUT!!! Perhaps this time....TERRY WILL HAVE TO BE THE CALM ONE!!!
I've been "nesting" quite a bit too....but despite all the cleaning...there always seems to be more dust and CLUTTER!
I do feel like I am making major headway though...and am too tired tonight to tackle anything more.
Lots of love!
Mama, Papa & Melissa
10/30/05
What another busy weekend!!! My oh my....!!! Friday was "party" day at Melissa's school...then at Terry's
work...then Melissa worked at the Zoo handing out candy...while Terry and I went on a "date"...and ate out in a SIT DOWN RESTAURANT...and
walked the mall!!! Saturday was the usual Walmart and cleaning...then we had Steve & Oksana over for supper and
Oksana carved her 1st pumpkin...next year Anna will be able to carve her 1st pumpkin too!
Yesterday too I jump started getting "organized" and preliminary packed Anna's suitcase and got some other stuff organized...so
much to take....oh that reminds me...I need to pack some of Anna's clothes in other suitcases too...in case one of the suitcases
doesn't make it!!!
Today we called over to Russia and Terry and Oksana were getting pretty frustrated because we kept getting boys on the
phone that would talk for a bit then hang up. Finally we got through to a boy that said he would help...and then later
told us he wanted a Game Boy...or candy...we will take him candy for his assistance! Then sweet Anna got on the telephone...and
the best news is she will sign her paperwork tomorrow!!!! YEA! We all screamed and jumped up and down! This is
very good news! She also said she had her photo taken for her passport!!! Yes things are moving for us!
We still do not know WHEN we will be able to go but with every hurdle...it makes the time go faster!! The next thing
we are waiting on is our actual COURT DATE!!! Now Grandma Mary thinks we will hear this week about a Court Date...who
knows...maybe we will!!! We will ask more questions of our agency tomorrow to see if Anna's paperwork has been released
yet from the DOE...if so...then our Dossier can go to the judge and he or she can determine a court date!
Melissa and I headed to Target today and bought court clothes for Anna and other things she will need. It was fun
and making it all seem so real....Anna's favorite color is PINK so we have a pink theme going for sure.
I have some more "work" to do tonight so I must sign off!
10/26/05
We got our bill yesterday for our adoption...and we are excited!! That means we are one step closer to getting Anna!!!
Oh we hope and pray that our time will be up very soon and we can fly to RUSSIA!!! Keep the prayers going!
10/22/05
This week went flying by! Tuesday we went to the airport to welcome Olyviah Faith home! She came home with her
new Mama and Papa that live near us. How exciting. She came up to me at the airport and gave me a hug! Yesterday
we had a party at her new home and got to see her again....it is amazing how quickly she is catching on and "knows" who we
are...she was very affectionate and cheerful at the party. She was very excited about her gifts including the "dog"
we got her!
Our friends also brought us some photos that Anna had taken with a couple of her "throw" away cameras we had given her.
Soon we will post some of the "new" photos...she still has that enchanting smile! We also saw her for a brief moment
on a video they had taken.... It was a fun party and we are looking forward to our next get together so we can celebrate
someone else (us?) going to RUSSIA!!
Jenny was able to ask our coordinator in Russia and if we keep our fingers crosssed we will go in NOVEMBER! Boy...wouldn't
that be grand!!! If that is to come true...than in the next 3 weeks...we will be hearing about a court date. Keep
lifting up prayers and we shall see!!!!!
Melissa and I took off on "errands" today...and one was to get Visa photos....well we tried at a Walgreens...but they
couldn't do it at that one...so we hit a CVS...and have 30 minutes we had our "quick" Visa photo...this is after the clerk
tells us SHE CAN't DO it because she is leaving (but she proceeds to stick around and is still there after we leave) so she
calls up someone else who is rather hesitant...and asks me if I want to come back tomorrow...NO...I want to get it done now...or
I'll go somewhere else....so he proceeds...takes 2 photos...so we wander the store...then he takes 2 more photos...we wander
some more...we come back (Oh...in the midst of the wandering part....I am looking at perfume...and Knock off a GLASS shelf
and the brackets!!) then he puts info in the computer...and we wander again...finally wander back...and WAIT some more...FINALLY
our photos are done!!! Quite an experience.
Mama is now "wore" out!!!
Love, Mama, Papa & Melissa
10/16/05
Today we tried to get through to Anna but it wasn't ment to be...we kept getting "boys" that would talk for a bit...then
hang up. One even tried to disguise his voice as a girl and be Anna....but Oksana said this does not sound like Anna
and we agreed...so we asked him some questions...and he couldn't answer.... Then we got a boy that said she was in bed...so
we gave up after an 1 1/2 hours of trying!!! Luckily Jenny is coming back on Tuesday and will have photos and the like for
us of Anna so that will have to suffice until we call again.
Speaking of Jenny...I was just having a couple of e-mail exchanges with her...so it was like real time! She said
she took photos of the "phone" and it is in a hallway where the kids just hang out...so it is no wonder...and it is a long
way to the bedrooms from this area....so we may have a clearer picture of the situation when she gets back!!
I'd really like prayers for my Sister Kim. Her health situation is still unresolved....please pray that God will
give her comfort and she will find out some answers this week. This has been going on too long now...and she really
needs some peace of mind.
To Anna, mama wrote you a letter today which I will mail to you!
We love you.
Mama, Papa, Melissa
10/15/05
Last week when I did my update I forgot to mention something that I think is exciting...because it is showing progress...we
got our first paperwork with Anna's new name on it...Anna Erika Pargmann!! We also have now completed all of our additional
paperwork requests for updated medicals/police clearance/and the like.
Our friends Jenny and Lance will be arriving back with their new daughter Olyviah on Tuesday!! YEA! They
got to see Anna and give her a hug for us and also give her a package! We are anxious for any news they can share upon
their return...and of course we will have a Welcome Home party next Saturday!!!
Another fall is here so we went to the Amish market today and we are getting the outside ready for the colder weather
and Halloween. Melissa picked out a Godess costume and had to pick from the Adult selection this year....next year I'll
have two costumes to get!
It is so funny to look back and thing we've been on this journey for over a year now....so much has transpired.
Tomorrow we are going to try to call Anna...so we hope we get through! We miss her and want her soon...but it is
in God's hands NOT ours...so we MUST BE PATIENT! Meanwhile chocolate and other indulgences will just have to be used
to work off our extra anxiety!!!
Love,
Mama, Papa & Melissa
10/08/05
Tomorrow Jenny & Lance leave for RUSSIA!!! We are so excited for them!!! I've repacked the package they are
taking to Anna...100 times...and had to redo it yet today as the bag broke!! We will be leaving in a little bit to go
to their house for a party before they leave!! We also received news that an Arizona family that was having some difficulty...got
over to Russia and was able to get a court date while they were there!! That is grand news.
On our front, Terry sent his usual status e-mail to our Agency and we found out that our paperwork is moving...FINALLY!
The next step is to have the full Dossier before the judge...then the judge has up to 60 days to review it. Please continue
to pray that our paperwork will speed through and we can get Anna before Christmas! That would be awesome!!!
Prayers for my sister Kim's health would be appreciated. She has had some difficulty with breathing and will now
be seeing a lung specialist.
My father returns today from his walk on the Apalachian trail! I am anxious to hear how it went...I told him I
did not want to see any photos of the inside of a HOSPITAL! I told my mom...he will either hang up his backpack...or
be in search of new challenges...MOUNT Everest!! He will need a buddy...any takers?
It is so hard to believe we've been in this "process" for over a year now! Somehow now that the weather is turning...it
is seeming more real...as we are getting closer!!! I am not sure when we will go...but I am sure we will need to pack
warm clothes for all of us!
If I get a chance, I'll write more tomorrow...
Mama, Papa, & Melissa
10/02/05
We are making progress! We have received news that our paperwork has been submitted!!! YEA! Now we have to
"redo" some things as they have "expired"...very interesting...documents have different expiration dates depending on what
they are...so we will be busy this next week getting new copies of things. These documents may or may not be needed,
but we are gathering to be on the safe side.
Now for the great news, our friends Jenny and Lance leave on Oct. 9th and have a Oct. 13th court date!!!! We are
so excited for them!! They are going to take a package to Anna...including a disposable camera, jeans, sweater....and all
sort of other items! She will be very happy I am sure to get this. Jenny will take some photos of Anna for us...so we
can have an updated photo of her! Anna told us her hair is getting very long...which we have seen in a photo Annie brought
back. We will have a HUG gathering next Saturday at Jenny's house...so that will be FUN!
The time seems to be flying pretty fast and Melissa has a lot of things going on in October...so that will make the month
go quicker.
We still do not know when we will travel. We wish we had a more definitive time frame...but a lot depends on how
quickly our documents move through the court and whether anything in Russia slows things down. Please pray that our
case will move quick and we are able to bring Anna home soon!!!
Love,
Mama, Papa, Melissa
9/23/05
YEA! Anna has now fullfilled her time on the registry! We've made it! We talked to her on the telephone
today and she seemed to be in a good mood...although it was hard to hear her. She is very soft spoken. She mentioned
some other items she needs like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush and the like...so I will repack her package yet again that
we hope to be sending with our friends Jenny and Lance when they go. They have another tentative court date and hope
to hear this week for confirmation so they can make their travel plans to head to RUSSIA! Our interpreter is heading
to Russia on Monday...so Jenny and Lance will be in Russia at the same time!
Last weekend my parents were here and we had a grand time going to Johnny Appleseed and shopping. It will be so
neat next year to take Anna..though it may be quite overwhelming for her!
We had our travel meeting recently so we have more paperwork to review...and I've enjoyed going through it.
Last night we had our 3rd AFAR meeting and although we didn't have a large turnout...we still found plenty to talk about
and ended up coming to our house for the rest of the evening. It is therapeutic to see other families and hear their
stories. Losha is doing very well and adjusting to his new American home!
Papa is taking Mama out tonight to a restaurant and shopping. Terry is leaving on Monday for Memphis for a few
days for work so Melissa and I will be batching it!!
Anna Erika Pargmann we love you!
Love,
Mama, Papa & Melissa
9/11/05
I didn't even realize that today was 9/11 until sitting in church...and then it hit me as the minister announced the
anniversary. Oh how far we've come only as a country to be hit with the hurricane. When I get down about how long
it is taking to get Anna I can be assured by God that there is MUCH WORSE and all I have to do is open the newspaper or turn
on the television. Oh thank you God.
At 10:00 a.m. today we went over to Oksana & Steve's house and spent the next hour trying to get through. Finally
about 11:00 we were making progress and told to call back in 15 minutes so we did and suddenly we could hear Anna's voice!
She seemed to be okay for the most part but when Oksana told her we were waiting for the 9/23 date to submit our paperwork
and it could be awhile yet...she was very discouraged. Every month she is thinking we will come and then another one
goes by!
She did get the package we sent with Joe & Laura so that was good and said she has a letter read for us. She
apparently knows about Olyah going soon so it sounded as if she will have somethings ready to give to Jenny...which will be
grand. We'd love to get a letter and her cameras back so we can see some photos of her!
She has spent the last 3 weeks at the hospital...apparently they take the kids to the hospital during the week and then
on the weekends they are back at the Interdom. She goes on Monday and is thinking on Tuesday she will have her clearance.
Oh we hope so. She has spent a lot of the summer in the hospital.
Melissa and I went to Target today and bought some jeans and a polar fleece jacket to send with Jenny. Jenny is
waiting on the latest hold up...which we are hoping will be cleared any day...so she can get her court date confirmed and
be on her way!
Thanks everyone for your continued support!
Love,
Mama, Papa, Melissa
(Only 12 more days before they can submit our paperwork!)
9/4/05
Tomorrow is Labor Day. So hard to believe...I said to Melissa do you remember what we were thinking of last Labor
Day...and she said Anna's upcoming visit...and I said yes...and now we are waiting to see her again for good! It has
been a long haul...but somehow that it is September is comforting and less that 19 days left until they can officially put
our paperwork in the channels. Pray that these 19 days go quick and we can all be patient and know that it is God's
timing not ours!
Yesterday we had the Aggies over to watch a football game and one of our Aggie families is moving to INDIA! Yes...I
said INDIA for two years with their 4 children! It was very interesting hearing their plans and thinking of the new
situation they are moving to. How brave they are.
Today in a little bit Terry and another neighbor organized a neighborhood picnic... and another group of neighbors is
having a party and having a bike decorating contest so Melissa spent part of the day strategizing for that. Her theme
is the USA! It would be so grand if Anna could be here too...and also have a decorated bike...just have to wait on that.
Tomorrow should be relatively low key. Thinking of going to the zoo/downtown in the morning and in the late afternoon/evening
we are having our friends Steve and Oksana over for dinner. Then Tuesday starts the rat race of the week!
I've started on an album for Anna. I have a couple of pages layed out and hopefully will have some more time this
weekend to work on this...
Much love,
Mama, Papa & Melissa
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
8/26/05
Oh Anna we are getting closer!!! We were going to try to call you tomorrow...but we weren't sure if you'd be back
from camp yet so will wait until next weekend when we know for sure you will be back. We know your school starts September
1...so we will try after that!
This week was busy with getting Melissa back in school. She loves her man teacher this year so we are off to a
good start! This next week we get to go to school for an open house and meet him. I took Melissa on her first
day and she was so excited up until the time to actually go into the classroom...then she got nervous. But now she is
fine...
I would like special prayers for my sister Kim who is having a lot of medical issues right now and is hoping to get some
answers. She saw a specialist this week and is having some blood tests to determine if perhaps she may have a thyroid
problem since she has a lot of the symptoms and both my mom, grandma, grandpa and a cousin have/had this problem...so
it isn't out of the question at this point. Prayers for Kim would be appreciated.
Also, prayers for our friends Jenny and Lance who still hope to go to Russia on Labor Day. They received some news
this week and have to wait until Monday to find out if it is still all systems go or not. So please lift them up and
pray for peace to surround them as they wait this out. We are so hopeful that on Monday they will receive confirmation
and be able to leave on schedule.
Tomorrow will be busy with Walmart/Kohls (I am looking for good traveling clothes...), helping with my neighbor's yard
sale (yes I put even more stuff in it) and then a work fun event at Salomon...but hopefully Sunday will be more relaxing.
I can't believe it is almost labor day...but that is a good thing this year. We also made plans to get together
with our agency to get the rest of our travel documents so when we do get the call...we are READY! We are still hoping
for a October/November time frame...!!!
Well I'd better tackle another cleaning project (I think I am nesting...I reorganized the magnets on the refridgerator!!!)!
Mama, Papa & Your sister Melissa who wants you hear NOW!
(Less than a month now on the registry!!!)
8/21/05
Compared to last week, this week has been slower! Melissa was up in Michigan with my parents so that provided an
opportunity to get some things done around the house including setting up a staging area in Anna's room for gathering our
suitcases and supplies for our trip. I also had a chance to make out some lists...and lists and lists! We are
hoping and praying that October it will be our turn to go get Anna. We do not know this though and it could be November
or even longer December! When Jenny goes in a couple of weeks she is going to see what she can find out for us.
Meanwhile Anna should be coming back to the school soon so we will try to call in the near future! Somehow when
it gets to September...it will seem like it is even more real. I found some paperwork that said after we had our Dossier
in Russia to count on 2-5 months for travel...that of course is if everything goes smoothly...which it didn't for us.
If we wouldn't have hit this snag, we would have went in June or July and already be BACK. Oh well, God's timing not
ours!
Much love,
Mama, Papa, Melissa
(Only 33 days until off the registry!)
8/13/05
What a week it has been! Wednesday night we were all set to go to the airport to greet Joe, Laura and Lyosha...when
Terry found out their plane had been delayed...so they did not get in until Thursday a.m.! Our friend Jenny was already
at our house so we talked about their exciting news...they have a court date...September 8th!!!!!!!!! YEA! We
are so excited for them! We talked through a bunch of logistics and shared stories...
Friday Terry took Melissa up to Michigan so she can spend a week with my parents...and he told them...next year he will
be bringing TWO kids!!!
Today we had a great party at Lyosha's new home!! They had their house all decorated up...and it was emotional
seeing him! He is such a fine gentle soul...and is so cooperative. We were over there for almost 5 hours...hearing
their stories, seeing their photos, listening to their journal and tips...and having FOOD! Oksana made a Russian
cake that was delicious too! We had so much fun it was hard to leave...but I could tell they are living on adrenlin...and
probably need some more sleep...as they were kept very busy in Russia! I took lots of notes regarding their trip...and
they even provided us with a financial breakdown so we can see how much things cost. They brought back some cute souvenirs
too... They stayed in a hotel in Moscow that was close to almost everything so they could do lots of great shopping!
It made everything seem so real...and now with Olyah's parents leaving in early September...things are starting to click!
Thank you for everyone's continued support!
Love,
Mama, Papa & Melissa
8/6/05
We've heard that Joe & Laura made it to Russia and now Lyosha is part of their family!!! They hope to get tickets
so they can come back on Wednesday...and we are already planning a get together for next Saturday...to see their photos, hear
their stories and see what tips they may have! We can hardly wait.
Meanwhile tomorrow we will try to call Anna. Now that August has hit it seems like we have "lots to do" to get
ready! We hope to reach her but really aren't sure where she is right now...she may be still at the hospital, at the
school or at camp. We shall see if we are able to find out anything tomorrow.
Meanwhile "operation decluter" is going well. Yesterday I got stuff ready for another sale and today we worked
on a major problem area...the TOY ROOM! You can actually see the carpet now and most everything is in the closet.
This is very important because this will be a space for my father when he comes with my mom to watch our daughter while we
are in Russia!
It is seeming more and more real! We now have some more paperwork to get current (paperwork expires pretty quickly...)...but
that is fine with us....we WANT TO DO WHAT WE CAN so we aren't in a holding pattern come the end of September!
Love,
Mama, Papa, & Melissa
7/31/05
WOW...what a weekend! Friday night we had a couple over with their son that they adopted from Russia (not the same
city that Anna is at though) and they've been back about 3 months...and we had a nice chat, played with their son, saw their
photos and in general just enjoyed hanging out! It made it all seem so real.
Then on Saturday we got together with our friends Joe & Laura that will be leaving tomorrow and had an inprompt to
send off with some of our other HUG families. We had a grand time at a local park and did lots of talking. This
is really going to HAPPEN!!! We can hardly wait until they get back with Losha and hear about their trip!!!! Pray
that all goes smooth and they are able to return soon to their 6 kids (adding number 7).
Last night we had Steve and Oksana over for a pool party/mexican fiesta...and had a ball. While we were laying
by the pool...Oksana told me...not only does Anna want a dog...she wants a Neufoundlaunder (sp?)!!! Then we talked about
"fake" dogs you can buy...that sounded much better! Get the kids used to taking care of a dog...and see if they stick
with it first!!
It is going to be a slippery slope until school starts....which is good...and before you know it...we will get the news...PACK
YOUR BAGS...YOU ARE HEADING TO RUSSIA!!!!!
We have a new photo of Anna...and she has LONG Hair! She looks like she has gotten so much bigger too..but it is
really hard to tell! We will post the new photo this week.
I am off to do even MORE organizing...my sale is coming around again...and I just KNOW I have more stuff to get rid of!!!
Love,
MAMA, PAPA & Melissa
PS Only 54 LONG Days until Anna is off the registry.
7/24/05
We talked to Anna today! We prayed in church that we would be able to get through and God helped us. It is
so amazing to think we can get through at all...let alone every time! Papa was able to talk quite a bit with Anna...and
she asked him, "Why doesn't papa like Dogs!"...so papa had to think quick and switched topics! She also told us some
other things she wanted us to put in a package we will be sending with Joe & Laura...so we went to Target today to get
a few more items...the package now is very full...and hopefully they can make room in their suitecases for this!
She told us some good news of sorts...she is off for two weeks to have her medical tests done before she can come to
the USA! This was grand news...although the thought of her in a hospital for two weeks...by herself...not knowing what
is really going on is scary! But it does mean that we are getting one more thing DONE on the RUSSIAN end...so that is
great news and makes it seam REAL and like it WILL Happen...so Mama needs to brush up on some Russian again!
Papa has supper ready so must close for now!
Love, Mama, Papa & Melissa
7/20/05
Great news today! Our friends Joe & Laura now have a court date for August!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so excited
for them!!!! We are already anticipating their arrival home so we can learn from their experience! This is so
exciting because it means the paperwork is flowing again...especially for us Indiana folks! No, it won't mean anything
for us for awhile though...but it does mean that our other friends should now be getting court dates...and we can send packages
with them for Anna! I packed one up tonight for Anna to give to Joe & Laura. I can't tell you how exciting
it is to finally know that someone gets to travel!! It makes it seem so REAL!
Mama, Papa & Melissa
7/18/05
WOW...this summer IS going fast! Melissa already has me school shopping and I told her tonight...next year Mom
will really have to SAVE her money for school clothes!
This past weekend I attended Women of Faith! What an excellent time. It is a great event. I kept thinking
of Anna during it as they have a program where you sponsor children and they show these children...and so it reminded me of
Anna and where she is at right now. Luckily she is in a better situation (she does have food/clothes/shelter) although
I don't know about how much of the "extras" of life she gets...I am hoping she is making it by knowing we are doing everything
we can to get her. Right now though we are thinking it will be this fall...we are hoping she will be here by Christmas
but it is taking so long! Even the family that was next in line to go hasn't received their court date yet...and I was
hoping they would go in July so we could send a package with them for Anna...but they haven't heard anything yet.
Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Mama, Papa, Melissa
7/9/05
I keep telling Terry the time is going much FASTER than it did this winter....I think he is starting to believe me!
Melissa and I went to Michigan to spend the 4th of July with my parents and my sister's family. We had a grand time
doing all of the tourist things! Of course...I kept thinking that next year there would be another girl along to add
to the excitement/confusion! We were so busy...it is hard to imagine being even busier!
On Thursday we called and talked to Anna who is at school for a short bit before heading back to camp. She seemed
very upbeat and excited to talk to us. She still is insisting a DOG would be a nice pet!!!! She also said she
knows how to play a few songs on the piano so I mentioned lessons and she was excited about that.
We also heard that Irina is working on Anna's paperwork...so that is great news! We are now hoping we can travel
in October...which Irina tells us is a possibility.
We love you Anna!
Mama, Papa, Melissa
