Before we left for Ukraine, I ordered an assortment of books from a great website called Adopting from Russia, including a really cute one we read today about Valentine's Day. The book has wonderful illustrations on one page and the other has text, both in English and Russian. The plot is simple, a little boy discovers all the markers, glue and paper are missing and he goes on a detective hunt to find out why. Along the way he discovers the calendar has February 14th circled in red! Next he finds his sister making Valentine cards, his father planning to buy flowers for Grandmother, Mother and sister (a fabulous tradition I heartily believe in and am glad to indoctrinate them in, as well as encourage David's participation!!)and his mother decorating the house with the help of his little brother dressed as Cupid:) There is a short historical discussion about St. Valentine helping poor couples to get married many years ago, and the suggestion that people make Valentine cards for those they love.
We read through the book, with me reading the text in English first with the younger daughter reading it in Russian next. We had a great time laughing and enjoying the story-line in preparation for our own Valentine Making Event. We sat on the floor in the girl's bedroom and laid out all of the supplies. We had a variety of red and white ribbons, a complete assortment of colorful Valentine Stickers (thank you Target!), markers, glue sticks, scissors, glitter (from yesterday's project) and sketch paper. The girls knew exactly what to do and quickly folded their papers in half and cut out hearts. I think David was a little new at this but after watching the girls for a few minutes he was soon making cards that we were all thrilled to receive!!
It was so much fun to watch everyone create such delightful and individual works of art and it was also a joy to have a simple and easy way to say "I Love You" as a family.
What wonderful news you had yesterday. I am so happy for you and the girls. Jonathan and I will be sending you all of our love and best wishes for your Friday court date...may it be less difficult than the last go 'round. We have been buried in snow in Philly with two major storms in one week. We've now had more snow this winter than any winter on record...something like 70+ inches, 4 feet in the last 10 days. To say we can appreciate your weariness with the snow is an understatement. If I never lift another snow shovel it would be fine with me since much of the snow removal has had to be done by hand due to our driveway location and lack of real winter snow removal equipment. Ugh. The good news is that we are leaving on Saturday with our two girls and their beaux for a week in the Caribbean. We may be out of touch but we WILL be thinking of you. We hope there is wonderful news when we return. You two are truly amazing and we are thrilled to be able to share this time with you. With much love now and always, Robin
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having some very good times with your daughters. Glad to hear you are teaching about Valentines Day. Also I am impressed that David is learning how to make artistic creations. Love, DAD
ReplyDeleteAn international holiday and love is in the air! How sweet!!! Hoping Friday goes smoothly and you leave there skipping with joy! Nothing but a short 10 day wait, scurry of activity getting passports and visas and then a nice, relaxing plane ride home! I am sure you are close to feeling a sense of relief that this leg of your journey is almost over..... then all the "firsts" at home - something fun to look forward to! All our best that Friday is a quick and a resounding "yes"!
ReplyDeleteLove, Pam and Len