Almost Christmas

It has been snowing all day. I love it when it snows. This is my first winter in Moscow. Last winter I was in Charleston, SC preparing for Samantha's arrival. So far I haven't been disappointed by the weather. It's five days until Christmas and there is snow on the ground. We had a few days were it was really cold. So cold my snot froze!

Funny thing. I noticed someone put a wreath on a random tree out by the dumpsters here on the embassy compound. I've walked by it several times while walking the dog. Each time I thought "huh... wonder who put that there." Then I got to looking at the wreath and realized that it was the same wreath I had thrown away in the dumpster about two weeks ago! I guess someone fished it out and hung it up. Who would have thought.... now every time I see it I laugh at my own private joke!

Olivia had a preschool Christmas party last week. They had a program all prepared for us parents. They acted out the book "My Many Colored Days" by Dr. Seuss. They played music to each color and acted out their feelings. It was very cute and fun to watch Olivia's reaction to each color. Later at home I showed Olivia that we had the same book at home. She was so amazed and of course I had to read it to her right away. So I got the performance again and again and again! At the party they also sang Christmas songs and played and of course had snacks. Olivia also gave us a rocking horse ornament she had painted for us. Santa came for a visit too and she gave him the rocking horse instead. But.... she told him to "bring it back tomorrow." I thought that was pretty funny.

We are expecting Kristy Thomas for a visit. She's flying in on Wednesday. Should be a lot of fun sight-seeing with her and just spending the holiday together!

This one's for Olivia

The biggest pleasure is my life is my family. When we got home from Prague Olivia gave me several hugs and cuddles and kisses. I sure missed her. Matt had a conference in Prague for one week and Samantha and I went with him. What a beautiful city!

Anyway, we decided to leave Olivia at home. A very difficult decision for me. I felt so guilty for "leaving her behind". But it all worked out. And coming home to her made it all the better to be home!
The primary program was today at church. Olivia had one speaking part (that she did okay with) and then she sang a duet with her best friend Rachel Earl. They sang "I Love To See the Temple." Imagine two little girls, one 3 and one 4, singining together with the microphone at the pulpit! It turned out oh so cute! Wish I could have had some pictures! At the end Olivia made sure to tell the audience "Goodbye!" as loud as she could....Rachel of course followed suit! Silly girls!

It's Raining, It's Pouring

Olivia was singing "it's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring"..... She must have learned that song at summer camp.
It has been raining here a lot. But I don't mind. I LOVE the rain! Of course this comes from growing up in the great Northwest. As a little kid I would listen the rain running down the gutters of my house and it was a comforting feeling. I miss it. I love the sounds outside when it rains. Water splashing, draining.... and I love the smell.
Rain in Moscow is similar to rain in Vancouver, Wa. Steady, sometimes a drizzle. Nothing like rain in Texas where it is a massive downpour and flooding everywhere. The rain here makes me feel like I am home in Washington.
Enough of this nostalgia! Time to go curl up and read a good book!

Okay... I had to add to this. This morning around 6:00 a.m. we had a TEXAS sized thunderstorm. Woke up both kids (and Matt slept through it!)

Computer girl

I am so amazed at Olivia! When I went to South Carolina in November of last year she didn't know how to use a computer. She would sit on Packa's lap and watch videos on YouTube with him like the Wiggles. Then while in Charleston I took her to the library and she played a couple of computer games there with my help. She didn't know how to use a mouse. Couldn't seem to figure it out. Now... 8 months later she is turning into a computer junkie. She uses the computer like a pro and bring up her own games. She navigates until she finds what she wants and there are fewer and fewer problems when she's on her own.
She is a sponge and she picks up things sooo fast! Sometimes I just wish she would slow down. But then again it makes me so proud to see her develop so quickly! I love my little girl!

Baby Tales

Olivia informed Matt and I that she has a baby in her tummy. (She has had a baby in her tummy ever since I had Samantha in mine.) It is a girl and she is going to name her Chonky! What a name!

Hi Grandma & Grandpa

Can't get enough of my two cutie pies! They are growing so fast. I wish I could slow down time just a little bit.

Sisters

Aren't sisters great?

Olivia has been a great big sister. She helps Mommy & Daddy out a lot. And she spends a lot of time entertaining Samantha.

Samantha adores Olivia!

Here are a couple more shots of my favorite girls!

New Beginnings

I guess I am as my sister-in-law told me once... the worst blogger ever! I posted and then stopped for 2 years! Oh well.... I guess I can start again. No pictures this go-round. But I promise to add some.
A little history... I got pregnant after 3 tries of IVF in 2007/2008. We moved to Moscow, Russia in August 2008. Went back to Charleston, SC to have our little girl. Her name is Samantha Abigail Simiskey and she was born 20 Jan 2009. We are back in Moscow and Packa and Grandma Loui are here for a visit! Samantha is 5 mos. old. Olivia is now 3 (almost 4.) She loves being a big sister!
We love our girls sooooo much!