tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217067212010-01-05T14:59:47.689+09:00Welcome! We are a thirty-something couple with three sons and one adopted Russian princess (Piney) age 4.jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-76278794261254191452010-01-05T14:52:00.003+09:002010-01-05T14:57:12.371+09:002010-01-05T14:57:12.371+09:00

I decided not to continue blogging here, so that I can leave this alone as simply an adoption blog resource for others who are looking for information concerning Russian Adoption. There are links on the side that can guide potential adoptive parents. Since our adopted daughter is now 5 years old and completely integrated into our family I no longer feel it necessary to have a special blog for

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com0http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2010/01/russian-adoption-blog.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-43686232560683971772009-11-30T20:37:00.002+09:002009-11-30T20:38:07.087+09:002009-11-30T20:38:07.087+09:00

Hey! We're HomeYou can all see our Cambodia photos:Click Here

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com2http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2009/11/cambodia-photos.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-66236413254012567612009-11-24T14:47:00.005+09:002009-12-18T19:01:52.915+09:002009-12-18T19:01:52.915+09:00

The reason I haven't updated in here for a few days is because I am focusing on my other blog:http://simplegreenworld.blogspot.com/ That blog is actually a final project for a university course I am currently enrolled in. I need to have 21 posts written before the end of the first week of December and I am not going fast enough. It is harder to write in there because unlike this blog, that one

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com2http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2009/11/reason-for-pause-and-why-i-am-crazy.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-68703255346499700152009-11-18T08:22:00.002+09:002009-11-18T08:40:06.974+09:002009-11-18T08:40:06.974+09:00

OK so I am stretching the truth a little tiny bit...the truth is that I did contemplate life at the edge of the sea, climb to the top of a mountain in Korea, witness amazing waterfalls, visit a Buddhist temple, bow to some monks, and listen to a lecture on prosperity and spiritual well-being... but there was no wise spiritual warrior at the top of the mountain who gave me the secrets to the

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com3http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2009/11/self-actualization-and-president-is.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-69854966848966497012009-11-12T18:44:00.006+09:002009-11-12T19:18:19.185+09:002009-11-12T19:18:19.185+09:00

I started watching Heroes.I'm behind like that. I never watch TV- I like renting it after the fact so I can watch it when I want.I like it so far. I like having a series to look forward to- kind of like I am involved in their life for awhile.If you have seen the first episode you know that part when this guy discovers he can hear people's thoughts. He goes into a bar and he hears everyone having

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com2http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2009/11/silent-thoughts-running-through-my.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-15188182296506459402009-11-11T19:08:00.002+09:002009-11-11T19:48:35.680+09:002009-11-11T19:48:35.680+09:00

Wow... some comments already.I figured everyone thought I had fallen off the edge of the flat world. Well, I did actually, but I finally climbed back up...and then the rain washed me down and I climbed back up.Yes. The itsby bitsy spider is me.So... outcomes the sun and ya... I should probably stop before it gets even weirder.So here is what is going on in my life.I work at the hospital in the IT

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com2http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2009/11/catching-you-all-up.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-1517641916406233512009-11-10T12:11:00.003+09:002009-11-11T19:08:40.216+09:002009-11-11T19:08:40.216+09:00

So many things- crazy things have been happening in my life and I feel like they should be recorded SOMEWHERE. So here I am... back to blogging again after a l-o-n-g break. So... I don't have a lot of time now, but...here is a recap of recent and current events....I recently traveled to a subway station in the middle of Seoul to meet up with Buddhist Monks, wear their clothes and bow to them and

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com7http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-blog-starting-up-again.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-87178151855701693862008-11-10T00:28:00.008+09:002008-11-10T15:59:28.723+09:002008-11-10T15:59:28.723+09:00

Since nothing exciting happened today I am planning my day for tomorrow on my blog.I mean Sunday was going to be significant. It was supposed to be my "Compliment others day."But I can only compliment people when something stands out to me, so the only compliment I gave out was something forced about my husband's sweater and he just looked up at me with a "what's wrong with you today" look.So

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com1http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/11/eliminating-what-and-why-from-my-life.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-43939391695507839162008-11-06T11:57:00.011+09:002008-11-08T11:18:32.548+09:002008-11-08T11:18:32.548+09:00

Halloween... the Election... our slow descent into cold weather.... spending too much time on facebook... and photography..... it has all gone by in a blur- partly because I lost my dayplanner and have felt like I have been free floating through time.So. To back track. Here is a photo of Piney and Kirby on Halloween:We had a fun time. After making all of the nice people who gave out chocolate

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com7http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/11/unusually-long-post-plus-one-photo-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-22860559597030152662008-10-28T20:59:00.002+09:002008-10-29T08:28:09.567+09:002008-10-29T08:28:09.567+09:00

The aim is to achieve comprehensive social, emotional, physical and mental breakdown of the family unit for a day while you heal, refresh, renew, rest, relax and recharge yourself.

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com6http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/print-out-and-tape-to-door.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-62078561551254870282008-10-27T22:18:00.003+09:002008-10-28T07:57:28.841+09:002008-10-28T07:57:28.841+09:00

I know.It's Maggie's fault.I started blogging with her when we were both pursuing Russian adoptions and she wrote a farewell to blogging post and it made me consider doing the same.Why?I have a love/hate relationship with my blog. I have this feeling of anxiety that my imperfect blog posts are just sitting out there- open for anyone and everyone- and it is sort of like being crawled all over and

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com16http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/it-is-my-love-hate-day.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-54771425794496115582008-10-16T15:35:00.001+09:002008-10-16T15:35:29.476+09:002008-10-16T15:35:29.476+09:00

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com14http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-life-flashing-before-my-eyes_16.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-47688064829566261012008-10-13T16:26:00.000+09:002008-10-13T16:37:34.708+09:002008-10-13T16:37:34.708+09:00

So I was trying to sleep in because its a holiday and everythingbut then I hear Piney wake up and I know its all overI wait for her to jump on me and demand me to wake up right nowBut she surprised me.Instead she quietly came over to my bed and put her softest, biggest teddy bear next to me."Here you go," she said."You have to hold him REALLY tight," she instructed.Then she stroked my hair and

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com8http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/sleeping-buddy-come-on-just-try-it.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-8388654883762997912008-10-09T16:15:00.002+09:002008-10-10T20:20:08.675+09:002008-10-10T20:20:08.675+09:00

I think I'm going to be fired from volunteer work.Some of you know that I volunteer to do scouts with my son Kirby (age 9)I'm supposed to be a leader, but the leader part kind of slipped past me.It was supposed to be my first day with the scouts for this school year.I was supposed to meet them after school and walk them to my house for our first meeting. But, I yeah... fell asleep right before I

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com10http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/fun-things-to-do-before-i-get-borring.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-59010491861126809402008-10-06T19:55:00.000+09:002008-10-06T19:59:56.695+09:002008-10-06T19:59:56.695+09:00

O.K. Fess up.You need a break from the kids and there is no where to go to be alone...except maybe...The Bathroom.O.K. I said it. I hide in the bathroom from my kids.I bring in a good book and sit in the tub.But then I can hear them calling, "Mom!" into each room of the house.They get closer and closer and closer until they have searched each nook and cranny.And then...They find me..."MOM! Are

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com9http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/am-i-only-mom-who-hides-out-in-bathroom.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-2819739038728686862008-10-04T18:35:00.001+09:002008-10-04T19:21:27.677+09:002008-10-04T19:21:27.677+09:00

So M got tired of seeing me mope around the house.M: "O.K. What do you want. Tell me. What do you want that will make you happy."Jen:"Nothing. I'm fine."M: "No you're not."Jen: "You said that it was a good idea to be self-sacrificing in order to keep the peace. I just need to learn how to be happy with it, so I haven't learned yet."M: "I didn't mean with me. I don't think you should be

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com7http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/next-up-on-days-of-our-lives.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-55979713518431833042008-10-03T09:18:00.004+09:002008-10-03T09:41:56.180+09:002008-10-03T09:41:56.180+09:00

I knew the title would get your attention.Really there is nothing more effective in cheering me up, except maybe a lollipop.And I have been having a lot of those lately.But I am serious- there is free chocolate to be had.At the same time you are getting free stuff - you are also supporting a good cause.Most people don't realize that most chocolate is produced by underage workers who are

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com3http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/free-chocolate.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-91179712712876204402008-10-02T09:09:00.000+09:002008-10-02T09:51:46.108+09:002008-10-02T09:51:46.108+09:00

I came to a realization.Most of the stress and conflict in our home arises from me expressing what I want or what I am unhappy about and want changed. I don't always get what I want- sometimes I do and sometimes I don't, but the conflict is always there.I realized that I have these conflicts largely with M and Piney because they often want exactly the opposite of what I want. I don't have as many

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com17http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/10/reaching-nirvana-or-sinking-into.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-13145919793769389372008-09-26T23:10:00.008+09:002008-09-29T09:41:53.398+09:002008-09-29T09:41:53.398+09:00

1. Have an up-to-date CD collection (or Ipod) with music you love and a really good book to read.2. Be around nature (spend time outdoors, pets you like, plants, flowers, pretty views).3. Have a regular exercise program and eat healthy, delicious food for every meal.4. Have a schedule of your choosing (challenging enough so it's not boring, but not too busy/difficult that you are stressed out).

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com5http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-have-perfect-life-in-9-simple.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-87848634204253438312008-09-24T08:52:00.000+09:002008-09-24T08:55:50.487+09:002008-09-24T08:55:50.487+09:00

O.K. let's take a little survey for fun.Let me know what you think- just out of curiosity.Answer some or all.1. Do you think women still face discrimination, oppression, etc. in America (in home and work settings)? Have you personally faced this at home or at work? Do you think women bring it on themselves? An example would be your husband/males in your family or boss not valuing what you say,

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com16http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/questions-i-am-wondering-about.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-50436072795387167462008-09-18T08:41:00.002+09:002008-09-18T09:54:04.455+09:002008-09-18T09:54:04.455+09:00

I'm reading New Moon by Stephanie Meyers.I'm almost through it- which is not a good thing. I want it to l-a-s-t. I tried to reserve the next book in the Twilight series (Eclipse) at the library, but they are getting a new system and said I couldn't reserve until Oct. 11.I felt like choking.How can I wait a month or more to find out what happens next?I'm excited to see the movie in November. I

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com9http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-i-am-up-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-79842204659201000382008-09-14T20:09:00.000+09:002008-09-14T20:44:53.845+09:002008-09-14T20:44:53.845+09:00

I have 3 unrelated things to say today, well not totally, they all somehow relate to Piney.1. Someone made a comment about our new lunch boxes. It is true that the lunch boxes I bought were ridiculously expensive ($23) and I am usually very frugal. However, I found that using a reusable lunchbox with reusable silverware and containers and bulk lunch items saves me $1.50 per lunch over our former

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com5http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/russia-peace-is-louder-than-bombs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-1074485335522962612008-09-10T08:36:00.000+09:002008-09-10T08:43:01.728+09:002008-09-10T08:43:01.728+09:00

A lot of great comments about the upcoming presidential election on my last post.I think that it's great people feel very passionate about the issues, much better than a nation full of apathetics.However, at some point the debate gets to be too much and I need to pull away from it all and focus on other things- Things that I have personal control over.Sometimes with elections I can feel like

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com21http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/dealing-with-mama-i-want-it-now.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-6025058794534718912008-09-04T19:28:00.006+09:002008-09-05T08:39:33.843+09:002008-09-05T08:39:33.843+09:00

So I have seen the Democrat and Republican speeches and I have to say that I want to vote for...Obama and PalinYaThat's how screwed up I am.Seriously, lets just take McCain and Biden out of the picture and give these two the presidency.Obama could fix some of Palin's flaws and Palin could fix some of Obama's.Perfect.Obama's Strengths:Best energy plan for global warmingVery limited,

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com22http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-pick-obama-and-sarah.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21706721.post-37535723628986197242008-09-03T20:51:00.002+09:002008-09-04T19:35:05.419+09:002008-09-04T19:35:05.419+09:00

I am really sad that I can't eat as much as I used to.For example, I used to be able to eat like 12 big pancakes for breakfast. Stuff like that.Now I can only eat maybe 3. Any more and I will get a stomach ache and gain 10 pounds.The worst is watching Piney down 12 huge pancakes (she is a big eater when it is something that she likes) and then she still wants more-yet she is never sick and always

jeneflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13211125406054375163noreply@blogger.com5http://adoptingfromrussia2.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-cant-i-eat-as-much-as-i-used-to.html