Today was our last Sunday (at least for 2 years) in the Greenwood ward at church.  I remember when we bought our house we thought we would still be in the Seattle North Stake.  Then we realized we were actually going to live in the Shoreline Stake, Greenwood ward.  Someone made a comment to Darryl and me that made us think Greenwood ward was a struggling ward and made me wonder if I would feel comfortable or fit in.

I am pleased to say that person didn’t know what they were talking about!  I have had a wonderful 2 1/2 years in the Greenwood ward.  There are so many wonderful people from whom I have learned a great deal.  I also love the Shoreline stake and the people I have gotten to know at the stake level.  The members are very strong and we have loved our associations.  I feel we were very blessed to have been members of this ward and I look forward to coming back to it after our stint in Kiev.

So in honor of the Greenwood ward I wanted to mention a few things.  Yes, the ward may be unique when compared to other wards.  I’d heard of “newly wed or nearly dead” wards before, but never actually been in one longterm until now.  There are plenty of newly weds (meaning up to 5 or even more years, but still considered “young” because they are still in school and have young children).  And there are lots of people that have lived in the area for 30, 40, or 50 years (this I know because I did a tax return for one that had lived in her house for that long).  Their children are grown and they might be considered “nearly dead”. 

I have loved being in a ward with several young mothers, including several that were pregnant at the same time as me (both times).  Especially before Kathryn was born, and right after, I looked up to the other mothers so much.  I wanted to be like them, they looked so comfortable as mothers, and I didn’t feel comfortable at all.  I still look up to them, but as I have gotten to know many of them, I realize they are just doing the best they can, too.  They are real people!  And I’m not embarrassed to ask questions, since I know they once had to figure it out, too.  It is nice to know there are others that are in the same situation as me, staying home with young children.

I have also enjoyed getting to know the “old ladies”, which I say with the utmost respect.  There’s the one that got up in Relief Society today to tell us all about a cookie recipe; and the one that says whatever is on her mind; and the one that called me last week to wish us well in Ukraine; and the one that used to be principal oboeist in the Seattle Symphony; and the one that told me I played the organ beautifully after I really messed up on my first Sunday; and the one who played a crazy lady in our ward play and we thought she might really be crazy it was so convincing, until she got called into primary and I came to greatly admire her.

I know that the ward will be very different in 2 years, so many people move in and out each year.  But I hope I can keep in touch with some of the one I have come to so admire, and I hope to find some of them still in Greenwood ward when we return.

Amanda, Family | 2 Comments »

Tonight we had a Russian dinner with several people in our ward that had been to Russia.  Four guys that were missionaries there, and a couple in our ward that the sister is from Russia.  Everyone brought some Russian food and we had a tasty meal.  All the little kids played around together, and a great time was had by all.  One guy even brought an accordian and played a famous Russian song that is apparently heard everywhere, and anyone that had been there recognized the song. 

Towards the end of the evening someone mentioned that in Russia if your child was not potty trained by one year (yes that’s right, one year, as in 12 months, as in 12 months ago for Kathryn) you were considered a terrible mother!  My eyes widened.  Now of course Ukraine (not “the” Ukraine, it is just Ukraine, because saying “the” makes it seem like a part of something else, such as a part of Russia which it is not – this I learned in a book we received from the KPMG mobility people) is not Russia.  But I am now trying to prepare myself to be known as a terrible mother.  Worry of all worries.  I know there could be worse things.  But that is really one thing I would not like to be known for. 

Amanda | 2 Comments »

When someone is really tickling you and as much as you love laughing you really can’t stand it any longer, you have to say “uncle!”  I wonder why that would be.  We had a great time this week with Uncle John and Uncle Jeff visiting.  Its kind of weird to get used to calling my brothers “uncle”, but very cute to hear Kathryn say it.  John arrived early afternoon on Monday. 

We took him to a Korean restaurant that we like that evening (and even got a babysitter for Kathryn).  This is the place where Darryl and I had our first date.  I remember I was speaking in Sacrament Meeting the next day (it was ward conference) and I told him all about my talk.  Anyway, the place is called Ho Soon Yi and you sit on the floor and eat really yummy food!  John enjoyed the food and we especially enjoyed hearing him speak Korean.  I forgot to bring the camera, which is a pity because it would have been a great picture with us sitting in the floor and all the little dishes of Korean food on the table. 

Tuesday I worked on packing some more things and Uncle John entertained Kathryn.  The past few months she has become much less shy.  She warmed up to John very quickly and was singing and dancing for him.  On Wednesday morning Darryl went in to work and I drove everybody else to the University of Washington.  We parked at the institute building, which is right across the street from the physics building.  Kathryn, Amelia, Uncle John, and I walked around until we found the entrance and then went inside the physics building.  There were all sorts of things I didn’t understand, but John seemed to be right at home.  He was also quite happy that the building was so close to the institute. 

Uncle Jeff arrived late Wednesday night.  John and I picked him up from the airport and then we all went promptly to bed.  In the morning we had banana chocolate chip pancakes, which are a favorite of mine.  But the bananas weren’t very ripe so there wasn’t a lot of banana flavor.  Plenty of chocolate chip flavor, though! 

Kathryn had a doctor’s appointment that morning so we Melanchuks all went to the doctor.  Amelia was also getting one more shot.  Kathryn is a whopping 24 pounds (almost), and still about the 25th percentile all the way around.  While we were waiting for the doctor to come (after the nurse had measured her and stuff) she fell and got a fat lip, which was really too bad and quite painful and scary for her.  I felt like a terrible mother, of course, to let my child fall and get a fat lip. 

Everyone (including the uncles) took naps that afternoon and I got some more packing done.  Thursday evening (after a fabulous dinner of barbecued hamburgers and poutine) the men loaded up our two cars, along with two friends and their cars, and took it all to its two year resting place.  Of course since then we’ve packed a bunch more stuff.  I think it is multiplying! 

We were glad for the help and it was nice to just talk to and hang out with Uncle John and Uncle Jeff.  I feel lucky that we got to see almost all of our families this summer.  Unfortunately it didn’t work out to see Darryl’s parents or Heidi’s family, or the rest of Jeff’s family.  So that sounds like a lot of people, but we did see a lot of people, too!

Family | 2 Comments »

Pack, pack, pack.  Last week I worked a lot on packing.  There is still a lot to do, but some things can’t be done quite yet.  The good news is that our renters will use some of our things, so we don’t need to pack all of our dishes, or some of the big furniture.  We have the things for storage in the garage right now.

Also in the garage is the DI pile, not to be confused with the storage pile.  I’ve been trying to get Darryl to give up some of his old things, and paying for storage is a good motivator!

I’ve been quite lucky to have various people watch Kathryn while I’ve spent some good hours packing.  But when she is at home she is very excited about all the fun things to do that she never knew were at our house.  She wanted to wear her old Halloween costume from last year.  It fits her a little better now!

She tried on Darryl’s Russian hat. This is her doing the sign for “cold”, which is my favorite one. She says “ready for snow”.

I’m feeling both ready and like we have a ton to do at the same time.  Here is what Amelia is doing while I pack.  Well, half of the time she is in the baby bjorn, but its hard to take a picture of that myself!

Kyiv Adventures | 1 Comment »

I recall growing up that when we watched a movie my mom would occasionally say that dad looked like Pierce Brosnan or Prince Humperdinck of The Princess Bride.  I thought it was so silly.  I mean, do you see any resemblance?  I personally don’t think either of these actors is that good looking, but my father is a very handsome man.

But I find myself now saying that Darryl looks like Mr. D’arcy!  I really do think so.  Or remember good old Lance?  What a dreamboat.  Darryl may not be as tall, but I’m sure you see the other similarities.

Amanda | 3 Comments »

I got a haircut!  I had kind of been planning to do something drastic before going to Kiev.  Partly because I don’t want to have to worry about getting a haircut for quite awhile.  I think just getting groceries and going to church will be all I can handle. I’ve never had my hair cut to this length.  It has been this length when I was growing it out from shorter, so we’ll see how it goes.  I am glad I can still put it back in a pony tail, since that is what I often end up doing, especially in the summer.

Amanda | 4 Comments »

On Wednesday Darryl went to an orientation at KPMG for going on an assignment abroad.  He came back with lots of information, checklists, and pamphlets.  I looked through them and much of the information is quite helpful.

As I looked through all of the information from Darryl’s orientation I hoped there might be a tip or two regarding traveling with young children.  Here is what I found:  “If traveling with small children/babies, ensure that you have an adequate supply of disposable nappies (diapers), baby food and necessary cleaning fluids.  Also carry some small snacks and toys.”  I had to laugh out loud.  What kind of a tip is that?  If a parent doesn’t already know that, they’re in trouble.  Also, nappies was pretty funny.

Interestingly, there was a whole page in one packet, and a whole other pamphlet about moving your pet.  Not being much of an animal lover (in the pet sense), this really cracked me up.  So Darryl and I thought we would try to apply the pet advice to our little girls.  Here are some of the suggestions, substituting the word child for pet:

• If possible, personally visit the kennel where your child will be quarantined
• How can I help my child adjust to the crate?  Start preparing your child 3-4 weeks before you leave – feed your child with a  food dish inside the crate.   Also put your child’s favorite blanket, along with your sock or a piece of clothing.  Leave the door open so your child feels free to walk in and out.
• On moving day cover the crate floor with litter or absorbent bedding.
• Put the words “This end up” and ”Live Child” on the crate.
• Get an ID collar for air travel.
• Freeze a water dish and attach it to the crate so your child can lick the water as it slowly thaws.
• Medicate your child if recommended
• Child transportation services may save you time.  For example, some services offer door to door pickup.  The service will pick up your child, take him to the airport, and deliver him to your new home.  (this one sounds great!)
• You can get a custom crate for a large child.
• Put several cribs around the new house.  Your child may not be able to find it in the new home.

Family | 2 Comments »

We made it home once again late last night (well, actually early in the morning).  After spending a week in Folsom, we spent almost a week living in a hotel in Milpitas, CA.  Darryl continued to work in the Silicon Valley office for his firm, and I tried to entertain Kathryn and myself (Amelia doesn’t need too much entertaining yet).  We were able to get a hotel room that had a little kitchen and a living area along with 2 bedrooms.  One of the best things about staying in a hotel is that someone else cleans up after you.  In our case they even did our dishes!

Luckily our hotel was right across the street from the “Great Mall”.  I’m not sure if it is one word or two, but it is apparently the largest mall in California.  Now Darryl and I have both been to West Edmonton Mall in (big surprise) Edmonton, AB.  Now that is a super mall.  There is a waterslide park, and rollercoasters, and it is really huge.  So this mall, though it was “great”, didn’t seem that large to me.  That is, until I started walking around it!

Anyway, to keep ourselves entertained, Kathryn, Amelia, and I went to the mall every morning.  Kathryn loved the fountain.  When we got close, she would say “I see water.”  I even let her throw my pennies and nickels in.  She also had fun playing in the cars and other things that you put a quarter in to make them go.  Note, they now cost more like a dollar, but Kathryn didn’t realize they could actually move and I wasn’t about to tell her.  So she had a great time just climbing in and out.  Amelia was usually content to be up with me in the Baby Bjorn.

Back in our hotel room we enjoyed the cable TV.  Actually what Kathryn enjoyed was mostly on PBS.  But we also caught “Dora the Explorer” and “Go Diego, Go” a couple of times.  She even recognized Dora on a balloon at the grocery store.  We found some stuff that colors your bath water, so Kathryn got a red bath.

The hotel had a swimming pool and I had originally thought I could take the girls to the pool each afternoon.  But when we went to the pool at Hannah’s apartment the week before, Kathryn got very scared and wouldn’t really go in.  She was in at first, and then something scared her.  After that she wouldn’t even put her feet in.  Anyway, it ended up that there was only one day warm enough for swimming (our last full day) and I decided to try it.  Kathryn was very tentative at the beginning.  First we both put our feet in.  Then I went in a little more and eventually Kathryn came out with me.  Soon she was having the time of her life and pretty much jumping into the pool, with me catching her.  We had a great time, and Amelia was such a good girl sitting in the stroller watching us swim.  Kathryn liked to get out and go wave to her, jiggle the stroller, and then jump back in the water to me.

Family | 2 Comments »

I saw something like this on a friend’s blog, so I thought I’d to it, too. 

Four Jobs I’ve had:

• PricewaterhouseCoopers – preparing and reviewing tax returns for expatriates
• Custodian in the Benson Building at BYU
• Romanian teacher at Senior MTC
• Early morning Paper route

Four Movies I like:

• Remember the Titans
• Pride and Prejudice
• Pirates of the Carribbean (first one)
• Cars

Four Places I’ve lived:

• Provo, UT
• Sacramento, CA
• Zibo, Shandong, China
• Brasov, Romania

Four things I would like to do again:

• Play the viola in an orchestra (or take cello lessons)
• Live in China
• Run a 10K
• Serve a mission

Amanda | 3 Comments »

I’ve explained this so many times to so many different people, that I thought I’d better just write it down.

I have not read and do not plan to read the new Harry Potter book in the near future.  I don’t really want to read Harry Potter books.  I have no ill feelings toward Harry Potter and his adventures, nor toward the readers of those adventures.  I would just rather read something else.  

 I recognize part of this may be because I am not good with symbols.  It is difficult for me to relate fantasy to my own life, because it just doesn’t seem realistic.  I like to learn something from what I read, so because of the aforementioned reasons, I may not learn too much from fantasy.

Therefore, I prefer to read biographies and historical novels.  I also like other mysteries, church books, and literature like “Pride and Prejudice” or “David Copperfield”.  But I just love learning about people’s lives.  I love to know about how people lived in the past.  And I love to know that perhaps I am learning something while I relax and read a book. 

Amanda | 2 Comments »

Last night I went to enrichment with my mom, so Kathryn got to spend the evening with Grandpa.  Before we left, both Grandma and I gave him some instructions…

Play in the backyard with her.  Or take her on a walk in the stroller.  Maybe take her to the park.  Here is a DVD she likes to watch.  Also in the DVD case are two CDs that can go in the computer for a living book.  Don’t put her to bed before 8:00, she won’t be tired yet.  But then put her pajamas on, offer her water and a story.  Lay her down with her “nap” (pacifier) and sing some songs.  Here is where the “naps” are.  Here is where the diapers and wipes are.  You can give her a popsicle, but bite off the top and make sure she wears a bib.

We saw Grandpa’s eyes grow wider and wider.  I didn’t even mention brushing Kathryn’s teeth because I thought it would be too complicated!  I also do this when I leave Kathryn and/or Amelia with Darryl.  Sometimes when I give the instructions, part of me is thinking how great a mother I am to know all of these things, and what a tough job I have being a mother. 

After enrichment we drove MaryAnn home, so it took a few extra minutes.  We called Grandpa to see how things were and there was no answer.  I figured that meant one of three things:  1) They were still outside or at the park, 2) Kathryn was screaming and he couldn’t hear the phone, or 3) Grandpa had fallen asleep along with Kathryn.  Turns out 2 out of 3 were correct.  They had stayed at the park quite awhile so when we called they were in the backyard enjoying a popsicle.  And by the time we got home, they were both laying on Kathryn’s bed, almost asleep.

Thank you, Grandpa, for great night of babysitting!  Kathryn had no complaints and in the morning she said the book Grandpa read to her was a “great book”.

Family | 2 Comments »

Lately Kathryn has become a very good mommy for her doll.  She calls it her baby, or her big baby, and she really takes care of it.  Instead of grabbing it by the hand she now holds the baby the same way I hold Amelia.  As soon as I take Amelia out of the carseat, Kathryn puts her baby in the carseat (including hooking it together). 

She only nursed her baby once, with the milk coming out of Kathryn’s belly button.  But she feeds her baby fish crackers, and water in the sippy cup while the baby is sitting in the high chair, of course.  She puts her baby in the baby bjorn, and the stroller. 

Now that we are at Grandma’s house, there are a couple extra babies to play with.  If Kathryn puts a baby in the high chair or sits a baby in a chair, cousin Hannah thinks Kathryn is done playing with the baby and goes to pick it up.  Then Kathryn immediately lets her know that she is still playing with the baby.  One of the babies can go in the swimming pool, so Kathryn likes to let her swim.

I think it is so cute to see her actually playing – knowing and caring what she is doing with her baby.  She is a great little mommy.  She is also a helper with Amelia.  Kathryn tells me when Amelia is awake or asleep, and likes to smile at her and say “ge-ge-ge”.  Perhaps this is natural for an oldest child.  I recall we always teased Heidi for being our other mom, and she is still good at helping take care of us.

Kathryn | 3 Comments »