blessings and burdens

We have been having lots of electricity problems lately. A couple of weeks ago one of our lines was down and we were without water/electricity for a day. Now a whole pole went down just down the street and so again we went without water/electricity for a while. Mark decided to invest in a generator since it happens so often and we keep putting it off until next time. Well they did come and fix the pole and it took 2 days for it to be repaired. Being without electricity in a sense means no heat, water, and stove/oven. Though these inconveniences bother me I can tell that I have adapted to this because I used to freak out at this stuff, now I get the candles out and keep going. We had a cracker and tuna salad dinner with chips and salsa. The kids also find this normal and almost fun to walk around the house with candles or flashlights. We usually pull out the cards and play games.

Life is definitely 'simpler' here which has its positives and negatives. So I try to smile and bear the inconveniences and cherish the memories that we make along the way even, in the midst of, or because of them. All I know is I have been cooking up a storm because 'it was another hard day' for Mark and us all as we survive the cold that has crept into the house. Then we all sit down after dinner to watch an episode of the Walton's. At least we are not going through a depression like them, but on the other hand we can relate to the comfort of the warmth of family that keeps us all untouched by the stresses of life in Russia. And funny as it is... you can often hear the 'good night' chorus in the Broberg house at night. It only takes one, "good night mom, good night dad!" and all the rest chime in after as we all yell our,'good nights'.

I know you can all hear the Waltons theme song in your head right now and the voice of Elizabeth saying, "Good night John Boy!"

We can always count our blessings especially in the midst of so much need! Pray for us but also for the lost and hungry, some literally.

pit stop

This is a picture that I took on our way from the Ukraine during a trip to renew our visas, in August, I couldn't help myself. With four guys in the family it is a normal sight in a land where there are no convenience stores you can relieve yourself at. So... we do like the Russians and pull over and find a discreet spot to do our business. Thank goodness for 3 boys , if ya know what I mean, and a girl with a large bladder. She and I both can go for a long time without having to stop. WE ARE NOT TOURIST, WE LIVE HERE!

Next time you are on a car trip remember to be thankful for Kwik Trip, and when you do, remember us and say a little prayer for us. We will be traveling by car in February to renew our visas again. Pit stops will be a little colder this time around.

new year resolution

So here it is... January, and I have decided to get back to communicating. One of those New Years resolutions that I hope I can keep.

I got a request from my mother to see some Christmas pictures so here they are. Better late than never!

This fireplace is keeping us warm this winter since we are on the Russian made heating system that is always too hot or too cold. We are thankful for shorter winters here in southern Russia, and look forward to the thaw.


Silas fell asleep on big brother, Noah's, lap while watching "Rudolph", on Christmas Eve.



The Hayes girls, opening gifts from the boys.


Haillie and Maddie, her bosom buddy, exchanging gifts.



My husband did it again! He surprised me with a gift that I did not expect! A set of very pretty dishes that I actually had been admiring. I never told him about them!? I don't know how he does it?

The toy of the year for the boys were Transformers! They all got one.

Silas is wearing his 3-D glasses to read a book he got in his stocking. Jack even got in on the Christmas morning fun by wearing his new Christmas sweater.




Christmas dinner with Marks mom and dad and our guests and very special friends the Hayes' and Joel Symons. I got to use my new dishes.


It was a whirlwind of fun and work since we were helping our dear friends, the Hayes' move out all there belongings from there house to our house so they could fly out of the country on the 27th. We had mixed feelings of relief and sadness all at once as we said our goodbyes. We hope and pray they can raise their funds quickly so they can come back by summer. We miss you already!

We were very blessed to have Dave and Jean Broberg with us to join in the fun. The kids were in heaven, getting snuggles and lots of attention from Grandma and Grandpa, that seemed enough to last a year, we hope, but it never does because you can never get enough of that special grandparent love! Jean, of course, was a huge help to me and I don't think I could have done everything I needed to without her. Plus, she does my laundry! Boy, I got spoiled! Now it is back to the grind. Thanks, Jean, I miss you. Ha!
The kids had a full and fun holiday with almost a month off of school! We played lots of games and watched all of Cosbys season 1.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. You will be hearing from me more this year.