tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18495639904541438842024-03-20T00:04:27.159-07:00My Heart God's HomeSandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-37024287182851440092014-09-01T19:58:00.000-07:002014-09-01T19:58:32.025-07:00End of Summer 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's Labor Day - the end of summer. Where did it go? June, July, and August were a blur! So I decided to catch everyone up on some of our other activities as we shut the door on summer and say "hello" to September and a new school year.</div>
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Andrii (center) spent 2 weeks in Cambodia!</div>
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A missions trip is a family requirement for our teens. Wayne Jr., Curtis, and Sierra have all been to Cambodia at least once, and Missy went to Ukraine and India. Andrii enjoyed his trip even though he got sick for a day. And I'm grateful that he made it home just in time to see my mom before she passed. Andrii actually graduated high school by the end of the summer and will be working and taking online college courses until Fall 2015 when he will enter Hudson Valley Community College's electrical program to pursue his goal of becoming an electrician. </div>
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Sierra's new wheels!</div>
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Last week we took Sierra to college. I now understand what the word "bittersweet" means. Although Wayne Jr. & Curtis both attended college, neither of them went away. This is our first experience leaving a kid on campus. But Sierra is so ready to spread her wings and fly! We know God has amazing plans for her, so it makes it a little easier to leaver her there - a little easier.<br />
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Sierra's Dorm</div>
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God showed her much favor too. She got assigned to a brandy-new dorm. They had just finished painting and moving in the new furniture the day before we arrived.<br />
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Family photo in front of the chapel.</div>
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After Sierra was all settled in we took the rest of the kids to Gloucester, Ma., for a seafood dinner and a stroll along the ocean.<br />
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Slava with Jordan the photo-bomber!</div>
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Andrii & Anna at the fishermen's memorial.</div>
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We spent Sunday in Boston visiting all the historic sites. Here we're at the site of the Boston Massacre. It was a great "educational" day for us home schoolers! <br />
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Once we returned home from Boston it was time to start gearing up for our new school year. This will be a very different school year for us. For the first time in 13 years of home schooling, I will only have 3 students! Sounds like a piece cake, except for the fact that our youngest two have special needs and learning disabilities. Let the games begin!<br />
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Anna & Avalon cooling off after a ride!</div>
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One of the best things about home schooling is the freedom to focus on the kids' interests and strengths while also helping them in weak areas. This year we're going to focus on a lot of life skill lessons, hands-on activities, and behavior. I'm actually looking forward to this new year!<br />
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We spent our Labor Day enjoying a low-key day with my dad, Wayne Jr., Kerri, Iona, and Kerri's family at our house for a picnic. <br />
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Of course I had to include at least one pic of this baby!</div>
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Well, I guess I'd better head to bed. Tomorrow we will begin doing school "lite" for the week. Next week we'll jump in all the way. That basically translates into, "I'm not quite ready yet"! </div>
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-45491362938368346662014-08-29T20:00:00.000-07:002014-08-29T20:00:50.268-07:00Summer Season <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My last post, over 2 months ago, was about changing seasons. This post comes as I walk in yet another season of life - the loss of my mom. The summer was a blur as from January 2014 to the end of July my weeks were increasingly full with taking my mom to doctor appointments, blood and platelet transfusions, setting up in-home hospice, and caring for her daily the last week of her life. Every prayer I prayed for my mom was answered, in fact, every detail of her passing reflects the love and mercy of God. And I was blessed to be with her as she took her last breaths. </div>
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Joan Elizabeth Blondell Barger Roberts</div>
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2/4/38- 7/24/14</div>
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A few days after the funeral we headed to our camp in the Adirondacks for a much-needed week of rest and family time. It was the first time we'd ever spent a full week on Otter Lake, but Wayne was all for it. So in one way or another, most of our family was there through-out the week. On Friday night Wayne and I headed up with Jordan and Slava. On Sunday, Wayne Jr., Kerri, Iona, and Kerri's parents - Tom & Linda, arrived to stay in a rental camp a few doors down from ours. Monday morning brought Andrii and my dad and Monday evening brought Sierra, Anna, and Shannon (Kerri's sister). Curtis arrived on Friday night to spend the last couple days with us. <br />
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Enchanted Forest-Water Safari, Old Forge, NY</div>
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While the men all went golfing Linda, Kerri, and I took all the kids to Water Safari for the day. </div>
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Grammy & Iona selfie!</div>
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Linda, Kerri & Iona on the Lazy River</div>
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Slava navigating the Lazy River</div>
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Back at camp we enjoyed the lake, boating, kayaking, fishing, camp fires, and lots of eating. Iona enjoyed her jumper out on our porch. Most early mornings as I enjoyed my coffee and quiet time, Wayne Jr. and Iona would arrive to join me on the porch before anyone else woke up. My precious perfectly-timed granddaughter brings me much joy during this difficult season of life. The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.<br />
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We all took a day trip to the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake. It was a beautiful day and the kids enjoyed the hands-on activities.<br />
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Slava & Jordan</div>
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Sierra, Andrii, and Anna - my teens!</div>
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Blue Mountain Lake in the background.</div>
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Jordan & I</div>
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Friday night fish-fry at Van Auken's Inn in Thendara</div>
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l-r: Curtis, Shannon, Linda, Tom, Wayne Jr., Iona, & Kerri</div>
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Saturday we hiked Bald Mountain.</div>
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Andrii with 4th Lake in the background.</div>
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Up in the Bald Mountain Fire Tower</div>
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l-r back row: Andrii, me, Linda, and Shannon</div>
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front: Jordan & Slava</div>
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On top of Bald Mt.</div>
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Andrii, Wayne, me, Anna, Curtis, and Sierra</div>
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Slava & Jordan in front.</div>
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Uncle Curtis, I want the guitar.</div>
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I love this pic with Curtis, Iona, and her other Grammy. </div>
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Curtis often has a guitar in his hands - even while on the boat.</div>
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Iona was intrigued and kept reaching out to touch it. </div>
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The week at camp flew by and it was wonderful, but returning home meant returning to the reality of my mom's passing. It also meant it was time to get Sierra ready to leave for college, prepare for another home school year, and celebrate Jordan's 11th birthday. My next post will feature these events. Seasons change.</div>
Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-77486151432720692272014-06-16T17:09:00.000-07:002014-06-16T17:09:06.785-07:00Seasons of Change Are Upon Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...Ecclesiastes 3:1</div>
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As the days, weeks, and months fly by I find myself in a new place - a new season in so many ways. We are still walking through my mom's illness which has me at the doctor's and hospital many times each week. Presently she's stable and in pretty good spirits all things considered. I am so grateful for my husband and children who are supportive, helpful, and on top of things through this exhausting time. And so many people from my sister-in-law to my mother-in-law, to my daughter-in-law's mom, to my church family have all been praying and bringing meals to my parents. Above all, the Lord is faithful to guide us through this difficult season.</div>
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One thing that brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face is this precious little one. My granddaughter, Iona, is almost 5 months old and such a joy. The Lord certainly knew I'd need this bright spot during this season!</div>
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She does smile!</div>
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Uncle Slava, Grammy & Miss Iona rocking the yellow swim suit!</div>
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We cannot get enough of this baby! We love on her, smush her, smell her, kiss her, cuddle her, stare at her - you name it, we just soak her up! <br />
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Iona with Grandpa!</div>
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She fell asleep in Grampy's arms at church a few weeks back. I couldn't resist taking this pic. We are all in love with this baby!<br />
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Luci, Wayne Jr., Sierra, and Andrii</div>
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We made the 4 hour trip to Rochester for the annual home school convention and graduation commencement. With my mom's condition I wasn't sure if we would even be going. But things worked out for Wayne and I to leave on a Thursday evening so we could enjoy the convention on Friday. Friday afternoon Anna arrived with the Anderson family as Sierra's best friend, Luci, was graduating as well. By 10pm Wayne Jr. arrived with Sierra, Luci, and Andrii. Saturday morning, the day of the commencement, Curtis and Jordan arrived with the rest of the Anderson family. <br />
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Luci & CC - Class of 2014</div>
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It seemed only fitting that we were all mixed in with the Anderson's as they are our next-door neighbors, dear friends, and home school veterans. Luci & CC have been best friends since they were 5 years old. I can't believe these 2 are high school graduates!<br />
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Most of us!</div>
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Andrii, Jordan, Me, Wayne, Sierra, Anna, Wayne Jr., and Curtis.</div>
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Kerri opted to not make the trip with the baby as Iona isn't very fun to ride in the car with. "Miss Cranky Pants" has become a term of endearment. Slava is also not too fun to ride on long car trips with, not to mention sitting through looonnng commencement ceremonies! Kerri stayed at our house with the baby and Slava, and her sister Shannon stayed also to lend a hand with the kids and some hay to Anna's horse. It made things a bit easier on all of us. </div>
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Anna, Slava, and Avalon</div>
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Things are going pretty well with having the horse on the homestead. Anna is thrilled and is doing a good job taking care of the horse. Somehow she managed to talk her dad into getting a barn cat, next thing we knew a kitten has taken up residence with Avalon - and our new baby chickens. It appears we're turning into farmers! Seriously, we're considering getting a beef cow. Now that we're set up for it, and with the food prices the way they are, even Wayne is beginning to see it's a good idea. We'll see if I post a picture of a cow on the next blog update!<br />
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Victoria on fife & Andrii (back right with serious face) on drum.</div>
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Andrii is still part of the Jubilee Fife & Drum Corps through our church. Victoria also comes to our house each Thursday to help me homeschool the little boys and brings Slava to services at the local elementary school when I'm at the hospital with my mom. <br />
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Wayne Jr. & Curtis circa 1994</div>
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Talk about seasons changing! These guys are now 25 & 22! They took me to dinner the other night as Wayne, Andrii, Jordan, and Slava were all away on a camp-out and the girls were at a youth group event. I tried taking their picture to post on Facebook and they refused to cooperate. I had to resort to posting this picture instead - it got over 80 "likes"! It's one of my favorites too! It seems like a lifetime ago that they were this little. <br />
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Surgery Time Again!</div>
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About 5 years ago Jordan had growing rods placed in his back to help straighten severe scoliosis. When we adopted him at age 3 he had a cork-screw curved spine, we suspect from alcohol exposure in the womb. Since the rod placement he's had to have the rods revised and lengthened about every 6 months or so. I've lost track of how many times we've done this. This brave boy is such a trooper. He endures this procedure without complaint every time. We hope to be getting to the end of it as he's almost 11 and once his torso stops growing it will be time for the next phase. Depending on his growth and how his spine responds the next step could be permanent rods and spinal fusion, spinal fusion only, or nothing at all. We're praying for a miraculous healing so he will not need anything more done. <br />
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If you were brave enough to make it all the way to the bottom of this post, first of all - thank you! And second, would you be willing to become a follower? Just check out the right side of the blog and click where it asks if you'd like to follow. It would be a great encouragement to me! My goal is to blog at least monthly, if not weekly, but presently life is not cooperating with that plan. So I blog when I can! Thank you!Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-17247232355608922782014-05-07T07:02:00.000-07:002014-05-07T07:02:32.844-07:00May Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I thought I was busy before, that was nothing compared to the whirlwind I find myself in these days! Family and ministry have me in constant motion - if you count sitting on the couch at 10pm with my laptop trying to accomplish Justice For Orphans stuff - motion! I've entered some new seasons in our family life between my mom's illness and my daughter's college preparations. Some seasons are more fun than others. And Justice For Orphans is in full swing for Foster Care Month and our <u>Love In Action</u> event on May 16th. </div>
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Your Orphan Sunday Team at CAFO's Orphan Summit 10!</div>
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Pastor David Arruda, Teri Froman, me, & Roberta Davis</div>
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I had the honor of working with this amazing team at the Orphan Summit in Chicago last week. We've been connected through social media and email, but I got to meet Roberta, the National Director for Orphan Sunday, and Teri, the Recourse Coordinator for Orphan Sunday for the first time in person at the event. I've had the privilege of meeting Pastor David at 2 other events previously. It was also a blessing to travel to the Summit with Mary Slager, Sandy Besenfelder, and Connie Van Kleek. This was my 3rd Summit, but a very different experience as this time I attended as part of the Orphan Sunday team and as the OS Media Director. God is so faithful to open doors!</div>
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Slava broke his thumb on Easter Sunday!</div>
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There is never a dull moment when you have a large family! Easter Sunday was an enjoyable day with all of our kids present along with my daughter-in-law's family. Just after we finished eating and the little boys were outside playing, Slava crashed his bike and broke his thumb and got a mild concussion. Lesson: when your older brother goads you into finding out how fast your bike can go - don't take the bait. <br />
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Friendly Memories</div>
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Sierra and I made another college visit trip. This time we toured Gordon College in Mass. On the way we stopped at a Friendly's restaurant - a popular choice when my kids were little and the restaurants were more prevalent in our area. We had a nostalgic plate of quesadillas and Sierra made her final decision: She is Gordon College bound in the fall. This is a new season I find myself in. Even though 2 of my other kids have college degrees, neither of them ever went away. Gordon is only 3 1/2 hours away - but it's still far when it's your first-born baby girl! <br />
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The other season I am in is much less fun. My mom is very ill with a progressive blood disorder. We are now at the stage where she needs weekly blood and platelet transfusions. This requires several weekly doctor and hospital visits which I take her to. Presently I type this by her bedside as they run a unit of blood into her and then platelets. If all goes well with that then we hope to have a port put in to make the regular treatments less painful. Her arms are so trashed from the numerous needles used to test blood and transfuse her so frequently. With Mother's Day around the corner I'm finding it difficult to think about it. She has declined so much in the past month. My mom has been an every day part of my life and my family's life. We have always lived near each other and she has always been there for me. Now I get the privilege of being there for her. <br />
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Proud Grandmas!</div>
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Linda (my daughter-in-law's mom) & I sharing our grand baby!</div>
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This little bundle brings our family so much joy.</div>
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Babies are truly gifts from God!</div>
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<u>LOVE IN ACTION: Finding Families For NY's Waiting Children</u></div>
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With Summit behind me, now my focus is on our LIA event on Friday, May 16th. This is the largest event our ministry, <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">Justice For Orphans</a>, has organized so far. It includes a Pastors' Brunch from 9am-noon and a General Session at 7pm for the general public. Our keynote speaker for both times is Bishop W.C. Martin, author of <u>Small Town, Big Miracle</u> published by <i>Focus On The Family.</i> Bishop Martin and his wife began fostering children in the late 90's and since then 78 children have been adopted out of the Texas foster care system and into families in their church and small community of Possum Trot, TX. The location for the entire event is <i>Our Savior's Lutheran Church</i> 63 Mountain View Ave, Albany, NY 12205. Visit our website for more details.<br />
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-34198873739523014812014-04-12T19:53:00.000-07:002014-04-12T19:53:30.239-07:00April Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ahhhhh April has finally arrived! I'm so thankful for the warmer weather. The kids have been outside more and sleeping a bit later in the morning. We're all feeling a bit more energized, and it's a good thing - the next 7 weeks are going to be busier than usual! </div>
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Grammy with Iona!</div>
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I snapped this shameless selfie during my first official baby-sitting gig with my granddaughter! Being a grammy is the most wonderful thing in the world!<br />
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Poor Slava had a touch of the stomach bug.</div>
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While I was out with my mom for a doctor appt, Sierra called to tell me Slava threw up. She took good care of him as you can see and he enjoyed a Curious George marathon. Thankfully it didn't even last 24 hours and no one else got it!<br />
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Happy Birthday Curtis & Andrii!</div>
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We celebrated their birthdays last Saturday. Curtis here was getting ready to blow out his candles. I can't believe he's 22! Next we sang to Andrii. It also amazes me that he'd already 17!<br />
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My Mom enjoying her coffee at Cracker Barrel!</div>
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My mom was supposed to have a blood transfusion last Friday, but on Wednesday the doctor's office forgot to send her blood sample over to the hospital so they could match it and have it ready. So, since it wasn't ready and Mom didn't want to wait 4 hours for them to get it ready, she opted to go out to breakfast instead! We went back on Monday and she got her transfusion, unfortunately her blood work on Friday indicated she needs another transfusion this Monday. <br />
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Miss Iona</div>
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My weeks have been crazy, but I look forward to Wednesday evenings when I get to spend a couple hours with this precious little one. The highlight of my week!<br />
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Construction Project</div>
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Wayne promised Anna that when spring arrived he would break ground to make ready for her horse to come home. He ordered a pre-fab 2 stall barn which should be delivered any day and just needs to fence in the corral area. The little boys have been having a great time helping daddy!<br />
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This coming week will include Mom's transfusion, a homeschooling moms' luncheon, an advisory team meeting for the Sound of Life radio station, and a trip to look at another college. Sierra has been accepted at Gordon College in Mass. After we tour their campus on Thursday she will have to make a decision by May 1st! Jordan will also get his cast off this week to be ready for surgery next week. We are in a very busy season of life. I'm not sure there's anything we can eliminate that we are currently doing. Thankfully, the Lord is faithful to carry us through each day. Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-36648788015645296402014-04-01T18:32:00.000-07:002014-04-01T18:32:01.302-07:00I Could Never Do That"That's so wonderful what you've done for those kids. I could never do that." I've heard that comment many times, and I always cringe. First of all, I am brutally aware that <b><i>I </i></b>haven't done anything more than obey God. Isn't that what we're all supposed to do? Walk out in obedience what He has called us to do? And caring for orphans is something He calls <b>all</b> of us to do. Secondly, <b><i>I</i></b> am only able to do what He calls me to do because <i style="font-weight: bold;">He</i> does it through me. My job is to remain in His presence, so I can hear His voice and follow His lead. <br />
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Over 15 years ago in a women's Bible study group I was immersed in Blackaby's <u>Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing His Will.</u> That study transformed my walk with God. Since then my everyday goal has been to experience God - to know His will and to walk it out in obedience. Funny how God doesn't waste anytime issuing the first assignment! And you know how the Scripture says, "Well done good and faithful servant. You've been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."? It's true.<br />
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My first assignment was welcoming an 8 year old girl into our home. She was kin, needed a family, and we were that family. Looking back, it amazes me that we were clueless to the <i>James 1:27 mind-set. </i>We didn't think, "Oh, orphans and widows, let's do this." We just saw a need, knew God wanted us to meet it, and so we did. I will say this, 5 adopted kids later, I wish I knew then what I know now. We have no regrets about adopting our daughter who is now 24. The only regret being not knowing or understanding wounded children<i>.</i> My second assignment was to volunteer-teach at the small Christian school our kids attended. There I discovered my passion for teaching and God's sense of humor, as my next assignment was to homeschool our then 4 kids. That was 11 years ago and Flach Academy is still going strong. I have 4 survivors, I mean graduates, and 4 current students. Then came our biggest assignment (yet): to grow our family through international adoption. We stepped out in faith again and adopted our 3 Ukrainian-born kids 7 years ago, and then 3 years later continued the journey to the 4th. <br />
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The above mentioned assignments do not have a deadline or completion date. They are on-going. That's ok with me because it has been this on-the-job-training that has brought me closer to the Lord. My faith has grown, I've matured in the things of God, and I have a deeper understanding of my salvation. Adopting children taught me about my own spiritual adoption in ways I wouldn't have learned otherwise. The Bible says, <i>He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means no know me? Declares the Lord. </i>Yes, caring for orphans will bring you to a place of knowing God beyond anything you can imagine. <b><i>I </i></b><i>could never do that...without God!</i>Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-36131516443493146632014-03-23T19:03:00.000-07:002014-03-23T19:03:25.129-07:00The Calendar Says It's Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, the calendar says it's spring even if the upstate NY weather hasn't sprung! It's still cold, but our days are busy and full. Recently I enjoyed a little escape with Sierra as we headed to the western part of NY to visit Houghton College. She loved it - even if it is 4 1/2 hours away. She's already been accepted there for the fall, but we're looking at a couple more. I guess that means more road trips are pending!</div>
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Houghton Or Bust!</div>
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The little boys are getting cabin fever. They keep escaping to Daddy's garage and dragging various items of interest into the house. The other day Jordan actually used plexiglass and wood dowels and built this little table. Slava decided to enjoy his snack on it.<br />
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Great Grandmothers with Iona!</div>
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I love this pic of my mom (on left) and my mother-in-law (on right) holding their great-granddaughter! This is a precious picture to me. My mom has been ill and my mother-in-law had a hip replacement the same day the baby was born! <br />
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Legislative Day in Albany, NY</div>
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Crystal Langdon, of Crystal Clear Finances invited me to share her table at Leg Day 2014 so I could represent Justice For Orphans there. Crystal is responsible for me being on the radio for the very first time a few years ago. That led to our radio show on The New Light WDCD in Albany, and then the Lord opened the door further for us to be on The Sound of Life also. Two exciting radio developments: (1) all of our past Orphans No More shows are now on our website <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org</a> just click on "Events" and then "Radio Show"! (2) WDCD just added another time slot for or show! We are now on 1:30pm Fridays, 10:30am Sundays, and 1:30pm Wednesdays! <br />
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Miss Iona & Aunt Sierra</div>
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This little blessing is getting bigger! She's almost 2 months old already! She's looking around and checking everyone out - and there are a lot of us to check out!<br />
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Uncle Curtis!</div>
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Iona would like to announce that her Uncle Curtis made the Dean's list at RPI this quarter! </div>
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Grammy & Iona</div>
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Wednesday nights are my "date nights" with my grand baby! I love this special time to visit with Wayne Jr., Kerri, and the baby. <br />
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Grammy Love!</div>
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Can you tell I'm loving being a grandma? </div>
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-16177474588888785832014-03-09T15:25:00.000-07:002014-03-09T15:25:43.322-07:00Exceeding Abundantly Above<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worth in us. Unto Him be glory...</i> Ephesians 3:20</div>
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It's been a long winter, but God has been faithful and blessings abound! </div>
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I came home from a day of appointments and found the kids all outside and playing with these giant icicles. We've been studying the American Revolution and it has affected their play time!</div>
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Icicle Guns!</div>
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Jordan, Slava, Neighbor Mary, and Anna</div>
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Slava - Burrito Bongo!</div>
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Slava often has trouble managing himself and deep-pressure touch helps him to regulate. I'm always on the look out for ways to help him manage. He has a weighted blanket which I wrap him in burrito-style when he feels the need. The other day I added these weighted core discs and played "bongos" on him. He loved it!<br />
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Patriots!</div>
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We've been watching the <i>Liberty's Kids</i> dvd series as part of our history curriculum. We've also been following the current events in Ukraine since our kids are from there, we have friends there, and it's a country near-and-dear to our hearts. While watching an episode of <i>Liberty's Kids</i> which included a battle between the Patriots and the British, Jordan commented, "This looks like what's going on in Ukraine." Hmmmm, very good observation, my son!<br />
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Baby Shower Shenanigans!</div>
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Sierra, Missy, Anna, & Kerri (opening gift).</div>
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We finally were able to pull off a baby shower for Kerri. Between snow storms, sickness, and Iona arriving early, this was no small fete! </div>
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Me and my girls!</div>
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L-R (Anna, Kerri w/ Iona, Me, Missy, & Sierra)</div>
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Sending off a son.</div>
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Recently our pastor's son, Sergey, who was adopted from Ukraine over 10 years ago, embarked on a new adventure. He headed back to Ukraine to do a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). He's with a team that works with older kids in orphanages. Serg has a heart to minister to orphans in Ukraine, as he had been one. In the pic Pastor Stan is preparing to pray for his son. On the left is Victor, Sergey's younger bio brother. These 2 young men know what "adopted to sonship" really means. <br />
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JFO - "Love In Action" wrist band fundraiser.</div>
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We are currently preparing for our biggest JFO event to date. Our <b>Love In Action - Finding Families For NY's Waiting Children </b>event on May 16th is a foster care focused event. Our fundraiser includes these wrist bands we're asking a $3 donation each for. Let me know if you'd like one...or ten! To learn more visit our website: <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org</a><br />
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JFO's Justice Conference booth!</div>
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Wayne decided to take our little boys skiing for the weekend recently, so I used the opportunity to represent JFO at the Justice Conference in Clifton Park, NY. <br />
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Radio Show Recording</div>
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This is my view front the hosts' seat for our radio show <i>Orphans No More</i>. For this episode we interviewed Stepan & Oksana Terletsky of Mercy Trucks Ukraine (pictured on the laptop). It was our first attempt to record a show from a remote location, in this case Ukraine. In the background is Mary's son, Kireel. He was watching from the producer's studio. You can listen to past episodes of the show by visiting our website <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org</a> and click on "Events" and then "Radio Show".<br />
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Slava's Stitches</div>
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Friday evening, while everyone was out and I was home all by myself (a rare occurrence) the phone rang beckoning me to urgent care. Slava was bitten by a friend's dog. With Slava's many issues, impulse control and reasoning are weak points. He has pulled a very large dog's tail and was bitten as a result. <br />
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He got 3 stitches in his left cheek, 1 on his head, and 5 in his ear. He's on an antibiotic and we're watching him closely. When I discussed with him that we should never touch a dog, he pretty much declared that if that dog bit him again he'd punch it. I guess we still have a lot of work to do!<br />
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Singing Sisters</div>
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Missy stopped by the other day to practice music with Sierra. Missy works at an assisted living facility and she's had Sierra come in to play the piano for the residents. Now they're working on some songs together. I was blessed to hear their music! </div>
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So that's what's been going on here! Feeling very blessed!</div>
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-29200264902104733392014-02-16T18:12:00.000-08:002014-02-16T18:12:27.866-08:00Winter Wanderings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we wander through this snowy, white winter there are a few things warming our days! Mainly the joy we are experiencing as we get to know our newest little family member: my very first grand daughter, Iona Elizabeth. Though I've given birth to 3 of my own babies, there is something extra-special about a grand child. I can't explain the desire to just sit and watch her...preferably with me holding her, but even if someone else cradles this treasure it's enough to just gaze at her preciousness! She is the first-born of my first-born! And my son will FaceTime with me on occasion and I get to see him handling his baby girl like he's handled a dozen babies even though she's his very first. I am in grateful awe to my Abba Daddy that I get to see my son be an amazing daddy already. </div>
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Newborn Photo Shoot - this one is my favorite!</div>
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Her daddy sucked his thumb too!</div>
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Hi, Grammy!</div>
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Iona & Aunt Anna!</div>
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Ok, ok, enough baby pics! There have been other things going on in our family. In the midst of tons of snow, we have been homeschooling, playing, running Slava to OT, PT and Speech, gearing up for a huge event for Justice For Orphans, and bringing my mom to her doctor appointments and blood transfusions. <br />
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Jordan built a "fire"!</div>
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Anna sprained her wrist snowboarding...</div>
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...and that was before the Olympics!</div>
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Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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My Valentines: Sierra, Anna, Jordan, & Slava</div>
For Valentine's Day I found these chocolate "gold medals" for the kids. I played the Olympic theme song on my I-phone while they lined up and I gave them all gold medals for being the best kids in the world! They got a kick out of it! Andrii was not home at the time because he was out plowing the 2 feet of snow that fell. <br />
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I'll be doing a post soon to update on Justice For Orphans' upcoming events! God is doing amazing things!<br />
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-50880872165786814272014-02-02T18:55:00.000-08:002014-02-02T18:55:49.951-08:00Every Good and Perfect Gift Is From Above!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Monday morning, 1/27/14, began with me taking my mom to her blood transfusion. But when I awoke to start the day I found a message on my cell phone from my son, "We are at the hospital." Could it be that our anxiously anticipated little bundle of blessing (aka very first grand baby) would make her arrival 2 weeks early??? I headed out to bring my mom to Albany Memorial Hospital while my mind was on what could be happening at St. Peter's Hospital just a few miles away. </div>
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Mom & I playing Yahtzee to pass the time.</div>
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As we were leaving Albany Memorial to head to St. Peter's I got this message, "10 cm dilated and pushing." Ahhhhhhh. I flew to St. Peter's. As I threw my car at the valet parking guys I got another text..."born 11:50am, 6 lbs 3 oz." Ahhhhhh get me to the 3rd floor!!!! I dumped my parents off at the room of my nephew and his wife (their baby boy arrived 5 weeks early the day before) and I not-so-patiently waited in the waiting room for Wayne Jr. After being joined by Kerri's parents and sister, the 2 very ecstatic grandmothers were escorted to the delivery room for our very first peek at our precious grand daughter: Iona Elizabeth Flach! <br />
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Happy Family!</div>
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Happy Grammy Flach</div>
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Happy Grandpa!</div>
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Monday was a whirlwind day. I spent most of the day between 2 hospitals. In addition to my first born having his first born, I got a peek at my nephew's baby boy, and my mother-in-law had hip replacement surgery at the same hospital that same morning! I guess little miss Iona didn't want to miss the party! The happy family came home on Wednesday and are doing wonderfully! All my kids are excited to be first time aunts and uncles. <br />
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Great Grandma & Grandpa</div>
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On Saturday my parents were able to visit Wayne Jr., Kerri, and baby Iona. I treasure this picture of my mom holding my grand daughter. My mom celebrates her 76th birthday this week. We celebrated with a family dinner out at our favorite restaurant. But the best present of all, the good and perfect gift from above, shining down from the Father of light - my precious grand daughter! <br />
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-23689746963881302282014-01-19T19:29:00.000-08:002014-01-19T19:29:19.894-08:00New Year - New Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Welcome to the New Year! It started out very interesting as New Year's Eve day my mom was taken to the hospital. She's had a blood disorder for many years where her bone marrow over produced blood. It over produced so much that now it's burnt out and can no longer produce enough. From this point on she will need regular blood transfusions. I'm her advocate, and her daughter of course, and I will be taking her to all of her appointments. This is a new season in our lives. Prayer is appreciated and God is faithful.</div>
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Andrii (center) and buddies Ben and Evan.</div>
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Andrii ventured up to our camp in the Adirondacks with a couple buddies to do some snowboarding just before Christmas. Looks like they had fun!<br />
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Justified!</div>
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Sierra trying out Andrii's new gun. Yup, that's right. She's shooting guns. Just another day in the life of this homeschooling family! <br />
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Anna & Avalon</div>
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Anna has been enjoying bonding with her horse, Avalon. She's been going over to the ranch twice a week for riding lessons and hands on grooming etc. She's a happy girl. It looks like they both are!<br />
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Slava in his weighted blanket!</div>
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We got Slava a weighted blanket for Christmas. Weighted blankets are recommended for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder. He really likes it. When he's having a hard time managing himself, we wrap him up burrito-style and have him chill out for 5 minutes. It seems to help. Now if we can only get him to stop hitting/kicking and saying "stupid" all the time. Slava's a lot of work, but worth every minute of it! <br />
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Jordan and his new skates!</div>
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The pond is frozen over and that means ice hockey! The kids have been hosting games every chance they get. Our pond is a popular place this time of year.<br />
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Slava - Cool Dude at the Dentist!</div>
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I took the little boys for dental cleanings and couldn't resist snapping this picture while Slava was in the chair! Both boys had improved brushing, but both still needed a filling each. Basically Jordan's mouth is a mess. He'll need lots of orthodontics in the near future. Fun, fun.</div>
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Other things going on - this past weekend Curtis moved into his own apartment. This is a new season for us. He's almost 22, but it's still bittersweet for this stay-at-home/home schooling mama. He didn't move far, but it's still an adjustment for us. I suspect he's enjoying some peace and quiet, something our house has little of! </div>
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We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of our grand daughter! As I type this, Kerri has 3 weeks to her due date! With everything that's been going on, I am looking forward to the arrival of my very first grandchild and the joy she will bring to our family! </div>
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Justice For Orphans, our ministry, has been moving and growing. We've got some exciting events planned for 2014 along with the theme: <i>Love In Action. </i>The radio shows have been going great, we've got some fundraising events planned, and a huge foster care-focused event in the works for May. Stay tuned for more details or visit <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">justicefororphansny.org</a> to learn more.</div>
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-13362388973005749162013-12-27T18:32:00.001-08:002013-12-27T18:32:58.978-08:00Christmas Day at Flach Manor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Merry Christmas from Flach Manor! Keeping up with blog posts might be a bit easier now that I got this handy dandy Mac-book Pro for Christmas! Yup, I got the best hubby and family in the world! We enjoyed a couple wonderful family celebrations the last few days. Christmas Eve we traditionally spend with Wayne's family. The evening includes delicious food, my mother-in-law reading from the Bible about our Savior's birth, my father-in-law sharing a word, prayer, gifts, and family fellowship. It was a good evening. </div>
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Rita, John and Victor on the right.</div>
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Christmas morning started peacefully. I was up at 6:30am enjoying some quiet time, coffee, and Luke chapter 2. Then Wayne joined me for coffee at 7am. I think it was the first Christmas morning ever that we were up before any kids! Jordan was the first kid up at 7:30am, then they all started rolling out. </div>
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Wayne watching Jordan opening his stocking.</div>
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We let the kids open their stockings until everyone is up, then Wayne reads Luke 2 and everyone has to share something they're thankful for. I pray and then presents begin flying!</div>
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Wayne and Slava enjoying some cuddle time!</div>
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Breakfast includes Christmas Quiche, which I make the night before, and our newest tradition - home made cinnamon rolls. Seven years ago when we spend Christmas in Ukraine, our precious missionary friends, Joey & Laura Stoltzfus, welcomed us into their home on Christmas morning. Laura made home made cinnamon rolls for us. Missy and I decided that if Laura can pull that off in her kitchen in Kiev, we could pull them off in our kitchen here in NY! We've had them every year since. <br />
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Awe...Kerri opened a blanket for Iona!</div>
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Our kids pick names among themselves to exchange gifts. This year Sierra got Kerri's name and sewed her a baby blanket. She stitched a Bible verse (Let the little children come and do not forbid them for such is the Kingdom of Heaven) and stitched Iona Elizabeth in the corner. Kerri was tearfully happy with this special gift! <br />
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Slava aka - Little Drummer Boy!</div>
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All Slava could talk about was getting a drum set for Christmas. Every gift opened from under the tree he scrutinized to see if it could possibly be a drum set. The poor little guy, we made him wait until the last gifts were opened, then Andrii carried the big box up stairs. He was soooo excited! It was the perfect gift for him. Slava has incredible rhythm combined with his sensory processing disorder which drives him to bang on things - I'd say he's destined to be a drummer!<br />
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Jordan and Officer Andersen!</div>
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Jordan wants to be a policeman when he grows up. Our good friends and next-door neighbors - the Anderson's surprised Jordan on Christmas morning. Their son, Elias who lives in Vermont but was home for Christmas, came over to arrest Jordan! The hand cuffs fell off and he tried getting away, so Officer Anderson had to taser him - only kidding. But Jordan was thrilled to see a real taser! Elias just completed police academy a few months ago and is an officer with the Rutland police. <br />
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Poppy Ken</div>
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After the police left, Christmas morning returned to normal and my parents arrived. They opened gifts, ate dinner with us, and spent the day visiting.<br />
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Annual Mom & Curtis dinner date.</div>
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Curtis and I enjoy an annual dinner date around Christmas - just him and I. We don't get to spend much time together since he's a busy college student and works when he's not at school and I'm busy with the little kids all the time. Pretty soon Curtis will be moving into his own apartment. It won't be far away since it's nearby, but it will be different. Bittersweet. <br />
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Missy, Anna, me, Sierra and my mom!</div>
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My girls love to take pictures of themselves. They decided that on Christmas day the tree and their grandmother made great props! Seriously, I love this pic with my mom.<br />
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Andrii & Jordan - Lego Maniacs!</div>
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Jordan is now our official Lego maniac. He got 3 sets for Christmas from various family members. He was on a building mission all day and thankfully, Andrii was his helper. <br />
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All in all it was a quiet, blessed day. Wayne Jr. & Kerri spent the day with her family, so they are coming over on Saturday and we'll do Christmas all over again! I am so blessed! Thank you, Lord!<br />
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-54229460027361581192013-12-23T06:54:00.000-08:002013-12-23T06:54:25.143-08:00Merry Christmas from Flach Manor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It amazes me how busy life has gotten. It's been 2 months since I updated this blog and my goal is to update weekly! Well, time to get you caught up on what we've been up to! </div>
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When I last updated, Justice For Orphans was in full swing of preparing for our annual orphan conference on 10/26 and Orphan Sunday on 11/3. Then we launched a month-long campaign on The Sound of Life radio network to celebrate National adoption month in November. As our weekly radio show wrapped up at the end of November, Mary and I sensed that God wasn't done yet, so we renewed our contract with The New Light WDCD and are back in the studio recording our weekly <i>Orphans No More </i>show. We are in awe at how the Lord has grown this ministry. We are prayerfully seeking Him for a vision for 2014 as we anticipate many exciting opportunities to share God's heart for the orphan with the Church. </div>
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On the home front, life is busy and blessed as usual. We celebrated Slava's 8th birthday, Anna's 14th birthday, and Wayne's 50th - all in October! Then Sierra turned 17 in November and I officially graduated her from homeschool-high school in December. She is now enrolled in Liberty University's online degree program, and since all her credits she'd been earning through Liberty's Edge Program (for high school students) transferred over to the degree program, she will have an Associates Degree in Psychology by August (at the age of 17 I might add)! Curtis just completed his first semester at RPI and plans to move into his own apartment in late January. We just survived the 1st quarter of our homeschool year with all the kids doing great. Slava is still attending OT, PT and Speech weekly too. We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Iona Elizabeth! Kerri has about 7 weeks left to her due date of 2/11. Did I mention we are excited!</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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Wayne Jr. sharing his espresso expertise with Sierra.</div>
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Sierra got an espresso machine for her birthday and has been busy caffeinating the whole family!<br />
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Orphans No More!</div>
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Mary and I were so excited to interview my good friend, Phyllis Whittam, and her 2 adopted children as we celebrated National Adoption Month on the show!<br />
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Orphan Sunday!</div>
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As Mary spear-headed the Orphan Sunday celebration at our church, I was at Goodwill Church in Montgomery, NY with the Sound of Life radio network. Sierra and Andrii joined me as orphan ministry is a family ministry! I got to speak at both services at Goodwill and on the air with SoL. We had a long, exhausting, blessed day which ended with a dinner date with Wayne's cousin and her husband who live down by Montgomery. <br />
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My heart swells with blessing...</div>
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...I walked into church early one morning to discover my boys (left-to-right): Curtis, Andrii, Jordan, and Wayne Jr. in an impromptu jam session!<br />
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Making Dreams Come True!</div>
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Anna has long desired a horse of her own. She's taken lessons for a while now and we'd been on the look out for a good "first horse" for her. Anna's instructor found this horse for us. And it seemed that if we were ever going to make her dream come true - this was the horse to do it with. We welcomed Avalon, an 8 year old mare, American Quarter Horse - paint to the family in December. She's boarding at the stable near our house where Anna takes lessons, but in the spring we plan to move her to Flach Manor once we're set up for a horse. This is a big step for us, but since equine therapy can have such a positive impact on kids from hard places, we feel it is worth the investment. <br />
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What is <i>Flach Manor</i> you ask? Well, it's an affectionate name for our home that our teens came up with. They've even started answering the phone, "Hello, Flach Manor." It stuck!<br />
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Jordan plowing the driveway after a recent snow storm.</div>
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Slava "helping" with the snow blower!</div>
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Happy 8th Birthday, Slava!</div>
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He wanted his own Bible for his birthday.</div>
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Happy 14th Birthday, Anna!</div>
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That's all from Flach Manor for now. I pray you have a blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year. If you enjoy following our family you can find me on Facebook at "Sandra Flach" and our ministry at "Justice For Orphans"! <br />
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Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-3352119747601607152013-10-18T13:03:00.000-07:002013-10-18T13:03:45.582-07:00Flach's Fall Frenzy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fall has been a flurry of activity for our family! We're home schooling, running kids to activities, Slava to services, and this is the busiest time of year for orphan ministry!</div>
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Happy 8th Birthday, Slava!</div>
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It amazes me that 3 years ago at this time we were in Ukraine for Slava's adoption! He turned 8 this week too! He's growing and making great progress. <br />
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Slava & Jordan playing in the leaves.</div>
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We love this time of year! Apple picking, crunchy leaves, and pumpkins. </div>
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Sierra testing for a green belt.</div>
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Orphans No More radio show guests!</div>
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Mary Slager, Eric Hanson, Ginny Hanson, and me!</div>
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Mary and I had the opportunity to interview Eric & Ginny Hanson of In His Steps International. They have a tremendous ministry to the poor, widowed, orphaned and trafficked people of Cambodia. The show will air on 11/29 on The New Light WDCD 96.7fm. See <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org/</a> to learn more.</div>
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Andrii & Sierra volunteering at Life-A-Thon!</div>
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We are so excited about our partnership with The Sound of Life radio network. Locally we can pick them up on their Hudson, NY channel 91.1fm, but soon they will have transmitter coverage with an Albany channel. Sierra, Andrii, and I had a great time answering phones for their annual fund raiser. <br />
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Andrii with Tom Michaels Zahradnik, CEO of Sound of Life.</div>
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Tom had Andrii share his story about how he knows the love of God because he was adopted. Tom had heard the story when SoL came and broadcasted live from our house last year. It touched him and he wanted Andrii to share it live on the air again. Justice For Orphans will have a presence on SoL throughout the month of November, to celebrate Orphan Sunday on 11/3 and National Adoption Awareness Month. I will be with Tom at Goodwill Church in Montgomery, NY on Orphan Sunday when we will be broadcasting live from 8am-11am. Tune in or listen live at <a href="http://soundoflife.org/">http://soundoflife.org/</a><br />
We are also in full swing for preparations for our 2nd Annual Orphan Conference on Saturday, Oct. 26th from 10am-2pm in Coxsackie, NY. To find out more visit our Justice For Orphans website link above. <br />
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Anna & Slava on the USS Slater docked in Albany.</div>
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Last week we enjoyed 2 field trips with our home school group. The first was to the USS Slater, the only surviving US Navy Destroyer from World War II. Then we visited the historical Ten Broeck mansion in downtown Albany. <br />
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Anna & I in the gardens at Ten Broeck.</div>
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So that explains why it's been almost a month since my last blog post! If you think that's crazy, you should see the pile of clothes in the laundry room and the size of the dust bunnies in the hall way! I'm trying to keep up with it all, but I've discovered that I'm not wonder woman! I'm still hoping for a Rosie (the Jetson's) or an Alice (Brady Bunch) to pick up the slack...or at least the gunk all over the kitchen cabinets! Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-74543863877006988222013-09-27T05:16:00.001-07:002013-09-27T05:16:35.644-07:00Motherhood, Ministry, and Miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are in an incredibly busy season right now. With the arrival of September came the beginning of our home school year, Justice For Orphans is in full swing, and Jordan had surgery. </div>
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Big Brother Curtis helping Little Brother Slava</div>
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Curtis began his junior year of college at RPI. He still lives home and it blesses my heart when I see him taking time out of his busy schedule to play with the little boys. Sierra is a senior in high school, at home of course. She is taking all of her courses through Liberty University's Edge Program and will officially graduate high school in December. She will be an official Liberty college student in January, but has her heart set on attending Houghton in the fall (sniff, sniff, tear, tear). Andrii is in 11th grade with plans to attend Hudson Valley to become an electrician. Anna is in 7th grade, Jordan is in 3rd, and Slava is in 1st. <br />
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Anna cracking the books!</div>
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In addition to homeschooling, Slava is receiving services again this year from our local public school. I really prayed that the school schedule would work with our home schedule and thankfully it does. On Tuesdays we are at the school from 1:00-2:30pm for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech. On Thursdays we are there from 1:30-3:00pm for OT, Social Skills, and Speech. Since these classes are in the afternoon they do not interfere with our school day and I use the block of time to run errands close by and conduct business from my car (orphan ministry business that is)! It's kind of nice to have a quiet hour to sit and work on emails and radio show outlines. <br />
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Jordan and Andrii (hiding) hard at work!</div>
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Andrii being our poster child at the Casting Crowns concert!</div>
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This is the busy time of year for our orphan ministry. We had the amazing opportunity to be part of the Sound of Life's booth at the Casting Crowns concert on 9/12 at the Glens Falls Civic Center. We handed out 150 Orphan Sunday postcards and 140 JFO postcards and we could have doubled that had we brought more. <br />
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Mary & I at the Miriam's Heart regional conference in NJ</div>
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Mary and I went to NJ for an orphan conference. Miriam's Heart is a ministry very similar to Justice For Orphans. We learned some things and made some great connections. October 26th is our 2nd annual orphan conference and November 3rd is Orphan Sunday. These are 2 of our biggest events and they are keeping us very busy. The radio part of our ministry is growing too. Our partnership with the Sound of Life is getting us much airtime everyday and our radio show "Orphans No More" is now being aired twice a week! We are also looking at extending our contract with the New Light 96.7fm which means the weekly show will continue. God is doing amazing things!<br />
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Happy Birthday Wayne Jr.!</div>
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A mother's job is never done! We celebrated Wayne Jr.'s 24th birthday this month. It's hard to believe that my first-born baby boy is going to have a baby of his own! We are sooo excited!<br />
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Wayne & Slava</div>
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We took some time out for a family fun day at a local theme park. It was a beautiful fall day and the kids had a great time!<br />
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Jordan post-surgery this week.</div>
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I have lost track of how many of these rod-lengthening surgeries Jordan has had. But since he had the growing rods inserted for his severe scoliosis, he has had to endure this surgery every 6 months. He is such a brave boy! The plan all along has been that once his torso stops growing (for most boys that's in the early teen years) then the growing rods would be replaced with permanent rods and spinal fusion. We sort of just accepted this plan and rejoiced at the fact that his spine is getting straighter. But after this surgery when Dr. Carl met with me, he indicated that we have several options - one being NOT putting in permanent rods and NOT doing spinal fusion! I was stunned and even repeated what he said back to him to make sure I heard correctly. Jordan's spine now has a curvature around 30-40 degrees. The doctor said that if a teenage boy walked into his office with that type of curve, he wouldn't even do surgery on him! It will all depend upon how Jordan grows over the next couple years. He's 10 years old but only a peanut at 4 ft. But we know that this is a miracle in the making!!!!<br />
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Another miracle in the making.....<br />
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Mom-to-be Kerri</div>
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Gender reveal parties are all the trend these days, so we of course had to have one! Tuesday night the family gathered for some pizza and very special cup-cakes. Inside these cupcakes was a very special cream filling in a very special color - would it be pink or blue????? Twenty cupcakes were passed out on the count of 3 we all dove in. I did not have a preference, none of us did really. Well, Slava did want the baby to be a boy named "Slava". We are all very excited that a baby is on the way. A boy or a girl??????? It's a girl!!!!!! We are expecting Iona Elizabeth Flach to arrive in early February!<br />
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Yes the blessings and joys of motherhood, ministry, and miracles. And now that I hear mayhem coming from the other room...it's time to go start school! Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-6817873834236318752013-09-09T10:16:00.001-07:002013-09-09T10:16:52.635-07:00ORPHAN SUNDAY: One Day - One Voice - One PurposeOrphan Sunday is an event near and dear to my heart. As an adoptive parent I have come to understand God's heart for the orphan and even better understand the Father's heart for me - a former orphan until He adopted me into His family. Orphan Sunday is a day to celebrate adoption, foster care, and global orphan care that reflects God's heart as revealed in His Word. Psalm 68:5-6 says <i>A father to the fatherless...is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families...</i><br />
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Orphan Sunday is an annual event on the 1st Sunday of November. On Orphan Sunday Christians stand for the orphan on One Day - with One Voice - for One Purpose! I invite you and your church to join us along with thousands of others across the United States and around the globe to celebrate this November 3rd. <br />
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Why celebrate Orphan Sunday? As Christians, WE are the people God has called to defend the fatherless, to care for the child that has no family, to visit the orphan in their distress. It is mandated in His Word: <i>Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...</i>James 1:27. It is not the government's job to care for orphans - it's OURS! There are approximately 163 million orphans in the world - some adoptable, some not, but all need to know the love of God. Not all of these children are found in distant orphanages overseas. Did you know that the United States has orphans? There are over 400,00 children in the American foster care system. Over 100,000 of them are available for adoption with 250,000 entering the system annually. ALL of these children are created in God's image and every one of them needs and deserves to know the love of God and it's OUR responsibility to be the hands and feet of Jesus to these kids. <br />
There are over 350,000 churches in the United States. If just one family from each church were to take in 1 or 2 of the children from the foster care system alone that would leave zero kids in the system - they'd be in Christian homes! <br />
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I know not everyone is called to adopt or foster - but I do believe that if more Christians prayed, and sought the Lord on what He'd have them do for the fatherless, and if they walked it out in obedience - there would be a whole lot less orphans in the world and a whole lot more sons and daughters in families. I challenge you to pray as individuals, as families, and as a church. Ask the Lord what He would have you to do, and trust me - there will be an answer to that prayer. <br />
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Orphan Sunday is about waking the Church up to consider these things. It is simply taking some time during your Sunday service to share God's heart for the orphan. A church could spend as little as 10 minutes or as much as an entire service dedicated to celebrating God's love for the fatherless. Just visit the Orphan Sunday website at <a href="http://orphansunday.org/">http://orphansunday.org/</a> to access free video downloads, event ideas, posters, post cards, bulletin inserts, and even sermon notes. The 3 minute video clips are perfect for showing in church on Sunday. Adding a testimony from a foster or adoptive family is a powerful message too. <br />
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This year on 11/3 my own church, Gospel Community Church in Coxsackie, NY, will be presenting a 30 minute video featuring Ukraine's orphans as part of our celebration. Anyone in the area is welcome to attend our 10:30am service. The Sound of Life radio ministry will also be broadcasting live from our church that morning. Please join us - or better yet - get involved by getting your own church to celebrate Orphan Sunday! And if you do, please let me know. As the Orphan Sunday regional coordinator for New York, I'd love to hear what your church is doing for Orphan Sunday. You can contact me at this blog, email me at sandraflachjfo@gmail.com, or by going to my ministry's website:<br />
<a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org/</a>. <br />
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Join us in defending the cause of the fatherless! <br />
<a href="http://orphansunday.org/">http://orphansunday.org/</a><br />
<br />Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-9302154169508133252013-09-03T15:11:00.001-07:002013-09-03T15:11:40.931-07:00Good Bye Summer - Hello September!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's official. Jordan is 10 years old! We had a family party complete with this policeman birthday cake. He was very blessed. </div>
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Birthday Boy, Jordan!</div>
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I've been pretty busy at the computer lately with orphan ministry stuff, getting ready for another year of home schooling, and life in general. I looked up from the key board only to discover Slava had dragged a ladder in from the garage and was proceeding to do some household repairs. At least he has initiative! <br />
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Workerman Slava!</div>
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We spent a long Labor Day weekend up at our camp in the Adirondacks. I ventured up on Thursday afternoon with Sierra, her best friend Luci, Anna, her best friend Mary, and Jordan and Slava. Friday night Wayne arrived with Andrii and his best friend Ezra. Luci, Ezra, and Mary are siblings and live right next door to us. They're also a homeschooling family too. <br />
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The girls at the Old Forge playground.</div>
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The girls watched the little boys for me at the playground while I ran to the store. I don't think they minded; They had just as much fun!<br />
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Sierra, Luci, Anna, & Mary cozy on the boat.</div>
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Yes, the big girls are reading books!</div>
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Saturday night we headed to town and the kids had some fun racing go-carts. Wayne got in on the fun too. </div>
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Andrii getting ready to pass his dad!</div>
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The days were warm and mostly sunny and the evenings were cool but nice. The kids had fun on the lake and played a lot of card games. <br />
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Back: Sierra, Anna, Andrii</div>
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Front: Mary, Jordan, Ezra</div>
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Friday night we roasted hot dogs on the fire.</div>
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Anna & Sierra did the cooking!</div>
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Sierra & I </div>
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Sunday afternoon our friends, Lauri & Dennis, came up for the night. Luci, Ezra, and Mary belong to them. We enjoyed a boat ride around the lake and then headed into Old Forge for fireworks. <br />
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On the way home we almost always go to the Soda Fountain in Remsen, NY for lunch. It's a 50s style diner with the best chocolate milk shakes ever! <br />
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Jordan & Slava being silly at the Soda Fountain.</div>
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That pretty much sums up our holiday weekend. We arrived home Monday evening in time to meet the 13 year old boy that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are fostering. Our whole family was excited to meet him. He will be spending a few hours with us the next couple of afternoons as public school doesn't start until Friday. I'm so glad we had all of our clearances done and completed the MAPP classes so we can help our family as they foster. <br />
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Another bit of exciting news regarding our orphan ministry is that we have been asked to share a table with The Sound of Life radio station at the Casting Crowns concert in Glens Falls, NY next Thursday night. This is a huge blessing! And our 60 second spot has begun running 4 times daily on the station as well. We are so excited and blessed by all that the Lord is doing! Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-11397701289916517592013-08-27T08:56:00.001-07:002013-08-27T08:56:59.826-07:00Summer Fades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As summer fades and August draws to a close we are gearing up to celebrate Jordan's 10th birthday! It amazes me that the little "lala" that we brought home from Ukraine 7 years ago is now 10! </div>
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Slava Taking Out the Trash!</div>
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Don't worry, there is no mower blade on this ancient tractor. The boys just love riding around on it, and they even figured out how to hook a trailer up to it! <br />
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Surfer Dude Jordan</div>
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As the summer days wind down our pool water has cooled off. The pool was barely getting used until Wayne turned on the water heater. Finally a few hot days last week got the kids back into the water. We'll be closing it soon since school is starting up next week. Ssshhhhh....don't tell Anna!<br />
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Slava & Daddy Chillaxing!</div>
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We spent another weekend up at our camp in the Adirondacks. It's really cooled off up there! The days were sunny and warm but the lake water was cold. Andrii flew around on the jet ski and the rest of us lounged around on the pontoon boat. It was a nice relaxing weekend.<br />
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Mommy & Jordan</div>
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Happy 10th Birthday, Jordan!</div>
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Jordan seemed to have taken over this blog post! Probably because today is his special day. We'll be celebrating with a big family party tonight. Jordan is sitting on his birthday present. Of course now Slava wants one! We keep telling him he has to wait until he turns 10 too. Since he'll only be turning 8 this October we figure it's a safe promise. Except he keeps saying he will be turning 10 in 2 weeks. I guess I'll have to start teaching him days/weeks/months/years when school starts up again! Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-60337725540965029492013-08-17T05:30:00.001-07:002013-08-17T05:30:36.884-07:00Blessings Abound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So many blessings to be thankful for today! First of all I'd like to announce that I'm expecting------ to be a <b>Grandmother</b> that is! Wayne Jr. & Kerri are pregnant with their first child due in early February! Our family is grateful and blessed! And this past week Anna (and my dad) were baptized! Add in another weekend trip to camp and the fair and we are feeling extremely blessed!</div>
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Pastor Bart, Anna, and Pastor Stan</div>
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Anna's testimony brought tears to many eyes, especially when she said she was grateful that Mom & Dad came to Ukraine to adopt her so she could know God! <br />
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Gram & Slava playing horse-shoes!</div>
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We are thankful that our kids have both sets of grandparents to pour into their lives. Did I mention I am so excited to join the Grand Parent Club?!<br />
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Officer Jordan</div>
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The kids enjoyed going to the fair last night. Between the rides, games, and food, I think Jordan's favorite part was the Local Heroes building which was filled with police cars and fire trucks. He got to question a few policemen too. He really wants to be a policeman when he grows up.<br />
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Captain Slava</div>
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Last weekend we spent up at our camp in the Adirondacks. We learned that "Adirondack" is an Indian word for "bark eater" - interesting. This time we took a boat cruise that ventured up the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Slava got a turn at piloting the boat. Wayne & I drooled over all the beautiful camps and breathtaking scenery along the lakes. <br />
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Anna on the look-out!</div>
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We often enjoy walking around the little town of Old Forge. This summer we stumbled upon this new playground the little boys (and big girls) can't resist romping around. <br />
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In other news: our Justice For Orphans' radio show "Orphans No More" officially launched with it's first show on August 9th. The show airs every Friday at 1:30pm on The New Light WDCD 96.7. If you can't get the station, you can stream it via the web:<br />
<a href="http://www.streamingthe.net/WDCD-The-New-Light-96.7-FM-Albany-New-York/p/29575">http://www.streamingthe.net/WDCD-The-New-Light-96.7-FM-Albany-New-York/p/29575</a><br />
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Eventually the recorded shows will be available in pod-cast form on our JFO website:<br />
<a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org/</a><br />
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If you check it out, let us know what you think!<br />
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August is winding down and were looking forward to celebrating Jordan's birthday, Labor Day up at our camp, and the beginning of the new school year. Where did summer go????Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-8727607179628436532013-08-03T08:46:00.000-07:002013-08-03T08:46:11.098-07:00Blessed Chaos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our summer so far has been a time of blessed chaos! I can't believe it's August already. That means homeschooling, at least in the formal since with text books and all, will begin again soon. I've been cleaning and organizing our school room here and there so it's coming along. But let's not go there too soon. I still want to savor the summer!</div>
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Anna on horseback!</div>
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Like so many girls her age, Anna is a horse lover. She recently started weekly lessons at a horse farm close by. Her dream is to have her own horse...like right now. <br />
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Happy Campers!</div>
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We spent another weekend at our camp in the Adirondacks. This lovely couple is enjoying their morning coffee by the lake.<br />
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Pirate Slava</div>
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Slava recently saw the eye specialist again. Now that he is able to read, he can take the more thorough eye examination which includes letters. The more thorough exam revealed how poor the vision in his left eye really is. So now we have to patch 4 hours each day. That's not going over so well. I started him off at 1 hour and will add an hour here and there. The whole idea is to strengthen the sight in the left eye by forcing it to work while the right eye is patched. We'll see.<br />
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Bubble Blowing on the Boat</div>
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Sierra enjoyed making big bubbles using the wind generated by the boat. The bubbles traveled pretty far and took a long time to pop on the water. <br />
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Andrii Wakeboarding</div>
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This is a great shot of Andrii just before he crashed - on purpose. He's so athletic and can do jumps and spins too.<br />
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Watermelon Twins</div>
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We go through a lot of watermelon in the summer. My kids love it. And these two, Slava and Anna, eat most of it! <br />
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Lego Maniacs! </div>
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Funny how reorganizing the school room and putting 5 trillion Legos into new plastic bins that will fit under the little boys' beds can reignite one's passion for playing! Curtis is my original Lego maniac. He got Lego sets every Christmas Eve from his grandmother and would build them late into the night. He passed that legacy on to Andrii, and now Jordan is able to follow the directions and assemble sets too. I'm always so blessed when I see Curtis playing with the little boys. <br />
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Me recording our Orphans No More radio show.</div>
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The Lord is opening so many doors for Justice For Orphans using radio. Our weekly show will begin airing on Friday, August 9 at 1:30pm on The New Light WDCD 96.7fm. If you don't pick up the station on the radio you can stream it live from the internet. Eventually the shows will be in MP3 form on the JFO website. <br />
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Partnering With The Sound of Life!</div>
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Wayne, me, Tom Michaels Zahradnik, Mary, and Aaron.</div>
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We are so thrilled to announce our family and ministry partnerships with The Sound of Life radio network. The Flach family businesses have underwritten the Albany transmitter project. By October 1st the Sound of Life Albany station will be loud and clear throughout the Capital District on 94.9fm! And to go along with that, Justice For Orphans will be heard daily on the air in 1 minute feature segments each week. We are also kicking off a November campaign on SOL to celebrate Orphan Sunday and National Adoption Awareness Month. Sound of Life can also be streamed over the internet. <br />
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Check out more about our ministry at: <a href="http://justicefororphansny.org/">http://justicefororphansny.org/</a><br />
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God is good!Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-25591237528252988652013-07-23T06:53:00.000-07:002013-07-23T06:53:02.459-07:00Busy Family Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are enjoying a busy summer full of blessings. Everyone is busy going somewhere and doing something all the time it seems. With teenagers working, radio shows recording, graduation parties, birthday parties, and other social gatherings which our teens just cannot miss, I'm wondering if the lazy-hazy-days-of summer really exist! Good thing I have 2 little boys who need to be supervised in the pool so I can sit and catch my breath! </div>
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Curtis, Andrii, Jordan & Wayne Jr.</div>
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I walked into church last Sunday just before worship started and discovered the Flach boys in a jam session. This always blesses me. <br />
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Happy Birthday, Missy!</div>
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We had a birthday dinner for Missy last week. Of course she picked out her favorite meal: steak and rigatoni tomato salad. We added baked beans, potato salad, and water melon. It was delish! <br />
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Mother/daughter date!</div>
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Friday night Wayne took Andrii, Anna, Jordan, and Slava up to our camp in the Adirondacks. Sierra and I stayed behind until Saturday night because we were working a fund raiser for Justice For Orphans on Saturday. We took the opportunity for a date to our favorite seafood restaurant! for dinner Friday night! <br />
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Mary & I with NY Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk</div>
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We had a fund raiser at our church during the Coxsackie Yard Sale Day. The Senator was visiting our booth so we took this photo-op. She purchased a hand bag and an "orange julius" in support of JFO. We were thrilled to have raised $800 for our orphan ministry that day!<br />
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After the yard sale event, Sierra and I hit the road for camp. We enjoyed a beautiful lake day on Sunday. Sunday night Wayne and Andrii left for home so they could go to work Monday morning. I remained at camp with Sierra, Anna, and the little boys. We went to the movies in Old Forge on Sunday night and enjoyed the lake on Monday morning. We got home early Monday evening. <br />
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Jordan & Slava on the pontoon boat with Andrii & Anna getting ready for water sports.</div>
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Our camp is in the background.</div>
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Silly Slava & Wayne relaxing. </div>
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My husband's favorite place in the world is the Adirondacks.</div>
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Andrii & Sierra on the jet ski.</div>
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Anna getting set to wake board.</div>
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Wayne & Slava on the jet ski.</div>
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We enjoy our time on Otter Lake. It's just a small lake in comparison to others in the Adirondack park, but it's perfect for family recreation time!<br />
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My view on our Monday morning kayak adventure.</div>
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Slava and I manned the big green kayak and Jordan went solo in the gray one. I can't believe he is now big enough to maneuver his own kayak! <br />
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Now we're home getting caught up on laundry and paperwork that seemed to multiply the 2 days I was away. Looking at the calendar I see Anna has a horseback riding lesson at 11am, Slava has an appointment with his social worker at 1pm. Back to reality I guess!Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-39585346145436748822013-07-13T06:30:00.000-07:002013-07-13T06:30:20.969-07:00Jumping Into July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that we're home from our vacation we've officially jumped into July. We've been enjoying the hot summer days in our pool which got a new liner this year. </div>
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Jordan (in the cast) and Slava (aka - The Fish)</div>
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Jordan got his cast off so he could enjoy the beach for vacation, but Dr. Carl wanted it right back on when we got home. His next surgery is scheduled for Sept. 23rd for a rod lengthening. Thankfully they use a fiberglass cast so he can swim...and bathe. Slava loves the water and is in the pool much of the day. He jumps off the diving board and can do a pretty good hand stand too. <br />
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Anna Perfecting Her Back-Flip</div>
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I honestly believe Anna could have been a gold medal olympian had she had the opportunity. She is built like a Ukrainian gymnast and can do back flips, splits, and is so flexible. <br />
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Other family stuff: Sierra got her drivers' license and some summer jobs. Anna started horseback riding lessons again, the big kids (Wayne Jr., Kerri, Curtis, Sierra, & Andrii) all took Missy to a Reliant K concert for her birthday last night. It was great seeing the kids reaching out to their sister. <br />
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<b>Justice For Orphans</b> has jumped into the studio at The New Light WDCD 96.7fm to begin recording for our "Orphans No More" radio show. The shows will begin airing every Friday at 1:30pm on 8/9 and run through November. <br />
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Mary with the Bethany Ladies (Cindi in the middle/Dianna on the right)</div>
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This week we recorded a show with Dianna McGreevy and Cindi Fabozzi, Adoption Specialists with the local office for Bethany Christian Services. Bethany is one of the oldest and is the largest Christian adoption agency in the U.S. The topic of this show was the climate of international adoption and will air on 9/6. <br />
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Cher Joseph, Mary, and Sandra in the WDCD studio.</div>
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We also recorded a show with the dynamic Cher Joseph of Albany County Dept. of Children, Youth, and Families. Cher is a Home Finder and Adoption Case Worker for Albany County. For this show we discussed foster care in the Capital District area which will air on 9/13. We are so excited for the doors the Lord is opening for JFO to work with Albany County on behalf of kids in foster care. Our ministry has a mission to rally the Church for the cause of the fatherless and we advocate for Christian families to adopt and/or do foster care. Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-34739317171107139572013-06-30T19:19:00.000-07:002013-06-30T19:19:44.393-07:00Virginia Beach 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My apologies for the delay in posting, but we were on our first family vacation in many years! Our Ukrainian born kids had never seen the ocean, and every summer I say we should take them but never manage to make it happen. This year, however, I recruited my daughter-in-lawKerri to help me with the arrangements and we made it happen! We don't take a yearly vacation, in fact, not counting 2 trips to Ukraine for our adoptions, we had not had a vacation in years. We do frequent weekend visits to our camp in the Adirondacks, but I can never get Wayne to stay longer than a weekend. And since it's our camp, he spends most of the time working, not relaxing. So Kerri and I made all the plans and just told Wayne the dates to plan on being away. Sadly neither Curtis nor Missy could join us due to college and/or work reasons. Wayne Jr. and Kerri joined Wayne and I and Sierra, Andrii, Anna, Jordan, and Slava. Yup, 9 of us packed into 2 vehicles (we rented a mini-van, or according to Slava a "vini-van") and fled NY at 4am Saturday morning. By 3:30pm we arrived at our destination - Virginia Beach! Since the whole point of this trip was for the kids to experience the ocean for the first time, we rented a house right on the beach. Sandswept (name of the house) is in a residential neighborhood but was just minutes by car from the boardwalk. It was an excellent choice!</div>
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Sierra, Wayne Jr., & Dad</div>
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Wayne loves to fish and made sure that he got in a deep-sea charter trip. I opted out of this voyage and stayed back at the house and took the little boys to the beach. The 6 of them went and all caught a dozen Spanish mackerel which they had filleted and prepared for lunch right at the marina. <br />
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Slava aka Sand Man</div>
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The beach is a sensory rich environment. Slava was in his glory covered in sand, laying on the sand, digging in the sand, jumping in the waves, and he even was pretty good with a boogie board. <br />
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The Little Patriots</div>
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We took a few day trips here and there during the week. One day we went to the Virginia Aquarium, another to Busch Gardens, and finally Colonial Williamsburg. In between we just enjoyed the beach and ate lots of sea food. <br />
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Anna & Wayne Jr. digging the beach.</div>
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We had perfect weather. The days were hot, in the 90s and only a few rain showers at night. The ocean was warm enough for us to play in. I actually went into the water farther then I'd ever been. <br />
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Jordan, Wayne, Sierra & Andrii taking a break in the shade.</div>
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Andrii dug a hole and stuck Anna in it. </div>
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She willingly complied. Afterward he had to dig her out because she couldn't get out herself. </div>
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The Flachs at Sandswept</div>
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Slava & Jordan with Gayle</div>
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The house we rented was Gayle's family home. Her parents built it in 1955. She's had many upgrades done and it sleeps 14. We were very comfortable, Gayle was extremely hospitable, and the house had ocean views from practically every room. We couldn't have picked a better place to stay. <br />
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First time at the ocean!</div>
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This pic was from our first day in Virginia Beach. We romped around in the waves and tasted the saltiness of the water. Then we went to Bubba's Crab Shack for some delicious seafood!<br />
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Anna enjoying crab legs!</div>
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For the most part we ate breakfast and lunch at the house and enjoyed seafood dinners in the evening. Of course we ordered pizza in once and on Friday Wayne made a trip to Chick-Fil-A to bring us beach bums some lunch. <br />
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Wayne and the little boys chatting with a fishermen.</div>
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The ocean sunrise had me up at 6am each morning. I savor quiet mornings so I'd sneak into the kitchen, make the coffee, and curl up in a cozy spot for my morning devotions. But ocean sunrises also wake up sleepy Slavas. He'd make his appearance around 6:30am. Almost every morning by 7am Wayne and I would take the little boys down to the beach for a morning walk and some sea shell collecting. Jordan loved chasing scampering sand crabs and Slava just loved running around. Every day we were treated to our own dolphin show. A pod of dolphins frequented the area right in front of our beach house. They came so close to the shore that it seemed we'd bump into them while we were swimming. I warned Anna not to ride on one! <br />
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Anna & Andrii on the boogie boards!</div>
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Wayne Jr. & Kerri relaxing & reading.</div>
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Andrii & Dad</div>
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We ventured down by the boardwalk one evening and had dinner and ice cream. We had planned to go back, but with all the other day trips and the heat, it just never happened. Wayne is not a big fan of tourist areas (another reason why we rented a house outside of the tourist spots). Sandswept is in a residential area so we had the beach practically to ourselves. <br />
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Sierra & Kerri on the roof-top deck.</div>
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On the night of the full moon we hung out up on the roof top deck. Wayne Jr. played some guitar, and Sierra & Kerri played Banana-grams. Check out the moonlight reflecting on the ocean. It was a breath-taking view. <br />
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Jordan & Slava at the aquarium. </div>
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It was an excellent vacation. We arrived home on Saturday evening and spent the rest of the weekend recovering. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed us with this incredible time together. Back to reality this week: Jordan gets a new cast on on Tuesday. He had a doctor's appt right before we left and I had Dr. Carl remove his old cast. He'd had it on since January so it was a bit nasty, plus I didn't want him to have to deal with it full of sand from the beach. The Dr. took it off but wants to put one right back on this week. I guess he's figured out that Jordan is a busy little boy! And it looks like the next surgery will be late August or early Sept. Like I said, back to reality! God is good! Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-50085861234838180672013-06-15T17:57:00.000-07:002013-06-15T17:57:39.183-07:00Endings & Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's June; Half way through June actually. We are finished with school, sort of. Wayne Jr. and Curtis are both taking summer college courses. As for the homeschooled kids, Sierra too is finishing up 2 online courses with Liberty University, Andrii is finished and working his summer job, Anna is finished except for a grammar test, and Jordan & Slava are in summer schedule mode. With the little guys I just can't stop doing "school" over the summer. They really need to retain what they've learned and both benefit from a structured day. Our summer "structure" is a bit loose, but we still do reading, calendar, and hands on activities. I've been in the throws of year end home school reports to the school district. NY has some of the heaviest requirements for homeschoolers. I've just finished our quarterly reports and officially promoted everyone to the next grade level. Then I typed up the Letter of Intent letting the school know we intend to home school again next year. That leads to Individual Home Instruction Plans (IHIPs as we veteran home school moms call them). IHIPs are basically a list of curriculum for each subject that I plan on using for the coming school year. I have to do one for each of the 5 kids. Once that's done I end up in the throw out the old, reorganize, and start setting up for fall mode. I'm trying to hold myself back - I really need to enjoy the summer before it's gone! </div>
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A Bit of Home School History!</div>
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This is the grade book that I've used every year for the past 11 years since we began homeschooling. It has all the kids in it starting with Wayne Jr. and going to Slava! I've kept attendance, yes go figure homeschoolers must take attendance. My kids have perfect attendance since we pretty much live here everyday! The book also contains everyone's grades too. I think I'll display it in the Flach Academy Museum. <br />
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Last week Slava had a speech/language evaluation at the local public school. His scores indicate that he qualifies for therapy 3x weekly next school year. So starting in the fall, in addition to homeschooling, I will bring him to school for PT once weekly, OT 2x weekly, and now speech/language 2x weekly. They will try to combine the days so I don't have to be there every day. I am thankful that the school is working with us and they are not being difficult because we homeschool.<br />
In fact, so far the therapists all seem to agree that what we are doing is working best for Slava. <br />
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A Quiet Morning Pool-side.</div>
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Friday afternoon Wayne took Jordan and Slava up to our camp in the Adirondacks overnight to check on things and clean up. A tree had fallen in the yard, thankfully no damage was done, so he wanted to get it cleaned up. In addition to the 3 of them being away, Sierra, Andrii, and Anna all had a youth group sleep-over at our church. I pretty much had a mini-vacation for 24 hours! I was able to complete so much paperwork on Friday, then went out to breakfast with Curtis on Saturday. After breakfast, I went for a walk with my friend Lauri, then spent the day by our pool doing paperwork in the sun! <br />
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We are going on a "real" family vacation for the first time in years. Aside from traveling to Ukraine for our adoptions (not very relaxing) and weekend visits to our camp, we have not been away as a family for any length of time. Every summer I lament that the Ukrainian kids have never been to the ocean, but I never seem to be able to put a plan together. This year I enlisted Kerri's help and we booked a house right on the beach in Virginia Beach! The kids are so excited and counting down the days! <br />
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Curtis & I at breakfast! </div>
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On Thursday, Mary and I recorded our very first radio show entitled "Orphans No More"! It was so exciting! The show will air on WDCD 96.7fm (Christian Talk Radio) on Friday, August 9th at 1:30pm. We basically shared about ourselves and Justice For Orphans. We have the studio on Thursday mornings to record our shows over the summer. They will air from Aug. 9th through November on Fridays. We are considering doing the November shows live. This week we will record 3 shows! I am so excited about this door that the Lord has been opening. We would have never had the idea to try and get on the radio, not to mention have our own show! We give God the glory. He gave us a heart like His for the orphan, and now He has given us a way to share it with the Church! <br />
<br />Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1849563990454143884.post-77554272865332338022013-06-08T06:34:00.000-07:002013-06-08T06:34:59.408-07:00It's June!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've had such a busy 2 weeks that I have just not had a chance to update the blog! My apologies to those of you who check in regularly. I'm actually just realizing that it's already June...finally June! We kicked off summer with a Memorial Day parade and picnic with family and friends. It was a great day.</div>
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The Jubilee Fife & Drum Corps.</div>
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Andrii is in the last row with the base drum. Slava is waving the flag.</div>
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Jordan & Slava questioning the police after the parade!</div>
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Wayne and I attended the 29th Annual Loving Education At Home Christian Parenting & Homeschooling Convention from May 30th-June 1st in Rochester, NY. It was our 12th convention and this one we attended without kids...all by ourselves! This event is always a boost after a looooonnnnngggg school year. <br />
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Wayne & I with the Besenfelders at Dinosaur BBQ in Rochester!</div>
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It's become our annual tradition at the convention to go to Dinosaur BBQ on Friday night. We get together with friends from our LEAH chapter here at home who also attend. It's always a great time.<br />
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Speaking of homeschooling, a few days before convention I realized that it's almost June...which means the end of the school year. I've been so engrossed in the craziness of our life that it caught me off guard a little bit. Thankfully all the kids are in good shape with school. Sierra is actually taking 2 online courses with Liberty University which she will finish in July. Andrii has already completed everything except Algebra 2 which he started mid-year. Over the summer he will do 1 lesson per week to keep current and then complete the course in the first quarter of next year. Then he will begin Advanced Math. Since he's otherwise finished, he has already begun working for his grandfather for the summer. Nothing beats hands-on learning! Anna has completed everything but her grammar book which she will be done with next week. As for the little boys, we're slowing down a bit but I always continue their schooling over the summer for retention and the fact that they need structure. My brain is already on the next school year and new curriculum and lesson plans. Now if I could only find the time to do it!<br />
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Happy Birthday, Kerri! </div>
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Kerri is pictured here with her parents and some of our kids. We all celebrated at her partents' house last Sunday. I am so blessed to have an excellent relationship with my daughter-in-law and her family. <br />
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Gram & Curtis</div>
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I love this pic of my Curtis and my mom. It's not often I can get him in a picture, but I seized the opportunity here! He recently completed his courses at HVCC and will now enter RPI as a junior in the fall. Originally he had the summer off of school just to work. But a couple weeks ago on a Thursday he met with his advisor at RPI. As it turns out there is 1 class he needs in order to graduate with his class. It's offered now as a summer class but won't be offered again until after his graduation date. Basically RPI was kind and let him into the class which had already begun that Monday. So he's already attending RPI! I'm excited for him, but sad too because this means he won't be able to go on the family vacation we are planning this month :( </div>
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Engard! </div>
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Another pic I love and it just so happens Curt's in this one too! We brought the little boys these duct-tape swords home from convention. It brought the little boy out of Curtis! This was his kind of thing when he was little. Being the engineering student that he is, he made his own and proceeded to engage the little boys in sword fighting. Love it! <br />
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Last week I had Slava's annual assessment at the elementary school. Even though I homeschool him I began taking him down to the public school for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy each week. His assessment concluded that in the fall he will begin having OT twice a week and PT once a week. It was also decided to evaluate his speech/language which we had done this week. It looks like he will also have speech therapy weekly now too. Slava is making a lot of progress and these therapies combined with what we're doing at home seems to be working. The speech eval was very eye opening to me. I was able to observe this testing and learned a bit more about how Slava processes information...or doesn't process information I should say. For one test the therapist read a sentence such as, "After lunch Mary rode her bike down the street." Slava would then have to repeat as much of the sentence as he could remember. Almost every time he only remembered the last word. This reveals why he has a difficult time following instructions. So if we say, "Go outside and pick up all the toys you left out on the lawn." It shouldn't surprise us when he doesn't do it. And it's not that he's being disobedient. It would be better to take him by the hand and say, "Let's pick up these toys." And do it together. Not that he can't learn to processes complex thoughts, but he will need to learn how. There were some other interesting things I noticed as well. I am thankful for these learning opportunities. <br />
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This week Mary Slager and I visited the The New Light WDCD 96.7fm, the radio station that will air the <b>Justice For Orphans'</b> radio show. We will begin recording the 30 minute shows next week and they will begin airing on August 9th and go through November. The name of the show will be: <b>Orphans No More. </b>We are so excited about this opportunity to rally the Church for the cause of the fatherless! Sandra Flachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16119334023926397772noreply@blogger.com0