Yesterday Olia had to cheer at an early morning football game.  She was not a happy camper that she had to get up so early.  It was also homecoming so every cheerleader and football player had their name called. Olia just loves to cheer.  I think she also loves getting food at the snack bar as much as she loves cheering!  After the game, there were two free moonbounces for the kids to play in.  Olia and her friend Jennifer had fun playing in them.  After we got home, Olia did her vacuuming job and then she and Dan took off to visit his brother and wife.  They were going to stop and have dinner with Renee first.  Olia is always excited when going on a trip.  She happily packed her clothes and some books for the overnight trip.  Today she and Dan will visit with his brother and wife at a train watching site!  Olia was so excited that she and Dan were staying overnight in a hotel last night.

   I received a letter in the mail from Olia's school.  They are offering free morning tutoring in math and reading for kids who can use a little extra help.  Olia only qualified for the math help so that means she is reading on grade level.  She can definitely use extra help in math.  I am glad that she will be getting some extra math help because she does not take direction well from Dan or I. 

   I received another email from a woman who is going to host Alexandra, an 11 year old girl from Olia's orphanage.  The woman emailed me to ask questions about Alexandra and wondered if Olia wanted to get together with her over the holidays.  I have to find out where they live. I think Olia would like to see Alexandra.

  Our missionary friend Esther is still in Ukraine.  I called her house yesterday and her step father told me that she extended her time in Ukraine for an additional two weeks.  I am so anxious to find out if she contacted Olia's great-grandmother.  We sent a box of jump ropes and jewelry for Olia's friends.  I hope she had time to visit the orphanage and give the gifts to the girls.

  I went to a flea market this morning and got several Christmas gifts for Olia.  They were all new items and very reasonable.  I am going to try to have Olia and I make all of our wrapping paper for Christmas this year.  I am going to buy a long roll of white craft paper and Olia and I will stencil and decorate the paper.