MAY IS A MONTH OF CELEBRATION

Monday, May 14th was our 1st official "Family Day". It has been a year that we walked off the plane and the girls, Mason, Marty & I were finally all together. I did not want a special day to remember until the five of us were together cause it was a journey that Marty, the girls & I all made the decision to do together 3 years ago. It's been fun thinking back on what we all remember about that day.
Unfortunately I was unable to celebrate this occasion with them because my brother called and my sister-in-law had recently had surgery to remove her previous transplanted kidney and fix her bladder and took a turn for the worst and my brother called asking me to come earlier then I had planned (leaving that Friday of that same week). Hearing the worry in my brothers voice I immediately dropped what I was doing and left for Denver. Marty was great about it and before I left I stopped at the girls school and said goodbye and then went to Mason's daycare and said goodbye. My Aunt Linda went with me so I didn't have to drive alone and thankfully she did because we ran into some bad weather through Nebraska. We stayed with Chad until Tuesday the 22nd and thankfully Megan was able to come home on Monday the 21st just before I left. Megan is doing great and on her way to getting stronger everyday. They are hoping by the end of July to have a new kidney for her through her family.

Mason & his "Build-a-Bear" we got him for "Family Day" He is a huge fan of Toy Story so we got him "Buzz Bear"

MASON'S 3RD BIRTHDAY, SATURDAY, MAY 26TH

Mason got a skidster from Aunt Kim & Uncle Mark. He hasn't quite figured it out yet and went off the driveway drop and ran into the neighbors house. It didn't even startle him, he was laughing.

Yesterday, May 26th was Mason's 3rd birthday. We had a party with family and he got spoiled rotten with all the great gifts he was given. Mason chose a Shrek birthday theme since he had just seen the movie last weekend. He loved being sung "Happy Birthday" too and blew out the candles in one shot. (We didn't celebrate his 2nd birthday because we had just gotten home and settled and he had received a lot of gifts from a toy shower that was given to us)

Mason and his Shrek birthday cake as we were singing "Happy Birthday"

Mason had a ball playing with his cake.

Another great photo of the 3 kids together.

Being with my brother and sister-in-law really put alot of things in perspective for me. When I think I have it so rough with my arthritis and all the medical bills that we have acquired or when I get upset with the kids for something they have said or done I think of Megan who never complains about what she is going through, you can call her and she'll be so upbeat and positive when you know things can't possibly be. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I hope all you mother's had a great day spending it with the ones you love. Today we went to my sister's and spent the day with her family and my parents. We had a great time just hanging out and doing nothing spectacular just being together.


I've got to tell you this story, I forgot to mention it the last time I was on:


When Tori got confirmed we had to sit in the front of the church and Mason did really good for the most part but half way through it he was getting pretty antsy, loud & mad so I gave Marty "the look" of you better get him out of here and sure enough as they are walking to the back of the church Mason is screaming "MY MOMMY IS MEAN". It really was pretty funny I must say and everyone had to of heard it cuz we were in the front and heard it load and clear. I had a few people come up to me and say it was cute and others that had similar stories to tell.

Our little man.

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our official "Family Day". It will be one year ago tomorrow that we came off the plane and became a family of 5. I will never forget that day of seeing Mason put his arms out to the girls for them to take him. Now that I think back maybe he was trying to say "get me away from these adults". He has came into our lives and blessed it with so much love, laughter and happiness. Not a day goes by that one of us doesn't try to remember what it was like before he was home and it's as if life didn't begin till he was here. Even the girls will say "we are complete".

Oh Yeah--guess what Marty and Mason did for Mother's Day. While the girls and I were gone in Des Moines Marty & Mason went and got their pictures taken. It was the most thought full that has been done for me for a long time. It brought me to tears to think that Marty was able to come up with this idea all on his own. I had just told the girls on Saturday that what I appreciate the most from them on Mother's Day is something made from them or something that they thought of to get me all on their own without me being told to just "pick it out myself". I'll get the pic's on a disc and put some on the blog in the next couple of days.

Hope you all had a great day.

Much love,

Tammy & family

A BLESSED DAY--even with sewer in the basement

Today was Tori's Confirmation. We are so proud of her and her Christian faith. It has gotten her through a lot of hard times (14yr old girlie stuff).

L 2 R Grandpa, Grandma, (Tammy's parents) Tori & Papa (Marty's dad).

1 year ago today we carried Mason out of the orphanage for the very last time with his forever family. It is a day we feel so blessed for. You work so hard to get all the proper documents collected so everything is in order for court and you honestly never think the day will come. I will never forget the feeling of being a mother to a little boy chosen just for us by god's will.

Many families celebrate this day as their "Gotcha Day" but we (me really) decided to celebrate a "Family Day", which is the day we all (Marty, myself, Mason & the girls) were finally reunited together officially as a family on May 14th, '06. I am hoping to make a traditional Russian meal which is really funny because my family says I can't even make an American meal very well. I'll update you on how that turns out.

To explain the title: We woke up this morning from a terrible storm last night with sewer in our basement. We were so overwhelmed and upset at this because things just haven't seemed to go our way and we were excited to have all our family with us today to celebrate such a grand occasion. The kids and I went to my parents to take showers and upon our return we walked in to the stench of sewer. We quickly realized that we could not have all our company in the house with this smell. The angel always watching over me (my mother) offered her home to us. We ended up having a great day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Tori received some very nice things someday she'll look back on and appreciate.

Much love to all,

Tammy & family

1yr ago we were in Russian Court

I cannot get over the fact it has been a year already. I read through the blog I entered last April & it brought back so many memories. I remember Marty & I in the hotel room the night before court going over the questions and answers with our interpretor Aleks and couldn't stop my nervous laugh. Aleks would insist on me answering his questions for practice and I am so glad I finally was able to get over the fear and take him seriously because it help us out so much. We had to know the Russian medical termonology and it was so confusing and thankfully they asked Marty all the hard questions. I was mainly asked about the house, pets, girls and how I was going to be able to raise our son with my arthritis. We could understand their concern and I just told them that I have been raising Tori & Madison for the past 13 & 11 years (back then) with out a problem and with the help of Marty and the girls I would do it again. It must have worked (along with all the other answers we gave to many other questions) because after 45 minutes of questioning and only a few for deciding they came back and told us we were parents of Mason James Paul Peck. We just beamed!!!

I can't forget to mention that Tori turned 14yrs old yesterday. The idea that she can drive scares me to death.

Love to all,

Tammy & family

1yr ago today we were on our way to Russia

I can't believe what one little guy can do to a group of 4 people (Marty, myself, Tori & Madison). The girls and I were talking about how different our life has been with having Mason in it and how, this coming from the girls "they wouldn't trade him for the world". We were a very happy family before Mason with lots of laughs, love, hugs & kisses and having Mason here today has multiplied all that. Just when you least expect it he runs up and asks for a "squeeze & kiss". The girls and Mason have their little routine of goodbyes every morning when we drop them off at school & they are still excited about walking up to the car after school with the hope of Mason being in there full of hi's & kisses for all.
I've got a lot of "1yr ago today"'s coming up these next couple of weeks so check back.
Also I will be taking Tori to get her driver's permit on Tuesday so say a prayer for me. Today I let her pull the van into the driveway and instead of hitting the break when I had her back up to straighten it out she hit the gas and we went flying. It's funny now but I thought I was going to go through the dash.
To all you other "Krasy American's" (families we met in Russia) you are thought of also through these days of our firsts.
Much love to all,
Tammy

Easter in Denver w/Chad & Megan

My mom got a new puppy when we were in Denver for Easter. We entered a pet store in a mall and the grandkids all talked grandma into getting the puppy "Molly (dog she already has) needs a playmate". Ironically we named him "Denver".
Not the best picture but as you can see Mason and the puppy are playing tug-of-war with his pillow. Mason was acting like a puppy all weekend, he even tried drinking out of the dog dish.
Mason's 1st Easter. He didn't quite understand the concept and was more occupied with his firetruck basket then anything. That is untill he realized there was candy in the plastic eggs.
Here he found his Veggie Tales movie the Easter Bunny left him.
Bunny also left Mason a set of his own headphones and music player. This made the ride home easier because the older girls had ipods of their own to listen to and he didn't like that.

Hope you all had a great Easter. We have been blessed with so much this past year with Mason coming into our lives and meeting amazing people on our journey. I can't believe it is almost a year already.

(Thank you Chad & Megan for putting up with us)

This is what happens when you have older sisters--they dress you up in their dresses. We have even been known to paint his fingernails pink. Marty doesn't so much like it. The girls would like a little sister now :0)










Another lazy day hanging out at home with my favorite things--Mom and my pillow.







As you can see from the pic's Mason got ahold of an erase marker. Apparrently I looked away for to long and Mason had a ball. He even colored the inside of his belly button. Most of his toys faces were even crossed out. He tried coloring on Barney which he was watching at the time so the TV screen was also colored. Everything but the walls pretty much. We all laughed so hard we couldn't even punish him which I later came to regret because he found the marker again the next day (because sister didn't put it away like she was asked) but my eyes were open this time and I got it from him just in time.

I can't believe it's been a year that we got the call for our court date already. Where has the time gone.

Much love to all,
Tammy & family

It's been awhile I know. Sorry.

The other day the kids and I were tormenting our dog Jada by feeding the squirrels on our back deck. We were throwing them oyster crackers and at one time we had 5 squirrels at the door. She sat there and whined and was shaking just at the thought of them being so close and not being able to get to them.

Mason loves to "get comfy". We make a pile of all the blankets he can find through the house and he then climbs on top to be covered by one last blanket.









Mason is a finger sucker. He sucks on his 2 middle fingers and smells this travel pillow. When we were in Russia I brought blankets and stuffed animals for him to get comfort from and he never attached to any of them. When we got home he found these travel pillows that the girls had from all of our trips. He has had a pillow with him at all times ever since. I had to buy more because he sucks on the pillow and then smells it while sucking on his fingers. It's really gross. I even tried buying pillow cases so that I could clean them easier but he removes them if I put it on. We have to rotate the pillows everyday so that he doesn't know one is being cleaned because it gets him very upset to not have one at all times. I try to limit the times he has it outside the house; I will not let him have it in Church, at restraunts or Wal-Mart. If he gets upset at all it is the first thing he asks for. If it came down to it I think he would choose the pillow over me.

Hope this finds everyone doing well and I hope to blog sooner the next time.
Take Care,
Tammy & family

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE! Hope all is well with your families and everyone is healthy this holiday season.
All is well in the Peck household. We were so excited to share Christmas with Mason this year and it was a very exciting one with him being in the house. He absolutely loved presents and especially Santa Claus. He is still walking around the house asking Santa come out and bring more presents. Today he would come up to me and ask for more presents.

We went to Santa's Castle and I really was worried about how he would react to Santa but he told him that he wanted Barney and kept telling him Thank You Santa even as we were walking out the door. Later Santa made another visit Christmas Eve at my parents house to check on Mason once again and he just went crazy--he stayed real close to me but loved having him there at the same time.





This was Christmas Eve after the girls Christmas program. He is so mischevious and always getting into something. But I love that about him, he keeps us on our toes and we are always laughing. He has brought so much joy to this family and I can't say it enough. If anyone asks him "Who's boy are you" and he always replies, "I'm a mama's boy"







I know I am their mother but are they not gorgeous?

The girls and I tried to get Mason to participate in a group phote for cards but he would have no part of it, he would come in and take off as soon as I took the picture. It actually looks like they might even like eachother in this shot.



















Once again Merry Christmas & have a safe and happy New Year!

Together once again.

Alexander & Mason once again but in Garner, Iowa.

We met Alexander's family on our trip to bring Mason home. We actually spent most of our time with them and created a very special friendship. The boys were in the same orphanage but in different buildings so we always rode together to our visits. Kristen has a sister that lives in Garner (they are from Michigan) so we took the opportunity of them visiting & being so close to get together. It was so nice to get together and talk about how the boys have grown, hopefully it is something we can do often.

L 2 R Madison, Mason, Alexander, Marina & Tori

A couple of weeks ago my sister and her 3 kids along with my 3 and myself drove to Wisconsin to stay at a waterpark for a weekend getaway. It was nice just to get away and the kids had a ball. Mason had a great time in the water and went strong from morning to night.

L 2 R Ethan, Madison, Taylor, Tori & Aliza

The kids making funny faces before we leave for the long trip home.

SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER, ELF MASON. He loves wearing his hat and this day it happen to go up over his ears. WHAT A HANDSOME YOUNG FELLOW.

Much love from the Peck's and we hope you all have a safe and happy holiday.

We have now been home with Mason for 5 months (14th). I can't even believe it. He is such a sponge and takes in everything. He continues to amaze us all the time. He can completely communicate with us in English. My mom had bought him a music cd of Russian folk songs and he didn't even seem to recognize any of it.

As you can see in the pic's Marty is always watching TV:0) just kidding, he is always a jungle gym with the kids. As soon as he hits the floor they are climbing all over him.










Mason is Elmo's biggest fan! Everything he sees of Elmo sends him in a frenzy. My mom got him an Elmo costume for Holloween and while they were at the store he had it on and wouldn't take it off to scan it so they did it with him in the costume. He sleeps with the costume everynight, I think its become like a security blanket but only it's an Elmo costume. I'll show pic's after holloween.

Everything continues to go well. Mason is getting use to being at sport events and is very good. We have siblings from some of the players that are always great about helping to entertain Mason which gives me an oppurtunity to watch a little bit.

Hope this finds everyone doing well. Much love from the Peck's

I had to show you guys my collection of pic's with Mason in his goggles. :o) As you can see from the pic's each pair is a different pair, I don't even know where he is finding all these. It always seems that the girls can never find a pair when it comes time to go swimming.

Marty and I are so looking forward to this weekend. It's our annual Kansas City Nascar race. I haven't left Mason overnight yet since returning from Russia and I'm already stressed about it. He'll be in good hands with my parents. It will be the first alone time Marty and I have had also since returning. Very much looking forward to that time too:o)

COWBOY GOGGLE MASON

GOGGLES IN THE TUB















DRIVING HIS FIRE TRUCK IN GOGGLES

Mason--our little ham! He is such a riot. He is always making us laugh. He loves wearing these goggles all day, haven't had to leave the house with them yet but I'm sure the time will come.

I cannot believe it's been almost 4 months already (14th) that we have had Mason in our home. He is getting to be a typical 2 year old and a handful at times but a joy more times then not. He is really into testing me and has learned what time-out is but I still couldn't ask for a better little boy. He loves to battle. He has become a hitter so we have that to deal with and everything is "mine" and he is very jealous when either of the girls or even Marty are sitting next to me (even our dog Harley), I am his also (my mommy) and Marty and the girls love to tease him by saying "my mommy" and a whole battle breaks out with me in the middle. Mason is such a little talker and loves to repeat everything, even when you don't realize he is listening--not always a good thing. Some of his new words are c-ya, watch, walk, outside, bath, drink, milk, church, book, ready, shoes, socks; to many to mention--he just is an amazing little sponge.

Mason is still going to daycare everyday but hopefully that will soon stop because everyday I take him another day is a deeper injury to my heart. He's only there from 8-3:30 but it should be me teaching him his abc's and 123's. His babysitter is great though and he loves going and being with the other kids.

The girls are doing great. (their going to kill me for putting in the picture). We are in full swing of school and getting into the routine of things. Both are in volleyball this year; Tori school league and tournment. I don't know how she keeps the schedule she does but she loves it that way. Madison is on a tournment team and we get started with that this week. Not really looking forward to taking Mason to volleyball games because they are indoors and we'll be on bleachers were softball was outside and he could run around. We'll see how it goes, he'll probably surprise me like always.

I've got a request of everyone. My sister-in-law Megan is in need of a kidney transplant. She needs a lot of prayers right now and I ask that you add her to your's. Her prayers had been answered one other time 15 years ago when she had a transplant then but her body has now rejected her given kidney. God willing Megan will receive another and my brother Chad and her can once again enjoy the life they created together only 3 years ago. Thank you.

Much love and happiness to all from the Peck's

1st group photo of the 3. B-e-a-u-tiful if I must say so myself. This was the day we got Mason baptised and it was a perfect day. Weather was wonderful and we had all our family and friends there to share in the event. Todd & Trish Larson are Mason's God Parents and we were honored to have them stand at the alter with us that day. When Pastor poured the water on Mason's head I set him up straight and he said "what that guying do'in". It was so funny and when Pastor gave Mason the blessing of the symbol of the cross on his forehead and heart Mason put his hand over his heart, it was so precious.

Mason's 1st haircut since being in the states. As you can see he didn't care to much. Aunt Dawn had the honors of giving the haircut. As you can see from the picture the hair was quiet long and I was hoping it would grow out nice but it wouldn't and I had to do something before the baptism so I gave into cutting it. Marty wants to buzz it again but I want one more chance to grow it out.

Mason loves to act like a puppy all the time. He gets on all fours and walks around saying "arf,arf". In our room we have a dog kennel and he loves to play in it. (It's all in fun and he is never locked in there) He is such a riot to watch. If we don't watch close enough we will catch him in the dog dish eating food and drinking their water.

Hope this finds everyone doing well and we love to hear your comments.

Much love,

Marty, Tammy, Tori, Madison & Mason

Goal--keeping up the blog

I have had so many people comment on the fact that I have not posted since being home and it is now a personal goal of mine to keep you all posted on Mason and the family.

My cousin Jamie got married in July and we took Mason to the reception and he learned how to dance. He is such a ham dancing and now starts in when ever the music in on. He had such a ball and we enjoyed just watching him interact with everyone out there. About an hour later he came up to me and said "night-night mama", he was exhausted.

Mason is doing absolutely fantastic. He is talking up a storm. He says probably 50-75 English words. Many of his favorites are stop, no, don't, bath, eat & drink, get your own & the most use word in his vocabulary is "mine". He is doing much better with eating and will try most things but is picky.

We have had to get a babysitter for Mason for the past month in a half, our secretary at work had to have surgery and needed 6 weeks off for recovery so I had to fill in for her. He is going to my good friends Trish everyday and gets spoiled rotten. She has no other daycare kids so he gets a lot of attention. My boss (Marty) also insists that I have to return to work on a part-time bases at least through the winter. I was absolutely devestated and had to find a daycare that I would have to leave him at on a daily basis. (Trish works for the school system and has to return to work when school starts). I am really struggling with this. The idea of having to take him to daycare is really a struggle for me because I was able to stay home with the girls till they started school but I know that women all over the coutry do it and I do think it will be good for Mason to be around other kids his age. I did find someone to take him to and he will only go from 8-noon so it's not bad. It's going to be harder on me then on Mason which in turn will be hard on Marty because when Mama ain't happy no ones happy.


Mason's favorite time of the day is bath time, you mention it and he starts to strip down. The water is ice cold by the time you get him out of there. It's a time that I really enjoy also cause it is just him and I interacting together. But when it is time to remove him from the freezing water he goes crazy and throughs a temper tantrum that lasts for quite some time--to long for the girls and Marty to be able to stand all the screaming and crying. So to give an insight to his tantrum I took a picture.

Mason after his bath!!!

This precious child has brought so much joy to our family that I can't even imagine what life was like without him. It has been 3 months already (the 14th) that we have been a family of five. He is such a character and makes us laugh non-stop. The girls can't get enough of him and are great about helping out. They start back at school on the 21st and are so ready but they know they will miss seeing Mason during the day. I'm looking forward to a routine again and getting things back to normal.

Mason seems confused on being a princess or a prince. Marty says there is no question as to him being a prince. He is all boy and it's a big change having it in a house of 3 girls. Marty thinks it is us girls that is confusing him because he loves to carry around purses and playing with a baby doll (which Marty go rid of) that he found in one of the girls closets.

Well I hope this update pleases everyone and I promise to keep it up.

Much love to all,

Marty, Tammy, Tori, Madison & Mason

A family of 5

Sorry I haven't posted lately but things have been crazy here but in a good way. I'll update everyone now cause I have heard from many of you that I hadn't.
Mason did so incredibly well on the flight home. Not one problem, he played in the seat between us and entertained himself very well. Took a few cat naps but nothing real long. The 1st flight was 11hrs and it seemed to drag on forever. We arrived in Atlanta at about 4pm and had a 4hr lay over which was probably the most difficult part of the whole trip because Mason wanted to run but the place was so packed so he did fuss some but still no complaints. We got on our flight for Des Moines and I don't even recall the take off because Mason and I were already asleep. A 1/2hr into the flight the captain came on and said we had to return to Atlanta because of mechanical problems. Naturally we were devastated becasue all we wanted was to get back to the girls and they were waiting for us in Des Moines. We returned to Atlanta and changed planes and after about a hr delay we were back on our way to Des Moines. We had a great welcome once we arrived with family and friends waiting for us. It was so wonderful seeing the girls after 3 weeks of being apart and I think Madison grew an inch. Mason instantly went to the girls and it was incredible. It was as if he knew them instantly. It was so nice to have the five of us together at last.
This week has been good. Mason has adjusted to the time change easily, I'd say it only took a day or two and he was on his schedule. He will no longer us the potty now that we are home and he hasn't adjusted to the food. He likes his cheerios, gold fish, bread and that is about it. I was really concerned at first but I figure he will eat when he gets hungry. I always make him a meal anyway and it's there for him to try but he hasn't yet and yes I have tried just about everything. I even bought instant grits at Wal-Mart.
I am lucky enough to be home full-time with Mason and it is such a joy. We laugh so hard during the day and I cherish every moment. Once the girls are home from school I don't seem to exist any longer cause he absolutely loves the girls.
He is talking less and less Russian all the time and starting to pick up English very easily. He adores the dogs which was a huge concern of mine but an unnecessary one cause he now cries when we let them out to go potty, he stands at the door waiting for them to come in.
We are so incredibly happy to be home and there is no place like home in the great USA. Can't wait to introduce Mason to everyone. Thank you all for taking time to check our site.
We love you all.
Marty, Tammy, Tori, Madison & Mason

The blogspot website apparantely has been down for a couple of days because none of us have been able to get on. Tomorrow we will be home and cannot wait. Mason has adjusted well to the time change in Moscow so hopefully he will do as well in Storm Lake. All our friends got to leave this morning to go home so we had some tearful goodbyes by all. We have made some incredible friendships out of the process and plan to keep in touch in years to come.

Our final exit from the orphanage. I can't even begin to explain how well things went. Can't wait to tell everyone once we are home. 5 more days and counting. Thursday we leave for Moscow at 6am. Can't wait to get out of Krasnoyarsk but we hope to be back someday and show Mason where his heritage all began. 12-14 years if we have any travels who would like to come along.

Mason's first car ride went great. We had another couple with us that their little boy cried practically the whole time and I thought maybe Mason would start up but he never did. He just looked out the window and talked. We have learned the word baca (bye-bye) and he says it alot. He stands at the hotel door of our room and says it to go. Today we went outside and fed the pigeons with another family and he had a great time just running around.

Mason has been wonderful about going on the potty. Everytime we put him on it he goes. If we mention potty he goes and starts to pull down his pants. If you could pick up a potty for us mom before we get home that would be great.

Look girls at what daddy is doing to Mason already. For now Mason thinks it funny. Like the rest of us--that won't last long

.

Mason is great sleeper, we put him in the crib and asleep he goes. (See the giraffe Madi) Hey dad, it would be great to have the crib up cause I don't know how well he'll adjust to the toddler bed right away. Thanks.

Mason has taught us so much. I love the little man with all my heart but I also can't wait to get home to my two beautiful girls. I miss them terribly so. So does dad. We aren't a family till all five of us are together. Everyday is one day closer.

One journey is coming to a close but another is just beginning.