Lists

I have so much to do in the next week that I am not sure that I can keep it all straight. May be I will try to make a list. My first priority should be the birthday party that will occur this weekend. The party will be a combined birthday party for Big A and "E" ( one of Big A's friends from school). Because they both had Birthdays over the Christmas Holidays, "E"'s Mom and I decided to have a party for both of them-- that way all their friends form school could come to one big party instead of having two back to back. Hopefully, that will ensure a bigger turnout, and, also, it will save us Parents some money! It should be a win-win situation. But, of course, I have been slack and have not even begun to get my half of the decorations ( well that's not entirely true- I did order the plates and the pinata). Big A has chosen a Pink Poodle Theme for her half of the party, and "E" has chosen a Batman Theme for his half of the party. So here is my list of things I need to do to get ready for the party (not necessarily in order):

• Order the cake
• Make a "Pin the Tail on the Poodle" Poster
• Buy Pink Table Cloth
• Buy Streamers--pink/ turquoise
• Buy Balloons--pink/turquoise/silver or white (Big A's colors)Blue, Red, Silver&/or Yellow ('E"'s colors--I have to check the Batman Plates to see what colors will work)
• Clean my house (not for the party, but because my Mom will be coming to town)
• Get out the Cooler
• Buy Ice Cream?
• Buy Chips, Dips, Etc.?
• Try to help think of party games
• Make gift bags
• Try to remember what I am forgetting :)

I also need to do MANY things to get ready for the trip to Russia... and I suppose that I should find some time to work as well. I need to :

• Confirm my Itinerary/Tickets
• Update my Will
• Medical POA for the girls, while I am gone
• Buy a "Real Coat" (the high in Sakhalin the other day was 16F)
• Buy some "Real Boots", more wool socks
• Go Over my packing list, to make sure nothing is left off
• Make copies of my passport, health insurance card, licence, adoption papers, etc. (in case I lose the originals)
• Call about vaccines (probably too late), but at least I should get a Flu shot
• Try to learn Russian in one week! :)
• Make sure all Bills are paid
• Make sure food is in the house, diapers, etc.
• Buy small gifts for people helping me in Russia
• Buy some books to take on plane ride
• Try to find out about cell service in Russia
• Make appointment with International Adoption Medical Specialist-- so I can send "D"'s latest medical info to her to review while I am in Russia
• Etc, Etc

I need to stop now-- my brain can no longer think about it all... I will continue this list later.