Has it really been over a month?

How in the world did this last month just fly by? Time is just going faster and faster. Once school started, we have been in the whirlwind of life. Every night is busy with some kind of practice or small group or activity and each week just disappears before I can get a blog post written and posted.

So...random update...the boys are doing soccer this fall. It is a huge highlight for our family and it is kind of sad to see the season almost over. Tyson has done really well playing on the next level up (playing with the 6-7yo). It has been a learning experience to say the least. Learning to play against stronger teams and kids that don't always "play nice". He is learning to find confidence even when his team doesn't win. He loves to play and we find so much joy in watching him on the field.

Tate...well...each week is hit or miss. Some weeks he wants to play and others he doesn't. I think it is just part of being 3. It is just about the cutest thing to watch him run and get a goal. He isn't as crazy about all the cheering and recognition.

Both girls are preparing for a karate tournament. They will participate in katas and sparring. They have now earned their blue belts and keep pressing ahead and still love this sport. It has now been over 18 months of karate and they love it more and more.

The girls are also both attending school 2 days a week. It was a little change from our original plan but Tristen decided she too wanted to give it a try. They are doing great and loving it. Wish we were just a little closer as the 45+ min drive isn't our favorite part.

The fall proves to be a hard season for Tyson and we are learning how to help him the best way that we can. I believe it is an anniversary of the relinquishment and there is still much to process in his feelings. He has come so far and is doing really well, but healing hurts for all those involved.

I was able to attend the Empowered to Connect Conference here this fall and it was fantastic. An event that ALL parents should be required to attend. I learned so much and I am praying that God will help me remember it when we are in the thick of the difficult times. Education is one of the MOST important things you can do as the adoptive parent. And this conference is well worth the time and energy it takes.

I sooooo wish I had the time and energy to keep the blog updated more. But for some reason, I am one busy mom. =) Until next time.

Ebbs and Flows

I've been reminded lately that there are ebbs and flows of life. Sometimes are good and others, well...not so good. And why is it that when life is all peaches and cream, we just aren't as quick to be on our knees before the Father seeking all of our strength from Him each day? Maybe that is why God brings us those difficult times, to remind us to be ever so close to Him and cling to the truths in His word.

I have desired to not paint an unrealistic picture of adoption but at the same time, not let this blog be a place to unload all my discouraged feelings. Ah...BALANCE. Where we should be. Somewhere in the middle, not swinging from extreme to extreme.



We have been focusing on one verse each week and writing it on our chalk board and memorizing it as a family. Hiding God's word in our hearts. Being purposeful in what we talk about at the table and encouraging our kids to live in a way that is against the grain.

I have also been praying a LOT about what to share when I lead a breakout session at Created for Care retreat in Jan. Spending a lot of time really seeking God's heart and pouring over the scriptures to know what He longs for us to know.

I kind of think these few steps toward a deeper walk with God has put our family back in the line of battle. Satan and his workers are working hard at discouragement and finding our weaknesses and bringing some hard times to our family (ah...hem...the Ebbs and Flows).

And in the struggles...I have had to live what I share with others. I have had to cling to the truths of God's word when all else seems loss. I have had to pray back through the names of God and remind myself all that I know about who God is and how He works. I have had to choose joy and count my blessings. I have had to be patient when the flesh inside of me wanted to lash out in frustration. I have had to rely on God for every ounce of strength when I felt entirely too weak.

As I have said many times before...it's hard, but not impossible. Because with God...ALL things are possible.

trying to get back to blogging

I am trying to get back into the swing of blogging. I have been a very bad blogger lately and with all the kook that has happened to our family blog (peterspeapod), I have been discouraged and not very motivated. But as my kids are growing and this is one of the only ways I have of documenting mile stones and activities and such...I feel like I need to try it again.

So...I will most likely transition my family blog over here since this blog has less problems. I will also be blogging about more than just adoption on this blog since our life is not so ALL adoption consuming. So if I blog about homeschooling or organizing or gardening on this "adoption blog", don't be shocked. =)

We have had a BUSY BUSY BUSY few months around here and even with summer it just hasn't slowed down. We only have about 2 months of summer vacation here so I need to pack as much as I can into our down time.


To keep you up to date...we got a dog a few months ago and our Cooper has been a lot of fun for our family. He is a sweet thing and has recently gotten quite sick. He can hardly eat or drink and seems to be on his last little legs. Poor thing. After a hefty vet bill we brought him home on Saturday and were hopeful that he could bounce back...but...as each day passes he seems to be worse. We are dreading the decisions that will come in the near future. Praying for our furry friend.

We are blessed with some amazing kids

God's mercy and grace has been showered upon us and we are blessed with amazing children. When I step back and view from a distance, it is evident of what sweet kiddos God has asked us to parent. Our lives are filled with lots of activities and school work and studying God's word together...and we just don't have lots of time to update the blog. But I did want to touch in and say we are still here and doing really well.

The girls are finishing up a great week at summer camp. Tally has done a mission week serving at a local ministry. Tristen and Tyson had a great week at VBS. Tate...well...he is by my side most of the day, but he has gone to his SS class by himself a few times. Tyson lost a tooth just yesterday and he is working on learning to read. We are working on finishing the basement and I am trying to clean and organize this week while I just have 2 kids at home with me. Our beautiful old Elm tree recently fell in a storm and we spent a few weeks cleaning it up. I stained the deck and have painted a few more rooms in the house. Chuck has been busy with a video shoot and seeking God's will for our family. All that to say...I am One Blessed Mama.

It MUST be going WELL...

...if I've stopped counting the months. That's right...as each month passed, I was tuned into when we would come upon the 21st which is the date we got the boys. I felt like as each month passed, we were one month farther away from the "newness" of our family. And some how, I've stopped counting what month we are in. How long we have been home with the boys.

It truly...honestly...has gotten better...easier...has become more natural. It does just take some time to work out the dynamics, learn the personalities, adjust and blend. We have approached everything with such intention and God has rained down upon our family grace and mercy that has been needed to survive.

We are rounding the bend on 15 months home. It almost doesn't seem possible. There are days that have flown by and others that, well, to put it nicely have been slow and difficult. In the blink of an eye, we have watched our kids change and grow and mature. Both boys have grown so much. They look so much older and are losing the "little" boy look. The boys are growing so tall. Each one has grown about 6 inches in height and we have outgrown clothes that they barely wore.

I am amazed at who God is allowing our kids to become. Not just the boys, but the girls too have are such neat kids and it is a JOY to be with them each and every day. I see God drawing the kids to His own heart and placing a tenderness on each of them. Something we pray for each and every day. I praise God for His faithfulness. For His goodness. For His loving kindness. We are blessed. And He is GOOD.

12 MONTHS home !!!!!

So can you believe we have been home for 12 MONTHS??? That is officially ONE YEAR with our boys here. Woo HOO!!! We had big plans for a BIG celebration and then...we ALL got the FLU. Each and everyone of us had the fever, the cough, the aches, the pain, the stuffy nose, the whole thing. It was 10+ days of all of us being sick and down on the couch. So we totally missed our exciting GOTCHA DAY celebration.

But I still want to document how far we have come in our family. I really anticipated our anniversary month of coming home to more difficult than it has been. Anniversary triggers are really common and it was also the first time I was away from the boys for an extended period of time (2 big sleeps). I was able to go to the Created For Care retreat in Atlanta and spend some time filling up my cup so I could then go and pour back into my family.

We have seen such GREAT strides in the boys in the past few months. Both boys are really continuing to do really well with their adjustment. Changes in routine are not as difficult as they once were. We are not having as many difficulties with rejection or control. We are seeing both boys use more and more appropriate skills to handle the struggles that they seem to have. All of the hard work of cocooning and limiting their environment has been well worth it.

I believe that having a simple routine and not too stimulating environment gives a GREAT place for a foundation for healing to begin. Kids who come from traumatic situations need the opportunity to "let down" and know that they are safe. If you decide to just graft your kids into a "typical American family" continuing with lots of activities, you MAY postpone some healing. Please understand I share not because I think we have all the right ways to do things (because we have made MANY mistakes along the way) or to judge how you may adjust as a family. I just want to encourage families to really think about their transition plan. I have read and listened to Dr. Purvis and have really gleaned great advice from her. Here is great resource to listen to if you are interested in finding out more about Dr. Purvis.

http://empoweredtoconnect.org/children-from-hard-places-what-everyone-needs-to-know/

So...back to my update. We are doing well. It is feeling more and more normal. We still live a simple life and that works for us. TF goes to his Mom's Morning Out program 2 mornings a week. I have cut him back to just 3 hours each time. We are praying about what will be the best situation for school next year. Exploring our options and praying that God would really lead and guide us.

Tyson shares more and more about his life in Ethiopia. We try and record it all down so we can share it with him some day if he forgets. God has given him a great gift in his memory. He still really misses his birth family and bed time (when he is alone sleeping) continues to be a struggle. We are working really hard at making it easy for him, but also trying to not let his struggles dominate our evening routine. It is a balancing act.

Tate continues to shut down when he feels insecure of unsure of others. He doesn't like to interact with many people but lights up for us at home. Interactions with others MUST be on his terms. He seems to hold onto his fears and relives traumatic moments (like a neighbor's dog running up to him). He can still pitch a fit when he wants his way and has done this a few times out in public (yes...it is embarrassing when your toddler will NOT sit in the shopping cart). We are seeing more joy in his personality and he has brought so much cheer to our family.

I am still trying to learn how to juggle 4 kids. I am doing better, but there are days I feel like it is a LOT of work. I am working hard at carving out time for Chuck and I each evening but I have not done a great job of making time for myself.

We are still getting our schooling done each week, though I feel like it's not as much as I'd like. Trying to really seek God for our next school year and desiring to make some changes. Tate still doesn't go to his class at church but Tyson does most weeks. He seems older than most of the kids there and has struggled with finding friends. We are praying for friend connections with all of our kids. The general dynamics of our family (both due to adoption and homeschooling)has made it more challenging here in our current state.

In the next few months my goals are:

• get both boys down to bed in less time (still sitting with them until they sleep)
• make a good decision for school for 3 of the kids
• take Tate to the story time at the library 2 times a month
• enjoy the next soccer season for Tyce
• leave all the kids with a sitter so Chuck and I can go out to dinner
• take some more family photos
• work on our families adoption story via video
• pray more with each child each day
• parent my kids more in the spirit
• improve eye contact with the boys
• laugh more together
• Blog more =)
  

Until next time.

Post Placement Photos

As per the requirements for the post placement reports that are required by the Ethiopian adoption system, we must send in about 10 pictures of each of the boys. There are different requirements, like a close up of their face, a full body shot, a picture of the whole family together. And as easy as this sounds, it is a bit more difficult for some kids than for others.

I was digging through some old files on my computer of pictures of the kids and realized, I have TONS of pictures of Tate, but very few of them are very good. Each time I have to send my pictures in for our post placement report, I feel like I am scrambling for some good pictures.

You see, Tate is the KING of picture sabotage. He completely shuts down for most pictures. I have spent months trying to figure it out...why are pictures so hard for him. Well...all I can figure is that one of the first times he had his photo taken was for his relinquishment paperwork. And honestly, that must have been such a difficult and terrifying time for him.

So...I try to capture him when I can, but I wanted to include these pictures on the blog here to show how far we have come. He still shuts down a lot for pictures, but we have gotten a few smiles out of him.
I think these were for the boy's 6 month post placement report. We are long gone past that one, in fact, we have now made it past the ONE YEAR mark and had our first GOTCHA Day (even if we were all sick, we still celebrated in our hearts).

It's been 11 months

Just wanted to post a quick update. It seems like my time on the computer is almost down to nothing. I am one busy mama. With schooling the kids, running the home, doing chores, ALWAYS having my kids with me, organizing an adoption support group, teaching a class...my list goes on...I just don't have a lot of time to update my blog.

And to be honest, blogging has become a way to journal our family as we continue to adjust. And hopefully it can provide some hope and encouragement to other adoptive families. I spent much more time combing over blogs and reading before we brought our boys home. It was a great way to prepare and maybe it is that for you.

So...back to the update.

Can I just say...11 months. WOW. I can hardly believe we are nearing upon our one year anniversary of our gotcha day. So much has changed. Not only for us...but for the boys too. We have come so far from those first few days and weeks and months home. I almost wish I could go back and revisit a day at the beginning to remember how much has changed.

• Language - the boys' English language is fantastic. New words every day. Longer sentences. Less made up words for Tate and more understanding of what he is saying. Tyce still has a strong accent (which we all love).
  

• Sleeping - We currently have Tate in a crib (now all the way across the room from me). He is held until he falls asleep at nap time and is able to fall asleep on his own at bed time. I still stay in the room until he falls asleep. I am still co-sleeping (in the same room). Tyce is in his own room. He is able to play quietly for nap time and our bed time routine is much smoother now. He still shows fears of night time and being afraid of the dark. Chuck is doing most of his tuck in time at night (while I work with Tate). He isn't acting out as much at night time and seems to be able to calm himself down a little more. There is often a mat on the floor of the room I share with Tate and Tyce can use it anytime he wants.
  

• Coping skills vs. family skills - Both boys are using less of their coping skills and have gains some much needed family skills (if you have read Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child you are familiar with those terms). Tyce doesn't seem to be a "performer" anymore and instead tends to "spaz out and then shut down". And to be honest, he has fewer and fewer "shut down" moments. He is able to use some skills to settle down and calm his body when he is feeling "wild" or "spazzy". Tate is having fewer tantrums and is able to express his disappointment in more appropriate ways. Instead of throwing a fit, he might say he is "sad" or "Tay Tay walk away".

• Activities - Tyce is still in his Mom's morning out program. He goes 2 mornings a week and seems to like it. I'm trying to evaluate if it is the best thing for "our" relationship. It seems he feels disconnected when he comes home. He tends to act out more on those days or the day after. He is also part of Sunday School and although he likes it, hasn't connected great with the other kids. He doesn't act out at all, but seems to keep to himself and doesn't try to break into a group of kids. We may try him in an older class. Tate is doing much better with groups of people. He still pulls away and doesn't like having others around, but he is able to eat in front of them a little and can play when others are around. He will often retreat to the farthest spot when someone drops by the house (play in the basement or upstairs). Tate went to his SS class for 15 mins without me last week.
  

• Rest of the family - People often ask how the girls are adjusting. And to be totally honest...they are doing VERY well. They both have adjusted to being big sisters. Having little ones around has brought out great skills and traits in both of them. Tissy plays very well with Tyce (he loves his big sisters). Tally has become a little mother to Tate (and the whole clan). I often reminder her that she is the sister, not the mama. It does take time to adjust to any new kids in the home, but we do a lot of debriefing and talking and validating their feelings. Our family dynamics are feeling more and more normal.

• Eating - Both boys have accepted our American diet. Tyce does miss injera and likes to remember the foods he ate in Ethiopia. We try to offer familiar foods and make things like lentils. Neither of the boys eat much sugar (they have a hard time settling down after sweets). We don't offer desserts after meals nor do we have sugary snacks. Tate eats most of his food with his hands (although he can use a fork and spoon). He will even eat oatmeal, soup, salad with his hands. Neither of the boys seem to show big signs of food issues (hording, panicking when food is over, finding comfort in food and not mom). We do keep emergency food in the car, bedroom and school backpack for Tyce. If he gets too hungry if he missed snack time, it causes him to cry (something that is hard to see). Both boys would choose apple or banana over chips and crackers.
  

• Family age - both boys are now 11 months old (according to their family age). Both have shown normal signs of stranger anxiety and separation anxiety. Tyce has asked me to stay with him in his SS class, which of course I did. We talk about how mom comes back and he hinted that "mommies don't always come back". Breaks your heart. Tate is still always with Chuck or me and Tyce is only away from us for his MDO or his SS class. We have worked really hard to only expect behavior out of them that is "family age" appropriate.

• Nature vs. Nurture - I am seeing more and more behavior and mannerisms that are "nurture" oriented rather than "nature" oriented. I hear "my phrases" coming out of them. It is amazing to see how you truly become like those you spend time with. I also still see both boys doing things in "African" style (carrying things on their heads). Tyce still gravitate toward his little friend who was also adopted (watches out for her, plays more with her...). I think they share a deep common connection that others don't share.

• Cocooning - We are homebodies by nature, and because it can be hard for the boys when we do TOO many activities, we do limit how much we do and what we do. Like we skip things like McDonald's play land and loud, wild, out of control places like that. We are involved in a small group and in small bits, we can spend time with those kinds of kids. Chuck and I are still the only ones to do most of the "nurturing" things (washing hands, dressing, getting their food, carrying them...). And neither of the boys hug, sit with, hold hands with other people. Sometimes Tally or Tissy with help with some nurturing things, but we are still persistent to be the only ones to do most of that kind of thing. Connection takes a LONG time and it is a slow process and we are working hard at being purposeful in how we do things here in our family.

I think that is about it for an update. It continues to go smoothly around here. It won't be unusual if we have a little set back around our one year anniversary. Anniversary dates are usually hard times for adopted kids. We keep plugging away and seeing great results in how we have done things.

Better run and get some things done around here...more later.

learning to play - and a little update

I bet you never thought you would have to teach a child to play. Kind of an odd idea and one that may not be normal in some families, but in a family with a newly adopted child you may find yourself "teaching kids to play". There are a variety of reasons that kids need some coaching in this area. It could be that developmentally they missed some stages in their previous settings, possibly that toys were not available, or what about the idea that kids had "adult" responsibilities put on them and they didn't have the freedom just to BE KIDS.


We have worked hard to provide lots of age appropriate toys and opportunities for the boys to learn to play. Our younger one has learned this a bit more quickly than our older one. Could be his age is just more teachable or maybe it is part of his personality. Tate is learning and exploring on a pretty normal level. He has really gone from exploring on an infant level to a toddler level. It is fun to watch him learn and explore and make up for some lost time.

Tate can entertain himself pretty well and he is learning to play with others. He has some GROWING to do in this area. But he still doesn't participate in the class at church yet and once he goes more often, he should learn some social skills pretty quickly. It seems to be more important to us to keep him with us and bond some more before he goes to class without us.

Tate still seems content observing kids play from a distance and he is slowly exploring and more willing to play with the kids rather than stay by mom's side. Tate has also learned to use pretend play and likes to make noises and uses drama in his play. He (as you can tell from the pictures) is more serious in his personality. He is still cautious with his smile and isn't eager to share it for the camera.

Now...Adu (that's what we call him...short for Fikadu)...he is a different story. Learning to play is a challenge for him. To ask him to go find a toy to play with is almost like punishment. This has been an unexpected challenge. He likes to play with YOU and not on his own. He like to "bug" his siblings or make noise to irritate those around him, but to play with a toy...almost unheard of. He hasn't learned to play pretend or dramatic play. He doesn't like most toys. He has really taken to games (like connect 4) and it helps to have his mind challenged. He doesn't do well if there is unstructured time (like free play time). He thrives off of routine and action and sports and people. He did GREAT at soccer and that was a perfect fit for him. He loved the challenge, the action, the game...the whole thing. We are missing that right now during the winter season.

We have seen improvement over the last months. He is slowly learning to find a puzzle, or play on his scooter or skateboard or go adventuring in the back yard. He does well if we give him a challenge like a scavenger hunt or an idea for an adventure. He is creative and has the mind of an engineer. He loves to create and draw and figure things out. He enjoys writing letters and numbers and creating pictures of our family. But give him some ninja fighting action figures...no thanks.


This was a day he took a boogie board and surfed down the creek that is behind our home. It was so fun to watch him balance and hop on and SLOWLY float down the stream. He had a BLAST. He was playing. And it was an absolute JOY to watch him.

He is LEARNING to PLAY. It takes time. He may not always gravitate toward toys and traditional play time. We have learned to trust God in how he designed our boys. They are created in His image. They are exactly how He wants them to be.

I've been processing...

Adoption is a LOT to process both for the children, the birth family and the adoptive family. It was important for me to spend some time privately processing the different emotions and thoughts that have been running through my mind.

There isn't a day that I don't thank God from the bottom of my heart for bringing ALL of our children into our home and family. I have seen perfectly how God knew that we would be the best ones to raise our children.

I have been almost overwhelmed with emotion and feelings of where our boys came from. The extreme poverty is almost more than I can comprehend. We need to be realistic and accept that our boys "had a life" before they came home to us. A life that they lived, full of memories (both good and bad), family members, friends, traditions, experiences...all that we know very little of.

November was a hard month for us. We experienced a few "firsts" in our home and had a few changes around here that added up to a difficult month. November is also the month that the boys moved to their orphanage/transition home. Adopted children will often remember the "anniversary" of their traumatic events and process some of the feelings that come from their memories. It has all been good...but hard.

We've had really good break throughs and we've been able to get a little deeper and help Tyson work through some of his feelings and thoughts. God has been gracious and given him a tremendous ability to share what he is really feeling. And because of that, we have been able to help him work through a few of his fears and concerns.

Like I said...a LOT has happened in the past few weeks. Thank you to our friends and family that have faithfully prayed for us. We are so grateful and thankful for the continued support. And just think...it was just a year ago that God provided our financial needs to accept the referral of our boys. Feel free to visit those blog posts for some encouragement and to be reminded of God's faithfulness.

Tate is 2 today !!!

Happy Birthday to my little man. What a joy to be your mama. You make me smile each and every day. We love you so very VERY much.


I will have to post more later about the party we had to celebrate but just a few shots of our birthday boy. We had to call the kids out of the pool to blow out the candles. Should have dried you off a bit...but what a precious moment...our first birthday together.



I can't help but think all day about your birth mom today. May God bless her for her loving gift of life to you and our family.

We are home and trying to find a new normal

Thank you all sooooooooooooooooo much for the prayers on our trip. It all meant so much to know we had the support and encouragement from our friends and family. Needless to say, we are so happy to be home and we are trying to adjust to our new family. All has gone really well. The boys are doing great, the girls are doing very well and we are tired.

There are pictures to come but for now, we are trying to get settled, unpack, get over our colds/sickness from traveling, read about 1,000 emails (yes...seriously I have about 700 left to read - it will take me awhile), Chuck is back to work today on a big video shoot and we are finding our new normal.

On some positive notes, the boys are eating and sleeping well. That is one of the biggest challenges for transition. Tyson Fikadu's scabies are doing much better. Poor little guy. We have slept through the night since we got home (YIPPEE). No one is on a hunger strike and holding out for only Ethiopian food (good thing because I am too tired to try to make new recipes yet).
Both boys are taking naps each day (must be some healing going on during that sleep).

Thank you for the support and love. We had a huge crowd at the airport to welcome us home and it was so special. I have to post those pictures later, but for now go and check them out on Kristi and Amy's blog. The love and support mean so much, even my sister flew all the way here from California to show her support. Thank you all. Now if I can just shake this sickness, fight the jet lag and get used to toddlerhood and changing diapers, I would be set. =)


Dear Sweet Peas,

I am so grateful to be your mama. To have you come to me for support and love and nurturing. I am so grateful for how God brought our family together by His perfect design, may we always be a positive example to others who are looking at our family.

Love, Mom

packing

We have been busy packing over the last few days (well maybe weeks). Though the items for ourselves and the boys hasn't been to hard to figure out, we also are bringing donations for the orphanage.

• diapers
• wipes
• formula
• cold and cough medicine
• antibiotics
• diaper rash cream

It has turned our bedroom into a mess. Something I don't do well living in is chaos. It is kind of like living out of suitcases in your own home. I am HOPEFUL that our bins are under the 50 pound limit. I plan on taking them to be weighed today.We got the idea from my sister to use the large luggage straps (find these at Kmart the ones at Walmart are too short). We also wanted to secure the straps on with zip ties. That gives the freedom to open up the bin with out loosing the luggage strap.
When the lid is taken off the bin, it is still connected by the luggage strap and the zip ties. This was Chuck's design to drill holes in the bins to attach the zip ties. My only suggestion would be, do the drilling BEFORE you load your bins.
We leave tomorrow so this is our LAST day to get ready and pack and organize. Chuck has been busy at work building a set for a video shoot he is in charge of the Monday after we return from Africa. Talk about CRAZY !!!! And to add to the stress, Chuck broke a tooth this morning and is squeezing in an emergency trip to the dentist. Poor thing. Prayers appreciated.


Dear Sweet Peas,

We leave tomorrow. After months of preparing and praying it is all coming to the final meeting of you two. As you can imagine, we have been praying even more these past few days for you.

Soon...my little guys...soon.

Love, Mom

I'm asking because I know you will

not an actual picture of one of our sweet peas

We are asking for you to pray with us. I am cautious to share too many details because it is my little guys lives and I believe protecting their world is important. But I also appreciate having you all lift up our needs before our heavenly Father. Will you pray with us for our boys for their health and comfort. Imagine any little tumble, bump, scrape or fall and Mommy is not there to hold them and comfort them and let them know it is all going to be alright.

We have been praying all along for their health and safety. Trusting that we will be able to take care of any needs they may have. But we have also prayed that God would do a healing work in their bodies. That they would come home healthier than we anticipate.

But the reality is that they are little boys and full of energy and I can only imagine part of my job as their mama will be to pick them up when they have fallen and kiss their boo boos. But from halfway across the world, I can't be there for them physically. But I can pray for them. And I am asking for you to join me in this prayer.


Dear Sweet Peas,

It just breaks my heart to even imagine that you have needs that I can't help with. This mommy's heart wants to swoop in and take care of any thing you may need. But for now I can pray for comfort and healing. I am trusting that God will be very real to you and help you feel better and provide the comfort I can't.

Love, Mom

Confirmation to travel !!!!

Just got word that we have confirmation to travel. Yippee !!!! We can go ahead with our tickets and finish our plans and go get our boys. Needless to say, we are praising God today for His answered prayer. And for His timing.



Dear Sweet Peas,

We are coming. We will be there soon. Hang on a little longer. I feel like my heart is just going to burst with excitement.

Love, Mom

NOT YET

We have not gotten our confirmation to travel yet. We are still waiting on the results of the TB testing. I have heard it has started, but no results yet. If is so VERY AMERICAN to want to plan. To know what and where and when. To have it all planned out. But, we have prayed, and God has answered NOT YET. It still doesn't seem to be in His will for us to know today. And I will rest in that what I DO KNOW. These are some of the truths I have been learning as I have studied God's names. I KNOW....


God is El Elyon - He is the Most High God. He is above all and in control of all. And I can rest in Him.

God is Jehovah Rapha - He is the Lord who heals. We have prayed for our boys health and are trusting that God will heal their bodies, minds and spirits.

God is Jehovah Jireh - The Lord who provides. He has provided in every way for this adoption. From the funds we have needed, to being matched with the right children, to leading us to the best agency for our family, to giving us support from friends and family. God has provided what we need.

God is Jehovah Shammah - The Lord is there. He is there with my boys even though I can not be. He is not held back by boundaries and countries. The same God is here with me at the same time, He is there with our boys at the orphanage.

God is Jehovah Shalom - The Lord is peace. I have had such an amazing peace about all of this adoption. I have been able to rest in God's peace and not be anxious for the details. I am resting in His peace today.

God is Jehovah Raah - The Lord is my shepherd. He guides, leads, directs and cares for me just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

God is El Roi - the God who sees. He sees every detail that is going on in my life. He knows. He is aware. Not one thing that is going on in my situation is a surprise to Him.

God is El Shaddai - God almighty. He is the ALL sufficient one. He is ALL that we need. I may think I need to know the details, but ALL I need is to rest in the truth that He is ALMIGHTY.

God is Adonai - God is master, ruler, owner. I will let God rule my life because He is able and trustworthy. I will surrender to His plan and obey His lead.

God is YHWH - Yahweh - Jehovah - LORD. He is the self existent one. The eternal I AM. The alpha and omega, same today and forever, the covenant keeping God. He keeps His promises and He never changes.


Isn't it amazing when we stop and really understand more about God. I have learned so much and today is just an opportunity to live out what I have learned.

Still praying to hear the results soon and praying the tests come back with favorable results to travel in the next group.

Dear Sweet Peas,

Today I was hopeful to hear about a confirmation of travel and yet, we don't have any new answers. I am learning to cling to God's truths and be a living example of trusting God.

We hope to travel in just a few weeks to come and meet you and bring you home. But more than anything I have my HOPE in God and His plan for our family.

Love, Mom

Waiting, praying, trusting

We are waiting on the last bit of info that we need before we can get that final clearance to travel. Since our older sweet pea is over the age of 2, he needs the TB testing to be done. And as you can imagine, it takes time. We are dealing with a culture that is full of typical delays and not as scheduled and planned as we are. All I have heard is that the TB testing has started. It does take several days to do the skin test, and most children then have to do the x-ray testing and some have to move to the culture testing (if we move onto the culture testing, we will have to delay our trip). We are still scheduled to travel on the 19th and have the embassy apt. on the 22nd, but we can't get confirmed travel until the results are in.

Will you pray with us as we wait again and trust in God? Also, imagine how nervous your own little ones are when they head to the doctor for any medical tests. It is hard for them, and I am not there to comfort our sweet pea. I am praying for peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit.

I have tickets on hold until Tuesday morning, please pray that if it is God's will, we will hear before then about our confirmation for travel.



Dear Sweet Peas,

I wish I could be there to tuck you into bed and comfort you when you are scared. I have to cling to our faithful God who is the one to work out all the details. I pray that you come to know Him as your savior early on in life and live only for Him. It is amazing to think that He loves you more than I do. What an amazing heavenly Father we have.

Love, Mom

a little care package

We sent a little care package off in the mail today. Our agency allows us to send a small picture album with a few pictures in it (one of our home, ones of us, our pet, and the pictures we have of the boys). We were also able to include a "cozy". Something they can keep in their bed and hug at night time. There is a chance that this snugly doesn't make it back home with us, so we went and got some new bears to send. We all slept with the bears so they will smell like us. And of course so we could send our love and hugs via the bears. Hopefully these bears are able to provide some comfort until we can get to Ethiopia and give our love and hugs in person.

We also were able to send a few pictures that can be passed onto our birth mom with a letter. To be honest, that letter is hard to write. How do you express your love and gratitude in just a few paragraphs? Our prayer is that she will know Christ and that she will find comfort and peace in her difficult decision as she makes an adoption plan for her sons. For her choice of sacrifice, may she be blessed. And may our boys always know of her love and devotion to them.

Dear Sweet Peas,

We just think these two bears are cute and cuddly and we hope you enjoy hugging them until we can come and give you lots of love in person. You two are all we talk about these days. We are longing for the moment we meet.

Love, Mom

We have a court date !!!

Just got off the phone with our case worker. We have a court date !!!! Wow !!!! I was trying not to get my hopes up about a possible court date in January (my motto in life is prepare for the worst and hope and pray for the best).

Our court date is January 15, 2010 !!! Did you catch that 10 days from now. Now back to the preparing for the worst, most families do NOT pass court the first time, so we may not pass court and if that happens, another court date is scheduled. 2 things need to fall into place for court to go smoothly - first the birth mom needs to show up (and our birth mom is traveling from the southern region) and the MOWA needs to write their letter of recommendation. So we will specifically pray that those things happen.

But for now....we are rejoicing in the adoption still moving in the right direction. Praise God for His hand our our situation !!!!

Please pray with us that our case passes court the first time.

Dear Sweet Peas,

My heart just leaps with joy when I look at your pictures and think about you. It is hard to stay focused on our tasks here at home. I am praying that all the details go smoothly for our court date. We are getting closer to having you within arms reach.

Love, Mom

In case you were wondering...we haven't fallen off the face of the earth

I am still here. I have had no computer access for days (can we say...blog withdraw????) I haven't even been able to stay up on every bodies lives on facebook or on your blogs. Oh...how I miss all my blog buddies.

I hope to be back up and running again sometimes soon. I have taken the opportunity to enjoy spending time with my girls making Christmas gifts and homemade goodies. The house smells of yummy caramel corn and I plan on making cookies tomorrow.

It was so amazing to be able to send off our referral package and have that stage done. Now we are just waiting for the next call from the agency and we will get a rundown on what is next. We are still so grateful for all the support and help our friends and family have been able to give. We even had our old homeschool group in our last state collect some money that will help with our travel expenses. We are so blessed in so many ways and by so many friends. I am hopeful that we can travel for less than $10,000.

Just wanted to let you know we are still here and doing just fine.

Dear Sweet Peas,

I take your pictures with me everywhere and show them around. I feel like such a proud momma of such handsome boys. It is so fun to let everyone know of our new kids.

Love, Mom