Gratitude Edition:March 2015

Supporting M. Afternoon quiet. Letter writing. Snowfall. Warmth. Productivity. News from Becky. Micah here in the morning. Coffee and car rides. Soup. Cuddles with kids. A shiny ring that's been fixed. G playing the drums. Crisp cold. Sunshine. Warm gear. Chat with Stephanie. Friendship in unexpected ways. LaVon's offer. Getting things done. Tina's help. Micah coming home. Welcome home signs from the kids. Coffee with Mellany. A beautiful day. A clean car. Sammy & M. Lemon and ginger tea. Moments with G. Lazy evenings. Libraries. Warmth. Time with Michael. Chai. Lady M's comment, "I want to look like you mama." Barb's understanding. Extra time. Friendship that offers encouragement and truth. Becky! Spring break. Coffee on the road. Audiobooks. Sarah and her humor. Laughing. Being in Zion. A campsite. Hiking with the kids. Experience versus destination. Jon!! Morning hikes with kids. Time with Jon. Campfire conversations and sharing hearts. A second goodbye hug. Car rides. Bryce Canyon. Picnic lunches. Lady M's words, "You left and I was very sad." Books. Words. P.F. Changs. Bathes. Warmth. Arriving home. Sundance. A washer and dryer. Church conversations. Quiet. Blogging. Organization. Time with M. Breakfast for dinner. Michelle's news. A unexpected dinner date. Lady M and G's imagination. My evaluation. Conversation with L regarding next year. Playdates. Park time. Conversation with Sharon. Libraries. Pancakes. Warmer days. A hug from Sarah. An afternoon nap. Time to visit with Sarah. Warm weather. Talk with Tami. Comfort in truth. Excitement for the future.

Truthful Reminders

Within the past few days I've come across this particular piece twice - taking some time to ponder this and let it all sink in.

Spring Break - Zion National Park

Like father like son

Observing campground wildlife across the road

Playing in the Virgin River and enjoying time with Uncle Jon!

Zion Canyon

At the top of Canyon Overlook

Bryce Canyon

Sanctuary of a Tree

If you look closely you'll find my oldest lounging amongst the trees. This boy and trees....he makes me feel like we should move just so he can have his own tree to sit and ponder life in rather than always needing to borrow from a friend. 

Thursday Happenings

Today Lady M had class picture day. She took this very seriously and thought about her outfit for an extended period of time last night. Micah is out of town right now and she wanted me to send him a photo of her all dressed up. I can't believe how old she looks!

Once the babes were in bed I tried my hand at making injera again. Slowly, slowly it is coming along. 

Gratitude Edition:February 2015

Reminder to lay down our burdens. Shopping for M. Car naps. Easy bedtime. Soup - which was surprisingly good. Food prep time. Playtime with Lady M. Art camp. Seeing Sammy. M playing with G. Chat with Steph. Micah home in the morning. Psalm 46:1. Yoga. Baking. Warmish weather. Time to rest. Micah cooking. Dinner with the Coulter family. A walk. Yoga with the kids. Sarah's truthful reminders - I need to hear these a lot! Hug from Dixie. Text from Becky. Chat with Steph. Meeting with MM. Steps of bravery. Hope that leads to healing. Micah's courage. Katey's help. Refunds. Prep time. A beautiful day. Paining Lady M's nails. Baking. Special breakfast. Gift cards. KFC. Snow globe snow. Fixed garage door - just in time. Flexibility. Working from home. My kids. Katey's help. Going to bed early. Walking away. Peanut butter. Cancelled appointments. Time to process/reflect/heal. A bath. Refocusing. Carol's help. Nuggets of wisdom. Knowing I did the best I could. My family. Boxing up tests. Seeing former students. Reflections from Brittany. Courage. Chat with Meaghan. A beautiful snowy day. Strength. Adam's reminder. Chat with April. Relaxing afternoon/evening. Rice bags. Cuddles. Chat with Steph. Art journals. Excitement from M. Adam and Cheri. Music. Ethiopian community. Call from Micah. Chai from Kim. Time to reflect. Chat with Britt. Celebrating M. Ethiopian friends. Injera making - not a complete disaster! Table conversations. Coming home. Talking with Jon. Possibilities.

Happy Birthday Mr. M!

8.  I can't even believe that he is 8. It feels like just yesterday I was holding him for the first time and trying to memorize how the nannies made his favorite avocado juice. I love this kid so much, but I am definitely not ready for him to be 8!

Tongue Tricks

G proudly informed me that today he put his tongue in his nose....

Hush!

Things were a little too quiet so I went to investigate. When I asked if everything was okay they replied in a harsh whisper, "The babies are sleeping! Be quiet!!"

Reflecting on Love

Reading the Day Away

I have so many memories from my own childhood where I am lounging in a chair, the hammock in the backyard, or curled up in bed with a book. So, I especially love finding my kiddos curled up with a book - babes after my own heart.

Sock Monster

I do not know what is happening, but almost every pair of socks is starting to look like this...

Gratitude Edition:January 2015

Game time. Taboo. Coming home. Time with Jon. Watching Uncle Jon play with the kids. Breakfast with Jon. Safe roads. Seeing G's love for Jon. A warm home. Ethiopian food from our kitchen. Another full table. Melkam Gena. hanging history - even if it is hard work. Lazy days. Dinner in the crockpot. Micah. Truth from Brittany. Doodling. Micah coming home. Bedtime. M losing another tooth! Family day. Cuddled up with Micah and M watching Chronicles of Narnia. Pancakes. Chat with Micah. Dinner with Merrill Family. Sarah and her reminders of truth. Sarah's encouragement to be brave. Rebecca's help. Cuddles with M. Upside down dinner. Grocery shopping alone. Text from Sarah. Truth from Melissa. God's promises. Trusted by others. Old movies. Quiet moments. New recipes. Scones and bacon. A table full of friends. Encouraging conversations with Ryan. Afternoon tea. Connie and Todd. Coffee. Family meetings. Second and third chances. A quick time away. Gift cards. London fog. Feeling peace. Hand lettering. Talking with Micah. Text messages that offer community. Online study. Erin's prayers. Steph and our weekly chats. Barb's help. Input from Carlos. Holding onto hope. Cara's help. New days. Slow mornings. Skiing. Lady M's confidence.

Skiing the Day Away

Reminders...

The end of yesterday brought with it many stories of brokenness and left my heart feeling heavy. It is hard to walk through brokenness and not want to gather up all of the little pieces and put them back together. Ugh. Thankful for a new day and for the reminder of things greater than myself.

Another Tooth!

Batman!

I took the kiddos to see the dentist this morning. The youngest two are still unsure if this is something that they want to participate in.  G was stressing out and pretty scared. However, as soon as the hygienist pulled out the Batman glasses his opinion about the dentist completely changed. Thank goodness for Batman!

His Heart Beats in Two Places

Mr. M was asked if he would like to share about Ethiopia with his class and he accepted this offer with determination and pride. He spent weeks reading and preparing his presentation. Last night he walked through our house rounding up as many Ethiopian artifacts as he could find and he also requested we prepare some traditional food. I was so grateful that I could attend his presentation and I was certainly one proud mama. My sweet boy did a wonderful job and I think it did his heart some good to share this part of his story.

I have a tendency to think of my children as blossoming trees. For a tree to continue to grow big and strong it has to be able to support branches of new growth. The tree also has to have well established roots that are healthy. If you neglect the roots, the tree will eventually stop existing.  I think of Ethiopia as the roots to my little trees. We are fully aware that we will never be able to fully share the culture, language, food and traditions of their home country with them. However, we will do our best to continually try and learn alongside of them so that they can claim not only our culture and family nuances, but those of their homeland as well. We want them to always take pride in being Ethiopian and American. 

Melkam Gena!

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye....

We were able to spend the past six days with this guy and the littles were so happy until we had to say goodbye. 

Peanut Butter Cup Eyes

I had to take Micah to Urgent Care this morning...long story. The good news is that when we returned the kids had made this for him!

Grateful Edition:December 2014

Cat naps. Cups of tea. Chat with Steph. Reminder of truth. Coffee. Working with kids. Wrapping Christmas gifts. Cupcakes. Warm laundry. Micah knowing exactly how I thought of celebrating my birthday. Bike ride. Flowers from Mr. M. Message from LaVon. Celebrating Lady M. Compliment from Melissa. Birthday lunch from Brittany. Sammy's celebration. Amanuel & friends. Text from Sarah. Bowling with kids. Cooking with M. M falling asleep on the couch. Camera! Package from Steph. Cranberry apple bread. A haircut. Flexibility. Last Tuesday class. Micah volunteering. Rebecca's help. Helping Hugo. Class over early. Celebrating with Mula. Lazy days to rest. Warmth. Nutcracker with M. Laundry in house. Micah. Cake options. Glasses for H. No class for Micah! Chat with Steph. Chips & salsa. Drink with Kelli. Gifts for others. Picking up the kids. Vacation! Library books. Time alone. Gifts from Kelli. Christmas Eve with Beth and Zach. Prime rib. Micah cooking. Christmas at home!! Sharing this day with the kids. The joy of gifts. Visit with the Alexanders. Wine. Dave & Kathy's. Lunch with the Steevers. Hugs. Piano music. Ethiopian food. Seeing Ben. Gifts from Sharon. Jon! Puzzles. Cups of Coffee. Visit with Lisa. Dinner with Nate & Lisa. Christmas with the Herrboldts'. Necklace from Beth.

Merry Christmas!

Reflecting

A year ago I climbed into bed with a heavy heart and so many emotions as I attempted to be present for my oldest, but ached to know when I could see my two youngest again. Tonight I am crawling into bed with a full heart (and a few tears of gratitude) after I kissed all three of my babes goodnight and tucked them in one more time. Tomorrow we will celebrate Christmas in our home for the first time since being married and with all three kiddos!! I think I am more excited than they are!

Celebrating Micah

December is full of birthday celebrations in our family. Today was a day to celebrate Micah. The kids were probably more excited it was his birthday than he was. They each wanted to bake a cake for him but couldn't agree on a flavor so this mama took the easy route and bought a cake with a variety of flavors! Micah certainly deserved so much more. I am so grateful for this man and all he is willing to do for our family. We could not be luckier!

The Nutcracker

Took the little man to see his first ballet tonight. He was adorable to watch and couldn't believe the toy nutcracker turned into an actual dancing man! 

Vacuum Buddy

G recently received this toy vacuum from a friend. He is in LOVE and would vacuum all day if I let him. He has taken to the habit of pulling out his vacuum whenever we are vacuuming and walking right alongside of us. Let's hope he still loves it this much when he is old enough to push the actual vacuum!

Unexpected Blessings

Mula is someone who entered our lives in the most tragic of situations. Although the grief and pain of that loss is still very much real, our family will forever be grateful for the blessings found amongst the pain. Mula has become family and will forever be family. It was the three kiddos who made the decision to give him the title of Uncle and we wouldn't have it any other way. We were honored to join him in celebrating his accomplishments and graduation. Much love to you Uncle Mula!

A First for the Littles

Celebrating Lady M

We spent the evening celebrating Lady M's birthday with our little family. With some prompting from her brothers, she chose pizza for dinner and cupcakes decorated like owls. After dinner we bundled up and took the kids downtown for the Christmas parade. One of the benefits to living in a small town is that we didn't have to stand out in the cold too long. Lady M was eager to get home and open her presents - she was adorable! I am so grateful that we were able to be with her on her birthday this year and I hope that there will be many, many more years before we are apart on this special day. Love you sweet girl!

Grateful Edition:November 2014

Advocating for others. Connie. Slow mornings & cuddles. Church. Note from A. Family day. Kids excitement for snow. Apple cider. Sunshine warmth. Leftovers. Healthy cookies. New recipes. Lots of laughter. Chat with B & A. Chat with Steph. Call from Lisa. Hike with family. Short time away. Pumpkin bars. Dinner with Adam & Cheri. A domestic day. Reaching my goal with scarves. Blackberry jam & homemade bread. A quiet work night. Extra time. Laughter. Cuddles. Apologizing to M & praying for change. Micah's help. Indian food. Laughter in a CRAZY situation. A room to myself. Dreaming of possibilities. Time to unwind. Calling it out. A hug from Dixie. Lupita's. Ethiopians & a visit to a market. Chai tea. Coming home. Memory. Lady M's excitement. Tea conversations. Leftovers. Books on tape. Shelly's help. Nutrition talk. Date with Micah. Afternoon naps. Birthday parties. Extra cash. Movie with Micah. Christmas shopping in sweats. Cooking with kids. Traditions. Social security cards. Rice bags. Leftovers . Excitement while decorating. Falling asleep again. Better health. Train tracks. Kids playing well together.

Christmas Preparation

It is hard to believe that a year ago we had no indication as to when the two littles would be joining our family. We moved through holiday activities with heavy hearts. So thankful that this year we are preparing and celebrating with the two littles.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrating with Godfrey and Mula

Torture

These two are such troopers....just incase a 20+ hour flight wasn't enough torture to enter into our family with, today we spent over two hours at the social security office! I am sure everyone loved heading me sign nursery rhymes for entertainment. One step closer!

Weekend Activities

Hiking at Tie City

M working with Aba to build the birdhouse he designed.

Grateful Edition:October 2014

Morning time with Lady M and G. Cuddling with G during naptime. Reading for pleasure. Baking. Watching M's concert. October challenge accountability. Heaters. Working with kids. Hearing 4 languages. Scarves. Mula. Yoga videos. Curious George. Remembering 1st moments with M. Popcorn and cuddles. Chat with Brittany. Warmth. Fall activities. Micah getting an elk! Family breakfast. Park and picnic lunches. Afternoon naps. Dinner as a family. Productive day. Working out. Getting things accomplished. Coffee and heaters. Nap with G. Applesauce. Warm fall days. Being with students. Seeing D.G., A.G., and H.E. Book study done on time. Micah at home. Lady M's conference. Closets to hide in. Tina's help. Waking up next to M. Apple scones. Warm days. Watching M play soccer. Reminder of blessings. Loving on Rowen. Easy dinners. Sleeping in. Cuddles with Lady M. Carpool help. Visit with Amy. Thought to come back to. Another filing cabinet. Michelle's help. Easy dinners. Dinner with M. Chat with Cassandra. Library trips. Craft time. Micah coming home. Hanging with Nate and Lisa. Dinner and drinks. Games and laughter. Homemade apple pie. Parade with family. Afternoon hike with Beth and Rowen. Coffee and nap time. Evening with Micah. G sleeping before 9:30. Pumpkin excitement. Micah home early. Truthful conversations. Positive conference for M. A slow start to work. EL Family night. A beautiful day. Time to share about Ethiopian culture. A beautiful day. Park picnics. Ethiopian with the babes. Watching M at church. Easy breakfast. Watching the babes run along the hillside. Chat with Steph. Cookies. Warm laundry and a fireplace. Sunrise and sunset. Childcare help. Soup already made. Finding M asleep with a book. Car conversations. Compliment from Melissa. Coffee shop visits and time to read. Dragon face in the rear view mirror. Halloween traditions minus trick or treating.

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Patch

Homecoming Parade

A beautiful day for the youngest babes to experience their first homecoming parade!

Fall Activities

Micah has been gone for the past four days and we are all going a little crazy. It's the first time the youngest babes have been away from him.....oofta! We are in the final stretch so to help pass time we are taking tons of deep breaths, spending lots of time outside and attempting a fall craft to keep our minds distracted. 

Selfish Pursuits

It might be selfish, but I have decided that these late night work sessions that keep Micah away should equal popcorn and a movie for the babes and I. 

Gratitude Edition:September 2014

Morning hikes. Sweatpants. A nice person at a school where I usually feel uncomfortable. Taking Lady M to school. Nice weather during soccer practice. Amy. Smooth night of solo parenting. Morning coffee with Becky. Nice weather. Lady M feeling more comfortable. M knowing he is cared for. Email from Lisa. Stella's story. An hour to unwind. A glass of wine. Easy dinners. Micah coming home. Second chances. Scott and Lala. Visit with Britt. Coffee with Jess. A morning walk. Afternoon naps. My 3 dragons. Becky. A new hair style for Lady M. Another book. Tea at the table. Going to bed early. Picture from Melissa of plant. Food to eat on the run. Micah. D and D meeting. Call from Lisa. Joel. A day to catch up. Unexpected naps. Chat with Dixie. Going to bed early. A night with kids. Messages in unexpected places. Mula. Coffee. Nice weather. Being home. Late night chat with Micah. Heart to heart with Mihretu. Chat with Jessie. Seeing Eisa. Nice weather. Talking with Jon. Coffee from Kim. Time to prep. Warm lunch. Positive principals. Dinner already made. Peanut butter marshmallows. Nice weather again. An unexpected nap. Britt. Sitting as a family at the table. Conversation with Colleen. Laffy Taffy jokes from Melissa. Another beautiful day. Chat with secretary. Office time. 5 years since I first held M. Park weather. Unexpected dinner invite. Hike with the kids. Chat with Lisa. Micah home. Micah making dinner. Time with Lady M. Medicine. Chat with Steph. Kim's help. Conversation with Leisa. Extra time at home. M feeling better. IPES kids. Dinner outside. Talking with Micah. Campfire with kids. Library time. 5 years with M. Court with Lady M and G. Park time. Walk with Micah. Another walk. Chat with Michelle. Bedtime. Time as a family. Picnic in the park. Colleen and Van. Reading in the car. Alysha's teaching. Ranch visit. Beauty of fall. Wagon ride. Thompson's help. M's creativity - (concert / no smoking). Chat with Bruce and Von. Office time. 2nd cups of coffee. Blankets. M at prayer time. Book/note from Alysha.

You Take What You Can Get

Between grad school, work, and three kiddos that love their daddy's attention, we don't see much of each other lately. Thankful for some time tonight - even if it is discussing budget over a cup of tea.