Grateful 2011:December Edition

Students who remind me of all I have to be grateful for. A date with Micah. Mellany. Laffy Taffy jokes. Movies to distract the mind. Little M. The day ending - ugh. The car starting in below zero weather. Beitel students. Talking with Becky. Connecting with Little M. Soup. Jamille. Colleen. Community living. Peppermint Parade! Colleen. Wine. Memories with Melissa. A hug from Melissa through Colleen - I needed it. Olive Garden. Micah. Coming home. Lisa. Kelli. Learning to knit. Getting lost in a book. Brian T. Christmas memories in the making. Safe travels. Not driving another five hours. Reading. Time to wander. Nana and Papa. Summer memories with Nana. Puzzles. Books. My own knitting needles. Truthful conversations. Lazy days. Coming home. Time with M. Uncle K. speaking truth. Baba and Nei Nei. Micah and M. A full house.

A Special Moment

Putting together the Christmas lego present with Aba.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to observe these special moments they spend together.

Christmas Gatherings - 2011

A Unique Christmas Ornament

Found this on the Christmas tree tonight as I was getting ready to go to bed.

Suppose it is one way to decorate the tree and celebrate Christmas.

More of Grammy's Wishes...

Merry Christmas

Grammy's Wishes Are Coming True....

He does make a cute cowboy.

Christmas Thoughts

Christmas is on the brain for obvious reasons.

Every year I struggle so much with this holiday. I know. I am ridiculous. I can't help it. For as long as I can remember I have longed for this time of year to be less about presents and more about presence. No matter how hard I try - even with a child - I can't seem to come to terms with the wish lists, excess of purchases and the overwhelming amount of wants versus needs. It just screams back at me all the ways that I still need to simplify in life. So I appreciated finding

A Radical Way to Celebrate Christmas and I am mulling it over.

Until I figure all this Christmas stuff out - the little man has enjoyed watching this video several times and I won't lie, I have enjoyed it as well.

The Christmas Story -

Thinking of Melissa

The Blomberg family is over at the house as well as Jon. I decided I should try to be more hospitable so I made some pumpkin cream sandwich cookies.

The whole situation has me thinking of the lovely Melissa......

Some friends just come into your thoughts in the most unexpected moments and they take up camp in your heart.

A New Game

For a good twenty minutes the game "Hide and seek, M. is a present, look in funny places" happened at our house.

Honestly, the first time (on top of the fridge) I wasn't expecting it and was quite startled.

After the fridge it just simply became a challenge to see where the next obscure place would end up.

We certainly had some good laughs!

Peppermint Parade

The little man had his holiday program, the Peppermint Parade tonight. He was so excited - even told us what our audience behavior should be like. He of course was adorable - and quite entertaining. There is not a shy bone in his body.

After the program we promised him that we would go look at Christmas lights. I think that the top left photo is the only photo we have of Little M. where he isn't smiling ear to ear...all because we forgot to take a picture of him in front of the Christmas tree (good thing we have one at home)!

Hoping to post some video sometime after I get back from my work trip!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Sitting on the couch talking with M. about various things and I asked him,

"What do you need to wash before you sit down for meal time?"

His confident reply,

"My penis?!"

Looks like we have some educating to do!

A Little Get Away

Had a little get away trip with Micah for my birthday. We enjoyed a day away in Denver and took care of some Christmas shopping, checked out a new restaurant (highly recommend it), enjoyed the Nutcracker ballet. So thankful for these moments.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Tonight at church they had a potluck soup dinner. Micah had M. with him and was pointing out and describing each of the types of soup that he could choose from. At one point the conversation went something like this:

Micah:

"So this one has cheese and vegetables. This soup has meat, rice and vegetables. This soup here has chicken and noodles."

M.

"I know dad! That's why they call it chicken noodle soup!"

Grateful 2011: November Edition

Both my Ms and the beautiful snowfall. Nate & Lisa. Things being done. Email from Melissa and her friendship despite the distance. Jon. A working front door. A call from Mark. Libraries. Leftovers. Capri and Becky. Seeing Jon. Teahouse and delicious food. Colleen. Colleen. Coming home. Opportunities to share - even if I hate standing in front of crowds. The end of the day. Learning how to serve M better. Adoption group. Melissa. Lunch with Becky. Time to think. Phone call from Kim. My office and tea. Productive work sessions. Colleen. Stewart family. Family. M's joy. Phone call from Marl. Second chances. Music. Friends. Rice bag. Massage. A glass of wine.

Super Decorating Power to the Rescue

We got busy with decorating and that could only be done with the Super M cape. Makes sense to me - especially when you need to fly to the top of the tree to get the decorations on.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Great Way to Spend the Day

M. got a LOT of loving today from these wonderful children. So thankful for them and the opportunity to have them be a part of our lives.

There Are Options When it Comes to Pretzels

Perfection No More

Although I am still claiming perfection, because let's be honest,

who else can see things that are 1/4 inch tall and miles away?!

A Special Package in the Mail

My Favorite

I am at a conference until later today and I am starting to miss this little man. Can't wait to get home to him.

Pondering

For the Poor

Make us worthy, Lord, to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger.

Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give them peace and joy.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

A Working Entrance

Ever since we have moved into the house, we haven't been able to use the front door properly. It wouldn't remain closed unless it has the deadbolt locked with the one key that we were given. It also sat crooked in the frame so a lot of air, cold air might I add, came into the living room. Of course, I need not worry because I married Micah the handy man and how did he spend his first day off after a long week of conferences? By putting in a new door of course!

The old door is seen in the upper left hand corner, the new door in the bottom right hand corner. Not entirely sure what is going on in the lower left hand picture - maybe Micah is showing M. and Jon how you install a door Spiderman style.....

Pondering

It's all about perspective....

"If one hundred people represented the world's population, fifty-three of those would live on less than $2 a day. Do you realize that if you make $4,000 a month, you automatically make one hundred times more than the average person on this planet? Which is more messed up-that we have so much compared to everyone else, or that we don't think we're rich? That on any given day we might flippantly call ourselves 'broke' or 'poor'? We are neither of those things. We are rich. Filthy rich."

~Excerpt from Crazy Love by: Francis Chan

National Adoption Month

Check out Woventogetherbylove to learn more about National Adoption Month.

Hoping to have something regarding adoption posted there each day this month!

Grateful 2011:October Edition

Beth and Zach. Coming home. The changing leaves. Time to read. Lunch with Becky. Time to self (even if only 20 minutes). Blake (an answer to our friend's prayers). Reminders to connect. Seeing students again! A beautiful winter wonderland day. Family breakfast. Colleen and Van. An evening conversation with Micah! Seeing M. read for the first time. Conversation with Meredith. Photo of Ivan. Conversation with Loren. Phone call from Chels. ELL Team. M's excitement for pizza. A day with MY M's, Becky, and Chels. A productive day. Jon. Heated seats in Jon's car. Cuddle time with M. Conversation with Barb. Potato soup. Special moments with M. Nate and Lisa. A beautiful fall day. Lunch with Colleen and Sandy. Peter and Kelli. Easy dinner and cuddle time with M. Time to email Melissa - finally! Micah coming home. M. making it through a whole movie. Apple cider and other tasty fall treats. Phone conversation with Mark. My superhero son - and Colleen for saving the day!

Happy Halloween!!

(I can take very little credit for this costume. My wonderful friend Colleen made M. a cape with an M on the back. He instantly fell in love with the "superhero" cape and vetoed my idea of being a "Newsie" for Halloween. So off came the bottom two inches of fabric for a mask and some scrap fabric lends itself to the M for the shirt. Thank goodness for Colleen saving this Halloween!)

Unusual Sleeping Place Part IV

(10/02/11 - not that unusual of a place...)

(10/30/11 - waiting for Aba to come home)

Harvest Festivities

We threw together at the last minute a Harvest party in order to share with some of our international friends what festive activities this time of year brings. Unfortunately none of our international friends were able to make it.

Fortunately we have other friends! So we gathered up for pumpkin painting / carving, apple cider, homemade soup, caramel apples, and of course enjoying one another's company. M. had a great time painting his pumpkin - as always - and giving a preview of his costume!

Clean Water for Ethiopia

We have some incredible people in our lives.

Our friend Matt dedicated this week to writing about the impact of clean water and what a difference it can make.

Beyond that, today is his birthday and he is asking others to join him in giving the gift of clean water.

Please check it out.

A Welcomed Visit - Take 2

This post is a little over due because lovely Chelsea actually visited on October 15th and attended the UW football game with us, but I just now got around to loading the photos onto the computer.

As you can tell from the photo, Chels is the beautiful and funny one of the bunch. She has been a part of my life since I was fresh out of finishing up my first year of college in South Carolina. We met at the camp we both worked at, and I can tell you that those few summers alone have given me a ton of silly stories to share about her and her dynamic personality!

We live about 60 miles away from each other - and somehow we still manage to squeeze in a couple of years in between each of our visits. Ridiculous - I know - but despite the extend year stints we throw at our friendship, we always seem to pick up right where we left off (which I am so thankful for because I wasn't really in to watching the football game).

It feels so good to have those friendships that extend a length of time and help you remember how much you have grown and reflect on the sustaining truths of who you really are.

Chore and Responsibility Boards

Way back in June I started dreaming up this idea while having a brainstorming session with Beth on the drive down to Fort Collins. I knew that I wanted to create something for the little man that would help him move toward independence in his responsibilities and eventually address chores and allowance.

After a lot of thinking and dialogue about how we wanted this to look and work, we came to a few conclusions:

1. Everyone has responsibilities when in a family and those are not things that you earn money for. They are things you do to simply help out your family. In M.'s case his current responsibilities are primarily getting himself ready and taking care of his room.

2. A job is something that you make the choice to participate in and there are natural consequences if you don't - you don't get paid. For right now, M. can choose to complete up to five different chores and get paid 5 cents per chore. The money will be paid once a week and will go into his various money jars, which you can read more about here.

So M. and I took a trip to the store and picked up two cookie sheets and he was able to pick out letter stickers and ribbon. We then returned home and took pictures of the various things that he needed to complete out of responsibility or for chores.

Then it was my turn to get creative........

We hung the boards in our hallway so he sees them easily. We also went over the boards a week ago on Friday and he instantly got to work! I went to tell him that it was time to get ready for bed and he had already put pj's on, his dirty clothes in the laundry and cleaned up his toys! I think that I could get used to this!

He does love giving himself a tally mark below each picture once he has done that, and even shouted at me one morning, "Don't make my bed, I want to do that!"

As of right now, he could care less about the money. What he really wants to know is when he gets his special date with Aba!

*M. was able to redeem his first date with Aba! Micah gave him the choice of going for a hike or watching a movie and eating a special snack. M. chose going for a walk to get the movie and then stopping by a restaurant for a tasty treat. As we sat down to watch the movie, he kept saying, "This is so great. This is so much fun!"

Next Up: War and Peace

M. has been walking around school and the house spelling and sounding out EVERYTHING. I knew from my teaching moments that this indicated he was nearing readiness to start reading.

So I mentioned to him that he should look at some books while I made dinner.

Soon after, I overheard him sitting on the couch sounding words out and then reading each page to himself!!

We are all very excited and so proud of him!

National Fossil Day!

Project Time - Cork Letter

I have been keeping wine corks for the past several years in a mason jar. In the last few months, the jar has been overflowing and I was getting annoyed with constantly moving them around - thus began my scheming to create a wine cork letter to hang by our desk area.

I think that it turned out okay, but I definitely recommend putting some kind of backing behind the corks. I didn't the first time and it didn't hold together very well. Other than that I am pretty happy with my zero dollar project - well zero dollars if you don't count the initial price of purchasing wine!

Winter Wonderland

We woke up this morning to the last few minutes of sunshine and shortly after breakfast the flakes began to fall. M. was super excited and couldn't wait to get outside! He spent a few minutes playing outside by himself before Lisa joined him. Together they had a great time making snowballs, snowmen and snow ice cream.

We spent the rest of the day warm inside playing games, drink hot chocolate (or tea), and reading lots of books. It was a beautiful winter day in October!

Fall Hike

I am in love with fall.

Well, Micah says I am only in love with fall when it is at least 50 to 60 degrees outside - and there might be some truth to that. But, I do love fall.

So I have wanted to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, the changing of leaves, and these last few moments of dressing without a coat.

We were lucky enough to gain some great company on our midweek hike. Colleen has become such a dear friend to me, and her little man is dearly loved by M. We had a great time soaking in the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, the bursts of energy and reasoning found only in our boys, a bull moose, and some adult conversation.

Beth and Zach's Special Day

We traveled to South Dakota this weekend to celebrate with Beth and Zach. Their wedding ceremony was held in Custer State Park in the Black Hills and it was absolutely beautiful. They really could not have asked for a more perfect day.

Grateful 2011:September Edition

Trusting relationships. Lunch with Colleen. Adventures with Becky. Grandma/pa Rempfer. Email from Melissa. Sarah. Melissa's excitement for things in my life (or the things that I hope for in my life). Affirmation that he is fine. Reminders of what my priorities should be. Coming home. Dinner with neighbors. Grateful parents. Email from Melissa. Opportunities to practice saying no. Fall treats from Kelli. Walks in the rain. Nate and Lisa. Phone call from Shelly. Long distance book club! Vander and family. Lunch with Sarah. Quiet moments. Cuddling with M. Fulfilling life goal of buying a tree. Lunch dates with students. An ENTIRE day with my guys. Bringing M. home two years ago. Homemade spiced pear jam. Stewart kids. Finishing early. Late night talk with Jon. Sunrise.

Lukewarm

We made the drive to Rapid City last night.

It was a late night, driving well into the early morning hours of today.

So with the late drive came a lot of singing, a lot of crappy food, and a lot of thinking and a lot of talking.

While Jon took the second shift and my two guys slept in the back, I rattled off to Jon a lot of the thoughts that were racing through my brain and Jon challenged me (I love having these types of conversations by the way - and I am pretty sure that if you are with me past 10:30 pm I will subject you to my late night thinking/pondering life/making sense of it all sessions).

Anyways, I was talking to him about a book I was reading and how it addressed being a lukewarm person spiritually and how over the past few days it has got me thinking......

Am I a lukewarm person?

Do I stand for what I believe in?

Do I speak up for injustice?

Do I take risks even when I know what the end result might be?

I had an experience this past week where I was confronted with the ongoing racism that still exists in our community. I presented what I am very passionate about, and I am sure that I ticked a few people off in the course of that presentation. I am also pretty sure that in the course of those two hours, I had A LOT of assumptions and judgements made about who I am as a person. At first I was bothered by the fact that people are judging me based on this short period of time. But after reflecting on it, I realized that I would rather people know what I stand for than not - even if it means judgments are made.

So am I lukewarm? I don't know - I think that sometimes I can definitely walk the middle of the road and play it safe - other times I get pretty passionate and charge full speed ahead.

I hope that in those moments of "playing it safe" that I have surrounded myself with people that will speak honestly and boldly with me. People that will inspire and challenge me. People that will continue in helping me become the person that I daily yearn to be.

Sometimes

Sometimes I don't sleep well.

Sometimes I can't sleep.

Sometimes it is the things of life that keep me up.

Sometimes it is the things of my family's life that keep me up.

Sometimes it is the dreams I have.

Sometimes it is the dreams my family has.

Sometimes I can fall back to sleep.

Sometimes I see the sunrise.

Celebrating Two Years with Tree Hugging

Yesterday marked the two year anniversary since we brought M. home.

Two years. Two years! Time has flown by!

In addition to the many special stories and memories that were shared again this week, we headed out to a local nursery on Friday and bought an aspen tree.

I have always had this little idea/dream to plant a tree for each one of our children when they were born. Obviously, our children will be coming into our families at very different times and ways, so that might not work. But, two years is just as joyous of an occasion to put this idea into motion.

M. was filled with excitement about "his tree" and as soon as we set it on the ground, he started doing a little dance to celebrate. He was also sure it give it lots of hugs so it would grow big and strong like him. And because he is who he is, he was also sure to yell at anyone within walking distance that this was his tree and "No one can take it - even if you want it!" Dinner was even interrupted a few times as we "checked" on the tree to make sure it was doing okay.

So here is to M. May you grow big and strong. May you become deeply rooted and receive all the nourishing that you need. Love you little man!

Lunch Dates

I had the opportunity to visit the school I previously worked at last year and have lunch with some of my former students.

It was definitely the highlight of my day.

I forget how much I love being with students, hearing about their lives, spending time each day with them, watching them grow.

Gosh, I have missed them so much.

So lunch dates were exactly what my teacher heart needed. I loved EVERY minute of it!

My dear friend was smart enough to take pictures. I wish that I could post them.....they just bring me so much joy and I am pretty sure that I have looked at them at least 6 times since have them sent to me and I can't wait to see them again!

Two Years Ago Today

Two years ago today we met M. for the first time.

(September 18, 2011 - Two years after first meeting M.)

We spent some time remembering those special moments today.

As we reread our journal entries from that day (feel free to read our entries from last year as we spend this week remembering our time in Ethiopia), our hearts are filled with emotions and gratitude for the past two years. It hasn't always been easy and we haven't always had all the answers, but those first moments of seeing M. are still so clear in our minds and we are so thankful that he is our son.

There are many moments over the past two years where I felt that I have no patience left in me, no tolerance left for the energy and friendliness, no freaking idea how I am suppose to raise this beautiful boy in a way that won't destroy him and mess him up....

But, somehow in those moments, I gain glimpses of the beauty of having this little boy as my son. I gain glimpses of the many, many lessons that are being thrown at me to learn through his heart. When he cuddles up next to me, calls me his princess, and creates rules that involve hugs my heart swells knowing that he is absolutely perfect for me - even in the most challenging moments.

Project Time - Travel History

For a long time I have been wanting to create a way for us to mark all of the places that we have traveled to over the years. I have seen lots of neat ideas in books and online, but I didn't have the patience or money to make any of them happen. So after a lot of late night thinking (I haven't been sleeping very well for several months, so I often lay in bed and spend those hours doing a lot of thinking and attempting at creating) I came up with the idea to put some cork board in a picture frame, glue a map on the top and then mark it with pins. Here is the end result - minus the pins.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Last year I was fortunate enough to work with a very talented person who has similar philosophies, hopes and dreams as I do (and not just as a teacher, but as a mom of a little man). She seriously became a saving grace for me - and continues to be. I am so grateful for her friendship and the opportunity to work alongside her.

So during one of our many conversations last year, some how the idea was thrown out there that WE should start a school garden. We talked about all of the benefits (for both us and the students) and how great it would be to get this going.

Then I left her to do all of the work.

I know - I was not the most helpful co-sponsor of the garden club.

Thankfully, despite my shortcomings, she continued to do many, MANY amazing things and has made such a difference in this community.

The paper featured a story about the garden club, it made the front page!

I am so proud of her, this garden and all the work she has done so be sure to check the story out!

Pondering

(Image borrowed from louiethebunny.blogspot.com)

I choose to believe that there is nothing more sacred or profound than this day. I choose to believe that there may be a thousand big moments embedded in this day, waiting to be discovered like tiny shards of gold. The big moments are the daily, tiny moments of courage and forgiveness and hope that we grab on to and extend to one another. That’s the drama of life, swirling all around us, and generally I don’t even see it, because I’m too busy waiting to become whatever it is I think I am about to become. The big moments are in every hour, every conversation, every meal, every meeting.

― Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life

Puppy Love

This puppy rode to school with us, but wasn't allowed to get out of the car (toys aren't allowed at school).

So the little man buckled in puppy and after he was sure that he was all safe proceeded to tell puppy,

"Now you be a good puppy, have fun learning today and playing with your friends. Listen to mommy and make sure you don't yell or pee in your pants. I'll see you soon!"

He then grabbed puppy's face with both hands and planted a big smooch on him.

Pretty sweet little man.

Ugh.

We've had some interesting conversations these past few days with the little man about his race.

Comments have been made at school and long story short, it is impacting his heart and how he views himself.

My heart breaks for him and my eyes well up with tears even as I write this. I want nothing more than for my sweet boy to feel like he belongs and is beautiful. I want him to be confident in who God created him to be and never think that he falls short or is the wrong color.

So this is what is keeping me up at night. This is what I am now currently trying to teach myself all about.

"Individuals of any race or culture do not outgrow the longing to be connected - to have a sense of belonging, to be with others who are "just like me," and to know they are a part of a broader community." (Excerpt from Dim Sum, Bagels, and Grits)

You just forget how privileged you are to be white until something like this smacks you in the face.

Seriously, Did This Just Happen?!?

Returned home from our weekend adventures and was unpacking the car. As I was pulling things out of the car, the little man kept telling me that I needed to take in his water bottle for him and then took off running down the sidewalk. I asked my friend to look after him and she came back a little panicked.

This is how the next five minutes of my life went:

Becky: "You might need to get some toilet paper."

Me: "What? Why? Is he bleeding or something?"

Becky: "Umm, nope. Looks like he couldn't wait.

Me: "He's POOPING! You're kidding me?! In the front yard?!?"

So I ran inside, grabbed some toilet paper, and headed out front to find M. with one hand on the house and one on the steps squatting in the corner.

Me: "M. what are you doing?!!"

M.: "I had to go to the bathroom."

Me: "Well, why didn't you go inside?! Why are you pooping in the front yard?!"

M.: "Well mom, that's just the way it goes sometimes. When you have to poop you have to poop."

At this time I am standing there looking down at my son thinking to myself, "Can this get anymore ridiculous?" Yes. Yes it can.

A few minutes have passed - felt more like twenty - and I all of a sudden see M. lift up one hand and wave hello to someone! I. am. horrified.

My son, who is currently squatting in the front yard, happens to be so polite that he even waves hello when he is taking a dump!

M."Hi!"

Person walking by looks over, says hi back and then registers what is happening and appears to be in shock.

M."I am pooping. That's what you do sometimes."

Shocked person: "Okay?!"

Me: HORRIFIED. So I pick him up in the middle of his business and run him to the back yard where he resumes business.

"Are you almost finished here?"

M.: "Nope. I still have to go more mom."

Me: "Are you kidding me?"

M.: "Nope. That's the way it goes sometimes mom. That's the way it goes."

Please tell me this happens to other people!?!

Be Brave Momma, Be Brave!

Grateful 2011: August Edition

Sarah. Patio enjoyment. Mike, Melissa and Mark! Mike, Melissa and Mark! Mike, Melissa, and Mark (I really am so happy to see these people)! Conversation with Von. Pation conversations. Micah coming home. Time with Asma. Dinner date with Melissa. Colleen and Van. Camping with family. Hummus. A warm shower. Family time. Uncle Jon! Productive days. Rainstorms. Meeting with Barb. Day spent with Mihretu. Colleen. A positive doctor's appointment. Fish tacos and Red Ass Rhubarb wine. Quiet moments. A morning walk with Melissa. Distractions from pain. Neighbors and playdates. Positive feedback. Watching Uncle Jon love on Mihretu. Friday. Good books. The end of the day and new beginnings. Pumpkin muffins. Letters from friends. Lunch date and conversation with Colleen. Dinner with Jon and Becky.

Little Saturday Project

1st Day Back

It was nothing but pure excitement for the little man as he returned to preschool today, which was a nice reassurance for this mama's heart.

Buddies

The little man got to hang out with a good buddy today while we were at work.

(Photos courtesy of Shelly Coulter)

We are so grateful the little man has such wonderful friends and that we have friends who are willing to serve us in a time of need.

Black Hills

(Received this photo from LaVon and was instantly reminded why I love the Black Hills so much)

When I admire the wonders of a sunset

or the beauty of the moon,

my soul expands in the worship of the creator.

Mohandas Gandhi

A Trip to the Doctor's

We went to the doctor's office today for the little man's annual check-up and it was great! There were no shots and no tears. Well actually, I take that back, I cried three times, but they were all tears of extreme thankfulness and joy. We still have a long ways for him to go to catch up to American four year olds height and weight wise, but developmentally he is doing great - almost too great. We have our work cut out for us to keep him challenged. So thankful - so completely thankful for a positive visit and some great news!

Uncle Jon!

Uncle Jon made it to Laramie and we are so excited!!!! It will be nice to have him closer and be able to share a lot more of life with him. The little man is very happy and I will be honest, I love seeing the two of them spending time together!

Comments

Going through the process of adoption can be a journey that allows you to have some interesting interactions with a lot of people. I don't know if this happens with other parents, but we get some very personal questions asked of us by complete strangers. We also hear a lot of people's opinions about what we are doing.

We currently have some friends of ours navigating through a very difficult decision and as I have spent time listening to their struggles and trying to encourage them, I am dumbfounded by the liberty some people feel they can take in telling them what should or shouldn't be done.

I found a blog post here that gives a glimpse into some of the things people feel they need to say to families. Definitely hard to believe - but it makes me so thankful for the times when people are sensitive and caring.

Here are some things that people have said to us:

Us - "We're adopting from Ethiopia!"

Person - "Are you going to get a child that is white or will they not let you have that choice?"

Another Person - "Is it going to be white?"

Person - "Are you babysitting?"

Me - "No, this is my son."

Person - "Oh, is your husband an athlete at the University?"

Person after finding out M. is adopted - "Well thank goodness you were able to get him out of that horrible situation and place."

Person - "So did you adopt because you can't have any real kids?" (As if M. is just a toy or pretend child?!)

After introducing M.

Person -"So with a weird name like that, where did he come from?"

Another climb!

Camp Dress