Grateful 2011: February Edition

Creativity. More time. Organization. Dislike of soda. Hanging with friends. Fireplaces. Flexibility. Family night. Opportunities to share. Time of rest. Wine. Watching M. play. Teachings that challenge me. Acts of love. Unscheduled evenings. New possibilities. Adoptive families. Lunch dates. Sleep. M.'s birthmother. Reminders of grace. Knowledge. Early morning breakfast as a family. Banff. Bono. Micah coming home. Celebrating M. Joyful times.

It's a Celebration!

Today is the little man's 4th birthday! It is so hard to believe that our baby is already four years of age. It feels as if just yesterday he was coming home with us for the first time.

Oh how we long to savor these moments and always remember the joy this stage of life with the little man brings us.

We celebrated his birthday with a pool party per his request. Being in America for a year and a half now, he has become an expert on all things regarding American birthday parties! He made sure that we would have his friends there, lots of fun, and of course cake. The morning of his party he awoke, got himself dressed and sat in the living room with his coat and backpack for a good 45 minutes waiting for us to leave for the party. He was adorable!

We had the party at the REC center - great idea if you don't want to worry about the hassle at your house - and M. made sure to tell everyone that it was his birthday. So. Cute.

The kids had a great time swimming and then we gathered back up for the enjoyment of pool themed treats and cupcakes. Then everyone's favorite part - the gift opening. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of people loving on M. He received so many wonderful gifts and it was darling seeing how excited his friends were for him.

We wrapped up the day by heading to Fort Collins with Auntie Beth and Uncle Zach for a time of climbing. M. got his very own climbing harness from some of the family and was excited to try it out. After conquering the alphabet climb a few times, we headed for a wonderful Ethiopian dinner to finish off a fantastic day celebrating the little man.

The Guy With the Glasses

In this house we really enjoy music, and not just any music.

Good Great music.

So for us, this includes a long list of artists that fill the walls of this home regularly, but per the request of the little man we have been listening to A. LOT. of U2 lately. It has been a evening ritual to finish up with dinner and then spend the evening dancing away to U2. I would post a video of those fantastic times, but then you would have to see two certain adults dancing along with the little man. YIKES!

All that to say, not only is the music of U2 wonderful, but we have always appreciated the advocacy they take on in regards to issues of poverty and AIDS. Found this article and enjoyed reading it - hope you do too.

Grammy Time!

Another Unusual Sleeping Place

Project Time!

Old frame, paint and a new favorite fabric with netting material.

Paint the frame, attach fabric with glue.

Store earrings on new favorite fabric for easy display!

And while I was busy doing the above, the boys were busy with their own project. Notice the new little plumber?

Project Time!

Various pieces of scrapbook paper, clothespins, and glue.

Strips of paper glued to clothespins.

An ever-changing display for M's artwork and photos.