Gratitude Edition:December 2013

Tree hunting. Full table. Confessions. Teaching distractions. Easy dinners. Email from Laura. Email from Archers. Carol and her gifts. Flowers from M. Lady M. Some news. Dinner with Becky. Dinner with Laura. Friday. Painting to distract. Flea market. Confessing it all to Micah. Fears. Wants. Reminder to advocate. Sarah. Text conversations that speak truth. My crazy dream. Cheri. Ethiopian food. Boldness to ask for prayers. Responses. Kim. Call from Colleen. Tea that is good. Looking at Christmas lights with the boys. Compliment from Tony S. Prayers from Lindsey S. Cuddling with M in the morning light. Email and photos regarding Amado. Our Ethiopian extended family. Ethiopian bread. Going to bed. Second chances. A day with Micah. Checking things off the list. Baking with Kelli. M's heart (note to friend and letter about God). Grandma's quilt. Micah. Cookie baking with Ruth. Ethiopian coffee. Language lessons. Hearing from the Embassy. Time to organize. Easy dinner. Drive through coffee. Quiet 4th hour. Brainless TV. Cuddle time with M. Opportunities to help. Tina. Colleen. Friday. News - possible travel soon. Sherri-lyn. Joel - cappuccino gift. Time to be. Safe travels to Rapid. Melissa and Mike. Leaving. A lazy day. Movie with Jon and Micah. Embassy news! Returning home. Sleeping in my own bed. A day to get things done. Special date with M. Reflecting on my family of 3. Colleen. Large chai. Airport friend for M. Our Ethiopian community. Checking luggage. TVs on planes. Arriving in Ethiopia. M traveling so well. Little tidbits about our kids. Elsae. Seeing Amado, Teshome, Deribe, and Tigist. Answers. Heart stretching.

So This is Happening....

It's finally happening! So excited to return to Ethiopia and introduce the little man to his brother and sister that he as faithfully prayed for these past three and a half years!!!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! We are traveling to visit family over the holiday and to hopefully soak in some calmer moments. Wishing you all a joyful holiday with family and friends. 

Thankful For...

When I asked the little man why he wrote this he was quick to tell me, "Why wouldn't you be thankful for milk? It tastes great, makes your bones strong, helps you grow and can come in little or big cartons."

Keeping the Heart Distracted

Baking cookies with these two sweeties (that are full of energy and laughter).

Ice Skating

Ice skating = sore muscles and lots of laughs.

Birthday Celebrations (A Little Early)

Grandma's Quilt

This beautiful quilt came in the mail today. It has been laying at the foot of my grandmother's bed all these years and I have always admired it with great envy. Feeling so grateful for this gift. 

A Big Brother Might Be Helpful

The little man had a special visitor today and in the 30 minutes that he was here I found myself with so much time to get things done. Hmmm, we might need to make this happen more often. 

The Best Gifts...

31 years ago this little baby was my birthday present.

31 years later, this handsome babe is bringing me birthday presents. Feeling pretty lucky today!

Tree Hunting