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.

Celebrating

Five years ago we returned from Ethiopia with our oldest babe in our arms and started learning how to love in ways we had never experienced before. That love carried us through some of our darkest days over the past four years. We added to the celebration today when we met with a judge to finalize the adoption of our two youngest babes. Feeling grateful for the privilege to share life with these babes.

Fall Discovery

Took these beautiful babes hiking today and realized that the two youngest are experiencing fall for the first time. For all of the moments I have missed out on, I am incredibly grateful for moments like this - when I get to see their curiosity and excitement for a yellow leaf falling from the tree. 

Fire in the Sky

Bedtime reading was interrupted when Lady M started shouting,
"Look! There's a fire in the sky!"

Dragon Series

Events taking place this afternoon-a three part series on how to raise a dragon. 

Moving Too Quickly

Yes, I realize that one of my children has been in school for a week already, but I'm in denial. I dealt with the denial today when we sent the second one off to preschool. How did my babies get to this place already?!?

Gratitude Edition:August 2014

Taking the kids for a hike. Lady M being so brave. Meadows full of flowers. Breakfast on the deck. Being outside. Working with the kids. Sea salt caramel. A shower. Time at Vedauwoo. Reminder that I'm not a 'gatekeeper'. Conversations with Sarah. Breakfast at Vedauwoo. Morning hike as a family. Chat with Micah. Rocking Lady M to sleep. Fishing with the kids. Rain=naps. Finding all the paperwork. Coffee. Zoo visit with the kids. Sunset. Sundance happy to see us. Baking with M. Lady M saying 'I like you'. Blueberries. Colleen conversations. Dinner with family. My first bundt cake. Watching Jon play with the kids. Brainless TV. Letters to express the heart. Hugging Jon. A walk to distract the pain. Afternoon naps. Organizing. Leftovers. Lunch with the Coulters. Doodling. Park time play. Rocking Lady M. A quick bedtime. Visit with Williams. Micah taking charge. Advocating for M. Drawing with the kids. Colleen checking in. Reading. Fishing with the kids. Time away. Childcare falling into place. Perogies. Coffee. Quiet mornings. Progress. Hair braiding improvements. Time with Rowen. Children's garden. Walks outside. My kids. School supply shopping. Icecream. Music. Tattoos. Sharing my heart with Micah. Pulling M's tooth. Facetime. Lunch with Becky. Escaping 8 minutes away. Breakfast with the kids. Cheri. Dinner with the Coop's. Sitting in sunshine. Reading outside. Tami. Geology trip with kids. Anxiety meds. A packed car. Micah making dinner. Park time. An afternoon walk. Mula. Grocery giftcards. Shelly stopping by. Becky. Meeting regarding nutrition. Text with Sarah. Dixie. Team meeting. A babysitter. Homemade pizza. Lunch with Micah. Coming home. Cherri D. Amy. Lots of snacks. Dinner with Beth and Zach. Rain. Car naps. Going to bed early. Church visits. Mike and Melissa. Walks. M in 2nd grade! Lunch as a family. Helping Becky. Rain. Erin. 2nd chances. Fast dinners. Walks. Brainless TV. A day to catch up. Dinner out. Grocery shopping alone. Oma and Opa. Sunshine. Thai food. Visits. A slow morning. Time to clean. Brainless TV. Micah coming home. A sunny day. A hike. Brussel sprouts and broccoli. Clorox wipes. Dinner with new friends. Crab apple crisp.

Finally!

So this just happened!

He's been waiting for over a year to lose his first baby tooth and was super excited!

One Year Ago Today

A year ago we held these two babes for the first time. I wasn't sure if my heart could stretch anymore, but it did. The few hours we spent with them were beautiful and would carry us through the months of unknown separation and heartache. As their mama I will always treasure those first moments with them and when I was finally able to hold them in my arms.

Still Not Great at This.....

It was a sad sad morning for our little family as we said goodbye to Uncle Jon and wished him well on his next adventure. He will certainly be missed by our crew. 

ZOO!

We headed to Denver for some immigration paperwork. Not my favorite thing to deal with on a beautiful summer day, but we decided to make the most of it and take the kids to the zoo. They had a blast and apparently I did too because I only remembered to take one photo!

Fishing

Took the babes fishing - they are naturals!

Content Here

We are doing some yard work and Mr. M is convinced he could just live here for the rest of the summer. 

Exploring the Snowies

Micah took off this morning to ride his bike to Centennial, WY. It's about 30 miles from town and at the base of the Snowy Mountains, so I took advantage of his adventure and loaded the kids up in the car for a day of exploring. We had taken the kids up to the Snowy Mountains once in the spring time, but of course everything was buried in snow so we didn't get too far. This time around, I had to keep asking them to slow down. It was a wonderful hike.

We then picked up Micah and went to explore the area where he has been hunting lately. It was a beautiful area and made me realize that there is still so many areas that I have yet to see even though I live nearby. We hiked over streams, through fields of flowers, along mossy paths and in the shadows of the pine trees. Did I mention it was beautiful? It was without a doubt one of my favorite hikes this summer.

Gratitude Edition: July 2014

Help with lunch. Evening walks. Dinner on the deck. Help with grocery shopping. Coffee. Wandering book stores. A haircut. Park time. Dinner with the uncles. Park time. Parenting help. Morning walks. Time with Beth. Dinner with family. Stewart kids. Walks. Reading on the deck. Naps. Coffee. Park time. Fans. Puzzles. Heart to heart with Micah. Short walk to self. Sesame Street. Nap time games. Colleen. Soccer game with M. Conversation with Sara. Azman family. Photos. Lunch with Beth. Afternoon naps. Walks. Time with Kelli. Hike with family. Sleeping picture. Tea with Sarah. Time with Colleen. Boys playing. Friendship that survives distance. Dinner with Jon. Watching M play soccer. Mula. Sarah. Rowen's arrival. Holding Rowen for the first time. Storybook Island with the babes. Hiking to familiar places. Date with Micah. Naps. Help. Mike's peach cobbler. Books. Decent travel time. Colleen and Van. Soul friendship. Movie date with M. M. being so helpful. Micah coming home. Tami. Holding Rowen. Time with Jemilla and family. Micah cooking. Visit with Tina. Visit with Abbey. Text to Lisa. Rocking Lady M to sleep. Visit with Becky. Lofton's arriving. Backyards. Fences. Parks. Holding Rowen. Vedauwoo. Going back to bed. Lazy days. Park with Tilahun's. Rocking Lady M to sleep again! Dinner at Blomberg's. Nate and Lisa. Hugs.

Miss Ruthie

Today our family said goodbye to some very dear friends. We have been so grateful for their friendship and all they have offered to our family, especially the past 6 months. It is hard to imagine Laramie without them and they will be deeply missed. 

+ 3

What story time looks like when you add three more kiddos to the mix. :) We are so grateful for the time with Micah's cousins and love seeing the kids having so much fun together. 

An Eventful Day

We started our morning early watching Mr. M in his soccer tournament....

And we ended the day meeting our newest family member! I felt so fortunate to hold this beautiful bundle in my arms within the first 12 hours of her life and can't wait to see our niece grow. 

6 Months Home

It has been six months since we stepped off the plane with these beautiful babes. I can't even begin to adequately express all my heart has felt these past six months....

Curt Gowdy Adventure

Go out, go out I beg of you     
And taste the beauty of the wild.     
Behold the miracle of the earth     
With all the wonder of a child.  

Edna Jaques

Gratitude Edition:June 2014

Flexible days. Finishing up work. Leaving the office. Summer vacation begins.

Emails to friends. Time to be. Beld family. Colleen. Lisa. Table heart to hearts. Families joining together. Garage moment with M and B. Conversations with Tami. Encouragement when we least expect it. Time together. Books on tape. Playgrounds near hotels. Being with G on his birthday. Celebrating as a family. Headphones. Coffee. Packing up. Smoothies. Books on tape. Tired kids. Lying on the deck reading. Cassandra. Vander. 12 years with Micah. Rain. A nap. Park visits. Lots of time outside. A garden that is growing. M and G at the splash pad for the first time. Car naps. Park visits. Air conditioning. Nice hotel rooms. Slam poetry. A large bed. Adoption camp. Taking a break. Donuts. Coming home.

Adoption Camp

We've spent the past few days at adoption camp and I think it is safe to say the kids had a blast.

12 Years

Twelve years ago today I married my best friend. On that day, I never would've imagined that our lives would encompass all that they do now. The past year has been difficult and has stretched us to our limits, has brought us to our knees, has made us question our strength to make it through another day. Although I do not necessarily want to walk this difficult road again, I am so thankful that through it all I have been reminded over and over how fortunate I am to be married to Micah. He has seen me at my worst and carried me through some of my darkest days and for that I will be forever grateful. 

Celebrating the best way we know how given the circumstances, Moscow Mules, Toaster Strudels and a movie. Here's to another 12 years!

Lander Adventures

 I had to travel to Lander for work this week and I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my family behind - especially since it was the week of G's birthday. Thankfully they were willing to tag along and occupy themselves with some hiking while I spent the day working. 

Happy Birthday G!

One year ago, we lit a candle honoring G on his birthday and spent the day missing him terribly. This year we lit three candles, covered him in kisses and spent the day celebrating the life of our youngest babe. Love you G and am so grateful to be your mama.

Investing in Their Health

With the weather warming up more each day, we are spending more and more time outside. The kids have enjoyed a few hikes already this summer, but they continue to amaze me with the joy that bubbles up within them each time we leave the pavement behind and plant our feet on the soil.

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health (and also, by the way, in our own).” 
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Hands-On Learning

Micah went fishing yesterday and today the kids took part in a little science lesson. There were lots of squeals and scrunched up noses from the littles. 

Home

We took a drive today and headed up into the mountains for a hike. It was a beautiful way to spend our afternoon: spending time outside, seeing my kids breathe deeply again as they take off running to explore, gaining a few moments of silence, catching a few glimpses of my husband as he wanders through the trees. These moments bring me a strong sense of peace and an enormous amount of gratitude. 

As we were heading back into town the song "Home" was playing on the radio. Maybe it was the magic of the afternoon. Maybe it was the two semesters of studying music therapy kicking in, but I suddenly found myself weeping as I listened to the lyrics and realized that this song was actually offering words to my unspoken prayers over the past five months as we navigate life with the three babes. We have been attempting to navigate our way through this uncharted territory that has been full of moments when each one of us is paralyzed with fear from some "demon" that is rising up within us. Those moments rarely come with a clear direction as to what we should be doing next, so more often then not we hunker down and try to wrap our arms around each other, as walls are torn down and trust in family hopefully becomes a little easier to hold onto. 

"Home" Phillip Phillips

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave (wave) is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
You get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Ooo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo. Oo-oo-oo-oo [x2]
Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa. Aa-aa-aa-aaaaaa [x4]

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Ooo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo. Ao-oo-oo-oo [x4]
Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa. Aa-aa-aa-aaaaaa [x4]

Birthday Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Birthday Pie for Uncle Jon