Gratitude Edition:January 2014

Yonas. Being with M in Ethiopia. Seeing M and G again. M meeting his brother and sister. Seeing Mesfin. Returning to M & G. Officially a family of 5. Saba. All of the firsts: car ride, chalk, bath time, kisses goodnight, cuddling in bed. A day as a family. Hotel playroom. Saba. Strengthening the bonds of family through play. Tag. Laughter. Somewhat of a routine. Venturing out. Entoto mountain. Preparation for vomit. Friendly waiter. Hotel staff. Celebrating Gena in Ethiopia. Saba. Icecream. No vomit. Honey wine. Successful Embassy trip. Long nap time. Cultural museum. Seeing M & M holding hands. Humor to get through a difficult situation. Coffee. Bonds between new siblings. Nap time. Thoughts of home. Yonas. Letter from John. Getting on the plane. Landing in Denver. A nice seat neighbor. Hug from family. All 3 kids buckled, and then laying in bed in our home! Sharing our home. Laundry. Freezer meals. Quilts with meaning. Another day in our home (as a family of 5). Tilahun family. Doctor visit with Jemilla. Medicine. Sharing the news with Kara - "better than shoes". Some routines. Jemila's help with hair. A trip to the store. Sleeping until 6:30. Hug from Sarah. Amanuel. Visit from Pontius family. Reminder of God's strength. A short hike - the water and snow. Refocusing. Being outside. Running hugs from kids. Cuddles from M during naptime. Mula. Tillmans. Seeing M comfort G and rub his back - such a loving sister. Remembering that M is hurting too. "Thank you Enat" from G. Lower expectations - still met. Freezer meals. Late night tea with Kim. Play date with Kim. Help. The end of the day. Warmer days. Help from students. Ethiopian food. Pac-n-play. Visit with Sarah. Seeing M & M hold each other on the walk. Successful retail trip. Beth and Zach. Message from Becky. Text from Melissa. Comfort from M. Message from Kim. Visit with Bruce and Von. Reflections on teaching compassion. Books! Time to reflect. Jamille. Dee's help. Iced coffee. Grace. Stewart kids. Conversation with Carol. Breakfast date with M. Cheers for homecoming. Cookies and tights. Haircut. Productive office time. 5 minutes to read. Remembering why I teach. Uncle Jon. Moscow mules.