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

Gratitude Edition:May 2014

Coffee. Impromptu meet up with Shelly. A walk to calm down. Heart to heart with Micah. Help in the morning. Date with Micah. Walk. Crowbar for lunch. Warm weather. Book wisdom. Learning from those that have gone before. Reminder to just carry my own load. Day with Bruce and Lavon. Coffee with Lavon. Jon. Tigist. Mula. People to play with kids. Snow day. Books to get lost in. A whole week off! Relaxing. Playing with the kids. Not worrying about work. Colleen. Conference with Micah (and Mark). Reminders that it is okay to parent differently. Love. Hugs. Colleen - how did we get so lucky? Nap time to work. Park time. Shelly. Cloud 9 work meetings. Resolution. Crib building with Beth. More knowledge. Laughter. Park time. Micah here in the morning. Perogies. Sleeping in. Hike with Becky. Outside time. Park time. Lisa. Late night visits. Good music. Sunny weather. Breakfast with the gals. Mimosas. Bike ride. Park time. Laura and Emmy. Jamilla. Dinner to go. Music to dance to. Sunflowers from Micah. Park snacks. Dinner on the grill. Corn on the cob. Notes from Jr. High students. Last day of school. Celebrating M - how is my baby a 2nd grader? Jon. Dinner with the 'uncles' Strawberry rhubarb pie. Reclaiming summer.

Warm Weather....Finally

Reflecting

A little over a year ago these two had wedged their way into my heart and changed the course of life as I knew it. So much has changed as a result of them entering into our lives - and I know that had they not made their way to me, I would still be living in those same deep ruts of comfort in routine and convenience (and let's be honest - selfishness). My children are teaching me so much about myself and challenging me to face those ugly sides that have hung around all these years in the back of my closet. 

Pondering

I wish we could all stop looking to the horizon for beauty and find it near us, all around us, profoundly close to us in the hearts and faces we meet each day.

I wish my heart would never stop softening, never tire of breaking, never quit believing for one second that every human matters.

All we need is more love.

The good news? We grow it the same way we grow peas and peppers.
We grow it by planting it.

~Flower Patch Farmgirl

Reading Graduation

I can't believe that we are nearing the end of school - even more than that, I can't believe how grown up my first babe is becoming! 

Mother's Day Storm

1. What is something Ena always says to you?

I love you.

2. What makes Ena happy?

Cuddling with me and respectful people

3. What makes Ena sad?

When no one cuddles with her and people are disrespectful.

4. What makes Ena laugh?

When G and I are silly.

5. What was Ena like when she was little?

Probably loved icecream. 

6. How old is Ena?

33

7. How tall is Ena?

5 feet

8. What is Ena's favorite thing to do?

Cuddling with me. 

9. What does Ena do when you are not around?

She cries because she misses me. 

10. What is Ena really good at?

Tennis

11. What is Ena not very good at?

Football

12. What does Ena do for her job?

ELL and some notebook thing

13. What is Ena's favorite food?

Pizza

14. What makes you proud of Ena?

When she finally does good in football

15. If Ena was a cartoon character, who would she be?

Hmm, maybe the mom from Sid the Science Kid

16. Where is Ena's favorite place to go?

Papa Johns

17. What do you and Ena do together?

Cuddle. 

18. How are you and Ena the same?

We both like cuddling

19. How are you and Ena different?

We are from different places

20. How do you know Ena loves you?

She came to Ethiopia to get me - her son

A First - Smores

Gratitude Edition:April 2014

Sweatpant day. Library time with kids. Work time. Sending birthday greetings. Micah not going into work. Campfires. Getting out of town. Target alone. Time with Jon. Early rise. Working out. Jr. High excitement. Nap time. Quick chat with Melissa. Time outside. Chat with Megan P. Reflecting on growth. Becky. A mid morning walk. Getting out. 'Carry on warrior' Call from Lisa. 3 months with the babes. Sunshine and warmth. Micah home. Walk with Kristi. A morning walk. Visit with David. Dinner with Mula and Jon. A snowy day. Cuddling up. Laundry basket 'drive-in' A healing arm. Dinner date with Becky. Sunset. Full moon. Tea with Shelly. Compliment on Lady M's hair. Playtime with M. Chat with Nichole. Lunch with Colleen!! Oatmeal pancakes. $4.00 soccer cleats. Visit with Chaltu. Lunch with Micah. Coming home. Impromptu play-dates. Drive thru coffee. A walk/bike ride. Gladys and hand-me downs. Leftovers. Easter breakfast. Church with Becky, M and Lady M. Vedauwoo. Easter dinner. Kim's prayers. Frosty treat. Call from Melissa. Jamilla's help. Melkam Fastika - Ethiopian Easter. Time with M. Feedback from Kara. M's play. Soccer outside. Mula. Laffy Taffy jokes. Hummus and carrots. Run Josh Run x3 with Jon. Dinner with Plants and Normans. Cheyenne library. Naps. Magic School Bus. Productive morning. A healed arm. Kara. Dinner with Mark. Morning help. Parenting together. Last minute dinner with Becky. Brainless TV.

Run Josh Run

Team Herrboldt grew this year!

Haircuts!

Ethiopian Easter Celebration

Happy Easter!

Thanks to Becky S. for the photo and for joining us on an Easter hike!

Lunch Date

The youngest babes finally got to meet my dear friend today. She has provided so much support, encouragement and love throughout this journey. I am so grateful for her!

Pondering

"We're depending on God; He's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own his Holy name. Love us God, with all you've got - that's what we're depending on."

Homemade Version of a Drive-in Movie Theatre

Celebrating 3 months

Yesterday was three months since we brought the youngest babes home - Today we celebrated by cooking up some delicious Ethiopian food. These past three months have brought about a lot of change on so many different levels, and at the end of the day I am still overwhelmed that I was given the privilege to being their mama. 

A Second Cup

Second cup of coffee

Gratitude Edition:March 2014

Snowy morning. Cuddles with M. Back-up plans. Honest conversations with L. Getting out of town. Visiting with Beth and Zach. A fireplace. Productive morning. Organizing the pantry. 'Girl time' excitement. Time with Becky. Reading with the babes. Time for M and I. Jimmy Fallon - always a good laugh. Tina's text. Micah coming home early. A family walk. Soccer and watching M. Easy dinner. Forgiveness and grace. Work (without kids). Sandy's gift (groceries). Chat with Sarah. Dinner guests. A family ski. The stillness. A car full of napping kids. An afternoon walk. Campfires and last minute plans. Movies and cuddling with Micah. An extra 20 minutes of sleep. A glimpse of 2 birds. Vander and Connie. G. in the dryer. Jon's text. A nice day. Hard cider. Joy from shiro. Thought provoking text from Sarah. 2 months home. Saba - still so thankful for her. LOGOS. A nice day. Ruth. Jamilla's help with hair. Laura's prayers. Getting out of town. Aquarium visit. Moroccan food. A nice park. Jess and Eisa. Micah's hugs and wisdom. Time of prayer. Colleen. Becky. Coming home and excitement of kids. A drive with Micah. Talking it out. Cuddling with M. Another nap. Colleen's texts. Doctor's. Kim's help. Lady M hanging in there. A sweatpant day. Visit from Sharon and Grandma. Midday chat with Micah. Advocating for kids. Painting. Cloud 9 with Becky. Time to read. Kids devotional that speaks to the heart. Dinner from Laura. Remembering the power of an apology. Potato salad. Naptime chat with Sarah - Iron sharpens iron. Shelly's help. Seeing Ben. Introducing Lady M and G to Ben. Taking a walk with Ben. Second chances.

Second Chances

Went to see my baby brother again today - words will never accurately describe how full my heart was when he met my youngest babes and we took a walk together. Feeling so grateful for second chances this evening. 

A Special Visit

An unfortunate situation occurred last weekend, bringing some of my family closer by. We are trying to make the most of a difficult situation so the littles were able to meet my mom and grandma. It was a quick two hour visit, but I am grateful that they finally met them!

A Trooper

I've seen a lot of medical facilities in the past five days. Glad this little lady is such a trooper. 

Cousins!

The babes met their cousin for the first time and now they all have baby fever!

A First

First time going through a car wash-notice Lady M's hand gripping the seat. They were not impressed with this first world discovery. 

Look What I Found in the Dryer.....

Baby Wearing

Girl's Night

Micah took the boys for a walk this evening, so the little lady and I were able to spend some time together. Of course, she immediately wanted her hair done and her nails painted.