Breathing.

So many cookies made, truffles ready to roll, and chex mix in a bag. Presents bought, sitting ready to wrap. Plans made for every day from now until Christmas.

He came so we might live.

Deep breath.

Ticket bought for Ethiopia, arranging child care for two weeks in my absence. Shots checked, papers ready. How amazing God is.

He came so we might live.

Deep breath.

Tomorrow morning is a new day. Tomorrow I will start the day on my knees and find my worth in HIM. Tomorrow I will know my joys, all that He has provided. Today I feel convicted, beaten down, and so little. Today I cry, and yet, I still sing His praises. What an amazing God we have.

1 yr ago

One year ago Hiwot entered the USA. She carried a bag and a name tag that stated she was a refugee, knows little english, and if she needs help please call:....

We were laughing about so many of the things she has learned here in the US. I was shocked to learn what she thought a date was. I was intending to do a big dinner or something celebrate. With her on tsome (vegan fasting) I was able to get her some vegan cookies to celebrate. I told her when she is done with her fasting we would make her a special, her favorite dinner, of steak. :)

Hiwot amazes me with all she has learned in the last year. Her English is beautiful and she tries harder than most American 19 yr olds. She brings us so much joy. I have seen her through some hard days, yet she continues to praise God and to give thanks for what she has.

I am so excited to see what the next year brings.

Happy 1 yr Sweet Girl!!!!!

Amaseganashaloo

Dear Ehnat,

I can't stop thinking about you. Our baby girl turned three. Do you know how gorgeous she is?

I am so proud of her. She is so smart, and she is so fun and wild. Our crazy little girl. Are you just as spunky and wild? Do you run with a smile so big it must hurt?

TT is such a girlie girl. She loves anything shiny and pretty. Oh my how she love hair bows and dresses. Were you like this?

I know you must be thinking of her as her birth just passed. Do you wonder what your tiny 5lb baby is doing? Your baby that arrived so tiny, and with a mass of curls?

I wish I could hug you and tell you about TT. I wish I could gush over pictures with you. I wish I could tell you about the nights I lay awake with my heart breaking that you don't get to hear her precious little breathing as she sleeps. You don't get to rescue her from her nighmares.

Thank you for you gift. Thank you for my baby girl. For my sweet girl that crawls into my bed ever morning and tells me I am "precious, sweet, and so mart". Thank you for OUR girl.

For you I pray peace and a heart full of love. I pray God holds you as tightly on hard nights. I pray you know how amazing she is, and the joy that she is. I pray that you know that we love you.

Much love,

The mom who stands beside you.

Just thinking.

I can see it. A beautiful farm with the cutest house. Chickens running around and my orchards and gardens every where. If it weren't for Scott, I would up and move to the middle of no where.

Do you think people call before they come over or just show up to the middle of no where?

Jack writing a love letter

We were told that Jack would most likely have reading problems. I know we haven't come all the way, but look how far!!! For Jack to hear the letter and know which one I am saying is huge.

I am amazed at his preschool. It is an early intervention preschool so they are equipped to get the kids up to par. They are an amazing team! The four teachers love the kids, they push them, and they show them how to do it in their own way. I am thankful every day that Jack has with them. I can't imagine where he would be without them.

I am so proud of the hard work Jack has done. He has to try 10 times harder than Chandler. He is so patient and willing to keep trying.

My little chefs

My kids love helping in the kitchen. They each have unique way of cooking. Jack always finds a way to add crunch to his food. Here is his version of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was actually tasty. :) Graham crackers can never go wrong.