Texas Style Cheese

This was my first visit to the south. I actually enjoyed it far more than I expected. I realized that I had my own "perceptions" about being in the south given the make-up of Aser and I. As with most perceptions I was incorrect based on my few days there. We actually had a great time and also went into Louisiana where he is working. I could not get over how clean everything was and the streets were so perfectly paved. One funny thing was we stopped for a quick taco and were served a HUGE bowl of Velveta -type cheese to dip chips in and I could only see saturated fat so we set it to the side... well, a lady sat down near us and wanted to know how we got our cheese. Well, she decided our bowl of cheese would be just fine for her and actually ate it off of our table. Her husband about died right there on the spot! ( and not from clogged arteries:) )

-- This was us at the MOST beautiful mall I have ever been in. It is in Dallas called the Galleria. The tree came up from the ice skating rink and was most amazing. We really have fun together and just love to hang out and eat, window shop, drink coffee, and walk and talk...

I am missing my man like crazy. This has been one of the hardest times for me so it was beyond wonderful being able to see spend time just the two of us. I so wish big blessings on my mom for making this possible. I came home to five happy children who were spoiled all weekend long.

Looking forward to Christmas--

Feeling the Wind and Loving It

Malachi is now 20 months and one of his sisters thought he would look so cute in her scarf. He wore it ALL night and rode this bike dreaming of the journeys ahead... Sweet Boy!!!!

Root Canal or Trip to Build A Bear?? Decisions...Decisions...

No, I am not doing anything fun like Zoom Whitening or Plastic Surgery... just a root canal and the dental assistant thought it was funny that I was taking pictures and sending them to Aser to update him on my lovely progress. Hey, if I am paying $2500 for this thing I ought to enjoy it right:) ? I must say that really there was no pain before, during or after ( well, there was after and it is called "Payment Plan").




Then on a much happier note Lydia surprised us at the mall yesterday. She was asking us over and over to go to the Build A Bear store and once we were inside (The Big Boys were at the Blazers Game-- free tickets!!!!) she said she wanted her sisters to choose bears of their choice. I don't think I knew what to say and I did not realize she had been carrying around this wad of moolah at the mall either, but then when I saw how intent and eager she was to do this for them my heart was warmed in a very big way. Lydia works hard to save her money and I think that is why I was so surprised at her loving gesture. It truly is better to give than to receive and her face glowed that ALL night and even today. So we have added Carmel, Butterscotch and Kendra to our home. This was such a tender moment for me as a momma watching my girls bond with each other and seeing that they love each other. My heart's desire has always been for my children to grow-up and be close and good friends. Last night I think I saw a glimpse of Lydia's love towards her little sisters. Just look at her beaming!

Where my heart is so often...

You know that ache that is inside and wish it would go away because there is enough to worry about here in your little household right now??? But it won't go away. This is from the Hope Chest and Red Letter Campaign. They are now including Ethiopia and trying to help the 4.8 million orphans there. They are trying to get churches or groups to sponsor orphanages so they can have decent living conditions. The one orphanage for boys really makes me shudder.. and they have already had it so rough and then to have to live like that. Tough! This is when I wished I played the lotto:) I know God does not need to lotto, but I wish I had the means to really make a difference. Thank you for watching this!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvRwo2oAmec&eurl=http://tomdavis.typepad.com/&feature=player_embedded

My Alma Mater is on Fire

Santa Barbara is on fire right now and I will be praying big time for the winds to stop. Westmont is very close to where the fire started and so all of the students are in the gym, which is fire safe and they have food there too. Westmont has to be one of the most beautiful colleges and it is truly heartbreaking to think of this loss and I am hoping it is not as bad as the reports are sounding and that there are no injuries. All of those poor families losing their homes too... I hope this fire stops soon. This is unreal.

UPDATE: Westmont did pretty well overall and the gym and library and Kerr Hall are all intact. The gardens ( which are amazing) as well as the chapel are all in pretty good shape too. Part of my freshman dorm was destroyed and a total of 7 other buildings. Three of those were set to be demolished in the coming weeks for new contruction anyway. However, 14 staff members lost their campus homes. These were build after I left but are on campus. I think it is pretty clear they were protected when you see the pictures of the flames and all. It is strange how after something like this you realize how important something can be to you even after many years. I have been walking the campus all night rehearsing many wonderful times in Santa Barbara.I did not realize while I was there what a special place it is and often took it for granted and wished my time away. Praying for you Westmont!

Eleven Green Things

I just have to tell about my coupon deal this weekend. One of my children REALLY needed a new jacket. I had priced them out and found one she loved, but it was $79.00 and there just was no way I could swing that right now, especially with how fast she is growing. This weekend at Fred Meyer their coats were 50% off and then there was a coupon for another 15% off and then I received my bonus coupons( because I shop there way too much) and had another 40% off and almost $30.00 in bonus money in checks they sent me. Not only did I buy her a jacket, I was able to get a Christmas present for another child ( it is great they love getting clothes once they are older as presents:) ) for only $11.00!!! I skipped all the way to the car with a happy child beside me who LOVES her new coat. Funny how something small can bring such smiles!

I spell MIRACLE in caps today!!!!

My younger brother Kary found out he had pancreatic cancer just two weeks after I got out of the hospital in early June. His tumor was TWICE the size of normal tumors and when they found it he weighed as much as me. He is 6'3 and was VERY skinny and weak. ( I am not 6'3 so am not saying I am skinny:) ) When he went to the doctors here in Oregon/ Washington they wanted to open him up and take some pictures and observe his tumor that had wrapped itself around his main artery and was basically not operable. They pretty much told him to get his affairs in order. He would not let anyone who did not believe in hope and wanting to try anything and everything work on him so he took off for Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, OK. They have been amazing and he has been on three chemos that are all different, radiation, accupuncture, and Vitamin C Therapy and many other things and TONS OF PRAYER! He flew back two days ago for another round of treatments ( which are paid for by CTCA... they fly him there every two weeks) and when his tumor markers came back today there were so low and he has gained 30 pounds they basically said he is almost cancer free... CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE OUR JOY???? They feel the tumor has probably already died and will be absorbed into the body in a few years. If this was another kind of cancer they would stop treatmens right now, but since pancreatic cancers are SO AGGRESSIVE ( it is called the demon of cancers) they will do 12 more rounds of chemo. So now you know why I am spelling MIRACLE in caps today. Yesterday he had to go to a funeral for a man about 10 years older than him that did not make it with the same cancer. They became friends while having treatments. The family had him sit with them and then the pastor of this church had Kary come up and they all prayed for him. It was hard on my brother losing this friend though and seeing his family so so sad. We are so grateful for the news today and pray that it will never come back again. THANK YOU for all of your prayers and questions about my brother. It means so much to me. Happy Day--

Can you Say Barney and Smile???

I don't think my older kids really think they every liked Barney and believe I am just making it up. They do not smile when we say, "Barney!" They did smile when they saw Malachi dressed up though.




Here is Malachi getting ready for our harvest party at church. Nehemiah wore this outit almost 11 years ago and I think each one has been Barney at some point. Malachi loves Barney almost as much as he does Grandma! I wish I had the video camera rolling when he saw himself in the mirror... lets just say it was a happy day:) He was thrilled! Then Lydia dressed up like her American Girl doll Kaya, who is Native American, but she wore Ethiopian clothes (I think it worked??), Rebekah was a giraffe ( with cat whiskers-- hey now!), Nehemiah was living his dream as an NBA player, and Anna was a doctor (her dream too). Love the holidays I do!!!!:) I am such a sucker for tradition and LOVE this time of the year.

"Just Kicking It"

This is something that just a mother probably finds cute, but I had to post. I think Malachi has already found his sport. At only 19 months we are amazed at his "kicking" skills. It is also a word he says very clearly over and over, "ball...ball..." The other picture is of Nehemiah coaching Rebekah's soccer team. After two coaches did not work out Nehemiah stepped up and led each practice and games. He really enjoyed it and expected a lot from Rebekah. She was not going to have any part of that, but loved having her brother there for this whole season. Tonight we went to a pumpkin patch with families who have adopted or will be adopting from Ethiopia, I am just amazed how large this group in the Portland area is getting. It is so warm ( I can't think of the right word) to see all of these children playing together and getting to know each other as so many families make the time to stay connected. The support and care you also receive from other families is unusual. Tonight one mom and I talked and talked and could not believe how much our boys were experiencing the same things. It makes you not feel so alone and not doubt your parenting skills so much. One of my friends, who was also adopted and now has adopted herself, came along to reassure me that I am supposed to love him and not try to make up for all of his losses. Sometimes as a parent who has adopted the guilt is HUGE and you want to give them every opportunity and chance for success and happiness. Yet, I am only one mom with five kids and can't make his world perfect. That part is for God and I will set him up for unrealistic expectations if I fill all of his needs. I just wish I could see ahead 10 or 15 years from now and know that Malachi finds peace and knows how much we love him then I could sit back and not worry so much. I think I am feeling a bit more unsure about everything since Aser is working very far from home these days and not here to lend his support as much as he would like.

26.2 -- Portland Marathon 2008

I felt so grateful as I crossed the finish line of the marathon today. I was so sick this past spring going into summer that I wondered if I would ever be able to exercise the way I had been able to. My friend,Lori,helped me get back into shape and was patient enough as I gained strength back to be able to make it walking the marathon this year. I have decided that marathons and half- marathons are quite addictive:)

These pictures are from the starting line and then at the end. It rained for over 90% of the walk today and yet I felt great! My time is nothing to speak of, but I finished! Aser and my children have been SO patient as I have trained and then came to cheer me on. Aser is the best cheerleader I could have in my life! Yes, that would be my hubby with the larger than life American flag waiving everywhere ( he is the most patrictic person I know and he did not even grow up here). Aser made this sign for me today. Each of the kids had signs too... they are all asking when they can try their legs out on a marathon. This is about the only time in a year that I can totally enjoy a huge burger with no guilt! Today I added sweet potato fries-- oh yummy!

I walked by a man today and he said this is his 37th marathon-- impressive! I wonder how many I can get under my belt before my joints will not allow this anymore???

WALKING ON IN GRACE-- Kimberly