We have an opportunity to move to Ethiopia-- The video explains it all:)

We have an opportunity to move to Ethiopia this fall. The video explains the details and hope you can watch this. If you would like more information please email us or leave a comment. We are needing prayer partners to pray that we can raise support to make this happen. Thank you for taking the time to listen. We will be posting updates as they happen. We can not do this alone and know God can make it happen.

Can't Get Enough

Malachi could not stop screaming with JOY today when he saw Barney! When he came home last year often a Barney video was the only thing that would stop his crying. I KNOW many of you are probably disgusted that we would let him find comfort from a purple dino and his yellow counter-part, but those were some tired days and he had an exhausted mama who did not know what to do to make him happy. Often those videos were the only time in a day when he seemed content or could be calm. I am not sure if it is the music or seeing talking animals, but it worked.

Today our neighborhood Pump It Up had Barney night, please don't hate me, but we took Malachi. When he saw Barney he could not believe it. I am surprised Barney did not file a restraining order against Malachi as he could not leave his hands off of him. He hugged and hugged him and then would pull his tail to get his attention again. He was so happy. Only two of my big kids would come as the others did not want anything to do with the purple guy:)

It is a strange thing how when you are in a public place with other parents there can be a weird silence. I am not sure if it people trying to decide how these kids with different shades are mine or how at my age do I have a little one??? Sometimes I can be so strong to just ignore, but then at times I can't keep my skin so thick and I wonder why??? And probably in all truth it had absolutely nothing to do with me.

Rebekah took all of these herself with her own camera. Thank you BoBo!

"Look at Malachi hanging out with me!"

Nehemiah LOVES LOVES his little brother. He has never complained about Malachi waking up so early and throwing blankets and books to wake him up. He never complains about not being able to go in his room during nap. He doesn't complain that there are toys and baby things all over their room. He is a super big bro! He was so happy that Malachi wanted to listen to music with him while we were waiting to leave today. Don't worry he had it pretty low for those baby ears:) They have a special bond that is gaining somedeep roots. Malachi knows he can trust Nehemiah all of the time and feels secure when he is with him. Nehemiah worries that when he goes to college it will be hard to stay close since Malachi is 11 years younger. I think they are building a great foundation that will be in place forever.

Go Ahead and Make My Day

I don't think our kids have any idea of the impact they can have on our hearts. The other night my 8 year old daughter was gettting in her bed and sat up and said in the sweetest voice, " I can hardly wait for Mother's day... because of you mommy!" This was followed with a big hug!

For some reason this has gotten me through much of this week. Aser is working nights right now and our schedule is off and it makes me a bit off. Whenever there is a change Malachi really struggles. I did not think this would have any impact on him but... it has. I am so anxious for him to be able to talk and share what he is thinking and feeling. He is such a fun toddler, but he LOVES a boring life where it is very predictable. I hope one day he finds the humor that he has a very spontaneous mom:) I have tried and tried to make his life predictable, but it is not my natural style.

Thank you my Rebekah-- You made my day!

Have you seen this yet?

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OperationSmile-- Life Changing

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On our way back from Ethiopia one year ago we sat next to a man in this video that was escorting a girl to America to have a cleft problem corrected. He was an amazing Ethiopian man who helps these kids receive the life changing surgery they need. The girl he was bringing back had never been to Addis and was about the same age as this girl in the video. He said the parents just wept as they let her go, but they knew needed to get this done for her. WOW-- I don't think I saw her eat on the whole trip. Her surgery was more serious so they were needing to bring her to the USA and I am not sure she could eat in a way that was comfortable with so many new strange things. Tonight I saw a special on TV and each surgery is $240.00 -- cheap for something so life altering!

I was impressed with this organization after talking with this man on the plane and then even more after seeing this special. VERY COOL!!!!

Moments of Clarity

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Cozy-- feelin' it!!!

Easter was so special yesterday! We have so much to be thankful for. My brother Kary hosted us at his house and his wife filled us with amazingly delicious food. I am still enjoying the thoughts of it today. Church was challenging and I so never want to live a life with no passion. Because of God in my life I have EVERY reason to be passion-filled!!!!

Another huge change has been Malachi. He is so different now and finally relaxing in our family. He lets me hold him-- well for 30 seconds. He could not stand being close and now will come up to me while I am cooking and want me to hold him. He will say, "cozy!" and put his head and down and pat my back. The screaming is becoming unusual now and often we can humor him out of those times. It is hard on him when we change the schedule or go somewhere with lots of new people with stimulation. I can't believe how he relaxes his muscles when I pick him up and he does not posture away from me very often either. I get choked up just thinking how frightened he was coming home with us. He is a fighter and was not going to let himself love with ease. He was ready to protect himself and shut the world out. He is not that little boy anymore. He has been through so much. I love how he calls out, "mama.." over and over and stops the second I pick him up. He brings so many smiles to us and I am thrilled to see him accepting us now. Wow-- I can't tell you how big this is. I think I have blocked much of my sadness over his rejection at times as so many dreams and hopes seemed like they would not be possible this past year. I didn't expect it to be perfect and was always willing to work on whatever was placed in our lives during this adoption. But I feel so blessed to see the rainbow through the clouds now.

I wish you could hug him too--

ps-- the horse pictures are where Lydia is taking lessons. He loves to see those long-legged "dogs". It has been so cool because Lydia is now working to pay for her lessons. The owner of the farm says she started riding this way too and really wanted Lydia to keep riding. Lydia loves cleaning, hauling hay, manure, grooming and whatever else is asked of her. I almost think she enjoys this as much as the lessons. Being on the farm is what fills her soul and so it worth the time and driving to make this happen.