adoption update

It's been nearly three years since we began the process to adopt from Ethiopia. During that time we completed piles of paperwork, paid numerous fees, and waited for our referral. With each passing day, we grew more and more excited to welcome a new daughter into our family.

But a few months ago we received some devastating news. Our agency had decided to stop all Ethiopian adoptions. Within a few weeks, more U.S. agencies did the same. The politics and adoption corruption in Ethiopia are making it difficult to process ethical adoptions. We were told that there was nothing more we could do to move forward. We couldn't believe it. We were sad and angry and frustrated and confused.

We've had some time to process this change in our plans. And while we still do not understand, we have peace. We may not like this chapter of the story, but we know The Author. And HE IS GOOD. He loves our family and he loves orphans. And we know that He will bring beauty from these ashes.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We have appreciated our family and friends tremendously though this process. While we remain confident that adoption is part of His plan for our lives, we are not yet sure exactly what that will look like. So until there is clear direction, we will continue to enjoy and be thankful for our family of five.

first day of school!

it was a full week!

We spent last week running here and there - it was busy! But all really FUN things.

Ethan enjoyed his very first week at VBS. He wasn't sure he would like it, but after the first day said he wants to do it 'every summer for the rest of his life!' He had two very sweet leaders.

We went to a concert at Elizabeth Park. They do these every Thursday night and we bring a picnic dinner, enjoy Mallard's ice cream and listen to some fun music.

Audrey performed in a play this weekend that she's been practicing for the past two weeks. She did a great job and had a lot of fun. She doesn't even get nervous up there! The dresses she wore belonged to my grandmother Audrey. She gave them to me years ago and when we discovered what clothing Audrey would need for her parts in the play, I pulled them out and they fit her perfectly! She looked beautiful. (Although it's hard for this mama to see her looking so grown-up with her stage makeup!!)

On Friday and Saturday, Liam participated in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. They played hard and had fun - but there was a lot of tough competition out there! I was proud of how they kept their spirits up and worked as a team.

And then on Sunday, Liam participated in the Michael Koenen/Jake Locker football camp. This is a fun event he has done the past two years. It's completely free and they do such a great job with the kids!

So yes, it was a very busy week. Which probably explains why I haven't showered or left my house yet today! :)

jonah

My nephew, Jonah, graduated from high school this weekend. The kids and I were able to attend and it was a very special extended-family weekend.

Jonah was the first child born to my siblings or I. On the day of his birth I had planned to just stay home and wait for that important phone call. But I couldn't stay away. I had to be there. So we made a last-minute trip over the mountain pass in a snow storm - and we made it just in time. I was completely smitten from our very first encounter. He was so very sweet -- and still is.

Watching him grow into a man has been such a privilege. He has a heart of gold. He is so kind with his brother and cousins. He loves his mama fiercely. He is brave and adventurous. He is a good man.

It will be a joy to watch Jonah over the next few years. He has wonderful and exciting plans for his life. And I, along with his mom and aunts and uncle, will watch attentively and cheer loudly with each bold move.

Love you Jonah! So proud to be your Tia.

braces off!

Before...

And after.... (with some sticky treats he's had to avoid for the past 18 months!)

mother's day 2014

celebrating grandma

My grandmother passed away in December. She was 85, but her passing was very sudden and we all miss her very much. She was clear that she did not want us to have a funeral for her. But if we wanted to have a party, that would be ok. This weekend we had that party. And she would have loved it. Family and friends. Food and champagne. Laughter and tears.

My grandmother was an incredible woman. In so many ways I hope to be more like her as I grow older. We are blessed to have had her. But the saying goodbye part is very, very hard.

this week...

...Audrey attended an orchestra concert with friends and the boys started soccer. Busy spring in full swing!

wintergrass 2014

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Busy. Lazy. Tired. All of the above. But then Wintergrass happened this week and I just had to share.

Wintergrass is a bluegrass festival that Patrick and I started attending back in 1995. It was one of our favorite weekends each year. For obvious reasons, our attendance has been sporadic since having kids. And when we started the adoption process two years ago we cut it out all together. Between hotel, event tickets, food and gas it quickly became a luxury we could no longer afford.

On Wednesday - Patrick found out that he won two weekend passes from a contest he had entered on facebook weeks before (a $280 value). And then we found that kids under 12 are admitted free. So woo-hoo - we can all go! But just for one day or two? The most convenient thing would be to stay at the Bellevue Hyatt where the event is held. But...it's been booked for a year for this event and it's too expensive. I decided to call anyway. On Thursday - there was nothing. On Friday - they have one room. At a reasonable price. With one king bed. Um - ok. It'll kind of be like camping, with a bathroom. We can make it work. 

On Saturday when I went to check in I asked if they perhaps had anything else. Why yes- they did. A room on the top floor, with two beds, for the same price. Yes, please!

We had a gift card from grandma and grandpa which we used for dinner. And we've perfected breakfast and lunch in the room (cereal, milk, yogurt, fruit, bagels, cream cheese). So it was very affordable.

We had such a wonderful weekend. Tons of great music and fun family time. This entire thing was such a gift. It was completely unexpected. And we are just so grateful.

snow day!

It's been a couple of years since we've had this much snow to play in. The kids were THRILLED!

Christmas program

The kids all participated in the annual Christmas program at our church. They look forward to it every year and do a great job!

Audrey was a shepherd and also one of the narrators. She had lots of lines to memorize and did great. Liam was Joseph and played his part perfectly. And Ethan was an angel - a bit of a stretch for him - but he did it well. :)

crazy, busy, wonderful day

This Saturday was busy - but so much fun. Ethan had his first basketball game in the morning. Then we hurried up to meet the firetruck Santa that visits our neighborhood and collects food and toys for people in need. Then we went down to the port festival and saw some amazing gingerbread houses. Then we went to Walk Through Bethlehem, which has become a family highlight. Oh - and we did all those things in temperatures that did not get over the teens. Brrrr! But all had fun and wonderful memories were made.

merry thanksmas!

The Dobbs family celebrated our annual Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday last week. Everyone was there and we had a great time!

tree day!

We've had some sick bugs floating around our house the past few days. So what would help brighten our home?? Putting up the tree, of course! Happy, happy, happy.

ahhh...

A couple of weeks ago my very brave parents kept our kids for two whole days while we went to Leavenworth. See those relaxed people in the picture? They're thoroughly enjoying themselves!

Thanks Mom and Dad for such a wonderful anniversary gift.

celebrating...liam!