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.