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!

halloween 2013

Halloween 2013 - One headless person, one Jedi, and one crook.

I'm a very hands-off mom when it comes to Halloween. I could say that it's because I want my kids to be innovative and creative - but it's really that I'm cheap and lazy about this holiday. The kids are pretty much left to whatever they can find around the house for costumes. 

Audrey had been thinking about her headless person costume for several months. Patrick helped her pull it off and she loved it. Liam could care less and went out as the same thing he's been for a few years now (a boy after my own heart). And Ethan came up with his costume all on his own. He had very definite plans - camo pants, camo shirt, camo socks, camo underwear, a suit coat and a black hat. He called himself a crook - and I'm still not sure what exactly he's picturing. But hey - it didn't cost anything so we went with it!

We continued our tradition of having dinner with friends (mummy dogs and carrot sticks) and heading out together. The night was gorgeous and we stayed out longer than usual. Consequently, we ended up with a ton of candy. Even after everyone picked out their favorites, we still sold 7 POUNDS to a local dentist. Yikes!

nine!

This precious boy is turning NINE today. We love him so very much. Happy birthday Liam!

pumpkin patch 2013

We made it to the pumpkin patch today. The weather was great and the place was packed. We were apparently not the only ones to wait until the last minute!

Hay rides, corn maze, pumpkin doughnuts, animals, apple pie....lovely day!

 

haircut time

This boy really needed a haircut! (His mama's kind of lazy in this department.)

Last night we accomplished our mission. The lady gave him a spiky "do" with product that Ethan says smells wonderful!  :)

adoption update - one year

Today we have officially been waiting one year. One year since our home study has been done. One year since our dossier has been done. One year since our file has been sent to Ethiopia. Just waiting - for a whole year. And if the predictions are accurate - we still have a long way to go.

The wait has been hard. People warned me that it would be. I don't think I believed them. But it's hard because I feel helpless - there is absolutely nothing I can do to make this go faster. Nothing I can do to get to my daughter any quicker. It's hard because when I tuck my children in at night I wonder who is making sure she's warm enough. And when I care for my kids when they're sick I wonder who is making her feel better.

They say becoming a mother is like walking around with your heart outside your body. Becoming a waiting adoptive mother is like walking around with your heart on another continent. So yes, there are hard days in this wait.

I've had some doubts along the way. Did we pick the right agency? Is this the right country? Should we look into other options? Thankfully, my husband has no doubts. Only faith. And with his leadership, we are choosing to remain steadfast. Enduring the wait - and knowing that this labor of love is part of His perfect plan for our family.

God has been faithful in the wait. Through the tears and the fear and the longing He is molding me and shaping me into the mother I will need to be for her. For that I am grateful.

fall sports

All three kids are playing sports this fall. The practice/game schedule has been a bit hectic - but they are all loving them - so it's worth it.

Audrey is playing volleyball for the first time. She was placed on a team with great girls and a very sweet coach. She's having a ton of fun, and last night they won their first game! They were SOOOO excited.

Liam is playing flag football. He has a great coach, their team has been very successful, and Liam is having a ball. He's played a lot of sports over the years - but he says this one is his favorite.

And Ethan is enjoying his first year of soccer. I had forgotten how much fun kindergarten soccer is. No one quite knows what they're doing - but they are sure having fun!

my idea of a lovely september afternoon

Sunny and 70 degrees.

Friday.

Boys playing in the backyard.

Girls playing upstairs.

Lovely.

twenty years...

How is it possible that one person can be both my rock and my soft place to fall? Happy anniversary to my very best friend. So thankful for you!

first day of school!

big day...

Today is a very big day. It is Kelly's birthday. (Happy birthday Aunt Kelly!) It is Kevin's birthday. (Happy birthday Uncle Kevin!) It is Grandparents Day. (Happy Grandparents Day Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Papa, Grandma Audrey and GG!!) It is the last day of our summer vacation as school begins tomorrow. And it is the last day of Daddy's two-week vacation. These past two weeks have been wonderful. The first week was spent in San Jose. And the second week was a busy/fun staycation week. It included:

• A neighborhood BBQ
• The beginning of volleyball, football, and soccer seasons for the kids
• A trip to Fort Casey and Fort Ebey
• A trip to the Museum of Flight
• Lots of family art painting (our new favorite hobby!)
• A co-op BBQ

So it was fun, busy and full. And I, for one, am ready to get back to a normal routine tomorrow. Vacation is exhausting! :-)