Vacation 2010 - Part 1

Last week we spent our vacation on the Oregon coast. This was our first big trip with the little ones (that is if you don't consider the trip to the US from Ethiopia) and their first trip to the ocean. How do you describe the ocean to someone who has never seen it? They were very excited and we couldn't wait to watch them experience it.

During our last year of homeschooling we focused on American history. We studied all about Lewis and Clark and their discoveries of the western United States just 200 years ago. On our way to Oregon we took the opportunity to visit a wonderful Lewis and Clark Museum located on Cape Disappointment in Washington. This point of land is where the Columbia river meets the Pacific Ocean. We all enjoyed reading journals from the expedition that told the timeline and adventures that they encountered on their journey. I was amazed at the bravery it took to travel west with no real knowledge of how long it might take to reach the Pacific.

After our time at Cape Disappointment we traveled on to our condo in Gearhart, Oregon. As soon as we unpacked we ran down to the beach. We were amazed at the hundreds of people on the beach. We love this little town because of the quiet atmosphere. It just happened to be the Fourth of July and everyone was there to celebrate.

It was quite cold and windy. We decided to go back to our condo and watch the fireworks from the comfort of our couch. Sunshine and Little Buddy were in awe. There were fireworks going off in every direction. It was absolutely beautiful!

The best part was putting the kids right to bed as soon as it was all over!=)
This is the incredible sunset that God gave us on the 4th! Man-made fireworks don't hold a candle to this kind of display!

Sweet Momma

Northwest Trek

We had so much fun watching the otters swim. While we were watching them, the keepers of the otters fed them a big block of ice with fish frozen in it. It was funny to watch them eat their lunch.

We have had soooooo much rain this spring. There have been very few sunny days.

I think summer is finally here. We have had two days of sun. Those of us that live in western Washington have learned to get out and enjoy the sun when it is out. So after church today we packed up the family and went to Northwest Trek.

Northwest Trek is 430 acres of land where animals that are native to Washington are allowed to roam free. There is a tram ride that allows a very close view of many of the animals.

We saw many more animals than I expected to. Our favorites were the otters and all the babies on the tram ride. (Deer, bison, big horn sheep)

It was a great time together. Any time that I can spend time in the woods, I am happy.

Sweet Momma

Five Months In!!!

This month marks five months that our newest additions have been home. I have been so busy that I haven't taken the time to blog about our life. I continue to cherish your prayers as we venture through life as a family of eight!

Here are a few things that our two youngest have learned over the last month:

1. Not every person that has brown skin is from Ethiopia.

2. When Mommy says "No," she really means it and my whining will not change her mind. =)

3. It is safe to be sad about my life in Ethiopia. My Mom and Dad care about me and will hold me while I cry and pray for me.

4. The world is a big place with countries other than America and Ethiopia.

5. Automatic sprinklers are a lot of fun to run through.

6. It is very good that Mommy and Daddy brought us to America.

Here are a few pictures to show you what we have been up to.

Mother's Day

We took a drive to Kopachuck State Park and hiked through the woods to the Puget Sound on Mother's Day! We ate a picnic lunch and let the kids toss rocks into the water to their hearts content. We hiked down the beach, climbing over fallen trees and driftwood. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Sunshine has lost a total of four teeth. Two of them, just last week.

Her smile still lights up the room. I have asked her to stop wiggling for a while as she is having some difficulty eating. =)

Pumpkin has begun baseball season and here are his biggest fans at the first game. They were so excited that it was raining as it gave them all an opportunity to use their umbrellas. After all, their favorite movie is "Singing In The Rain!"

Here is Pumpkin, ready to hit it out of the park!

Elsie attended her first formal with a dear friend named Taylor, who used to be our family babysitter. The formal is for high school home schoolers in our area. She had a great time! Taylor and Elsie went out to dinner with their dads and then went on to the dance. I laughed when I saw a video from the dance that showed 250 high schoolers dancing to the "YMCA."

I guess 'everything that is old is new again' or 'things never change.'

Whatever the phrase is, I am very thankful for this opportunity for Elsie and am so glad that she and Taylor had such a fun time.

There is so much more to share. I hope to do that soon.

Happy Late Mother's Day to you all!

Sweet Momma

Happy Birthday Stand-Up Dad!

Today is the day we celebrate the most AMAZING man in our lives! Stand-Up Dad is a wonderful husband who is SO attentive to this frazzled Mommy. He adores his children and takes special time each day with each one. One of the things that I love about him is the playful childlike heart that he has. He loves to play games, wrestle and the kids favorite, "Roll over Daddy!"

He is so dedicated to his kids. He will be spending the evening of his birthday running Bible Quiz practice. So we decided to surprise him with a party a day early.

The kids decorated the house and I made his favorite meal and an apple pie. He was confused and surprised when he came through the door. It was wonderful to be able to take the time to celebrate him.

As we sat down at the table, we all took a turn thanking God for Daddy and asking Him to bless Daddy. We all prayed, from me down to Little Buddy. This is a birthday tradition at our house.

As the prayer ended I looked up to see tears in Stand-Up Dad's eyes. He told us all that after all these years of life, being at home with all of us is his favorite place in the world.

We love you too!!!

Happy Birthday Stand-Up Dad!

Sweet Momma

Home Four Months!

Spring is here and things are blooming at our house. Relationships continue to be formed and each day brings new experiences and new questions.

Today as I was putting Little Buddy down for his nap he said, "Mommy, I want to go home." I said, "You are home honey." His response, "No, go home to Tirhas house." Tirhas is the beautiful young woman, his sister, who cared for him when he lived with her. From what we have gathered, she adored him and played with him. She is warm fuzzies to him.

I don't know why this came today, after four months. Maybe it was because he was a little sick today or maybe something reminded him of her. But my heart ached. We talked about her and prayed for her. Then I put him down with him repeating his request.

What do I say to help his hurt? How do I help him understand that we can't jump on a plane tomorrow to see her? I wish she lived down the street and we could go see her. I know all of this is normal, but it is a lot for a boy of three.

Again, I must lay this at the feet of Jesus. He knows Little Buddy's hurt. I have to trust that He will give me the words to help heal the hurt.

Speaking of hurt and healing...Easter is upon us and we are enjoying sharing this celebration with our new ones.

My dear Mother-in-Law sent a box with crafts for the kids. These are Easter Bookmarks. They had a wonderful time sticking on the stickers and adding their own designs.

All of the kids continue to learn how to be siblings together.

Last week during prayer time I was able to share with Sunshine how thankful I was to be her Mommy. She hugged me tight and thanked me for coming to Ethiopia. She immediately asked to pray again and proceeded to thank God for each one in her new family. Her willingness to embrace our family in this way always overwhelms me.

Pumpkin is learning to step into his Big Brother shoes and

is really enjoying having a boy to wrestle with.

This little guy continues to melt my heart with each hug and smooch that he offers.

He is a pure blessing in our family!

May God bless you and yours as you celebrate the most miraculous day in History!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Sweet Momma

We Are Singing a New Song!

There is new music in our home and I love it! From the first day that we met, Sunshine and Little Buddy have been singing. The songs are beautiful praise songs to God. They have taught them to us and we are all rejoicing with them. I hope they never forget these songs from their homeland.

Sweet Momma

Another Face Changed Forever!!!

When we met Sunshine in Ethiopia we noticed that her two front teeth were quite loose. I told her not to wiggle them because I was not ready for them to come out. I had just met her and wanted to get to know her with those adorable baby teeth.

This past week she watched her brother lose his tooth. At our house, when you lose a tooth, you get candy under your pillow. I know, the dentist loves us!=) She watched her brother get a big Butterfinger bar and that was all the motivation needed.

She told me that her friends in Ethiopia pulled out her two bottom teeth because she was afraid to. But she wanted to be the one to pull this one out.

She was very nervous, but I talked her through it. The moment it came out she screamed and ran up to show Pumpkin. "Look, out!" Cheers all around! Such a brave girl!

Sweet Momma

A Face Changed Forever

I know that I am being dramatic here, but the loss of the first baby tooth on top is a big deal. Gone are the little kid days. Permanent teeth are to come. Their face changes forever.

Pumpkin is seven and has held onto these baby teeth for a long time, but it still pulled at my heart when he lost that tooth this week. He was so proud of himself when he pulled it out. I think he has been a little motivated since he noticed that his new little sister, who is five, has two loose teeth on top. He couldn't let her lose hers first.

We can already see the permanent tooth pushing its way into place. I can't seem to get used to all the growing up.

Sweet Momma

Happy Birthday M&M!

Yes, it has been a busy week at our house! Two birthdays within six days! On the 16th it was my M&M's 12th birthday! She is so much fun to celebrate with because she absolutely enjoys the whole process of decorating and planning and unwrapping and cake eating etc.

This year she invited a few friends over to scrapbook and eat homemade pizza. She thought her sister's cake looked like fun and decided to have her friends help decorate hers as well. You can see the final product. A little cake with your frosting?=)

My M&M is such a blessing in our home. She is so warm, friendly and loving. She brings fun and life to our family. She will try anything once and will do her best to get you to try it too. She has an incredibly generous heart and truly desires to follow after God and His will for her life. She gets her dimples from me and I see a lot of myself in her as well. She is quick to hug, quick to help and quick to forgive. I can't wait to see what God will do with her now that she is twelve!

On her birthday she was surprised by a visit from Gramma and Poppa. They had not met Sunshine and Little Buddy, so it was a very special time with them. She spent the rest of the day enjoying a High School Musical Marathon. Yes, they watched 1, 2, and 3 in one day! I'm still humming a few of my favorite tunes...."What time is it?"=)
Sweet Momma

Little Buddy joins in...

Little Buddy in Ethiopia

My sweet Little Buddy prayed his first prayer in English today. Each time I pray with him before bed I ask him if he wants to pray and he says, "No."

Today at nap time I prayed for him and picked him up to put him in bed. He said he wanted to pray. It was such a sweet, short, simple prayer, that it made me cry.

"Thank you God for Mommy, Amen."

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!

Sweet Pea with her birthday cake,

decorated by all of her friends at her craft birthday party.

On Sunday my beautiful Sweet Pea turned nine years old! It is amazing to watch her grow and see all the special gifts that God has given her.

She is so kind and loving. She is very tenderhearted, yet she is easy going and often defers to others rather than herself. She is quite a girly-girl, which is so wonderful because her new little sister is too.

For her birthday she received a wooden mailbox. She wanted to be able to send letters to her family. It sits on a ledge upstairs and has already been put to good use. She loves to encourage others with kind words and beautiful pictures.

Her precious spirit has been such an encouragement to me these past nine years. It may seem obvious to say, but I can't imagine my life without her in it.

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea! I adore you!!!

Sweet Momma

Merry Christmas...in Ethiopia!

Happy New Year!!!

Our big kids got to stay up and celebrate with New York!=)

So much fun drinking

sparkling cider in real champagne glasses!

I can't believe it is 2010! Wasn't it just yesterday that we were all holding our breath to see what would happen when the clock rolled over to 2000? Amazing!!! I must be getting old, because I am really tempted to make that comment about "time" and how it "flies."

I wanted to give an update on our big kids. I have been sharing so much about our newest blessings that I didn't want to leave out the other four.

It is a true balancing act. We want to give the new ones all the attention that they need, to help with healthy attachment. But the older four are still in need of our guidance, attention and love as well. I would say that Elsie and M&M are enjoying the big sister role once again. They are really noticing all the adorable things that these little ones do and say. I have had to caution M&M to send Little Buddy to me. He is very drawn to her and she adores him. For the time being, I want him to see Stand-Up Dad and I as his first source of comfort and instruction.

I think the transition has been a little challenging for Sweet Pea and Pumpkin. They are the ones that are now sharing a room with new siblings. That by itself is a big change. Then throw language challenges and serious jealousy of all of your things by these new little ones and it can become difficult. They are learning how to handle each situation and now realize that Mom and Dad would really like to step in and help with any tense situations. There will be time later to allow them to work out the normal sibling issues.

Each day is a little better as Sunshine and Little Buddy learn how to live in our family. I was talking to Pumpkin tonight about how it was going with Little Buddy. He said, "I didn't think he would be as goofy as he is." I laughed. Is that a bad thing? He is goofy. He keeps us laughing every day. Sunshine can be quite a goofy girl as well.

God is so good. I am so thankful for this first month and even more thankful that it is behind us. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to lift each of us up in prayer as God weaves our family together.

Sweet Momma

It's Just What You're Used To...

I recently received my first Ethiopian Cookbook in the mail. It is a wonderful cookbook with Ethiopian history and many pictures of Ethiopian food. I am trying to prepare food that will make Sunshine and Little Buddy's tummies happy. I sat down with Sunshine and showed her the pictures and asked her which ones looked yummy. She flipped through the pages slowly and stopped when she got to a page with a recipe for "Genfo." She jumped up and down and hugged me and said, "This one, this one, yummy, yummy!"

As I looked at the recipe I realized that it was an Ethiopian porridge. It is what they would eat for breakfast. She made a big stirring motion to show me how it had been made at the orphanage. I checked the recipe for ingredients and told she and her brother that I could make it for them. The happy dance ensued.

This morning I made my first batch of Genfo and God showed me something in the process.

Genfo is very close to play dough. If you have ever made home made play dough on the stove, you could make Genfo. It has water, flour (I used barley), and salt. It literally becomes the consistency of play dough. It is then placed in an oiled bowl. After taking a spoon and making a crevice in the middle, oil mixed with berbere (an Ethiopian spice similar to chili powder) is poured in the middle of the Genfo.

I looked at Stand-Up Dad and said, "This can't be right. I don't know if they will eat this." I placed it in front of them and they squealed with delight. They ate and giggled happily.

I was amazed. If Genfo had been placed in front of me for breakfast I would have turned up my nose and refused to even try it. I realized that some of the foods we place in front of them must bring the same reaction to their minds. I thought back to all the new foods that they have tried obediently and willingly over the last month and I was humbled and impressed with these two little ones. I will try to remember the Genfo the next time they turn up their nose at something new.

In the end, it is really just what you are used to eating that brings comfort.

My first attempt at Genfo, which my kiddos call "Got."

Happy kiddos! I know Sunshine doesn't look happy, just a bad picture, she ate the whole bowlful!

Sweet Momma

Funny Firsts!

Sunshine wearing her new bike helmet, elbow and knee pads, and dress up shoes.

As our new little ones adjust to life in America we are amazed at how they view life here. Many experiences that we take for granted I am witnessing through brand new eyes. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Sunshine is very observant and doesn't miss anything. As we drove around in the car at night she was perplexed by all the bright twinkling lights on the houses. She thought they were pretty but did not understand why they were there. We explained that the lights help us to celebrate Christmas. She said, "Ethiopia, Christmas, Yes...No lights. America, EVERYONE Christmas!!!"

Last week she was helping me gather the garbage. We were placing the bags in the garbage can in the garage. She put her fingers on her nose and said, "OOOH Stinky!!" I said, under my breath, not thinking she would understand, "There were a lot more icky smells than that in Ethiopia." She responded, "Oh yes, Ethiopia Stinky!" We then pulled the garbage cans out to the street together and as I turned to go back in the house she paused and said "Mom, what?" As if to say, 'why are we leaving our garbage here?' I realized that she didn't understand about garbage trucks. So I said, "Tomorrow, a big truck will come and take the garbage away." She gave a huge smile and said, "OOOH AMERICA!!! In Ethiopia, we take, we take. But AMERICA, truck!" Even bigger smile.

The next day I was sure to listen for the truck, so that she and her brother could see what happens to garbage in America. As we watched the truck there was more discussion about how stinky it was in Ethiopia and I became a little concerned that she might think that I didn't like Ethiopia. I made sure that I included how much I love Ethiopia. We talked about the beautiful country and people and about her siblings. She ended the conversation with, "I love Ethiopia, but Stinky in Ethiopia." I think a field trip to the dump might be in order.=)

Sweet Momma

Merry Christmas!

Here are our latest family portraits. We are thrilled with them and our little ones are so happy to be a part of the picture. When I showed our Christmas card to Sunshine she gave a big smile and joyfully said, "Everyone!!!" Yes, with these little ones here our family is complete. That is something to celebrate!

May you enjoy your Christmas as we focus on the gift of our savior born so long ago.

God bless you all!

Sweet Momma

Christmas Memories in the Making

This past weekend was fairly busy with many new experiences for our newest family members. Now that we are all feeling better we knew we had to seize the opportunity to go out and get our Christmas tree. It is a tradition in our family to venture to the nearest tree farm, choose a tree and cut it down ourselves. Actually, Stand-Up Dad always cuts it down, but Pumpkin is hoping to help next year. As you can see in the picture, Little Buddy was a bit grumpy that morning. He and Sunshine had gone to the doctor the day before and his leg was hurting badly from the shots he got. Later the same day we were able to attend a Christmas Concert where Sweet Pea sang in the choir. We heard two choirs, a bell choir, an orchestra and a guitar ensemble.

The weather had been very cold and on Sunday afternoon we finally got a little of what we had been waiting for. It started snowing before nap time and after nap the ground was looking white. I asked Little Buddy and Sunshine if they wanted to go out and play. "Yes," was the unanimous answer. So even though it was getting dark they had their first snow experience. They loved it! The big kids even pulled them down the street in the sleds.

Posing at the Christmas Tree Farm

Sweet Pea singing in the choir

First Snowflakes

Sweet Momma

"Two Ears, America!"

While in Ethiopia I noticed that Sunshine had pierced ears. While Stand-Up Dad and I were out shopping we bought her a pair of earrings. She squealed with delight when I showed them to her. Sadness soon followed when I realized that one of her ears was completely closed and I could only put in one earring. Many tears and two hours later we were able to have an interpreter explain that there was no longer a hole in one of her ears. We promised her that when we got to America we would have her other ear pierced.

Soon after this discussion she came up to me and said, "Ethiopia, one ear, America, two ears!" I assured her that this was true. It was very funny when we landed in Washington DC and told her that it was America, she turned to me and said, "Two ears, America?" I had to explain that it would be a little later.

The rule at our house has been that our daughters may pierce their ears when they turn ten years old. Our third daughter, Sweet Pea, has been waiting patiently to turn ten. She will be nine years old next month. We decided that she could pierce her ears with her little sister if she wanted to. I also thought it might be a fun memory for these new sisters.

Thursday evening we went to the mall and Sunshine got "Two ears in America!" She didn't even flinch. Sweet Pea was also excited to get earrings over a year early. They both look absolutely beautiful. One more promise kept, times two!

Sweet Momma

Brand New Shoes!

We are feeling better at our house. Thank you for your prayers. Yesterday I decided that we needed a trip outside of this house that did not involve the doctor. I am a total home body, but six sick children in a house for a week was my limit.

I thought it would be fun to take our newest kids and let them pick out new shoes. Shoes were a huge issue in Ethiopia. I brought gently worn shoes for them as I did not have any idea what size shoe they wore. My thought was that I could just leave whatever shoes did not fit at the orphanage. Of the three pair that I brought for Sunshine, only one fit to her standards. It was a pair of salt water sandals. Little Buddy had a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of light up sandals that I had been given by my sister-in-law. Only one of the shoes actually lighted up, but those shoes were the envy of both children.

Sunshine was very upset by her "unacceptable" shoes. In Tigrinia she said to me, "Where are my light up sandals? Why do I have to wear these ugly shoes?" (This is my best guess, but facial expression and hand gestures are 90% of a conversation.) One day when her brother wasn't looking she put on the light up shoes and wore them for two days. They were too small and she couldn't play soccer in them because it hurt her toes. But hey, a fashion statement is more important than comfort.

It was hard for me to watch and I felt bad knowing that as soon as we got home there would be more shoes than she could wear in a day.

So yesterday I took them to buy their first ever, brand new shoes. Light up shoes were a must. Fortunately I found light up winter boots for them both. Then we saw the glitter shoes. Who can resist red glitter on shoes. That was the color she had to have. Please don't call her Dorothy.=) I also bought Little Buddy some light up tennis shoes that he doesn't want to take off.

We had so much fun taking them into our large pantry, turning off the lights, and watching them light up the room with their new shoes.

Sweet Sunshine has thanked me more times than I can count. She kisses her shoes and says "pretty shoes" over and over. I am so happy to make her feel so happy. I only hope these little things will help her to understand that we love her and will take care of her and she can trust us. I know it takes time, but I am anxious for her and Little Buddy to know it and believe it!

Sweet Momma

Home One Week Today!

I can't believe it has already been a week since we flew in at 11pm to see our home-grown kids and introduce them to their forever siblings. It has truly been a blur.

Between jet lag and sickness, we are hanging in there. As of this moment all 8 of us are sick. 3 on antibiotics, 1 on albuterol for asthma, and the two littlest are running fevers.

In the middle of the night I got up with Little Buddy and realized that he had a fever and began to feel very overwhelmed. Stand-Up Dad was heading back to work today. He is part of a trial (as an attorney, not a defendant) in Seattle and would be very unavailable to me. As I began to worry I was reminded of one of the scriptures that always puts me back in the right perspective.

"You are my refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble. Therefore, I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

Psalm 46:1-3

"I will be still and know you are God. You, Lord Almighty, are with me. You, God of Jacob, are my fortress."

Psalm 46:10-11

So even though I am still exhausted and sick myself I don't need to worry. The earth has not given way and the mountains have not fallen into the heart of the sea. Even if they had, God promises that He will help me.

We are making some headway with Little Buddy and Sunshine. Things are a little more predictable than they were a week ago. It is so much fun to learn about who these little people are and what makes their hearts sing.

Speaking of singing, they both have beautiful voices and sing and dance every day. They are both very aware of Christmas and baby Jesus. They love playing with our Little People manger scene. We even had the opportunity to celebrate Advent with them last night.

Please pray for health for our whole family. Life just isn't quite right when we are all sick. But I know and believe that God is bigger than any sickness.

Sweet Momma