Psalm 33:20-21
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us,
O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Daddy's Little Helper(s)
120lb box of wood
+ a very handy daddy
+ 2 work-for-chocolate-milk helpers
_______________________________
= fun building a bunk bed memories (and a bed for Eli)
Tuckered out from all that manual labor...
Final finished product pictures to come later...
+ a very handy daddy
+ 2 work-for-chocolate-milk helpers
_______________________________
= fun building a bunk bed memories (and a bed for Eli)
Tuckered out from all that manual labor...
Final finished product pictures to come later...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday Thoughts (on Friday)
This week has been blessedly puke free and yard sale free. What joy.
I did manage to throw in a major nesting spurt (yes, again) with all the extra time (insert sarcastic tone) I had this week. I called upon the generosity of Aunt Tasha to keep the kids for me Tuesday night (Jeremiah was away all week on a staff retreat) and made a quick trip to the Charlotte Ikea and got the kids new bunk beds.
And...maybe a few other things...because who really can walk out of that place with just buying one thing?!
I didn't think to consider checking how much the box was going to weigh before committing to this trip.
120 lbs.
Oh dear.
But no fear...the helpful Ikea workers got it into my cart...and then disappeared when it was time to load it into the van. I finagled it somehow into the van. I may or may not have passed gas while doing so. However, once I got it home I realized there was no way it was making it into the house. So...there it sat...wedged in between the car seats all week...until Jeremiah used his massive muscles to effortlessly bring it in this morning.
Next time I'll check the weight.
And rethink the bean burrito for lunch.
He set it up (along with two mighty cute helpers) this morning...and I'll be posting some pictures of the kids finished room later next week.
He also put a fence up all the way around my garden. Take that you pesky varmints!
I have a friend (of the cyberworld variety) who left last week to pick up her two kiddo's from Ethiopia. She took pictures of Eli for me, but because of computer trouble has not been able to get them uploaded. She sent a quick email to let that be known along with this line:
"Chala had just woken up and was eating an egg; he was so cute and refused to put the egg down for a photo opp - so sweet!"
I cried when I read that line.
One silly little line about an egg.
I know so little about him...but I now know he likes eggs.
And things with wheels too apparently...as the latest set of photos all have him either riding a toy car or attempting to ride a bike.
Oh yes, he is going to fit right in with Ezra!
Happy Friday!
I did manage to throw in a major nesting spurt (yes, again) with all the extra time (insert sarcastic tone) I had this week. I called upon the generosity of Aunt Tasha to keep the kids for me Tuesday night (Jeremiah was away all week on a staff retreat) and made a quick trip to the Charlotte Ikea and got the kids new bunk beds.
And...maybe a few other things...because who really can walk out of that place with just buying one thing?!
I didn't think to consider checking how much the box was going to weigh before committing to this trip.
120 lbs.
Oh dear.
But no fear...the helpful Ikea workers got it into my cart...and then disappeared when it was time to load it into the van. I finagled it somehow into the van. I may or may not have passed gas while doing so. However, once I got it home I realized there was no way it was making it into the house. So...there it sat...wedged in between the car seats all week...until Jeremiah used his massive muscles to effortlessly bring it in this morning.
Next time I'll check the weight.
And rethink the bean burrito for lunch.
He set it up (along with two mighty cute helpers) this morning...and I'll be posting some pictures of the kids finished room later next week.
He also put a fence up all the way around my garden. Take that you pesky varmints!
I have a friend (of the cyberworld variety) who left last week to pick up her two kiddo's from Ethiopia. She took pictures of Eli for me, but because of computer trouble has not been able to get them uploaded. She sent a quick email to let that be known along with this line:
"Chala had just woken up and was eating an egg; he was so cute and refused to put the egg down for a photo opp - so sweet!"
I cried when I read that line.
One silly little line about an egg.
I know so little about him...but I now know he likes eggs.
And things with wheels too apparently...as the latest set of photos all have him either riding a toy car or attempting to ride a bike.
Oh yes, he is going to fit right in with Ezra!
Happy Friday!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
PJ Party Preschool Performance (say that three times fast)
Ella had her first official preschool choir performance (for the whole church!) last night. I was a little nervous for her (like all good mom's should be, ha!) because she cried as we were leaving the house because she was "feeling shy" and didn't want to sing in front of everybody. And I might have made her wear a pair of pajamas that had pants with it...which probably didn't help matters either.
And we all know that when she makes up her mind about something, persuasion is all but impossible.
But.
She must have worked it all out in her little mind because she did great.
I do need to talk with a certain someone in the audience (I wouldn't dare name names...but this person is of the male gender and shares DNA with my daughter) about the inappropriateness of making faces at Ella when she is trying to concentrate. Holding that "R" is a big responsibility you know!
We are proud of you Ella McKay!
And we all know that when she makes up her mind about something, persuasion is all but impossible.
But.
She must have worked it all out in her little mind because she did great.
I do need to talk with a certain someone in the audience (I wouldn't dare name names...but this person is of the male gender and shares DNA with my daughter) about the inappropriateness of making faces at Ella when she is trying to concentrate. Holding that "R" is a big responsibility you know!
We are proud of you Ella McKay!
news of the garden variety
Thanks to sunshiney days and lots of recent rainfall...our garden is just a' growing...
An unknown critter made a snack of a few of my squash leaves last night. We've sprayed the perimeter of the garden with critter ridder...but obviously, I don't think it is working. Anyone have any other suggestions for ways to keep the pesky varmints out?
An unknown critter made a snack of a few of my squash leaves last night. We've sprayed the perimeter of the garden with critter ridder...but obviously, I don't think it is working. Anyone have any other suggestions for ways to keep the pesky varmints out?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Adoption Update
We got some news from our agency yesterday. Instead of the definite travel news we were expecting...it was news of a paperwork/detail delay (I'll spare you all the details) that has pushed us back a bit. Instead of traveling on the 14th of June like we were expecting (and hoping) it looks like we will be traveling on the 27th.
Still nothing definite, as the paperwork issue still has to be worked out. And it must be worked out before the 16th of June...otherwise we will be pushed back yet another two weeks from the 27th.
I am disappointed and a little discouraged...
But this little face makes it all worth it.
Eli Cade...we are coming for you.
Still nothing definite, as the paperwork issue still has to be worked out. And it must be worked out before the 16th of June...otherwise we will be pushed back yet another two weeks from the 27th.
I am disappointed and a little discouraged...
But this little face makes it all worth it.
Eli Cade...we are coming for you.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Donuts for Dinner (not me monday)
There are just some days where it is ok to have donuts for dinner.
Tonight was one of those nights.
I also decided that it wasn't worth the fight to get my daughter out of her cinderella pajamas (which she insisted to wear all day long) for this trip to the donut shop.
Chocolate with sprinkles (and milk) for the kids...
Glazed cream filled (with coffee) for me...
Oh my, so so yummy.
Yard Sale Update
We're done! We're done! We're done!
...with our last fundraiser!!!
The excitement exuding from my body is palatable!
Saturday's yardsale was a great success...and we ended up raising over $900 to split between the Johnson's and us.
We had so many wonderful volunteers and donations...so many friends that showed up...so much support...it was overwhelming.
In the best way possible.
Here are a few quick pictures from the day:
Our hardworking team (no laughing at the fanny packs!)...
Thank you to all who made this possible!
A special thank you to Alli D. for keeping the kids all day on Saturday so we wouldn't have to worry about them!
And a special special thank you to Casey and Kaley Taylor who put in just as many hours as we did and worked tirelessly all week long! You are true friends and we love you!
And for the record: I will NEVER do another yard sale for as long as I live.
It might take another week to recover. Truly. I am in a yard sale coma.
Eli is worth it. Every second of it.
Now we are ready to buy some plane tickets and go get our boy!!!
...with our last fundraiser!!!
The excitement exuding from my body is palatable!
Saturday's yardsale was a great success...and we ended up raising over $900 to split between the Johnson's and us.
We had so many wonderful volunteers and donations...so many friends that showed up...so much support...it was overwhelming.
In the best way possible.
Here are a few quick pictures from the day:
Our hardworking team (no laughing at the fanny packs!)...
Thank you to all who made this possible!
A special thank you to Alli D. for keeping the kids all day on Saturday so we wouldn't have to worry about them!
And a special special thank you to Casey and Kaley Taylor who put in just as many hours as we did and worked tirelessly all week long! You are true friends and we love you!
And for the record: I will NEVER do another yard sale for as long as I live.
It might take another week to recover. Truly. I am in a yard sale coma.
Eli is worth it. Every second of it.
Now we are ready to buy some plane tickets and go get our boy!!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Today is brought to you by the number seven
Seven is my favorite number.
I know, you are thinking that is my favorite number for some grand spiritual reason since seven is such a special number in the bible. And since I am such a grand spiritual person. (kidding.)
Wrong.
Remember Alf? The furry alien guy? I used to love him as a kid.
Remember Hollywood Squares? The cheesy tic-tac-toe game show? Yeah, loved that too.
On a late 1980's episode of hollywood squares Alf revealed that seven was his favorite number. Therefore, in my young impressionable stage, I absorbed seven as my own favorite number.
Silly, I know. But the truth.
Today I love the number seven for a whole new (probably more grown up) reason.
Jeremiah and I have been married for seven years today.
Seven.
Seven?
Seven!
I feel as though we are way past the honeymoon stage, even past the young married stage now.
And I wouldn't go back for anything. I love where we are. I love where we are going. Together.
I love that I know more about Bret Farve and football that I ever dreamed possible. I love that he now loves to read. I love that I get him and he gets me. I love that we have been blessed with three incredible children together. I love that we may vary on the methods, but we are always going in the same direction.
Being married has shown me the depth of my capacity for selfishness. (Remember the paint can?) The depth of my need for Christ. Being married hasn't always made me happy (I mean really, who would like their selfish capabilities so plainly revealed?!) but it has pushed me towards Christ and holiness.
I love you Jeremiah. Happy Anniversary!
Here's to seventy-seven more years together!
I know, you are thinking that is my favorite number for some grand spiritual reason since seven is such a special number in the bible. And since I am such a grand spiritual person. (kidding.)
Wrong.
Remember Alf? The furry alien guy? I used to love him as a kid.
Remember Hollywood Squares? The cheesy tic-tac-toe game show? Yeah, loved that too.
On a late 1980's episode of hollywood squares Alf revealed that seven was his favorite number. Therefore, in my young impressionable stage, I absorbed seven as my own favorite number.
Silly, I know. But the truth.
Today I love the number seven for a whole new (probably more grown up) reason.
Jeremiah and I have been married for seven years today.
Seven.
Seven?
Seven!
I feel as though we are way past the honeymoon stage, even past the young married stage now.
And I wouldn't go back for anything. I love where we are. I love where we are going. Together.
I love that I know more about Bret Farve and football that I ever dreamed possible. I love that he now loves to read. I love that I get him and he gets me. I love that we have been blessed with three incredible children together. I love that we may vary on the methods, but we are always going in the same direction.
Being married has shown me the depth of my capacity for selfishness. (Remember the paint can?) The depth of my need for Christ. Being married hasn't always made me happy (I mean really, who would like their selfish capabilities so plainly revealed?!) but it has pushed me towards Christ and holiness.
I love you Jeremiah. Happy Anniversary!
Here's to seventy-seven more years together!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Puke (re-visited)
For the second week in a row I have packed up for a trip on a Thursday night...only to unpack on Friday morning because that trip is not going to happen.
Ella...who deceptively faked being all over her sickness...woke us up (again, in the wee hours of the morning) throwing up last night.
We had planned on meeting my parents at the halfway point to exchange the kids for the weekend. Not only is our big yard sale tomorrow, but our anniversary is on Sunday. A kid free weekend was much anticipated.
Key word = was.
Nix that idea.
If we don't get over this stomach bug I feel as though I might harm myself. Or go live in a bubble.
I think all the lysol fumes have sucked the creative energy right out of me as all I have managed to blog about this week is puke. I promise next week will be better. Unless it's not. In which case you have my permission to not read my blog anymore. I won't blame you.
Oh well.
I am not complaining. I am thankful it is JUST a stomach bug and not something more serious.
I may not feel we will ever get over it...but I know we will.
Or else...bring on the bubble world.
Ella...who deceptively faked being all over her sickness...woke us up (again, in the wee hours of the morning) throwing up last night.
We had planned on meeting my parents at the halfway point to exchange the kids for the weekend. Not only is our big yard sale tomorrow, but our anniversary is on Sunday. A kid free weekend was much anticipated.
Key word = was.
Nix that idea.
If we don't get over this stomach bug I feel as though I might harm myself. Or go live in a bubble.
I think all the lysol fumes have sucked the creative energy right out of me as all I have managed to blog about this week is puke. I promise next week will be better. Unless it's not. In which case you have my permission to not read my blog anymore. I won't blame you.
Oh well.
I am not complaining. I am thankful it is JUST a stomach bug and not something more serious.
I may not feel we will ever get over it...but I know we will.
Or else...bring on the bubble world.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
Poor Jeremiah is the only one left in our family who hasn't succumbed to the stomach bug. Last night was my turn. And, well...I feel like I have blogged more than enough about puke this week, so I will spare you the details.
We are also waiting on more details about my Grampa. He is still in the hospital and is having a lot of tests done.
Still waiting on travel dates. I talked with our agency this week and really didn't learn anything new, other than "it will be either June 2nd, 16th, or 30th." Thanks. That helps a lot =)
The other thing consuming my mind this week (besides puke) is our FINAL yard sale fundraiser coming up this Saturday! For those of you in the durham area here are some of the details:
Yard / Bake Sale
May 22nd
111 Crestview Dr. Durham, NCRain or Shine!
Tons of baby clothes, toys, and equipment, furniture, large appliances, small appliances, linens, home decor, electronics, books, dvd's...and a lot more!
We have had a lot of nice donations and so many wonderful friends pitching in to help put it on. I'll be sure to update on the success of it this weekend!
I realize I never wrote about our trip to Carowinds last weekend. Despite Ezra's sickness (which waited until the wee hours of the morning in the hotel) we had a great family day! Ella is fearless and rode every single ride that she was tall enough for, including a "real" roller coaster. I can't remember ever seeing her laugh so hard! Ezra did really good too...not fearless in any way, but he rode several rides and thoroughly enjoyed several blue raspberry icee's.
Sidenote: I probably would have rethought the color choice of his icee's had I known they were going to be making a reappearance later in the day.
I am sad that I didn't take any pictures...but I wasn't about to lug my camera around for the day along with two kids, the double stroller, and all the gear needed for a day at a park.
Here, maybe this photo will make up for it...
This is at Joy's graduation, taken last weekend, off all our Via Family. Congratulations Joy!
Happy Thursday!
We are also waiting on more details about my Grampa. He is still in the hospital and is having a lot of tests done.
Still waiting on travel dates. I talked with our agency this week and really didn't learn anything new, other than "it will be either June 2nd, 16th, or 30th." Thanks. That helps a lot =)
The other thing consuming my mind this week (besides puke) is our FINAL yard sale fundraiser coming up this Saturday! For those of you in the durham area here are some of the details:
Yard / Bake Sale
May 22nd
111 Crestview Dr. Durham, NC
8am - the last thing is sold!
Tons of baby clothes, toys, and equipment, furniture, large appliances, small appliances, linens, home decor, electronics, books, dvd's...and a lot more!
We have had a lot of nice donations and so many wonderful friends pitching in to help put it on. I'll be sure to update on the success of it this weekend!
I realize I never wrote about our trip to Carowinds last weekend. Despite Ezra's sickness (which waited until the wee hours of the morning in the hotel) we had a great family day! Ella is fearless and rode every single ride that she was tall enough for, including a "real" roller coaster. I can't remember ever seeing her laugh so hard! Ezra did really good too...not fearless in any way, but he rode several rides and thoroughly enjoyed several blue raspberry icee's.
Sidenote: I probably would have rethought the color choice of his icee's had I known they were going to be making a reappearance later in the day.
I am sad that I didn't take any pictures...but I wasn't about to lug my camera around for the day along with two kids, the double stroller, and all the gear needed for a day at a park.
Here, maybe this photo will make up for it...
This is at Joy's graduation, taken last weekend, off all our Via Family. Congratulations Joy!
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Recovery Wednesday
Poor Ella succumbed to the stomach bug yesterday. For four hours straight she threw up every fifteen minutes.
(I know, I know...probably too much information.)
Thankfully, blissfully, the worst is over and we are in recovery mode today. You know...laundry and sanitizing every square inch of the house (as if that will ward off the sense of impending doom that surrounds Jeremiah and me). Ginger ale, crackers, and movies for Ella.
We also got news right in the middle of everything that my Grampa (my Dad's dad) collapsed and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. No definitive news on what caused the collapse...we will probably know more later today.
I am very thankful that today is a new day. And so far, a throw up free day.
(I know, I know...probably too much information.)
Thankfully, blissfully, the worst is over and we are in recovery mode today. You know...laundry and sanitizing every square inch of the house (as if that will ward off the sense of impending doom that surrounds Jeremiah and me). Ginger ale, crackers, and movies for Ella.
We also got news right in the middle of everything that my Grampa (my Dad's dad) collapsed and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. No definitive news on what caused the collapse...we will probably know more later today.
I am very thankful that today is a new day. And so far, a throw up free day.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Swagger Wagon
I saw this advertisement for the new Toyota Sienna and laughed out loud watching it.
Maybe we didn't go into the negative with our coolness points after all?
This goes out to all you other families rocking the minivan...
Maybe we didn't go into the negative with our coolness points after all?
This goes out to all you other families rocking the minivan...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Benefits
To your child throwing up in the wee hours of the morning in a hotel room:
1) No wait at the laundry mat.
2) Undivided attention from the front desk clerk.
3) Apparently that is when Ella is in deep REM sleep because she NEVER. EVEN. WOKE. UP. Nevermind her brothers crying, turning all the lights on, and the doors opening and closing. Repeatedly.
4) Unlimited cartoons (you know, for the one child that actually slept all night and therefore woke up on time).
5) Nobody knows you (you are at a hotel remember) and therefore you don't care about smelling like vomit or looking like crap to anyone.
6) The ice buckets are rather handy.
7) You realize how good at this team thing you and your husband really are.
8) No worries about any late night cravings.
9) Plenty of extra pillows.
10) No need to worry about how dirty the room probably is because you now know how dirty it is.
______________________________________________________________________________
And as an added bonus...(since it is your lucky day)...
(Just a few of) The Benefits to your child throwing up in the car:
1) One word: containment.
2) You find out how quickly it really is possible to cross over three lanes of traffic and onto the shoulder all while looking at your child in the rear view mirror. I'm talking super-hero skill development there.
3) Two words: open windows.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Oh, the bliss of traveling with kids.
1) No wait at the laundry mat.
2) Undivided attention from the front desk clerk.
3) Apparently that is when Ella is in deep REM sleep because she NEVER. EVEN. WOKE. UP. Nevermind her brothers crying, turning all the lights on, and the doors opening and closing. Repeatedly.
4) Unlimited cartoons (you know, for the one child that actually slept all night and therefore woke up on time).
5) Nobody knows you (you are at a hotel remember) and therefore you don't care about smelling like vomit or looking like crap to anyone.
6) The ice buckets are rather handy.
7) You realize how good at this team thing you and your husband really are.
8) No worries about any late night cravings.
9) Plenty of extra pillows.
10) No need to worry about how dirty the room probably is because you now know how dirty it is.
______________________________________________________________________________
And as an added bonus...(since it is your lucky day)...
(Just a few of) The Benefits to your child throwing up in the car:
1) One word: containment.
2) You find out how quickly it really is possible to cross over three lanes of traffic and onto the shoulder all while looking at your child in the rear view mirror. I'm talking super-hero skill development there.
3) Two words: open windows.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Oh, the bliss of traveling with kids.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Future Botanist (or not)
Ella: Oh, I just think hand me downs are so pretty.
Me: Hand me downs?
Ella: You know, those purple flowers we have in our yard.
Me (trying unsuccessfully not to laugh): You mean the forget-me-nots.
Ella: Yeah, those. I just love them.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Why?
***Updated to add: Why does Ezra wake up throwing up (the first time he has EVER had a stomach bug) on the day we are packed and ready to head out for family togetherness and Carowinds?)***
Why do my children ONLY sleep in on the (very few) days we actually have to be out of the house early?
In the same vein...
Why do my children take their ONLY consistent nap of the week on the one day that we have to leave the house before nap time should end?
Why does food taste better (according to Ezra) when eaten under the table?
Why do I own four (4) pairs of brown flip-flops? And feel like I need another?
Why do ticks like Ella and ignore Ezra?
Why can't all people communicate like I do?
Why do toys instantly attain high value by my children when viewed in the trash can?
Why can't they hurry up already and give us some travel dates to go get our son?
Why can't I crave salads instead of chocolate?
Why is picking your nose a universal developmental milestone for kids reached only in highly public areas?
Why is screaming "I picked my nose" in said highly public areas wildly amusing to a two year old boy?
Why can't the sleepy cuddle times of the day last longer?
Feel free to share any of your latest why's?!
Why do my children ONLY sleep in on the (very few) days we actually have to be out of the house early?
In the same vein...
Why do my children take their ONLY consistent nap of the week on the one day that we have to leave the house before nap time should end?
Why does food taste better (according to Ezra) when eaten under the table?
Why do I own four (4) pairs of brown flip-flops? And feel like I need another?
Why do ticks like Ella and ignore Ezra?
Why can't all people communicate like I do?
Why do toys instantly attain high value by my children when viewed in the trash can?
Why can't they hurry up already and give us some travel dates to go get our son?
Why can't I crave salads instead of chocolate?
Why is picking your nose a universal developmental milestone for kids reached only in highly public areas?
Why is screaming "I picked my nose" in said highly public areas wildly amusing to a two year old boy?
Why can't the sleepy cuddle times of the day last longer?
Feel free to share any of your latest why's?!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I confess to being a surface level organizer.
Let me explain: Everything within eye sight always stays organized or else it just drives me crazy. That is why if you drop by unexpectedly my house always appears clean and neat.
However. Don't look in my dresser drawers. Or under my kitchen cabinet. And heaven forbid do not look in my bathroom drawers.
Out of sight and out of mind, right?
Right!
Until I can't stand it anymore. Or I can't open a drawer because of all the clothes just stuffed in them.
Following in this nesting phase I've been going through every single area of my house that is typically unorganized is slowly being transformed into unrecognizable formations or organization.
Case in point: On the surface, this is how my bathroom counter always looks. Don't be deceived though, as the next pictures shows what evil lurks behind the closed drawers.
I suppose this would be the after shot:
It is amazing what 15 minutes and $5 in walmart organizers will do to a bathroom drawer.
And yes. All four of us share the same bathroom. And those are all our toiletries, the majority of them being Ella's abundance of hair accessories. I know, gasp. What can I say, I'm a simple kind of gal.
In other news...still no news about official travel dates to go get Eli. The family that I know of that passed court 2 weeks ahead of us did get their dates for the first week of June, so I am assuming we will travel the week of the 13th if all goes as planned.
I am plugging through that to do list of mine. I'll have to post an update about that soon. I was most excited that Jeremiah got our new kitchen bench built last weekend. Now we officially have room for five at the table! Pictures to come later...
I am attempting to take both kids at the same time to dentist appointments this morning. Ella is an old pro and will do fine I'm sure. Ezra. Um, not so sure. I will either walk out of their feeling like mother of the year or making a quick getaway. We shall see.
We are going to Carowinds with the kids this weekend. It will be their first experience at any kind of theme park and we are excited to see how it goes. Keeping expectations low, but excited still =)
Happy Thursday!
Let me explain: Everything within eye sight always stays organized or else it just drives me crazy. That is why if you drop by unexpectedly my house always appears clean and neat.
However. Don't look in my dresser drawers. Or under my kitchen cabinet. And heaven forbid do not look in my bathroom drawers.
Out of sight and out of mind, right?
Right!
Until I can't stand it anymore. Or I can't open a drawer because of all the clothes just stuffed in them.
Following in this nesting phase I've been going through every single area of my house that is typically unorganized is slowly being transformed into unrecognizable formations or organization.
Case in point: On the surface, this is how my bathroom counter always looks. Don't be deceived though, as the next pictures shows what evil lurks behind the closed drawers.
I suppose this would be the after shot:
It is amazing what 15 minutes and $5 in walmart organizers will do to a bathroom drawer.
And yes. All four of us share the same bathroom. And those are all our toiletries, the majority of them being Ella's abundance of hair accessories. I know, gasp. What can I say, I'm a simple kind of gal.
In other news...still no news about official travel dates to go get Eli. The family that I know of that passed court 2 weeks ahead of us did get their dates for the first week of June, so I am assuming we will travel the week of the 13th if all goes as planned.
I am plugging through that to do list of mine. I'll have to post an update about that soon. I was most excited that Jeremiah got our new kitchen bench built last weekend. Now we officially have room for five at the table! Pictures to come later...
I am attempting to take both kids at the same time to dentist appointments this morning. Ella is an old pro and will do fine I'm sure. Ezra. Um, not so sure. I will either walk out of their feeling like mother of the year or making a quick getaway. We shall see.
We are going to Carowinds with the kids this weekend. It will be their first experience at any kind of theme park and we are excited to see how it goes. Keeping expectations low, but excited still =)
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Pop
7 months along with Ella - September 2005
9 months along with Ezra - August 2007
I am going to admit that I am going through a stage where I am mildly and oddly envious of pregnant women.
Not because I want to be pregnant.
Not because I want a baby.
Not because I am narcissistic and want attention.
But just because I want others to see that I am expecting too.
I am the equivalent of 9 months pregnant...but you can't tell that just by looking at me.
With the exception of a few weirdo's at the local walmart, I never minded all the conversations my pregnant belly seemed to strike up. In all honesty I kind of liked the questions. After all, I was so excited for this new life...it was natural that I wanted to talk about it.
I, of course, am not referring to the "oh, you must be ready to pop any day now, huh" comments. Or the "my sister-in-law's half cousin's next door neighbor is due when you are and you are SO much bigger than she is" either.
Really, what in the world do people expect you to say back to those kind of comments?
And I should clarify that I don't fault anyone for this discrepancy between expecting through adoption and expecting through pregnancy. After all, unless you really know me you aren't going to know that I am about to welcome a new child into my life.
I don't expect that.
Nevertheless, the feelings persist and I wish for an obvious sign that announces to the world my excitement at welcoming my new son into our lives.
9 months along with Ezra - August 2007
I am going to admit that I am going through a stage where I am mildly and oddly envious of pregnant women.
Not because I want to be pregnant.
Not because I want a baby.
Not because I am narcissistic and want attention.
But just because I want others to see that I am expecting too.
I am the equivalent of 9 months pregnant...but you can't tell that just by looking at me.
With the exception of a few weirdo's at the local walmart, I never minded all the conversations my pregnant belly seemed to strike up. In all honesty I kind of liked the questions. After all, I was so excited for this new life...it was natural that I wanted to talk about it.
I, of course, am not referring to the "oh, you must be ready to pop any day now, huh" comments. Or the "my sister-in-law's half cousin's next door neighbor is due when you are and you are SO much bigger than she is" either.
Really, what in the world do people expect you to say back to those kind of comments?
And I should clarify that I don't fault anyone for this discrepancy between expecting through adoption and expecting through pregnancy. After all, unless you really know me you aren't going to know that I am about to welcome a new child into my life.
I don't expect that.
Nevertheless, the feelings persist and I wish for an obvious sign that announces to the world my excitement at welcoming my new son into our lives.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Butterfly Release
Our study of the life cycle of a butterfly came to completion over the weekend...
We went from five larvae to caterpillar to pupa to five beautiful butterflies! In a matter of three short weeks, no less.
Ella's eyes were so excited when the first one emerged...
Time to let them go...
If you are interested in doing this yourself...this is the kit we used.
(Thanks Mom!)
We went from five larvae to caterpillar to pupa to five beautiful butterflies! In a matter of three short weeks, no less.
Ella's eyes were so excited when the first one emerged...
Time to let them go...
If you are interested in doing this yourself...this is the kit we used.
(Thanks Mom!)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Not Me Monday
I always delight in my daughter's creativity...expressed on a daily level in her outfit choices.
Delight. Encourage. Foster. Promote. Approve. Advance. Abet. Invite. Applaud.
Always.
Therefore, I would never resort to...um...hiding...particular articles of clothing way in the back of her drawers (and way under the other clothes) in an effort discourage some of her more...um...elaborate...outfit creations.
Never.
Not Me.
Delight. Encourage. Foster. Promote. Approve. Advance. Abet. Invite. Applaud.
Always.
Therefore, I would never resort to...um...hiding...particular articles of clothing way in the back of her drawers (and way under the other clothes) in an effort discourage some of her more...um...elaborate...outfit creations.
Never.
Not Me.
Memory Monday: I AM
John 11:25
I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live; even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
I like the way the Message Bible also puts it:
I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all.
I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live; even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
I like the way the Message Bible also puts it:
I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Emaye
A jumble of emotions ran through my head on this special day...
I thought of the title of Emaye (Amharic for Mother) that I hold for Eli right now - a role I only fulfill on paper. I long for (and am scared to death of) the day when I will be his Momma. In the flesh.
I thought of Eli's birthmom. His first mom. I know next to nothing about her - and what I do know doesn't tell me any of the questions I truly want answered. Yet, I will forever be inexplicably tied to this woman through our son.
I longed for the little girl I only got the privilege to mother for four short months. I was surprised and completely caught off guard with the strength of my sadness for her, felt fresh today.
I thought on my own role as mom to Ella and Ezra. No other role in my life (perhaps, other than wife) has shown me the depths of my capacity for selfishness. The task of mothering little ones is exhausting and draining...and exhilarating and fulfilling...somehow all at the same time. I realize how completely dependent I am on my Father's guidance to do this. How utterly incapable I am of getting this right in my own capacities.
And finally...
I thought of the three incredible moms I have been blessed with. Truly, my cup overflows when I consider the ways these women have loved and poured their best into me. I share so much more than just genetics and family history with these women and I count them as friends.
If you're interested...you can read more about them here. And here.
Happy Mother's Day!
I thought of the title of Emaye (Amharic for Mother) that I hold for Eli right now - a role I only fulfill on paper. I long for (and am scared to death of) the day when I will be his Momma. In the flesh.
I thought of Eli's birthmom. His first mom. I know next to nothing about her - and what I do know doesn't tell me any of the questions I truly want answered. Yet, I will forever be inexplicably tied to this woman through our son.
I longed for the little girl I only got the privilege to mother for four short months. I was surprised and completely caught off guard with the strength of my sadness for her, felt fresh today.
I thought on my own role as mom to Ella and Ezra. No other role in my life (perhaps, other than wife) has shown me the depths of my capacity for selfishness. The task of mothering little ones is exhausting and draining...and exhilarating and fulfilling...somehow all at the same time. I realize how completely dependent I am on my Father's guidance to do this. How utterly incapable I am of getting this right in my own capacities.
And finally...
I thought of the three incredible moms I have been blessed with. Truly, my cup overflows when I consider the ways these women have loved and poured their best into me. I share so much more than just genetics and family history with these women and I count them as friends.
If you're interested...you can read more about them here. And here.
Happy Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Summer 2010
Oh, how I love summer.
It's a good thing because in North Carolina...summer comes early! This week is a testament to that statement. I've already packed away pretty much all our long sleeved shirts and pants. The winter coats were gone a while ago. Closed toed shoes? Gone weeks ago.
(Not that Ella ever actually wore pants this winter, but they were in her drawer. For suggestive purposes I suppose.)
Catching lightning bugs with the kids, going to the pool, popsicles...ah, the list on summer delights goes on and on.
And since I love a good list...why stop there?
Things I love about Summer:
The beach
Flip flops (if only I could get Ezra to get over his irrational fear of them. Weird, I know.)
Grilling out
Family vacation
Cook Out milkshakes (Reeses cup is my personal favorite)
Sprinklers
Eating out of our garden
Sundresses
Unscheduled days
Of course, this summer will be a little bit more eventful than normal for us. Perhaps another list is in order.
Summer 2010 things I am excited for:
Going to Africa for the first time
Bringing home our new son
Becoming a family of five
Welcoming new neice, Maddy, and friends Josh and Kristen's little Natalie
Welcoming new brother and sister from Ghana, names still to be determined
What about you? I'd love to know what has you excited about the upcoming Summer season!
Mommy and Ella
It's a good thing because in North Carolina...summer comes early! This week is a testament to that statement. I've already packed away pretty much all our long sleeved shirts and pants. The winter coats were gone a while ago. Closed toed shoes? Gone weeks ago.
(Not that Ella ever actually wore pants this winter, but they were in her drawer. For suggestive purposes I suppose.)
Catching lightning bugs with the kids, going to the pool, popsicles...ah, the list on summer delights goes on and on.
And since I love a good list...why stop there?
Things I love about Summer:
The beach
Flip flops (if only I could get Ezra to get over his irrational fear of them. Weird, I know.)
Grilling out
Family vacation
Cook Out milkshakes (Reeses cup is my personal favorite)
Sprinklers
Eating out of our garden
Sundresses
Unscheduled days
Of course, this summer will be a little bit more eventful than normal for us. Perhaps another list is in order.
Summer 2010 things I am excited for:
Going to Africa for the first time
Bringing home our new son
Becoming a family of five
Welcoming new neice, Maddy, and friends Josh and Kristen's little Natalie
Welcoming new brother and sister from Ghana, names still to be determined
What about you? I'd love to know what has you excited about the upcoming Summer season!
Mommy and Ella
Summer 2009
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Friday, May 7, 2010
Flashback Friday: Four Months
This was my first glimpse of my brother, Andrew, age 5, adopted from Bulgaria just 4 short months ago:
This was my first in real life meeting of him this January:
This was him this week:
In four short months he went from being a 20lb five year old who would didn't talk and did not even sit upright...to starting to venture out and explore his world...to making his first sounds and taking his first steps this week!
Go here to read more of his story (and see a video of him walking around!).
I was so excited for him I just had to share...
and what a beautiful real life picture of the words of Isaiah 61:3...
He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair."
This was my first in real life meeting of him this January:
This was him this week:
In four short months he went from being a 20lb five year old who would didn't talk and did not even sit upright...to starting to venture out and explore his world...to making his first sounds and taking his first steps this week!
Go here to read more of his story (and see a video of him walking around!).
I was so excited for him I just had to share...
and what a beautiful real life picture of the words of Isaiah 61:3...
He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair."
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
When I first started writing this post Ezra was running his cars back and forth on his bedroom wall...
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
So much for napping. I am really fearful that this nap strike is more than a stage, seeing as we are going on a little over a month of more days a week where he doesn't nap than he does. Oh dear. Ella takes more than he does at this point. Oh Ella, my sweet sleepy girl. She loves her some sleep. When I picked her up from Awana's last night her teacher told me that she kept saying that she was just sooo tired. Silly sleepy girl.
I am thinking about staging a stake out one night this weekend. It seems we have a raccoon that has been up to some tom foolery here lately. He (or she? not sure why I assume it is a he?) has been pulling up the flowers in my pots on my side porch. He doesn't eat the flowers...just lays them besides the pots...roots intact. (See Exhibit A) Frustrating. And messy. Especially when Ezra finds them before me. In his Sunday best. When we are running late. Not sure what I would do if I actually encountered Mr. Raccoon on my stake out. Spray him with some cridder ridder maybe? Suggestions are welcome.
Exhibit A:
It's not every day you get to use a sentence that includes the phrase tom foolery.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
I wonder how long it would take him to wear a hole through the wall?
No news of an embassy appointment and travel dates yet. In fact, I know of several families who passed court early in April who are still waiting to hear their dates. It doesn't look good for us to hear anytime soon if they still haven't heard. The planner in me hates this. We have tentative dates that we think will be when we travel, but nothing we can go book our tickets on. And the longer we wait, the more the airfare prices goes up...
But. I think you already know that waiting isn't my strong point. No need to beat a dead horse.
I am just focusing on the things that I have control over...mainly that to do list of mine. Making progress, slowly but surely. My biggest accomplishment this week was going through every single article of the kids clothes, weeding out some for friends and the yard sale, and organizing the rest into labeled tubs.
Eli has his very own one...full of size 2t clothes (what we think he will be wearing) that is just waiting for him.
It had been quiet for a whole five minutes...
Went to check on Ezra...
This is what I found...
Silly boy.
Happy Thursday!
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
So much for napping. I am really fearful that this nap strike is more than a stage, seeing as we are going on a little over a month of more days a week where he doesn't nap than he does. Oh dear. Ella takes more than he does at this point. Oh Ella, my sweet sleepy girl. She loves her some sleep. When I picked her up from Awana's last night her teacher told me that she kept saying that she was just sooo tired. Silly sleepy girl.
I am thinking about staging a stake out one night this weekend. It seems we have a raccoon that has been up to some tom foolery here lately. He (or she? not sure why I assume it is a he?) has been pulling up the flowers in my pots on my side porch. He doesn't eat the flowers...just lays them besides the pots...roots intact. (See Exhibit A) Frustrating. And messy. Especially when Ezra finds them before me. In his Sunday best. When we are running late. Not sure what I would do if I actually encountered Mr. Raccoon on my stake out. Spray him with some cridder ridder maybe? Suggestions are welcome.
Exhibit A:
It's not every day you get to use a sentence that includes the phrase tom foolery.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
I wonder how long it would take him to wear a hole through the wall?
No news of an embassy appointment and travel dates yet. In fact, I know of several families who passed court early in April who are still waiting to hear their dates. It doesn't look good for us to hear anytime soon if they still haven't heard. The planner in me hates this. We have tentative dates that we think will be when we travel, but nothing we can go book our tickets on. And the longer we wait, the more the airfare prices goes up...
But. I think you already know that waiting isn't my strong point. No need to beat a dead horse.
I am just focusing on the things that I have control over...mainly that to do list of mine. Making progress, slowly but surely. My biggest accomplishment this week was going through every single article of the kids clothes, weeding out some for friends and the yard sale, and organizing the rest into labeled tubs.
Eli has his very own one...full of size 2t clothes (what we think he will be wearing) that is just waiting for him.
It had been quiet for a whole five minutes...
Went to check on Ezra...
This is what I found...
Silly boy.
Happy Thursday!
