Blessings of a Burdened Heart

KNOCKING THEM OUT!

2012-02-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Derebe keeps hitting his face on things.

Sometimes it's a pole.

Sometimes it's his brother.

One tooth out.

One more loose.
A tear or two shed by this mama, realizing that this little guy is growing old!

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Sledding with some friends.

Gorgeous, sunny day!

Could NOT have asked for better conditions.

Melkam Gena!

2012-01-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

Um, yup, this is an actual update! I've had several emails from people who drop by our inactive (!!!) blog occasionally...and they are wondering how the boys are doing. :)

Last night, we celebrated Ethiopian Christmas with many other families from around the area. It's great fun seeing so many other adoptive families and local Ethiopians. This celebration is one of the efforts by Ethiopians to help our kids (and entire families) hold on to at least a smidgen of culture, language, etc. Something I'm so grateful for, because, quite honestly, it's hard to do!

We had a fun-filled summer! First we spent a couple days at the beach with Aaron's family and then flew down to San Francisco/Sacramento area to visit some friends. In an odd way, it was like a one-year anniversary trip since our port of entry last year was San Francisco! We also spent a week in Kauai with part of my family. The boys LOVE swimming and eating...and there really is no better place for both than Hawaii.

Both boys started Montessori this year and are enjoying it immensely. I have to admit that I feel a little cheated and wish I was able to learn the way they do!

They're almost citizens. More money, more paperwork. Finally done. And we just wait.

We had one of my old students babysit (first from outside the family!!!). It's only been one time, but we're looking forward to more...haha. Nevertheless, any adoptive family understands the benchmark there.

If there's one thing we've learned as parents, it's that kids change! So we're careful to characterize the boys, but I guess if we took a current day snapshot, Derebe strives to be responsible, honest, and loves interacting with people (and caring for little ones) while Cherenet is naturally silly, curious, and easy-going. They are such great kids...I think one of the most rewarding parts of parenting is being able to picture these boys growing into stand up, respectable men. :)

Okay, I'm out!

THE SECRET POWER OF ORANGES

2011-05-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

ME: Why do you think you've been getting busted so much lately?

D: Um, maybe...maybe it's because I eat too many oranges...

A LITTLE CRAZY

2011-04-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

It's been way too wacky around here to blog at all. That's a big old story all by itself. It's almost midnight and I really want to hit the sack, but I must share this little smidge of awesome-ness. We just measured the boys the other day and C is the same height that D was a year ago. Then, we realized, how crazy that is...how much growth that is--in less than a year. It's like he's grown an entire head length! Look at that! I do not understand how a body can do that. We HAD to get them back to back to document that one.

I don't really care how tall the boys get...not the point. What we do find amazing, is that his extreme growth (and no more orange hair!) is such a picture of what this whole last year has been, not just for the boys, but for us too. It's such a picture of how important the basics are. It's such a reminder to me to be grateful for all I have, and yet, keep it a distance from my heart so that it's easier to give it away.

A few days ago, I was tucking D in and he told me that he wanted to send his money to Ethiopia. You know why? So that his cousin could buy food for breakfast and lunch. Because when he was in Ethiopia they only ate ONCE a day and were always hungry. It breaks my heart AND brings me great joy that this four-year-old has moments in which he is burdened for others. That's just it. Blessings of a Burdened Heart. I hope he heals, but I hope he never forgets... so that God can use his brokeness for good. I just know that he's going to be a blessing to so many who cross his path as his heart is to love and be loved.

DON'T LET THAT FACE FOOL YA...

2011-03-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Derebe had his first pee-wee soccer game on Saturday. He was soooo looking forward to it and has been playing outside in the cold just "practicing" kicking his ball around. Despite the face in the ONLY picture I got of him (and the bloody nose), he had a blast. I have to say, we've got a hustler on our hands. Or, in his words, "I worked HARD!"

And one of my favorite parts was when he saw his little cousin walk in and he jumped off the bench and ran over to hug her. So cute, but let's hope that's not happening in ten years!

And the countdown begins for game #2.

IT'S PITIFUL, BUT THEY'RE IMPRESSED...

2011-03-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, we live in the NW, but we don't really get snow here where we live. Just tons of cloudy days and more than our fair share of wet blessings from above. I like it though...by far, it pays off in year-round green and the MOST incredible summers ever! However, we're all big fans of snow and LOVE when we actually get some. Our snow is mostly pitiful, but still, beautiful...and the boys just think it's magical.

On this day, the clouds were amazing...so moody!

Finally, "enough" snow to grease up the yard and justify breakin' out the sled.

Man and "Man's Best Friend" -- he'd follow him into fire, I think.

Even on days with less than this, the kiddos are overjoyed.

Love the winter, but I'm ready to get outside without needing to be all bundled up! This morning was great...the sun popped out for a little while and we dropped everything to take advantage of it. The boys have their eyes on that sandbox!

JUST STUFF...

2011-02-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

Back to numbers because it's been a little wacky around here...fixing up a rental, re-entering into non-holiday normality, lots of courthouse/doctor visits...

1. There really are some universal truths for all. Aaron was wearing his slippers with socks on creating that oh-so-gross-camel-toe look. Derebe looked at his feet, paused, and said, "Oh...you're wearing socks?" As if to say, "Uh, Dad, seriously? That's kinda weird." He's only four-years-old and it rubbed him the wrong way...hehe.

2. Derebe and I went out shopping the other day to have some bonding time. We decided to go shopping because he's getting GIGANTIC and wasn't really fitting in any of his clothes. Anyway, when we got home, he was looking at his new assortment of shirts/pants and said, "Wow, mommy, I'm getting taller...I'm growing biiiiiiig. Almost have beard like Daddy! Aaaalmoooost!" It's amazing. The human body is just shockingly resilient when it gets what it needs. D was telling us that he only ate once a day...which compared to many in this world, I suppose one meal is pretty good. Poor guy. Needless to say, food is VERY important to him still. Check out these pics of the boys on the day we met at the end of June. AND then the black and white picture is them a few days ago in the SAME clothes! Let's just say Cherenet's belly is poking out and Derebe's legs are getting long! I remember that day how is pants were just sliding off his little bottom. Not so much anymore...

3. The boys have started watching and doing this yoga for kids exercise video that goes through the alphabet and they are so stinking cute! Nice to throw in some extra activity now that winter has lost it's novelty. You know?!

4. Went to Amharic class #2. Mostly review with some new vocab. Plus, a mystery solved. Finally figured out why the boys used to call dogs "Wussychews" -- always strange to me because it doesn't sound like Amharic. When you say something like woosha, it means dog. And achu refers to a group. So, we're thinking it means a pack of dogs...which would make sense. Technically, the boys spoke a tribal language, then Amharic, and then English -- with kid interpretation all mixed in all over the place. Soooo, sometimes things are a mystery to us. OR were. Communication is pretty breezy lately, but I'm sad that they don't use some of their old Amharic words anymore. :(

5. Lately, both the boys keep talking about babies. Just randomly throughout the day, I hear baby talk. Sometimes insisting that "it" comes from my belly and other times requesting an "Etopia" baby. The other day, Derebe said, "Mommy, I want an Etopia baby, but I don't want a baby in my booty." Yeah, I don't know what that means either.

Soon, I hope to post about our Ethiopian Christmas celebration. Got some good video!

NAUGHTY ANGER

2011-01-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

If this would have slammed me in the face before I hopped out of bed today, instead of six hours into my day, it would have been a MUCH better, loving, productive day. With a lot less hurt. Maybe for you too?

THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE UGLY

2011-01-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

Ethiopia, what I've seen and experienced of it, is beautiful. And ugly. It's no different then most places I've been...with regard to beautiful and ugly.

There are some really poor people struggling to survive and yet, thrive in knowing what's important in life. Thrive with little distraction. Thrive in their thankfulness for the "smallest" blessings. Thrive with clear minds unmuddled with how to redesign a deck. Yup, sometimes I go to sleep trying to envision how to fix my deck.

I don't see myself as materialistic. I don't really care about stuff. But still, our culture makes it difficult to embrace a simple life without ostracisizing ourselves from that culture. I struggle with that. A lot.

In no way am I saying that my country or my culture is better than another. In fact, as much as I appreciate the freedoms and opportunities one can find this country, there is much that saddens me. I'm posting this video below because I don't believe that life and death issues are legitimately tied to culture. And if it is, I don't agree that I have to value or respect it. Because FIRST, we are humans, created and loved by God. Then, we can be Americans, Ethiopians, mothers, fathers, teachers, bankers, soccer players, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, male, and female. Whatever it is that you want to be. So in all the things that I love about Ethiopia and its people, this is the ugly that I wish did not exist. And, I might add, that Ethiopia is incredibly diverse--especially in the southern region where there are about 50 different ethnic groups. Like many horrible issues going on in the world, these tribes alone do not represent Ethiopia.

Here's the article.

Here's the link to Drawn From Water.

Can you imagine? Can you imagine if your son or daughter was born in one of these three tribes and deemed cursed because the birth wasn't "planned" and marked by a sacrificial goat? Can you imagine your son or daughter, as a helpless infant being tossed in a river to drown? It would be that easy. Hinging on ONE thing---where he or she was born. It breaks my heart because it's not truth. And if it were something less consequential at stake, I could laugh it off and embrace it as culture. But not a life. Not one of MY beautiful (and loving, resilient, active, funny...) boys. Fortunate enough to be born up the road.

SERIOUS BURRITO STANDOFF

2011-01-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, D loves his breakfast burrito. He'd eat five. This video, however, is not a serious burrito standoff. More like a silly standoff. BUT first, here's my SERIOUS plea to all prospective adoptive families...

PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Please use an agency that meets the standards needed to adopt from a Hague Convention country -- even if you are adopting from a country that doesn't require it. Adopting a child is serious stuff. We always want to be on the up and up. We NEVER want a living birthparent to be coerced into relinquishing a child. There are too many legitimately needy children and babies out there already.
Let's keep families together.
And for those babies and children who have no other option, let's keep JOINING families together. As a community of adoptive families, we're in this together. One negative story can deny the chance for family a thousand times over.

There's no agency without a disgruntled family or two, but "agencies are denied when there is 'clear and convincing' evidence that they have violated conditions set by the Hague convention, regarding the adoptability of children." Sketchy agencies and people exist in the adoption world -- just like they do in government, business, churches, etc. There are approximately 180 accredited agencies in the U.S. No need to support those who are denied nor those who don't care to apply. Fast. Easy. Nice. Not good enough! Search out an agency that is child-centered not client-centered. Yes, they should be nice to you, but ultimately, we need to be MOST concerned with how they operate in Ethiopia (or any other country).

Accredited agencies:

http://www.adoption.state.gov/hague/agency4.php?q=0&q1=&q2=0&q4=0&q5=0&dirfld=01

Denied agencies:

http://www.adoption.state.gov/hague/accreditation/deniedagencies.html

On a lighter note, thank God for breaks! Aaron is an incredible father and husband. During HIS two weeks off, he did much of what I do. Am I glad to do it? Yup. But it sure is nice to mix it up a little. This morning, I just realized how incredibly refreshed, positive, and inspired I feel. These boys are so fun. They're silly. They love one another. Here's 3.5 minutes of our burrito standoff from the other morning. No, we don't use plastic bags for bibs. Just can't find ours from the trip!

FLORIDA CHRISTMAS PICS

2011-01-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas marks the first plane trip since we came home from ET in July--uh, can you believe we've been home for six months?! Anyway, my parents took the family to the Orlando area for a week.

The boys were REALLY excited to get back on a plane, although I'm not sure why. Considering their first and last plane trip was over 30 hours long! I suppose they were also excited about hitting the beach (AKA "the big sandbox") and getting to see their cousins every day for a week. :)

Here's Old Town Kissimmee. First roller coaster. First ferris wheel. First tea cup. Check out D on the motorcycle. It's like he was born to ride and be naughty. The adults had to get our money's worth out of the Super Shot!

Our next visit was to Gatorland. Yes, awesome. Lots of gators and other animals. Water playground. Normal playground. A choo-choo ride. Gators eating chickens.

On another day, we hit Green Meadows Petting Farm . Another choo-choo ride. A hayride. Learned how to catch ducks. Milked a cow! Saw a Zorse. The boys had a brief ride on a horse. Help baby chicks and baby ducks. The boys saw an ostrich egg and wanted to eat it.

Christmas day was spent at Seaworld. I was quite mistaken in assuming that Christmas would make for a quiet day in the park. At night, however, we were often all alone looking at exhibits and accidentally petting dolphins...

On the waterfront, at night, they made real snow and blew it across the boardwalk!

Here and there, we just relaxed. Enjoyed ditching our jackets and long pants some of the time.

Hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

2010-12-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yup...Washington now recognizes our family of four. Funny, the U.S. government makes us jump a bunch of hoops (for good reason) to be approved for adoption and immigration, but our state makes us jump through more hoops when we get home! Anyway, it's done, thanks to a couple adoptive family friends who are AWESOME! Because you know what? There's no set way to do the paperwork in most counties. Kinda a shot in the dark. Just about the only clear thing is the fee!

Passing the time by TRYING to get some pictures. C likes to make it a challenge.

The judge was super nice and wanted to make sure we had a picture of ourselves as petitioners.

And now, we let paperwork get through the system and then begin the process for citizenship. And more government fees. Yay. :)

If you need help, go to the Washington Readoption blog that an AGCI family created. If you are filing in Clark and want some help, email me. We used all of the docs on the blog, but there are some little things that I can share with you about Clark that might save you some time and stress!

REASON #89 I'M GRATEFUL FOR MY YEAR AT HOME

2010-12-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

I learned how to sew on Tuesday. Okay, okay...so I can sew one thing. A purse. And I certainly need to work on sewing a straight line. My worst grade ever was in 8th grade home economics. Mostly because my sewing was atrocious. These are Christmas gifts for my nieces. Thanks to my mom for being my machine consultant and the boys for being my style and design consultants.

Now the boys want purses too. And I'm left pondering how to boy it up.

Last night, Aaron got the boys in the car as I finished getting ready. I jumped into the car with a scarf...for the first time. D thought it was HILARIOUS that I was wearing a "towel" around my neck. When we returned back home, he tried to convince me to let him wear the "towel" around his neck while he brushed his teeth. The funnies of living with a "foreigner" -- totally cute.

Tomorrow, we're off to see the judge...hoping that he/she is cool with our paperwork and declares our adoption as FINAL! Can't wait!

WHEN IT'S ALL COMBED OUT

2010-12-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Thought it was time to see how "big" his hair is so I combed it all out. He got a kick out of his picture...he thought it was pretty funny. Not sure where we're going with this hair. I did trim it a little the other day and that made the back of his head (such a pain!) more manageable.

Making some gifts...

I'm really glad we ended up buying a full/twin bunk for Derebe because all four of us can jump in, cuddle, and read together at night. :)

The boys sorting while I clean out and organize our learning/creative cabinet. We probably go through almost two dozen eggs a week and occasionally, those cartons come in handy!

WINTER FIRSTS & SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE

2010-11-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

FIRST snow...

FIRST Thanksgiving...

FIRST holiday season snuggle movie time...

I also wanted to do a little shout out for a list put together by Domesticated Diva, another AGCI mom.
This list is a collection of links to clothing, jewelry, bags, art, Christmas decorations, etc. All of which help a family raise funds for their adoption, feed orphans, empower widows, provide education...click on the button below, mosey on over and I bet you'll find something special for someone on your list!

As a family, we're trying to tell the story of the real Christmas by not buying a bunch of stuff we don't need and instead, buy gifts that are more thoughtful and personalized. Or even better, SLOW down and spend TIME with the ones we love. Yesterday, my mom took all of us girls out to lunch. So great. So refreshing. Normally, I guess it wouldn't be such a big deal, until you think about meshing together four household schedules during the holiday MARATHON. Or, for our family with three coaches and 10 fall birthdays (in our two immediate families!!!), it's really a four-month marathon of games, meetings, practices, babysitting, school, celebrations, normal work, etc. So yes, even this hermit delighted in getting time to reconnect with my mom and sisters over lunch and some naughty desserts.

THEN, focus on giving to others in both our local and global neighborhoods. I love that our church is totally into this as a community -- "resist the empire" -- worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all. It hits close to home, as so many children in Ethiopia perish due to the lack of access to a clean water source. I'm looking into the statistics, but in the Advent Conspiracy resources, it states that Americans spend about 450 BILLION dollars each year on Christmas (verified that with a Gallup poll although USA Today says it's about 1/4 of this) and that it's estimated that it would cost only 10 BILLION to provide a clean water source for ALL. So, I hear those numbers and see that a real Christmas, one focused on loving God and loving others, CAN change the world! Can't wait to see how lives are changed this Christmas. Join the story!

BELLY LAUGHS

2010-11-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for belly laughs. Chernet has been doing this funny, loud, belly laugh the last couple days and it is irresistible. Warms my heart. Makes me thankful that we didn't miss out on this...makes the hard stuff fall away...

Orphan Sunday organized by Recycle Love was great! Thanks for all those who wished us well and prayed for this event. It was amazing to meet some other families and to listen to others who shared. Left with some things to think about. Challenged. Encouraged. The two-hour drive south was totally worth it. :)

Can I tell you what I love about his new life with kids and me being at home this year?! I relish in the absence of stress. Work managed to consume my life. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job! It's just that I was always fixing a lesson, grading papers, sitting in a meeting, and/or finishing a class...always. The other Saturday, we took an unplanned adventure...something that would have never happened in the old life! Totally refreshing! Drove down to Portland for some zoo time, went to a late lunch, walked around a little...before, that would have needed to be scheduled a few weeks out...hehe.

Chernet's gorgeous head of curls is getting long! Seriously, I've spent more time and money on this guy's hair in five months than on my own hair for the last 5 years. Sometimes I feel as though our day works around his hair; however, I'm beginning to cherish our one-on-one time when we're getting his hair done.

Out on a little adventure with daddy so that mommy can get un-crazy. :)

The boys are lacking some basic skills that other kids their age have...partly because of language, but also because of exposure. I enjoy working with each one-on-one as we beef up on language, counting, self-control, motor skills, etc. It's so fun to see them grow -- to see them proud of hard work and persistence. After math time yesterday, we did some sorting. Such an awesome way to practice fine motor skills, control, colors...here's Derbe's end product.

RECYCLE LOVE'S ORPHAN SUNDAY

2010-11-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, we're heading down to Oregon to share at Recycle Love's Orphan Sunday event. Nervous! Please keep this event in your prayers. That all in attendance are encouraged...challenged...whatever it is that ultimately results in more orphans being adopted, more kids in the system being fostered, more being called to walk alongside the widow...

There's a great, very well-priced tshirt too if you want to check it out. :) http://www.recyclelovefestival.com/

ART for a CAUSE

2010-11-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to an old student of mine...Sam. She's a great artist who is doing something that I deeply admire -- she's using her talents to bless others.

Several months before the boys came home, I was looking for art to put in the baby's room (before we changed our parameters) and wanted something different and special. AND something that honored our child's Ethiopian roots. I scoured the Internet and couldn't really find that piece that was just right. Soooo, to make a long story short, one day, I was looking through some of Sam's work and knew that she could accomplish the task.

Here's what she did for us...how cool are these?! The one on the bottom left is my favorite! The background map is the region the boys spent the first couple years of life -- much like what a state is here in the US. Isn't that acacia tree incredible?!

Now, here's the best part. Sam is going to continue to create art for adoptive families and donate 30% to Wiphan (visit here), an organization that is striving to fulfill James 1:27 COMPLETELY by taking care of orphans AND widows. Through WIPHAN, widows are provided assistance like skills training so that they can find a way to feed and support their own families. As an adoptive family, fighting for the widow, has become so important, because THEY are truly the ones who can prevent one more precious, innocent child from ever entering the doors of an orphanage.

Go check out Sam's art here. She's got fabulous ideas and can customize your art perfectly! Buy something original and unique for yourself or make it a thoughtful gift for someone you know. Be a part of encouraging a young woman in her desire to use her gifts to make a difference in the lives of countless widows and orphans in Zambia.

Get those orders in now for Christmas!!!

CUTEST 3-YEAR-OLD EVER!

2010-11-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

MORE WAS PLEASE!

2010-10-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

For the families who have adopted "older" Ethiopian kids through AGCI know how incredible the men are at Hannah's Hope. They're funny and endearing. Most importantly, as men, they play a VERY important part in the lives of these kids -- for plenty of different reasons.

Anyway, while in Ethiopia, there was so much that we didn't GET to experience, photograph, and/or video because our hands were FULL! As a result, I am so appreciative of the families who were able to capture great moments and share. The Dunlap family was one of the first to fall under the two-trip rule and posted a video of Was, one of the men who works at HH, dancing at the cultural dinner. The boys asked me to play this video over and over and over and over...and every once in a while I get "Mommy, more Was please!" Here's video of our little dancing Derbe. LOVE his moves toward the end. If you're busy, FF to about 50 seconds, but watch to the end. Enjoy!

Was and Derbe Dancing from smith on Vimeo.

ADOPTION...IT'S LIKE A HUG AND A PUNCH

2010-10-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about something for a while now. It's been dwelling just beneath the surface and as my love for the boys grows, so does my understanding of loss, pain, redemption, and hope -- all of which play a role in everyday life for adoptive families.

I just couldn't quite describe what it was until I heard these seven words in a Matthew West video. These words were used by someone he knew to describe adoption. It's like a hug and a punch.

Yes, it is actually more complicated than that, but I can't think of a more succinct way to accurately describe adoption.

The reality of what these kids and babies have been through is just unfair and should really make everyone angry. When a child is orphaned every 14 seconds due to HIV/AIDS alone, it should move us to action. Honestly though, I can't say I really "got it" until recently. That, among many others staggering statistics, were just numbers in my head. And now, it's an imtimate part of my life. I have two boys for whom I thank God each day, but loving them means, like any parent, my "ME" is expanded to include my innocent children and all of the pain they've been through.

For the sake of their privacy, I don't want to go into details about our punches. I'm sure it's different for every family...now that we are home, ours is mostly based on loss. It breaks my heart as we slowly get tidbits of information about things that most parents never have to wonder about. I HATE what they've been through. It saddens me to the depth of my soul that so many little ones deal with disease, starvation, and death as a fact of life.

Outside of our home though, (which is less important, but still hurtful) the biggest punch comes from those who criticize adoptive families for choosing to adopt internationally because we are suppose to help our "own" first. Or that all of us "bleeding hearts" and our new "future problems" should be shipped off to Ethiopia. I'll take it from someone who has adopted or fostered, but to be criticized by people who aren't doing anything about the orphan problem here or abroad...ugh. I know too many children who would be dead by now if not for adoptive families looking abroad. Not saying it's more important, just saying that EVERY child is valuable, not just "real" Americans. So please, until you adopt yourself, withold your judgment.

Our hugs are limitless...
-coming downstairs in the morning and the first thing I see is Derbe patiently sitting in his bed with a smile waving at me.
-being forever connected to another culture and country.
-learning how to be less self-centered.
-giggles.
-seeing the obsession over food and stuff fall away.
-have you seen how adorable they are?!
-witnessing the wonder and excitement that fills our boys with every new experience.
-figuring out what in the heck they are actually saying!
-cuddle time.
-growing! Derbe's gained 12 lbs and grown almost 3 inches and Chernet has gained 8 lbs and grown 2 inches. Chernet's off the charts teensy, but still...thriving.
-sharing in the hugs and punches of other adoptive families.

Really, there's no end...to the hugs or to the punches. But that's life. Quite honestly, those punches often turn into hugs. There's such beauty in seeing hope where there was once hopelessness, OTHERS where there was once ME, joy where there was such pain, family where there was once loss, understanding where there was once confusion...so thankful for all of it!

A SMALL GLIMPSE INTO OUR JOURNEY - VIDEO

2010-10-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Both Aaron and I have to say that we feel incredibly blessed...what a ride it's been so far! We are so thankful! May we NEVER forget to defend the orphan and fight for the rights of the widow. May our hearts always "hurt" badly enough to propel us into action.

The world IS our neighborhood. ENJOY!

Blessings of a Burdened Heart from smith on Vimeo.

Our FIRST family of four photo -- taken at HH!

A WEDDING, BIRTHDAY, AND BACK TO WORK!

2010-09-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

So much since our last blog update...I think I should just list and number since it's hard for me to find the right time to type out a post. There will probably be many lists in our future! Here are some changes/events:

FIRST WEDDING: My little brother got married in August at my parent's house. This was an event we obviously couldn't (and wouldn't) miss and knew it would be tough to keep the boys close. Anyway, here are a couple pics of our day. Love the wings...

DERBE'S BIRTHDAY: I can't believe the boys are growing up. They seem so big to me now! Derbe has some pretty awesome qualities (and of course, some that we're working on). One of the things that I enjoy most about him is how much he fully embraces his inner kid (yeah, I know, he IS a kid). All day long, this boy is singing, dancing, running, building, talking, jumping, etc. I also love how much he cares for his little bro. When he was opening his birthday presents, someone gave him some dollar bills to put into his piggy bank. He immediately took half of them and ran over to Chernet to share...soooo made my heart happy. He has no idea what they were for--just shrieked for joy and knew he wanted his brother to have some too!

AARON WENT BACK TO WORK: I must confess that this was SCARY for me...I was so worried that I'd lose it and throw myself (okay...okay...one of the kids) off our porch. SURPRISE! That first week was our best yet! Mostly because Derbe began to attach to me in new ways. We've made so much progress in our relationship, which I'm so grateful for because I'm no saint...it was pretty hard for me to reach out to Derbe when he would just want his daddy ALL OF THE TIME. I'm not kidding, I will never forget the day that he stood out on the porch looking at the driveway watching for Aaron, mumbling "daddy, daddy, daddy..." for 45 minutes straight. SO, we've come a very long way---Derbe's edging Chernet out on cuddle time to be with me. Much healthier. Much happier. Don't get me wrong, one of my greatest joys as a mom, is when Aaron comes home and the boys are OVERJOYED to see him and share about their day. It's so much fun to watch them as they run to him all smiles. :) Anyway, now the boys and I are figuring out our new normal. Lots of play, eating, and car rides!

MY FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY: Oh my...it's like an addiction. Probably because as much as each age brings new fun stuff, there are always going to be moments in time that we'll always think back on. For me, it's waking Chernet from his quiet time. He's so cuddly, skin so soft, smells so yummy. While Derbe's off and running, Chernet wants to snuggle up into my neck. All I do is cherish those moments knowing they are numbered. Chernet recently started climbing up into my lap at random times during the day saying, "Mommy, Chernet baby sit." Which means he wants me me to hold him like a baby. Ahhhh...freeze time PLEASE.

Oh, and isn't that bottom pic funny? Both boys often sleep hiny up. I just think it's funny that Chernet got himself and all of his belongings on that pillow...

BEACH TRIP, ZOO, AND BUZZ CUTS

2010-08-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Our meeting with our social worker for our three month report (really, it's a two month report) was today and it put me in the updating mood. Since school's starting up soon (football starts today!), we needed to get out of town for a day. We borrowed my mom and dad's motorhome, drove a little over an hour to the coast, found a place to call home, woke up, and then enjoyed a great day at the beach. When we woke up, it was cool, foggy, and cozy...just the way I like it!

Then, by the time we ate and got dressed for the beach, the sun was out in full force (the way other people like it!). So, like I've mentioned before, Derbe LOVES water and for some reason, we weren't even thinking about the moment that he would first see the Pacific Ocean...it was priceless. We turned the corner to walk down and he was amazed to say the least. We fumbled around and finally got the flip out to record part of his excitement, but basically, this was Derbe for the first 20 minutes relishing in this new discovery that I so often, have taken for granted.

Chernet, who is not AS excited about water, enjoyed dodging all the "Wussychews" (dogs) while playing in the largest sandbox ever.

That is, until he biffed it.

Can I just say that we live in the most beautiful place ever?!

Also, earlier in the month, we buzzed Derbe's hair. He wanted daddy's hair and we wanted to keep an eye on his scalp. Love this expression...

We went to to zoo...really, our first time out and about in public for an extended amount of time. The boys did wonderfully and completely enjoyed seeing all the animals.

And just for kicks, here's a picture of the boys having a weird lunch day...didn't want anything but oranges. I know that this many oranges has to be bad, but, it is funny.

SOAKING UP THE SUMMER!

2010-08-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

I'm a little anti-pic so other people have to sneak photos most of the time. Here's an impromptu family photo. I think it's the closest we really have to a "home" family photo. Don't worry, Aaron's not scary...it really WAS an impromptu photo taken by my paparazzi best bud (love you - I really am grateful (later) that you force the pics).

Derbe loves water and he loves being outside, so he loves going to grandma and grandpa's house just a couple minutes down the road. On Saturday, we took a little boat ride and grandpa dropped us off on the island across the way... Derbe and Whit FULLY enjoyed our little adventure. Derbe's nonstop shrieking is a dead giveaway! If you haven't seen/heard his shrieking, I'll have to post a video later. It's a picture into this boy's ability to completely let loose and relish in the things that bring him joy.

Anyway, the island is awesome because the water is super shallow right now. We really are standing a good distance into the Columbia River in that picture above. It's a relief not needing to stress out about the water so much - especially when you have a fish for a kid!

Even though Chernet doesn't share the same enthusiasm for the water, he does still enjoy a good cuddle and smooch -- especially if you have food. He totally works his "cute" face...and we don't see that stopping anytime soon! There's a little piece of artichoke on that happy smile below. I'm assuming another new experience. :)

FOR REALS . . . AN UPDATE, PICS, AND VIDEO!

2010-07-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

So, I fully intend on sharing the story of our family joining together in Ethiopia, but that's just going to have to come later! I just wanted to check in and share a bit about our first several weeks together here at home.

To be honest, as great as coming home was, the reality of our new lives set in and it was/is HARD. Really hard. Like drove me insane difficult (Aaron gets the "Best Dad" and "Best Husband" award for the year--seriously.). It didn't help that we were all sick too. As much as we felt called to adoption, there's a genuine sadness in leaving the old life behind. Aaron and I often "miss" one another. During our pre-marital counseling, this statistic about marital satisfaction plummeting after kids arrive, shocked me! It stuck in my mind though and definitely was the reason why we chose to wait so long to start a family...well, that, and honestly, we were truly enjoying our lives. But, it was time to respond to something that had been on our hearts for a while.

Oh, and don't get me wrong, we still have some tough moments/days, but we have so much hope in what we know God's placed in our lives. He's grown our hearts so much through this journey. Throughout each day, I'm faced with all of my character flaws like never before--I often go to bed disappointed in myself. BUT no matter how the day goes, I fall back on His steadfast love...and no matter what happened the day before, His mercies are neverending and new EVERY SINGLE MORNING. Resting in that has helped me let go of my mistakes and move foward in loving these boys the way they deserve to experience LOVE.

So let me tell you a little about our oldest. He's truly endearing - wants so much to connect. He loves to help. The other day, I looked up to "Mommy!" and saw Derbe standing in our dining room with a ton of weeds he had pulled. Yeah, they look nice, but they really are weeds. :) He continued to tear away at our overgrown lawn and pile his bundles up on the deck. We are trying to finish up our remodel, so it's pretty dirty around here, and Derbe's all about being clean. He and the broom are best buds. If he could, he'd sweep everything out of the house. So cute...

Derbe also loves pockets and red shirts. Today, I went in to wake him from his nap and noticed that his pockets were extra full, so I opened them and didn't find the usual (coins, marbles, and one hot sauce packet), but instead one of daddy's socks in each cargo pocket. So, needless to say, this boy does NOT wear anything without pockets. My parents brought him a maroon shirt from Hawaii and he's worn it for several days in a row. Doesn't phase him a bit. Funny thing for a kid who is pretty obsessed about being clean.

I should also note that he's crazy about his daddy.

Chernet is so silly and often cracks us up. He's very much like a mogwai -- that's a gremlin before it's a gremlin. He's got the cutest giggle and is almost always smiling and joking around. Soooo huggy and cuddly. Usually, he's up for anything and isn't reserved about much. I get about 30 kisses a day from this little guy and enjoy them thoroughly!

And, for your viewing pleasure...a sample dinner at the Smith household. Always ketchup. They will eat anything with ketchup. They will dip apples in ketchup. Don't worry...they actually eat pretty healthy foods. Everyone's got a weakness! Enjoy!

Dinner Dancing from marcy smith on Vimeo.

UPDATE SOON...

2010-07-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

We are just beginning to get our feet under us...all of us are just getting over colds and we are just beginning to settle into this new life we have. Can't wait to post more about our trip and our times back home. We've got some great pics and videos to share!

Can I just say WOW! So little time for anything, but KIDS! We're getting into the groove though and becoming more "efficient" --- soon, we hope to have more balance in this household! :) Soooo glad that Aaron is home for the summer. I might make our sons waterboys when football starts so that I can get something done around here! Or maybe we should just buy more underwear. :)

HOME

2010-07-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

After a very long series of flights and layovers, we finally made it home yesterday evening. AND IT FEELS SO GOOD! Everything feels better here at home and it seems like the boys even get that we are "home". We have no time for anything because we are discovering moment by moment all these things that we need to deal with or take care of for these little guys. I'm hoping to post pics and video soon of our days in Ethiopia when things calm down...because that would require being able to unpack our bags that are still sitting in the living room! Thanks to all of you who have emailed and have been praying for us. I'm sorry that I haven't responded...my hands are FULL and I'm not used to it yet! But I'm soooo grateful!

LEARNING TO BE A FAMILY

2010-06-29T01:14:00.001-07:00

JUNE 28 - MONDAY
Yesterday morning, we were able to meet the rest of the parents in our group. We sat around and had breakfast together and then went on a little outing before our meeting with Almaz. Basically, we just drove around and visited this place that had caged lions. It did help to keep my mind off of our meeting with the boys later.

Around 2:30, after we completed our paperwork, we headed over to Hannah's Hope. We were the first to meet our boys because they were the oldest. I have some video that we will post later...but our meeting was actually pretty awesome. Derbe and Chernet came around the corner of the building -- Derbe was yelling something at us, waving, and tugging the hand of the adult that was escorting them over to us. Apparently, they weren't walking fast enough...he was seriously excited. Chernet is less verbal, but such a sweet boy...really smiley unless you take something from him or try to put him Dow for a nap.

Anyway, a few minutes after we met, Derbe kept saying the Amharic (the boys have picked up a surprisingly amount of Amharic) word for car and trying to get us to follow him. He took us back to our van, got in, and wouldn't budge. He badly wanted to go, but Aaron eventually coaxed him out so that we wouldn't have to spend 40 minutes sitting in the van. The video I posted on FB was footage in the van right after we left Hannah's Hope.

When we returned, the boys were just sitting on the couch eating (they are always eating) and Derbe started to cry. It's like reality hit at the flip of a switch. He would not let us get near him, he stood by the hotel room door facing away from us and just wailed. It was so sad. Just incredibly heartbreaking and I cry everytime I think about it. All you can do is just sit there and become more and more angry that ANY child has to go through this. These kids have been though so much trauma by losing their parents...it just makes me sick.

Chernet definitely shows signs if grief, but it's different...his a bit more superficial--like he just hates the blanket we brought for him--he flips out if he sees that we put it near him and I think it's just because it's not like the one he had at HH.

The boys won't eat any of the foods they are used to. We ordered Ethiopian food last night and they wouldn't even come near us until we put it away. So, so much for a well-rounded diet because they won't eat anything but fruit snacks and cereal. We ordered sone French fries for lunch today and Derbe tried one dipped in ketchup. He immediately spit it up. Aaron and I know enough by now not to force food at all because then the boys become very obstinate. Instead we just poured them some cereal and started chowing down and eventually the boys joined us and they happen to love fries and ketchup. Not too happy about that, but at least we've added some variety to their diets.

The boys, especially Derbe, really seem to be able to pick things up quickly. Derbe's learned to share today. Big break through. We are still working on what to do when the boys fight over things. Really, they see that if things cause conflict, they go away for a while. Just takes lots of empathetic cuddling afterwards. And so much patience and constraint and consistency. Ugh, it is very hard.

But then, we have these fabulous moments like when they want to cuddle, when they learn a new word, when they giggle...

I can't wait to get home. I think that's really where we will start seeing the healing process progress. It will be ugly, but at least it will be a step forward.

Thanks for all of your prayers. Please keep them coming. I knew that having kids would reveal a lot of my personal flaws, but not quite to this extent. I think it's impossible to have kids and not become a better human being...

SEEING ADDIS PICS

2010-06-26T11:21:00.001-07:00

A couple pics from today that go with the entry below.

SEEING ADDIS

2010-06-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm really tired, but wanted to attempt to post something today because I just know that this is probably our last day with time on our hands. We basically spent a few hours with Solomon, the taxi driver, today. He drove us around and showed us important buildings like the palace, theatre, landmarks, etc. We saw Lucy's bones and a ton of other artifacts as well.

There's a time set aside for families to take their child (or children) back to Hannah's Hope for a couple hours while parents go out and shop, but we know that with our guys, that might not be such a good idea. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but we both really wanted to make sure that we got out and around Addis. We also wanted to be sure to pick up some items that are representative of Ethiopian culture that we can incorporate into our lives. So...Solomon took us to a couple shops, which was extremely helpful since we have no idea what we are doing (despite all of our reading...didn't seem to payoff...we just know random pieces of Ethiopian history and stuff...definitely not helpful for social interaction).

Afterwards, he took us to his village and we visited with his family. So cool! Really, he lives in a shack surrounded by other shacks with puddles all around that smelled like human waste. Which might explain the incense burning. He introduced us to his wife and two sons and then asked us to sit while his wife roasted beans to prepare fresh coffee. The process took about 20 minutes or so. It was really awesome to see the interactions of his family -- you can tell they love one another and care for each other. At one point, he said, "As long as you have love, everything is good." AND I know that...it's just different when you think about it while you're sitting in a shack, with a coughing seven-year-old who hides his coins in a box, under the couch so that one day when he's a doctor, he can buy medical supplies. They brought out a small box of books and a letter that was sent to them by some other adoptive parents to show us...they treasure such simple, important things -- it makes it easy to see how all of our "stuff" is sometimes NOT a blessing, but a barrier that we put between ourselves and others, ourselves and God...

We'll have to load pictures later... :) Tomorrow's the BIG day!

HANGING AT THE RIVIERA

2010-06-25T14:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, this is my last attempt to post an update...don't know if it will work. Only FB works, but I know that many of you who are waiting for info don't frequent FB.

We flew into Addis on Thursday night, so we're coming to the close of our first full day in Addis. It's rainy! Which is actually quite the comfort for me...coming from the NW. :) I can't even express how awesome it feels to finally be here--to get unpacked and settle in--knowing that we're not leaving without being forever changed! Two more days until we meet our little guys!

Our room is on the busy street, but across the street, there's this huge open field...today, a group of kids were at soccer practice. When it started downpouring, some of them started sliding around in the mud and doing cartwheels...soooo cute. Tomorrow, we're going on a city tour fully anticipating that we'll miss the shopping time next week. Can't wait to see more!

I know that many of you guys are praying for our group -- thank you! I'll try to post pics...but so far, my attempts have been futile. FB is the only place I can do it. Weird? Yup.

Shower Time!

2010-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I loved seeing pics of my boys all over the place...sorry, still can't post them. :)

Opening presents in front of people is torture for me, but not when I have a couple cute kids helping me out! :)

So, one of the coolest things about our shower is that people contributed to a fund in honor of our little guys. This money was enough to "adopt" three widows for a year so that they will receive education, training, and support in developing an income. How awesome is that?!

Adoption is a wonderful thing, but it isn't THE solution to the orphan crisis. We can adopt all that we want, but unless we ALSO step up and partner with the mothers, fathers, doctors, teachers, and community and spiritual leaders who can make a difference BEFORE children become orphaned, each day countless more precious children will be relinquished by a loving, selfless parents so that they can hope for a better future for these children. Like a meal...every day. Countless more will be left without a mom or dad to care for them because of disease that could and would otherwise be immediately and easily be irradicated...if only they were born in another country.

Thanks so much for all of you who celebrated with us! And, a special thanks for those of you that planned this shower for us. :) We know that so many of you are so anxious to see these boys home!

SMITH-MADE DISASTER

2010-06-17T00:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today, I stopped and looked around and had to laugh. There is SO MUCH to do and this is now what I live in. Okay, honestly, it's been this way for a few days. Anyway, I'm posting these pics because they are funny. It's THAT bad.

Yes, that's my marvelous husband putting together a slideshow for his kids at midnight. One might wonder how he does that work while buried deep in cups, trash, paper, etc. Well, it's the superman pajamas. Get yourself a pair.

What you can't see in these pictures are two loaves of bread on the floor. One completely whole and the other completely empty. That's because we have a silly dog who likes to steal food, but he's picky when it comes to bread. Love him...

AND yet, there is an oasis in exactly ONE location in this household. It's right here...Don't you love our priorities? :)

I'm working on these things for tomorrow's celebration...inspired by an old teammate of mine. Aren't these awesome? I'm working on the labels right now that I'll modge podge on...probably at 2 a.m. because that's they way adoptive parents roll. We're so tired we can't clean either. Did I mention that Aaron and his teammates took over 200 12-year-olds to Wild Waves today? Good thing for those superman pants. Anyway, here are my soon-to-be-finished (I hope) medals...thank you gold spray paint!

Okay, one last thing...I went to FIVE different stores to try to find undies for my sweet boys. Finally, Kohls came to the rescue! Thank you for having underwear or, at least thank you for putting it where it can be found. Seriously. I was so desperate that I violated a household no-no. Had to buy clothes with a gimmick or whatever...I hope wonder pets are good role models. Whatever those guys are. My favorite though, is this pair below from the Cars set. SO cute!

SOOOO SOOOON!

2010-06-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

I'm off work, but still busy packing up my room, grading, and preparing for travel! So here's the update in list form:

Kids cost money.
We have no clue about parenting under the age of 10.
This is fun.
The Smith men finished the sandbox...well, sort of. We just need to put the sand in it now. It's RAD.
Our co-ed "shower" this weekend was awesome. More later.
Bought our plane tickets since the last time we updated. Yay!
Had our travel conference call today. Rule #1: Be prepared for rejection! Fun, yeah?
I have like 12 books to read! Ugh! Wish I could just take a "Now You're Prepared" pill. Maybe it would just be more like a "Now You Can Feel Prepared" pill.
We are spending a couple days in Amsterdam to appease my insatiable appetite for time in Europe. And, it'll be nice to recover from the long flight in a time zone that's closer to our ultimate destination. :)
This time has been the best part of the entire process. I know it's tougher for some people, but I just feel giddy and I'm actually enjoying this time to prepare. Even though I'm clueless.
The boys are so stinkin' cute! I hope they don't hate us.
We're leaving in less than a week. Don't rob my house. It won't be empty. Honestly, there's not much you'd enjoy anyway. Books. Paint. Dirty laundry. Dog hair. That's about it!
Check out this cool art that one of my old students made for us. There's one more that she's finishing up. Aren't these awesome?! The greenish one is a bit harder to see because of the reflection, but it's a map of the region the boys are from behind an acacia tree. LOVE these!!! They are so special and unique. Can't wait to see the third one! We only know it has a world map background and left the rest to her.

TRAVEL MAKES ME HAPPY

2010-06-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

So...we got the long-awaited (okay, not really that long considering all the other waiting we've done) call with our travel dates. Love, love, love that we will be there with our boys in no time at all! Just hoping for negative TB results and then we'll be confirmed for the embassy date in June. :) Sounds like there are currently six other families traveling for the same embassy date. Can't wait to meet them in "real" life!

We received an update on the boys today too. They've both gained about 4 pounds since arriving at our agency's transition home in mid-April. Here's another little note about them:

Both are pretty good eaters and they usually try everything. They tend to like Ethiopian food mostly. The boys know each other really well and they are very close and like to play with each other. D**** likes to be sure his brother is within his sight.

Yes, not very much information, but like I suppose any parent would, I savor every little bit we get! I just can't wait to show you all some of these pictures. They are amazing. Adorable. Quiet. Silly. And our little guy drools...A LOT. Cracks me up. Check it out...

By the way, how cool is it that we will get to visit Ethiopia?! SO excited!

FAMILY of FOUR

2010-05-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

We passed!

Just taking a little break from writing a paper...can I just say that I'm going to be the happiest person in the world once I'm done? Can't wait to present this next week and kiss this whole process good-bye. I know that Aaron feels the same. ONE more week. I wish I could elaborate, but no point in being grumpy.

Anyway, we're a family of four! CRAZY, yeah?!

I just have to say that I'm so thankful for all of my AGCI buddies, family, and friends who continually pray for the boys, us, the process...so thankful. :) From here, we wait for paperwork to make its way to the proper places. Can't wait to get that call from our agency to buy those tickets!

This week, I keep thinking about how much my world has changed in the almost-a-year process.

A couple years ago, I was walking through this woman show thing in Portland. My friends and I walked past the booth of an adoption agency and it made me tear up. I was drawn. Seriously, drawn. I went home and stared at their website. There was this yearning to adopt in my heart and strangely, I had no desire to start a family at all. Those two conflicting feelings created that MOMENT -- that divine moment -- I knew I was called. Because it wasn't about me. It wasn't my dream. Once in a while, I'd read through adoption packets...many of you understand that dabbling. Then I read a book about restavek children in Haiti and my desire to adopt really began to fester. And then the guy who leads our "church" told us that the one thing we'd never regret was ruining our life for "good". Yeah, you had to be there. It's better than it sounds. THAT was the day we decided. And still, the journey we started, is so different than THIS journey.

Despite knowing that we were adopting, both of us had all of these requirements that one by one, just fell away. I giggle at these now...

-Should we really do this? We HAVE to "make" kids first because blah, blah, blah. (okay, this isn't soooo ridiculous when I remember that we are getting old)

-We only want to adopt an infant because blah, blah, blah.
-We can't accept special needs because blah, blah, blah.
-There are probably others that are so embarrassing that I've blocked them from memory.

And still, I found it impossible to prepare for my infant. I spent hours going through special needs lists, broken by the thousands of children rejected because they are too old, too white, too black, too not perfect, too whatever. It took EIGHT months for us to listen and open up so that we could even have the potential to be blessed by our two little boys. You know what we needed? Proof. Yeah, we're pretty wimpy like that. I needed to "meet" an orphan turned world-changer. We heard his story and then sat outside of Trader Joe's (by the way, someone needs to open a neighborhood TJ's in my neighborhood -- you'd make bank and have crazy adoptive parents occupying parking spots longer than you may please) making one of the best decisions ever. To accept the unknown. To listen. To be a part of the solution. To not let fear beat down passion.

So, I guess what I'm saying, is do it. Let go of your blah, blah, blahs. You know what it is...whatever it is. Believe, trust, and be blessed! (And remind me of this post when necessary.) For some of you, your "do it" is to adopt. Uh huh. :) AND I can't wait........I can't wait!!!

p.s. The whole infant v. older and healthy v. special needs stuff...those are our issues that we needed to work through...and not at all intended to be anything more than exactly that. It's simply a part of our journey...

SMITH CURRENT EVENTS

2010-05-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

We have one more week before we go to court...just trying to get stuff done as we wait to hear good news! Please continue to keep our little guys, the process, the paperwork, etc. in your prayers.

1. Working on putting in a sandbox...I was working too...just stopped to get something to drink and take a pic! We've got a way to go -- maybe just one more Saturday.

2. A few of the many temporary plantings I did in an effort to rescue our dying plants...until we finish the garden. Okay, so maybe it's not going to get done and we'll just eat six lettuce leaves one day soon.

3. Finished the albums to send to the boys. Sorry...can't spoil you with a peek of the cutest boys EVER! However, our doggy is pretty cute too.

4. Ordered some furniture! Um, not for the bare bedroom, but still, it's for the boys. I've been on the lookout for our "creative cabinet" for the dining area and I finally found one. It's handmade and it is awesome! Also, we got what Aaron calls a "cuddle couch" -- yes, the whole family will fit, plus a couple more if you want to come over and hang.

5. Finally, I was able to bring myself to purchase some clothes. Really, in my mind, the goal was to buy most clothing previously loved, but for a couple reasons, I ended up purchasing some new shorts on Sunday. Um, by the way, it's just about impossible to buy stuff (other than shorts) that isn't an advertisement, social stereotype, or made in a country that is abusive towards other humans and/or God's beautiful, magnificent creation. Does every boy really need to wear Batman or sports-related attire? And not to pick on China, since over half of what is made is exported to fill the demand for cheap products, but it's estimated that over 1/4 of Chinese deaths are caused by polution-inflicted respiratory illnesses...is the cheap price worth the lives of those precious Chinese children and those living in nearby countries? No, it's not, and I just paused to find out where those albums (bought them online) were made and guess what? Made in China.

Ugh.

I'm going to start sewing.

I just don't think it'll be possible for me to sew cargo shorts like these so that they can match daddy. They're a little big right now, but after we feed our boys some poi, they'll fit just fine.

6. A while ago, we received these little guys from our agency. Our niece, Eli, already came over and gave them both some love. Kisses and cuddles. :)

7. In an effort to finish our remodel, we got cracking on our kitchen backsplash this weekend. Can't decide which to use. The right side of our kitchen is slate and the left side is sporting the tumbled marble. Got an opinion? And, soon enough, on to the electrical, trim, front door, random holes in walls...I think we're at a point that we are going to hire someone. Sad. :( Oh, but it will feel sooooo nice to have it completed!

8. Shots are done! Aaron was puking on Monday, but he thinks it was food poisoning. We haven't started our typhoid pills yet, so we'll see if the good luck holds. I'm going to start mine right before the long Memorial Day weekend...just in case.

COURT DATE

2010-05-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Our case manager called today with our court date! It is scheduled for May 25 -- three weeks from today. There are several things that need to happen in order for us to pass, so please just keep that date in your thoughts and prayers. We do hope with all of our hearts that we will pass on the first try. I really can't stand the thought of more WAITING...we want these guys home.

So, Sunday evening, despite a little bit of a sore throat, I felt a little urge to get going on the OTHER room. There's nothing like those faces -- just makes me want to prepare and get ready like never before! Since two boys are coming home, we thought we better get another room done so that it's ready before we have our hands full. :) I absolutely LOVE our quirky home, with all of its random add-ons and stuff, but it also comes with its problems in the form of ridiculous paint jobs and leaky pipes. No, we did not spend 40 hours painting PDX and countless flying objects all over the place, but "Vanessa" did in 2000. Really, this scene is much worse in real life. This room not only had a flying pirate ship, but was also the victim of some bad plumbing about a year ago. So, say hello to our brand-new ceiling! We still have lots to do, but here's how far we got from our work on Sunday and Monday night.

The bunks are for a bit later of course, but we're thinking that bottom bed will come in handy soon enough...lots of cuddling space. It's going to provide us with one more sleeping "zone" if needed. Can't wait to get some more things in there. We're keeping our eyes peeled for some older, loved furniture.

NEXT STEPS

2010-04-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Today was our "Next Steps" call with our case manager. It's basically a call that explains the court process, travel, and small projects that we need to start.

We have an "open" file with the Ethiopian courts, which means we will be taking one trip instead of two. I think we'll probably be one of the last families going through on the old policy. It also means that our documents will be translated and then married with the documents on the boys. We'll be waiting on a court appointment, at which time, we'll need all the details to pull together at the right time so that we can bring our boys home as soon as possible. We've been told to be prepared for multiple court dates, but we're praying for just ONE! I'm hoping we will be hearing about our court date in next couple weeks. Tomorrow, though, would be nice. Don't want to get greedy, but I'll put it out there. About five to six weeks after passing court, we will travel to pick up our little guys!

There are a few things that we need to get working on, but for this week, we're going to focus on putting together an album for each of the boys. Just the other day, Aaron and I were talking about how much we look at, think about, and pray for the boys...and they don't even know it. The albums begin to initiate the process on their side by seeing all four of us together. They'll see our faces for the first time! AND, sweet Whitaker. Surprisingly, our case manager told us to include pictures of pets, so Whit will make an appearance too. I hope he doesn't make them nervous!

On another note, several of my kids have been bugging me to show the picture again...I keep saying "okay, later" because I want to respect our dear taxpayers, but one of them stole the picture from my file cabinet and snuck them up under the camera so that "C" and "D" were up on the big screen. When I finally finished whatever it was I was doing (probably breaking up a fight--yes, it's been a crazy week in the world of 12-year-olds) and realized it, they sucked me in! I gave in...and let them giggle, oooh, and ahhhh. And offer to babysit. Apparently, they're less intimidated than I am!

OUR CALL!

2010-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Me to Aaron on Tuesday:
We ARE getting our call today. They're going to call us TODAY.

I even put my phone on my desk at work. A total no-no since kids are treated like felons if caught with a phone in class.

Aaron looked at me like I was nuts...and I was, but only for ONE day, because we got our call on Wednesday. If you ask me, 1 day out of about 170ish days of waiting is a pretty reasonable error!

Oh, they are beautiful. Yes, they, because there are two. Two beautiful little brothers.

Despite putting my phone out again on Wednesday, I missed the call in typical Marcy fashion. Seriously, me and phones just don't mesh. :) I was sitting at my desk right after school, threw a grumpy glance at my phone and thought I should check AGAIN, just in case. Voicemail! Honestly, I KNEW it was our agency - checked the message only to be sure and started to tear up and shake. I stood up to leave the room because I had about 10 kids staying after and I didn't want them to think someone died!

Anyway, other than blubbering a little, the only thing I got out of my mouth was "I'm sorry, I'm so freaked out!" I know, not so romantic or beautiful or ideal. For how "aware" I was, it still hit me like a ton of bricks.

So, our case manager went through some information with me and sent some pictures over -- I didn't look! Drove over to track practice to find Aaron, and pretended to be all composed as I talked with some old kids of mine (So hard!!!!). We went to his classroom and opened those pictures of our two little boys together. Did I mention how cute they are?!

Oh my gosh...I have to go. So much work to do for school tomorrow, but all I want to do is look at my kiddos! Um, and figure out how to be a parent in less than three months!

JUST FOR G

2010-04-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

Soon-to-be Grandpa Smith had a meeting down in our area the other day. We met up for dinner and he brought us a quilt made just for our little guy by Great Grandma Smith.

So, this is a shout out to Great Grandma Smith (and Great Grandpa Smith for helping). Thank you! We love it! We especially treasure the note to him that is sewn underneath. It will be something that will remind him that MANY were anxious to get him home. :) AND I thoroughly enjoy that there are now more than just three items in this house that are meant only for him!

ONE LAST MONTH?!

2010-04-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, we received our new official numbers. We're 6 for a boy and 9 for siblings. We're actually 4 for a boy though, as there were two referrals in process at the time. Being number 4 is crazy! I felt shaky all day -- like seriously excited. For some reason, 4 is WAY more REAL than 6.

So, I'm a little nervous too, because there's so much that we need to take care of that we've sort of put off. This year has been a little hectic with first, trying to get through all of the paperwork and education relating to our adoption, and then both of us working on certification for work, working on the house and a rental, etc. That means we have next to nothing when it comes to baby stuff...um, like a crib, a couple books, and shampoo. That's it! Gotta get going on that one! I do feel a bit negligent. Although, it's kinda hard when we don't know how old our son/s will be...

Even though we knew we wanted to be parents one day, the five-year-no-kid plan easily converted to eight! We're soaking up all that we love about the kid-less life and preparing our minds for this next stage of life. : ) I'm REALLY hoping that THIS is the last month that we'll be waiting without having at least seen a picture of our kiddo/s!

MORE THAN ONE?

2010-03-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after a couple weeks of emails, phone calls, and re-writes, we are now approved for MORE! For a while now, Aaron and I had been seriously considering siblings and expanding our age range into the late toddler stage. We also changed (expanded) what we would accept for medical conditions.

And, now it's done...

Because we're so far up on the boys infant list, it may not matter, but we both felt strongly that we needed to make possible. I know that we'd be in for a lot, but honestly, we're not going to know the difference!

Why? Why not? We can. We've got a super-strong, solid marriage. Support of wisdom-filled family and friends. Space. I have to say, one of the coolest things is how much our perspectives have changed -- how much God has stepped in and worked on us from the very beginning of this journey.  My brain and heart have come so far...trusting and depending fully on Him, but consciously choosing to grab on, fully aware.

It's highly doubtful that we'll get a referral of siblings, but I love how mysterious that list is. Numbers, for the most part, don't mean a thing! Adds a little spice to my life...mostly because of my huge distaste for phones. It scares me that we'll get the call and I won't get the message until it's about thirteen days old...or someone decides to email me. At least with our boys list, we'll have some warning.  :)

NEWS and NUMBERS

2010-03-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

The new number this week: 10. We're in the top ten! And really, for SURE, we're actually in single digits right now.

There have been some changes regarding our adoption...one needs to stay a secret for a bit longer (super excited about that one!). The Ethiopian government has implemented a new policy on adoptions. Truly, hot off the press...we'll be traveling to Ethiopia TWICE! So, this is good...just unexpected. Any person who knows me, knows that I LOVE to travel to new places -- it's food for my soul. I'm ecstatic that I HAVE to fly to Ethiopia one more time. I don't even have justify the money we're spending - just gotta do it!

Here's the deal. Many countries already require two trips; Ethiopia is adopting that policy. So, 2-3 weeks after acccepting a referral, both of us are required to fly out to hang with our little one for a week before we sign the paperwork acknowledging our intention to adopt. We'll come back home for about 8 weeks and then, if all goes well (we pass court), we'll fly back for our US embassy appointment and bring our little guy home.

Honestly, as much as I knew we'd feel overjoyed to be spending our week in Ethiopia bonding with our child, I was sooooo sad about not having the opportunity to just bum around. I can't imagine going to a place I would love to visit (even if we weren't adopting) and not have the opportunity to take it all in. Torture! Now, I'm hoping that we will have more time to experience our son's country, language, people, food, etc. Obviously, we weren't planning on spending that extra few thousand, but I would have spent it making Aaron go visit random places around the world anyway! Besides, on one of those trips, we might as well stop somewhere interesting along the way, right?

It will not be fun to meet our guy and then have to leave him...I choose not to think about that. It will hurt, but no sense in hurtin' now. See, after almost eight years of marriage, Aaron's finally rubbing off on me. :)

THE STORY OF A STREET KID

2010-02-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

This morning, I listened to this guy named Enric Sifa. He's from Rwanda and as a young child, lived through the genocide. His brother, mom, and dad were murdered. He lost his home. No, stop. Think about it. Can you imagine being five and dealing with that? Enric had a neighbor who cared for him, but he didn't quite feel comfortable living in the same neighborhood with the guy who killed his mom. So, the streets became his home. He talked about surviving on the streets as a nameless "street kid" who couldn't trust anyone and had nobody to depend on. In his mind, he didn't quite get Christians, because he had witnessed them calling hits on the very people they used to pastor. After being badly beaten one night, he was lying on the street crying and God spoke to him. When he woke the next morning, he walked into a church and found dancing, singing, and hugs. A woman eventually took him in and clothed and fed him.

One day, a lady walked up to him and tried to speak with him, but had to first track down someone to interpret for them. She told him that God was telling her that she was supposed to help him...so she did. Anyway, to make a long story short, he went to school, developed his music and within two years, became the famous face of Rwanda.

Sometimes, when people find out we're adopting, they make comments about how great WE are...or somthing like that. But let me set this straight, we're so far from great people...if anything, WE needed to do this. We needed to listen and act because we've grown cynical about the "church" and about "Christians" -- we needed to get out of our little church seats and reconnect with God. We needed to connect with suffering because our lives were too comfortable. Without suffering, we're dead and without passion and empathy. (Thanks Rob Bell)

So while, technically we're comfy, this adoption, as we knew that it would, has opened the door to God's work in our hearts. I'm so grateful for my heavy heart because I feel ALIVE and I'm eight months along on my journey from success to significance. (Thanks Richard Stearns)

This morning, I cried like a baby when Enric sang the song below, because God IS moving and he does use us to reach his lost and abandoned children. Such a beautiful thing...to witness a "street kid" lifted up by God so that he can advocate for his "little brothers" still surviving the streets of Rwanda. Here's a link to a VERY short version of his story. To be honest, I heard him speak for at least 45 minutes, and this is a four minute rushed version. BUT sit through it to hear him sing "My Little Brother" -- the lyrics are so beautiful and moving. http://www.speakrwanda.com/enric/video.html

FAST FEBRUARY

2010-02-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

Our hopes are for a really fast-moving month ahead! Our new number is 13. Yes, that's 5 spots since our January number, but honestly, after working the numbers from the travel groups and stuff...I thought it would be lower. So, I'm going to hold on to my hopes and shift that wishful thinking forward to February.

I would like to mention that our little guy has a name. Might be his middle, might be his first. We'll have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I love that we can talk about him and pray for him by name. So...until further notice, he's "little g".

I must say...13 makes this all feel very real. Maybe it's time for some pictures or something. We'll start with Whit. He's very excited for a little brother. :)

Here's a picture of the nursery in progress...really, it's only a nursery because there happens to be a crib in there. We should probably get cracking and finish the walls. Perhaps even some baby stuff. I think the two of us are just trying to get through our certification work and do our jobs well right now. I'm a horrible paint-picker, but I LOVE this color. It's mostly gray with a smidge of blue in it.

And finally, a picture meant mostly for my mom because she sent Aaron home with a passed-down cribby thing (I know, I'm totally lacking mom language) to use up in our room. We pulled it out of the car last night and laughed because of...well, look at it. Yes, that's tulle. We're going to have to make some modifications. I'm all about not following social norms for gender, but even I can't handle this! Minus the icky gold paint that we haven't quite managed to get rid of, little g's going to have a peaceful view.

BABY SMITH NAMES!

2010-02-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

So, the plan is to keep our little guy's name IF it isn't too difficult to say/spell/read. If it is, then we'll make it his middle name and give him a first name. Or, maybe we won't...not really sure right now. I'm actually pretty torn on this issue. In any case, I can't wait to see him and know what his name is -- what it means and why it was given.

Anyway, we've been on a mission this last week to decide on a name. Such a difficult task when you don't really know if it'll be a first or a middle OR what it sounds like with the other parts! I'm happy to report though, that we're down to the final two names; however, I think we actually do know which one is our favorite.

Love both of them for WAY different reasons. So excited to share! :)

CHILD SLAVES IN HAITI

2010-01-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have a soft spot in my heart for Haiti because learning about Haiti was the beginning of our adoption journey. For years, we've been engaged in the fight to rescue and restore kids around the world being sold into sexual slavery. About a year and a half ago, I learned about the children in Haiti who were forced into servant positions -- or a parent is tricked into giving a child away so that he or she can be given a better life in the city. Instead, they act as slaves and are often physically, emotionally, and sexually abused. "Restavec: From Haitian Slave Child to Middle Class American" was written by Jean-Robert Cadet and details his own experience growing up in Haiti. This book broke my heart and refueled an anger that brought me closer to God's heart. When you get it, you have to capture it and act on it. Reading about the lives of children in Haiti is what caused me to begin researching adoption in a very REAL way.

So, as we pray, and share, and give...let it not just be about the medical and physical needs of those affected by the earthquake. Keep these kids in mind. I can't imagine what this disaster means for the 300,000 children in this system of slavery...and the number of children who will enter into it as a result. For us, our resources will go to organizations that fight for these kids because that's the passion we've been given. On the other end of this disaster, God can work great things -- I hope that's freedom, family, and love for these kids.

Some other things to check out-

The foundation created by the above author: http://www.restavekfreedom.org/
How to Buy a Child in 10 Minutes: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Story?id=5326508

NEW # (and thoughts) FOR THE NEW YEAR

2010-01-07T21:37:00.000-08:00

We received our new number yesterday. We're 18! Good...considering there was zero movement that we know of on the boy list until early this week. I suppose we should be happy just for moving up. :) Get us out of the teens for next time! Get us into single digits! (I can be hopeful...)

It just hurts knowing that there are so many kids/babies who need a home and a family, but the "process" slows it down. I know that there are good reasons and ultimately, it protects kids, but still, we want our little boy HERE.

I just started reading Loving Our Kids on Purpose -- even just 50 pages in I felt I learned so much and had several revelations. "Wow, that's why I do that..." or "Oh my gosh, why haven't I ever made that connection before..." were running through my brain every couple pages.

Here's the gist so far. As Christians, so many of us think of parenting in the Old Testament paradigm -- external rewards and punishments. Basically, our bottom line can't be obedience (believe me, I want obedience, but the author does have a point here), but instead, our bottom line has to be love and relationship. Our job is to do the best we can to relate to our kids in such a way that they can better understand God's relationship with them.

I love these parts:
"We try to convey to our kids that we are in control of their lives from the time they are tiny. Once again, the problem with that lesson is that Heaven in not trying to control your life. God doesn't want to control you. Remember, in the presence of the Lord there is freedom, not control (2 Cor. 3:17). We sing songs all day long about how God is in control. He does not control you, and neither does your wife, your boss, or your children. No one controls you. As a matter of fact, we've been given a Spirit of power, love, and self control (2 Tim. 1:7 BBE). You cannot blame your life on God....When I talk about training your children from the inside out, in freedom, I am talking about removing fear -- specifically, the fear of punishment....We need some methods, tools, and skills to respond to our child's sin in such a way that we create love, not fear...limiting the freedom of our children in order to teach them external controls, smallness, constraints, and fear of punishment is not a strategy that works in the long run. Instead, we must teach our kids what freedom looks like, feels like, and how to prosper in it. This is the model of Heaven. This is what our Father in Heaven is doing."

I don't want to remove my kids from all temptation...after all, I want them to learn how to manage it while they are under our guidance. That gets a little scary though -- how am I REALLY going to handle that?! Really though, our goal is to develop that heart-to-heart connection with our kids like we desire with God. It's odd that as much as I dislike "religion" my natural tendancy (I think) as a parent, without intervention and intention, would mirror the very thing I dislike spiritually. Good thing we've got a few more months of stinking waiting! Wow...lots to work on. For real.

Cracked

2009-12-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

I totally cracked and bought stuff. When things aren't "happening" I suppose it's human nature for us to scoot it along ourselves. Buying stuff makes me feel like the list the moving even though I know it's not. So...we bought the crib. Painted the nursery. Researched products. Walked through BRU. EVERYTHING in that store is made in China! Researched more. Decided to avoid certain materials/products (and China) and spend a bit more on much less STUFF. I'm thinking that we'll really never know the difference. Read a book about encouraging kids in their natural creativity--which, by the way, was really inspiring.

We intended to wait a bit longer to do these things, but really, we're on vacation. I really don't see it all getting done once we head back to work! Besides, there's that list of other things that would be nice to get done too - like the kitchen backsplash, the front door, trim, electrical outlets, bedroom ceiling...

Despite the vacation "mom" breakdown, I'm working on my patience...in knowing that God can teach us and love us in ALL situations. Even when my brain is going crazy obsessive!!!

Going to a Blazer game tonight! :)

MAYBE THIS WILL WORK!

2009-12-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

So, even though we don't blog much about the adoption, I am thinking about it ALL of the time. Every night we talk about our baby boy, which, considering we don't know him, is a funny, repetitive conversation. There are strangely no referrals going out, but I know that it's not for lack of kiddos who need a family. I'm just putting it out there...not fun! Can I just have a reason? Please? There's so much that we want to DO and DECIDE but we're waiting to see his face, hear his name, and learn about his story. So many unknowns...

Last time I whined a bit, my wishes came true! :) Okay, so I'll just call it a plea from the heart and hope to see some referrals going out before Christmas (and our number shrinking from 20!).

Through the Eyes of Parents

2009-11-29T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have to say BUSY is the word that has so defined our lives since we started working as teachers. Once a few more responsibilities are added on, it's as if every waking hour has all but vanished. The exception is summer (minus the most recent one), one week in the spring, and Christmas break. As the years have passed and we've become more efficient at work, the free time we would have gained has been offset with having to go back to school to renew certification or having to go to school to teach in a different area, etc. Well, this summer was a huge eye-opener for us. ALL we did was work on fixing our home. Like, we went "out" for fun twice. SOOOO dumb. I mean, we're glad that we did it -- it was just the manner in which we chose to do it. We were left with no time to be human. Thankfully, we both realized that it really was a reflection of what our lives had become all year around for the last five years. There are things that we have no control over - especially when it comes to work, but when we do have a choice, we are mindful of some things that need to change. Starting next year...hehehe. = ) There will be some big changes when baby comes home!

Some other changes have to do with church. We've spent the last couple years stepping back from what is commonly known as "church" and really began a process of working through our issues. In our hearts, we felt like church was becoming a tool to convert people. A show to emotionally kidnap people. A place where people shed their questions to fit in and seem faithful. Ugh. Neither one of us claim to know the answers to this church problem, but we, I guess I should say I (since Aaron's not peeking over my shoulder) have never felt more "real" in my faith since we left the church (we continued to listen to sermons online, meet with our small group, etc.). One reason is because we took the money that was going to our church and redirected it to organizations and causes that we know God cares about. What joy that brings! Hmmm, we stop going to church and as a result, we got to partner with God and others to feed those with nothing, care for orphans, rescue children and women from the sex industry, etc. Honestly, I don't know if my desire to adopt would have been so deep if we wouldn't have left the church and immersed ourselves in this journey to seek a greater understanding of our faith.

We know there's a purpose for "church", but we're not willing to narrow our definition of church to a weekend service in a building. As soon-to-be parents, we know that there's value in belonging to larger group of believers. Since May, we've felt that our rogue Christianity was coming to a close and began looking again for a community to join, but this time, through the eyes of parents. Oddly enough, we've found a place that fulfills that desire for community we have for our future children AND happens to be a good match for the two of us. No fancy music, no god-like rising star pastor, no push to conquer the world...it's plain, and real, strangely traditional and liberal at the same time, and concerned with meeting the needs of others. And, to my pleasure, beards, vests, and flannel can be found in every row! So, I guess this is our coming out post.

More specific to the adoption, I'm excited to post new numbers in the next week or so. All of us waitlisters should be receiving an update soon. Many families are preparing to go pick up their new member/s in December (four just got back this weekend). I can't even describe how amazing it is to see babies and kids come home forever. For my friends and family who read this...you must spend a few minutes and google some gotcha videos. Watch them...your heart will be touched!

NUMBER 23

2009-11-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

We were supposed to get our number on Friday, but after reviewing our file, AGCI wanted an additional letter to validate some of our income. Talk about a let down...those who know me, know that I hate phones. I looked at the stinking phone every minute -- all day long. I kept my email open and checked between taking attendance and every other task that was even near my computer. So, one can imagine how NOT FUN it was to hear our caseworker say that they wouldn't put us on the waitlist until they received that additional document. Ugh.

Well, today is Monday, and a very good Monday it is. We are 23! It's a nice, early birthday present for Aaron. :) Now, for the most part, we get to sit back and WAIT. No more post office runs, writing letters, getting stuff notarized...that's a big yay for me! I'm having a difficult enough time running my normal life.

On Thursday, I stayed home from school because I couldn't quite shake a cold. I was cleaning our closet (yes, even Aaron's side...like a good wife) and I caught sight of these little slippers that my parents bought us a long time ago. I decided to bring them down and leave them next to our bathroom so that every time we walk into our bathroom, we'll see them. Sometimes it reminds me to pray for him and his family. Sometimes, they just make me smile. Because surely, my son will be just like his mom -- anti-shoe! So I leave you with a picture that makes me giggle.

It's Back!

2009-10-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Just got an email that the DC check has FINALLY been sent to our agency! Hmmm...maybe whining helps. :) Now, if the rest of our paperwork is perfect, we're on our way to the list. Yay!

SEMI-SILENT PLEA TO D.C.

2009-10-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Government workers in D.C. - little do you know that you are ruining my life. Please, work a little faster. Honestly, I spent one summer of my life in your little old Georgetown neighborhood and I didn't abuse any children. Not one. All I did was study. I promise. So, could you just figure out how to know that just a bit faster? Honestly, it shouldn't take you months to uncover the record of a person who abuses children. I would like to be a mom to a child who needs a family. You are the only reason we can't be given THE number. Please hurry.

IT'S OFF!

2009-10-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we sent in our dossier paperwork. Such a relief! Now, we just wait for our agency to check it all and approve it. Once that's done, it'll be sent off to be translated and we will get a NUMBER!

With that relief comes a little bit of anxiety. The good kind I suppose. We've been so busy since we first applied. When we're not doing actual paperwork/learning for the adoption, the thoughts of the process were kinda off to the side. That's kept me sane. Now that we're getting closer to becoming parents, it's on the brain. Aaron's really good about not getting all wrapped up with stuff he can't control, so it's my job to possess enough anxiety for the two of us. I keep running the numbers and dates over and over...creating a strategy that isn't even mine to create. :)

Here's to perfect paperwork!

Ethiopian Food

2009-09-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I went to Bete-Lukas last night so that I could try Ethiopian food for the first time. Well, we also had a homework assignment to finish - it was the last page that we had in our unbeloved With Eyes Wide Open workbook. Obviously, we would start eating Ethiopian food without the assignment, but we've got to get this workbook mailed out tomorrow, so almost-sick Aaron and I wandered over to Portland (to the most highly rated Bete-Lukas).

I'm about three months in to a mostly vegetarian lifestyle. I still eat fish and dairy products, but the other meat is out--unless I know and like where it came from...Anyway, there are so many tasty vegetarian options! Our server told us that the best time to go to Ethiopia is during their lent season because all (I assume he meant most) of the cooking is vegan and soooo good. The one thing I've been learning about food lately, is that when meat isn't used, there's a ton of creativity and consideration that goes into a meal.

Here's what we had:
Misser Wot-Lentils cooked in onion and berbere sauce
Kik Alicha Wot-Yellow split peas cooked in ginger, garlic, and onion sauce
Fosolia - Green beans lightly spiced and sautéed with carrots and onion
Gomen - Kale, jalapeno, garlic and onions
Tikel Gomen - Cabbage, potato, and carrot sautéed in a curry sauce
Aaron ordered beef tibs, little beef pieces cooked in butter with onions and jalapenos

Injera is a type of bread that acts as silverware. It's similar to a thick crepe, but tangy. I've been super careful since school has started, to avoid licking my fingers (I HATE teaching when I'm sick!), but that flew out the door. Oh well...I went to work today and wiped stuff down to make up for it. My kids chew their nails like candy, so I'm convinced we'll have some swine flu soon!

LISTED IN OCTOBER?

2009-09-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

Our most recent home visit was last Wednesday. It went well. We mostly worked through our financial statement -- which has to be exactly the same on three different documents. That's a bit hard when finances are always changing due to the stock market, income changes, remodel, etc. Anyway, during our meeting, we mostly tied up loose ends. Thankfully, there isn't an overbearing amount of scandalous activity in our two families!

So, we should have our homestudy all ready to go before October arrives! Once our social worker sends it in to AGCI and we get the rest of our dossier paperwork together, the waiting begins.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we frantically finished cleaning up the house for our home visit. Well, actually, we frantically transferred all of our messes to the airplane room. We did a great job throwing tools, wires, lighting fixtures, sandpaper, etc. into those handy plastic bins and then lining them along the walls of that poor, abused room. More importantly, the baby room is cleared out! We actually tossed around a few ideas for decorating the room. I want a slate blue color, which Aaron considers depressing. Aaron suggested a safari theme (including wallpaper), which I immediately vetoed! We both agreed that we want to get someone to make a cool, kid-ish painting of Africa or maybe just Ethiopia with some important landmarks. We'll see! There are some cool things on Etsy, but I think we want something original...perhaps we'll wait until we get our referral and know more about our baby.

This weekend, we spent hours working on adoption paperwork and education. Online trainings are all done, but we've still got a few chapters in that icky book to finish. It's painful--for a thousand reasons. Whit and I have spent most of the afternoon out on the porch with the computer...enjoying the last bits of September in the NW and getting some work done (he was snoozing away--as usual). Doesn't feel like work so much with the fresh air, chirping birds, and that stinking beautiful mountain. I have to admit, I did spend some time on Amazon tracking down some Ethiopian-related books for kids. Fun, fun!

FOR THOSE OF YOU ADOPTING

2009-08-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading online about the Ethiopian culture camp that was in Virginia this last July. Looks awesome and quite helpful -- something that we would love to attend!

Anyway, it was linked to this website called Abshiro Kids (www.abshirokids.com) which has several really cool Ethiopian products for kids. There are books, a learning video, and music, but my favorite item is the alphabet poster that includes common Amharic words, pronunciations, etc. (http://www.abshirokids.com/products.php?catid=10). Check it out! Anyone have other good sites that Aaron and I should check out?

ADOPTION SLOWING DOWN and LIFE SPEEDING UP

2009-08-21T12:07:00.001-07:00

So, now things are kind of slowing down -- partially due to a misunderstanding about a certain piece of paperwork. We are having our first meeting with our social worker this coming Wednesday AND our house is still all torn up. I think I'll be able to finish our floors before she arrives -- that might be a nice touch. :)

Anyway, just plugging along with our online education, which by the way, is MUCH more effective and helpful than the workbook we have to do. The workbook is just way too fluffy and doesn't really apply to our situation. Much of it seems to be geared towards parents who can't "make" kids or who are adopting an older child. Both of which don't apply to us (at least right now).

School starts back up next week. It's going to get busy with Aaron and I both in school renewing our certification, new teaching assignments, finishing up the house, adoption stuff, football, rentals...and all that other normal stuff. :)

BEACH?

2009-07-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our social worker is heading to the beach for the next week, but when she returns, I think we'll have our first homestudy meeting. I guess that's good considering our house is in remodel shambles!

GETTING STUFF DONE...

2009-07-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

This past week, Aaron and I have sent our reference forms out, ordered extra certified copies of birth and marriage certificates, obtained proof of auto insurance, finished about four lessons in our workbook, got fingerprinted for our FBI check, got state and local background checks, inquired about life insurance, made sure our medical plan would cover any pre-existing conditions of our little one, made appointments for physicals for our medical forms, wrote a letter to Ethiopia's Ministry of Women's Affairs, completed our financial statement, got letters verifying our employment and income...ahhhh...and there's so much MORE to do!!!

Thanks goodness for summer. We've been busy. We've met with at least 8 or so prospective tenants for one of the rentals. Aaron and I finished the floors upstairs, Aaron put in new floor trim and he's working on a new trim style for around the doors. We've sold most of our kitchen (Bye-bye granite! Bye-bye '80s peach-ish oak cabinets!) as well as some appliances that we've been holding on to from or for other homes/rentals. Feels good to clean stuff out! Doesn't hurt to have little bits of cash flowing in either because there's a ton flowing the other direction!

OH BOY...

2009-07-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

We knew there would be a lot of paperwork, but there's really A LOT of paperwork. Holy! I hope we can be timely with this paperwork as we remodel the home and also take care of school stuff. I've got to take nine credits this year and Aaron needs to take 14! Crazy... I'm glad to have the next few weeks to work on it before my other classes start. I've been working on my personal profile (51 pages) the last couple days -- almost done! Thank goodness we don't have kids right now, we got to skip a couple of those pages. :)

On the other hand, it's nice to know that the process is thorough. Seriously, if we all had parent buttons that could only be turned ON after going through this process, the world might be a better a place...in some ways.

OUR DECISION

2009-07-05T22:21:00.001-07:00

2010 sounds like a good year to become parents.

As you probably know, after several years of marriage, we get questions all of the time about when we are going to start having kids. We have been talking a while about it and have decided to trust our gut feelings and beliefs instead of what seems logical. So, yes, we do want to MAKE A HOMEMADE KID or kids one day, but a couple weeks ago, we turned in our paperwork to adopt from ETHIOPIA. The process has been going a little faster for us right now -- maybe because it's summer and we can get appointments and paperwork done more quickly, or maybe it's the economy and there is less of a load on our agency.

Anyway, we wanted to get that out there because we've already done two rounds of paperwork and paid good money (!) - so it's like we're in our second trimester..heehee. Also, WE NEED YOU TO BE PRAYING for our little guy. He might not even be born right now, but as you know, on the path to becoming an orphan, there are many not-so-fun things for he and his family (if or while they are still alive). Pray that he receives nourishment, protection, and love while we wait to bring him home. : ) For those of you who are already parents, I know you that you can think of even more to pray for, please do!