Just wanted to share this

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2012/04/04/the-easter-conundrum-confession-part-2

The Adoption Family

I have been meeting more people recently that have adopted and am so thankful for God bringing them into my life! I enjoy hearing their stories and although no one's adoption process has been easy, they all have such amazing stories! I love hearing about how God's hand orchestrated every little detail and how he brought these families through the hard times until they finally had their children home. every one's story is so different, so emotional and yet, one thing remains the same, how God provided for everything the whole way through. He knows exactly what we need and what our children need and even though we can't see it at the time, because all we want is to bring our children home, His timing is perfect. So, thank you Father for the blessings of these dear little ones who were orphans and you have brought them families, just as you have adopted us into your family. such a beautiful picture! 

Our One Year Anniversary!

I can't believe its been a year! Today we celebrated our one year anniversary with Jesse and Levi living with us. We had a really fun day, the boys had their haircut, we went sledding and when Kurt came home from work, we all went out to dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. The twins were so excited to have injera! It was great to just have a fun family day and to end it with something that reminds the boys of Ethiopia. Its funny to watch them eat Ethiopian food because they still eat it exactly the same way as they did when they lived at the Layla House. The smells must bring back those memories i guess!

Well, I must say this year has gone by really quick. It doesn't seem like its been a year since we stepped foot off the plane with the boys. Jesse and Levi were not too happy to walk out into the freezing cold weather that day. The looks on their faces was priceless! Since then, it seems as if the boys have really adjusted well. There have been plenty of highs and lows for all of us, but we know with Jesus and lots of love, they will continue to do well. I am so thankful for the support of our family, church family, and friends. They have been there for us through the good and the bad and its nice to know our boys are so loved by everyone! Evan, Caleb and Shana have adjusted well too, they really love their new brothers and it is so nice to see how close they are now. Thank you Lord for the gift of children, they really are such a blessing!


Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, 
extol him who rides on the clouds; 
   rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. 
 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, 
   is God in his holy dwelling. 
 God sets the lonely in families
-Psalm 68: 4-6

Our First Christmas

Well, we survived our first Christmas together with the twins! was it too much, yes, but with lots of extra hugs and kisses, the boys seem to be recovering now. its amazing how easily they can get overwhelmed. they have come a long way, but still have a long road ahead of them. we just try to take one day at a time and we are all still learning when to stop and when to continue forward. i sometimes forget that they have been without parents  a lot longer than they have been with parents, and that when they shut down or are in survival mode, that is all they knew and it will take time for them to completely trust us and let their guard down. but we love these little guys and we just need to be here for them to help them cope, grow, feel safe and know that they can trust us. this Christmas was a good reminder to us that they still need lots of encouragement from us!

 so sit back and enjoy the ride, it may be a bit bumpy(or like a big roller coaster!), but the Lord will make straight our paths! we will continue on this journey together as a family! 

on, and pics from Christmas will be up soon, we just haven't put them on the computer yet!

After the Airport

After the Airport

It is so refreshing to hear other families adoption stories, because sometimes you do feel alone in the whole process. I have read this before, but a friend emailed it to me again recently and it was good to read it again. she speaks the truth, and as hard as some days might be, it is all worth it in the end! i love all my kiddos and know that God is refining me and them through this.

Thanksgiving Day

Jesse and Levi celebrated their first Thanksgiving with us and thoroughly enjoyed it! we started off the day with our tradition of kurt making french toast and sausage for breakfast, watching the parade and the dog show. i'm not sure what they thought of the parade, they looked a little confused. then, it was off to grandma's for turkery dinner! they ate everything we put on their plates, with much enjoyment. they were so excited to eat turkey for the first time, and they were amazed at how big it was! they really have a good time visiting with family.

after dinner, it was time to head over to our uncle's house for dessert. of course, none of the children wanted dessert (yes, i am being sarcastic) jesse and levi loved my mom's magic cookie bars! shana was really pushing the pumpkin cake i made, i can't blame her, it was really yummy! the twins had a blast playing hide and seek with my cousin's girlfriend while we were there, (props to monica!)

then it was back home to pass out for the night! it was a great first Thanksgiving for them and i have to believe that they are very thankful to have a family!

A Rough Week

After what was a pretty tough week and a very rough morning, we all packed up and went to the zoo today. It felt so good to just get out of the house and get some fresh air! I am thankful that the Lord gave us peace and we were able to enjoy the rest of our day together! I am also thankful to my very near and dear sister in the Lord who gave me some very encouraging words when I needed them most. The trials are hard, but they only bring me closer to God, which is a great place to be! I can honestly say that adopting is not easy, but it is good for many reasons. The Lord gave us these boys to love and raise, they have been given a second chance at a life they could not have had in Ethiopia. I am thankful that I get to play a part in that. The road may be bumpy, but I know I am being refined and greatly humbled. So, thank you Lord for all that you are doing and for all you will continue to do in our lives. We are truly blessed!

-kiwi