One Month Down!!!

It has been 1 month since we have been officially waiting on Nya to come home! We are very excited that this month has gone by fast and there are only 6-8 more months to go! Woohoo!

Just had to share...

I know Mother's Day has come and gone, but I just had to share this while I had time. My boys loathe tomatoes with a passion that is difficult to describe. I don't know if it is the texture or appearance or smell or what, but they can not stand to even look at them. So, perhaps you can appreciate why I was so touched by their Mother's Day gift to me. In an attempt to demonstrate the greatness of their love for me, they each ate tomatoe Sunday night. What started out as laughter in my heart quickly lead to tears as I watched their little determined faces scrunching up in utter disgust as they choked the mushy red substance down. They were looking at me the whole time with these questioning expressions, like "Do you see what we're willing to do for you?" It warmed my heart like no other gift I have ever received. It also confirmed what I have always known to be true- I have two of the best boys in the world! Thank you, Lord for the comfort and joy of a family to call my own. I don' t deserve it, but I thank you just the same.

Home

What is home?“A roof to keep out the rain? Four walls to keep out the wind? Floors to keep out the cold? Yes, but home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father, warmth of loving hearts, lights from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school and first church for young ones, where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind, where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick; where joy is shared and sorrow eased; where fathers and mothers are respected and loved, where children are wanted; where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned; where money is not as important as loving-kindness; where even the tea kettle sings from happiness. That is home. God bless it!”
-Anon

The Little Homeschooled Boys That Could!

While awaiting our little Nya, we have decided to make use of our time. So, when my boys read in their "Clubhouse Jr." magazine from Focus on the Family about a tank-top drive for children in Uganda, they jumped at the chance. They got on the horn and alerted friends and family to the need. Although they are homeschooled and, consequently, handicapped in the area of knowing a lot of people to call in these situations, that did not deflect them from their mission! With the help of friends, and a pair of shopping savvy grandmothers and aunts, these two were able to collect almost 100 brand spankin' new tank tops for the very deserving children in Uganda. Praise the Lord for the lessons they learned about love, generosity, and teamwork along the way as well.

Happy Birthday to Big Brother, Caleb!

Today is Caleb's 7th birthday (actually it's tomorrow but we are celebrating today!). It is the very definition of bittersweet for me. I remember like it was just yesterday, how I held my first born boy in my arms. He rocked my world! I never knew a love like that could be...

In many ways, he has been my teacher. He is the one who helped me grow into mommy-hood, and still does. You, my little girl, will reap the benefits of Caleb's experience as the first-born. His heart is so big and so beautiful that he loves you even now, before we have even been introduced to you. He prays for you, talks about you, plans for your entry into our family. He wants to be a missionary doctor to your homeland, Ethiopia. I couldn't ask for anyone more wonderful to be my first-born son. I keep thinking that on his next birthday, you will be celebrating his life with us. All of my miracle-children will be there! What a day of rejoicing that will be. Caleb sends you his love today, Nya. I thank God for your big brother.

-Mommy