6 months

Today, our boys have been home for six months. It's funny, the time has flown by but it also seems like they have been our family forever. I just finished reading through all of the posts since they have been home. We've been busy ;). Oh my. It's so amazing to think how all of our pain, with the waiting and delays, has just absolutely disappeared. The boys have just filled up our lives with a love that I had never known. It's incredible, my relationship with them has caused so many other relationships to grow as well.

Nick and I are closer than ever. We may not have all of the alone time we we would like and our conversations are constantly interrupted but we have been filled with such a joy that we share together.

My mom and I are much closer. It took a little bit as we were finding our footing and what we could all handle; but my appreciating for her patience and willingness to help put or hang back has quadroupled. Plus I don't know how she managed all 3 ignite extra-curricular schedules.

Watching the patience my Dad has with the boys just makes mr respect him all the more. He is a very loving grandfather and Dad.

Nana and Poopa just absolutely adore the boys and thoroughly enjoy spending time with them. And they are always there for an encouraging word, we know how self soubt can haunt a parent

And my relationship with God has changed as well. Not because of a fulfilled promise but I can fully understand God's love for us. I couldn't quite comprehend his willingness to die on a cross for us. But I one hundred percent understand his desire for us to choose to love and praise Him.

I have been working on a slideshow but it's not done. Hopefully this weekend unwilling post it. Tomorrow, Nick and I are going to our 10 year reunion. Grandma is taking te boys to chuck e cheeses, so hopefully Sintayehu won't be upset that he is not invited. He thought it was really rude to put No children on the invitation.

For six months we have loved, battled, cried, mourned, grieved, rejoiced, learned, and grown. I can't wit to see what life continues to have in store for us.

Teeth

My little man has not one but two loose teeth. He is so excited. I am so bummed. My baby is growing faster than I think is ideal. He wont look like a little kid with those gigantic teeth in his mouth. This is all just going too quickly. Today I decided our family will stay 28, 11, and 5 forever. Someone let me know where I can buy that machine to freeze time.

Ethiopian New Year, Soccer and Skateboarding

We Are Blessed

Rocky Start

Today I woke up to an 11 year old telling me we were late for school. We weren't. It was 5:45 in the morning and he didn't have to even wake up for another hour. Well the pestering continued and the morning turned into ka-ka. Each one of us yelled at someone. Every person in the house hit. And we were all miserable. Plus ants invaded every room in the house.

I needed to re-do the morning. I wish I could. I went down to their level and I shouldn't have. So I am making it up. I prayed for patience, peace, understanding of the crazy mood swings. And thank God, I was renewed.

Our afternoon has been wonderful. Homework is going smoothly. Little man went down for a nap and we will soon be taking showers so we can go to Bible study.

All I have to say is Thank you Lord for your constant power. You are so big and perfect. I constantly fall short and fail in so many areas, yet I remain in Your grace. I don't deserve redemption and renewal but You are faithful. Please use me as you see will. I am your servant and I will answer your call. Thank you for your abundant blessings. Amen