Through the Eyes of a Child

Salem.

So Elijah and I were driving home today and passed a house that had a lot of Christmas lights and then further down their lawn was a large cross with a light on it.

As we passed it Elijah exclaimed,

"look mama, look...a cross, a cross!"

"yeah, do you know why they might have a cross lit up at Christmas time?"

"because Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins"

"that's right, but why would it be up at Christmas time"

silence

"because who was born at Christmas...?"

"Jesus"

"that's right"

At this point we continued in the car as the Christmas station played in the background. I wondered to myself how much Elijah comprehended. He gave a wonderful "Sunday School answer", but how much did he really get? A couple minutes later Elijah broke the silence...

"mama, I'm glad I wasn't born Jesus"

curious.... "why's that"

"because I wouldn't like to have nails cut through my hands and feet and die"

me, a little choked up, "that's why Jesus was so awesome babe, He went through all of that just because He loved you and me and everyone else so much"

"yep"

My Final Post

OK, not final final, just for tonight. Earlier today we went to a breakfast with Santa, so I had to include a pic with Santa. It was so perfect. We were in this lodge and it started to snow pretty good, it felt like we were in a snow globe. I love this time of year, so beautiful. Anyway, that's that.

Having fun in the snow when we got home.

New Room

OK, with the arrival of, oh my gosh, I almost just spelled out his name. That's a big no, no. Anyway, for clarity purposes let's just call our new son LB (little brother) until we're allowed to share his name with those of you who don't already know. Anywho, we needed to add another bed to Elijah's room before we get LB. So on our way back from Tennessee last week we stopped at IKEA and picked up a loft bed. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ikea!! I am so glad they finally are coming to this part of the country. That was one of the sad things to leave behind in California. Anyway, I digress... So we stopped at IKEA and found this awesome loft bed in the As-Is department. Elijah has been dying for a pirate ship room, so we picked up a few things and started on that yesterday. In a split moment decision, I painted the bottom 1/3 of his walls brown for the pirate ship...but I think it is going to end up being half pirate half castle because of some of the accessories we picked up at Ikea. Anywho, he was super excited and seeing 2 beds in there definitely makes us want to go pick our boy up from Ethiopia even more!

The View as you enter

The Loft and Elijah's toddler bed

Awesome "Torches"

The view from LB's bed

Light Up Lex

This might sound silly, but one of the fun things I enjoy about living in Lexington, OH has to be Light Up Lex which we experienced again on Monday night. If anyone has ever been to Disneyland or even Cedar Point or Kings Island...this is sure to pale in comparison, but nonetheless, I really love it, Pretty much everyone who lives in our small village, who want to brave the elements, go to the town "square" and enjoys hot chocolate and donuts while they countdown for Santa to come to town. It reminds me of "The Christmas Story" when they are at the parade...much smaller scale of course...probably why I love it so much. Anyway, this year it was really, really cold. The wind was blowing hard and snow was starting to fall and winter was just in the air. Here are some pics from the night.

Elijah waited with anticipation for Santa to arrive on the big, red fire engine.

The Big man finally arrived!
A great pic of my husband whom I love and appreciate more than words can say.Yes, Christmas cheer is even on his face.

Christmastime is Here!

Melkam Yelidet Beaal! (Merry Christmas in Amharic)

So, I haven't posted in a while, so I know I'm going to post a lot tonight, well post pictures anyway, not promising on words, I'm tired! Anyway, this week started with setting our tree up Sunday night and putting the rest of the decorations up on Monday. I told Scott after spending almost 8 Christmases together, this is our first respectable Christmas tree (thanks to Target clearance last year!!!!) Here are a few more pictures...

Emma's loving it too!

Bittersweet Excitement

Salem!!

OK, so this past Thursday we got some very exciting news...our court date is set for January 2nd. Although we cannot be MORE excited about going to Ethiopia to join our son, it seems very likely that if everything goes smoothly on our court day, we will be traveling to get him at the same time that my cousin Leilani will be getting married in California. Scott is actually the minister who is supposed to marry them. So hence the bittersweetness of it all. Of course, nothing is more important than our son joining our family, but I must say my heart was breaking a bit today when I had to break the news to Leilani. So, chica, please know we love you so much and could not be more excited for you and Chris...but I know God's plans are good and perfect. Your wedding is going to be the best day ever and even if we are on the other side of the world, we will be celebrating with you! We love you!!

Ok....I have lots of pics to upload here....Halloween stuff mainly and our first real snow....enjoy!!

yes, my husband IS weiring a skirt...oops I mean Kilt.

The Knight or Prince Charming, depends on who you ask!

Cousin Micah as none other than Captain Underpants

The beautiful Ariela as Snow White

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Elijah's first day of riding the bus to preschool in the SNOW!!

It doesn't get much better than throwing a snow ball at mom through the window!

Not many of these moments left...

So, Sunday after church, we were really exhausted. After we finally got home we had about 45 minutes of rest time before having to go back for Trunk-or-Treat. Elijah and I laid down and I tried to get a power nap. I felt myself slipping away almost immediately. Elijah, although tired, was not so cooperative. As I laid there, I felt him touching my face, so I could tell I was not going to get any sleep, but I kept my eyes closed anyway. He proceed to pat my cheek and then slipped his hand under my face. I then peeked and saw his eyes were closed and he was just snuggled right there next to me with the cutest smile on his face. I closed my eyes again and then he started whispering..."I love you Mommy" "You are the bestest Mommy ever". It was such a sweet, touching moment. Our minds have been racing all week about our new son and how excited we are about that and everything we need to get done before going to pick him up. At this moment though, on Sunday afternoon, my mind relaxed and it was so nice to just enjoy Elijah. It was awesome to just spend those few moments snuggled with him and thanking God for the years we have had with just Elijah and yet so thankful for the changes to come. Its hard to put into words, but lets just say I cherished that fleeting moment.

~Ciao

4 Months, 3 Weeks, 1 Day

Our sweet day has finally come! We are no longer just a "waiting family" but a waiting family with a referral! God is so good! Although we cannot give too many details, I will say we have a referral for a beautiful 21 month old boy, and can't be more thrilled. So lets start at the beginning...if you've talked with me already today, you'll probably skip this over because you've already heard it...but I have to write my memories of this day somewhere, right?

Ok, so our day started off pretty much like most Tuesdays. Got up, got Elijah on the bus, went to the Y with Scott, came home and ate breakfast....and here is where I see God at work. Again, I won't get into details, but lets just say I spent a lot of time with God after breakfast and cried and just gave our adoption up to Him...again. Don't you love how we trust Him with things, and then so easily get back in the same 'ol ruts of worrying. I am so thankful He has so much patience with me!!
Anyway, I felt at peace after that and went about the morning. Had a nice chat with my mother-in-law, made lunch, and then about 1:20pm...as I got Elijah settled in my room, while I was getting ready for a piano lesson I was about to give...the phone rings. I noticed on the caller ID that it was from CHI and I started shaking. I tried to answer the phone as calmly as possible and Erin told me who she was and said she had a question for me. So at this point, I'm thinking, "Oh no, something is wrong". Then she proceeded to ask if there was a number where she could reach Scott so she could talk to both of us together. Then I started shaking a ton! (OK I'm crying again...wow my eyes are sore!!!) Anyway, he got on the line as well, and I remember her telling us she had a referral for us and at that point I completely lost it. I heard Scott sniffling on the other end as well. (which totally reminded me of when Elijah was born. I had an emergency c-section and was on lots of medication so was not all there...but I remember Scott holding my hand and sniffling...crazy) OK, so I'm a little ADD right now, sorry. OK, so the rest of the phone call was a blur, she mentioned that she was sending us an e-mail of the info, and that's about all I remember. Right after hanging up with her, my piano student pulled into the driveway, so I went outside (a complete wreck, mind you) and told her we had to reschedule, just got a referral...
So I rushed inside and went to tell Elijah that Africa finally called us. He kind of looked at me dumbfounded as I told him he was going to have a little brother (ok, crying again). He said "YES!" and then proceeded to watch his cartoon. At this point Scott came home and we opened the e-mail together and cried as we saw him for the first time, It was awesome!

After calling lots of family, we had a celebratory dinner with Barbie, Tj & family. After that some great friends brought us our first new "baby" gift. The picture above is of the flowers, balloon and the big brother and little brother bears they got Elijah and his new brother. Thanks you guys!!!

Anyway, we are so excited right now, and so thankful God has not forgotten us or this child, and that someday soon He will hopefully unite us as a family! Thanks so much for all the prayers you've offered up on our behalf and for the ones still to come!!

~Ciao!

The Best Birthday Present Ever

OK, so its about an hour away from my 29Th birthday...yippee skippee...anyway we've been talking all day that the best present I could get tomorrow would be that phone call. I get choked up even thinking about it. I know that the likely hood is slim to none, but how awesome would that be??? I've always hated surprises, which is probably why this waiting thing is so stinkin' hard. I just really want it to happen like yesterday. I gotta keep thinkin' positive and reminding myself that our God is awesome and in control! But it would be a cool birthday present!!!

On a side note, we went to Cleveland Saturday night and had fun meeting the other Northeast Ohio families who have adopted or are adopting from Ethiopia. I can already tell they will be a lifeline for the rest of our journey. It was a bummer Elijah was not feeling well, because of that we kind of stuck to our table, so hopefully next time we can connect with more of the families! It was a fun time.

On our way to Cleveland, we had fun just chillin' and enjoying the scenery. We loved the farmers market there! I so wish we had stuff like that in Lexington. The produce was amazing! At the beginning and end of this blog are a couple of pictures of my boys I took in Cleveland. Elijah was taken at a parking garage and Scott's was outside the farmers market. So fun to just enjoy each others company!

Pray, pray, pray for a referral tomorrow!!!!!

Is our turn next???

That is definitely a question that has been floating around in our heads the past 2 weeks. The Ethiopian courts reopened last Monday, YEAH!!!!, and since then there have been so many referrals, I've lost count. I think it is like 10 or 11....in 2 weeks!!! So we keep praying that our phone call will come, but we know that God has a plan for our family and we need to take this one day at a time. Can't say that has been easy though! Every evening when we pray for dinner, Scott or I pray that someone will call tomorrow and Elijah pipes in..."no God, today". I love his excitement. We know we are still around 45 on the wait list, but who knows actually how long it will be because we are accepting up to a 3 year old. I keep thinking that will make it sooner rather than later....but who knows?

Anywho, if anyone reads this, please add this to your everyday or every hour prayers...We so believe in the power of prayer and, like most of you know, waiting stinks!

~Ciao

The Story of our Tree

Our Tree may not be the most beautiful tree on the block, but it definitely has a spot in our hearts. Shortly after moving in, we put a baby swing on a branch. We've played underneath it, rested underneath it, raked many leaves under it...and then jumped in the piles over and over again. After Elijah was old enough, we switched out the baby swing and hung a wooden saucer (above). Elijah absolutely loved it. We loved lots of things about that 'ol tree, but now...our tree is gone.

It all started with the winds from Hurricane Ike Sunday, 09/14. We arrived home that evening from church to no power and a huge chunk of our tree laying on the ground.
Sadly, we were told it would probably be best if the tree came down. So tonight, that is what happened. Joel, Ben, Max, and Scott brought her down. I must say it was a bit nerve-racking! That tree was HUGE! Here are a few picks from the evening.

The mastermind, Joel, making the first cut. Yes, he is on a ladder, with no safety harness and a CHAINSAW!!

Ben and Joel up in the tree. Its hard to relate how big the tree was, but you know its big when Ben looks small way up in there! They were tying a rope around the trunks at the top to pull it down. Mind you, we don't live in the country, we have neighbors. "Please don't fall on any one's home!"

Elijah had a moment to himself. All the other boys were running crazy and Elijah was just taking it in. He was whimpering the other night about losing the tree. He told me swinging on the tree was his most favorite thing to do ever.

So this next picture looks weird, but I morphed about 5 pictures together to save space. Its supposed to be the progression of the fall. After tying ropes to the tree, they tied the other end to Ben's truck. Yep, they're CRAZY!
OK, so God blessed us. The tree came down, exactly where Joel was hoping it would fall. No people, homes, cars, light poles, or plants were flattened. Thanks so much Joel, Ben & Max. You guys are awesome to help us out!

Elijah and our 2 neighbors, Kevin & Jacob

The Lonely Swing...
I guess we need to find somewhere else to hang it!

First Day of PreSchool

OK, so this post is a "few" days late, but its here anyway. I was shocked that it was still dark at 6:45 in the morning....I know, we are lame! Also to my surprise, I barely mentioned that it was time to wake up and Elijah popped out of bed, mind you I have never, ever seen him get out of bed that fast. It was a drizzly, cold morning, but he was excited! I guess that made it a little easier to say good-bye. We had him ready super fast so that just left us time to wait for the bus. Here are some pics...

WAITING WITH DAD

GIVING MOM A HUG

OK, so the bus didn't come on our side of the street the first day, which is what we were expecting, so when it came everything was a whirlwind and I didn't get a picture of him getting on the bus, but here are 2 of him on the second day getting on like an 'ol pro...

So he got on the bus, it left, Tj had ridden his bike over to see the waterfall of tears, but I must say I held together pretty well. Well, until we went inside to get reading to go to the Y and Scott gave me a hug and then I just cried for a minute or two. Oh well, everyone needs a good cry every now and then!

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Scott and I were both standing in our front yard at Noon waiting for his bus to bring him home. I guess the first day is one of delays, because it didn't come until 12:45pm. Anywho, here was our first sight of it and I must say my eyes got all stingy with tears as it approached.

Day One, in the bag and he loved it!

Hi, I'm Mimi

Wow, its feast or famine from me as far as blogging is concerned. So from the looks of this photo, anyone who has seen the drew carey show knows what I am talking about. Elijah has really been into fixing hair and playing with my make-up, so....On this particular day, he wanted to do my hair and add a little makeup. Here's the final result...

Skater Dude

This past week I told Elijah that I would take him to the skate park since all the "big boys" were out of school. So, we picked up Ariella and off we went, on I think the hottest day we've had this summer (and from the looks of it, the last). Anyway, was a bit nervous because we could only find his knee pads and so I hoped he didn't land on the elbows. Here a few shots from the afternoon.

So, no major falls and he loved the every minute of it. Ariella tried the scooter out on a small hill and decided that cheer leading would be safer.

~Ciao