Great Grandma

Tonight was our Wednesday night kids ministry...Transformation Kids. As a special Christmas party we took all twenty-five kids caroling at two retirement buildings close to the church. The kids loved it and the retired Grandmas and Grandpas loved it as well.....especially my Grandma. Below is a picture of my Grandma Bertram during the caroling event, who is a Great-Grandma to my kids also in the picture. What an incredible blessing for my children to love and enjoy two Great Grandmas and two Great Grandpas still alive and full of energy, life, and love. Some don't have the blessing of time with their Grandparents, let alone a Great Grandparent. Here's to many more Christ-Filled Christmas celebrations for my children and their Great Grandparents!



Christmas Tree

We have not blogged in awhile so i thought I would add some photos and let everyone know we are still here.  Our time since returning from Ethiopia has busy and exciting. 

Mamush loves the outdoors.  We went to my parents house to cut down our own tree.  The kids helped dad find the perfect tree as mom drove the truck to meet them with their prize tree. 

Mamush has embraced the holiday season and we feel so blessed to have him home with us. 

Firsts, Firsts, and More Firsts!

Today we went to Walgreens....Mamush's first trip to a store. We purchased Christmas Lights and remote control trucks for Danny and Mamush. After that we went to church as a family...another first for Mamush. Hanging the lights (see photo below) again a first. It seems as if the list of firsts for this little guy is endless. As I think through the last week and a half the list is staggering:

Airport, Airplane, Escalator, Elevator, Brother, Sisters, Many other Relatives, Elementary School, Dad's Truck, Mom's Van, DVD in the van, Hunting Trips, Dead Deer, Christmas Parade, Candy thrown everywhere, Snow, New Dog, Trampoline, Christmas Lights, Fish Bowl, Etc.

good read

This  woman is amazing and I love her passion and what she has to share with the world.
Check out her blog and maybe even buy a shirt for a loved one for christmas.  It will help a child and need and raise awareness.
http://oatsvallteam.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-are-you-waiting-for.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OatsvallTeam+%28Oatsvall+Team%29

lacey

Finish Line!!

We are happy to report that we are home safe and sound with Mamush, and are now a family of 6!

  

We were so blessed by a huge welcoming committee at the airport, and were greeted first by Elli, Averi, and Daniel! So many emotions!

Ethiopia was again an amazing experience. So happy Lacey was able to go this time. We loved the culture, the food, and the people.She was able to meet our dear friends from the guest house, Tamrat, Gecho, and Aramais! Words can't explain how those three loved us and Mamush and cared for us while we were there. We miss them already!

More Coming Soon

At the airport...headed to Ethiopia!

We are flying out this morning!

The Day has arrived!

We were informed today we need to be in Addis Abba on Monday November 13th for our November 14th embassy appointment!!!!!!
Excited, panicked, rushed and much much more.
Thank you all who have been praying for us and those who have supported our adoption financially.  We feel so loved and blessed.  

We know we will have plenty of adjustments ahead and are thankful we will have The Lord by our side as he has been this whole process.

I am feeling a little anxious to leave our three bio kiddos.  They will be with family and Our family babysitter, but it is very hard for this mamma.  I cant wait for all my children to be in one place.  It seems I am always missing someone.  I have never been away from my bio kids for more than 3 days so I will miss them tons. 

We hope to update everyone when it is possible.