A Cozy Little Home

On the steps of our deck in the backyard, a blue jay has made a nest for her four eggs. We found the nest last week, and for four days in a row, she laid one egg each day. We are excited to watch the baby birds hatch and see how the mommy takes care of them. We can stand on our deck and look down below at the nest. God's creation is truly amazing.

Happy Easter!!

Friends from Ethiopia

Larkin with our kids

We met Larkin's mommy in Ethiopia when we were there for court, and we traveled again the same week for embassy. She lives within an hour of us so we get to see them every now and then. My boys love playing with Larkin.

Lidiyanna and Ella

Ella's mommy, Leigh ann, and I quickly became friends through Yahoo groups as we were waiting for our referrals. We both found out about our daughters on the same day and hoped we would meet in Ethiopia for court. At first, it looked like we would not because Ella's court date was not going to be until after courts resumed after the rainy season. Then, at the last minute, Leigh ann found out they made court on the last day before the closing, and we did get to meet in Ethiopia in August. We later spent another week together in Ethiopia in September when we were back for embassy and to bring our daughters home.

The bond between adopted families is amazing and to have spent a week together (we shared a suite) in Ethiopia with our daughters truly bonded our families. Our precious girls were born in the same region of Ethiopia and were taken to the same orphanage within days of each other. Then, America World brought them to the transition home at the same time. I say they were each other's first friends. We hope we can get the two girls together periodically in the years to come.

The Creek

Something magical occurs in the creek behind our home. Sticky mud on a flat rock becomes a decadent chocolate pie. An ordinary stick turns into a fishing pole able to catch even the smartest fish. An overturned rock reveals an elaborate home for the the juiciest worms one has ever seen.

The warm weather and running water in the creek draws my boys out back where their imaginations take off, and together they explore and have adventures that I could never create for them. As they enter this make-believe world, they miraculously cease all arguing and work together to build their fort, catch their fish, or transport rocks from one place to the next.

This week, I have been in love with the creek behind our home. It has offered my family a sanctuary where two little boys get lost in hours of play. Who needs a TV or toys when you have mud, water, and the companionship of your brother. Yes, my laundry may have increased but so has the peace in my little world.

Welcome back, Spring! We missed you.