Franklin Five

Future Snowboarder

2012-02-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

We got this great plastic snowboard (not a real snowboard-just one to use when sledding), and Graham has been loving using it. He wanted me to take this picture of him with it and he thought he would try to be cool and not smile. So cute!

Snow fort

2012-02-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Evan, came over to play in the snow this weekend. The boys made a snow fort that they quickly destroyed. I guess that's part of the fun of it.

A Canadian Winterwonderland

2012-01-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

One of the families in our church small group graciously invited us all to their family cottage in the beautiful Muskoka Lakes are of Canada. Let me tell you the snow was so beautiful and peaceful that I did not want to leave. It snowed most of the day on Saturday so every branch and pine needle in the forests were covered with shimmering ice crystals. Our children had so much fun playing with the other kids, tubing down the hill, and hiking through the forest. It was a great opportunity for us to get to know the other families in our group better. I'm so thankful for the time we had and for the great church and small group God has given us.

Snow Fun!

2012-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: These pictures were just taken with my cell phone so I am sorry for the pour quality. Better than nothing.

The children were so excited this morning when they awoke to find it snowing. We've been waiting for snow here in Canada for a month now. Of course, Graham still had school today, and I dropped him off in his snow pants and boots. He got to play in the snow during recess two times today. I took the younger two for a walk through the trails in our neighbor, and then we ended up playing at a park. What fun to finally get to enjoy some snow. We always say that if we are going to live in the cold North, we want snow to go with it.

The kids got these sleds for Christmas and they both worked well today. Lidiyanna's sled works perfectly for pulling her around so I will use it when we take the boys to school on snowy days. She really liked riding in it.

my beautiful snow angel

Wesley got creative with his sled.

Looking Back at Christmas

2012-01-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

Looking Back at Christmas

Just click on the link above to watch the video of our Christmas memories.

Cute!

2011-12-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

Lidiyanna brought down Graham's "big bear" which inspired an impromptu photo session by the Christmas tree. Aren't they so cute!!

Sweet Love

2011-12-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

One of the activities I enjoy most during the holidays is baking. I love sweets, love to bake them, love to try new recipes, and love to eat them. My children share my love of sweets as well. I have great memories of helping my mom in the kitchen when I grew up and I still think about certain treats we made together at Christmastime.

To my delight, my boys have both taken an interest in helping me bake. Graham and I used to bake together during Wesley's naptime. Now, Wesley and I bake while Graham is at school and Lidiyanna is napping. I have a feeling Lidiyanna will have her turn helping me when she gets a little older.

A few years ago, we started packing up our treats and taking them to our neighbors as little gifts. The boys would sometimes make notes and cards to go along with the baked goods. They always seemed to enjoy the giving as much as the baking, and I've hoped that we passed along a little bit of love and kindness with each treat we gave away. I miss some of our dear neighbors from our Nashville home, and I thought about them today. Ms. Terry was across the street and always had little gifts and handmade cards for our children on special occasions. Alanna, next door, babysat our kids and would come over after school on days that she dreaded going to her empty house. The Keever kids, a few streets over, warmed our home on snow days when their mom had to brave the icy roads to get to work.

Now, we have new neighbors. We mainly interact with the ones we see on the playground after school. So, Graham packed cookies in a bag to take to his buddies, Mia, Josh, and Aaron. Wesley wrote a note to his friend, Karl, who is in his Junior Kindergarten class. We spent five or ten minutes getting on our coats, mits, and hats and made our way around the neighborhood delivering a little bit of love to go along with the cookies.

On a side note, I don't want anyone to read this and feel guilty that they don't like to bake or take cookies to their neighbors. Baking is not for everyone. (If it was, we might have a world full of overweight people.) Yet, I am sure everyone has special things that they enjoy and that they are good at. Take those gifts and passions and share them with others. That's what I want this post to be about...taking the passions that God has given you and blessing others through them.

Thankful

2011-11-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very different Thanksgiving for me. I didn't eat turkey. I didn't spend the day with my extended family. Tim went to work and the boys went to school. I cleaned the house, volunteered in Graham's class, and served left-overs for dinner. We're in Canada now, I guess.

We did have a great opportunity to spend time with Tim's mom, sister and her hubby and kids. They came up to visit and we had a great time at the Great Wolf Lodge. Below is a picture of Perpy with her grandkids. After five full days of fun, our kids were very sad to see their cousins leave.

Earlier this month, our friends, the Fulks, visited us. Our friendship started in Michigan when we met them at church. At the time, we didn't have children and they just had one daughter, Emma. Our lives have changed a lot since then. A year after we moved back to Nashville from Michigan, they moved to Nashville as well. So, we had the blessing of living in the same city for four more years. As we were moving up to Canada this summer, they were getting ready to move back to Michigan. Although I'm very sad they won't be in Nashville when we return, I am thankful for the visits we can share over the next few years since they are less than four hours from Toronto.

As I reflect over the past year, I am filled with thankfulness at how God has been working in our lives. He is always at work around us, and we will be blessed when we choose to look at life through His perspective. His plan for us is not always easy, but it is the best way for us.

Going, going, gone...

2011-11-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

For about a month, Graham has been wiggling his loose tooth waiting for the day when it would come out. He's actually been waiting for this moment for about a year. I got teary-eyed when I first discovered it was loose. My little boy is not so little anymore. The first tooth is gone and more will inevitably follow soon. As I am trying to enjoy each beautiful day of Fall, I want to treasure all of the precious moments I have with my little guy.

One of the few good things about having a little backyard and backing right up to the neighbor behind you is you can enjoy their gorgeous maple tree in the Fall.

Halloween

2011-10-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great time celebrating Halloween in Canada. Our neighborhood has tons of kids so it was so fun to see the sidewalks full of trick-or-treaters. Lidiyanna dressed as a cow, Graham was a mountain climber, and Wesley decided to repeat his costume from last year-a dragon. He did add the neon green vampire teeth this year.

After the boys got back, they dumped out their candy to sort the goods. It was interesting seeing how the candy here is a little different than in the US. Smarties (which are similar to M&Ms) were a favorite to hand out to the trick-or-treaters. Another popular candy is Coffee Crisp which is similar to Kit Kats but with a bit of a coffee flavor. The kids also got several small bags of chips.

Lidiyanna hung with the boys for a while and then Tim brought her back home to help me answer the door and pass out candy. She was very good at that!

He's a star!!

2011-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tim's new job at Nissan Canada has had many challenges. Most days, he comes home feeling overwhelmed. He works so hard and so much yet never feels like he's done enough. Despite the struggles, I know he's doing an excellent job in his new role.

He also has the opportunity to interact with journalists and reporters for the auto industry. He's been on TV and the internet. Check him out on the link below:

http://www.drivingtelevision.tv/?cid=1015

Okay, so maybe he's not a star on the big screen but he's a star in our home! I'm so proud of my hubby!!

Fun Fall Recipes

2011-10-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars or Balls

10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over popcorn and mix well. Press into a buttered 9X13 pan or form into balls using buttered hands. Cool slightly.

2011-10-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend with our friends, the McKims. We met them in Ethiopia during our first trip and bonded through court dates, meeting our children for the first time, and other adventures in Addis. Even though we've only seen them three times in our lives, we consider them dear friends. We hope to get togther at least once a year. All of our children get along really well, and we're hoping for a marriage to occur somewhere between the six kids. We also think it's really important for Lidiyanna to see other families like ours and to know she's not the only person that looks different from her parents...especially as she gets older.

Apples

2011-09-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

We joined some friends on Saturday and went apple picking at a nearby apple farm. It was such a beautiful place and a great way to spend a Fall day. I've mentioned this family before as they have become such a blessing to us since moving to Canada. I met them through a connection at our church in Nashville, and I thank God often that He caused our paths to cross. Alison was the first person that reached out to me and was so helpful when we first moved. She has such a kind and giving spirit. Being with her feels so comfortable and easy. Her son, Harrison, has become Wesley's best friend here and they have their own playdate every Monday while the older kids do school. Graham also loves playing with their twin girls who are just a few years older than him.

School

2011-09-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

School started a little later here in Canada than what we are used to in the South. We are now getting into our new routine with school and the boys seem to be settling in well. Graham is in "Grade One" as it is called up here. He's loving his teacher and has already made several friends in his class. Wesley is in Junior Kindergarten at the same school as Graham. In fact, his classroom is just next door to Graham's. He goes two and sometimes three days a week. It's similar to his preschool program from last year. His teacher just seems perfect for him as well. The school is in our neighborhood, so we are really enjoying biking or walking to school. Again, I see God's provision for us and am so thankful for the way He cares for my children.

I didn't have time to take a picture of Wesley before school (imagine that!), so here he is enjoying an after school snack after his first day.

Graham on his first day of school

Lidiyanna

2011-09-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

It's been one year since we brought our daughter home. Click on her name below to see a slideshow highlighting our first year with her.

Lidiyanna

Labor Day weekend

2011-09-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

My dad and his wife came to visit us over Labor Day weekend. The kids enjoyed the time with their grandparents. They especially had fun when their grandparents let them play in the mud in the backyard while Tim and I were on a get-away. :) Thanks for the night away, Dad and MA.

My dad took a few pictures of the kids at the lake. I thought they were really sweet.

a view of the CN Tower from the music gardens in Toronto

Notice Tim and I in the corner of this pic trying to look at a map so we could navigate our way around downtown.

Lidiyanna and Grandpa enjoying the train ride into Toronto

Best Buds

2011-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Something happened this summer...

they became each other's best friend.

Canadian Vacation-part three

2011-08-31T04:11:00.001-07:00

Tim and Lidiyanna enjoying a snuggle around the campfire

On one of our days during vacation, we drove about 45 minutes to the village of Mont Tremblant. It is a ski resort in a smaller mountain range. During the summer, the village is still alive with activity including shopping, entertainment for the kids, and lots of dining. We enjoyed some crepes and a Canadian treat called Beaver Tails which are flat pastries similar to donuts that have toppings like chocolate hazelnut or cinnamon sugar. While in the village, we rode the gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoyed a beautiful view. Graham and Tim rode the luge which is similar to riding a scooter down a big hill. Graham also tried the ropes course for kids and the mountain climbing. Wesley and I had fun playing on a pirate ship and riding some small boats. It was a fun day in a beautiful village that we'd like to visit some time during the winter so we can introduce our kids to some skiing. Although it was lots of fun for a day, I was glad that we spent the majority of the week in a more peaceful environment that really refreshed our souls.

back at the cottage enjoying the sunset before bed

before the luge

Graham doing the ropes course.

Wesley and I riding the gondola.

a view of the village from the gondola

Canadian Vacation-part two

2011-08-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a stressful summer, the cottage we rented in Quebec was a perfect way to spend our vacation. The cottage was located on a small lake called Lake Nomininique in the Laurentians of Quebec. The Laurentians is a region of coniferous forest dotted with hundreds of lakes and rivers. It was a beautiful, remote area with quaint villages that took us away from noise and distraction. We spent the week playing on the lake's shore, paddling around in the paddle boat and kayak, roasting marshmallows on the campfire, and just enjoying each other. God knew it was just what we needed to end the summer.

Our First Canadian Vacation-part one

2011-08-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, the five of us piled in Tim's truck and headed to Quebec to enjoy some rest and relaxation together. We started our vacation with a night spent in Ottawa, Canada's capital city. It's a beautiful city right on the river with some intricate buildings on its Parliament Hill. The city is very pedestrian-friendly so we explored it on foot Friday night and by bike on Saturday.

The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill

changing of the guard

enjoying a break from our bike ride

Parliament Hill behind us

On Friday night we sat on the green lawn in front of the Parliament building to watch a light show that told a little of Canada's history. In many ways, Canada differs from the United States, but some things are true no matter where you live. The people here are proud of their country just as we are in the U.S. I was thankful for the opportunity to see Ottawa and learn a little more about this country we'll be living in for the next few years.

Finally

2011-08-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

After three months, I'm finally starting to feel more settled here in Canada. We've settled on a church, and that's a great feeling. We hope to get involved in a small group and I intend to join the women's weekday Bible study in September.

We've gotten to know two families that are here with Nissan from the states, and it's been really fun to have some fellow Americans to get together with. Even though their kids are a little older, our kids have had fun getting to know them.

I've made a friend in the area through a connection in Nashville and she and her kids have already worked their way into our hearts. My boys ask often when we are getting together with the Lilley's, and I always feel refreshed after spending time with this family. They are a true blessing from God and I know we are developing a life-long friendship.

We've continued to explore the area and enjoy the summer beauty before it slips away and winter starts to creep in. I am looking forward to the Fall here as I know apple farms are a fun autumn treat. The beach remains to be the boys' favorite summer activity, and we recently found a park that has dirt jumps where Graham can ride his bike. Going on long bike rides with the kids has been my favorite part of the summer.

The summer has been long and challenging at times, but God always provides and I am feeling hopeful about the direction He's taking us in for the Fall.

Fun with Grandparents

2011-08-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Nana (my mom) and Grandpa Sam came to visit us this past week. We had a great time having family here and showing them our new home. We went to the African Lion Safari, spent time at several parks and a beach and, of course, enjoyed ice cream together. They were kind enough to babysit so I could get my haircut and go to the grocery store by myself. The kids loved having them here and were sad to see them go. We will miss you guys!!

Oakville Harbor

the lighthouse in Oakville

watching the elephants swim at the safari

One Year Ago

2011-07-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

One year ago, Tim and I got on a plane that took us to the other side of the world to meet our daughter. This week, I am remembering with a joyful and thankful heart the journey that took us to Lidiyanna. What an amazing week it was and I will never forget that first moment that I saw her. Tim and I waited nervously on the front steps of the transition home while a nanny brought Lidiyanna out to us. She was wrapped in a purple blanket which now seems so perfect. We always say purple is her color and she just loves her blankets. She cannot go to sleep without them. The nanny placed her in my arms and was wiping Lidiyanna's eyes. She had a cold and her eyes always water when she's sick. I just started crying and felt such a heaviness in that moment. It was a good heaviness but it was one of those defining moments that change you forever.

We spent a week in Ethiopia visiting Lidiyanna every day at the transition home. I treasured each moment there and dreaded whenever our guides told us it was time to leave each day. Lidiyanna was so sweet, smiling whenever I kissed her, making great eye contact with us, and falling asleep in our arms. We bonded so quickly with her, and it was very difficult to say goodbye at the end of the week. I was so thankful for her loving nannies and the way they cared for all of the babies is something I was always be grateful for. I think that's part of why babies from Ethiopia tend to adjust so quickly in their new homes.

Today, as I was watching her play, I could hardly believe it has been one year since I first met her. She has grown and changed so much, and we have enjoyed getting to know our daughter. Thanks for remembering and rejoicing with me.

Home

2011-07-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Home...

I realized this past week that my home is no longer Nashville. It has taken me two months to learn that fact, but I think it has finally clicked.

I got really brave, or crazy, and took my children on a 14-hour road trip to Nashville last week-without Tim. What was I thinking? Well, Tim was traveling to Seattle for business and I just didn't want to stay in Canada without him. Plus, my church in Nashville was having VBS and it's the best VBS I've ever been a part of. I also have really missed my brother, his family, and my friends, and I just wanted to see them.

We had a great time, but my heart longed to go home. And, I just couldn't. I couldn't go to my old house on Meandering Way, and yet, I don't feel like my house in Canada is home. You know the feeling you had when you went away to college and came home for the weekend. You realized you didn't quite have a home anymore. You were floating around in the middle not quite sure where you belonged.

We drove by our old house to visit some neighbors, and I felt so sad. I wanted to be home. We went to church and saw precious friends. It was bittersweet to be reminded of such great friendships. I couldn't wait to get home.

My home is not in Nashville, and my home is not in Toronto. My heart will not be at rest and fully at peace until I am Home and in the arms of my heavenly Father. God has been good to remind me that our bodies are only temporary dwelling places for us, and someday we will rest, fully and peacfully rest in a beautiful, perfect home beyond what we can imagine now.

So, tonight as I wrestled with this internal struggle and longed for my Home, I felt God telling me to be thankful. Be thankful for the good things He has given me now. His good gifts make this temporary passage a little more enjoyable.

Right now, I am thankful for ...

the big, brown eyes and toothy grin that greet me every morning
the older brother grabbing his little brother's hand on the way home from the park
the sunshine and gentle breeze
a good book to keep me company tonight
a hard-working husband that is devoted to his family
the forgiveness offered to this tired mama after yelling at her boys for fighting over who had more bubbles in the bathtub

Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling...Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Cor. 5:2-5

Thankful for what is to come.

Happy Birthday, Wesley!

2011-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Wesley's birthday with a dinner of rice and chicken (his choice), cookie cake, and a bike ride (he got to ride in the trailer-also his choice). It was a simple yet sweet celebration for my precious boy. I can hardly believe he's four!

Fourth of July with our friends

2011-07-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

We had some good friends from Nashville come to visit us this past weekend. Mark grew up outside of Buffalo so he had already planned a trip up to visit some family. We were so happy to get to see some familiar faces and spend another Fourth of July with them. We have celebrated the Fourth together for the last four years so it was fun to carry on the tradition even though we didn't see any fireworks this year. While they were visiting, we took the train into Toronto and rode the ferry to Toronto island. It has some beaches and a small amusement park on the islands. We also visited Chinatown and had some yummy food. It was a crazy experience and we were all exhausted at the end of that day, but it was well worth it.

The Hoesels

Lake Ontario

We learned our lesson the first time we traveled in the city on the train and opted to take Lidiyanna in the backpack instead of bring the stroller. It was much easier to get around and through lots of stairs without the stroller. She was a trooper the whole day and took her nap in the backpack.

one of the beaches on the island

We steered clear of the clothing-optional beach on the other side of the island.

Friday, July 1 was Canada Day which is similar to our Fourth of July. The kids wore their Canada shirts and we went to the lake and watched fireworks.

One Year Ago...

2011-06-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

We received the call. We had a baby girl. Her name was Lidiya. She was four months old. We rushed to the computer. We saw her precious face. It was love at first sight.

One year later, Lidiyanna brings us so much joy. She is a lively 16-month old toddler. She keeps us very busy. She is constantly following her brothers around, climbing on everything (including the table in the backyard), snuggling with mom and dad, bringing us books to read to her, and showing us her adorable, toothy grin. Although she is more interested in moving than talking, she does say a few words like Dada and pupu (puppy). We cannot imagine our lives without her. This weekend, we remember the call that changed our lives. We thank our God for giving us the privilege of being her family.

Glimpses of Oakville

2011-06-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Lidiyanna in our backyard on Father's Day

The kids enjoying the bike trails around our neighborhood.

Random Thoughts about My New Home

2011-06-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

My Canadian observations so far:

"Mum" instead of "Mom"

"Bum" instead of "bottom"

Smarties candies are different here. They are similar to M&M's.

In my opinion, the summer must be the best time of year. The weather is fabulous and everything is green and beautiful.

A lot of women work full-time outside of the home and have live-in nannies (a lot of them are from the Philippines). Whenever I go to one of my neighborhood parks, I see groups of Filipino nannies with the children they care for. I am a little discouraged that I am not meeting more stay-at-home moms during the day. The nannies are nice, but they have their little group. I just feel like an outsider to them.

The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is very green and environmentally concerned. I have no disposal in my home because I am expected to compost which is picked up every week. The GTA does a great job preserving trees and green space. Even though I live in a new neighborhood, lots of trees were saved in the outlying areas and trails were made throughout the wooded areas. The kids and I have spent many hours this week riding bikes through the trails near our house. Lidiyanna rides in the bike trailer, and I ride Tim's old bike from college. Good times!!

I've said this before...people from all over the world come to live in Canada. So far, I have met people from Europe, Tanzania, Jamaica, Nigeria, Russia, India, and Philippines.

I can't find any cans of Rotel tomatoes. Oh, my!! Although there are lots of great food here, Tex-Mex doesn't seem to be too popular.

Canadian geese are everywhere by the lake. So is their poop.

Things have been interesting. I'm finally learning my way around, most of our boxes are unpacked, and the kids and I have set up somewhat of a daily routine. I miss my friends and family in Nashville terribly. Despite all of the fun, new experiences we are having, I am homesick. I'm praying each day for God to shape my attitude and help me to enjoy this time and not just endure it. I am clinging to these verses:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Zero Emission Sunday!

2011-06-12T19:09:00.001-07:00

Wesley was on charging duty.

Sitting by the dock on the lake.

Skipping rocks - The lake Ontario shoreline is a rock skipper's paradise - Smooth stones abound.

The Seagull likes it.

Plenty of cargo space.

We may have taken the first Zero Emission trip to church in Canada. I drove one of Nissan's new LEAF's home this weekend. The LEAF is the first true production all electric car. After church we explored another shoreline park in Oakville.

Nissan's marketing strategy is "Innovation for All," and we put "All" of us in the LEAF today. It is truly an amazing car, and while I love big engines and 0-60 times, I am glad Nissan has created this truly innovative car.

The Adventure has begun!!

2011-06-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

We've made it to Canada and have been in our house about a week. The boxes are just about unpacked but there's still the settling in that takes time. We started out last week at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, and the kids had a great time at their indoor water park while we waited for our furniture to arrive on the moving van.
We're learning where all of the parks and grocery stores are and we've found a few "splash pads" as the Canadians call them. Toronto has a really great park system, so I think we could go to a different park almost every day this summer.

Overall, things are going well. The kids are doing a really great job adjusting to the change. The boys have had their moments of sadness. Graham has mentioned missing his Kindergarten teacher and Wesley said he was ready to go back to his old house. I've been trying to keep them busy, and that seems to help. The weather has been so nice, so we spend a lot of the day outdoors.

I have moments during the day when I feel the loneliness hovering over my head like a gray cloud. I miss our friends and family in the states, and I simply long for a friend who knows me. When we are at a park or the store, I wonder if I stick out because of the way I talk or how I look. Am I giving the cashier the right coins or am I saying the right word for the bathroom (which happens to be "washroom" here). Then, I look around and realize there are lots of people here that are from other countries so I blend into the array of diversity around me. I'm learning to appreciate new things and my perspective is growing.

I'm a minivan mom now, and I'm loving it. My favorite part of the car is the GPS. I'd be lost without it...literally.

Our new home

It didn't take long before Graham learned about the ice cream truck that frequents our neighborhood. He has declared Tuesdays "Ice cream day".

I can already tell one of my favorites things about living here will be the water. Oakville is right on Lake Ontario and some nice lake shore parks are not too far from our house.

Wesley loved the flight to Canada. I think he thought we were just going on one long vacation.

The good-byes have begun.

2011-05-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Our move to Canada is quickly approaching and the time to leave our friends and family in TN is almost here. Today was our last Sunday at our church. I kept telling friends that I would like to see them later in the week so I wouldn't have to say goodbye. I'm procrastinating.

Right now, I have very mixed emotions. I'm so glad to have Tim home and for the six weeks of being apart to be behind us. I'm excited about the new adventures we will have as a family and to see how God is going to grow and challenge us. Yet, I am nervous about moving where I know no one. I'm overwhelmed at the thought of unpacking and getting set up in our new house with three little children. I am sad to leave our friends and family that we have enjoyed sharing day-to-day life with for the past five years.

As Perpy reminded me this weekend, life is always changing. Nothing ever stays the same, so I know I need to embrace this new chapter in our lives.

Thanks for your prayers and for your friendships. God has given me some amazing friends here in TN and I will miss you all.

The movers are coming on Wednesday and we will be leaving Nashville on Saturday. We're are going to the Great Wolf Lodge over the weekend to have a little get-away before the unpacking begins at the beginning of next week. So, the next time I post I will probably be writing from Canada.

Bye, y'all!! It's been fun, eh?

Happy Birthday, Graham!!

2011-05-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's celebration time at our house. Graham turned six today and is finishing up his year in Kindergarten, and Tim came home from Toronto. We are happy!!His teacher gave him this crown to wear all day at school since he was the birthday boy.

We enjoyed a birthday dinner together as a family. It was the first time in over six weeks that Tim has been home on a weeknight. We are all so happy to have him here.

Canadian Experience as a "Single" Guy

2011-05-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is Tim writing from Canada. For those that do not know, I have been working in Canada since the 1st of April. Thankfully, our time apart is growing to a close. I will be headed back to TN on Wednesday to celebrate Graham's birthday and get the family ready to start our Canadian experience together. It took about 3 days being here by myself to learn that I am not cut out for single life. :)

I am living in our rental house with nothing but a mattress, dresser, and chair. As a result, I have finished a couple of books and mostly worked way too much. I am finishing up a "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller now. There is a quote in the book at the beginning of chapter four that resonated in my heart and honestly scared me a bit. . .

"I have an iron will, and all of my will has always been to conquer some horrible feeling of inadequacy. . . . I push past one spell of it and discover myself as a special human being and then I get to another stage and think I'm mediocre and uninteresting . . . Again and again. My drive in life is from this horrible fear of being mediocre. And that's always pushing me, pushing me. Because even though I've become Somebody, I still have to prove that I'm Somebody. My struggle has never ended and it probably never will."

As I read the quote I had to admit to myself that part of me really resonated with this potent paragraph of lucidity provided by Madonna of all people. The title of chapter four is "The Seduction of Success." Why is it that we need validation from others and why doesn't the weight of our heavenly father's validation crush the desire for earthly validation? I have always identified with one description of Mary the mother of Jesus as an ordinary girl the Lord used in extraordinary ways. Sometimes Ordinary is just what we need to be, but it is just awfully hard for me to be content being Ordinary.

This Canadian opportunity is yet another example of the Lord's allowing me to combine my passion for cars with my career. I have the opportunity to be the Nissan/Infinti Product Planning Senior manager for the country of Canada for the next couple of years.

For some unknown reason, the Lord has richly blessed me in every area of my life. I had amazing parents and a father whose love, while not perfect, was very intentional and sacrificial. It is a steep extample to follow. There are not adjectives descriptive enough to describe what a blessing my wife is. She has been a partner and my chief supporter in the many adventures my career has taken us - Grad school, Michigan, TN, Canada . . . . As if those blessings were not enough, my sons and now my daughter are simply joys. I don't know what the Lord has planned for my life, but I want to live it for him wherever that takes us.

Oh, may I rejoice in the good times and also when the tough times come. Let my love for the Lord not be contingent upon my blessings. All I have is his - may I live with a loose grip on my possessions and career. May I not be "too easily pleased."

Now, I have to go clean up the house before Jo gets here . . . . she won't be pleased with the popcorn bag in the sink.

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like and ignorant child who wants to go on making mid pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

A Little Photo Shoot

2011-05-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Our adoption agency creates a calendar every year using pictures of the adorable children they've helped to place in homes. They ask families to send in pics and they choose the cutest ones. I've been enjoying my calendar all year and am hoping to see my sweetheart's face on next year's calendar. Mommy and daughter had a photo shoot today. Can you help me choose which one I should enter? I actually get to send in five pictures and I'm going to use some that I have from earlier in the year.

Mother's Day Thoughts

2011-05-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Wesley kept saying to me, "Happy Smother's Day, Mommy!" I thought he was pretty close to the truth in his statement. Sometimes mothering feels very much like smothering. It's okay though. If I have to be smothered at times, I couldn't pick three more precious kids to do it to me. :) I know there will be a day when I miss being smothered by them.

And, now, for some comic relief...Daddy had a little too much fun with Lidiyanna's hair in the bathtub. Our little girlie has some hair!!

A Cozy Little Home

2011-04-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Friends from Ethiopia

2011-04-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-04-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Spring Break in Texas

2011-03-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Our kids with their cousins, Hayley and Davis, enjoying the marine life at a children's aquarium in Dallas.

We took Lidiyanna on her first road trip last week to visit family in Texas. She is an amazing traveling and never even made a peep in the backseat (the secret is her magic blanket). We visited my family in Tyler and then headed to Dallas to visit Tim's sister and her family. All of the kids had a great time together!

Lidiyanna and her cousin, Hayley

Graham and Davis

I love these smiles!!

Tyler's azaleas were looking so beautiful!

practicing her walk in my mom's backyard

I think it's so cute how she walk with her hands in the air.

My mom and Sam took us to the zoo on a beautiful, warm Saturday.

Baby Steps

2011-03-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight while we were at our church community group, Lidiyanna took her first steps. It was so exciting!! I had gone in to the room where all the kids are during the adult prayer time. The teachers told me she had been trying to take some steps. So, as I was down on the floor with her, I helped her gain her balance and off she went. She went from taking no steps to taking four or five over and over again. All the kids gathered around and cheered her on. I told Graham to get his daddy, and shortly after, all the adults filed in to watch. It was such a fun moment, and it was so neat that this group who has supported us from the very beginning was able to be there and celebrate with us. Of course, Lidiyanna just ate up the attention. There's no stopping this girl now!!

Speaking of baby steps, Tim and I passed over the baby steps and jumped in with both feet towards our move to Toronto this past weekend. We traveled to the big city to look for a house. Fortunately, my mom and Tim's mom were able to come to our home to take care of the kids. (Thanks, Nana and Perpy!! You did a fantastic job!)

We spent four full days looking at tons of houses within the city of Toronto and in a suburb to the west called Oakville. It was a bit overwhelming, but in the end, we found a house we both liked. It's in Oakville and is in walking distance to an elementary school.

One thing I learned about Toronto that I really like is the diverse population. Standing in a movie theater one night, I heard four different languages as people passed by. You can eat just about any type of food from all over the world. The city is so multicultural, and I think our family will fit right in to that environment.

I wasn't too crazy about the weather. It was cold and snowy and it's the beginning of March. Despite the frigid temps, many people walk everywhere and the children go out everyday to play on the playground at school. Unlike Nashville, the city doesn't come to a halt when it snows, and the Canadians like the great outdoors no matter what the temperature.

Right now, I'm feeling positive about the move, but I've definitely had my moments of doubt. I feel God has been encouraging me to take things one day at a time and to give him an attitude of trust and thankfulness.

Baby steps, eh?

Thank you!

2011-02-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Wesley: "Thank you, Mommy, for going on a plane to Africa to get Lidiyanna."

Mommy: "Well, we should thank God because He's the one that brought her to us."

Wesley: "Really? You didn't go a plane? God did?"

Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Shakin' Things Up

2011-02-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Just as everything in our home has started to feel settled, God is shaking things up. We've lived here almost five years (the longest we've lived somewhere since we've been married). Lidiyanna is home with us and things feel comfortable and safe. I like my neighborhood, my church, my friends, and my life. Yet, God is leading us to another place.

On Valentine's Day, Tim came home and told me Nissan had made a rather nice offer for him to take a position in Toronto, Canada. The good news...it would only be two years, and it would mean a promotion. The bad news...we would have to leave our friends and family and move to a place I've never been.

At first, I was not happy about the idea. Tim had mentioned the possibility several weeks before and I adamantly told him I did not want to talk about it. Every time he brought it up, I told him I was not talking about it, and on Valentine's night, I really did not want to talk about it. So, I told Tim I would pray about it, and Nissan would have to wait a few more days to have an answer.

Isn't it interesting how God works? Looking back, I can see how God's hand had been preparing my heart for this move. Last fall, there was a possibility that Nissan would send us to LA for a year. I think God used that to open my mind to a short-term assignment. The weekend before Valentine's, Tim and I participated in a marriage conference at our church. We talked about Tim's leadership in our home and about how I love how adventuresome he is. He has taken me on journeys I would have never done alone, and it seems that he's about to lead me on another one. God used that marriage conference to get my attitude in our marriage ready to follow.

So, here we are about to move again. This time it's not as hard. It's not permanent. The time in Toronto has a time frame, and we will be returning to our home here in Tennessee in two years. I keep thinking, "I can do it for two years, right?"

A good thing is we don't have to sell our house. There's a small chance we might, or we could rent it while we are gone. Nissan will help to provide a service to manage it for us. Tim and I are traveling to Toronto this weekend to find a house to rent and to look at schools. We will all be moving as a family at the end of May after Graham finishes Kindergarten.

So many unknowns swirl around in our heads during this time. Tim's to-do list is a mile long, and I feel concerned about finding a good school, church, and new friends. Last Sunday, we sang a beautiful hymn that was written in 1752. The words encouraged and soothed my anxious heart. I know the next two years will have new experiences and adventures that will be fun and exciting. I also know we will have lonely times that God will use to draw us closer to Himself. As He always has in our lives, He will continue to be faithful.

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! thy best, thy heavenly Friend.
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul! the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul! when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Lidiyanna is one!

2011-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, my little girl turned one. What a sweet and special blessing she has been to our family over the past year! She's only been home with us for five months, but it seems like she's always been a part of our family.

She's crawling and cruising and getting very close to walking. She's eating more table food and doing great with a sippy cup now. She continues to be Little Miss Social with her charismatic personality and irresistible charm.

We had a little family celebration for her over the weekend. She devoured her cupcake, and I think she's going to share our love of sweets.

Several times, throughout the weekend, I thought about her family in Ethiopia. I continue to grieve for the loss they have experienced, and I was especially mindful of it on her birthday.

I continue to be amazed at the love her brothers have for her. The other day Wesley was talking about how he prayed for her when she was in Ethiopia. Graham said he wanted to take her to his boys' night out at school where you are to bring your "favorite" girl. They both possess a very protective and fierce love for her.

I continue to be humbled and in awe of the gift God has given us in Lidiyanna. A few Sundays ago, we dedicated her to the Lord in our church. The first picture in this post is from that morning.

Winter

2011-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a little update about what's been going on with us this winter season. We've had lots of snow and snow days, so the boys have loved playing outside and being together. Graham and Wesley are getting much better at happily playing together which in turn makes their momma very happy.

Lidiyanna has been moving like a storm around our house. Right after our trip to Disney at the end of December, she learned how to crawl. Not only does she crawl but she loves to pull up on things and cruise around the furniture. I thought she was never going to start moving and now you can't stop her. It's so fun to watch her go and she loves the independence that crawling brings. Don't you just love her little pigtails? Her hair is getting long enough now although it's tricky to get her to stay still while I fix her hair. Sometimes, her pigtails end up a little crooked, but I still think they are adorable.

Wesley is doing great. He's been enjoying building train tracks and has recovered quite nicely from his head injury. We see no permanent damage that has resulted. :)

Graham has been enjoying more time at home during the snow days, but he's happy to go to school as well. I got to help in his classroom last week and was thankful to see his joyful, friendly spirit.

Last year, we had so much fun watching the birds in our backyard eat from our homemade birdfeeder. It's been fun to watch it again this year, and Tim has gotten some great shots of the birds.

Nissan Off-Road Day

2011-01-23T18:34:00.001-08:00

The Gang from Tim's office took some of the Nissan Trucks Off-Road.

The Xterra is Graham and Wesley's Favorite.

Our Ethiopian Buddies

2011-01-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

While we were in Ethiopia on our first trip for the court date back in August, we met a really great couple. Mike and Neiva were there at the same time as us to meet their son, Colton. We met our children for the very first time together, spent every day going to the transition home to visit our kids together, and went through the long morning at court together. It was a week that bonded us in a deep friendship because we experienced some life changing events together.

We were very sad to find out we would not be traveling with them in September for the embassy date. We decided then that sometime later we would all get together after we had all our children at home. They live in the Canton, OH area, so we thought we would meet somewhere around Cincinnati. After having trouble finding a place to stay, we decided they would come to our house for a weekend of fun with six kids.

It turned out to be so much fun. I was so excited for Colton and Lidiyanna to see each other again (especially since we've already decided they will get married someday), to remember our experiences in Ethiopia, and to talk about how things have been since we've been home with our kids.

All six of the kids did very well together and quickly became buddies. It was a weekend we hope to repeat many times over the future.

Colton and Lidiyanna

It's interesting how different they look even though they are both from Ethiopia. Lidiyanna is from the Southern part of the country and Colton is from the northern region of Ethiopia.

our attempt to get all six kids looking at the camera

We got a few babysitters to watch the kids so we could enjoy a dinner out. It was wonderful!!

hittin' it off at Jump Zone

Sydney and Lidiyanna with their cute little pigtails

More from Disney

2011-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Last year, Patsy helped a good friend from her high school days plan their reunion. This friend's father owns a large hotel chain, and he wanted to give Patsy gift of a week at his family's condo in Orlando. So, that's how this trip started. The condo was fabulous and gave all of us (5 kids and 5 adults) plenty of space. What a kind and generous friend Patsy has, and we were thankful she shared it with us. We had a great week and have lots of fun memories from the trip. The week started out very chilly but the weather was perfect by the end of the week. Our neice, Hayley, loves alligators. It just so happened that a man brought some alligators to the resort we were staying in for a special show and touch type of thing. I think he was from Gator Land. Anyway, Hayley just loved it, and I think she might have been the only child that got this close to the alligators.

Tim's sister, Melanie and her family, Patsy, and us

What started this trip was

one of Wesley's favorite rides-Aladdin's magic carpet ride

the kids enjoying popcorn before the afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom

our first day at Magic Kingdom

Our last day at Magic Kingdom

waiting to see the electric parade

A Magical Night

2011-01-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Tim's mom took us to Disney World for Christmas this year. I have lots of pictures to share, but tonight, this is it. At Disney, everyone always says, "Have a magical day." I just didn't really get it until this night. We decided to stay later in Magic Kingdom to see the electric parade and the fireworks. Both of them were amazing and the castle was lit up with tons of beautiful white lights. The weather had been nice that day and all of the kids were so excited to see the parade and fireworks. We were standing on a very crowded Main Street with the castle ahead of us and the fireworks lighting up the sky. Tim had both the boys and I was holding Lidiyanna. I was amazed that she was doing so well considering our girl likes going to bed early. She would look up at the fireworks for a minute and then lay her head on my shoulder. It was a wonderful night, and I am so thankful to Patsy for taking us on a great trip. More to come...

Our First Trip to the ER

2011-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the poor picture quality.
Tim took this pic with his phone after we returned from the ER around 10pm. I couldn't believe he was still smiling. I think it must have been the Popsicle they gave him.

I thought it would be Graham that would take us to the ER someday, but it was his younger brother. Last night, Wesley fell on the sidewalk and received a pretty yucky cut on his forehead. The cut wasn't long but it was gaping open. I knew it needed more than a band aid.

Wesley is our child that freaks out just going to his regular check-ups, so I knew this was not going to be pleasant. Our pediatrician recommended taking him to the Vanderbilt Children's ER because it was a cut on the face. Tim decided to stay home with the other kids and I took Wesley to the ER. He was nervous from the minute we said he was going to have to see a doctor about his cut.

I called my brother who works at Vanderbilt, and he decided to stay up at the hospital and meet us at the ER. I am so glad he was there, and I am filled with gratitude when I think about him sacrificing his evening with his family to be with us at the hospital. He was a big comfort to me and Wesley, and I was glad to have another person that loved Wesley helping me through the experience.

I cannot say enough great things about Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and how great the staff treated us. They sent in a child life specialist to talk with Wesley using a doll and toys to try to help him relax. She was amazing and stayed with us until the stitches were complete.

Wesley was a trooper. He was scared and he screamed, but he was able to get the stitches without having sedation. Often times, they sedate the little ones to help keep them still, but I really didn't want to have to do that. Including the doctor, there were six of us gathered around my sweet son trying to keep him still while he got the three stitches. Fortunately, he didn't need a shot because they applied this cool, numbing gel when we first arrived at the ER. I was amazed at that magic goo because I remember how much those shots sting.

In the end, he came away with three stitches that will dissolve, a green Popsicle, and a look of pure relief. Today, he proudly told Nana on the phone all of the details of the harrowing evening. He's doing really well now and hasn't complained at all that his head hurts.

Again, I just feel so thankful for my wonderful, big brother who never cease to watch out for his little sister. I am also thankful for the compassionate staff at the hospital who never made me feel weird or annoying for having a screaming kid.

All that to say, I do not want to make a trip to the ER anytime soon. Hopefully, my next post will be about something fun-like our trip to Disney last week.

Three Months Ago

2010-12-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

It has been three months since we brought Lidiyanna home, and tonight, we met with our social worker, whom I just love, for our first post-placement visit. This was the first out of three meetings to discuss bonding, attachment and the adjustment process. It went really well, and I joked later saying that our social worker said we could keep Lidiyanna.

It's hard to believe our little girl has been with us for three months. The time has gone by so quickly. But, in other ways, it seems like she's always been a part of our family.

The other day I was thinking about how small Lidiyanna's hands are and wondering if she'll always have little hands. I glanced down at my own hands questioning if she got her small hands from me. In that moment, I had completely forgotten that Lidiyanna is not related to me through blood. I smiled and got a little choked up realizing she completely feels like my daughter.

Last year, the boys helped me paint a bird ornament to hang on the tree for Lidiyanna. At that time, we had no idea who God had for our family, but we were hoping and waiting for our sweet daughter. On the back of the ornament, I wrote "waiting for baby girl", and I remember praying that God would bring us our daughter by Christmas time the next year.

Graham found the ornament this year as we were decorating the tree. When he showed it to me and I read the back, I was filled with thankfulness that God had answered our prayers. Immeasurably more.

Ephesians 3:19-21

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen!

A Mother's Love

2010-12-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

My mom came to visit this past week while Tim was in Japan on business. With her came a flurry of snow. As the frigid temperatures kept us indoors, out came the scissors, glue, markers and stickers to create the crafts my mom had prepared for the kids. She spent lots of time with my kids in the kitchen baking yummy treats and designing Christmas decorations. My children loved it. My boys would much rather be in the kitchen crafting and baking than playing with toys. My mom understands this, and I think she enjoys it all just as much as they do.

She also spent lots of time on the floor with Lidiyanna cheering her on as she tried to crawl and pull up. I was thankful they got to spend this time together, and I was so thankful for all of my mom's help.

It was a crazy week with the snow, Christmas excitement, school parties, and well...a fender bender. Needless to say, I was not always the happiest mom around at times. I was stressed, tired, and running low on patience. I had hoped the week with my mom would be peaceful and calm. I envisioned the kids playing happily in the other room while my mom and I spent hours chatting over cookies and hot chocolate. Well, actually, I am more of a realist than that, but I was hoping for a calmer week.

Despite all the chaos, we made it through and have some fun memories to take with us. Last night, my mom and I sat on the couch hugging and not wanting to say goodbye. I knew she was tired and ready to get home just as I was ready to have Tim home, but she's one of my dearest friends. It's never easy to say good-bye to her.

Throughout the week, my mom babysat so I could go to Graham's school party, the grocery store, and a doctor's appointment. She helped fix dinner, gave Lidiyanna her bath, and helped entertain the boys. She did a lot of wonderful things, but the best gift she gave me was through her love. She loved my children despite their moodiness, selfishness, or fussiness. She let me know it was okay that they weren't perfect, that I was doing a good job even though I didn't feel like it, and that she thought my kids were pretty special. After a long week that could have brought discouragement and doubt, God used her to lift me up and remind me of unconditional love. The same kind of love that my mom poured out on me and my kids even in our ugly moments is the same kind of love God pours out on me.

Fiercely Loyal.

Unchanging.

No matter what kind of Love.

Sunday morning

2010-12-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

Sledding

2010-12-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

Last year, Wesley would not go down on the sled at all. Today, he was the first one down the hill on the sled. He loved it!! So proud of him every time he tries something new.

Brrrrrr!!

2010-12-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

Rosy Cheeks

2010-12-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

Warming up after playing in the snow

Pretty Red Dress

2010-12-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

by the tree...take one

2010-12-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

by the tree...take two

2010-12-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

by the tree...take three

2010-12-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Dancing

2010-12-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Graham likes to pick his sister up and carry her around the house. It makes me a little nervous, but I think it's kind of sweet, too. Tim had the music on last night and got this sweet shot of Graham dancing with Lidiyanna. Just precious!!

Wonderfully Made

2010-12-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.

Psalms 139:13-14

Lidiyanna Jo

She is adorable and kissable. She loves to be snuggled and tickled. She likes to hold her blanket up to her face as she falls asleep. Tim calls her his chocolate chip. Her hair is challenging and yet irresitable. She loves other babies and children. She waves at everyone, and everyone smiles at her. Her eyes are dark and enchanting. She loves her bottle and does not like baby food. She happily kicks in her crib when I come in her room. She's my baby girl.

Wesley Mark

He's passionate and feels deeply. He's goofy and loves it when his daddy is silly with him. He wants to be tightly tucked in every night with two or three blankets. He likes to feel secure and needs a lot of assurance. He asks to pray for his grandparents often. He loves his tricycle and going off-roading. He giggles easily. He pays attention to details. He finds great joy in picking out a piece of candy to put in his lunchbox. He's my baby boy.

Graham Timothy

His smile lights up a room. He's loving, friendly, and compassionate. He trips and falls often, and most of the time, he just gets up and keeps on going. He is really into shopping with mommy and picking out an item he can buy with his quarters. He wants to buy a meal for a homeless man he sees on the side of the road, help a lost boy find his mom at a store, and comfort his friend on the bus who is sad. He's energetic and busy, always finding a project to get into or a craft to create. He's sometimes grouchy in the morning and gets a burst of energy right around bedtime. He's full of life, excitment, and hope. He saves the notes I put in his lunchbox. He's my firstborn.

So much to be thankful for...

2010-12-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry it's been a month since I've posted pictures or blogged about anything. Part of the reason is we are temporarily without a camera. The other part is that we are just busy! Three kids require a lot of my time, and I drop into bed at night after very full days. As a dear friend said, "It's a good kind of tired." (Thanks, Florence, for your card!! I miss you, sweet neighbor.)

Over the past few weeks, Lidiyanna has learned to clap, wave, and has been trying to get up on all fours making efforts to crawl. It's so fun to watch her learn new things.

She loves to clap for herself. It's so cute!

The boys keep Lidiyanna entertained (and maybe sometimes a little annoyed). Graham thought she might like this ribbon around her to help her feel a little more festive. I'm not sure what she thought about it.

Hugs...

and more hugs.

Wesley and Graham were very into decorating the tree. Wesley stuck with it longer than Graham, and his ornaments always ended up in clumps around the tree.

For Thanksgiving, we stayed at home and had family come to us. Tim's mom and my mom and Sam celebrated with us. My cousin, Andrew, and his parents came over on Thursday as well. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of my mom, but she was here and got to meet Lidiyanna for the first time. I am happy that she is coming back in just a few weeks for a slightly longer visit-and to help me while Tim is on a business trip.

On Friday, we decided to skip the malls and go bowling instead with my brother and his family.

Graham and Will

Grandpa Sam giving Graham some pointers

Perpy and Lidiyanna

The cousins wanted to present a "program" to us one evening. Graham and Grace were a big hit on the piano.

Wesley and Graham enjoying their Thanksgiving lunch.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

Just a little glimpse into the past...this picture was taken in 2007. Graham was two and Wesley was almost four months old. So fun to remember and to see how much they've grown. 2010

Graham was a race car driver (again-mom likes that), and Wesley was a dragon (the costume Graham wore when he was three-mom likes that, too). Lidiyanna was a strawberry.

Even though Lidiyanna didn't wear this trick-or-treating, I just had to put her in the pea pod costume that both of my boys wore.

Our Littlest Pumpkin

2010-10-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is a face Lidiyanna makes often. She has discovered how fun it is to stick out her tongue.

Brother and Sister

2010-10-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Lidiyanna can now sit up on her own. She loves to sit next to a basket of toys and play. She would much rather sit up than be on her tummy or back. I'm just amazed how quickly she is growing. She is quite vocal now, too. She loves to make noises and explore with her voice.

Wesley and Graham continue to be great big brothers. I think some of the newness for Wesley has worn off, and he sometimes struggles with no longer being the baby. It's hard to give up that slot, but he's learning. I try to give him extra hugs and time together while Lidiyanna is napping. I have to admit it is very busy being a mom of three, and making special time for each child is a challenge. I love it though. My heart is so full of love for each of my children.

This picture cracks me up. She's giving him a look that says, "Don't you mess with my ball."

Airport Homecoming

2010-10-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Andrew, brought his friend, Jen, to the airport to take pictures when we arrived home from Ethiopia. I knew it would be a special moment when Graham and Wesley would meet their sister for the first time, and I was so thankful Jen could capture the moment for us.

We had some great friends meet us at the airport, too, but they met us downstairs at the baggage claim. We had a few minutes with the family before heading down to see our friends. I was so exhausted after over 24 hours of travel with a sick baby, but I could not wait to see my boys. I remember walking towards them and seeing them waiting for us behind the glassed-in area. My eyes welled with tears and I gulped back the lump in my throat. The long-awaited moment was finally here. My children would all be together, and we would finally see what God had planned for our family long ago.

If our homecoming was just a taste of what we'll experience in heaven when we are finally home with our Father and the loved ones who have gone before us, I cannot wait. What a glorious day it will be!!

Perpy and Andrew meeting Lidiyanna

My dad and the boys watching us walk towards them.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Movin' On Up!!

2010-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Lidiyanna had her first "big" doctor's appointment today. We've actually already been to the doctor twice for her, but those were just for little things. Today, she left the doctor's office with six band aids. Yes, six!! Ouch! She and I won't quickly forget that experience. She basically has to start over with vaccines, and she had to have blood drawn and a TB skin test done. All of this is standard procedure for children adopted from other countries.

She also has an ear infection. I'm not sure if the one she had a few weeks ago just never cleared up or if this is a new one. Ugh. Fortunately, she has shown no signs of fussiness, so I was surprised by the infection.

Besides that, the doctor said she's doing very well. She's gained two pounds in the month she's been home and moved up from below the percentage line to being in the 12% on the growth chart. I was excited about that. My little girl is growing from the love and calories she's getting at home.

Despite the tears shed during the needle party, I experienced a very sweet moment with her. The nurses were doing their job of poking (I have to brag on the nurse and say she got the vein the first time-pretty amazing considering this baby's tiny vein is not easy to see under her gorgeous, brown skin), and I was helping to hold her hands still. Lidiyanna was screaming, so I knelt down and placed my face very close to hers. Her tears were streaming down her face as I felt my own emotions pushing their way up my throat. As I comforted her, I thought about how glad I was to be right there in that moment. The last time she got some shots, she had no mother around to offer words of solace. No one was there to kiss her forehead and tell her it was almost over.

It was a moment where I felt that undeniable need to protect that all mothers feel with their children. My baby was hurting, and I was going to do everything I could to make it better. I am beginning to treasure these moments because it's then that I truly know she is mine.

I hope in that moment she felt protected by me. I hope that when she looked up at me with those big, pleading eyes, she knew I was going to take care of her. I think I saw it in her eyes...she knew I was her mother.

The Nursery

2010-10-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

Although the room has been mainly ready for a long time, the final touches were completed earlier this week. Lidiyanna's nursery is beautiful and sweet, and it's a place in which I like to be. A wonderfully creative friend painted the canvases above the dresser, and I am so pleased with the amazing job she did on them.

I think Lidiyanna likes her room, too.

Pretty in Pink

2010-10-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Lidiyanna is thriving!! Several adoptive moms had told me as their children grew in their new homes, they blossomed like flowers. I feel like I totally understand what they meant now. Lidiyanna is like a beautiful flower opening before our eyes. Yes, it may be a bit cheesy but it's a perfect illustration. Each day, she seems to be more comfortable, more at home, and more secure with us. I can see that she is bonding well to us. She will start to fuss if I walk out of the room, and the minute I return to her side, she smiles and kicks her little legs. She has started babbling a lot and saying "dada".

Last Thursday, she got a fever and was really fussy. After going to the doctor, we learned she had an ear infection. So, for a few days, things were rough around our house. She is now feeling much better, and we are all glad.

Lidiyanna is a delight in our home. I think she can sense how much we all love her. I thank God everyday for the blessing she is to us.

Lots of Love from the Big Brothers

2010-10-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Graham and Lidiyanna after a cool, Fall walk in the evening

Wesley and Lidiyanna reading books together in the nursery

Lidiyanna has now been with us at home for over two weeks, and yet, it seems like she's always been a part of our family. It almost is difficult to remember what it was like to not have her with us. She is adjusting really well to her new home. The boys continue to love spending time with her. I've noticed she seems to light up in recognition when she sees our faces. I love walking into her room in the mornings after she wakes up. When she sees me, she gets a big smile on her face and starts kicking her legs excitedly. I think she knows I'm her mama, and it feels good.

As I was putting Lidiyanna to bed tonight, I held her little face to mine and thought about her first mama who never had the opportunity to know this precious child. I've heard once you adopt, you have a bittersweet place in your heart that never quite goes away. I now know the feeling-the bitterness of loss and the sweetness of new life swirled together. It's a taste that will forever linger on my tongue. At the beginning of this journey, I questioned whether I really wanted to enter into this struggle-forever being filled with joy and sadness at the same time. Now, I know it is completely worth it. And it gives me just a glimpse of what Christ did for us.

As a friend on our trip to Ethiopia described it, Christ left His home of bliss and willingly entered into our fallen world taking on all of our pain. This friend and his wife were adopting a child that was HIV positive. They willingly entered into their daughter's pain so that they could love her and give her hope and a new life. Her pain became their pain. As I pondered on their sacrifice, I was amazed at the ultimate sacrifice our Savior made for us.

As the months turn into years, I wonder if the sweetness will overpower the bitterness. I am certain, my heart will always be filled with joy as I look at my daughter. Yet, I know I will never forget how her life began, and I don't want to.

One Less

2010-09-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Her eyes and her smile
melt our hearts!

"One less broken heart in the world tonight." Matthew West in his new song, One Less

My brother and his wife were in Europe when we returned to Nashville with Lidiyanna last week. They didn't get to be at the airport to welcome us home, and we couldn't wait for them to get home so they could meet Lidiyanna. Sunday night, they came over and met their neice for the first time. It was great to all be together. What a night of celebrating!! The cousins had a great time together, and Grace got to meet her very first girl cousin. Yipee for girls!!

(Don't let Wesley fool you...he was really having a good time!)

Peace

2010-09-25T18:35:00.001-07:00

As we finish our first week home as a family of five, I look back at the week and reflect. I thought it would be so filled with emotion but it really can be summed up in one word...peaceful.

I've felt peace when I've gazed into my daughter's eyes as she drinks her bottle. I've felt peace as I've watched the boys completely adore their little sister. I've felt peace even in the chaos of the dinner time hour when we are trying to finish homework, settle a fussy baby, and get dinner on the table (which thankfully was brought to us by wonderful friends-not too hard to get that on the table).

I was so anxious with my other babies always wondering if they were getting enough to eat or if I was doing everything the right way. I don't feel that uncertainity with Lidiyanna. Yes, I've had moments of trying to learn what she needs, but mostly I've felt peace as I care for her. Maybe it's because she's my third child, maybe it's because I'm not nursing and I don't have the hormones that go along with that, and maybe it's because she's not a tiny newborn. I'm sure all of this things help to make me feel more settled. I also believe that God is showering us with peace at this time.

He has taken us across the world and brought us home with a new daughter. I look at her and think about all that she has gone through in her seven months of her life. I think about how she could have been one of the babies on the backs of the beggars out in the streets of Addis. I am completely amazed and thankful for God's hand who mercifully plucked her from a life of despair and gave her a family. I look at our family and am utterly grateful for the daughter He has given us. Why did He choose us to be her family? Why do I get to be her mommy? I will never understand, but I will forever be thankful and honored.

I love her so much already. I did not carry her in my tummy for nine months, but we prayed for her, dreamed about her, and loved her for months before we finally held her. She fits in perfectly in our home. She is a Franklin, and my heart is filled with peace.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:78-79

Blessings from the week

2010-09-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

swinging in my backyard with my daughter and son
watching Graham play with Lidiyanna and hearing her giggle in response
seeing my sweet girl sleeping peacefully in her crib in her new home
being loved by friends and family who welcomed us at the airport
enjoying the delicious dinners that friends have been bringing over and getting to spend more time with my kids because I don't have to cook
having Tim home this week
getting a full night's sleep in my own bed
seeing Graham get off the bus every afternoon with a smile on his face
Wesley in his "Big Brother" shirt and watching him shine in his new role
watching God answer prayers

Smiles!

2010-09-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

His Lovingkindess is Great!

2010-09-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

"Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD!" Psalm 117

This was the verse for this week sent out by my church's weekly email. I just loved it and thought it was very appropriate for us this week.

Praise the Lord, for His lovingkindness is great!!

We are home!!!

2010-09-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

I can't write much now because I've got to go to bed, but I wanted to say how good it is to finally be home with our daughter. We had a good but exhausting trip, and now we are trying to relax and soak up the joy of being with our three children.

Lidiyanna had a cold the week we were in Ethiopia and now she seems to have an upset stomach. It's hard to know if it is just the long plane ride, lots of change in her little life, or a stomach bug. Pray that she feels better soon.

The boys simply adore her. They cannot get enough of her. Especially Graham. He does everything he can to make her smile which doesn't take much. The boys want to play with her, help with her bath, take her on walks, read books with her, and give her a bottle. They are so sweet and I'm loving watching all my children together.

Thanks for all your prayers. I just feel like I can breath a big sigh of relief. She's finally home!!!!

Tomorrow!!

2010-09-10T19:02:00.001-07:00

The day is finally almost here! We are leaving tomorrow to bring Lidiyanna home. I am so excited! This week has been full of emotions.

My dad arrived today to care for the boys while we are gone. Please pray for all three of them while we are away. I know he'll do a great job with them, but it's a lot to care for two children alone.

We will have a lay-over in Dubai Sunday night and arrive in Addis Monday morning. I just found out that we will get Lidiyanna Monday afternoon. From that point on, she will be with us! I'm so thrilled to really get to know my daughter. It was great to visit her last time, but now I will really care for her, learn about her personality, and hopefully start the bonding process.

Please pray for our safety on this trip. Pray that Lidiyanna quickly adjusts to new surroundings and sleeps and eats well. Pray that she starts bonding with us right away and that she does well on the plane ride home. Or, maybe you should just pray that we will have the strength and patience to handle what comes our way.

Whatever happens, this will be a week we will never forget. Thank you for all your prayers and support. The love and encouragement you have shown to us has been so wonderful.

It's hard to post pictures and do things on the blog while we are there, but I will be excited to post when we get home.

Our Girl is Coming Home!!

2010-09-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

We found out today that we will be leaving on Saturday for Ethiopia!! We knew it was a big possiblity so we've been making plans for the trip. It was such a relief to know we really do get to leave this weekend to bring Lidiyanna home...finally!!

We will leave this Saturday, September 11th and return the next Saturday, the 18th. If anyone is in the Nashville area and would like to greet us at the airport, our flight gets in around 4:30. Everyone is welcome to meet us in the baggage area. We can't wait for you all to meet Lidiyanna.

I've had our bags partially packed for about two weeks now, but as I really start thinking about logistics, I'm getting a little nervous. How will she do on the plane ride? Naps, bottles, hair care, so much to think about.

Of course, we've been talking to the boys about this for so long, so they are thrilled. I know they are a little nervous, too, about their parents being gone for a week. Please keep them in your prayers while we are gone.

Graham has continued to enjoy kindergarten, but he's had some mornings that he didn't want to go to school. My dad will be staying with the boys and I want things to go smoothly for him while we are gone. I hope Graham will not be too teary while we are away. He's facing so many changes in his little life right now.

What my heart longs for most right now is for all of my birds to be in one nest. Soon, I will go to bed with my three children all tucked in safely under the same roof. It's hard to believe the day we've been waiting for and praying about for almost 16 months is finally here. I know there will be lots of adjustments to go through, but I am so excited we are about to be the Franklin Family of Five!! My heart gives thanks for God.

Milkshakes

2010-08-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

posted by Tim

I participate in a weekly book group with a bunch of other believers. Last year we read a book by Albert Borgmann called "Power Failure." I have to admit I understood about 5% of the book, but I did learn something that has stuck with me.

Borgmann has a concept called the "Device Paradigm" which (as I interpreted) speaks to how technology creates the expectation of availability (it could be a clock disconnecting us from the natural rhythm of the day or iPhones turning the workday into 24 hours-a-day). In short, time gets very fluid and actual events seem less important. Borgmann suggests that we need something to counter this in our lives. He argues that we need to restore focal things and focal practices in our lives. A focal thing is something that is concrete and is important - it could be the evening meal. A focal practice is an intentional regular activity done together to prepare or support the focal thing - e.g. preparing the meal, setting the table, getting the boys to wash their hands, etc. Our lives should revolve around these focal things, dinner, church, soccer games, and not our lives around technology and availability. I am striving to be home on time for dinner and to attend all of my boys' significant events.

Last Sunday my Dad would have turned 70 years old, and this year also marks the 10 year anniversary of his death. I decided that we needed to have an annual focal thing to remember my father and to use as a tool to teach my children about him. Even at the time of his death, years before I had children, one of my biggest disappointments (and frustrations with God) was that my children would not know him. He would have made a great Grandfather.

I stewed on what would be an appropriate focal thing to remember my Dad. MILKSHAKES! My Dad was famous in the neighborhood for making milkshakes for all the kids. He worked as a Soda Jerk when he was a kid, and he could make a mean milkshake. The Nashville branch of the Franklin family purchased ice cream and a stack of treats to make milkshakes in honor of Grandpa Shermie. My milkshake skills are not up to Dad's, but I didn't see the boys (and Jo) complaining. Over the years, I hope the kids will learn about Dad even though they never got the chance to sit in his lap.

I think I just got an email on my iPhone from Koike-san in Japan :) Should I answer it or go to bed?

one of Graham's favorite things about kindergarten

riding the school bus

Just a little update...

We heard from our agency today that our court paperwork has been processed and we will be submitted for embassy tomorrow. The next embassy date is September 15, so we are hoping to have clearance to travel for that date. We should hear at the beginning of next week if we got clearance. Keep praying, please! We really hope to be on a plane to Africa in less than two weeks.

August

2010-08-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

In some ways, August has gone by very quickly. In other ways, it has dragged on. Each day, I think about our daughter and when we will get to bring her home. It looks like we will not be going next week, and I am now really hoping for the next embassy date on September 15. So, we will wait another few weeks to find out when we will travel.

We have had a lot of fun things happen in August, and they have all been good distractions for us. Every year, we love going to our county fair that is just down the road from us. The boys love the hands-on farm, seeing the animals, the rides, and last but not least, the snacks. Graham and I rode the Ferris wheel for the first time and had so much fun.

One of my dear friends from Michigan, Marie, flew down for a visit without her kids. Heidi and I loved spending time with her. She wanted to help me make a scrapbook for Lidiyanna, and it was a special treat for me. Marie and I used to teach together in MI, and now she's got three kids and one of the way. She remains such a precious friend, and I cherished our time together.

Tim and the boys went out on the lake with my brother and his boys. All the boys enjoyed swimming in the lake, but none of them wanted to tube. Maybe next year.

I thought it was cute that Wesley sat on Graham's lap while one daddy skied and the other drove the boat.

Perpy came to visit and to attend a shower some friends gave me. She got to celebrate Graham's first day of school with us by going out for ice cream.

Finally, Graham started Kindergarten and he loves it! It's amazing to me to see the transformation that has occurred in him over the last year. He has grown up so much, and it's such a joy to watch it happen. Yes, I have had to fight back a few tears as I've watched him walk into school, but overall, it's been a very positive experience. A new door in his life is opening, and I am excited for him.

Patience

2010-08-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Lidiyanna has another upper respiratory infection. Please pray for her to heal quickly. I am soooooooo ready to bring her home. Each day is getting more difficult to wait. I think about her all the time, I dream about her at night, and I'm always waiting for a call to say we have an embassy date.

Would you please pray for me to have patience and pray that we get to go soon. We are really hoping for the Sept. 1 Embassy date, but we won't find out until a week or so ahead of time.

Graham starts Kindergarten tomorrow, and that has provided us with a fun distraction. He's really excited, and I am excited for him. He's been carrying around Lidiyanna's brown baby doll that my friend, Amy, sent us. The boys cannot wait for Lidiyanna to be home. They pray for her often.

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.... Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Isaiah 40:1-5

Court Date

2010-08-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

us with Yonas

The McKims, Job, and us

The day of our court appointment is one I will never forget. I awoke early that morning excited yet anxious about what the day held. Before the two trip rule, you only had a 50% chance of passing court the first time. Everyone was assuring me that since the two trip rule went into affect, most families were passing court the first time. I really wanted to pass because if we didn't pass this time, we'd have to wait until October to have our second court date.

Needless to say, I was ready to have this behind us. It actually was a really neat experience, and I'm so glad I was there to experience it. The further along in this process we get, the more I am appreciative of the two trip rule.

Around 9am, a lovely Ethiopian woman who is an America World coordinator met us in the lobby and gave us a brief orientation about what we might expect in court. She escorted us to the court house. Job, our trusty America World travel coordinator, the McKims, another couple adopting that met their son the same day we met Lidiyanna, and Yonas, another member of the America World staff went with us as well. We arrived at the court house and went into a not-so-large room full of adoptive parents and birth relatives waiting for their court appointment. We stood and talked waiting for our time to come. We ended up waiting about an hour and a half which turned out to be the most difficult part of the day.

Once our time finally came, Tim and I entered a small room where the judge sat at her desk. I sat down next to a man that I later realized was Lidiyanna's birth father. The judge asked him a few questions through a translator. Then, she turned to us. I had told Tim ahead of time that he was to be the one to answer all the questions. It was such an intense moment that all I could do was nod and gulp back the lump forming in my throat. She asked Tim if we had any children at home, if they were excited, if we had a support system at home, and if we had met Lidiyanna and still wished to adopt her. I wanted to jump up and down and shout, "Yes!", but I simply nodded with a smile on my face. Then, she literally said, "She's all yours." At that point, I was so relieved and overjoyed, I could not hold back the tears. We stood to go, and at that moment of such elation for me, I realized the quiet and kind man next to me was letting go of his youngest child forever. Talk about a humbling moment.

We left the court house and made our way back to the guest house where we would meet with the birth father. We had been told ahead of time that this was an option if we wanted to do so, and we gladly embraced the opportunity to speak with this man that would forever be linked to our lives. We had come up with a list of questions and things we wanted to say.

It was a very surreal moment as we sat down with Yonahs, another translator, and the birth father. I don't want to go into much detail because Tim and I feel this is Lidiyanna's story to learn and to tell when she's ready. I will say that my heart was so softened towards this man across the table from me, and I felt so much love for him. He had the same kind, big eyes that my daughter has, and I just wanted to soak up every moment that I could with him. I have so much respect for him, and I will tell Lidiyanna that her first daddy was a man she can admire and be proud of. At the end of the conversation, we shook his hand and then we embraced. I got a wonderful picture of Lidiyanna's two daddies hugging, and her birth father had the brightest, toothiest grin on his face. I will always treasure that picture, and I hope it will be special to Lidiyanna as well.

After such an overwhelming yet joyful day, we were taken out to a traditional Ethiopian dinner with the other families in our group. It was truly a time of celebration, and I felt like I could finally relax. Lidiyanna was now our daughter, and my heart was so full.

The dinner was yummy and consisted of injera, a flat, pancake-like bread that was used to scoop up the meat, veggies, and beans. After the dinner was served, some dancers came out on stage and performed tradition Ethiopian dancing. It was amazing to watch, but the best part was when they went out into the audience. Several people in our group were chosen to dance, and Tim was one of them! He was a very good sport unlike me who was glued to my seat. Below is a picture of my friend, Neiva, who had been with us at the court date earlier that day. What a great way to end a great day! Tim and I both feel into bed later that night.

A New Name

2010-08-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Tim and I have been talking a lot about our daughter's name. We wanted to use her Ethiopian name, and we've also had some family names that are very important to us. We had gotten very used to calling her Lidiya, but we were not completely settled on that name.

We've decided to name her Lidiyanna Jo Franklin. We will call her Lidiyanna.

Lidiya is her Ethiopian name, and we will honor her first family and her beautiful birth country by keeping that name.

Anna was Tim's grandmother's name. We want to honor her and Tim's dad through this name.

Jo was my grandmother's name. I was named after a very special woman, and I want to honor her in this way.

Tim and I have both thought about the song I will change your name by D.J. Butler. It describes beautifully how God has changed our name. Without God, we are wounded and lonely. When He comes into our lives, He makes us joyful and confident.

Over and over through this adoption process, we've seen God's redemption, His rescue, and His love and compassion for His children. Not only have we seen it in the life of Lidiyanna or other orphans, but we have a greater understanding of how He has rescued and changed us.

God is changing Lidiyanna's name and story. That is what He has done with us.

I will change your name
You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast
Lonely or afraid

I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness, friend of God
One who seeks my face.

The Gate

2010-08-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

This was our guest house in Addis Ababa. Most of the homes have barbed wire and a gate around the home. There is little violent crime but lots of petty theft. Our guest house was a nice place to stay and I always felt safe there. Our room had a balcony that overlooked the city, and I enjoyed looking out at this beautiful place every morning. Each night, Tim and I would go down to the lobby to use the Internet, and we enjoyed the time talking with the other families. One of the greatest joys from the trip was getting to know the other adoptive families, hear their hearts and stories, and witness them being united with their children. What an amazing thing to watch! Below is a picture of some friends we met in Nashville through the African Adoption Fellowship group. They were in Addis the same time we were to pick up their son. What a treat it was to watch them meet their son for the first time. There was not a dry eye at the transition home. The families we met on this trip will forever have a special place in our hearts.

This is the gate and entrance to the America World transition home for the younger children. I will never forget driving the very bumpy and rocky road that led to this gate. I kept looking for the sign, and once I saw it, my heart starting beating twice as fast. I was about to meet my girl. Every day while we were in Addis, I looked forward to seeing this sign and spending time with Lidiya. Experiencing the culture, eating the food, and spending time with the other families was great, but seeing Lidiya was the absolute highlight of my days in Addis.

I look forward to entering this gate again to bring Lidiya home. Even though she has wonderful nannies who love her, nothing can compare to a home with a mommy and daddy. She will no longer be one of six or eight babies in one room. She will get to go outside and see the sunshine lots and lots. She will have two big brothers who adore her. She will go to church, learn Bible verses, and be a part of an amazing Vacation Bible school every summer. She will get new school supplies every fall as she prepares for the new school year. She will be gently tucked into bed each night by a mommy and daddy who love her so much. Every one of those children we met in Ethiopia should have all of this. I pray God will bring each of them a home and a family to love them.

Coffee Ceremony and Alert Leprosy Hospital

2010-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

The nannies at the transition home are taking such good care of the children. It's obvious they love them and know them well. One of Lidiya's nannies told me that Lidiya pulls on her ear when she is tired. It touched me to know that they are loving her while I am not there. They pulled out the book I had sent Lidiya in a care package so I could go through it with her. It was a sweet moment to show Lidiya her brothers' pictures and to tell her about them.

The Coffee Ceremony is a very important tradition in the Ethiopian culture. At a restaurant one day after we had eaten lunch, our guides had arranged for us to take part in one. One woman spent time preparing coffee over hot coals while we sat in a circle on some wooden stools eating popcorn and breathing in lots of incense. When the coffee was ready, she poured it into small coffee cups and passed it around. It was very dark and very strong. Our guide told us that many families gather together with their neighbors daily to have a coffee ceremony. For them, it is about relationships and spending time together through this old tradition. I admire how relational the Ethiopians are. They are very laid back with schedules and spend hours every day talking with each other in homes, restaurants and coffee shops.

Alert Leprosy Hospital

We visited this community where people with leprosy can live and work. They make amazingly beautiful art with their hands that are often missing fingers and thumbs. These men were making woven mats and many others made embroidered linens.

This woman asked Tim to take our picture together, and the girls gathered around when he got his camera out. We passed out granola bars and tootsie roll pops to the kids there, and some of the girls knew some English and wanted to talk.

I'm missing my sweet girl a little more tonight. Since we've returned home, I've stayed busy with the boys soaking in their smells, voices, and hugs. I've been nesting, getting things organized for Lidiya, and doing some shopping for some girl clothes. Despite all of the activity, I find myself thinking about her constantly. I am so ready to bring her home and have our family all together in one place.

Our First Day in Ethiopia

2010-08-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

It's hard to describe such an intense week we have had. I think we are both still trying to process things. We had an amazing week in Ethiopia and it is one we will never forget.

We flew into Addis Ababa at night, and David, our driver, was waiting for us at the airport with a small, homemade sign that said, "America World". We were so happy to see him! Later we realized he is a maniac driver on the streets, and every time I was in the car with him, I was praying for our safety. Actually, I think everyone there drives like crazy people, and there are no stop signs and very few stop lights. Fortunately, we did not see any accidents, and we did make it safely through the streets of Addis. The streets are full of diesel fumes and just riding through them can make you sick to your stomach.

Despite the nasty fumes, I was so happy to be in this city where I knew I would meet our little girl. We just couldn't believe we were finally here. David took us to our guest house where we fell into bed. Amazingly, we both slept fairly well despite the barking dogs and noisy rooster just outside our window. We awoke the next morning and couldn't wait to get the day started.

We went downstairs and had a delicious breakfast that consisted of fresh squeezed pineapple juice and scrambled eggs. Every morning, the wonderful chef at our guest home would make a fantastic breakfast for the guests. I really enjoyed that treat.

We met another family that had just flown in and they joined us for the drive to the transition home. Together, we would start the week, and it was a joy to share the adventure with this family that became dear friends.

Once we arrived at the transition home that is run by our adoption agency, we nervously stood outside the front porch and waited for the nannies to bring out our children. Talk about a surreal experience!! After a few moments, Lidiya appeared and the nanny handed her to me while wiping her face with a cloth. I was overcome with emotions and started crying. I think Lidiya didn't know what to think at first. Once I was able to calm down and start smiling at her, she quickly relaxed and smiled back. What a sweet moment it was to finally hold my daughter and gaze into her eyes instead of a photograph. She was even more beautiful and precious than the pictures portrayed, and my heart felt so much peace.

We got to stay at the home for several hours and play with Lidiya. She took a nap in my arms and we fed her a bottle after she awoke. I just couldn't stop smiling. It was so wonderful to be with her. a view of Addis from our window at the guest house

my sweet, sleeping child

one of the first smiles

a view of the neighbor's yard where a woman is washing her clothes

It is hard to describe the life there because it is so different from what we know here. The hardships they face are heartbreaking, and so many of the conveniences we enjoy here are not even imagined there. From washing machines to a good education to great health care...these are things I take for granted here that many people in Ethiopia can only dream of.

The people of Ethiopia have captured my heart. I hope to share more of the amazing people and culture in the coming blog posts.

Home

2010-08-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

our first day with Lidiya in Ethiopiaour first moments with our daughter

We just arrived home this evening from Ethiopia. I am about to drag myself upstairs and into the bed, but I wanted to send a quick update a few pictures of my beautiful baby girl.

What a trip we have had!! I can't wait to tell all about it, but for now, I will only give a few highlights: we met our daughter and we passed court!!!

Lidiya is so precious and has already captured our hearts. We are so grateful that God has blessed us with such a special daughter. We count it an honor and priviledge to be her parents, and we cannot wait to bring her home. It was very difficult to leave her there, but we are praying it will only be a month or so before we can return to pick her up. While we were in Ethiopia, we missed our boys so much and felt like part of us was still in Tennessee. Now, we are so happy to be home with the boys but miss Lidiya. Now, part of my heart is in Ethiopia.

Immeasurably more

2010-07-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Today is the day we leave! Our bags are packed, and we are ready. Tomorrow we will arrive in Addis Ababa, and by Friday, we will have met our daughter. I can hardly believe it!! Our court date is Monday, but Ethiopia is nine hours ahead so please pray for us on Sunday night.

God has been so good, and as always, His timing has been perfect. We have a court date four days before the courts close. As we are leaving our boys for a week, Wesley is finally potty-trained (well, mostly). Graham hasn't started kindergarten. I was a little concerned that we would have to miss his first week of school. The boys have not expressed any sadness about us leaving. They are so excited to see more pictures of Lidiya and to hear how she is doing. They are just thrilled to be getting a new sister. All the details are coming together.

As we embark on this journey, we pray God will do immeasurably more than we can imagine. We pray this trip is more than just a get-away to another country (of course, it can't be just that as we are meeting a little girl that will add so much to our lives). We pray for our hearts to be changed, to be broken for what breaks His, and for our eyes to be opened to the ways that He is working on the other side of the world as well as in our lives.

I cannot wait to tell you all about it.

My Head is Spinning!

2010-07-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Literally, Tim and I both feel sick tonight-mainly from the four vaccinations we received yesterday but also from the details around this trip we are trying to plan in a week.

If you haven't heard yet, I'd like to share some exciting news...we are going to Ethiopia next week!! We got the call yesterday telling us our court date has been assigned for August 2. We will need to be in the country by July 30 for some appointments to prepare for the court date.

We can hardly believe in a little over a week we will get to meet our daughter. Yesterday, I could not stop smiling and thanking God for answering our prayers to receive a court date before August 6 when the courts will be closing for 50 days for the rainy season. Today, I've come down from the cloud of bliss I was on yesterday, and I've landed with a thud on the floor of reality. We have so much to do in so little time.

This trip will be for the court date, so we will not get to bring our sweet daughter home with us. Typically, only 50% of the court cases pass on the first try, but we are praying we pass this time. Usually, what causes the case to fail is not within control of the adoptive families. It might be something as simple as a power outage that day in court or a birth relative was unable to make it. We are praying that God will bring all of the details together so that we can pass. Then, we would come back to Ethiopia in 6 to 8 weeks for the embassy date and to bring our daughter home.

I just continue to be overwhelmed with God's provisions and watching His hand work in our lives. He is providing loving and generous friends and family to watch our boys while we are gone. What a huge blessing it will be to us to know our boys are in good hands while we are apart. So many people have shared their excitement and support, and it warms our hearts so much.

Please pray for us on our trip. Pray for safe travel, for the boys while we are gone and those caring for them, for our first few days with our daughter, for us to pass court, and for our hearts as we say good-bye to our little girl and the other precious boys and girls waiting for their families.

If you would like to send something with us, I am going to be packing donations to take to our transition home and to some orphanages we will be visiting. Donations include used baby and children's clothing and shoes, OTC medication and vitamins for children, candy or granola bars, formula and diapers.

Thank you for sharing in this amazing journey with us. It is way beyond my comfort zone, but it is here that I am seeing God's glory in ways I've never seen. I'm reminded of a challenge I heard last year from a Beth Moore Bible study. She encouraged her readers to live a life of purpose, not of comfort.

My daughter's hand

2010-07-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

We heard from the sweet family today that took our care package to Lidiya. They said she is doing well and is beautiful. They showed her the book we sent of pictures of our family, and they put her in a little outfit we sent. It brought my heart so much comfort to know God had sent another family to love on her. Isn't it amazing how He works? One of the lessons He's been teaching me through this experience is to let go of the control that I would like to have and to trust Him to care for our daughter. He's doing a wonderful job, and I'm so thankful she is in His hands.

This is one of the sweet pictures they sent us. Isn't her tiny hand adorable? I can't wait to hold it!

Paperwork for Court

2010-07-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

We received word today that our paperwork has been officially submitted to the Ethiopian government and our court date should be assigned to us soon. Our agency said we should hopefully have a court date in the next two to four weeks, but it could be that our court date will be after the courts reopen after the closing.

We were thrilled to know we are continuing to get a little closer. Keep praying!!

Rainy Season

2010-07-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants to know when we are traveling to Africa. I'd like to know, too! Right now, we are waiting to hear from our agency about our court date. Our daughter's birth certificate has to be issued first in order to be assigned a court date. Our agency said we should receive a court date between 4 and 8 weeks after we accepted the referral. We accepted it on June 30 and were hoping to have a court date in August.

I just found out that the courts in Ethiopia will close from August 6 until September 27 for the rainy season, so I'm not too sure if we will get a court date before they close. Ugh...the idea of waiting until October to see my daughter is really hard, but I know God knows what is best. I'm praying He will put us in Africa at the time that is best for Lidiya and best for our family.

We also found out last week that Lidiya has some type of upper respiratory infection and is on antibiotics. I think this is fairly common in the transition home, and I am thankful she has a good doctor and medicine to help her get better.

I would love for you to pray with us for our little girl's health and for our court date. I would love to get to travel in the next month to meet Lidiya, but if that doesn't happen, pray that we will have patience and peace and continue to trust in God through this.

I sent a care package this week with another family from our agency that is traveling for a court date. They assured me to give our little girl lots of love, hugs, and that they would pray with her. What a comfort they are to me, and I've never even met this family. They are going to send us an email later in the week with some pictures of Lidiya and a little update. I'm looking forward to hearing from them.

Happy Birthday, Wesley!

2010-07-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sweet Wesley,

We celebrate your life and the gift God gave us three years ago when you came into our lives. I pray your tender, sensitive heart will always listen and follow God's Spirit leading and guiding you. Your smile lights up a room and your laugh is one of the sweetest sounds in my ear. You adore your brother, love on your doggy, and melt the hearts of your parents. You love being outside, pushing trucks, going swimming and eating desserts. Soon you will be a big brother, and I know you will love your sister well. I am proud of you, Wesley. Remember, you can do all things through Christ who gives your strength.

7-07-07

2 years old

6 months old

one year old

almost three!

Summer Update

2010-07-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Even though this summer has been challenging, we've had some really great moments. Here are a few of those moments I want to remember: A few days after we got the referral, Tim and I went out on a date to celebrate. We decided to try a local Ethiopian restaurant. It was an interesting experience, and some of the food we really enjoyed. We've heard that Ethiopian food can be enjoyed more as you try it more and get used to it. It was also a special time to celebrate our daughter's culture and get excited about traveling to Ethiopia.

My mom and her husband were here over the Fourth of July weekend. We had so much fun with them, and our children soaked up the love of their grandparents.

We had my brother and his family and my cousin, Andrew, over to our house to celebrate Wesley's birthday (a little early).

We are trying to enjoy some snuggly moments with Shelby this summer. Shelby has been a part of our family for over 10 years. We were saddened to find out she has cancer and may not be with us very much longer. Right now, she is feeling good, enjoying walks, and still loving being around the kids.

In June, we went to Tim's mom's house to visit Perpy and Tim's sister and her kids. Despite a trip to the ER, we had a great weekend together. The boys loved playing with Davis and Hayley.

Graham and Wesley have so much fun swimming in our neighborhood pool. We go there often for the boys to burn off energy, cool off in the water, and it helps me keep my sanity.

We celebrated my birthday at my mom's house in Tyler earlier in the summer. My mom does such a great job of making me feel loved. I love the way she pampers me.a trip out on my brother's boat with the cousins

Referral!!!

2010-06-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Our house is bursting with excitement this weekend. Yesterday afternoon we got the call that we've been waiting for for over eight months now. We have a daughter!!! She is beautiful with lovely brown eyes, and I am ready to jump on a plane tomorrow for Ethiopia.

Now, we will submit our acceptance for the referral and wait for the court date to be assigned. It should be sometime in the next few months, but the rainy season in Ethiopia is coming up in August and September. It causes the courts to close for approximately 45 days, so that can throw a kink in things. Once our court date is assigned, we will start packing our bags and get ready to meet our daughter. We will spend a little less than a week in Ethiopia and will visit our daughter every day for about 3 hours each day. She is in our agency's transition home, and I have great peace knowing she is well-loved and well-fed there at the home. After the court date, we will come home without her and wait for the embassy date to be assigned. Hopefully, that will occur two months after we pass court.

The boys are thrilled about the news of their little sister. We printed off the two pictures our agency sent us, and Graham asked if he could hang one in his room. Later, I found the picture of sweet Lidiya (that's her Ethiopian name) taped to the wall by his bed. He said he wanted to look at her as he fell asleep. My heart melted! The boys often ask me throughout the day what time it is in Ethiopia, and we talk about what Lidiya might be doing in that moment. We try to stop and pray for her at each time.

I feel like I can breath a sigh of relief. We finally have a precious face to spend time gazing at, we have a name to replay in our minds, and we have a hope that the end is in sight. But, it's really not the end. It's only the beginning.

We ask for your prayers for her health. She is very small, and we pray she will quickly gain weight in the transition home. We pray God will protect her little body from illnesses. We pray that a court date will be assigned quickly.

Thank you for your support, your prayers, and your excitement. It has been so fun to share the news, and our hearts are overwhelmed not only with thankfulness for our beloved daughter but with gratitude for the love of our friends. We cannot wait for you to meet her!

2010-06-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

Over the past month, I have felt the enemy's attack in a real way. Tim has felt it, too. Yet, I have felt God's protection around me, and He has spoken sweet words of love and encouragement that have strengthened my heart at times that I have been so discouraged.

In three different ways at three different times, God brought two verses to mind that I knew He wanted me to hear. Sometimes, God uses repetition to get our attention. This is one of the verses:

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

God first brought that verse to my mind last week as I was feeling very weary over the potty-training issues. I just felt like I couldn't wake up the next morning and do it all over again the next day. Then, my life-long best friend emailed the verse to me. Later that day, someone in my Bible study read the verse aloud. God has used this verse at another time in my life, and I wrote it on a sheet of paper that stayed on the fridge for months. God's word is more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Psalm 19:10

The second verse He used to encourage me this week is

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

First, this verse came to my mind, and then I heard it in a song on the radio. Finally, it was part of a scripture reading in church today. Again, this verse was special to me when we first moved to Nashville for Tim to go to grad school. Tennessee is full of beautiful hills, and often when I look at the hills around our city, I think of this verse. Help from the maker of heaven and earth-where could you find better help than from Him?

I am so thankful and in awe that the maker of heaven and earth, the creator of all things, and the God of this universe cares for me. He sees my daily struggles that in the grand scheme of things are quite small. He speaks to me in real ways, and He longs to encourage my heart.

In worship today, we sang a beautiful song entitled One True God. Here are some of the lyrics:

You're the God of the falling fire.
You're the God of the coming rain.
You're the God of the gentle whisper-
Surely You are, Surely You are

The one, true God-
Strong yet beautiful,
Just yet merciful,
Proving yourself to be
The one true God-
Never changing, but
Still mysterious
The infinite, yet intimate God.

The part of that song that really made me think was the very last verse in the chorus. God is infinite yet intimate. He is amazingly huge, omnipresent and omniscient, and yet, He knows everything about me and wants me to know Him. He knows and loves and ordains the days of a little girl in Africa, and He knows and loves and ordains the days of a woman in Nashville. Somehow using His creativity, His wisdom, and His compassion, He is working to bring the two together.

Infinite, yet intimate...

our God.