Welcome back, Spring! We missed you.

Spring Break in Texas

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sledding

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!!

Rosy Cheeks

Warming up after playing in the snow