tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7185066798265019232012-02-09T06:58:46.305-05:00Weird in so many ways...Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.comBlogger3931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-15860863393067873562010-08-26T20:27:00.000-05:002010-08-26T20:27:22.360-05:00

We started this blog over 3 years ago (!) to chronicle our adoption journey.  It turned into much more.  Yet, for so long, I felt that this blog was "done" and had a hard time posting.  So I stopped.  But I've missed it. :) Our life has taken SO many twists and turns these past few years. I'm not the same person that started this blog.  I've grown - in so many ways.  And seeing that I have SO

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-2789979021577331122010-04-23T20:48:00.007-05:002010-04-23T21:15:50.646-05:00

yep... it's been quiet around here.I think my blogging days are numbered. When we were in the throes of adoption, this was a great way to unload those confusing, frustrating, joyful and sad thoughts and feelings. It was also a great place to share our family happenings.Selam has been home with us over 8 months now. We are finding our new normal and settling in nicely. With both Mark and I working

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-358897364186225602010-03-05T09:54:00.004-05:002010-03-05T10:25:28.761-05:00

Happy Friday!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-7345939013943667592010-03-02T09:29:00.002-05:002010-03-02T09:34:26.629-05:00

I wish this post was mine. But I couldn't have said it this perfectly. You have to read it for yourself. I stumbled across this blog over the weekend through some other link ups. So glad others were willing to share her words.Please, head on over to It's Almost Naptime and read:I don't want my children to be happy

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-41179860000098649982010-03-01T06:52:00.004-05:002010-03-01T06:55:29.862-05:00

I originally wrote this post as a (very long) comment on my friend Lisa's blog. She asks questions weekly and I was offering some input. This week's question was:"What are the pros/cons of adopting more than one child at a time? We are considering also requesting a preschool boy in addition to an infant girl…and we’re willing if God asks us to do it, but quite honestly, it SCARES me to think of

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-78972309595377224982010-02-24T06:55:00.004-05:002010-02-24T07:02:44.061-05:00

It’s been a long time. Is anyone still out there??? The past few months have been busy and blogging was quickly discarded. In the back of my mind I often have flickers of ideas to post or thoughts like “I should really write about this experience.” And then, before I know it, that urge is gone and I’m back to wasting time on Facebook. J It’s interesting – I started a new job back in October.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-27851809828630238692010-01-15T07:04:00.002-05:002010-01-15T07:07:32.774-05:00

I'm really looking forward to reading this book! Product DescriptionYou can apply the same techniques of efficiency, intention, and purpose that you've used in other careers to your most important position in life--motherhood. Steady Days takes you through the process of becoming a professional mother: one who is organized and excited to spend time with your young children. If you've ever felt

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-10964170321194887862010-01-07T06:41:00.001-05:002010-01-07T06:42:36.358-05:00

It's Christmas! Again!Well, at least in Ethiopia. I don't really have time for a post (never seem to lately...) but here is a link to the post I wrote last year about ET Christmas with some helpful (I hope) links.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-66119622666275603592009-12-25T12:06:00.003-05:002009-12-25T13:05:52.217-05:00

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-4986803598547706962009-11-23T08:44:00.000-05:002009-11-23T15:49:39.913-05:00

Okay, the title is misleading. But I did get a blog award from the amazing Miss Leslie. (and yes, I know it was awhile ago!) I found it somewhat amusing given that most of my posts lately were thefts of the amazing thoughts of others. :) But I'll take what I can get! Thanks Leslie!Here are the blog award "rules" (and they are very, very strict):1. Thank the person who awarded me the award, and

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-71133476808283445692009-11-11T17:38:00.003-05:002009-11-11T17:40:29.931-05:00

This whole posting-every-day-thing...Seriously - what was I thinking???Poor Hana has been home sick since Sunday. Today we finally went to the doctor (they've been telling everyone to stay home so I listened!).Seriously?Strep throat AND influenza (probably H1N1). Come on people.The ironic thing is that I have all these post topics floating around in my head... and no energy to write them!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-7641843465589004002009-11-08T23:59:00.000-05:002009-11-09T11:37:06.932-05:00

This year I happened to share my birthday with a meaningful event - Orphan Sunday. Orphan Sunday is a great time to "Defend the cause of the fatherless..." Isaiah 1:17. Due to other plans, we did not attend an event or specifically acknowledge it this year. However, I think it is a great example of the many people that are working to raise awareness for the 132 million orphans world-wide. (

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-87360935839871229282009-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:002009-11-07T06:00:02.216-05:00

... at bedtime. I found this great post via Mary at Owlhaven. Don't we moms (and dads) all feel like this sometimes. I know I do. Work all day, come home to homework and activities and bathes and whatever. Get the kids to bed to squeeze in some chores (and maybe relax). Wake up and do it all over again.Why is it so hard to take a few moments for an extra cuddle? To hear another story about

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-83398696330836238952009-11-06T09:31:00.004-05:002009-11-06T09:43:35.369-05:00

Thanks to a tip from a little bird, I'm still going strong on a post each day. ;o) Here's another quick one while I have a moment.First a little shout-out to my family. My big brother's birthday was Wednesday and my wonderful mom's is today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you guys and miss you.Second, I ran across a post I really liked via Shell's blog. So, being me, I'll steal it. :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-46915333007924750302009-11-05T22:00:00.000-05:002009-11-06T08:47:38.501-05:00

I can't post every day! As Selam would say, "It is impossible!" (it's really funny when she says that by the way). So we'll see if I can find other ways to hit the 30 posts in 30 days. :) But don't expect too much substance! :)But here is a quote I like:"Other people and things can stop you temporarily. You're the only one who can do it permanently." ~Zig Ziglar~

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-55907809519701706192009-11-04T20:46:00.003-05:002009-11-04T20:47:18.017-05:00

Not quite sure what Hana was paranoid about (?), but everyone seemed to enjoy the night! :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-85824237783910223502009-11-03T20:51:00.002-05:002009-11-03T22:06:49.045-05:00

Damn my blogging every day promise! Adoption-related no less!I actually have a few posts floating around in my head, but I'm too tired to make much sense. So continue reading at your own risk. ;o)So, this evening, Mark and I actually scored a sitter (wonderful neighbor!) and we both made it to all 4 of the older kids' conferences. It was a whirlwind! But all in all very good. The kids are

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-2204622825736625792009-11-02T12:15:00.002-05:002009-11-02T12:20:53.884-05:00

Whoo hoo! November is national adoption month and is also National Blog Posting Month where bloggers challenge each other to post every day this month. Given my recent track record, this would be quite a task.Given the two themes together, I'd love to get an adoption-related post up daily. But I make no promises. ;o)We are now on Day 2 of November. What a good day to think about adoption

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-5256993442851743792009-11-01T22:02:00.004-05:002009-11-01T22:13:40.913-05:00

Okay, well, the camera with our Halloween photos has a dead battery, so I'll just share a couple of recent photos of the kids - carving pumpkins, cider mill with friends and who knows what else...Kids carving. Not sure why Abi looks like a demon and Grace looks like a pirate, but ah well. :o) You will not find Ally in these photos because she would have NOTHING to do with the pumpkin guts.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-37718170470294573752009-10-31T11:30:00.002-05:002009-10-31T11:31:35.589-05:00

Ally is currently using a playing card as a phone.Why do we bother with toys?????

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-8775555527334631242009-10-26T14:49:00.005-05:002009-10-26T15:46:02.214-05:00

Okay. Am I the only one to think that the day you meet your new children is one of the weirdest days possible?Sure it is joy-filled and exciting. Overwhelming. Emotionally draining. Exhilarating.But it's also super-weird.I remember meeting Abi and Hana. We flew into ET the night before. Got to our hotel between 7-8 p.m. ET time. Managed to eat something before the 3 of us crashed with our crazy

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-58653688067117626052009-10-22T14:56:00.000-05:002009-10-22T14:57:11.779-05:00

Over 6 million hungry.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-49385054306419928892009-10-15T13:07:00.005-05:002009-10-15T13:52:31.117-05:00

Okay, this is something that's been rolling around in my head off and on for months and months. I'm not sure it will come out right, but I'm going to try and share it anyways:I caught just a few minutes of an Extreme Home Makeover re-run last night while on the treadmill flipping channels. I didn't really catch the whole story, but it appeared that a single mom had adopted or fostered a number of

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-49376065633042922112009-10-15T09:41:00.002-05:002009-10-15T09:43:47.309-05:00

More than 1 billion going hungry, U.N. saysStory HighlightsWorld Food Programme: One in six of world's population is now going hungryNearly all the world's undernourished live in developing countriesNumber of hungry spiked as the global economic crisis took hold, report saysCalls for greater investment in agriculture to tackle long and short-term hunger(CNN) -- The global economic crisis has

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-82373783304731598032009-10-05T19:42:00.002-05:002009-10-05T19:46:37.235-05:00

Owlhaven is giving away 3 sets of 3 copies of her book, Family Feasts for $75/week. I want one! Check it out.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-44312709075248601332009-10-03T20:49:00.000-05:002009-10-03T20:50:35.258-05:00

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-45357673016829750172009-10-03T18:51:00.003-05:002009-10-03T19:36:43.994-05:00

Okay, I suck at blogging these days.Sue me. ;o)It's not for lack of content. We've certainly been busy. But actually putting it into words seems daunting. So many things that I want catch up on. But how to decide... I guess I'll try. ;o) Here's a random, incomplete summary of my thoughts as of late.Older child adoption is amazing. It's incredibly rewarding and just ... great. BUT that generalized

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-17913598354795126762009-09-24T08:18:00.004-05:002009-09-24T08:27:03.831-05:00

It's official. I have entered the world of the soccer mom. So far we've been able to take it slow, but it's ramping up. Selam and Hana are both playing this year, so that's 2 night of practice each week (one for each) and Saturday games - sometimes all day. And Selam being on the under 13 league has to travel to some other local YMCAs to play. Sigh. I wasn't quite ready for all that!But it's

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-32118161031931356382009-09-23T10:27:00.001-05:002009-09-23T10:30:36.489-05:00

More books added to my list...I need someone to give me an extra 2 hours each day just for reading. :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-40035955382882083802009-09-18T13:12:00.004-05:002009-09-18T13:55:05.392-05:00

I love to read. I have for as long as I can remember. I used to have a bit of a code - 99% of the time, I would finish any book I started, even if I didn't like it much. It drove me NUTS not to finish a book. Oh, and I would only read one book at a time. I'm not quite sure when this changed, but my "code" is gone!!!I rarely get to finish books any more - even those I like! And I am often

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-68153485281571642492009-09-16T17:19:00.003-05:002009-09-16T17:34:51.194-05:00

I don't spend a lot of time on the various yahoo adopt groups that we are "members" of these days. In the early days of our first adoption, I could read for hours, gleaning information and (what I hoped was) wisdom. Even before Abi and Hana came home, I grew tired of the larger groups and the bickering that often ensued. Now, I typically just check in to our agency list now and again.But today

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-79985779972721045512009-09-11T12:21:00.004-05:002009-09-11T12:34:06.075-05:00

We were fortunate to have such a wonderful bonding weekend just prior to starting school. We took the opportunity to spend some time together relaxing as a family and were able to spend some quality time with Mark's parents up at their cabin. The kids had a BALL. The weather was amazing (best of the summer) so we spent basically 2 full days on the water.I came home exhausted, yet rejuvinated. ;o)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-38369577899951034682009-09-10T13:38:00.002-05:002009-09-10T13:38:48.620-05:00

Whoo hoo to Katherine Heigl and her husband on their new baby!I love postive adoption stories in the media. Good for them.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-34533272312792663082009-09-10T09:21:00.003-05:002009-09-10T09:25:25.238-05:00

So, I don't think I'm actually cut out for 2 blogs. In theory it made sense, and it will annoy me that my blog address is so boring and solely adoption related, but ah well. I might just have to get over it - so you will too. :o)Day 3 of school (day 2 for Ally). So far, the big kids are doing great. Everyone has been excited and enjoying things, so that's good. Today I dropped Ally off and

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-9869639735265114452009-09-08T08:32:00.008-05:002009-09-08T09:06:45.312-05:00

I can't believe it.The house is silent (other than the dog snoring). It's a little creepy. I miss them all already. And it's 9:30! That's right - all 5 kids headed off to school today. Here's the run-down:Selam - 6th gradeGrace - 3rd gradeHana - 1st gradeAbi - KindergartenAlly - preschool/daycare Can't believe my little boy is already in kindergarten. We've all been a little nervous - Abi

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-83582172078684895932009-09-07T20:30:00.001-05:002009-09-07T20:33:23.849-05:00

Rockin' 3 hours of braids and newly pierced ears. *Sigh*I have a 6th grader.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-81832858565497833732009-08-25T12:37:00.001-05:002009-08-25T12:38:51.313-05:00

New movie coming out (when?): The Blind SideA disadvantaged teenager is taken in by a conservative family who see tremendous promise in the young man. Despite certain obstacles, the attention and inspiration he receives helps him mature into an athletically and academically successful NFL prospect.Man, the trailer made me tear up! Yikes!This looks like a good one.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-40085449141014463112009-08-24T06:14:00.006-05:002009-08-24T06:41:54.073-05:00

Hanging out with little sis at the park yesterday.Grace turned 8 yesterday. That just sounds so OLD! I can't believe it. For some reason, her birthday made me a little emotional this year. Grace was my first baby - the child that made me a mom. I was scared to death of that during my pregnancy! But my first look at her gave me such confidence - she was so tiny and perfect! I knew it wouldn't be

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-19062003329158472312009-08-19T07:38:00.004-05:002009-08-19T07:50:10.593-05:00

They told me they were dressed as "lawyers" hahahaEnjoying our hikeCheck out those braids! 3 1/2 hours later...

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-36253580277906653412009-08-18T07:10:00.005-05:002009-08-18T08:09:15.673-05:00

My poor, neglected blog. I tried to update you several times over the past couple of weeks. It just wasn’t in the cards. Once, blogger was not my friend. Then, a thunderstorm took the power out (fun fun). And then some random mishaps. But it is quiet this morning. And my coffee is ready. And I am determined to update at least a bit. I know I’ll be sorry if I don’t! Since it HAS been so

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-56732523214513859172009-08-14T07:50:00.003-05:002009-08-14T08:00:25.935-05:00

For the FOURTH time, I have started typing out an update and got a ways into it. And blogger deletes it.Next time, I'll type it out in Word first. Sad that it took me this long to figure out.But I'm mad now, so going to see if Selam will let me braid her hair to calm me down. :o)I promise - a real update soon. Rest assured we are all doing very well!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-63615951953171257582009-08-05T15:00:00.001-05:002009-08-05T15:22:49.300-05:00

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-75220951086009382462009-08-05T09:51:00.002-05:002009-08-05T09:57:39.525-05:00

hanging with mom and dad at the park (don't worry - I know it won't be long until she's much to cool for us. I think she just might be already!) :o)All the kiddos at the parkEnjoying her first s'moreCutie-pie HanaA little family bonding around the campfire before our family soccer game!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-40230050065161725672009-08-05T09:31:00.005-05:002009-08-05T09:50:43.190-05:00

Sometimes, I really hate blogger. I just wrote out a pretty extensive post, updating on our first day home. In a flash, it was gone. RAWR.Too ticked off to rewrite right now. So, you'll have ot make do knowing that things are going remarkably well. I'm having trouble even uploading photos now but I'll see what I can come up with! :o)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-60056931230139899092009-08-01T19:51:00.001-05:002009-08-01T19:51:50.012-05:00

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-90683537977595576182009-07-30T14:55:00.001-05:002009-07-30T14:55:59.667-05:00

More photos!   Most of these are from our trip to Debre Zeyit.  We were able to meet Selam's family (and Hana's too, obviously).  I don't think I have time or the energy to describe our day.  And I want to respect their privacy.  But I do want to say that it was wonderful and terrible and such an amazing honor.  A feast was prepared in our honor and it was delicious.  I couldn't even eat half of

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-66818052109314230982009-07-30T14:50:00.000-05:002009-07-30T14:51:08.889-05:00

It is 11 p.m. Wednesday in Addis.   I am exhausted.   I am awake, however, sitting by the phone. Hoping that Mark will call by 11:30 when he gets home from work.  We haven't spoken yet and I miss him.  It's been a long time since I've been apart from my family this long.  I miss them ALL.   The phones have been tough here with the power rationing.  Electricity, power and phones have been very

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-54256067190880655412009-07-30T14:49:00.001-05:002009-07-30T14:49:54.457-05:00

Power and internet have been quite spotty, so we'll see how this post goes.  I'm shooting for putting up three, but I'll just have to cross my fingers!   Included are some photos but I have no idea what order they will post!  :)  They should be mom and I at the airport, ET from the air, our view from the guesthouse and meeting Selam.   It's been a whirlwind, wonderful trip.  i wish I had time to

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-86312391622228881702009-07-27T23:07:00.001-05:002009-07-27T23:07:58.353-05:00

It's 7 a.m. in ET! We made it safely yesterday/last night. All ourflights were on time. Our flight into Addis had a delay in landingdue to a thunderstorm, but nothing too bad. We were very fortunate!I was so tired that when we got to the guesthouse, I just could NOTfigure out the phone or the computer! But after a pretty decentnight's sleep, at least I was able to hop on the internet.We

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-12668135059818655712009-07-26T07:35:00.001-05:002009-07-26T07:36:27.142-05:00

I'll be back Saturday. ;o)Can't believe it's finally here! So excited to see our girl again and (finally!) bring her home!!!Please keep us in your prayers.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-16184541353806453702009-07-22T13:09:00.001-05:002009-07-22T13:09:50.323-05:00

Email test - just want to make sure I can post in ET!!!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-46529553021613403552009-07-22T13:05:00.002-05:002009-07-22T13:08:07.211-05:00

Currently on hold for the pediatrician. I totally forgot to make an appointment for Selam when she gets home! Oh, and all the other 4 are due (or nearly due) for well-child visits too. My goal is to have this all done before school starts. And hair cuts. And probably a teeth cleaning or four?August will be great fun.:o)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-89596727491117122072009-07-17T09:42:00.002-05:002009-07-17T09:57:41.526-05:00

Sometimes parenting really sucks. :o(We've been having a lot of talks about lying and telling the truth around here lately, especially with a certain kiddos. It is very frustrating for me as lying is at the top of my parenting pet peeve list. I KNOW there is a basis for these lies, and most of the time I understand that. More than the majority of the time, it is simply a survival instinct - I

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-20523578889817768492009-07-14T12:21:00.002-05:002009-07-14T12:25:06.543-05:00

So, I didn't even want to post anything on here, because I didn't want to let myself worry. But now that I have the all clear to travel on the 26th, I'm letting myself breathe a sigh of relief.Confused? Sorry, I'm tired. :)A couple of weeks ago we started hearing rumblings about MOWA closure. I wasn't too worried - after all, we were done with them right? WRONG! I forgot that MOWA has to

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-67180642519419280432009-07-12T21:04:00.001-05:002009-07-12T21:05:33.357-05:00

... my mom and I will be on a plane.Headed to Addis.To bring home my girl.Can't wait.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-12493937973865151902009-07-08T13:36:00.003-05:002009-07-08T13:39:23.056-05:00

[don't forget to check my "life" blog - someone had a birthday!]My mad hair skills are improving. After over a year, I finally braved the world of ... beads! So fun! :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-18377371000734524362009-06-18T07:14:00.004-05:002009-06-18T07:15:48.128-05:00

=) =)=)Now I can't wait to finalize travel plans! I wish things could be set in stone a little quicker! (aren't I the epitome of patience? ha!)Thank you EVERYONE for the wonderful comments, emails and facebook messages! It makes this whole experience even more fun knowing that others are celebrating with us! :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-75171403874603207882009-06-16T10:08:00.003-05:002009-06-16T11:22:31.813-05:00

She is ours! She is ours! I can't come up with anything more coherent than that! :)Welcome to our family Selamawit! :0)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-81625036042232631042009-06-16T04:55:00.002-05:002009-06-16T04:55:40.746-05:00

I hope we don't have to wait too long for court news! I'm anxious already. =(

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-90783020134426627852009-06-12T12:38:00.002-05:002009-06-12T12:49:34.959-05:00

We just got home a bit ago from a playdate at a fellow adoptive family's home. (Thanks so much for having us Mary!) It was quite a gathering (10 families? 15? More? No idea!) of families who have adopted from Ethiopia. Now, over the past few years I've gotten to know quite a few different families in the area that have adopted from ET - and yet, I didn't know a SINGLE person there when I

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-54760887259240773842009-06-09T08:37:00.002-05:002009-06-09T08:42:49.349-05:00

Well, we started this blog to chronicle our adoption experience, but it has really turned into a "life" blog. For some reason, this drives me nuts (I know, I'm dumb). Maybe because all the adoption news has been so depressing? Tends to drag down daily life a bit... :( So, I have moved our "life" stuff over here (www.atypical-family.blogspot.com). Obviously I'll still be posting here since we

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-23388234224580427522009-05-30T22:40:00.003-05:002009-05-30T22:42:45.155-05:00

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."~Anthony Brandt~

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-75733076016338201752009-05-28T14:24:00.000-05:002009-05-28T14:25:28.472-05:00

For parents of 6 year olds (give or take).... check out this blog post!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-77623480227625906922009-05-28T07:44:00.002-05:002009-05-28T07:45:50.819-05:00

Stole this from Leslie. Although I am making a huge effort to remain positive as a general matter, this quote does hold true from time to time. :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-47908730415105777412009-05-24T21:47:00.003-05:002009-05-24T21:49:46.288-05:00

Today, I felt like the message at church was sent directly to me. Here was a key point:Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-61162975061417709932009-05-22T11:46:00.002-05:002009-05-22T11:47:49.751-05:00

It does.We have a new court date for June 16.  MOWA is requesting more information for *S*'s file. Losing confidence quickly.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-52900549050270618712009-05-21T14:10:00.002-05:002009-05-21T14:12:47.364-05:00

Case not heard today.  MOWA letter still not done.  (MOWA = Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs).   Supposedly we might be heard tomorrow.  But it probably won't matter as now the agency doesn't think our MOWA letter will be finished by then either.Apparently, months and months after receiving our file for approval (they have had it since November), MOWA is requesting additional information.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-87398900486652110002009-05-20T09:07:00.003-05:002009-05-20T09:08:53.656-05:00

I just love this quote:"Whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children and you must hug your children and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house." ~Barbara

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-29355421669909906662009-05-14T18:12:00.002-05:002009-05-14T18:17:25.179-05:00

Quick update.We don't know too much, but that's nothing unusual (such is international adoption!)so take the following for what its worth.  It sounds like the agency reps did meet with a MOWA rep and the judge today.  The MOWA rep agreed to work on the approval letters for the waiting families without new court dates. It sounds like just a few families will get letters each day.  Since we don't

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-23156274576622191192009-05-13T12:28:00.003-05:002009-05-13T12:34:31.941-05:00

It appears that I misunderstood. Our case was not scheduled to be heard/approved today. I believe what was supposed to happen was that the agency reps from several of the agencies that dealt with last Thursday's nonsense were scheduled to meet with the judge and a MOWA rep Wednesday afternoon. But the MOWA rep was not present. I believe that this meeting has now been delayed until tomorrow.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-18099240231142176752009-05-12T20:36:00.001-05:002009-05-12T20:37:22.378-05:00

I think we might really pass court tomorrow.  After 6 months, I think this might be it.  And I'm a teeny bit excited. Seriously. The mom of 5.  At 27 years old.  hahahahaha.  Could it be?

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-77731299645949233472009-05-11T19:55:00.002-05:002009-05-11T19:56:17.194-05:00

That we have another court appointment Wednesday afternoon.  We shall see.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-54249566750668055722009-05-07T10:15:00.004-05:002009-05-07T12:03:36.026-05:00

MOWA did not submit a single letter of approval for today's court cases.  At least 6 agencies had cases to be heard and not one could be approved without the MOWA letters.  No new court dates were given.  If they are, they will be very far out.  *Hopefully*, MOWA will just start writing letters and the judge can approve the cases as this is done.  But MOWA does not want the judge to go this route

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-32204797952279646862009-05-06T19:36:00.001-05:002009-05-06T19:38:28.543-05:00

We just got a message from our agency director. The last few days have been holidays in ET and the MOWA office has been in training.  So the odds of everything going "smoothly" tomorrow are less than normal.And we don't seem to fare well, even when things are running normally.:(  Don't hold your breath tomorrow.  I'm not expecting good news any more... This really, really sucks.  It has to end

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-21050090980617928262009-05-06T09:43:00.002-05:002009-05-06T09:47:02.716-05:00

In support of World AIDS Orphans Day on May 7, AHOPE for Children is urging everyone to take a 60-second moment of silence at 15:15 (3:15 pm., regardless of time zone), to reflect upon the more than 15 million children orphaned by AIDS around the world. "If everyone takes just one minute out of their day to think about these children and how we might help them, we are taking a step in the right

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-13001119045278380392009-05-02T18:03:00.002-05:002009-05-02T18:05:33.606-05:00

Apparently my kids love carrorts.  After all eating quite a large dinner they still proclaimed to be "starving" so I said they could always have more carrots and they happily complied.  Grace has always liked them as long as she can have ranch. After awhile, Abi followed suit.  Now that Hana has found her dip, she's on board too.   It took us a little while to figure out what Hana liked to dip

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-13667454580326804082009-05-02T12:22:00.004-05:002009-05-02T12:27:18.090-05:00

With permission, I am stealing a great story from Mary over at Owlhaven:I feel like I’ve told you most of the highlights of my trip to the Dominican Republic by now.  But I’ve decided there is one child I missed, because his face won’t get out of my head.  He was one of the children in the 9-11 year old class that I visited on my last day there. The kids were just getting ready to do their

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-16602181944302361132009-05-01T14:14:00.006-05:002009-05-01T14:24:45.487-05:00

Pictures make me happy. :) Here are a few recent ones: Hana and Grace working on their tree climbing skills...Popsicles!Self portrait at the playground. always in style

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-15459549341896205362009-05-01T10:13:00.002-05:002009-05-01T10:13:52.312-05:00

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-187173722810494682009-04-30T05:14:00.000-05:002009-04-30T10:01:35.217-05:00

*** So, I started writing this post a couple of days ago. My "Tired" whining post was not supposed to stay up so long. But, life intervened as it tends to do. SO without further ado, I move out of my funk... *** :)Guess what?! I'm done whining. Do I have the "right" to. Probably, by most people's standards. Frankly, 2009 has... well... sucked so far. And I haven't even shared all of the reasons

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-35193508423759327262009-04-25T10:47:00.003-05:002009-04-25T10:53:27.106-05:00

We found out on Thursday that our case has been rescheduled for May 7.  Yes, the last possible date.  Apparently it was done very randomly by the judge - and no one questions that or asks for anything sooner.   I'm beginning to think "proactive" is a bad word.Even better, there was a further disclaimer - May 7 is an indefinite date, but they (agency) are fairly comfortable it will happen by

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-22823085655936911112009-04-20T17:33:00.004-05:002009-04-20T17:50:15.756-05:00

Hana:  I learned how to count in my head.  For real![10 seconds of silence - serious face]Hana:  I did it!Dad:  How many did you count to?Hana:  One.  We aim high.  ;)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-47744105505835998492009-04-16T13:46:00.002-05:002009-04-16T13:54:23.229-05:00

It's a no-go.The judge had a huge piles of cases to go through today (cases that were up for the first time today, all the cases from the last group with the power-of-attorney problems, and all stragglers (like us) from groups past...)Rather than the judge going from longest past (us) to recent, the judge only did the cases up for the first time. :( The otherwise waiting families (like us)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-52052473620688138782009-04-16T09:11:00.002-05:002009-04-16T09:48:41.884-05:00

(Sadly, those of you that know me in "real life" know that I actually am biting my nails...)Court date. Today.Probably won't have news for at least an hour and a half. Maybe longer. Need to be productive in the meantime, but failing...I spoke with our agency earlier this week. It seems that the missing paperwork from the region was in fact delivered to MOWA shortly after our last court date

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-78099945686071846132009-04-07T13:18:00.002-05:002009-04-07T13:24:44.145-05:00

This is a topic I struggle with, especially since we have considered moving (and it would likely to be to an even less diverse school district...). So this poem was just so timely... I found it first on Angela's blog and then again over at Owlhaven. But the true credit goes to the author, Dorothy:What can I teach you about being Black?Not much,Because I'm not.But a I can teach you about pain,

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-55664505539233049682009-04-07T12:57:00.001-05:002009-04-07T12:59:43.847-05:00

I liked this article. Although things are very tough right now, for a lot of people, I have to wonder if things would be quite so tough if we, as a society, didn't have so much of our happiness, identity and self-worth tied up in money and material possessions...

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-39230876402447531502009-04-06T15:36:00.000-05:002009-04-06T15:37:38.392-05:00

Fire up Spartans!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-8236581641552508122009-04-03T14:49:00.002-05:002009-04-03T14:54:24.176-05:00

One top of everything else, we still have the problem with the Power of Attorneys. :( Just got an email from our agency that indicates that MOWA thus far has not been willing to accept the old (or the new, but un-translated) power of attorney forms (as evidenced by its failure to issue approval letters for court dates this week). There is a bright spot - the judge apparently did not agree with

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-68741020559579652642009-04-03T08:24:00.005-05:002009-04-06T11:11:23.898-05:00

Our adoption saga just seems to get worse and worse. :( Guess what. I'm sure this will be an amazing surprise (yes, sarcasm). But, you know all those times we were assured our paperwork was in order and we were just waiting on the MOWA letter? Yep, big fat lie.Wow, this sounds incredibly familiar. Well, perhaps I should step back. I'm sure it wasn't a lie. What was the term the agency used? Oh

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-4333007319343167002009-03-29T16:46:00.003-05:002009-03-29T16:50:00.761-05:00

I nabbed this today from Shell's blog.  What an amazing challenge.   Really puts that "be all you can be" into a new perspective... 

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-69734868946320992462009-03-26T15:40:00.002-05:002009-03-26T15:54:26.977-05:00

Make sure to read this first.SO. We not pass because the MOWA letter wasn't there. Keep in mind, this letter should have been completed for our first court date December 3rd. So we are a full 4 months late on that one. And yet, no one can "do" anything about it. But now, our agency has hired new legal counsel (which sounds like a good move). Although our agency was originally told otherwise

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-80651510421449878692009-03-26T14:17:00.003-05:002009-03-26T14:20:37.153-05:00

We didn't pass.The MOWA letter was not in the file. It should have been there December 3. It still isn't there. I am so incredibly upset, angry, frustrated, disappointed... nope, none of those words quite cover it. It took 2 calls to AAI (our agency) to get this information. After putting my foot down on the 2nd call (at 2:30 our time, 2 1/2 hours after the office opened) I was able to get

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-10470369417019319072009-03-26T11:00:00.001-05:002009-03-26T11:01:30.792-05:00

Court news please! :) (I'm asking nicely okay!)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-56178243187129989822009-03-24T08:51:00.001-05:002009-03-24T08:51:23.544-05:00

Aaaack.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-51235258686761676002009-03-23T07:46:00.001-05:002009-03-23T07:50:01.545-05:00

Lots going on here this week, more of which I can "fill in" later... but this week is going to, well, suck. At least the first half. Really (really!) hoping that it ends on a high note, since:Our court date is Thursday. We need to bring *S* home. I can't even comprehend another delay at this point. It's been a long time...Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-26223712582859101462009-03-18T20:37:00.005-05:002009-03-19T08:19:06.717-05:00

Say Cheese!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-50005923333943070272009-03-11T19:42:00.001-05:002009-03-11T20:07:29.214-05:00

One year ago today, we met Abi and Hana for the first time. What an amazing journey - an amazing year.More on this soon...  I just don't have the energy to do this justice.  But look at them now:What a difference a year makes.  :)

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-29484988480694898602009-03-11T03:00:00.000-05:002009-03-11T07:45:20.092-05:00

Movie night cuddles Sister slide time Ally with a dirty nose - enjoying the "almost" spring weather last week! Daddy's girl. :) Yes, breakfast is often like this... Abi waiting to catch a butterfly at the butterfly house. Ta-da Miss Grace Goofy Al...

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-23293578386820583512009-03-11T01:00:00.000-05:002009-03-11T07:44:11.556-05:00

It's Baby Liam!

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718506679826501923.post-52721011860297073612009-03-09T20:07:00.009-05:002009-03-09T20:21:33.151-05:00

It's hard to believe - but Hana is six years old!  She had about as long as humanly possible to wait for her birthday with us (we met the kids 363 days ago!) but she's been patient.  Obviously that was helped by last year's shared birthday extravaganza (which I still think was a good choice...) but this time it was HER day and she loved it.Hana has been very excited for a few weeks for her

Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09629566265778204962noreply@blogger.com6