Wow--this video just gave me a pep talk. Since coming home with Isaiah, I have struggled with figuring out what my new role should be in the world of Orphan Care. I think there is such a balance in waiting for God to move and being intentional in doing my part. I can't always do the "out there, exciting thing", but taking part in a more "low-key" role makes me wonder if I am flirting with becoming comfortable and settling in, losing my passion.
Now, we wait and we pray for further direction. In the meantime, we hold chili lunches for other adoptive families, buy t-shirts, pray for other families, etc. These are all so important, and I am so blessed to be a part. Really, I LOVE being a part in these ways. But, I also feel my passion for orphans threatened as I am immersed more and more into "regular life". So, I continue to seek the balance.
That's why videos like this one challenge me and keep my heart and mind engaged in Orphan Care. Watch and be challenged.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
We love music!
Our kids seem to love music, and I am so glad! Here is a sampling of some videos I never got uploaded during the year showcasing their talents! :)
First, Isaiah sings, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star":
Before we brought Isaiah home, the other kids bought him the book, Snuggle Puppy. It was a fun book to read and sing together during the bonding process and became a real hit with Isaiah. I didn't get the video propped up right, so you can't see Isaiah, but enjoy his robust singing!
Some of Isaiah's love of music comes from watching his brother and sisters sing and dance and play instruments. Here is a rare view of our shy son's rendition of Elvis:
One of our favorite CDs is our Africa CD. Here are Raegan, Isaiah and Elias (our good friend also adopted from Ethiopia) dancing and singing to this CD!
Here is a look at Jackson's music concert this past fall:
Finally, here is Sydney at her piano recital this year playing a concerto piece (piano duet) with her teacher. She is improving so much, and we are so proud of her.
I hope your day is full of music! :)
First, Isaiah sings, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star":
Before we brought Isaiah home, the other kids bought him the book, Snuggle Puppy. It was a fun book to read and sing together during the bonding process and became a real hit with Isaiah. I didn't get the video propped up right, so you can't see Isaiah, but enjoy his robust singing!
Some of Isaiah's love of music comes from watching his brother and sisters sing and dance and play instruments. Here is a rare view of our shy son's rendition of Elvis:
One of our favorite CDs is our Africa CD. Here are Raegan, Isaiah and Elias (our good friend also adopted from Ethiopia) dancing and singing to this CD!
Here is a look at Jackson's music concert this past fall:
Finally, here is Sydney at her piano recital this year playing a concerto piece (piano duet) with her teacher. She is improving so much, and we are so proud of her.
I hope your day is full of music! :)
Other Holiday Celebrations
Not only was Christmas full of fun celebrations of Jesus' birthday, it was also a time of celebrating other events. My birthday happens to be the day after Christmas, so we had a fun day celebrating my 37 years! Chris even made a "from scratch" carrot cake that was delicious!
I love hearing kids sing "Happy Birthday"!
I was happy to have a birthday party with my friend, Paige, and her boys.
The next day, we went to the dollar theater and saw a Dolphin Tale. This was Isaiah's first movie in a theater!
December 28 was our official wedding anniversary--15 years! We were honestly happy to just be home with the kids, but we all dressed up for supper. It was a fun time of celebrating with our kiddos. 
I love hearing kids sing "Happy Birthday"!I was happy to have a birthday party with my friend, Paige, and her boys.
The next day, we went to the dollar theater and saw a Dolphin Tale. This was Isaiah's first movie in a theater!
December 28 was our official wedding anniversary--15 years! We were honestly happy to just be home with the kids, but we all dressed up for supper. It was a fun time of celebrating with our kiddos. 
Monday, January 2, 2012
Christmas Celebrations
Like I said earlier, I love Christmas. It is just a sweet time of year. We are blessed because we are able to celebrate about seven times each year. :) Yes, this is a lot of Christmas celebrations; however, this year, each one was unique, making them each memorable. Here is a recap of the ones I did capture on film. :)
On Christmas Eve, we got dressed up and went to our Christmas Eve service. This is always a fun event because we find a church building big enough for all of us at one time.
We came home that night and celebrated with Chris's mom and brothers. We always have snacks/Christmas goodies for supper, and this is always a treat! 
This is a crazy picture--just because it is fun. But, we really did have a fun evening celebrating.
The next morning, we had our traditional family celebration with the kids. This includes waking up to stockings. 
Then, we do What God Wants for Christmas. If you do not have this, I highly recommend it. This activity is our favorite Christmas tradition. I tear up every single time because it is so meaningful.
We stopped for a yummy french toast breakfast before going back to the tree and opening presents.
The sweetest part of this was watching the kids as they gave their gifts to each other. I wish I had taken those pictures, but I was too busy enjoying the moment. :) They are just getting to that age where they are experiencing the true joy of giving, and it is fun to watch.
We were able to enjoy our time together most of the day before heading to Chris's aunt and uncle's house for the traditional Christmas meal. We had a great time there playing Bingo--and winning Bingo! :)
On Thursday, we went out to eat with my mom, siblings, and their kids before heading back to Mom's for dessert.
Isaiah was amazed by the snow globe.
The following day (Friday afternoon), we headed west to the farm where I grew up. The kids were excited because there was snow!
Dad pulled the sled behind the 4-wheeler. . .
. . . they played in the snow. . .
. . . and they made a snowman!
After we got all warmed up, we ate supper and then celebrated. My brother brought his guitar so we could all sing together. I LOVE this part of Christmas--singing together as a family/friends. It is so sweet to me, so I was thankful he had brought it. 
"Away in a manger. . ."
Then, Dad read the Christmas story before handing out goodies to everyone. Here is Dad with all of the grandkids--minus Cambria because she was sick. :(
Oh, the kids also got to help Aunt Katy make her amazingly yummy truffles. They loved that!
The next day after making snow forts and having snowball fights. . .
. . .we headed to my grandparents' house for our big family Christmas with all of my aunts, uncles & cousins. Here are a few favorites: The snack table!
The drinking ladle:
The giant table in the basement:
The "program" before the Christmas story:
Isaiah even got in on the music. :)
It was a sweet time of reconnecting with family. It was fun to watch Isaiah get to know his cousins better. He loved Morgan who was so sweet to entertain him most of the day!
On Christmas Eve, we got dressed up and went to our Christmas Eve service. This is always a fun event because we find a church building big enough for all of us at one time.
We came home that night and celebrated with Chris's mom and brothers. We always have snacks/Christmas goodies for supper, and this is always a treat! 
This is a crazy picture--just because it is fun. But, we really did have a fun evening celebrating.
The next morning, we had our traditional family celebration with the kids. This includes waking up to stockings. 
Then, we do What God Wants for Christmas. If you do not have this, I highly recommend it. This activity is our favorite Christmas tradition. I tear up every single time because it is so meaningful.
We stopped for a yummy french toast breakfast before going back to the tree and opening presents.
The sweetest part of this was watching the kids as they gave their gifts to each other. I wish I had taken those pictures, but I was too busy enjoying the moment. :) They are just getting to that age where they are experiencing the true joy of giving, and it is fun to watch.We were able to enjoy our time together most of the day before heading to Chris's aunt and uncle's house for the traditional Christmas meal. We had a great time there playing Bingo--and winning Bingo! :)
On Thursday, we went out to eat with my mom, siblings, and their kids before heading back to Mom's for dessert.
Isaiah was amazed by the snow globe.
The following day (Friday afternoon), we headed west to the farm where I grew up. The kids were excited because there was snow!
Dad pulled the sled behind the 4-wheeler. . .
. . . they played in the snow. . .
. . . and they made a snowman!
After we got all warmed up, we ate supper and then celebrated. My brother brought his guitar so we could all sing together. I LOVE this part of Christmas--singing together as a family/friends. It is so sweet to me, so I was thankful he had brought it. 
"Away in a manger. . ."
Then, Dad read the Christmas story before handing out goodies to everyone. Here is Dad with all of the grandkids--minus Cambria because she was sick. :(
Oh, the kids also got to help Aunt Katy make her amazingly yummy truffles. They loved that!
The next day after making snow forts and having snowball fights. . .
. . .we headed to my grandparents' house for our big family Christmas with all of my aunts, uncles & cousins. Here are a few favorites: The snack table!
The drinking ladle:
The giant table in the basement:
The "program" before the Christmas story:
Isaiah even got in on the music. :)
It was a sweet time of reconnecting with family. It was fun to watch Isaiah get to know his cousins better. He loved Morgan who was so sweet to entertain him most of the day!
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