Home Sweet Home

Eric and I bought our first sweet little home in March of 2007. We, well, Eric mostly, have enjoyed making it our own with creative little touches here and there. The other day, I was organizing our photos on the computer, and was SHOCKED by a photo of our house soon after we had purchased it. When had we taken out the front bushes and added shutters? When did it have that tiny little front stoop? Was the awning really green and white at one time? Our old doors used to look like that?!

Three years has made a difference, a little at a time. Eric has always said that when he reaches the end of his projects, we will be looking to move. :) In other words, there always needs to be a vision for "how can we make it better" and a project on the forefront. I'm definitely the "maintainer" and he is the "visionary" in our marriage relationship. Luckily we aren't the extremes, but it does make a fulfilling fit for the two of us.

Front of House 2007

Summer 2010 - After new bushes, raised bed, front porch, roof, shutters, and front door projects were all completed.

Backyard 2007

Backyard 2010

Shed 2010

My "Alivia Bushes" 2010 - Planted in memory of our daughter and a precious gift from family. Hydrangea and Knock-out Rose

Continuing the Journey

We just wanted to note some progress that is still being made in the on-going adoption process. First, we have received Isaac's social security card. . . however it has his "paper work" name "Tamerat Lehman" vesus the name we have given him. Secondly, Isaac also has his GREEN card, which came in the mail last week. His picture on it is so cute. It will be a neat momento someday. Third, we have secured a date for our COURT HEARING: August 26th at 10 A.M.

Due to our marvelous social worker, adoption agency and lawyer, the "re-adoption" process that we were so dreading, has been a breeze. We haven't even had to DO much of anything. What a blessing! I also have to admit, that having Isaac HERE makes almost any task bearable - the incentive is much more visible, I guess. We look forward to becoming an official family of three. Kind of reminds me of marriage. You make commitments, your heart confirms it, but the ceremony concretes it publically.
It just so happens that yesterday was also our 5th year Wedding Anniversary! Our love and understanding of one another continues to grow, and grow, and grow. . . .

A Tooth! and other wonders

Isaac has his FIRST TOOTH! We are so proud of this accomplishment. . . and relieved to know what his slight fever and crankiness was all about. Sorry, no pictures of it yet, as it is still quite hard to capture or see. His tongue often gets in the way, too.

Isaac has also learned to eat bread and not make a face, like I just fed him something poisonous. With all that he sticks in his mouth, why does something that is actually edible make him cringe so? It must have been a texture problem. But now he enjoys the challenge of picking up the tiny pieces and strategizing how to get them to his mouth and then successfully IN! This is such a joy to watch. How amazing is this role called parenting, that I am blessed by his simple pleasures and successes!

We also had Pose Photography (aka Selena Jetnarayan) take some family pictures. Selena did a marvelous job! She has a gift and talent that few can claim. Mostly they feature our little star, so please focus on him and not us. Here are a few samples for your viewing pleasure!

Sitting UP

Isaac has learned something knew this past week. He can now officially sit and play, without his parents having to wait 10 seconds for him to fall over. He LOVES his new found "independence" and smiles very proudly as he reaches and plays from his new perspective on life. Mommy is also glad he has found something that will entertain him for longer stretches of time. His muscle strength has improved immensely over the past 5 weeks; especially in his core and legs. He's growing up so fast! I knew this would be the case; and prepared myself for his "quick" development and growth. But it is funny. . . some days I look at him and he looks SO grown up. Other days I catch myself thinking how tiny and vulnerable he looks. It may have something to do with what he is wearing, or what he is busy doing (or not doing, such as sleeping). We can't help falling more and more in love with this wee one. He is such a complete joy and delight to parent and love.

Passion-Heart and Burden for Ethiopia

Last night Eric and I came across a wonderful documentary on public TV called "A Walk to Beautiful". It has added, yet another tear to my bucket labeled My-Heart-and-Passion-for-Ethiopia. God has continued to place these magnificent people on my heart and mind. Wonderful little reminders that He has begun something that is not yet finished. . .

I also had to google obstetric fistula, after watching the show, because it is something we (pregnant or expecting women) in the US never need to worry about.

The woman's story documented in the show reminded me immediately of the woman in the Bible who reached out in GREAT faith to simply touch Jesus' robe, in order to receive healing from a devastating life of being an outcast - due to continual bleeding. Jesus had such compassion on this woman. . . and it is contagious to the spirit in me. Join me in praying for, and lifting up these fellow women, who know hardship all too well.