{ Silly stuff }

"Paige, take a pretty picture with mama..."

"Come on....just one pretty smile.."

"Fine, I'll just kiss your sweet head."
"When you can't beat them...join them!"
"Fine Paige, one more picture."

{ Gotcha Day! }

Our first glimpse of each other. Don't you love the Jesus statue blessing us in the background?

Today is one year! One year in our family, one year away from the orphanage. Praise God!!

I swear he's happy here even though he never says cheese. He's just so intent on grabbing the camera and running away.
Thank you to every one who has come along beside us this year and supported our family. We are greatful beyond words for your love, time and prayers.

Ok, Davis made him laugh! Or maybe he's screaming for me to put him down. Whatever.

{ One year ago today...}

We flew Ethiopian Air all day and all night with very little sleep due to excitement!

{ One year ago today }

We kissed our two oldest kids goodby, sent them to school and jumped on a plane headed to Washington D.C.

{ A tough month }

One year ago this month we made our journey to Rwanda. I expected to feel overjoyed that we had made it a year. Or at least to feel settled in our new life as a family of five. Instead, I feel an overwhelming sadness. It has gripped me so tightly the last few weeks that there are moments it's hard to breathe.


I try hard to stuff down my emotions, to not be overly dramatic about sad issues. But I keep telling myself, what I saw is worth crying over. The children I turned my back on and walked away from are worth crying over. The birth mother who's story we will never know, is worth crying over. But what mom of 3 has time to have a good, ugly cry? So bottled up it stays.


The 21st is Bizi's Gotcha Day. The first day that he was no longer just a picture on the fridge, no longer an orphan. I still remember with heart wrenching clarity the moment the nun brought him to us. He was not afraid, just curious. Dave hogged him WAY to long before handing him to me (we have video to prove it!). Finally, the son that I had cried over, prayed for and waited on was here in my arms. There was no fairy dust or swelling music, but it was more perfect than Hollywood could ever create.

Often I think of returning to Rwanda. There is a need deep in me to do more. I honestly don't feel like I have done anything to help the people. Let's go and build schools for the orphans that will never be adopted. Let's go spend a day rocking babies that don't ever feel the arms of a mama when they cry. Let's just GO. I guess I should just add one letter, let goD. Let God handle the questions with no earthy answers. Let God take the pain in my heart and use it for good. Let God have all the glory for the miracle of adoption.

Thank you, Lord for never letting my life be boring. For letting me experience unbelievable highs, and gut wrenching lows. Most of all, thank you for my children.

{Where are the pictures of Bizi?}

Here he is!

No, Bizi you can't have the camera.
Check out that pouty lip!
Can you tell he is getting close to 2?

Temper, Temper.

{ Mo' money }

This week pushed me over the $4,000.00 mark! I have saved over 4K at CVS since Feb. of this year. Can I get a what-what?!

Also, I stocked up on the Kashi deal at Target. My pantry is busting at the seams!

Everyone is getting cereal for Christmas. And maybe some nail polish.

{ My Man }

I love this man!

Isn't he hott in that bad boy kinda way?!

Then again, he's also uber goofy!
Thanks for a hot date Dave-O. I love ya!