Chasing Sunsets

Thanksgiving Mountain Biking in Glendo, Wyoming

2011-12-27T09:32:00.008-07:00

One of my favorite Thanksgivings was spent this year mountain biking with our good friends in Glendo, Wyoming. There is a beach there (yes a beach in Wyoming with fine sand) so the kids had a blast. Even though the temperature was in the 50's, that didn't stop Makeda from stripping down naked the first second she felt sand between her toes and then proceeded to run around like the wild beast she is. Good...good times were had by all....

Simret helping make a fire on the beach.

Amazing views from a cliff on the trail.

a secret stairway to....????

Cheers to another Thanksgiving like this one next year!

sunset over the Lake.

SNOW....

2011-10-08T13:18:00.002-06:00

Today is our first day of snow fall and it hasn't even begun to slow yet.

our front yard 30 minutes ago.

Year #2 for naked 1st day of snow pictures for Makeda.

collecting now in her "case".

Makeda and the Tooth Fairy

2011-10-08T12:22:00.011-06:00

Okay so it has been a lifetime (actually just since May) that I have posted on this blog and my Mom is giving me a hard time that she hasn't seen any new pictures of the girls recently. So, I will make an attempt to catch up for the summer months that were so enjoyed and cherished by all, but missed on this blog.

First let me start with an update on Makeda. Makeda turned 4 years old on the 21st of June (I will post these pictures at a later date). She has been in our family for a little over a year. During this time she has had so many firsts, so many times she has had to adapt and change (new culture, new language, new social norms, new family, new everything). I admire her skill to adapt and change in order to find a common ground in such uncommon surroundings. We could all learn from her perseverance.

According to her 4 year wellness visit with the doctor, she has grown 7 inches and gained 8 pounds in the last year. She has also gone through 3 shoe sizes and lost her front two teeth (yup that one was a HUGE surprise-especially since she is the ONLY preschooler to lose teeth in her class). I wasn't prepared for what my stance was on the tooth fairy - if I we were going to deceive her and tell her the factitious tale of the tooth fairy who appears in your room while you are vulnerably sleeping - takes your tooth for some unknown reason to me and leaves you a present (usually money). Well, since I was caught off guard and Makeda came with tears streaming down her face that "my tooth is broken". The story of the tooth fairy came flying out of my mouth; as if that would make it all better. I hadn't realized how creepy the story sounds or may sound to a little child. She was first terrified that something came into her room while she was sleeping even if it was a fairy. Then she asked the question "what does she do with the teeth?". Great question and I had no idea? So, I said that she takes them and makes a sparkling white house out of all the teeth she collects. Makeda laughs hysterically at me and says "really, is that the truth?". Without knowing what to say, because obviously I was just making that bullshit up, I say "well if you believe it, it is". And there you go...the beginning of the lies we weave in order to keep American traditions that have been passed from generation to generation - then I'm left with the question, why can't we have substantial tales to pass down, like other cultures, that teach a lesson - what exactly are we teaching our children when we pay them for their teeth? Ahhh you have got to love the richness of American culture.

PS- Simret wants to be the Tooth Fairy for Halloween?

My favorite Simret one-liner so far...

2011-09-22T19:18:00.004-06:00

We are sitting around at the dinner table talking after dinner tonight (Lance, Simret, & Makeda) and Simret says, "Hey everybody I got an idea...lets ALL get naked and have a naked party! Sound good?"

Happy 1st Makeda Day!

2011-07-03T08:14:00.003-06:00

The first time I held you...

Dearest Makeda~

One year ago today our worlds united in Ethiopia and we became family. I can still remember the first time that I saw you as if it were yesterday; you proudly yet anxiously walked down the staircase that led to your room in the orphanage, hand in hand with the head nanny. You wore a beautiful dress (that I wish we could have kept) and the necklace that we sent you months before with your name on it. You were so beautiful and delicate, but your eyes told haunting stories of the past that are too heavy for a little girl to carry alone.

I cannot believe that a year has past since the first time that I looked into those eyes and held held you - it seems like a lifetime ago. In fact, it is often is hard to remember when you weren’t part of our family. It amazes me to think about how much you have grown in the last year - both physically, emotionally, and intellectually. You are talented in so many ways - a master of languages, a natural athlete, and above all - you have the most tender soul that enjoys helping and loving others. You also have a spirit for life and silliness that is unmatched.

I am so proud to be your mother and continue to learn the many life lessons that you are here to teach me. In our short year together, you have taught me: the value of forgiveness of both yourself and others, to pick your battles - because most aren’t worth fighting about, that living and loving someone that is so similar to yourself is hard but so worth it because you end up learning something about yourself, to pee outside without getting it all over your feet or clothes, to get back up after you have fallen, and that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.

I also want to thank you for being patient with me while I learn to parent you and grow to love you more each day. I’m so proud of you in multiple ways and cannot wait to have many more adventures together. Today we celebrate our first year together, cheers to tomorrow and many more...

Love always,

Mom

Simret one-liners: Part 1

2011-06-28T13:17:00.006-06:00

Lately Simret has been saying the absolute funniest things (we call them Simret's one-liners). Here are a few examples:

"Hey, take it easy Dada"

"Now Keda, all of us women need to listen to Daddy"

"When I get-it-together, I want everyone to be quiet"

"Now Ty I know you were missing me, but my sister is still sleeping"

"Okay Keda, now tell me when your not stinky anymore so that we can play Rapunzel"

"Keda are you listening, Keda are you listening, I'm going to hit you if your not listening to the birds outside"

"Ahhh no one cares"

"You smell like chocolate, I'm going to eat you up Mama"

"Where is my beera?" (when referring to her rootbeer)

"I'm not gonna pee on the floor, I'm gonna pee in my panties"

there is so much more material, until later...

Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2011

2011-06-27T09:52:00.021-06:00

Telluride Bluegrass Festival with the Laramie Family. This was Simret's 3rd time going to the festival, Makeda's 1st, the Buller's and Zowa's 1st music festival EVER!!! Fun times were had by all....

a view from the car on the way to the festival.

the girls ready for the first day of the festival

Zowa (the newest addition to our Laramie Family)

Simret "mad" that we are not at the music festival yet... tired of waiting to dance.

Silly Keda...

Shane and Taylor

Lars and Zowa

Simret passed out at the festival - danced too hard.

Hannah tired of all the pictures that I am taking?

best girlfriends after biking to the top of a mountain to a waterfall.

the waterfall.

view of Telluride, from the top of the world, on our mountain bikes.

the girls had their face painted by another festival goer named Hannah

silly sisters...

Simret didn't move her lips after her face was painted - it was so funny to talk to her while she was trying not to move her lips?

waterfall...such an amazing view from the festival.

representin' Wyoming.

Proud Dada...

camp at the festival.

Zowa and her Mama.

sad because she wants MORE food - that girl knows how to put down the groceries!

Hannah...

best girlfriends playing at the festival.

our "Laramie Family"

the girls spraying water on people as they walk by.

tongues

girlfriends...

the creek at the festival.

making dandelion wishes... (dinglelion wishes - per Simret).

sweet, sweet wishes...

Celebrating Makeda's 4th birthday a few days early with her friends (her 1st of 3 birthday celebration). Our first birthday together!

Simret not happy that we are not celebrating her birthday?

Silly Hannah...

Silly Ty

Birthday icecream from Letha.

the ride on the Gondola to the music festival was a huge hit with all of our kids - such an amazing view.

Simret would act like she was on roller coaster when riding the Gondola back and forth from the festival to where we were staying.

"Every cloud has a silver lining"...especially in Telluride.

the boys walking to Robert Plant at sunset in the rain and snow.

Dancing Fairies and Sweet Secret Pleasures...

2011-05-12T10:22:00.000-06:00

The girls have been in ballet class for the last year and half and have their first performance at UW A&S auditorium next Saturday at 1pm. Yesterday they had pictures and a dress rehearsal. Makeda LOVED the outfit and idea that she got to wear make-up for the scene. Simret was not so impressed (as you can tell by the look on her face). She didn't like how "itchy" the outfit was, how tight the top was, nor how the crown hurt her hair. Makeda says to all of Simret's complaining " but, its okay Simretie, stop crying you look pretty." I'm with Simret - why should we sacrifice comfort for beauty - when she is beautiful no matter what she wears (especially where beauty matters - on the inside) ~another life lesson taught to me by my children~ feeling comfortable is beautiful .

Spring in Wyoming = snow. Yup the roads have been closed for the last two days??? Where are you sunshine - I miss you!

Simret would rather be eating and watching Pink Panther right now. I'm with her - I would rather be ANYWHERE than in a small room with ten 3-year-old girls waiting their turn to get their picture taken. Lance was at work during this scene (lucky) and calls to see how things are progressing. Lance "so where are you?". Me "in Hell". Lance "I just finished up, do you need my help." Me "yes - but more like your support to get through this". We were there for well over an hour then off to the dress rehearsal... for more fun.

Waiting their turn for photos.

My sweet baby Simret napping. I have to admit a new secret sweet pleasure of mine... I have been napping with her for the last month or so. I so love her soft breath on my face as we drift off into dream land together. As many of you know, I am usually on-the-go and often have a hard time relaxing - but lately have found this downtime with my little beast priceless.

Happy Mother's Day to Me...

2011-05-09T13:17:00.005-06:00

I had an AMAZING Mother's Day! It started with a mountain bike riding date with my husband, followed by playing in the sunshine with my babies, flying kites at the park and building sand castles in our sandbox, then Simret falling asleep on me in the chair swing while snuggling (I miss my baby girl falling asleep on me while I rock her) and ended with a meal prepared by my husband and the most delicious chocolate cake ever prepared by all of my babies. I'm one lucky girl!

Makeda pretending to be "the baby" drinking her bottle while crying - yea I could do without that game...but oh well?

Snuggling with my babies...

the weather was over 60 degrees so Simret saw it as an opportunity to strip down naked and water everything in sight.

our new drive way.

Finally grass in the "naked room". Makeda was so happy to have grass that she rolled around on it like a dog rolling on something fowl.

Graduation!!!!

Last, but certainly not least.... Dylan graduated from college Saturday! We couldn't be prouder of him. He is moving to Boston to go to graduate school and I will miss him like crazy! One down 3 to go...

Snowmen, guitar strumming, school program, and other silliness...

2011-04-22T09:18:00.011-06:00

silly sisters

Makeda's 1st Snowman

Waiting for Summer...

riding around in a circle - the only spot in our yard without snow.

Making Some Music...

The Girl's First Art Show

Makeda's Art Display

Simret's Art Display

Hannah's Art Display

Best Girlfriends

The Program...

The program... the girls sang their songs all week practicing for their performance. They dressed in their favorite dresses and had me do their hair with flowers in it. When they got up on stage was another story... Simret turned her back to the audience during the first two songs, Makeda stood staring at the mass of people in the audience with her hands crossed over her chest... not singing, just standing there with a terrified look in her eyes. For the last song Simret pulled the curtain over her face and Makeda adjusted her dress, hair, and head-piece... still not singing. Then when they got home afterward starting singing the songs for the program again. It was seriously funny!

Simret on the end - hiding behind the curtain, Makeda adjusting her dog ears.

The one time that Simret turned around and faced the audience - not sining with a pouty look on her face.

Day at Disney

2011-03-21T11:41:00.007-06:00

On our way to visit Granny for the week, we stopped by Disney for a couple of days. Disney was a magical adventure for our girls. Before we left there were a few people that asked "Do you think that the girls are old enough, will even remember?" I'm quite sure that they won't forget, nor will anyone around them, for some time that they went to Disney because this all that they have talked about for the last week since we returned home. I can also tell you that I will never forget the pure joy, excitement, amazement, and wonder that filled their eyes as they tried to take it all in. So, to those that asked, it is my opinion that they are at the exact perfect age for Disney; it is so magical for them at this age and as a parent it so fun experiencing it with them.

watching the Princesses dance on stage -right before Makeda decided that it would be a good idea to run up on stage and poach a hug from Snow White - that's my girl - already a groupie!

checking out the Prince.

Explaining to them why we were standing in line for an hour and a half to see the Princesses.

highlight of their experience by far.

Makeda checked out her crown, her jewelry, and even lifted up her gown to see what shoes she was wearing.

mirror...mirror...on the wall

loving up Mickey.

Letter to Simret for "Simret Day"

2011-02-23T10:54:00.004-07:00

I have decided to write each of my children a letter on their adoption day anniversary (inspired by my girlfriend Jen and her daughter Hannah who each wrote Simret a letter on her special day).

My Dearest Simret,

Three years ago today was the first time that I held you in my arms, the first time that I saw your smile, the first time that you touched my face, the first time that I became a mother, the first time that I believed in love at first sight.

You were the most beautiful baby that I had ever seen and I was so scared that I would do something wrong to make you cry or make you not love me. Now I can't imagine my life without you. I can't imagine waking up without you crawling into my bed to snuggle, love on me, and then kick me out while you watch cartoons and request that I make you breakfast and get you some "milky". Yes, the days of sleeping in are over; but I wouldn't trade your morning kisses for sleep ever.

You have grown into a beautiful little girl, both on the inside and out. I am proud to be called your Mother. You have taught me so much in our three year together: you have taught me patience (which we both know I could still work on), to live life to its fullest, to live and love passionately, that family is not defined by genetics but by love, to dance like nobody is watching, to be silly and play, that it is okay to sing loud and off-key - it's more fun that way, that it is fun to run around naked, to try new things even if you don't think you will be any good at them, to get up and try again after you have fallen down, that popcorn and movies have to go together, you have shown me to view life through a more worldly lens, you have taught me tolerance, and lastly you have taught me how to parent and what it feels like to be a mother and for that I will be forever thankful to you.

Today we celebrate the day that our lives collided in Africa three years ago; although it feels like a lifetime ago and yet just like yesterday. I miss my baby Simret; but know that you will always be my babygirl.

I love the person you have become and look forward to our journey through life together.

Cheers to many more adventures.

love always,

Mom

Happy Simret Day!

2011-02-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today (2.11.2008) I held my sweet baby for the first time.

3 years ago, I became a mother.

the first time that I held Simret

Daddy's 1st kiss.

Dylan holding Simret for the first time.

Colton's turn.

I share this day of firsts with my dear friends Danni, Tommy, and Jocelyn (today is the day that they each became 1st time parents as well).

Pacey & Simret

Valentines Day in Ethiopia 2008

my Valentine

Sweet Dreams on the Snow: Part 2

2011-02-22T16:09:00.003-07:00

Steamboat Again...

we rented a condo with our Laramie Family for another fun-filled weekend of snow, skiing, hotsprings, cooking dinner together, wine - lots of wine, and lies (stories about our past's).

Jen & Lars making the meal for the night.

Hannah & Simret watching a movie - Hannah sucking her fingers and Simret biting her toenails.

Shane and his sweet boy -Ty.

Second day of ski school for Hannah, Simret, & Makeda - the first day for Tayler and Ty. I can't get over how big our kids look in ski attire.

Simret geared up for ski school.

Lars comforting Hannah before ski school - I think Simret hugged her a bit too hard- oops...sometimes love hurts.

Oh yes, Simret passed out in ski school again - on the Gondola this time. So, we sat in the snow and watched Makeda and the other kids finish their lessons.

Braids

2011-02-16T11:54:00.004-07:00

Lance was off of work one day last week and decided to take Makeda to Denver to go on a date with her. She had her hair braided with the thought that we may leave it in and see if it locs.

1 Year Ago Today...

2011-02-08T11:55:00.006-07:00

One year ago today (Feb. 8, 2010) we recieved our referral for Makeda. This was the first day that we saw those beautiful eyes - haunting yet beautiful.

this was the ONLY picture that we had of her for the first month or two.

Last month in Panama- the same beautiful eyes - this time with a different story, at least in my opinion.

Steamboat Springs Weekend with our "Laramie Family"

2011-02-04T17:09:00.012-07:00

Strawberry Park Hotsprings

Simret walking down the parking lot to the hotsprings.

the place you buy tickets to get into the hotsprings.

the teepee that you change into your swimsuit in.

Makeda standing on the freezing sand changing into her swimsuit wondering what the hell we were doing this for.

urinating in the teepee - sorry for all of you who have changed in there?

view of the hotsprings from the teepee.

licking my hot man.

the hotsprings- could it be more beautiful - when I picture heaven, or hell for that matter, this is the place I want to be.

Simret swimming underwater. She can swim!!!

this picture reminds me of a watercolor

Makeda bathing me.

the view from the hotsprings.

First Down Hill Ski for the Girls....

Simret gearing up

Makeda gearing up

the girls "sisters" on the bus to the mountain.

Simret- the night before "the big day" making sure her gear works correctly.

1st day of ski school - Simret

Makeda

double trouble... Simret and Makeda LOVED skiing!

As most of you know, Simret will pass out anywhere - but I was quite surprised by this one.

Smoochin'

2011-02-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

helping make a pie - or just eating the chocolate that goes in it?

the sweetest thing...

More Panama... the final photos

2011-01-23T12:41:00.024-07:00

I understand that many of you may have grown tired of looking at our amazing time in Panama; if this is the case do not read or look at the following pictures. We were in Panama for 2 weeks so we have tons of pictures. Since this blog is a substitute for my girls having a baby album - I feel like I should post about all of our fun times.

the dog that adopted us he was called "white dog" by the locals, but Simret named him "Shadow".

the girls attempting to drive the boat.

We had a tour of the local tribe's (Salt Creek Ngobe Bule) community.

more picture of "the community".

eating lunch in "the community".

the lunch that Ngobe Bule tribe made us.

the beginning of our hike to see the caiman.

Caiman (this was the rationale for the hike - to see the caiman- but it ended up being so much more).

Our guides, friends, children, and caiman in the background.

poisonous red frog - of course Lance had to handle it with a gapping wound... just add another injury/illness to the list.

the nest of the bird in the next picture.

I was told the name of this bird, but it was in Spanish and I have already forgotten - nope never took orithology - but wish I would have - it seems like a self-study in the field is called for.

the end of the hike.

Stingray in front of our house-yes I'm afraid of anything and everything in the water, but I still go in, but don't think there isn't that anxious feeling gnawing at my belly that something is going to harm me while I'm in the water.

1st drink from a coconut.

the sand village that Simreti and Daddy built.

Playing with the local children - Erika organizing a game of Red-Rover (try teaching children how to play this game when you are both speaking a second language).

Simret and Makeda giving away some of their clothing and toys to the local children. Simret would have given them everything she owned; Makeda on the other hand was not happy about parting with any of her stuff. Erika translating to the children - she speaks much better Spanish than any of us and is an amazing teacher.

Erika

the beginning of our hike on one of the Zapatillo Islands.

Our boat and driver.

Lance wants to buy some property in Panama badly- I teased him that this is the only island we can afford to buy right now.

Justin and Erica smooching.

hike through the national park on one of the zapatillo islands.

after a long hike around the island - we traveled to another island to enjoy lunch and a pina colada.

our boat called poco loco (a little crazy).

Fish we caught on the way home from lunch. There were multiple fish that met their fate on this vacation and they were all yummy.

posing with the fish - yup mine was the smallest.

Erika and Justin playing with the girls - giving Lance and I small break.

Feeling extremely nauseated - the morning after I suffered from food poisoning. Horrible!

I think I'm in deep thought about if I need to vomit again or not?

Erika and the girls "exfoliating" their skin - this is what Erika would call it, but I later discovered that this was her uncover way of scratching her bug bites- Simret and her unfortunately could relate on this topic.

Makeda found a baby star fish.

my favorite picture of all time... a make-up kiss.

Yes, Lance has once again injured himself on this vacation. He was trying to get the rum out of the freezer draw that was frozen shut when it gave- the hard plastic broke in half- leaving Lance landing on the floor with with a cut finger and blood everywhere.

Yup - instead of bringing suture my husband brought super glue?

The place next door that Lance wanted to buy at one point (that always changes- as you know), but the interesting part is that they did a Gap (Athleta) photo shoot there while we were there.

the kayak that we would take in the afternoons to go to the fishing village in search of fresh fish for the evening.

after I took out Makeda's braids that were in for over 2 weeks.

we always have to have a foot picture when on vacation.

Last sunset in Panama - ahhh Panama you will be missed my friend...until next time....

Back in Costa Rica (San Jose)

sharing some peanuts that a guy was selling on the side of the road.

This was the painting on the side of the elementary school in Costa Rica...weird, but beautiful.

Ducks and Cows eating together.

ice cream.

And the wildlife...

The beautiful male peacock was vibrating to try to attract this female - it was cool to see.

another scary beast.

the girls scoping out the iguana in front of them.

Now for some great signage that we saw in Costa Rica...

notice the little pill he has is labeled "Viagra".

and for the Grand-finally.

Panama Panamahahaha

2011-01-07T06:34:00.013-07:00

Lance's poor foot.

Makeda swimming in front of the house.

swimming lessons with Daddy.

what a smile! "I LOVE to eat"

the spot that of land that Lance wants to buy for our beach commune.

A short walk down the beach and the sign states that Survivor Panama was filmed there. I didn't even know there was a Survivor Panama.

"I saved the day" we picked up trash in the rainforest.

Makeda dressed herself - 85 degrees and and 5 layers - still dresses like she is in Ethiopia.

playing with coconuts on the beach in front of our house.

more coconut fun.

dancing together in the kitchen

looking over the pier to the fish below.

Just a little something...

2011-01-06T12:57:00.003-07:00

I have decided that each day of our stay I'm going to write about an interesting event that took place that day, because it always seems like there are so many things that happen that I forget about until reminiscing about them months or years later.

So, in order to tell this story I need to give you a little back ground information in order to fully grasp the situation. Each day I have been running (okay more like jogging) to the fishing village either in the morning or while the girls are napping. For those of you who know me well, you know that I almost loath running, but you also know that I feel this driving need to exercise everyday - which is probably part of my diagnosis (what diagnosis you may ask - well that is to be determined at this point). To me running is painful, rutile, and boring that often leaves me feeling like I'm going to pass out only yards into it. So, each day I have ran to this village and back and then rewarded myself with a rum/fruit drink.

Well, today I decided to run to the fishing village with my backpack on and a pile of small bills to try to get a workout in while seeing if they had any fish. Each day we kayak as family to the fishing village to get fish - they have been out for many days and their reason for this varies from: the sea is too rough or the fishermen are still out drinking to celebrate the New Year; from my experiences here so far I would say the latter is the more accurate rationale for the lack of fish in my belly. Therefore, today I set off with a backpack and barefoot. All of the native indian tribes around here walk around barefoot and my tennis shoes were soaked and smelled foul so I thought why not?

It was a completely different situation barefoot. It added a dimension of difficulty that I had not expected. It was also painful, but in a somewhat pleasant way. The first part of the run was on the beach and the second half is through the jungle. So, at first you are working against the resistance of the sand then you are avoiding obstacles in the jungle - such as roots, coconuts, and other vegetation. I arrived at the fishing village only to be turned down again for my request for fish and told to come back in the evening (so I guess another kayak trip will be in order this evening). I turn around to run back. On my run back I start to think about how this would be a great sport -running through the jungle then I start to think how sweet it would be to bike (which is my default) - I wipe this from my mind and go back to barefoot running on the beach and through the jungle as a sport. Then I pass the spot where we usually dock our kayaks and remember that just a couple of days before when we were there that this unusual creature tried to bore its way into Lance's foot before he let out a yelp and had me pull it out (some strange bug). Well today we were talking to a Peace Corp worker that is helping the indigenous indian tribe here learn English and he was telling us about a coworker that had this happen to her and the creature laid eggs under his skin- they had to wait for them to hatch then put duct tape over the site to suffocate these beasts so they would bore their way out - horrible! Anyway, this may be a risk of barefoot running through the rain forrest.

I run along a bit further between jungle and beach, kind of half way and in the middle of no where; when I come up upon two teenage boys - one with a machete. I smile and say hello as I run past. Then the thought comes back to me about a conversation that we had earlier today with a lady that manages a few of the beach properties here and she told us that these two boys broke into a tourist house while they were at the New Year's celebration down the beach and ate their food and stole their liquor - a harmless crime I was thinking when the lady told us about it earlier, but now here I was in the middle of no where with them and a machete. What is a girl to do, with the quirt of adrenaline that entered my system - at that point my strides became longer and my pace became quicker. "Don't turn, don't turn around, run faster, run faster" Then I come upon the next beach house with two children snorkeling in the ocean and I started to think "maybe my girls would like to play with them". Crazy how my life being in danger became an afterthought 3o strides down the beach and was now forgotten. I run up to our beach house and see Lance sitting on the porch reading a book and all I can think to say is "there was no fish again".

cheer until tomorrow...

Panama 2011

2011-01-04T07:19:00.015-07:00

Happy New Year from Panama!

We arrived in Costa Rica on Christmas day and spent evening watching the Christmas sunset while we played on the beach; after a week of fun with the boys and our friends (Erica and Justin) we have now found ourselves on a little piece of heaven, somewhere in Panama on New Years Day. What a perfect holiday season spent with my little family (of course missing my larger family and our good friends we have left behind - but no need to fear - Lance already has plans for a future commune where everyone is invited!

Today marks the 14th day that we have been on vacation - as of today this has been the longest that I have ever been on vacation before - so far I have a feeling that I'm going to enjoy the last 10 days of our vacation. The last 5 days have been a peaceful reprieve from the daily grind of life at home...the stuff that all beach vacations should involve - sleeping to the symphony of the ocean into the late morning (I would like to say that we have slept in - but that doesn't really happen when you have two 3 year olds), going for a morning run followed by a rum drink of some sort, playing in the ocean/swimming with the girls, building sand castles, reading a book over the girls' nap time or napping myself, laying on a hammock (while one or both of your three year olds swings it back and forth frantically - relaxing), kayaking to the fishing village in the afternoon to see what the fishermen have caught for the day for dinner that evening, on the way back visiting the monkeys' favorite hang-out so that we can admire their silly play in the trees above, go home to have a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset over the water, then cooking dinner - fresh fish of the day and whatever vegetables and fruits we could find in the jungle or we had bought from someone else who found them... this is the kind of beach vacation that I dream about when my bones are freezing stiff in the middle of winter in Wyoming.

Makeda has had many firsts on this vacation- which I am honored to experience with her. She saw and swam in the ocean for her first time, road a boat, a kayak, and in a raft. It was her first time eating papaya and mango. Her first time collecting shells on the beach, her first time experiencing what it is like to have bug-bites all over her body, also what it feels like to roll around in the sand , the sting of salt water in your eyes and sand in your teeth after the ocean has rolled you unexpectedly. So, many firsts that I could go on and on...

waiting in a long line at the border...

Makeda apparently not impressed about all this waiting and being hungry.

Makeda's first boat ride - she was thrilled about it. Boat taxi to the next island where we will take another boat ride to the place we are staying for the next 2 weeks.

Ahhh heaven for Mommy - I love rafting!

Our first sunset in Panama - New Years Day.

Our new home for the next 2 weeks.

our boat dock with 2 hammocks. The place where multiple fish will meet their fate - hopefully.

lots of smoochin' going on...

injury #2

who needs sutures when you have Gorilla glue?

a local family fishing

Getting the kayaks ready to look for fish at the fishing village.

The girls rafting in front of our house.

Costa Rica 2010

2011-01-03T09:08:00.011-07:00

Life is good. Especially in Costa Rica

Makeda's first time on the beach and to see the ocean. She couldn't have been more thrilled. She jumped around, ran up and down the shore, rolled around in the sand, splashed in the water, all the time with a great big smile of sand in her teeth.

yoga lessons on the beach conducted by famous yogi Simretti

silly Simret

what a patriotic photo.

playing fetch with the resident dogs.

Sunset our first night in Costa Rica

Simret wining the poker game.

ouchy Lance's foot- he ran over it the second day we were here by the metal fence in front of our house.

"what can I say - it happens all the time to me"

Colton - Happy 19th Birthday!

baby and mama sloth

wonder why she has sand in her eyes.

Manzanillo Beach with Justin and Erica.

Justin and Erica visited our pad for a game of Uno.

as artistic as I get.

a serious Poker game took place every couple of nights (okay it was Uno).

Simret tired of pictures being taken of her.

Happy New Year from Costa Rica

Our girls decided that their swimsuits were much to constricting apparently, so they stripped down on fairly busy beach and ran around- New Year's Eve.

dancing and singing naked on the beach.

Peppermint Parade

2010-12-24T13:37:00.006-07:00

These videos are of the girls' first school performance. The first video is of their preschool class singing Jingle Bells - it is negotiable if our girls even sang one word - however, Hannah (the beautiful little girl in the green shirt, Simret's "sister") did an excellent job! The last video is of the three girls (Hannah, Makeda, and Simret) performing their talent - which includes Hannah singing, Makeda playing the bongo, and Simret playing the guitar with a drug stick to their favorite song right now, Accidentally In Love by the Counting Crows. Enjoy! These videos are hilarious!

Kissing, dancing, talking, princesses, and naked babies

2010-12-20T10:46:00.004-07:00

Talking

Makeda talking to best girlfriend, Tareh Jo, from Shalom (her orphanage in Ethiopia). It is interesting that the first time that they talked Makeda had a hard time realizing that Tareh Jo was in the US and not in Ethiopia. The first time they talked together they spoke Amharic and this time it was English only. They both loved to compare notes about their siblings and their dogs.

Kissing

Naked Babies

Makeda's first snow storm. They decided to strip down wear our shoes and collect the snow in a cup to eat later in the hot tub.

Dancing

Princesses

Our little princess checking themselves out in the mirror.

Saying Goodbye to My Best Girlfriend

2010-12-17T14:54:00.003-07:00

A couple of weekends ago I had to say goodbye to my sweet Sagebug. She has been my best girl friend since my second year of college - for 13 years. Even now it is hard for me to type these words through tears, but at the same time I want to pay tribute to a friend that has been there for me through my adult years and STILL loved me no matter how many poor choices I made. She was loved by many and as a good friend of mine said after her death "she was a great dog and I have the feeling she will be the subject of many toasts in the future". She was the best friend that a girl could ask for - she survived my college years, comforted me through many breakups with boyfriends, when I was sick or sad she would like an extremity until it was raw, she fell in love with my husband and his dog - who soon became her best buddy, she tolerated me getting a new dog - whom was so crazy that she only lived a short life (which I'm sure Sage secretly rejoiced when she was no longer around to compete for my love), she accepted Simret into the family and looked after her at crib side, when Simret became mobile she was the subject of multiple forms of abuse - from her poking her eyes to pulling her tail to trying to ride her and took it all in stride with only love in her eyes during this torture, she then welcomed another abusive child into our family - Makeda, and through all this continued to love me in a way that no one ever has or ever will...truly unconditionally.

It is amazing that this little beast has taught me so much about life without even having the words to teach these truths. She has taught me that the only way to love is deep and unconditionally - to live passionately without reservations, to spend as much time in the outdoors as possible - especially in the mountains - because that is where magic happens, to voice your opinion when you feel passionate about something - even when no one is listening, to live life to its fullest, to touch (lick) as many people as you can because life is all about the our connection with each other, to always chase your dreams and if your lucky enough to catch them its okay if you don't know what to do with them, to get excited to see your family and friends even if they have only been gone for less than 5 minutes and make that 5 minutes feel like a lifetime, and finally.... she has taught me that sometimes you love someone so much that you have to let them go.

Sage at Gowdy playing in the creek.

lunch at Happy Jack with the dogs.

Ro and Sage- my best buddies since college.

Thunder and Sage in the Eurovan.

baby T and the dogs waiting for a bite of food.

working on our dossier for Simret.

playing in a mountain creek.

Fall in Happy Jack.

Halloween

2010-12-06T16:55:00.005-07:00

I understand that this post is extremely overdue; but I feel like I need to post pictures of my favorite holiday- Halloween.

My little giraffe and hippo on our way to the Denver Children's Museum on Halloween. They had switched costume because they had already worn the other for a couple of weeks before Halloween.

Simret playing the cashier at the mock Whole Foods that was set up in the children's museum.

my little cashier.

The girls dressed in their usual princess attire before our 7th Annual Costume Party- they had their 1st slumber party this night at their girlfriend's Hannah's house while we had our party.

before our party- Simret taking a picture of Lance and I (I was a roller-derby girl).

kind of like Halloween, but dress-up night. Lance was working so the girls dressed me- did my hair, put boots on me, and made me wear one of THEIR skirts- silly girls.

Dressing up for ballet class.

Sweet Sisters

2010-11-17T09:03:00.007-07:00

My little ladies dancing to their favorite song from one of the Shrek movies (Counting Crows- Accidentally in Love).

My little Princesses showing off their new princess dresses that they earned for being sweet to each other.

Waiting for "Z"

2010-11-08T18:03:00.014-07:00

I have decided that I need to add more stories about what it is like to have adopted an older child, to have "twin daughters of different mothers"-as my husband puts it...to just have two 3 year olds in general, the contrast of each of our adoption experiences, and the good old fashioned fun that we have together-as well as the challenges. So, I have decided to make this blog a bit more introspective on my part in efforts to help those in the process of adoption or those just interested in one's human experience trying to parent two children with similar roots and complete different dispositions and life experiences.

So here goes...I thought I would ease into this and share a moment in my day. The setting of this "moment" takes place about 20 minutes ago at our dinning room table. Simret is eating her piece of pizza and looks at me and says "Mommy can I see some pictures on your computer." Since Lance is working and no one else is around, I decide that it would be "okay" if they watch a slide show of our pictures on our computer (weird that I feel that I need to justify them watching the computer during dinner...that being said- I contemplate how strange it is that we have the ability to "watch a computer" when there wasn't such an option when I grew up; did I just say "when I grew up" that dates me as well as the 13 channeled TV we had growing up; the kind that you had to get up to turn the knob to change channels). So, here we are watching pictures on the computer enjoying our pizza and my much deserved glass of wine when a picture of "Z" comes up ("Z" is a 10 month old little girl that has been referred (they are adopting her) to one of my favorite couples in the world and is from DR Congo in Africa).

Simret: "When is "Z" coming home".

Me: "soon".

Simret: "why soon".

Me: "I don't know".

Simret: "but she should be home now".

Me: "I know honey, we all want her home now. But, we have to wait like we had to wait for Makeda."

Makeda (looking at the picture): "but she looks sad Mama".

Me: "She is probably scared Baby"

Simret: "She needs to come home to Hannah's ("Z's" sister) home Mommy."

Me: "I know, she will be soon."

Makeda: "She doesn't have a Mommy or Daddy?"

Me: "Yes, Jen and Lars are her Moomy and Daddy."

Makeda: "What happened to them, did they get cut?"

Me: "I don't know, sweetie".

Simret: "No Mommy or Daddy like Keda? That is so sad. I'm sad for "Z"".

Makeda: "Did Mommy and Daddy get cut?"

Me: "I don't know? But she will be coming home soon."

Simret: "But Keda is here now, is at home but "Z" we need to get her".

Me: "I know honey. It will be okay they are taking care of "Z".

Simret: "In Ethiopia?"

Me: "No but in Africa".

Simret: "Oh, but Keda your here, we got you I'm glad. We got you and you not leave our home ever, ever. We went and got you and your home, I'm glad."

Me: "Simret that is the sweetest thing that I have ever heard. Mommy is so proud of you."

Makeda: "Me here ever and ever".

Me: "I love you guys."

Makeda: "I love you too Mommy".

Simret: "I love "Z" too, she is my sister".

Me: "We all love "Z" and yes she can be your sister just like Hannah and Makeda are".

I then go into the bathroom and cry; I'm not quite sure why? Was it because I am so proud of my girls? Is it because I am so relieved that Makeda is home and so thankful that she is in our lives? Is it because I remember what my girlfriend Jen is going through right now waiting to bring home her sweet baby girl? Is it because I fear what has happened to Makeda's parents and what she has experienced in her short life? One thing I do know is that I'm a lucky girl...

a sweet little song

2010-10-27T09:58:00.003-06:00

Silly Sisters

2010-10-20T10:32:00.009-06:00

Pictures of the last month; we have been blessed with unseasonable warm weather - which makes a girl like me extremely HAPPY! So, here are a few pictures of our silly girls.

the girls wanted to be like "Fancy Nancy" so they had all of us dress up to go to dinner (yup that is about as fancy as I dress).

Makeda showing us her BIG belly.

sandbox fun in October at sunset.

Simret "saving the day"

wrestling match in the sandbox.

some sort of "horsy" game.

Mama helping build a village out of sand.

Simret playing the guitar with a marker naked in our back yard mid-October. Last year at this time we had over a foot of snow - thank you Mr. Sun for sticking around a little longer warming each of our souls so that we can sing and dance naked outside.

headed to ballet class on the bike.

my little butterflies.

sweet, sweet sister hugs.

half naked butterfly.

they have been wearing their Halloween costumes for the last 2 weeks practicing their trick or treating skills.

Makeda singing a sweet little song on the bridge in front of our house.

Makeda "helping" put up Halloween decorations.

Lunch on the lake at Curt Gowdy.

Makeda "putting on her face" in the mountains after a bike ride????

driving up to the mountains for a bike ride.

Simret definitely has her own style.

1st Preschool Field Trip

2010-10-11T09:13:00.004-06:00

Makeda, Simret and Hannah had their first field-trip! It was to the pumpkin patch in Colorado. Jen and I didn't want to miss out on their first outing so we volunteered to go and drive our school bus. Jen's parents were in town so they came along for the ride; with Jen's dad as the bus driver. It was a GREAT time for all!

the drive there on the school bus.

the children gathering outside of the Pumpkin Patch.

Simret saw an Ostrich that was there and said "look Mama at that big crazy chicken".

the hay maze was a big hit...the girls went back for 3 trips through it.

Makeda figured out that it was easier just to climb over.

Ethiopian New Year

2010-10-06T13:36:00.006-06:00

Almost a month ago we celebrated the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) with the majority of the Ethiopian children that reside in our town (5 out of 7) at Erika & Steve's house. There was another family there that is currently in process to adopt from Ethiopia and two families adding a second child from Ethiopia to their beautiful families. That will total 10 children from Ethiopia in our small community; and that doesn't count the other adopted children from other areas of Africa that live in Laramie (3 children from Liberia and 1 family with a referral of a beautiful little girl from Congo that we hope will be coming home soon). As you know, Wyoming is not the most diverse State, but it seems that Laramie is doing its part to change that- which makes me proud to live here.

picture of all of the children at the party minus Simret who did not want to sit with the group to have her picture taken (yes, she was having "one of those" kind of nights.

Simret refusing to sit with the others?

the meal...Steve is an amazing cook! He made some yummy Ethiopian food!

Makeda LOVED the food, Simret not so much. This is a picture of Simret pouting because she isn't eating off-white carbs of some sort. I'm embarrassed to admit that she doesn't like Ethiopian food (not that she has EVER taken a bite of it). But, she will let you know loudly that she does not like it. I hope that I have not failed her or her country in that regard - I want her to know her roots, her history, her culture and food is part of that. I hope that someday this may change. The only food that she would eat while we were in Ethiopia in July was spaghetti noodles and popcorn. Ugh!

Something interesting.....The Ethiopian calendar (Ge'ez) is based on the old Alexandrian or Coptic calendar which is derived from the Egyptian calendar. A seven to eight year gap between the Ethiopian calendar and the calendar that we use (Gregorian calendar) is because of alternate calculations in determining the date of the Annunciation of Jesus. The Ethiopian calendar has 12 months of 30 days each plus 5 or 6 epagomenal days, which leads to a 13th month. They also celebrate a leap year every 4 years like we do, which complicates the picture even more.

Therefore, as of September 11th (Gregorian calendar) it became 2003 in Ethiopia. Here is something else quite interesting... Simret and Makeda were each born in 1999.

Trip to Granny's

2010-09-17T10:59:00.005-06:00

We made a much-overdue trip to visit my family in Gillette. I think that it had been almost a year since we had been there and most of my family had not even met Makeda yet (oops!). During our stay there- there was a parade downtown to celebrate the Vietnam Wall traveling through town and on 9/11. It was a big celebration- my niece Ca (Jessica) and my sister (Darla) were in the parade on Ca's Harley (biking must run in the family - she is just a little more hardcore when it comes to the art of biking). She does look hot on her bike I must say - and I enjoyed riding behind her (as her bitch) with the wind blowing through my hair and the loud roar of the motor as we cruised around town - it was a liberating experience I must say - ahhh freedom (it also could have been because I was without children?). Either way - it was a lot of fun. That being said, I'm afraid that I'm not Harley material (somehow I can't really picture myself riding around Laramie with a sidecar filled with my African beauties) - I will stick to mountain biking for now, but will look forward to the next ride with my Harley Mama Ca.

picture of our family at the parade.

Ca (Jessica), Darla, and their her biking buddies.

Makeda dancing at the parade (she was also in the Gillette newspaper).

My favorite picture! Simret super excited at the parade.

driving home from Gillette - no there is not wine in those glasses - we just keep them in the our van for when we go to the mountains.

silly girls.

sweet...sweet...sisters- watching a "scary" part in a Disney movie.

Makeda's meet - playing on top of the Eurovan bed.

More Festival Fun

2010-09-15T10:59:00.006-06:00

A couple weekends ago we enjoyed the Snowy Range Music Festival right in our hometown. If you live and Laramie and have never attend - consider it for next year - because you are missing out! Such quality music and in our back yard- what more could a girl ask for? The girls had an amazing time as well. I think we wore out both of them - the last day Makeda said "no more dancing Mommy, I'm tired".

Jen & Lars

dancing with Daddy...

Simret taking a break with Hannah

Simret's 3rd Birthday Tea Party

2010-09-14T10:40:00.003-06:00

I know that I have said it before, but I cannot believe that my sweet baby is 3 years old. I guess time flies when your having fun!

I asked Simret what she wanted for her birthday a few weeks ago and she said "messy all over my face". So, I guess Simret got what she wanted for her birthday.

Simret's friends.

Makeda made the tea for the tea party and the tea cups were the party favors.

Lexi with a toy from the pinata

one of the biggest surprises for the girls is that we FINALLY finished the sandbox in the front yard

9.13.10

2010-09-13T13:41:00.008-06:00

The girls yesterday while driving home from visiting my family in Gillette.

I just thought that I would post a few random thoughts before I forget them; as our life together seems to be changing at a rapid pace these days.

The girls are getting along so much better; that being said Simret did try to scratch Makeda's face off this weekend because she wanted to go potty first. You should hear Makeda's version of this story - it's quite humorous (even though there was nothing humorous about it). Through gestures and broken English, Makeda tells the story of how she was just sitting on the potty going poop "because poop goes in the potty" and Simret came up out of nowhere and scratched her face. Each time she touches her face and feels the scab she reminds Simret that "hitting is not nice". I know there will be more fights to come; as they are sisters and are both strong willed little girls - but there is more play and loving going on these days - far more than fighting - which gives me hope.

The last month Makeda has been making negative comments about where she is from and about others that look like her. I have not posted about this because I guess I'm not only embarrassed but saddened that she has been taught these things. For example, when she doesn't like something she calls it "Awassa" and when she likes something she calls it "America". The other day I told her that she needed to take a bath because she had school. She says, "School...Awassa. Shopping...America. Muahhh shopping, yucky school". I told her that if likes shopping so much then she has to go to school because that is how we pay for shopping.

When we see anyone of similar skin color to her she points at them and says, "look Mama, Awassa...yucky Awassa". I respond by saying "muahh Awassa, Makeda is from Awassa and I love Awassa because I love Makeda." She also points to her arm and says "yucky Awassa, pretty Mommy". I of course tell her how beautiful her and Simret's skin color is and that we are all different and beautiful". It just breaks my heart that she was educated to dislike her skin color and her country. She is slowly coming around the last couple of days and is saying "muahh America, muahh Awassa" and then asks if we can go and see Awassa and then come home to Thunder, Chili, and Sage (our dogs). So, we are getting somewhere.

(I will post pictures of Simret's birthday soon).

Festival Time

2010-08-30T13:22:00.012-06:00

Dinner the night before the festival. The girls too turns taking the pictures of everyone.

The Music Festival

headed to the festival on the school bus. The plan for next year is to paint it (except that is the plan for every year).

the first show.

Makeda playing with Shannon

Simret passed out after the first show.

Makeda doing Jessica's hair.

the girls pushing the stroller - which could only lead to a disaster right?

...well it did, Mama Jen tripped over it - fell backwards and spilled her wine ALL OVER herself (skirt, legs, arms, shirt, face and hair).

sweet...sweet Hannah (that should be the lyrics in a song).

the girls getting down.

hard work pushing your sister?

nap time again?

dancing.

loving.

taking important phone calls.

more dancing.

It was agreed that we wouldn't bring toys to the festival for the girls to fight over. So, they got creative and found other things to play with. This picture is of Simret pretending that her water-bottle is a baby.

Not sure who's idea this was- but right before Dave - the girls decided that it would be a good idea to get "naked baby" and dance around. It was really funny and those around us loved their spirit. (this picture has been censored).

as has this one. Silly girls!

The festival was an amazing time for all of us! As most of you know, I LOVE music festivals, but this particular one I will cherish for some time. I think, because it was a turning point for our family. The girls- forced to be together for 12 hours, with no TV, no toys, no where to go except to be together. I think they learned to enjoy one another, to play with each other, to dance and sing together, to sleep together, to help each other - to just have a great time together; that it was much more fun than fighting over things and people. It seemed that they really bonded during this weekend. Simret keeps asking me when we are "going back to the festival to see Dave" (which of course warms my heart- how couldn't it). Since this weekend the girls have gotten along soooo much better - don't get me wrong we still have our struggles and battles- but life is much more easy. So, overall it was another successful adventure - good times were had by all.

1st Day of Preschool

2010-08-23T20:41:00.018-06:00

Today was Simret, Makeda, and Hannah's 1st day of preschool!!! I cannot believe that my sweet baby Simret is in preschool; it seemed like yesterday and yet forever ago, that she was able to turn the pages of a book for the first time (although it was upside down 9 times out of 10) and now she is going to school. Where does the time go (saying that makes me feel old). And Makeda, whom has rarely left my side since the 1st day we met; was able to give me a kiss and say "ciao" without shedding a tear (although hesitant). And Hannah, a beautiful child- both inside and out- whom is easily overwhelmed in crowds or with loud sounds; didn't experiencing any discomfort and only found joy and had a positive and a very thorough report of their experience with school today. What a fun day! We took the kids to school in the school bus that we decorated and had fun presents in each of their seats (a bit over-the-top I must admit). We then picked them up (in the bus) after the half day was over and took them to lunch. While they were in school Jen and I went to the mountains for a bit of exercise... what an AMAZING day!

loading up on the bus - aren't they lucky that their Mama is their school bus driver... kind of scary with the way I drive - just ask Hannah she can tell you all about it.

Jen and I decorated the bus with gifts, balloons, and toilet paper before the big day.

getting off of the school bus.

The girls walking up to their new school.

yes, I'm a dork taking pictures of their cubbies...but their sooo cute!

their classroom- how I wish I was in preschool again.

Picture as Jen and I are spying on them from the bus after we had already told them goodbye.

Last night's conversation

2010-08-21T13:21:00.004-06:00

Me: "What do you guys want to do tonight?"

Simret: "Mommy I want to go skleep (sleep) at the festival again".

Makeda: "Yeahh yay Mommy yay!".

Me: "Simret what was your favorite part of the festival?"

Simret: "Dave!". - a girl after my own heart.

Me: "Makeda what was your favorite part?"

Makeda: "Pizza!".

-Last weekend we went to the Mile High Music Festival, Makeda's first festival, we all had an amazing time- pictures soon to follow.

a quick note

2010-08-19T13:23:00.003-06:00

Some things I want to remember before they are no longer.

~When Makeda likes/loves something she says "muahaa". For example, when I make her dinner she says "muahaa Mommy" like she is blowing me a kiss. If she is mad at Simret she says "No muhaa Simret".

~ She has always paired her and I together and Simret and Lance together - "Mommy Makeda muahaa, Simret Daddy muahaa." However, for the last two days she pairs Lance and I together and Simret and her together. She now says "Daddy kiss Mommy" so we kiss, then she says "I loven o" which means 'I love you' to her. That is our cue for Lance and I to say "I love you" to each other. She smiles so big and then repeats the whole situation about an hour later. So, yes Lance and I are getting to make out a lot :)

~The girls are getting to be such good friends, the fighting has gone down to a reasonable level - at about a couple times per day. They dance, play, hug, sing all day long with a few battles in between. Soooooo much better! Lance and I can actually have a conversation - yet short. I feel like we have turned a HUGE corner. Don't get me wrong - we have a long way to go - a lifetime in fact. However, I have a feeling that our lifetime together, with these two crazy girls, will be filled with nothing but magic mixed with a bit of frustration and topped with a whole lot of fun.

Stuff

2010-08-09T12:46:00.007-06:00

Sweet...sweet sisters...
Just thought that I would write a few things about each of the girls before I forget them.

Simret- is turning into an amazing sister! She lets me know when Makeda is scared and "wants her Mama". She sleeps with Makeda every night "so she's not scared". She asks for blueberries when she doesn't like them - because she knows Makeda does and wants to share them with her. She loves watching movies with her sister. She also enjoys riding bikes with her. Don't get me wrong - she will forget to use her words and hit or push her when she gets frustrated or tired - but overall there has been a HUGE improvement in their relationship. She told me the other day when I took Simret to the store that "I miss Makeda - I love her Mama". However, she also told me that she didn't like her the other day in the car and wondered when "she was going home". Some progress - that is what I hold onto.

Makeda~

-Her language acquisition is truly AMAZING! She has about 30 - 50 words and usually uses sentences rather than just a word here and there. Her first sentence was "I lovin you". Simret's first sentence "I don't yike that". Makeda has learned enough to tell Simret off - however, the same is true for Simret - she has learned enough Amharic to tell Makeda off as well. The funny thing is that Hannah - Simret's other sister - loves to "talk like Makeda" as well.

-Makeda has gotten so much better with the dogs - even took a bath with Chili Pepper the other day and last night walked around the house while with dogs were out - with only a few squeals here and there. She actually woke up this morning and said "Whoosha's? No bite". Asking where the dogs were and letting me know that she knows that they won't hurt her.

-Everytime we go shopping she kisses everything that goes in and out of the cart. When we bought a goldfish for our outside pond the other day she thought we were going to eat it.

kissing an item as it goes into the shopping cart

-She is soooo SWEET to me!!! Anytime that Simret is nasty to me - she blows kisses to me and says "Muahh Mama, muahh"- like she is kissing me. If she is close enough she will hug and kiss me. Also, the other day when our girlfriend Jen hugged Lance - she told them "Mommy and Daddy not Jen" - the girl has my back. She also likes to pair Lance and Simret together - something like "Lance and Simret... Mommy and Makeda". That being said, she has warmed up to Lance and now adores him - which of course makes Simret a bit jealous.

-She loves bananas, coffee, tea, eggs, and about everything else you could think up - except most processed food. She is also not a big meat eater - which works well in our vegetarian family.

1st popsicle

-She LOVES riding bikes - which I LOVE!

-Her nightmares are getting better... and every time she has one I go in her room to comfort her and she says "Thank you Mama".

- When I ride my bike up a really big hill and she sees I'm struggling - when I have finished she cheers me on "Whoohoo good job Mama".

- She FINALLY got her ears pierced after asking multiple times. It was time - she was putting stickers on her ears - crying every time Simret changed her earrings - trying to pierce them with items around the house (a screw, a fork).

Pierced her ears with her new girlfriend Tayler

-When she takes care of her babies - it appears that she has done this before (in real life). It also appears that she slept on the ground - as she moves rocks aside when we are in the mountains to make a "bed to sleep in". She also pretends to cook over a fire; she will make a ring of rocks and blow on it and then put a sand-pale on top. She will then go pick weeds, put them in the sand-pale and stir it with the plastic shovel; and then says "eat Mama". She will then go to the creek and wash the baby, sand-pale, and shovel. She amazes me.

Looks like she has done this before?

I could go on - and will - for now I must get back to work (1st day back).