Some December Highlights

We had a great holiday season!  The girls and I went to the Nutcracker. As it started, Amy asked me in a loud whisper why they weren't talking:)

On Christmas Eve we went to church.

 The guys...

The girls..

All eight kids!

After Christmas we drove to Northeastern Arizona, stayed at my Dad's vacation home and met up with a wonderful YWAM Ethiopia family, The Monahan's.  They took up to a great sledding spot!

Tulem and Kali enjoyed experiencing the snow for the first time.  You don't see much snow in Ethiopia:)

Tulem Update

Tulem dressed up as a cowboy.

Tulem has been home a little under three months and continues to be a joy. Many children have tough transitions, but his has been very easy. He is starting to use more English words which really helps our communication.  He can say "stop it" to his siblings instead of biting them and he can better tell us what he wants to eat or what he wants to do. I am encouraging him to use words to ask for what he wants and repeat my words if he doesn't know the right words.

His birth certificate says he is four, but we believe he is just three.  The dentist today agreed that his teeth indicate he is closer to 36 months. Tulem was so good at the dentist and was very cooperative. His teeth look great! We will ask for his birth date to be changed when we readopt him in California.

We are all in love with Tulem and he plays well with all of the kids. Today Lana was asking if she could take him in for "sharing" to her classroom. Amy said she wants to take him to her class as well:) The kids are all so proud to introduce him to their friends.
Tulem is very affectionate with us, but is approprately shy around strangers. He loves to cuddle with Brad and I and he gives very sweet kisses.  We are so thankful for the excellent care he received in Adama, I am sure that has helped his transition into our family.

A Photo of all Eight Kids!

We finally got a picture of all eight children!  They are all in their "adopted" t-shirts, representing we are all adopted into God's family. 

A weekend of fun

Since the kids had Friday off, we went to the beach Thursday and Friday night.  The weather was rainy on Friday, but went to the beach at sunset on Thursday.  Tulem loved the ocean and beach.  He face showed delighted surprise when he first saw the ocean.  He quickly ran across the beach and got his feet wet with his sisters.

 Here is Tulem at the aquarium with Dad.

                 Amy and Kali pretending to be baby pengiuns.

Tulem has been to dozens of soccer games since all seven older siblings are playing soccer. Tulem is ready to play and even dribbled the ball into the middle of the kindergarten game on Saturday:)

Orphan Sunday pictures

I got the opportunity to share about how our familiy has grown through adoption at both church services today.  Our whole family wore shirts saying "adopted" based on the Third Day video "Children of God" .  We have been adopted as God's children.

Orphan Sunday November 6

On Orphan Sunday, November 6, Christians across America and beyond stand together as a people called to defend the fatherless…to care for the child that has no family…to visit orphans in their distress.

I will be making  an announcement at our church we will have a slideshow during the offering and we will have tables after the services to share opportunities to sponsor a child through Vision Trust, help an orphanage in Mexicali, volunteer to help with foster children through Help One Child, and learn more about adoption and foster care. I am excited to see what God has planned!

Happy Birthday!

Jacob turned 13 yesterday.  He said he didn't want a party but on Saturday we ordered a inflatable obstacle course for the day.  It was just our family, but the kids had a blast.

 Tulem had a fabulous time playing with his siblings and bouncing through the course.

Lana said that Tulem got here just in time. If the Embassy had taken any longer he might have missed the party!