The Perfect Tree

We have an artificial Christmas tree that actually looks pretty good, but, there is something fun about going and picking out "the perfect tree," and cutting it down. Another perk to a real tree is you can't beat the smell! So today we were ready to go and get it....Syfah and Araya decided that it seemed like a boring thing to do! Well, guess what? We weren't going to beg and plead (they just didn't quite think it sounded real fun.) It was fun, and now since we have been home and told them the "Tales of picking out the Perfect Tree and eating the Popcorn," they are curious as to why we didn't make them go!!! I think we won't have to do much persuading next time! It was so fun to look around and hear the girls "take" on which tree to get. Morgan went for the more "frail" looking, the ones that she thought needed a home. Shelby thought, "bigger the better." Seble liked them all! Corbin seemed to find "sticker patches everywhere she walked"...so she was a little distracted!! It really was fun, Thanks Troy and Girls!!

What in the world…..

What in the world is wrong with me? Ya know how you look at yourself, (and believe me I have been looking at myself for years.) and think “I don’t look so bad” or “is that me?”…well, I have been in denial big time!! I have come to the realization that at 40, I need to make some changes. Changes that I should of could have made at 30…probably 20…healthy, life changing changes! I have used every excuse under the sun…I won’t bore you with them, but let’s just say it has been easier to find excuses than deal with my issues…

So what am I going to do? Well, I am trying to figure that out, small steps, small changes. Praying is part of my “processing” as I cannot do this alone, and I really don’t want someone else to tell me what to do…because I am stubborn like that…hee hee!

Why do I feel the need to share this? Well, going public with my “weight/health” issues maybe will help me feel as though I am accountable, maybe not? What I do know is what I am doing has not been working for me….

So, while I don’t plan the approach of, “it’s all about me now.” I do plan to take the approach, “I want to do it this time!”

Fall Sports Review

The Fall Sports are done and the winter ones have begun! Morgan, Shelby and Corbin played Volleyball while Seble, Araya and Syfah played Soccer.
The Varsity Volleyball had a great Season, actually the best they have had in years. I think they only lost 3 games and they placed fourth in the end of the year tourney. Morgan received the Teams "Leadership," award. Shelby was the teams only setter, so she played a lot of Volleyball and loved it! Corbins Junior High Volleyball had a great season, only losing one game!
The Varsity Soccer team had a very young team, it was a tough season, with lot's of things learned. Seble is a hard worker so she made the best of the rough season and still managed to have fun! I will post more of the little boys soccer pic's when I get them..Fun seasons for all my "Ethiopian" Soccer players!!

First of several.....

On Friday, Morgan, my Mom and I went on our first, “College Visit.” It worked out perfect because we didn't have school on Friday. We headed off to Northwestern College in St. Paul. It was an “official” visiting day for NWC, so lots of things were planned. We spent time in Chapel, toured the campus, Morgan sat in on a class, had a great lunch, and visited some Alumni from Cambridge Christian School.
As I sat there I was thinking I was glad Morgan is a Junior and we are not looking at this happening for another year. We were very pleased with what we saw and heard about Northwestern… a little overwhelmed...but it was good.
Wow, and to think this is just the beginning of this..........

13!

Today our Corbin turned, "13"! It is hard to believe that 13 years ago, I delivered a 2 week overdue 10# baby. After I had Corbin we spent two weeks at the University of Minnesota hospital where I held her non-stop and prayed and hoped that she would be o.k...she was and is a "delightful young lady." Some of the things that I appreciate about Corbin is her desire to put others first, she always wants to make sure that she makes a special card, or gives her last $5.00 to her brothers or sisters if they need it...she is generous. I love her smile, I love her laugh and I am thankful she is ours!! Happy 13th Birthday Corbin!! We love ya!

It happened again...........

On Thursday night at basketball practice Syfah was running and turned and felt a “pop,” in his foot. If you recall a little over a year ago, Syfah broke his right foot. Well, when he came home from basketball practice his foot was a little swollen, we iced and decided Friday morning we should , “get it checked.” Well as you may have guessed, it is broken, exact same spot opposite foot. So needless to say Syfah is very down today, as he had just had his first games this week. Syfah is in a boot up to his knee, and is not able to put any weight on his foot which means dreaded crutches.... we see the ortho. Dr. next week. I am feeling really bad as he loves basketball! There is always next season, but Syfah is not one to sit still…..again….this is a challenge. Last night we elevated, and sent Araya on the tournament. Today, he chose to go with the team, it was a tough day as the team won last night but lost two today. It's tough to watch when you want to play...lifes lessons are tough sometimes! We are praying for quick healing as last time he was on crutches for 3 months!

Ryan White Care Act...exciting news!

Something important and exciting happened in the world on Friday! President Obama announced the end of a 22 year ban on travel for HIV+ people wanting to enter the United States, today Obama signed, "The Ryan White Care Act." This was started by President Bush and signed by Obama. This ban has prohibited adoptive families from easily getting their new children's visas and bringing them home. In fact when we first tried to adopt Araya in 2004, we were told it was virtually impossible....then things changed, but the red tape involved did not.

Currently HIV+ children go through the same initial adoption process as all other children, with the ban in effect, after the child passed court, the family was issued an appointment at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The family then traveled to Ethiopia (unless they chose to have their child escorted), attended the appointment and was told that their child's application for a US Visa was denied, they were always denied, based on his HIV status. At that point the family would submit a waiver along with multiple supporting documents, and pay an extra $545.00, while waiting in the Country and hoping and praying that you passed court. We were fortunate, it only added one week on to the trip, but for many others it can mean another trip or staying in the country longer....much longer.

Today this ban was lifted, which benefits all families adopting HIV+ children internationally. As President Obama stated, the ban was "rooted in fear rather than fact".

In Sixty Days there will be no more HIV waivers, no more asterisks on our children's passports which mark them as "tainted," there will be no more endless additional hoops to jump through. This is exciting news!!