I'm 2!!!

Technically, Grace turns two tomorrow, but we had a little party for her today! Of course, Elmo was the theme and Grandpa made some pretty cute cupcakes. It was the sweetest thing to see Grace and her 3 little friends celebrating/playing together. And to think that all 4 of them were in Hannah's Hope together before they came home to their forever families.... who just happened to live close together. God is good!

We love you sweet girl. You are the most amazing blessing! What a joy you bring to our lives.

Grace loves Ruby! (Have I mentioned that Grace and Ruby's birthmoms are friends? Melts my heart when I see these girls loving each other!)

Can it get any better than this??

What is it about the beach? All stress seems to melt away at the mere sight of a vast, open span of beach! More time is spent praying, talking, sharing, laughing, and playing when I'm at the beach. The kids PLAY non-stop... there's no time to be "bored" or to bug each other. There's too many adventures to be had, beach dogs to throw the ball for, drift wood forts to be made, kites to be flown, marshmallows to be roasted, and lots of crabs to find under the rocks! There's no need for T.V., video games, cell phones, computers........

It was a PERFECT weekend!

launching rockets!

Jake yelled, "raise your hand if you want s'mores!!"

after a hot-dog roasting dinner
sometimes baby and kitty need to come on the walk

Happy Easter!

Even in the cold and the rain.... we had a wonderful Easter!

Easter blessings to you all!

God of this City

I heard "God of this City", by Chris Tomlin today, and I just couldn't stop thinking about Ethiopia. I've had Ethiopia on my mind a lot, lately. I miss it! My heart swells when I hear about all that people are doing for this beautiful nation. I'm amazed at this adoption community and all that they are giving back to their child's birth country. I will be forever blessed by Ethiopia.

Sunday's Coming!

De-Lish!

My friend Nikki and I made our first Ethiopian meal tonight! We even invited another couple over to join us (and our hubbies) for dinner. --It's always a bit risky to try new recipes for dinner guests. But, the food turned out great!!! We went to an Ethiopian market yesterday and bought injera and berbere spice. We made Doro Wat, lentil stew, some sweet potato thing, veggies, and "the white cheese" that we were warned NOT to eat in Ethiopia!! (Natalie, isn't this what made you guys sick?? :) )

It was fun, and I'll make it again.

why is blogger rotating my picture?????