On Technology, Spring, & School

Well hello there strangers...it's been quite a while!

I don't remember the last time it's taken me this long to blog. So I'm here to give you a little update.

In the last 2 months our computer has crashed 3 times, and our internet has also gone out for a few days.

Our technology life wasn't really helping with the blogging anyway. :)

Spring really is coming believe it or not. Snow is almost melted, temperatures are in the 50's, and we're even seeing the sun a little longer than normal.




We are in the last 2 months of school. Crazy how time flies when you're having fun. Yes, school is usually fun for the 4 of us. :)

Michlyn - Finishing up her sophomore year in high school. Has made some great memories, including driving the other 3 siblings to school almost everyday. She's enjoyed volleyball, watching the guy's basketball games, getting to TA (teacher's assistant) for the kingergarten teacher, and work extra hard to keep her grades up this year.

Erin - Finishing up her first year of high school has a freshman. She's probably the most social out of all of the kids. Has enjoyed soccer all year round for the first time, cheering on our school's basketball and baseball teams, often hanging out with her friends, and thinks math is easy.

 



Jace - Finishing up his year as a 4th grader. He has worked soo hard this year on big projects, presentations, his reading, and excelling in math. Mom got to come help at a Valentine's party that his grade was throwing for elderly people and he had a blast at that. He's definitely athletic and enjoyed the basketball and soon baseball clinics that the high school boys help with.

Scout - Finishing up his year as a 1st grader. Our comedian as always has made us laugh so hard we're crying. He's very active at school and likes to tell us things about his day. His brother is his biggest fan, and will often wave to his big sisters when they are eating lunch at school. He's done pretty good at learning new things in math, and is reading! Although sometimes we wonder if he's just memorizing the books instead of reading. :)

Tareh - She continues to stay at home with mom as her referree, teacher, and of course mother. A couple times throughout the school year my parents have thought about putting her in school, but know that it is best to work on attachment and bonding at home. She does her fair share of stories (aka fibs) that would probably not help anyone in the long run. So she will continue to be at home.

Thanks for reading! One of us will blog sooner rather than later.
~Michlyn

You're not Livin' it

We are a family that always makes time for each other. We hang out at home and have fun. Like playing outside in the yard, cleaning the house together, playing games, or watching a family movie. Family & faith come first. Before & during our adoption journey we regularly attended church small groups, barbecues, and family reunions.

People who have gone through or are going through the adoption process, know that it is hard. Of course not all of it is. But between the paperwork, fingerprinting, approvals, fees, physicals, home-visits, etc... it can get pretty stressful. Many people were with us every step of the way, supporting and praying for us. My parents traveled to Ethiopia for 9 days, and came home with a little miracle that changed our whole world.

'T' had a broken heart, and had gone through so many changes in her life. While the first 6 months or so were pretty good, it just kept getting harder and harder. My mom especially felt defeated. It is hard to try and be the best mom you can be, when a little girl is fighting right back at you. When she does things just to bother you, says some ugly stuff, and some days won't let you help her at all. Now, some of you are probably thinking "All kids do that stuff. They talk back and they disobey." Oh I know people! I was no perfect 6 yr old either... but most of this stuff is adoption related.

I've never seen a little child want something so bad. To be in control, and take care of herself. We don't expect people understand, because they're not livin' it. After a little chat with my dad last night, he made me think about some things. Now, we've all struggled with this big adjustment, but my dad has probably has a little more.

He said, "It just makes me so frustrated! I hate how offended people get when we say we can't go somewhere. Because it's the truth. You try bringing a child home from around the world, and see if it's easy. We just can't. If people payed attention, they would remember that before we brought 'T' home we always went to small group, and get togethers. They just don't understand, and get mad at us. Until you're livin' it, you have no right to judge us on the way we're running our family right now. We make these choices so we know that we're helping all of our children."

That's the truth people. We don't say no just to bother you. We say no, because God called us on this amazing & stretching journey. We brought a child home from the other side of the world, so we could help her grow and learn, and to feel the love of a family. All of that doesn't happen in a snap of your fingers. God has a plan, and is the only one who knows the future. So until then, we'll be right here with our crazy ole' family that might just drive you nuts. That's ok with us though... because you're not livin' it. We are.

In Christ,
~Michlyn

I just want to thank the Lord for amazing friends that have stuck with us, and that we have met along this journey! You have no idea, what a blessing you are to our family. I also want to thank Jesus for my incredible parents, who show me what strength and obedience are every. single. day. :)

text messages

I've received a couple text messages this week that gave me a much needed "pick me up"!

In a season in life when there doesn't seem to be adaquate hours in a day,

or enough of me to go around,

it means so much to open 1 of these encouraging txt :)

My favorite this week;

Praying psalm 121 over your life, Becky!

Be encouraged! Love you!

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"I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?

My help comes form the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you-

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm-

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore."

Psalm 121

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Might seem silly to some, but it truly gives me the lift I'm so often in need of.

  And best of all it almost always comes at the exact moments I need it most :)

Thank you friends [P,J, C, B, M,] for listening to His prompting - and reaching out like you do.

An act that probably seems insignificant to you

but makes a world of difference to me & my family!

U r a blessing!

#Once again so very thankful for His creative ways of bringing JOY into each of my days!

 ttyl,

~Becky

We're Back | Road Trip

We took another road trip this weekend! It was a short 2 day one, but it was so fun! We went to see our friends the Zells. They live in South Dakota, which is only 4-5 hours away. We were all very glad it wasn't another 12 + hour trip.

Unfortunately because it was such a short trip, and we wanted to get as much time in together as possible I didn't take a single picture. Not one. Can you believe that? My mom brought her camera but we just never got it out.

If you remember they came to visit us in November and we had a lot of fun with them then too!

So that's why I've been slacking a little on this blog. Friday we didn't have school, but Erin and I had a group to go to that night and we also had to pack. We left Saturday morning, came home yesterday, and we're glad we don't have school today.

A couple of us still need to finish homework, the other ones are playing games or coloring, and we're definitely taking in this great weather for as long as possible! :)

Have a great Monday everyone and happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." - Dr. King


~Michlyn

the best medicine :)

Humor is so good for the heart!

a moment to just be silly.

time away from the stresses of life, given to JOY.

Joining in with "laughter" feels good...

lighter.

happier!

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As we spent time together with dear friends over Christmas break, the common theme for us girls were 'SCARVES'.

a couple of us girls could be found wearing one at any given time :)

A scarf or two could also be found hung over a chair or other piece of furniture.

And DJ does not like to be left out :)

So when given the opportunity,

he picked one up, wrapped it around himself and says,

"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!"

Laura was quick to join in the "fun", re-wrapped her scarf and hammed it up!

I had to take a picture.

Laughter truly is the "best medicine!"

Happy Days to all of you,

Becky

Pictures From Our Trip

We had so much fun with our friends! It was definitely worth the 12 hour drive (each way). It was a blessing to see them, and we can't wait to see them some time in the new year!

Blessings,

~Michlyn

Road Trip

We're off to take a road trip in the morning! We'll be visiting with a family that my parents traveled with in Ethiopia. We're all pretty excited to spend time as a family, and also with friends around this holiday season. A dear friend of my mom... Her parents are letting us stay in their duplex, which is just about 30 minutes away from where are friends are staying in their hotel.

God has blessed us to go on this trip, and we're thankful for that! Erin and I are packed, and maybe the boys... not sure yet. Just to finish packing everyone else and everything else for our 12-13 hour road trip. Dear Lord in heaven give us all peace, and patience! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We definitely did!

Blessings,

~Michlyn

Friends Come for a Visit

We had some friends come for a visit today! They live quite a few hours out of state, and it was so nice to see them again! My parents met them in Ethiopia, when they were there to bring their little boy home. We got to hang out at our house, talk, laugh, and then got to go out to dinner to celebrate my mom's birthday! :)

A friend of ours, Beka, is staying with us this weekend and so we had double the fun!

Beka and 'L'! :) Such a smart girl!

This is 'E' and I!

All of the girls together! We squished together for a picture!

All of us girls squeezed onto my small bed, to play a fun game of "Catch Phrase"!

'T' and 'C' - Friends unite again for the second time, since being home!

They both have grown so much! Such cute Ethiopians!

They have three biological children (two older and who could not make it) and a 15 year old son, who didn't make it into any pictures. They also have two beautiful daughters from India! 'C' and 'T' have now been home close to 16 months! It's crazy how fast time flies, and the many friendships we can make!

Blessings, to a wonderful Sunday!

~Michlyn

Just for Fun! (Part 2)

Michlyn mentioned this to me, so I decided to do it. As she "interviewed" me all the questions. I think she enjoys hearing the answers... Some of which she probably didn't know before. Here you go!

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. Princess Diaries' Anne Hathaway :)
2. What has been your favorite age so far? 32... Still young, but old enough to know better.
3. Where did you meet your husband? He's my high school sweetheart.
4. How many children do you have? 6 (5 that walk, and 1 with wings)
5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? No. Unless singing in front of your whole Preschool class counts, and think you sound good.
6. What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite gender? Eyes or Abs... Or lack there of. ;-)
7. What really turns you off? Negativity/Complaining
8. What do you order at Starbucks? (Caribou Coffee - haha not Starbucks) Carmel High Rise
9. What is your biggest mistake? Unnecessary debt
10. As a child, what did you want to grow up to be? A nurse or teacher
11. Say something totally random about yourself. I loved being pregnant!
12. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? Yes... iCarly, Good Luck Charlie, or Cars (I've got little kids and teens... What can I say?)
13. Did you have braces? No.
14. Favorite Social Network? Facebook or blogging
15. What is the most romantic thing someone has done for you? Proposed - 18 years ago :)
16. When do you know when it’s love? When you can't imagine life without him and can only imagine life with him.
17. Do you speak any other languages? No... I've learned a little Amharic ('T's first language from ET.)
18. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? Yes, many moons ago........... Striving for that perfect glow for my senior prom.
19. What magazines do you read? Parents, Life Lines, and whatever is out at the dentist/ortho's office - Having two with braces, we're there often.
20. What is playing on your iPod right now? I don't have an iPod
21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Yes
22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? Yes - My sweet angel Laura Grace
23. Do you watch MTV? No... (insert digusted face here)
24. What’s something that really annoys you? Inconsiderate people
25. Which television show were you sad to say goodbye to? None... not attached to TV shows.
26. Can you dance? No, I'm not coordinated. Once upon a time I did do Line Dancing.
27. What’s your favorite place in the world? Home Sweet Home
28. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? Yes. I had kidney stones. I remember it like it was yesterday.
29. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? My daughter's birth mother.
30. If you could change one thing in the world for your child, what would it be? To protect them from heartbreak...

Blessings,
~Becky

Just for Fun!

This is a fun post that I decided to do, thanks to my blogger friend Deborah! I tweeked it just a bit, because I think this questionaire might of been for moms. lol So if something seems different, it's because I'm not married, or have any kids. lol Hope you all can learn a little bit more about me!

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. A girl that my cousin met at camp, and she has the same last name too!
2. What has been your favorite age so far? 14 - It might change soon... My birthday is less than a month away! :)
3. Where did you meet your best friend? I have a few best friends, and I met them all through church or youth group.
4. How many children do you want? Between 5 and 6... God has his own plan in mind though so that could definitely change!
5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yes, I have in a group - I have done solos or duets but there wasn't that many people.
6. What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite gender? Eyes
7. What really turns you off? Complainers or people who boss me around.
8. What do you order at Starbucks? To be honest I have never been to Starbucks but I love Caribou Coffee! I usually order a hot decaf coffee drink or a smoothie.
9. What is your biggest mistake? It's something I'm working on... Taking things people tell me personally; depending on what it is.
10. What do you want to be when you grow up? An elementary teacher! I love kids, and teaching!
11. Say something totally random about yourself. I can't have anything orange flavored... not kool-aid, orange fruit snacks, any orange flavored candy... BUT the funny thing is I can eat actual oranges and orange juice! Otherwise everything will give me an instant headache.
12. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? haha not unless I see something my siblings might be watching.
13. Did you have braces? YES. I had them for three years, had them off for a year, and now they're on again... Oh I can't wait for the day they are off forever!
14. Favorite Social Network? Facebook
15. What is something really special someone has done for you? Hmm...There are too many to count, but last year on my birthday I went shopping and I really wanted a coat, but didn't have enough money. So my grandma helped me pay for it, and I was so grateful!
16. When do you know when it’s love? I have no idea... lol I'll find out sooner or later.
17. Do you speak any other languages? I'm taking my first year of Spanish... Actually had the Chapter 1 test today... I love Spanish and it's not too hard as long as you ask questions. I think that's super important when you are learning any new languages.
18. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? Uhh no. I don't EVER plan on it either.
19. What magazines do you read? haha I'm kind of a "gossip geek" (Not in a bad way - I just like that silly celebrity stuff) So probably People, BOP, and you know the occasional teenage magazine.
20. What is playing on your iPod right now?  I have an iPod Touch and somtimes it's my life... :) Nothing right now, but the Christian radio on and it's playing: "I will follow you" by Chris Tomlin
21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? No... I hope to someday.
22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away?  Yes.
23. Do you watch MTV? I might have just flipped through it on the TV... But definitely something I never ever want to get addicted to.
24. What’s something that really annoys you? When people think they are so much better than you.
25. Which television show were you sad to say goodbye to? Oh probably Suite Life on Deck (Disney Channel show)
26. Can you dance? hahahaha NO. I've always wanted to learn a few dances, but I have No. Moves. At. All. (Lets just say I get my moves from my momma... Lol love you mom!)
27. What’s your favorite place in the world? Being outside when the wind is blowing through my hair, where I am alone, where I can think, and can study the beauty of God's creations.
28. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room?  Not yet. But my mom has, when she had kidney stones... Long story and maybe I'll tell it someday... One of the scariest things ever.
29. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? Probably Bethany Hamilton... She is an amazing inspiration to me, and a Christian too! I would also love to meet some blogger friends! :)
30. If you could change one thing in the world for the better what would it be? Wow that would be a tough one. I would try and illiminate the causes of debt. It's so hard right now especially in our economy, and it's so hard to see people you love, and other people in general to go through all the stress it causes.

Want to play? Just copy and paste and change your answers to fit you!

Blessings,
~Michlyn

Fall Fling 2011

I'm quickly going to post about the weekend getaway that Erin and I got to enjoy with our youth group! We headed to Fall Fling this past weekend with our youth group at Camp Shamineau! A Christian camp for families, youth, they have father-daughter, or mother-daughter retreats, women rejuvienating weekends, and A LOT more.

We came home Friday from school, finished packing, and by 4:45 p.m. we were on our way to camp in one of our two 15 passenger vans. We stopped for pizza, and had a crazy two hour ride there! :) (You know how it is with teenagers)
There was chapel, many activities like - A climbing wall, ropes course, paintball, horseback riding, flag football, and some other fun tournaments. We got to learn a lot, praise God, and grow together spiritually. It was incredible! Here are some pictures:

Erin's things just about packed!

My things, that were all packed. Yes, I might have over-packed for the weekend, but I did use everything I brought, do don't judge. :)

Playing ultimate spoons!

It got a bit crazy, as everyone decided to dive for them!

Flag Football!

We won our first game, but lost our second so we didn't get to the championship. It was also great to watch other youth groups play together!

Erin, and three of our friends from church we shared a cabin with!

Our cabin for the weekend! It was heated, and so cozy! :)

Heading home after a much needed, and amazing weekend!

Can't wait to go back... Camp Shamineau is a great place to come anytime!

So that's where we were missing all weekend, and we ALL loved every minute of it! Hope your weekend was just as fun, and busy!

Blessings,
~Michlyn

Prayers Needed

Our life is pretty hectic right now

We start here at home and then its....

School

Between the rides to & from school,
it's 3 hours a day of driving for my mom

Laundry

Homework

Family time

Time with friends

Church

Youth Group

Getting outside when we can

Three meals a day & snacks too

Dishes

Bedtime

The list will never end... We have our ups and downs - highs & lows. No one ever said that life was easy, and we need to remember that.

I have some pretty amazing people in my life! We as a family need lots of prayer right now.

Even when tears fall, God holds each and every one of them. He doesn't like to remember our sin and hurt, He is and always will be there for us!

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Blessings,

~Michlyn

A Cozy Night | Brain Dump

I enjoy my friend Deborah's brain dumps, so I thought I'd write one out! Except it's just about our day! 

Today was a busy day! This morning, we packed a lunch, and headed to the beach to meet friends. It was perfect weather, and the water was great! Not too cold, and not too hot. We stayed there, and swam, and played at the park for a few hours, then headed home.

It was busy, fun, and tiring. We don't get out of the house too much, because it overwhelms 'T' too much. She can't have too much interaction with other kids other than her family or our day can be turned upside down pretty quickly. So far no tears or fighting, but we'll just see how the rest of the night goes. (Including bedtime.) *crossing my fingers*

I woke up to find my dad in bed with a bad headache. (argh those stinkin headaches.) Then, when we were on our way home from the beach he called and said it almost gone and he could manage it for a while. Thank the Lord! It's never fun to see him in pain, especially with one of his "killer migraines" as he has called them. :)

Now it's raining, and we're all cooped up in the house. A few hours after we got home from the beach we found out the air conditioning wasn't working, and it was 81F in the house! Whew... it was hot! Even laying on our leather couch wasn't comfortable. I'm happy to say that the AC guy just left, and it is now working! Yay! 

We ordered Chinese food tonight, and mmm it was good! Erin is downstairs watching some TV for a little while. (Did I mention we got cable TV? Oh I didn't? Well that's for a different post.) The boys, and 'T' are playing "Star Wars" and happily [so far] are playing with their glowing light sabers, around the house. Oh I just heard a cry...  My mom is sitting on the recliner, taking in the rest of the night until it's time for bed for the little ones.

For me, you might be wondering? Well, I'm sitting in the homework room posting this, and I might start embroidering another towel later. You can read about it later, on my blog when or if I finish it. I was going to clean out our very cluttered vehicle, but that didn't happen so we'll see if I can get to it tomorrow. The dishwasher is loaded, (thanks to me hehe) and I'm off to my room to start on my towel. Hopefully. I'll probably listen to my iPod to make it more fun! 

Wishing you all a wonderful evening! Be praying for us, 'T' has gone into "argue mode".

Blessings,
~Michlyn

A Beach Day

Today we enjoyed time with friends at the beach. Erin, and I woke up at 9:30 am (told you we don't get up early for fun... or often) found suits, packed a lunch, grabbed the beach toys, and headed out the door by 10:30 am. I don't know about you, but to us... that's a record.

We got to the beach by 11:00 am, and it was already 84 degrees Fahreinheit! So we swam, played, ate lunch, swam, talked, tanned, and swam some more. We loved the time with friends, and the chance to go to the beach! Finally some good beach weather...
Blessings,
~Michlyn

A Spring day!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! 'T' and 'S' both had some friends over, to enjoy the sunny afternoon! They enjoyed picking flowers, playing with friends, and running around! :) It's so nice when the little kids can get some energy out! (Because then they're not stuck in the house all day)

At about 7:30 pm it got really cloudy, and VERY humid! We had a few windows open to keep some air going through the house, but I think that just made it worse. It was about 78 degrees in the house! So my sister Erin and I kept cool in the basement, watching TV and painting our nails!

There were a few tornado warnings in towns near us, but it never even rained where we live. On the news, it was said that two tornados had been spotted. I don't know if anyone was injured, but please pray for people in that area.

Have a wonderful day!

~Michlyn