Happy Birthday Micah/Happy Thanksgiving/Firsts

In love with his turkey.

I think he found the gooey stuff inside the pumpkin soothing.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope you had a great one.

Oh this year was so perfect. I am so thankful for my family God has blessed me with. I felt really content this year and at peace of not having another adoption going on. My little bunch of 8 just felt so good. This year we started a new little tradition. After Kevin gave grace before dinner everyone had to say at least 3 things they are thankful for.

This was also Misrak's and Micah's first Thanksgiving and they were just amazed by all the food. But mainly they have really enjoyed this special day to be together as a family.

We also celebrated Micah's birthday today. He turned 4. He wanted injera and Turkey, lol. I told him that his birthday wouldn't be on Thanksgiving Day every year but I don't think he understood. He wanted a Buzzlight action figure and a bright yellow car that makes loud noises. He wanted a white/white cake with vanilla ice cream. Hardly anyone ate though, we were all so full.

Okay this is funny but for his activity he wanted to carve a pumpkin with his sibs. Danica kept them nicely occupied with that pumpkin for a good 2 hours.

Now they are watching "The Grinch", with Jim Carey. That is our favorite family movie after we eat dinner.

So much to be thankful for.

Danica turns 22

Uggghh, Danica is going to kill me but oh well, that's life, lol.

November 5, 2010

My precious daughter Danica is another year older. I am crazy in love with that girl. Its funny because when she was young we used to fight so much (she has my temper) and now the older she gets the more identical we are. Kevin keeps telling us that it freaks him out just how much we are alike. I think the only thing we don't have in common that Danica is really reserved when something is on her mind and she wants to speak up (except with us of course) while with me when I am hurt it just comes out, actually flying out.

Also when I was 22, I was the mother of a 2 months old daughter, Anastasia. Years ago it grossed me out to think that my daughter could possibly be a mother that young. All I wanted for her is have a great career. Now on my walk with God, nothing would give me more pleasure for my baby to get married and have children, such a gift from God. We will see what her future holds and I cannot wait to see. Whatever she does will make me happy. I hope I taught her right.

Danica and I were reminiscing the other day that with the land we have next to our house we might as well give it to her so she can have her family right next to me. To some it might seem crazy but not to Danica and I. We would truly love that.

She has also fallen so in love with all of her new sibs from ET. I never thought this would be possible but it is truly amazing and makes my heart melt how she love those precious kiddos.

Ughh on a side note: Her roomis from college made her two cakes. They looked like 2 breasts. She said they made them for her because she flashes them just to get a reaction. That girl of mine is just crazy:) Hopefully one day she will release the picture so I can post it here.

25 Years (August 27, 2010)

My dear husband and I have been married for 25 years. Although many say it doesn't seem that long, all I can remember is Kevin and I.

To be truthful, this last year has been very hard. Going from 2 to 4 to 6 children is moving fast. Mainly because of the LITTLE time we have together anymore and Kevin is very selfish of the time he has with me. Plus the work is never ending and at the end of the evening we both just fall into bed exhausted. But it is all so rewarding and we both know that. If you were to ever asked him why no more kids or any reluctance to more kids, it would only be because it takes away from his time with me.

Anyways, this weekend is good. Really good. We are nestled away at a little cottage in nowhere land. Guess what I can hear? Nothing except the noises of geese and birds. I am blown away that after over 25 years of being together, we can still conversate non stop and have the best times of our lives. Nothing has changed except we are older and more mature now. We can go from hectic life of 8 to as we were still dating..

Danica is watching her 5 siblings and that is the biggest gift we could have received. Having my little ones in the care of immediate family is good. As Kevin and I were driving away to our getaway, Danica called and asked me to open up the glove box in her car which we are driving. In it was a precious card that said this:

Dad and Mom:
Happy 25th Anniversary. Half way to 50 so keep trucking. Anyways, I am so very happy that you two have been married this long. I am always grateful to say my parents are still together! You guys have come a long way since day one and been wonderful parents. Obviously the close relationship we hall share proves that!:) The little ones are the fortunate and I wish they only knew. Having the two of you as parents I have gotten different things that are all equally important. So thank you so much for working through the tough times and remaining committed to each other. I do hope that when I get married I will be celebrating this very day. As for you guys' trip, please relax and enjoy each other's company! This time is so important and I think it should happen more often. Dont worry about the kids we will all be fine and there is plenty of back up if needed. She also left us $100.00 and kept insisting of not spending it on anyone else but us (she knows us too well). She wanted us to go to a very nice restaurant just this once because she knew that we wouldn't have done it unless she forced us into doing it.

Anastasia turns 24

My special daughter turned 24 today. I was just 21 when I had her. We had to celebrate her birthday a little early since we are not home the next 2 weekends but Ana's birthday falls so next weekend.

As Ana has a lot of anxiety when it gets too loud or wild, we had her closest friends come for a visit. Kari, her home provider since the past 5 years has also become a dear family friend which includes her daughters and mom. Ana strives on her second family. I couldn't imagine her life without them.

I only wished Ana would like the camera. I am so hesitant to have family pics taken.

Ana's favorite second family

Trying to take a picture of all my kids but Ana's wasn't too happy about that idea

Happy Birthday Misrak!

Our Misrak turned 7 today. After much thought we knew she is 7, although on her ET birth certifcate she turned 6 today. Prior to her coming home, we always wanted Biruk to be the oldest but the truth be the truth. Even Kevin can't deny it that Misrak is 7 and should be the oldest out of the 4 of them. Even when I ask her this morning how old she turned, she said 7.

We started out with a breakfast at IHOP. Just Misrak, Micah and myself. Misrak chose Micah to come but later she told me she really wanted Amira to come but she didn't want Micah to cry and make him sad. That is just her huge heart of not wanting to hurt people.

She picked a big white baby doll with blonde hair and bangs. I asked her why and she said she looks like mommy. Funny girl. Her name is Katie. Luckily yesterday I found an amzazing white bed at a garage sale for so outrageously cheap so we gave that to her too. But really it just so happen that I found it right around her birthday. Yeah can you believe she still didn't have a frame for her bed:(

Than for dinner she chose pizza rolls (we still had normal dinner, those pizza rolls were just for Misrak). Okay that was gross but I let her have them anyway. I think Kevin feeds her that stuff when I am at work. I don't even ask anymore what he feeds the during the daytime, lol. I think she only chose pizza rolls because she has been here for only a month. I am sure her dinner choice next year will be way different. We just really had a fun day and Misrak's eyes lid up all day long, non stop just like in the picture. She lid up my heart to watch her all day. She was a princess surely for the whole day and everyone treated her nicely including Mr. Micah:)

Big stinker Biruk just snuck in the picture but I love that smirk on his face.

Biruk turns 6

Happy Birthday Biruk. My first son turned 6 today. Just yesterday Kevin and I decided to change birthday traditions starting with Biruk, starting now. When Danica was growing up we always had huge parties, sort of competing with the Jones. I convinced Kevin that this was a waste of money and effort. We will have 4 little kids' birthday parties per year, plus Xmas, too much. I explained to him how big families often celebrate their kids' birthdays even though we are not considered big, yet:) I also felt that this would be a good time for bonding with one parent.

Biruk got to have breakfast away from home with mom or dad. He chose his daddy of course. Afterwards they went to the store and he chose his birthday gift. He got a remote control truck. Then he got to chose his favorite dinner. I made him chicken enchiladas and noodle salad. We had cake and ice cream and just a special day. Biruk felt very special today especially for having a special date with his daddy.

Next birthday is right around the corner, Misrak, June 6.

Home one Year

It has been such a joy this last year to have our kids home. I still remember when we arrived at the airport. Kevin and Danica were just balling but also really shocked just how tiny they were. Actually since my family didn't believe that we would finally bring children home, I didn't text them until I arrived in WA DC telling them I have the children and am on American soil. This time it was for real, not when I came home from Zambia, without child.

All the bad memories of previous adoptions and court failures have ceased. So many people used to tell me when I was waiting that once the children are home you forget all the pain prior to it.

So much happiness has entered our house. Even Anastasia (who I never thought could handle small kids) is so happy with the kids. They take Ana to their room and play with her as she is one of them. They don’t even look at her size. Danica is happy too. She finally knows what its like to fight with siblings she said. Most certainly Biruk is giving her a run for her money because he is so mouthy and argues with Danica about everything:)

Kevin and Biruk are still soul mates. They are so much alike it just freaks me out. Most and foremost they are just very social able people who talk all day and make friends anywhere. They also always sneak food behind my back and than giggle after they did it. Usually I know they did it by their giggles.

Amira is still an introvert with lots of sass. Her wedding has completely stopped, even at night.

Health wise, they have made tremendous progress. They are now going to the doctor only every 2-3 months. Biruk is still not an any meds and his viral load is awesome. Amira has no more molluscum left and it took about just a year for all of them to go away.

Biruk went from size 4T to 6 and shoes from 10 to 12. Amira has going from size 3T to 5. Shirts she can wear a six. And shoes from a size 8 to 9 sometimes 10. I think both of their feet are just tiny.

Amira is still the smallest kid in her class and Biruk has almost caught up with the kid in his class. He is just so long. Where before Biruk was a half head taller than Amira he is now almost a head taller than Amira.

Their English is amazing. Biruk is almost there but Amira still gets stuck a whole lot but she has gotten so good at expressing what she needs.

I got this picture below the same day I got bad court news. I just wanted to post it because I have long forgotten about the sadness that day like I reported in the beginning of the paragraph.

LOVE THIS PICTURE BELOW. THIS PICTURE SHOWS THEIR TRUE CHARACTERS. AMIRA MISS SASS AND BIRUK MR. KNOW IT ALL.

GOTCHA DAY

Before I go on, don't forget to read the entry under this one.

Today, December 30, 2009, marks the one year anniversary that I was given my kids. As my life is always crazy, the day I received my kiddos was unforgettable. Thinking all along I would drive to the orphanage being taken in a quiet room and having the kids introduced to me??? This is truly what I dreamed and dreamed for months. Not so, not in Andrea's world. As I got to ET on 12/30, I was told that I was going to be dropped of at the guest house and someone would get my kids for me because I would have a embassy appt within an hour after I arrived in ET. So I took my suitcases there and within 30 min of being there I met my kids for the first time in a drive by on a busy street. Basically the horn blew, I ran outside by a busy street by the compound and jumped into the car. As soon as I jumped in, I had 2 crazy kids all over me screaming mommy non stop. Acting like wild hoodlums. They would go in my back pack, take out water bottles and food, throw it everywhere. Also they would not sit down and walk all over the car while we were driving. My poor precious kids where so hyper that day, I think that was the worst day of hyperness I have ever seen them. When we got to the embassy, Amira had diarrhea non stop and while I was taking her to the bathroom every 5 minutes, Biruk decided to put the waiting room under water. When I finally took the kids upstairs to the appointment, they kids were filthy dirty (didn't have a change of clothes), and all the ET people were just staring at me in the waiting room. I will never ever ever forget this day. It was so precious and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I will write more about the kids' development and stuff on their one year anniversary home.

I had a ziplock bag each with their underwear and socks and they would not let the bags go until we got home to America. I mean they were so attached to their socks and underwear.

24 years

Today is our 24th anniversary. I love being married to this amazing man. I think I love him the most for being such an incredible father to our children. Me going to work all day and Kevin having to watch the little ones so much has really showed me how awesome he is and taking on a motherly role for a little while. It was a huge step for Kevin of having to start the parenting all over again as he was not nearly as excited as I was about adopting. Prior to our adoption, he was looking forward of just being him and me. He likes to have me all to himself and not share me but I have proven to him that I am "superwoman" and I can do it all, be a good wife, go to work and take care of my family and not neglect his time especially. My husband always comes first over anyone in this family and I have always had it this way and never will have it any other way.

Life is soooo good. I am waiting for Danica to come home so Kevin and I can have some time together this afternoon and she will watch the kiddos for us.

Kevin and I were resting at the beach and Danica took that little snapshot

Amira turns 5 and meeting the teachers

My Amira turned 5 today. Next year (after the re-adoption) her new birthday will be October 6. That was the closest I came from her mom's somewhat birth certificate I received. I wasn't off too much when I gave her her birth date. We had a wonderful little family birthday party at the ocean. Amira loves taking care of her dolls and have tea parties, so that is what she got. A little tea set and a bed and car seat for her babies. She is such a mommy. I love how unspoiled these kids still are. I have made it every point not to spoil them. I do think it is possible even though everyone tells me they become Americanized in no time. We will see.

This evening, I got to meet the children's kindergarten teacher. Amira's teacher is truly an answer to my prayers. I have prayed for their teacher ever since they came home. Everything I prayed for I feel so much at ease now about sending Amira to this teacher. Biruk's teacher, my gut wasn't feeling so good but I have great confidence that my boy will make it just because of the way his personality is. I am so glad this teacher isn't Amira's teacher. Anyways, next week they will start. They are really excited.

Biruk turns 5

Yesterday we celebrated Biruk's 5th birthday. His given birthday was on April 25, but due to all the craziness we had going on over here we wanted to wait a little bit. Anyways, we all had lots of fun and it was extremely low key. I didn't want Biruk to get overwhelmed nor spoiled because he had a birthday. We just had Kari and her family over and Danica's best friend. Biruk really hasn't made any friends yet outside the family because he hasn't started school. He was just so happy, joyful, grateful and kept telling me before he went to bed over and over "Gooood Birthday".

At last, we were able to get a family picture. Anastasia "hates" taking pics. That is why she wasn't in the Easter pics. No, we haven't put her up in a group home (we never will) but that is why she mostly is never in the pics. Actually Kari bribed her to be in this picture.

Kari, her two daughters' Robbyn and Deanna, and her mom Linda. Kari has been such a blessing to our family. She has been with our only family for almost 5 years taking care of Anastasia. During this time she has also become one of my best friends and often times a confidant. Also we have the same values and expections and I think that makes us such a great team. I am so thankful to have Kari, but even more so for Ana because Ana is just crazy in love with Kari. Linda, Kari's mom, has adopted Ana as her own granddaughter.

Robbyn, Deanna and the kiddos

Danica and Jesika (her best friend) with the kiddos

Happy 20th Birthday Danica

My precious baby girl turned 20 today. Where did the time go?

Danica is my precious baby girl that I love so deeply I couldn’t imagine life without. She inherited both of Kevin and my personalities which makes her very unique. She is a total people’s person and gets along with everyone, doesn’t give a care what people think about her (Kevin) and she also is very headstrong and feisty (me).

She just has brought so much joy to Kevin’s and my life. When she was younger up till about 15 she was a true momma’s girl and after she got her license she has this amazing bond with her daddy pretty much telling him everything. I think that she doesn’t tell me that much anymore because I have my Christian values especially about marriage and purity. I think they also get along so well because they have such a passion for fast exotic cars and motorcycles! Yeap that would be my daughter.

She doesn’t have a care in the world what people think about her and bless her for that. How many women can say that about themselves? She doesn’t wear make up and wears sweats to her classes at college. That is why I LOVE THE FIRST PICTURE BELOW. That is my true Danica the way she looks always. Just herself.

She has NEVER (I am not joking) giving me any trouble where I would lose sleep over. I could go on and on but this young lady is really, really special to me. I am so very proud of her.

If you click on my labels to the right by Danica you can see more pics of her.

The pics below were just taken in Ocotber. I love the very first one because its the real Danica. No make up, nothing. Her friend at college took the first set of pics and I think she did a great job. For some reason they went to a grave yard. I don't know why. So that is why I didn't publish the other ones.

Happy Anniversary - 23 years

Here is my story. I love reading on other blogs how a couple met or they write devotions for their husband or wives. Scroll down to next post to see pics. You know I am not a good writer but here is mine:

I met Kevin back in 1984. My best friend than was dating his best friend. So Kevin asked his friend to meet one of his girlfriend’s friends, which was me of course.

The first night I met him I just got in from a tennis match and I was all sweaty, gross but at least our meeting wasn't all having me made up. So we became really good friends and had a great friendship for six months. I really liked him as a friend but something didn’t click for me as it had for Kevin from the very beginning. I guess I wasn’t attracted to him but I LOVED his personality. (hey at least I am being honest). I think my mother-in-law would kill me if she reads this since she thinks her son is the best since gravy.

The real awakening didn’t come for me until I went to Greece with 6 girlfriends and while I was at the island of Crete, a voice told me (back then I didn’t believe in God, but I know now it was God) in the middle of the night while sitting at the ocean, “Kevin is it, he will be your husband".
After I returned from Greece, I told Kevin I wanted to date him and I am very serious now. After that we became inseparable and spent every free moment we had together.
In November of 1984 he told me he had to go back to the states and I was just devastated. I said “yeah right, a military guy, there is no way we are going to get married now and last forever. But Kevin assured me that he loved me and even though he has to go back to the states he will not leave me behind. I still didn’t believe him.

We got engaged on March 31, 1985 and he went back to the states in May of 1985. I came to visit him in August that year and we got married while I was visiting. Yeah there you go, “no wedding, just the courthouse”. Hopefully one day, we can renew our vows and have a real wedding as this has always been my dream.

Obviously we were only 20 when we got married and for us to jump in there without leading a marriage and not putting God first, that is pretty much bound for failure. But at least we had very old fashioned values and I think that is what kept us going year after year. It sure wasn’t easy the first 10 years. Ughh I wanted to kill him so many times and so did he. We had many Kool-Aid and food fights to let our aggressions out.

But thanks to God’s grace, today our marriage is just so awesome and growing deeper every day. I thank God every day for giving me Kevin. He is the sweetest, most loving, funniest, sexiest, handsome man on this earth in my eyes. But you know what I love about him the most is that he is sad when I am sad. He says nothing makes him happier when I smile, ha-ha I guess he likes my smile. So he has supported me 100% in this adoption journey for going on over 2 years. He keeps handing out more and more money every day to pay for these adoptions but he keeps saying “I love to see that smile when you talk about the children we are going to adopt”. Yeah I just love this man like crazy and I am so thankful for him. He brings sooooo much joy to my life.

23 years! Happy Anniversary Kevin

Kevin and I dating, 1984 (19y/o), wow that is Danica's age!

March 31, 1985 (We got engaged)

Kevin returns from Desert Storm/Saudi Arabia 1991

2001 Our annual recruiting ball

The picture on my blog to the right was taken this year so you guys know what we look like now, this year. Didn't have time to go through all my other pics, but better than nothing. Oh and thanks to my precious daughter Danica for scanning these pics today. No time to do it myself.