We Could Have Missed This....

Over the past few weeks I keep thinking about how we could have missed this

or this

or this

or raising these boys as brothers

We could have said no, we could have decided it took too long, cost too much money, or that there were too many unknowns. But thankfully we said YES and God has led us on the most incredible journey of our lives!!

4-18-11

Last year on April 18th we were sitting at the TH anxiously awaiting to hear if we passed court (it was our second court date). Around 10am Yonas came to tell us the great news- WE PASSED COURT!!! Jacob Jafar was legally OUR SON!!! Poor guy had a fever of 103.5 but he was still smiling at the great news!!

Isaiah's Heart for God and Others

As we were running late to church (again) we are yelling at Isaiah to get his shoes on (which takes at least 5 mins) and get in the car. He looks at us like we are crazy for hurrying him and says "I had to get my money for Jesus!" He grabbed a bunch of change from his bank to give to Jesus today. (not something he has done before)

Then at church the message was about living an audacious faith and the pastor challenged us to leave our shoes at the alter and they would be given to people in downtown Peoria that needed shoes. As we were getting in the car Isaiah noticed that Brad and I didn't have shoes on and he asked why. Once we told him, he asked if he could give his shoes too. He had on his favorite shoes but he didn't hesitate in asking to give them away. He walked back into the church and handed them to the pastor. So thankful he is willing to live his faith and help others in need!

God has great plans for this boy. I can't wait to see what God does with his life!!!

Isaiah's First Soccer Game

Isaiah had his first soccer game on Saturday. It started out as a rainy day, but after about 15 mins of the game it stopped! I was thankful that it stopped so Jacob, Kaleb, and I could get out of the car to really cheer for Isaiah. The boys would yell "Go Go Go" or "Isaiah!" It was cute! Isaiah scored 2 goals the first game and three goals the second game.

It was so nice to watch Isaiah do something that he loved and that he was good at. He is enjoying school, but its kind of hard for him sometimes. So it is nice for him to have something that is easy and fun for him!

Isaiah's 11th Birthday

On April 5th Isaiah turned 11 years old!!! We are so thankful that Isaiah is a part of our family. People are constantly commenting on how sweet and loving he is and what a great big brother he is, And its true!! He genuinely loves people and is so caring and helpful. God surely made him to be a big brother and he is so loving and protective of his little brothers.
We got to celebrate Isaiah's birthday with family and friends the weekend before his birthday. He wanted his favorite American foods, hamburgers, french fries, and macaroni and cheese. It was also a spiderman themed party. Thanks to pinterest I found some cute ideas and had fun paying attention to the details to make sure Isaiah knows that he is special to us.











Then on his actual birthday we went to Indianapolis. We spent two days visiting the zoo, meeting up with two friends from the TH in Ethiopia, swimming, eating Ethiopian food, visiting the Children's Museum, and then dinner with some more friends on the way home. It was fun making the day special for Isaiah!

Home Two Weeks

I'm not doing so great at keeping up with the blogging. Our first week home was hard. Not only were we all tired and up at all weird hours, but we were also dealing with Kaleb adjusting to a new setting (again). He doesn't do transitions that well. He acts up more and he likes to destroy and throw things when in new settings or when new people come around. He also has moments when he is so sweet and cuddly, thankfully! Kaleb was getting up between 3-4 am everyday and going to 8pm with only a short nap, yikes-that makes one tired mama. Also Jacob and Kaleb weren't napping at the same time. I was so thankful that I didn't have to cook dinner or clean up dishes at all that week. All the people that brought food were such a huge blessing to me!!
We are learning as we go what things we need to work on with Isaiah. He learned how to ride a bike in about one hour. He doesn't understand why we want him to look for cars when he is riding his bike. We also have had to remind him that we flush toilet paper in America, they don't do that in Ethiopia.
Our second week home was much better. Everyone's sleeping was on track this week!!! Jacob and Kaleb took a nap at the same time a few times this week, that made a big difference in my day too! I even got the dishes done a few days!! Isaiah started school and says he has a billion new friends already. He is eager to do his homework and so far he has learned things pretty quickly!
I know that we are far from being fine and completely adjusted, but I at least know God is giving me what I need to face each day. Thankful for God's grace when I am not enough. Our journey is just really beginning now as we are living life at home together.

Pictures from the Airport

We have tons of pictures from the airport, here a just a small portion of them. They are a little out of order, but I am just happy to get them on here, ha! Isaiah has such a sweet heart. He went around and hugged every single person. He was just in awe that so many people wanted to meet him. He fits in great with our family and acted like he has known everyone for a long time. He even had a few friends from Ethiopia there to greet him. Such a special day!!! Thank you to everyone that came out to meet the newest Mowen's!!!

We are Home!

This has taken me a whole week to post, but I am one tired mama right now. Kaleb has been waking up at 3 or 4am everyday, and he will NOT go back to sleep. I am hoping he gets over this jet lag really soon. Here is a picture of all of us together at the airport. It is so good to be home and starting life together.

Airport Party

We will be arriving in Peoria at 2pm on Saturday on Continental Airlines-CO 5911 from Chicago!!! Anyone is invited to come and welcome Kaleb and Isaiah HOME!!!! We will hang out at the airport for a little bit then head over to Monicals Pizza for some yummy food!! Isaiah especially can't wait to meet so many of you!!! See you soon!!!

We are Off!!!

We are about to head to the airport to start this 28 hour trek home. I am thankful for help with the kids, because a 1, 2, and 10 year old by myself wouldn't be too fun. Brads parents are here and ready to help! Prayers are so appreciated for the next 28 hours, especially for the little boys. I hope they sleep (lots) :) Isaiah is so excited but he is a little nervous too.

Swimming at the Sheraton Addis

The boys have had a blast swimming at the Sheraton! We have been a few times now and they are all getting better each time. Here are a few pictures from our fun swimming days: