Girls Weekend in DC

I got to go on my first girls weekend!! My friend Megan and I hopped on a plane on Thursday morning and  arrived in DC early afternoon. My good friend from Galesburg, Katie, picked us up at the airport and she took us around to see some DC sights. Friday morning we did a little more sight seeing and then we met up with some other Ethiopia adoptive mommas!!! Such a blessing to be able to see some of these ladies again and to meet some for the first time! We had a great weekend of fellowship and teaching from Jen Hatmaker. Susan Wanderer's church hosted Jen and allowed all the ET mommas to attend too! Such a blessing!! We had a dinner with all the ET mommas at Susan's coworkers house. After Jen spoke at church we all went back and had a huge sleepover. Katie (Susan's coworker) had 7 beds set up in her basement, such a treat- we were spoiled all weekend!! Katie has the gift of hostessing for sure! Saturday was filled with more teaching from Jen. We were all challenged to BE Jesus to everyone at all times. All of the ladies that I spent the weekend with are doing BIG things and are such wonderful Christ-loving women and mothers. I left inspired!. I am so, so thankful for the friends we have made through the adoption process. All of our children have similar stories and they all spent time together in Ethiopia.

started the trip off with a Starbucks, we might have been almost the last ones to board the plane-but we had our coffee :)

flying into DC

Katie picked us up at the airport, so good to see her!!

the White House Christmas Tree

Thomas the train was even under the White House Christmas Tree

All 50 states had a tree, this is Illinois' tree

took some pictures to show my students (I hate pictures by myself)

so grateful to spend some time with Katie, I sure miss her in Galesburg

on the Metra, we were such tourists :) My bright green coat also have it away- everyone local had on black coats

touring the capital building

the library of congress

all the ET momma's at dinner Friday night
Audrey, Stacey, Tonya, Jennifer, Susan, Michelle
Monica, me, Megan, Jen

holding pictures of all our kids! 17 Ethiopian kids in these pictures!!!

Love these ladies!!

I finally got to meet Habi's mom-Tiffany!! Such a blessing to hug her!

Georgetown Cupcakes

view of the Pentagon from the airplane

Such a fun, fun weekend!!!

Isaiah's Christmas Concert

Isaiah was so excited for his first Christmas concert. He loves singing and being a part of the chorus at school. He did a great job! 

Thanksgiving 2013

So much to be thankful for this year! Here's a picture at my mom's house with my brother and sister and their families. We are so excited that next year we will have a new nephew to add to our family. Chad and Emily will welcome their first baby in June. We are so excited for them!!!!

It has been awhile since we took a picture with all five of us! I love my little family!

Mowen cousins

Dressing Up

Jacob and Kaleb LOVE dressing up, all these costume changes happened within an hour of each other.

 this was Jacob's costume from his 1st Halloween when he was almost 1 year old, two years later it still fits, kind of

Making Christmas Memories

I love getting ready for the Christmas season by decorating our home. I really love making memories with my boys. We decorated the tree and drank hot chocolate together tonight!

First Snow of Winter

We were leaving for school in the morning and the boys ran out of the garage so fast to be able to touch the snow.

Isaiah and Kaleb's Two Year Referralversary

Two years ago today, after waiting a week to find out, we received our referral for our next two sons!! A week before the boys were on the Waiting Children's List and we requested to review their file. We had to wait a week to hear that they would be OUR SONS!! We had many, many emails back and forth with our social worker and family coordinator at America World that week and we answered many questions and pleaded for our sons. We couldn't believe we were blessed with two more sons so quickly after bringing Jacob home. 
Isaiah you have grown so much in the last two years! After 1 1/2 years in school in America he is working independently at grade level. We are so thankful to all the teachers that have poured into him and helped him along the way. He was so nervous he wouldn't know enough English. I can't remember the last time he hasn't been able to think of the way to say something in English. Unfortunately he has lost most of his Amharic language, but hoping he can pick some back up whenever we take him back to Ethiopia. Isaiah we are o proud of all your hard work and we love you so much son!

Kaleb has changed the most in all ways- physically, socially, emotionally, etc. He went from a boy who cried constantly, threw up daily from being upset, ran away from us constantly, and rarely smiled. Now he laughs and smiles constantly, can't get enough cuddling, runs to us all the time, and hasn't thrown up in over a year. He has a smile with a twinkle in his eye that can bring joy to anyone.He learns quickly and he is talking more and more everyday. Kaleb, my son, we love you so much and are so thankful for all the joy you add to our family!!

Making Donuts with Gramps

We spent the night at my dads last weekend. My dad loves traditions and sweets, and he loves sharing both his family. He has been making homemade donuts for as long as I can remember. This weekend he had three special helpers that were very excited to make (and eat) donuts with Gramps!