OOOOPs...

I meant to post these for each birthday month (when I actually asked them the questions), but I guess it's better late than never! These are recorded word for word. :)


Sam July 10th

** maybe he'll be old enough to answer the questions next year! :)


Max August 11th

How old are you? 6

What makes you happy? when people be nice to me and give me presents

What is your favorite animal? snake

What is your favorite thing to eat? tootsie pop

What is your least favorite thing to eat? grass

What is your favorite thing to do? pray to God

What is your favorite TV show? Tom and Jerry

What are you really good at? baseball

What is your favorite movie? The Santa Clause 2

What is your favorite color? green

What is your favorite song? Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Born in a Manger

Who is your best friend? Jonathan or God...hmmmmmmm

What do you and your mom do together? go on dates

What do you and your Dad do together? play

What is your favorite sport? this is gonna be tricky...soccer

Where is your favorite place to go? Chuck E. Cheezits

What is your favorite book? books about trains

What do you want to be when you grow up? a train conductor


Abby Sept 19th

How old are you? 8

What makes you happy? when I get Jesus into my heart forever

What is your favorite animal? lots...dogs, horses, hampsters, sheep, fish ponies

What is your favorite thing to eat? cake, ice cream, pizza, nachos

What is your least favorite thing to eat? peppers

What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses

What is your favorite TV show? Ant Farm, Good Luck Charlie

What are you really good at? gymnastics

What is your favorite movie? Tarzan

What is your favorite color? rainbow colors, turquoise

What is your favorite song? Christian songs

Who is your best friend? Camryn (her cousin)

What do you and your mom do together? girls night out at the tea room

What do you and your Dad do together? play

What is your favorite sport? gymnastics

Where is your favorite place to go? skating rink and to ride horses

What is your favorite book? Bible

What do you want to be when you grow up? a mother



Madison January 3rd

How old are you? 12

What makes you happy? hanging out with family

What is your favorite animal? dog

What is your favorite thing to eat? chicken pot pie, pizza, mac-n-cheese

What is your least favorite thing to eat? celery

What is your favorite thing to do? read and play games

What is your favorite TV show? Wizards of Waverly Place

What are you really good at? being compassionate

What is your favorite movie? Meet the Robinsons

What is your favorite color? blue (turquoise)

What is your favorite song? Christian songs...I like them all

Who is your best friend? Emma

What do you and your mom do together? mommy/daughter dates

What do you and your Dad do together? play Wii

What is your favorite sport? swimming

Where is your favorite place to go? Disney World

What is your favorite book? that is hard...Nancy Drew series, 39 clues series, I like mysteries

What do you want to be when you grow up? a missionary

How Can This Be?????

Max is six years old! Six?!?! That takes two hands to show and is, to me, a big change from little boy to big boy.

Here are six things I love about my precious son...

1. You love life. You are a silly, willy, nilly little boy who loves to laugh and have fun.

2. You have a gentle heart. You cannot walk past Sam without giving him a hug (even when he doesn't really want one). Your nature is to bring comfort when you see a need.

3. You are quick to forgive. You never carry a grudge long, even when you were wronged and you know it. You would rather accept the apology and make the other sibling feel better after they had to apologize to you.

4. You adore your Daddy. Although there are a few jealous strings to this one I can truly say it warms my heart to know how much you look up to your Daddy. This relationship your Daddy has with you is going to be the foundation of how much you understand how much your heavenly Father adores you.

5. You are a little engineer. You can figure out some of the most difficult puzzles. You are always trying to figure out how something works and you love explaining it to us.

6. You have an amazing smile. Your happiness and smile are contagious. Your joy is so authentic that it rubs off on others. I love you and am so blessed that God allowed me to be your mommy!!

I Saw What I Saw and I Can't Forget It...

The title is pulled from the lyrics of one of my most favorite songs. It is by Sara Groves.

I have wanted to put into words what I saw with my eyes and my heart while we were on our mission trip to Ethiopia a few weeks ago, but I hesitate because I know words could not even scratch the surface.

Going on a mission trip to a third world country where there is so much need presents a great temptation to view yourself as a savior of sorts. Our team met several times before we left and we were reminded that God calls us to be irrelevant. In the book "In the Name of Jesus" Henri Nouwen writes...

I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love. The great message that we have to carry, as ministers of God's Word and followers of Jesus, is that God loves us not because of what we do or accomplish, but because God has created and redeemed us in love and has chosen us to proclaim that love as the true source of all human life.

So I went allowing myself to be vulnerable, resisting the urge to "do" anything for God and expecting Him instead to work in and through me at His will. Can I say that being vulnerable doesn't come easy for me. My tendency is to accomplish, work hard, succeed and conquer, a tendency to be relevant. But, God is gracious, and He showed me the joy, the untethered worship and the peace that comes with a life of dependence on Him through the beautiful people of Ethiopia. People who trust Him for everything, knowing that He is the source of their joy and that He is their sustenance and that He is their savior.

I think a big revelation for me since coming home is that I have been seeking to find joy and peace and sustenance in my hard work and accomplishments! Oh, how much I miss when I believe that lie. When I wake up each morning and I carry the false burden of being "in charge" I think I barrel right past God's blessings for my day, not stopping to notice Him until I accomplish all that I think needs to be done. Why do I make myself so big and God so small, especially when I know better! While we were in Ethiopia, I saw hunger, sickness and extreme poverty but that was not what I saw in the hearts of the people. Their hearts were spilling over with love and joy and it showed most to me in the way that they interacted with each other. Instead of feeling like they each had their own tasks to accomplish, they live life caring for and encouraging each other.

To be honest, for me it isn't easy to keep the truth in clear sight in our busy. success-oriented American culture. I still have the tendency to accomplish, sometimes even calling it "for God". I am so thankful that God showed me so tangibly what it means to know that I am dependent on Him and pray that He continues to break my heart for the things that break His and that I would quit wasting time "accomplishing" things and instead fully trust in Him to show His love in mighty ways through my life.

Two and Terrific

Sam's second birthday snuck up on me. How is my baby already two years old?

Sam...I am so proud to be your mommy and grateful that God entrusted Daddy and I to raise you. It is never far from my mind that God has a big story to tell through your life. Your birthplace is rich with love and beauty and is a huge part of who God created you to be. I pray that you always feel a deep connection to Ethiopia and your birth family and that we can share in that connection with you. I know that God has a perfect purpose and a plan for everyone, but He has allowed me to truly see it being lived out in your life already and, as a result, in my life too. What a gift! Always lean in to that plan and be expectant for the great things He will do in and through you!!

I love you deeply!!

~ Mommy

Just a Few of the Words That Currently Describe You...

Madison: compassionate, calm, happy, giving, helpful, selfless, smart, beautiful!


Abby: joyful, fun, giving, loving, affectionate, spirited, energetic, beautiful!


Max: silly, sweet, loving, funny, adorable, kind-hearted, energetic, handsome!


Sam: fun, boisterous, silly, endearing, happy, smart, persistent, handsome!

Love, Mommy...

Madison
A couple of weeks ago they held a meeting for upcoming Jr. High. I couldn't make it and I'm glad because I need to do everything I can to remain in denial until the big day. Actually, although I selfishly want to keep you under my wing forever, I am so proud of the amazing person you are! You truly are an example to me continuously of selflessness and kindness. It truly amazes me how you, by instinct, care for others above yourself! Just this morning we were sitting in the cold car and realized we hadn't remembered to bring Sam's jacket or blanket. Without a moment's hesitation you took off your jacket and laid it over him. And not because you thought you should, but because you really and truly wanted to.
I love you so much and I am thankful for each moment I am privileged to spend with you.!




Abby
Oh, my life-loving little girl. There is always a smile on your face, even if it is disguised by a frown. Deep down you are enjoying every moment, even when you are playing a part. Your love for others is filled with energy and intention. You are constantly giving cards or your toys to friends (even adults) as you can't have an interaction without giving a gift. It is your nature. You are filled with spirit that at times is hard to keep up with, but I know God intentionally gave you that spirit for His purposes! I so can't wait to see what wonderful things you do for His glory!
You are an on the go girl. You ask every day, often multiple times a day where we are going and what we are doing. Sitting still is not your thing! You are excelling in school, especially in your reading, handwriting and spelling. I love and admire your love for life.
I love you with all my heart and am grateful for the gift of YOU!




Max
My little man full of giggles and silliness! Your dimple has a permanent home on your cheek because you are (almost) always smiling. You are filled with enthusiasm and innocence. I so enjoy being with you because your happiness is contagious. You freely give hugs and kisses. You love your family and are just happy to be with us. Being a train conductor some day consumes your thoughts. You are also amazing with your recall. Especially when we're driving around. Your understanding of where things are and how to get to different places is amazing, especially for this directionally challenged momma.
I love you and your giggles more than words can describe!




Sam
One year together! What a year of blessing it has been. Your sweet little voice and giant and gorgeous smile are my constant companions. You are so very inquisitive and smart! You study things constantly and your vocabulary and understanding amaze me. I still stand in awe of a God who chose to redeem your life for His purposes. You have grown our understanding of God's love ten-fold and His heart! I am so privileged to be your mommy!
I love you and your beautiful brown skin, envy-inducing curls and priceless hugs so very much!

One Year Ago Today...

...I met my son Samuel Yacob Koceich for the first time. You can read my words about that moment and see pictures here.

A year ago my heart grew. A year ago my understanding of God's desperate love for me, His adopted child, grew. I will never be the same and I am oh so grateful!
When they put him in my arms the weight of the last 18 months of paperwork, uncertainty, fear, anticipation and longing were lifted. It was like I hadn't truly taken a breath for a year and half. Tears of relief and joy poured out, so much so that I scared my precious baby with my sobs (who, I'm sure, thought I was the craziest lady he'd been around).

I am so grateful for the fact that God called us to international adoption. It has been an indescribable gift to our family.