Koceich Crew Update

Wow...has it really been three and a half years since I blogged????  Life with four kids and three jobs is a bit hectic (although blessing-filled and fun)!  So many memories are being made.  I have high hopes of going back through pictures and blogging the stories as best I remember them.  But, let's be real...that probably won't happen until Sam hits the teenage years and it's the only thing to do to keep myself from rolling into the fetal position in the corner because my kids don't need me anymore.  Dramatic much???  Moving on...  I prefer to live in denial and tell myself they will always be here and need me.  Don't even get me started on the fact that Madison is about to start her senior year of high school.  I mean, I was just teaching her to quit playing in her mashed potatoes.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN???    OK...before the tears start flowing (and believe me, the waterworks started already during her junior year), let's move on to the task at hand.  It's time for an update on these amazing kids!

Madison...

You are dancing into your senior year of high school with grace.  I am transitioning out of mom phase and into friend phase and I absolutely adore being your friend!!!  You are easy to love!!  You are easy-going and funny and joyful!! You have your dad's sense of humor and the two of you could make witty comments about the same subject for an hour and it would not lose it's charm.

You recently began working at the Natatorium teaching swim lessons.  I love to hear you talk about your students.  Even though some of them drive you crazy, you can tell they all have a piece of your heart.  You want them to learn and grown and understand and you give your all to make that happen.  I am not surprised that you usually have the groups no one else wants.  These younger swimmers wouldn't be your first choice either, but you would not tell the coach that.  You always take what you're given with a smile and a great attitude!

These days I sometimes have to pry you out of your room to join us for family outings.  You are like me and need your alone time.  You have been gracious about sharing a room with your sister even though you two are polar opposites.  But, I also know how hard you work to make sweet connections with her and with your brothers too.  I could not have asked for a better role model for them!!  They each adore you (although it might be a bit hard to read that sometimes, I promise it's true).

You have a maturity and wisdom far beyond your age as you hold tightly to your faith!!  You are secure in your beliefs and humble, gracious and kind to everyone who believes differently!  You are safe and sincere and I know the LORD will use these gifts to bring His truth and love to others who might normally feel judged and condemned.

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom!

Abby...

You are the meaning of your middle name of Claire...clear and bright!  You are full of personality and spunk!  You have kept me in stitches lately!!!  You have a very silly and clever since of humor. There really is no pause to try to think of something funny to say, you always have a one liner ready to go enhanced by a silly voice and hysterical body language!!!  You are the life of the party and the party is wherever you are!!

I most often describe you as being 300%!  Whatever emotion you are feeling you are feeling it three times more than anyone else.  You care deeply about injustice.  At your age that often translates as being hurt that things don't seem fair at home or school.  But, you also have a sincere heart and when you are calm enough to talk things through you take to heart the things we are teaching you about how to deal with injustice.  I have no doubt God will move mountains through you!!!  Justice will be addressed head on and with passion!!  (hmmm...I wonder where you got that from) ;)

You are also the caretaker of the house.  I am certain that if I were away for a month you would take over all of my duties without missing a beat!!  You are the opposite of lazy.  You see a task and you complete it without hesitation...even the ones you don't really want to do!  We recently moved you up to senior team in gymnastics.  They have wanted you to move up for a couple of years, but it's a big commitment we weren't quite ready to make until now.  You've been on senior team for just a couple of weeks and already soaring through news skills and routines.  Determination is your fuel!

You are very intentional in your relationship with God.  You take to heart what you learn in your devotional time and really ponder how you can apply it to your life.  You act on your convictions with consistency and sincerity!

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom!

Max...

It is impossible to be sad around you!  You are filled with light and love.  You are constantly hugging and cuddling with me and, although that's not my love language, I am soaking it in!  I know it is fleeting!  You are 95% of the time smiling and happy.  You have the most positive "glass is half full" personality and you love life and people!  

You are a people-pleaser.  You want your parents, teachers and coaches to be proud of you and you are absolutely a wreck if you feel like you've let any of us down!  We are working on remembering your identity is fully in Christ!  At home you are quick to say you are sorry and and are truly repentant when you make a mistake! 

You also have a God-given heart for the lost.  This is mostly the other 5% of the time you are sad.  Whenever we talk about hard things going on in the world we try to speak through the truth that people are fearful, hurtful and angry because they don't have Jesus, not primarily because of whatever the issue is at hand.  It's always deeper.   You are genuinely sad and heart-broken for those that don't have their hope in Christ.  You were laying in bed deep in thought one night and daddy came in to say goodnight.  When he asked you what you were thinking about you said you were thinking that there has to be a way to make a giant speaker system that could reach every part of the world to tell people about Jesus. Be still my heart!   I believe compassion and evangelism are two of your spiritual gifts!   

You and your brother have a really special bond.  I truly thought bringing Sam home would be the hardest for you because you would no longer be the only boy or the youngest.  Well, from day one you have been his best buddy!  The age difference between the two of you doesn't mean a thing to you!  You absolutely love to play with him! I love to watch this precious bond!!  

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom! 

Sam...

That unfading smile says it all!!  You are so filled with life!!!  I am sooo grateful for your siblings because there is no way I could keep up with that energy on my own!!   You bounce from place to place giggling all the way!  You don't miss an opportunity to make us laugh!!  You are not deterred by your seven-year-old vocabulary!  You make up words constantly!!  If it sounds to you like it might fit the topic, it's good enough!!  You do not want to be slowed down by silly things like not knowing words or exact pronunciations! 

A favorite story of you from our recent vacation...  We were at animal kingdom and as the sun was setting the vendors with their light up toy carts started making their sparkling appearances on the corners of the streets.  We were walking past a cart when Perrin, a Disney cast member, playfully jabbed at you with his flashing Mickey Mouse Light Saber.  You did not miss a step.  You immediately ran around him to his cart, grabbed your own saber and the dual was on!  You were not intimidated by Perrin, or the fact that you didn't have permission to grab the saber.  You were set on "defeating the bad guy".  You had us in stiches!  

I would call you our courageous lion cub!!  You are cute and the baby of the family so we make ourselves see you as little, but the truth is I can already see your courage and determination blossoming!  On our vacation you were ready to ride every roller coaster you saw.  You were too short for most of them, but had they let you, you would have been first in line with hands up the whole ride!!  You have determined since the vacation to eat lots and lots of vegetables every day since I told you that is how you will grow taller!!  

You also have a very sensitive heart!!  If your feelings get hurt, the quiet tears fall freely!  You don't make a scene or argue to get your way.  You just take it very personally!  Being denied riding the roller coasters was a tough day for you!!  You do however bounce back quickly and are ready to go on to the next adventure when it peeks around the corner!  You teach me so much about resiliency, courage and determination!!

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom! 

Koceich Crew Update

Wow...has it really been three and a half years since I blogged????  Life with four kids and three jobs is a bit hectic (although blessing-filled and fun)!  So many memories are being made.  I have high hopes of going back through pictures and blogging the stories as best I remember them.  But, let's be real...that probably won't happen until Sam hits the teenage years and it's the only thing to do to keep myself from rolling into the fetal position in the corner because my kids don't need me anymore.  Dramatic much???  Moving on...  I prefer to live in denial and tell myself they will always be here and need me.  Don't even get me started on the fact that Madison is about to start her senior year of high school.  I mean, I was just teaching her to quit playing in her mashed potatoes.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN???    OK...before the tears start flowing (and believe me, the waterworks started already during her junior year), let's move on to the task at hand.  It's time for an update on these amazing kids!

Madison...

You are dancing into your senior year of high school with grace.  I am transitioning out of mom phase and into the friend phase and I absolutely adore being your friend!!!  You are easy to love!!  You are easy-going and funny and joyful!! You have your dad's sense of humor and the two of you could make witty comments about the same subject for an hour and it would not lose it's charm.

You recently began working at the Natatorium teaching swim lessons.  I love to hear you talk about your students.  Even though some of them drive you crazy, you can tell they all have a piece of your heart.  You want them to learn and grown and understand and you give your all to make that happen.  I am not surprised that you usually have the groups no one else wants.  These younger swimmers wouldn't be your first choice either, but you would not tell the coach that.  You always take what you're given with a smile and a great attitude!

These days I sometimes have to pry you out of your room to join us for family outings.  You are like me and need your alone time.  You have been gracious about sharing a room with your sister even though you two are polar opposites.  But, I also know how hard you work to make sweet connections with her and with your brothers too.  I could not have asked for a better role model for them!!  They each adore you (although it might be a bit hard to read that sometimes, I promise it's true).

You have a maturity and wisdom far beyond your age as you hold tightly to your faith!!  You are secure in your beliefs and humble, gracious and kind to everyone who believes differently!  You are safe and sincere and I know the LORD will use these gifts to bring His truth and love to others who might normally feel judged and condemned.

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom!

Abby...

You are the meaning of your middle name of Claire...clear and bright!  You are full of personality and spunk!  You have kept me in stitches lately!!!  You have a very silly and clever since of humor. There really is no pause to try to think of something funny to say, you always have a one liner ready to go enhanced by a silly voice and hysterical body language!!!  You are the life of the party and the party is wherever you are!!

I most often describe you as being 300%!  Whatever emotion you are feeling you are feeling it three times more than anyone else.  You care deeply about injustice.  At your age that often translates as being hurt that things don't seem fair at home or school.  But, you also have a sincere heart and when you are calm enough to talk things through you take to heart the things we are teaching you about how to deal with injustice.  I have no doubt God will move mountains through you!!!  Justice will be addressed head on and with passion!!  (hmmm...I wonder where you got that from) ;)

You are also the caretaker of the house.  I am certain that if I were away for a month you would take over all of my duties without missing a beat!!  You are the opposite of lazy.  You see a task and you complete it without hesitation...even the ones you don't really want to!  We recently moved you up to senior team in gymnastics.  They have wanted you to move up for a couple of years, but it's a big commitment we weren't quite ready to make until now.  You've been on senior team for just a couple of weeks and already soaring through news skills and routines.  Determination is your fuel!

You are very intentional in your relationship with God.  You take to heart what you learn in your devotional time and really ponder how you can apply it to your life.  You act on your convictions with consistency and sincerity!

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom!

Max...

It is impossible to be sad around you!  You are filled with light and love.  You are constantly hugging and cuddling with me and, although that's not my love language, I am soaking it in!  I know it is fleeting!  You are 95% of the time smiling and happy.  You have the most positive "glass is half full" personality and you love life and people!  

You are a people-pleaser.  You want your parents, teachers and coaches to be proud of you and you are absolutely a wreck if you feel like you've let any of us down!  We are working on remembering your identity is fully in Christ!  At home you are quick to say I am sorry and and are truly repentant when you make a mistake! 

You also have a God-given heart for the lost.  This is mostly the other 5% of the time you are sad.  Whenever we talk about hard things going on in the world we try to speak through the truth that people are fearful, hurtful and angry because they don't have Jesus, not primarily because of whatever the issue is at hand.  It's always deeper.   You are genuinely sad and heart-broken for those that don't have their hope in Christ.  You were laying in bed deep in thought one night and daddy came in to say goodnight.  When he asked you what you were thinking about you said you were thinking that there has to be a way to make a giant speaker system that could reach every part of the world to tell people about Jesus. Be still my heart!   I believe compassion and evangelism are two of your spiritual gifts!   

You and your brother have a really special bond.  I truly thought bringing Sam home would be the hardest for you because you would no longer be the only boy or the youngest.  Well, from day 1 you have been his best buddy!  The age difference between the two of you doesn't mean a thing to you!  You absolutely love to play with him! I love to watch this precious bond!!  

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom! 

Sam...

That unfading smile says it all!!  You are so filled with life!!!  I am sooo grateful for your siblings because there is no way I could keep up with that energy on my own!!   You bounce from place to place giggling all the way!  You don't miss an opportunity to make us laugh!!  You are not deterred your seven-year-old vocabulary!  You make up words constantly!!  If it sounds to you like it might fit the topic, it's good enough!!  You do not want to be slowed down by silly things like not knowing words or exact pronunciations! 

A favorite story of you from our recent vacation...  We were at animal kingdom and as the sun was setting the vendors with their light up toy carts started making their sparkling appearances on the corners.  We were walking past a cart when Perrin, a Disney cast member, playfully jabbed at you with his flashing Mickey Mouse Light Saber.  You did not miss a step.  You immediately ran to his cart grabbed your own saber and the dual was on!  You were not intimidated by Perrin, or the fact that you didn't have permission to grab the saber.  You were set on "defeating the bad guy".  You had us in stiches!  

I would call you our courageous lion cub!!  You are cute and the baby of the family so we make ourselves see you as little, but the truth is I can already see your courage and determination blossoming!  On our vacation you were ready to ride ever roller coaster you saw.  You were too short for most of them, but had they let you, you would have been first in line and hands up the whole ride!!  You have determined since the vacation to eat lots and lots of vegetables every day since I told you that is how you will grow taller!!  

You also have a very sensitive heart!!  If your feelings get hurt, the quiet tears fall freely!  You don't make a scene or argue to get your way.  You just take it very personally!  Be denied riding the roller coasters was a tough day for you!!  You do however bounce back quickly and are ready to go on to the next adventure when it peeks around the corner!  You teach me so much about resiliency, courage and determination!!

I am so proud and grateful to be your mom! 

I'm a Wreck...

It hit me out of nowhere this morning.  I was breezing through my day when my thoughts suddenly wandered to Ethiopia.  I saw, in my mind, a picture of Sam's birth mom (or what I dream she might look like) and began the decent into her heart.  I have never met her, but I pray someday I will.  I can only imagine what the emptiness of losing her son might feel like.  I don't know the circumstances that led to Sam being left abandoned in the street, but I do know that there are a myriad of reasons that might have led to such a desperate act.  I am wrecked thinking about her. 

Adoption is amazing.  I believe that God brought Sam into our family for His great glory.  Not only in rescuing Sam, but in rescuing us from a life of complacency.  I believe God wants me to be a wreck!  I believe God wants each of us to be a wreck!!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2Cor 4:12

I can no longer see life as a place to grab a spot and make it as comfortable and as stress free as possible.  In seeing her pain, I see the purpose God has for me.  To surrender my weaknesses to him and allow His power to be unleashed through me.  Through this jar of clay!  To love others like He loves me and be used by Him to "rescue the weak and needy".  (Psalm 82:4)  Lord, give me your courage and use my life for Your glory.  I want to come to the end broken and spent!

Madison turns 13....

Abby is Nine!!

Birthday Boys

A little late on the boy's birthday questionnaires. They are getting sooo big!!

Ethiopia 2012 Slideshow

Each time we are blessed to travel to Ethiopia God teaches me so much. His goodness and His sovereignty in all things was my major lesson this trip. Amidst the poverty and disease God is working in Ethiopia. He is making so much beautiful in the lives of the people there. Where we see dirty clothes, He has made clean hearts. Hearts that love and give and value one another. Where we see empty stomachs, He has fed empty souls with true joy and contentment that food will never bring. He makes beautiful things and I so want to see the beauty through His eyes.

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.

Why Ethiopia?

I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you.
John 14:18

2010...A Year in Review

Well, it's already the middle of January and I wanted to get this posted sooner, but life happens...and that's a good thing.

2010 was an amazing year for our family! We adopted precious Sam, making us a family of six, and Matt's book was published. Our trip to pick up Sam in Ethiopia changed us. It's realigned our priorities and helped us to see that our time here on Earth is NOT about us! It's about allowing God's spirit to lead us in the plans He has for us. Plans to be a light to the world of His amazing love.

2010 was also an amazing year for Selah Studios Photography. I feel like God uses photographs as little love letters to us. Reminding us of all the things He's given us to bless our lives. Helping us to stop a moment in time and savor it's gift. Something we often forget to do in our face-paced American society.

I am so grateful for the precious families God has brought to Selah Studios Photography. I have been touched by each one of you and feel so privileged to have been a part of your precious memories!

Here is a glimpse of each session we had this year! Thank you and I'm looking forward to 2011 and all that God has planned!!

Your Pain Has Changed Me...

A precious little girl that God has used to teach me so much about Him!

Your pain has changed me

Your dream inspires

Your face a memory

Your hope a fire

Your courage asks me

what I'm afraid of

And what I know of love

And what I know of God

(lyrics by Sara Groves)

New Year's Eve...

FRIENDS, FOOD, FIREWORKS, WARM FIRE, SMORES & MICHAEL JACKSON Wii Dance = a perfect night!!